US09718727B2
Glasses with compressive stress profiles that allow higher surface compression and deeper depth of layer (DOL) than is allowable in glasses with stress profiles that follow the complementary error function at a given level of stored tension. In some instances, a buried layer or local maximum of increased compression, which can alter the direction of cracking systems, is present within the depth of layer. Theses compressive stress profiles are achieved by a three step process that includes a first ion exchange step to create compressive stress and depth of layer that follows the complimentary error function, a heat treatment at a temperature below the strain point of the glass to partially relax the stresses in the glass and diffuse larger alkali ions to a greater depth, and a re-ion-exchange at short times to re-establish high compressive stress at the surface.
US09718726B2
A glass ceramic substrate includes: an inner layer part having a first thermal expansion coefficient; and a surface layer part having a second thermal expansion coefficient smaller than the first thermal expansion coefficient. The inner layer part contains a first glass matrix and flat alumina particles. The flat alumina particles are dispersed in the glass matrix in a direction in which individual thickness directions are substantially perpendicular to a surface direction of one of main surfaces of the inner layer part. Further, a mean aspect ratio of the flat alumina particles is 3 or more in one of cross sections along the thickness directions of the flat alumina particles out of cross sections of the inner layer part.
US09718723B2
A glass article includes P, Al, an alkali earth metal, F and O, wherein the content of P and O is greater at the surface side of the glass article than the inner side thereof and the content of the alkali earth metal and F is less at the surface side of the glass article than the inner side thereof.
US09718717B2
A method and facility for the hydrothermal carbonization of pasty products or waste, or sewage sludge, in a pressurized reactor heated to carbonization temperature T0. Before entering the reactor, the products undergo: pressurization, and preheating in an exchanger, by a thermal fluid flowing in a closed loop, and receiving heat from products exiting the reactor; the thermal fluid is heated in the loop by an external heat source, downstream from the exchange with the products exiting the reactor, and upstream from the preheating of the products entering the reactor, and the temperature of the product to be treated, preheated by the thermal fluid, when it enters the reactor, is between the carbonization temperature T0 and T0-100° C. The product to be treated flows in at least one tube, where in at least one location therein, liquid is injected to create a liquid ring against the inner wall, and reduce pressure drops.
US09718711B2
Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatus and methods method for filtering water fluid by screening ionic minerals including sodium chloride from the water fluid. In one embodiment, the water fluid is passed into a work zone defined at least in part by oppositely-arranged first and second porous structures, each of which have a plurality of gated channels. The water fluid is processed in the work zone by applying respective electric voltages to electrically bias the first porous structure and the second porous structure. The respective electric voltages deplete sodium chloride ions in the water fluid in the work zone due to ion-flux continuity. In response to processing of the water fluid, ion-filtered water is collected from the work zone.
US09718701B2
A method and a device for reducing iron-oxide-containing feedstocks, in which a reducing gas is fed to a reducing unit (1) containing the iron-oxide-containing feedstocks. The reducing gas is generated by introducing a process gas having reduction potential into a heating appliance (3) for heating the process gas, which is withdrawn as reducing gas therefrom. In the heating appliance (3), heat energy is transferred to the process gas. The heat energy is formed by combustion of a fuel gas containing organic substances, including coke oven gas with addition of technically pure oxygen. The flames of the combustion have an adiabatic flame temperature of above 1000° C., wherein, in the combustion of the fuel gas, at least some of the organic substances present in the fuel gas are cracked.
US09718699B1
Disclosed herein is a method of producing alumina trihydrate crystals from an alumina trihydrate recovery process stream wherein an aqueous emulsion comprising an alkyl or alkenyl succinic anhydride is added to the alumina trihydrate recovery process stream, wherein the aqueous emulsion is substantially free of mineral oils. The method provides a decrease in percentage of alumina trihydrate crystals having a volume average diameter of less than about 45 micrometers compared to the percentage of alumina trihydrate crystals produced in the absence of the aqueous emulsion of an alkyl or alkenyl succinic anhydride.
US09718698B2
A hydrotalcite-like granular material having a grain size of 0.24 mm or larger is produced by drying a material that contains at least a hydrotalcite-like substance and that has a water content of 70% or lower at equal to or lower than a temperature at which the hydrotalcite-like substance is dehydrated of crystal water contained therein, preferably at 90° C. or higher and 110° C. or lower, such that the resulting hydrotalcite-like granular material has a water content of 10% or higher. In this manner, a hydrotalcite-like granular material that has a stable morphology and a high anion exchange performance and that can be produced at a low cost can be produced.
US09718694B2
By incorporating an additional TCS and/or DCS redistribution reactor in the TCS recycle loop and/or DCS recycle loop, respectively, of a process and system for silane manufacture, efficiencies in the production of silane are realized.
US09718690B2
Methods for producing porous carbon product utilize template material in the form of template particles containing macropores and a polymerizable carbon precursor substance. The macropores of the template are infiltrated with the precursor substance in dissolved or melted form. After carbonization of the infiltrated precursor substance, the template is removed to form the porous carbon product. In order to obtain a carbon structure with hierarchical porosity having a high fraction of mesopores having pore sizes in the range of 2 to 50 nm, after the infiltration and before carbonization, the precursor substance within the macropores of the template is subjected to a treatment at a foaming temperature at which the precursor substance foams under polycondensation and fills the macropores as substantially mesoporous foam, in which at least 70% of the pores have pore sizes in the range of 10 to 150 nm.
US09718689B2
A composition is provided that includes: a carbonized carbon having an iodine number of at least 60 mg/g and a domain size of between 1.0 and 2.3 nm. An article or fuel is provided that includes the composition in a polymer forming a matrix or water suspension, respectively. A composition of so provided and derived from wood has been assigned a new CAS number (CAS No. 1362167-53-0).
US09718685B2
The present disclosure relates to a reactor and a method of operation for an exothermal process being catalyzed by a catalytically active material receiving a reactant gas and providing a product gas, in which said exothermal process has a heat development having a potential for thermally degrading said catalytically active material, and which exothermal process operates at a temperature at which the reactants and at least 80% or all of the products are present as gases, said method comprising the steps of a) directing the reactant gas to a first zone of a material catalytically active in the exothermal process producing an first product gas, and b) directing the first product gas to a second zone of a material catalytically active in the exothermal process producing a product gas, with the option of fully or partially by-passing either said first zone or said second zone, while directing a non-condensing gas stream having a temperature at least 50° C. lower than the product gas to said by-passed zone, wherein the choice of by-passing said zone is made based on the time of operation or a process parameter reflecting the catalytic activity of the zone of catalytically active material which is not by-passed with the associated benefit of reducing the extent of thermal deactivation of the catalytically active material, and thus increasing the overall lifetime of the catalytically active material.
US09718681B2
MEMS switches and methods of manufacturing MEMS switches is provided. The MEMS switch having at least two cantilevered electrodes having ends which overlap and which are structured and operable to contact one another upon an application of a voltage by at least one fixed electrode.
US09718674B2
A device includes a base substrate (700) with a micro component (702) attached thereto. Suitably it is provided with routing elements (704) for conducting signals to and from the component (702). It also includes spacer members (706) which also can act as conducting structures for routing signals vertically. There is a capping structure (708) of a glass material, provided above the base substrate (700), bonded via the spacer members (706), preferably by eutectic bonding, wherein the capping structure (708) includes vias (710) including metal for providing electrical connection through the capping structure. The vias can be made by a stamping/pressing method entailing pressing needles under heating to soften the glass and applying pressure, to a predetermined depth in the glass. However, other methods are possible, e-g- drilling, etching, blasting.
US09718673B2
A component which can be produced at wafer level has a first chip and a second chip connected thereto. The connection is (at least partially) established via a first and a second connecting structure and a first and a second contact structure of the second chip. An adaptation structure between the first chip and the first connecting structure equalizes a height difference between the first and the second contact structure.
US09718670B2
A functional device includes a movable body displaceable along a first axis, a fixed section configured to support the movable body in a coupling section, a movable electrode section extending from the movable body, a fixed electrode section arranged to be opposed to the movable electrode section, and an extending section extending from the fixed section and including an opposed section opposed to a side surface of the movable electrode section. The distance between the opposed section and the movable electrode section is smaller than the distance between the fixed electrode section and the movable electrode section.
US09718669B2
A micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) pressure sensor includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a sensing structure. The second substrate is substantially parallel to the first substrate. The sensing structure is between the first substrate and the second substrate, and bonded to a portion of the first substrate and a portion of the second substrate, in which a first space between the first substrate and the sensing structure is communicated with outside, and a second space between the second substrate and the sensing structure is communicated with or isolated from the outside.
US09718668B2
A process for fabricating a nanochannel system using a combination of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microfabrication techniques, atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanolithography, and focused ion beam (FIB). The nanochannel system, fabricated on either a glass or silicon substrate, has channel heights and widths on the order of single to tens of nanometers. The channel length is in the micrometer range. The nanochannel system is equipped with embedded micro and nanoscale electrodes, positioned along the length of the nanochannel for electron tunneling based characterization of nanoscale particles in the channel. Anodic bonding is used to cap off the nanochannel with a cover chip.
US09718663B2
A beverage dispensing apparatus including a cabinet for retaining a beverage product and from which the beverage product is controllably dispensed. The cabinet includes structures and systems to make cooling more efficient and maintain more constant product temperatures. The structures and systems function to reduce heat transfer between beverage product stored in containers in the cabinet and the ambient environment. The apparatus maintains a minimal equipment footprint, maintains ease of installing and removing the beverage containers, and accommodates a variety of types of products and types of product containers.
US09718658B1
A vehicle trolley device for mobilizing a vehicle with a flattened tire includes a ramp that comprises a field that is coupled to and extends between a pair of side supports. A plurality of wheels is coupled to a lower face of the ramp. The plurality of wheels is positioned proximate to a top end of the ramp. A plurality of fasteners is configurable to secure the ramp to the bottom of a flattened tire of a vehicle. The plurality of wheels is positioned on the ramp such that the ramp is configured for the user to position a vehicle that has a flattened tire onto the ramp. The ramp then is not in contact with the ground. The plurality of fasteners is configured to secure the flattened tire to the ramp, such that the user can drive the vehicle.
US09718652B2
A passive heave compensator comprising: a main hydraulic cylinder, including a moveable piston having a piston rod extendible through the main hydraulic cylinder and a piston head, a gas phase above the piston head, and at least one oil phase below the piston head separated by a boundary; an upper connection point associated with the main hydraulic cylinder and a lower connection point associated with the piston rod; and at least one accumulator, the or each accumulator having a moveable separator to divide the accumulator between a gas phase above the separator, and an oil phase below the separator, and the or each oil phase being in communication with an oil phase in the main hydraulic cylinder; characterized in that the main hydraulic cylinder further comprises a cylinder sleeve co-axial with the piston head to provide, in co-ordination with the piston head, the boundary between the gas phase and the at least one oil phase in the main hydraulic cylinder. In this way, the variation in the coordination between the shape, longitudinal position, or both of the piston head, which naturally must be smaller in cross-section than the cross-section of the main hydraulic cylinder, and the transverse extent of the cylinder sleeve, provides variation in the cross-sectional area of oil volume in the main hydraulic cylinder, and thus different damping effects along the length of the main hydraulic cylinder, which are available to the user.
US09718651B2
A current operating mode of a lifting device is determined as the lifting device is moving a load in an operating area. An object in the operating area is positioned, in whose area the operation of the lifting device is restricted in comparison with the operating area around the object. A difference between the current operating mode of the lifting device and the restricted operating mode to be applied in the object is determined. On the basis of the difference, the distance travelled by the lifting device is determined when the current operating mode of the lifting device is changed to the operating mode to be applied in the restricted object.
US09718645B2
An elevator damping unit, for reducing vertical oscillation of an elevator car during a standstill period, has brake shoe retainers provided with brake shoes. The brake shoe retainers are connected to an electric motor via a toothed gear mechanism. The damping unit also includes a spring device configured as a metallic bending spring and arranged between the car and a carrier structure for the brake shoe retainers.
US09718641B2
A lift system comprises a call input device and at least one touchscreen for inputting a call for a lift. The touchscreen has at least one functional identifier. When a functional identifier is touched, at least one input signal is generated. The call input device converts into a special input mode for a time-specific or location-specific generation of several input signals.
US09718624B2
A conveyor system for transporting sand including a transportation element for moving the sand, and a drive subassembly for moving the transportation element on a predetermined path. The drive subassembly includes a sprocket driven by a motor for moving the transportation element along the predetermined path, and a floating idler wheel supportable by the transportation element and positioned on the predetermined path downstream from the sprocket. The floating idler wheel is movable between an upper location and a lower location, depending on the tension to which the transportation element is subjected. The drive subassembly also includes a limit switch activatable upon the floating idler wheel moving to the lower location. Upon activation, the limit switch transmits a signal to a motor switch to de-energize the motor.
US09718615B2
A refuse container has a bin defining a cavity and a lid selectively inhibiting access to the cavity. A pair of opposing brackets is located below the lid. The brackets are in laterally spaced relationship such that a space is located between portions of the brackets. Each bracket has opposing inner and outer face portions with an interior gap formed between therebetween. The interior gap is fluidly isolated from the cavity. A rib is located within the interior gaps such that each rib extends inwardly relative to the space between the brackets. A retention bar is coupled to each bracket and spans the space from one bracket to the other bracket wherein opposing ends of the retention bar extend into the interior gap of each bracket, and an exposed portion of the retention bar spans the space between the brackets. The end portions of the retention bar abut the ribs.
US09718613B2
This patent pertains to secondary containment systems. One implementation includes a support assembly that includes an elongate post member and a stabilization plate. In one instance, a stabilization plate is mounted on the elongate post member to reduce movement of the elongate post member when the stabilization plate is embedded in the ground. Another implementation includes a panel splice assembly including reinforcing members that secure overlapping, corrugated panels.
US09718612B2
A container refrigeration device aims to prevent low temperature damage to freight in a container. The container refrigeration device includes: a temperature controlling section (101) configured to perform, in a switchable manner, first temperature control under which a temperature inside the container (C) is controlled based on a blown air temperature (Tss) and second temperature control under which the temperature inside the container (C) is controlled based on a suction air temperature (Trs) during dehumidification operation; and a control switching section (103) configured to switch the first temperature control to the second temperature control when the blown air temperature (Tss) is higher than the suction air temperature (Trs) during the dehumidification operation in which part of a refrigerant discharged from a compressor (30) is allowed to flow into a reheat heat exchanger (83).
US09718609B2
A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet positioned in a bottom thereof and a gate affixed adjacent the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to a second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container can be a ten foot ISO container.
US09718599B2
A container system for separately storing and mixing two or more substances. The container system is comprised of a main container for holding at least one first substance and a cup for holding at least one second substance, the cup being removably mounted on the neck of the main container such that at least a portion of the cup is suspended within the main container. The cup has an upper portion, a lower portion and one or more arms for connecting the upper and lower portions. Apertures are formed between the upper and lower portions of the cup such that the contents of the cup may mix with the contents of the main container following removal of an inner cap attached to the cup, and agitation of the main container. The cup and neck are sized to provide a void therebetween, thereby also permitting the substances to mix.
US09718589B2
A container system includes a tub including a front wall, a back wall opposite the front wall and side walls extending between the front wall and the back wall. A bottom extends between the front wall, back wall and side walls. A mouth structure includes a fastening feature configured for connecting to a lid. The mouth structure has an opening therethrough that provides access to a containing volume of the tub. A shoulder extends inwardly from the side walls to the mouth structure. A plurality of unitized doses of a detergent composition is located within the containing volume of the tub. A lid is connected to tub using the fastening feature. The lid has an open position for allowing user access to the containing volume and a closed position for preventing user access to the containing volume.
US09718578B1
A blank of sheet material for forming a container includes a bottom panel and two opposing bottom end panels. The blank also includes two opposing side panel assemblies. Each side panel assembly extends from a side edge of the bottom panel. Each side panel assembly includes an outer side panel extending from a side edge of the bottom panel. Two opposing side end panels each extending from an end edge of the outer side panel. A rollover panel extending from a side edge of the outer side panel, two opposing rollover miter panels each extending from an end edge of the rollover panel, and two opposing end rollover panels each extending from an end edge of one of the two opposing rollover miter panels.
US09718576B2
The invention relates to a container. In particular the invention relates to a container for receiving a food product which container is formed from a folded blank. The body of the container is formed from panels of the container blank and at least one flange section is provided at an edge of an opening of the container body. The flange section comprises two overlapping flange panels of the container blank, which are bonded together to maintain the shape of the container body.
US09718574B2
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a covering structure for a cardboard package comprising a tubular body made up a cardboard material. The covering structure comprises a flat assembly of three materials: (1) a cellulosic material covered with a reactivatable barrier material over the face thereof oriented towards a safety membrane, making up a lid cardboard, (2) a laminating part arranged between said lid cardboard and the safety membrane, with a shape conjugated to the shape of the opening of the tubular body, made from paper, or paper whereof the face oriented towards said lid cardboard is coated with a material having barrier and sealing properties, and (3) a safety membrane, made up of a paper coated with at least one reactivatable barrier material on the surface thereof not oriented towards the laminating part.
US09718572B2
A receptacle, particularly a closed plastic ampoule produced in a blow molding method and filled in the mold, has a sleeve-type neck part (1) connected to a receptacle body (3) as an axial extension. The neck part forms a seat (11) for a pre-shaped insert (5) and is integrally molded in the mold onto a circumferential surface (9) of the insert (5). The circumferential surface (9) is equipped with at least one surface irregularity (21) having an enclosed base surface such that, due to the integral molding of the neck part (1) onto the circumferential surface (9) of the insert (5), a positive fit is present between the insert and the neck part (1). The fit forms a fixing element. The axial extension of the base surface of the surface irregularity (21) is only a small fraction of the axial extension of the circumferential surface (9).
US09718570B1
A robotic carton erector and method of use is provided by the present invention. The robotic apparatus has a pair of movable jaws with grippers mounted thereto. The apparatus has a rail and a pair of platforms, the platforms positioned downstream of the rail. The robotic apparatus grips and opens a carton and the carton is moved into contact with the rail to close the bottom minor flaps. The carton is moved in a first direction onto a first platform to close a first bottom major flap and in a second direction onto a second platform to close a second bottom major flap. The carton bottom is then sealed.
US09718567B2
Method for producing tilled containers from parisons made from a thermoplastic material, wherein the respective parison is at least conditioned thermally and is subsequently shaped during a shaping and filling phase in a mold by the action of the pressure of the supplied filling substance into the respective container at a shaping and filling pressure, wherein, during the shaping and filling phase, the parison is guided at least temporarily through a stretching rod and/or is stretched in the axial direction, and wherein, at least at the end of the shaping and tilling phase, the respective container has an internal pressure which corresponds to the shaping and filling pressure (p2).
US09718564B1
Intermodal vehicles may be loaded with items and an aerial vehicle, and directed to travel to areas where demand for the items is known or anticipated. The intermodal vehicles may be coupled to locomotives, container ships, road tractors or other vehicles, and equipped with systems for loading one or more items onto the aerial vehicle, and for launching or retrieving the aerial vehicle while the intermodal vehicles are in motion. The areas where the demand is known or anticipated may be identified on any basis, including but not limited to past histories of purchases or deliveries to such areas, or events that are scheduled to occur in such areas. Additionally, intermodal vehicles may be loaded with replacement parts and/or inspection equipment, and configured to conduct repairs, servicing operations or inspections on aerial vehicles within the intermodal vehicles, while the intermodal vehicles are in motion.
US09718563B2
A requirement capture device for a centralized maintenance system for aircraft is composed of a means for capturing and parametrizing the various characteristics of the centralized maintenance system. It allows the various parties to the fine tuning of the CMS system to define the data set specific to their domain in a common framework. User profiles are defined for each of the users affording them configuration possibilities specific to their domain. After validation of the parameters input, a configuration file is generated.
US09718561B2
A gimbal mechanism for a turret includes a support member and a pair of opposing yoke arms extending from the support member. The pair of opposing yoke arms define a first axis. A sphere is rotatably mounted between the opposing yoke arms for rotation about the first axis. A disk is rotatably mounted within the sphere for rotation about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The disk is sized for rotation within the sphere. The second axis may be offset from the first axis. An aperture is provided in the disk. The sphere includes a slot within which the aperture is moveable in response to rotation of the disk about the second axis. The aperture is movable to define a field of coverage in response to rotation of the sphere about the first axis and the disk about the second axis.
US09718556B2
A cooling system for a fuel tank of an aircraft includes a temperature sensor, a cooling system, and a control module. The temperature sensor detects a fuel temperature within the fuel tank. The cooling system maintains the fuel temperature below a control temperature. The phase change cooling system includes a heat exchanger. A cooling fluid flows through the heat exchanger and is in thermal communication with a surface of the fuel tank. The control module is in signal communication with the temperature sensor and the cooling system. The control module includes control logic for monitoring the temperature sensor, determining if the fuel temperature is above the control temperature, and generating an activation signal.
US09718551B2
A storage assembly includes a housing with an opening manifold on an outer surface of the housing. The opening manifold is capable of receiving a cord. A first end of the cord is connected to an electrical outlet disposed within the housing. The opening manifold includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The first aperture extends across a first plane. The second aperture extends across a second plane positioned substantially orthogonal to the first plane.
US09718549B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a grey water interface valve liquid level sensor system. The liquid level sensor system may deliver information about the water level and the water movement that occurs in a water reservoir. A control unit may then activate a valve to open so that the water can be removed via vacuum.
US09718540B2
An aircraft landing gear arrangement comprises a nose landing gear assembly and at least one main landing gear assembly. The nose landing gear assembly has a nose landing gear wheel with a high energy brake apparatus therein. The main landing gear assembly has a main landing gear wheel with a high energy brake apparatus therein and a main landing gear wheel with a motor therein. The motor is used for driving the main landing wheel during taxiing of the aircraft.
US09718515B2
A bicycle control device includes a housing member, a shift-operating mechanism, a hydraulic fluid pressure generator and a control lever member. The housing member has an attachment part for attachment to a handlebar, and a grip part extending longitudinally between first and second ends of the grip part. The shift-operating mechanism is coupled to a shifting device by a control cable. The hydraulic fluid pressure generator has a cylinder, a piston movably disposed within the cylinder to generate fluid pressure for controlling a braking device, and a rod part coupled to the piston. The control lever member has a cam member arranged to actuate the rod part, and a first operating lever coupled to the cam member. The first operating lever is pivotal around a first axis relative to the housing member and actuates the cam member by pivoting around the first axis.
US09718507B2
An agricultural harvester has a chassis, a non-steerable driving front axle and a rear steering axle with a steering mechanism attached to the chassis. A steerable weight transfer axle has a rear steering axle to weight transfer axle linkage assembly linking the steerable weight transfer axle to the steering mechanism of the rear steering axle. The linkage assembly operates to steer the steerable weight transfer axle in coordination with the rear steering axle. The rear steering axle to weight transfer axle linkage assembly has a rear steer axle pivot arm pivotally connected to the rear steering axle and linked to the steering mechanism of the rear steering axle. The rear steering axle to weight transfer axle linkage assembly also has a reversing pivot linked to the rear steer axle pivot arm and to the steerable weight transfer axle.
US09718503B2
A rollover prevention architecture for a vehicle comprising a reactive force member mounted on the vehicle, the reactive force member controlled to generate a counter torque relative to the direction of sensed tipping or rollover to mitigate the tipping or rollover of the vehicle while the vehicle is moving.
US09718497B2
A vehicle includes a body framework including a side roof rail structure that extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction that includes a slide rail portion including an upper slide rail channel panel and a lower slide rail channel panel connected to the upper slide rail channel panel forming a slide rail channel for receiving a slide door assembly. The side roof rail structure includes a side roof reinforcement portion including a rail reinforcement panel that is connected to the upper slide rail channel panel providing a space there between. A cross support member extends in a vehicle lateral direction toward the side roof rail. A vehicle side reinforcement member is located in the space and is connected at an inboard end to the cross support member and at an outboard end to the rail reinforcement panel.
US09718495B2
A structural element in the front region of a motor vehicle is arranged between an engine subframe and a bulkhead of the motor vehicle. The structural element has a deformation element which is fastened via a front fixing to the engine subframe and a rear fixing to the bulkhead. The front fixing is connected via an upper shell and a lower shell to the bulkhead in such a way that the two shells form a closed, funnel-shaped structure with one another.
US09718480B2
A system for controlling a consist of rail vehicles or other vehicles includes a control unit electrically coupled to a first rail vehicle in the consist, the control unit having a processor and being configured to receive signals representing a presence and position of one or more tractive effort systems on-board the first vehicle and other rail vehicles in the consist, and a set of instructions stored in a non-transient medium accessible by the processor, the instructions configured to control the processor to create a optimization schedule that manages the use of the one or more tractive effort systems based on the presence and position of the tractive effort systems within the consist.
US09718479B2
A device for lubricating a traction motor drive end bearing is disclosed. The drive end lubrication device may include an inner cover, an outer cover, and a paddle wheel. The inner cover may include a first mating surface and the outer cover may include a second mating surface. The inner cover first mating surface may fit together with the outer cover second mating surface to form a casing and the paddle wheel may nest inside the casing.
US09718474B2
A vehicle stability control system operates by detecting a wheel speed potentially indicative of the presence of a mini-spare wheel at a wheel location of a vehicle with a wheel speed sensor and determines that a mini-spare tire is present responsive to the wheel speed remaining within a predefined band for predefined time. A threshold value that triggers action by a vehicle stability control system is adjusted to provide the mini-spare wheel with a value different than a wheel speed threshold value indicative of wheel slipping for a standard wheel.
US09718471B2
A computer-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product automatically provide spatial separation between self-driving vehicles (SDVs) operating in an autonomous mode and vehicles being operating in a manual mode on a roadway. A first SDV operating on the roadway is operating in autonomous mode. A second vehicle may be operating in the autonomous mode or a manual mode, in which a driver is controlling the second vehicle. Processor(s) issue spatial separation instructions to the first SDV, which direct SDV control mechanisms controller on the first SDV to direct a set of SDV vehicular physical control mechanisms on the first SDV to provide a predetermined amount of spatial separation between the first SDV and the second vehicle, based on whether the second vehicle is being operated in the manual mode or in the autonomous mode.
US09718465B2
Methods, devices and apparatuses pertaining to stability control of a bicycle. A method may involve a control system associated with a bicycle monitoring one or more parameters related to a movement of the bicycle. The method may also involve the control system detecting an impending occurrence of an event based on the monitoring. The method may further involve the control system adjusting one or more operations related to the movement of the bicycle, including braking of the bicycle, to prevent the occurrence of the event.
US09718458B2
A vehicle includes an engine, a motor, a rotary electric machine, a battery, and an ECU. The ECU is configured to control the rotary electric machine to generate electric power when the engine is started during the motor traveling mode and provide a cranking torque to the engine, the electric power generated by the rotary electric machine increasing as a vehicle speed increases, and determine whether or not to start the engine based on a comparison between a sum of electric power and a value corresponding to electric power acceptable by the battery. The sum of electric power is a sum of first electric power actually input into and output from the battery during the motor traveling mode and second electric power predicted to be generated by the rotary electric machine while the cranking torque is provided to the engine.
US09718455B2
Hybrid-electric and pure electric vehicles include a traction battery. During vehicle operation, impedance parameters of the traction battery may be estimated. To ensure accurate estimation results, certain persistent excitation criteria may be met. These conditions may not always be met, in which case active excitation of the traction battery power demand may be initiated. During periods of generally constant battery power demand in which a predetermined range of frequency component amplitudes of battery power demand is less than a predetermined magnitude, active excitation may be desired. A controller may cause at least one of the frequency component amplitudes to exceed the predetermined magnitude without affecting acceleration of the vehicle. Battery power demand may be affected by operation of an electric machine and an electrical load. An engine and a wheel brake may be operated to offset changes in battery power demand such that driver wheel output power is not affected.
US09718454B2
Apparatuses, methods and systems for hybrid powertrain control are disclosed. Certain example embodiments control an internal combustion engine and a motor/generator of a hybrid electric powertrain. Example controls may determine a total output demanded of a powertrain based at least in part upon an operator input, a battery output target based upon a battery state of charge and independent of the operator input, and an engine output target based upon the total output demanded and the battery output target. Such example controls may further determine a constrained engine output target, a modified battery output target based upon the total output demanded and the constrained engine output target, and a constrained battery output target based upon the modified battery output target and a battery constraint. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and figures.
US09718451B2
A monitoring device for, and a method for examining a functional capability of, at least one subunit of a hydraulic braking system includes: ascertaining at least one pressure variable of a pressure prevailing in the hydraulic braking system, and comparing the ascertained pressure variable to a predefined comparative value range, at least if the ascertained pressure variable deviates from the predefined comparative value range, a pressure change variable with respect to a time change of the pressure variable being ascertained and the ascertained pressure change variable being compared to a predefined minimum change variable, and the functional capability being established in consideration of the comparison of the pressure variable to the predefined comparative value range, and, at least if the ascertained pressure variable deviates from the predefined comparative value range, in consideration of the comparison of the pressure change variable to the predefined minimum change variable.
US09718450B2
Control device for a brake system of a vehicle, and method for operating a brake system of a vehicle
A control device for a vehicle brake system, having a control device/arrangement by which a closing signal is outputtable to an isolation valve via which a first brake circuit is hydraulically connected to a main brake cylinder, and at least one first control signal is outputtable to at least one first hydraulic component, so that a first actual brake pressure in the first brake circuit can be varied, an existing functional impairment of the at least one first hydraulic component and/or of at least one further brake system component being determinable, or a warning signal being receivable, and, if warranted, a closing signal being outputtable to a changeover valve of a second brake circuit, and, after or simultaneously with an outputting of the closing signal to the changeover valve, an opening signal being outputtable to the isolation valve. Also described is a related method for operating the vehicle brake system.
US09718447B2
A thermal management system and methods for use are disclosed. The thermal management system comprises a shield portion and a dissipation portion. The shield portion may comprise a hot side skin, a conduction layer, an insulation layer, and a cool side skin. The dissipation portion may comprise a fin array. Heat absorbed by the shield portion is partially or fully conducted to the dissipation portion for transfer to the ambient environment. The thermal management system may be employed as an aircraft wheel heat shield, an automotive brake heat shield, a gas turbine heat shield, an electronic heat sink, and in various other applications where heat shielding and/or heat transfer are desirable.
