US09044693B2
An accelerated vapor recompression apparatus 10 converts incoming flow 35a to a concentrate 35c by developing a concentration profile 146 within a tank 30 holding a liquid 23 containing dissolved solids. The resulting curve 160 of saturation temperature of the stratified liquid 23 (such as a brine 23 or other material 23) moves away from the curve 162 corresponding to fully mixed conditions. The shift 174, 180 in saturation temperature results in increased boiling without increased energy from a heater 70 or compressor 50. A method 90, 200 of control of the system provides interventions 203, 204, 205, 206 at different levels 92, 94, 96, 98 of control, ranging from mass flows 35 to work of a compressor 50, heat from a heater 70, and a predictive processing 215 of feedback 217 for controlling commands 216 algorithmically.
US09044680B2
Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for executing an online game. One method includes an operation for executing a first game board for a first user and a second game board for a second user. The first game board is created when the first user plays the game for the first time and the second game board is created when the second user plays the game for the first time. The method further includes operations for detecting a visit by the second user to the first game board, and for detecting a request by the second user to place a game asset in the first game board. The game asset is installed in the first game board when the first user approves the request, and the second user obtains one or more game rewards when the first user interacts with the game asset while playing the online game.
US09044678B2
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems for providing an interactive experience to game participants.
US09044676B2
Game players are connected to each other through comparisons of information associated with events in which the game players and their friends have competed. Competition information such as game play results, leader board positions, game attributes, and entitlements are used to compare players and players' friends to each other, and the comparison information is used to recommend additional events to the players in such a way as to enhance social networking and asynchronous game play among the game players and their friends in the game.
US09044668B2
An entertainment button device includes: an entertainment button that a player can push; a button-up-and-down mechanism configured to move the entertainment button up and down from a predetermined normal operation position to a protruding position in which the entertainment button protrudes upward from the normal operation position; a stopper plate configured to hold the entertainment button in the protruding position; and a protruding position detector configured to detect the entertainment button being held by the stopper plate.
US09044666B2
A cue ball deflection path training aid used by beginning pool or billiards players to help them optimally position the cue ball for the next shot. The aid includes cue ball deflection grid attached or imprinted on a cue stick's top surface. The grid includes a main neutral line, a transverse line, and two diagonally aligned lines that converge to designate a center intersection point. The two diagonal lines are aligned at approximately 60 degrees from the transverse line. The grid is oriented on the cue stick so that the main neutral line is aligned with the cue stick's longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the grid is printed on an adhesive label attached to or near the cue stick's midline axis. During use, the player holds the cue stick so that lines of the grid are aligned with the aiming line or over the object ball path line.
US09044661B2
The present invention provides a simulated golf putting device to improve a golfer's putting skill, comprising means to execute a simulated putt and to determine if the putt would be on target, and if not in which direction the simulated putt would miss the target. The device provides near-instantaneous signals to the user whether a simulated putt is good or a miss. The device is compact and self-contained, and can be readied for use in virtually any location in seconds.
US09044655B1
A golf putter includes a putter head, a shaft and hand grip. The putter head includes a lower curved striking face and a substantially straight upper striking face. The straight striking face extends upward vertically from an upper end of the curved striking face. A height as measured from a bottom surface to a junction of the straight striking face and the curved striking face is at least one half the outer diameter of a regulation golf ball. An alignment striking line is created on a top and middle of the putter head. The hand grip is attached to one end of the shaft. The other end of the shaft is inserted into a top of the putter head. An impact plate is attached to a bottom and front of the putter head. A plurality of horizontal grooves are formed in the impact plate.
US09044648B2
Golf balls having multi-layered covers are provided. The cover includes an inner cover layer made of an ionomer composition; an intermediate cover layer made of an aromatic polyurethane composition; and outer cover layer made of an aliphatic polyurethane composition, wherein the total thickness of the multi-layered cover is no greater than 0.110 inches. Preferably, the thickness of the inner cover layer is 0.010 to 0.050 inches; the thickness of the intermediate cover layer is 0.010 to 0.040 inches; and thickness of the outer cover layer is 0.004 to 0.020 inches. The invention also includes methods for making such multi-layered covers. The resulting ball has good light-stability, cut/shear-resistance, and impact durability.
US09044647B2
Multi-piece golf balls having a multi-layered solid core and cover of at least one layer are provided. In one preferred embodiment, a five-piece ball is formed. The center of the core is made of a thermoset rubber material. Three intermediate layers of thermoplastic material enclose the center. The outer cover layer is made of a composition comprising a polyurethane, polyurea, or copolymer or blend thereof. The finished ball has high resiliency and rebounding properties.
US09044646B2
A thermoplastic golf ball material is made by combining and reacting (a) an unneutralized copolymer of ethylene and at least one of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, which has from about 5 to about 12 percent by weight acid monomer; (b) a metallocene-catalyzed copolymer of ethylene and octene; (c) an unsaturated fatty acid; and (d) a metal cation in an amount sufficient to neutralize from about 65 to about 90% of the acid groups, to produce an ionomeric thermoplastic material. The ionomeric thermoplastic material may be used in a core, a cover, or a layer between a core and a cover of a golf ball.
US09044643B2
This disclosure provides a weight support assembly including a main support mountable to an upright frame member to define a coarse position and a secondary support movable relative to the main support to define a fine position.
US09044642B2
A weight-lifting bar includes a tubular member having a first end portion and a second end portion. The tubular member further includes an internal region. The weight-lifting bar further includes a plurality of balls disposed in the internal region of the tubular member that at least partially fills the internal region. The weight-lifting bar further includes a first endcap member configured to be coupled to the first end portion, and a second endcap member configured to be coupled to the second end portion.
US09044638B2
An embodiment of this invention discloses a foldable treadmill comprising a bracket, a platform, a lifting device, a folding frame, a motor, a linear actuator, and a control board, wherein the bracket comprises two supporting sticks, two tracks, and a rear linkage connected with the supporting sticks, the lifting device comprises a rod connected with the bracket, and two pull members respectively arranged at one end of the rod, the folding frame comprises two bars and a link bar, in which the link bar has two ends respectively connect with one bar, a middle portion of each bar connects with the pull member of the lifting device, a front end of each bar is used as a pivotal point to rotate, and a rear end of each bar has a wheel placed in the track, and the linear actuator is horizontally laid on the rear linkage.
US09044625B2
Embodiments relate generally to personal alert safety systems (PASS) as well as the use of piezoelectric sound generators which may be located within a PASS device operable to alert others when user is in danger. Some embodiments further relate to the use of a PASS device in an SCBA. Embodiments may also relate to the design of piezoelectric driver circuits operable to sound one or more piezoelectric sound generators, wherein the driver circuit design may be low cost and energy efficient.
US09044615B2
A method for use with an implantable system including a lead having multiple electrodes implantable proximate to a patient's left ventricular (LV) chamber includes simultaneously delivering pacing pulses over corresponding pacing vectors defined by electrodes proximate to the LV chamber. The method includes recording evoked responses responsive to the pacing pulses that are measured over separate corresponding sensing channels. The method also includes comparing the evoked responses to a template that represents local capture of a local LV tissue region along one or more of the corresponding pacing vectors. The comparison is used to determine whether the pacing pulses achieved local capture along the corresponding pacing vectors. At least one of the pacing pulses or pacing vectors are updated based on the comparison of the evoked responses to the template in order to determine a local capture threshold for the corresponding pacing vectors.
US09044608B2
An exemplary electro-acoustic stimulation (“EAS”) system (100) includes 1) an off-the-ear sound processor module (102), 2) a headpiece module (104) communicatively coupled directly to the off-the-ear sound processor module (102) and configured to be affixed to a head of a patient, the headpiece module (104) comprising a housing with communication circuitry disposed therein that is configured to facilitate communication by the off-the-ear sound processor module (102) with a cochlear implant (106) implanted within the patient, and 3) a loudspeaker (110) communicatively coupled directly to the headpiece module (104). The off-the-ear sound processor module (102) is configured to direct the cochlear implant (106) to apply electrical stimulation to the patient and direct the loudspeaker (110) to apply acoustic stimulation to the patient. Corresponding systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
US09044606B2
Methods and devices are provided for activating brown adipose tissue (BAT). Generally, the methods and devices can activate BAT to increase thermogenesis, e.g., increase heat production in the patient, which over time can lead to weight loss. In one embodiment, a medical device is provided that activates BAT by electrically stimulating nerves that activate the BAT and/or electrically stimulating brown adipocytes directly, thereby increasing thermogenesis in the BAT and inducing weight loss through energy expenditure.
US09044603B2
A photon-guiding device for a radiotherapy apparatus, consists of a central frustum, made up of a plurality of metal channels, and an outer casing that encloses the central frustum and consists of microchannels. The channels and microchannels have a frusto-conical shape and a common apex.
US09044593B2
A medical electrical lead having a conductor assembly covered by an insulating layer, and a shield covering positioned adjacent or proximate to at least a portion of the insulating layer in order to shield the conductor assembly from one or more electromagnetic fields. The shield covering is formed of a polymer-matrix composite. The polymer-matrix composite includes a polymeric resin having discontinuous conductive fillers provided therein. The discontinuous conductive fillers include one or more of nano-sized metal structures and nano-sized non-metallic conductive structures. The nano-sized non-metallic conductive structures can have a coating formed of one or more metals. The nano-sized non-metallic conductive structures can be formed of carbon. In turn, the nano-sized non-metallic conductive structures can include one or more of carbon nanofibers, carbon filaments, carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanoflakes.
US09044592B2
A system includes a lead having a lead body and at least one electrode; and a retention feature disposed along the lead body proximal to the at least one electrode and configured to assist in atraumatically anchoring the lead to nearby tissue when the lead is positioned in the body. A system includes a lead having a lead body and at least one electrode; and a coiled retention feature disposed along the lead body proximal to the at least one electrode and configured to assist in anchoring the lead to nearby tissue when the lead is positioned in a body. A lead for stimulating a target neural tissue includes an elongate body; at least one electrode disposed along the elongate body; and a passive retention feature disposed along the lead body proximal to the at least one electrode and configured to assist in anchoring the elongate body to tissue near the target neural tissue.
US09044591B2
The present invention is a visual prosthesis for the restoration of sight in patients with lost or degraded visual function. The visual prosthesis includes a user interface which controls function of the visual prosthesis to optimize operation for each individual patient. The user interface controls functions such as brightness, contrast, magnification, frequency, pulse width, or amplitude. The user interface may also individually control points of neural stimulation.
US09044586B2
A valve system is provided that includes an electromechanical solenoid, a gas valve including a magnetic flapper, a power source in electrical communication with the electromechanical solenoid, and a controller. The controller is configured to control the power source to supply an intermediate voltage that causes the electromechanical solenoid to move to a neutral position between a default position and a fully-actuated position. In so doing, the magnetic flapper is maintained in a neutral position between two gas ports and a flow of gas between the ports can be used to clean foreign particles from the magnetic flapper. The controller can also provide a varying voltage to the electromechanical solenoid while in the neutral position to cause vibration of the magnetic flapper and further assist in removing foreign particles. A closed loop system including a feedback circuit can be used for adjusting the voltage applied to the solenoid based on pressure sensed.
US09044584B2
A connector apparatus for small-bore medical tubing includes a male connector (20) with a dome (22) which fits into a mating cavity (42) of a female connector (40) when the two connectors are coupled together. A fluid channel extends through the connectors, the dome, and into the cavity to form a continuous fluid passageway when the connectors are coupled together. The dome is compressed into the cavity to form a fluid-tight connection when the connectors are coupled together. Each connector has a coupling structure which mates with the other to compress the connectors together when fully engaged. The connectors are engaged by inserting the dome of one of the connectors into the cavity of the other connector, then rotating the connectors to fully couple them together.
US09044563B2
A patient interface that is comfortable for a user to wear is disclosed. The patient interface includes a forehead rest and cushion. In particular the cushion includes a deformable resilient member that when compressed creates a uniformly and gradually increasing force while evenly distributing the pressure on the forehead of the patient.
US09044558B2
Embodiments disclosed herein may include systems and methods for determining a patient's respiratory effort and blood oxygen saturation based on data acquired from a pulse oximetry sensor and analyzing the parameters in conjunction with each other. For example, the respiratory effort may be determined based on a photo-plethysmographic waveform generated from light attenuation detected by the sensor, and the blood oxygen saturation may be a pulse-based estimate of arterial blood oxygen saturation determined from the detected attenuation. Analysis of the parameters may enable detection and classification of apnea (e.g., obstructive or central) or another underlying cause for respiratory instability. Furthermore, the measured respiratory effort may be compared to respiratory effort supplied by a ventilator to ensure proper sensor placement before enabling automatic adjustment of ventilator settings.
US09044557B2
Various embodiments of an tracheal tube having a sensor coupled to a selectively permeable membrane are provided. In some embodiments, the membrane may be permeable to one or more blood gases and/or blood analytes. Certain embodiments of the endotracheal tube may be capable of deploying the sensor during intubation to sense one or more indicators of blood flow characteristics, such as a level of blood gases and/or blood analytes, in the respiratory tract. Embodiments of the present invention may include positioning of the sensor in a variety of suitable positions with respect to the permeable membrane, such as mounting the sensor to the underside of an inflatable permeable membrane.
US09044554B2
Drug delivery devices having non-luer connections and adapters and adaption connectors for providing non-luer connections to drug delivery devices are provided. An exemplary drug delivery device for use with a catheter connection includes a blunt needle component with a non-luer connection and a filter component with a non-luer connection, wherein the non-luer connections of the blunt needle component and filter component are incompatible with standard luer fitting and intravenous route-accessing devices. In one or more embodiments, an adapter having a non-luer connection at one end and a luer connector is provided for use with blunt needle components and filter components wherein one of the blunt needle component and the filter component includes a luer connection and the other of the blunt needle component and the filter component includes a non-luer connection. Methods of delivering liquid medication to a catheter are also provided.
US09044546B2
An article for use in manufacturing particle cassettes comprising one or more single pieces of membrane having a plurality of gas flow passages bonded thereto. The article allows convenient manufacture of particle cassettes. Two such articles may be employed to provide a finished particle cassette and a production line in which a plurality of gas flow passages are conveyed on a single membrane is disclosed.
US09044539B2
The present invention is an alternate IV line clasp for holding IV equipment securely to a patient's body without the use of tape. The clasp has a contoured recessed channel provided in an underside of a head of the clasp such that the channel receives and holds the IV equipment therein. The clasp has an adjustable, slightly elastic strap that extends over the head of the clasp by inserting through slits provided on either side of the head and then extending around the patient's body in the area of the body where the IV is installed. The two ends of the strap are provided, respectively, with hook and loop fasteners that allow the strap to be removably secured to itself and around the patient's body to hold the head and attached IV in place.
US09044526B2
A medical product containing either an active ingredient of propolis which is a natural antibiotic or a grapefruit seed extract, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The medical product is impregnated with a solution of CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester) or pinocembrin, which is an active ingredient of propolis having antibacterial effects, to increase the antibacterial activity of the medical product due to antibacterial compounds contained in the active component, or the medical product is impregnated with a solution of a grapefruit seed extract such that the extract can exhibit antibacterial activity in the medical product.
US09044521B2
Provided herein are systems, devices, and methods for ultraviolet (UV) disinfection and sterilization, more specifically, systems, devices, and methods for UV disinfection and sterilization of a container, and more particularly systems, devices, and methods for UV disinfection and sterilization of a container used in the process of fermentation for an alcoholic beverage. Provided are also systems, UV devices, and methods for inhibiting the growth of one or more species of microorganisms present in a container, preferably for inhibiting the growth of one or more species of microorganisms present on an interior surface of a container.
US09044510B2
The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for alleviating pruritis. The compositions may comprise an analgesic agent.
US09044506B2
The invention provides a nucleic acid construct comprising a promoter sequence derived from microRNA-21 (miR-21) linked to a nucleic acid sequence encoding an anti-cancer agent, an example of which is a toxin. The constructs of the invention are particularly useful for treating tumors expressing miR-21.
US09044504B1
Techniques are described for facilitating use of invocable services by applications in a configurable manner. In at least some situations, the invocable services are Web services or other network-accessible services that are made available by providers of the services for use by others in exchange for fees defined by the service providers. The described techniques facilitate use of such invocable services by applications in a manner configured by the application providers and the service providers, including to track use of third-party invocable services by applications on behalf of end users and to allocate fees that are charged end users between the applications and the services as configured by the providers of the applications and services. In some situations, the configured pricing terms for a service specify fees for end users that differ in one or more ways from the defined fees charged by the provider of that service.
US09044483B2
The present invention relates to an antioxidant response element (ARE) activator comprising a macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) or a modified form thereof, an ARE activator comprising a combination of MIF or a modified form thereof and a substance capable of binding to MIF, such as a 1,3-benzothiazinone, and so on. These ARE activators are useful.
US09044482B2
The present application provides methods of using the aminoindane compounds of formula (I) or (II) in treating an overactive bladder or interstitial cystitis by administering one or more of the compounds to a patient.
US09044478B2
Use of 1,4-bis(3-aminoalkyl)piperazine derivatives as defined in formula I or II for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition intended for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, related neurodegenerative diseases, developmental diseases or cancer. The instant invention is also directed to some specific 1,4-bis(3-aminoalkyl)piperazine derivatives and pharmaceutical composition including them.
US09044477B2
Botulinum neurotoxin formulated with a hyaluronic acid carrier with increased residency time of the botulinum toxin at a subdermal location and fewer botulinum toxin induced complications or side effects.
US09044473B2
The present invention relates to the intrathecal (IT) administration of recombinant enzyme to treat lysosomal storage disorders. In an exemplary embodiment, intrathecal administration of human α-L-iduronidase (rhIDU) injections in MPS I affected animals resulted in significant enzyme uptake, significant rh-iduronidase activity in brain and meninges and a decrease of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) storage in cells of MPS I subjects to that of normal subjects. Intrathecal administration proved more effective than intravenous treatment at alleviating MPS I symptoms, indicating it is a useful method of treating lysosomal storage disorders.
US09044463B2
The invention relates to FSH receptor antagonist according to general formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and to a pharmaceutical composition containing the same. The compounds can be used for the treatment and prevention of endometriosis, for the treatment and prevention of pre-menopausal and peri-menopausal hormone-dependent breast cancer, for contraception, and for the treatment of uterine fibroids and other menstrual-related disorders.
US09044462B2
Oxygen therapy for healthy or inflamed but intact skin involves placing an oxygen-generating dressing onto the skin to be treated, the oxygen-generating bandage being a one-time use dressing capable of generating oxygen for only a short period of time, not to exceed about 4 hours.
US09044454B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods to regulate embolic occlusion of the microvasculature. In particular, the present invention inhibits extravasation of emboli from microvasculature resulting in increased occlusion (e.g., by administering a MMP 2/9 inhibitor locally to a subject).
US09044450B2
An injectable depot formulation includes a biocompatible polymer, an organic solvent combined with the biocompatible polymer to form a viscous gel, and a small molecule drug incorporated in the viscous gel such that the formulation exhibits an in vivo release profile having Cmax to Cmin ratio less than 200 and lag time less than 0.2.
US09044448B2
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to improved X-ray contrast media compositions and methods of using the same for treating symptoms related to allergic reactions, inflammatory conditions, symptoms of the common cold and certain cancers.
US09044446B2
The invention relates to the use of triglycerides which an enhanced portion of the palmitic acid residues in the sn-2 position for an early in life diet for improving the development of a healthy body composition, in particular prevention of obesity, later in life.
US09044438B2
Provided are methods for the treatment of disease and promotion of healing that include providing a therapeutically effective amount of a mammalian antimicrobial peptide (AMP) or analog thereof, in particular a cathelicidin or cathelicidin fragment or cathelicidin analog, thereby treating the disease in the subject in need thereof. Also provided are specific analogs or fragments of cathelicidin that function as agonists, as do endogenous cathelicidins, or as either dominant negatives or as inhibitors to endogenous cathelicidin or to other endogenous AMPs or that compete with pro-inflammatory agents or fragments of AMPs on cognate receptors without inducing disease.
US09044430B2
Disclosed are products and methods for treating soft tissue injuries. The provided methods include the production of processed or cryopreserved microvascular tissue. Also provided are products and methods of using processed or cryopreserved microvascular tissue for the treatment of soft tissue injuries.
US09044429B2
A personal care composition comprising a methyl naphthalenyl ketone or a derivative thereof, such as 1-(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-2,3,8,8-tetramethyl-2naphthalenyl)-ethan-1-one, for down regulating at least one TRP receptor associated with a pain response, including but not limited to TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors to reduce skin irritation associated with hair removal.
US09044422B2
The present invention relates to novel mycobacterial compositions containing RNA and cell walls, and methods for making and using these compositions. These compositions have immune stimulating and anti-cancer activity. The present invention also relates to a synthetic medium for the cultivation of mycobacteria.
US09044411B2
The present invention is an agent for treating keratinous fibers, particularly human hair, comprising: (a) at least one glyceryl acrylates/acrylates copolymer; (b) at least one film-forming and/or setting polymer; and (c) at least one ester oil. The agent may additionally comprise a polyol such as glycerin. The agent is best suited for temporarily deforming hairs into a desired shape or style and for the general caring of hair.
US09044399B2
The present application concerns plant extracts which have been fermented with kephir grains, methods of production of these extracts, a powder comprising these extracts and compositions comprising these extracts. Since these extracts have a high content of aglycone active principles, their biological activities are high and their applications are varied.
US09044393B2
The present invention relates to a composition for topical application in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion, wherein it contains: a lipophilic phase (A) an emulsifying system (B) an aqueous phase (C), one or more fillers having an oil uptake greater than or equal to 75 ml/100 g, the emulsifying system (B)/lipophilic phase (A) weight ratio ranging from 0.04 to 0.2. This composition is preferably obtained according to the phase inversion (PIT) emulsification technique and it can in particular constitute a cosmetic or dermatological composition.
US09044385B2
Methods for treating a vascular disease by delivering therapeutic compositions with enhanced endothelium targeting are disclosed.
US09044380B2
A method for making a customized nipple for a pacifier or baby bottle. The method provides for molding an exact non-toxic material replica of the mother's breast, nipple, and areola area from a mold so that when the replica is filled with a non-toxic gel-like substance and adhered to a backing, the pacifier so created has the firmness, color, rigidity, and texture of the mother's natural breast, nipple, and areola area. Further, the simple to use mold is sent to a core facility which stores the identifying information with the mold once a first pacifier is created therefrom. Moreover, the mother can re-order or re-make the pacifier as needed over time. The pacifier so provided is a safe and effective pacifying device which promotes good emotional, muscular, and bone structure development for the baby, and at the same time, provides the mother with confidence and independence.
US09044378B2
The present disclosure describes a needle guard device or system that can be used with drugs requiring reconstitution. The needle guard is preferably a passive needle guard that can be used during reconstitution without activating the safety mechanism. Following administration of the medication, the needle guard shields a user from inadvertent needle sticks by extending a protective shield over the needle.
US09044371B2
The present invention is a scalable and portable human remains cold storage system having a chiller unit for providing a chilled fluid to a remains chilling bag. A flow divider manifold fluidly communicates with the chiller unit for dispersing the chilled fluid to the remains chilling bag and then channeling warmed fluid back to the chiller unit for re-chilling through a series of supply lines. The fluid flows through a continuous cycle to maintain a desired temperature within the remains chilling bag.
