US09956533B2
A continuous mixer/reactor and a mixing process are provided in which materials flow in an orderly fashion along the length of a channel (9) and the materials are mixed in a direction transverse to the axis of the channel (9) by the provision of agitator elements (5, 7) within the channel (9) and shaking the channel (9) so that the agitator elements (5, 7) move within the channel (9) in the radial direction of the channel (9).
US09956527B2
A guide member for directing gas bubble flow along a membrane surface, the guide member having first and second side edges defining a channel for gas bubbles to flow along, the channel having an open bottom end through which the gas bubbles can enter the channel and an open top end through which the bubbles can exit the channel, and a diverting means adjacent the channel bottom end arranged to direct at least some of the incident gas bubbles in a first direction towards the channel bottom end. A membrane module assembly and a membrane filter system including the guide member.
US09956520B2
A carbon dioxide absorbent composition is described, including (i) a liquid, nonaqueous silicon-based material, functionalized with one or more groups that either reversibly react with CO2 or have a high-affinity for CO2, and (ii) a hydroxy-containing solvent that is capable of dissolving both the silicon-based material and a reaction product of the silicon-based material and CO2. The absorbent may be utilized in methods to reduce carbon dioxide in an exhaust gas, and finds particular utility in power plants.
US09956519B2
Absorbent for desulfurization of combustion gas and method of treating combustion gas using the same
An absorbent for desulfurization of combustion gas is provided. The absorbent includes about 1 to about 16 wt % of potassium carbonate (K2CO3); about 0.1 to about 10 wt % of a promoting agent including hindered cyclic amine, hindered cyclic amine bicarbonate, or a combination thereof; and a balance amount of water. In addition, a method of treating the combustion gas using the absorbent is provided.
US09956518B2
The present invention relates to an acid gas capture system and method which can reduce the energy consumption by using the heat from the system itself of an acid gas capture system. The system and method according to the present invention causes heat exchange to occur between an absorbent discharged from the upper part of an absorption tower of the capture system and a mixed gas comprising an acid gas, and a portion of an absorbent solution which has absorbed the acid gas discharged from the lower part of the absorption tower, and additionally, the remaining absorbent solution excluding said portion thereof undergoes heat exchange with the regenerated high-temperature absorbent solution discharged from the reboiler to preheat the absorbent solution supplied to the regeneration tower, thereby reducing the thermal energy required by same.
US09956513B2
An air cleaner includes an upper casing, which has an inlet, a lower casing, which has an outlet and covers the lower opening of the upper casing, and a filter element, which is located inside the upper casing and the lower casing. The lower casing includes a looped application surface, on which an adhesive is applied to adhere the filter element, and a minute protrusion, which extends along the perimeter, is formed on the inner peripheral edge of the application surface.
US09956510B2
A filtration system for filtering a liquid includes a drum filter (2) having a primary inlet (4) and a primary outlet (6) in a housing (8), and a rotatable drum screen (10) arranged in the housing. A back flush element (12) is arranged on one side of the drum filter for back flushing filtered particles from the drum screen, and a gutter element (14) is arranged on an opposite side of the drum screen for collecting filtered particles, wherein the gutter element is connected to a secondary outlet (16) in the housing. The filtration system is furthermore provided with a buffer reservoir (18) having a reservoir inlet (20) which is connected to the secondary outlet so as to be closable. The filtration system further includes compression elements (34) for controlling a gas pressure (Pt) in the housing of the drum filter and a gas pressure (Pr) in the buffer reservoir.
US09956509B2
A filter assembly may include an outer insert and an inner insert. The outer insert having an aperture and a plurality of outer grooves. The outer grooves are formed in a radially outer periphery of the outer insert and are separated from each other and the aperture. The inner insert may be disposed within the aperture. A plurality of inner grooves may be formed in a radially outer periphery of the inner insert. Each of the outer and inner grooves may have a closed axial end and an open axial end.
US09956507B2
The present invention concerns a gas-liquid separation system and a method for operating a gas-liquid separation system.
US09956506B2
The present invention discloses an oil-gas separation cylinder, an oil-gas separation device and an oil chromatography. The oil-gas separation cylinder comprises an oil-gas separation cylinder body of which axe extends in direction of up and down, a separating block which separates the oil-gas separation cylinder body into an upper cavity and a lower cavity, an oil-gas separation cylinder piston movably installed in the lower cavity, an oil inlet passage and an oil outlet passage, and an oil-gas separation cylinder vent arranged at upper end of the upper cavity, wherein both of the oil inlet passage and the oil outlet passage are communicated with the upper cavity, wherein the separating block is provided with a guiding hole and a spaying hole used to communicate the upper cavity to the lower cavity, or the separating block is provided with a spaying hole guiding oil used to communicate the upper cavity to the lower cavity. By motion of an oil-gas separation cylinder piston, oil is spayed so as to rapidly realize equilibrium of oil and gas. Deaerating space is dynamically expanded so as to strengthen deaerating effect. The present invention adopts vacuum spraying method, but eliminates a mixer motor which continuously stirs the oil. Thus, structure of the oil-gas separation device is simplified.
US09956504B2
An integrated coalescing system for separating ionic liquid from a liquid hydrocarbon is provided, comprising:a. a bulk settler,that separates an emulsion comprising the dispersed ionic liquid with a wide range of droplet sizes into a clean ionic liquid phase and a separated liquid hydrocarbon phase comprising retained droplets;b. a pre-coalescer that receives the separated liquid hydrocarbon phase, separates out solid particles from the separated liquid hydrocarbon phase, and begins to form coalesced droplets of the retained droplets; andc. a coalescer that receives an effluent from the pre-coalescer, wherein the at least one coalescer comprises multiple layers of media having a fine pore size, and produces a clean hydrocarbon stream that is free of the dispersed ionic liquid and additional amounts of the clean ionic liquid phase. Also, a process is provided for separating an ionic liquid from a liquid hydrocarbon, using the integrated coalescing system.
US09956502B2
Clay treatment apparatuses and methods for processing hydrocarbon products using clay treatment apparatuses are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a clay treatment apparatus includes a vessel enclosing an interior space, an active clay material disposed within the interior space of the vessel, and a clay retention structure positioned above a bottom head portion of the vessel. The clay retention structure includes a wire mesh coupled with a perforated plate. In another exemplary embodiment, a method for processing a hydrocarbon product includes the steps of contacting the hydrocarbon product with an active clay material within an interior space of a vessel and passing the hydrocarbon product through a clay retention structure that includes a wire mesh and a perforated plate.
US09956497B2
A saltwater evaporation mechanism for the desalination of saltwater. The saltwater evaporation mechanism has an elevated saltwater reservoir with a bottom, sidewalls and an open upper end, a receiving reservoir with a bottom, sidewalls, and an open upper end, and a tunnel extending therebetween. The tunnel has a top panel, a bottom panel, and two side panels and is angled at a downward slope. The top panel extends from the tunnel to entirely cover the open upper end of the saltwater reservoir. Support legs equipped with wheels are positioned below the tunnel, allowing the tunnel to be easily moved and rotated when desired. A heat source is positioned underneath the saltwater reservoir and configured to heat the contents therein, creating water vapor. The water vapor condenses into desalinated water in the tunnel and is deposited in the receiving reservoir. In some embodiments, the heat source is powered by solar energy.
US09956489B2
A system and method for preparing entertainment software for reduced network delivery time includes analyzing entertainment software to identify a first stage implementing a subset of the functionality of the entertainment software such that the first stage is deliverable to an entertainment platform across a network more quickly than the delivery of the entire entertainment software, and preparing the identified first stage for download, such that the identified first stage may be downloaded and used on the entertainment platform.
US09956474B2
A four-wheel sensor controlled vehicle having a base and a control box installed with a battery and a control panel; two driving wheels are installed at the bottom surface of the base close to the front edge of the base, and two universal wheels are installed at the bottom surface of the base close to the rear edge of the base. The driving wheel has a hub assembled with a hub motor assembly of a motor. The base is installed with four weighing sensors at four corners, the first weighing sensor and the third weighing sensor respectively correspond to the fore sole and rear sole of the left foot, the second weighing sensor and the fourth weighing sensor respectively correspond to the fore sole and the rear sole of the right foot. The control panel is connected with the motor and the weighing sensors.
US09956467B2
Described herein is an athletic training device to aid a user in hip rotation, specifically to help the user increase the strength and speed of the rotation motion of his or her hips for improving performance in sports activities. The present invention is a device to be worn by a user as an athletic training or exercising aid, or a therapeutic aid, helping the user to maintain proper body alignment during a specific body movement involving the hips. In one embodiment, the device comprises a base from which extends an arm, the arm attached to the base by a pivot or hinge point, that allows the arm to move along a linear arc when force is applied to the device, such as the force exerted by a user upon rotation of the hip.
US09956452B2
A device for training coordinative faculties has at least one movable standing plate; at least one static base plate; at least two connecting elements, the height of which can be modified and which act between the at least one movable standing plate and the at least one static base plate, a user interface; and a control element. The device is designed to specify a sequence of various setpoint positions of the center of gravity of a user standing on the at least one movable standing plate, each of the setpoint positions being specified for a determined duration, and to continuously measure the actual position of the center of gravity of the person standing on the moving plate.
US09956451B1
An adjustable barbell or dumbbell or exercise device includes a handle device having a handle bar engageable into grooves of a number of weight members, the weight members each having two pivotal arms, a hand grip disposed on the handle bar, and a number of plates disposed on the handle bar and rotated in concert with the hand grip, the plates are engageable between the weight members, and the plates each include an engaging element for engaging with the weight members and for moving the arms toward each other to engage with the handle device when the plates and the hand grip are rotated relative to the handle bar, and for anchoring a selected number of weight members to the handle device with the plates.
US09956445B2
A fire suppression system for a fire zone including a first tank containing a first liquid component of a two-part foam and a second tank containing a second liquid component of the foam. The system includes at least one liquid component release device configured to be selectively capable of releasing the first and second components from their respective containers upon receipt of a signal from a fire detector upon detection of a fire. The two-part foam components are propelled through the system by a pressurized propellant that, upon release of the release device, causes the exit of the foam components from their respective tanks, through a mixing conduit to at least one nozzle. The nozzle is configured to spray the liquid component foam mixture into the fire zone wherein the foam cures into a substantially semi-rigid, closed cell foam that is substantially impermeable and may have charring and/or intumescence properties.
US09956439B2
An apparatus, breathing equipment training device, and method for breathing equipment training. The apparatus includes a shell and a diaphragm. The shell includes a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is configured to be inserted into a breathing opening in a mask to form a connection with the breathing opening of the mask. The diaphragm is inside the shell and positioned about the second opening. The diaphragm is configured to impede airflow into the shell through the second opening. The first opening can be defined by a first ellipse insertable into the breathing opening of the mask. The second opening can be defined by a second ellipse through which airflow enters into the shell. A diameter of the second ellipse can be greater than a diameter of the first ellipse.
US09956438B2
The invention concerns a punch device that includes an actuating member of flat proportions, a penetrating tool with a sharp tip carried by the actuating member, a compressible spacer attached to the surface of the actuating member alongside the penetrating tool and mounting means for mounting the punch device on a glass sheet with the tip of the penetrating tool directed towards the glass sheet. The arrangement is such that a force of sufficient magnitude applied to the actuating member in an axial direction towards the glass sheet compresses the spacer and drives the tip of the penetrating tool into contact with the glass sheet thereby to break the glass sheet. In one application the punch device can be used to break an emergency exit window in a bus.
US09956433B2
The present invention relates to foamable oil-in-water emulsions containing: A) one or more emulsifiers, at least one of which is a non-ionic emulsifier, B) one or more cotensides, C) one or more oils, D) optionally, one or more polar solubilizers, E) optionally, auxiliary and additive substances, F) one or more surfactants, G) water, H) optionally, water-soluble substances, provided that the water content of the emulsion is ≥70% by weight and the concentration of surfactant(s) F) is from 0.01 to less than 10% by weight, each based on the entire emulsion. The invention further relates to a method for producing the oil-water emulsions according to the invention, to foams obtained from these oil-water emulsions, to a method for producing the foams, and to the application of the oil-water emulsions according to the invention and to the foams produced therefrom.
US09956422B2
Apparatus and methods for generating an induction waveform for performing threshold testing in an implantable medical device are disclosed. Such tests may be performed during the implant procedure, or during a device checkup procedure, or routinely during the lifetime of the device. The threshold test may include induction of an arrhythmia (such as ventricular fibrillation) followed by delivery of therapy at various progressively-increasing stimulation parameters to terminate the arrhythmia. As such, the capability to induce fibrillation within the device is desired. Induction of the arrhythmias may be accomplished via delivery of a relatively low energy shock or through delivery of an induction stimulation pulse to the cardiac tissue timed concurrently with the vulnerable period of the cardiac cycle.
US09956415B2
Embodiments include an epicardial heart stimulator that includes a housing and electric components arranged in the housing. The electric components include a stimulation unit, a stimulation control unit, and at least one stimulation electrode on the housing. The stimulation electrode is connected to the stimulation unit and to the stimulation control unit. The stimulation unit provides electric energy that corresponds to a stimulation pulse and delivers the stimulation pulse via the stimulation electrode upon a corresponding trigger signal of the stimulation control unit. The epicardial heart stimulator includes a sensing electrode on the housing that senses electric potentials and that is electrically connected to a sensing unit in the housing. The sensing unit is connected to the stimulation control unit. The stimulation control unit, in a corresponding operating mode, controls the delivery of a respective trigger signal in accordance with an output signal of the sensing unit.
US09956413B2
Techniques are provided for use with implantable medical devices to deliver packed pacing using split or bifurcated pulses of opposing polarity in different cardiac cycles. In one example, packed single-phase pulses are delivered by the device during a first cardiac cycle that serve to stimulate heart tissue. During the next cardiac cycle, packed single-phase stimulation pulse of opposing polarity are delivered that serve to recharge the pacing capacitors and also serve to stimulate heart tissue. By separating the pulses into separate cardiac cycles, near simultaneous multisite packed stimulation can be achieved within each cardiac cycle while providing for charge balancing and without interfering with sensing. Non-packed pacing with bifurcated pulses is also described.
US09956411B2
A current generation architecture for an implantable stimulator device such as an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) is disclosed. Current source and sink circuitry are both divided into coarse and fine portions, which respectively can provide coarse and fine current resolutions to a specified electrode on the IPG. The coarse portion is distributed across all of the electrodes and so can source or sink current to any of the electrodes. The coarse portion is divided into a plurality of stages, each of which is capable via an associated switch bank of sourcing or sinking a coarse amount of current to or from any one of the electrodes on the device. The fine portion of the current generation circuit preferably includes source and sink circuitry dedicated to each of the electrode on the device, which can comprise digital-to-analog current converters (DACs).
US09956406B2
A method including reducing a stimulation artifact of an implantable stimulator including a plurality of stimulating electrodes by obtaining respective information on respective artifact voltages at a first location resulting from stimulation by one electrode group or respective electrode groups of the implanted stimulator and determining an adjustment regime based on the obtained information that results in a reduction of the stimulation artifact at the first location relative to that which would be the case in the absence of the regime.
US09956402B2
Radiopaque markers represent that a lead is suitable for a particular medical procedure such as a magnetic resonance image scan and are added to the lead or related device. The markers may be added after implantation of the lead in various ways including suturing, gluing, crimping, or clamping a radiopaque tag to the lead or to the device. The markers may be added by placing a radiopaque coil about the lead, and the radiopaque coil may radially contract against the lead to obtain a fixed position. The markers may be added by placing a polymer structure onto the lead where the polymer structure includes a radiopaque marker within it. The polymer structure may include a cylindrical aperture that contracts against the lead to fix the position of the structure. The polymer structure may form a lead anchor that includes suture wings that can be sutured to the lead.
US09956391B2
This disclosure relates to an in vivo treatment of a skin lesion of a mammal comprising application of electrical energy to the skin lesion in a form of electrical pulses. At least one electrical pulse is applied. The pulse duration may be at least 1 nanosecond at the full-width-half-maximum. This treatment may prevent at least growth of the lesion.
US09956373B2
A nitric oxide delivery system, which includes a gas bottle having nitrogen dioxide in air, converts nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide and employs a surface-active material, such as silica gel, coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid. A nitric oxide delivery system may be used to generate therapeutic gas including nitric oxide for use in delivering the therapeutic gas to a mammal.
US09956367B1
An airway device configured for intubation under blind or optionally under indirect vision of a fiber optic scope. It also configured to be used as a supraglottic airway device supporting external breathing or anesthesia circuits. The device comprises a tube system with expansion projections, a base, one or more inflation balloons, and a gastric suction tube. The device can include a stylet to guide endotracheal tube during intubation. The tube system can include an air tube and fiber-optic-probe tube. The balloon system can move the end of the tube system anteriorly to align it with the laryngeal opening. The balloon system can seal the airway leakage for low positive pressure ventilation for the device to operate as a supraglottic airway device. The inflation balloon and expansion projection can displace tissue that can block the airway path. The base can carry esophageal gastric drainage tube to the upper esophageal sphincter to block and drain gastric content regurgitation.
US09956364B2
Described are systems and methods for compensating long term sensitivity drift of catalytic type electrochemical gas sensors used in systems for delivering therapeutic nitric oxide (NO) gas to a patient by compensating for drift that may be specific to the sensors atypical use in systems for delivering therapeutic nitric oxide gas to a patient. In at least some instances, the long term sensitivity drift of catalytic type electrochemical gas sensors can be addressed using calibration schedules, which can factor in the absolute change in set dose of NO being delivered to the patient that can drive one or more baseline calibrations. The calibration schedules can be used reduce the amount of times the sensor goes offline. Systems and methods described may factor in actions occurring at the delivery system and/or aspects of the surrounding environment, prior to performing a baseline calibration, and may postpone the calibration and/or rejected using the sensor's output for the calibration.
US09956359B2
The invention of the present application relates to an apparatus to aid in administering inhaled pharmaceutical aerosol to a patient. The apparatus is used in conjunction with an aerosol delivery device. The apparatus comprises steps on the top and bottom of the apparatus, which when used aid the patient causes mandibular advancement, and opening of the mouth, causing opening of patient's airway, resulting in improved aerosol lung deposition. The invention also relates to a method of using such apparatus in a combination with an aerosol delivery device or a system, and to the mouthpiece of said apparatus.
US09956351B2
A dose delivery device is disclosed wherein a dose can be set by rotating a dose setting member, whereby a push button (4) is elevated from one end of the device a distance proportional to the set dose from a position fixed relative to the housing, and wherein the set dose can then be injected by pressing the push button back to its non-elevated position, through which motion a piston rod will move approximately the same distance. The invention provides a method of forcing a numbered scale drum to rotate both during dose setting and injection to allow the user to read the remaining dose at any time during setting and injecting a dose.
US09956347B2
The present disclosure concerns an attachment for an operable drug delivery device, comprising a gripping sleeve member that is configured to receive a first member of the operable drug delivery device, wherein the gripping sleeve member comprises a first gripping sleeve member part comprising a first engagement feature at its inner surface that is configured to engage the first gripping sleeve member part in a torque-proof manner with the first member of the operable drug delivery device. Further, the present invention concerns a use of the attachment or a system of attachments for operating the operable drug delivery device.
US09956346B2
A syringe includes a holding portion that accommodates an injection objective substance, a driving portion that applies injection energy, and a nozzle portion that includes a passage for injection, with these portions being loaded into a housing independently, whereby a state where the injection objective substance can be injected is established. The syringe includes a regulating means for regulating a loading position of the holding portion and the driving portion within the housing so that a loading state, where the holding portion and the driving portion are always loaded in the same order into the housing, is established for injection of the injection objective substance. Due to this, it is possible to facilitate injection of injection liquid ideal for various purposes and to improve user's convenience.
US09956342B2
The injection device includes a static structure including a first gear member. The injection device also includes a dynamic structure including a medicine container, a mechanism for pushing liquid medicine out of the medicine container for its injection to a patient, and a second gear member engaged with the first gear member. The injection device additionally includes a drive member for driving one of the first and second gear members so as to cause the dynamic structure to move relative to the static structure along a predetermined direction due to the engagement between the first and second gear members. The injection device further includes a clutch mechanism for maintaining engagement between the first and second gear members in normal condition of the injection device, and for allowing disengagement of the first and second gear members upon a shock received by the injection device along the predetermined direction.
US09956341B2
An automatic injection apparatus uses non-continuous fluid-flow of drugs to identify an intended injection site and includes a drive mechanism, a sensor and a controller for establishing fluid flow and pressure and preventing fluid flow until the pressure drops below a predetermined threshold. The pressure threshold is determined based on an internal pressure generated during an injection and more fluid will not flow until it drops below a predetermined pressure. An injection is performed to establish an initial pressure threshold and then to stop the fluid flow into a patient until the pressure drops below a predetermined pressure which allows fluid flow to resume, thus identifying a fluid filled tissue space. The initial pressure threshold is used as a control parameter to a microprocessor below which controls the rate of injection. Fluid flows below certain pressures are also used to identify a specific location within the body during injections.
US09956338B2
The invention relates to a drug delivery device, comprising a control unit, a drive unit, a pressurizing medium container arranged to contain a pressurizing liquid, a drug container arranged to contain a drug and a discharge nozzle, wherein the drive unit when controlled and energized by the control unit is arranged to generate a pressure gradient in the pressurizing liquid thereby propagating the pressure to the drug container and at least partially displacing the drug from the drug container through the discharge nozzle, wherein the drive unit is arranged as an electro-osmotic actor.
US09956334B2
The present invention provides a separation membrane for blood processing, comprising a polysulfone polymer, a hydrophilic polymer and a polymer having a hydroxy group in a side chain and having a solubility of 0.5 g or less in water (100 g) at 20° C., in which the content of the polymer falls within a specific range, and a blood processing apparatus having the membrane installed therein.
US09956324B2
The disclosure relates to a medical material including a copolymer having a repeating unit (A) represented by the following formula (1): wherein R11 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, Z is an oxygen atom or —NH—, R12 is a C1-6 alkylene group, R13 and R14 are each independently a C1-4 alkyl group, and R15 is a C1-6 alkylene group, and a repeating unit (B) represented by the following formula (2): wherein R21 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R22 is a C1-6 alkylene group, and R23 is a C1-4 alkyl group. The repeating unit (A) is contained in a proportion of 0.6 to 7 mol % based on all the structural units of the copolymer. The disclosure makes it possible to provide a medical material and a medical device, which exhibit excellent antithrombogenicity even when used under severe conditions prone to thrombus formation.
US09956321B2
A tubular parison for forming a medical device balloon. The parison is formed of a polymeric material, for instance a thermoplastic elastomer. The parison has an elongation at break which is not more than 80% of the elongation of the bulk polymeric material. The elongation of the parison is controlled by altering extrusion conditions. Balloons prepared from the parisons provide higher wall strength and/or higher inflation durability than balloons prepared from conventional parisons of the same material.
US09956320B2
This invention provides a new class of medical devices and implants comprising amorphous metal alloys. The medical devices and implants may be temporary or permanent and may comprise other materials as well, such as polymers, ceramics, and conventional crystalline or polycrystalline metal alloys.Specifically, this invention provides implantable surgical fabrics comprising amorphous metal alloys. The presence of amorphous metal alloys in these fabrics can serve a variety of purposes, including structurally reinforcing the surgical fabric and/or imparting to the fabric the ability to shield against harmful radiation. The fabric may be used inside or outside the body during medical procedures. Further, the implantable surgical fabrics may be woven or non-woven fabrics.
US09956319B2
The present invention includes compositions and methods useful for removing microorganisms and/or biofilm-embedded microorganisms from the surface of a medical device or subject's body. The present invention further includes compositions and methods useful for coating medical devices. The present invention further includes compositions and methods useful for preventing or reducing the growth or proliferation of microorganisms and/or biofilm-embedded microorganisms on the surface of a medical device or subject's body.
US09956317B2
Methods and kits for producing cellular fractions enriched in adipose derived stem cells. Methods are provided where adipose tissue obtained from liposuction is enzymatically treated using a solution containing collagenase and divalent cations prior to the application of traditional methods of stromal-vascular fraction isolation. The enzymatic solutions may contain collagenase types I and II to a final concentration of about 0.001 mg/ml to 0.010 mg/ml. The divalent cations may be present as calcium, magnesium, and zinc chloride. The final concentration of calcium, magnesium, and zinc may range from about 0.001 to 0.1 micromolar; about 0.005 to 0.5 micromolar; and about 0.0015 to 0.15 micromolar, respectively. The enzymatic solutions may be generated using a kit where the collagenase and divalent components are held in separate containers until just prior to use. The cellular fractions isolated in this manner may be used in autologous fat grafts in therapeutic applications.
US09956313B2
Featured are a biocompatible, injectable, self-setting, cohesive, bone-bonding and remodeling calcium phosphate composite material and its use in methods of repairing defective bone, e.g., in vertebroplasty augmentation and kyphoplasty.
US09956309B1
Technologies (e.g., devices, systems and methods) for sanitizing reservoirs of humidifiers are described. In some embodiments, the technologies include a sanitization gas system and a connector unit. The connector unit is configured to install into a portion (e.g., wall, bottom, top, or lid) of a reservoir, such as a reservoir of a humidifier. The connector unit includes an inlet passageway for supplying sanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) into the reservoir, and an outlet passageway for removing sanitizing gas from the reservoir. In some embodiments at least a portion of the outlet passageway is disposed radially around the inlet passageway. The sanitization gas system may provide a sanitizing gas to the inlet passageway and receive the sanitizing gas from the outlet passageway.
US09956307B2
Devices, methods, and systems for a luer connector treatment device are described herein. The luer connector treatment device may include one or multiple sources of UV radiation configured to emit UV radiation capable of sterilizing the contents of a treatment chamber while a first medical device (e.g., catheter) is connected to a secondary medical device, and while the first medical device is separate from a secondary medical device. Sources of UV radiation may be located along both a cap and body of the luer connector treatment device.
US09956305B2
A method of reducing radiation exposure of a non-cancerous tissue of a patient diagnosed with a cancer includes administering to the patient an agent capable of competing for binding sites on a surface of the non-cancerous tissue, provided that the administration is carried out after a waiting period that follows administration of a compound including a radionuclide to the patient, the compound having affinity for both a cancerous tissue and the non-cancerous tissue, and, further provided that the binding sites have an affinity for both the agent and the compound.
US09956300B2
The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to compositions, methods, and systems (e.g., platforms) comprising the same, the systems comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of micro- and macro-hydrogels that are formed from polypeptide micelles. The systems have enhanced mechanical properties that can be useful in a wide variety of applications, can be used for controlled release of drug-loaded micelles, and can be designed to reversibly assemble and disassemble on demand.
US09956272B2
Methods for preparing Factor X, activated Factor X, inactivated factor X and inactivated factor Xa, compositions comprising Factor X and Factor Xa, inactivated Factor X and inactivated Factor Xa and methods of medical treatment using Factor X, Factor Xa, activated Factor X and inactivated Factor Xa are disclosed. The preparation methods comprise a chromatography step using an immobilised metal ion affinity chromatography substrate.
US09956259B2
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating obesity which comprises the green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) seed husk extract or the fraction thereof as an active ingredient. The green tea seed husk extract exhibits a significant vasculogenesis suppressing effect and has been confirmed to be effective in reducing adipocytes and body weight, and thus the green tea seed husk extract can advantageously be used as an active ingredient in a composition for preventing and treating obesity, a health food for preventing and alleviating obesity, or a pharmaceutical composition for vasculogenesis suppression.
US09956257B2
Disclosed in certain embodiments is a canola extract comprising greater than 30% sinapic acid, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods thereof.
US09956254B2
The present invention provides a method for treating an ocular disease in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering an effective amount of an extract of Taiwanese propolis (TP) or an active component thereof to the subject. Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition for treating an ocular disease, which comprises an effective amount of an extract of TP or an active component thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US09956252B2
Compositions having a combination of specific biological components have been found to exert a number of useful effects in mammalian cells, including modulating TGF β signaling, apoptosis, and proliferation of mammalian cells, as well as decreasing inflammation in mice. These components can be obtained commercially, or can be prepared from biological tissues such as placental tissues. Placental amniotic membrane (AM) preparations described herein include AM pieces, AM extracts, AM jelly, AM stroma, and mixtures of these compositions with additional components. The compositions can be used to treat various diseases, such as wound healing, inflammation and angiogenesis-related diseases.
US09956248B2
This invention provides a fluid therapeutic placental product comprising placental cells and a placental dispersion comprising placental factors. The placental cells and the placental dispersion are derived from placental tissue. A placental tissue can optionally be an amnion, chorion, or a trophoblast-depleted chorion. The placental product of the present invention is useful in treating a patient with a tissue injury (e.g. wound or burn) by applying the placental product to the injury. Similar application is useful with ligament and tendon repair and for engraftment procedures such as bone engraftment.
US09956247B2
Nucleases and methods of using these nucleases for inserting a sequence encoding a therapeutic protein such as an enzyme into a cell, thereby providing proteins or cell therapeutics for the provision of proteins lacking or deficient in subjects with a lysosomal storage disease and treatment and/or prevention of lysosomal storage diseases.
US09956243B2
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical product comprising a) as a first component an inhibitor of the MDM2-p53 interaction such as, for example: and b) as a second component cytarabine; as a combined preparation for the sequential or simultaneous use in the treatment of cancer.
US09956240B2
Methods for treating a mammal that is infected by a parasitic organism are provided, along with pharmaceutical compositions and compounds. The method includes administering to the mammal the pharmaceutical composition of FIG. 1, where: R1, R2, R3, and R4 comprises, independently, H, OH, NH2, SH, a halogen, or an organic group or a derivative thereof; X1 is O, NH, CH2, or S; m is 0 or 1; X2 comprises an organic linkage, such as CH2; n is an integer from 0 to 10; and R5 comprises an aromatic organic group.
US09956239B2
The present invention relates to compounds and methods for treating retroviral infections and/or Hepatitis B viral infections. Some compounds of the invention are described by Formula I: or a stereoisomer, a diastereomer, an enantiomer or racemate thereof.
US09956211B2
The present invention relates to compositions comprising a lipophilic local anaesthetic, preferably bupivacaine or a pharmaceutically active salt thereof, which are formulated for local administration to the mouth or throat of a subject. The compositions are useful in the treatment or alleviation of pain, burning or xerostomia of the oral cavity, pharynx, oral mucosa and pharyngeal mucosa or for use in providing local anesthesia of the oral cavity, pharynx, oral mucosa and pharyngeal mucosa. In particular in the treatment of pain, burning or xerostomia, which is caused by a disease such as oral mucositis, Burning Mouth Syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, xerostomia, periodontitis, toothache, tonsillectomy, throat infection or mononucleosis, canker sores and aphthous stomatitis.
US09956209B2
A compound of formula (I): which is 4-(3-fluoro-3-(2-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,8-naphthyridin-2-yl)ethyl)pyrrolidin-1-yl)-3-(3-(2-methoxyethoxy)phenyl)butanoic acid, or a salt thereof.
US09956208B2
The present invention relates to novel compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof which may be useful in the treatment and/or prevention of various conditions. The present invention also provides methods of preparing such compounds and compositions, and methods of using the same.
US09956205B2
Crystalline polymorph forms of 2-(5-bromo-4-(4-cyclopropyl naphthalen-1-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio)acetic acid are described. Pharmaceutical compositions and the uses of such compounds, compound forms, and compositions for the treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions are also presented.