US09718445B2
The invention concerns an assembly (1) for producing a motor vehicle windscreen wiping system (3), including an end fitting (5) of a wiper arm (7) adapted to move a wiper (9), a hydraulic and/or electrical connector (11) for feeding a liquid to the wiper and/or for heating the liquid, said end fitting (5) being configured to accept an adapter (13) allowing rotation between said arm (7) and the wiper (9), said end fitting (5) internally accepting said connector (11), said end fitting (5) being configured to engage said hydraulic and/or electrical connector (11), in an oriented manner relative to the end fitting (5), in a so-called service position, allowing the disconnection and/or the connection of the connector (11) on the arm (7).
US09718443B2
A windscreen wiper device (1) of the flat blade type includes an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade (2) of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade (2) includes at least one longitudinal groove (3) on its longitudinal sides, in which groove (3) a longitudinal strip (4) of the carrier element is disposed, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device (7) for an oscillating arm (8). A wall of the groove (3) facing towards the strip (4) and/or a longitudinal side of the strip (4) facing towards the wall is/are provided with a noise dampening profile along at least a part of its/their length.
US09718442B2
A windscreen wiper device, particularly for automobiles, comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade (7) of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade (7) is of the flat blade type and includes at least one groove (19), in which groove (19) a longitudinal strip (20) of the carrier element is disposed, and wherein said windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device (1) for detachably connecting said wiper blade (7) to an oscillating arm near one end thereof around a pivot axis, wherein said connecting device (1) is fixated to said flexible material of said wiper blade (7) by deformation of said connecting device (1) in order to block any lateral movement between said longitudinal strip (20) and said wiper blade (7) at the location of their interconnection and between said connecting device (1) and said wiper blade (7) at the location of their interconnection.
US09718440B2
According to an electronic key device capable of wirelessly controlling a lock system and transmitting control authentication of a lock system, a system therefor, and a method therefor, which are presented in the present invention, an operation of the lock system is controlled by communicating with the lock system, and an electronic key can be simply transmitted and rented, at a long distance through a communication network, by communicating with another electronic key device and granting operation control authority of the lock system to the other electronic key device.
US09718431B2
A method of rolling or folding an airbag to a thin tight tube, includes stretching the airbag during the rolling or folding in length direction.
US09718418B2
The invention relates to a vehicle (1) comprising: a multiplexed communication bus (2); an engine control unit (4) connected to the communication bus (2); a secure element (6) hosted in the vehicle and configured to communicate through the communication bus, the secure element securely storing (64) security data related to the vehicle.
US09718408B2
In a vehicle door mirror device, a first cord and a second cord are arranged passing through a storing mechanism in an up-down direction. A first connector of the first cord is electrically connected to a mirror face adjustment device through an assembly hole of a visor body. Moreover, a second connector of the second cord is electrically connected to a turn signal lamp. The first cord and the second cord are disposed at a vehicle rear side of the storing mechanism, and pass between the storing mechanism and the visor body. This thereby enables the first cord and the second cord to be made shorter.
US09718405B1
A collision avoidance and/or pedestrian detection system for a large passenger vehicle such as commuter bus, which includes one or more exterior and/or interior sensing devices positioned strategically around the exterior and interior of the vehicle for recording data, method for avoiding collisions and/or detecting pedestrians, and features/articles of manufacture for improving same, is described herein in various embodiments. The sensing devices may be responsive to one or more situational sensors, and may be connected to one or more interior and/or exterior warning systems configured to alert a driver inside the vehicle and/or a pedestrian outside the vehicle that a collision may be possible and/or imminent based on a path of the vehicle and/or a position of the pedestrian as detected by one or more sensing devices and/or situational sensors.
US09718403B2
An approach is provided for selecting variable message signs (VMS). More particularly, this disclosure relates to personalized VMS delivered to a driver of a vehicle via an on-board display. The approach monitors driver behavior to form a driver behavior history and an analytic analysis is applied to the driver behavior history to determine characteristics of the driver. When a wireless notification is received from an external data provider, the notification is modified based on the determined driver characteristics, and the modified notification is displayed to the driver on a display device visible within the vehicle that is being operated by the driver.
US09718399B2
A light guide device that performs uniform brightness transmitted light illumination regardless of a distance from an incident portion is provided. Light that is emitted from a light source, and enters from an incident portion of a light guide member (light guide body) made of a translucent member formed along an outer edge portion of a decorated portion, travels in the light guide portion while repeating total reflection by an inner surface of the light guide member. In the light-guiding portion, the light is guided in the decorated portion made of a translucent member from the inside of the light guide member, and is emitted outside by being scattered by the inside of the decorated portion, and in the non-light-guiding portion, the light that travels in the light guide member is prevented from traveling in the decorated portion.
US09718398B2
A vehicle includes a closure panel, a sill protector mounted adjacent to the closure panel, an energy harvesting device configured to convert ambient energy to electrical energy, a storage device electrically connected to the energy harvesting device to store the electrical energy, an illumination member electrically connected to the storage device and configured to be powered by electrical energy supplied from the storage device, and a sensor connected to the sill protector and power the illumination member when movement of the closure panel is detected.
US09718396B2
An illuminated running board for a vehicle includes a light guide plate, a panel, and a luminous module. A plurality of convex portions is formed on a top surface of the light guide plate, and a plurality of optic pattern portions is formed on a bottom surface of the light guide plate. A groove is formed in the bottom surface of the light guide plate and spaced from the optic pattern portions. The panel mounted on the top surface of the light guide plate has a plurality of through-holes, each of which is penetrated by one of the convex portions. The luminous module installed in the groove includes a plurality of luminous elements which are not opposite to the convex portions. Light rays from the luminous elements are conducted into the light guide plate, reflected to the optic pattern portions, and projected upward from the convex portions.
US09718394B2
A headlight-affixing structure for affixing a headlight positioned above a front bumper to a vehicle by using a headlight bracket. When viewed from the front, the headlight bracket is substantially formed into an L-shape and comprises a horizontal section extending in the vehicle-width direction along the lower edge of the headlight, and an upright section extending upward from an end of the horizontal section on the inside thereof in the vehicle-width direction. The upright section of the headlight bracket is provided with an upper affixing part for affixing the upper section of the headlight by using a downward-facing fastening member. The middle-outside section of the horizontal section is provided with a lower affixing part for affixing the lower section of the headlight by using an upward-facing fastening member.
US09718392B1
A fastening device to facilitate the secure and flexible placement of attachment points along a container's structural rails and any points facilitated by a combination of these fasteners, as well as placement adjustments as required during setup or necessitated by after-thought design changes without requiring any modifications to the original container construction or causing any penetrations in the sealed envelope of the container and is therefore removable without leaving any alteration or lasting damage.
US09718384B2
The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a seat part and a backrest, the backrest comprising at least one left-hand backrest longitudinal support extending in the vertical direction of the backrest and at least one right-hand backrest longitudinal support extending in the vertical direction of the backrest, the backrest longitudinal supports being attached to the seat part and/or a seat-part frame in a lower end region and comprising at least one cushion element, wherein the length of a distance between the backrest longitudinal supports can be adjusted by means of at least one elongate backrest cross strut arranged in the upper region of the backrest.
US09718383B2
The present invention relates to a spring member mounting structure, which is a structure for mounting a spring member on a cushion frame connecting side frames by use of a rear pipe. The spring member has rear clipping portions engaged with the rear pipe. Cover members, which are provided at seat central sides of connecting portions of the side frames and the rear pipe, have extension portions extending toward the seat central sides. The rear clipping portions abut on ends of the seat central sides of the extension portions, and are mounted to the rear pipe by width direction positioning of the spring member.
US09718376B2
An electricity supply system having double power-storage devices which is suitable for implementation in an electric or hybrid motor vehicle. The supply system is intended for being connected to a power network of the vehicle. The supply system is of the type that includes a first power-storage device, having a first specific energy, a first specific power and a first operating voltage (Ue), and a second power-storage device, having a second specific energy that is lower than the first specific energy, a second specific power that is higher than the first specific power and a second operating voltage (Up) that is higher than the first operating voltage (Ue). The first and second power-storage devices are electrically coupled by a bidirectional DC-DC converter controlled in accordance with the operating states of the vehicle. The DC-DC converter includes a floating capacitor connected in series between the first and second power-storage devices.
US09718372B2
An ECU sets a voltage of an inverter side in an external supply mode to be less than a voltage of the inverter side when a first MG supplies the electric power equal to the electric power in the external supply mode in a traveling generation mode.
US09718366B2
An electric vehicle comprises an electric motor for generating driving power for moving a vehicle body of the electric vehicle; a battery unit for supplying electric power to the electric motor; a charging connector connected to an outside electric power supply for supplying the electric power to be charged; a main controller for controlling switching between a first connection state in which the battery unit is connected to the electric motor and a second connection state in which the battery unit is connected to the charging connector; and a relay for opening and closing a power supply path from the low-voltage battery to the main controller; wherein a relay opens the power supply path to cut off electric power supply to the main controller for a specified time, when the relay switches one of the first connection state and the second connection state to the other connection state.
US09718365B2
A wire harness includes first to third electric wires; a braid shield that covers the first to third electric wires; a tube-shaped electromagnetic wave absorber having a through hole that allows the first to third electric wires to be inserted therethrough, the electromagnetic wave absorber absorbing electromagnetic waves emitted from the first to third electric wires; and a resin tape and fasteners that fix the positions of the electromagnetic wave absorber and the braid shield relative to each other. The electromagnetic wave absorber is movable in an axial direction of the first to third electric wires relative to the first to third electric wires as a result of extension and contraction of the braid shield in the axial direction.
US09718363B2
The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising: a number of wheels; a brake system having hydraulically actuatable brakes corresponding to each wheel; at least one brake circuit via which the brakes can be actuated; a brake booster via which the brake circuit can be operated, said brake booster being actuatable via a brake pedal to be actuated by the driver; and at least one pressure generation device and/or pressure accumulator device, which can be controlled by a control device, and via which the hydraulic pressure inside the brake circuit can be modulated. At least one electric motor (9) is provided, which motor is used in the event of a detected failure inside the brake system (2) to generate a deceleration torque by automatically switching into a generator operation, in order to brake the vehicle (1) until same has reached a standstill.
US09718362B2
An electric vehicle disclosed by the present specification, includes an inverter arranged outside frame members in a vehicle width direction, in a front compartment. An inner side of the inverter in the vehicle width direction is fixed to one of the frame members. An outer side of the inverter in the vehicle width direction is fixed to a cabin outer plate. Furthermore, a fixation strength of the inner side of the inverter is lower than a fixation strength of the outer side of the inverter.
US09718359B2
A vehicle information display may include a split braking gauge for conveying information relating to braking operation and efficiency to assist drivers in maximizing energy capture during braking in vehicle with regenerative braking systems. The split braking gauge may incorporate a side-by-side or stacked configuration for conveying both regenerative braking and friction braking values. The split braking gauge may include fixed thresholds or boundaries associated with dynamic threshold values that can change based on current vehicle operating conditions.
US09718354B2
A disconnect system for an all-wheel drive vehicle drive train is provided. The disconnect system includes a first torque transmitter, a second torque transmitter and a clutch selectively connecting the first torque transmitter and the second torque transmitter. The clutch includes an engagement section and an inner race and an outer race supporting the engagement section. The inner race is arranged to be forced against the engagement section to lock the clutch and moved away from the engagement section to unlock the clutch.
US09718353B2
Disclosed herein is a novel chassis design that is functionally similar to the chassis associated with the suspension system, drivetrain, and steering system disclosed in prior applications. Based on a ladder-type structure, the novel chassis includes a frame that is constructed with a low slung middle section and high arched front and rear sections. This way, the powertrain is located in the middle section at the same level as are the suspension control link frame mounting points. In contrast the chassis associated with the prior applications is planar, the powertrain being located within the frame above the suspension control link frame mounting points. Since the powertrain directly impacts the center of gravity and since the suspension control link frame mounting points are located at the lowest level of the frame in both the present invention and cited applications, then the present invention improves upon the handling characteristics of the chassis associated with the prior applications by lowering the center of gravity while preserving ground clearance.
US09718348B2
A method of producing a deflector device for a fuel tank system comprising producing a deflector device prototype from prefabricated components of a construction kit, performing fuel-refilling tests using the deflector device prototype, optionally modifying the deflector device prototype, creating a construction model for the deflector device prototype, producing a deflector device according to the construction model, optionally performing fuel-refilling tests with the deflector device produced according to the construction model and optionally producing the deflector device according to the construction model. The disclosure further provides a construction kit with prefabricated components for producing the prototype of the deflector device for the fuel tank system.
US09718343B2
An apparatus is provided comprising a flywheel (112) for storing kinetic energy and an electrical machine (190) mechanically coupled to the flywheel and arranged for conversion between mechanical and electrical energy. The apparatus is arranged for transferring energy between the flywheel and a vehicle transmission via a variable ratio transmission (182). The electrical machine is coupled to the flywheel via a disconnect clutch which comprises a magnetic coupling (116).
US09718341B1
Power systems, heat exchanger systems, electrical regeneration systems and air drag reduction systems for a wheeled vehicle are provided. The systems comprise a vehicle that includes a compressed air system and electrical system. The power and drag reduction system also comprises a plurality of pneumatic motors, one each connected to each wheel, the pneumatic motors using compressed air to drive each wheel. The electrical system supports vehicle braking and regenerates electricity for vehicle batteries. A heat exchanger heats expanding air and is configured to substantially evenly distribute said heated air to the pneumatic motors. Air from a front grill is diverted to impellers that turn electric generators to regenerate power and reduce drag. A drag reducing arrangement blending mirrors with camera into the vehicle body is included as is a plug-in 120-volt trickle charge system and a quick charge (DC) system for battery charging.
US09718338B2
A vehicle door molding structure includes: a variable molding formed integrally along an upper edge of a vehicle door, where a width of the variable molding varies along a length thereof; and an insert molded part connected to an upper part of the variable molding along a height of a vehicle, where a lower part of the variable molding along the height of the vehicle is attached to the vehicle door with adhesion tape.
US09718335B2
A top of a convertible vehicle includes a top linkage adjustable between a closed position and a storage position. The top linkage is stored in a rear-side top storage space, which is closable by a storage space lid, which is pivotably mounted on a vehicle-fixed single-part or multipart main bearing via a link mechanism on each of its two sides with respect to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the top. The top linkage has a linkage mechanism on each of its two sides with respect to the vertical longitudinal center plane of the top. Each linkage mechanism is pivotably mounted on the respective vehicle-fixed main bearing driven by a main drive arranged on the main bearing. The link mechanisms of the storage space lid are arranged on both sides and driven by the main drive arranged on the respective main bearing.
US09718329B2
An airflow outlet assembly and a passenger compartment for a vehicle includes a housing defining an aperture extending along a central axis. The housing includes a central support disposed in the aperture proximal to the central axis. First and second outlet components are at least partially disposed in the aperture of the housing. The first outlet component includes a first plate and a first vane extending outwardly from the first plate toward the central axis. The second outlet component includes a second plate and a second vane extending outwardly from the second plate toward the central axis. The first and second outlet components are rotatable concurrently with each other to change the position of the first and second plates and the first and second vanes relative to the housing such that the first and second plates selectively close and open the aperture.
US09718327B2
A flow control baffle apparatus for a vehicle heater is provided. The flow control baffle apparatus implements a flow control function of a fluid passing through the interior of a heater and improves the heat transfer performance of the heater. The flow control baffle apparatus for a vehicle heater includes a plurality of heater pipes that are disposed within the interior of a heater and a baffle pivotably disposed at both sides of the heater pipe to adjust the flow of a fluid. Wherein the baffle adjusts the flow rate of a fluid passing through the heater.
US09718320B2
An axle link for a motor vehicle includes a body-side connecting element and a wheel-side connecting element. The connecting elements are connected to one another by a rod element, comprised of a metal rod and a reinforcement casing. The metal rod is made of a ductile material and is anchored in the reinforcement casing at the connecting elements. The reinforcement casing is made of a brittle material and has a predetermined breaking point at a longitudinal position between the connecting elements.
US09718296B2
The present disclosure relates generally to physical object authentication. In some embodiments, methods and apparatus relate to physical object authentication through comparison of randomly or pseudo-randomly occurring features with expected features. In some cases digital watermark or other indicia is used to convey the expected features. Of course, other combinations, embodiments and features are disclosed.
US09718282B2
A printer maintenance guide device includes a guide command button for commanding a maintenance guide for a maintenance work, and a moving image memory storing moving images for successively and continuously displaying a whole process of the maintenance guide from start to end at once on a display unit by the operation of the guide command button.
US09718279B2
A label medium and an apparatus for manufacturing the label medium are provided. The label medium includes a release sheet and an adhesive sheet temporarily adhered to the release sheet. The adhesive sheet has a base layer and an adhesive layer provided on the base layer. The adhesive sheet includes a plurality of label parts printed on the base layer and a frame part provided outside the label parts. The adhesive sheet is cut along an outline of each of the label parts. The frame part includes a peeling direction indicating portion to indicate a peeling direction in which the frame part is peeled off from the release sheet, the peeling direction being substantially perpendicular to one side of the outline of the label part.
US09718278B2
An image forming apparatus comprising: a color ink applying unit configured to apply color ink to a print medium; a clear ink applying unit configured to apply a plurality of clear inks to the print medium to cover the applied color ink, each clear ink of the plurality of clear inks having a degree of glossiness that is different from each other; and a determining unit configured to determine an amount ratio of each clear ink to each other clear ink of the plurality of clear inks in accordance with the degree of glossiness indicated by the glossiness data and to determine an amount of each clear ink of the plurality of clear inks such that the determined ratio is satisfied and such that the clear inks cover the applied color ink and print medium at approximately 100% area coverage.
US09718275B2
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a head, a head holder, a carriage, a supply tube, a reference member, a first guide, and a second guide. The supply tube is led out from the carriage and extended to a first side of the head holder opposite a second side of the head holder at which the head holder is hooked on the reference member. The supply tube is disposed in a state in which, in plan view, the supply tube projects from an entry portion of the second guide beyond an end of the head holder in a main scanning direction. At least a portion of the first guide to guide the supply tube is disposed closer to the head holder, in plan view, than a position at which the supply tube projects farthest beyond the end of the head holder in the main scanning direction.
US09718270B2
A liquid discharge head includes a plurality of nozzles to discharge liquid droplets; a plurality of piezoelectric elements, each corresponding to a corresponding one of the plurality of nozzles and disposed along a nozzle alignment direction along which the plurality of nozzles is aligned; an actuator member on which the plurality of piezoelectric elements is aligned; and wiring disposed along the nozzle alignment direction, connected to the plurality of piezoelectric elements, and included in the actuator member, the wiring including a first wiring pattern to which the plurality of piezoelectric elements is connected, the first wiring pattern including a near side proximal to and a far side distal from a source of a drive signal for the piezoelectric elements. The near side and the far side are connected via a second wiring pattern.
US09718267B2
A method is disclosed for electroforming metal screen. The method deposits photoresist over a mandrel, and then exposes the photoresist with light through a plurality of openings in a photo tool to form hardened resist pillars. Unexposed photoresist is removed without affecting the resist pillars. The method then electroforms the metal screen in areas free of the hardened resist pillars such that the metal screen forms apertures defined by each of the resist pillars, a space between at least two of the resist pillars defining a support bar that forms at a reduced thickness as compared to portions of the metal screen that are not between the resist pillars. Finally, the method detaches the metal screen from the mandrel.
US09718262B2
A method of roll forming a plurality of composite components. The method includes the steps: (a) laying a plurality of blanks onto a carrier strip, each blank including a stack of sheets of uncured composite material contacting a respective contact part of the carrier strip; (b) after step (a), forming the blanks and their respective contact parts of the carrier strip with a desired cross-sectional profile by passing the carrier strip carrying the blanks through a series of sets of rollers, each set of rollers performing an incremental part of a bending operation until the desired cross-sectional profile is obtained; (c) after step (b), separating the blanks along with their respective carrier strips from the rest of the carrier strip; and (d) before or after step (c), curing the blanks.
US09718259B2
A multilayer injection molded article containing a layer (A) containing a polyamide resin (A), and a layer (B) containing a resin (B) as a major component, wherein the polyamide resin (A) contains from 25 to 50% by mol of a diamine unit, which contains a particular diamine unit in an amount of 50% by mol or more; from 25 to 50% by mol of a dicarboxylic acid unit, which contains a particular dicarboxylic acid unit in an amount of 50% by mol or more; and from 0.1 to 50% by mol of a particular constitutional unit.
US09718257B2
A pliable bentwood laminate with an intermediate layer (2) forming a central layer, having first and second surface sides, a first outer timber layer (3) on the first surface side, and a second outer timber layer (4) one the second surface side, wherein the distance between the outer surface of the first and second outer timber layers (3, 4) is at least 8 mm, wherein the first and the second outer timber layers (3, 4) are formed from rotary cut balsawood veneer, wherein density of the first and second outer timber layers (3, 4), with a residual moisture content of 12% by weight with respect to the timber mass, is less than 200 kg/m3, wherein the first and second outer timber layers (3, 4) have lathe checks (5) on one surface side, wherein the first and second outer timber layers (3, 4) are arranged with the surface side having the lathe checks (5) faces away from the intermediate layer (2), wherein the bentwood laminate can be and/or is curved with an inner bending radius of between 100 mm and 250 mm, wherein the intermediate layer is a directional timber layer, a natural axis of the bentwood laminate runs in the intermediate layer, and wood grain of the directional intermediate layer runs at right-angles to longitudinal extent of the lathe checks (5).
US09718244B2
A free standing, portable and hand operated beverage can crushing apparatus to crush individual cans and allow them to drop into a storage container. Included is a rigid support frame that holds the angled crushing chamber where the cans are inserted. A lid is pivotally attached to the top of the support frame above the chamber. Attached to the lid is a ram that holds a roller head assembly that engages the can while the wheels on the roller head rotate across the end cap of the can as external force is continually applied to the lids extended lever arm in a downward motion causing the can to be crushed. The lever arm when raised slightly from the closed position will allow the crushed can to fall by gravity from the chamber into the receptacle that is capable of holding numerous cans.
US09718236B2
A method of manufacturing a custom sized plastic tote lighter in weight than heretofore known custom sized plastic totes is provided. The method comprises separating an injection molded tote into upper and lower portions by cutting the injection molded tote. A sleeve or middle portion of plastic material is secured to the upper and lower portions of the injection molded tote to create a custom sized plastic tote of a desired height. Alternatively, portions of different injection molded totes may be used to create a custom sized plastic tote. The sleeve may be made from different materials and may be made of multiple pieces.
US09718235B2
Corner joints and methods of forming corner joints are described herein. The corner joints may provide the appearance of a mortise and tenon joint on both the exterior and interior surfaces of the corner joint, but include a mitered connection within the joint. Structures including at least one of the corner joints are also described.
US09718234B2
An imprint lithography apparatus uses a mold having a pattern formed thereon and transfers the pattern to an imprint material fed to a substrate. The apparatus includes a light-receiving element; a detection system that irradiates a mark formed on the substrate and a mark formed on the mold with light which is reflected therefrom, and guides the light reflected from the mark formed on the substrate and from the mark formed on the mold to the light-receiving element; a relay optical system that causes the light reflected to focus between the mold and the detection system; an illumination system that emits illumination light for curing the imprint material; an optical element having a surface that transmits one of the illumination light and the light from the detection system and reflects the other; and a plate-shaped optical member that corrects aberration of the relay optical system.
US09718229B2
An injection molding machine that uses a mold and a native controller to operate according to an original mold cycle to mold plastic objects is retrofitted with a retrofit controller; the retrofitted machine uses the mold and the retrofit controller to operate according to a retrofit mold cycle to mold plastic objects. When molding according to the retrofit mold cycle, the injection molding machine uses lower temperatures, when compared to molding according to the original mold cycle.
US09718225B2
Injection molded parts with a small dimension that exhibit high heat resistance are described. Thermoplastic compositions that can be utilized to form the injection molded parts are described. The thermoplastic composition includes a polyarylene sulfide and a crosslinked impact modifier. The thermoplastic composition can also include siloxane polymers, thermoplastic elastomers, or other additives that can further improve the characteristics of the injection molded parts.
US09718224B2
An injection-molded circuit carrier is provided that has an outside and an underside and an inner base region and a frame. The frame has an inside and a cover surface, so that the inner base region is enclosed in the manner of a frame, and multiple printed conductors are provided, which are spaced a distance apart. The printed conductors are guided at least partially from the inside to the underside via the cover surface and via the outside so that at least two metal surfaces are formed on the underside, which are each electrically connected to a printed conductor and are spaced a distance apart. The metal surfaces are designed to be significantly wider than the printed conductors for the purpose of forming a capacitive sensor.
US09718218B2
A multi-component micro-pellet useful as a consumable material for making objects by powder based additive manufacturing is disclosed. A method of making said micro-pellet is also disclosed. An object made by using said micro-pellets is also disclosed.
US09718212B2
A second mold is placed on a planar surface of a first mold to form a first mold cavity, which is filled with a first material slurry containing a first material powder and the molded slurry is caused to set, thereby forming a first molded part on the planar surface of the first mold. A third mold is placed on the planar surface of the first mold from which the second mold is removed and on which the first molded part is formed, thereby forming a second mold cavity. The second mold cavity is filled with a second material slurry which contains a second material powder different from the first material powder so as to mold the slurry in contact with the first molded part. The molded slurry is caused to set, thereby forming a second molded part on the planar surface of the first mold.
US09718210B1
A method of fabricating a wooden perch which is affordable, has a reduced chance of infection or infestation, and provides increased comfort for animals. The method of fabricating a wooden perch generally includes the steps of providing a piece of wood and using a wood crafting assembly to create natural, randomized contours along the exterior of the piece of wood to complete the wooden perch. The piece of wood is rotated along its length across a wood crafting assembly in two opposite directions to create an interwoven sine-wave pattern along its length. Random parts of the wood are then applied to the wood crafting assembly at random angles with random pressure levels to create a natural contour along the length of the perch. Mounting hardware may be included to aid in securing the perch to various surfaces, such as an indoor bird cage or an outdoor bird feeder.
US09718198B2
Devices and methods for use in removing the foliage from stems of leafy vegetables and sprigs of herbs are shown and described. The device has a body that is sized and shaped to fit comfortably into a one hand. The body can be generally flat and can have at least one edge following a convex curve. A trimming blade projects outwardly from at least a portion of the convexly curved edge of the body. A selection of apertures of different sizes extends through the body. The user can select an aperture large enough to allow the stem to pass through, but too small for the foliage to pass through. During use, a user can use the trimming blade to trim off unwanted parts from a sprig of herb or a piece of leafy vegetable, pass the sprig through a selected aperture sized to remove the foliage therefrom, and cut the foliage to the desired size by rocking the trimming blade along its length over the foliage.
US09718194B2
A robotic gripper includes a gripper palm, a first pair of adjacent fingers extending from the palm, each finger in the first pair of fingers including a first link coupled to a second link by a rotatable joint, and a second pair of adjacent fingers extending from the palm, each finger in the second pair of fingers including a first link coupled to a second link by a rotatable joint. A web member is attached to the first pair of adjacent fingers, the web member having a web portion having a gripping face, the web portion disposed between a first one of the first pair of adjacent fingers and a second one of the second pair of adjacent fingers.
US09718192B2
The present disclosure illustrates a system for automatically and precisely positioning a robotic arm and method thereof. A control computing apparatus of the present disclosure controls a probe of the robotic arm to touch one of the positioning devices, and acquires a moment variation of each of the axes from a moment sensing device of the robotic arm, and then computes the distance between a geometric center of the touched positioning device and a coordinate origin according to a geometric feature of the touched positioning device, and then positions the robotic arm according to the moment variations of the axes and the distance between the geometric center of the touched positioning device and the coordinate origin. Therefore, the technical effect of quickly, precisely positioning the robotic arm without the error accumulation can be achieved.
US09718190B2
Tool position and identification indicator displayed in a boundary area of a computer display screen
An endoscope captures images of a surgical site for display in a viewing area of a monitor. When a tool is outside the viewing area, a GUI indicates the position of the tool by positioning a symbol in a boundary area around the viewing area so as to indicate the tool position. The distance of the out-of-view tool from the viewing area may be indicated by the size, color, brightness, or blinking or oscillation frequency of the symbol. A distance number may also be displayed on the symbol. The orientation of the shaft or end effector of the tool may be indicated by an orientation indicator superimposed over the symbol, or by the orientation of the symbol itself. When the tool is inside the viewing area, but occluded by an object, the GUI superimposes a ghost tool at its current position and orientation over the occluding object.
US09718189B2
A robot teaching device for teaching a robot offline, capable of setting target, advance and rotation angles of a tool, so that a flat and stable posture of the tool can be obtained. The teaching device has: a storing part which stores a combination of a plurality of processing portion shapes and the target and advance angles associated with each processing portion; a first setting part which sets the target and advance angles associated with the selected processing portion shape, as target and advance angles with respect to the designated processing portion shape; and a second setting part which rotates the tool about a longitudinal axis thereof while maintaining the target and advance angles, so as to calculate the rotation angle of the tool, wherein a height of a face plate of the robot from a horizon plane in the virtual space is maximum at the rotation angle.
US09718182B2
A swivel handle assembly is disclosed. The swivel handle assembly comprises a ball attachment, a handle, and a friction pin. The handle is a hollow elongate cylinder with openings at each end of the handle. The ball attachment fits within the first end of the handle and extends through the first opening. The handle is rotatable around the ball attachment. The friction pin is inserted through the second end of the handle. The friction pin extends through the body of the handle and engages the ball attachment. When the friction pin is fully engaged against the ball attachment the handle is locked into position. The user can position the handle on the ball attachment in a desired position and lock the handle in place during use.
US09718180B2
A power tool includes a motor housing defining a first air chamber with a first air inlet that receives a motor. A handle extending from the motor housing defines a second air chamber with a second air inlet that receives an electronics control module. A third air chamber with an air outlet receives a fan coupled to the motor output shaft. The fan: (a) pulls a first ambient airstream through the first air chamber from the first air inlet and into the third air chamber, bypassing the second air chamber, to cool the motor; (b) pulls a second ambient airstream through the second air chamber from the second air inlet and into the third air chamber, bypassing the first air chamber, to cool the electronics module; and (c) exhausts the first and second airstreams from the third air chamber via the air outlet.