US09044360B2
A nonwoven fabric with excellent feel on the skin, excellent air permeability and liquid permeability, and high deformability and superior recoverability. The nonwoven fabric comprises composite fibers that include a first component, and a second component having a lower melting point than the first component, wherein detached portions are created by detaching at least a portion of the second component from the first component and/or the residual portion of the second component, and at least some of the detached portions are tangled and/or fused with other composite fibers.
US09044354B2
A fluid management device for use in a mammalian body has at least one fluid transport element capable of interfacing with a mammalian body element to provide a substantially uninterrupted fluid conduit. The fluid conduit provides a fluid path between at least one fluid transport element and the storage element. A distal portion of the at least one fluid transport element is capable of extending away from the fluid storage element, and the at least one fluid transport element has a Wing Stiffness of less than about 10 gf.
US09044353B2
Processes for making micro-textured webs. The process comprises providing a precursor web; providing a pair of mated forming structures, including a first forming structure and a second forming structure, wherein at least the first forming structure comprises voids, and wherein at least the second forming structure comprises protrusions; and moving the web through a deformation zone of the mated forming structures, wherein the voids of the first forming structure engage with the protrusions of the second forming structure at an engagement position. Discrete three-dimensional elements are formed in the web as the protrusions on the second forming structure engage with the voids on the first mating structure. At least one protrusion has center-to-center spacings of less than about 800 microns with at least three of its adjacent protrusions.
US09044349B2
The invention relates to a prosthetic socket for a residual limb of the lower extremity or upper extremity of an individual person. The residual limb has particular dimensions and anatomical contours; the prosthetic socket has dimensions and contours that fit the dimensions and contours of the residual limb. The prosthetic socket may also fit in a manner that is biomechanically particularly appropriate for the individual. The prosthetic socket is an assembly of components from groups of components that include (a) struts arranged longitudinally with respect to the residual limb, (b) proximal brim members arranged proximally to the struts and connected thereto; and (c) distal socket members disposed at the distal base of the prosthetic socket. The socket components within these groups may be modular in that they can vary with respect to dimensions and/or contours, and yet have common connecting features that permit assembly of the components together to form the prosthetic socket.
US09044345B2
A method for placing a pelvic implant including a cup and a femoral stem includes planning at least one of a location of the cup within a pelvis and a location of the stem within a femur such that a combined anteversion between a predetermined cup component and a predetermined femoral stem component satisfies a predetermined combined anteversion.
US09044341B2
To change a spatial relationship between two or more bones in a patient's body, a wedge member is moved into a joint between the bones. As the wedge member enters the joint, pivotal movement occurs between the bones to change the orientation of the bones relative to each other. The wedge member may have a porous construction which enables bone to grow through the wedge member and immobilize the joint. The wedge member may be coated with and/or contain bone growth promoting material. The wedge member may be connected to only one of the bones or may be connected to two adjacent bones. If the wedge member is connected to only one bone, the joint may be capable of being flexed after the wedge member is inserted into the joint.
US09044338B2
Spinal tissue distraction devices that include a member which has a pre-deployed configuration for insertion between tissue layers and a deployed configuration in which the member, by change of configuration, forms a support structure for separating and supporting layers of spinal tissue.
US09044327B2
A structure improvement of orthopaedic implant for connecting a distal femur and a proximal tibia, and a stem was implanted into the proximal tibia, in which formed to allow inter-engagement between the stem of the tibia and the structure improvement of orthopaedic implant. The structure improvement of orthopaedic implant includes a tibial baseplate, a tibial insert, and a reinforcement. The tibial baseplate forms a recess having a bottom that has a central portion defining a through hole extending through the tibial baseplate. The tibial insert includes a support, a through region, and a projection, wherein an end of the tibial insert forming the projection corresponding to the recess of the tibial baseplate for press-fitting to the tibial baseplate. The reinforcement is inset in the tibial insert and includes a sleeve and a bolt. As such, the advantages of stable coupling includes force resistance, avoids insert loosening then extends prosthetic longevity.
US09044322B2
An implantable device includes a polymeric body and a metallic first mounting strip connected to a trailing end portion of the body. The body has a leading end portion, a first side surface, a second side surface, an upper surface, a lower surface and a central opening extending through the upper and lower surfaces. The central opening has an internal surface with an internal leading surface, a first internal side surface and a second internal side surface. A first depth is defined between the leading end and the internal leading surface, a first spacing is defined between the first side surface and the first internal side surface and a second spacing is defined between the second side surface and the second internal side surface. The first spacing is substantially the same as the second spacing and the first depth is less than the first spacing.
US09044319B2
Anchored cardiovascular valves having a support member with at least one leaflet formed therein that is sized and configured to selectively restrict regurgitating blood through the valve, and at least one anchoring mechanism. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the anchored valves have two anchoring mechanisms, i.e. proximal and distal anchoring mechanisms.
US09044315B2
A soft tissue fixation device for use in ACL or CrCL reconstruction has a base member provided with a passageway extending perpendicularly from its top surface through its bottom surface. The passageway is sized to allow soft tissue to be inserted through the passageway. The fixation device also includes an affixing member attachable to the base member. The base member has a notched section in the top surface extending from the passageway to a first perimeter section of the base member sized to accommodate at least a portion of the graft. Either surgical grade tissue glue or at least one perpendicularly extending spike is used to secure the base member to the bone. The base member is also provided with a sleeve whose interior wall surfaces form a part of the passageway and is sized to be inserted into the bone opening. The affixing member is provided with a series of teeth members extending downward from its lower surface. The teeth members are positioned so that when the affixing member is attached to the base member the teeth members will extend across and into the notched section of the top surface of the base member. The opposite ends of the affixing member is shaped to fit into aligned notches positioned along perimeter sections of the base member bottom surface for attaching the clip member to the base member.
US09044307B2
An ankle walker including an ankle shell, an inner lining, at least one bladder and at least one strap is provided. The ankle shell includes a base, a lower foot portion, a first and second side panel and a back panel. The lower foot portion extends upward from the base. The first side panel and second side panel extend from respective first and second portions of the lower foot portion. The back panel extends from a third portion of the lower foot portion and is positioned between the first and second side panels. The ankle shell has a first slot separating the first side panel from the back panel and a second slot separating the second side panel from the back panel. At least one of the first and second slots has a height that is at least one half the height of the ankle walker.
US09044302B2
One embodiment is directed to a patient interface system for ophthalmic intervention on an eye of a patient, comprising: a housing; an optical lens coupled to the housing and having a focal axis; a eye surface engagement assembly coupled to the housing and comprising an inner seal having an inner seal diameter and being configured to circumferentially engage the eye, an outer seal having an outer seal diameter and being configured to circumferentially engage the eye, and a tissue migration bolster structure configured to be positioned circumferentially between the inner and outer circumferential seals and to prevent migration of tissue of the eye toward the eye surface engagement assembly when a vacuum load is applied within the assembly to cause vacuum engagement of the inner and outer seals against the eye.
US09044297B2
In certain embodiments, a method for estrus detection includes storing location information associated with a dairy livestock. The stored location information includes a coordinate location of the dairy livestock within a free stall pen at each of a plurality of times during a time period. The method further includes determining, based on at least a portion of the stored location information, one or more movement parameters associated with the dairy livestock. The method further includes determining, based on one or more movement parameters associated with the dairy livestock, whether the dairy livestock is likely to be in estrus.
US09044293B2
A disposable saliva ejector for connection with a slow-speed suction device has a suction end and a discharge end. The tapered ejector has an ovate shape. A retention orifice helps secure the ejector within the patient's mount, while a larger extraction orifice removes fluid and debris. Placement of the saliva ejector within the mouth lies along the interior of the patient's cheek, keeping the oral cavity clear of viewing obstructions. The discharge end connects to a discharge tube, wrapping around the oral commissure then hooking onto the patient's outer cheek. Once properly placed within the patient's mouth the dental assistant is relieved from providing suction during various procedures.
US09044291B2
An electric generator powered by the opening and closing of a user's jaw. In one embodiment, a portion of an electric generator is mechanically stressed by a user's teeth when the user opens or closes his jaw. The mechanical stress is converted to electric energy and may be stored in a battery or power an electric device. In another embodiment, a magnet is passed through a coil when the user opens or closes his jaw to generate electric energy.
US09044286B2
Devices, systems, and methods are provided for applying a controlled amount of torque during a surgical procedure. In one exemplary embodiment, after the amount of torque applied reaches a threshold amount, a modular driver tip can be deformed, for instance by breaking into pieces. A containment shield disposed around at least a portion of the tip is configured to receive at least a portion of the tip after it is deformed. In one aspect, multiple modular driver tips can be disposed in a cartridge, with a distal-most tip being held by a driver tip holder that has a holding force that is greater than a threshold torque value of the tip. Exemplary methods for operating surgical drivers and systems that include tips that deform at a threshold torque value, and a multitude of embodiments of tools and systems, are also provided.
US09044284B2
A system for delivering fluid to a space between two vertebrae is provided. The system includes a tool and an insert configured to be implanted in the space between two vertebrae. The tool includes a proximal end, a distal end and a structure at the distal end configured to be coupled to the insert. The tool further includes a first opening located near the proximal end of the tool, a second opening located near the distal end of the tool, and a passage extending between the first opening and the second opening. The first opening, the passage and the second opening provide a fluid delivery path from the proximal end to the exterior of the tool near the distal end. The second opening is positioned relative to the structure such that fluid is permitted to be delivered from the tool directly into the space between the two vertebrae.
US09044282B2
An intramedullary assembly for intraosseous bone fusion includes a lag screw member and a tapered screw member. The lag screw member includes a first elongated body, where the first elongated body includes a first threaded portion at a first end and a bulbous portion at a second end. The tapered screw member is coupled to the lag screw member, and the tapered screw member includes a second elongated body, where the second elongated body includes a second threaded portion at a third end, and an opening at a fourth end.
US09044280B1
A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site. The tissue retraction assembly has a plurality of blades which may be introduced while in a closed configuration, after which point they may be opened to create an operation corridor to the surgical target site, including pivoting at least one blade to expand the operative corridor adjacent to the operative site.
US09044277B2
Spinal implants and methods for spinal stabilization and/or fusion are provided. Exemplary implants described herein can be configured for delivery to a facet joint to stabilize and/or fuse the facet joint, and can optionally be anchored within the pedicle for added fixation. The implant can optionally include a fusion-promoting bioactive material thereby providing a single device capable of spinal stabilization and/or fusion. Furthermore, a method of placing such an implant within a facet joint is provided.
US09044274B2
A bone screw system is presented. The bone screw system has a fixation element, a receiving element, coupling element, and a compression element. In one aspect, the fixation element is adapted to engage a bone and has a head portion and a threaded shank portion.
US09044268B2
A method of identifying the orientation of a tissue sample is provided. The method includes the use of a single-use tissue marking system for use in marking a tissue sample. A first surface of the sample is marked with a first ink defined by a first color; a second surface of the tissue is marked with a second ink defined by a second color; and a third surface of the sample is marked with a third ink defined by a third color.
US09044265B2
A retractable safety knife has a hollow handle with an opening at an end thereof, a pusher that is movably disposed within the handle and is operable by a user, and a blade that is connected with an end of the pusher. When the pusher moves from a blade-retracted position to a blade-extended position, the blade extends outwardly from the handle opening and rotates from a nested position to an extended position.
US09044264B2
An endoluminal access system for accessing a body lumen, comprises 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 comprises 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.
US09044257B2
Methods, devices, and systems for controlling movement of a slave manipulator by an operator controlling a master manipulator in a way that the motion of that slave manipulator can be presented via a display to the operator such that the displayed position of the slave manipulator is intuitive to the operator, regardless of the actual position and orientation of the slave manipulator. Methods, devices, and systems relating to force feedback associated with medical robotic procedures.
US09044255B2
An apparatus has a pump module providing pump energy, a resonator and a controller. The resonator includes a gain medium receiving the pump energy from the pump module and producing light; reflective surfaces reflecting light produced by the gain medium back toward the gain medium; and a variable light attenuator receiving light produced by the gain medium. The controller controls the amount of light attenuated by the variable light attenuator such that the apparatus emits windows of pulses of laser light at spaced time intervals, each window containing a plurality of pulses of laser light and each interval between windows being larger than an interval between pulses within a window. The emitted windows of pulses of laser light heat tissue to a temperature that causes coagulation without vaporization.
US09044248B2
A system and method for anchoring a round catheter pull wire within the distal end of a catheter. A steering deflection mechanism includes a pull ring having a plurality of apertures and one or more receiving slots. The method includes affixing one or more round pull wires to the one or more receiving slots of the pull ring. The shape of the round wire and manner of affixing the wire to the pull ring provide a steering assembly that can withstand greater pull forces while maintaining design integrity.
US09044237B2
A securement structure is positioned inside a channel of a first medical device to facilitate securement of the first medical device to a second medical device. The first medical device may be a ligation banding cap, and the second medical device may be an endoscope. The securement structure is adapted to be compressed between the second medical device and the first medical device to secure them together. This allows parts of different sizes to fit together.
US09044228B2
A surgical fastening instrument can comprise a handle and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise a first jaw comprising a first cartridge attachment portion and a second jaw comprising a second cartridge attachment portion, and wherein one of the first jaw and the second jaw is movable relative to the other of the first jaw and the second jaw. The surgical fastening instrument can further comprise a first cartridge that is insertable into the first jaw and attachable to the first cartridge attachment portion and, in addition, a second cartridge that is insertable into the second jaw and attachable to the second cartridge attachment portion. In various embodiments, the first cartridge can comprise first fastener portions which are engageable with second fastener portions in the second cartridge.
US09044225B1
A self-retaining suture comprises a composite filament. The filament has retainers on the surface such that the filament can engage and retain tissue without knots. The filament comprises at least two materials having different properties. A surface material of the filament has properties which enhance the formation, elevation and/or deployment of the retainers. A core material of the filament has properties which enhance the tensile strength of the filament. The surgical filament is thin and flexible and may be used for suturing. Methods for manufacturing the filament and retainers are also described.
US09044221B2
Improved methods and apparatuses for heart valve repair in a beating heart of a patient utilize an exchangeable heart valve repair system. Heart valve repair system can include a port adapted to be seated in the heart wall and an imaging catheter slidable within the port. The imaging catheter can be selectively locked relative to the port for insertion into the heart and unlocked once the port is seated to allow the imaging catheter to move distally towards target tissue. A deployment catheter slidably disposed in the imaging catheter and a repair cartridge slidably disposed in the deployment catheter can be used to capture the target tissue and deploy a repair device into the tissue after proper capture is confirmed. System elements can be selectively removed from and replaced within port to deploy additional repair devices while port maintains a seal while elements are and are not inserted.
US09044216B2
A needle assembly and delivery system for biopsying tissue of a patient includes a flexible biopsy needle, a cannula for receiving and supporting the biopsy needle, and a guide assembly which defines at least one guide assembly for receiving, guiding, and orienting the flexible biopsy needle and cannula through an angle of at least forty degrees through the needle guide assembly to a fixed orientation and position for biopsying tissue of the patient. The biopsy needle includes a sampling section which has smooth or rounded edges, a bending section which has a first circular cross-section, and a body portion proximal of the bending section which has a second circular cross-section larger than the first circular cross-section. The flexible biopsy needle, cannula, and guide assembly may be used with a biopsy ultrasound delivery system which includes an ultrasonic probe and a biopsy gun.
US09044212B2
A device and method for safely securing a multilumen device to a tissue, organ or solid tumor within the body of a human during a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is described. The device is capable of securing the tumor by touching or piercing its surface and providing a coolant to the distal tip. Cooling the tip forms a cryogenically induced region that tightly binds the tip to the tumor, temporarily sealing the entry-track of the instrument. The device further provides at least one injecting/aspirating lumen that can dispense or aspirate a fluid within the tumor, and an outer sheath or guide. Such construction allows injecting part or whole volume of the tumor while the cryogenically induced bond prevents back-flow of the injected substances through the entry-track.
US09044211B2
The present invention is directed to a device which is capable of both locating a punctured blood vessel wall and sealing the puncture in the vessel and to the method of using the device as well. In one embodiment, the device includes an elongate deployment member having a sealing element releasably disposed within a distal end thereof, said deployment member being coupled to a first actuator configured to retract said deployment member relative to said sealing element, and an elongated indicator member having a proximal end and a distal end, said indicator member extending through a lumen in said deployment member such that the distal end of said indicator member extends distally of the distal end of the deployment member, and said indicator member being coupled to a second actuator configured to retract said indicator member relative to said deployment member.
US09044202B2
Sensor guide wire for intravascular measurements of physiological variables in a living body or of external signals, which sensor guide wire has a proximal region, a distal sensor region and a tip region, the sensor guide wire comprises a core wire having a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sensor guide wire, and a sensor element arranged in the distal sensor region, the sensor element has a sensitive portion for measuring the physiological variable and to generate a sensor signal in response to said variable. The sensor element has an essentially planar main surface and has its maximal extension in the plane of the main surface, and a thickness perpendicular to the plane of the main surface, wherein the sensor element is arranged in an essentially perpendicular relation to said core wire with regard to the planar main surface of the sensor element.
US09044200B1
A method involving forming a sacrificial layer on a working substrate; forming a first bio-compatible layer on the sacrificial layer such that the first bio-compatible layer adheres to the sacrificial layer, wherein the first bio-compatible layer defines a first side of a bio-compatible device; forming a conductive pattern on the first bio-compatible layer, the conductive pattern comprising a metal; mounting an electronic component to the conductive pattern; forming a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on the conductive pattern by contacting the conductive pattern with a functionalized sulfur compound or a functionalized selenium compound; forming an adhesion layer on the SAM by contacting the SAM with an adhesion promoter; forming a second bio-compatible layer over the first bio-compatible layer, the electronic component, and the conductive pattern having the adhesion layer, wherein the second bio-compatible layer defines a second side of the bio-compatible device; and removing the sacrificial layer to release the bio-compatible device from the working substrate. The first bio-compatible layer defines a first side of a bio-compatible device. The second bio-compatible layer defines a second side of the bio-compatible device.
US09044198B2
Systems and methods are provided for enhancing a presentation of an athletic event. Data is received at a sensor located at a first location on a first athlete. The data represents an impact applied to the first athlete by a second athlete. One of an acceleration and a force at a second location on the first athlete induced by the impact is determined. A representation of the determined one of the acceleration and the force at the second location on the first athlete is displayed to an audience of the athletic event.
US09044196B2
An ultrasound system and method provide a workflow to acquire 3D images of the fetal heart gated by a synthetic heart gating signal. An ROI is defined in an ultrasound image which delineates the fetal heart. The ultrasound system is controlled to automatically estimate the fetal heart rate from echo signals received from the ROI. When the system has acquired a stable synthetic heart rate signal, an indication thereof is given to the user and the user then commands the system to acquire 3D fetal heart images for a number of fetal heart cycles which are gated using the synthetic heart rate signal.
US09044187B2
An imaging system includes a radiation source (310) configured to rotate around an examination region about a z-axis and having a focal spot that emits a radiation beam that traverses the examination region. The system further includes a radiation sensitive detector array (314) with a plurality of detector pixels that detects radiation traversing the examination region and generates projection data indicative of the detected radiation. The system further includes a dynamic post-patient filter (316) including one or more filter segments (402, 802, 902, 1004, 1102). The filter is configured to selectively and dynamically move in front of the detector array between the detector array and the examination region and into and out of a path of the radiation beam illuminating the detector pixels during scanning an object or subject based on a shape of the object or subject, thereby filtering unattenuated radiation and radiation traversing a periphery of the object or subject.
US09044185B2
A method for examining an interior surface of a cavity includes the steps of capturing partial images of an interior surface of a cavity; joining the captured partial images to form a complete image of said interior surface of the cavity; and providing an warning if the joined partial images does not form a complete image of said interior surface of the cavity.
US09044176B2
A dental x-ray unit comprising: an X-ray generator adapted to generate an X-ray beam in the direction of a patient's head, means of collimation adapted to confer given dimensions to the generated X-ray beam; a sensor placed facing the generator, receiving the radiologic projection of the collimated beam having irradiated the patient's head and supplying a cephalometric image of the patient's head, characterized in that the device includes: the means to acquire at least one photographic image of the patient's head, the means of automatic control for the means of collimation according to the at least one photographic image so that the dimensions of the collimated X-ray beam are adjusted to the dimensions of the patient's head.
US09044172B2
Methods, apparatuses and systems receive information, via at least one sensor, indicating an ergonomic characteristic of a user of a computing device. The information is user to determine if the ergonomic characteristic of the user is within a reference ergonomic boundary. In response to determining the ergonomic characteristic of the user is not within the reference ergonomic boundary, processing is executed to determine an adjustment for the user to make so that the ergonomic characteristic of the user is within the reference ergonomic boundary, the adjustment to include at least one of an adjustment to the ergonomic characteristic of the user and an adjustment to the computing device.
US09044164B2
A device for swept-source optical coherence domain reflectometry (SS OCDR) on moveable samples, particularly human eyes, for obtaining A-scans, having a measuring range according to the sample length and having a laser light source which can be adjusted by a main wave number k0 and at least one receiver for the light dissipated from the sample, wherein the sample is illuminated on the sample surface by a measurement beam having a diameter D by way of a coupling device. The light source has a spectral line width of δk<168 m−1 and the adjustment of the light source is carried out in τ<44 s/(D*k0).
US09044151B2
A CT system includes a gantry having a rotatable base and having an opening for receiving an object to be scanned, and a detector assembly. The detector assembly includes a plurality of detectors positioned to receive x-rays having passed through the object, and an arcuate structure positioned to support the plurality of detectors. A first support frame is attached to the rotatable base at a first axial location and supported at a second axial location, wherein the arcuate structure is attached to the first support frame between the first axial location and the second axial location.
US09044149B2
One innovative aspect is directed to heart rate data collection. In some implementations, a circuit includes a light detector for generating a first electrical signal based on received light. The circuit includes a switching circuit, having a first and a second configuration, configured to receive a first voltage signal based on the first electrical signal and to switch among the first and the second configurations. The circuit includes first and second sampling circuits for sampling a value of the first voltage signal when the switching circuit is in the first configuration and second configurations, respectively. The circuit includes an ambient light cancellation circuit for generating a current signal to counter a first component of the first electrical signal when the first switching circuit is in the first configuration.
US09044144B2
Each spectral slice array of a plurality is generated for each time segment of a plurality of time segments of a cardiovascular sound signal is convolved with a local spectral averaging window to generate a local spectral average array that is searched for bruit candidates responsive to associated time power or energy values, power levels, and skew values, so as to provide an indication of cardiovascular disease, that may also be responsive to skew-responsive and power-level-responsive probability terms and to a composite thereof. A probability indicator of cardiovascular disease is responsive to a second product of second terms, each second term responsive to a first product of first terms, each first term representative of a probability of no bruits for all time segments for each frequency segment of a two dimensional bruit candidate probability array, each second term representative of a probability of no repetitive bruits within each frequency segment.
US09044143B2
Heat sensors can be positioned within the esophagus of a patient so as to monitor temperature changes during ablation procedures in the heart. Some heat sensors can include one or more fluid passageways that define an extended heat sensing region capable of detecting a change in the local temperature. Some heat sensors can be conformable to an inner surface of the esophageal wall to maintain contact therewith or to be in close proximity thereto.