US09956195B2
A stable liposomal formulation for ocular delivery. The formulation contains a liposome that includes at least one lipid bilayer containing a phosphatidylcholine, and a prostaglandin F2α encapsulated in the liposome. Also provided is a method for treating an ocular disorder with the formulation.
US09956178B2
Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.
US09956172B2
The present invention provides, in some aspects, bilayered and trilayered pharmaceutical implant compositions for the unidirectional delivery of anti-cancer compounds to the brain over a period of time (e.g., several weeks, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 days, or 1, 2, 3, weeks, or any range derivable therein) following the removal of glioblastoma multiforme or other malignant tumors in the brain.
US09956169B2
A fast-dissolving dosage form (FDDF) for the delivery of a vaccine is prepared using a formulation containing a starch, optionally, along with at least one additional matrix forming agent, preferably, a combination of gelatin and mannitol, where an immune response is induced in a patient in need thereof.
US09956167B2
Described is an intra-mammary teat sealant and a corresponding method of forming a physical barrier in the teat canal of a non-human animal for prophylactic treatment of mammary disorders during the animal's dry period. The method includes the step of infusing a teat seal formulation including a metal salt in a glyceride-containing gel base into the teat canal of the animal. The method also prevents the formation of black spot defect in dairy products, especially cheddar cheese, made from the milk of animals so treated.
US09956162B2
A hair care composition that prevents hair loss and stimulates hair growth is disclosed. The hair care composition of the present invention comprises natural ingredients including one and/or more carrier oils, one and/or more essential oils, and fragrance oil. The preferred embodiment including Shea Butter, Extra Virgin Olive oil, Jojoba oil, Vanilla fragrance oil, Peppermint essential oil, Lavender essential oil, Tea Tree essential oil, Clary Sage essential oil, and Rosemary essential oil is provided.
US09956156B2
The present invention relates to compositions for and methods of retarding hair loss or facilitating hair growth comprising a hair growth active and a C8-C24 alcohol ester of a carboxylic acid.
US09956152B2
A skin-protection composition is shown that comprises stilbenoid(s) and/or stilbenoid-containing extract(s) obtained from Dendrobium plants, such as Dendrobium officinale and Dendrobium nobile for the management of melanogenesis, skin-darkening and skin-aging. More particularly, the usage of Dendrobium ingredients and stilbenoids is shown to reduce the formation of melanin in melanocytes. The usage of Dendrobium ingredients and stilbenoids is also shown to reduce the generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative free radicals. The use of Dendrobium-derived extracts or ingredients or stilbenoids is shown in the formulation of skin-protection, skin-whitening and/or anti-skin aging products.
US09956147B2
The invention relates to a cosmetic composition in particular in the form of an emulsion for topical application to keratin materials, in particular the skin, comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium: (i) at least one dispersion (pre-dispersion) of bismuth oxychloride (CI 77163) in an oily dispersant chosen from a) monoesters of formula R1COOR2 in which R1 represents a linear or branched hydrocarbon-based chain comprising from 4 to 40 carbon atoms, preferably from 4 to 30 carbon atoms, and preferentially from 7 to 20 carbon atoms, and R2 represents a branched hydrocarbon-based chain containing from 3 to 40 carbon atoms, preferably from 10 to 30 carbon atoms, and preferentially from 16 to 26 carbon atoms; b) oils whose solubility parameter at 25° C., δa, is greater than 6 (J/cm3)1/2, and mixtures thereof, and (ii) at least one oil chosen from hydrocarbon-based oils having a refractive index greater than 1.42 and a solubility parameter at 25° C., δa, greater than 1 (J/cm3)1/2, silicone oils, in particular phenyl silicone oils, and mixtures thereof. Applied to the skin, this composition imparts a luminous effect to the complexion.
US09956144B2
A process for reducing the particle size of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) while maintaining its polymorphic form, comprises the step of processing the active pharmaceutical ingredient by cavitation at elevated pressure. The process preferably comprises the step of isolating the processed active ingredient in the form of powder, wherein the isolation step comprises filtration or spray drying. Particles produced by the process of the invention typically have a span value of less than 2.5.
US09956143B2
An apparatus for transferring a chosen quantity of medication from a vial to a container under sterile conditions is described. The present invention further facilitates dissolving solid medications contained in the vial or diluting concentrated medications contained in the vial, and transferring the resulting solutions to the container. The container may be an intravenous infuser.
US09956130B2
There is provided an upper limb rehabilitation robot including: a base frame that has a side to which a connecting support is rotatably laterally connected; a connecting shaft unit that is rotatably disposed at a side of the connecting support; a link unit that has a side coupled to the connecting shaft unit and the other side with an upper limb connector mounted to enable a person who needs rehabilitation to connect an upper limb; an active actuator that rotates a connecting shaft unit; and a manual actuator that generates resistant torque against rotation to the connecting shaft unit.
US09956129B2
A weight cover (10) for therapeutic treatment has a plurality of elements (20) placed in a plurality of channels (12) between fabric layers of the weight cover to increase its weight. The channels are arranged in parallel along the length of the cover. The elements (20) are each configured as a closed case containing oblong fibers, which form weighted bands (20), and which follow the shape of the body of a user. The weighted bands contain a constant number of fibers per length unit. The weight cover has an insulating textile layer (42). The weighted bands (20) has a first fastening mean (22) that is in engagement with a second fastening mean (44) of the weight cover (10).
US09956127B2
An occupant support system for supporting an occupant comprises a frame, an articulable assembly which includes an upper body section, and a motion control system arranged to rotate the upper body section by an amount Δα relative to the frame, to translate the upper body section along the frame by an amount ΔCS, and to translate the upper body section by an amount ΔBS in a direction parallel to the upper body section. Both ΔBS and ΔCS are a function of Δα.
US09956126B2
A method of transporting a patient may include providing a medical pod having a pallet forming a floor structure and including sidewalls extending upwardly from the pallet to a roof section to form a container. The method may additionally include coupling a patient restraint system to the floor structure using a transport system located on the floor structure, and moving the patient restraint system from a first position to a second position using the transport system.
US09956113B2
A method for maintaining and/or increasing body temperature of a patient may involve delivering heat to a first location on a limb of the patient, delivering heat to a second location on the limb, apart from the first location, and applying intermittent compression to a third location on the limb, located between the first location and the second location. A device for maintaining and/or increasing body temperature of a patient may include a sleeve for positioning over at least part of one of the patient's limbs, first and second heat delivery members coupled with the sleeve, and an intermittent compression member coupled with the sleeve between the first and second heat delivery members.
US09956100B2
A convertible nephroureteral catheter is used in the treatment of urinary system complications, particularly on the need for a single surgically delivered device to treat patients who must be seen by an interventional radiologist (IR). In many current procedures, patients need to return to the operating room to remove a previously delivered nephroureteral catheter to exchange this catheter with a fully implanted ureteral stent delivered though the same access site at the flank. The present convertible nephroureteral catheter reduces the need to return for a second surgical procedure. Two weeks after initial implantation, the proximal portion of the convertible nephroureteral catheter extending out from the body may simply be removed. A simple action at the catheter hub allows this proximal portion to be removed, leaving behind the implanted ureteral stent within the patient's urinary system. Other medical procedures, devices, and technologies may benefit from the described convertible catheter.
US09956091B2
A method for inserting an intervertebral disc prosthesis into a space between two vertebrae involves inserting the prosthesis partway into the space under constraint to prevent endplates of the prosthesis from articulating, releasing the prosthesis from constraint, and inserting the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space. In some embodiments, the method involves grasping the prosthesis with a grasping device to insert the prosthesis partway under constraint, loosing the grasping device to release the prosthesis from constraint, and pushing the prosthesis farther into the disc space using the grasping device and/or one or more separate pusher devices. A system includes a grasping device, at least one separate pushing device, and optionally a vertebral spreading device and/or a vertebral midline indicator device.
US09956086B2
An intervertebral implant, alone and in combination with an insertion tool for inserting same and a method for inserting same. The implant has upper and lower parts which have universal movement relative to each other. Each of the upper and lower parts also has a surface engaging an adjacent vertebrae. Each part has a keel extending from said surface into a cutout in the adjacent vertebrae, and each keel has an anterior opening recess therein. An insert tool has a pair of arms which are received in the recess of the keels through the anterior opening to securely hold and insert the implant. Projections and matching indentations in each arm and the base of its recess securely attached each arm within its keel.
US09956082B2
A method for treating arthritis of a joint includes identifying a bone lesion in a bone adjacent to the joint; and implanting in the bone a reinforcing member in or adjacent to the bone lesion. A kit for conducting the method includes: (a) at least one reinforcing member having a proximal face adapted to face the joint, a distal face adapted to face away from the joint, and a wedge-shaped edge adapted to pierce bone, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is planar and sterile; and (b) a container adapted to maintain the at least one reinforcing member sterile. Another kit includes: (a) a sterile fluid; (b) a syringe for injecting the fluid into a bone; (c) a curing agent adapted to cure the fluid to polymerize and/or cross-link; and (d) a container adapted to maintain the sterility of contents of the container.
US09956073B2
An intraocular lens (IOL) system includes an active lens element to provide dynamic optical power for active accommodation. The active lens element has mechanical indentations disposed along a perimeter of the active lens element and the mechanical indentations form structurally weakened locations in the active lens element. A first pair of the mechanical indentations defines terminal ends of a first folding line extending between the first pair of the mechanical indentations, and the first pair of the mechanical indentations promotes folding of the active lens element along the first folding line. The IOL system also includes control circuitry coupled to the active lens element to control the active lens element during the active accommodation.
US09956071B2
Adjustable length surgical screws and inserters for adjustable length surgical screws and methods of using the screws and inserters are provided. In general, a fixation device such as a surgical screw can be configured to have an adjustable length. The fixation device can have one or more break points along a longitudinal axis thereof. In an exemplary implementation, the fixation device can include a plurality of break points. The plurality of break points can be formed at different predetermined axial positions along the fixation device's longitudinal axis. The fixation device can be configured to break at each of its one or more break points, for example breaking along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fixation device.
US09956066B2
A dilator/manipulator for use in treating pelvic organ prolapse, including a support member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an adjustable width, and a handle extending upwardly at an angle from the support member. Also included are methods for surgically correcting pelvic organ prolapse with the use of such a dilator/manipulator.
US09956060B2
A dental abutment, or a dental implant having an integrated abutment, in which the occlusal part of the abutment to which the dental prosthesis is to be cemented features a shoulder having a reverse margin. At the point where the shoulder meets the outer profile of the gingival part of the abutment, the shoulder is at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the abutment, thereby causing any cement ejected during mounting of the prosthesis to be ejected in a direction away from the gingiva.
US09956057B2
A method is for manufacturing a cartridge (10, 27, 30) for containing and meterably dispensing a reservoir (11) contained flowable dental material (36). The reservoir (11) is connected to a cannula section (14) for dispensing the dental material (36). A separate functional element (15) is connected to the cannula section (14). The cartridge (10, 27, 30) is manufactured together with the functional element (15) according to a multicomponent injection molding method. The functional element (15) is designed as a detachable closing element. The functional element (15) and the cartridge (10, 27, 30) are positioned during the manufacture such that the functional element (15) is mounted at least partially in the cannula section (14). The functional element (15) has a plug part (16) for closing the cannula section (14) and a cannula duct (24) of the cannula section (14) is filled at least partially with the plug part (16).
US09956055B2
A disposable marker for use in preparation for medical procedures. The marker is made of plastic or such similar material that does not show up on an x-ray monitor. The marker includes one or more metallic elements that have an elongated aspect disposed in proximity to the marker tip. As such, a clinician may introduce the marker into an x-ray field and view it in space by following the metallic element an x-ray monitor.
US09956054B2
A computer system that provides situational awareness and feedback during a surgical procedure is described. During operation, the computer system generates stereoscopic images at a first 3-dimensional (3D) location in an individual, where the stereoscopic images include image parallax and are based on data having a discrete spatial resolution and a predefined surgical plan for the individual. Then, the computer system provides the stereoscopic images to a display. When a surgical tool is advanced, location information of the surgical tool is updated in the stereoscopic images displayed are updated. Alternatively or additionally, When location information indicates a deviation from the predefined surgical plan during the surgical procedure, the computer system generates revised stereoscopic images that indicate: the deviation has occurred an update to the predefined surgical plan and/or how to return to the predefined surgical plan.
US09956041B2
A robotic device for performing intracranial procedures, comprising a baseplate for mounting on the subject's skull and a rotatable base element rotating on the baseplate. The rotatable base element has a central opening through which a cannulated needle can protrude such that it can rotate around an axis perpendicular to the baseplate. This cannulated needle is robotically controlled to provide motion into and out of the subject's skull. A flexible needle is disposed coaxially within the cannulated needle, and it is controlled to move into and out of a non-axial aperture in the distal part of the cannulated needle. Coordinated control of the insertion motion of the cannulated and flexible needles, and rotation of the combined cannulated/flexible needle assembly enables access to be obtained to a volume of a region of the brain having lateral dimensions substantially larger than the width of the cannulated needle.
US09956040B1
A laser ablation surgery system with a safety control of non-target tissue temperature and laser ablation surgery method are provided. The system includes a laser source configured to produce a laser beam at a wavelength absorbable by a target issue through an optical fiber connected thereto, a temperature sensor disposed at an irrigation fluid outlet of a flow sheath of a continuous flow endoscope, and a system control operably connected to the laser source and the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is configured to monitor the temperature of an effluent exiting a body cavity adjacent to the target issue during a laser ablation surgery. The system control includes at least one predetermined effluent temperature threshold and a laser control mechanism. The system control is configured to activate the laser control mechanism when the temperature sensor senses the temperature of the effluent exceeding the predetermined effluent temperature threshold.
US09956030B2
A surgical instrument includes a housing that supports an elongated shaft. A selectively movable drive rod extends through the elongated shaft and carries a cam pin in a longitudinal direction. An end effector for surgically treating tissue is supported by the elongated shaft and includes upper and lower jaw members pivotally coupled to one another about a pivot axis. The upper jaw member includes a first pair of laterally spaced flanges, and the lower jaw member includes a second pair of laterally spaced flanges defining a camming slot for engaging the cam pin. The flanges are arranged in an offset configuration where one flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally exterior side of a corresponding flange of the lower jaw member, and the other flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally interior side of the other flange of the lower jaw member.
US09956027B2
A device and method for detecting faults in a shield of an electrosurgical instrument is described. The device has a relay configured to selectively interrupt power to the electrosurgical instrument, monitoring circuitry configured to monitor a shield in the electrosurgical instrument, control circuitry to control the relay, and a battery power source. The monitoring circuitry has an envelope detector and an detected average shield current detector. The monitoring circuitry is configured to compare a shield current peak value to a shield current peak threshold value, and to compare an detected average shield current value to an detected average shield current threshold value. The device is further configured to operatively couple an active electrode of an electrosurgical instrument and a return electrode to an electrosurgical generator.
US09956026B2
A blood vessel cauterizing tool assembly includes a housing that has a first end, a second end and a perimeter wall which is attached to and extends between the first and second ends. A cauterizing rod is attached to the housing and extends outwardly away from the first end. A power source is mounted within the housing and is electrically coupled to the cauterizing rod. A switch is mounted on the housing and is operationally coupled to the power source and the cauterizing rod. The switch is actuated to turn the cauterizing rod on or off. A pull tab extends through the perimeter wall and is positioned in a cut off position breaking a circuit between the switch and the power source. The pull tab is removable from the housing to close the circuit.
US09956025B2
A method, system, and device for predicting lesion quality. Specifically, lesion quality may be predicted based on an assessment of pulmonary vein occlusion using injection of an impedance-modifying agent and evaluation of changes in impedance measurements recorded by an electrode located distal to an occlusion element of the treatment device used to inject the impedance-modifying agent. The quality of the occlusion may be rated based on the changes in impedance over time within the pulmonary vein. For example, the quality of the occlusion may be rated as being good, fair, or poor. This assessment may be quickly and easily communicated to an operator.
US09956024B2
A system and method for providing greater control over the temperature of a thermal treatment element of a medical device, enabling an operator to extend a thawing period of a cryoablation procedure. The system may include a fluid flow path that bypasses a subcooler, giving the operator selective control over the temperature of refrigerant delivered to the treatment element and, therefore, treatment element temperature. Additionally or alternatively, the system may include a fluid delivery conduit that is in communication with a liquid refrigerant and a gaseous refrigerant. Adjustment of the ratio of liquid to gaseous refrigerant also offers control over the treatment element temperature. Additionally or alternatively, the system may include one or more valves and/or heating elements in the fluid delivery and recovery conduits to control the treatment element temperature.
US09956022B2
A forceps includes a shaft defining first opposed distal recesses, a drive bar slidably disposed within the shaft and defining second opposed distal recesses, and an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. Each jaw member defines a proximal flange and a distal jaw body. The proximal flanges each define an aperture and a cam slot. A pivot pin extends through the apertures with ends of the pivot pin extending outwardly from the jaw members to be at least partially disposed within the first recesses and fixedly engaged therewith. A drive pin extends through the cam slots with ends of the drive pin extending outwardly from the jaw members to be at least partially disposed within the second recesses and fixedly engaged therewith such that translation of the drive bar relative to the end effector assembly pivots the jaw members between spaced-apart and approximated positions.
US09956017B2
A bone plate and method for use thereof affords use of at least two surgical approaches to attach the bone plate to a fractured bone to facilitate reduction and repair thereof. The bone plate includes two domains extending in different directions from a transition zone. The directions in which each of the two domains extend are generally opposite, and the transition zone is configured to afford portions of the two domains to be substantially disposed in planes that are transverse to one another.
US09956014B2
A method for joining two or more segments of a bone implant comprises the steps of placing a plurality of thin layers of an intermetallic material between first and second segments of the bone implant and applying a mechanical load to the plurality of layers. In a subsequent step, the plurality of layers are ignited by applying an external activation energy thereto, the ignition heating the plurality of layers to a reaction temperature and causing the segments to become affixed to one another after cooling.
US09956009B1
A posterior cervical fixation system including an occipital plate member, a cross connector, a pair of elongated spinal rods and a plurality of polyaxial screws. The occipital plate member configured for fixing to an occipital bone comprises an aperture to receive a bone anchor member to secure the occipital plate member to the occipital bone and at least one rod clamping element dimensioned to receive at least one spinal rod. The cross connector secures the pair of elongated spinal rods to vertebral bodies. The cross connector includes a pair of collet connectors and a cross bar that is configured to secure the pair of elongated spinal rods in a desired distance. Each polyaxial screw has an anchor head associated with a fastening member. The pair of elongated spinal rods is configured to extend along the vertebral bodies between the occipital plate member and at least one of the polyaxial screws.
US09956003B2
A bone fastener includes a first member having an inner surface defining an implant cavity and at least one mating element. A second member is disposed with the first member and is configured to penetrate tissue. A part is moveable relative to the second member and configured for disposal of an implant. The at least one mating element is engageable such that the first member is moveable relative to the second member to dispose the implant at a desired orientation relative to the second member. Implants, systems, constructs, instruments and methods are disclosed.
US09955998B2
A surgical access device includes a seal assembly having an outer seal housing, an inner seal housing, and a seal cooperating with the inner seal housing, the outer seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passage for receiving at least one surgical object therethrough. The surgical access device also includes a bellows configured to engage at least a portion of the inner seal housing cooperating with the seal, the bellows dimensioned and adapted to establish a biasing relationship with the seal. The seal is adapted for lateral movement relative to the central longitudinal axis of the outer seal housing and the bellows is configured to be attached to a proximal wall of the outer seal housing.
US09955992B2
The invention relates to a tissue morcellator for minimally invasive surgery. The morcellator has a metallic cutting ring mounted on a visually transparent hollow cylinder, which in combination with a visually transparent outer morcellator tube enables a surgeon to visualize the inside of the morcellator shaft for detection of loose tissue fragments in the device. A tenaculum used with the morcellation device has a spacer for preventing contact with the blade. The cutting tube can oscillate, rather than rotate, along the longitudinal axis of the cutting tube. The morcellator utilizes an extendable tissue guide on the outer tube of the morcellator shaft for preventing the tissue from rotating along the longitudinal axis of the morcellator tube. This allows the tissue to be continuously rotated into the morcellator device for continuous peel. The tissue guide can also be fully retracted to allow for coring of the bulk tissue.
US09955989B2
A manipulator including an elongated shaft, at least one joint disposed at a distal end of the shaft, a manipulating part via which a movement instruction for the joint is input, and a driving unit that drives the joint according to the movement instruction input via the manipulating part. The manipulating part includes a handle fixed to the shaft and gripped in one hand of an operator, a displaceable member that is disposed at a position along which at least one finger of the hand gripping the handle can be extended and that can be displaced by a movement of the finger extending therealong, and a sensor that detects displacement of the displaceable member and outputs it as the movement instruction.
US09955985B2
Apparatus and methods relating to a medical retrieval device that may include or be used with a catheter. A basket is included with an opening that is oriented transverse to the longitudinal direction in which the catheter extends. The basket may be extended and/or retracted relative to the catheter, and/or may be expanded and/or contracted to, for example, facilitate ensnaring and extraction of a foreign body, object, or polyp, etc. from a patient's esophagus, biliary tree, GI tract, urinary tract, abdominal cavity, kidney, bile duct, urethra, etc.
US09955975B2
The present invention provides a surgical clamp comprising a temperature sensitive shape memory material, the clamp capable of taking up a first form in which the clamp (6) is shaped to at least partially encircle a tubular structure (14); a second form shaped to substantially completely encircle the tubular structure (14) and constrict it, the clamp changing from the first form to the second form above the transition temperature of the shape memory material; and a third form derived from the first form by resilient deformation of the clamp in its first form. The present invention also provides applicators for delivering the clamps and kits comprising the clamps.
US09955974B2
A device for treating a diverticulum includes a containment device and a bushing. The containment device includes an elongate conduit. The bushing is in the conduit of the containment device. The bushing includes a heat-shrink material. The bushing has a first tubular shape including a first open end and a second open end. At least a portion of the diverticulum in an inverted state is positionable into the first open end. The bushing is configured to transform from the first tubular shape toward a second shape upon heating the heat-shrink material. The second shape includes at least a portion of the bushing radially inward relative to the first tubular shape. The bushing in the second shape is configured to hold the diverticulum in a radially compressed inverted state.
US09955969B2
A system and method for joining an end of a tubular prosthesis to the wall of a vessel wherein an anvil is inserted into the vessel through an opening in the vessel wall produced by a cutting surface on the anvil. The anvil is operated via an anvil handle which may extend through the tubular prosthesis. The tubular prosthesis is guided to the opening in the vessel wall whereupon jaws clamp the prosthesis around the anvil. Staples mounted on the jaws engage the anvil and are bent to thereby staple the end of the tubular prosthesis to the vessel wall. A cutting edge may be mounted to the anvil and utilized to create an enlarged hole to permit blood flow into the tubular prosthesis and to permit removal of the anvil from the vessel.
US09955966B2
A surgical device adapter for coupling an end effector to a handle assembly is provided. The surgical device adapter includes a housing and a drive mechanism disposed within the housing and couplable to the handle assembly and the end effector. The surgical device adapter also includes a drive coupling assembly coupled to the surgical device adapter and selectively couplable to the handle assembly. The drive coupling assembly includes retraction assembly movable from a first configuration to a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the retraction assembly is disengaged from the drive mechanism and in the second configuration the retraction assembly is engaged with the drive mechanism and prevents coupling of the handle assembly to the surgical device adapter.
US09955959B2
A rotatable arm is provided which provides an ability to rotate a working end of an instrument such as a surgical retractor. Rotation of a key hub transfers torque to a drive hub which causes an extension or retraction of a lead screw along a center axis of the rotating arm. The extension or retraction forces a drive pin to bear against sides of helical slots of a driven tip, producing a rotation of the driven tip along a pitch line of the helical slots. The driven tip is connected to the working end such that the two rotate together. The rotatable arm has a low profile, a non-reversible torque transmission, and may be hermetically sealed.
US09955957B2
A tissue displacing and fastening device is provided for manipulating and fastening tissue together. The device includes a tissue displacing elements, which displaces tissue. A fold is formed from the displaced tissue and the tissue is fastened together to secure the fold.
US09955939B2
A stethoscope system may include an array of sensors, which may include pressure sensors. The array may be implemented in a wearable “patch” that is conformable to a patient's body. The stethoscope system may include a control system that is capable of receiving signals from the array of sensors. The signals may, for example, correspond to measurements from multiple pressure sensors of the array. The control system may be capable of combining signals from multiple pressure sensors to produce combined signals. The control system may be capable of filtering the combined signals to remove, at least in part, breathing signal components and to produce filtered signals. The control system may be capable of determining a correspondence between heart signal components of the filtered signals and corresponding heart valve activity.
US09955935B2
A radiography apparatus and a method for controlling the radiography apparatus are provided. The radiography apparatus includes a radiographer configured to acquire a first radiation image of a subject before a contrast reagent is injected into the subject, and acquire a second radiation image of the subject after the contrast reagent is injected into the subject. The radiography apparatus further includes an image processor configured to calculate a difference between data of a pixel of the first radiation image and data of a pixel of the second radiation image, for each of pixels of the first radiation image, and acquire an image of the subject based the difference for each of the pixels of the first radiation image.
US09955932B2
A method for image acquisition includes selectively concealing and exposing an x-ray source to a target object while the x-ray source travels along a first path and moving an x-ray detector along a second path in a first direction while the x-ray source is exposed to the target object. The method further includes moving the x-ray detector along the second path in a second direction generally opposite the first direction while the x-ray source is concealed from the target object.
US09955928B2
The invention relates to a medical computed tomography imaging apparatus which is especially designed to enable cranial imaging. The structure of the apparatus includes a gantry (2) comprising imaging means (21, 22) and a positioning support (8) which positioning support (8) is arranged to position the patient's cranium for exposure such that, when exposed, the cranium is scanned by a radiation beam substantially parallel with a plane formed by the facial area of the cranium and substantially only in an area on the facial side of the cranium.
US09955927B2
A system for accurately detecting a patient's movement during imaging procedures includes a camera for providing a stream of camera images of a part of a patient's exterior and a fiducial element mountable on part of the patient's exterior. The fiducial element is detectable in the stream of images. An image processor is configured to detect a displacement of the fiducial element based on consecutive images including in at least the stream of images and to generate an output signal indicative of the displacement. The fiducial element has an in-plane stiffness which is substantially larger than an in-plane stiffness of the part of the patient's exterior. In addition, the fiducial element and the part of the patient's exterior are provided with substantially equal outer in-plane dimensions.
US09955924B2
The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for magnetic nanoparticle temperature imaging. Particularly, the present methods involve applying different combinations of magnetic fields to magnetic nanoparticles placed in a one-dimensional space, collecting AC magnetization signals of the magnetic nanoparticles, and analyzing the collected signals to obtain in vivo temperature information of the one-dimensional space. Different exciting magnetic fields are applied to the magnetic nanoparticles, so that one-dimensional temperature imaging is transformed into single-point temperature measurement of each minizone, and one-dimensional temperature imaging can be precisely and quickly achieved without knowing the concentration distribution of the magnetic nanoparticles.
US09955914B2
Devices and methods for detecting meal intake are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, one or more sensors can be used to detect or monitor physiological parameters of a user (e.g., heart rate, body movements, temperature, pH, impedance, gastric stretch, sound emissions, and the like). The outputs of the sensors can be received by a computer system configured to analyze the sensor data and make a determination as to whether meal intake has occurred or is presently occurring. The computer system's determination can be used to trigger, modulate, or otherwise control one or more therapeutic devices. Other types of devices can also be controlled using this determination, such as monitoring or logging devices.
US09955913B2
A cardiac monitoring system including a long term ECG monitoring unit configured to be supported by the patient for long periods of time, including a power source, one or more electrodes electrically attached to the long term ECG monitoring unit and configured to be worn by the patient for extended periods of time, circuitry for receiving an ECG signal of the patient via the electrodes, and at least one processor operatively coupled to the circuitry for monitoring the ECG signal of the patient.
US09955912B2
A magnetometer-based monitoring system comprising a magnet integrated with an object whose disposition is to be monitored, a first magnetometer secured in proximity to the object, and a second magnetometer secured at a fixed distance from the first magnetometer in proximity to the object. The monitoring system further comprising a processor to receive data from the first magnetometer and the second magnetometer, and calculate a measurement vector to determine the disposition of the object.
US09955909B2
The present invention relates to a process without a therapeutic target that evaluates at least one facial clinical sign and/or evaluates make-up, in particular evaluates wrinkles or fine lines from a portion of the face, including steps consisting in: —from a sequence of facial images of a person filmed while emitting at least one sound, extract from the sequence one or more images coinciding with the emission of at least one predefined sound, —from the resulting image or images extracted, evaluate at least one facial clinical sign appearing on the image or images extracted and/or evaluate at least one characteristic related to make-up.
US09955908B2
A device and method for determining an excretion flow rate of a body fluid of a person or an animal. The device includes an absorbent element equipped with at least three electrodes connected to a measuring system for measuring at least one electric parameter so as to be electrically coupled two by two and to form at least two pairs of electrodes, separating systems which include an inlet opening exposing a part of the absorbent element so as to create a diffusion path. At least two of the electrodes are first electrodes placed along the diffusion path in such a way that each of the first electrodes is at a distance from the inlet opening representative of a volume of absorbed fluid.
US09955907B2
Example apparatus and methods reduce epileptic seizures in a human patient by non-invasively providing low frequency (e.g., 1-10 Hz) audio stimuli coordinated with low frequency (e.g., 1-10 Hz) visual stimuli to the patient. The signals are provided non-invasively through the eyes and ears. The audio stimuli and visual stimuli may be selected or coordinated based on a state (e.g., hyperexcitability, imminent epileptic seizure, epileptic seizure in progress, REM sleep) determined from an EEG signal acquired from the patient. Apparatus for delivering the audio stimuli and visual stimuli may be incorporated into a single wearable apparatus (e.g., glasses with earphones, hat, headband). The single wearable apparatus may also provide noise cancellation and visual stimulus diminution. The audio stimuli may be incorporated into music or random background noise.