US09718179B1
A striking tool having an improved attachment mechanism to safely and securely attach the head of the tool to the tool handle. In one configuration, the attachment mechanism has a key at the upper end of the handle that is sized and configured to be received in and engage a cooperatively configured keyway on the lower side of the head. In another configuration, the attachment mechanism has a connecting element with an elongated body that extends through a tubular body portion at an upper section of the handle and into a passageway in the head. In yet another configuration, the striking tool has both attachment mechanisms. A striking member made out of harder material can be utilized for the striking portion of the head. The connecting element can connect to an aperture in the striking member. A side nail puller can be positioned on the outer surface of the handle.
US09718178B2
An automatic staple remover in a gun-shaped housing comprises a trigger that engages a series of levers and one or more springs that ultimately engage a rotating tumbler. Alternatively, the trigger engages an electric motor and gears, or a pneumatic motor and lever arrangement, or a combination of levers and motors to engage the rotating tumbler. Around the perimeter of the tumbler are one or more teeth capable of sliding under a staple. Positioned below the tumbler a removable receptacle catches removed staples. Additionally, the automatic staple remover can include stapler components side-by-side in the same housing that can be engaged by a common trigger. Stapler components comprise a series of levers and springs, a blade assembly, and a plurality of staples in a sleeve. Alternatively, stapler components can include pneumatic motor components or electric motor components.
US09718177B1
Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a tool set for the installation and removal of a gasket from a hose. The tool set may include a gasket insertion tool configured to install a gasket on a hose, the gasket insertion tool being self-centering and having a plunger foot configured to install the gasket onto the hose. The tool set may also include a gasket removal tool configured to remove a gasket from a hose, the gasket removal tool being self-centering and including at least one blade configured to grab onto the gasket to remove the gasket from the hose.
US09718174B2
A hand tool assembly with magnetic securing device includes a body, a sleeve, a collar and two resilient pieces. The body has a first space and a first groove. The sleeve has a first passage, a second space, a third space, a first distance and a fourth space. A magnetic part is located in the second space. A clip is engaged with the first groove and movable within the third space. A collar is secured in the fourth space to restrict the clip to prevent the body from dropping form the sleeve. The collar has two resilient pieces received therein and each resilient piece has a third engaging portion which contacts the outer periphery of the body to provide friction when the sleeve is moved relative to the body. A driving piece is connected to the body and drives a bolt or a screw which is attracted by the magnetic part.
US09718171B2
The present invention relates to a rapid adjustable wrench, the wrench is provided with a worm rotation window on the lower side of the fixed wrench head, the support holes are provided on the both sides of the window, the support holes are the elongated aperture holes that enable the pin shift can radially moving up and down, the spring locating holes are provided on the lower side face of the elongated aperture holes respectively, the spring holds up the pin shaft to prompt the engagement of the teeth of the worm with the teeth of the adjustable wrench head; the length of the spring after the depress at least ensure that the length of the radial displacement of the worm teeth does not exceed the height of the adjustable wrench head teeth, the adjustable wrench head teeth have at least one tooth on the top end of the clamping face side, which height higher than that of the subsequent other teeth. The invention has a simple structure, convenient to use, holding the handle of the wrench with hands and pinching the worm with thumb and forefinger simultaneously to pull it down, such that it can quickly adjust the opening size of the clamping face, improving the using efficiency of the adjustable wrench; the settings for the different teeth height of the adjustable wrench head, in the case of the adjustable wrench head does not removed when achieve the adjustment of the opening size of the clamping face, reducing the processing operation to the adjustable wrench, saving the expense.
US09718165B2
A shaft for rotationally coupling a main device to a tubular device includes a first free end that is configured to be introduced into the tubular device, and a second end configured to be secured to the main device. The shaft also defines at least a first bearing region along an outer circumference that is configured to form a contact in a hollow accommodating region of the tubular device, and further includes at least one torque-transmitting section configured to engage with a torque-transmitting section of the tubular device. A securing device of the shaft includes a locking device that, in a locked state, is configured to prevent the securing device from being dismounted, and that, in an unlocked state, is configured to enable the tubular device to be dismounted. The securing device further includes an interlocking device that is arranged on the first end of the shaft, and that enables locking and unlocking the locking device.
US09718159B2
A tool may be configured at least with a fastener that can be accessed with a shaped bit. A controller portion of the tool can be arranged to predict bit deflection that enables a tool configuration to be adapted in response to actual bit deflection to conform to the predicted bit deflection.
US09718144B2
A large surface area ultrasonic block horn includes one or more shaped elements having a node at a mid-point of the shaped element that is narrower than opposed ends of the shaped element.
US09718141B2
Embodiments described herein include wireless control of a welding power supply via portable electronic devices. In particular, operating parameters and statuses of the welding power supply may be modified by the portable electronic device, as well as be displayed on the portable electronic device. For example, in certain embodiments, the welding power supply may be an engine-driven welding power supply, and the portable electronic device may be configured to start and/or stop an engine of the engine-driven welding power supply. A pairing procedure may be used to pair the welding power supply and the portable electronic device in a wireless communication network. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, a method of prioritization of control between a control panel of the welding power supply and the portable electronic device may be implemented.
US09718131B2
The present disclosure relates to a process and an apparatus for producing powder particles by atomization of a feed material in the form of an elongated member such as a wire, a rod or a filled tube. The feed material is introduced in a plasma torch. A forward portion of the feed material is moved from the plasma torch into an atomization nozzle of the plasma torch. A forward end of the feed material is surface melted by exposure to one or more plasma jets formed in the atomization nozzle. The one or more plasma jets being includes an annular plasma jet, a plurality of converging plasma jets, or a combination of an annular plasma jet with a plurality of converging plasma jets. Powder particles obtained using the process and apparatus are also described.
US09718128B2
With a view to adding, to an upper nozzle formed with a bore having a shape capable of creating a less energy loss or smooth (constant) molten steel flow to suppress the occurrence of adhesion of inclusions and metals in molten steel, a gas injection function to thereby further suppress the occurrence of the adhesion, the present invention provides a method of using an upper nozzle configured to have a cross-sectional shape of a wall surface defining the bore, taken along an axis of the bore, comprising a curve represented by the following formula: log(r (z))=(1/n)×log((H+L)/(H+z))+log(r (L)) (n=1.5 to 6), where: L is a length of the upper nozzle; H is a calculational hydrostatic head height; and r (z) is an inner radius of the bore at a position downwardly away from an upper edge of the bore by a distance z. The method comprises using the upper nozzle in such a manner as to satisfy the following relationship: RG≦4.3×VL, where RG is a gas rate defined as a volume ratio of a flow rate QG (Nl/s) of injection gas to a flow rate QL (l/s) of molten steel flowing through the bore (RG=(QG/QL)×100(%)), and VL is a flow speed of the molten steel at a lower edge of the upper nozzle.
US09718126B2
An example mold assembly system includes a mold assembly including a mold forming a bottom of the mold assembly, a funnel operatively coupled to the mold, and an infiltration chamber defined at least partially by the mold and the funnel, the infiltration chamber being used for forming an infiltrated downhole tool. A mold assembly cap is positionable on the mold assembly and including a sidewall extendable about an outer periphery of the mold assembly at least partially along a height of the mold assembly. The sidewall exhibits a horizontal cross-sectional shape that accommodates a shape of the mold assembly and the sidewall is made of a thermal material that promotes directional solidification of the infiltrated downhole tool during fabrication.
US09718123B2
Provided are a die casting method and a die casting apparatus for preventing molten metal from being unexpectedly supplied into a sleeve under decompression. Molten metal supply control for pumping up molten metal with an electromagnetic pump and supplying the molten metal into a sleeve in a state of decompressing a cavity of a die and the inside of the sleeve attached to the die, including: moving the surface of the molten metal, with the electromagnetic pump, from a standard position to the side opposite to a supply direction of the molten metal; decompressing the cavity and the inside of the sleeve; and weakening force of the electromagnetic pump, which pumps down the molten metal to the side opposite to the supply direction to supply the molten metal into the sleeve.
US09718119B2
The present invention is directed to a set of golf clubs comprising long irons, mid-irons and short irons. The irons have a progressive horizontal CG location. Preferably, the long and MID irons have a CG located between about 1 mm and 3 mm towards the hosel and the short iron CG is located between about 3 mm and 4 mm toward the hosel. Further the irons can have a substantially constant blade width with progressively increasing toe height and progressively decreasing scoreline width.
US09718116B2
The invention relates to a method for the production of hot-finished, particularly hot-rolled, seamless pipes having optimized fatigue properties in the welded state, having an outside diameter of up to 711 mm and a nominal wall thickness of up to 100 mm, made of metal, in particular steel. After hot or finish rolling, a defined pipe cross-section is produced on at least one pipe end across a predetermined length, having tight tolerances for inside and outside diameters, wherein the cross-section can then be welded to the pipe end of another pipe. According to the invention, in a region a wall thickness is created in a first step at the pipe end in question, the thickness being bigger than on the remaining pipe body, wherein the outside diameter is increased and/or the inside diameter is reduced. In a second step, the required pipe cross-section is produced in said region by mechanical treatment, and the transition from the treated to the untreated region of the pipe is produced with low surface roughness and almost notch-free, and the residual wall thickness remaining in the treatment region is within the required tolerances.
US09718111B2
A fintube includes a body having a first fin, a second fin and a tube section. A first overlap fold is provided between the first fin and the tube section. The first overlap fold includes an open groove. A second overlap fold is provided between the second fin and the tube section. A seam includes a second overlap fold received and held in the groove of the first overlap fold. Methods for making a fintube are also disclosed.
US09718105B2
An indirect thermal desorption device with two-section screw conveyors, includes: an upper skid and a lower skid below the upper skid. An upper layer thermal desorption chamber, a feeding hopper, an feed airlock, an air pre-heater, a blower; a first quench spray tower, a second quench spray tower, a demister and an induced draft fan are provided in the upper skid. A lower layer thermal desorption chamber, an activated carbon filter tank, a combustion chamber, a discharge hopper and an discharge airlock are provided inside the lower skid. A first screw conveyor is provided in the upper layer thermal desorption chamber, and an upper layer fume jacket is covered on the upper layer thermal desorption chamber. A second screw conveyor is provided in the lower layer thermal desorption chamber, and a lower layer fume jacket is covered on the lower layer thermal desorption chamber.
US09718103B2
The present invention provides devices or systems and a method for remediating a soil comprising contaminants, comprising the steps of: —introducing in said soil at least one perforated column for contaminant extraction from a contaminated region of said soil; in close proximity of said at least one perforated column introducing at least one non-perforated column for providing heat to said contaminated region of said soil; providing heat to said at least one non-perforated column; extracting said contaminant vapor containing said soil contaminants out of said contaminated region of said soil into said at least one perforated column; removing said contaminant vapor from said at least one perforated column, thereby providing remediated soil; wherein said at least one perforated column and said at least one non-perforated column are connectable to at least one surface-located device comprising a combustion, a heating and control unit for heating and thereby cleaning said soil.
US09718098B2
CMOS Ultrasonic Transducers and processes for making such devices are described. The processes may include forming cavities on a first wafer and bonding the first wafer to a second wafer. The second wafer may be processed to form a membrane for the cavities. Electrical access to the cavities may be provided.
US09718093B2
The invention relates to a friction ring, in particular for wet-running clutches or transmissions, having a carrier (10) and a friction lining (12) with a friction lining starting material (20) being a mixture at least of a thermosetting binder and a filler, and with the friction lining starting material (20) having a non-flowable, pasty processing consistency and the friction lining (12) having a solid final consistency after processing on the carrier (10). The invention further relates to a method producing such a friction ring.
US09718089B2
An intermediate piece includes an upper element and a lower element, and a check valve including a head and a spring element exerting an opening pressure on the head. The check valve is arranged between the upper element and the lower element at the first or second passage and is configured such that a first or second passage can be closed by the check valve and such ay that the first or second passage is opened when a dispensing pressure counteracting the opening pressure is applied at least at the respective flowable component.
US09718085B2
A dispensing system for dispensing fluid onto a substrate includes a manifold having internal passageways for fluid flow and one or more driving gears, a drive arm mounted on the manifold, the drive arm movable between first and second positions, and having a drive motor configured to drive the one or more drive gears. The system further includes one or more pump assemblies mounted on a top surface of the manifold, each pump assembly formed as a rotary gear pump having a gear train including two gears. One of the gears is disposed in meshed relationship with a respective drive gear of the one or more drive gears. The system also includes a filter block for filtering the fluid, one or more nozzles for dispensing the fluid onto the substrate, an applicator or nozzle adapter, and one or more valve assemblies for controlling flow of the fluid to the one or more nozzles.
US09718084B2
A fluid application device having a contact nozzle assembly with a fluidic oscillator is provided. The fluid application device includes an applicator head and a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes a first conduit configured to receive a first fluid from the applicator head, a second conduit configured to receive a second fluid from the applicator head and an application conduit including a receptacle and first and second branches. The receptacle is fluidically connected with the first conduit and configured to receive the first fluid. The first and second branches are fluidically connected to the second conduit and receptacle and are configured to receive the second fluid. The nozzle assembly further includes an orifice fluidically connected to the application conduit and configured to discharge the first fluid for application onto a strand of material, and a guide slot extending from the orifice and configured to receive the strand of material.
US09718078B1
A piezoceramic based atomizer for atomizing high viscosity liquid is provided. The atomizer comprises a storing tank as a reservoir for storing the liquid, a receiving tank connecting to the storing tank, a piezoceramic based nozzle for forming micro-droplets of the liquid, and an external ultrasonic oscillation circuit. The nozzle comprises a liquid absorbing medium with at least one sunk area at one end for pumping and delivering the liquid, a holder for holding the absorbing medium, a micro-perforated membrane whose one side is attached on the side of the liquid absorbing medium having the sunk area, and an annular piezoceramic adhered to the other side of the membrane. The nozzle is configured such that the sunk area can balance the feeding rate and atomization rate of the liquid as well as hold the back pressure underneath the micro-perforated membrane, facilitating forming micro-droplets of the high viscosity liquid continuously.
US09718076B2
A sprinkler side frame coupling device including: a side frame coupled to support frames each having a locking step formed on top thereof and having a body, first bending portions formed on both sides of the body, a horizontal portion formed from each first bending portion, a second bending portion, a space portion formed on each first bending portion, pin support portions, long holes formed on the pin support portions, shaft support portions, and inclined projection portions; a locking pin having a shape of ‘U’ fitted to the long holes; and coupling members each having a plurality of inclined teeth.
US09718071B2
The invention proposed refers to a Multifunctional cold macro- and micro-spray spraying machine, techniques known as “coldspraying” and “coldfogging” done automatically and independently by a single spray machine, making it a multifunctional spray machine able to perform shock treatments and to maintain atmospheric deinsecting, disinfection, deodorizing and odorizing depending on the liquid formulation of active agents dosed.
US09718063B2
The invention relates to a press roll (1) for a roll press, in particular for comminuting highly abrasive materials, comprising a roll body (2) which has a plurality of pocket-like recesses (3) that are distributed over the circumference and are spaced from one another in the circumferential direction (T) on one or both roll edges, each said recess being formed so as to be open laterally and at the top. Only one hard body is removably inserted into each individual pocket-like recess (3) as an exchangeable edge protection element (5), and the length (L) of the pocket-like recesses (3) and the length (I) of the inserted edge protection elements (5) in the circumferential direction (T) is greater than the distance (A) between two directly adjacent recesses (3).
US09718053B2
A porous honeycomb structure including multiple co-catalyst particles and multiple inorganic binder particles of smaller particle diameter than the co-catalyst particles. Each co-catalyst particle is comprised of a ceria-zirconia solid solution. The inorganic binder particles reside between the co-catalyst particles. In the honeycomb structure, an exposure fraction of the co-catalyst particles from the inorganic binder particles on a cross-section of the honeycomb structure is within a range of 3 to 10%.
US09718052B2
Bi-functional cobalt-containing catalysts useful for making stereospecific compounds and compositions, along with methods of making, and uses thereof in the syntheses of optically pure β-lactones from aldehydes and ketene are described. Precursors, intermediates, compositions, and particular features of the use if the compositions, such as high enantiomeric selectivity, high yield and low mole percent of catalyst useful are provided.
US09718047B2
Disclosed is a method for separating a chlorine-containing species from an aqueous solution of the chlorine-containing species in a catalytic hydrocarbon conversion process that includes the step of oxidizing a spent chloride-containing hydrocarbon conversion catalyst, the spent hydrocarbon conversion catalyst including a hydrocarbon residue formed thereon. The oxidizing forms a flue gas including chlorine-containing species, water, and oxides of carbon. The method further includes contacting the flue gas with a water scrubbing stream to dissolve at least a portion of the chlorine-containing species in the water scrubbing stream to form an aqueous acid solution and contacting the aqueous acid solution with a hygroscopic liquid to generate dehydrated hydrogen chloride gas. Still further, the method includes contacting the dehydrated hydrogen chloride gas with additional spent chloride-containing hydrocarbon conversion catalyst to sorb chlorine onto the additional spent chloride-containing hydrocarbon conversion catalyst.
US09718039B2
Apparatus and method in which a solid or liquid additive is dispensed within a mixing chamber for mixing with a fluid from the pressurized fluid flow line and is effective mixed in a vortex under vacuum while precluding contamination of the unused additive.
US09718036B2
The invention provides a method for the preparation of a carrier liquid which comprises the steps of: (I) preparing a single phase solution comprising: (a) a solvent or a mixture of miscible solvents, (b) a liquid carrier material, which is soluble in solvent (a), and (c) a dopant material which is also soluble in solvent (a); (II) cooling (preferably freezing) the single phase solution produced in step (I) to a temperature at which at least both the solvent (a) and carrier material (b) become solid; and (III) removing solid solvent (a) from the cooled (frozen) single phase solution in vapor form, such that the remaining cooled (frozen) carrier material (b) and dopant material (c) are returned to ambient temperature thus providing a product of liquid carrier material (b) having dopant material (c) dispersed therein.
US09718032B2
One method as described herein relates to making a membrane comprising an uncrosslinked high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymer with a small amount of bulky diamine. These uncrosslinked high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymers with a small amount of bulky diamine are useful in forming polymer membranes with high permeance and good selectivity that are useful for the separation of fluid mixtures. Also as described herein is a hollow fiber polymer membrane comprising an uncrosslinked high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymer with a small amount of bulky diamine. The small amount of bulky diamine allows for formation of a membrane comprising the uncrosslinked polymer that exhibits high permeance and good selectivity.
US09718018B2
A filter cleaning system for cleaning a filter element is provided. The filter cleaning system includes a set of pulse nozzles and a compressed air supply, which rotate together during a cleaning cycle to release pulse blasts at predetermined time intervals to clean the filter element.
US09717996B1
A single-side-clamped slide has a slide body and a fixing assembly. The fixing assembly has a connecting rod mounted on the slide body, and at least one clamping unit. Each clamping unit has a hook and an abutter mounted through and screwed with the hook. When in use, the clamping unit is mounted around a rear side of a tread of an open riser stairway, and abuts downward against a top surface of the tread. Then, the abutter is rotated until tightly abutting upward against a bottom of the tread, such that the clamping unit and the abutter securely clamp the tread. Therefore, the fixing assembly can be stably connected to the tread even though only clamping the rear side of the tread. In addition, the slide can be adapted to treads with different front-rear lengths since the fixing assembly only clamps one single side of the tread.
US09717987B2
A frame storage stores an image obtained by imaging a region of at least part of the body of a user. A vital sign signal detector detects a signal sequence of a vital sign that cyclically varies from plural imaged regions of the body of the user by using captured images of a predetermined number of frames stored in the frame storage. A correlation calculator obtains the correlation between the signal sequences of the vital sign detected from the respective imaged regions of the body. An identity determining section determines whether or not the respective imaged regions of the body belong to the same user based on the correlation between the signal sequences of the vital sign detected from the respective imaged regions of the body.
US09717983B1
A race management system is described. In one aspect, a race is chosen and an interested/committed selection is made. If “interested” is selected, the race management system prioritizes races, updates and displays a race menu, and updates and displays an interested/committed list. A TEL (Tentative Entry List) database can notify trainers when they have horses that are interested in a race that has made the TEL. Updates are sent to and/or received from the TEL database. If “committed” is selected, the race management system executes similar steps as if “interested” was selected. In another aspect, a one-day TEL template is uploaded, protocol races are inserted into the template, and prioritized races are transferred from the TEL database to the template. Based on this prioritization, the one-day TEL is constructed.
US09717981B2
Augmented reality and physical game techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an indication is received by a computing device of a location of a physical gaming piece of a game. An augmentation is computed based on the indication by the computing device to be displayed as part of the game. The augmentation is displayed by the computing device on a display device that is at least partially transparent such that a physical portion of the game is viewable through the display device concurrently with the augmentation.
US09717980B2
In a first aspect, there is described an optical system for monitoring a ball play volume of a roulette wheel. The optical system comprises an electronic image detector and a reflector arranged to reflect light from a ball play volume of a roulette wheel onto the electronic image detector. The electronic image detector is configured to form an image of the ball play volume from the reflected light. In a second aspect, there is described a method of monitoring a ball play volume of a roulette wheel. The method comprises the steps of using a reflector to reflect light from the ball play volume, and forming an image of the ball play volume from the reflected light. In a third aspect, there is described a method of manufacturing an optical system for monitoring a ball play volume of a roulette wheel. The method comprises the steps of providing an electronic image detector, and providing a reflector arranged to reflect light from a ball play volume of a roulette wheel onto the electronic image detector.
US09717978B2
An electric vehicle may comprise a board including deck portions each configured to receive a foot of a rider, and a wheel assembly disposed between the deck portions. A motor assembly may be mounted to the board and configured to propel the electric vehicle using the wheel assembly. At least one orientation sensor may be configured to measure orientation information of the board, and at least one pressure-sensing transducer may be configured to determine rider presence information. A motor controller may be configured to receive the orientation information and the rider presence information, and to cause the motor assembly to propel the electric vehicle based on the orientation and presence information.
US09717977B2
Sliding device (1) for sliding on snow, whereby the sliding device (1) includes at least two skis (2) that extend in a longitudinal direction (L), whereby the at least two skis (2) are mounted next to one another and parallel to one another, whereby the at least two skis (2) are tiltable around separate horizontal axes of rotation (H) that are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the skis (2), whereby the sliding device (1) includes at least one support (7) that is rotatable around a vertical shaft (9), whereby the sliding device (1) is provided with a transmission (10, 11, 12) to convert a rotation movement of the support (7) around the vertical shaft (9) into a tilting movement of the skis (2) around their respective axes of rotation (H).
US09717975B2
A mouth guard includes a pair of spaced-apart molar receiving members with an inner wall extending therebetween. The inner wall is configured for insertion between a user's lips and teeth. An outer wall is configured to confront an exterior surface of the user's lips. A conduit extends between the inner and outer walls and includes a passage formed therethrough. The passage extends through the inner wall between the molar receiving members and extends through the outer wall whereby a user may breathe or drink through the passage.
US09717972B2
A golf training apparatus which provides technical information not inclusive of proper stance in relationship to the ball placement correcting poor foot alignment, speed and angle of proper golf club swing, proper foot placement, proper stance, club control, and targeted site alignment information to the golfer. The apparatus provides a straight line of site to the intended target to be hit by the golf ball projectile and simultaneously indicates proper position of the ball in relationship to the target to be hit, the golfer's feet and stance. Proper ball placement is determined by intersecting laser beams. Embodiments of the invention will determine the proper swing, distance between the foot and the rail and the ball and the rail by ultrasonic transducers, ultrasonic sensors, and accelerometers. The information of proper foot placement, stance, and swing will be communicated to the golfer by gradient colored light indicators, and digital information display.
US09717970B2
A sleeve for improving a swinging motion of a user wearing the sleeve includes a tubular portion and a primary member. The tubular portion has a first opening and a second opening. The tubular portion configured to directly engage an arm portion of the user, wherein the arm portion extends from the first opening to the second opening. The primary member is substantially adjacent a first opening of the tubular portion, wherein the primary member is removably attached or permanently attached to the sleeve. The thickness of the primary member is greater than a thickness of the tubular portion for providing feedback to the user when the primary member is in contact with a torso of the user.
US09717968B2
An ice hockey practice target is provided, the target comprising a first substantially tubular portion, including a first end attached to a base and a second end constructed and arranged to engage an upper horizontal goal crossbar, and a second tubular portion attached to the base, the second tubular portion constructed and arranged to engage and secure a lower end of a vertical goal post.
US09717959B2
Golf clubs and golf club head structures having an indicator providing a visual indication of a location of a center of gravity of a wood-type golf club are presented. The indicator may include a central portion or hub that is generally aligned with the center of gravity of the club. The indicator may also include a plurality of legs extending outward from the hub toward a perimeter of the golf club head. In some arrangements, the indicator may be formed to distribute a portion of the weight of the club head in order to adjust or move the center of gravity of the club head, in addition to providing a visual indication of the location of the center of gravity.
US09717953B1
A swim training paddle for swimmer's hands having: a plate member with a first surface and an opposed second surface and a leading edge and a trailing edge; the opposed first surface and second surface being separated by a leading edge and a trailing edge on opposed ends thereof; the plate member formed to mount to the swimmer's hand with the first surface contacting the players hand; at least two elastic strips forming each forming separate arcs on the first surface and extending out of the second surface; the plate member covering all phalanges and metacarpal bones in swimmers' hands secured to the plate member have an area inset into the plate above the wrist above the ulna so flexing and pronating of the wrist does not allow the trailing edge to be forced into wrist within 2 cm of the ulna.
US09717940B1
A trampoline suspension mount and connection system with an elongated bedrail that is pivotally attached to a telescoping vertical stand. The telescoping vertical stand has a first tubular member, a second tubular member, and a base plate. The second tubular member fits telescopically inside of the first tubular member. A top end of the second tubular member is configured to form at least one channel into which an end of the bedrail is inserted. The first and second tubular members contain a shock absorber assembly.
US09717936B2
A sprinkler assembly that includes a frame having a body including an inlet, an outlet and an internal passageway extending between the inlet and the outlet to define a longitudinal sprinkler axis. Two frame arms extend distally from the body, and each arm has a portion defining a cross-sectional area with a lateral surface and a medial surface spaced about a first plane bisecting the body with the sprinkler axis disposed in the first plane. An axially aligned thermally responsive glass-bulb type trigger is disposed along the sprinkler axis. The cross-sectional areas of the frame arms are asymmetrical with respect to one another about the first plane and each cross-sectional area is asymmetric about a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. The lateral surface of each arm includes an undulation to provide the sprinkler assembly with substantially consistent thermal sensitivity about the sprinkler axis.
US09717920B1
The present invention relates to methods for tuning treatment parameters in movement disorder therapy systems. The present invention further relates to a system for screening patients to determine viability as candidates for certain therapy modalities, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS). The present invention still further provides methods of quantifying movement disorders for the treatment of patients who exhibit symptoms of such movement disorders including, but not limited to, Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism, Dystonia, Chorea, and Huntington's disease, Ataxia, Tremor and Essential Tremor, Tourette syndrome, stroke, and the like. The present invention yet further relates to methods of tuning a therapy device using objective quantified movement disorder symptom data acquired by a movement disorder diagnostic device to determine the therapy setting or parameters to be provided to the subject via his or her therapy device. The present invention also provides treatment and tuning remotely, allowing for home monitoring of subjects.
US09717918B2
Cochlear implant headpieces with improved antenna positioning.
US09717916B2
One embodiment provides a system for determination and utilization of cardiac electrical asynchrony data. The system includes an analysis circuitry including a processor and a memory, the analysis circuitry configured to: obtain a plurality of sets of cardiac signals collected in at least two locations of a heart of a patient, the signals comprising at least one of surface electrocardiography signals and pseudo-surface ECG signals; detect one or more QRS complexes for each of the sets based on the cardiac signals for that set; obtain one or more cross-correlation signals, each of the cross-correlation signals being between at least two of the signal sets and being obtained using the detected QRS complexes from the signal sets; and calculate one or more asynchrony indices using one or more of the cross-correlation signals, each of the asynchrony indices being indicative of a level of asynchrony between the at least two locations.
US09717906B2
An exemplary system may include a sound processor that is communicatively coupled to a cochlear implant implanted within a patient. The cochlear implant may include a current generation circuit (402) in series with a capacitor (418) and a voltage measurement circuit (422). The sound processor may 1) direct the cochlear implant to enable the current generation circuit for a time interval, causing a current to flow to the capacitor, 2) direct the cochlear implant to use the voltage measurement circuit to measure a voltage change across the capacitor that occurs during the time interval, and 3) determine a current level of the current that flows from the current generation circuit to the capacitor. A corresponding method is also described.
US09717904B2
A non-invasive electrical stimulator shapes an elongated electric field of effect that can be oriented parallel to a long nerve, such as a vagus nerve in a patient's neck, producing a desired physiological response in the patient. The stimulator comprises a source of electrical power, at least one electrode and a continuous electrically conducting medium in contact with the electrodes. The conducting medium is also in contact with an interface element that may conform to the contour of a target body surface of the patient when the interface element is applied to that surface. When the interface element is made of insulating (dielectric) material, and disclosed stimulation waveforms are used, the power source need not supply high voltage, in order to capacitively stimulate the target nerve. The stimulator produces a peak pulse that is sufficient to produce a physiologically effective electric field in the vicinity of a target nerve.
US09717890B2
The object of providing a cerebrospinal fluid drainage system 1 which reacts precisely to changes in pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid, with ease of operation, is achieved by the present invention in that a pump 5 is used for draining the cerebrospinal fluid (liquor), wherein operating measured values supplied by sensors act as controlled variable for the operation of the pump. The pressure in the liquor line currently measured by a pressure sensor 10, the liquor pressure in the intracranial cavity being treated, measured intracorporeally by a pressure sensor, and/or the volume of liquor already pumped out, as operating measured value, can, for example, serve as the basis for operational control of the pump of the liquor drainage system. The liquor drainage system according to the invention has the advantage that the liquor is drained not only simply on the basis of the excess pressure in the intracranial cavity being treated, but is actively pumped out of the intracranial cavity in a controlled manner, in particular with constant measurement of the liquor pressure. In this way the pumping capacity can be regulated depending on requirement and the drainage pressure or the liquor pressure kept reliably within a specific pressure range.