US09044128B1
A lower section has an open bottom, a closed top, and intermediate front and side panels defining a vacuum chamber there within. Each panel has a lower generally vertical leg with a horizontally disposed pivot pin couples each panel to the top. A bumper extending outwardly from each vertical leg moves into operative proximity with an edge of a floor and pivots a panel to increase the size of the vacuum chamber for overlying and vacuuming dust adjacent to the edge of the floor.
US09044112B2
The present invention relates to an easily portable wine glass, and more specifically, to an easily portable wine glass containing an accommodation portion into which wine is poured, and a supporting plate having a protruded handle, wherein the accommodation portion and the supporting plate are detachably coupled using a magnet. When carrying the wine glass, the supporting plate serves as a stopper covering the upper portion of the accommodation portion, thereby preventing infiltration of foreign matter. In addition, since there is no need for forming a hole at the bottom of the accommodation portion by coupling the accommodation portion and the handle using a magnet, it is unnecessary to worry about the leakage of wine when pouring wine into the accommodation portion of the wine glass.
US09044107B2
A modular rack system for displaying flat articles. In one aspect, the invention comprises: a plurality of racks, each rack comprising: a floor for supporting a flat article, the floor having a front, a rear and lateral sides; a front retaining portion extending upward from the floor at the front of the floor; first and second lateral retaining portions extending upward from the floor along the lateral sides of the floor; at least two support members extending from the rear of the floor that engage a vertical wall and support the rack in a cantilevered manner and oriented so that the floor slopes downward and away from the vertical wall; and the racks mounted to the vertical wall in a stacked assembly so that an upper rack in the stacked assembly rests atop the first and second lateral retaining portions of a lower adjacent rack in the stacked assembly.
US09044105B2
A product display apparatus, has a tray with at least one station for receiving one or more products to be displayed, a directed illumination source in the at least one station for projecting light from the tray at a product received at the station, a product adapted for stable holding in the at least one station, and at least one light display element associated with the product, optically coupled to receive the projected light and to perform operations on the light received from the group consisting of: reflection, refraction, highlighting, backlighting, diffusion, concentration or combinations of the foregoing.
US09044096B2
Center-foldable seat back, seat with the same, and method of manufacturing center-foldable seat back
A center-foldable seat back has a seat back upper part that can be tilted forward relative to a seat back lower part. A trim cover is provided, sewn along the entire periphery at the mutual contact position of an upper and lower cover, the pulled-in state is modulated by cloth pieces, thereby preventing wrinkles. The seat back is provided with the trim cover in which one cloth piece one side edge of which is sewn to the ends of the lower and upper cover is provided at least in the central portion on the inside of the trim cover, the cloth piece is extended inward, the other side edge thereof is sewn to a fastener, the central portion on the back side is extended inward and sewn to the fastener, and the central portion on the inside of the trim cover is sewn to open and close by one fastener.
US09044092B1
Some embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for a novel hook attachment sling chair. The hook attachment sling chair simplifies the manufacture and assembly of sling chairs affording easier construction and assembly. The sling chair comprises a chair frame having two pairs of legs with a first cross member coupled to a first pair of legs and a second cross member coupled to a second pair of legs, the first cross member includes a pair of hooks fastened to an angular surface of the first cross member, the second pair of legs each includes an attachment point configured to receive a fastener bolt. A sling seat section has two frame rails each frame rail includes a pin protruding from an interior side of the frame rail configured to attach to the hooks fastened to the first cross member wherein each frame rail includes another attachment point having a threaded section configured to receive the fastener bolt and secure each frame rail at the another attachment point to the attachment point at each of the second pair of legs.
US09044091B2
A seating device for use in a liquid, the seating device including a body having a closed first end, an open second end and a wall running between the closed first end and the open second end, the closed first end and the wall defining a cavity that is accessible through the open second end, the closed first end defining a seating surface having one or more holes formed therethrough, the one or more holes enabling flow of a fluid therethrough as the seating device is submerged in the liquid.
US09044088B2
A pull-out guide for drawers includes a body rail to be fastened to a furniture body, a drawer rail to be fastened to the drawer, and a center rail movably mounted between the body rail and the drawer rail. The relative motion sequence of the rails is determined by a forced control unit, and the forced control unit has a synchronization wheel designed as a gear wheel, the synchronization wheel interacting with a running surface arranged or formed on the rails and/or with a running surface of a carriage, which is slidably mounted between the rails. An overload protection device is provided for reversibly lifting the forced control unit of the rails.
US09044079B2
Lip balm strip is a sheet of material that conveniently dispenses lip balm. A section of the lip balm strip is not covered in lip balm which provides a clean surface for the user to hold on to. The balm covered side of the strip is placed in the mouth. The user then presses their lips down and slides the strip through their lips to apply the lip balm. There is a smooth edge on this side of the strip provided to prevent injury to the mouth. The lip balm strip is individually wrapped to preserve the strip for re-use. Other variations and features are described.
US09044075B2
The present disclosure provides an apparatus including a first chamber containing an eye-mountable device. The apparatus may also include a second chamber containing an aqueous solution. The apparatus may also include a membrane positioned between the first chamber and the second chamber. The membrane may be configured to rupture based on application of a force to the apparatus. The ruptured membrane may allow the aqueous solution to engage with the eye-mountable device. The apparatus may also include a lid to seal one or more of the first chamber and the second chamber.
US09044074B1
The bulletproof backpack system provides a rapidly deployable bulletproof vest and hood assembly, conveniently stored in a backpack. A deployment assembly provides rapid deployment and protection from flying projectiles, while the notification assembly allows notification, GPS positioning, and real time communication with proper authorities either through an activation button in a vest pouch or remotely through a hands-free headset device.
US09044069B2
A cleat member for an article of footwear is configured to associate with a raised base on a sole of the article of footwear. The raised base includes an angled face with a plurality of protruding portions extending outwards from the angled face. An underside of the cleat member has an indentation that corresponds to the angled face of the raised base. A plurality of recessed portions are disposed along the indentation on the underside of the cleat member and are configured to associate with the plurality of protruding portions on the angled face of the raised base. The plurality of recessed portions and the plurality of protruding portions have coincident shapes so that the protruding portions fit with the recessed portions. With this configuration, the cleat member and sole are configured with an interlocking arrangement that resists loosening when the article of footwear is used on a ground surface.
US09044068B2
A fastener assembly is provided including a fastener body having at least one aperture and a cavity formed at a top portion. A cap is provided configured to be removably inserted into the cavity. A method for fastening an article is provided including providing an article having holes in opposing edges of an article opening and a lace passed through said holes. At least one fastener body is provided having an attachment point, wherein the lace is secured to the attachment point, forming at least one slack portion. Each slack portion is pulled through a set of holes in the opposing edges of the article to form lace loop(s). Each lace loop is overlapped over the at least one fastener body.
US09044050B2
The present embodiments describe a magnetically assembled hookah. The magnetically assembled hookah can have one or more magnetic attachment means that removably couple the parts of the hookah together. The magnetic attachment means generally comprises a magnetic material or a magnet that connects with another magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnet, magnetic material, or ferromagnetic material can be incorporated into the components of the hookah or be a separate component of the hookah. As a non-limiting example, the magnetic attachment means can include a separate body member that is made of a magnetic or ferromagnetic material to connect with another hookah component at least partially comprised of a magnetic or ferromagnetic material.
US09044049B2
A pouched tobacco product includes a lined pouch material of a web and a water-soluble liner adjacent the web and a tobacco component at a moisture content of 10 to 15% contained within the lined pouch material. The water-soluble liner is interposed between the web and the tobacco component. The liner preferably reduces staining of the web by the tobacco component. Additionally, the liner may include a flavorant.
US09044048B2
Systems and methods for applying seasoning or flavoring to food items or products, for example, taco shells, are provided. A seasoning system can include a seasoning hopper or other storage container, a scarf plate, a scalping screen, a conveyor system, and a collection bin. The scalping screen can help reduce clumps in seasoning that falls onto the food items to allow for more even and consistent seasoning distribution. The conveyor system can include a mechanism for tilting or pivoting the food items to allow for application of seasoning to multiple surfaces of the food item as the food items are conveyed under the seasoning delivery system. A method for applying seasoning to food items can include adjusting process parameters such as presentation angle of the food items, throughput, seasoning flow rate, etc. to adapt to varying conditions such as temperature, humidity, and seasoning coverage.
US09044040B2
An animal feed such as a milk replacer includes a soluble fiber and a sugar alcohol. The milk replacer enhances weight gain, starter intake and reduces weaning time. The method of feeding the animal includes feeding a mixture of a soluble fiber and sugar alcohol. The animal feed may be used as a method of weaning young ruminants such as calves.
US09044033B2
This application relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting the growth of potato pathogens preventing disease during post-harvest storage and processing conditions.
US09044031B2
A method and a device for portioning a sausage string generated by a filling machine into individual sausage portions, having the following steps: transportation of the sausage string in the direction of transport, portioning the filled sausage string by means of opposing portioning elements, which engage in the sausage string, wherein the movement of the portioning elements is controlled, in each case, along a freely adjustable track.
US09044028B2
Animal processing devices and methods for processing animals with such devices are described. An animal processing device comprises a housing having a power source for driving a bolt for impacting a predetermined portion of the head of an animal, a trigger for activating the bolt, and a nosepiece. The nosepiece comprises a first portion that is non-moveably positioned relative to the housing. The first portion comprises an opening positioned along the driving direction so the end of the holt can move through the opening, and a contacting surface at an end of the first portion. The contacting surface may include a cutout region having a shape related to the shape of the predetermined portion of the head of the animal to be processed and can accommodate the predetermined portion of the head of the animal to be processed.
US09044022B2
The invention relates to a treatment device for treating food products using conditioned treatment fluid, comprising a housing (10), which defines a treatment space (18) and is provided with an inlet (12) for introducing products to be treated into the treatment space, and an outlet (14) for discharging treated products from the treatment space, with the treatment space (18) being in open communication with the environment, a conveying means (16, 20) for conveying the food products from the inlet through the treatment space to the outlet, with the conveying means (16; 20) between the inlet and outlet following a helical conveying path (26) comprising several turns one above the other, circulation means (40) for circulating treatment fluid through the treatment space, conditioning means (56; 57) for conditioning the treatment fluid.
US09044021B2
A method and system for preparing naan bread is provided. A conveyor oven is used to bake flattened and pre-shaped naan bread loaves. The conveyor oven uses high temperature gas heat to bake the naan, imparting traditional characteristics such as the slightly smoky or scorched appearance. The oven interior is preferably lined with stone, granite, clay or porcelain to enhance baking and provide traditional flavor.
US09044018B2
Described are compositions and methods to mitigate alternate bearing of perennial crops by use of a natural metabolite. In particular, the present disclosure provides a natural metabolite in the presence or absence of an auxin transport inhibitor to increase floral intensity (flower number) of the return bloom in the spring following the setting of a heavy on-crop to increase the yield of the putative off-crop year and, thus, increase cumulative crop yield. Additionally the present disclosure provides a natural metabolite in combination with one or both of a growth promoting type of plant growth regulator, and a hormone biosynthesis, transport or function inhibiting type of plant growth regulator.
US09044014B2
The present invention relates to compositions for protecting crop of useful plants from the harmful effects of certain pyridine derivative herbicides as well as methods for protecting crops of useful plants from the harmful effects of these herbicides and methods for combating weeds in crops of useful plants.
US09044004B2
The foot snare triggering device of the present invention is designed to be used with a foot snare, and comprises a trigger plate assembly, having a tension adjustment means which allows the trigger plate assembly to pivotally yield to vertical pressure. A trigger mechanism has a trigger end set within said plate assembly and a mechanism end attached to an extension mechanism, and a snare attachment port located within the trigger mechanism for releasably securing a foot snare by moving longitudinally when the trigger mechanism is engaged by pressure to said plate assembly allowing a foot snare to be released from the snare attachment port after triggering said device. A pan is pivotally connected by a hinge to the plate underside distal to the pan tension adjustment means. The pan has a trigger mount located adjacent to the trigger assembly connection through which the trigger mount engagingly receives the trigger mechanism.
US09043999B1
Disclosed is a bowfishing reel that includes a first wheel, a second wheel that can be moved into contact with the first wheel to pinch a fishing line between the wheels, a biasing mechanism that bias the second wheel toward the first wheel with a biasing force sufficient to grip the fishing line between the wheels, an actuator arranged to move the second wheel away from the first wheel against the biasing force, a latch that can independently hold and retain the second wheel away from the first wheel against the biasing force, and a trigger mechanism that can controllably release the latch from holding the second wheel away from the first wheel to allow the biasing mechanism to bias the second wheel into contact with the first wheel to pinch the fishing line between the first and second wheels.
US09043997B2
An external filter for an aquarium includes a canister filter having a filter assembly removably oriented therein. The filter assembly includes at least two stacked trays releasably secured together in series. The stacked trays include a compartment for holding filter media. In one embodiment, the trays are releasably secured together with a strap. In one embodiment, the filter assembly also includes a handle. In one example, the strap forms a portion of the handle.
US09043996B2
The invention provides genetically modified non-human animals that express a humanized MHC II protein (humanized MHC II α and β polypeptides), as well as embryos, cells, and tissues comprising the humanized MHC II protein. Also provided are constructs for and methods of making the genetically modified non-human animals. Methods of using the genetically modified non-human animals to study various aspects of the human immune system are provided.
US09043991B2
An enhanced bolster, such as connectable to a pet bed, comprises an outer cover having an inner volume, and a mechanism for attachment to a pet bed. The inner volume may be filled directly with stuffing, or may include an inner stuff sack. While the stuffing may comprise a wide variety of stuffing items, the enhanced bolster or bolster stuff sack may preferably be filled with a plurality of items supplied by the owner, and may preferably inherently include a scent that is desirable or comforting to the intended animal, e.g. the scent of a known person or animal. For embodiments having permeable bolster stuff sacks, the entire bolster stuff sack assembly may preferably be laundered, e.g. washed and dried, as a unit, i.e. with the stuffing retained. The enhanced bolsters may preferably be provided without stuffing, but with instructions on how to stuff the enhanced bolster.
US09043989B2
A method and apparatus for economically filtering air into swine farms and other animal enclosures are provided. Advantageously, the invention substantially reduces the risk to airborne transfer of disease into animal enclosures. In one embodiment, a method for providing clean air to an animal enclosure includes providing an animal enclosure having an animal containing volume for containing a plurality of animals, removing air from the internal volume via at least one exhaust fan, and filtering air being pulled into the enclosure by the at least one exhaust fan using a fully sealed filter, the fully sealed filter having a particle separation sufficiently efficient to prevent detection of live (PRRS-) virus downstream of the filter, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of samples collected with a cyclonic aerosol collector.
US09043987B1
A wheat variety designated W030325C1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety W030325C1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety W030325C1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety W030325C1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety W030325C1. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety W030325C1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.
US09043986B1
A wheat variety designated W030396G1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety W030396G1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety W030396G1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety W030396G1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety W030396G1. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety W030396G1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.
US09043983B1
A wheat variety designated W020202F1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety W020202F1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety W020202F1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety W020202F1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety W020202F1. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety W020202F1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.
US09043982B1
A novel sorghum variety designated PHARSVVIT and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a plant that comprise crossing sorghum variety PHARSVVIT with another plant. Methods for producing a plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHARSVVIT through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the sorghum seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid sorghum seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the sorghum variety PHARSVVIT or a locus conversion of PHARSVVIT with another sorghum variety.
US09043980B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XB52K13 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB52K13, cells from soybean variety XB52K13, plants of soybean XB52K13, and plant parts of soybean variety XB52K13. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB52K13 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB52K13, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB52K13, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB52K13. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB52K13 are further provided.
US09043966B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1037439. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1037439. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1037439 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1037439 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09043961B2
An artificial turf cleaning system and a method for cleaning artificial turf surfaces are disclosed. The artificial turf cleaning system includes (a) at least two wheels, (b) at least one liquid tank, (c) a tap for controlling the dripping rate and covering at least one liquid tank, (d) a cleaning drum having replaceable brushes, and wherein the cleaning drum is coupled mechanically to the wheels by cog-wheels transmission gear, (e) a removable rubbish storage tank, and (f) a handle, wherein the artificial turf cleaning system is designed for manually cleaning artificial turf surfaces.
US09043954B2
An agricultural harvester (100) comprises a self-propelled vehicle (102); a feederhouse (104) disposed on the front of the self-propelled vehicle (102); a driveshaft (114), the driveshaft (114) having a proximal end supported for rotation on the feederhouse (104) about an axis of rotation, the driveshaft (114) having a distal end that is extendable from the proximal end; and a first coupler (116) fixed to the distal end, said first coupler (116) being configured for engagement with a second coupler (118), said second coupler (118) being disposed on an agricultural harvesting head (106) to drive a reciprocating knife of the agricultural harvesting head (106).
US09043949B2
A system and method of calibrating a meter of a product distribution machine, such as an agricultural air seeder is shown. The system uses one or both of optical and mass flow sensors to measure the product flow rate. The sensors are used to measure mass flow rate during a calibration process while the machine is in use. To improve sensor accuracy during the calibration process, the meter speed is changed to change the product flow rate to a rate at which the sensor accuracy is increased.
US09049808B2
[Subject Matter] To provide a printed wiring board in which no warping occurs even if interlayer insulation layers without core material are laminated on a core substrate.[Solution(s)] To lower the thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) to 20˜40 ppm, inorganic particles are added to core substrate 30 formed by impregnating glass-cloth core material with glass-epoxy resin. Furthermore, thickness (a) of core substrate 30 is set at 0.2 mm, thickness (b) of upper-surface-side first interlayer insulation layer (50A) at 0.1 mm, and thickness (c) of lower-surface-side second interlayer insulation layer (50B) at 0.1 mm. In setting so, using thin core substrate 30 and interlayer insulation layers (50A, 50B) without core material, it is thought that warping does not occur in the printed wiring board.
US09049804B2
A monitor has a rear panel formed by injection molding plastic around a metal cooling element. The monitor includes a display panel, control electronics, a module support, and a monitor housing. The housing includes a front frame, the cooling element and a rear panel frame. The cooling element has cooling ducts formed between cooling fins. The rear housing panel frame has fin extensions that extend the fins of the cooling element into the rear housing panel frame. The display panel attaches to one side of the module support, while the control electronics attach to the other side. The front frame and the rear panel frame screw together, and the display panel and control electronics are clamped between the front frame and the rear panel frame. The monitor can be attached to a vehicle by slipping a retaining member into a T-shaped duct formed between two fins on the cooling element.
US09049784B2
A flexible display includes: a display panel which is flexible; and a flexible circuit board which is disposed on a side of the display panel and includes an integrated circuit element provided on a surface thereof and an opening portion. The opening portion is in a shape extending in a second direction vertical to a first direction which is parallel to the side of the display panel to which the flexible circuit board is connected, and the integrated circuit element and the opening portion are arranged in the first direction.
US09049782B2
A mobile device case includes a reel assembly, including a reel, a supporting plate, and a hub between the reel and the supporting plate. The hub includes a first cavity between the hub and the supporting plate for housing a spring, and a second cavity between the hub and the reel for housing a flat flexible cable (FFC). The spring is wound in a first direction, while the FFC is wound in a second direction. The FFC includes a first end for electrically coupling to a female jack connector of a device. A female connector is electrically coupled to a second end of the FFC for engaging a male jack connector of user-provided headphones. When the reel rotates in the first direction, the spring tightens and the FFC loosens. When the reel rotates in the second direction, the spring loosens and the FFC tightens.
US09049781B2
Provided is a display apparatus. The display apparatus includes a display panel, a guide member supporting a peripheral area of a back surface of the display panel, an adhesion member fixing the guide member to the display panel, and a bottom cover supporting a lower portion of the guide member.
US09049780B2
A method of arranging a plurality of components of a circuit board for optimal heat dissipation and a circuit apparatus having a plurality of components arranged by performing the method are provided. The method includes arranging a predetermined number of the plurality of components in the order of size of the components in a heat dissipation area having a predetermined width on a virtual straight line connecting the air inlet unit and the air outlet unit.
US09049778B2
The present invention relates to novel polyamic acid; a photosensitive resin composition satisfying excellent flexibility and low stiffness and exhibiting excellent heat resistance and plating resistance; a dry film obtained from the photosensitive resin composition; and a circuit board including the dry film.
US09049773B2
Provided are circuits and methods for a digital controller for an electronic ballast for a fluorescent lamp, comprising a feed-forward loop that provides information about a voltage firing angle, and a pulse width modulator that controls a duty ratio of at least one power switch of the electronic ballast according to the information. The digital controller may include a duty ratio controller implemented in the pulse width modulator. The digital controller may include one or more functions such as dimming, maintaining high power factor throughout the dimming range, low lamp power detection, lamp soft-start, and DC-link capacitor over-voltage detection for end of life protection or lamp failure protection. In one embodiment the ballast is a single stage, single switch ballast.
US09049772B2
In at least one embodiment of the disclosure, a driving device for a discharge lamp includes an alternating current supply section and a frequency modulation section. The alternating current supply section supplies two electrodes of the discharge lamp with an alternating current. The alternating current comprises a plurality of modulation periods. The frequency modulation section modulates a frequency of the alternating current so as to provide a plurality of retentive periods within each of the modulation periods. Each retentive period has a constant frequency that is different from a frequency of its temporally adjacent retentive periods. The frequency modulation section lengthens a length of at least one of the retentive periods in the modulation period in response to a predetermined condition occurring. The frequency of at least one of the retentive periods is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference frequency.
US09049767B2
An exemplary electronic censer with control system includes a main body, an LED disposed on the main body and a control system mounted on the main body. The control system includes a driver received in the main body, a wind force sensor exposed out of the main body and a controlling unit electrically connecting the driver. The wind force sensor measures a wind force therearound and samples a wind force signal S corresponding to the measured wind force to the controlling unit. The controlling unit analyzes the wind force signal S and thereby delivers instructions to the driver to regulate a light emitting state of the LED. A method for controlling the electronic censer with control system is also provided.
US09049766B2
A LED driver using a PWM signal for dimming control includes a power converter and a current regulator. The power converter provides an output voltage and a load current for a plurality of LEDs. The current regulator provides a load current dependent signal for the power converter to speed up load transient response caused by variation of the load current, to reduce the ripple of the output voltage, and thereby to avoid audio noise during PWM dimming.
US09049765B1
A system and method for converting alternating current from at least two types of electronic ballasts for fluorescent bulbs into direct current for an array of LEDs. The device is assembled such that it can fit into existing fluorescent bulb fixtures. Alternating current from a contemplated electronic ballast can have one of two peak-to-peak voltages and the circuitry of the device will convert either alternating current into approximately the same direct current. In doing so, the array of LEDs is illuminated providing an LED alternative to fluorescent light bulbs.
US09049763B1
The present invention relates to an LED luminaire driving circuit with high power factor, comprising: a filter unit, a rectifier unit, a transformer unit, a power switch unit, a zero current detecting unit, a feedback unit, an error amplifier unit, and a power switch driving unit. Particularly, the LED luminaire driving circuit proposed by the present invention does not include any optocoupler feedback circuits, so it is able to effectively reduce the entire circuit manufacturing cost of this LED luminaire driving circuit. Moreover, this LED luminaire driving circuit can selectively work under CCM operation or DCM operation with high power factor (PF˜1), and provide stable output voltage signal and output current signal to load end. In addition, this LED luminaire driving circuit performs excellent stability and current modulation error rate (<±3%).