US09955905B2
The present invention provides a computer-implemented method, including: a. obtaining, in real-time, by a specifically programmed processor, electrical signal data representative of brain activity of a particular individual; b. processing, in real-time the electrical signal data representative of brain activity of a particular individual based upon a pre-determined predictor associated with a particular brain state, selected from a library of predictors containing a plurality of pre-determined predictors, wherein each individual pre-determined predictor is associated with a unique brain state, wherein the pre-determined predictor associated with a particular brain state includes: i. a pre-determined mother wavelet, ii. a pre-determined representative set of wavelet packet atoms, created from the pre-determined mother wavelet, iii. a pre-determined ordering of wavelet packet atoms, and iv. a pre-determined set of normalization factors, wherein the processing includes: i. causing, by the specifically programmed processor, the electrical signal data to be deconstructed into a plurality of pre-determined deconstructed wavelet packet atoms, utilizing the pre-determined representative set of wavelet packet atoms, wherein time windows of the electrical signal data are projected onto the pre-determined representative set of wavelet packet atoms wherein the projection is via convolution or inner product, and wherein each pre-determined representative wavelet packet atom corresponds to a particular pre-determined brain activity feature from a library of a plurality of pre-determined brain activity features; ii. storing the plurality of pre-determined deconstructed wavelet packet atoms in at least one computer data object; iii. causing, by the specifically programmed processor, the stored plurality of pre-determined deconstructed wavelet packet atoms to be re-ordered within the computer data object, based on utilizing a pre-determined order; iv. obtaining a statistical measure of the activity of each of the re-ordered plurality of pre-determined deconstructed wavelet packet atoms; and v. normalizing the re-ordered plurality of pre-determined wavelet packet atoms, based on utilizing a pre-determined normalization factor; and c. outputting, a visual indication of at least one personalized mental state of the particular individual, at least one personalized neurological condition of the particular individual, or both, based on the processing, wherein the individual pre-determined predictor associated with a particular brain state from within the plurality of pre-determined predictors is generated by the steps including: i. obtaining the pre-determined representative set of wavelet packet atoms by: a. obtaining from a plurality of individuals, by the specifically programmed processor, at least one plurality of electrical signal data representative of a brain activity of a particular brain state; b. selecting a mother wavelet from a plurality of mother wavelets, wherein mother wavelet is selected from an wavelet family selected from the group consisting of: Haar, Coiflet Daubehies, and Mayer wavelet families; c. causing, by the specifically programmed processor, the at least one plurality electrical signal data to be deconstructed into a plurality of wavelet packet atoms, using the selected mother wavelet; d. storing the plurality of wavelet packet atoms in at least one computer data object; e. determining, an optimal set of wavelet packet atoms using the pre-determined mother wavelet, and storing the optimal set of wavelet packet atoms in at least one computer data object, wherein the determining is via utilizing analysis Best Basis algorithm; and f. applying, by the specifically programmed processor, wavelet denoising to the number of wavelet packet atoms in the optimal set; ii. obtaining the pre-determined ordering of wavelet packet atoms by: a. projecting, by the specifically programmed processor, the at least one plurality of electrical signal data representative of a brain activity for each 4 second window of the data onto the pre-determined representative set of wavelet packet atoms; b. storing the projections in at least one computer data object; c. determining, by the specifically programmed processor, the wire length for every data point in the projection by determining the mean absolute distance of the statistical measure of the projections of different channels from their adjacent channels; d. storing the wire length data in at least one computer data object; and e. re-ordering the stored projections, by the specifically programmed computer to minimize a statistical value of the wire length value across each time window, and across all individuals within the plurality of individuals, and across the projections; and iii. obtaining the pre-determined set of normalization factors by: a. determining, by the specifically programmed computer, the mean and standard deviation of the values of the stored projections.
US09955903B2
A monitoring system and method for monitoring and/or predicting drowsiness of a driver of a vehicle or a machinery operator are provided. A set of infrared, IR, or near infrared, NIR, light sources, is arranged such that an amount of the light emitted from the light source incidents on an eye of the driver or operator. The light that impinges on the eye of the driver or operator forms a virtual image of the signal sources on the eye including the sclera and/or cornea. An image sensor obtains consecutive images capturing the reflected light, wherein each image will contain glints from at least a subset or all of the light sources. A drowsiness index can be determined based on the extracted information of the glints of the sequence of images, wherein the drowsiness index indicates a degree of drowsiness of the driver or operator.
US09955900B2
A device for monitoring human feet can include: a transmissive sheet configured to bear at least 90 kg supported at a height of no more than 23 cm, and a foot image capture system below the sheet. An optical image sensor can capture a field of view including at least 250 cm2 of the surface of the sheet. The device can have a central reflective element positioned below the sheet directly above the sensor and two outer mirrors such that two fields of view at least 250 cm2 each can be focused onto the sensor by a lens. Foot sole images can be automatically captured when a patient stands on the device. Images can be transmitted to a database and associated with the patient by analyzing the images for a unique predetermined metric.
US09955889B2
Cardiac catheterization is facilitated by generating first and second electroanatomic maps of a heart of a subject and designating common spatial locations that correspond to first electrical events on the first electroanatomic map and second electrical events on the second electroanatomic map. The common spatial locations of the first electroanatomic map and the second electroanatomic map are aligned to establish an aligned map, and using the location data on the aligned map to guide a probe to a point of interest.
US09955878B2
Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some instances, the intravascular device is a guide wire with electrical conductors embedded within a core wire. In some instances, the electrical conductors are coupled to conductive bands adjacent a proximal portion of the guide wire and a sensing element adjacent a distal portion of the guide wire. Methods of making, manufacturing, and/or assembling such intravascular devices and associated systems are also provided.
US09955876B2
The invention consists of a device and method for the prediction of left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and other cardiac hemodynamic parameters using systolic time intervals in patients with narrow QRS, right bundle branch block, left bundle branch block, right ventricular and/or left ventricular cardiac pacing and in the presence of arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation. The device has three inputs: the ECG, a peripheral pulse and a phonocardiogram. Timing parameters are obtained from these signals to calculate a systolic function index, used for the prediction of ejection fraction. Given the invention's features it would be now possible to assess cardiac performance and specifically left ventricular ejection fraction in ambulatory patients as well as during invasive procedures such as the implant of cardiac rhythm management devices. Also, an implantable embodiment of the invention would allow constant monitoring of cardiac performance, parameter adjustment of cardiac devices and automatic drug infusion.
US09955875B2
Improved apparatus and methods for monitoring, diagnosing and treating at least one medical respiratory condition of a patient are provided, including a medical data input interface adapted to provide at least one medical parameter relating at least to the respiration of the patient, and a medical parameter interpretation functionality (104, 110) adapted to receive the at least one medical parameter relating at least to the respiration (102) of the patient and to provide at least one output indication (112) relating to a degree of severity of at least one medical condition indicated by the at least one medical parameter.
US09955872B2
Described are embodiments of methods of obtaining three-dimensional (3D) surface data of an object scene such as an intra-oral cavity. For example, measured surfaces may include the enamel surface of teeth, the dentin substructure of teeth, gum tissue and various dental structures. The methods can also be applied in medical applications and other applications in which 3D measurement data are acquired with maneuverable 3D measurement devices. In certain embodiments, the measurement device is positioned and translated to enable 3D data to be acquired for a backbone 3D data set. Subsequent controlled motion of the measurement device enables additional 3D data to be acquired and accurately joined to the backbone 3D data set.
US09955871B2
The present invention provides a transmitted light detection type measurement apparatus for skin fluorescence, which is configured to perform light irradiation and light detection on a reference sample and a measurement target. The apparatus includes a first light source, a second light source, a first optical detector and a second optical detector, a light source switching controller, and an operator.
US09955867B2
A method of correcting wavefront aberrations of an eye includes determining a high precision conventional intrastromal corneal ablation profile based on a direct removal of the intrastromal corneal tissue. An expanded ablation volume profile is constructed based on the direct tissue removal profile and the expanded tissue volume is to be ablated instead to correct to the wavefront aberrations. The thickness of the ablated profile of a conventional ablation profile is expanded by an expansion factor (Nc−1)/(Nm−Nc), Nc is the index of refraction of the cornea and Nm the index of fill material. An expanded ablation volume filled with the fill material produces the effect of correcting wavefront aberrations as if a much smaller tissue volume were ablated without the fill material.
US09955866B2
An optical tomographic imaging apparatus includes a first lens having a first focal length, a second lens having a second focal length longer that the first focal length, a scanning unit disposed at a focal position of the second lens, and an optical path branching unit disposed between the first and second lenses. An observation optical path located on a transmission optical path of the optical path branching unit, and an optical path of measurement light located on a reflection optical path of the optical path branching unit. The second lens is disposed on the optical path of the measurement light between the first lens and the scanning unit, such that an angle at which the measurement light scanned by the scanning unit is incident on the optical path branching unit is maintained substantially unchanged during scanning.
US09955862B2
Techniques related to vision correction are disclosed. The techniques involve establishing a visual model associated with a patient. The visual model includes data related to a quality of the patient's vision. A boundary is established as a function of the data associated with the visual model. The boundary is indicative of an area to be corrected within the patient's vision. A retinal map is established as a function of the boundary. An image from a camera associated with the patient is captured and corrections are applied to the image based on the retinal map to generate a corrected image. The corrected image is presented to the eye of the patient.
US09955855B2
The invention relates to an electrical connection piece for a video endoscope having a hermetically closed video unit in a shaft of the endoscope, a video endoscope, and a method for producing an electrical connection in a video endoscope. The electrical connection piece according to the invention includes an at least partially flexible printed circuit board having conductive tracks, wherein the printed circuit board has a base surface with openings for contact pins of a hermetic feedthrough, and a flexible first arm and a flexible second arm that branch off in different, in particular opposite, directions from the base surface, wherein the first arm and the second arm each have a flat end surface at the respective ends facing away from the base surface, wherein the conductive tracks extend between the openings on the base surface and electrical contacting surfaces in the end surfaces.
US09955854B2
An endoluminal access system for accessing a body lumen includes a guide track which, when in an operative position, extends through a body lumen to a desired location therewithin and a modular device selectively coupleable to the guide track, the modular device including a drive mechanism for engaging the guide track to move the modular device along the guide track within the body lumen. A method of resecting tissue from a site within a body includes the steps of inserting a guide track to a desired location within the body lumen, coupling a modular device to a proximal end of the guide track and actuating a motor mounted within the modular device to drive the modular device distally along the guide track to the site, drawing tissue at the site into the modular device in combination with the steps of coupling together a portion of tissue adjacent to the site, resecting the tissue from the site and actuating the motor to drive the modular device proximally to withdraw the modular device from the body lumen.
US09955851B2
A contact detecting apparatus detects contact between a body tissue and a probe for emitting illumination light onto the body tissue and receiving return light of the illumination light scattered from the body tissue. The contact detecting apparatus includes: a laser light source that emits laser light to irradiate a specified region of the body tissue via the probe; a photoelectric conversion unit that converts light received via the probe into an electric signal; and a signal processing unit that determines whether or not there is contact between a distal end of the probe and the body tissue based on whether the electric signal includes a component of a beat signal caused by interference of the return light of the laser light scattered from each of a surface of the body tissue and a surface of the distal end of the probe.
US09955844B2
A method of operating a dish treating appliance includes a user interface disposed along the top edge of a door for selectively opening and closing access to a treating chamber. The user interface can be illuminated and operating the user interface can include operating a user input mode when the door is open and a status mode when the door is closed.
US09955842B2
A flat wiping cloth for a wiping cloth holder includes an elongated base. The elongated base includes a main cleaning surface and a sheetlike textile material. The sheetlike textile material does not include a base fabric with threads attached to the main cleaning surface. At least one cleaning lip is formed on the elongated base. The at least one cleaning lip is swivelable relative to the elongated base about a swiveling region.
US09955841B2
A cleaning robot system includes a robot and a robot maintenance station. The robot includes a chassis, a drive system configured to maneuver the robot as directed by a controller, and a cleaning assembly including a cleaning assembly housing and a driven cleaning roller. The robot maintenance station includes a station housing and a docking platform configured to support the robot when docked. A mechanical agitator engages the roller of the robot with the robot docked. The agitator includes an agitator comb having multiple teeth configured to remove accumulated debris from the roller as the agitator comb and roller are moved relative to one another. The robot maintenance station includes a collection bin arranged to receive and hold debris removed by the mechanical agitator.
US09955840B2
A cleaning tool for a floor cleaning appliance is provided, including a main body carrying a cleaning cover which is subject to wear, and including a signal transmitter which provides a wireless signal in dependence upon the degree of wear of the cleaning cover. To be able to detect in a cost-effective manner when a maximum admissible degree of wear of the cleaning cover is reached, the signal transmitter is of rigid construction and fixed to a movable carrying part, the carrying part being held on the main body and being movable from a normal position to an evasive position against a restoring force, the carrying part protruding further from the main body in the normal position than in the evasive position, and the carrying part and/or the signal transmitter contacting the floor surface to be cleaned when a maximum admissible degree of wear of the cleaning cover is reached.
US09955837B2
A dust collector for a vacuum cleaner disclosed herein includes a first cyclone that is configured to separate dust from air introduced from a lower portion thereof with containing foreign materials and discharge the separated dust into a first dust storing unit, a second cyclone that is configured to separate fine dust from the air, from which the dust has been separated by the first cyclone, and discharge the separated fine dust into a second dust storing unit defined in a second case, and a lower cover that is coupled to the first case by a hinge so as to define a bottom surface of the first dust storing unit, the second dust storing unit and the first cyclone upon being closed, and discharge therethrough the foreign materials collected in the first dust storing unit, the second dust storing unit and the first cyclone upon being open.
US09955835B2
A nozzle (10) for a floor cleaning device, suitable for both wet and dry cleaning, the nozzle comprising an airflow inlet (50) at a front end of the nozzle, and a detachable cleaning device (90) that, if mounted on the nozzle (10), lifts a rear end of the nozzle.
US09955831B2
A reconfigurable upright surface cleaning apparatus may include a cleaning unit including an air treatment member, a suction motor and a clean air outlet. The cleaning unit may be detachably connected to the surface cleaning apparatus. A reconfigurable air flow passage may include at least one portion that is alternatively configurable between a surface cleaning mode and an auxiliary cleaning mode. An adjustable handle may be provided on the cleaning unit and may be drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head. The handle may include a grip portion having at least one grip member and may be moveable between an extended position, in which the grip portion is spaced apart from the cleaning unit, and a retracted position, in which the grip portion is positioned proximate the cleaning unit.
US09955828B2
Technology associated with automatically raising a toilet seat is described. In an example embodiment, a device for automatically raising a toilet seat includes a fluid-based movement source that generates a force upon actuation and a movement transmission mechanism configured to transfer the force to the toilet seat to raise the toilet seat from a lowered position to a raised position. The fluid-based movement source is fixable to a toilet having a toilet seat and a toilet bowl and the movement transmission mechanism is connected to the fluid-based movement source to receive the force and coupleable to the toilet seat.
US09955825B2
A device comprising a partition with various functionalities and uses.
US09955823B2
A system when coupled with a material inputting, material holding, and washing device is a fully automated robotized cooking system. Computer control what material is inputted in the Cooking Chambers, the correct time and degree of heat, required amount of rotation, placing the cooked item in the bowl, and washing the Cooking Chamber. The device have horizontal rotation, like a ferris wheel, that keep each Cooking Chambers horizontally until rotation is required. The Pivoter pivot the Cooking Chambers up or down at any position in the rotation. There can be up to 6 Cooking Chambers independently operating at the same time. This invention can cook up to six different food items at the same time twenty four hours a day.
US09955816B2
A beverage preparation apparatus includes a milling unit which obtains powders by grating an object to be grated, a liquid storage tank which stores a liquid, a liquid supply path having one end connected to the liquid storage tank and having the other end provided with a supply port, a powder reception portion which is provided to be movable and receives powders obtained by the milling unit, and an agitation tank which has an opening portion opening upward and mixes the powders introduced through the opening portion from the moved powder reception portion and the liquid supplied through the opening portion from the supply port. The milling unit includes an outlet port which discharges the obtained powders into the powder reception portion and the outlet port is located below the opening portion.
US09955814B2
Within a brewing unit for a coffee machine, a brewing chamber, which is arranged in a pivotable brewing cylinder, can be filled with ground coffee powder by using a filling device. For the purpose of introducing the coffee powder, the brewing chamber has a filling opening. With the aim of avoiding undesired deposits of grounds in the region of the upper side of the brewing unit, and also of improving levels of hygiene, a projection extends in the filling direction outside the brewing chamber, wherein the projection is such that the exit region of the filling device is introduced with the formation of an interspace between the projection and a side wall of the exit region such that the projection substantially fully surrounds the exit opening of the exit region. Coffee powder supplied in the filling device drops from the exit opening of the exit region, directly through a through-opening of the projection and the filling opening, into the brewing chamber without striking against the projection.
US09955810B1
The present invention relates to a device for holding a stemmed glass and in particular to a holder attachable to a camping style chair or other structure. The device, in one embodiment has a holder with an opening for supporting a stemmed glass. A top piece is integral with the holder and is generally coplanar therewith. A bottom piece acts as a spring. In this regard, the bottom spring piece can be separated from the top piece wherein it can clamp onto a chair arm bar or other surface (round or flat). The top piece has an arched inside surface with two parallel rails. The bottom piece has a notch therein. In a second embodiment, a wire device is provided having a holder, a first arm, a second arm, a third arm and a lever.
US09955806B2
A device and method for holding food and drink simultaneously, comprising of a combined plate and adjustable cup holder. The plate may have one or more compartments for holding food and the cup holder is for supporting various drink containers. The plate having an aperture through which the cup holder is situated. The cup holder may move within the aperture with protrusions near the top and bottom of the cup holder to prevent the cup holder from disengaging from the plate. When the cup holder is lowered with respect to the plate, it provides a natural handle. When the cup holder is raised with respect to the plate the base of the cup holder and base of the plate are substantially coplanar, allowing the plate to rest on a flat surface.
US09955799B2
A child motion device including a support frame, a frame hub coupled to the support frame, a gliding swing mechanism pivotally mounted to the frame hub, and a cantilevered child support portion pivotally mounted to the gliding swing mechanism. In example embodiments, the child support portion can be in the form of a child seat or a bassinet. In example embodiments, the child support portion can be oriented between multiple seat-facing orientations for providing either of a side-to-side gliding movement or a front-to-back gliding movement.
US09955787B2
A composite core furniture item can include a multi-layered core (optionally including both metallic and non-metallic layers) that provides exterior major surfaces for application of top and bottom wood veneer layers or other exterior veneer layers via a heat catalyzed adhesive or other bonding process.
US09955766B2
A roll-on liquid applicator having an applicator ball disposed within a dispensing chamber and a spring element with a valve head portion. The spring element effects a distally-directed force to press the valve head against the valve opening to maintain a sealing closure of the valve opening against flow of the liquid from the feed chamber into the dispensing chamber. The valve head has a ball support structure which extends distally through the valve opening to contact with the applicator ball so that when the ball is inwardly displaced by force applied thereto, the valve head moves axially inward from the closed-valve position to the open-valve position, thereby moving the valve head from the closed-valve position in contact with the valve opening toward the open-valve position which allows liquid from the feed chamber to enter the dispensing chamber.
US09955762B2
An apparatus for housing an electronic device includes a top member, a bottom member, and a compressible gasket seated in a channel in either the top member or the bottom member. The top member includes a perimeter portion defined by a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions. The top member further including a first clasping mechanism. The bottom member includes an inner surface, a back surface, and a perimeter portion surrounding the inner surface and the back surface. The perimeter includes a wall including a second clasping mechanism.
US09955761B2
User-wearable remote speaker mic (RSM) holders for positioning a remote speaker mic relative to the mouth of the wearer are disclosed as well as a wearable radio support system including the same. The RSM holders include an elongate body having a first end and a second end and a first major side extending from the first end to the second end, and RSM attachment member positionable along the length of the first major side. The first end of the elongate body is releasably attachable to or is permanently attached to a donnable article of clothing or donnable gear, and a first attachment member is positioned at or proximate the second end of the elongate body and is connectable to a feature of the donnable article of clothing and/or the donnable gear.
US09955759B2
A method of protecting earrings or jewelry.
US09955754B2
A shoelace structure includes an outer sleeve, a liner mounted in the outer sleeve, and an inner core mounted in the liner. The inner core includes a first weaving thread and a plurality of second weaving threads. The first weaving thread interweaves and intertwines with the second weaving threads, with the second weaving threads being secured to the first weaving thread, thereby defining a plurality of enlarged portions and a plurality of separation portions. The liner is squeezed by the enlarged portions of the inner core and defines a plurality of expanded sections and a plurality of recessed sections. The expanded sections of the liner respectively corresponds to the enlarged portions of the inner core, and the recessed sections of the liner respectively corresponds to the separation portions of the inner core.
US09955742B2
A health suit for improving sweating and tanning in various weather conditions includes a transparent material that is configured to allow ultraviolet rays and infrared energy to pass through the material and penetrate the skin with minimal deflection or absorption by the material. The health suit may also include an anti-fog layer or other set of anti-fogging features, moisture absorbing material, and a heat retention feature to improve sweating and tanning in various weather conditions.
US09955740B2
An emergency anti-hypothermia system has a thermally insulating vest that is sufficiently portable to be carried for emergency use in a pocket, purse, backpack, compartment of a vehicle, ski pole or other location, with the vest providing thermal insulation by being made with thermally insulating air impervious material that also provides for its inflation. A multiplicity of interconnected inflated chambers situated about the vest, provides thermal insulation by anti-conduction, anti-radiation and anti-convection in a highly portable system. An outer surface having radar reflective properties further improves visibility of the vest.
US09955739B2
A garment or undergarment includes an inner part and an outer part. The inner part has an upper portion for covering and compressing at least a portion of a mid-section of a wearer above a waistline of a wearer and a lower portion for covering a groin of a wearer and limiting upward movement of the inner part. The outer part is attached to the inner part and overlaps at least a portion of the lower portion.
US09955737B2
A portable, personal storage and carrying case for an e-liquid e-cigarette PV in which the case includes: an electrical power source for re-charging a rechargeable battery in the PV; a user-replaceable reservoir for holding e-liquid; and an electrical or electronic pump adapted to transfer e-liquid from the reservoir to a chamber in the PV, the pump delivering a pre-defined or variable quantity of e-liquid from the reservoir; and in which the reservoir includes an overflow channel that enables excess e-liquid that is pumped up from the reservoir but is not stored in the PV to be captured and returned to the reservoir.
US09955730B2
An electronic cigarette is provided. The electric cigarette includes an electronic cigarette body. The electronic cigarette body is provided with a suction end, an atomizing assembly and a battery rod assembly. The atomizing assembly and the battery assembly are detachablely connected. An accommodating through hole is provided in the atomizing assembly, and the accommodating through hole communicates with an end surface where the atomizing assembly and the battery assembly are connected. An atomizing core for atomizing the cigarette liquid is movably inserted in the accommodating through hole and the atomizing core is in clearance fit with the accommodating through hole. Since the atomizing core is in clearance fit with the accommodating through hole, the atomizing core and the accommodating through hole are not integrated, which is convenient for the user to replace a damaged atomizing core and leads to easy operation and less waste.
US09955728B2
A battery assembly of an electronic cigarette according to the present application is configured to form an electronic cigarette in combination with an atomizing assembly. The atomizing assembly is provided with a gas storage chamber configured to store cigarette-liquid odor to be detected. The battery assembly includes a sensor group and a microcontroller. After the sensor group detects the cigarette-liquid odor to be detected, the microcontroller is configured to control a circuit between the battery assembly and the atomizing assembly to be switched on in a case that the cigarette-liquid odor to be detected matches the preset odor information, to enable the electronic cigarette to work normally. Thus, the electronic cigarette has an identification function and can be normally used only when the battery assembly and the atomizing assembly of the electronic cigarette are matched.
US09955724B2
An electronic vapor provision device comprising a body (4) configured to be releasably connectable to a vaporizer (10). The body (4) comprises a power cell (20), a computer processor (18), a memory (22) and an audio signalling device (16). The memory (22) stores information on a first user notification event comprising connection of the vaporizer. Moreover, the computer processor (18) is configured to identify when the first user notification event occurs and to notify a user of the event by emitting a user (10) notification sound from the audio signalling device (16).
US09955723B2
A covered ashtray having an opening in one sidewall or a cover thereof, which permits a tip of a lit smoking article, such as for example a cigar or cigarette, to be suspended within the interior of the ashtray. Retention structure may be provided to securely retain the smoking article in position in the opening. The housing and cover may be manufactured as a single unit, or separately, and later connected. Preferably, at least a portion of the cover or housing is openable (e.g. hinged or completely removable) to permit emptying the contents of the ashtray.
US09955722B2
A portable, dishwasher safe, dry herb water pipe body capable of connection to a plethora of different fluid vessels. It has a flexible polymer bidirectional flow connector that facilitates the flow of smoke from and into the water pipe body. This flow connector also frictionally engages the neck of a bottle, jar or can, thereby sealing the fluid vessel to the body of the water pipe, completing its functionality. Ice can be placed in the water pipe to further cool the incoming smoke charge for the user. After use, if a disposable fluid vessel and fluid were used, the water pipe body can be removed and no further storage or cleaning action is required. With the optional plug, the device can be used in a dry smoke mode or fluid can be added into the plug for a shortened version of a water pipe.
US09955719B2
The food product machine with a food supply, a rotary food pump connected to the food supply, a molding mechanism having a mold plate and a knockout drive, and a mold plate reciprocating between a fill and a discharge position. The knockout drive reciprocates a knockout plunger to discharge molded food products from the mold plate, the mold plate being reciprocated between a cavity fill position and a cavity discharge position. The machine includes a manifold connected an outlet of the food pump and having an outlet passageway connected to an inlet of the molding mechanism for filling the cavity of the mold plate. The machine can further include a fill plunger system for increasing the fill pressure of the food mass prior to filling the mold cavities. Plungers extend into the manifold to displace food mass volume and increase the pressure in the manifold.
US09955711B2
Apparatus and method for enhancing the flexibility and increasing throughput capacity while reducing cost and improving the quality of food and drink products within a continuous sterilization system using novel product carriers, in conjunction with unique user controllable product rotation and agitation features, capable of handling novel as well as existing product containers, are described. A further aspect of the invention is a property of the uniquely designed product carrier to accommodate and optimally orientate said product containers. A final aspect of the invention is the further capability of individual product carriers to undertake any user-defined processing program including product pasteurization or product stabilization or product sterilization within an essentially continuous sterilization system.
US09955704B2
Provided herein are whippable topping compositions comprising yogurt. The compositions comprise a blend of yogurt and a whip topping emulsion. The yogurt can be made with regular, low fat or fat free milk. The fat content of the whip topping emulsion can also be varied to provide topping compositions of various fat content having a smooth texture and desirable consistency.
US09955703B2
A method and system for wrapping meat in containers is provided. The method and system provide a modified atmosphere, other than that which exists as standard air, to a container such that a final sealed product contains an internal volume or atmosphere of modified gas. In-line processing features dispense the desired modified gas such that minimal interruption is provided in an automated or partially automated packing operation.
US09955702B1
A system for processing a suspended beef carcass as the carcass is moved along a defined path. A robotic arm is carried on a moveable table and has mounted thereon a servo motor-driven band saw capable of effecting a splitting operation on the beef carcass. The band saw is counterbalanced by a mass having a weight less than the weight of the band saw, and the robotic arm has a maximum load-carrying capacity less than the weight of the band saw. A torque monitor for the servo motor detects breaks in the band saw or breaks in the support for the band saw. A vision-based sensor system detects location of a tail bone on the beef carcass. The system includes a controller in communication with the carcass rail, the carcass processing device and motor, and the vision-based sensor system.
US09955701B2
A method for processing plant matter, which involves applying a processing composition including at least one biological agent selected from: bacteria including a DNA sequence, referred to as 16S rDNA, coding for the 16S ribosomal RNA of the bacterium, which is 100% homologous with SEQ ID NO. 1, culture media in which bacteria have grown which include the 16S rDNA sequence that is 100% homologous with SEQ ID NO. 1 and which are substantially free of the bacteria, the culture media including polynucleotides having a DNA sequence which is 100% homologous with SEQ ID NO. 1, and in which the bacteria are selected from bacteria that are consistent with the strain filed and registered on 7 Apr. 2011 with number 1-4467 before the French National Collection of Microorganism Cultures (CNCM) of the Pasteur Institute, and mutant bacteria of the filed strain.
US09955700B2
Antimicrobial chemical compositions comprise an aluminum phosphate (AlP) solid dispersed within a binding polymer, wherein one or more bioactive materials are disposed within AlP forming a bioactive-AlP complex. The complex may comprise the bioactive material chemically bonded with the AlP, physically combined with the AlP, or a combination of both. The complex may be formed according to precipitation, condensation and sol-gel methods of forming. The complex is engineered to provide a controlled delivery of the bioactive material or a constituent thereof upon exposure to moisture to give a desired level of antimicrobial resistance to a film or composite formed from the composition of at least about 30 μg/m2, and may also provide a desired degree of corrosion resistance through the release of passivating phosphate anion. Such antimicrobial chemical compositions provide an improved degree of active, long-term resistance to a broad range of micro-organisms when compared to known antimicrobial chemical compositions.
US09955696B2
The invention provides an ectoparasiticidal formulation which comprises an ectoparasiticidal agent, preferably the pyrethroid tetramethrin, as the pesticidally-active ingredient, together with a crystallization inhibitor selected from the group consisting of alkyl-substituted pyrrolidones, and optionally, one or more organic solvents and/or co-solvents. Preferably, the crystallization inhibitor is N-octyl pyrrolidone, and the organic solvent, if present, preferably comprises diethylene glycol monoethyl ether. The ectoparasiticidal formulation surprisingly yields a significantly enhanced speed of kill. Methods for manufacturing the formulation, as well as methods for treating animals infested with ectoparasites, are also disclosed.
US09955695B2
The present invention relates to a pediculicide/ovicide composition and method of use thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to a pediculicide/ovicide composition comprising a sesquiterpene alcohol and a suitable carrier.
US09955691B2
This disclosure relates to macrocyclic picolinamides of Formula I and their use as fungicides.
US09955682B2
Disclosed is portable organ transportation system including a mobile cart and an organ container. At least one of the mobile cart and the organ container include a latch for releasably attaching the organ container to the mobile cart. The organ container may be a portable organ preservation device or a portable organ perfusion apparatus.
US09955676B2
The present invention provides an in vivo platform for identifying and determining therapeutic or prophylactic activity of test compounds in delay-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and other inflammatory or cancerous diseases mediated by activation of IKK-βC46A mutants. The in vivo platform of the present invention is a non-human transgenic mammal, e.g., a mouse model, with a site directed mutagenesis at a cysteine residue replaced by alanine in IKK-β protein kinase. The site directed mutagenesis is introduced by a specially designed targeting vector containing a transversion in exon 3 of the Ikbkb genes encoding the IKK-β. The present invention also provides methods for generating the transgenic mammal and for determining and identifying compounds that can inhibit activation of IKK-βC46A mutants.
US09955675B2
The present invention provides a mouse with liver damage, having a high degree of damage against the mouse's original hepatocytes while having a uPA gene in a heterozygous form, and a method for efficiently preparing the mouse. Specifically, the method for preparing a mouse with liver damage having the uPA gene in a heterozygous form comprises the following steps of:(i) transforming mouse ES cells with a DNA fragment containing a liver-specific promoter/enhancer and cDNA that encodes a urokinase-type plasminogen activator operably linked under the control thereof;(ii) injecting the transformed mouse ES cells obtained in step (i) into a host embryo;(iii) transplanting the host embryo obtained in step (ii) via the injection of the ES cells into the uterus of a surrogate mother mouse, so as to obtain a chimeric mouse; and(iv) crossing the chimeric mice obtained in step (iii), so as to obtain a transgenic mouse in which the DNA fragment is introduced in a heterozygous form.
US09955671B1
An animal training and indicating device (10) includes a housing (12) having an outer surface (14). A capacitive sensor (54) is operative to detect contact by a paw or nose of an animal with the outer surface. Responsive to the contact, the device is operative to provide an illumination of at least one light emitter (60, 62), an audible output from a speaker (28) and at least one wireless RF signal which can be received by a portable wireless device (76).
US09955670B2
Device for automatically feeding calves with a mixing container for mixing a liquid food product, a teat, a connection line, which connects the mixing container with the teat, a branch line, which branches off from the connection line at a branch point and connects the connection line with a pump and a controller for controlling the pump, where a sensor is arranged on the teat, which is connected with the controller and is designed to detect a movement and/or deformation of the teat, and the controller is designed to control the pump during detection of a movement and/or deformation of the teat such that liquid food product is delivered out of the branch line towards the branch point until liquid food product exits the teat.
US09955667B1
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH482385. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH482385, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH482385 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH482385.