US09717884B2
A catheter that prevents excessive concentration of stress while providing sufficient flexibility to a distal end portion of the catheter, even when the catheter is inserted and curved in patient's a blood vessel. Thus, breakage of the catheter at a radiopaque marker is prevented/reduced. The catheter includes a catheter tube and the radiopaque marker, which is disposed in the catheter tube. The radiopaque marker is fixed in the catheter so that a gap is provided between the radiopaque marker and the catheter tube in a radial direction of the catheter tube.
US09717883B2
A multi-lumen catheter including an elliptical cross-sectional profile configuration that enhances fluid flow rate while minimizing the average diameter of the catheter body is disclosed. In one embodiment the catheter includes an elongate catheter tube defining a plurality of lumens. At least a portion of the longitudinal length of the catheter tube may define an elliptical cross section, in turn defined by a major axis and a minor axis. In one embodiment, a ratio of the major axis to the minor axis of the elliptical cross section is between about 1.3 and about 1.4. The catheter body can define two, three, or more lumens. In one embodiment, a dual-lumen catheter tube includes an aspect ratio of about 1.1:1, and each lumen thereof includes an inner surface defined by a plurality of radii and an hourglass-shaped septum.
US09717880B2
A personal airway humidification apparatus includes means for generating a heated air laden with gaseous (molecular) water. The personal airway humidification apparatus further includes an accumulator coupled to the generating means for retaining a volume of the gaseous water-laden heated air prior to being delivered by natural breathing to a user and a delivery tube coupled to the accumulator. The delivery tube has a sufficiently large diameter bore to enable the user's natural breathing to draw the gaseous water-laden heated air from the accumulator and through the delivery tube. The personal airway humidification apparatus also includes a one-way valve coupled to the delivery tube for venting exhalations of the user to atmosphere and preventing the exhalations from being exhaled back into the delivery tube and an interface device by which the gaseous water-laden heated air enters the user's mouth from the delivery tube.
US09717869B2
A modular compressor assembly comprises a common motor assembly, an impeller, a blower housing and an engagement mechanism. The common motor assembly includes a stator housing containing a stator assembly and having a rotor magnet rotatably disposed therewithin. The impeller is mounted to and rotatable with the rotor magnet. The blower housing is selectable from among a plurality of blower housings each having a different cross-sectional geometry. The engagement mechanism is formed on the stator housing and/or the blower housing and allows interchangeable mounting of different blower housing configurations to the common motor assembly in order to achieve varying flow characteristics of the compressor assembly.
US09717868B2
A pressurized flow of breathable gas is delivered to the airway of a subject in accordance with a therapy regimen. The therapy regimen calls for maintenance of an average tidal volume. The therapy ensures that the subject breaths at a therapeutic breath rate. The breath rate may be determined dynamically based on breathing of the subject early on in a therapy session and/or based on a detected wakefulness of the subject. Inspiration for spontaneous and non-spontaneous breaths may be supported at different levels. The therapy regimen further maintains a beneficial positive end expiratory pressure, to reduce respiratory obstructions and/or for other purposes.
US09717867B2
In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating an aerosol inhalation device (10), comprising the steps of transporting a certain amount of an aerosol to a desired location outside said device (10) and vibrating the transported aerosol when it has reached said desired location. In a second aspect, the invention relates to an aerosol inhalation device (10) comprising a pump (1) for flowing a certain amount of an aerosol to a desired location outside the device (10), a vibrator (2) for vibrating the transported aerosol in a vibration mode and a control configured to actuate the vibrator (2) for vibrating the flowed aerosol only when it has reached said desired location.
US09717865B2
The present invention relates to a fluid delivery system that comprises a fluid container having a chamber structured to hold a fluid therein and a delivery device operable to control delivery of a fluid from the chamber of the fluid container. The fluid container includes a geometric mating member extending from an outer surface thereof. The delivery device includes a geometric mating receptacle structured to mate with at least a portion of the geometric mating member of the fluid container to verify compatibility of the fluid container with the delivery device. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid container may include a first data fixture component and the delivery device may include a second data fixture component that cooperates with the first data fixture component of the fluid container to verify compatibility of the fluid container with the delivery device.
US09717858B2
A gasket for prefilled syringe according to the present invention is a gasket for prefilled syringe that includes a fluid contacting portion, a sliding portion with a circumferential surface, a film layer made of a fluororesin coated on the fluid contacting portion and sliding portion and further, and a coating layer including trimethylsiloxysilicate laminated on the film layer covering the sliding portion.
US09717857B2
The invention relates to a medical injection device comprising a container body (1) and a stopper (2) in gliding engagement within the container body (1) for expelling a fluid (3) through an opening of said container body (1), wherein: —at least the distal portion (20) of the stopper (2) that is in contact with the fluid (3) is made of a thermoplastic polyolefin, —the stopper (2) further comprises at least one O-ring (4, 4′) maintained in at least one peripheral groove (210, 210′), —said O-ring (4, 4′) is made of a butyl-type rubber; and —the cross-section of said peripheral groove (210, 210′) is designed so as to compress both axially and radially the O-ring (4) when said O-ring (4) is engaged in the peripheral groove (210) between the stopper (2) and the inner wall (10) of the container body (1).
US09717850B2
A device (100) for delivering a medicament into a patient's body by injection into or through the patient's skin, including: a main body having a bottom enclosure (104) that has a top surface including a button guide latch (268); a reservoir (160) disposed within the main body for containing the medicament; an injection needle (152) for penetrating the skin of the patient, the needle (152) having a lumen and communicating with the reservoir (160) when the device (100) is activated; a pressurizing system (140, 144) for pressurizing the reservoir (160) when the device (100) is activated; and an activator button (128) movably disposed on the main body and movable from a pre-activated position to an activated position. The activator button (128) includes an activation arm (228). When the activator button (128) moves from the pre-activated position to the activated position, an end of the activation arm (228) engages with the button guide latch (268) and prevents return movement of the activator button (128).
US09717849B2
Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may include an occlusion sensor that can be used to detect when an occlusion exists in the fluid path between the medicine reservoir and the infusion site on the user's skin. Such an occlusion may occur, for example, when the fluid flow line (e.g., a cannula, infusion set tubing, or the like) is kinked. If the medicine dispensation path to the user is occluded, the user may receive no dosage or a lower dosage of the medicine. As such, the occlusion sensor can be used to indicate when the fluid is flowing or not flowing, thereby permitting the infusion pump system to communicate an alarm to the user if an occlusion exists.
US09717847B2
Apparatus for delivering a quantity of fluid to bone marrow of a bone or providing access to remove fluids from a target site is provided. The apparatus may include a driver, a plunger operating and cartridge assembly mechanism, a cartridge assembly having a fluid reservoir and a bone penetrating needle.
US09717844B2
A cabinet structure for an infusion system includes a platform, on which the system is mounted, and a shell surrounding an interior space, which contains at least a portion of the system. The shell preferably includes an opening that is sized and oriented to allow a lowering of a radioisotope generator, for the system, into the interior space, and a lifting of the generator out from the interior space. The shell may further include another opening, located at a higher elevation than the aforementioned opening, in order to provide access to a waste bottle of the infusion system.
US09717842B2
Systems and methods for the washing and processing of biological fluid/biological cells are disclosed. The systems and methods utilize a disposable fluid circuit including a spinning membrane separation device to wash the biological cells.
US09717830B2
A system and method of drawing blood from the heart of a patient. The system includes a blood pump, an outflow cannula, and a flexible cannula assembly. The flexible cannula assembly includes a cannula body, a tip, and first and second anchors. The cannula body includes a proximal end coupled to the inlet of the blood pump, a distal end including a first locking element coupled to the tip. The first anchor has a first plurality of arms and is coupled to the tip and adapted to engage the internal surface of the heart wall. The second anchor includes a second plurality of arms and a second locking element and is slidably positioned on the outer wall of the cannula body and adapted to engage the first locking element of the distal end of the cannula body to couple the second anchor to the external surface of the heart wall.
US09717817B2
Cellulosic pulp structures integrating unreacted quantities of an inorganic peroxide and a destabilizing acid, as binary components of an odor control system, absorbent articles incorporating such structures, and various methods of forming the same, are disclosed herein. The components are adapted to react in the presence of an aqueous fluid to produce hydrogen peroxide, thereby providing an antimicrobial and odor mitigating effect.
US09717811B2
A multi-panel sterilization assembly that includes a barrier panel formed of permeable material having barrier properties, side tabs that include grip portions for folding or unfolding the barrier panel; and a fold protection panel. The barrier panel has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a first edge and a third edge, each such edge being generally perpendicular to the first end, and a midpoint to generally delineate the barrier panel into a content receiving region extending from approximately the first end to the midpoint and a content covering region extending from the midpoint to approximately the second end. The side tabs are located between the first end and the midpoint of the barrier panel and at or near the first edge and the third edge. The fold protection panel is in juxtaposed communication with the barrier panel such that after folding the content covering region and the first and third edges over the content receiving region, the fold protection panel covers them.
US09717810B2
A system for treating an enclosed area may include a plurality of fogging devices each including a housing, a fluid reservoir, a compressor coupled to the fluid reservoir, an atomizing nozzle in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, a first wireless transceiver, and a first processor coupled to the compressor and the wireless transceiver. A wireless communications device may include a second wireless transceiver and a second processor to identify the fogging devices within the enclosed area based upon the first and second wireless transceivers, determine respective fogging times for the fogging devices based upon a size of the enclosed area and a number of the foggers identified within the enclosed area, and initiate a treatment cycle during which, on a coordinated schedule, the first processor of each fogging device causes its associated compressor to dispense fluid into the enclosed area via the atomizing nozzle for the respective fogging time.
US09717805B2
The present invention relates to an image enhancing composition for the enhancement of contrast in a body cavity, wherein the viscosity of the composition is between 2000 and 4000 mPa·sec. It also relates to a method for enhancing contrast of an image of a body cavity, which method comprises introducing one single small amounts of an image enhancing composition into the body cavity. In another aspect, the present invention provides a high contrast image of a body cavity obtained by the method of the invention, in particular a 3-dimensional high contrast image.
US09717799B2
The present invention provides implants comprising a therapeutic drug and a polymer containing polylactic acid (PLA) and optionally polyglycolic acid (PGA). The present invention also provides methods of maintaining a therapeutic level of a drug in a subject, releasing a therapeutic drug at a substantially linear rate, and treating schizophrenia and other diseases and disorders, utilizing implants of the present invention.
US09717797B2
Nanoparticles comprise a drug, a first block polymer and a second block polymer. The first block polymer has a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) block and a polycarbonate block bearing a side chain aromatic nitrogen-containing heterocycle (N-heterocycle). The N-heterocycle can be in the form of a base, a hydrosalt of the base, a sulfobetaine adduct of the base, or a combination thereof. The second block polymer has a PEO block and a polycarbonate block bearing a side chain catechol group, which can be present as a catechol, oxidized form of a catechol, and/or a polymerized form of a catechol. The nanoparticles can be dispersed in water and are capable of controlled release of the drug.
US09717795B2
Disclosed are a HPPH lyophilized powder injection for injection and the preparation method thereof. The HPPH lyophilized powder injection contains HPPH, auxiliary solvents, solubilizing agents, excipients, and pH adjusting agents. The HPPH lyophilized powder injection is loose and has good resolubility, low moisture, and good stability.
US09717794B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for characterizing, diagnosing and treating cancer. In particular, the present invention identifies LGR5 as a protein over-expressed in solid tumor stem cell. The present invention further identifies an interaction between RSPO1 and LGR5 as an alternative pathway for the activation of beta-catenin signaling. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides biomolecules that disrupt functional signaling via a LGR protein, including, in certain embodiments, molecules that inhibit the interaction between one or more RSPO proteins and one or more LGR proteins, such as LGR5. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods of treating cancer comprising disrupting functional LGR signaling and inhibiting growth of a solid tumor comprising solid tumor stem cells.
US09717789B2
The present invention relates, in general, to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and, in particular, to a method of inducing neutralizing antibodies to HIV and to compounds and compositions suitable for use in such a method.
US09717788B2
The present invention relates to, inter alia, a method of raising an immune response against a pathogen which comprises administering (i) one or more first immunogenic polypeptides derived from said pathogen; (ii) one or more adenoviral vectors comprising one or more heterologous polynucleotides encoding one or more second immunogenic polypeptides derived from said pathogen; and (iii) an adjuvant; wherein the one or more first immunogenic polypeptides, the one or more adenoviral vectors and the adjuvant are administered concomitantly. The invention also relates to vaccines, pharmaceutical compositions, kits and uses employing said polypeptides, adenoviral vectors and adjuvants.
US09717787B2
Provided herein are recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) strains as improved vaccines against infection with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV virus) and to related products, methods and uses. Specifically, provided herein are genetically engineered recombinant MVA vectors comprising at least one nucleotide sequence encoding an antigenic determinant of an RSV membrane glycoprotein and at least one nucleotide sequence encoding an antigenic determinant of an RSV nucleocapsid protein. Also provided herein are products, methods and uses thereof, e.g., suitable to affect an immune response in a subject, or suitable to diagnose an RSV infection, as well as to determine whether a subject is at risk of recurrent RSV infection.
US09717773B2
New Lactococcus lactis strains, NRRL B-50571 and NRRL B-50572, and a bacterial preparation containing the same, have the ability to produce bioactive peptides that reduce blood pressure, lower LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and present antioxidant properties for better cardiovascular health. These biologically active peptides may be produced within the food for the production of a food product, such as a functional food, or they may be produced from protein sources and subsequently added to a food as part of the formulation or as part of a food supplement or a pharmaceutical preparation.
US09717772B2
Methods for the prevention and treatment of ocular disorders, in particular glaucoma, through blocking the toxic effects of β-amyloid (Aβ) derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions for effecting such prevention and interval treatment thereof.
US09717760B2
The invention is in the field of therapeutic treatment of tumors. The inventors have found that microvesicles derived from adult stem cells exert a remarkable anti-tumor effect when administered to a patient affected by a tumor disease. Preferred microvesicles are derived from a bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cell, a glomerular mesenchymal stem cell or a non-oval liver stem cell.
US09717755B2
The present invention concerns methods of treating systemic, regional, or local inflammation from a patient suffering or at risk of inflammation comprising administration of a therapeutically effective dose of a sorbent that sorbs an inflammatory mediator in said patient. In some preferred embodiments, the sorbent is a biocompatible organic polymer.
US09717747B2
Oral dosage forms of osteoclast inhibitors, such as nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, such as zoledronic acid, can be used to treat or alleviate pain or related conditions.
US09717738B2
The present invention relates to the field of antimicrobial agents. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of aerosolized fluoroquinolones formulated with divalent or trivalent cations and having improved pulmonary availability for the treatment and management of bacterial infections of the lung and upper respiratory tract.
US09717732B2
The invention provides a composition which comprises (a) a PDE3/PDE4 inhibitor which is 9,10-Dimethoxy-2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenylimino)-3-(N-carbamoyl-2-aminoethyl)-3,4,6,7-tetrahydro-2H-pyrimido[6,1-a]isoquinolin-4-one or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof and (b) a β2-adrenergic receptor agonist.
US09717724B2
Provided are methods for treating pancreatic cancer in a patient by administering liposomal irinotecan (MM-398) alone or in combination with additional therapeutic agents. In one embodiment, the liposomal irinotecan (MM-398) is co-administered with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin.
US09717720B2
The present invention is directed to processes for making and compositions containing quinolines such as formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof wherein: X1 is H, Br, CI, or X2 is H, Br, CI, or n1 is 1-2; and n2 is 1-2.
US09717718B2
Compositions comprising isolated ido-BR1 are described for use in therapy or prophylaxis, including the treatment of inflammatory diseases (for example as anti-inflammatory drugs) and to reduce inflammation. Also described are methods for monitoring the quality of a Cucurbitaceae extract, to processes for producing a Cucurbitaceae extract as well as to Cucurbitaceae extracts obtainable by such processes.
US09717717B1
Methods and compounds for treating cancer by, for example, modulating immune system activity, are provided.
US09717712B2
The present disclosure is generally directed to antiviral compounds, and more specifically directed to combinations of compounds which can inhibit the function of the NS5A protein encoded by Hepatitis C virus (HCV), compositions comprising such combinations, and methods for inhibiting the function of the NS5A protein.
US09717708B1
The present invention provides a process for preparing an ertapenem-containing lyophilized formulation, comprising the use of hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin as both a cryoprotective agent and a stabilizing agent.
US09717707B2
The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition, comprising or consisting of: 10 to 30 weight percent of at least a pharmaceutically active amount of a pharmaceutical substance selected from the group comprising statins, in particular water-insoluble, oxidatively degradable statins, preferably cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, or combinations thereof, 30 to 70 weight percent of lactose hydrate, 2 to 15 weight percent of microcrystalline cellulose, 5 to 25 weight percent of a partially water-soluble starch, 0.2 to 4 weight percent of at least one alkali and/or alkaline-earth salt of stearic acid and/or stearyl fumaric acid, wherein the composition contains no antioxidatively active substances such as chain terminators, reductants, free-radical scavengers, and complexing agents. The invention further relates to a method for the production thereof, to a composition that can be obtained in the method, and to the use of the pharmaceutical composition according to the invention.
US09717702B2
A method of treating cancer is disclosed comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment a RXR agonist at a level below the RAR activating threshold and at or above the RXR effective dose.
US09717688B2
A process is provided for releasably encapsulating a biological entity. The process comprises combining a solution of a surfactant in a non-polar solvent with a precursor material and the biological entity to form an emulsion. The emulsion comprises a polar phase dispersed in a non-polar phase, wherein the polar phase comprises the biological entity. The particles comprising the biological entity are then formed from the polar phase.
US09717679B1
A method for treating a skin condition of an animal includes identifying an animal skin treatment area having a wound, a scratch or other adverse skin condition; optionally making a determination that the treatment area is at risk for skin maceration; and, in response, applying a skin treatment composition to the treatment area. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises a solid particulate material such as zinc oxide, water and a fluid base material selected from the group consisting of mineral oil, silicone oil, plant-based oil and mixtures thereof. The composition may further include additives such as lanolin, petrolatum, and paraffin, among others. In a preferred embodiment, the applying includes spraying the composition on the treatment area, for example by using an atomizer.
US09717675B2
The present invention provides for an acne formulation comprising an elastomer, dispersant, active and a drug and related methods of manufacture.
US09717672B2
The present disclosure relates generally to compositions for natural and artificial nail coatings, and particularly, but not by way of limitation, to polymerizable compositions that provide improved adhesion-promoting and improved solvent-susceptibility.
US09717666B2
The invention relates to a skin lightening composition, more particularly a composition which derives synergy between an active of natural origin and an active of synthetic origin. The present inventors have judiciously combined a selective salt of a dicarboxylic acid viz. disodium fumarate along with a specific extract of a plant source e.g. Salvia officinalis rich in certain organic aromatic acids to provide for synergic skin lightening benefits. They have further found that inclusion of certain activity enhancers in the composition of the invention improves the skin lightening efficacy.
US09717659B2
Liposomes with cosmetic and/or dermopharmaceutical ingredients for the care of the skin, scalp and/or hair and their use in washing agents and/or sprays for the treatment of textile materials.
US09717656B2
A feeding apparatus includes a food container. The food container includes an open end and a closed end. The food container is provided on a surface thereof with one or more apertures. The food container is made of a resilient material for use with foodstuff.
US09717651B2
A pill crushing apparatus for use with first and second nestable cups comprising a first cup holder which is moved linearly toward a second cup mounting surface holding a second cup. The first cup holder rotates relative to the rotationally fixed second cup. During the crushing process, the pills first may begin to crush against the linear load being applied thereto, and thereafter grind into a fine powder due to the rotational force of the first cup against the second cup. The first cup and second cup have different sidewall angles to promote pill crushing while inhibiting migration of the crush material to prevent the crushed material from reaching the open gap between the top perimeters of the nesting cups. Each cup includes a plurality of lugs having a curved profile configured to engage respective recesses on the cup holders. Each cup is fabricated through thermoforming or vacuum forming techniques.
US09717644B2
Wearable sensors and cybernetic systems that allow one or more operators to interact and control operations of electronic, mechanical, robotic, or biomedical systems, and methods of use in gynecology, female sexual response and female sexual well-being.
US09717641B2
A portable deep vein leg massager apparatus with harness attaching to a human lower leg having a segmented calf surface staged assemblies compressing and decompressing the calf muscle directionally toward the shin. The segmented staged electromechanical assemblies act synchronously to compel deep vein blood vessels to push blood from the ankle towards the heart.
US09717638B2
Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for reducing humidity (i.e., moisture) and/or heat within and/or adjacent a patient support mattress, without requiring any electrical power. A spacer fabric is used to create a non-crushable area of support below a patient's core area, where moisture and heat more commonly buildup. Integrated air cells in the mattress have resilient elements such as open-celled foam interiors. The air cells are connected by air tubing to the spacer fabric, and the mattress is otherwise vented externally from the spacer fabric. As a result, the patient's movement causes air to be expelled from or drawn into the air cells, which in turn results in air movement in the spacer fabric below a patient or user, resulting in cooling effects by removing moisture and/or heat, all without requiring external or internal electrical power.
US09717626B2
Materials and methods for producing localized hypothermia in a patient (e.g., for treatment of acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer).
US09717624B2
The invention concerns the manufacture of personal care articles consisting of compresses having a cooling effect by swelling with water which are presented individually in vacuum packaging. According to the invention, successive doses of powder comprising absorbent particles are placed in grooves formed by elastic deformation in a lower sheet made of water-permeable textile material, which is continuously unwound, and covered with an upper sheet, which is continuously unwound at the same time as the lower sheet. The lower sheet is then heat-welded in the intervals between adjacent grooves thus isolating the grooves from each other. Successive compartments each containing a dose of the powder are then enclosed in each groove by heat-welding the sheets along transverse weld lines across the width of the moving sheet assembly.
US09717620B2
Provided is footwear whereby it is possible to desirably carry out correction and stretching of a transverse arch of a foot. A transverse arch pressure part which protrudes such that a cross-section in the width direction is an arc shape is formed between portions in a foot contact surface of an article of footwear directly below the ball of the large toe and the ball of the little toe, and a pair of runners which do not support the ball of the large toe or the ball of the little toe are formed in the foot contact surface directly below the ball of the large toe and the ball of the little toe.
US09717619B2
Embodiments relate to shoes with ankle support elements, typically including a foot support element and a leg support element which are joined together via a joint to allow the leg support element to pivot with respect to the foot support element. The joint is typically located behind the ankle bone and at a height at least as great as the ankle bone. Straps are typically used to tighten the support elements for a good fit. Embodiments typically are formed so that neither the support elements nor the straps contact the ankle bone. And typically the foot and leg support elements work together to limit supination and adduction, while allowing fairly free extension.
US09717616B2
Methods and devices for treating obesity. Pressure is applied to gastric walls in at least one segment of a stomach such that the pressure distends the gastric walls and induces satiety. A hollow capsule can be used to distend the gastric walls. Alternatively, a doughnut-shaped ring may be inflated to an amount sufficient to create intragastric tension and induce satiety. A c-ring including at least one balloon may be placed at a segment of the stomach, where the balloon inflates to a size that creates tension at the segment. A biocompatible material can be injected into the fundus and antrum of the stomach to stiffen the gastric wall to create a fullness feeling.
US09717611B2
A stent graft (40) for treating Type-A dissections in the ascending aorta (22) is provided with a plurality of diameter reducing suture loops (56-60) operable to constrain the stent graft during deployment thereof in a patient's aorta. The diameter reducing loops (56-60) allow the stent graft (40) to be partially deployed, in such a manner that its location can be precisely adjusted in the patient's lumen. In this manner, the stent graft can be placed just by the coronary arteries (26, 28) with confidence that these will not be blocked. The stent graft (40) is also provided with proximal and distal bare stents (44,52) for anchoring purposes.
US09717608B2
An expandable, bistable open cell design incorporates the following features: a first relatively stiff portion (152) having first and second ends and a first relatively flexible portion (154) connected to the first and second ends of the first relatively stiff portion, the first relatively stiff portion and the first relatively flexible portion substantially surrounding a first open area (156) of the stent structure; a second relatively stiff portion (158) having first and second ends and a second relatively flexible portion (160) connected to the first and second ends of the first relatively stiff portion, the first relatively stiff portion and the first relatively flexible portion substantially surrounding a second open area (162) of the stent structure; and an opening (110) formed through the first relatively stiff portion and the second relatively flexible portion such that the opening connects the first and second open areas, thereby creating first and second intermediate ends (152a, 152b) of the first relatively stiff portion and first and second intermediate ends (160a, 160b) of the second relatively flexible portion. The first intermediate end (152a) of the relatively stiff portion is connected to the first intermediate end (160a) of the relatively flexible portion so as to create a first inward apex (170), the second intermediate end (152b) of the relatively stiff portion is connected to the second intermediate end (160b) of the relatively flexible portion so as to create a second inward apex (172), and the stent structure is configured such that, in a collapsed configuration, the first inward apex (170) is in contact with the second inward apex (172) and, in an expanded configuration, the first inward apex is biased to move in a first circumferential direction and the second inward apex is biased to move in a second circumferential direction that is different than the first circumferential direction.
US09717605B2
A spinal fusion device that is expandable. The device features a top and bottom surface for engaging adjacent vertebrae, a hollow center for stacking of bone or bone growth material, and a slidable mechanism with grooves for expanding or unexpanding the device.
US09717602B2
An intervertebral implant for insertion into an intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies or between two bone portions. The implant includes a spacer portion, a plate portion operatively coupled to the spacer portion and one or more blades for securing the implant to the adjacent vertebral bodies. The blades preferably include superior and inferior cylindrical pins for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant may be configured to be inserted via a direct lateral trans-psoas approach. Alternatively, the implant may be configured for insertion via an anterior approach.
US09717598B2
A prosthetic device for a knee joint includes a body portion and a first keel. The body portion attaches to a bone of a knee joint. The body portion can have a bearing surface configured to replace at least a portion of the bone and an implantation surface configured to face the bone upon implantation. The first keel can be configured to be inserted into a corresponding first keel void formed in the bone. The first feel can be configured to project outwardly from the implantation surface by an amount sufficient to inhibit movement of the body portion relative to the bone in both medial and lateral directions upon insertion into the first keel void. The first keel can extend along a longitudinal direction of the body portion and is offset from a longitudinal centerline of the body portion. Methods of implanting and removing the prosthetic device are also provided.
US09717597B2
An orthopedic prosthesis for use in a hip replacement surgery includes an implantable stem component. The implantable stem component includes a core and a shell extending over the core. The shell includes a polymeric material and is configured to receive a femoral head component. Metal foam may extend over a portion of the shell.
US09717582B2
Various embodiments of an adjustable pessary device are provided. The device can include an elastic ribbon or band, such as Nitinol, encapsulated in a soft or flexible structure, such as a rubber shell. In addition to providing a conforming, comfortable shape, the rubber layer can have additional structures to interface and fit with the anatomical structures within the vagina.
US09717581B2
An incontinence treatment device includes a support and a system of anchors connected to the support. The system of anchors includes a first anchor having a first strand that is captured between a collar and a body of the anchor and is secured to the support, and a second anchor having a second strand attached between the second anchor and the support. The second anchor has first and second protrusions extending outward in a radial direction perpendicular to a long axis of the second anchor, a tissue engaging fin integrated with a leading end portion and oriented in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the first and second protrusions, and a gripping tab removably attached to the tissue engaging fin.
US09717572B2
Systems and processes for the duplication of dentures from existing dentures. The interior and exterior of the dentures are scanned and a best fit procedure is used to create a fully digitized denture. The denture teeth are selected from a library that is the closest fit to the original denture teeth. The library teeth are offset a preset distance to compensate for the best fit. The teeth are then subtracted from the digitized denture. The margins of the denture are then cleaned after subtracting the teeth. The denture base is then ready for manufacturing. The teeth are then installed onto the denture base and provided to the patient.
US09717558B2
An ablation electrode is mounted on the distal end of a catheter with a first portion inside and a second portion outside the catheter. The second portion is adapted to have a surface that makes maximum contact with a tissue to be ablated, leaving a minimum area not covered by the tissue and potentially exposed to blood. The first portion is adapted to provide an extended surface area for efficient exchange of heat with a coolant flowing inside the catheter. Outlets provided near the area not covered by the tissue in the second portion prevents blood from getting close to or come directly in contact with the area, thereby greatly reducing formation of dangerous blood clots. The minimizing of an electrical circuit through blood greatly reduces wasted power into the electrode so that the efficiently cooled electrode is not burdened. The catheter preferably has multiple electrodes with similar features.
US09717557B2
Cardiac ablation catheters and methods of use. Catheters that include an expandable membrane, an imaging member disposed within the expandable membrane, the imaging member having a field of view, a light source disposed within the expandable member adapted to deliver light towards the field of view of the imaging member, and an electrode comprising an outer conductive layer and inner light absorbing layer disposed between the electrode and the expandable membrane, the inner light absorbing layer adapted to absorb light from the light source and thereby reduce reflection of the light from the outer conductive electrode.
US09717541B2
Lamina plates can include various features that allow a surgeon to couple the plate to a vertebra, such as a plurality of receiving holes for receiving a spinal fixation element. The plate can be shaped and the receiving holes positioned such that spinal fixation elements can be installed with reduced exposure of the spine and along a trajectory that enhances purchase with bone. The lamina plate can include one or more features for coupling at least one receiver head to the plate for receiving a spinal stabilization element. Since the receiver head can be coupled to the plate after the plate is implanted, it does not restrict the range of angles or trajectories at which the spinal fixation elements can be installed.
US09717531B2
A method for treating a spine comprises the steps of: fastening a plurality of fasteners with a lateral portion of vertebrae, each of the fasteners including a first element that defines an implant cavity and a second element configured for penetrating the vertebrae; providing a longitudinal element including a portion having a selected curvature; disposing the longitudinal element with the implant cavities such that the portion is disposed in a selected orientation relative to the vertebrae; and moving a first element of at least one of the fasteners relative to the portion such that a second element of the at least one of the fasteners derotates the vertebrae while maintaining the portion in the selected orientation. Systems and implants are disclosed.