US09049762B2
A constant voltage dimmable LED (Light Emitting Diode) driver is disclosed that is compatible with all types of dimmers, including conventional phase cut (TRIAC) dimmers, and behaves like a conventional constant voltage driver which can be connected to any size of LED load that has a matching voltage rating. The driver produces a continuous train of pulses for driving the LED load and obtains an averaged measure of the voltage at the AC input for controlling the duty cycle of the continuous train of pulses. Therefore, when the averaged measure of the voltage at the AC input is reduced by a dimmer, the duty cycle reduces, resulting in a dimmed LED. The driver can be created by adding a few components to a conventional wide input range AC-DC converter without or with very little modifications.
US09049761B2
A light-emitting diode (LED) bulb has a shell and a base attached to the shell. An LED is within the shell. A driver circuit provides current to the LED. The driver circuit has a power factor control circuit that includes a tracking circuit configured to produce a tracking signal indicative of the voltage of the supply line. The power factor control circuit also includes a switch-mode power supply (SMPS) controller having an input pin and an output pin. The tracking circuit is connected to the input pin. Based on the signal at the input pin, the SMPS controller is configured to change a frequency of an output signal on the output pin.
US09049758B2
Described embodiments include a tungsten-halogen lighting system and a method. A described system includes a sealed glass envelope containing a halogen gas. The system includes at least two tungsten filaments enclosed within the glass envelope. Each tungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filaments is configured to generate light in response to a flow of electric current. The system includes a controller circuit configured to manage the at least two tungsten filaments in response to a tungsten filament management schedule. The tungsten filament management schedule includes controlling tungsten redeposition by the halogen regenerative cycle on each tungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filaments.
US09049757B2
The invention relates to selecting a light source from a plurality of light sources, particularly to the selecting of a light source by pointing to it with a light source selection device. An embodiment of the invention relates to a light source selection device (10) comprising—at least one photosensor (36, 38, 40) with a field of view (20, 22, 24), wherein light (26, 28, 30) from one or more light sources (32, 34) may be received by the photosensor within the field of view, and—a photosensor output signal processing unit (42) being adapted to select one or more light sources by processing the light received by each photosensor. The present invention may be for example used to select appliances or devices or objects provided with the ability to transmit coded light in the ultra violet, visible or infra red spectra, for example lights, climate, curtains, kitchenware, etc.
US09049755B2
A user-programmable, motion-activated fixture application having floodlights, a nightlight or wall wash light, and a user-interface having dedicated pushbuttons for time, sensitivity, and timer functionality selection by the user. Two proximity sensors detect the presence of infrared-emitting bodies both in front of and below the sensor housing. An ambient light sensor is employed to determine whether it is presently daytime or nighttime, and to identify transitions between the two. A linear array of display LEDs is shared among the time, sensitivity, and timer switches, showing the current setting selected by the user with as each switch is depressed.
US09049753B1
A smart metered light fixture including a light source. The light fixture includes a surge protection device with a monitor that indicates when surge protection fails. The light fixture includes a power supply monitor configured to collect real-time AC current, voltage, and power factor measurements from a power supply. An operational characteristic monitor monitors an operational characteristic of the light source, such as current consumption, wattage, real-time temperature, a brightness level, and/or an efficiency of the light fixture. A communication device positioned between the power supply receives information from the monitors and wirelessly transmits information regarding the monitored operational characteristic and information and/or power supply measurements to a remote user equipment. The communications device may also receive control instructions from the remote user equipment for controlling aspects of the light source.
US09049751B1
Microwaveable packages having highly conductive susceptors and methods for using same are provided. In a general embodiment, the microwaveable packages include a container defining an interior and having a microwave shielding material surrounding the interior. At least a portion of the microwave shielding material is a highly conductive susceptor. The highly conductive susceptor may include a standard microwave susceptor layer and a layer including a substrate having a source of mobile charges. Methods for increasing a surface heating of a food product are also provided and include, in a general embodiment, providing a food product in an interior of a container, which has a microwave shielding material surrounding the interior, and heating the food product in the container in a microwave oven for a predetermined amount of time.
US09049748B2
In a radio access system for supporting multi-radio access technology (RAT), the present invention provides a method for allowing a terminal to transmit and receive data with a first base station for supporting a first RAT and a second base station for supporting a second RAT, and the method comprises the steps of: receiving, from said first base station, a first message which indicates scanning execution for said second base station; allowing said first message to include control information which is necessary for the scanning execution of said second base station, and executing the scanning for said second base station on the basis of said control information; and transmitting, to said first base station, a multi-RAT scan report message which contains the result of the scanning execution for said second base station.
US09049738B2
A sectorized scheduling method for the high speed uplink packet access service is provided in the present invention, the method comprises: obtaining the current sector load of each sector and the current high speed uplink packet access service HSUPA mobile station load of each sector, and the maximal allowable sector load of each sector; obtaining the rest available sector load based on the maximal allowable load and the current sector load, performing load assignment for each sector based on the rest available sector load and the distribution of HSUPA mobile station in various sectors. A sector based scheduling system for the high speed uplink packet access service is also provided in the present invention. The present invention correctly associates the HSUPA UE load and the sector load, solves the problem of the larger overload or the larger underload, and improves the HSUPA throughput by several times.
US09049735B2
A method and system to facilitate mobile relay and group mobility in a wireless network. In one embodiment of the invention, the wireless network facilitates a mobile relay station that has logic to switch communication with a first base station to a second base station while maintaining logical communication with its associated mobile station(s). By doing so, the handover of the mobile relay station from a source base station to a target base station is transparent to the mobile station(s) that are connected with the mobile relay station in one embodiment of the invention.
US09049733B2
Methods and apparatus for use in a wireless system are described where initiation of packet transmission is constrained in accordance to control actual packet transmission in a manner that reduces contention and possible collisions beyond that provided by lower layer resource contention mechanisms, e.g., 802.11 carrier sensing and/or transmission back-off timing mechanisms. Through higher level, e.g., MAC constraints, on packet transmission initiation, an air interface which employs carrier sensing can be used and controlled in a manner which reduces collisions and interference in applications where small packets, e.g., packets which can be transmitted in a fraction of the maximum permitted transmission time. The methods allow small packets in such systems to be transmitted on a periodic or semi-periodic basis in many cases.
US09049719B2
The base station determines a possibly-allocated domain, which is a band that may be used in communication with the mobile station, with respect to each mobile station, and determines a frequency band to be allocated to the mobile station within the determined possibly-allocated domain. Then, the base station transmits possibly-allocated-domain information indicating the possibly-allocated domain and allocation information, which is information indicating allocation of the frequency band, to the mobile station. Then, the base station and the mobile station communicate with each other in accordance with the possibly-allocated-domain information and the allocation information.
US09049716B2
An eNB10-1 receives high-interference RB information from eNB10-2 to eNB10-4, and acquires a transmission power value for UE40-10. When the transmission power value for UE40-1 is greater than or equal to a transmission power threshold value, eNB10-1 restricts the assignment of high-interference RBs to UE40-1, and when the transmission power value for UE40-1 is less than the transmission power threshold value, eNB10-1 assigns high-interference RBs to UE40-1 in a preferential manner.
US09049710B2
A method for transmitting a downlink control channel in a mobile communication system and a method for mapping the control channel to physical resources using a block interleaver are provided. In order to transmit a downlink control channel in a mobile communication system, information bits are modulated to generate one or more modulation symbols according to a specific modulation scheme, the modulation symbols are interleaved using a block interleaver, and the interleaved modulated symbols are mapped to resource elements allocated for transmission of at least one control channel in a subframe, thereby transmitting the at least one control channel.
US09049709B2
A base station device causing no decrease in system throughput and guaranteeing the reception quality at a terminal when a DCI directed toward the terminal is mapped to a PDCCH region and an R-PDCCH region. A search space setting unit (103) sets a search space having a plurality of allocation candidates, in both regions. An allocation unit (106) allocates control information to a resource in one allocation candidate in the search space. The ratio of the number of allocation candidates in the R-PDCCH region to the number of allocation candidates in the PDCCH region in the search space for a terminal using DM-RS in the R-PDCCH region is equal to or greater than the ratio of the number of allocation candidates in the R-PDCCH region to the number of allocation candidates in the PDCCH region in the search space for a terminal using CRS in the R-PDCCH region.
US09049705B2
Provided are a base station, a terminal, a band allocation method, and a downlink data communication method in which a mapping method for synchronization signals and report signals is implemented with high resource usage efficiency when a first system in which an independent single communication is allocated to a unit band co-exists with a second system in which a plurality of unit bands can be allocated to a single communication. In a base station, an OFDM signal generation unit maps primary synchronization channel (P-SCH), secondary synchronization channel (S-SCH), primary broadcast channel (P-BCH), and dynamic broadcast channel (D-BCH), which can be decoded by both an LTE terminal and an LTE+ terminal, to some of a plurality of unit bands. The OFDM signal generation unit also maps D-BCH+, which can be decoded only by an LTE+ terminal, to all of the plurality of unit bands to produce a multiplexed transmission signal.
US09049704B2
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting control information by means of a terminal in a CA-based wireless communication system, including the steps of: forming first and second cells that include different subframe configurations, wherein the second cell includes TDD UL-DL configuration #0; receiving a UL grant by means of the first cell; and transmitting data corresponding to the UL grant by means of the second cell.
US09049695B2
Techniques are provided for association decisions by a user equipment (UE) or the like. In one example, there is provided a method that may involve discovering a peer UE, and determining a first metric for the peer UE. The method may further involve determining a second metric for a base station in a wireless area network (WAN). The method may further involve deciding whether to associate with the peer UE for peer-to-peer (P2P) communication or with the WAN for communication via the base station based on the first and second metrics. For example, the first metric may be determined based on received power of the peer UE at the first UE, and the second metric may be determined based on received power of the base station at the first UE.
US09049675B2
The present invention provides a method and a device for power control of a High Speed Dedicated Physical Control Channel (HS-DPCCH). If a User Equipment (UE) is in a soft handover state and configured to a multi-flow transmission mode, the UE obtains a first HS-DPCCH power offset and an HS-DPCCH adjustment step size that are corresponding to each cell group in all cell groups of the UE. The UE determines a second HS-DPCCH power offset of the cell group according to the HS-DPCCH adjustment step size and the first HS-DPCCH power offset. The UE adjusts current transmit power of the HS-DPCCH according to the second HS-DPCCH power offset of the cell group.
US09049669B2
A base station device is provided with a MAC unit 30 which performs processing on a MAC layer for wireless communication, a scheduler 10 which performs scheduling for determining allocation of radio resources, and a radio resource management unit 70 which manages the radio resources. The scheduler 10 is connected to the radio resource management unit 70 so as to obtain information from the radio resource management unit 70 without intervention of the MAC unit 30.
US09049658B2
A group owner of a peer-to-peer communication network is configured to determine whether all client devices associated with the peer-to-peer communication network support direct data communication. The group owner is configured to implement an awake mode for a portion of each beacon interval when all the associated client devices support direct data communication. The group owner is configured to implement a sleep mode for a remaining portion of each beacon interval to save power at the group owner without interrupting communications between the associated client devices.
US09049656B2
A code phase is detected on the basis of a signal received by an RF receiving circuit unit which is a receiving unit that receives a GPS satellite signal. When the code phase is within a predetermined edge of a PRN code, a control of suppressing intermittent driving of the RF receiving circuit unit is performed.
US09049655B2
A method of performing uplink synchronization in a wireless communication system includes transmitting a random access preamble which is randomly selected from a set of random access preambles, receiving a random access response, the random access response comprising a random access preamble identifier corresponding to the random access preamble and a time alignment value for uplink synchronization, starting a time alignment timer after applying the time alignment value, starting a contention resolution timer after receiving the random access response, wherein contention resolution is not successful when the contention resolution timer is expired, and stopping the time alignment timer when the contention resolution timer is expired.
US09049654B2
An OFDM-based multiple access method and a communication device controlling the same are provided. The OFDM-based multiple access method includes transmitting a predetermined synchronization control signal to many and unspecified terminals, and receiving a test message from the terminals in response to the synchronization control signal; classifying the terminals that receive the test message in a first unit time from a predetermined reference time after the transmission of the synchronization control signal into a first group, and classifying the terminals that receive the test message in a certain n-th unit time from the reference time into an n-th group; allocating use permission time of sub-channels to the groups; and the terminals transmitting/receiving data through partial occupation of the sub-channels and symbols at a time allocated to the corresponding groups.
US09049649B2
One embodiment of a method for configuring consumption of service includes identifying a service to be consumed by a user, identifying a plurality of bearer technologies across which at least one electronic device can access the service, selecting one of the plurality of bearer technologies for use in configuring the at least one electronic device, and configuring the at least one electronic device for the service using one of a plurality of management frameworks according to the selected bearer technology.
US09049643B2
The present invention relates to a method by which a terminal transmits/receives data to/from a first base station supporting a first radio access technology and a second base station supporting a second radio access technology in a wireless access system supporting multi-radio access technology (multi-RAT), the method comprising the steps of: executing an initial network entry to the first base station; executing a multi-RAT capability negotiation with the first base station to exchange information needed to access the second base station; a step for executing a scanning on at least one second base station included in the coverage of the first base station, on the basis of the information received from the first base station through the multi-RAT capability negotiation step; executing an access to one second base station of said at least one second base station; and simultaneously transmitting/receiving data to/from the first base station and the second base station accessed through the access step, wherein the step of executing a scanning comprises a step of receiving from the first base station a multi-RAT scan command message for commanding the scanning of said at least one second base station, and a step of executing a scanning of said at least one second base station.
US09049640B2
A portable encoded information reading (EIR) terminal for incorporation in a data collection system can comprise a terminal module communicatively coupled to a wireless interface module via a wired interface. The terminal module can include a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, and an encoded information reading (EIR) device. The wireless interface module can include a microcontroller, a memory, and at least one wireless communication interface. The wireless interface module can establish one or more wireless links with one or more peer EIR terminals, to join a wireless network which is collectively formed by the peer EIR terminals. The wireless interface module can receive or transmit beacons containing at least an identifier of a path selection protocol which is used for unicast, multicast and broadcast frame transmission within the wireless network.
US09049636B2
The present invention relates to a method of transmitting and receiving data in soft handoff of a wireless communication system. According to an aspect of the present invention, in the method of receiving data in soft handoff of a wireless communication system, a mobile station receives a first sequence being generated by interleaving transmission data using a first inter leaver pattern, and also receives a second sequence being generated by interleaving the transmission data using a second interleaver pattern. Then, the mobile station combines and decodes the first sequence and the second sequence before receiving an entire frame having the first sequence allocated thereto.
US09049632B1
Systems, methods, and software for providing network access information to a wireless communication device are provided herein. In one example, method of operating a communication system is provided. The method includes communicating with a wireless communication device over a long-term evolution (LTE) wireless communication link provided by a first wireless access node, detecting a handoff from the first wireless access node to a second wireless access node for the wireless communication device when the wireless communication device is in an idle mode of operation, and responsive to the handoff, transferring network access information for a non-LTE network to the wireless communication device.
US09049628B2
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to methods and apparatus for selective better system reselection for wireless devices capable of cell reselection. An apparatus for wireless communication is configured to receive a message from a current system, the message including a neighbor list having one or more neighbor systems. The apparatus compares the neighbor list to a local preferred systems list, and determine an existence of a preferred neighbor system in the local preferred systems list. The preferred neighbor system has higher priority than that of the neighbor systems in the neighbor list. The apparatus determines whether to perform Better System Reselect (BSR) for the preferred neighbor system instead of cell reselection based on the determination.
US09049625B2
A route switching method, when a mobile node is switching between access routers, the method comprises: the second access router sending a context transfer message to the third access router, the third access router updating a Cache for Destination Terminal and a Cache for Source Terminal in a cache of the third access router according to the context transfer message; the second access router updating its cache according to the context transfer message, and updating a Cache for Destination Terminal in a cache of a first access router. Several route switching methods and route switching systems are also involved. Based on the Context Transfer Protocol, it enables the access router to transfer the address information of the mobile node associated with a session connection by the context transfer message directly during the switching, without the process in which the new access router inquires the routing manager, thereby reducing the delay caused by inquiring the routing manager, and thus decreasing the possibility of message lost.
US09049623B2
A first method (and related first apparatus) includes transmitting, in a handover request message, an indication of a first protocol version; a second method (and related second apparatus) includes receiving, in the handover request message, the indication, deciding, based on the received indication and a second protocol version, on a value of an information element included in a handover request acknowledgement message to be transmitted, the information element indicating usage of a first or second signaling scheme, and transmitting the handover request acknowledgement message including the information element; and in the first method receiving the handover request acknowledgement message including the information element; and a third method (and related third apparatus) including receiving the handover command message including the information element, and configuring according to one of the first and second signaling schemes indicated by the information element.
US09049619B2
A method and apparatus of reporting a power headroom in a wireless communication system are provided. A user equipment receives an uplink resource allocation for a first serving cell and determines whether a power headroom report is triggered. If the power headroom report is triggered, the user equipment determines a first power headroom for the first serving cell and a second power headroom for a second serving cell based on the uplink resource allocation.
US09049615B2
A user equipment is configured to operate in an idle mode according to an MDT configuration. When receiving a modify/setup signal from a base station, the user equipment is configured to update the MDT configuration accordingly in the idle mode and perform one or multiple corresponding logged MDTs according to the updated MDT configuration.
US09049614B2
Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of wireless communications, relating specifically to a method and a device for handling a mobility management context, for use in solving the problem in the prior art of an increase in signaling consumption or network load due to the absence of a defined duration of storage for the mobility management context on a network side. The method comprises: upon a network congestion and rejecting a request from a terminal, a network side device activating a first context timer for the terminal; if the request of the terminal is received and accepted before the first context timer times out, the network side device retaining a mobility management context corresponding to the terminal; if the request of the terminal is not received, or is received but not accepted before the first context timer times out, the network side device deleting the mobility management context corresponding to the terminal. As the duration of storage is defined for the mobility management context on the network side, the signaling consumption and the network load are thereby reduced.
US09049612B2
Adaptive link diversity is employed for enhanced coverage and capacity during user data communication in a UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System). Specifically, current radio conditions associated with the user data are monitored and analyzed. Moreover, a switching and/or concurrent transport mechanism is implemented for communication between a NodeB and UE (User Equipment), when the current radio conditions change beyond a predefined level. In particular, a CS (Circuit Switched) over HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) connection is reconfigured to an R99 (Release 99) CS connection, or a concurrent R99 CS connection is provided along with the CS over HSPA connection, when detected that radio conditions have degraded beyond a predefined threshold. In one aspect, the selection between switching to a new transport mechanism and, adding a concurrent transport mechanism is based on an analysis and/or operator defined conditions.
US09049611B2
A backhaul radio is disclosed that operates in multipath propagation environments such as obstructed LOS conditions with uncoordinated interference sources in the same operating band. Such a backhaul radio may use a combination of interference mitigation procedures across multiple of the frequency, time, spatial and cancellation domains. Such backhaul radios may communicate with each other to coordinate radio resource allocations such that accurate interference assessment and channel propagation characteristics assessment may be determined during normal operation.
US09049610B2
A timer for processing data blocks is proposed for a receiver of a mobile communications system. If the timer is not running, the timer is started based a data block. The data block has a sequence number higher than a sequence number of another data block that was first expected to be received. If the timer is stopped or expires, the timer is based on a highest sequence number of a data block among data blocks that cannot be delivered to a higher entity. The timer can be used to prevent a stall condition in mobile communications.
US09049604B2
A method of detecting a hole area to be generated in a cover area of a communication system which includes a plurality of base station apparatuses and mobile station apparatuses, includes: measuring received powers from the plurality of base station apparatuses at the mobile station apparatuses, and, based on the received power from the other base station apparatus among a plurality of base station apparatuses other than the base station apparatus which covers a cell in which the mobile station apparatuses are positioned, detecting a hole area to be generated when a signal output from the base station apparatus is stopped.
US09049602B2
Communications are established with a first base station and the communications include first validation information associated with the first base station. Second validation information is obtained and the second validation information is stored in a data structure. The second validation information is associated with a second and valid base station. The first validation information is compared to the second validation information stored in the data structure and it is determined whether the first base station is valid based upon the comparison. When the comparing indicates that the first base station is not valid, a warning is initiated to a user.
US09049600B2
Discussed is a mobile terminal, including a touch screen configured to display visual information, a camera unit configured to detect user's gaze information and a controller configured to execute an application in response to a user input, wherein an execution screen of the application is displayed on the touch screen, detect the user's gaze information, and stop displaying the execution screen of the application based on an elapsed time from when the user's gaze information is not detected, wherein the elapsed time is varied based on a type of the application.
US09049595B2
Various implementations are described herein for using a connectivity exchange to provide ubiquitous wireless connectivity and a marketplace for exchanging wireless connectivity. Wireless service providers join the connectivity exchange and enable users to access the Internet using their wireless connectivity via the connectivity exchange. Users are authenticated via the exchange and rates and terms for users to access the Internet are negotiated. General service providers provide services via the exchange.
US09049593B2
Techniques for securing a coverage of a wireless system provided by a stationary or mobile node are disclosed. The node may be provided with at least one encryption key. The key may comprise an encryption function table having therein varying functions, such as time-varying physical layer functions, such as transmit power or beam shape/direction of the node. In accordance with the key, coverage associated with transmissions from the node may be varied.
US09049588B2
Traffic data is communicated between a wireless device and a core network control node in a predefined transmission mode in which traffic data is communicated in a control channel for carrying control messages.
US09049582B1
A method and apparatus to manage a communication device are disclosed. The method includes receiving a first message comprising a first battery charge level of the communication device and a first time associated with the first battery charge level, storing a first database entry comprising information comprised in the first message, in a battery charge database, determining based on data from the battery charge database, or retrieving from a power management database, a power management efficiency factor of the communication device, determining an expected operational time of the communication device based on the first message and the power management efficiency factor, and transmitting an indication that the battery charge level is low when the determined operational time remaining meets an expected operational time criteria, to the communication device.
US09049575B2
The present disclosure is descriptive of discovering structure, content, and context of a media event, e.g., a live media event, using real-time discussions that unfold through short messaging services. Generally, a sampling of short messages of a plurality of users is obtained. The sampling of short messages corresponds to a media event. A segment in the media event is identified using the sampling of short messages, and at least one term taken from the sampling of short messages is identified. The at least one term is indicative of a context of the identified segment.
US09049566B2
The disclosure discloses a method and device for receiving an MBMS by a UE in carrier aggregation, including that: a User Equipment (UE) with MBMS capability determines all Component Carriers (CC) that can be received by the UE at the UE's geographic location; the UE determines an MBMS-bearing CC in the all CCs; and the UE receives the MBMS from the MBMS-bearing CC. By the disclosure, the problem of incapability of the UE to receive the MBMS from the CC due to the network side not knowing the requirement of the UE for receiving the MBMS can be solved.