US09955664B1
A novel soybean variety, designated 5PJTF71 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PJTF71, cells from soybean variety 5PJTF71, plants of soybean 5PJTF71, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PJTF71. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PJTF71 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PJTF71, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PJTF71, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PJTF71. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PJTF71 are further provided.
US09955660B1
A novel maize variety designated X13K464 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X13K464 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13K464 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13K464, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13K464. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13K464.
US09955654B1
A novel maize variety designated X70K901 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X70K901 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X70K901 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X70K901, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X70K901. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X70K901.
US09955652B1
A novel maize variety designated X03K059 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X03K059 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X03K059 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X03K059, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X03K059. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X03K059.
US09955648B1
The present invention is in the field of soybean variety CL1360619 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety CL1360619 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using CL1360619 in a breeding program.
US09955647B1
In an embodiment, the invention relates to the seeds, plants, and plant parts of canola variety SCV149064 and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing canola variety SCV149064 with itself or with another canola variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic canola plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to canola varieties or breeding lines and plant parts derived from canola variety SCV149064, to methods for producing other canola varieties, lines or plant parts derived from canola variety SCV149064 and to the canola plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid canola seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the variety SCV149064 with another canola variety.
US09955643B2
A novel maize variety designated X90H605 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X90H605 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X90H605 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X90H605, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X90H605. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X90H605.
US09955637B1
A hybrid begonia designated ‘1600-13T3’ is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of hybrid begonia ‘1600-13T3’ to the plants of hybrid begonia ‘1600-13T3’ and to methods for producing a hybrid plant, and to methods for producing other begonia lines, cultivars or hybrids derived from the hybrid begonia ‘1600-13T3’.
US09955633B2
According to the present invention, provided is a system for irradiating a target object selectively with specific circularly polarized light, comprising a polarization-state control member that controls the polarization state of light to thereby generate circularly polarized light; and a circularly polarized light-reflecting member, wherein the circularly polarized light-reflecting member is disposed at a position on which the circularly polarized light emitted from the polarization-state control member can be incident; the circularly polarized light-reflecting member generates reflected light that selectively comprises circularly polarized light of the same sense as the incident circularly polarized light from the polarization-state control member; and the circularly polarized light-reflecting member is disposed such that the target object can be irradiated with at least a part of the reflected light.
US09955631B2
A unique soil-packing garden-shaping system comprises soil-packing garden-shaping wavy partitions for absorbing hammering forces and for packing and holding garden soil, impact-absorbing-strip grooves pressure-molded on the sides of the wavy partitions, impact heads extrudedly molded to the top of the wavy partitions for receiving hammering forced thereon, curved directional heads extrudedly molded to the bottom of the wavy partitions for penetrating into the ground at adjustable angles, wavy-partition couplers for coupling the wavy partitions, and multiple different color-coded impact-absorbing strips of multiple different highly flexible materials pressure-extrudedly molded in the grooves for absorbing the hammering force exerted on the impact heads, for limiting the bending degree of the wavy partitions, for pushing the wavy partitions back after bending to prevent the wavy partitions from breaking, for guiding the elevations of the wavy partitions over garden soil, for gradually hardening to strengthen and secure the shape of the wavy partitions, and for building garden shapes, never possible before.
US09955621B2
A forward folding agricultural implement frame has a center frame with pivotally connected wings that fold forward for storage and laterally for use. A pair of draft links connects the wings to a telescopic hitch that extends forward from the center frame. A pivot pin operably mounted to a forward portion of the telescopic hitch defines a generally vertical pivot axis. A pivot link is connected to the pivot pin to pivot about the generally vertical pivot axis. The pivot link having a first portion on one side of the pivot pin and a second portion on an opposite of the pivot pin from the first portion. The draft links are pivotally connected to the first and second portions of the pivot link. When the wings are flexed in opposite directions (or when one wing is neutral and the other wing is flexed), the pivot link will permit opposite relative movement of the draft link ends relative to the inner hitch, which reduces internal stress and prevents permanent strain of the components.
US09961814B2
A method includes providing a touch panel interposer, where providing the touch panel interposer comprises providing a touch panel device, applying a first adhesive layer to a cover side of the touch panel device, and applying a second adhesive layer to a display side of the touch panel device. The method further includes providing a touch panel display, where providing the touch panel display comprises applying a cover to the first adhesive layer, and applying a display panel to the second adhesive layer.
US09961813B2
A shielded cable includes signal wires each having a signal conductor covered by an insulator, and a shield conductor comprising a metal foil resin tape spirally and overlappingly wrapped around the two signal wires, wherein an edge portion of the metal foil resin tape is folded back so that the metal foil therein is oriented outward, thereby bringing metal foils, which are arranged on lower and upper sides in the overlapping part of wrapping of the metal foil resin tape, into electrical contact with each other. The shielded cable includes two drain wires provided outside the metal foil resin tape and configured to be in electrical contact with an exposed part of the outwardly folded-back metal foil, which is exposed out of the overlapping part.
US09961811B2
A method includes sensing ambient conditions in a datacenter containing a server, and determining whether the ambient conditions exceed threshold conditions representing risk of electrostatic discharge. A lid to the server is locked in a closed position in response to the ambient conditions exceeding the threshold conditions. However, the lid to the server is unlocked in response to a grounding strap being connected to the server. Optionally, the grounding strap may be identified and the server lid will only unlock if the identified grounding strap is associated with authorization to unlock the server lid.
US09961803B2
A data center cooling system includes a thermosiphon, an actuator coupled to the thermosiphon, and a controller. The thermosiphon includes an evaporator; a condenser; and at least one conduit coupled between the evaporator and the condenser to transport a working fluid between the evaporator and the condenser. The controller is coupled to the actuator and configured to operate the actuator to adjust a liquid level of the working fluid in the evaporator based, at least in part, on a parameter associated with a heat load of one or more data center heat generating computing devices.
US09961802B2
An approach is provided in which a manufacturing test scheduling system predicts a dew point forecast indoor a facility based upon outdoor weather data and indoor environment data. The manufacturing test scheduling system selects time slots in the dew point forecast based upon a pre-defined dew point threshold and, in turn, schedules tests of a liquid cooled computer system during the selected time slots.
US09961794B2
A housing module having a circuit board quick-assembling function is applied to an electronic device with a circuit board having a specific height. The housing module includes a housing, an spacer and two pivoting components. The housing includes a substrate and several lateral boards. The spacer includes a main body, two pivoting portions and a locking portion. The pivoting portions are disposed on corresponding sides of the main body, the locking portion stretches from a lower side of the main body and is fixed on the circuit board via an external fixing component. The pivoting portions pass through the lateral boards and are connected to the pivoting portions. While the circuit board slides relative to the substrate to push the spacer, the main body is rotated inside the housing via the pivoting portions to lift the lower side.
US09961793B1
An electronic module for a modular electronic device may include improved features for retaining the electronic module relative a frame of the modular electronic device and/or for subsequently removing such module from the frame. In addition, aspects of the present subject matter related to improved methods for assembling an electronic module for use with a modular electronic device.
US09961777B2
A trench (20) is introduced into a carrier (10) for electrical components (30) on a first surface (O10a) of the carrier into the material of the carrier (10). The carrier (10) is cut through by a cut (60) being introduced into the material of the carrier from a second surface (O10b) of the carrier (10), said second surface being situated opposite the first surface. The cut is implemented in such a way that the cut (60) runs through the trench (20) on the first surface (O10a) of the carrier. By providing a trench (20) in the material layers of the carrier (10) which are near the surface, it is possible to prevent material from breaking out of the carrier during the singulation of devices (1, 2).
US09961774B2
A wireless communication assembly includes a first support member carrying a baseband processor and a radio processor, and defining a first mounting surface including a first pair of electrical contacts. The first support member has a first pair of electrical connections between the radio processor and the first electrical contacts. The assembly also includes a second support member carrying an antenna and defining a second mounting surface including a second pair of electrical contacts. The second support member has a second pair of electrical connections between the antenna and the second electrical contacts. The second mounting surface is configured to engage the first mounting surface to rigidly couple the first and second support members and to bring the first pair of electrical contacts into contact with the second pair of electrical contacts for electrically connecting the radio processor and the antenna via the first and second pairs of electrical connections.
US09961773B2
A printed circuit board assembly includes: a first signal terminal row including a plurality of first signal terminals connected to a plurality of signal wirings of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), respectively; a first ground terminal row spaced from the first signal terminal row and including a plurality of first ground terminals connected to a plurality of ground wirings of the FPCB, respectively; a second signal terminal row including a plurality of second signal terminals connected to a plurality of signal wirings of a printed circuit board (PCB), respectively; and a second ground terminal row spaced from the second signal terminal row and including a plurality of second ground terminals connected to a plurality of ground wirings of the PCB, respectively. The first ground terminal row is closer to an end portion of the FPCB than the first signal terminal row.
US09961772B2
An integrated power electronics assembly module includes a power unit and a clamping auxiliary circuit board. The power unit includes a power level circuit board and a shielding casing. The power level circuit board is contained in the shielding casing. The clamping auxiliary circuit board is disposed against the shielding casing and stacked with the power level circuit board to reduce a parasitic inductance generated by a commutation loop constituted by the power level circuit board and the clamping auxiliary circuit board. The clamping auxiliary circuit board is electrically coupled to the power level circuit board via the shielding casing.
US09961770B2
Solder pads, systems, and related methods are provided. A first or second pad include at least one shape for increasing a number of edges available to align at least one part to be soldered thereto. Each solder pad can occupy a same surface area of the substrate. A plurality of circuit elements can be provided over the plurality of solder pads, where some of the circuit elements occupy different surface areas of the substrate and/or the solder pad. A method of providing a solder pad includes providing a substrate, providing a solder pad over the substrate, and providing at least one shape in the solder pad for increasing a number of edges available to align at least one part to be soldered thereto. The pads can attach for example to a surface-mount ceramic component, a submount-free component, a leadframe component and/or a chip on board component.
US09961768B2
A multilayer wiring substrate that can realize a higher-density wiring structure is obtained. Provided is a multilayer wiring substrate, where a multilayer body including a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer stacked on the bottom surface of the first insulating layer includes printed wiring electrodes; the printed wiring electrodes are formed by printing with and sintering conductive paste; the printed wiring electrodes respectively include first wiring electrode portions located on the second insulating layer and second wiring electrode portions respectively joined to first wiring electrode portions; and the second wiring electrode portions respectively extend into through holes and, further, are exposed at the top surface of the first insulating layer.
US09961761B2
A radiation imaging apparatus, comprising a sensor panel in which a plurality of sensors configured to detect radiation are arrayed, a first circuit board that is arranged on the sensor panel and includes a circuit configured to read out a signal from each sensor, and a second circuit board that is arranged on the first circuit board and includes a circuit configured to read out a signal from each sensor, and whose radiant noise generation amount at a driving time of the circuit is larger than a radiant noise generation amount at a driving time of the circuit of the first circuit board, wherein the first circuit board is arranged between the sensor panel and the second circuit board.
US09961759B2
A flexible substrate includes a circuit board, a flexible heat-dissipating structure and an adhesive. The circuit board has a substrate and a circuit layer formed on a top surface of the substrate, and the flexible heat-dissipating structure has a flexible supporting plate and a flexible heat-dissipating metal layer formed on a surface of the flexible supporting plate. The flexible heat-dissipating metal layer of the flexible heat-dissipating structure is connected with a bottom surface of the substrate by the adhesive. The circuit layer and the flexible heat-dissipating metal layer are made of same material.
US09961752B2
A control device which is connected to luminaires includes: a storage which stores associations between types of luminaires and identification (ID) number ranges for each of the types; an identifying unit which identifies a type of each of the luminaires; and an assigning unit which, by reference to the associations, assigns, to each of the luminaires, an ID number in an ID number range for the type identified by the identifying unit such that, among the luminaires, luminaires of a same type have consecutive ID numbers in the ID number range.
US09961745B2
An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a lighting device disposed on the vehicle. At least one detection sensor is configured to detect a proximity of an occupant and a controller is configured to identify an approach and a departure of the occupant. The controller is configured to control the lighting device to output a first emission of light in response to the approach and a second emission in response to the departure.
US09961743B2
A power supply assembly which can drive a number of different devices at different voltages. A rack holds a number of breaker modules, and each breaker module can connect to one or many breakout boxes. The breakout boxes are keyed to the breaker modules, so that the breaker boxes will not be energized with power unless they are the proper voltage and/or configuration to receive that power. The coil of a contactor in the breaker module is powered by a key wire that is connected through specified pins in the breakout box. Therefore, no power is ever provided to the breakout box unless it is of the proper voltage configuration. In addition, feeder power to the power supply assembly is provided over bolted connections, without any wire connections between the power feed and the circuit breaker.
US09961741B2
In a circuit device, a plurality of protection circuits are disposed between a plurality of first power supply connecting terminals and a first input terminal of a load circuit. A switching element of each of the plurality of protection circuits is connected between a first power supply connecting terminal and a first input terminal, and is turned on when a DC power supply is connected with a normal polarity to the first power supply connecting terminal. Each of the plurality of protection circuits a parasitic diode that is connected in parallel to the switching element between a corresponding first power supply connecting terminal and a first input terminal in a direction where a current having a normal polarity is caused to flow. The reset circuit performs periodically a reset operation of temporarily turning off the switching element.
US09961736B2
In some implementations, a circuit includes a first diode and a second diode that are coupled in series. The device is configured to couple an alternating current (AC) power source to a first node between the first diode and the second diode. The circuit includes a first capacitor and a second capacitor that are coupled in series, and the device is configured to couple the AC power source to a second node between the first capacitor and the second capacitor. The circuit includes one or more light emitting diode elements coupled in parallel with the first capacitor and the second capacitor, and a battery coupled in parallel with the one or more diodes.
US09961735B2
An LED constant-voltage dimming power supply being electrically connected to a dimmer and configured for changing duty ratio of output voltage thereof according to a controlling signal from the dimmer, includes a constant-voltage source, a damping discharge circuit module, a phase detecting circuit module, a duty ratio controlling module, and a switcher. The damping discharge circuit module is electrically connected to an input end of the constant-voltage source. The phase detecting circuit module is electrically connected to an output end of the constant-voltage source. The duty ratio controlling module is coupled to the phase detecting circuit. The switcher is electrically connected to the duty ratio controlling module. The LED constant-voltage dimming power supply adjusts the luminance of the LED lamp and has high universality. Moreover, each of lots of LED lamps has high consistency during adjusting its luminance.
US09961722B2
The present disclosure relates to a camera module, and a dew condensation prevention system of the camera module, and there is disclosed a camera module including a lens assembly; a lens barrel in a cylindrical shape with a predetermined height configured to accommodate the lens assembly; and a heat radiation member formed along an outer surface of the lens barrel to transfer heat to an outermost lens of the lens assembly, wherein the lens assembly has a field-of-view region formed in a first direction and a second direction crossed with the first direction, and at least one of the first and the second field of view is above 180 degrees, and a dew condensation prevention system using the same.
US09961717B2
According to an aspect, there is provided a method of operating a terminal device in a communication network, the network defining an extended period that comprises a plurality of predefined periods, each predefined period corresponding to the time taken to transmit a predefined plurality of frames, the method comprising receiving information blocks, IBs, broadcast by a network node in the communication network, each IB indicating a value for a relative shift indication for the predefined period in which the IB is broadcast; comparing the value for the relative shift indication for a current predefined period to a value for the relative shift indication for a predefined period preceding the current predefined period; and determining whether the current predefined period is a particular one of the predefined periods in the extended period based on the result of the comparison.
US09961706B2
Methods are apparatus are disclosed to improve a network connection of a cellular-enabled device via a connected vehicle. An example method disclosed herein include receiving an indication that a first cellular-enabled device is within range of a cellular-enabled vehicle to which the first cellular-enabled device has a connection relationship. When a first signal strength between the cellular-enabled vehicle and a cellular network is greater than a second signal strength between the first cellular-enabled device and the cellular network, the cellular-enabled vehicle is instructed to establish a first connection between the cellular-enabled vehicle and the cellular network using a first subscriber identifier stored in the first cellular-enabled device. The cellular-enabled vehicle is instructed to establish a second connection between the cellular-enabled vehicle and the first cellular-enabled device, and routing first cellular data associated with the first cellular-enable device between the cellular network and the first cellular-enable device via cellular-enabled vehicle.
US09961703B2
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for patching direct-mode talkgroups among dual-watch mobile radios. A mobile radio has first and second receivers, and is in a first talkgroup having a first channel. The mobile radio resides the first receiver on the first channel, and detects either a first patch event or a second patch event. The first patch event is an instruction for a first-channel session. The second patch event is an invitation for a second-channel session. Upon detecting the first patch event, the mobile radio transmits an invitation on the first channel and also on one or more other channels respectively associated with one or more other talkgroups, directing all recipients to the first channel. If the mobile radio detects the second patch event, the mobile radio resides the second receiver on the second channel.
US09961697B2
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a radio-layer mechanism, which brings the IP and radio protocol layers closer and simplifies the radio protocols for future mobile networks, so that the extreme high transmission speed that these networks will be capable of may be efficiently utilized. The object is achieved by a method (900) in an access point adapted to schedule transmissions of packets to and/or from a radio communication device. The method comprising determining (910) radio resources needed for at least one packet to be sent to a radio communication device, scheduling (920) the at least one packet without segmentation on radio resources, whereby all the necessary amount of radio resources that a transmission of the at least one packet will need can be scheduled at a time, and transmitting (930) scheduling information indicating the scheduled resources to the radio communication device.
US09961695B2
There is provided embodiments relating to scheduling in mobile communications systems, and particularly to scheduling of delay tolerant data in mobile communications systems. A scheduling request relating to conditional data transfer of delay tolerant data is received. The delay tolerant data is scheduled for transmission such that the delay tolerant data is to be transmitted in conjunction with data already scheduled for transmission and utilizing available transmission resources non-utilized for transmission of the data already scheduled for transmission.
US09961693B2
A terminal apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention constitutes and reports an amount-of-transmission-buffer report to be notified to a base station apparatus, based on first transmission data to the base station apparatus, which is prepared in a transmission buffer of the terminal apparatus itself, second transmission data for device-to-device data communication, and a priority level of each piece of transmission data.
US09961686B2
An architecture for collecting and managing contextual awareness data is contemplated. The architecture may be used to implement various policies as a function of the contextual awareness data, such as but not limited to implementing dwelling specific policies depending on the contextual awareness data indicating whether one or more users are presence within a dwelling.
US09961684B2
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a carrier selection method and device for multicarrier, to implement that an optimal carrier combination is obtained by searching. The method includes: acquiring an absolute radio frequency channel number ARFCN that is of each carrier of N carriers allocated to a receiving end and in each frame of a radio block, where N is a positive integer, and N≥2; respectively selecting, from the N carriers, a different carrier as an anchor carrier, and searching within a search range of the anchor carrier according to the ARFCN of each carrier in each frame of the radio block and a maximum carrier frequency spacing supported by the receiving end, to determine a carrier set of the anchor carrier; and selecting, from the carrier sets of anchor carriers of the N carriers, at least one carrier set as a carrier selection result.
US09961683B2
It is provided a method, including identifying a weak cell serving a downlink of a first user device; detecting a strong cell different from the weak cell, wherein an uplink of the first user device has a lower uplink path loss towards the strong cell than towards the weak cell; preventing the weak cell from providing a first grant for the uplink, if the strong cell is detected.
US09961674B2
A method and a radio base station for interleaving control channel data to be transmitted in a telecommunications system are described. The method comprises grouping the control channel elements CCE1-CCEn into a first order of control channel symbol groups, adding symbol groups comprising dummy values or zeros to the first order of control channel symbol groups based on a number of available symbol group positions for the shared control channel, interleaving the first order of the control channel symbol groups resulting in an a second order, and mapping the second order of control channel symbol groups to the available control channel transmission resources.
US09961665B2
A method for acquiring a Global Positioning System GPS signal and a distributed base station are provided. The method includes that: a GPS signal is received via a GPS receiving module on a Radio Remote Unit RRU of a distributed base station, herein the GPS signal includes a clock signal and location information; the RRU transmits the received clock signal and location information to a Building Base band Unit BBU of the distributed base station; And the BBU computes to obtain an optimal clock provided for all devices of the present base station to use according to the received clock signal, and stores the received location information.
US09961664B2
A device may receive, from a base station, a wireless signal. The device may determine, based on the wireless signal, at least one of a signal quality value associated with the wireless signal or information indicative of a location of the base station relative to the device. The device may output a positioning notification, indicative of a manner in which the device is to be positioned, based on at least one of the signal quality value or the information indicative of the location of the base station.
US09961658B2
A primary user terminal is interfaced with the drone so as to constitute a local network of the infrastructure type, where the drone is configured as an access point (AP) and the primary user terminal is configured as a mobile station. The primary user terminal comprises an adaptive software program able i) to generate piloting and control instructions to be transmitted to the drone, and ii) to establish a connection to the local network and to register the primary user terminal into a registration table of the drone. The network further comprises at least one secondary user terminal with an applicative software program adapted to establish a connection to the local network and to register the secondary user terminal into the registration table of the drone with a hierarchized management of the rights with respect to the primary terminal.
US09961656B2
Embodiments are provided for syncing multiple electronic devices for collective audio playback. According to certain aspects, a master device connects (218) to a slave device via a wireless connection. The master device calculates (224) a network latency via a series of network latency pings with the slave device and sends (225) the network latency to the slave device. Further, the master devices sends (232) a portion of an audio file as well as a timing instruction including a system time to the slave device. The master device initiates (234) playback of the portion of the audio file and the slave devices initiates (236) playback of the portion of the audio file according to the timing instruction and a calculated system clock offset value.
US09961652B2
The present disclosure relates to a power control method and apparatus, where the method includes: respectively determining, by a base station, error vector magnitude EVM indicator adjustment parameters of n terminals according to terminal types of the n terminals that are currently scheduled; processing, according to the EVM indicator adjustment parameters of the n terminals, to-be-transmitted signals of the n terminals to obtain an output signal, and determining a change of total power of the output signal relative to the to-be-transmitted signals; and dynamically controlling a supply voltage of a power amplifier according to the change of the total power of the output signal relative to the to-be-transmitted signals. According to the power control method and apparatus provided in embodiments of the present disclosure, different processing is performed on signals of different terminals, so that system performance of the OFDM system is improved.
US09961651B2
Embodiments of computer-implemented methods, systems, computing devices, and computer-readable media are described herein for assigning transmission power to one or more components carriers in an uplink transmission utilizing carrier aggregation. In one embodiment, power is assigned to a component carrier based on the priority level of the component carrier. In another embodiment, power is assigned based on absolute priority order. In yet another embodiment, power is assigned based on relative priority order.
US09961644B2
The present application discloses methods and apparatus for modifying a normal link adaptation process of a wireless device (200). The normal link adaptation process may be used to compensate for a fast fading dip detected by a base station (100). The present application teaches that the normal fast fading compensation may cause inter-cell interference and degrade system performance. The present application discloses imposing a fast fading restriction or limitation on the normal fast fading compensation can reduce inter-cell interference, improve system capacity, and extends the battery life of the wireless device.
US09961634B2
A radio apparatus in which voice frames can be used for data transmission, which prevents abnormal sound and noise from occurring during fast data transmission. A controller of the radio apparatus determines whether the voice frames are being used for voice signal transmission or data transmission based on a result of identification of a mini-header that is stored in the data frames. The controller causes a voice signal reproduction unit to perform a muting operation when a result of the determination successively indicates that the voice frames are being used for data transmission a predetermined first number of times, and the controller causes the voice signal reproduction unit to cancel the muting operation when the result of the determination successively indicates that the voice frames are being used for voice signal transmission a predetermined second number of times in a situation where the muting operation is being performed.
US09961633B2
Methods and apparatuses for establishing a wireless connection are disclosed. In an embodiment, a first communication device transmits a first advertising signal for a first period of time, the first advertising signal configured to advertise that the first communication device is available to establish a first wireless connection, scans for a second advertising signal for a second period of time, the second advertising signal transmitted by a second communication device and configured to advertise that the second communication device is available to establish a second wireless connection, and listens for a third signal for a third period of time, the third signal transmitted by a third communication device in response to the first advertising signal, the third period of time occurring during the second period of time.
US09961631B2
Wireless transceiver includes a plurality of RF filters. A first band switching network includes a first plurality of RF switches to selectively direct transmitter RF energy to a selected RF filter. A second band switching network includes a second plurality of RF switches which selectively controls which of RF filter is connected to an antenna port. A receiver RF switch is connected to at least one of the RF filters and to a receiver input to selectively permit the received RF energy arriving at one RF filter to be communicated to the receiver. Each RF switch is a PIN diode type with at least one series diode provided along a signal path. No more than two PIN diodes are present in the signal path between the common transmitter port and the common antenna port when any of the RF filters is in use.
US09961630B2
The embodiments herein relate to method in a node (105, 110) for handling modes in the wireless device (105). The node (105, 110) and wireless device (105) are comprised in a wireless network (100). The wireless device (105) is in active mode. The node (105, 110) obtains information indicating that the wireless device (105) should reduce its radio power consumption. The node (105, 110) determines that the wireless device (105) should change from active mode to a first power saving mode based on the obtained information and based on a first criterion. And, the node (105, 110) or the wireless device (105) determines that the wireless device (105) should change from active mode to a second power saving mode based on the obtained information and based on a second criterion.
US09961624B1
A wireless telecommunication system may utilize multiple network slices, each of which may implement a different core network. In order to route initial attach requests to appropriate network slices and corresponding core networks, a mobility management component sends a received initial attach request to a network slice selector. The network slice selector queries a selection policy function to obtain a designation of a particular network slice to which the attach request should be directed. The network slice selector then sends a redirect request to the mobility management component, instructing the mobility management component to resend the attach request to the designated network slice.
US09961619B2
A method of transitioning a wireless networking device from a non-access point mode to an access point mode includes receiving a find network request from another wireless networking device and sending a find network response including beacon data and an identifier. The method includes receiving a join network request from the other wireless networking device and associating with the other networking device by transitioning from a default mode to an access point mode. The other wireless networking device then operates as a client device. Each wireless networking device in the default mode listens for other wireless networking devices seeking an access point for the wireless network. In the access point mode the wireless networking device periodically broadcasts beacons. Each wireless networking device transitions to a client-only mode, when limiting conditions are present.
US09961616B2
A network access method and a mobile communication terminal are provided. The mobile communication terminal determines the current location of the mobile communication terminal, receives a graphical two-dimensional barcode transmitted by another mobile communication terminal bound with the mobile communication terminal, decodes the graphic two-dimensional barcode to acquire an equivalent home public land mobile network (EHPLMN) list to which the graphic two-dimensional barcode points, and performs network access according to the EHPLMN list when the mobile communication terminal detects that the EHPLMN list contains a network identifier of a public land mobile network (PLMN) corresponding to the current location.
US09961614B2
Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for geolocating a user and/or a user device, based on one or more location data sources. Some embodiments may include use of a user authentication process (e.g., a two-factor authentication service) to improve confidence in the determined location of a user device. In one embodiment, a user and/or a user device may be allowed or denied access to restricted access content based on the determined location of the device.
US09961606B2
A method of handling simultaneous communications comprises a first base station configuring a radio resource control (RRC) connection to a communication device; the first base station configuring a second base station as a secondary base station to the communication device; the second base station configuring a signalling radio bearer (SRB) to the communication device via the first base station; the second base station transmitting a second measurement configuration to the communication device; the second base station receiving a second measurement report corresponding to the second measurement configuration via the SRB from the communication device; and the second base station adding a secondary cell (SCell) of the second base station to the communication device, releasing a SCell of the communication device, or changing a primary secondary cell (PSCell) of the communication device via the first base station or via the SRB.
US09961587B2
A satellite communication system may be configured to establish multiple different tunnels between a first satellite modem and a second satellite modem in accordance with a protocol. The first satellite modem may receive a packet via a tunnel established in accordance with a different protocol, determine an endpoint identifier corresponding to the tunnel based on information from one or more headers included in the packet, identify one of the multiple different tunnels that corresponds to the tunnel, generate a corresponding packet omitting at least a portion of the information from the one or more headers and comprising at least a portion of data included in a payload of the packet and an information block comprising a tunnel index corresponding to the identified one of the multiple different tunnels, and transmit the corresponding packet to the second satellite modem via the identified one of the multiple different tunnels.
US09961586B2
According to one embodiment, a method for controlling congestion at an evolved node B (eNB) in a wireless communication network is provided. This method includes a step of sensing whether the congestion occurs or not; and a reporting step of transmitting congestion information, including whether the congestion occurs or not, to a mobility management entity (MME) or a serving gateway (S-GW). According to another embodiment, a method for controlling the congestion at a packet data network gateway (P-GW) in the wireless communication network is provided. Additionally, apparatuses for implementing these methods are also provided.
US09961569B2
A method for monitoring software application performance and one or more device states affecting a software application on a periodic basis on a mobile device. The method includes one or more computer processors identifying a software application on a mobile device. The method further includes the one or more computer processors identifying a plurality of sampling plans and one or more respective triggers within the plurality of sampling plans that are respectively associated with the software application and are stored on the mobile device. The method further includes the one or more computer processors determining a first value associated with the one or more respective triggers. The method further includes the one or more computer processors selecting a first sampling plan from the plurality of sampling plans for the software application based, at least in part, on the value associated with the one or more respective triggers.
US09961562B2
Systems and methods for extending coverage of a communication network. In one embodiment, a system includes a first base station configured to communicate with a first mobile communication device and to generate a core interface message. The system also includes a second mobile communication device and an application level server. The second mobile communication device is connected to the first base station and is configured to obtain the core interface message from the first base station, generate a message including the core interface message in an application layer of the message, address the message to the application level server, and transmit the message to the application level server. The application level server is configured to receive the message, extract the core interface message from the message, and transfer the core interface message to a network core to emulate an interface between the first base station and the network core.
US09961550B2
To provide overall security to a utility management system, critical command and control messages that are issued to components of the system are explicitly approved by a secure authority. The explicit approval authenticates the requested action and authorizes the performance of the specific action indicated in a message. Key components of the utility management and control system that are associated with access control are placed in a physical bunker. With this approach, it only becomes necessary to bunker those subsystems that are responsible for approving network actions. Other management modules can remain outside the bunker, thereby avoiding the need to partition them into bunkered and non-bunkered components. Access to critical components of each of the non-bunkered subsystems is controlled through the bunkered approval system.
US09961545B2
Systems, methods, and devices for authentication during fast initial network link setup within wireless communication systems are disclosed. In one aspect, a method for wireless communication is provided. The method includes generating an aggregated message, the aggregated message comprising a pairwise master key identifier (PMKID) and an extensible authentication protocol re-authentication protocol (EAP-RP) frame. The method further includes transmitting the aggregated message.
US09961534B2
To judge whether there is roaming, a computer is caused to perform a position information acquisition procedure to acquire position information of the computer, a connection carrier information acquisition procedure to acquire connection carrier identification information for identifying a communication carrier of a communication network to which the computer is connected at the position where the position information was acquired, and a log information generation procedure to generate log information in which the position information and the connection carrier identification information are associated with each other.
US09961529B2
The invention provides for optimizing Near Field Communications (NFC) at a NFC-enabled interaction terminal configured for conducting user interactions. The invention provides for a user to designate which user credentials are applied to which type of NFC-enabled interaction terminals. A NFC-enabled interaction terminal-specific Application Identifier (AID) is assigned to the user credentials, and, in use, the AID list that is communicated, via NFC, by a mobile communication device to the NFC-enabled interaction terminal includes the NFC-enabled interaction terminal-specific AID, which implements an AID selection order that prioritizes use of the AID. In response, the application executing on the mobile communication device processes commands from the NFC-enabled interaction terminal using the pre-designated user credentials.