US09717528B2
An external fixation system includes top and bottom fixation plates that may be connected to fragments of a bone. At least one y-shaped strut attaches the two fixation plates. Each y-shaped strut has first, second and third telescopic struts coupled at a connector joint. The first strut member is coupled to the top fixation plate and the second and third strut members are coupled to the bottom fixation plate. Each strut member may include a joint and may also include an actuation unit connecting the particular strut member to the top or bottom fixation plate. Rotation of a head portion of the actuation unit causes rotation of a threaded rod, causing adjustment in the length of the respective strut member. As the lengths of the strut members change, the joints may reposition, leading to the top fixation plate becoming repositioned with respect to the bottom fixation plate.
US09717510B2
A method for preparing a bone of a joint of a patient includes mounting a patient-specific reference guide on a bone of a joint of a patient. A connecting portion of the reference guide is coupled to a miniaturized numerically controlled instrument having a housing including a controller, a processor and a tool driver. The patient-specific reference guide has a three-dimensional inner surface preoperatively configured to mirror and mate with a corresponding surface of a bone of a joint of a patient in only one position. The patient-specific reference guide is configured to automatically register the numerically controlled instrument to the patient's bone portion intraoperatively. The cutting tool is guided by the controlled with signals from the processor along a patient-specific tool path determined during the preoperative plan for preparing a portion of the bone.
US09717508B2
A method of preoperative planning and provision of patient-specific surgical aids includes creating a virtual model of a native patient tissue. A virtual device is placed into a predetermined device orientation relative to the virtual model of the native patient tissue. At least one predetermined landmark orientation is specified for placement of at least one virtual landmark relative to the native patient tissue. A virtual patient-specific template containing the predetermined landmark orientation and having a landmark guiding feature is generated. At least one virtual patient-specific placement guide configured to interact simultaneously with at least one previously placed virtual landmark and the virtual device when the virtual device is in the predetermined device orientation is generated. A physical patient-specific template is created as a tangible representation of the virtual patient-specific template. A physical patient-specific placement guide is created as a tangible representation of the virtual patient-specific placement guide.
US09717505B2
An end effector is provided and includes a distal housing portion and a proximal housing portion interconnected to one another by a knuckle portion, wherein the knuckle portion permits rotation of the distal housing portion relative thereto and articulation of the distal housing portion relative to the proximal housing portion; a jaw assembly supported in the distal end of the distal housing portion, the jaw assembly including a first jaw and a second jaw movable between a spaced apart and an approximated position; and a plurality of fasteners loaded within the distal housing portion, each of the plurality of fasteners defining a fastener axis extending in a direction substantially parallel to a pair of legs thereof, each of the plurality of fasteners being arranged within the base portion such that the fastener axis is disposed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the distal housing portion.
US09717501B2
A method is provided for ablating a portion of the myocardium. The method includes inserting an occlusion catheter into a vessel on a heart, occluding the vessel using the occlusion catheter, inserting an ablation catheter into a chamber of the heart, positioning the ablation catheter against the myocardium, and ablating a portion of the myocardium while the vessel is occluded. The system includes an occlusion catheter having a catheter body including a tubular member having a distal portion and a bend located in the distal portion, a balloon located proximal of the bend and configured to contact an inner surface of the CS when positioned therewithin, a plurality of marker bands positioned on the catheter body, and a plurality of electrodes positioned on the catheter body. One or more electrodes or coils can be used as a reference for an electroanatomical system and can be disposed on the occlusion catheter.
US09717496B2
A surgical stapling instrument for performing a circular anastomosis comprises a stapling head assembly, an actuator handle assembly, a shaft assembly, a safety latch, and a locking member. The stapling head assembly includes an anvil that moves relative to a staple holder and a staple driver to drive staples from the staple holder into tissue and against the anvil. The actuator handle assembly has a first actuator that controls motion of the anvil and a second actuator that controls motion of the staple driver. The shaft assembly couples the stapling head assembly to the actuator handle assembly. The safety latch prevents operation of the second actuator when the gap between the anvil and staple holder is outside a predetermined range. The locking member is configured to prevent adjustment of the anvil gap after the desired staple height has been set inside the predetermined range.
US09717495B1
An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch.
US09717493B1
An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one tissue segment forming a stitch.
US09717492B2
A suture anchor driver has an elongated shaft, a handle at a proximal end of the shaft an anchor engagement at a distal end of the shaft and a clutch between the handle and the shaft. The clutch includes a slot for frictionally engaging a suture an engagement with the shaft and an engagement with the handle. The engagement with the shaft and the engagement with the handle are located with respect to one another such that driving torque applied to the handle urges open the slot to release its frictional engagement of the suture.
US09717490B2
Disclosed is a tissue anchor system and a kit of parts for surgical anchor placement including a needle having a length of suture attached to a trailing end of the needle. An opposite second end of the suture is provided with a stopper. The kit of parts further includes a plurality of surgical anchors each including an anchor body having a through-going lumen extending from a first opening in a proximal end to a second opening in a distal end. Each of the anchors is provided on the length of suture between the first and the second ends of the suture. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a kit of parts and a method of attaching a surgical implant inside the body of a patient.
US09717477B2
Provided is a technique that implements harmonic imaging in an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, being unaffected by the voltage-dependent distortion and nonlinear characteristics of the transmit system in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that incorporates the transmit amplifier, the ultrasound probe, and the like, facilitating adjustment of the transmit voltage, and achieving a frame rate substantially equivalent to that of the conventional PI method. In the amplitude modulation method that synthesizes the transmit acoustic fields, thereby eliminating a basic wave component of an acoustic wave and creating an image from nonlinear component echoes being extracted, one transmit and receive out of plural transmits and receptions to obtain one scanning line also serves as the transmit and receive for obtaining other scanning line. The echo signals obtained by the shared transmit and receive are used to form the receive beams respectively on both the scanning lines that share the transmit and receive.
US09717466B2
A device for processing alarms includes a processor and a computer-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform various operations. The operations include receiving a first alarm from a first diagnostic device and determining a location associated with a first user. When the location associated with the first user is determined to be proximate to a device, the operations further include presenting a first verbal alert indicating that the first diagnostic device is presenting the first alarm. When the location associated with the first user is determined to be not proximate to the device, the operations further include sending a first notification message to a first mobile device of the first user indicating that the first diagnostic device is presenting the first alarm.
US09717464B2
Various embodiments of methods and systems for continuous transdermal monitoring (“CTM”) are disclosed. One exemplary method for CTM begins by monitoring an output signal from an accelerometer. The accelerometer output signal may indicate acceleration and deceleration of a body part of a user, such as the user's wrist. Based on the accelerometer output signal, it may be determined that the body part of the user has decelerated to a minimum, e.g., substantially zero. With a determination that the body part has decelerated to the minimum, e.g., substantially zero, or has not accelerated beyond the minimum, e.g., substantially zero, the method may determine a reading from a pulse oximeter associated with the accelerometer. Advantageously, the pulse oximetry reading, or a reading from other sensors associated with the accelerometer, may be optimally accurate as motion artifact may be minimized. The pulse oximetry reading may be recorded for later query and/or rendered for the benefit of the user.
US09717450B2
Generally, embodiments of the invention relate to analyte determining devices (e.g., electrochemical analyte monitoring systems) that include an indicator element that provides information relating to service history of the analyte determining devices, including, for example, previous use of the analyte determining devices. Also provided are systems and methods of using the, for example electrochemical, analyte determining devices in analyte monitoring.
US09717442B2
Disclosed is a method and system for navigating an instrument relative to a patient that can be near a field distorting feature. A localizer can generate an electromagnetic field that is sensed by a tracking device to determine a location of the tracking device with the sensed electromagnetic field. The system and related method can assist in determining whether a navigation field is distorted near a tracking device of the instrument.
US09717424B2
Characterization of a fitness monitor based on its operation enables a processor to account for variations in device operating modes and biometric characteristics of the user. The fitness monitor includes an emitter (e.g., LED) for transmitting light toward skin of the user, a receiver (e.g., photodiode) for receiving a reflection of the transmitted light, a photometric front end for generating a photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal based on the received reflection, and a processor configured to select an intensity level for the emitter based on a comparison of a determined component of the PPG signal and a reference value. The reference value, which may characterize the fitness monitor based on a determined variability or range of the PPG signal, may be utilized by the processor to improve or maintain the signal quality of the PPG signal to enable determination of a cardiac component and/or reduction of power consumption by the fitness device.
US09717422B2
An intravascular sensor system including an array of pressure and/or temperature sensors for detecting pressure and/temperature. In one example, the sensors are interrogated with an optical catheter. In this example, the swept source is able to acquire both image and pressure/temperature data of a patient's vessel or artery. In another example, the intravascular pressure sensor system has a sheath embedded with pressure sensors in the sheath wall. Other examples include the process of making and using the intravascular pressure sensor system.
US09717421B2
In one example, this disclosure is directed to a kit for intravascular implantation of an implantable medical device within a patient, the kit comprising an elongated outer sheath forming an inner lumen with a distal opening, the outer sheath sized to traverse a vasculature of the patient, and an elongated inner sheath with an enlarged distal portion, wherein the enlarged distal portion is configured to substantially fill the inner lumen and close-off the distal opening of the outer sheath. The enlarged distal portion is slidable relative to the outer sheath. The inner sheath further includes a tether with a helical element that is remotely controllable from a proximal end of the inner sheath to release the implantable medical device from a distal portion of the outer sheath.
US09717420B2
Implantable apparatuses or biosensors for facilitating imaging-based diagnoses and methods thereof are disclosed. An implantable apparatus is configured to exhibit a form when subjected to a first physical parameter indicative of a first physiological state, and a second form when subjected to a second physical parameter indicative of a second physiological state.
US09717416B2
Exemplary embodiments disclose an optical zoom probe including an aperture adjuster configured to adjust an aperture in which light transmitted by a light transmitter passes, a focus adjuster configured to focus the light passed through the aperture and adjust a focal length to an ultra-close location and a close location, and a filter which includes a center region in which incident light passes without change, and a filter region which surrounds the center region and increases a depth of focus (DOF) of light that is focused on the ultra-close location.
US09717413B2
A biocompatible, human implantable apparatus and a method for fully encasing a circuit within a polymer housing. The method may include placing the circuit in a mold, injecting a formulation into the mold, and polymerizing the formulation. The formulation may include monomers and polymers. The apparatus may include a circuit in a polymerized formulation of monomers and polymers.
US09717412B2
A wireless fetal and maternal monitoring system includes a fetal sensor unit adapted to receive signals indicative of a fetal heartbeat, the sensor optionally utilizing a Doppler ultrasound sensor. A short-range transmission unit sends the signals indicative of fetal heartbeat to a gateway unit, either directly or via an auxiliary communications unit, in which case the electrical coupling between the short-range transmission unit and the auxiliary communications unit is via a wired connection. The system includes a contraction actuator actuatable upon a maternal uterine contraction, which optionally is a EMG sensor. A gateway device provides for data visualization and data securitization. The gateway device provides for remote transmission of information through a data communication network. A server adapted to receive the information from the gateway device serves to store and process the data, and an interface system to permits remote patient monitoring.
US09717404B1
An apparatus for generating simulated images includes an input device, a processor and a display device. The input device is configured to input information on a pupil of an eye and design information for a multifocal lens. The processor is configured to generate, based on the inputted pupil information and design information, a simulated image that is visible to the eye when the multifocal lens is disposed in the eye. The display device is configured to display the simulated image generated by the processor.
US09717401B1
A surgical headlight system includes an adjustable headband, a light assembly mounted to the headband, a motor assembly mounted to the headband and the light assembly, and electronic controller having a wireless transceiver therein, a power control circuit for varying electrical power delivered to a light source of the light assembly, a power source in electrical communication with the light assembly, the motor assembly, and the wireless transceiver, and a sterilizable wireless controller configured to transmit instructions to the wireless transceiver, the instructions causing the electronic controller to one or more of actuate at least one motor of the motor assembly to alter an orientation of the light assembly, adjust a diameter of an aperture of the light assembly, adjust a spacing between one or more condensing lenses and an objective lens, or operate the power control circuit to increase or decrease electrical power delivered to the light source.
US09717397B2
A reinforced arthroscope comprising external ribs to provide for a number of separate fluid channels, such as inflow, outflow and interstitial tissue drainage, when the arthroscope is slipped into a disposable external sheath. The external sheath includes projections that fit closely on either side of one or more of the external ribs to lock the sheath in place circumferentially relative to the arthroscope. The arthroscope is constructed to be sufficiently rigid so as to penetrate and move within a joint without damaging the rod optics inside. The externality of the arthroscope channels allow for cleaning and sterilizing the scope between uses.
US09717394B2
A lint remover cover is provided. The cover is a substantially flat and bendable sheet having a first end, a second end, an upper surface, a lower surface, and an edge about the perimeter. A strap is attached to the upper surface and protrudes past the edge on the first end. A connector is attached to the upper surface near the second end and releasably attaches to the strap. The cover is wrapped around a lint roller covering the adhesive tape. The strap connects to the connector to further secure the cover to the lint roller.
US09717387B1
Apparatus and methods for training and operating of robotic appliances. Robotic appliance may be operable to clean user premises. The user may train the appliance to perform cleaning operations in constrained areas. The appliance may be configured to clean other area of the premises automatically. The appliance may perform premises exploration and/or determine map of the premises. The appliance may be provided priority information associated with areas of the premises. The appliance may perform cleaning operations in order of the priority. Robotic vacuum cleaner appliance may be configured for safe cable operation wherein the controller may determine one or more potential obstructions (e.g., a cable) along operating trajectory. Upon approaching the cable, the controller may temporarily disable brushing mechanism in order to prevent cable damage.
US09717386B2
A liquid extraction cleaning device comprises a vacuum pump, a liquid pump, a cleaning solution tank, a recovery tank, first and second spray nozzles, a spray selection switch, a vacuum inlet port, an agitator assembly, and a handle. The spray selection switch controls whether liquid is expelled from the second spray nozzle when liquid is expelled from the first spray nozzle. The agitator assembly comprises first and second agitators. The first agitator is configured to rotate. The second agitator is configured to reciprocate. The handle is pivotally connected to the rest of the liquid extraction cleaning device and is lockable in several pivotal orientations. The handle can also be pivoted forward from a rearwardly extending direction to an extent that it extends forward horizontally.
US09717366B2
A method and apparatus for opening and closing a door of a beverage forming machine, e.g., for accessing a beverage forming station. The door may be opened by retracting the door into an interior space of the housing, e.g., by moving the door rearwardly. When at the closed position, at least one edge of the door may be flush with an adjacent outer housing portion.
US09717363B2
The present invention provides a water tank type steamer. The water tank type steamer includes a base which defines a recess therein. A plurality of steam racks which are hollow are inserted into the recess by stacking one by one from top to down. The bottom of a side wall of each steam rack is bent inwards to form a stage. An outside wall of the stage is nested in the top of the side wall of the lower steam rack. A rack bottom for holding food is put on the inner side of the stage. The bottom of the recess arranges a water storage pool. A through slot and a jack are disposed on the base. The through slot communicates the water storage pool and the jack. The jack connects a water tank. The outlet of the water tank orientates downwards to communicate with the jack.
US09717358B2
A combined belt and necktie rack described herein hangs belts via pegs through holes in their leather straps rather than by the buckles. If the pegs are made from small-diameter, rigid materials the belts can effortlessly be slid onto the pegs through a hole in the strap. The pegs easily support the belts' weight, and if the pegs are long enough, they will accommodate neckties being draped over the pegs as well. The end of each peg may be bent horizontally at a right angle to the rest of the peg, for the belt to be hung. In this fashion, belts and neckties are parallel to each other and lay flat against each other, rather than a space-consuming perpendicular arrangement. The pegs may be coupled to a frame piece which may thereafter use mounting blocks to either statically or dynamically couple the frame piece and corresponding pegs to a structure.
US09717357B2
A monitoring system including one or more processors communicatively connected with a memory, one or more output interfaces, one or more connectivity interfaces and one or more sensors, is attached to a clothing frame. The one or more sensors sense one or more indicators of a status of a clothing item attached to the clothing frame, the one or more sensors attached to the clothing frame and connected to one or more processors, one or more output interfaces, and one or more connectivity interfaces. The monitoring system determines the status information for the clothing item based on the one or more indicators. The monitoring system selectively adjusts an output interface to display the status information. The monitoring system communicates the status information to one or more additional clothing frames via the one or more connectivity interfaces.
US09717350B2
A accessories system for a portable bar is provided, the kit comprises: at least one stool; at least one stool cover; at least one umbrella cover; and at least one bar wrap; said kit is designed to work with a portable bar and stool.
US09717345B1
A system of controlling various actuators associated with human support surfaces is disclosed. Such a system is made up of a support surface, a controller, and an actuator. The system may optionally include batteries, a means of charging the batteries, and a graphical user interface as well as a communication link between the graphical user interface and the support surfaces. The actuators are capable of altering contour and/or firmness, of a support surface, they may be vibrational or heating/cooling in nature, and they may also alter the overall relative position of a support surface to another support surface, and/or to the ground plane.
US09717341B1
A chair, according to the present invention has an inverted pyramidal shape primarily determined by triangular side and back frames of the chair. The frames include two side frames and a back frame and preferably a smaller front frame. Each side frame is secured to a central portion of a pedestal type base and extends upwardly and outwardly from the base. Each frame adjacent an upper edge is mechanically secured to an adjacent frame with the frames cooperating to form a ‘U’ shape generally at the height corresponding to side arms of the chair. A support seat is provided in the frames and the side frames define arms of the chair. A back support is secured to the back frame at a position intermediate the height of the back support with a lower edge of said back support joining with a rear edge of the support seat. The side frames and back frame between said seat and an upper edge of the frames are of a triangular or truncated triangular shape.
US09717331B2
A sleeve for a shelving unit has two halves joined together to form two support tabs extending outward from opposing sides of the sleeve as the sleeve clamps around a post having grooves into which a rib on the sleeve fits to hold the parts relative to the post. The support tabs have a retaining flange offset from the sleeve. A first collar part fastened to a shelf fits over half the sleeve and fits into that offset so that a slot in the first collar part fits over one of the support tabs to clamp them to the post and support the first collar part and shelf. The retaining flange keeps the collar part from moving off the support tab. A second collar part with a second slot may fit over the other support tabs to support a second shelf or to further clamp the sleeve to the post.
US09717325B2
In one example, we describe a method and system for facial brush or body brush, for cleaning the skin. In one example, it utilizes distinct parts: a powered facial brush handle with the ability of offering both an oscillating and rotary setting, removable brush heads of varying materials and compositions, and a charging base station with a protective germicidal UVC sanitizing and drying chamber. User convenience is also central to our solution. All the functional actions of the protective germicidal UVC sanitizing and heating chamber are activated once the brush handle and brush head is placed within it, in one example. Mode control allows the user to choose the right setting for them, offering a mild setting for sensitive skin and normal for balanced skin types. A set duration of brush activation allows the user to orchestrate a complete cleaning. Various examples and variations are presented.
US09717321B2
A padded strap is provided, which comprises a unitary strap member forming a tube and an inserted pad. The unitary strap member has at least two sections, at least one of the sections configured to form a pad casing section which can retain the inserted pad, and the another section comprising a substantially flat section abutting the pad casing section. The area between the pad casing section and the substantially flat section comprises a hollow, tapering transition area. The unitary strap member comprises at least one sealable opening at an end of the unitary strap member. The inserted pad is inserted through the sealable opening and retained in the pad casing section, and the pad is comprised of at least one outer layer of resilient, low-friction material and a cushioning layer.
US09717319B2
A method for producing a preferably cosmetic item. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for producing preferably cosmetic items, and to a packing unit, in particular a capsule (33), for producing preferably cosmetic items. According to the invention, it is provided that the cosmetic ingredients (12) preferably required for production are available to a final consumer in precisely pre-measured units, in order for the final consumer to produce a domestic quantity of the preferably cosmetic item.
US09717311B2
Provided is a fastener, which has advantages over the prior art in that a retaining force is not dependent upon the biasing force of a spring, the fastener hardly comes out, and is less restricted in size than the prior art. The fastener has another important advantage over the prior art in that it forms no hole in plain cloth. A fitting portion (2) and a base portion (3) are assembled to have a clamping unit (1) opened. A stopper (4) is pushed together with the plain cloth into the inside of the clamping unit (1). This clamping unit (1) is closed to hold the plain cloth between the outer circumference of the stopper (4) and the leading ends of holding means (26 and 36). With slide portions (22) being fully fitted in groove portions (32), retaining pawls (23) are fitted in pawl receivers (33b).
US09717309B2
A hook fastener including a base strip and a field of hooks, each hook having a stem and a cap, the cap including at least one lateral overhang, and each hook being further delimited by two opposing substantially planar surfaces, wherein the overhang includes a swelling located at a distance from the stem so that the thickness of the overhang increases in the swelling, the bottom surface of the overhang forming a cavity for receiving filaments.
US09717308B2
A clasp including a protrusion portion with a protrusion, and a receiving portion defining a receiving cavity configured to receive the protrusion portion is described. The protrusion is securable in the cavity via frictional fitting of the protrusion into the cavity. The frictional fitting of the protrusion into the cavity creates a secure association between the receiving portion and the protrusion portion, and the receiving portion includes a first arm and a second arm extending from a receiving portion base. The first arm includes a first arcuate recess and the second arm includes a second arcuate recess opposing the first arcuate recess, and the first arcuate recess and the second arcuate recess define adjustable width of the cavity.
US09717307B1
A shoe cleaning assembly includes a housing that may be positioned on a support surface. The housing has a pair of openings and each of the openings may have a pair of shoes placed therein while the shoes are worn. A dispensing unit is positioned within the housing and the dispensing unit includes a plurality of adhesive pads. The plurality of adhesive pads is aligned with the openings. A selected one of the adhesive pad adheres to a sole of the pair of shoes when the shoes are positioned within the openings. Thus, the adhesive pads inhibit the sole of the pair of shoes from releasing dirt into an area.
US09717306B2
An athletic shoe comprising an upper portion; a sole; and a cleat assembly comprising a base for coupling to the sole, wherein the cleat assembly includes a post assembly having a biasing member; and a cleat body, wherein the cleat body is disposed on the post assembly; wherein the post assembly has 360° tiltability, relative to the sole; wherein the cleat body also has 360° tiltability, relative to the sole. A cleat assembly for an athletic shoe is also provided.
US09717305B2
A shoelace winding reel for a shoelace winding device that is compact and light weight, with superior durability and assembly workability. The shoelace winding reel is housed in a reel storing section of a base member and is configured to be rotatively driven by a dial. The shoelace winding reel includes a rotation shaft portion arranged on an inner side of the shoelace winding drum and an annular portion configured to connect an inner circumferential surface of the shoelace winding drum and an outer circumferential surface of the rotation shaft portion. An annular groove portion is configured to sandwich a tip end portion of the shoelace.
US09717280B2
Embodiments relate to an apparatus and method for holding a shirt collar in a position and orientation on a shirt front. The apparatus includes a first elongate collar stay adapted for attachment to an inside surface of the shirt collar or positionable within a collar stay pocket of the shirt collar, the first elongate collar stay having a first adherence portion for removable contact with inside surface of the shirt collar or the collar stay pocket; and a second elongate collar stay moveably connected to the first elongate collar stay, the second elongate collar stay adapted for attachment to an outside surface of the shirt opposite the inside surface of the shirt collar and in relation thereto, the second elongate collar stay having a second adherence portion for removable contact with the outside surface of the shirt opposite the inside surface of the collar and in relation thereto.
US09717277B2
The inductive heating device (1) for aerosol-generation comprises a device housing comprising a cavity (13) having an internal surface for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol-forming insert (2) comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and a susceptor. The device housing further comprises an induction coil (15) having a magnetic axis, the induction coil (15) being arranged such as to surround at least a portion of the cavity (13). The device (1) yet further comprises a power source (11) connected to the induction coil (15) and configured to provide a high frequency current to the induction coil (15). Therein, a wire material forming the induction coil has a cross-section comprising a main portion, the main portion having a longitudinal extension in a direction of the magnetic axis and a lateral extension perpendicular to the magnetic axis, which longitudinal extension is longer than the lateral extension of the main portion.
US09717271B2
A smoking article comprising a filter segment, the filter segment comprising a tow material and triacetin, wherein the filter segment further comprises an amino acid acetate salt and glycerine. The amino acid acetate salt and glycerine stabilize the triacetin in order to maintain the structural firmness of the tow material.
US09717270B2
The present invention relates to a fermented infant formulae comprising non digestible oligosaccharides for improving intestinal tract health by decreasing protein digestive effort, by decreasing the amount of endogenously formed proteases concomitant with an increased protein digestion, and a reduced protein fermentation.
US09717263B2
The cake making implement may be used to simultaneously smooth icing on a top surface and a side surface of a cake. The cake making implement may include a top smoother and a side smoother. The top smoother may be adapted to smooth the top surface of the cake. The side smoother may be adapted to smooth the side surface of the cake up to the top surface.
US09717262B2
A confectionery processing machine has a hopper attached to a dispensing unit. The dispensing unit comprises a plurality of co-operating piston and nozzles. The hopper is arranged to supply an edible material to the plurality of co-operating piston and nozzles. The dispensing unit is arranged in order to dispense the edible material from the plurality of co-operating piston and nozzles. The confectionery processing machine is improved by providing the hopper with at least two separate compartments. Here, each compartment separately provides edible material to a portion of the plurality of pistons. Consequently, a more flexible confectionery processing machine is provided because all the plurality of piston and nozzles are not provided from the same compartment.
US09717258B2
The pumping system includes a pipe section having a uniform inside diameter, and a production water piping circuit connected to branch pipes on the upstream and downstream ends of the pipe section, forming a loop with the pipe section. The production water circuit comprises a pump and valves for pumping production water into the pipe section through the inlet branch pipe and out through the outlet branch pipe. There is also provided a method for pumping upload water and fish along the pipe section, comprising the steps of drawing production water out of the pipe section through the downstream end of the pipe section, and simultaneously inducing a flow of upload water and fish through the pipe section. The method also includes the step of pumping production water into an upstream end of the pipe section and causing a flow of upload water and fish along the pipe section.
US09717251B2
A pesticide, fungicidal, bactericidal, anti-pathogen or biocidal composition includes at least one biologically inert carrier; and at least one doped component including at least one fixed copper compound doped with at least one compound selected from the group consisting of iron compounds, zinc compounds, magnesium compounds, calcium compounds, and combinations and/or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the doped component has a particle size of about 0.5 nm to about 30 microns. A method for the control of pests includes the step of applying to the pests or their growth habitat the aforementioned composition. The method also includes the control of disease in citrus plants caused by vectors such as Psyllid nymphs, by applying the aforementioned composition to their growth habitat in citrus groves.
US09717249B2
An office furnishing is provided that may include one or more surfaces coated with an antimicrobial treatment, which may include a silane quaternary ammonium salt and isopropyl alcohol. The silane quaternary ammonium salt may include an unreacted organofunctional silane to promote bonding to the surfaces of the office furnishing, such as 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride. The office furnishing article may include one of: a desk; a chair; a table; a bookcase; a hutch; shelves; an office divider panel; a file cabinet; a fax machine; a telephone; a computer; a keyboard; a monitor; a computer mouse; a book; a lamp; a binder; a stapler; an office stamp; and a desk pad. A method is also provided for coating these office furnishing articles with the antimicrobial treatment.
US09717248B2
Antimicrobial micro- or nanoparticles comprising a chlorhexidine salt and an anion, and a method of making the antimicrobial micro- or nanoparticle, are disclosed. The anion in the salt is selected form oxoanions and partially hydrogenated oxoanions of phosphorus, carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur.
US09717244B2
Disclosed herein are methods of controlling undesirable vegetation in pineapple, which comprise applying to vegetation or an area adjacent the vegetation or applying to soil to prevent the emergence or growth of vegetation (a) penoxsulam or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof. The methods can further comprise applying (b) a second pesticide or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof to the vegetation or the area adjacent the vegetation or to the soil adjacent thereto. In some embodiments, (b) includes an ACCase inhibitor such as cyhalofop-butyl, haloxyfop-P-methyl, fluazifop-P-butyl, or combinations thereof.
US09717234B2
An animal attracting system and method is disclosed. The animal attracting system includes a moveable decoy and a remote control activation device. The moveable decoy provides a substantially realistic, lifelike appearance of an animal, such as a deer, and provides capability to substantially mimic the natural body movements of the animal, such as a deer. The moveable decoy includes a first motor for moving a tail portion of the moveable decoy, a second motor for rotating the body portion of the moveable decoy about a fixed mounting point, a controller for communicating with the remote control activation device and for actuating the first and second motors, and a power source.
US09717231B1
An apparatus for dispensing scent includes a housing defining a bladder configured to hold a volume of liquid scent, a flexible tube connected to the bladder, the flexible tube having a distal end opposite the bladder, and a wick receivable on the distal end of the tube.
US09717230B2
An animal deterrent device includes an elongated carrier having an internal cavity. A conductive trace can be coupled to the carrier by a first fastener that extends from the conductive trace to the cavity, which prevents water from contacting the fastener and shorting the conductive trace.
US09717223B1
A fishing flasher device which is configured to be attached to a main fishing line to be drawn through the water, generally by trolling behind a slowly moving water vessel. The flasher device has an on-axis mainline attachment on the forward end to produce a spinning or rotational movement about the axis of the mainline. The flasher device also has at least one off-axis mainline attachment at the forward end configured to produce an orbiting motion rather than a rotational movement of the flasher device. A trailing line is generally attached to a trailing line attachment point on the rearward end of the flasher device to which is connected lures, bait, hooks, etc. for catching fish.
US09717219B2
The invention relates to a water inlet arrangement for the use in fish tanks in aquaculture, including a pipe to feed water into the tank, the pipe having a plurality of openings and, for a better adjustment of the flow, a surrounding second element having a plurality of openings and/or a fixed or adjustable shield are provided.
US09717216B1
The implantable pet locating microchip is a device that monitors the location of an animal, monitors the internal temperature of an animal, and monitors the gait of an animal. The location of the animal is provided by a GPS device. The internal temperature of the animal is monitored by a thermal device. The gait of the animal is monitored through the use of an angle sensor or a force sensor. This measured information is then transmitted to a receiving device such as a tablet or smart phone where it can be monitored. The implantable pet locating microchip is also configured to receive inquiries that initiates the immediate transmittal of the measured information. The implantable pet locating microchip comprises a housing, a battery, a location module, a thermal device, a gait sensor, a logic module, a transceiver, and an optional magnet.