US09049565B2
A method for devices that are near each other to exchange owner profile information. Upon entering an area where inter-device communication with nearby devices is possible, a key is exchanged among all participating devices in the area and subsequently owner profile information is synchronized between devices. All devices also maintain a count of how often a specific owner profile and so its owner was encountered.
US09049563B2
A location aware intelligent transportation system determines ranges between a plurality of communication devices, including at least one mobile communication device. A method includes receiving receive messages transmitted from a plurality of other communication devices. Each receive message includes a transmit count stamp corresponding to a remote counter value. The mobile communication device generates a receive count stamp for each receive message. The method includes dynamically associating and disassociating the mobile communication device with a plurality of sub-groups of the plurality of other communication devices. The associating and disassociating are based at least in part on receiving receive messages from a predetermined number of other communication devices for each sub-group. For each sub-group currently associated with the mobile communication device, the method includes generating range estimates between the mobile communication device and the other communication devices in the particular sub-group. The range estimates are based on a combination of the transmit count stamps and the receive count stamps.
US09049561B2
A system for communicating track information within a consist having at least a first and second locomotive may include a first transceiver associated with the first locomotive and configured to receive the track information from a remote transceiver. The system may include a communication link connecting the first locomotive with the second locomotive and a communication controller associated with the first locomotive. The communication controller may be configured to identify a lead locomotive and send a signal to the lead locomotive indicating that the track information is fully received from the remote transceiver. The communication controller may be configured to, if the lead locomotive is a locomotive other than the first locomotive, send the track information to the lead locomotive via the communication link, and if the lead locomotive is the first locomotive, send at least a portion of the track information to the second locomotive via the communication link.
US09049556B1
The communication device comprising a voice communication implementer, an email reception notifying implementer, and an area dependent notice type changing implementer.
US09049550B2
A method in an LCS server of a wireless communication system is provided for positioning of an LCS target. Information is obtained relating to a first predefined geographical area, where it has been determined that a probability that the LCS target is located within the first predefined geographical area is below a threshold. A request is received for a positioning of the LCS target and the obtained information relating to the first predefined geographical area is used for the positioning of the LCS target.
US09049547B2
A computer-implemented method of presenting place-related content on a computing device entails, in response to receiving input identifying a place, obtaining place-related content for the place from a place database that stores place-related data related to each one of a plurality of places and presenting the place-related content from the place database in a consolidated place-specific view. This technology provides a place-centric view that presents a consolidated view of place-related content for a selected place.
US09049545B2
The present disclosure provides a system and method for determining a location of an item using the services of an existing cellular infrastructure. A search request comprising a first item identifier of the item is received by a tracking service server from a user. A second item identifier of the item is retrieved by the tracking service server from a tracking service database. A search signal comprising the second item identifier is transmitted from the tracking service server to at least one mobile service provider system. The search signal is transmitted by the at least one mobile service provider system to a plurality of communicatively coupled transmitting towers which are configured to locate the item by capturing radio frequency signals, comprising the second item identifier, emitted by an identification tag coupled to the item.
US09049544B2
Provided are a method and apparatus for supplying a local service (LS) using a LS information server that is based on a distributed network. The LS may be supplied to the terminal through at least one of an LS information server, a root server, and a neighboring LS information server.
US09049541B2
A method for the automatic management of terminal-dependent information in a wireless communication system including the detection of the unique identity for the terminal that the subscriber is currently using; adaptation of information for the type of terminal detected; and presentation of the adapted information on the said terminal.
US09049540B2
A display device is provided comprising a housing, a communication means within the housing configured to receive content from a local content source device external to the housing and to transmit messages to the local content source device, wherein the content comprises a static screen image, a storage means configured to store the content having been received from the content source device, wherein the storage means stores no more than a single static screen image and a display configured to display the content. A method for use with the display device is further provided.
US09049526B2
The present subject matter relates to a method and apparatus for a compact programming block for a hearing assistance device, such as a hearing aid. In one embodiment, the compact programming block is formed in a programming block module with another component and the programming block module includes a flexible circuit design. The design incorporates a first flexible circuit disposed in a programming module that receives a second flexible circuit connection. The programming block module includes a plurality of contact springs and is shaped to provide a small profile that is integrated with a microphone housing. The integrated microphone and programming block module can be used in a hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the programming block is integrated with a pushbutton, and the integrated pushbutton and programming block can be used in a hearing assistance device.
US09049522B2
A piezoelectric microspeaker and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The piezoelectric microspeaker includes a substrate having a through hole therein; a diaphragm disposed on the substrate and covering the through hole; and a plurality of piezoelectric actuators including a piezoelectric member, a first electrode, and a second electrode, wherein the first and second electrodes are configured to induce an electric field in the piezoelectric member. The piezoelectric actuators include a central actuator, which is disposed on a central portion of the diaphragm and a plurality of edge actuators, which are disposed a predetermined distance apart from the central actuator and are formed on a plurality of edge portions of the diaphragm.
US09049515B2
A wearable wireless communication device is provided, including a behind-the-ear main electronics enclosure housing wireless communication electronics, a main electronics enclosure mount engaging the behind-the-ear main electronics enclosure, an ear mount fitting the main electronics enclosure mount, and a decorative mount including a speaker. The decorative mount attaches to the ear mount which is configured to fit over an ear of a wearer. Signals are transmitted from the main electronics enclosure to the main electronics enclosure mount, to the ear mount, and to the speaker in the decorative mount. Audio from the speaker is provided to the ear of the user. Pierced ear and non-pierced ear versions are provided, wherein the ear mount for the non-pierced ear version includes a clip that clips to the wearer's ear lobe. The pierced ear version includes a conductive post that passes through a piercing in the wearer's ear.
US09049512B1
A headset may comprise at least one ear cup and an ear cup shaper configurable into at least two configurations. When the ear cup shaper is configured in a first of the configurations, the ear cup is shaped to contact the temple of a wearer of the headset. When the adjustable ear cup shaper is configured in a second of the configurations, the ear cup is shaped to accommodate the temple piece of a pair of eyeglasses of a wearer of the headset. The ear cup may comprise a filler material such as foam, and the adjustable ear cup shaper when configured in the second of the configurations may create a depression in the foam. The adjustable ear cup shaper may comprise a strap and/or a plunger.
US09049508B2
An electronic device may be coupled to an accessory such as a pair of earphones. The earphones may have multi-user sensor structures that determine whether or not the earphones are being shared by multiple users. The multi-user sensor structures may include an angle sensor configured to measure an angle at the Y-junction of a cable associated with the pair of headphones. When the first and second speakers are both located in the ears of a single user, the electronic device may perform functions such as playing audio content. When one of the speakers is located in an ear of a first user while the other of the speakers is located in an ear of a second user, the electronic device can automatically take actions such as switching from stereo to mono playback, playing a different type of audio content to each earphone, or other suitable action.
US09049507B2
An efficient electronics package comprising an integrated circuit, a transistor case packaging, a power supply, an actuation segment and a sensor segment, wherein engagement of the integrated circuit causes the actuation segment to be activated. The integrated circuit may be engaged, for example, by a level-hold trigger or the sensor segment.
US09049500B2
Fiber optic terminals, systems, and methods for providing differentiated network services to subscribers of a fiber optic network are disclosed. In certain embodiments, fiber optic terminals and methods are disclosed for providing more than one network service to subscribers supported by the same fiber optic terminal. In one embodiment, a fiber optic terminal is provided comprising a first optical path connected to a first network-side optical fiber providing a first network service to a first subscriber-side optical fiber. The fiber optic terminal also comprises a second optical path connected to a second network-side optical fiber providing a second network service differentiated from the first network service to a second subscriber-side optical fiber. In this manner, differentiated network services can be provided to subscribers supported by the fiber optic terminal by configuring connections of the subscribers to either the first optical path or second optical path in the fiber optic terminal.
US09049489B2
An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.
US09049487B2
A wireless communication device receives a menu selection from a user indicating a user preference to receive video with captions instead of audio. The wireless communication device transfers a message indicating the user preference to a wireless communication network. The wireless communication device receives a content selection for the video content from the user and transfers a content request for the video content to the wireless communication network. The wireless communication network obtains and modifies the video content to replace the audio with the captions and transfers the modified video content to the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device displays the modified video content with the captions and without the audio.
US09049486B2
An information processing apparatus includes: an acquisition target content determination unit that determines an acquisition target content item which is a target acquired by a content acquisition unit among related content items related to a reference content item, on the basis of processing performance of the content acquisition unit which acquires various content items via a communication network and can communicate with a content presentation control unit which performs a control so as to present the reference content item; and an acquisition processing unit that causes the content acquisition unit to acquire the acquisition target content item.
US09049485B1
A system and method for facilitating interactions between a client browser and a video hosting server is provided. An interface can be generated that allows client devices and users to upload videos to the video hosting server. Modules in the video hosting server and/or the client device can process (transcode, compress, tag, and etc.) the videos and then store the videos to a video database. The interface can also enable searching for videos that are stored in the video database through keyword searches. The interface can also display related and/or suggested videos based on the video being displayed and/or contextual information about the user. The interface can be customizable with different views and layouts.
US09049483B2
Systems and methods are operable to enforce parental controls at a mobile media device. An exemplary embodiment establishes a communication link between the mobile media device and a local media device, receives parental control setting information from the local media device at the mobile media device, receives at least one media content event and rating information associated with the received media content event at the mobile media device, compares at the mobile media device the rating information associated with the received at least one media content event with the parental control setting information received from the local media device, and prevents presentation of the at least one media content event by the mobile media device if the rating information associated with the received media content event violates the parental control setting information.
US09049482B2
An interactive learning tool that combines computer-based educational content recordings and video-based educational content recordings.
US09049473B1
A system and method for processing multiple streams over a single playback channel includes a receiving device and a tuner module having a first tuner and a second tuner. The first tuner has a first device node within the receiving device associated therewith. The second tuner has a second device node within the receiving device associated therewith. A multiplexer has a playback device module associated therewith. A tuner driver configures the playback device module for a first multiplexer channel and a second multiplexer channel. The tuner module communicates a first tuner signal and a second tuner signal to the receiving device. The playback device communicates first data signals from the first tuner through the first multiplexer channel to a first destination. The playback device communicates second data signals from the second tuner through the second multiplexer channel to a second destination.
US09049469B2
A method of decrypting an encrypted message. The method comprises storing a wearer decryption code in a memory of a wearable mobile device having a head-worn augmented display which generates an augmented reality view for a wearer of the wearable mobile device, capturing using the wearable mobile device a video sequence including at least one frame imaging a visible code using an image sensor of the wearable mobile device, processing the video sequence to identify the visible code, decrypting the visible code using the wearer decryption code to create an decrypted content, and presenting the decrypted content on top of at least some of the visible code in the augmented reality view.
US09049466B2
A video transmitter identifies regions in pictures in a compressed three-dimensional (3D) video comprising a base view video and an enhancement view video. The identified regions are not referenced by other pictures in the compressed 3D video. The identified regions are watermarked. Pictures such as a high layer picture in the base view video and the enhancement view video are identified for watermarking. The identified regions in the base view and/or enhancement view videos are watermarked and multiplexed into a transport stream for transmission. An intended video receiver extracts the base view video, the enhancement view video and corresponding watermark data from the received transport stream. The corresponding extracted watermark data are synchronized with the extracted base view video and the extracted enhancement view video, respectively, for watermark insertion. The resulting base view and enhancement view videos are decoded into a left view video and a right view video, respectively.
US09049463B2
A method begins by storing, in response to storage requests, a single encoded copy of broadcast data as a plurality of sets of encoded data slices. The broadcast data is encoded in accordance with an error coding dispersal storage function to produce the plurality of sets of encoded data slices. The method continues by receiving a playback requests for the broadcast data. The method continues for each of the plurality of playback requests by retrieving, based on the error coding dispersal storage function, a unique combination of encoded data slices and sending the unique combination of encoded data slices to a requesting entity corresponding to one of the playback requests.
US09049459B2
Systems and methods for a video multi-codec encoder are provided. Video input data including a plurality of video frames is accepted. At least one codec Y subsystem is applied to frame data that includes at least one video frame of the plurality of video frames, where the frame data includes at least an unencoded portion of the plurality of video frames before one or more of the at least one codec Y subsystem is applied. The at least one codec Y subsystem includes at least partial Yi codec functionality. Yi is a codec selected from video codecs ={Y1, . . . , Yn}. At least one codec Z subsystem is applied to the frame data, where the at least one codec Z subsystem includes at least partial Z codec functionality. Video output data is generated including simple Z-encoded video data of the at least one video frame using the frame data.
US09049456B2
An improved system and method for providing improved inter-layer prediction for extended spatial scalability in video coding, as well as improving inter-layer prediction for motion vectors in the case of extended spatial scalability. In various embodiments, for the prediction of macroblock mode, the actual reference frame index and motion vectors from the base layer are used in determining if two blocks should be merged. Additionally, multiple representative pixels in a 4×4 block can be used to represent each 4×4 block in a virtual base layer macroblock. The partition and motion vector information for the relevant block in the virtual base layer macroblock can be derived from all of the partition information and motion vectors of those 4×4 blocks.
US09049453B2
In an encoding process of a moving image, a macro block as a unit of encoding is further divided into a plurality of DCT blocks or integer conversion blocks to detect an edge of each of the DCT blocks or the integer conversion blocks. Quantization control of the macro block is performed according to detected edge information.
US09049452B2
In HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), a 2N×2N coding unit can be partitioned into various partition types hierarchically. The coding system uses a criterion to determine the best partition, where RD-rate is often used as the criterion. N×N partition at level k becomes redundant if 2N×2N at level k+1 will be evaluated. In order to eliminate the above redundancy, the allowable partition sizes are constrained according to a method previously disclosed. In the current invention, the complexity is further reduced. According to one embodiment, N×N partition is not allowed for any INTER mode regardless of the coding unit size. Furthermore, flexibility is provided so that either the method and apparatus with further complexity reduction can be selected or an alternative method and apparatus can be selected. Syntaxes to support embodiments according to the present invention are also disclosed.
US09049444B2
This disclosure describes apparatuses and methods of encoding coefficients associated with a block of video data. In one example, a method may comprise selecting a scan order for the coefficients based on an intra coding mode used to predict the block of video data and a transform block size used in transforming the block of video data, and generating a syntax element to communicate the selected scan order for the block of video data.
US09049443B2
There are provided methods and apparatus for transform selection in video coding. An apparatus includes a video encoder for encoding at least a block in a picture by selecting a transform to apply to a residue of the block from a set of two or more available transforms. The transform is selected based on at least one of an inter prediction mode used to predict at least one reference for the block, one or more values corresponding to a motion vector, a value of a residue of one or more previously encoded blocks, a value of prediction data for the block, one or more transform selections of one or more neighboring reconstructed blocks, and a quantization step applied to transform coefficients for the residue of the block.
US09049441B2
A 3D image display apparatus and a 3D image display method are provided. The 3D image display apparatus generates a 2D image region and a 3D image region, forms shutter patterns for the 3D and 2D image regions, and adjusts a light emitting direction according to the shutter patterns. Accordingly, the 2D and 3D images may be selectively displayed on one screen.
US09049437B2
A solid state illuminator for a stereoscopic display includes a first solid state light source, a wavelength conversion color wheel, an actuator, a multi-band filter, and an optical module. The first solid state light source provides a first light beam with a first wavelength. The wavelength conversion color wheel includes a first transmission segment and a reflection segment. The first light beam passes through the first transmission segment and is converted into a second light beam with a second wavelength, and is reflected by the first reflection segment and is converted into a third light beam with the second wavelength. The multi-band filter transmits a portion of each of the second light beam and the third light beam, and reflects another portion thereof. The wavelength ranges of these two portions are not overlapped. The optical module guides light beams to the multi-band filter.
US09049436B2
A three dimensional image display device includes a liquid crystal display panel assembly which includes a first pixel and a second pixel disposed adjacent to each other in a vertical direction. The first pixel comprises a first subpixel and a second subpixel disposed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction, and the second pixel includes a third subpixel and a fourth subpixel which are disposed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. The first subpixel and the third subpixel, or the second subpixel and the fourth subpixel display black in a three dimensional (3D) display mode and display a normal image in a two dimensional (2D) display mode.
US09049435B2
An image providing apparatus includes: a user location acquisition unit which acquires locations of users; a barrier adjustment unit which adjusts at least one of a space between a display and a barrier screen, a size of a barrier slot, and a left/right movement amount of the barrier slot at least based on a user's location of at least one of the users; an image generation unit which generates an image of which a view point region is adjusted, by the barrier adjustment unit, to the user's location; and an image output unit which outputs the generated image on a display.
US09049431B2
A method and system is disclosed for generating a caption relative to a three-dimensional (3D) image. The caption may be generated such that it appears relative to a screen plane of an output device used to render the 3D image. The caption may be added to left and right viewpoint images included within images used by the output device to render the 3D image as a function of the positioning of the caption relative to the screen plane.
US09049429B2
The present invention relates to a connection problem determination method and a connection problem determination apparatus for an image input device, and the connection problem determination apparatus, for an image input device, which includes: a network connection sensing unit which senses the network connection between a network video record system and a network-connectable image input device which provides a specific image; a timer which generates signals at regular time intervals in accordance with a clock pulse; a time delay measuring unit which measures a time delay on the basis of the signals from the timer if no network connection is sensed; and a connection problem determination unit which determines that there is a connection problem if the time delay is a predetermined threshold value or greater.
US09049420B1
A relative quality score is provided that takes into account properties of an encoded version of a source video. For example, one such quality score calculates a difference of higher and lower quality transcoded versions of the source video, and computes quality metrics for each to evaluate how similar the transcoded versions are to the source video. A relative quality score quantifying the quality improvement of the high-quality version over the low-quality version is computed. The relative quality score is adjusted based on a measurement of the quality of the source video. If the relative quality score for the video indicates a sufficient quality improvement of the high-quality version over the low-quality version, various actions are taken, such as retaining the high-quality version, and making the high-quality version available to users, e.g. via a video viewing user interface.
US09049415B2
A method, digital video recording (DVR) device/system and computer program provide a mechanism for recording video content associated with unpredictable events. A user specifies particular event classifications, keywords, or other control parameters from which the occurrence of an event can be determined, and when such event is detected, the DVR is triggered to record content from a specified channel/location. The events can be detected from feeds such as RSS feeds, websites, video content scans or other mechanisms. The event detection may be provided by a remote service that is accessible for user-configuration via a network, or the event detection may be performed in a DVR device or local computer system.
US09049414B2
Provided are an image recording and playing method including generating a play list including 3D information and recording the generated play list to a recording medium.
US09049407B2
Systems and techniques can be used to correct color of an image by expanding red, green, blue (RGB) values at each pixel of the image using a base of order-root functions f(R,G,B). In one aspect, a method includes receiving an image, where a plurality of pixels of the received image have input RGB values that depend on a sensor used to acquire the image; expanding, by an image processor, the input RGB values of the plurality of pixels using a nonlinear base, such that each term of the nonlinear base scales linearly with exposure or brightness of the image; and adjusting, by the image processor, the image by transforming the expanded input RGB values of the image to output RGB values that are independent of the sensor used to acquire the image and scale linearly with the exposure or illumination of the image.
US09049406B2
Audio and video signals are synchronized for pleasing presentation of content. As content is streamed to a device, an audio portion may lag or lead a video portion. Spoken words, for example, are out of synch with the lip movements. Video time stamps are synchronized to audio time stamps to ensure streaming content is pleasing.
US09049397B2
A face detection processing unit performs a face detection process by rotating an image in increments of a predetermined angle and acquires a rotation angle at which a face is detected. An angle correction unit acquires an angle between the face and a shoulder by pattern matching and corrects the rotation angle of the image. A human-image orientation identification unit identifies a correct orientation of a human image based on the rotation angle. An image-characteristic analysis unit analyzes a frequency distribution and a brightness distribution of a non-human image. A non-human image orientation identification unit identifies the correct orientation of a non-human image based on distribution characteristics of a frequency of brightness with respect to an axis in a predetermined direction. An image-data updating unit incorporates information regarding the correct orientation in the image data.
US09049395B2
A processing circuit for an X-ray sensor for collecting at least a first pixel information of a first pixel and a second pixel information of a second pixel is provided. The processing circuit comprises an amplifier (112), a feedback loop (113) and a first collecting device (111). It is provided a compensation for a non-linearity in the pixels or in the pixel circuits (100, 200) by applying an inverse non-linearity (125) in the periphery of the X-ray sensor. A processing circuit (110) may provide a copy of a pixel voltage and/or of a pixel charge. In the case of pixel charge a non-linear characteristic of a pixel capacitance may be compensated.
US09049392B2
A solid-state imaging device includes a layout in which one sharing unit includes an array of photodiodes of 2 pixels by 4×n pixels (where, n is a positive integer), respectively, in horizontal and vertical directions.
US09049387B2
A method of generating view-dependent compensated images is disclosed. A uniform image is projected on a reflective screen, resulting in a first captured image. The distribution of specular highlight is predicted according to the first captured image, thereby obtaining model parameters. Calibration images are estimated according to the model parameters and a viewing angle, and a compensated image is generated according to the calibration images at the viewing angle.
US09049384B2
A video processing apparatus analyzes an input video input from a video input unit, detects a plurality of moving bodies included in the input video, determines a main moving body and a sub moving body, and determines a sub picture position for superimposing and displaying a sub video in a main video in a picture-in-picture form. This video processing apparatus performs cut-out processing on the main video and the sub video from the input video, and synthesizes the cut-out main video and sub video to generate a picture-in-picture synthesized video in which the sub video is superimposed at the sub picture position of the main video in the picture-in-picture form. The picture-in-picture synthesized video is output in one stream.
US09049380B2
An image capture apparatus generating an image, a dynamic range of which is expanded by composing two images having different exposure amounts, includes an imaging unit which continuously outputs images captured to have two different exposure amounts. A system control unit of the image capture apparatus stores in a memory an image of the first frame of two frames to be composed, which are continuously output from the imaging unit, and composes an image of the second frame output from the imaging unit and the image held in the memory so as to expand a dynamic range. The system control unit generates tone compression characteristics based on the image held in the memory and an image obtained by reducing a resolution of the held image, and compresses tones of the composed image using the generated tone compression characteristics.
US09049375B2
An optical unit may include a fixed body; a movable module which holds an optical element; a swing support point which swingably supports the movable module; a shake correction drive mechanism which swings the movable module with the swing support point as a swing center around two axial lines intersecting an optical axis direction of the optical element between an outer peripheral face of the movable module and the fixed body; a first photo reflector provided between a bottom part of the movable module and the fixed body at a position superposing on one of the two axial lines and that detects displacement of the movable module; and a second photo reflector provided between the bottom part of the movable module and the fixed body at a position superposing on the other of the two axial lines and that detects displacement of the movable module.
US09049372B2
Determination is made whether or not a cross point coordinate of a zoom value and a degree of luminance belongs to the continuous imaging area of a two-dimensional coordinate plane. When the cross point coordinate is in a single imaging area, since the provability of shake occurrence is low, a first imaging processing is operated. In contrast, when the cross point coordinate is in the continuous imaging area, a shake correction flag representing the execution of the shake correction is set. A multiplane addition composition imaging is not performed uselessly under an imaging condition where the provability of shake occurrence is low. As a result, since the multiplane addition composition imaging is not performed without inevitability, it is possible to avoid a disadvantage that a useless addition processing is executed to thereby generate noise in a shot image stored in an image memory medium.