US09961528B2
Methods and systems for registering detection of electronic devices are provided. First, a first signal is wirelessly received by an electronic device, wherein the first signal is broadcasted by a first electronic device, and the first signal at least includes identification data and specific information corresponding to the first electronic device. The specific information includes motion information of the first electronic device, or specific data generated based on the motion information. Then, a registration process is performed for the first signal by first determining whether the specific information conforms to predefined information. When the specific information conforms to predefined information, the identification data corresponding to the first electronic device is registered. Signals having the registered identification data will be further processed in the electronic device.
US09961525B2
Communication becomes impossible for many mobile stations when a communication failure occurs in a fixed station while the mobile stations are operating in an infrastructure mode. Provided is a communication system that includes a plurality of mobile stations and at least one of a base station and a wireless LAN access point, wherein the plurality of mobile stations establish communication with each other and form an ad hoc network that realizes a mesh network topology, and at least one mobile station among the plurality of mobile stations establishes communication with at least one of the base station and the wireless LAN access point, and connects another mobile station among the plurality of mobile stations to the at least one of the base station and the wireless LAN access point using a tethering function.
US09961522B2
A method for routing calls between a third party telecommunications device (“TD”) and a subscriber TD associated with a primary service and a second line service (“SLS”) involves associating the SLS number of the subscriber, the primary number of the subscriber and the primary number of a third party via a common relationship number. Calls directed from a third party to the SLS number of a subscriber are routed to an SLS platform and redirected to the subscriber TD. Calls directed from the subscriber TD to the third party use the relationship number to route the call to the SLS platform. The combination of the primary service number and the relationship number identifies the third party number for call completion. Calls can be directed to and from an SLS number of a subscriber TD using a combination of protocols such as ISUP, CAP and SIP.
US09961521B2
The present disclosure generally relates to providing a contextual call notification. An electronic device receives an indication of an incoming voice communication associated with a caller. The electronic device obtains contextual information that is indicative of a likely intent of the caller and is distinct from an identity of the caller. In response to receiving the indication, the electronic device displays a notification that represents the voice communication. While displaying the notification, the electronic device detects a user input. In response to detecting the user input, the electronic device, in accordance with a determination that the user input includes a request to accept the incoming voice communication, establishes a voice communication session between the user and the caller, and, in accordance with a determination that the user input does not include a request to accept the incoming voice communication, forgoes establishing a voice communication session.
US09961513B2
Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems and/or methods of wireless communication. For example, a wireless communication unit may include a Multi Media-Access-Control (MAC) Address Station-Management-Entity (MM-SME) managing a plurality of MAC entities having a respective plurality of MAC addresses. The wireless communication unit may transmit a frame including a Multi-MAC-Addresses-Element (MMAE), which includes two or more MAC addresses of the plurality of MAC addresses and a control field defining at least one common communication attribute to be applied to the two or more MAC addresses.
US09961509B2
Provided are a base station and a plurality of member nodes for transmitting and receiving network coding based multicast traffic. The base station may transmit multicast traffic, and the member node may transmit an acknowledgement (ACK) signal based on received multicast traffic. A determination made be made as to whether the multicast traffic is to be retransmitted, based on a number of member nodes transmitting ACK signals.
US09961504B2
A mobile device comprises a communicator configured to communicate with another communication device; an acceleration sensor configured to detect an acceleration value; a direction sensor configured to detect a change of a direction of the mobile device; and at least one controller configured to determine number of steps of a user of the mobile device based on the acceleration value, and a direction of walking of the user based on the change of the direction of the mobile device to perform notification to the other communication device through the communicator when cumulative number of steps of the walking of the user in one of directions exceeds a first value.
US09961501B1
Systems and methods are described that use anchors to correct satellite-based geographic positioning data in a network of moving things. A plurality of anchor nodes using low-cost, non-differential GPS capable receiver may be used to correct positioning information of a plurality of other nodes of a network of moving things. Nodes in the network may share correction information produced by the anchor nodes with neighboring nodes, enabling other nodes of the network to correct positioning information produced by their own receivers of satellite-based geo-positioning information.
US09961500B2
A server is configured to establish a communication session between electronic devices, receive first information about a time range and second information about a location range from a first electronic device, send third information to the first device, the third information being information about one or more users with whom a user of the first device establishes a human relationship, identify a user selected among the one or more users, store the first information and the second information in a database in connection with identifiers of the user and the identified user, monitor a location of at least one of the first device and a second device of the identified user based on the first and second information, and send, when one of the first or second device deviates from the location range, a notification message to the other one of the first or second device.
US09961494B2
Various aspects of the subject technology relate to systems, methods, and machine-readable media for sharing content with a nearby device. A system is configured receive, from a sending device, a request to share content, wherein the request comprises location information associated with a location of the sending device and content characteristics, determine, based on the location information and the content characteristics, that one or more receiving devices are within a proximity threshold of the location of the sending device and are capable of loading content associated with the content characteristics, receive, from the sending device, a selection of a receiving device from the one or more receiving devices and content to be shared, and provide the content to be shared to the selected receiving device.
US09961490B2
Systems and methods for provisioning applications include storing an application identifier in association with location information in a database that is accessible by a user device. The user device then detects that it is located at a location included in the location information. In response to detecting that it is located at the location, the user device determines an application that is included on the user device and that is identified by the application identifier that is associated with the first location. The user device then automatically provides the application for display to a user. In some embodiments, the application may be automatically provided by automatically launching the application on the user device, and that application may be automatically closed if the user device leaves the location or the application is not used for a predetermined amount of time.
US09961486B2
Smart M2M devices may be utilized to discover, generate, develop, and use customer behavior information. Security, marketing, and sales may be made through the use of short-range communication mechanisms, and customer behavior information may be gathered while providing devices with product information and other content. In an example configuration, smart M2M devices may determine the location of a device in a venue and compare it to historical location information associated with the device to determine whether authentication should be requested.
US09961482B2
A portable electronic equipment including a main body configured to be worn on a user's neck; a user input unit on the main body; a short-range wireless chipset loaded in the main body and configured to perform wireless communication with a host media device; and a controller configured to sense, via a sensor, whether or not the user is wearing the main body on their neck, and selectively control the short-range wireless chipset to perform the wireless communication with the host media device via a designated profile supported by the host media device and a function implemented by the host media device.
US09961479B2
A method and apparatus for a master gateway to register a device in a smart home network system. The method includes selecting performance parameters related to the device measured by at least two gateways including the master gateway; collecting, from the at least two gateways, at least one first information item about the performance parameters measured for the device capable of being registered in the at least two gateways; creating second information used to register the device, based on the at least one first information item, by the at least two gateways; and instructing one of the at least two gateways to register the device, based on the second information. The present invention relates to a sensor network, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and technology for the Internet of Things (IoT). The present invention may be applied to intelligent services based on the above technologies, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, and security and safety services.
US09961477B2
A remote asset management system comprising a network of programmable wireless modules, each having an antenna and an identification module and configured to communicate via a radio communication protocol. The system further includes a plurality of assets each linked to one of the wireless modules and configured to be managed by the linked wireless module. A remote system server service platform is configured to receive remote asset data from the wireless modules, pass the remote asset data to and from the wireless modules, send messages to at least one of the wireless modules, monitor the wireless modules by requesting and receiving current mode information, and remotely program the wireless modules. A data processing module located within the wireless module(s) and configured to process messages received by the wireless module, authenticate said message, analyze authenticated messages, and carry out asset management instructions included in the message.
US09961475B2
A device obtains an object-based representation of an audio signal of an audio object. The audio signal corresponds to a time interval. Additionally, the device obtains a representation of a spatial vector for the audio object, wherein the spatial vector is defined in a Higher-Order Ambisonics (HOA) domain and is based on a first plurality of loudspeaker locations. The device generates, based on the audio signal of the audio object and the spatial vector, a plurality of audio signals. Each respective audio signal of the plurality of audio signals corresponds to a respective loudspeaker in a plurality of local loudspeakers at the second plurality of loudspeaker locations different from the first plurality of loudspeaker locations.
US09961473B2
An apparatus for generating a first multitude of output signals based on at least one audio source signal having a delay network and a feedback processor. The delay network includes a second multitude of delay paths, each delay path having a delay line and an attenuation filter. Each delay line is configured for delaying delay line input signals and for combining the at least one audio source signal and a reverberated audio signal to obtain a combined signal, wherein the attenuation filter of a delay path is configured for filtering the combined signal from the delay line of the delay path to obtain an output signal. The first multitude of output signals includes the output signal. The feedback processor is configured for reverberating the first multitude of output signals to obtain a third multitude of the reverberated audio signals including the reverberated audio signal.
US09961458B1
A compressible, flexible shape-retaining sleeve fits around a hearing aid shell. The sleeve includes fins having a fold line which extend outward to contact the user's ear canal, changing the hearing aid from being largely non-occlusive to being substantially occlusive. The hearing aid, including its shell, can be repeatedly inserted and removed from the sleeve through the battery door opening. The sleeve also has openings for a flexible filament positioning structure, consistently positioning the hearing aid for both occlusive and non-occlusive use. While the flexible filament positioning structure is attached to the hearing aid, it prevents disengagement of the sleeve from the hearing aid shell during insertion and removal of the hearing aid from the user's ear canal.
US09961452B2
In one embodiment a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) microphone package includes a multiple layer substrate, an upper acoustic port formed through a plurality of upper layers of the multiple layer substrate and exposing an upper surface of a membrane portion, a lower acoustic port formed through a plurality of lower layers of the multiple layer substrate and exposing a lower surface of the membrane portion, a ring trench formed through at least one of the plurality of upper layers and exposing a metal ring, a MEMS die located above the ring trench, a copper pillar ring extending between the metal ring and the MEMS die, and a solder pillar ring positioned on a first surface of the copper pillar ring, the copper pillar ring and solder pillar ring attaching the MEMS die to the metal ring.
US09961446B2
The present invention provides an earphone recognition method and an earphone recognition apparatus. The earphone recognition method includes: an acquisition step: when a user wears the earphone, acquiring left and/or right ear structure information, collected by the earphone, of the user; and a sending step: sending the left and/or right ear structure information to a terminal, so that the terminal determines whether the user correctly wears the earphone according to whether the left and/or right ear structure information matches left and/or right ear structure information acquired when the user correctly wears the earphone for the first time. By means of the solutions of the present invention, even though the user wears the earphone conversely, the user can still hear proper high-quality sound, and further, the listening experience of the user is improved.
US09961442B2
The invention provides a computer system for interacting with a user. A set of concepts initially forms a target set of concepts. An input module receives a language input from the user. An analysis system executes a plurality of narrowing cycles until a concept packet having at least one concept has been identified. Each narrowing cycle includes identifying at least one portion of the language and determining a subset of concepts from the target set of concepts to form a new target subset. An action item identifier identifies an action item from the action items based on the concept packet. An action executer that executes an action based on the action item that has been identified.
US09961441B2
Methods and systems are provided for enhancing listening intelligibility in electronic devices. A vibration sensor may be used to generate feedback corresponding to vibrations caused by the outputting of the acoustic signals, and the feedback may be used in adjusting the listening intelligibility stage. In some instances, a microphone may be used to obtain audio input corresponding to ambient noise affecting intelligibility of audio outputted, as acoustic signals, via a speaker, to a user. The audio input may be used to control a listening intelligibility stage applied to audio content when the acoustic signals are generated for outputting by the speaker. In particular, the listening intelligibility stage may comprise application of dynamic time-scale modifications.
US09961432B2
A portable unit usable by a person when carrying out an exercise is described. The unit is programmable with details of a virtual athlete and their performance in a specific race, to enable the user to race against the virtual athlete. The unit informs the user through headphones of the progress of the virtual athlete during a race being carried out by a user. The unit may also be programmable with periodic encouragement messages for a user.
US09961429B2
A wearable electronic, e.g., audio, device is provided having ornamental and deployment modes. A flexible loop of the device allows for at least partial conformal contact with a surface of an individual or the individual's clothing, or both. A first ornamental component is physically associated with the loop. At least one flexible cable segment extends from the loop or the ornamental article and terminates in an electronic component. An electronic interface is wired to each electronic component for electronic communication therebetween. A second ornamental component is physically associated with the first ornamental component, the loop, or the at least one cable segment. During ornamental mode, the interface and the at least one electronic component is partially or wholly hidden. During deployment mode, the at least one electronic component is placed in substantially immobilized contact to a surface of the individual that is not contacted by the loop.
US09961421B2
A microphone stand structure allows an upper frame rod to be elevated automatically for adjustment to a proper elevation after a locking seat is released. A pressure rod is received and mounted in a hollow main frame rod and includes an extensible member having a top end supporting a bottom end of the upper frame rod movably inserted into the hollow main frame rod such that the whole stand height can be selectively fixed simply locking the locking seat.
US09961419B2
A communication apparatus includes: a data generating unit that generates write data to be sent to any other communication apparatus at an arbitrary timing; a communication unit that repeatedly sends a read request to the other communication apparatus until the write data is generated and, at the same time, repeatedly receives a read response sent from the other communication apparatus in response to the read request; and a data acquisition unit that acquires read data, which is sent along with the read response by the other communication apparatus, when the read data is generated at an arbitrary timing by the other communication apparatus.
US09961413B2
Methods and apparatus for providing packetized content to users via a bandwidth-optimized network. In one embodiment, legacy and IPTV streams are carried over the same switched digital infrastructure, and freely intermixed without regard to their encoding or type. A user's selection for IPTV content is transmitted to an IP proxy (such as a gateway apparatus or a headend server), then on to the switched digital server which causes provision of the requested content back to the proxy for formatting. The formatted content is then delivered to the requesting IP-capable device. The entire carrier class program stream is therefore available as IP-encapsulated content to the IP capable devices (and as legacy content to legacy devices) without any significant modifications to the network infrastructure or bandwidth penalty.
US09961407B2
The application provides a method and system for automatically recommending television program to a user. The application provides a method and system for recommending related television programs while viewing video on internet based, using context of the said video. Further, the application provides a method and system for extracting electronic program guide information for all the channels available on the television and correlating them for recommending related television programs.
US09961406B2
A method is described for re-determining, in a television apparatus, a program table including associations between alphanumeric labels and radio-television programs, each one of the alphanumeric labels indicating a string of characters that must be selected by the user in order to activate the reproduction of one of the radio-television programs associated therewith, the method including the steps of biunivocally associating with each radio-television program in the table an alphanumeric label comprising a numeric part; allowing at least a first list and a second list to be simultaneously displayed on a screen, both including identification data of the radio-television programs obtained from the program table, the radio-television programs being sorted in the lists according to sorting criteria; selecting a first program from the first list of programs sorted according to a first sorting criterion, the first program being associated with a first alphanumeric label; selecting a second program from the second list of programs sorted according to a second sorting criterion, the second program being associated with a second alphanumeric label; and modifying the value of the first alphanumeric label of the first program with an alphanumeric label value comprised in the range delimited by the value of the second alphanumeric label, extreme included, and by the value of the alphanumeric label, extreme excluded, which immediately precedes the second alphanumeric label in the second list.
US09961405B2
A method includes receiving, from a first user of a media distribution system, first wish list data identifying a program and a first program option associated with the program. When the first wish list data is received, the program is not scheduled for transmission via the media distribution system based on a published program guide available to the first user. The method also includes receiving, from a second user of the media distribution system, second wish list data identifying the program and a second program option associated with the program. The method further includes determining interest in the program based on the first program option and the second program option.
US09961403B2
The types and locations of particular types of content in a video are visually summarized in a way that facilitates understanding by a viewer. A method may include determining one or more semantic segments of the video. In addition, the method may include determining one or more emotion objects for at least one of the semantic segments. Further, the method may include generating a user interface on a display screen. The user interface may include one window, and in another embodiment, the user interface may include two windows. Moreover, the method may include displaying first indicia of the emotion object in a first window. The horizontal extent of the first window corresponds with the temporal length of the video and the first indicia are displayed at a location corresponding with the temporal appearance of the emotion object in the video.
US09961401B2
The provisioning of media content to computing devices that might not normally have access thereto. Example types of media or media content may include advertising media, broadcast media, social media, news media, and others.
US09961399B2
An approach is provided for creating user-defined folders for organizing content accessible through a set-top box and for creating multiple bookmarks per set-top box program for use during programming playback.
US09961398B2
Disclosed is a method and device for switching video streams. The method comprises: acquiring video streams of a video in response to receiving a playback request for the video sent by a terminal, the video streams comprising: a video stream with a first group of pictures (GOP) frame number and a video stream with a second GOP frame number; sending the video stream with the first GOP frame number to the terminal, searching for a third key frame in the video stream with the first GOP frame number, and extracting a decoding time stamp (DTS) of the third key frame; searching the video stream with the second GOP frame number for a frame having an identical DTS; determining whether the frame is a fourth key frame in response to finding the frame having the identical DTS; and sending the video stream with the second GOP frame number to the terminal.
US09961387B2
Profile-based content variation includes determining viewing trends for a television viewing device based on subscriber information and a channel selection history of the television viewing device, matching commerce channels to at least one logical channel based on the determined viewing trends, and broadcasting one of the logical channels that matches one of the selected commerce channels.
US09961384B2
A method and a security module configured to enforce processing of management messages. The security module is associated to a multimedia receiver configured to receive broadcast access controlled multimedia services. The management messages are transmitted by a managing center to the multimedia receiver. The method comprises steps of: receiving by the security module at least one global management message addressed to a plurality of multimedia receivers operated by the managing center, tracing processing of said global management message, receiving at least one positive addressing management message addressed to said security module, checking, by the security module, anterior processing of the global management message through the value of the parameters set during tracing processing of the global message, processing the positive addressing management message only if previous checking gives a result indicating a successful enforcement of the global management message allowing the multimedia receiver accessing the broadcast multimedia services.
US09961380B1
A method includes identifying a plurality of user-interested multimedia files based at on one of a history of a plurality of user multimedia searches, a plurality of user multimedia views, or a history of multimedia sharing with other users. The method creates a catalog of the plurality of user-interested multimedia files, wherein the catalog includes one of more groups of the plurality of multimedia files based on one of a multimedia file length, the history of the plurality of user multimedia searches, the plurality of user multimedia views, or a history of multimedia shares with other users. The method generates a novel multimedia file, where combining one generates the novel multimedia file or more individual multimedia files selected from the catalog of multimedia files.
US09961378B1
Systems and methods are described herein for a media guidance application to determine that a user has switched away from a source transmitting a media asset with which the user was engaged and detect, while the user is switched away from the source, that secondary content transmitted by the source during a break of playback of the media asset relates to the media asset. In response to detecting that the secondary content relates to the media asset, the media guidance application may access a database to determine whether the secondary content specifically corresponds to the media asset, and, in response to determining that the secondary content specifically corresponds to the media asset, the media guidance application may generate for display the secondary content to the user.
US09961377B1
A content distribution method including receiving in-band signals from respective content providers, where the in-band signals include video content. The method further includes: receiving at a placement opportunities information module first messages associated respectively with the content providers, where the first messages are advertisement messages and/or program messages and have respective formats; and mapping the first messages to second messages, where the second messages have a same format, and where the same format is different than the respective formats and is standardized for point of presence devices. The method further includes: combining the second messages with the video content to generate combined signals; forwarding the combined signals to an insertion module of a headend; generating output signals at the insertion module based on the combined signals; and for each of the output signals, transmitting a non-streaming signal or a streaming signal from the headend to the point of presence devices.
US09961374B2
A method, apparatus, and system of pause and replay of media content through bookmarks on a server device are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of a server device includes authenticating a user of a client device, communicating a media content to the client device through a network, processing a pause request of the client device to pause the media content, storing a bookmark location indicating a current playback location of the media content in the client device on the server device, processing a play request of the user to play the media content from the bookmark location (e.g., the play request may be received from a different client device of the user), and communicating the media content from the bookmark location to the user.
US09961353B2
Different implementations are described, in particular, implementations for coding and decoding a scalable stream comprising a base layer and at least one enhancement layer. For example, one method provides for decoding a first part of the enhancement layer relating to a group of blocks into decoded enhancement data which comprise at least one item of information for identifying at least one region of the reconstructed at least one image and obtaining residues for at least one block of the group of blocks from a second part of the enhancement layer.
US09961352B2
The image coding method is used to code images to generate a coded stream. The image coding method includes: writing, into a sequence parameter set in the coded stream to be generated, a first parameter representing a first bit-depth that is a bit-depth of a reconstructed sample in the images; and writing, into the sequence parameter set, a second parameter which is different from the first parameter and represents a second bit-depth that is a bit-depth of an Intra Pulse Code Modulation (IPCM) sample in the images.
US09961342B2
Display device ON/OFF detection methods and apparatus are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein include measuring, with a first sensor, a first temperature value associated with the media device. Example methods disclosed herein also include measuring, with a second sensor, a second temperature value corresponding to an ambient temperature in an environment including the media device. Example methods disclosed herein further include comparing the first temperature value to the second temperature value to make a first determination indicating whether the media device is ON or OFF.
US09961340B2
Accuracy and efficiency of video quality measurement are major problems to be solved. According to the invention, a method for accurately predicting video quality uses a rational function of the quantization parameter QP, which is corrected by a correction function that depends on content unpredictability CU. Exemplarily, the correction function is a power function of the CU. Both QP and CU can be computed from the video elementary stream, without full decoding the video. This ensures high efficiency.
US09961337B2
Embodiments of a flexible electronic visual display device and a flexible mobile computer having such a display device are disclosed. The basic electronic visual display device comprises a flexible display device, at least one control system, at least one three-dimensional sensor, a flexible housing containing the electronic components, and an adjustment means for the housing. In some embodiments, the flexible display device can have additional sensors of various types, a projector, a wireless communication interface, and a wireless power supply. For independent use some embodiments of the flexible electronic visual display device can also comprise an electronic module including at least one processor and at least one data memory, and also at least one electrical energy storage device being contained in the housing as well. This permits the flexible electronic display device to provide a broad range of functionalities and application possibilities, and to assume novel functionalities and applications.
US09961322B2
Apparatus and method for eliminating noise in stereo image are disclosed, the method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprising, obtaining a first image captured by a first sensor unit and a second imaged captured by a second sensor unit; calculating a pixel difference of the second image relative to a first image based on a predetermined reference point; determining a pixel amount of the second image to be calibrated using a reference pixel difference and the pixel difference; and generating a driving signal for driving an Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) actuator using the pixel amount to be calibrated.
US09961303B2
A method and a device providing one virtual endpoint dedicated to serve one particular real endpoint, and the virtual endpoint is typically installed on a server in the same local network as the associated real endpoint, where an MCU or a fraction of a distributed MCCJ also is installed. In the upstream direction, the virtual endpoint includes at least an upstream decoder, a scaling unit and an upstream encoder. In the downstream direction, the virtual endpoint includes at least a number of decoders, a composing unit and a downstream encoder.
US09961299B2
In one embodiment, a method implemented on a video conference participant device includes: receiving video conference data for a video conference session, performing at least the following diagnostic tests: verifying receipt of a presenter image from a presenter video conference device where the presenter video conference device is in use by a participant of the video conference meeting, the participant designated as a presenter for said video conference meeting, verifying receipt of shared desktop content from the presenter video conference device, or verifying receipt of audio data from the presenter video conference device; and transmitting results of said performing to said presenter video conference device.
US09961294B2
A video display method of a user terminal, includes determining whether ambient noise measured when a video is played is in an allowable range, and generating subtitles based on a voice signal included in the video in response to the ambient noise being determined to be out of the allowable range. The method further includes displaying the generated subtitles with the video.
US09961293B2
Disclosed are a mobile device for editing an image for a wearable device and a method for controlling the mobile device. The mobile device according to the present specification can provide an interface for editing an image when a wearable device is proximally located. Additionally, the interface has the same actual form as a display unit of the wearable device and can be changed on the basis of movements of the wearable device relative to the mobile device.
US09961286B2
There are provided a first semiconductor substrate in which a plurality of photoelectric conversion circuits, which are some circuit elements of the pixel cells including the photoelectric conversion unit, are formed in a two-dimensional matrix, a second semiconductor substrate in which a plurality of memory circuits, which are some other circuit elements of the pixel cells, are formed in a two-dimensional matrix, wherein the some other circuit elements of the pixel cells include memory units that correspond to the photoelectric conversion circuits, store electric signals output by the photoelectric conversion units, and output pixel signals according to the electric signals, and a connection electrode electrically connected to a signal line of the photoelectric conversion circuits and a signal line of the memory circuits, wherein the pixel cells are divided into a plurality of pixel groups in which the pixel cells are combined so that adjacent pixel cells are not included if pixel cells corresponding to light beams of the same wavelength band are considered to be arranged on one surface, wherein the same connection electrode is shared between the photoelectric conversion circuits and between the memory circuits of the pixel cells included in the same pixel group, and wherein signal lines of the photoelectric conversion circuits and signal lines of the memory circuits of the pixel cells included in different pixel groups are connected by different connection electrodes.
US09961283B2
In one embodiment, coloring artifacts of a color image output by a camera are minimized by taking into account a distortion introduced by the lens. Based on the distortion, the color reconstruction determines which pixels in the grayscale image to include in the reconstruction process. Additionally, the color reconstruction can take into account edges depicted in the grayscale image to determine which pixels to include in the reconstruction process. In another embodiment, coloring artifacts in a 360 degree color image are minimized by performing the color reconstruction process on a three-dimensional surface. Before the color reconstruction takes place, the two-dimensional grayscale image is projected onto a three-dimensional surface, and the color reconstruction is performed on the three-dimensional surface. The color reconstruction on the three-dimensional surface can take into account the distortion produced by the lens and/or can take into account the edges depicted in the two-dimensional and three-dimensional grayscale image.
US09961280B2
Provided by the present invention is an image forming apparatus wherein a signal to noise ratio is improved without reducing a video rate of a real-time moving image. The image forming apparatus comprises:a pixel 101 having an electromagnetic wave detecting element 111 configured to detect an electromagnetic wave;a switch 110 configured to read out a signal from the pixel;a signal generating unit 102 configured to generate a signal 114 having a predetermined period, wherein the pixel is connected to a transmission line 103 for supplying, to the pixel, the signal having the predetermined period, and to a scanning line 106 and 107 for reading out the signal from the pixel through the switch, and the pixel has a frequency converting element 113 configured to convert a frequency of a detection signal of the electromagnetic wave detecting element, using the signal having the predetermined period.
US09961278B2
The present disclosure relates to a solid-state image-capturing element and electronic device capable of improving the linearity of illuminance values. The dynamic-range expander 118 expands dynamic range of a pixel value for each pixel based on the pixel value having different exposure times of a plurality of pixels. The integrator 119 integrates pixel values having the dynamic range expanded by the dynamic-range expander 118 and generates an illuminance value. The present disclosure is applicable to complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor or the like used in, for example, an illuminometer.
US09961273B2
Disclosed are a mobile terminal and a shooting method thereof. The shooting method comprises the steps of: collecting, by a camera, image data continuously; conducting an addition operation on the current image data and the past image data, so as to generate a synthetic image; and displaying the synthetic image in real time. Thus, an image superposition technique is adopted to simulate long-time exposure, which adds a light painting function to a mobile terminal, so that a user can use the light painting function of the mobile terminal to conduct artistic creation, and can preview the creation effect in real time, thereby improving the user experience.
US09961272B2
An image capturing apparatus is provided, including: a first camera module and a second camera module configured to capture an image of a same subject; and a controller configured to map a second image obtained from the second camera module to a first image obtained from the first camera module, and to synthesize a third image of the subject using the first image and the mapped second image, wherein an image sensor included in the first camera module has a first pixel structure in which a pixel has a square shape, and an image sensor included in the second camera module has a second pixel structure that is different from the first pixel structure.
US09961267B2
A device may display content being captured by a personal camera associated with a user. The device may receive an indication to stream the content based on a user interaction with the device. The device may determine configuration information associated with streaming the content. The configuration information including information that identifies a streaming application associated with streaming the content, and information that identifies a social media application associated with the user. The device may provide, via the social media application, a notification that the content is to be streamed via the streaming application. The notification may be provided for viewing by a viewer associated with the social media application. The device may stream the content using the streaming application. The content may be streamed to allow the viewer to access the content via the streaming application and in real-time or near real-time relative to the capturing of the content.
US09961261B2
A target image captured from a fisheye lens or other lens with known distortion parameters may be transformed to align it to a reference image. Corresponding features may be detected in the target image and the reference image. The features may be transformed to a spherical coordinate space. In the spherical space, images may be re-pointed or rotated in three dimensions to align all or a subset of the features of the target image to the corresponding features of the reference image. For example, in a sequence of images, background features of the target image in the spherical image space may be aligned to background features of the reference image in the spherical image space to compensate for camera motion while preserving foreground motion. An inverse transformation may then be applied to bring the images back into the original image space.
US09961259B2
An image generation unit uses a plurality of captured image data and vehicle body data of a vehicle to continuously generate a virtual perspective image indicating the vehicle body of the vehicle and the periphery of the vehicle as seen from a virtual perspective (VP) positioned within the cabin of the vehicle. An image control unit alters the angle in a plan view of the line of sight of the VP in a manner such that the line of sight circles the surroundings of the vehicle, and moves the position of the VP in the front-back direction of the vehicle.
US09961247B2
A camera having light emitting devices includes a light emitting unit configured to irradiate light to a skin, and a light receiving unit configured to receive reflected light which is generated when the light irradiated by the light emitting unit is reflected from the skin. The light emitting unit comprises a plurality of sets of the light emitting devices, and each of the sets includes one or more light emitting devices which are configured to irradiate the light with the same wavelength. In addition, each of the sets is configured to sequentially irradiate the light and irradiate light with a wavelength that is different from other sets. By using the camera, it is possible to obtain information of the skin for each wavelength by sequentially irradiating light with wavelengths different from other sets, reduce distorted information, and perform an accurate diagnosis.
US09961245B1
In one embodiment of the invention, a digital mirror is disclosed including an enclosure; a display device mounted in the enclosure to display images at a front side of the enclosure; an image capture device mounted in the enclosure adjacent the display device to reduce parallax error; lights mounted in the enclosure adjacent the display device; and a light diffuser mounted to the enclosure around the display device over the one or more lights. The one or more lights provide lighting in front of the display device and the image capture device captures images in the field of view in the front. The light diffuser diffuses and softens the light emitted by the one or more lights. Alternatively, the image capture device may be mounted on an articulated arm that may be used to capture and display various angles in the filed of view of the digital mirror.
US09961240B2
A camera module captures an image of an area ahead of a vehicle. A control circuit board performs a recognition process to recognize conditions ahead of the vehicle, and performs at least two vehicle control processes from among a lane departure warning process, a headlight control process, and a forward collision avoidance process. A housing accommodates the camera module and the control circuit board. A bracket fixes the housing to the windshield of the vehicle, and has an opening permitting the housing and the windshield to face each other in a state where the housing is fixed to the windshield via the bracket. A hood covers the camera module. A first thermally conductive member is provided being in contact with the housing and the windshield in the opening formed on the bracket.
US09961237B2
A display management processor receives an input image with enhanced dynamic range to be displayed on a target display which has a different dynamic range than a reference display. The input image is first transformed into a perceptually-quantized (PQ) color space, preferably the IPT-PQ color space. A color volume mapping function, which includes an adaptive tone-mapping function and an adaptive gamut mapping function, generates a mapped image. A detail-preservation step is applied to the intensity component of the mapped image to generate a final mapped image with a filtered tone-mapped intensity image. The final mapped image is then translated back to the display's preferred color space. Examples of the adaptive tone mapping and gamut mapping functions are provided.