US09717215B2
A pet feeder includes an assembly base and a feeder body. The assembly base includes a base body having an annular external rim provided with a plurality of pluggable fins. The feeder body includes an annular surrounding wall and a feeding trough defined inside the surrounding wall. The surrounding wall of the feeder body is provided with several sets of slots arranged in a circumferential direction about a central axis thereof and annularly spaced from each other in the circumferential direction. Each of the several sets of slots extends a distinct depth and has a plurality of slots matching the pluggable fins of the assembly base. As such, a height of the feeding trough of the feeder body can be conveniently adjusted when one of the several sets of slots with a specific depth is coupled with the pluggable fins of the assembly base.
US09717210B1
An inbred corn line, designated D096197, the plants and seeds of the inbred corn line D096197, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred corn line D096197 with itself or with another corn plant, and hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line D096197 with another corn line or plant and to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line D096197, to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line D096197 and to the inbred corn lines derived by the use of those methods.
US09717207B2
The disclosure relates to a cotton variety, designated PX5540-63WRF, the plants and seeds of the cotton variety PX5540-63WRF, methods for producing a cotton plant, either varietal or hybrid, produced by crossing the cotton variety PX5540-63WRF with itself or with another cotton plant, hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety PX5540-63WRF with another cotton variety or plan, methods for producing a cotton plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes, and the transgenic cotton plants produced by that method. This disclosure also relates to cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PX5540-63WRF, to methods for producing other cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PX5540-63WRF, and to the varieties derived by the use of those methods.
US09717206B2
The disclosure relates to a cotton variety, designated P07X.5540, the plants and seeds of the cotton variety P07X.5540, methods for producing a cotton plant, either varietal or hybrid, produced by crossing the cotton variety P07X.5540 with itself or with another cotton plant, hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety P07X.5540 with another cotton variety or plan, methods for producing a cotton plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes, and the transgenic cotton plants produced by that method. This disclosure also relates to cotton varieties derived from cotton variety P07X.5540, to methods for producing other cotton varieties derived from cotton variety P07X.5540, and to the varieties derived by the use of those methods.
US09717201B2
The invention provides seed and plants of tomato line FDR-9Q09137. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of line FDR-9Q09137, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
US09717198B2
The invention provides seed and plants of tomato line PSQ9Z13-9079. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of line PSQ9Z13-9079, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
US09717192B1
A fill and drain fitting assembly for a hydroponic flood table having a fill fitting to permit water to be pumped into the flood table and an overflow drain fitting which is mountable in an outlet opening of the flood table. The overflow drain fitting including a housing and a strainer which is partially received within the housing. The strainer includes at least one inlet opening formed therein and is vertically adjustable within the housing to a predetermined height. The drain fitting strainer is releasably locked at the predetermined height within the drain fitting housing, to permit water in the flood table which is above the predetermined height to enter the at least one inlet opening of the strainer and exit the bottom end of the drain fitting strainer and, in turn, the bottom end of the drain fitting housing via a fluid transmission channel established therebetween.
US09717188B2
A novel collapsible plant support includes a collapsible coil adapted to rest on a flat surface. In a particular embodiment, the collapsible plant support includes a plurality of vertical support structures coupled to the collapsible coil so as to provide additional support. In another particular embodiment, a collapsible plant support includes plant receptacle receiving element that supports both a collapsible coil and also a plant receptacle. In a more particular embodiment, the plant receptacle receiving element includes fluid ducts for connecting multiple plant receptacle receiving elements into a fluid network.
US09717183B2
A combine harvester includes threshing apparatus, a grain pan and a cleaning unit. The grain pan is arranged to collect a grain/chaff stream from the threshing apparatus and is driven in an oscillating manner to convey the collected grain/chaff to a rear edge from where the grain/chaff stream falls into the cleaning unit. The cleaning unit includes a fan unit for generating an airstream directed through the grain/chaff stream falling from the rear edge and an airstream vented above the grain pan.
US09717180B2
A pressure control system is described for a vehicle having a hydraulically actuated header. The system may include a hydraulic lifting circuit for raising and lowering the header, a hydraulic float circuit for floating the header, and a drain tank. A lifting circuit control valve may be configured to control drainage of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic lifting circuit to the drain tank. A float circuit control valve may be configured to control drainage of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic float circuit to the drain tank. A user interface may be configured to receive one or more inputs to control drainage of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic circuits. Based upon the one or more inputs, at least one of the control valves may be opened, in order to depressurize, respectively, one of the hydraulic circuits.
US09717175B2
A rock guard for use on a rotary disc cutterbar having quick-release knife connectors wherein a knife removal relief channel is oriented 45 degrees from a straight-ahead orientation to allow more than one quarter of the knives on the cutterbar to be simultaneously aligned with the channels for removal. A second knife removal channel is also oriented 45 degrees from the straight ahead orientation and 90 degrees from the first channel to permit half of the knives on the cutterbar to be simultaneously aligned with the channels for removal. The incorporation of two knife removal channels as described benefits rotary cutterbars having two knives per rotary cutter and adjacent cutters rotationally offset by 90 degrees regardless of whether co-rotating or counter-rotating rotary cutters are employed.
US09717171B2
A method including: recording a first image of a first field region; automatically treating a plant within the first region in-situ based on the first image; automatically verifying the plant treatment with a second image of the first region; and automatically treating a second region concurrently with treatment verification.
US09723770B2
A second tape feeding mechanism 20B can deal with a plurality of types of carrier tapes and has a biasing mechanism 25 that brings a biasing member 30 in which a recess portion 30b is provided in an abutment surface 30a into abutment with a carrier tape so as to bring the carrier tape into engagement with an outer circumferential surface of a sprocket 21B, and with a preceding tape kept in engagement with the sprocket 21B, a leading end portion of a following tape is inserted between the sprocket 21B and the preceding tape.
US09723768B2
A multicore shielded cable includes a first core wire group composed of a plurality of assembled core wires, a first binding tape wound around an outer circumference of the first core wire group, a first braided shield provided around an outer circumference of the first binding tape, a second binding tape wound around an outer circumference of the first braided shield, a second core wire group composed of a plurality of core wires arranged around an outer circumference of the second binding tape, a third binding tape wound around an outer circumference of the second core wire group, a second braided shield provided around an outer circumference of the third binding tape, and a jacket provided around an outer circumference of the second braided shield.
US09723767B2
On a circuit board configured to transmit a signal, a pulse transformer is provided on a path used for transmitting the signal of the circuit board. A shield member is provided on the circuit board to prevent noise, which is generated due to noise current flowing in a noise line pattern, from entering the pulse transformer. The shield member covers a part of a surface of at least one pulse transformer, the part intersecting concentric circles (which represent a magnetic field generated by the noise current) whose central axis extends along the direction in which the noise current flows.
US09723765B2
The exemplary embodiments herein provide an electronic display assembly having an electronic display surrounded by a front panel and a housing. An ingestion gap may be placed near a portion of the perimeter of the front panel while an exhaustion gap may be placed near an opposing portion of the perimeter of the front panel. A buffer zone may be defined between the ingestion gap and the exhaustion gap. A fan may be positioned to draw open loop fluid into the ingestion gap, through a channel behind the electronic display, and out of the exhaustion gap. This fan may also draw open loop fluid through an optional heat exchanger. A circulating fan may force circulating air through an optional heat exchanger.
US09723764B2
With respect to a stack unit in which a plurality of power cards and a plurality of coolers are stacked, each of the plurality of power cards housing semiconductor element, a technique for improving the fitting of a stack unit to a housing is taught. A stack unit is a unit that coolers and power cards are stacked. An outer frame binds a stack of the power cards and the coolers. The outer frame pressurizes the stack along with the stacked direction. Each of the coolers comprises a main body and a metal plate. The main body includes a flow channel of coolant and an opening provided at a position facing the power card. The metal plate has one surface closing the opening. A seal between the opening and the metal plate is secured by pressure of the outer frame.
US09723759B2
To avoid the need to operate in-chassis fans to cool rack-mounted servers in a data center, the data center is arranged into a hot aisle and a cold aisle. The cold aisle is adjacent to a first side of the rack mounted servers and receives cold air from a cold air supply unit. The hot aisle is adjacent to a second side of the rack-mounted servers and has a lower pressure than the cold aisle. Because of the pressure difference between the cold aisle and the hot aisle, cold air flows through the rack-mounted servers, cooling electronic equipment therein, into the hot aisle. Control systems are used to obtain sufficient cooling.
US09723748B2
A fan assembly for an electronics module is presented, the fan assembly includes a fan housing at least partially enclosing a fan, a first bracket assembly at a first end of the fan housing, the first bracket having a handle and a latching element, and a second bracket disposed on a second end of the fan housing. The handle is movable between an unlatched position for manual grasping of the handle and a latched position for allowing an air flow through the fan assembly.
US09723743B2
An electrical service interface system include an energy storage device and inverter mounted to a transformer tower, wherein each of the energy storage device and inverter include guide wheels configured to rollably mount the energy storage device and inverter to corresponding guide rails mounted to a support pad, and to align the energy storage device to the inverter, and the inverter to the transformer tower. In an installed configuration, the energy storage device electrically and mechanically couples to the inverter via a DC connector and one or more latching mechanisms, and the inverter mechanically and electrically couples to the transformer tower via an AC connector and one or more latching mechanisms.
US09723742B2
An integrated power rack for use in a data center is provided. The integrated power rack includes a top, a base, a first side and a second side extending between the base and the top, a back member extending between the top, the base, the first side, and the second side, a divider extending from the top to the base, the divider positioned between the first side and the second side, a revenue sub-compartment defined between the first side and the divider, the revenue sub-compartment configured to receive a plurality of revenue producing devices, and a power sub-compartment defined between the second side and the divider, the power sub-compartment housing power equipment that is configured to provide direct-current (DC) power to the revenue sub-compartment.
US09723740B2
The present disclosure relates to an electronic control apparatus for a vehicle, and the electronic control apparatus of the present disclosure includes: an electronic control element which includes an electronic control board which electrically controls each part of a vehicle, and a heating element which is positioned on a surface of the electronic control board; a cover and a base which accommodate the electronic control element; and a connector which is coupled to the electronic control element, in which an edge part where the cover and the base come into contact with each other is configured in a multi-step bent shape.
US09723732B2
A suspended segmented display array in one embodiment includes multiple cables offset from a wall via standoff members. Adjacent display panels attach to cables via finger releasable clamps and present varied and unique visual displays. A versatile and cost-effective display system thus is established that accommodates a wide range of content which can readily be changed out.
US09723728B2
A wiring board with a built-in electronic component includes a substrate having a cavity, an electronic component accommodated in the cavity, a conductive layer formed on the substrate and extending over the electronic component in the cavity, and a solder-resist layer formed on the conductive layer and having first and second openings such that the first openings are forming first pads including the conductive layer exposed by the first openings and that the second openings are forming second pads including the conductive layer exposed by the second openings. The second pads include portions of the conductive layer formed directly over the electronic component, respectively, and connected to the electronic component, the first pads include portions of the conductive layer formed on outer side with respect to the electronic component, respectively, and each second opening has an opening diameter which is formed smaller than an opening diameter of each first opening.
US09723726B2
A film composite with electrical functionality for application on a substrate includes at least one conductive structure, a first bonding coat, a film layer and a second bonding coat. The first bonding coat is disposed on an underside of the at least one conductive structure, wherein the first bonding coat has an adhesive effect for application of the at least one conductive structure on the substrate. The second bonding coat is disposed between an upper side of the at least one conductive structure and the film layer. The second bonding coat has an adhesive effect, by which the film layer adheres to the at least one conductive structure.
US09723725B2
In an example embodiment, a circuit interconnect includes a first printed circuit board (PCB), a second PCB, a spacer, and an electrically conductive solder joint. The first PCB includes a first electrically conductive pad. The second PCB includes a second electrically conductive pad. The spacer is configured to position the first PCB relative to the second PCB such that a space remains between the first PCB and the second PCB after the first electrically conductive pad and the second electrically conductive pad are conductively connected in a soldering process. The electrically conductive solder joint conductively connects the first electrically conductive pad and the second electrically conductive pad.
US09723720B2
In a device for producing and/or processing a workpiece, in particular circuit boards (1), in a work station (2), in particular for printing a corresponding blank or for checking finished circuit boards (1), at least one mark (15) is provided on the workpiece. In this arrangement, at least one reference (14), which can be brought into alignment with the mark (15), is provided in the work station (2).
US09723717B2
Substrate structure, semiconductor package device, and manufacturing method of semiconductor package
A substrate structure, a semiconductor package and a manufacturing method of semiconductor package are provided. The substrate structure comprises a conductive structure, an electrical component, a package body and a ring-shaped conductive structure. The conductive structure comprises a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The first conductive layer has a lower surface. The second conductive layer and the electrical component are formed on the lower surface of the first conductive layer. The package body encapsulates the conductive structure and the electrical component and has an upper surface. The ring-shaped conductive structure surrounds the conductive structure and the electrical component and is disposed at the edge of the upper surface of the package body to expose the conductive structure.
US09723710B2
A multi-layered electronic system has: a support substrate which supports at least a primary conductive track and a conductive shorting element, which are electrical isolated from one another. A security layer has at least a conductive security connection and a flexible switch element providing an electrical interruption to the conductive security track. The conductive security connection electrically engages the primary conductive track. The flexible switch element is coplanar with the conductive security connection. A dielectric substrate, to which the security layer is affixed, is secured to the support substrate. The electrical interruption of the conductive security connection is bridged by the switch element contacting the conductive shorting element under an actuation force provided from the direction of the dielectric substrate, the switch element being biased away from the conductive shorting element in the absence of the actuation force.
US09723707B2
A power module substrate includes a circuit layer, an aluminum layer arranged on a surface of an insulation layer, and a copper layer laminated on one side of the aluminum layer. The aluminum layer and the copper layer are bonded together by solid phase diffusion bonding.
US09723703B2
A laser-sustained plasma light source for transverse plasma pumping includes a pump source configured to generate pumping illumination, one or more illumination optical elements and a gas containment structure configured to contain a volume of gas. The one or more illumination optical elements are configured to sustain a plasma within the volume of gas of the gas containment structure by directing pump illumination along a pump path to one or more focal spots within the volume of gas. The one or more collection optical elements are configured to collect broadband radiation emitted by the plasma along a collection path. Further, the illumination optical elements are configured to define the pump path such that pump illumination impinges the plasma along a direction transverse to a direction of propagation of the emitted broadband light of the collection path such that the pump illumination is substantially decoupled from the emitted broadband radiation.
US09723702B2
A filament for a light bulb includes a tube and a filament material within the tube, wherein the filament material is configured to be in a liquid state while the light bulb is in use.
US09723699B1
Aspects comprise apparatus and methods for wirelessly powered lighting products. One aspect comprises an apparatus that generates light from a wirelessly coupled power source. The apparatus comprises a first conductive loop configured to enclose an area, the first conductive loop configured to resonate and generate an induced current when excited by a magnetic field generated by a transmitter. The apparatus further comprises a first set of one or more capacitive elements coupled to the first conductive loop, the coupled first conductive loop and first one or more capacitive elements configured to form a first resonant circuit. The apparatus also comprises a first set of one or more lighting devices integrated with the first conductive loop, the first set of one or more lighting devices each configured to generate a light based on the induced current that flows through the first set of one or more lighting devices.
US09723698B2
A remote control system and method for lighting apparatus may include at least a remote-controlled lighting apparatus and an intelligent communication device. The lighting apparatus comprises a lighting unit, a first central processing unit (CPU) and a first communication unit, and the intelligent communication device comprises a second CPU, a second communication unit and at least a button and a storage unit. The storage unit is configured to store a control program, the Universally Unique Identifier of the lighting apparatus and at least an operating command of the lighting apparatus corresponding to the sequential key-in signal. When activated, the control program can execute the operating command stored in the storage unit corresponding to the sequential key-in signal input by a user, and send the operating signal to the lighting apparatus through the second communication unit to remotely control at least a lighting unit of the lighting apparatus.
US09723690B2
The present disclosure discloses a method and a device for adjusting indoor brightness and a smart home control system. The method includes: detecting a display device to obtain brightness of the display device; generating indoor brightness based on the brightness of the display device; and adjusting brightness of an indoor lighting device based on the indoor brightness.
US09723684B2
An LED backlight driving circuit is disclosed. The present disclosure relates to the technical field of display, whereby the technical problem of the incorrect detection of the short circuit detection module when the open circuit malfunction occurs to one LED backlight unit and the output voltage of the LED backlight driving circuit rises can be solved.
US09723674B2
A current driver connected with light emitting diode (LED) bars of the maximum number N of channels and driving LED bars of M channels to be driven, includes: PWM input terminal configured to receive PWM-modulated external dimming pulse having duty cycle with a target light quantity common to the LED bars of the M channels; pulse measurement circuit configured to measure period and pulse width of the external dimming pulse and generate digital period data and pulse width data; interface circuit connected to external processor and configured to receive enable data and phase difference setting data; M current sources of the M channels to be driven and respectively connected with corresponding LED bars, and configured to be On-and-Off-switched in response to internal dimming pulse; and pulse generator configured to generate M internal dimming pulses and distribute the M internal dimming pulses to the M current sources.
US09723671B2
AC LED light engines powered directly from the AC power line contain circuitry of resistors, capacitors, diodes and transistors which enables a single string LEDs connected to series to efficiently produce light with a relatively low level of flicker as perceived by the human eye. The LEDs are driven by a current which is alternately capacitively-limited and resistively-limited. Capacitively-limited pulses of current are interposed between resistively-limited pulses of current so that the resulting output current ripple is at frequencies of 240 Hz or above which the human eye cannot perceive. The combination of resistively-limited current and capacitively-limited current results in a current drain from the power line which is generally sinusoidal and can have a power factor in excess of 0.70.
US09723670B2
A power supply device includes a power conversion module and a power regulating module. The power conversion module is configured to convert an AC electric power into a DC electric power. The power regulating module includes a microprocessor, a voltage-dividing resistor, a constant-voltage regulator, and a constant-current regulator. The voltage-dividing resistor is electrically connected to the setting resistor and the microprocessor. The constant-voltage regulator is electrically connected to the power conversion module, the dividing resistor, and the setting resistor; The constant-current regulator is electrically connected to the power conversion module and the microprocessor. A constant voltage is coupled to the dividing resistor and the setting resistor to impress a first adjustment signal and a second adjustment signal based on the setting resistor such that a driving signal outputted from the power regulating module to the power conversion module is adjusted to yield a desired voltage and a desired current.
US09723668B2
A switching converter for supplying power to a load, includes: an output circuit including at least a switching transistor, an inductive element, and a rectifying element configured to rectify a current flowing to the inductive element according to switching of the switching transistor; a control circuit configured to drive the switching transistor; a first capacitor configured to generate a power source voltage for the control circuit between both ends of the first capacitor; a start-up circuit installed between an input line to the switching converter and the first capacitor and configured to charge the first capacitor with an input voltage of the input line; and a discharge circuit configured to discharge the first capacitor when the switching converter is started up.
US09723661B2
An LED driver circuit includes a primary circuit and a circuit electrically isolated from the primary circuit, a transformer having a primary winding configured to receive power from an alternating current source and to generate power in a first secondary winding configured to provide power to the electrically isolated circuit, and to generate power in a second secondary winding configured to provide power to the primary circuit, and a conductor connected to an end of the first secondary winding and configured to connect a winding driver signal to the first secondary winding to generate power in the second secondary winding.
US09723660B2
A post mounted lamp includes: a lamp post; one or more light emitting diode (LED) devices disposed proximate to the top of the lamp post; a power factor (PF) correction circuit disposed proximate to the bottom of the lamp post; wires disposed in the lamp post to deliver PF corrected electrical power from the PF correction circuit to the one or more LED devices; and circuitry disposed proximate to the top of the lamp post to operate the one or more LED devices using the PF corrected electrical power.
US09723657B2
A method of three-dimensionally shaping articles, such as articles that are difficult to transport, includes the following successive steps: placing at least one flexible cord (1) on a former (10), the cord (1) incorporating a heating electrical resistance surrounded by at least a first set of yarns of thermoplastic polymer material; connecting the flexible cord (1) to an electrical power supply for a given duration to cause the thermoplastic polymer of at least the first set of yarns surrounding the heating resistance to soften, the cord then taking on the shape imposed by the former (10); cooling the cord; and optionally removing the former (10) in order to obtain the three-dimensional object.
US09723656B2
An automated mobile vehicle configured to autonomously provide coverage for inoperable infrastructure components at various locations. In accordance with disclosed embodiments, a plurality of automated mobile vehicles are deployed to provide emergency lighting, a wireless network, audio, video, etc., at an indoor and/or outdoor event area.
US09723654B2
There is provided an information processing system including a service provider unit, a communication terminal and an information processing unit. The communication terminal includes a terminal first communication section, a terminal second communication section to communicate with the information processing unit through a first communication channel, a terminal third communication section to communicate with the information processing unit through a second communication channel, and a terminal communication control section. The information processing unit includes a unit first communication section to communicate with the communication terminal through the first communication channel, a unit second communication section to communicate with the communication terminal through the second communication channel, a unit communication control section to switch communication channels with the communication terminal from the first communication channel to the second communication channel, and a unit processing section to perform service processing with the service provider unit.
US09723649B2
A method and an apparatus are provided for improving availability of a circuit switched (CS) service to a user equipment (UE). The UE sends at least one location area update (LAU) message, to a core network (CN), to initiate an LAU procedure. A release of a CS signaling connection between the UE and the CN is detected due to a failure in the LAU procedure. An ongoing PS signaling connection between the UE and the CN is identified, when the CS signaling connection between the UE and the CN is released. The ongoing PS signaling connection is released. A public land mobile network (PLMN) is selected for obtaining CS services from the core network, when the ongoing PS signaling connection is released.
US09723634B2
An example method in a user equipment comprises generating a random access preamble signal and transmitting the random access preamble signal. This generating of the random access preamble signal comprises generating a Single-Carrier Frequency-Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) random access preamble signal comprising two or more consecutive preamble symbol groups, each preamble symbol group comprising a cyclic prefix portion and a plurality of identical symbols occupying a single subcarrier of the SC-FDMA random access preamble signal. The single subcarrier for at least one of the preamble symbol groups corresponds to a first subcarrier frequency and the single subcarrier for an immediately subsequent one of the preamble symbol groups corresponds to a second subcarrier frequency.
US09723629B2
There is provided a wireless communications system (1000) including a wireless device (100) and a wireless communications node (300). The wireless communications node (300) transmits in a reference signal sequence to the wireless device (100) a first code sequence (485) and a second code sequence (486). The first code sequence (485) carries information identifying a physical resource block that carries an enhanced physical downlink control channel (ePDCCH) and the second code sequence (486) carries information identifying a control format indicator.
US09723621B2
A method, a computer program product, and an apparatus are provided. The apparatus determines a degree of a link based on interference observed from at least one other link, determines a priority of the link based on the determined degree, and decides whether to yield based on the determined priority. The priority of the link may further be based on a determined data rate of the link. The apparatus may transmit the priority to another device via a request to send (RTS) signal and/or a clear to send (CTS) signal. The apparatus may also determine a priority associated with an active link and decide whether to yield to the active link by comparing the determined priority of the link with the priority of the active link.
US09723616B2
A method and apparatus assigning Physical Resource Blocks, PRBs, to a User Equipment, UE, in a wireless communication network having a plurality of cells, includes determining a Physical Cell Identifier, PCI, of a cell from the plurality of cells. Selecting a power level pattern of multiple PRBs for allocation, and assigning at least one of the multiple PRBs to the UE.
US09723615B2
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a system and method for providing channel feedback information (CFI) from a user equipment device to a base station. CFI is transmitted from the user equipment device on first and second communication channels. The user equipment device is operable to measure the channel rank of a downlink channel and to select a preferred channel rank that is used to configure the CFI that is transmitted to the base station. The base station is operable to use the preferred channel rank to interpret the CFI transmitted by the user end device.
US09723613B2
A carrier allocating apparatus including processing circuitry and a method and terminal, where the processing circuitry is configured to: determine a carrier parameter according to parameter information of the terminal, where the carrier parameter is configured to indicate a carrier needed by the terminal, and the carrier parameter includes a carrier type, the carrier type includes a Legacy Carrier Type (LCT) and a New Carrier Type (NCT), where the parameter information of the terminal includes a current carrier configuration of the terminal and a service type; perform a corresponding carrier allocation on the basis of the determined carrier parameter. A demand for a carrier is determined according to parameter information of the terminal, and then the needed carrier is allocated to the terminal. The apparatus can improve quality of service of the terminal in a system and improve user experience.
US09723612B2
A method for communicating with wireless user devices includes receiving a signal at a DAU, the signal residing within a first frequency band and processing the signal at the DAU. The method also includes transmitting the processed signal from the DAU and receiving the transmitted signal at a DRU. The method further includes converting the signal to a second frequency band different than the first frequency band.
US09723611B2
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system and more specifically, to a method for supporting a basic service set (BSS) in a wireless LAN system and an apparatus therefor. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for supporting a BSS by an access point (AP) in a wireless LAN system can comprise the steps of: scanning an overlapping BSS (OBSS); and selecting a primary channel for a new BSS of the AP from channels for which a beacon is not detected during the OBSS scanning. The primary channel can be selected from all channels except the secondary channel of the OBSS. In addition, if the new BSS supports an operating channel having a 4 MHz, 8 MHz or 16 MHz channel bandwidth, a primary channel having a 2 MHz channel bandwidth can be chosen for the new BSS.
US09723610B2
A device for transmitting data to a network includes a source subsystem and a communication subsystem. The source subsystem generates a first data packet that includes first timing information that is based on a time that the first data packet is generated. The first timing information is generated responsive to a first timing generator included in the source subsystem. The communication subsystem is coupled to the source subsystem via one or more abstraction layers and is configured to modify the first data packet to generate a modified data packet for transmission to the network. The modified data packet includes the first timing information and second timing information that is based on a time that the modified data packed is transmitted. The communications subsystem includes a second timing generator that is linked to the first timing generator through the one or more abstraction layers to generate the second timing information.
US09723591B2
Independent signalling method for bearer management in a communication network with transporting bearer resource request message of both the UE and RN via Base station to managing entity of RN within EPC, as a signalling message over uplink channel referred to as ‘Union of Resource Request (UR Request)’ message. The bearer resource response message referred to as ‘Independent Admission Response (IA Response)’ from one of the management entity of EPE or management entities of UE and RN within EPC are transported as a signalling message to Evolved Packet Edge (EPE) via Base station over the downlink channel. This manages bearer setup signalling as a single loop, by transportation of ‘UR Request’ signalling message and receiving one “Independent Admission Response” signalling message over uplink and downlink channels respectively. EPE is a conglomeration of network nodes comprising of UEs, RNs and all other network nodes that communicate over EPC via Base station.
US09723589B2
A method and electronic device are disclosed herein. The electronic device includes a display and at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to implement the method, including receiving a first notification for a first application, generating, by at least one processor, a first notification page including at least a part of the first notification, generating an abstract page including a first object related to the first notification and displaying the abstract page on a display, and switching from displaying the abstract page to displaying the first notification page in response to detecting an input signal selecting the first object, wherein the abstract page and the first notification page are generated and displayed based on a same application or home application.
US09723587B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a movement information processing method and system, a user equipment, and an access network device. In one embodiment, a UE measures a characteristic parameter of a cell to be measured, and then obtains movement information of the UE according to a change of the characteristic parameter within a predetermined time. In this way, the UE can send the movement information to an access network device and the access network device executes a movement-related operation according to the movement information.
US09723580B2
Synchronization of plural outputs of data transported by a wireless network is facilitated by bandlimiting a sample clock signal controlling a rate at which data is processed by the network's devices and/or bandlimiting wall time data controlling the real time for presenting a datum.
US09723575B2
The present disclosure provides a power control method and a wireless device, in a cluster comprised of wireless devices including a first wireless device and a second wireless device, comprising: receiving power control information including a second data channel transmission power, from the second wireless device; determining a first data channel transmission power based on the second data channel transmission power; and controlling data channel transmission power of the first wireless device according to the first data channel transmission power; wherein, the first data channel transmission power is a power allowing the first wireless device to reach all wireless devices in the cluster, and the second data channel transmission power is a power allowing the second wireless device to reach all wireless devices in the cluster.
US09723570B2
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a power control method and apparatus, where the method includes: performing a slow fading evaluation on an uplink channel of a UE to obtain a slow fading value of the uplink channel; comparing the slow fading value with a target slow fading value to obtain a first comparison result; generating, according to the first comparison result, first control signaling of a downlink control channel corresponding to the uplink channel, where the first control signaling is used to instruct the UE to adjust transmit power of the UE on the uplink channel; and sending the first control signaling to the user equipment UE. In the embodiments of the present invention, making full use of power efficiency, improving a cell throughput, and reducing neighboring cell interference.
US09723569B2
The present invention is designed to provide a radio communication system which can control uplink transmission power adequately even in an HetNet environment. A radio communication system having a first radio base station apparatus and a second radio base station apparatus that is configured to able to communicate with the first radio base station apparatus is provided; and, in this radio communication system, the first radio base station apparatus has a first communication quality measurement section that measures the received quality of an uplink reference signal transmitted from a user terminal, and generates first received quality information, and a reporting section that reports the first communication quality information to the second radio base station apparatus, and the second radio base station apparatus has a second communication quality measurement section that measures the received quality of the uplink reference signal transmitted from the user terminal, and generates second communication quality information, a correction value determining section that determines a correction value for the transmission power of the user terminal on the uplink based on the first communication quality information and the second communication quality information, and a reporting section that reports the determined correction value to the user terminal.
US09723567B2
A method implemented in an access point (AP) having N antennas used in a wireless communications system including two first client devices each of which has M antennas and two second client devices each of which has N antennas, where M and N are even is disclosed. The method comprises: performing interference alignment (IA) in common vector spaces; and delivering M+N streams. Other methods, systems, and apparatuses also are disclosed.
US09723564B2
Systems and methods for power management of a mobile electronic device. During operation of a modular mobile electronic device, module power characteristic data of a plurality of modules coupled to the electronic device is collected. Each module is coupled to the electronic device via a respective module interface of the electronic device. A module power model is updated for at least one module of the plurality of modules based on module power characteristic data collected for the at least one module. A context-aware power budget of the electronic device is updated based on updating of the module power model for the at least one module. Module power flow of the electronic device is adapted based on updates to the context-aware power budget. Adapting module power flow includes adapting allocation of power in real-time to at least one power consumer module coupled the electronic device via a respective module interface.