US09049367B2
Systems and methods for synthesizing higher resolution images using images captured by camera arrays
A camera array, an imaging device and/or a method for capturing image that employ a plurality of imagers fabricated on a substrate is provided. Each imager includes a plurality of pixels. The plurality of imagers include a first imager having a first imaging characteristics and a second imager having a second imaging characteristics. The images generated by the plurality of imagers are processed to obtain an enhanced image compared to images captured by the imagers. Each imager may be associated with an optical element fabricated using a wafer level optics (WLO) technology.
US09049365B2
The image capturing apparatus (10) includes an image sensor 16 photoelectrically converting an object image formed by an image taking optical system (62), first and second photoelectric conversion elements provided in the image sensor or a focus detection element and photoelectrically converting paired focus detecting images formed by light fluxes passing through pupil areas of the image taking optical system, a filter processor (20) performing an image signal restoration process using a filter on first and second image signals obtained from the first and second photoelectric conversion elements, and a focus detector (20, 40) detecting a focus state based on a phase difference between the first and second image signals after the image signal restoration process. The filter processor calculates a contrast direction in which the object image has contrast, by using an output from the image sensor, and changes the filter depending on the contrast direction.
US09049364B2
By determining using a linear adjustment, a directional adjustment, or a focus scan adjustment on a movable lens unit according to which range region the sharpness of a digital image or a region of interest of the digital image falls in, best focus control performance may be simply and rapidly fulfilled.
US09049359B2
A camera body, to which a lens unit configured to form an optical image of a subject is attachable, comprises a body mount to which the lens unit is attachable, an imaging element configured to convert the optical image of the subject into an electrical signal, and a shutter unit. The shutter unit is disposed between the body mount and the imaging element and provided so that an optical path can be blocked between the lens unit and the imaging element. The shutter unit is configured to be in an open state while the lens unit is removed from the body mount.
US09049356B2
The image processing apparatus includes an image inputting part configured to acquire a captured image produced by an image pickup system including an optical system and an image sensor, a filter producing part configured to produce an image restoration filter, and a restoration processing part configured to perform an image restoration process on the captured image by using the image restoration filter to produce a restored image. The filter producing part is configured to set amplification factors for respective frequency components in the image restoration filter according to a frequency characteristic of an alias signal that may be generated in the image sensor.
US09049352B2
Cameras can be used to detect if unauthorized visitors enter pool areas. Cameras can send alerts to remote computing devices regarding unauthorized pool entry. Several embodiments include using a camera to take an image of a pool area, sending the image from the camera to a remote computing device, displaying the image on the remote computing device, and using the remote computing device to select a detection zone. Some embodiments include ignoring certain portions of the camera's field of view in response to detection zone selections.
US09049351B2
A method is provided for manufacturing a remote video inspection device. The method includes: applying an insulating coating to an exterior surface of a conduit; forming an imager housing on one end of the conduit using an overmolding process, the imager housing having a cavity configured to receive a circuit board assembly having an imaging device disposed thereon; feeding wires through the conduit and electrically coupling the wires to the circuit board assembly; inserting the circuit board assembly into the cavity of the imager housing; affixing a cap over the cavity of the imager housing; sliding an insulating finger guard over an opposing end of the conduit; affixing the finger guard along the conduit at a location proximate to the opposing end of the cable, such that the finger guard extends radially outward from the cable; and attaching a connector to the opposing end of the conduit. In this way, the remote inspection device has been designed to meet certain electrical safety standards.
US09049349B2
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving a video frame from an encoder associated with a first camera that is coupled to a network; appending the video frame to a data block; associating a parity block to the video frame; evaluating whether the data block is full; and communicating the data block to a second camera in the network. In other embodiments, the method can include receiving additional video frames from the encoder; appending the additional video frames to a plurality of data blocks; and aligning particular sizes of the plurality of data blocks to a plurality of corresponding disk write sizes.
US09049329B2
A small, compact multifunction printing device provides excellent ease of use with little possibility of slips and continuous paper jamming inside. The multifunction printer has a check processing unit and a continuous paper processing unit. The check processing unit has a U-shaped check conveyance path that opens to the front of the printer and enables handling slips to be processed and the processed slips from the front of the printer. A continuous paper conveyance path that conveys continuous paper fed from a paper roll in the roll paper compartment from the back to the front of the printer is formed on the inside of the check conveyance path, enabling replacing roll paper and removing processed continuous paper from the front. The conveyance paths are independent of each other, the printing positions thereof are separated, and conveyed slips and continuous paper will not interfere with each other.
US09049328B2
A CPU checks a detecting state of a document set sensor at a point when the trailing end of a document sheet is assumed to pass through a separating position at which the document sheet is separated by a separation roller, based on a document length determined based on a detecting output from an abutting sensor. If the document set sensor does not detect a document sheet, the CPU determines that the next document sheet is not present. If the document set sensor detects a document sheet, the CPU checks a detecting state of the document presence detecting sensor. If the document presence detecting sensor detects a document sheet, the CPU determines that the next document sheet is present.
US09049319B2
A wireless mode between a scanner and an image communication apparatus is changed, in response to completion of image transmission from the scanner to the image communication apparatus, completion of print of the image sent from the scanner to the image communication apparatus, completion of transmission via a communication line connected to the image communication apparatus of the image sent from the scanner to the image communication apparatus, instructions to stop print of the image sent from the scanner to the image communication apparatus, instructions to stop transmission via the communication line connected to the image communication apparatus of the image sent from the scanner to the image communication apparatus, and states of the scanner and the image communication apparatus at a predetermined time and so on. For example, a low power consumption mode and communication mode of Bluetooth communication are switched to each other.
US09049312B2
The presently disclosed embodiment provides an interactive tool for printed image artifact characterization that successfully combines the advantages from both a human visual system and automated image quality characterization. In the interactive tool provided, the user may specify coarse level information, such as the region of interest in a print image, to be examined by the automated image-quality characterization algorithm, which can then employ sophisticated algorithms, e.g. signal processing, feature extraction, estimation and classification, to find precise fine-level descriptors.
US09049311B2
An application may provide a communication session platform for a first participant to communicate to a second recipient in a service provider capacity. For instance a doctor, lawyer or other service provider may initiate a call application on a their user device and the device may transmit a communication session request to another user device of a patient or client, via the call application. The application may also provide transmitting a consent request to the client user device requesting consent to a term described by a pre-recorded content segment and receiving a confirmation message from the client user device agreeing to the consent request, and bridging the communication session between the client user device and the service provide user device.
US09049310B2
A method for the communication of data with respect to at least two telephony user devices in a data communications network comprises determining call party details for a telephone call. The telephone call involves at least a first device and a second device. The call party details include first and second identities associated with the first and second devices respectively. A separate communications session is established on the basis of the first and second identities. The communications session is separate from the telephone call and is for the communication of data to and/or from the at least two devices. An alert activation request for an alert mechanism associated with the at least one of the at least two devices is transmitted via the communications session. The alert activation request is capable of causing the at least one of the at least two devices to activate the alert mechanism.
US09049304B2
Each of the cellular phones includes a specification information storage unit for specifying the cellular phone itself, an image information storage unit that stores image information, an operation information creation unit that creates operation information for operating a display image, and a transmission unit that transmits, to the communication terminal, a communication signal including the specification information, the image information and the operation information. The communication terminal includes a reception unit that receives the communication signal from each of the cellular phones, a display information storage unit that stores, as display information, the image information included in the received communication signal, a display unit, and a display control unit for reading out display information of the cellular phone, from the display information storage unit, and for displaying the display information as an image on the display unit, and for controlling the display image displayed on the display unit based on the operation information.
US09049301B2
Provided is a method of removing an earphone noise of a portable terminal includes: recognizing a connection of an earphone through an interface unit; applying power to a mike bias port in case the earphone is recognized; sensing a signal which indicating a detachment of the earphone from the interface unit during applying power to the mike bias port; and discharging the power of the mike bias port when the detachment occurs.
US09049293B2
A method, system, and computer program for routing an incoming voice call in real time is presented. A call is received from a caller to an intended receiving wireless telecommunication device. In response to the call failing to connect to the intended receiving wireless telecommunication device, a short range wireless query signal is transmitted to determine if an other wireless communication device is within a predefined proximity to the intended receiving wireless telecommunication device. If the intended receiving wireless telecommunication device receives a response from the other wireless telecommunication device indicating that the other wireless telecommunication device is within the predefined proximity to the intended receiving wireless telecommunication device, then the call is rerouted to the other wireless telecommunication device.
US09049292B2
In an embodiment, a mobile device that is configured to receive calls on a first telephone network via a first telephone number is configured to receive calls on a second telephone network via a second telephone number. A subscriber interface module (SIM) is installed into the mobile device enabling the mobile device to communicate with the second telephone network. A username, password, and telephone number for the second network are obtained. The mobile device registers the username, password, telephone number for the first network and telephone number for the second network with the first telephone network. A telephone call is received from the first telephone network and a personal identification code is employed to verify the registration.
US09049286B2
A user provides at least one electronic contact address, such as a telephone number, during a registration process. The user is verified by establishing a connection with the user via the electronic contact address. Notification events are established, and the electronic contact address re-verified with the user via the electronic contact address when the notification event occurs. A re-verification code is conveyed to the user, which is returned by the user via an on-line form or telephone entry.
US09049284B2
An electronic device includes a case, a multi-directional input unit having an annular base and a flange that extends from an outer circumferential surface of the annular base and fits part of the case, the flange guiding light emitted from a light source and radiating the light; and a cover having a through-hole through which part of the multi-directional input unit passes, the cover abutting the flange and being secured to the case.
US09049274B2
A computer system for connecting a user to a scheduled call, including a processor in communication with non-volatile memory and code for receiving a user phone number where the user may be contacted and information allowing access to the user's calendar or email, code for accessing the user's calendar or email and identifying the scheduled call in the user's calendar or email, the scheduled call having information including at least a scheduled call number and a scheduled call time, code for placing a call to the scheduled call number before the scheduled call time, code for placing a call to the user at the user phone number before the scheduled call time, code for confirming the user has answered the call to the user, and code for connecting the call to the user to the call to the scheduled call number.
US09049271B1
A method for managing media communications. In one embodiment, the method comprises establishing a session to a computer over a network and through a switch; generating first and second frames of an image stream; identifying updated regions of the first and the second frames, wherein the updated region of the first frame has a first size and the updated region of the second frame has a second size different from the first size; compressing, based on a value from a congestion manager, the updated regions of the first and the second frames to generate a first and a second encoding, respectively; transmitting the first encoding over the session at a first rate determined from the first size and the value; and transmitting the second encoding over the session at a second rate determined from the second size and the value, wherein the second rate is different from the first rate.
US09049266B2
In one embodiment, a network server layer provides disjoint channels in response to client-layer disjoint path requests. For example, the network layer can be an optical network, and the client layer may be a packet switching layer (e.g., label switching, Internet Protocol). In one embodiment, a server-layer node receives a client-layer disjoint path request to provide a server-layer channel through a server-layer network. The client-layer disjoint path request includes an identifier corresponding to an existing client-layer path that traverses a current channel through the server-layer network that does not include the server-layer node. The server-layer network determines a particular channel through the server-layer network that is disjoint to the current channel based on route information of the current channel, and then signaling is performed within the server-layer network to establish the particular channel.
US09049263B2
A PT (Push-To) service among SIP based session services, and particularly, a method and terminal for establishing a PT session in order to allow a certain user to use a PT box service under control of a PT server in a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) based service, are discussed. According to an embodiment, the method of providing a Push-To (PT) box service, includes storing, in a PT server, PT box setting information of a terminal; receiving, by the PT server, a session invitation directed to the terminal; and determining, by the PT server, a routing of the session invitation to a PT box for the terminal based on at least the PT box setting information.
US09049259B2
The method of presenting and accessing visual, video, stream media or multimedia actions and activities feeds is described. A method includes monitoring, tracking, capturing & recording each user's sequences of a plurality of actions and activities with associate data and metadata from one or more sources based on one or more preferences, privacy settings and filtering of action or activity types, storing and processing each user's said plurality of actions and activities in a database in image frame(s), video, streaming media or multimedia data format with contextual, relevant and location & position specific one or more actions or activities items & associate data and metadata, generating visual, video, stream media or multimedia actions and activities feeds for one or more actions or activities for one or more determined receiving users based on one or more filters, preferences and privacy settings of sender(s) and/or receiver(s), dynamically presenting said visual or video actions and activities feeds from one or more sources or senders to one or more determined receiving or viewing users based on one or more filters, preferences and privacy settings of sender(s) and/or receiver(s), allowing viewing user to select, search, match, load, download, edit, filter, access, process and play, forward, backward, pause, stop said visual or video actions and activities feeds based on one or more preferences and settings, dynamically presenting current image frame(s), video, stream or multimedia data position specific or action or activity item(s) video clip specific one or more contextual, associate and relevant action or activity item(s) with associate data and metadata and allowing user to dynamically access said one or more presented dynamic, contextual, associate and relevant action or activity item(s) and associate data and metadata.
US09049250B2
A system and method are directed towards providing non-requested content to a mobile terminal based on characteristics of, and tracked usage of the mobile terminal to request content through an online portal service, which provides access to content in multiple subject areas. A mobile user profile is created from the characteristics and patterns of the tracked usage. The tracked usage information includes the time, location, frequency at which the content was requested. Based on the mobile user profile information, content related to previously requested content is provided to the mobile terminal upon a trigger that is related to the requested content. The trigger event may include the mobile terminal returning to a location from which certain content was previously requested. The non-requested content may further be based on a related general user profile that indicates usage of an alternate electronic device to access content through the portal.
US09049243B2
The present invention is directed to a system and method which allows for the seamless integration of the sending mechanism with the media acquiring mechanism of a portable device. In this manner the end-user has instant access to media sharing with complete control over how the media is shared. This integration is accomplished by presenting to the user a series of screens that are available directly from the media creation applications (e.g. cameras or audio recorders) and media viewing applications (e.g. photo galleries or screen savers) on the device. When a photo (or other media) is captured or viewed, a series of pre-established processing options, including on-device uses for the media, internet services and accounts, email addresses and/or phone numbers to which the media can be sent are presented to the user. Some options require no further user interaction. Defaults are also available which require no user interaction at all, combining together the manual selection of certain processing options or destinations with the automatic selection of other processing options or destinations. Thus, the sending process becomes essentially a selection process allowing the user to override defaults by either selecting from choices tailored to the user including already known address information of potential recipients or to allow the media to be automatically sent to a previously identified location according to the current “default” user preferences. In the situation where a new address or phone number is desired, the user can add such information in a simple and straight-forward manner.
US09049242B2
An atomic write descriptor associated with stripe buffer list metadata.
US09049241B2
A system discovers peer nodes in a failover system, establishes a secure channel between at least two of the peer nodes, and exchanges state information over the secure channel.
US09049232B2
Methods and apparatus for a configurable-quality random data service are disclosed. A method includes implementing programmatic interfaces enabling a determination of respective characteristics of random data to be delivered to one or more clients of a random data service of a provider network. The method includes implementing security protocols for transmission of random data to the clients, including a protocol for transmission of random data to trusted clients at devices within the provider network. The method further includes obtaining, on behalf of a particular client and in accordance with the determined characteristics, random data from one or more servers of the provider network, and initiating a transmission of the random data directed to a destination associated with the particular client.
US09049229B2
Methods and systems analyze historical NXD traffic to predict future DNS traffic. In one embodiment, a system may count NXD responses generated by an Authoritative DNS server during a particular time period and calculate the variance in NXD traffic for domains over time. The system may then generate a coefficient of variance (CoV) value for each domain observed. Finally, the system may predict positive domain traffic based upon the calculated CoV data. In other embodiments, the system may also base the prediction on the classification of domains as “original” domains or “re-registered” domains. In another embodiment, the system may also base the prediction on the “size” of name servers. Additionally, or alternatively, the system may determine the number of unique name servers for a domain and base the prediction on the number of unique name servers for a particular domain name.
US09049224B2
A system and method for identifying anomalies in information requests. The information requests are modeled into a plurality of basic elements and association among the basic elements are tracked. The association of one information request is compared with a plurality of bitmap tables and counters representing a baseline information from a historical behavior information. If the association of this information request differs from the baseline information, an alert is issued. The system responds dynamically to changing baselines in assessment of which behaviors constitute an anomaly.
US09049223B2
A user system includes terminal equipment configured to receive and send data through a communication network; a terminal security support system removably insertable in, and configured to cooperate with, the terminal equipment; and a trusted user platform for the terminal equipment. The trusted user platform includes an information protection system configured to implement security functionalities, configuration instances for the information protection system, and a trusted communication agent configured to provide a safe communication between the terminal security support system and a remote management centre through the terminal equipment to allow the information protection system to be remotely configured from the remote management centre. The terminal security support system includes an integrated circuit card and/or a memory card which wholly supports the trusted user platform, and the terminal equipment is configured to send data to be subjected to security control to, and to receive security-controlled data from, the trusted user platform.
US09049221B1
Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for detecting suspicious web traffic are provided herein. A method includes generating a database comprising information corresponding to each of multiple connections between one or more destinations external to an enterprise network and one or more hosts within the enterprise network, wherein said multiple connections occur over a given period of time; processing multiple additional connections between one or more destinations external to the enterprise network and one or more hosts within the enterprise network with one or more filtering operations to produce one or more filtered connections, wherein said multiple additional connections occur subsequent to said given period of time; and analyzing said filtered connections against the database to identify a connection to a destination external to the enterprise network that is not included in the information in the database.
US09049219B2
A method is disclosed for specifying a transmission channel within a multichannel communication system for a slave of the communication system, as well as to a device of a multichannel communication system. In at least one embodiment of the method, wherein a master can communicate with a safe slave and with a normal slave within the communication system, the transmission channel of a slave of the communication system is specified explicitly as a function of the slave type of the slave.
US09049217B2
A technique is disclosed for providing high availability (HA) capability with a plurality of storage servers, which may be virtual storage servers (VSSs), in a shared-nothing storage environment. The technique uses a proxy mechanism to route requests originating at one storage server to an HA partner storage server, where the proxy is implemented inside a VSS logically below the RAID layer. The technique also involves distributing non-shared storage devices “owned” by a storage server so that existing storage device-based heartbeat and fencing mechanisms can function unmodified for HA VSSs in shared-nothing environments. For example, a third, external host can be used to provide and export its non-shared storage to first and second storage servers, where the first and second storage servers do not own the non-shared storage on their local physical host machine.
US09049211B1
Methods and apparatus for performing a user challenge are disclosed. An example computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a server, a request, including a set of login credentials, to access an online service of the server and verifying the received credentials. In the event the login credentials are invalid, the request is denied, and, in the event the login credentials are valid, a challenge is provided to a user that provided the login credentials. The challenge includes: requesting that the user identify a geographic location of a previous successful login; receiving a response to the challenge, the response including a user provided geographic location; and determining if the challenge is satisfied by determining if the provided location is within a threshold distance of a previous login location associated with the user credentials. If the challenge is satisfied, the request is granted. If the challenge is not satisfied, the request is denied.
US09049209B2
Methods and apparatus to route a communication session in an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network are disclosed. An example method comprises determining at a tElephone NUMber mapping (ENUM) query server if a called destination associated with an ENUM query request message is subject to re-direction, and determining at the ENUM server a final destination for the called destination when the destination is subject to redirection, the final destination being different from the called destination.
US09049205B2
A broadcast routing system with dynamic end node response capability includes a first node for creating a request for broadcasting, a broadcasting application running on, or available to the first node for broadcasting the request, one or more destination nodes enabled to monitor a broadcasting channel or channels and to receive the request, and a software routine running on or available to each of the one or more destination nodes for determining which, if any, of more than one destination node may service the request.
US09049197B2
A system and method for handling call recording failures for a contact center. A processor receives information on a first media controller currently assigned to a telephony call. The first media controller bridges a first media path between the first and second communication devices and records, into a storage device, media exchanged in the first media path during the telephony call. The processor detects failure of the first media controller during the telephony call, where the failure of the first media controller tears down the first media path. In response to detecting the failure, the processor bridges a second media path between the first and second communication devices until a second media controller is identified. In response to the second media controller being identified, the second media controller is signaled to bridge and record media exchanged during the telephony call.
US09049169B1
Email synchronization between a mobile device and a messaging server may be performed through a mobile email protection system. The mobile email protection system may parse network traffic for the email synchronization to retrieve an email element of an email. The mobile email protection system may scan the email element for protected content indicated in preconfigured compliance templates. The mobile email protection system may also scan the email element for prohibited content to prevent the prohibited content from being received by the messaging server.
US09049168B2
In a computer-implemented method of generating event notifications, in-home data is received. The in-home data and environment data (e.g., weather, law enforcement, etc.) is generated by, or based on information generated by, a device located at a residence of an individual, and is analyzed to determine whether it is indicative of an event that should be reported to one or more neighboring residences and/or businesses. If the data is indicative of such an event, a notification is generated and transmitted to the relevant residences and/or businesses.
US09049166B2
An integrated system for messaging content delivery for use in a wireless network that incorporates a messaging application broker that interfaces with messaging applications; management applications, a plurality of user devices, and external networks. The interfaces use the appropriate protocols to interact with the messaging applications, management applications, user devices and external networks.
US09049162B2
Disclosed are systems and methods for providing message compression instructions by communicating with a plurality of sender machines and a plurality of receiver machines and monitoring one or more messages from the plurality of sender machines. The disclosed systems and methods may also identify a part of the one or more messages that is frequently included in a plurality of the messages sent by the plurality of sender machines, dynamically determine compression instructions to compress this part of the message, and provide the compression instructions to at least one of the plurality of sender machines, such that the compression instructions reduce size of the messages having the part of the message associated with the compression instructions.
US09049158B2
Communication session admission control systems and methods are disclosed. A state of a communication system is monitored, and admission of a communication session into the communication system is controlled based on a random admission control procedure and a current state of the communication system. Monitoring of the current state of equipment in the communication system, connections in the communication system, communication sessions in progress in the communication system, special monitoring sessions established in the communication system, and/or an overall state of the communication system can have several benefits. These benefits may include improving utilization of resources in the system, and providing a session admission control scheme that is capable of reacting to actual observed conditions and adapting to changing system topologies following a fault, for instance. Random admission control further avoids all or nothing session blocking, which can have the undesirable effect of prompting a high number of session retries.
US09049156B2
A wireless network includes a base station which can serve terminals directly, or via multi-hop transmission paths via relay stations. The base station transmits a downlink sub-frame which includes a first set of frame control information and a second set of frame control information. The second set of frame control information occupies a different position within the downlink sub-frame compared to the first set of frame control information. A relay station is able to transmit a downlink sub-frame to a terminal, or another relay station, while still being able to receive a set of frame control at a different time during the downlink sub-frame. The invention is especially useful in a wireless network in which the downlink transmissions of a base station and a relay station are synchronized to one another and where the downlink transmissions of a base station and relay station occupy the same, or similar, frequency bearer.
US09049146B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for designing a test network in an integrated application, and configuring remote network devices through a network design application to test a network design. One embodiment of the present claimed subject matter is provided as a system for automatically configuring remote network devices to simulate a network connection. The system includes a plurality of computing devices which are physically coupled to one or more network devices, wherein the network devices are automatically configured to comprise a test network corresponding to a remote test network topology design.