US09961236B2
The processing of RGB image data can be optimized by performing optimization operations on the image data when it is converted into the YCbCr color space. First, a raw RGB color space is converted into a YCbCr color space, and raw RGB image data is converted into YCbCr image data using the YCbCr color space. For each Y-layer of the YCbCr image data, a 2D LUT is generated. The YCbCr image data is converted into optimized CbCr image data using the 2D LUTs, and optimized YCbCr image data is generated by blending CbCr image data corresponding to multiple Y-layers. The optimized YCbCr image data is converted into sRGB image data, and a tone curve is applied to the sRGB image data to produce optimized sRGB image data.
US09961221B2
A motor control unit performs driving control for a stepping motor by using vector control, and detects a rotational position θ of a rotor of the stepping motor, the rotational position θ being required for vector control, by using a position detection unit, based on a pulse signal that is output from an encoder. The motor control unit determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the pulse signal output from the encoder. Upon determining that there is an abnormality in the pulse signal, the motor control unit corrects a detection value of the position θ of the rotor of the stepping motor so as to compensate an error caused by the abnormality in the pulse signal.
US09961206B1
An interactive voice response (IVR) system adaptor causes the media player of an IVR system to present a user with a first option to proceed with an audio-only call and a second option to experience a multimedia call including display of visual information on the user device. When the user selects the first option, the proxy IVR interface passes first messages output from the media player to an application server of the IVR system, and passes second messages from the application server to the media player. When the user selects the second option, the IVR system adaptor receives third messages from the user device, translates the third messages into the first messages, passes the first messages to the application server, in response thereto receives the second messages from the application server, converts the second messages to fourth messages, and sends the fourth messages to the user device.
US09961203B2
An apparatus includes a data storage device that stores remote agent quality assurance code and communication session code. Further, the apparatus includes a data capture device that captures data associated with a remote agent positioned in proximity to the data capture device. In addition, a processor receives a request from an agent routing platform for a service provided by the remote agent through a communication session between the remote agent and a user requesting the service. The processor executes the remote agent quality assurance code to determine that at least a portion of the captured data is non-compliant with the one or more quality assurance policies provided by the agent routing platform. Further, the processor executes the remote agent quality assurance code to provide one or more indicia of non-compliance.
US09961200B1
A method for utilizing a multi-intent matrix is provided. The method may be used to avoid a derived intent collision while determining correct intent of a human-voice-telephone query. The method may include receiving a telephone call at the voice response system. The method may include responding to the telephone call at the voice response system. The response may include prompting a human caller to utter a reason for the telephone call. The human caller may be associated with the telephone call. The method may include receiving a human-voice-telephone-query-utterance at the voice response system. The method may include translating the human-voice-telephone-query-utterance into a text string. The translating may occur at the voice response system or a translation module. The method may include analyzing the text string utilizing a group of parameters. The method may include re-analyzing the text string utilizing a group of parameters set to custom values.
US09961195B2
Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for location-based call control. In one embodiment, call control rules for an outbound call can be determined/identified based on the location of the mobile device. The call control rules direct the outbound call to different numbers and/or different applications.
US09961191B1
An interactive contact workflow system provides a graphical representation of a contact workflow in a graphical user interface (GUI) of an interactive contact run-time environment. The interactive contact workflow system receives a request to execute a first instruction block of the contact workflow within the interactive contact run-time environment, generates a communication interface to facilitate simulated electronic communication between the GUI and the interactive contact run-time environment, and provides a first visual indicator for display within the GUI that graphically highlights the first instruction block within the GUI to indicate that the first instruction block is active. The interactive contact workflow system then executes the first instruction block by sending a first prompt of the first instruction block to the communication interface to cause the communication interface to provide the first prompt to an audio output interface.
US09961189B2
A wearable computing device is described that detects an indication of movement associated with the wearable computing device when a user of the wearable computing device detected being located within a moving vehicle. Based at least in part on the indication of movement, a determination is made that the user of the wearable computing device is currently driving the moving vehicle. An operation is performed based on the determination that the user of the wearable computing device is currently driving the moving vehicle.
US09961185B2
A method, system and computer program product for establishing a wireless connection based on a touch screen of a wireless device. The wireless device includes a slide-out processing section for determining, in response to a slide-out from an edge of the touch screen, a first slide-out parameter for determining by the other wireless device an object to be connected, and broadcasting the first slide-out parameter. The wireless device further includes a slide-in processing section for determining a slide-in parameter in response to a slide-in from the edge of the touch screen and reception of a second slide-out parameter directionally transmitted from the other wireless device. Furthermore, if the determined slide-in parameter matches the second slide-out parameter, then the slide-in processing section establishes a wireless connection between the wireless device and the other wireless device. As a result, an authenticated wireless connection between short-range wireless terminals can be established more conveniently.
US09961180B2
Techniques described herein include a platform for providing user interaction with a vehicle's functions on a mobile device. In some embodiments, the vehicle and mobile device may both be in communication with a service provider computer, that may facilitate communications between the two. In some embodiments, a user is provided with various details related to the vehicle's condition as well as a list of functions that may be initiated by the user. The user is able to select one or more of the listed functions to be performed by the vehicle while located any distance from the vehicle. In some embodiments, the service provider computer may determine whether the user is authorized to initiate a particular vehicle function. Upon selection of a vehicle function from the list of vehicle functions, a processor device in the vehicle executes the function.
US09961175B2
At least one speaker is provided on a tab which is held at least partially within a case. The case also holds a smart device. A slot in the case allows for the tab with at least one speaker to slide into and out of the case. The tab can slide out of the case and deployed, and the at least one speaker can emit sound from the smart device. A power source can also be provided within the tab to power the speakers. A sound signal to the speakers can be carried by a wired interconnection to the smartphone or by wireless transmission to the speaker on the tab. In one embodiment multiple smart devices with speakers according to this invention work together by transmitting a sound signal from one smart device to a speaker associated with another smart device, either directly or through the other smart device.
US09961172B1
An electronic module for a modular electronic device may include improved features for retaining the electronic module relative to a frame of the modular electronic device and/or for subsequently removing such module from the frame.
US09961171B2
The present disclosure provides a method for controlling an electronic device and an electronic device, to enable the electronic device to autonomously deform to be matched with an accommodating space thereof, thereby improving intelligence of the electronic device and providing good user experience. The method includes: acquiring, through a first detection sensor arranged on the electronic device, a space parameter representing an accommodating space where the electronic device is located, when a deformable structure of the electronic device is in a first form; and acquiring, based on the space parameter, a first control instruction to control the deformable structure to deform from the first form to a second form, and thus cause a deformation of the electronic device that makes the electronic device matched with the accommodating space, and controlling the deformable structure to remain in the second form before acquiring a second control instruction for controlling the deformable structure to deform from the second form to a third form, the third form being the same as or different from the first form.
US09961166B2
This disclosure is directed to an organizational directory access client and an organizational directory server and, in particular, to an organizational directory access client that performs a local search and a network search for one or more member profiles of members of the organization. The organizational directory access client executes on a client device and is configured to authenticate a user of the client with the organizational directory server. Once authenticated, the client device receives a member profile database that is then made locally available. As the user enters a search query, the organizational directory access client searches the local member profile database and, when the search query is completed, the organizational directory access client communicates the search query to the organizational directory server for performing a search across one or more social networking services. The local and network search results are then displayed for review by the user.
US09961164B2
An exemplary method accelerating content delivery via DNS overriding may comprise the steps of generating a routing table for a content delivery network (CDN), the routing table map one or more edge server IP addresses to each of one or more geographic regions, transmitting the routing table to one or more DNS server computers, receiving a request from a registrant of a domain name to subscribe the domain name to the CDN, and designating said domain name as subscribed to the CDN in a DNS zone for the domain name.
US09961159B2
A method for content delivery includes defining a guaranteed prefetching mode, in which content is continuously prefetched from a content source to a communication terminal of a user so as to maintain the communication terminal synchronized with the content source. One or more time-of-day intervals, during which the user is expected to access given content, are identified. During the identified time-of-day intervals, the given content is prefetched from the content source to the communication terminal using the guaranteed prefetching mode.
US09961153B2
The invention relates to a presence status determination system and a computer implemented method to determine the presence status of a first user registered in a network and to communicate this presence status to a second user, who would like to make contact with the first user. An input device for a presence status determination device records a predetermined first presence status component determined by the first user and forwards the first presence status component to the presence status determination device (20). A contact person registration device records the identity of the second user and reports the identity to a relationship determination device. The relationship determination device determines, with the aid of a computer, a second presence status component, which considers the social proximity between the first user and the second user. The presence status determination device determines the presence status of the first user taking into account the first presence status component and the second presence status component. Then a presence status communications device communicates the determined presence status of the first user to the second user.
US09961148B2
Systems and methods can be implemented for IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) resource reservation. A first electronic device can transmit, through an IP network, a non-Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message to an application server in an IMS network, where the non-IMS SIP message includes a request to initiate an IMS communication session through the IMS network with a second electronic device. A SIP message can also be transmitted through the IMS network to the application server that initiates a SIP INVITE session between the first electronic device and the application server, where the SIP INVITE session is routed through the IMS network. The first electronic device can then, receive a SIP response message that identifies a resource reservation for the IMS communication session from the application server.
US09961146B2
Technologies are generally described for dynamically distributing a processing load. In some examples, a method performed under control of a server may include receiving information regarding load distribution from an end device and dynamically distributing a processing load between the server and the end device based at least in part on the information regarding load distribution.
US09961141B1
Techniques and systems for storing and retrieving data storage devices of a data storage system are disclosed. In some embodiments, inventory holders are used to store data storage devices used by a data storage system. When data is to be transacted with the data storage devices, mobile drive units locate appropriate inventory holders and transport them to a device reading station, where an appropriate device retrieval unit transacts the data. In some embodiments, each inventory holder includes a plurality of trays that are independently accessible to the device retrieval unit. After the data has been transacted, the data storage devices are returned to the appropriate inventory holders, and the inventory holders are placed by the mobile drive units in locations where they may be accessed in response to further data transactions.
US09961139B2
The disclosure provides systems and methods for efficient arrangement, use, and management of networked electronic devices. The networked electronic devices are configured to form a peer-to-peer network, and to allocate management, download, and aggregation responsibilities among themselves to improve efficiency. Networking errors are minimized by replacing faulting nodes with idle nodes.
US09961129B2
A system monitors a client request and a backend business transaction performed in response to the request and correlates the data generated from monitoring the request and business transaction. A request may be monitored in detail to determine several metrics. The metrics may include server connection time, response receipt completion time, document download time, document processing time, and page rendering time. The metrics may be determined for an entire content page as well as individual page elements, such as Iframes and elements constructed from AJAX techniques.
US09961116B2
Techniques for providing remote transcoding of call media data on a communications network are disclosed. The techniques include a communication module receiving a call request from a first communication device, transmitting a call invite to a second communication device, receiving a response from the second communication device, determining a first media encoding requirement for media transmitted to the first communication device and a second media encoding requirement for media transmitted to the second communication device, and transmitting information regarding the first communication device, the second communication device, the first media encoding requirement, and the second media encoding requirement to a transcoding module operating on a computer server. The techniques include the transcoding module receiving first call media data from the first communication device, transcoding the first call media data, and transmitting the transcoded first call media data to the second communication device.
US09961112B2
An approach is described for provisioning and enforcing realtime granular access controls for endpoints. The approach involves enforcing realtime access controls, via a privileged access management appliance, of a plurality of accessors, endpoints, and approvers, to provide for securing, controlling, auditing, and reporting of access to endpoints.
US09961110B2
Implementations relate to systems and methods for pre-signing of DNSSEC enabled zones into record sets. A domain name system (DNS) can receive and/or impose a set of DNS policies desired by an administrator, or the DNS operator itself to govern domain name resolution with security extensions (DNSSEC) for a Web domain. The DNS can generate a set of answers to user questions directed to the domain based on the set of policies. Those answers which differ or vary based on policy rules can be stored as variant answers, and can be labeled with a variant ID. The variant answers can be pre-signed and stored in the DNS. Because key data and other information is generated and stored before a DNS request is received, the requested variant answer can be returned with greater responsiveness and security.
US09961105B2
The disclosed computer-implemented method for monitoring virtual networks may include (1) identifying a virtual network containing at least one virtualized switching device that routes network traffic from a source port within the virtual network to a destination port, (2) providing, within the virtualized switching device, a set of software-defined network rules containing criteria for identifying packets having at least one predetermined property associated with a security policy, (3) intercepting, at the source port, a packet destined for the destination port, (4) determining that at least one characteristic of the packet satisfies at least one of the rules, and (5) in response to determining that the characteristic of the packet satisfies at least one of the rules, forwarding a copy of the packet to a virtual tap port that analyzes the packet for security threats. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US09961104B2
The present disclosure relates to technologies to deter side channel data center attacks. An example method may include receiving an incoming packets destined for a network, grouping, at a gateway, the incoming packets into groups, wherein a size of the groups is based on predetermined statistics, and wrapping the groups into packages of normalized size.
US09961102B2
Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device that can be configured to receive a function call for a function, determine a current stack pointer value for the function call, and determine if the current stack pointer value is within a pre-defined range. The electronic device can include a stack pivoting logging module to log a plurality of function calls. The electronic device can also include a stack pivoting detection module to analyze the log of the plurality of function calls to determine, for each of the plurality of function calls, if the current stack pointer value is within a pre-defined range.
US09961101B2
A system, method, and computer program product for implementing a phishing assessment of a target computer network that includes a phishing assessment platform for generating parameters for the phishing assessment; generating the phishing assessment parameters includes identifying a target domain name for the phishing assessment; identifying a pseudo domain name based on the target domain name; generating a pseudo web page using one or more features and attributes of an entity; and implementing the phishing assessment using the pseudo domain name and pseudo web page.
US09961096B1
Systems and methods for detecting behavior-based anomalies are described herein. In various embodiments, the system includes a context engine for creating behavioral vectors that are transmitted to a long term data store, to behavioral engines configured to create baselines based on historical data, and to sensors configured to observe system resources. According to particular embodiments, the system is configured to collect data regarding the system resources (e.g., via the sensors) and compare the collected data to baselines to determine whether anomalies have occurred.
US09961090B2
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media configured to receive a search query and identify one or more messages matching at least a portion of the search query are provided. The identified one or more messages may be displayed, in some examples, and user input may be received identified at least one message of the identified one or more messages for further processing, such as quarantine. In some examples, the at least one message may be transmitted to an account search server which may search a plurality of user accounts, such as email accounts. The account search server may identify one or more occurrences of the at least one message in one or more accounts of the plurality of accounts and may remove the occurrence of the at least one message from the account and transfer the at least one message to a quarantine location.
US09961087B2
The present technology provides a less burdensome mechanism to bring media items owned or licensed in the physical world into an account hosted by an electronic media provider. A specific use case deals with magazine subscriptions wherein the electronic media provider can send entity identifying information to a publisher clearinghouse that has subscription data for many different magazines. If the entity information sufficiently matches subscription information, the clearinghouse sends back data identifying magazines for which the entity is entitled to a digital copy, and these magazines become available to the user through the electronic media provider.
US09961083B2
A real-time plugin command-driven administrative control interface is provided that implements direct real-time command-driven control of operational functionality of application server plugins deployed at a group of application servers. One of request-level application server functionality and server-level application server functionality of at least one of the group of application servers is changed by issuing a real-time application-server plugin command received from the real-time plugin command-driven administrative control interface to a deployed application server plugin.
US09961080B2
To allow a third party system to more particularly identify sets of users for distributing content, an online system receives data from a third party system identifying users of the online system who have authorized communication with the third party system and stores information authorizing communication between the third party system and the users in user profiles associated with the user. The online system receives a request from the third party system to transmit a notification to online system users satisfying criteria specified by the request. User profiles including information authorizing communication between the third party system and online system users are identified by the online system, which selects a set of the identified user profiles associated with information satisfying the criteria specified by the request. The online system transmits the notification to client devices associated with users associated with the set of the identified user profiles.
US09961079B1
A method and system for intruder detection is provided. The method includes generating a whitelist of media access control (MAC) addresses of a plurality of wireless devices that are acceptable in a detection zone of a wireless router and detecting, by the wireless router, a further wireless device. The method includes issuing a notification in response to absence, on the whitelist, of a media access control address of the further wireless device, the notification indicating a physical intruder within the detection zone, wherein at least one action of the method is performed by a processor in or coupled to the wireless router.
US09961076B2
A system, comprising includes an orchestration server including a processor, the orchestration server to receive authentication factors. A rules engine connects with the orchestration server, the orchestration to send the authentication factors to the rules engine and to request a decision on authentication from the rules engine. The rules engine to send the decision on authentication to the orchestration server based on the received authentication factors and a rules set.
US09961074B2
A system includes an access controller including a short range wireless communication controller to couple to a mobile device, and an access point including a long range wireless communication controller. The access point is coupled to the access controller via a secure link, and the access controller authenticates a user of the mobile device and provides access information from the mobile device to the access point via the secure link in response to authenticating the user. The access point couples to the mobile device using the access information to via the long range wireless communication controller and receives unique identification information associated with the mobile device from the mobile device. The system generates a digital certificate associated with the unique identification information and provides the digital certificate to the mobile device.
US09961072B2
Delegating authorizations sufficient to access services is contemplate. The authorization may be delegated in the form of a token or other transmissible construct relied upon to authenticate access to services, such as but not necessarily limited to conferring a user identity established via authenticated device for the purposes of enabling an unauthenticated or unsecured device to access a service associated with the user identity.
US09961060B2
A module with an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) can include a profile for the eUICC. The profile can include a first and second shared secret key K for authenticating with a wireless network. The first shared secret key K can be encrypted with a first key, and the second shared secret key K can be encrypted with a second key. The module can (i) receive the first key, (ii) decrypt the first shared secret key K with the first key, and (iii) subsequently authenticate with the wireless network using the plaintext first shared secret key K. The wireless network can authenticate the user of the module using a second factor. The module can then (i) receive the second key, (ii) decrypt the second shared secret key K, and (iii) authenticate with the wireless network using the second shared secret key K. The module can comprise a mobile phone.
US09961052B2
In virtualized environments a method of determining authorization to a resource cannot use a hardware specific identifier, such as a MAC address. As a result upgrading a virtual host may cause licenses associated with that host to be invalid, even though the upgraded virtual host should be authorized. Authentication methods and systems are disclosed such that a key may be shared with a second host along with a license file and, provided at least the second host has a key associated with its system identifier and a key associated with a license file, access to a licensed resource may be authorized.
US09961049B2
A system protects documents at rest and in motion using declarative policies and encryption. A document at rest includes documents on a device such as the hard drive of a computer. A document in motion is a document that is passing through a policy enforcement point. The policy enforcement point can be a server (e.g., mail server, instant messenger server, file server, or network connection server).
US09961040B2
A method for routing communications on an online social network includes monitoring communications between users on an online social network on a communications system. A processing issue with a message of the communications is identified based on a rule, wherein the message is from a sender to a receiver. The method and system includes analyzing a recipient social network for an alternative recipient user to receive the message based on a similarity criteria. A processing model is applied to the message to determine an action to improve processing efficiency of the message. The action includes routing the message to the alternative recipient user. The method and system includes performing the action to facilitate the processing efficiency, responsive to determining an action.
US09961039B2
When a social networking system receives a request from a requesting user for a content item associated with one or more comments, the social networking system determines an interest score for each comment. The interest score for a comment indicates a measure of the user's likelihood of being interested in the comment. Based on the calculated interest scores, the social networking system selects one or more comments for presentation to the viewing user along with the content item. The social networking system may specify an order in which the selected comments are presented based on the interest scores of the selected comments.
US09961035B2
A social messaging hub provides communication services for a data enabled device having Internet network access capabilities such as a portable media player, personal digital assistant, a Wi-Fi mobile platform, a tablet computer, portable e-Reader, a personal computer, a laptop and a netbook computer. The social messaging hub communicates with the data enabled device over the Internet or cellular data networks, and interfaces with a message infrastructure including mobile carriers, message aggregators, message exchanges and various specialized social messaging services, such as Microsoft Windows Live Messenger, AIM, Yahoo, GoogleTalk, Facebook and Twitter to enable bi-directional messaging communication. The user is given a registered phone number and unique IP addressable identification which serve as a source and destination identifier of the associated data enabled device. Messages may originate in or be delivered to other users' mobile telephones or in similarly equipped and provisioned IP data enabled devices.
US09961026B2
Technologies for generating a text message from user-selectable icons include a wearable computing device that determines a context associated with the wearable computing device. The wearable computing device determines user-selectable icons from predetermined user-selectable icons based on the context associated with the wearable computing device. Each of the user-selectable icons may have one or more textual meanings associated therewith for text message generation. The determined user-selectable icons may be displayed on a display of the wearable computing device.
US09961021B2
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first transport stack, a virtual network interface controller (VNIC), and a second transport stack. The first transport stack is associated with an Internetwork Operating System (IOS), as well as with a plurality of interface-based Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and a plurality of IP addresses. The VNIC is configured to dynamically provision the plurality of interface-based IP addresses and the plurality of IP addresses. The second transport stack is associated with a kernel, and configured to communicate with a first application. The MS is configured to enable the first application to share the plurality of IP addresses and the plurality if IP addresses with a plurality of applications.
US09961013B2
Disclosed are a system and method of integrating an on-demand compute environment into a local compute environment. The method includes receiving a request from an administrator to integrate an on-demand compute environment into a local compute environment and, in response to the request, automatically integrating local compute environment information with on-demand compute environment information to make available resources from the on-demand compute environment to requestors of resources in the local compute environment.
US09961008B2
The present invention provides a system for handling handover of communication protocol data between two satellite transponder, wherein the satellite transponders are moving in orbit around the earth, enabling to transmit communication protocol data between at least one gateway and terminal. The system is comprised of: at least one transmitter associated with a gateway, at least one de-modulator associated with the terminal a for controlling the packet transmission during handover period, wherein the system is programmed to achieve a seamless hand over process between the two satellites transponders by controlling the transfer and reception of the communication protocol packets during the handover period, by synchronizing the last received packets from the setting satellite packets with first received packets from the rising satellite, wherein seamless handover include maintaining the correct packet order, avoiding packet loss and preventing packet duplication and wherein in case the rising satellite having shorter path, the receipt or transmission of the communication protocol packets from the rising satellite is delayed.
US09961007B2
A method for initiating a codec rate change during a VoIP call by a wireless communication device is disclosed. The method can include the wireless communication device establishing a first codec rate for use in the VoIP call during a call establishment phase; using the first codec rate to encode voice data for transmission during a first portion of the VoIP call; determining a channel quality while using the first codec rate; determining that the channel quality satisfies a threshold for requesting a codec rate change; requesting a codec rate change from the first codec rate to a second codec rate in response to the channel quality satisfying the threshold; and using the second codec rate to encode voice data for transmission during a second portion of the VoIP call.
US09961003B2
A method and apparatus for providing a congestion management of a wireless communication network are disclosed. For example, the method projects dynamically a trend for a network element of the wireless communication network, using a functionality metric associated with the network element of the wireless communication network, and determines if there is a potential congestion in accordance with the trend. The method then provides a notification of the potential congestion, if there is a potential congestion for the network element of the wireless communication network.
US09960998B2
A first Virtual Device (VD) of a first member device connects to a first VD of a second member device via a stacking link that is established between the first member device and the second member device. A VD number of the first VD in the first member device is the same as that of the first VD in the second member device. When a unicast packet is received via a service port, the first VD of the first member device searches in a forwarding table of the first VD in the first member device. When the unicast packet is to be forwarded to another member device the search of the forwarding table, the first VD of the first member device forwards the unicast packet via the stacking link.
US09960991B2
The present disclosure discloses a method, an apparatus and a system for determining a service transmission path. The method includes: receiving a service chaining object sent by a client device based on an expanded path computation element communication protocol (PCEP), wherein the service chaining object includes service processing capacities that service nodes need to provide when transmitting a service in a network; determining at least one service node matched with the service chaining object in the network according to service processing capacities that service nodes in pre-stored service node attribute information are capable of providing; and generating a service transmission path based on the determined service nodes, for transmitting the service initiated by the client device. The problems of large flow pressure and low utilization rate of the service nodes deployed in the network may be well solved.
US09960982B2
A method for measuring and reporting performance parameters in a network having at least one originator for generating test protocol data units, and multiple reflectors for relaying the test protocol data units along successive segments of a test path in the network. The method generates the test protocol data units at the originator and transmits the test protocol data unit along a test path that includes multiple reflectors. Each reflector relays the test protocol data unit to the next reflector along the test path. Measurements of performance parameters are collected from the multiple reflectors in the test protocol data unit by inserting timestamps into the test protocol data unit at the originator and each of the reflectors to identify the departure and arrival times for each test protocol data unit at the originator and each of the reflectors in both the downstream and upstream directions along the test path.
US09960977B2
Techniques to identify application foreground/background state based on network traffic are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a traffic monitoring component and a traffic analysis component. The traffic monitoring component may receive monitored network traffic over a monitored time period. The traffic analysis component may receive a foreground activity profile, the foreground activity profile comprising one or more signals for distinguishing between foreground activity of one or more profiled applications and background activity of the one or more profiled applications; determine one or more active foreground applications in the monitored network traffic based on the foreground activity profile, wherein determining the one or more active foreground applications comprises determining that at least a portion of the monitored network traffic comprises background activity; and log that the one or more active foreground application were active during the monitored time period. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09960974B2
Analytics and visualization for logical dependency mapping of computer servers may be provided. Data collected from computer servers is received and analyzed to discover logical dependencies among the computer servers, for example, to discover communications between one or more of operating systems, middleware and applications associated with the computer servers. The computer servers may be grouped into one or more dependency groups based at least on a user-defined grouping criterion. The one or more dependency groups and their logical dependencies may be output.
US09960973B1
An apparatus in one embodiment comprises a multi-tier storage system and at least one dispatcher node. The multi-tier storage system comprises at least a front-end storage tier and a back-end storage tier. The at least one dispatcher node is configured to load portions of graph data from the front-end storage tier and the back-end storage tier for graph analytics computations performed at respective ones of a plurality of compute nodes configured for communication with the storage system over at least one network. The multi-tier storage system configured to switch logical connections of respective ones of the compute nodes to the at least one dispatcher node based on progress of graph analytics computations at the compute nodes.
US09960938B2
Methods, systems, and devices are described for generating a hybrid waveform for data transmission between a transmitting device and a receiving device. The transmitting device may employ an OFDM processing technique to periodically transmit known first pilot symbols mapped from a signal constellation where each signal has equal energy during a first time period and a cyclic prefix based single-carrier (CP-SC) processing technique to transmit data packets and second known pilot symbols during a second time period. Channel estimation is based on first pilot symbols, which are inserted into all subcarriers of OFDM symbol blocks within a specific period. Channel estimation tracking is based on the second pilot symbols interleaved within data packets. The receiving device may be configured to estimate CSI based in part on first pilot symbols and to track the channel estimation based in part on the second pilot symbols in order to provide reliable data detection.
US09960937B2
Circuitry for receiving a high-speed serial data signal (e.g., having a bit rate in the range of about 10 Gbps and higher) includes a two-stage, continuous-time, linear equalizer having only two serially connected stages. Phase detector circuitry may be provided for receiving the serial output of the equalizer and for converting successive pairs of bits in that output to successive parallel-form bit pairs. Further demultiplexing circuitry may be provided to demultiplex successive groups of the parallel-form bit pairs to final groups of parallel bits, which can be quite large in terms of number of bits (e.g., 64 parallel bits). Another aspect of the invention relates to multiplexer circuitry for efficiently going in the opposite direction from such relatively large groups of parallel data bits to a high-speed serial data output signal.
US09960932B2
Sharing modifications of a document among a plurality of authors includes publishing the document using a service that is accessible by at least some of the authors and propagating modifications by a first one of the authors to other ones of the authors by sending change information to the other one of the authors, wherein the change information includes a pointer to the document, an indication of the modifications, and an identification of the first one of the authors and wherein the change information does not include the document. The service may be a cloud service. Change information may be sent using email. The identification of the first one of the authors may include a routing ID, where the routing ID facilitates locating the first one of the authors on the Internet. The routing ID may be an email address of the first one of the authors.
US09960921B2
Systems and methods relating to improved security in cloud computing environments are disclosed. According to one illustrative implementation, a method for provisioning physical geographic location of a physical infrastructure device associated with a hypervisor host is provided. Further, the method may include performing processing to obtain initial geo location data of the device, determining verified geo location data of the device by performing validation, via an attestation service component, of the initial geo location data to provide verified geo location data, and writing the verified geo location data into HSM or TPM space of the hypervisor host.
US09960915B2
A method of performing cross-authentication in a vehicle controller interworking with an external device includes: generating a random number S and transmitting the random number S to the external device according to an authentication request message received from the external device; generating a variable i using a first function having the random number S as a parameter; generating a first session key Ks using a second function having the variable i and a pre-stored secret key K as parameters; receiving a first response key from the external device; generating a second response key using a third function having the random number S, the variable i and the first session key Ks as parameters; and authenticating the external device based on whether the first response key is equal to the second response key.
US09960913B2
The invention relates to a first network unit (See) which comprises a secure hardware component (HK) for saving and running software. A second network unit (P) comprises a secure software component (SK) for saving and running software. A method for secure communication comprises: saving a first common secret, a first algorithm and a second algorithm on the network units; sending a first date from the second network unit to the first network unit; running the first algorithm on the first network unit and on the second network unit wherein the input is in each case formed by the second common secret and the first date; sending of a second date from the first network unit to the second network unit; running the second algorithm on the first network unit and on the second network unit; wherein the input is formed in each case by the second common secret and the second date; and use of the third common secret for a secure communication.
US09960906B2
A computing apparatus outputs τ1 and τ2 corresponding to a ciphertext x, a capability providing apparatus uses τ1 to correctly compute f(τ1) with a probability greater than a certain probability and sets the result of the computation as z1, uses τ2 to correctly compute f(τ2) with a probability greater than a certain probability and sets the result of the computation as z2, the computing apparatus generates a computation result u=f(x)bx1 from z1, generates a computation result v=f(x)ax2 from z2, and outputs ub′va′ if the computation results u and v satisfy a particular relation, where G and H are groups, f(x) is a function for obtaining an element of the group G for xϵH, X1 and X2 are random variables having values in the group G, x1 is a realization of the random variable X1, and x2 is a realization of the random variable X2.
US09960905B2
A cryptographic processing device includes a processor that generates a first encrypted polynomial, a receiver that receives cryptographic information representing a fourth encrypted polynomial, and cryptographic information representing a second random number, the fourth encrypted polynomial including a first operation result that is a result of an operation of a fifth vector and a sixth vector, the first operation result being obtained by a second encrypted polynomial and a third encrypted polynomial, wherein the second encrypted polynomial is obtained based on the first encrypted polynomial, the second random number, and a second polynomial that corresponds to a third vector obtained by adding zero to the second vector, and the third encrypted polynomial is obtained based on the fifth vector obtained by adding zero to a fourth vector. The processor generates a second operation result that is a result of an operation of the second vector and the fourth vector.