US09723562B2
A position-based mobile terminal power management device, includes a positioning module connected to the power management and control module; a network connection monitoring module connected to the power management and control module; a power management and control module connected to the positioning module, network connection monitoring module, storage module, and terminal function module respectively; a storage module connected to the power management and control module; and a terminal function module connected to the power management and control module. With the device, a mobile terminal can automatically enable or disable the accessory devices thereof according to the position of the mobile terminal, thus saving power and facilitating use by a user.
US09723547B2
Embodiments describe methods, apparatuses and logic for a user equipment (UE) to connect to an access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN) based on credentials from a UE's home third generation partnership project (3GPP) network. In some embodiments, the UE may receive selection policy parameters from the WLAN including a network access identifier (NAI) realm. The UE may also receive selection policy parameters from the 3GPP network. The UE may compare the selection policy parameters of the WLAN with the selection policy parameters of the 3GPP network and discover roaming relationships between service providers and the relative priorities of different networks, and create a network list based on the comparison. The UE may then associate with an AP of the WLAN based on the prioritized network list.
US09723544B2
Registration rejections are reported to a universal integrated circuit card (UICC). Remote access can be provide to registration rejection data stored in the UICC, the registration rejection data can be transmitted to a service provider, one or more UICC applications can be executed based on the registration rejection data, and/or the registration rejection data can be logged or tracked. In addition, action taken by the UICC can be automated based on the registration rejection using artificial intelligence.
US09723542B2
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for transmitting a discovery signal related to device to device (D2D) communication by a first UE in a wireless communication system comprises: mapping a codeword related to a discovery signal to two or more pairs of physical resource blocks (PRBs) on a time axis; and transmitting the mapped codeword, wherein a first pair of PRBs of the two or more pairs of PRBs includes a resource area for a first signal and whether an n-th (n>=2) pair of PRBs of the two or more pairs of PRBs includes the resource area for the first signal is determined according to whether a next subframe of a subframe including an (n−1)-th pair of PRBs is for an uplink transmission.
US09723536B2
In an Long Term Evolution (LTE) environment, LTE base stations may collect relevant data from subscribing wireless devices, as well as from nearby LTE base stations and WLAN access points. Based on the collected data, as well as data of the base station itself, the base station may make a determination as to whether to institute offloading of some or all of the subscribing UEs. Rather than independently communicating the offload command to each of the UEs, the base station may issue a broadcast notification that may be decoded by all of the UEs for performing offloading. In order to mitigate a surge of offloading, the base station can include surge prevention parameters in the broadcast message to distribute or reduce offloading.
US09723526B2
A technique forwards handover data in a wireless communication system. A base station apparatus includes a first buffer for storing downlink data of a terminal, a handover agent for, when the terminal performs a handover, performing scheduling on data which is stored in the first buffer for at least one terminal including the terminal that performs the handover so that an interruption time of the at least one terminal is reduced in order to forward the data to a target base station, and a communication unit for transmitting the data according to a scheduling result of the handover agent.
US09723505B2
A method and a system for handling in-device coexistence interference in a user equipment are provided. The method includes detecting in-device coexistence interference between one or more of a plurality of carrier frequencies of Long Term Evolution (LTE) radio technology and at least one frequency of non-LTE radio technologies, determining at least one of the one or more of the plurality of LTE carrier frequencies for which a measurement object is configured, and transmitting interference information associated with the at least one LTE carrier frequency affected by the in-device coexistence interference. The interference information includes a measurement object identifier of the at least one carrier LTE frequency, Direction of Interference (DOI), and time domain multiplexing assistance information. The method further includes receiving a configured method from the network entity which help mitigate the in-device coexistence interference at the user equipment.
US09723501B2
A device may be configured to determine a current state of each of multiple operator network devices that provide a service via an operator network. The device may determine an allowable event at an operator network device based on the current state of the operator network device and model information that models behavior of the operator network device for the service. The device may monitor events at the operator network devices during a session. The device may detect that an allowable event for the operator network device does not occur during the session. The device may determine that a fault occurred at the operator network device during the session based on the allowable event not being detected at the operator network device. The device may provide fault information that indicates the fault occurred at the operator network device.
US09723494B2
A method includes identifying a location of at least on of a plurality of electronic devices within an area of interest. The method includes, based on at least the location of the at least one of the plurality of electronic devices, determining signal strength at a plurality of points within the area of interest. The method includes providing a modification of the area of interest to improve the signal strength at one of the plurality of points.
US09723483B2
A mobile electronic device according to an embodiment has an identifier, a determiner, and a permitter. The identifier identifies the operating system of a mobile terminal to which its own device is connected and determines whether the identified operating system is a prescribed operating system. If the identifier determines that the identified operating system is the prescribed operating system, the determiner performs processing to determine whether or not authentication data held in its own device and authentication data held in an authentication data holding device that can communicate via a network match. If the determiner determines that there is a match, the permitter permits data processing using processing data held in a processing data holding device that can communicate via the network.
US09723471B2
Triggering an event of interest in a mobile device based on communications established with nearby wireless devices can include receiving a challenge of the event of interest; obtaining a corresponding expression of a combination key with reference to the event in response to the challenge; receiving an identified data of the wireless devices in the vicinity of the mobile device; comparing the identified data with the expression to determine if the expression is a true value; and executing the event of interest in response to the true value.
US09723467B2
An interoperability gateway performs a method for setting Quality of Service for a bearer in response to an emergency event. The method includes the interoperability gateway performing: receiving a indication of an emergency event for a first user, wherein the first user is operating a first device in a first network of a first network type; responsive to receiving the indication, determining a set of devices related to the first user, wherein the set of devices includes the first device and at least a second device operating in a second network of a second network type; instructing the second network to modify at least one Quality of Service setting for the second device.
US09723460B1
A method and system for managing email or other messaging and attachments to messages which are forwarded to devices having limited processing and memory capacity. The method includes the steps of: receiving a user configuration categorizing messages for the user by elements of the message; accessing the user message datastore upon receipt of at least one new message for the user to a user data store; comparing said at least one new message to a set of user specific rules; rendering a message summary including at least one link accessible by the processing device, the link enabling action with respect to the message when selected by the user; and outputting the message summary to a user device.
US09723457B2
A vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication device manages a cluster including the V2V communication device and at least one of other V2V communication device. The V2V communication device determines a cluster description specifying one or more characteristics of the cluster indicates the cluster description over a cellular network to a network node. The network node receives the cluster description and, on the basis of the received cluster description, assigns to the cluster a set of resources for V2V communication. The network node sends a resource assignment over the cellular network to the V2V communication device. The resource assignment indicates the assigned set of resources. The V2V communication device receives the resource assignment and assigns resources from the set of resources to the V2V communication devices of the cluster. Further, the V2V communication device indicates the assigned resources to the at least one further V2V communication device of the cluster.
US09723454B2
A method for freight vehicle monitoring includes obtaining historical telecommunications data, performing vehicle location identification using the historical telecommunications data, wherein performing the vehicle location identification comprises using a machine learning based algorithm to determine one or more meaningful vehicle locations, identifying, based on the one or more meaningful vehicle locations, if one or more telecommunications devices are those of a freight vehicle occupant, and tracking a location of the one or more telecommunications devices identified as those of a freight vehicle occupant.
US09723451B2
The present application relates to a method for providing location information of a terminal (30) and in a communication network (10). According to the method, a location information indicating a location of the terminal (30) in the communication network (10) is determined by the terminal (30). Furthermore, a time information indicating a time at which the terminal (30) is located at the location indicated by the location information is determined by the terminal (30). The location information and time information is transmitted by the terminal (30) to a base station (20) or to another terminal (30) of the communication network (10).
US09723450B2
A system to infer place data is disclosed that receives location data collected on a user's mobile electronic device, recognizes when, where and for how long the user makes stops, generates possible places visited, and predicts the likelihood of a user to visit those places.
US09723445B1
Interactions between users on mobile devices can be facilitated by making the users aware when other users have performed similar searches. In one embodiment, when two users executing a mapping application on a mobile device each perform a similar search in a similar geographic area, the server that receives and performs the search request can make each user aware of the other's presence, for example by displaying an icon indicating the other user on the mapping application. The search results may be refined to indicate search results in a geographic area common to the geographic search areas of each user.
US09723442B2
Method and apparatus to analyze and present location information in an easy-to-digest manner are disclosed. In one embodiment, each piece of location information can include a piece of location-designating information and a piece of location-related information. Location-designating information is primarily for identifying location. Location-related information is information related to location-designating information. The location-designating information and the location-related information can be supplied by a mobile device. With the help of location-related information, each piece of location-designating information can be more accurately transformed into a label to help identify a location. The amount of location information can be reduced. All of the location-designating information pertaining to a given area can be consolidated into one piece of location-designating information related to the label. Consolidation of some of the information may not occur if a piece of location-related information changes by more than a preset value. To better present location information in an easy-to-digest manner, location information can be compared to standards. Presentation can be on a display with respect to a reference location.
US09723439B2
Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, systems and/or methods of Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) Geo-Fencing. For example, an apparatus may include circuitry configured to cause a Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) device to process a plurality of geo-fencing parameters of a geofence from an application on the NAN device; and perform geo-fencing with another NAN device based on the geo-fencing parameters.
US09723438B2
Techniques for use in a wireless communication device for displaying a map are described. The device receives via a user interface a selection of a hypertext link object in an electronic file or message. The object is associated with a URL string which includes a server address and location data corresponding to a location. When a mapping application is installed in the device, the device executes the mapping application for rendering a map of the location in response to receiving the selection of the object. When the mapping application is not installed in the device, the device executes a web browser of the device for receiving and displaying a map image of the location in response to receiving the selection of the object.
US09723432B2
An information providing system provides delivery information using identification information of an object equipped with a wireless communication function. The information providing system includes a registering unit that registers in advance first link information linking the identification information of the object to the delivery information; a generating unit that generates second link information linking the identification information of the object to delivery information different from the delivery information of the first link information, based on the identification information of the object and identification information of a plurality of information terminals, acquired by communication with the information terminals, which can communicate with the object; and an information providing unit that delivers the delivery information linked by the second link information.
US09723429B2
The present invention relates to a method for processing notification messages in a machine-to-machine (M2M) system and devices for same, the method comprising the steps of: processing by an M2M device one or more notification messages; and transmitting the processed notification message(s), wherein: the one or more notification messages are generated as an originator device detects a change in the resources to subscribe to comprising, as a child resource, a subscription resource configured in the originator device; the one or more notification messages comprise implementation information configured based on the policy information configured in the originator device for the processing of the one or more notification messages; the one or more notification messages are processed based on the implementation information; the one or more processed notification messages are transmitted comprising the implementation information; and the subscription resource and the resources to subscribe to exhibit a data structure uniquely addressable by using a unique address.
US09723425B2
Improved methods and devices for processing low-frequency audio data are provided. A bass extraction process may involve applying low-pass filters to received audio object signals, to produce extracted low-frequency audio signals. The bass extraction process may be performed prior to a process of rendering audio objects into speaker feed signals. A bass management process may involve routing the extracted low-frequency audio signals to the one or more speakers capable of reproducing low-frequency audio signals.
US09723423B2
An acoustic transducer has a back plate having a fixed electrode, a diaphragm that is opposed to the back plate with a gap interposed therebetween and that serves as a movable electrode, and a stopper protruding from a face of the back plate or the diaphragm, which is on a side of the gap. The stopper includes a conductive section electrically isolated from the fixed electrode and the movable electrode. The conductive section comes in contact with a front face of the fixed electrode or the movable electrode opposed to the stopper through deformation of the diaphragm.
US09723422B2
The application relates to an audio processing system and a method of processing a noisy (e.g. reverberant) signal comprising first (v) and optionally second (w) noise signal components and a target signal component (x), the method comprising a) Providing or receiving a time-frequency representation Yi(k,m) of a noisy audio signal yi at an ith input unit, i=1, 2, . . . , M, where M≧2; b) Providing (e.g. predefined spatial) characteristics of said target signal component and said noise signal component(s); and c) Estimating spectral variances or scaled versions thereof λV, λX of said first noise signal component v (representing reverberation) and said target signal component x, respectively, said estimates of λV and λX being jointly optimal in maximum likelihood sense, based on the statistical assumptions that a) the time-frequency representations Yi(k,m), Xi(k,m), and Vi(k,m) (and Wi(k,m)) of respective signals yi(n), and signal components xi, and vi (and wi) are zero-mean, complex-valued Gaussian distributed, b) that each of them are statistically independent across time m and frequency k, and c) that Xi(k,m) and Vi(k,m) (and Wi(k,m)) are uncorrelated. An advantage of the invention is that it provides the basis for an improved intelligibility of an input speech signal. The invention may e.g. be used for hearing assistance devices, e.g. hearing aids.
US09723420B2
A system and method for measuring the performance of a plurality of transducers integrated in one or more loudspeakers is described. The method simultaneously drives each transducer to emit sounds corresponding to distinct orthogonal test signals. A listening device senses sounds produced by the orthogonal test signals and analyzes the sensed audio signal to determine the performance of each transducer. By using orthogonal test signals, the multiple transducers may be measured and/or characterized simultaneously and with limited affect from extraneous noises.
US09723419B2
Provided are a system and method for evaluating sound system performance, comprising: representing an audience space is represented on a surface of a sphere. The sphere has a center that is substantially collocated with a center of a sound system. An efficiency of the sound system is calculated by determining an amount of energy produced by the sound system that reaches the audience space projected onto the sphere relative to a total amount of energy produced by the sound system. A metric is generated for a function by normalizing the efficiency by a ratio of an area of the audience space relative to a total area of the sphere to produce a score for the performance of the sound system.
US09723417B2
An apparatus and a method for inputting audiogram using a touch input are provided. An audiogram input apparatus includes: an input receiver configured to receive a touch input from a user; a data processor configured to generate an audiogram corresponding to the touch input; and a display unit configured to display the generated audiogram.
US09723414B2
A method performs signal processing in a binaural hearing device that has first and second hearing aids with first and second microphones producing first and second signals and with first and second sound generators. The first and second signals ascertain a direction of a main sound source. A deviation in the direction from a frontal direction prompts the hearing aid that is closer to the main sound source to be defined as the local hearing aid and the hearing aid that is more remote from the main sound source to be a remote hearing aid. The local hearing aid, in one frequency band, filters the first signal using an angle-dependent first filter factor, and thus produces a first filtered signal. The first signal, the second signal and/or the direction of the main sound source is used for determining an adaptation coefficient, a first adapted signal and a local directional characteristic.
US09723411B2
A piezoelectric speaker driving system includes a band splitter, a plurality of gain producers, an adder, a piezoelectric speaker, a sound compensator and a gain-adjusting device. The band splitter receives a first audio signal and splits the first audio signal into band signals. The gain producers gain the band signals respectively. The adder receives the gained band signals to generate a second audio signal. The piezoelectric speaker outputs a sound according to the second audio signal. The sound compensator analyzes a sound pressure level of the sound to generate a control signal. The gain-adjusting device adjusts the gains of the gain producers according to the control signal.
US09723409B2
A vehicle audio system includes a vehicle panel having an inner surface and an outer surface defining an exterior surface of the vehicle. A transducer is mounted to the vehicle panel being configured to be connected to and operated by an amplifier. The transducer has a base mounted to the vehicle panel and causes the vehicle panel to vibrate and create an audio output.
US09723406B2
A set of audio output devices may be established and configured to output channel specific audio. Once established, the channel configuration may be changed and updated in response to events such as changes to user preference, or the addition or subtraction of audio output devices to the network. In some embodiments, the reconfiguration may be performed on the fly while audio content is being outputted by the audio output devices.
US09723405B2
Apparatus (301) for switchable attenuation of a differential input signal from a microphone includes positive and negative non-attenuating paths (406, 410) have n- and p-type MOSFETs (421, 422, 423, 424) in back-to-back configurations; positive and negative attenuating paths (405, 409) have n- and p-type MOSFETs (415, 416, 418, 419) in back-to-back configurations in combination with resistors; a gate driver (425) applies a drive signal of one polarity (QNEG) to gates of the n-type MOSFETs in the attenuating paths and the p-type MOSFETs in the non-attenuating paths, and a drive signal of opposite polarity (QPOS) to the gates of the p-type MOSFETs in the attenuating paths and the n-type MOSFETs in the non-attenuating paths; and the state of the MOSFETs depends on the drive signals at their gates, and thus the input signal may be routed via either the non-attenuating paths or the attenuating paths by controlling the drive signals.
US09723400B2
An acoustic device having a housing and an acoustic transducer is disclosed. The housing has a transducer space for the acoustic transducer, and a back volume space. The back volume is filled with a sound adsorber material. The sound adsorber material in the back volume space is configured to virtually increase the size of the back volume space, and shift the resonant frequency of the back volume space. The acoustic chamber for the acoustic transducer and the sound adsorber material is integral to the split-shell housing of the acoustic device. The sound adsorber material is retained in a portion of the acoustic chamber by an acoustically permeable material that facilitates gas exchange within the back volume space, and between the sound adsorber material and the transducer space. The acoustically permeable material is configured in different arrangements to facilitate the gas exchange.
US09723398B2
A modular loudspeaker includes a plurality of chambers and a plurality of vibration plates. Each vibration plate is fixed to two chambers, to cause the chambers to be secured to each other in a certain orientation by the vibration plates. A vibrator is attached to each vibration plate. A processor and a wireless communication unit are received in each chamber. The vibrator attached to each vibration plate is electrically connected to the processor, and the processor is configured to control the vibrator to vibrate when the loudspeaker receives a wireless audio signal via the wireless communication unit, thereby causing the vibration plate to vibrate and output sound.
US09723393B2
A wireless headset receives audio data wirelessly from a television receiver and outputs audio to the user through earphones. The wireless headset includes an inertial sensor that detects an orientation of the user's head. If the orientation of the user's head indicates that the user is sleeping, then wireless headset turns off the wireless receiver, thereby saving battery life.
US09723390B2
A case for a mobile device includes portion having a port configured to receive a power cord input, an aperture configured to receive an earbud, an electrical contact configured to engage a charging contact of the earbud, an electrical connection configured to engage the port with a power input port of the mobile device, and an electrical connection configured to engage the port with the electrical contact of the earbud.
US09723385B2
A procedure for transferring wavelengths, and a system that operates in accordance with the procedure. The system comprises at least one network terminal, each including a switch and a controller. A plurality of wavelength sets are applied to the switch. The controller is arranged to operate the switch such that the switch (a) selects at least one wavelength from at least one of the plurality of wavelength sets, based on electrical monitoring at a port module external to the network terminal, and (b) outputs the at least one wavelength to an output of the at least one network terminal.
US09723379B2
Automated infrastructure management systems and methods document infrastructure elements within a facility, provide a comprehensive record of all network-connected equipment within a facility, and facilitate trouble shooting of network-connected equipment. An automated infrastructure management system includes a plurality of intelligent patch panels, each comprising a plurality of connector ports connected to individual communication channels of a network, a controller in communication with at least some of the intelligent patch panels that obtains connectivity information for the intelligent patch panel's ports, and management software in communication with the controller. The management software performs various functions including correlating the interconnection information for the intelligent patch panels with the physical location information for telecommunications in its database, applying energy management policies to a respective communication channel, providing real time physical location information for devices connected to communication channels to a network switch, and displaying real time physical location information of the devices.
US09723375B2
A method of processing an interactive service and an apparatus thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes sending a discovery message to a second screen application, receiving a request for descriptions of the second screen support services, sending a response with the descriptions, receiving a trigger, and delivering the trigger to the second device using a trigger service.
US09723370B2
A smart receiver and smart transmitter for CATV networks where distortion is minimized using a spectrum analyzer.
US09723364B2
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture for media monitoring based on predictive signature caching are disclosed. Disclosed example methods include processing historical metering data provided by a meter monitoring media presented at a monitored site to predict media exposure to occur at the monitored site during a future monitoring interval. Disclosed example methods also include obtaining reference signatures representative of reference media predicted to be presented at the monitored site during the future monitoring interval. Disclosed example methods further include providing the reference signatures to the meter prior to the future monitoring interval to cache at the meter to perform media monitoring during the future monitoring interval.
US09723359B2
As part of a communication session, a wireless source device can transmit video component data and metadata to a wireless sink device. The wireless source device can intercept the video component data prior to the video component data being rendered by the wireless source device, and the wireless sink device can generate a frame of video data based on the video component data and the metadata.
US09723358B1
Disclosed is a USB docking station and a control method thereof. The USB docking station comprises a micro controller, a first signal multiplexer and a second signal multiplexer, a video signal processor, and a video signal converter. The first signal multiplexer chooses and outputs a first video signal from a first data signal output from a first electronic device. The second signal multiplexer chooses and outputs a second video signal from a second data signal output from a second electronic device. According to a first control signal from the first electronic device or a second control signal from the second electronic device, the micro controller controls the video signal processor to process the first video signal or the second video signal. The video signal converter converts the processed first video signal or the processed second video signal to a video output signal for displaying.
US09723356B2
A method for providing information which is performable by a display device is provided. The method includes: receiving at least one piece of broadcasting program information; obtaining at least one of viewing history information which relates to at least one piece of content that was watched before a predetermined point of time and recording information which relates to at least one piece of content that was recorded before the predetermined point of time; and displaying at least one piece of broadcasting program information from among the at least one piece of broadcasting program information which corresponds to the predetermined point of time on a first region of the display device based on the predetermined point of time, and displaying at least one of the viewing history information and the recording information on a second region of the display device based on the predetermined point of time.
US09723350B2
A control device is provided. The control device includes a communication interface unit which requests and receives menu information from a broadcast receiver, a determination unit which determines a control mode of the control device, a user interface unit which displays the received menu information in a user interface window according to the determined control mode, and a control unit which, if a command to control the broadcast receiver is input through the user interface unit, controls the communication interface unit to transmit the input control command to the broadcast receiver.
US09723337B2
A distribution control system includes a generating unit configured to generate still image data from content data; a converting unit configured to convert the still image data into video data; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the video data to a communication terminal.
US09723328B2
One particular implementation of the present invention may take the form of a method and system for encoding decoding 3-D multimedia content. In one example, visual content having a plurality of source frames may be processed to create a plurality of first and second type frames from each of the plurality of source frames. The plurality of first and second type frames may be arranged to create modified content, and generating a distinguishing signal for the visual content, which may distinguish the first type frame from the second type frame. In another examples, the present invention may take the form of a method decoding 3-D multimedia content encoded with at least content frames and null frames. The method may operate to receive the 3-D multimedia content, extract at least one content frame, at least one null frame, and display information. The method may further operate to reconstruct the content and null frames in a display-sequential manner using the display information to indicate the display order of the at least one content frame. In some examples, the method and system for encoding and decoding multimedia content may encode the multimedia content such that the at least one null frame may not be displayed by a display device.
US09723324B2
When a block (MB22) of which motion vector is referred to in the direct mode contains a plurality of motion vectors, 2 motion vectors MV23 and MV24, which are used for inter picture prediction of a current picture (P23) to be coded, are determined by scaling a value obtained from averaging the plurality of motion vectors or selecting one of the plurality of the motion vectors.
US09723319B1
Systems and methods of managing H.264 compliant video that lacks B Frames include decoding without the use of a significant video frame buffer. This variant of the H.264 standard may include a flag indicating that the video does not include B Frames. The video may be used in applications, such as computer games, in which processing of B Frames introduces undesirable lag.
US09723318B2
Methods and devices transform image data, which are transformed by a compression filter before being compressed and stored in a reference image memory. In an extension, an inverse transformation to that of the compression filter is performed by a decompression filter when image data from the reference memory are read out and decompressed. The methods and devices can be used for image compression methods and image decompression methods that use reference image memories.
US09723314B2
A system, circuit and method are provided herein for reducing perceived flicker in video images transmitted using compression and bit rate control. According to one embodiment of the method, a parameter used in the video compression scheme is stored. The parameter stored is one that is subject to adjustment during normal operation of the video compression scheme. Compressed video frame data issued by a compression encoder is used to test for a still-picture condition. When a still-picture condition is detected, the value of the parameter used by the video compression scheme is fixed to the stored value for the duration of the still-picture condition. An embodiment of the system includes an encoder, buffer, bit rate controller, and flicker reduction circuit. An embodiment of the flicker reduction circuit includes a still-picture detection circuit operably coupled to a compressed data path beginning at the output of the encoder.
US09723311B2
A method and a device for encoding/decoding images are disclosed. The method for encoding images comprises the steps of: deriving a scan type of a residual signal for a current block according to whether or not the current block is a transform skip block; and applying the scan type to the residual signal for the current block, wherein the transform skip block is a block to which transform for the current block is not applied and is specified on the basis of information indicating whether or not transform for the current block is to be applied.
US09723304B2
The present technique relates to an image processing device and a method therefor allowing rate control to be performed more easily. An image encoding device that encodes image data to generate an encoded stream includes: a setting unit configured to set binary parameters used for defining the size, the accumulated data amount, and the like of a hypothetical decoder defined in the encoded stream obtained by encoding the image data in binary data generated by arithmetic coding; an encoding unit configured to encode image data to generate an encoded stream; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the binary parameter set by the setting unit and the encoded stream generated by the encoding unit to an image decoding device that decodes the encoded stream via a predetermined transmission path such as a recording medium or a network. The present disclosure can be applied to image processing devices, for example.
US09723303B2
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system for generating video test pattern signals from definitions contained in a text-based definition file. The definition file allows the user to create generic definitions for test signals that can be interpreted to create test signals in a variety of formats, raster sizes, color spaces, sample structures, frame modes, and bit depths. A parametric generator uses one or more engines to then generate the desired test pattern from the definition file.
US09723301B2
Because neighboring frames may affect how a current frame is perceived, we examine different neighborhoods of the current frame and select a neighborhood that impacts the perceived temporal distortion (i.e., when frames are viewed continuously) of the current frame most significantly. Based on spatial distortion (i.e., when a frame is viewed independently of other frames in a video sequence) of frames in the selected neighborhood, we can estimate initial temporal distortion. To refine the initial temporal distortion, we also consider the distribution of distortion in the selected neighborhood, for example, the distance between the current frame and a closest frame with large distortion, or whether distortion occurs in consecutive frames.
US09723296B2
A method and system to determine the disparity associated with one or more textured regions of a plurality of images is presented. The method comprises the steps of breaking up the texture into its color primitives, further segmenting the textured object into any number of objects comprising such primitives, and then calculating a disparity of these objects. The textured objects emerge in the disparity domain, after having their disparity calculated. Accordingly, the method is further comprised of defining one or more textured regions in a first of a plurality of images, determining a corresponding one or more textured regions in a second of the plurality of images, segmenting the textured regions into their color primitives, and calculating a disparity between the first and second of the plurality of images in accordance with the segmented color primitives.
US09723295B2
An image processing apparatus includes an image-frame reading section that reads one or more image frames from a moving image, a region-boundary-line-information receiving section that receives information concerning a region boundary line in the read image frames, a region dividing section that expands a division region starting from a point on the region boundary line and divides the inside and outside of the region boundary line with division lines, which connect points of brightness, an opening processing section that leaves a first division line between a pair of the region boundary lines and opens a second division line, a separating section that separates regions in the image frames in units of a region surrounded by the first division line, and a first depth-value giving section that gives, to the region surrounded by the first division line, a depth value representing a distance degree of the region.
US09723293B1
Techniques for identifying usable projection areas within an environment and projecting content onto these areas are described herein. The systems described herein may include one or more projectors, one or more cameras, and one or more computing devices. In some instances, the described techniques may utilize the one or more cameras to identify a flat projection surface. After identifying this surface, the techniques may use depth detection, edge detection, or other techniques to determine whether the surface includes any objects protruding there from. If so, then the techniques may identify the size and location of these objects and may store an indication that these objects occlude a portion of the flat projection surface and, therefore, that the locations associated with these objects are not usable projection areas. The techniques may then deduct the locations of the objects from the initially identified projection surface to determine the usable projection areas.
US09723292B2
An imaging device includes a multifocal main lens having different focal distances for a plurality of regions, an image sensor having a plurality of pixels configured of two-dimensionally arranged photoelectric converting elements, a multifocal lens array having a plurality of microlens groups at different focal distances disposed on an incident plane side of the image sensor, and an image obtaining device which obtains from the image sensor, a plurality of images for each of the focal distances obtained by combining the multifocal main lens and the plurality of microlens groups at different focal distances.
US09723291B2
A plurality of video input units generate video frames and provide shooting characteristics. A 3D video frame generator creates a 3D video frame by combining a plurality of video frames, which are provided from the plurality of video input units, respectively, and provides 3D video frame composition information indicating a composition type of the plurality of video frames included in the 3D video frame, and resolution control information indicating adjustment/non-adjustment of resolutions of the video frames. A 3D video frame encoder outputs an encoded 3D video stream by encoding the 3D video frame provided from the 3D video frame generator. A composition information checker checks 3D video composition information including the shooting information, the 3D video frame composition information, and the resolution control information. A 3D video data generator generates 3D video data by combining the 3D video composition information and the encoded 3D video stream.
US09723288B2
An image processing apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive at least two parallax images that are obtained from a subject image captured via a single optical system, where the at least two parallax images include an image in a first viewpoint direction and an image in a second viewpoint direction, an average calculating unit configured to calculate, for each pixel, an arithmetic average and a geometric average between the image in the first viewpoint direction and the image in the second viewpoint direction, a ratio calculating unit configured to calculate, for each pixel, a ratio of the arithmetic average to the geometric average, and a disparity calculating unit configured to calculate, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, a disparity between the image in the first viewpoint direction and the image in the second viewpoint direction based on the ratio.
US09723284B2
A method comprising: capturing, by an electronic device, a first incident light sample and generating an image based on the first incident light sample; capturing, by the electronic device, a second incident light sample and identifying a light source type associated with the second incident light sample; and adjusting a white balance of the image according to the light source type.
US09723279B1
A projector adapted to project an image includes an imaging section adapted to image a projection surface on which the image is projected, and output an image obtained by imaging, an identification section adapted to identify a projection area in which the image is projected based on the image output by the imaging section, a mask processing section adapted to mask an outside of an area, which includes the projection area identified by the identification section, on the image output by the imaging section, a discrimination section adapted to determine which one of a first state, in which the projector is used alone, and a second state, in which the projector and another projector project images side by side, is set, and a setting section adapted to set an area to be masked by the mask processing section in accordance with a determination result of the discrimination section.