US09049127B2
The methods and devices discussed herein provide service clustering within a TRILL network without relying on an additional service insertion framework. A TRILL network can include one or more flow distribution RBridges for distributing flows to service nodes. Each flow distribution RBridge can have a virtual base identifier and one or more virtual cluster identifiers. An example method can include maintaining N service cluster load balancing structures and receiving a packet that is encapsulated with an inner header (source/destination addresses) and an outer header (ingress/egress RBridge identifiers). The method can include determining whether the egress RBridge identifier is a virtual cluster identifier, and if so, applying a hash function to a predetermined flow tuple and selecting a service node associated with the hash value from one of the N service cluster load balancing structures. The method can include forwarding the packet to the selected service node.
US09049125B2
An enhanced general input/output communication architecture, protocol and related methods are presented.
US09049123B2
A system, method and computer program product for determining policy follow-up action based on user-specified codes are set forth. When determining policy follow up action based upon user specified codes, a policy system receives function templates for permissible actions on a given resource type; each function template is annotated with indications of success and failure; the policy system performs an action on the resource; the policy system receives a status indication (or exception); the status indication is compared against the annotated function template; and, the policy system determines its next action based on that comparison.
US09049118B2
A first sensor transmits one or more probes to a host device identified on a network, each probe used to obtain information regarding the host and the plurality of probes are prioritized according to probe type. A set of replies to the plurality of probes are received and it is determined that a first of the plurality of probes is the highest priority probe for which a reply from the host device was received. A second probe transmitted by a second sensor is identified as the highest priority probe for which a reply from the host device was received by the second sensor, where the first sensor is designated as a primary sensor and the second sensor is designated as a secondary sensor. Respective priorities of the probe types of the first and second probes are compared to determine whether to perform a probe handover to the second sensor.
US09049114B2
A network access device (NAD) is configured to automatically establish a connection to a WAN. The NAD tests IP configurations according to a first priority scheme at least until a currently best scoring one of the IP configurations is selected for use to communicate over the WAN. The testing of the IP configurations includes transmitting requests according to a first priority scheme and tracking any replies reflecting which IP configurations are valid. The first priority scheme is for selecting among IP configurations for testing and prioritizing a first type of IP configuration over a dynamically determined type of IP configuration. Which IP configurations of the dynamically determined type that are to be tested are determined by attempting to obtain DHCP leases using different VLAN IDs according to a second priority scheme of VLAN IDs to include in DHCP requests.
US09049113B1
Method and systems for a network device are provided. The method includes receiving configuration data having a primitive sequence comprising a first primitive and a second primitive at a first clock rate at a port of the network device; writing the configuration data into a smoothing module of the port at the first clock rate; reading the configuration data out of the smoothing module at a second clock rate; allowing a primitive to be inserted or deleted in the smoothing module to prevent smoothing module underflows or overflow; regenerating the primitive sequence at the second clock rate; and transmitting the regenerated primitive sequence to the destination port.
US09049109B1
A method and apparatus for a connection manager have been disclosed. By providing for persistent connections with clients, the connection manager allows for servers to communicate with clients, which would otherwise be inaccessible.
US09049106B2
Providing gateway redundancy is disclosed. On each of a master and a standby gateway a single IP routing redundancy protocol instance is associated with a plurality of subscriber subnets. On each gateway, the respective single IP routing redundancy protocol instance is used to provide gateway redundancy for the plurality of subscriber subnets.
US09049102B1
Disclosed are various embodiments of a system. In one embodiment, among others, a method comprises intercepting a communication between a first party and a second party in a communication forum. The communication includes first party proxy information as an intended recipient information. The method further comprises accessing a communication pair using the intended recipient information. The intended recipient information is associated with second party proxy information. The second party proxy information is associated with second party information. Additionally, the method comprises determining whether the identity of the sender is valid.
US09049092B2
A data transmission system for a display device, which is an mBnB encoding system encoding a signal of m (m is a natural number) bits into a signal of n (n is a natural number and n>m) bits on the basis of a certain translation table to be transmitted thereafter, the system including: an output driver of outputting a gray scale voltage in accordance with the data decoded at a receiver side, in which in the translation table, a bit pattern with a larger data change index from among 2n pieces of bit patterns of the n bits of the data is assigned to a bit pattern with a larger amplitude of the gray scale voltage from among 2m pieces of bit patterns of the m bits of the data.
US09049088B2
An offset estimation apparatus for a multi-carrier communication system is provided. The offset estimation apparatus includes an FFT unit configured to transform a reception signal and to generate multiple symbols, a conjugate multiplier configured to receive and conjugate multiply two consecutive symbols corresponding to predetermined subcarrier indices to generate multiple correlating complex numbers, a powering unit configured to raise the correlating complex numbers by a received exponent to generate multiple powered correlating complex numbers, and a calculation unit configured to estimate a frequency offset according to the powered correlating complex numbers.
US09049074B2
An email client method and server that allow a conference organizer to schedule a conference (e.g., conference call) using a calendar feature found in today's email applications. When the email client is installed to work with the user's email application, an option becomes available to allow access to a conferencing scheduling feature. The server is adapted to receive an incoming conference request via a data message (e.g., email message) and coordinate acceptances to the request. At the time of the conference, the server retrieves a list of conference participants/attendees and their contact information. The server determines whether or not each participant/attendee is a server participant. If the participant/attendee is a server participant, the server will initiate the conference by calling the multiple contact numbers associated with the participant/attendee. Otherwise, the server will call one contact number associated with the participant/attendee.
US09049073B2
Systems and methods for allocating media assets to a plurality of transport streams in a mixed service system to allow simultaneous receipt of at least two media assets using a single stream selector are provided. The mix-service content delivery system comprises a content delivery server comprising control circuitry. At a first time, the first instance of the at least two media assets may be allocated to different transport streams. A user request to simultaneously receive the at least two media assets may be received. A viewing history based on the user request may be generated during a predetermined time period. At a second time after the first time, the control circuitry may allocate a second instance of the at least two media assets to a same transport stream of the plurality of transport streams. The allocations may be determined based on the generated viewing history.
US09049066B2
A method and apparatus for communication in a system employing differing transmission protocols. It is determined whether a first time slot of one transmission protocol is adjacent to a second time slot of another transmission protocol, and if a first symbol within the first time slot is adjacent to a second symbol of the second time slot. A pilot power and/or a number of pilot sub-carriers or tones of the first symbol is increased and channel estimation is performed on the first symbol.
US09049058B2
A communication device is configured to perform symbol mapping of bits to generate modulation symbols using one or more modulations. The device may employ a blended modulation composed of bit labels or symbols having different numbers of bits per symbol and different modulations. For example, the device may symbol map bit labels/symbols having first number of bits per symbol to first modulation, and the device may symbol map labels/symbols having second number of bits per symbol to second modulation. The device may be configured to perform forward error correction (FEC) or error correction code (ECC) and coding of information bits to generate coded bits that subsequently undergo symbol mapping. The device may be configured to operate based on different operational modes based on substantially uniform steps of rates, or bits per symbol, and energy per bit or symbol to noise spectral density ratio (Eb/N0 or Es/N0).
US09049040B2
A controller device (209) is enabled to provide a virtual user interface of an electrical device (201) to be remotely used and to generate control messages (241) for controlling the electrical device by providing the controller device with a proxy (211) of the electrical device. The proxy is a movable software package which can be used for representing the electrical device in the controller device. The proxy can be configured to have a limited time-to-live in the controller device and/or a surrounding system may have been arranged to send to the controller device a proxy removal message when the corresponding electrical device is leaving the system or a data transfer connection to it has otherwise been lost. Therefore, a sufficiently up-to-date awareness of the electrical devices and a capability of remotely using them can be maintained in the controller device.
US09049037B2
A system and method for collecting signals includes an IP network, a remote facility and a local collection facility in communication with the local collection facility through the IP network. The local collection facility receives channel signals, encoding the channel signals into respective IP signals, communicating the respective IP signals through an IP network to the remote facility. The remote facility controls an antenna switch at the local collection facility to communicate a first channel signal of the channel signals to a monitoring receiver circuit module. The local collection facility generates a monitoring signal at the monitoring receiver circuit module and communicates the monitoring signal through to a remote facility through the IP network.
US09049030B1
In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a core network node configured to associate with a native multicast group a first client device that is associated with a first virtual local area network (VLAN) and operatively coupled to the core network node via a first access network node and an aggregation network node. The core network node can associate with the native multicast group a second client device that is associated with a second VLAN and operatively coupled to the core network node via a second access network node and the aggregation network node. The core network node can define a multicast VLAN including the first VLAN and the second VLAN based on the native multicast group. The core network node can receive a multicast data unit associated with the native multicast group and can also define a single instance of the multicast data unit for the multicast VLAN.
US09049027B2
A digital signature is applied to digital documents/information. In certain instances, juridically strong digital signatures are achieved. Cloud computing technologies may be used to aid in the production of the cryptographically secure, authenticated digital signatures. Digital signatures may be produced with a digital notarization. The techniques of generating a digital signature may not require the use of traditional public key infrastructure (PKI).
US09049010B2
A portable encryption device with logon access controlled by an encryption key, with an on board cryptographic processor for reconstituting the encryption key from a plurality of secrets generated by a secret sharing algorithm, optionally shrouded with external secrets using an invertible transform resistant to quantum computing attacks. Another embodiment provides file decryption controlled by a file encryption key, with the on board cryptographic processor reconstituting the file encryption key from a version of the file encryption key which has been shrouded with a network authorization code. A method for encryption of a plaintext file by hashing, compressing, and encrypting the plaintext file, hashing the ciphertext, hashing the plaintext hash and the ciphertext hash, and sealing the ciphertext together with the resulting hash. A portable encryption device for performing the method is also disclosed.
US09049002B2
Example embodiments presented herein are directed towards the elimination of physical layer identity ambiguities for uplink detection in a wireless network. Some of the example embodiments are directed towards a source network node, and corresponding methods therein, for assigning an unique uplink physical layer identity for a user equipment uplink transmission of a first user equipment being served by the source network node. The unique uplink physical layer identity is provided to ensure that at least one second user equipment, which may be in proximity to a non-serving cell associated with the uplink transmission, does not have a physical layer identity ambiguity with the first user equipment. Some of the example embodiments are also directed towards a target network node, and corresponding methods therein, for performing uplink detection of the first user equipment using the unique physical layer identity described above.
US09049000B2
There exists a need to reduce re-transmission delays in real time feeds (such as video) by sending the packet with sufficient repair/recovery information inside the packet container so the relaying stations and/or the receiving devices can fix errors in transmission by perusing the contents of the packet and the repair information, and modify the packet and then relay it. By providing the relaying station the ability to fix the error, retransmission of the packet is avoided along each relay station along the network path from source to destination and also by receiving devices that would otherwise request a re-transmission. This application teaches a method so real time streams (e.g. video) may be more efficiently transported over a CSMA based network.
US09048994B2
Downclocking and/or adaptive sub-carriers for single user, multiple user, multiple access, and/or MIMO wireless communications. Communication device operation within a wireless local area network (WLAN/WiFi) is effectuated in the frequency spectra typically associated with television broadcast channels. Operation is made on a secondary non-interfering basis to such television broadcast channels. Any desired channel bandwidth (e.g., 6 MHz, 7 MHz, 8 MHz, etc.) may be employed. Adaptation with respect to the number of data sub-carriers within different respective packets may be made in accordance with two or more respective operational modes. For example, modification of the number of data sub-carriers in different respective packets may be made to increase the signal bandwidth from a first band was to a second bandwidth. Also, appropriate frequency down-clocking of a first channel bandwidth may be performed to generate the desired channel bandwidth to be employed within an available television broadcast channel bandwidth.
US09048989B2
Using an allocated control channel resource in a relay transmission frame, with an identified starting point, in a semi-static allocation scheme is disclosed. The control signaling may be mapped to the allocated control channel resource using different mapping schemes. Also disclosed is decoding a control channel element from a relay transmission frame received via a wireless relay link. The control channel resource associated with the relay transmission frame may be allocated in a semi-static allocation scheme. A starting indicator may be extracted from the decoded control channel element. A part of control signaling may be extracted from the decoded control channel element using the extracted starting indicator.
US09048987B2
According to various embodiments, a joint detection/decoder device may be provided. The detector and decoder device may include: an input circuit configured to receive an input signal; a survivor splitting circuit configured to produce a plurality of survivors of a next instance based on at least one survivor of a previous instance and based on the input signal; and a survivor discarding circuit configured to discard survivors based on a set of predetermined criteria; wherein each survivor has an associated bit sequence.
US09048986B2
A method for mitigation of lost resource allocation synchronization between a user equipment (UE) and an evolved Node B (eNodeB) during a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) transmission and/or retransmission process is described. The method includes determining whether resource allocation is out of synchronization between a user equipment (UE) and an evolved Node B (eNodeB) during a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) transmission and/or retransmission process. The method further includes mitigating a loss of resource allocation synchronization between the UE and the eNodeB during the HARQ transmission and/or retransmission process.
US09048979B2
A method comprising generating a baseband information signal by mixing a received modulated carrier signal with a local oscillator (LO) signal having an LO frequency; obtaining baseband signal samples of the baseband information signal having a baseband signal magnitude and a baseband signal phase; determining a cumulative phase measurement associated with baseband signal samples having a baseband signal magnitude greater than a threshold; and, applying a correction signal to compensate for an LO frequency offset of the LO frequency based on the cumulative phase.
US09048960B2
Various embodiments, relate to a communications system in which communications devices of users and communications devices of vehicular systems communicate safety messages through a cellular communications band or the DSRC (Dedicated short-range communications) vehicular communications band or a combination of both. Various methods and apparatus are directed to communicating safety messages between vehicles and pedestrians/cyclists through the use of a cell phone, thus improving the impact of vehicular communications. In some embodiments, at least some cell phones in a communications system includes both a DSRC communications capability and a cellular communications capability.
US09048958B2
An optical communications system and method at least doubles the data rate of the optical fiber link without requiring a redesign of the backplane ASIC. This is made possible in part through the incorporation of at least one gearbox integrated circuit (IC) is incorporated into the system that is compatible with the current ASIC design. The gearbox IC receives N lanes of electrical data signals from the ASIC, with each electrical data signal having a data rate of X Gbps, and outputs N/2 lanes of electrical data signals, with each electrical data signal having a data rate of 2X Gbps. The high-speed optical transceiver module receives the N/2 electrical data signals output from the gearbox IC and produces N/2 respective optical data signals having a data rate of 2X Gbps for transmission over the optical fiber link.
US09048955B2
A tunable dispersion compensation device includes a plurality of tunable dispersion compensators coupled in series, a controller configured to control an amount of chromatic dispersion to be set in each of the plurality of tunable dispersion compensators, and a table including a correspondence relationship between an amount of chromatic dispersion and a wavelength band, for each of the plurality of tunable dispersion compensators, wherein the controller decides an amount of chromatic dispersion to be set in each of the plurality of tunable dispersion compensators, based on a total amount of chromatic dispersion desired for the plurality of tunable dispersion compensators and the correspondence relationship included in the table so that a difference between bandwidths of a first tunable dispersion compensator having the widest wavelength band and a second tunable dispersion compensator having the narrowest wavelength band, among the plurality of tunable dispersion compensators, is within a given range.
US09048944B2
Methods and systems are disclosed for reducing signal interference between Bluetooth (BT) and WLAN (e.g. WiFi) communications in an information handling system. The WLAN receiver has configurable front-end filter circuitry. Based upon information concerning the BT frequency region for current BT communications, the WLAN receiver can adjust or set its configurable front-end filter circuitry to filter out the BT communications. As the BT communications hop from frequency to frequency, the WLAN receiver can continue to adjust its configurable front-end filter circuitry accordingly. Example implementations for the configurable front-end filter circuitry include bandpass filters and selectable low pass and high pass filters. These filters are selected and/or tuned such that BT frequency regions are filtered from the WLAN input signal before further WLAN signal processing is conducted, thereby improving the performance of simultaneous BT and WLAN communications.
US09048937B2
The method for operating a UWB device having at least one transmitting antenna and/or at least one receiving antenna comprises the following steps: controlling the transmitting antenna (12) or the receiving antenna (12′) with a control pulse signal (13,13′) having a sequence of substantially sinusoidal pulses of alternating polarity and differing amplitudes and particularly having the waveform of a fifth-order Gaussian pulse signal, wherein the transmitting antenna (12) can be alternately supplied with current pulses of differing polarity and differing magnitude by switching on and off first electronic switch units (16) that are coupled to the transmitting antenna (12) and have resistances associated with the amplitudes of the pulses to be generated, wherein each first switch unit (16) has a specifiable, particularly equal, number of first switching transistors (18,19), each having substantially identical on-state resistance values (R), wherein the resistance of a first switch unit is adjusted either by using only one of the first switching transistors (18,19) or by using a plurality of first switching transistors (18,19) connected in parallel, and wherein the first switch units (16) are controlled sequentially according to a specifiable temporal schema and each for a control time interval of a predetermined length.
US09048930B2
One or more processing units are programmed to select from among M tones in a frequency domain representation of a signal, a set of tones including at least a strongest tone (relative to background noise) and a tone adjacent thereto. From among M complex numbers in the frequency domain representation of the signal, a set of complex numbers are identified and denoted as a vector Z, corresponding to the selected set of tones. Vector Z is then multiplied with each of M columns of a matrix G which is predetermined to identify a sub-resolution maxima in Z. The M products that result from the vector multiplication of Z and G are used to determine and store in memory at least one or both of: (A) a flag indicating presence or absence of narrowband interference in the signal; and (B) an estimate of a frequency of the narrowband interference.
US09048927B2
A solar powered cell phone includes a cell phone main housing including conventional cell phone components including; a rechargeable power storage unit connected to cell phone internal mechanisms; and, at least two solar cell panels connected to the rechargeable power storage unit, wherein at least one of the at least two solar cell panels is movably connected to the main housing and has a first position, being a closed position for storage, and having a second position, being an open position for charging.
US09048924B2
A method for operating a relay station in a wireless communication system includes: obtaining information regarding assigned subframes among a plurality of subframes; monitoring a PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) carrying information regarding a radio resource allocation within the assigned subframes; and receiving data from a base station on the basis of the radio resource allocation of the monitored PDCCH. The relay station may operate to guarantee compatibility with an existing terminal in a wireless communication system. Also, a method for assigning radio resources between a base station and the relay station is defined.
US09048923B2
Embodiments of the present invention include a system and method for wirelessly identifying and validating an electronic device in order to initiate a communication process with another device or a service. In an embodiment, the system includes a portable biometric monitoring device that is identified by a client device or a server for the purpose of initiating a pairing process. In an embodiment, pairing implies pairing the portable device to an online user account with minimal user interaction. After pairing, the portable device and appropriate client devices and servers communicate with little or no user interaction, for example to upload sensor data collected by the portable device.
US09048922B2
For VoIP calls over a communication system in which a remote terminal is requesting to a hub-gateway, bandwidth may be allocated according to a dynamic technique based on the packet rate between an access device and the remote terminal by sending a bandwidth request message from the access device to the hub-gateway or to the remote terminal containing information on bandwidth allocation requirements for a given set of VoIP calls. The hub-gateway or the remote terminal identifies the received messaged information and analyzes the information on bandwidth allocation requirements contained in the messaged information. In addition, the hub-gateway, or the remote terminal, upon necessity, sends a request to the hub-gateway for bandwidth to be allocated in accordance with the analyzed information on bandwidth allocation requirements.
US09048919B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for identifying a spectral region in a radio frequency spectrum, determining a signal strength of the spectral region, determining a correlation factor by correlating the signal strength of the spectral region, identifying from the correlation factor interference in the spectral region, repeating a determination of the correlation factor and an identification of the interference until a desired confidence level has been achieved, and generating coefficient data to substantially suppress the interference in the channel responsive to achieving the desired confidence level. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09048917B1
The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to processing received spatially diverse transmissions. In some implementations, an apparatus includes: circuitry configured to receive signals from separate communication inputs; circuitry configured to filter the signals to reduce noise, interference, or both; circuitry configured to estimate covariance of the separate communication inputs, including estimating a correlation between the separate communication inputs; and circuitry configured to apply the covariance estimation to the filtering circuitry to effect noise whitening and to force an underestimation of the correlation between the separate communication inputs as applied.
US09048907B2
Example embodiments are directed to methods of reducing interference in a communication system. A method includes receiving, by a transmitter, first and second quantized matrices from a mobile station. The first and second quantized matrices are based on an estimated channel matrix and an estimated interference matrix. The method further includes determining, by the transmitter, a transmission beamforming vector based on the first and second quantized values.
US09048901B2
A process transmitter is configured to measure a process variable of an industrial process. The process transmitter includes a process variable sensor which senses the process variable and responsively provides a process variable sensor output. Sensor circuitry is coupled to the process variable sensor. A housing to encloses the sensor circuitry and the output circuitry. The sensor circuitry electrical couples to the housing. The sensor circuitry wirelessly communicates with the output circuitry.
US09048899B2
Transmission quality is improved in an environment in which direct waves dominate in a transmission method for transmitting a plurality of modulated signals from a plurality of antennas at the same time. All data symbols used in data transmission of a modulated signal are precoded by hopping between precoding matrices so that the precoding matrix used to precode each data symbol and the precoding matrices used to precode data symbols that are adjacent to the data symbol in the frequency domain and the time domain all differ. A modulated signal with such data symbols arranged therein is transmitted.
US09048894B2
The disclosed invention provides an efficient method for beam training to enable spatial multiplexing MIMO operation and spatial combining in a wireless network. The invention discloses a simple and efficient beam-training algorithm and protocol for MIMO operation that operates in high SNR condition for reliable MIMO operation. In one novel aspect, the best MIMO beam combinations are determined after TX sector sweeping and RX sector sweeping. In addition, the selection criteria includes not only signal quality, but also considers mutual interference and leakage among multiple MIMO spatial streams to improve overall MIMO performance.
US09048893B1
In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides transmitters, receivers, and methods of determining channel state information for a maximum likelihood (ML) multiple input multiple output (MIMO) receiver, as well as transmitting and demodulating signals based on the determined channel state information. A ML MIMO receiver receives a first MIMO signal from a MIMO transmitter. Channel characteristics of the first MIMO signal are determined based on decision feedback equalization (DFE) processing. The DFE-determined channel characteristics, or information derived from the DFE-determined channel characteristics, are reported to the MIMO transmitter and the MIMO ML receiver decodes a second MIMO signal based on ML processing. The second MIMO signal is modulated and encoded by the MIMO transmitter according to a modulation and coding scheme in accordance with (1) the DFE-determined channel characteristics or (2) the information derived from the DFE-determined channel characteristics.
US09048890B1
An integrated circuit device, set forth by way of example and not limitation, includes an IC package provided with a plurality of leads and enclosing: a) a buffer amplifier, b) a switching-mode power amplifier having an input coupled to the output of the buffer amplifier and having an output coupled to at least one of the plurality of leads, and c) a digital controller. A method, set forth by way of example and not limitation, for controlling the power output of a RF transmitter circuit without the need for an attenuator includes developing a signal source, applying the signal source to a buffer amplifier to provide an amplified signal, applying the amplified signal to a switching-mode power amplifier to provide a power output signal, and controlling a gain of the switching-mode power amplifier in response to a digital command.