US09960899B2
A system for a backplane serializer/deserializer (SerDes) including first and second integrated circuits (IC). The first and second ICs include transmitters and receivers coupled to each other through first and second bidirectional links. A first receiver is configured to receive first data at a data rate on a first channel supported by both the first bidirectional link and the second bidirectional link. A second receiver is configured to receive second data at the data rate on a second channel supported by both the first bidirectional link and the second bidirectional link. The backplane SerDes is configured to transfer the first and second data in full duplex mode by employing two-bit pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM-4) to reduce signaling speed of the first and second bidirectional links without reducing throughput of a lane pair including the first and second channels.
US09960893B2
A method for transmitting a reference signal to a user equipment at a base station in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method includes transmitting the reference signal to the user equipment according to a first pattern corresponding to a first rank and, if a rank is changed from the first rank to a second rank, transmitting the reference signal to the user equipment according to a second pattern corresponding to the second rank, wherein, if the second rank is greater than the first rank, the second pattern includes the first pattern. Preferably, the first pattern is a reference signal pattern for a single rank and the second pattern is defined as a hierarchical structure in which one or more reference signal symbols are added to the first pattern in a time domain direction.
US09960892B2
A macro base station MeNB in a mobile communication system that supports a carrier aggregation technology defined in a 3GPP standard, communicates with a pico base station PeNB #1 via an X2 interface. The macro base station MeNB transmits information to the pico base station PeNB the information being used when the pico base station PeNB determines a component carrier requested to be limitedly used by the macro base station MeNB or a component carrier requested to be released from use limitation by the macro base station MeNB.
US09960891B2
An interference coordination method in an LTE system includes generating an interference coordination message, where the interference coordination message includes a priority configuration of each resource of multiple resources of a source node device, and a resource with a preset priority in the priority configuration is used to transmit a control channel or a control message. The method also includes sending the interference coordination message to a target node device, so that the target node device performs interference coordination according to the interference coordination message; or sending the interference coordination message to an operation, administration and maintenance network element, so that the operation, administration and maintenance network element configures the interference coordination message for a target node device, so that the target node device performs interference coordination according to the interference coordination message.
US09960884B2
A system and method for channel state information feedback in wireless communications systems are provided. A method for reporting channel information includes determining, at a user equipment, a channel information type for first channel information to be reported to a communications controller, determining the first channel information conditioned on previously reported channel information and on the channel information type, and reporting the first channel information, the channel information type, or a combination thereof, to the communications controller.
US09960883B1
Transmit and/or receive beamforming signal generation includes a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) for generating a lower or higher master frequency output signal in accordance with a selection of a lower or higher frequency carrier frequency. A local oscillator generates local oscillator signals in quadrature in response to the maser frequency output signal. One or more mixer stages generate sidebands in response to a received information signal and the local oscillator signals in quadrature. The one or more mixer stages generate an output information signal in response to high-side injection of lower sidebands of the developed sidebands when the lower frequency carrier frequency is selected, and generate the output information signal in response to low-side injection of higher sidebands of the developed sidebands when the higher frequency carrier frequency is selected. Multi-band operation of transmit and receive arrays can be performed.
US09960878B2
A network capable of being used in a datacenter is described. The network can comprise a set of optical fiber rings, wherein each optical fiber ring carries data traffic on multiple wavelengths, and wherein each optical fiber ring is partitioned into multiple sectors. In some embodiments, each sector in the multiple sectors can comprise: (1) only one add-wavelength-selective-switch (add-WSS) communicatively coupled to only one optical fiber ring in the set of optical fiber rings, wherein the only one add-WSS is used for sending all data traffic that originates from the sector and is destined to other sectors; (2) an add-electro-optical-switch (add-EOS) communicatively coupled to the add-WSS; (3) a set of drop-wavelength-selective-switches (drop-WSSs) communicatively coupled to the set of optical fiber rings, wherein the set of drop-WSSs are used for receiving data traffic from other sectors; and (4) a drop-electro-optical-switch (drop-EOS) communicatively coupled to a drop-WSS in the set of drop-WSSs.
US09960876B2
Provided are a base station device and a mobile station device, which can lighten a cell-search processing. The base station device includes a frame constitution unit for forming a frame, in which a pilot symbol multiplied by a base station scrambling code and a plurality of sequences contained in the corresponding sequence set is arranged in at least the head or tail, and a radio transmission unit for sending the formed frame. On the receiving side, the frame timing can be detected from the position of a pilot symbol contained in that frame. Since the base station scrambling code and the sequence set containing the sequences are made to correspond to each other, candidates can be narrowed to at most the base station scrambling codes of the number of the combinations of the sequences contained in the sequence set, by detecting the sequences multiplied by the pilot symbol.
US09960868B2
An end user can sample a radio or television broadcast, generate a user representation of the broadcast sample, and send the user representation to a comparison system, which also receives known representations of content broadcast by multiple different stations. The known representations are stored in a continuous fashion, and represent actually broadcast content. The comparison system identifies the source of the broadcast sample by comparing the user representation to the known representations associated with each of the different stations using a bit count method, such as the Hamming distance. By comparing two representations of content that was actually broadcast, a broadcast source can be identified without requiring the use of watermarks, timestamps, or a database of discreet content items.
US09960860B2
Provided is a cover accessory for a wireless communication device, includingan electromagnetic suppressing pattern layer on a surface adjoining at least one surface on which an electromagnetic wave is irradiated from the wireless communication device, wherein the electromagnetic suppressing pattern layer includes a first dielectric layer and a frequency selective surface (FSS) pattern with a unit cell having electromagnetic surface resistance periodically repeated thereon, and the FSS pattern is provided by etching the first dielectric layer to inject an FSS pattern material or by printing the FSS pattern material on the first dielectric layer.
US09960858B2
A novel positional information transmission system includes a plurality of positional information transmission units. The positional information transmission unit includes a close-range wireless communication unit that performs close-range wireless communication and a sonic wave transmission unit that transmits positional information as a sonic signal used for detecting a position of a receiver that receives the sonic signal based on information transmitted by the close-range wireless communication unit.
US09960849B1
Embodiments of the present disclosure may relate to a transmitter to transmit a radio frequency (RF) signal to a receiver via a dielectric waveguide where the transmitter includes a plurality of mixers to generate modulated RF signals and a combiner to combine the modulated RF signals. Embodiments may also include a receiver to receive, from a dielectric waveguide, a RF signal where the receiver includes a splitter to split the RF signal into a plurality of signal paths, a plurality of filters, and a plurality of demodulators. Embodiments may also include a dielectric waveguide communication apparatus that may include the transmitter and the receiver. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
US09960848B2
Light Emitting Diode (LED) based illumination devices in a lighting communications network may be commissioned into a group with a mobile electronics device, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, etc. The identities of a plurality of LED illumination devices are determined and a request is communicated to the identified LED based illumination devices to modulate emitted light for a period of time. The modulated light is detected by the mobile electronics device, which may then determine a group of the LED based illumination devices. For example, the detected intensity of the modulated light may be used to determine the group. In another example, the physical locations of the LED based illumination devices are determined by detecting a sequence of images (e.g., video) of the modulated light, and the group may be determined based on the locations of the LED based illumination devices.
US09960847B2
In an information presenting method, visible light including unique information, which is unique to a passenger carrier and specific to a location of the carrier, is emitted. The light is received in the passenger space and the unique information is obtained. One or more stop points at which the carrier is currently stopped or is to subsequently stop are obtained. The one or more stop points are derived from the unique information. An alighting point at which a user is to alight from the carrier is obtained. Whether the alighting point is included in the one or more stop points is determined. Alighting information notifying the user to alight from the bus is presented to the user via a terminal, when the alighting point is determined to be included in the one or more stop points.
US09960844B1
An example photodiode emulator circuit includes: a first current source circuit; first and second transistors having sources coupled together and coupled to an output of the first current source circuit, a drain of the second transistor coupled to a first node; a third transistor coupled between a drain of the first transistor and a replica load circuit; a second current source circuit coupled to the first node; a capacitor coupled between the first node and electrical ground; and a fourth transistor having a source coupled to the first node and a drain that supplies an output current.
US09960843B2
Using pump-probe measurements on multi-span optical links may result in the determination of one or more of the following: 1) wavelength-dependent power profile and gain evolution along the optical link; 2) wavelength-dependent dispersion map; and 3) location of regions of high polarization-dependent loss (PDL) and polarization-mode dispersion (PMD). Such measurements may be a useful diagnostic for maintenance and upgrade activities on deployed cables as well as for commissioning new cables.
US09960837B1
Systems, methods, and software described herein provide enhancements for orbital satellite platform. In one example, an orbital satellite platform includes a plurality of satellite devices configured to establish a pseudo-geosynchronous window corresponding to an underlying zone of interest by at least transferring state information related to execution of a designated software payload from outgoing satellite devices leaving the pseudo-geosynchronous window for receipt by target satellite devices entering the pseudo-geosynchronous window. During orbital passage within the pseudo-geosynchronous window, the target satellite devices are configured to execute the designated software payload in accordance with the state information.
US09960818B2
A near field communication circuit includes an antenna, a circuit logic unit coupled to the antenna, an energy storage coupled to the antenna, and a shunt control circuit, coupled to the antenna, for controlling a first operating voltage provided for the circuit logic unit by the antenna. The circuit logic unit is set up such that in a first mode of operation the circuit logic unit is operated by the first operating voltage provided by the antenna. The circuit logic unit is set up to control the shunt control circuit such that in the first mode of operation at least some of the electric power provided by the antenna is supplied to the energy storage for the purpose of charging same with the electric power.
US09960817B2
A communication device includes: an electromagnetic-wave generating unit for outputting an electromagnetic wave; and a transmitting/receiving unit for transmitting data by modulating the electromagnetic wave in accordance with data and receiving data transmitted from the other device by demodulating the electromagnetic wave outputted by the electromagnetic-wave generating unit or the electromagnetic wave outputted by the other device as the other party of communication, wherein the transmitting/receiving unit transmits attribute information indicating communication ability of the device and receives attribute information indicating communication ability of the other device, and the electromagnetic-wave generating unit reduces power of the electromagnetic wave to be outputted after receiving the attribute information.
US09960811B1
An example device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes a direct current (DC) bias source coupled to a transmitter connector of a transmitter. The DC bias source is to apply, onto the transmission line, a DC bias signal isolatable from the transmission protocol by the receiver based on the receiver separating the DC bias signal from the transmission protocol without compromising the transmission protocol.
US09960807B2
Disclosed is a device and method for decreasing interference in a cable bundle. The device includes a plurality of concentration devices, an interference measurer, and a concentration device. Each concentration device accesses an uplink and provides a network service to a terminal through a cable bundle in an access section. An interference measurer is connected between the cable bundle and the terminal. The interference measure is configured to measure an interference signal by measuring a signal transmitted to the terminal through the cable bundle, calculate an interference coefficient for generating a quasi-interference signal, and transmit the same to the concentration devices. The concentration devices is configured to calculate an additional signal for offsetting an interference signal by using the interference coefficient, add the additional signal to the original signal, and transmit the additional signal to the cable bundle.
US09960803B2
A system includes a first duplexer that receives samples of a signal transmitted from a first transmit portion of a communication device and outputs a filtered signal based on sampled transmitted signal. A first modulator adjusts the filtered signal based on at least one of a phase, amplitude, and delay of leakage associated with the transmitted signal. The leakage corresponds to leakage from the first transmit portion of the communication device to a first receive portion of the communication device. The first modulator provides a leakage cancellation signal based on the adjusted filtered signal. A first coupler subtracts the leakage cancellation signal from a signal received by the first receive portion of the communication device.
US09960801B2
An electronic device may be provided with wireless circuitry. The wireless circuitry may include one or more antennas. An antenna may have an antenna feed that is coupled to a radio-frequency transceiver with a transmission line. An impedance matching circuit may be coupled to the antenna feed to match the impedance of the transmission line and the antenna. The impedance matching circuit and tunable circuitry in the antenna may be formed using integrated circuits. Each integrated circuit may include switching circuitry that is used in switching components such as inductors and capacitors into use. Sensors such as temperature sensors, current and voltage sensors, power sensors, and impedance sensors may be integrated into the integrated circuits. Each integrated circuit may store settings for the switching circuitry and may include communications and control circuitry for communicating with external circuits and processing sensor data.
US09960800B2
Disclosed is a cradle assembly for a vehicle capable of connecting with a mobile terminal, including a cover unit configured to open or close an accommodation space defined in a dashboard panel by pivoting, a binding unit attached to a lower end of the cover unit so as to fix an upper end of the mobile terminal, and a support unit configured to support the mobile terminal in a state in which a lower end of the mobile terminal is seated therein. Whether or not the cover unit is pivotable is determined based on whether or not the mobile terminal is electrically connected to the vehicle.
US09960797B2
Cancelling of intermodulation interference is described. A digital signal sample (x) is received and a power of the received digital signal sample is obtained (243). Based on the obtained power, at least one model value is obtained from a model (244) that models model values of a non-linearity in amplitude and phase of a received signal that passes through passive and active components in the receiver. The model values correspond to a plurality of powers of the received signal. Intermodulation interference is then cancelled by multiplying (245) the received digital signal sample with the obtained at least one model value, thereby obtaining an output digital signal sample (y) from which intermodulation interference, inflicted by the receiver, is cancelled.
US09960789B2
If a configuration is employed in which modulation schemes used for an optical communication system can be switched depending on transmission conditions, it is difficult to make effective utilization of frequency resources without the power consumption increasing and the control becoming complex; therefore, an optical transmitter according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes an interface means for converting a digital signal to be transmitted under a predetermined transmission condition over an optical carrier wave into a parallel signal with a predetermined bit number at a predetermined transmission rate, and outputting the parallel signal; an encoding means for encoding the parallel signal using one coding system from among a plurality of convolutional coding systems with different degrees of redundancy; a mapping means for mapping an output bit signal output from the encoding means to a modulation symbol; an optical modulation means for modulating the optical carrier wave based on a symbol signal output from the mapping means; and an encoding control means for selecting a predetermined coding system corresponding to the predetermined transmission condition from among the plurality of convolutional coding systems and controlling the interface means, the encoding means, the mapping means, and the optical modulation means in such a way as to operate in accordance with the predetermined coding system.
US09960785B1
A latency associated with a receiver circuit, e.g., radio receiver circuit, can be reduced by applying digital data from an analog signal received by a receiver, e.g., a radio receiver, to an automatic gain control circuit without first using a decimation and digital filtering process, which can minimize or eliminate significant latency associated with the decimation and filtering process.
US09960771B2
Disclosed embodiments select a proper hum frequency reference by utilizing one or more functional logic circuits within a cluster. The slowest logic circuit is determined, and an instance of that logic circuit is used in timing circuitry for the cluster. Multiple logic circuits with similar characteristics are incorporated into the timing circuit. Each cluster is interconnected to a second level timing circuit. Each cluster inputs timing information into the second level timing circuit. The second level timing circuit then determines when the next cycle, or tic, of the self-generated clock starts, and the process repeats, providing a self-generated clock signal.
US09960766B2
The present disclosure provides an IGBT driving circuit, including an optocoupler chip and a power amplification circuit. The optocoupler chip includes an isolation amplification unit and a fault protection unit, and the fault protection unit includes a desaturation module and a fault feedback module. The desaturation module is configured to transmit a warning signal to the fault feedback module when detecting that a potential of a collector of the IGBT is overhigh or the potential of the collector of the IGBT changes overfast. The fault feedback module is configured to transmit a fault control signal to the external controller after receiving the warning signal so as to control the external driving signal outputted by the external controller and enable the isolation amplification unit to output an IGBT driving signal for controlling a shutdown of the IGBT.
US09960763B2
A nanosecond pulser may include a plurality of switch modules, a transformer, and an output. Each of the plurality of switch modules may include one or more solid state switches. The transformer may include a core, at least one primary winding wound around at least a portion of the core, each of the plurality of switch modules may be coupled with the primary windings, and a plurality of secondary windings wound at least partially around a portion of the core. The output may output electrical pulses having a peak voltage greater than about 1 kilovolt and having a pulse width of less than about 1000 nanoseconds. The output may output electrical pulses having a peak voltage greater than about 5 kilovolts, a peak power greater than about 100 kilowatts, a pulse width between 10 nanoseconds and 1000 nanoseconds, a rise time less than about 50 nanoseconds, or some combination thereof.
US09960761B2
The present invention provides a thin film transistor gate voltage supply circuit, and the thin film transistor gate voltage supply circuit is employed to supply a gate voltage for a thin film transistor, and the thin film transistor gate voltage supply circuit comprises a voltage generation circuit and a temperature compensation circuit, and the voltage generation circuit is employed to generate an original voltage, and the temperature compensation circuit is electrically coupled to the voltage generation circuit, and the temperature compensation circuit is employed to detect an ambient temperature, and as the ambient temperature is smaller than a preset temperature, the temperature compensation circuit compensates the original voltage according to a difference value of the ambient temperature and the preset temperature to obtain a first voltage, and supplies the first voltage to a gate of the thin film transistor to drive the thin film transistor normally work.
US09960757B2
A semiconductor apparatus includes a common mode detector circuit that receives differential alternating current (AC) signal; and a detector circuit.
US09960754B2
These various embodiments serve to facilitate interlaced amplitude pulsing using a hard-tube type pulse generator having at least one energy-storage unit each comprising at least one energy-storing capacitor. Generally speaking, this comprises controlling an amount of energy withdrawn from the energy-storage unit and provided to an output load to form productive electric pulses by controlling at least one of: (1) energy replenishment; and (2) non-productive energy withdrawal of the energy-storage unit, to thereby achieve a series of productive interlaced amplitude electric pulses.
US09960753B2
Described is a latch which comprises: a first AND-OR-invert (AOI) logic gate; and a second AOI logic gate coupled to the first AOI logic gate, wherein the first and second AOI logic gates have respective first and second keeper devices coupled to a power supply node. Described is a flip-flop which comprises: a first latch including: a first AOI logic gate; and a second AOI logic gate coupled to the first AOI logic gate, wherein the first and second AOI logic gates have respective first and second keeper devices coupled to a power supply, the first latch having an output node; and a second latch having an input node coupled to the output node of the first latch, the second latch having an output node to provide an output of the flip-flop.
US09960735B1
Embodiments of a mixer of a Near field communication (NFC) receiver device and a method for operating a mixer of an NFC receiver device are disclosed. In an embodiment, a mixer of an NFC receiver device includes an input unit from which an input signal is received, a sample and hold circuit configured to sample the input signal and to store electrical charge based on the sampled input signal in order to generate a differential output signal, a control unit configured to switch the sample and hold circuit between different operational modes based on whether the input signal is a single-ended input signal or a differential input signal, and a differential output unit from which the differential output signal is output. Other embodiments are also described.
US09960731B2
A method of signaling between a photovoltaic module and an inverter module. The inverter module is connected to the photovoltaic module. In an initial mode of operation an initial code is modulated thereby producing an initial signal. The initial signal is transmitted from the inverter module to the photovoltaic module. The initial signal is received by the photovoltaic module. The operating mode is then changed to a normal mode of power conversion, and during the normal mode of operation a control signal is transmitted from the inverter to the photovoltaic module. A control code is demodulated and received from the control signal. The control code is compared with the initial code producing a comparison. The control command of the control signal is validated as a valid control command from the inverter module with the control command only acted upon when the comparison is a positive comparison.
US09960727B2
A stall diagnosis apparatus for a motor of an air conditioning actuator includes: a resistor connecting from a first door actuator of a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system of a vehicle to the ground; a resistor connection circuit connecting from a VCC power terminal to the resistor; a switch disposed on the resistor connection circuit; a first circuit and a second circuit branched from a motor connection circuit connecting from the VCC power terminal to a motor of the first door actuator through a motor driver and the resistor connection circuit, respectively; a current sensing circuit unit including an input terminal connected to the first circuit and the second circuit and outputting a current signal corresponding to a voltage value between the motor connection circuit and the resistor connection circuit; and a controller for controlling the motor and determining whether or not the motor is stalled.
US09960721B2
A power failure detection unit in an AC-DC converter device detects power failure of a 3-phase AC power supply at the time of driving a motor, and generates a power failure detection signal in accordance with detection of power failure. A transmitter unit in the AC-DC converter device transmits the power failure detection signal using a cable, radio, or an optical fiber. A receiver unit in a DC-AC converter device receives the power failure detection signal transmitted from the transmitter unit.
US09960718B2
The invention relates to a control loop (10) which is installed in a voltage regulator of a motor vehicle alternator and controls an output voltage of the latter by adjusting an excitation current of the alternator. The control loop includes, at the input, means for measuring (31) the output voltage by sampling, generating a measurement signal (Um), error-calculation means (13) generating an error signal (e) equal to a difference between the measurement signal (Um) and a set value (Uo), means for processing the error signal (e) including an amplifier (14) and generating a control signal (Ysat) and, at the output, means (35) for generating a control signal (PWM) controlling excitation control means in accordance with the control signal (Ysat). According to the invention, the processing means also include a phase-advance filter (24).
US09960711B2
The systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments provide single phase inverters that may be cooperatively controlled to provide one, two, or three phase unipolar electricity. In an embodiment, a solar panel may be connected to a DC to DC converter and a unipolar power converter. In an embodiment, the unipolar power converter output may be a single phase signal approximating a desired voltage waveform and frequency, offset from the ground electrical potential such that the voltage output signal may be always positive, thus “unipolar”. In an embodiment, the unipolar power output of each string of solar panels may be connected to a dedicated, predetermined phase of a load, such as a three phase grid system. In an embodiment, the DC output of a DC to DC converter may be connected in parallel with other DC to DC converters and other unipolar converters.
US09960707B2
Apparatus and system for power conversion. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a power converter comprising a first plate for receiving an input power; a second plate for providing an output power; a plurality of power converter bricks coupled in parallel between the first and the second plates, each power converter brick comprising (i) an input stage for converting a brick input power to a second power, (ii) an output stage, coupled to the input stage by a transformer, for converting the second power to a brick output power, (iii) a local controller coupled to the input stage for controlling power conversion by the power converter brick; and a master controller coupled to each power converter brick of the plurality of power converter bricks, wherein the master controller dynamically controls operation of each power converter brick of the plurality of power converter bricks to generate the output power.
US09960697B2
An insulation type step-down converter includes first, second, third, and fourth secondary-side coils, and first, second, third, and fourth rectifier elements. The first, second, third, and fourth rectifier elements is capable of performing rectification such that electric currents flow alternately only in one of the first and second secondary-side coils and one of the third and fourth secondary-side coils, and electric currents flowing simultaneously in one of the first and second secondary-side coils and one of the third and fourth secondary-side coils are opposite in direction to each other so as to cancel out a magnetic flux passing through the middle leg each time when electric current flowing in the primary-side coil is changed in direction. Provided is an insulation type step-down converter which can minimize an increase in heat generated by the primary-side coil even at a large step-down ratio of a step-down transformer without raising manufacturing costs.
US09960696B2
In certain embodiments, a compound power converter passes the majority of power from input to output through only a single stage of power conversion. At least one embodiment includes a main converter with an auxiliary output. The auxiliary output energizes an energy storage element that provides input power for a supplemental converter capable of supplying the main output. The supplemental converter improves regulation and can provide holdover power for Power Factor Correction (PFC) or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) operation. In certain embodiments, the power converter has at least one multi-functional inductor that supports both main regulation and supplemental regulation in a time-multiplexed manner such that, during main regulation, input energy is transferred from the input node to the output node via the multi-functional inductor, and, during supplemental regulation, the stored energy is transferred from the at least one energy storage element to the output node via the multi-functional inductor.
US09960694B2
A power system includes power conversion circuitry that has a first switch and a second switch on either side of a transformer. The system also includes gate driver circuitry that operates the first switch and the second switch. Power transfer in a normal operating mode from a primary side to secondary side of the DC-DC power conversion circuitry is controlled by operating the first switch. The system can recover voltage from the secondary side to the primary side by reversing a direction of power transfer when a voltage on the primary side of the DC-DC power conversion circuitry is less than an operating voltage of the gate driver circuitry. The system can resume the normal operating mode when the voltage on the primary is greater than the operating voltage of the gate driver circuitry.
US09960692B2
A driver includes a high-side driver transistor coupled between supply voltage and the gate drive nodes and provides a first charge current to a high side gate node of the high-side driver transistor until the gate drive node reaches a first gate drive threshold. Then a second charge current is provided to the high side gate node that is less than the first charge current. The gate drive node is limited to a first clamped threshold for a delay time. A gate drive current rise signal sets the value of the second charge current that charges the high side gate node and after the delay time the gate drive voltage is limited to a second clamped threshold greater than the first clamped threshold but less than the supply voltage. A gate drive programmable control signal sets the value of the second clamped threshold.
US09960690B2
A semiconductor device, for controlling a power supply which generates and outputs a driving pulse, includes: a clock generating circuit with an oscillating circuit in which a frequency can be changed and which generates a clock signal; a voltage/electric current control circuit which provides timing to turn off a switching element; a setting terminal to provide setting information from outside; a switch between a first power supply terminal and a second power supply terminal; and an internal power supply voltage control circuit which controls the switch. When voltage of the setting terminal is lower than a first voltage value, the device advances to a first stop mode in which output of a driving pulse is stopped. When voltage of the setting terminal is higher than the first voltage value, the device advances to a second stop mode in which the output of the driving pulse is stopped.
US09960687B2
According to some embodiments, an electronic drive circuit is disclosed. The electronic drive circuit includes an energy storage device and a first bridge circuit coupled to the energy storage device. The first bridge circuit includes at least one leg having two switches. The electronic drive circuit also includes a transformer. The transformer includes a first winding coupled to the first bridge circuit and a second winding coupled to the energy storage device through a center tap. The electronic drive circuit further includes a second bridge circuit coupled to the second winding of the transformer. The second bridge circuit includes a pair of switches operable to conduct in both directions and block voltage in both directions. The electronic drive circuit additionally includes a DC bus coupled to the second bridge circuit and a controller, which is configured to buck or boost a DC voltage from the energy storage device to supply to the DC bus as well as buck or boost a DC voltage from the DC bus to supply to the energy storage device.
US09960680B1
Disclosed herein are an apparatus for controlling a switch-mode power supply, and a method of operating the same. In an embodiment, it is determined whether or not a current of an inductor of the switching power supply has become less than or equal to a predetermined value. In an embodiment, a variable reference voltage is adjusted based on the current of the inductor and an output voltage. In an embodiment, a switch is turned off based on the inductor current, the output voltage, and the variable reference voltage.
US09960670B2
One example discloses an apparatus for charge recycling between a first power-domain operating at a first voltage and a second power-domain operating at a second voltage, including: a first power-delivery circuit configured to supply the first voltage to the first power-domain; and a second power-delivery circuit coupled to receive power from both the first power-delivery circuit and the first power-domain; wherein the second power-delivery circuit is configured to supply the second voltage to the second power-domain.
US09960669B2
Apparatus and methods are provided for starting up an isolated power converter. In an example, an integrated circuit for controlling an isolated power converter can include a control circuit configured to control a duty cycle of a primary switch according to an startup schedule during an initial interval of a start-up period of the isolated power supply, and to switch to a closed-loop control mode of the primary switch during a second interval of the start-up period after a voltage level of the DC output power signal is above a start-up threshold.
US09960666B2
Disclosed in the present invention is a four-port power electronic transformer based on a hybrid modular multilevel converter (MMCs). The four-port power electronic transformer includes a hybrid MMC, direct current (DC)/DC converters, and an inverter. Each DC/DC converter includes a front stage part, a high frequency transformation part and a back stage part. Compared with an existing power electronic transformer, the present invention has the following characteristics: an MMC module and a front stage of a DC/DC circuit connected to the MMC module jointly complete DC fault ride-through, and the number of adopted devices is small; the MMC module controls a DC voltage and the DC/DC circuit controls power; voltages of one or two capacitors in the module can be controlled independently or simultaneously; and the four-port power electronic transformer has four ports: a high-voltage DC port, a high-voltage alternating current (AC) port, a low-voltage DC port, and a low-voltage AC port, and is applicable to a high-voltage high-power scenario with multiple voltage types and levels, particularly to the energy internet to be used as an energy router and the like.
US09960664B2
A voltage converter comprises a second controller as a power switch of the secondary side of the transformer for comparing a detection voltage representing an output voltage and/or load current with a first reference voltage and generating a control signal, and a coupling element for transmitting the control signal generated by the second controller to the first controller on the primary side of the transformer enabling the first controller to generate a first pulse signal driving the power switch to control the on/off state of the primary side winding.
US09960661B2
A skew correction device is provided that can easily correct the skew in the circumferential direction of the stator core arising due to insertion of electrical conductors into each slot and twisting and bending of the leading ends thereof in the circumferential direction. A skew correction device (10) for stator cores (2), includes: a support member (71) capable of supporting from outwards a protrusion (5) formed by the plurality of projecting parts (21) aligning; a first pressurizing mechanism (72) for pressing the support member (71) towards an inner side in a radial direction; and a rotation mechanism (73) for correcting skew in the circumferential direction, by causing the support member (71) to rotate in a direction in which the skew in the circumferential direction is corrected by way of a rotating shaft (731), in a state supporting the protrusion (5) from outwards by pressing the support member (71).
US09960659B2
The present invention relates to a protection system with a protection relay and at least one measurement sensor to protect a permanent magnet generator having a plurality of stator windings, each of said stator windings having a first end and a second end. If the stator windings are connected in a wye coupling, they are, in a set of three stator windings, commonly coupled in a star point at the first end of the windings, or if the stator windings are connected in a delta coupling, they are, in a set of three stator windings, commonly connected in a ring to each other. In addition, the at least one measurement sensor is arranged for measuring current through at least one of the stator windings at the star point side or within the ring connection and for communicating with the protection relay. The invention also relates to a method of protecting a permanent magnet generator.
US09960656B2
A power tool with a combined printed circuit board (PCB) that reduces internal wiring of the power tool and provides a large amount of air flow to internal components. In some instances, the combined PCB has a surfboard shape and includes a motor control unit and power switching elements (Field Effect Transistors or FETs). The combined surfboard PCB is located above the trigger, but below the motor and drive mechanism. In other instances, the combined PCB has a doughnut shape and is located coaxially with a motor shaft. The combined PCB may be positioned between a doughnut-shaped control PCB and the motor.
US09960655B2
A motor includes a base, a winding assembly and a rotor. The base includes a pivoting portion. The winding assembly includes a support. The support includes at least one coil supporting portion and a circuit supporting portion connected to the at least one coil supporting portion. A coil is arranged on each of the at least one coil supporting portion. A circuit is arranged on the circuit supporting portion and electrically connected to the coil or coils. A folding portion is arranged between the at least one coil supporting portion and the circuit supporting portion. The circuit supporting portion and the at least one coil supporting portion are folded and stacked together via the folding portion. The rotor is rotatably coupled to the pivoting portion of the base. Due to the arrangement of the folding portion, a radial width of the motor is efficiently reduced.
US09960647B2
One embodiment of an enhanced flux-density magnet comprises a magnetic material with two magnetic poles and one magnetic pole-area smaller than the other magnetic pole-area. Because the magnetic field at both pole-areas is equal but the magnetic pole-areas are unequal, the magnetic flux-density is proportionally greater at the magnetic pole with a smaller area than the magnetic pole with the larger area and greater than if the magnetic pole-areas were equal.
US09960646B2
The fixing resin composition for use in a rotor includes a thermosetting resin (A) containing an epoxy resin, a curing agent (B), and an inorganic filler (C), wherein the content of the inorganic filler (C) is equal to or more than 50% by mass, based on 100% by mass of the total content of the fixing resin composition.