US09723277B2
A projection method, a projection apparatus and an electronic device are provided. The method may include: acquiring a target content to be projected in an electronic device; determining a projection parameter for the target content; adjusting a beam output mode of a light path changing module for projection beams of the target content based on the projection parameter; and based on the beam output mode, projecting, via the light path changing module, the projection beams of the target content into a first region of a projection carrier located away from the electronic device by a first distance, where the area of the first region varies with the beam output mode. With the projection method, the projection apparatus and the electronic device in the application, the area of the projection region can be adjusted easily, so that multiple users can use the electronic device to watch the projection conveniently.
US09723274B2
An imaging system and method of a trailer backup assist system is provided and includes a camera having an image sensor. The camera is mounted on the rear of a vehicle and images a target provided on a trailer. A controller is included for adjusting an image capture setting of the camera based on a status input from a vehicle lighting system, image data from the camera, and locational input from a positioning device.
US09723272B2
A vision system of a vehicle includes a plurality of cameras with exterior overlapping fields of view. The vision system is operable to calibrate at least one of the cameras and includes a plurality of targets disposed at locations near the vehicle and within the fields of views of the cameras. A display device is operable to display images captured by the cameras of the vision system. A plurality of user inputs may be provided and a user may selectively actuate the user inputs to manipulate images captured by the cameras to align portions of a target in overlapping regions of the captured images of adjacent cameras to calibrate the cameras. The vision system may calibrate cameras automatically, such as responsive to the targets moving into the fields of views of the cameras, whereby the vision system may calibrate the cameras as the vehicle is moved along an assembly line.
US09723267B2
A method and apparatus to create and transmit transport multiplexes comprising one or more levels of service over a network. In one embodiment, the level of service comprises high definition (HD) content or programs, and the transmitted multiplexes are distributed over a plurality of downstream RF carriers in a cable network simultaneously. A head-end architecture for performing the multiplexing and distribution of multiple HD programs over the multiple carriers (i.e., in a “wideband” configuration) is disclosed. CPE having one or more wideband tuners is also disclosed, the CPE being adapted to receive the multiplexed HD content from the various RF carriers, and demultiplex it in order to permit decoding and subsequent viewing by the user. The use of multiple HD source programs with the multiplex advantageously provides for enhanced statistical multiplexing by providing a larger “pool” of constituent inputs and available carriers.
US09723265B2
Systems and methods for videoconferencing using an avatar are described. The presence of a user may be detected by analyzing video captured by a digital camera. The avatar may be provided to a remote device to represent the detected user.
US09723264B2
In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a memory that stores executable instructions and a processor that executes the instructions in order to determine, for plural received compressed video inputs, at least one motion vector included in each of the plural compressed video inputs; calculate, based on the determined motion vectors, a motion value corresponding to each of the plural compressed video inputs, the motion values representing a level of motion over several frames for each of the plural compressed video inputs; and select, based on the calculated motion values, at least one of the plural compressed video inputs to be displayed.
US09723263B2
An audio processor for a video conference system receives an audio signal from content to be shared over a video conference and an audio signal from a network. The audio signal from the shared content and the audio signal from the network are mixed together for output to a speaker. The audio processor may also receive a local audio signal from a microphone. The local audio signal is mixed with the audio signal of the shared to content to generate an outbound signal.
US09723255B2
A signal switching system includes a first connector, a second connector, a switch unit, a first comparator, and a second comparator. The first connector is electronically coupled to a television. The second connector is electronically coupled to a video playback device. The first comparator is electronically coupled between the first connector and the switch; and the second comparator is electronically coupled between the second connector and the switch. The first comparator outputs a control command to the switch unit according to the voltage of the first connector, and the second comparator outputs a control command to the switch unit according to the voltage of the second connector. The switch unit selectively outputs a first signal or a second signal to the first connector or the second connector according to the control commands output from the first comparator and the second comparator.
US09723253B2
A method for generating optically machine readable code is provided. The method includes capturing an image with a user device, automatically generating, by the user device, an optically machine readable code comprising information about the image recorded during the capturing of the image, and associating the optically machine readable code and the image. A computer readable storage medium storing one or more programs and an apparatus are also provided.
US09723247B2
A vehicle entertainment system includes a tablet unit and a cradle. The tablet unit includes a display and a touch screen input device disposed on a front surface, a first electrical connection, a first mounting mechanism, and a wireless receiver. The wireless receiver is configured to receive media data from a wireless network and the touch screen input device is configured to receive input from a user. The cradle is disposed in a headrest in a vehicle and includes a second electrical connection and a second mounting mechanism. The tablet unit is electrically connected to the cradle via the first and second electrical connections, and is physically coupled to the cradle via the first and second mounting mechanisms upon mounting the tablet unit to the cradle.
US09723240B2
A computational sensing array includes an array of sensing elements. In each sensing element, a first signal is generated from a transducer. A second signal is produced by a collection unit in response to receiving the first signal. The second signal may be modified, in a conditioning unit. A sensing element preprocessing unit generates a word representing the value of the modified second signal, and may produce an indication of change of the first signal. A current value of the word may be stored in a state holding element local to the sensing element, and a previous value of the word may be retained in a further state holding element local to the sensing element.
US09723231B2
A write control unit selects, in a row or column direction, N storing units from N×N storing units for storing pixel data of N (N≧2) read lines of image pickup devices and writes the data in sets of N pixels thereto, and switches a selection direction for selecting the storing units each time writes of the data of N lines are completed. A read control unit selects, in a direction different from the selection direction, N storing units and starts parallel reads of the data of N lines during writes of the data of every N-th line. Each storing unit to be first selected in the writes of the data of every N-th line performs write and read operations using different terminals, and each of the remaining storing units performs write and read operations using a common terminal.
US09723230B2
A multi-spectral imaging (MSI) device can include an imaging plane and a diffractive optic. The imaging plane can include at least two groups of pixels an array of pixels for sensing at least two spectral bands. The at least two spectral bands can include a first spectral band and a second spectral band. The diffractive optic can be configured for diffracting an electromagnetic wave into the at least two spectral bands and focusing each spectral band component of the electromagnetic wave onto the group of pixels for the spectral band to generate an image.
US09723228B2
Various techniques are disclosed for providing an infrared imaging module that exhibits a small form factor and may be used with one or more portable devices. Such an infrared imaging module may be implemented with a housing that includes electrical connections that may be used to electrically connect various components of the infrared imaging module. In addition, various techniques are disclosed for providing system architectures for processing modules of infrared imaging modules. In one example, a processing module of an infrared imaging module includes a first interface adapted to receive captured infrared images from an infrared image sensor of the infrared imaging module. The processing module may also include a processor adapted to perform digital infrared image processing on the captured infrared images to provide processed infrared images. The processing module may also include a second interface adapted to pass the processed infrared images to a host device.
US09723219B2
In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for configuring one or more imaging sensors of an imaging device to capture digital images for digital pulse recognition demodulation. In some embodiments, the method includes initializing one or more imaging sensors of the imaging device, determining a subset of the one or more imaging sensors to configure, setting a configuration for each of the one or more imaging sensors of the subset by defining a region of interest as a metering area for each of the one or more imaging sensors of the subset and automatically adjusting a setting for each of the one or more imaging sensors of the subset, and adjusting input parameters of a demodulation function based on a device profile of the imaging device. In some embodiments, the adjusted setting is locked to prevent further adjustment of the adjusted setting.
US09723210B2
An image processing apparatus comprising: a first obtaining unit configured to obtain a focal length of an imaging optical system; a second obtaining unit configured to obtain a distance to a subject; a setting unit configured to set a movable range for a correction unit configured to correct camera shake, based on the focal length and the distance to a subject; and a calculation unit configured to calculate a correction amount for correcting the camera shake within the movable range that was set by the setting unit, based on a camera shake signal from a camera shake detection unit configured to detect camera shake and output the camera shake signal.
US09723207B2
Provided is an imaging device that prevents glare resulting from light that leaks out from a subject display area of a display section in an OVF mode.A finder device can be switched between the OVF mode and an EVF mode. A subject display area and an information display area are set in an EVFLCD. In the OVF mode, nothing is displayed in the subject display area of the EVFLCD, and an information image is displayed in the information display area. An EVF shutter is set such that the light transmittance of a first area, which corresponds to the subject display area, becomes a low transmittance and the light transmittance of a second area, which corresponds to the information display area, becomes a high transmittance. The first area, which is set at low transmittance, blocks light that leaks from the subject display area.
US09723198B2
A camera module and an auto focusing method of the camera module are provided, the camera module including a VCM (Voice Coil Motor) including a rotor including a lens distanced from a reference plane, in a case no driving signal is applied, a posture detection sensor determining a posture of the VCM; an ISP (Image Signal Processor) generating a driving signal for driving the VCM using an optimum focus value of the lens calculated by an auto focus algorithm in response to a posture of the VCM determined by the posture detection sensor, an image sensor changing lens-passed light to a digital signal, and a controller controlling the VCM, the posture detection sensor, the image signal processor and the image sensor.
US09723194B2
A photographing apparatus includes a photographing unit that captures an image from incident light thereon; a communication status checking unit that checks a communication status of the photographing apparatus; a resolution determination unit that sets a resolution for a first image file for the captured image according to the communication status; a file generation unit that generates the first image file from the captured image, the first image file having the set resolution; and a communication unit that transmits the first image file to an external device.
US09723187B2
Provided is a light amount adjusting apparatus comprising a base that has a rotary drive unit, and a rotating unit that is arranged rotatably about a predetermined axis with respect to the base, and drives aperture blades by rotating with the rotary drive unit, wherein one of the base and the rotating unit is provided with two arc-shaped parts to be engaged around the axis, the other is provided with two engaging parts engaging with each of the arc-shaped parts to be engaged.
US09723179B2
According to one aspect, embodiments herein provide a TDI image sensor comprising an array of light sensing elements, at least one clock, and an image processor, wherein the at least one clock is configured to operate a first plurality of the light sensing elements to transfer accumulated charge to an adjacent element at a first phase and to operate a second plurality of the light sensing elements to transfer accumulated charge to an adjacent element at a second phase, and wherein the image processor is configured to read out a first signal from the first plurality of light sensing elements corresponding to a total charge accumulated at the first phase, to read out a second signal from the second plurality of light sensing elements corresponding to a total charge accumulated at the second phase, and to combine the first signal and the second signal to generate an image.
US09723171B2
Systems and methods are directed towards generating a verified unique watermark. More specifically, the systems and methods are directed towards generating a watermark that is as long as possible without any repetition. Such watermarks are possible by selecting characteristics of the watermark and methods for producing the watermarks (e.g., dandy rollers). By producing longer unique watermarks, users would be capable of generating longer rolls of paper whereby more sheets can be produced that each possesses a unique watermark. With the unique watermark, users can identify what information is printed on each sheet as well as authenticate the contents of each individual sheet.
US09723164B2
An image reading device includes a plate on which a document to be scanned is placed, a cover that is movable between an open position and a closed position at which the cover contacts the document, a position detecting unit configured to detect a position of the cover, an imaging unit configured to emit light towards the plate and having an image sensor configured to detect light reflected by the document, and a control unit configured to determine a size of the document based on a detection result of the position detecting unit and a detection result of the image sensor.
US09723162B2
An image forming apparatus includes: a schedule information generation unit that generates schedule information including an order of execution of received jobs; an acquisition unit that acquires resource information related to a resource used to execute a job; a prediction unit that predicts a timing of occurrence of an event that possibly occurs in the apparatus as the received jobs are executed in accordance with the order of execution on the basis of the schedule information and the resource information; a display information generation unit that generates display information for displaying a period of execution of the job to be executed and the timing of occurrence of the event along the same time axis, and for displaying a degree of influence of the event on execution of the job; and a display controller that controls display of the display information.
US09723153B2
A system and method for generating Call Detail Records (CDR) to optimize network usage notifications to a mobile device subscriber. The system and method can include a billing system module that determines CDR generation parameters for the mobile device subscriber based on the mobile device subscriber's network usage, including increasing CDR generation when the mobile device subscriber's network usage relative to a predetermined quota is high and/or decreasing CDR generation when the mobile device subscriber's network usage relative to the predetermined quota is low. The CDR generation parameters can be applied to control CDR generation for the mobile device subscriber.
US09723145B2
A system and method include a contact center to provide an interaction between a customer and agent. An analytics server connects with the contact center to parse a text of the interaction and determine an intent and a topic of the interaction based on the parsed text. The analytics server determines an implicit survey score for the interaction based on comparing the intent and the topic of the interaction with an intent and a topic of an interaction that was correlated with an explicit survey score.
US09723135B2
A method for handling calls to be moved within a system having an unmonitored domain and a monitored domain can include the step of upon first arrival of a call at said unmonitored domain, a context of said call based on a called number, a calling number, and any redirection number(s) included in said call can be provided. Another step of the method can include, for each movement of said call between said unmonitored domain and said monitored domain, providing a unique number to be temporarily used for said particular movement, based on said call context, while avoiding that said unique number is used to move any other call within the system at the same time. An apparatus for can be configured to facilitate performance of the method (e.g. communication system, a device, non-transitory memory, etc.).
US09723131B1
Techniques for providing friction-free transactions using geolocation and user identifiers are described herein. These techniques may ascertain a user's location based on a location of a mobile device. A transaction between the user and a merchant may be completed with zero or minimal input from the user based on the geolocation of the mobile device and the user identifiers. In some implementations, a transaction initiated earlier is completed when the mobile device arrives at the merchant. Additionally, a parent-child or similar relationship may be established between multiple devices. Security on the mobile device based may be provided by biometric identification and calculation of variance from regular movement patterns. Advertisements may be sent to the mobile device based on bids from merchants near to the mobile device. Promotions may be sent to the mobile device when more than a threshold number of mobile devices are located at the same merchant.
US09723129B2
The present invention relates to a voice call establishing method and apparatus. The method includes: receiving a voice call request, and generating an internal trigger signal according to the voice call request; detecting an acceleration characteristic value of a mobile terminal and/or a characteristic value of a distance from the mobile terminal to a target object within a preset time threshold; and if an initial value of the acceleration characteristic value is a first characteristic value and does not change within the preset time threshold, establishing a first voice call; and if the acceleration characteristic value changes from the first characteristic value to a second characteristic value within the preset time threshold, and the characteristic value of the distance changes from a first distance characteristic value to a second distance characteristic value, establishing a second voice call.
US09723127B1
A system for the delivery of scriptures that includes: a plurality of images stored in a database; at least one scripture associated with each image, wherein said scriptures are stored in the database; a software application, where the software application includes instructions on syncing and linking an image within the plurality of images to a scripture; and a portable electronic device, where the portable electronic device stores the software application and is adapted to provide access to the plurality of images and associated scriptures. The portable electronic device may be a smartphone or a tablet. The plurality of images preferably includes emoticons.
US09723120B2
According to another aspect, a mobile electronic device includes a display unit and a control unit. The display unit displays thereon additional information associated with an application program. Upon accepting a first operation performed with respect to the additional information, the control unit display a screen provided by the application program as a background of the additional information.
US09723114B2
Several embodiments include a mobile device. The mobile device can include a circuit board configured to interconnect one or more electronic components and a chassis shell adapted to form an outer perimeter of the mobile device and to enclose the circuit board. The chassis shell can have an integral unibody that includes a contact feature integral to the chassis shell. A sensor system can be in contact with the chassis shell on an opposite side of the contact feature. The contact feature enables the sensor system to detect touch events when a user interacts with the contact feature.
US09723106B2
A system comprising a plurality of service nodes, a controller and a network device in communication with the controller. Each of the plurality of service nodes is configured to support one or more service functions to establish a service function chain that includes a plurality of service functions to be performed by routing traffic among the plurality of service nodes. The controller is configured to generate provisioning information for the service function chain. The provisioning information includes at least one condition upon which a service function reclassification or branching operation is to be performed by at least one service node. The network device is in communication with the controller, and is configured to distribute the provisioning information for the service function chain to the plurality of service nodes using a distributed routing protocol.
US09723099B2
In one embodiment, a managed cache system, includes a cache memory to receive storage units via an uplink from a transmitting client, each storage unit including a decodable video unit, each storage unit having a priority, and enable downloading of the storage units via a plurality of downlinks to receiving clients, and a controller processor to purge the cache memory of one of the storage units when all of the following conditions are satisfied: the one storage unit is not being downloaded to any of the receiving clients, the one storage unit is not currently subject to a purging exclusion, and another one of the storage units now residing in the cache, having a higher priority than the priority of the one storage unit, arrived in the cache after the one storage unit. Related apparatus and methods are also described.
US09723086B2
A dual-device tutorial system can facilitate user learning about a “primary” device by providing explanatory information on a “supporting” device while the user interacts with the primary device. The primary and supporting devices can be devices of different types. From a user perspective, the primary device can operate exactly as it would in normal (non-tutorial) use and can send event messages and/or other signals to the supporting device. Based on the event messages and/or other signals, the supporting device can provide explanatory information responsive to user interactions with the primary device.
US09723082B2
Systems, devices, and methods are provided for the management of multiple sensor control devices and/or multiple reader devices in an in vivo analyte monitoring environment, and also for resolving conflicts when merging data collected by different reader devices.
US09723080B2
A storage apparatus includes a storage unit for storing data read/written by a host computer and provides the host computer with a storage area of the storage unit as one or more volumes. The storage management computer includes a first memory for storing task information including contents of an operation process performed on the storage apparatus, as well as a scheduled starting time and scheduled termination time of a process. In the case where first task information is stored in the first memory, when resources used in the process of second task information stored in the first memory are the same as resources used in the process of the first task information, the storage management computer computes times required for executing the first task information and the second task information, based on a time during which the processes of the first and second task information conflict with each other.
US09723079B2
A system and method for link detection and link initialization across a range of communication media is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes intercepting, by a subcontroller of a first storage element, an attempt by a controller of the first storage element to establish communication with a second storage element via a first communication medium. In response to the intercepting of the attempt, a link initialization signal is provided for transmission to the second storage element via a second communication medium. The second communication medium is independent of the first communication medium. When a response is received from the second storage element indicating a successful link initialization, an indication of success is provided from the subcontroller to the controller. The indication of success corresponds to the first communication medium. In one example, the controller includes an SAS controller, and the second communication medium is an optical communication medium.
US09723076B2
A media server machine may be configured to provide media content within a datastream. This datastream may be provided to a media device that is configured to present the media content on a display. Also, this datastream may contemporaneously contain an “app-sync indicator” for the media content. The app-sync indicator is a data structure that signals the media device to launch an application on a companion device. By providing the app-sync indicator contemporaneously with the media content in the datastream, the launching of the application on the companion device may be synchronized with the media content. The app-sync indicator may specify the application to be launched. Also, the app-sync indicator may specify supplemental content to be presented by the launched application on the companion device.
US09723068B2
A computer-implemented method includes identifying a primary computing platform, identifying one or more secondary computing platforms, and identifying a requesting virtual server. The requesting virtual server resides on the primary computing platform and is associated with one or more requesting clients. One or more donating virtual servers are identified. The donating virtual servers reside on the primary computing platform and are associated with one or more donating clients. One or more external virtual servers are identified. The external virtual servers reside on the secondary computing platforms. A resource donation scenario is determined. The resource donation scenario includes one or more resource exchanges between the requesting virtual server and the donating virtual servers. A resource adjustment scenario is determined. The resource adjustment scenario includes one or more resource exchanges between the external virtual servers. A corresponding computer program product and computer system are also disclosed.
US09723063B2
Methods are provided for determining, based on input parameters associated with a computing device and a network over which the computing device is connected to another computing device (such as a server), suitable transport parameters for requesting and receiving data, where the transport parameters are determined for efficient transmission with less susceptibility to interruptions and delays. The input parameters may be provided continuously in order to determine, on a real-time or near real-time basis, continuously updated transport parameters. Transport parameters may be rewarded and/or punished based on historical network data. Accordingly, embodiments enable the computing device and/or server to dynamically adjust transport parameters to provide a data rate that is chosen to accommodate changing network conditions.
US09723061B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for a transport protocol independent communications library. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a communication request from a client device and processed according to a selected transport protocol, generating a response to the communication request, the response including data responsive to the communication request and one or more feature values specifying one or more communication features for the communication request, each communication feature being independent of the selected transport protocol, and providing the response to the communication request according to the selected transport protocol.
US09723058B2
A computer-implemented method for automatically registering an application with an enterprise system. The method includes, obtaining the application associated with the enterprise system, wherein the application is pre-configured for subsequent registration with the enterprise system such that the registration establishes a trust relationship between the application and the enterprise system. The method further includes installing the application on a host device, and in conjunction with installing the application, automatically requesting the registration of the application with the enterprise system.
US09723047B2
Methods and systems are described for enabling network-initiated control of streaming of segmented content from a content delivery node to at least one client, said client being configured to access at least part of said segmented content on the basis of a manifest file, wherein a method may comprise: receiving a first manifest file identifying one or more segments and location information for locating one or more content delivery nodes configured to transmit said one or more segments to said at least one client; in response to said reception of said first manifest file, providing channel set-up information; and, establishing at least one streaming control channel between said at least one client and a control channel server function associated with said content delivery node on the basis of said control channel set-up information, said at least one client being configured for receiving at least one manifest file update message via said streaming control channel.
US09723044B1
A system and method for generating a channel includes a channel engine that retrieves candidate content items based on a topic from heterogeneous data sources. The channel engine generates a stream of content with selected content items and populates the stream of content for the channel and providing the stream of content to users associated with the channel. In response to receiving feedback, the channel engine modifies the at least one topic based at least in part on the feedback. The scoring engine generates a second stream of content from the first stream of content that is personalized for the first user based at least in part on a model. Other users can subscribe to the second stream.
US09723037B2
A method, computer-readable medium and system for enabling communication associated with a webpage are disclosed. One or more communication interfaces may be used to associate content with one or more regions of a webpage. The one or more communication interfaces may be associated with the one or more regions of the webpage. Each communication interface may enable users to submit content for access by at least one other user. In this manner, content may be associated with one or more regions of a webpage, thereby enabling users to more readily and efficiently communicate and/or provide context for content.
US09723035B1
Techniques are described for creating real-time reports of meeting attendance. A calendar is accessed to determine the scheduled time and participants of a meeting. During the scheduled time of the meeting, locations of the scheduled participants are determined by obtaining position information from mobile devices carried by the participants. A meeting report is generated for any one or more of the participants, listing those participants who are present at the meeting. Relative positions of the attending participants may also be shown.
US09723032B2
A method of establishing a communications session for communication of data with respect to at least two user devices in a data communications network. A client-server connection request is received from at least one of the at least two user devices. Call party details of a telephone call are received. The telephone call involves at least a first telephony user device and a second telephony user device. The call party details include a first identity associated with the first telephony user device and a second identity associated with the second telephony user device. At least one of the first and second identities comprises a telephone dialing number. A separate communications session is established on the basis of the first and second identities received in the call party details.
US09723029B2
An embodiment provides a user equipment that includes a processor configured to receive a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) NOTIFY message transmitted by a network component as a result of a registration event. The SIP NOTIFY message contains at least a portion of information included in a first SIP message sent between a first user equipment and the network component. Another embodiment provides method and apparatus for a network node to determine whether filter criteria include one or more indicators that specify the need for information, and including in a second SIP message the information specified by the one or more indicators.
US09723028B2
A distributed file system for devices is described. In an embodiment, each data element stored on one of the devices has an associated location and availability attribute. The location attribute is stored co-located with the data element. The availability attribute and a copy of the location attribute are stored by a metadata service. When a client on a device needs to access a data element, it sends a request to the metadata service to find the location of the data element. If the data element is available, this information is provided to the client and this may involve waking a dormant device which holds the data element. Where the data element is not available, read only access may be granted to a cached copy of the data element. Where replication is used and one of the devices holding a replica is unavailable, the system may use write off-loading.
US09723025B2
A method and system for managing entitlements provided by a target system in an organization is provided. In one embodiment, a user of an organization may utilize services provided by an identity management system to request for resources stored in one or more target systems of the organization. Upon receiving the request, the identity management system may identify if an account is associated with the user that enables the user access to the resource in one of the target systems. In some examples, the identity management system may provision a new account for the user, associate the new account with the user and grant an entitlement to the new account, wherein the entitlement enables the user to access the requested in the target system.
US09723022B2
Domain classification based on domain co-occurrence information derived from client request behavior is provided. The network requests of clients are analyzed to determine domain and time information. Distance information is generated based on the time between requests for a plurality of domains. The distance information for individual clients is combined to generate distance information for domain pairs. The distance information represents an amount of time or other measurement between queries associated with the two domains of the pair. By examining the client requests, a measure of the distance or relatedness of two domains may be determined. Co-occurrence information for a first set of domains is generated based on the co-occurrence of domains in the first set with domains in a second set of domains. Based on the co-occurrence information, a domain classification can be generated for domains in the first set of domains.
US09723018B2
Computer-implemented methods and systems for categorizing a uniform resource locator (URL) based on web content associated with the URL are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes identifying a first URL using a first URL collection method, assigning, using an electronic processor, a first categorization priority to the first URL based on the first URL being identified using the first URL collection method, categorizing, the first URL based on the first categorization priority, identifying a second URL using a second URL collection method, assigning, using an electronic processor, a second categorization priority different than the first categorization priority based on the second URL having been identified using the second URL collection method; and categorizing, using an electronic processor, the second URL based on the second categorization priority.
US09723016B2
A method of detecting exploit kits includes receiving, at an input port of a computer, indication of HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) traffic. The HTTP traffic is clustered into a web session tree according to a client IP (Internet Protocol. A client tree structure of the web session tree is generated. The client tree structure is compared with tree structures of exploit kit samples.
US09723015B2
Detecting malware-related activity on a computer by detecting activity associated with the creation of a data object, where the activity is performed by a process, where the process is an instance of a computer software application that resides in a computer memory and that is executed by a computer, and where the data object is configured to persist after termination of the process, determining a string that identifies the data object, searching for a portion of the string that identifies the data object within any areas of the computer memory storing static portions of the computer software application, and performing a computer-security-related remediation action responsive to determining that the portion of the string that identifies the data object is absent from the searched areas of the computer memory.
US09723011B2
Access to a user profile of a user device at a location may be provided to a destination device upon detecting that the location is within a proximity of a destination location. An expiring token may be generated, associated with the user profile, and communicated to the second device. Access to the user profile provided to the destination device may be terminated upon an expiration of the expiring token.
US09723006B2
There is disclosed in an example a computing apparatus, including: a process deprivilging engine operable for: recognizing that a process has an undetermined reputation; intercepting a first access request directed to a first resource; determining that the first resource is not owned by the process; and at least partially blocking access to the first resource. There is further disclosed a method of providing the process deprivileging engine, and one or more computer-readable mediums having stored thereon executable instructions for providing the process deprivileging engine.
US09723004B2
A network drive system for controlling access to a network drive based on location information on a communication device according to the present technology includes: a storage unit storing a network drive that stores security data and general data; a receiving unit receiving a request for access to the network drive from a first communication device; a location checking unit checking whether the distance between the first communication device and a second communication device designated as a device for controlling access to the network drive is within a critical value; and a policy setting unit that applies a policy allowing the first communication device to access general data stored in the network drive or applies a policy disallowing the first communication device to access general data stored in the network drive, according to results of the determining by the location checking unit.
US09723001B2
A security device may be utilized to provide security measures to an electronic device that may incorporate the security device or be coupled to it. The security measures may comprise authentication (e.g., authentication of devices, users, or activities), and/or encryption measures (e.g., encrypting or decrypting exchanged data). A transaction or access via the security device may be authenticated by communicating an authentication request by the security device to an authentication server, which may generate, in response, a sequence of information requests that are sent to the security device. The security device may then generate, in response, a sequence of responses that are sent to the authentication server, with the sequence of responses comprising a sequence of reported values each of which are unique. The authentication server may then authenticate the security device based on comparing of the sequence of reported values with a sequence of expected values that identifies the security device.
US09722995B2
Access is controlled to managed resources in a stateless web server architecture including a stateless web server computing platform; a resource locator map portion of the stateless web server computing platform providing a unique resource locator code representing each managed resource in a stateless web server architecture, wherein the managed resource is assigned to a plurality of application program components; a set of servlet filters disposed in a portion of the stateless web server computing platform, each servlet filter associated with one of the application program components; a resource locator matcher portion of the stateless web server computing platform, responsive to a user request to a unique resource locator, matching a pattern in the user request to one or more of the application program components using a corresponding servlet filter; and a request dispatcher portion of the stateless web server computing platform sending the user request to the matched application program component, wherein the application program component receives and processes the user request.
US09722983B2
The present invention relates to the field of access to a high-security network, and more particularly to a device allowing secure access, for example for management and maintenance operations.There is described a connection device making it possible to connect any maintenance apparatus to a high-security network without compromising the trust of the system. The device contains a client of the maintenance application package only the inputs-outputs of which are offloaded onto the maintenance apparatus. It has authentication means and means for performing a protocol break between the maintenance apparatus and the high-security system. In this way, only said connection device needs to be trusted and the maintenance may be effected from any terminal.
US09722966B2
In a computing device a domain name system (DNS) query is generated and sent, and a check is made as to whether a verified DNS response to the DNS query is received. The computing device is determined to be inside a particular network if a verified DNS response is received, and is determined to be outside that particular network if a verified DNS response is not received. A DNS response can be determined to be verified if both the DNS response has an expected value and the DNS response is digitally signed by a trusted authority, and otherwise can be determined to be not verified.
US09722965B2
A method to send an alert for nonproductivity associated with a conversation is provided. The method may include recording a plurality of communication outputs of at least two users engaged in a remote message exchange or a remote conversation. The method may also include creating a plurality of text tokens based on the recorded plurality of communication outputs. The method may include analyzing, by a graphical text analyzer, the created plurality of text tokens to determine whether the plurality of text tokens has fallen below a threshold. The method may further include sending an alert to the plurality of users involved in the conversation if it is determined that the plurality of text tokens has fallen below the threshold.
US09722941B2
A communication device includes: a plurality of output ports; a plurality of queues in which packets are stored so as to be sorted into groups of packets that are output from an identical output port in an identical time period, from among the plurality of output ports; a plurality of first selectors that respectively corresponds to the plurality of output ports, and each of which switches a queue from which packets that are output from the output port are read, between the plurality of queues each time the time period elapses; and a second selector that switches a first selector from which packets are output, between the plurality of first selectors, at time intervals in accordance with output rates of packets of the plurality of output ports.