US09960645B2
The invention provides a synchronous-generator stator, comprising a stator ring, a stator core, a circumferential gap between the stator ring and the stator core, and a plurality of decoupling units in the gap, wherein the decoupling unit has a first plate, which is matched to a contour of the stator core, and has a second plate, which is matched to the contour of the stator ring, wherein a mat, having a cavity and an inlet valve, is provided between the first and the second plate.
US09960642B2
A system and method is disclosed for integrating inductive power outlet functionality to provide power transfer to electrical devices, as an in-surface wireless charging system, embedded into a host such as a furniture item. An inductive power outlet may include a body casing for containing a primary inductor a driving unit and a fastening mechanism. The body casing may have dimensions suitable for introduction into a passageway through a plate of the item of furniture. The fastening mechanism may be utilized to secure the body casing to the plate of the item of furniture.
US09960637B2
A software platform in communication with networked distributed energy resource energy storage apparatus, configured to deliver various specific applications related to offset demand monitoring, methods of virtual power plant and orchestration, load shaping services, methods of reducing demand at aggregated level, prioritizing computer programs related to virtual energy pool, energy cloud controllers methods, charge discharge orchestration plans of electric vehicles, distributed energy resources, machine learning predictive algorithms, value optimizing algorithms, autonomous sensing event awareness, mode selection methods, capacity reservation monitoring, virtual power plant methods, advanced DER-ES apparatus features, energy management system for governing resources and methods, aggregated energy cloud methods, load shaping methods, marginal cost cycle-life degradation, load shaping API, forward event schedule, on demand request, and load service state request methods. Various rules, constraints of predictive algorithms for signal inputs to determine incremental storage cycles, cycle life degradation marginal cost, iterative and forward event schedule development, and load control.
US09960623B2
The present disclosure proposes a charging circuit and a mobile terminal. The charging circuit includes: a first circuit, coupled to a charging port, to draw DC power signal, and convert the DC power signal into AC power signal; a second circuit, coupled to the battery, configured to receive the AC power signal from the first circuit, and convert the AC power signal into DC power signal for charging the battery; a capacitance coupling component, coupled between the first circuit and the second circuit. The capacitance coupling component is configured to block DC power signal from the first circuit. That is, the DC power signal fails to pass through the first circuit. Thus, the DC power signal flowing through the charging port does not flow to the second circuit and the battery directly when the first circuit malfunctions. Accordingly, the stability of the charging circuit is enhanced.
US09960621B2
A connector comprises: an elongated connector body defining a longitudinal direction with an electrical connector frame at one end thereof; the elongated connector body having a longitudinal alignment feature on the elongated connector body configured for aligning the elongated connector body, a guide feature defining a unique orientation thereof, and a retaining feature configured for retaining the elongated connector body in a connector guide.
US09960618B1
Devices having battery charge control circuits are disclosed. Such devices can include power control circuits operable to receive electrical power at a connector, and provide power to electrical components, including a charge current for a rechargeable battery; and a controller circuit configured to determine and store a maximum charge current setting based on whether a voltage at the connector falls below a predetermined limit as the charge current is increased. Corresponding methods are also disclosed.
US09960617B2
A mobile terminal includes a battery; a first universal serial bus (USB) interface, a central processing unit (CPU), a USB charging management module, and a charging management chip. The central processing unit (CPU) is configured to generate an on/off command, and configured to output an adjustment signal. The USB charging management module is configured to turn on or off a charging channel according to the on/off command, and configured to control a value of a charging current according to the adjustment signal, combine the charging current, and transmit the combined charging current to a charging management chip. The charging management chip is configured to transmit the charging current to the battery to charge the battery.
US09960616B2
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a connection terminal to which a charging cable or a discharging cable can be connected, a charging/discharging unit configured to perform a charging operation or a discharging operation, and a controller configured to perform a charging or discharging operation based on a cable connected to the connection terminal.
US09960608B2
A multi-level rectifier is presented that is suitable for use at high frequencies, including into MHz range such as in the 6.78 MHz band used for wireless power transfer. To maintain the proper timing or switching waveform when operating at high frequencies, a feedback loop is used. The rectification circuit includes a multi-level waveform generator circuit that generates a multi-level control waveform from the input waveform and an indication of its current. The multi-level control waveform is maintained in phase with the input waveform. A control signal generation circuit receives the multi-level control waveform and generates control signals corresponding to levels of the multi-level control waveform. A synchronous rectifier receives the input waveform and includes a plurality of switches to provide an output voltage generated from the input waveform. The switches are coupled to receive the control signals and the output voltage is a function of the multi-level control waveform.
US09960607B2
An apparatus for wirelessly transferring power is provided. The apparatus comprises a first coupler, a second coupler, and a third coupler overlapping at least the first coupler. The apparatus further comprises a ferrimagnetic structure comprising a first portion disposed under the first coupler, a second portion disposed under the second coupler, and a gap defined between the first coupler and the second coupler, the gap physically separating the first portion from the second portion. One or both of the first portion and the second portion comprises a first plurality of ferrimagnetic strips interleaved with a second plurality of ferrimagnetic strips configured to attenuate a magnetic flux passing between the first and second couplers. The first plurality of ferrimagnetic strips are interleaved with the second plurality of ferrimagnetic strips under at least a portion of the first coupler that is overlapped by the third coupler.
US09960588B2
Devices and methods are provided which comprise detecting an irregular condition at a control terminal of a power switch device.
US09960584B2
An electrical junction box includes a circuit structure, a case main body made of a synthetic resin and having an accommodating portion that accommodates the circuit structure, and a cover 30 made of a metal and that is attached to the case main body, covering the accommodating portion thereof. The cover has a covering wall that covers the accommodating portion of the case main body and a side wall that is continuous with the covering wall and that is disposed around the case main body. The case main body is provided with an abutment portion that abuts on a portion of the side wall of the cover, but not on an end portion of the side wall that is located on the side facing away from the covering wall.
US09960581B2
An adapter plate may be used to secure a wall mountable connector to a junction box by engaging mounting features of the wall mountable connector. In some cases, the wall mountable connector may be directly secured to a wall via fasteners that extend through the same mounting features of the wall mountable connector. In some cases, the adapter plate may be configured such that the wall mountable connector can be secured to the adapter plate simply by pressing the wall mountable connector into position on the adapter plate, where mounting latches of the adapter plate engage the mounting apertures of the wall mountable connector. The wall mountable connector may be an HVAC wall mountable connector that provides an electrical connection between a plurality of field wires of an HVAC system and corresponding terminals of a removably mounted thermostat.
US09960578B2
An assembly for protecting a utility conduit passing through a hole in a stud used in building construction. A sleeve and a plate are provided. The sleeve has a body forming a hollow trough with a length, a circular side section and a width The circular side section is changeable to adapt to the hole in the stud. The body has opposed inserted and worked end to permit engagement of the sleeve into the hole in the stud. The body portion can include a sleeve fillant within the trough. A stop portion at the worked end of the body stops sleeve insertion a proximate stud. A retention portion then affirmatively retain the sleeve in the hole. The plate has a surface conforming to a stud face, an opening to receive the sleeve, and a mechanism to attach the plate to the stud.
US09960577B2
To provide a wiring harness and a routing structure of the wiring harness able to prevent high temperature and its influence caused by heat generation. A wiring harness includes a harness main body having a plurality of high voltage conducting lines. The high voltage conducting lines are arranged with gaps between the adjacent high voltage conducting lines. Further, the plurality of high voltage conducting lines are arranged to maintain an interval as the gap. It becomes a routing structure of the wiring harness when curved portions of such high voltage conducting lines are directly or indirectly made contact with a shield cover covering the wiring harness. Because the high voltage conducting lines of the wiring harness are arranged with gaps between the adjacent high voltage conducting lines, radiation performance of the wiring harness is better than the wiring harness of which high voltage conducting lines are bundled.
US09960576B2
An integral, unitary cover assembly for covering an electrical connection between first and second electrical cables each having a primary conductor and a neutral conductor includes an inner elastomeric sleeve, an outer elastomeric sleeve, and a collapsible duct. The inner elastomeric sleeve defines a cable passage to receive the electrical connection and the primary conductors of the first and second cables. The outer elastomeric sleeve surrounds the inner sleeve. The collapsible duct is interposed radially between the inner and outer sleeves. The duct defines a neutral conductor passage configured to receive at least one of the neutral conductors therethrough. The duct is selectively collapsible from an initial open configuration to a collapsed configuration about the at least one neutral conductor.
US09960570B1
A slider includes a slot waveguide configured to receive energy from an input surface. The slot waveguide has first and second high-index regions surrounding a middle region that extends along a light propagation direction. The middle region has a refractive index less than that of the first and second high index regions. A near-field transducer is at an output portion of the middle region at media-facing surface. The near-field transducer has first and second plates parallel to the media-facing surface with a gap therebetween. An active laser region has a front facet optically coupled to the input surface of the slider. A reflective back facet of the laser and the near-field transducer define a single optical resonator.
US09960563B2
In exemplary embodiments, wiring harness assemblies for electrical equipment and related methods are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a wiring harness assembly for electrical equipment generally includes a first connector configured for connecting to a wiring harness, a second connector configured for mounting to a panel, and one or more conductors connecting the first connector with the second connector.
US09960554B2
In various implementations, a raceway system may provide power and/or data connectivity to one or more locations. The raceway system may include modular receptacles. The modular receptacles may include power sockets and/or modular communication sockets. In some implementations, the raceway may be coupled to a floor of a structure and provide connectivity to one or more locations proximate the raceway.
US09960547B1
Pass-thru connector assembly includes a pass-thru body having a passage section and a loading section that are configured to be positioned in separate first and second spaces, respectively. The pass-thru body also includes a body channel that extends therethrough. The passage section defines an opening to the body channel in the first space. The pass-thru connector assembly also includes a header housing that is configured to mate with an electrical connector. The header housing is attached to the passage section and covers the opening to the body channel. An electrical cable extends through an aperture of a cable seal and into and through the cable portion of the body channel. The cable seal engages the outer jacket of the electrical cable at a sealed interface. The electrical contact is coupled to the header housing and positioned for engaging a corresponding contact of the electrical connector.
US09960545B2
A universal serial bus (USB) cable including a power conductor configured to transmit power between a first device and a second device, a configuration channel (CC) conductor configured to allow the first device and the second device to determine whether a connection has been established via the USB cable, and a first positive temperature coefficient (PTC) element coupled to the CC conductor and configured to mitigate current flowing through the CC conductor if a temperature of the first PTC element rises above a predefine trip temperature.
US09960537B2
A connector assembly includes an electrical connector and a shipping cap. The electrical connector includes a housing and a lever pivotably coupled to the housing. The lever is pivotable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position. The lever has a guideway configured to receive a guide journal of a mating connector that mates to the electrical connector. The shipping cap is removably mounted to a mating end of the housing when the electrical connector is not mated to the mating connector. The shipping cap includes a lid that covers a mating opening of the housing. The shipping cap further includes a blocking tab that is received in the guideway of the lever when the lever is in the open position. The blocking tab in the guideway engages the lever to block the lever from pivoting to the closed position.
US09960532B2
Various disclosed embodiments generally relate to connector modules, and more particularly to magnetic connector modules. The connector module includes a board having a concave section formed at a first side, and the concave section has a base surface having formed thereon a plurality of first electrodes. A plurality of second electrodes are formed at a second side of the board opposite the first side and on a rear surface facing away from the base surface. A plurality of holes are formed through the concave section and have conductors formed therethrough to electrically connect the first electrodes and the second electrodes. The connector module additionally includes a magnet inserted into the concave section and an insulating layer interposed between the magnet and the first electrodes.
US09960526B2
Aesthetically pleasing strain-relief members for cables, and methods for making the same, may include a tapered, inner strain-relief portion and an aesthetically pleasing outer strain-relief portion.
US09960522B2
A connector includes a first insulator, contacts joined to the first insulator, a contact insulator integrally holding the contacts in a vicinity of rear end portions thereof, a ground plate which extends along the contacts, a metal peripheral shell placed over the first insulator so as to surround a periphery of front end portions of the contacts and a front end portion of the ground plate and electrically connected to the ground plate, and a second insulator that is formed so as to cover a rear part of the first insulator, a rear part of the peripheral shell, central parts of the contacts and a central part of the ground plate, with the rear end portions of the contacts, the contact insulator and a rear end portion of the ground plate being exposed.
US09960519B2
The present invention relates to electric equipment technology, and more particularly to an electric structure used in various devices of electric equipment. The electrode structure body with electric-shock prevention function is connected to a power transmission and distribution path to electric equipment. The electrode structure body with electric-shock prevention function prevents electric shock when the electric equipment connected to the electrode structure body or other equipment electrically connected thereto at a near place is submerged.
US09960513B1
An electrical connector used for carrying a chip module includes an insulating body having terminals arranged in the insulating body and used for contacting the chip module, a carrying member used for carrying the chip module to the insulating body, a pressing plate used for pressing the carrying member or the chip module, and a positioning member pivoted to the carrying member through a pivoting device. The pivoting device includes a pivoting shaft and at least one elastic portion. The elastic portion includes a first elastic section and at least two limiting portions being elastic and enclosing a pivoting space. The pivoting shaft is pivoted to the pivoting space. When the electrical connector is opened, the first elastic section springs back to remove the chip module from the insulating body without damaging the terminals, so as to align and contact the chip module with the terminals without tool.
US09960506B2
Bend radius adapters can be used to form connections between low-gauge electrical wires or cables, and can provide greater flexibility in the manner in which low-gauge electrical wiring or structures with equivalent load capacity can be routed through and within electrical systems and associated structures. For example, when electrical systems are being upgraded or repaired, it may be difficult or impossible to route lower-gauge or additional wiring through existing structures such as conduits and junction boxes without violating safety standards regarding the minimum bend radius of such wiring. The use of bend radius adapters can provide additional flexibility in utilizing existing electrical system structures, and can simplify installation of other electrical components.
US09960504B2
A shielded connector includes a shielded cable, an inner terminal and an outer terminal. The shielded cable includes a conductor, an insulation cover covering the conductor, a shield layer covering the insulation cover, and an outermost insulation cover covering the shield layer. The inner terminal is connected to the conductor. The outer terminal houses the inner terminal and includes a shield crimping portion which is crimped on the shield layer. The shield crimping portion includes a pair of barrel pieces having end portions formed with an engagement projection and an engagement recess, respectively, that are engaged with each other so that the shield crimping portion is crimped on an exposed portion of the shield layer exposed from the outermost insulation cover so as to be a substantially true circle in cross section.
US09960500B2
In one example, a device includes an antenna array having at least a first cross dipole antenna element having a first dipole and a second dipole orthogonal to the first dipole and at least a second cross dipole antenna element having a third dipole and a fourth dipole orthogonal to the third dipole. An orientation of the at least a second cross dipole antenna is offset 45 degrees with respect to the at least a first cross dipole antenna element. The at least a first cross dipole antenna element and the at least a second cross dipole antenna element are for transmitting and/or receiving signals at plus 45 degrees and minus 45 degrees slant polarizations.
US09960498B2
A foldable radio wave antenna includes a foldable parabolic reflector member formed a foldable tension member attachable to the peripheral rim of the reflector member.
US09960484B2
An antenna comprising: a driven element; an input feed coupled to the driven element wherein the input feed is configured to be connected to a receiver; a non-Foster circuit having a negative impedance, wherein the non-Foster circuit is configured to actively load the antenna at a location on the antenna other than at the input feed; and wherein the antenna fits within an imaginary sphere having a radius a, and wherein the product ka is less than 0.5, where k is a wave number.
US09960483B2
An antenna (10) includes: a first radiant element (3) and a second radiant element (4), which are connected to an antenna feeding point (2); a first branch part (5a), one end of which is connected to the first radiant element (3) at a position not corresponding to an end portion of the first radiant element (3); a second branch part (5b), one end of which is connected to the second radiant element (4) at a position not corresponding to an end portion of the second radiant element (4); and a connection element (7), which connects part of the first radiant element (3) and part of the second radiant element (4). A different end of the first branch part (5a) and a different end of the second branch part (5b) face each other and form a capacitor part. The capacitor part is positioned outside the area surrounded by the connection element (7), the first radiant element (3), and the second radiant element (4). Part of the first radiant element (3), part of the second radiant element (4), the first branch part (5a), the second branch part (5b), and the capacitor part form a split ring resonator (8).
US09960479B2
An antenna device includes a ground plane configured to have an end side; a ground element configured to have a first end and a second end; a first radiation element configured to have a first line extending upright with respect to the ground element from a grounded end, a second line coupled to the first line, and a feed point; a second radiation element configured to have a third line, and a fourth line coupled to the third line; a first parasitic element configured to have a first parasitic line, and a second parasitic line coupled to the first parasitic line and extending along the ground element toward the first end; and a second parasitic element configured to have a fifth line located close to a tip of the second parasitic line, and a sixth line extending along the ground element from a tip of the fifth line.
US09960467B2
A non-aqueous type magnesium oxygen battery including a negative electrode, a positive electrode, a non-aqueous magnesium ion conductor, and a promoter is described. The negative electrode is configured to absorb magnesium and release magnesium ion. The positive electrode is configured to produce a discharge product that includes magnesium and oxygen during a discharge process of the battery. The non-aqueous magnesium on conductor is between the negative electrode and the positive electrode. The promoter is included with the positive electrode. The promoter is configured to promote MgO2 (magnesium peroxide) production during the discharge process of the battery.
US09960463B2
A battery pack apparatus comprising a first cell bank and a laminated cooling plate. The first cell bank includes a first tray and at least one battery cell coupled to the tray. The laminated cooling plate being in contact with the first cell bank and including a plurality of face sheets and a plurality of internal sheets. The face sheets forming a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The plurality of internal sheets forming a plurality of fluid passages connecting the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The internal sheets further formed to include fluid pathways defining the fluid passages wherein none of the fluid pathways individually defining an uninterrupted flow path.
US09960462B2
In a method for monitoring a battery which includes a number of cells, in each instance, at least one electronic unit is situated so as to be in contact with at least two of the cells, in order to record a variable of this cell and forward it to a central receiver.
US09960461B2
An system includes a first battery having a first desired operating temperature range between a first lower threshold temperature and a first upper threshold temperature and a second battery having a second desired operating temperature range between a second lower threshold temperature and a second upper threshold temperature. The system further includes a temperature control system coupled to the first and second batteries and configured to convey heat energy from the first battery to the second battery when the temperature of the second battery is less than the second lower threshold temperature to increase the temperature of the second battery toward the second desired operating temperature range and to convey heat energy away from the second battery when the temperature of the second battery is greater than the second upper threshold temperature to decrease the temperature of the second battery toward the second desired operating temperature range.
US09960451B1
A method of preparing an alkali metal cell having a quasi-solid electrode, the method comprising: (a) combining a quantity of an active material, a quantity of an electrolyte, and a conductive additive to form a deformable and electrically conductive electrode material, wherein the conductive additive, containing conductive filaments, forms a 3D network of electron-conducting pathways; (b) forming the electrode material into a quasi-solid electrode, wherein the forming step includes deforming the electrode material into an electrode shape without interrupting the 3D network of electron-conducting pathways such that the electrode maintains an electrical conductivity no less than 10−6 S/cm; (c) forming a second electrode; and (d) forming an alkali metal cell by combining the quasi-solid electrode and the second electrode having an ion-conducting separator disposed between the two electrodes.
US09960440B2
A fuel cell system includes a compressor for supplying the cathode gas to the fuel cell, an anode gas discharge system for discharging anode off-gas discharged from the fuel cell into a cathode gas flow passage, a pulsating operation control unit for causing a pressure of the anode gas to pulsate based on an operating state of the fuel cell, a purge control unit for purging the anode off-gas into the cathode gas flow passage based on an impurity concentration of an anode of the fuel cell and a pressure of the anode, and a compressor control unit for controlling the compressor based on a purge flow rate controlled by the purge control unit, and the purge control unit for setting the pressure of the anode to a predetermined value determined according to a pulsating state of the anode gas.
US09960437B2
An object is to allow even a temporary increase in air pressure to be diagnosed as an abnormality. There is provided a fuel cell system including a fuel cell. The fuel cell system comprises an air system that is configured to supply the air to the fuel cell and discharge the air from the fuel cell; a pressure detector that is configured to detect an internal pressure in the air system; a pressure reduction controller that is configured to reduce the internal pressure in the air system to a target pressure reduction value, when the detected pressure becomes higher than a first abnormality detection value during a predetermined time period (S150 and S200 to S220); and a first determiner that is configured to determine that the air system has an abnormality upon determination that number of times when it is determined that the detected pressure becomes higher than the first abnormality detection value is equal to or higher than a predetermined number of times during the predetermined time period (S150, S180, S190 and S160).
US09960436B2
An ion filter life perception device for a fuel cell vehicle is provided to detect a replacement life of a fuel cell ion filter cartridge. The device includes a body part that is installed within an ion filter and has an ion resin filled therein. A checker is disposed within the body part and has a varying position based on a volume of the ion resin. In addition, an elastic member is disposed between a first side end in the body part and the checker to push the checker within the body part by elasticity.
US09960432B2
An inert material is included in the electrode assembling of a battery having a thickness which compensates for a difference in dimension of the electrode assembly when thinner electrodes are used to construct a battery having reduced capacity, to thereby be accommodated in a battery case of uniform dimension regardless of the electrical characteristics of the battery.
US09960428B1
Provided herein is a method for electrocatalyst infiltration of a porous substrate, of particular use for preparation of a cathode for a solid oxide fuel cell. The method generally comprises preparing an electrocatalyst infiltrate solution comprising an electrocatalyst, surfactant, chelating agent, and a solvent; pretreating a porous mixed ionic-electric conductive substrate; and applying the electrocatalyst infiltration solution to the porous mixed ionic-electric conductive substrate.
US09960411B2
A method of manufacturing a negative electrode for a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes: preparing a copper foil having a first main surface and a second main surface that are opposite sides of the copper foil; obtaining a granulated body by mixing a negative electrode active material, a thickener, a binder, and a solvent with each other to obtain a mixture and by granulating the mixture; obtaining a first negative electrode mixture layer by pressing the granulated body; arranging the first negative electrode mixture layer on the first main surface; and softening the copper foil by bringing the second main surface into contact with a heated roller in a state where the first negative electrode mixture layer is arranged on the first main surface. A temperature of the heated roller is a recrystallization temperature of the copper foil or higher.
US09960410B2
The invention relates to a method for economically producing a composite powder made of carbon and electrochemical active material. According to the invention, a melt made of a meltable carbon precursor substance having nanoparticles made of an active material distributed in the melt is provided, and said melt is divided into the composite powder, in which nanoparticles made of the active material are embedded in a matrix made of the carbon precursor substance. A porous composite material produced using the composite powder is used to produce an electrode for a secondary battery, in particular for use as an anode material. The production of the composite material comprises the following steps: providing template particles made of inorganic template material, producing a powder mixture of the composite powder and the template particles, heating the powder mixture and softening the composite powder in such a way that the composite powder penetrates the pores and is carbonated, and removing the template material to form the porous electrochemical composite material.
US09960409B2
Provided is an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode for a lithium ion secondary battery that makes it possible to form a more uniform active material layer by using granulated particles. The manufacturing apparatus includes: a conveying mechanism, a supply unit, a squeegee, an adjustment unit, and rolling rolls. The conveying mechanism conveys a collector. The supply unit supplies granulated particles, including active material particles and a binder, onto the surface of the conveyed collector. The squeegee levels the supplied granulated particles. The adjustment unit is disposed upstream of the squeegee. The adjustment unit controls the accumulation height of the granulated particles accumulated upstream of the squeegee. The rolling rolls roll the leveled granulated particles and form the active material layer.
US09960403B2
A battery module assembly has unit modules, each unit module having unit cells loaded on a cartridge with the unit cells are electrically connected to each other via busbars. The battery module assembly includes two or more sub-modules arranged in a lateral direction while being spaced apart from each other, each of the sub-modules including two or more unit modules stacked in a height direction from the ground. A battery management system (BMS) mounted between the sub-modules, the BMS being provided at one side thereof with communication terminals, a base plate, side cover plates, a top cover plate and a front cover plate mounted at fronts of the sub-modules. The front cover is coupled to the sub-modules, the base plate, and the side cover plates, the front cover plate being provided with through holes, through which the communication terminals are exposed.
US09960400B2
A separator includes a monolayer-type polyolefin-based micro-porous film having a porosity of 40 to 60%, an average pore diameter of 60 nm or less, and an air permeability of 350 s/100 mL or less; and a porous coating layer formed on at least one surface of the micro-porous film and made of a mixture of a plurality of inorganic particles and a binder polymer. An electrochemical device having the above separator has excellent thermal stability and allows a high power while minimizing the occurrence of leak current.
US09960391B2
A seal structure of a battery pack includes a tray for storing a battery cell therein, a cover covering the tray, and a gasket pressure contacted with a seal surface of the tray and a seal surface of the cover so as to close a clearance between the seal surfaces. The gasket is held at a position different from positions of the seal surfaces.
US09960386B2
A method for improving the operation of an OLED includes maximizing on-radiative transfer of excited state energy from the OLED's organic emissive material to surface plasmon polaritons in an enhancement layer by providing the enhancement layer no more than a threshold distance away from the organic emissive layer; and emitting light into free space from the enhancement layer by scattering the energy from the surface plasmon polaritons through an outcoupling layer that is provided proximate to the enhancement layer but opposite from the organic emissive layer.
US09960376B2
In an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device and a method for fabricating the same, OLED pixels are patterned through a photolithography process, so a large area patterning can be performed and a fine pitch can be obtained, and an organic compound layer can be protected by forming a buffer layer of a metal oxide on an upper portion of the organic compound layer or patterning the organic compound layer by using a cathode as a mask, improving device efficiency. In addition, among red, green, and blue pixels, two pixels are patterned through a lift-off process and the other remaining one is deposited to be formed without patterning, the process can be simplified and efficiency can be increased.
US09960374B1
The present invention provides a stripping method of a flexible substrate, comprising: providing a porous metal substrate; forming a buffer layer on the porous metal substrate; forming a flexible substrate on the buffer layer; putting the flexible substrate in the electrolytic tank so that the part of the porous metal substrate is immersed in the electrolyte, and the porous metal substrate is employed to be a cathode electrified to electrolyze water in the electrolyte, and the porous metal substrate will releases the hydrogen, and the flexible substrate and the buffer layer are stripped from the porous metal substrate with the acting force of the hydrogen to obtain the flexible substrate with the buffer layer at the bottom. The method is high efficient and without damaging to promote the production yield of the flexible substrate.
US09960372B2
Provided are a monoamine derivative represented by the following Formula 1, and an organic electroluminescent device including the same. When the monoamine derivative represented by Formula 1 is used as a hole transport or hole injection material in the device, the operating voltage may be lowered and the emission efficiency may be improved.
US09960371B2
A novel organometallic complex having high heat resistance is provided. The organometallic complex, which includes a structure represented by General Formula (G1), includes iridium and a ligand. The ligand has a pyrazine skeleton. Iridium is bonded to nitrogen at the 1-position of the pyrazine skeleton. A phenyl group that has an alkyl group as a substituent is bonded at each of the 2- and 3-positions of the pyrazine skeleton, and a phenyl group that has a cyano group as a substituent is bonded at the 5-position of the pyrazine skeleton. The ortho position of the phenyl group bonded at the 2-position of the pyrazine skeleton is bonded to iridium. In the formula, each of A1 to A4 independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Each of R1 to R6 independently represents any of hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 13 carbon atoms, and a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms. Each of R7 to R11 independently represents any of hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 13 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, and a cyano group. At least one of R7 to R11 represents a cyano group.
US09960357B2
The present specification provides a compound having a spiro structure of Chemical Formula 1, and an organic light emitting device including the same.
US09960353B2
Embodiments of forming an image sensor with an organic photodiode are provided. The organic photodiode uses dual electron-blocking layers formed next to the anode of the organic photodiode to reduce dark current. By using dual electron-blocking layers, the values of highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) for the neighboring anode layer and the organic electron-blocking layer are matched by one of the dual electron-blocking layers to form a photodiode with good performance. The values of the lowest occupied molecular orbital (LOMOs) of the dual electron-blocking layers are selected to be lower than the neighboring anode layer to reduce dark current.
US09960345B2
A technique relates to a semiconductor device. First metal contacts are formed on top of a substrate. The first metal contacts are arranged in a first direction, and the first metal contacts are arranged such that areas of the substrate remain exposed. Insulator pads are positioned at predefined locations on top of the first metal contacts, such that the insulator pads are spaced from one another. Second metal contacts are formed on top of the insulator pads, such that the second metal contacts are arranged in a second direction different from the first direction. The first and second metal contacts sandwich the insulator pads at the predefined locations. Surface-sensitive conductive channels are formed to contact the first metal contacts and the second metal contacts. Four-terminal devices are defined by the surface-sensitive conductive channels contacting a pair of the first metal contacts and contacting a pair of the metal contacts.
US09960339B2
A piezoelectric actuator includes a piezoelectric element that includes a piezoelectric unit including a ferroelectric, which has an asymmetric bipolar P-E curve, a capacitor connected to the piezoelectric unit in series, and a resistor connected to the capacitor in series and connected to the ferroelectric in parallel; and a drive unit that inputs a drive waveform Vd, which includes a DC offset component of which polarity is opposite to polarization of the ferroelectric, to the piezoelectric element to drive the piezoelectric element. A value of a coercive electric field Ec1, a value of a coercive electric field Ec2, the capacitance Cs of the capacitor, the capacitance Cpz of the ferroelectric, combined resistance Rp of the resistance of the resistor and the resistance of the ferroelectric, and a fundamental angular frequency ω of the drive waveform satisfy Expressions I to III, wherein 1 / 3 ≦ Ec 1 + Ec 2 / Ec 1 - Ec 2 Expression I C s ≥ 1.5 ( C pz + 1 ω R p ) Expression II R p ≥ - 15 C s + C pz · 1 ln ( 0.5 ( C s + C pz ) C s ) . Expression III
US09960332B2
A light-emitting apparatus of the present invention has (i) a semiconductor device which emits light toward a higher position than a substrate and (ii) a plurality of external connection terminals, and includes: a light-reflecting layer, provided on the substrate, which reflects the light emitted by the semiconductor device; and a covering layer which covers at least the light-reflecting layer and which transmits the light reflected by the light-reflecting layer. Further, the semiconductor device is provided on the covering layer, and is electrically connected to the external connection terminals via connecting portions, and the semiconductor device and the connecting portions are sealed with a sealing resin so as to be covered. Therefore, the light-emitting apparatus has increased efficiency with which light is taken out, and can prevent a reflecting layer from being altered, deteriorating, and decreasing in reflectance.
US09960330B2
Application of a wavelength conversion element is substantially independent of the fabrication of a side-emitting light emitting device. In an example embodiment, the wavelength conversion element is situated around the periphery of a non-wavelength converting lightguide that is situated above the light emitting surface. One or more specular and/or diffusing reflectors are used to direct the light in the lightguide toward the wavelength conversion element at the periphery. In another embodiment, an interference filter may be used to provide predominantly side-emitted light at interfaces between the elements of the light emitting device.
US09960312B2
The invention relates generally to electrodeposition apparatus and methods. When depositing films via electrodeposition, where the substrate has an inherent resistivity, for example, sheet resistance in a thin film, methods and apparatus of the invention are used to electrodeposit materials onto the substrate by forming a plurality of ohmic contacts to the substrate surface and thereby overcome the inherent resistance and electrodeposit uniform films. Methods and apparatus of the invention find particular use in solar cell fabrication.