US09048883B2
An electronic system includes a shared antenna, a diplexer and a processing circuit. The shared antenna corresponds to a first frequency band and a second frequency band, wherein the first frequency band meets a wireless radio frequency identification (RFID) standard, and the second frequency band meets a near field communication (NFC) standard. The diplexer receives a wireless signal from the shared antenna, and divides the signal into a WIRELESS RFID signal component corresponding to the first band and an NFC signal component corresponding to the second band. The processing circuit is coupled to the diplexer, and arranged to process the WIRELESS RFID signal component and the NFC signal component.
US09048877B2
A Turbo code parallel interleaver and a parallel interleaving method are disclosed by the disclosure. The Turbo code parallel interleaver comprises: an interleaving unit, configured to generate a column address for parallel-reading data and a row address of each row of data being row-interleaved, input the column address and the column address after delay to a CB matrix unit, input the row address of each row to a switching output unit, and input the row address of each row after delay to a switching input unit; a switching output unit, configured to receive the data of each row output by the CB matrix unit, perform the inter-row interleaving for the data of each row according to the row address of each row, and input the interleaved data to a parallel MAP unit for the MAP computing; and a switching input unit.
US09048875B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe device, methods, computer-readable media and system configurations for performing data decoding and error correction. In various embodiments, a plurality of bits of encoded data may be received, e.g., by an iterative decoder. In various embodiments, the iterative decoder may generate a set of m tuples A, each tuple in set A including a symbol comprising a group of bits of the encoded data and a probability associated with the symbol. In various embodiments, the encoded data may be decoded using the set of m tuples. In various embodiments, this may include allocating fewer bits to storage of a probability associated with a first tuple of the set A than are allocated for storage of a probability associated with a second tuple of the set A. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
US09048873B2
A data encoding system includes a data encoder circuit operable to encode each of a number of data sectors with a component matrix of a low density parity check code matrix and to yield an output codeword. The data encoder circuit includes a syndrome calculation circuit operable to calculate and combine syndromes for the data sectors.
US09048868B2
It is decided whether to adjust data associated with a decoder. In the event it is decided to adjust the data associated with the decoder, the data is adjusted to obtain adjusted data and decoding is performed on the adjusted data. In the event it is decided to not adjust the data associated with the decoder, decoding is performed on the data associated with the decoder.
US09048866B2
The present disclosure provides an apparatus and a method for checking decoded data, an apparatus and a method for decoding, and a receiving terminal. The apparatus for checking decoded data includes: an arithmetic unit to perform a check computation on decoded bits output from decoders in every clock cycle to obtain a computation result, where the check computation is performed by: denoting each decoded bit as a polynomial, computing the sum of the polynomials and performing polynomial modular arithmetic on the sum; and an output unit configured to output a check result, where the check result is the sum of the computation results in all the clock cycles during a decoding process. A real-time check computation of decoded data may be realized, so that power consumption may be saved.
US09048865B2
Provided are, among other things, systems, apparatuses, methods and techniques for converting a discrete-time quantized signal into a continuous-time, continuously variable signal. An exemplary converter preferably includes: (1) multiple oversampling converters, each processing a different frequency band, operated in parallel; (2) multirate (i.e., polyphase) delta-sigma modulators (preferably second-order or higher); (3) multi-bit quantizers; (4) multi-bit-to-variable-level signal converters, such as resistor ladder networks or current source networks; (5) adaptive nonlinear, bit-mapping to compensate for mismatches in the multi-bit-to-variable-level signal converters (e.g., by mimicking such mismatches and then shifting the resulting noise to a frequently range where it will be filtered out by a corresponding bandpass (reconstruction) filter); (6) multi-band (e.g., programmable noise-transfer-function response) bandpass delta-sigma modulators; and/or (7) a digital pre-distortion linearizer (DPL) for canceling noise and distortion introduced by an analog signal bandpass (reconstruction) filter bank.
US09048862B2
Storage systems and methods to improve space saving from data compression by providing a plurality of compression processes, and optionally, one or more parameters for controlling operation of the compression processes and selecting from the plurality of compression processes and the parameters to satisfy resource limits, such as CPU usage and memory usage. In one embodiment, the methods takes into account the content-type, such as text file or video file, and select the compression process and parameters that provide the greatest space savings for that content type while also remaining within a defined resource-usage limit.
US09048857B2
An analog-to-digital converter circuit includes a plurality of conversion stages that are cascaded to be coupled in series. Each of the plurality of conversion stages includes a signal holding circuit configured to hold an input voltage, an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the input voltage into a digital signal based on a first reference voltage, a digital-to-analog converter configured to generate a first voltage according to the digital signal, the first reference voltage, and the input voltage, an amplifier configured to amplify the first voltage to generate an output voltage, and a reference holding circuit configured to hold a holding voltage that is in proportion to the first reference voltage. The amplifier is coupled to the reference holding circuit to receive and amplify the holding voltage to generate a second reference voltage.
US09048850B2
A frequency synthesizer is disclosed that includes an oscillator having an output to deliver a signal of a controllable frequency. The oscillator includes a capacitor bank responsive to an N-bit control signal to exhibit a capacitance. The oscillator output frequency is based on the capacitance. Control logic generates the N-bit control signal and determines each bit of the N-bit control signal through a binary search step and a modulation of a least-significant-bit (LSB) of the N-bit control signal. The LSB modulation, combined with the binary search for each bit, results in a higher accuracy frequency estimation.
US09048837B2
A cascode transistor includes: a first switch; a second switch that has a withstand voltage higher than that of the first switch and is cascade coupled to a drain of the first switch; and a circuit in which a third switch and a capacitor are coupled in series with each other and that is provided between a connection node and a source of the first switch, the connection node being a node at which the first switch and the second switch are coupled to each other.
US09048834B2
A physically unclonable function (PUF) includes a plurality of PUF elements to generate an N-bit PUF signature. For each bit in the N-bit PUF signature, a PUF group of K number of individual PUF elements indicating a single-bit PUF value is used to generate a group bit. The group bits are more repeatable than the individual PUF elements. The value K may be selected such that (K+1)/2 is an odd number.
US09048833B2
Some embodiments provide a circuit for accessing stored data in a configurable IC that includes several configurable circuits. The IC also includes several storage circuits. Each storage circuit has (1) several storage elements for storing data for the configurable circuits, and (2) output circuitry for outputting data stored in the storage elements. The output circuitry includes a first set of interconnects for receiving at least a first repeating periodic signal and for periodically outputting data from at least two storage elements to the configurable circuits.
US09048825B2
An object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a latch circuit includes a level shifter and a buffer in which transistors each including a channel region formed in an oxide semiconductor film are connected in series. Thus, data can be held in the latch circuit even when power is not supplied.
US09048824B2
Described is a chip comprising: a pull-up driver with a first impedance, the pull-up driver coupled to a node; a pull-down driver with a second impedance, the pull-down driver coupled to the node; and an equalizer coupled to the pull-up and pull-down drivers, wherein the equalizer is operable to be trained to deemphasize a signal driven on the node while maintaining the first and second impedances substantially constant.
US09048821B2
A relaxation oscillator circuit includes a comparator including a first input, a second input, a bias input, and an output. The first input is coupled to a charging node, and the second input is configured to receive a reference voltage. The relaxation oscillator circuit further includes a first bias circuit configured to provide a bias signal to the bias input of the first comparator when a first node voltage on the charging node exceeds a first reference.
US09048820B2
A high-speed fully differential clock duty cycle calibration circuit applied to calibrating the clock duty cycle in a high-speed system. The circuit detects the duty cycle with a continuous time integrator, and directly adjusts the duty cycle on a clock transmission link so as to increase the working speed. Being of a fully differential circuit structure, the circuit can calibrate the duty cycle under a designated process within a higher and wider frequency range, and has relatively good constraining force for process mismatch and common mode noise. The circuit comprises adjustment level ADJ1 and ADJ2, a first buffer level BUF1, a second buffer level BUF2 and a duty cycle detection level DCD.
US09048807B2
Surface acoustic wave resonators for use in high temperature applications including a piezoelectric substrate, at least one interdigital transducer supported by the piezoelectric substrate, and a grating reflector supported by the piezoelectric substrate, the grating reflector being fabricated of a heavy metal and comprising a plurality of electrodes, at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes being electrically isolated from at least one other electrode. Methods of making surface acoustic wave resonators are also included.
US09048804B2
A device for fixing a gain or attenuation factor for a gain or attenuation element during a transmission of a sequence of synchronization-data symbols registers the signal level of a received signal at the input of the gain or attenuation element. It then identifies the start of transmission of the sequence of synchronization-data symbols on the basis of the signal level of the registered, received signal and signals the time interval for the fixing of the gain or attenuation factor starting with the identified start of transmission of the sequence of synchronization-data symbols.
US09048798B2
Methods, systems and devices are provided for controlling a hearing aid. Embodiments include receiving an input audio signal from a microphone. Also, a facial movement indication may be received from a facial movement detector measured contemporaneously with the input audio signal. Additionally, whether a first movement pattern associated with the wearer speaking is a movement match to the facial movement indication may be determined. In this way, a first gain profile may be applied to the input audio signal for generating an augmented audio segment in response to determining the first movement pattern is the movement match to the facial movement indication. Also, a second gain profile may be applied to the input audio signal for generating the augmented audio segment in response to determining the first movement pattern does not match the facial movement indication. Thus, the augmented audio segment may be output.
US09048787B2
Radio Frequency (RF) signal conditioning circuitry, which includes RF detection circuitry and RF attenuation circuitry is disclosed. The RF detection circuitry receives and detects an RF sample signal to provide an RF detection signal. The RF attenuation circuitry has an attenuation circuitry input, and receives and attenuates the RF sample signal via the attenuation circuitry input to provide an attenuated RF signal. The RF attenuation circuitry presents an attenuation circuitry input impedance at the attenuation circuitry input. The attenuated RF signal and the RF detection signal are provided concurrently.
US09048783B2
In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, circuits and methods are provided for using a reconfigurable voltage controlled oscillator to support multi-mode applications. A voltage control oscillator circuit comprises a resonant circuit, a first oscillator circuitry coupled to the resonant circuit, and a second oscillator circuitry coupled to the resonant circuit. The voltage control oscillator circuit further comprises switching circuitry configured to select, based on an operating metric, one of the first oscillator circuitry and the second oscillator circuitry for providing an output voltage.
US09048781B2
There is provided an abnormality diagnosis device including: a storage storing power generation output data representing a current and a voltage of electrical power generated by each of the subsystems according to sampling time; a correcting unit configured to correct, for each of the subsystems, at least the current out of the current and the voltage in the power generation output data to a current corresponding to a standard insolation condition to generate corrected data including a corrected current and either one of a corrected voltage or the voltage in the power generation output data; a gradient estimating unit configured to produce, for each of the subsystems, an approximation graph of the corrected data and calculate a gradient of the approximation graph; and an abnormality diagnosing unit determining a subsystem for which the gradient satisfies a first threshold to be a subsystem including an abnormal module.
US09048778B2
A rotor phase/speed estimating device includes a high-frequency voltage injection unit, a high-frequency current amplitude detection unit of a fundamental wave component, a correlation signal generation unit, and a rotor phase generation unit. The high-frequency voltage injection unit applies a high-frequency voltage to an AC motor. The high-frequency current amplitude detection unit of a fundamental wave component detects a primary Fourier coefficient equivalent value. The correlation signal generation unit is arranged to generate a correlation signal using the Fourier coefficient equivalent value. The rotor phase generation unit is arranged to generate an estimated value of the rotor phase and an estimated value of a rotor speed using the correlation signal.
US09048772B2
A method for operating an electric motor is provided, wherein a motor actuating signal is generated and transmitted to the motor. In order to reduce the noise generated by operating the motor, a suitable additional signal is generated and overlaid on the motor actuating signal when the motor actuating signal is transmitted to the motor.
US09048758B2
An electromechanical motor assembly includes a stator, a body to be moved and a stator support. The stator has a plurality of electromechanical actuators for moving the body by repetition of steps ensuring that at least one of the electromechanical actuators is in non-sliding contact with the body at every time. The assembly further includes a force applying arrangement for supplying a normal force (N) between the stator and the stator support by at least one spring arrangement. The spring arrangement has a spring constant in the direction (Z) normal to the surface of the body that is lower than 5% of the ratio between the normal force and the average height uncertainty of the surface of the body. The force applying arrangement includes a lateral fixing plate attached between the stator and the support parallel to the main motion direction (X) and juxtaposed to the surface of the body.
US09048755B2
The present techniques include methods and systems for operating an inverter to maintain a lifespan of the inverter. In some embodiments, the switching frequency and/or the output current of the inverter may be changed such that stress may be reduced on the inverter bond wires of the inverter. More specifically, embodiments involve calculating the aging parameters for certain operating conditions of the inverter and determining whether the operating conditions result in aging the inverter to a point which reduces the inverter lifespan below a desired lifespan. If the operating conditions reduce the inverter lifespan below the desired lifespan, the switching frequency may be reduced to a lower or minimum switching frequency of the inverter and/or the output current of the inverter may be reduced to a maximum output current at the minimum switching frequency.
US09048753B2
A PFC converter that reduces a superimposed voltage generated by an inrush current into a filter capacitor operates such that, when a commercial alternating-current power supply is connected to input terminals of a PFC converter, a rectified voltage is applied to a filter capacitor via a diode bridge and a charging current flows through the filter capacitor. At the same time, the rectified voltage is also applied to a series circuit including a diode and a capacitor and a charging current for the capacitor flows through the series circuit. Accordingly, a charging time constant becomes large and a superimposed voltage generated by the inductance component of a line or a line filter connected to the line and the charging current becomes low.
US09048752B2
An off-line power converter includes an integrated circuit power factor controller including a multi-function input terminal, a drive terminal for providing a drive signal to a gate of a drive transistor, a processing circuit coupled to the multi-function input terminal and, based on a signal received from the multi-function input terminal, providing at least one current signal representative of a current conducted in the off-line power converter, and at least one voltage signal representative of a voltage provided to a load, and a controller for providing the drive signal selectively in response to the at least one current signal and the at least one voltage signal.
US09048746B2
An electrical device having at least one interference suppression capacitor (6, 60) that is actively discharged when there is an interruption to the mains voltage (7) by connecting an electrical load (69) in parallel. For this purpose, the device has a monitor for the mains voltage (7) and means for connecting (68) the electrical load.
US09048735B2
A power supply device includes: a first switching element and a flywheel semiconductor element which are connected in series to a first DC power source in this order; and a reactor and a second DC power source which are connected in series in this order to a node between the first switching element and the flywheel semiconductor element. A second switching element and a charge circuit for charging a line between the first switching element and the second switching element are interposed between the reactor and the second DC power source. Abnormality of each element is determined from a voltage of each portion of the power supply device measured when the first and second switching elements and the flywheel semiconductor element are driven and controlled.
US09048734B2
A negative current protection system for a low side switching converter FET, for use with a switching converter arranged to operate high and low side FETs connected to an output inductor to produce an output voltage. The negative current protection system includes a current sensing circuit which produces an output Vcs that varies with the current in the high side FET, a negative current threshold generator which produces a threshold signal −Ith which represents the maximum negative current to which the low side FET is to be subjected, and a comparison circuit arranged to compare the valley portion of Vcs and -Ith and to set a flag if Vcs<−Ith at a predetermined time in the switching cycle—typically after the converter's blanking time. When the flag is set, the system preferably responds by adjusting the operation of the switching FETs to reduce the negative current.
US09048731B2
A rectifying apparatus (power receiving apparatus) 100 is configured to receive electric power output from the power transmitting apparatus 101. The rectifying apparatus 100 is mobile equipment, such as a battery, a smartphone incorporating a battery and a tablet PC, or equipment for a battery charger connected to the equipment. The rectifying apparatus (power receiving apparatus) 100 may be any other equipment that receives electric power output from the associated power transmitting apparatus 101, including a rechargeable electric car, a household appliance and a product for underwater application.
US09048729B2
A step-up/down DC-DC converter and switching control circuit are described. According to one implementation, a switching control circuit generates on/off signals of a first switching device supplying a current to a voltage conversion inductor of a step-up/down DC-DC converter and a second switching device receiving a current from the inductor. The switching control circuit includes an error amplifier circuit, an inverter amplifier circuit, a waveform generator circuit, a first voltage comparator circuit, a second voltage comparator circuit, and a voltage generator circuit. An inverting reference voltage supplied to the inverting amplifier circuit is set to an electric potential so as not to fall below a highest electric potential of triangle waves supplied to the first and second voltage comparator circuits.
US09048728B2
Two hysteresis levels, a high level and a low level, may be used to set a period (and the switching frequency) of the output voltage of a DC-DC converter, as well as the output ripple of the converter. These two thresholds may be changed using pairs of switches. By controlling the sequence and the duration of the on-time of the switches, spectral spurs in the output can be controlled and the amplitude and the frequency band of interest can be reduced. Additional spur reduction may be possible by randomizing the control of the switches.
US09048727B2
A converter circuit and related technique for providing high power density power conversion includes a reconfigurable switched capacitor transformation stage coupled to a magnetic converter (or regulation) stage. The circuits and techniques achieve high performance over a wide input voltage range or a wide output voltage range. The converter can be used, for example, to power logic devices in portable battery operated devices.
US09048726B1
A control system for a power drive section of a three-phase system is disclosed. The control system comprises a positive sequence channel, a negative sequence channel, and a zero sequence channel. The positive sequence channel processes positive sequence error signals, the negative sequence channel processes negative sequence error signals, and the zero sequence channel processes zero sequence error signals. Each sequence channel includes a harmonic repetitive controller, a repetitive controller compensator, and a fundamental frequency controller configured to operate in parallel with the harmonic repetitive controller and repetitive controller compensator. Both the repetitive controller compensator of the negative sequence channel and the repetitive controller compensator of the positive sequence channel are configured with the same, first frequency response. The repetitive controller compensator of the zero sequence channel is configured with a second frequency response that is different from the first frequency response.
US09048713B2
Provided are an electric power steering system and a method for checking an initial driving thereof, in which no additional redischarging and charging time is required by simultaneously determining a freezing of a safety switch and/or a safety switch off of a sub MCU, which monitors a state of a main MCU, thereby shortening initial driving time of the electric power steering system. The electric power steering system includes: a power supply; a motor configured to generate steering auxiliary power; a safety switch provided between the power supply and the motor and configured to control supply of power; a main MCU configured to control an operation of the safety switch; and a sub MCU configured to monitor a state of the main MCU. The main MCU applies an on driving signal to the safety switch, receives front and rear stage voltages of the safety switch, and determines that the safety switch has been frozen and/or a safety switch off function of the sub MCU has failed, when there is no potential difference between the received front and rear stage voltages.
US09048711B2
A field structure of an electrical machine includes a plurality of field slots. Each field slot extends from a first surface of the field structure into the body of the field structure. Each filed slot also has a T-shaped cross-sectional area dimensioned to accommodate a magnet pole assembly comprising a corresponding cross-sectional area.
US09048708B2
An electronics drive module is connected to the flange of a drive motor assembly. The module includes: a metal frame including a peripheral wall; and a metal floor. A power supply PCBA is located adjacent the upper surface of the metal floor, and a switching chip assembly is located adjacent the lower surface of the floor. The base plate of the switching chip assembly conducts heat into the floor and conducts heat into the mounting flange. An environmental seal is located between the lower edge of the frame and the sealing surface of the mounting flange and extending coextensively with the lower edge of the peripheral wall such that a sealing zone is defined within the peripheral wall of the frame and the first and second thermal interfaces are located within the sealing zone.
US09048703B2
Disclosed is a system for controlling a power trunk in a trunk-equipped vehicle, including: a motor configured to transfer power to the trunk to drive the trunk; a velocity sensing unit configured to sense a velocity of the motor; a control unit configured to compute a current trunk position and an operational velocity based on information on the velocity of the motor sensed by the velocity sensing unit and control the motor based on the computed position and the operational velocity, wherein a predetermined target velocity and the operational velocity are compared, and a difference between the target velocity and the operational velocity is compensated using a proportional integral derivative (PID) control scheme. It is possible to constantly control an open/close velocity of a power trunk regardless of a change of external environments when a power trunk is opened or closed in a vehicle having a power trunk system.
US09048697B2
This specification discloses an intelligent and digitalized process level interface which is referred to herein as an Intelligent Process Interface (IPI). The input of the IPI includes both analog and digital channels and therefore the IPI can be used for substations in transition or retrofit stages with both conventional and non-conventional primary devices. The IPI acts not only as a digitalized interface, but also as an intelligent supervisory and control unit for switching functions. The architecture of the IPI is flexible and allows for the functionality to be distributed to several devices.
US09048694B2
Connection schemes for offshore power generation with an internal collection grid include a power generation system which includes a plurality of generator-rectifier subsystems. The scheme further includes a medium voltage DC (MVDC) collection network with positive pole cables and negative pole cables connected to the DC outputs of the generator-rectifier subsystems. At least one offshore substation includes a positive bus bar and a negative bus bar correspondingly connected to the positive pole cables and negative pole cables of the MVDC collection network and a plurality of main DC-DC converters. Each main DC-DC converter includes multiple modules connected to the MVDC bus bars and each module has a positive and a negative output such that the modules' outputs are serially connected to one another. The schemes may also include a high voltage DC (HVDC) transmission system connected to the modules' outputs and at least one DC/AC converter at an onshore substation.
US09048693B2
An apparatus for detecting an impairment of a solar array. The apparatus comprises an impairment detection module for performing a comparison of a power production profile and at least one reference profile, wherein the power production profile and the at least one reference profile are for at least one of the solar array, at least one solar subarray of the solar array, or at least one solar panel of the solar array. The apparatus determines, based on the comparison, whether the impairment exists.
US09048692B2
The present invention relates to a power converter architecture and its operation principle that supplies an electric load with a controlled direct voltage from both a local direct current electricity source as well as an alternating current (AC) mains with maximum power conversion efficiency. For the case that the local electricity source can not provide enough electricity to the local load it is additionally supplied with electricity from the AC mains. In other case electricity is also feed into the AC grid when a local source can provide more electricity than needed to supply local loads.
US09048691B2
A converter, and in particular a current source converter, including a bridge having an AC terminal for each of one or more AC lines, and first and second DC terminals. A converter arm is connected between each respective AC terminal and the first DC terminal, and between each respective AC terminal and the second DC terminal. Each converter arm includes a first power semiconductor switching device capable of being turned ‘on’ and ‘off’ by gate control and having a recovery time. The converter is adapted to be operated in one or more inverting modes.
US09048687B2
A power supply device includes: a main power supply configured to feed power to a load with constant-voltage output using an external power supply; an auxiliary power supply configured to feed power to the load using an internal power storage unit; a constant-current/constant-voltage switching power supply configured to feed a part of current flowing through the load by which part the current exceeds an upper limit value of output current of the main power supply instructed by a current upper-limit instruction unit, with the constant-current output from the auxiliary power supply; and an output switching unit switching the constant-current/constant-voltage switching power supply from the constant-current output to the constant-voltage output when a power cut monitoring unit determines stop of power supply from the external power supply.
US09048686B2
A power supply system of the present invention aims to achieve optimization of the efficiency and therefore includes: z (z is a natural number equal to or larger than 2) power supplies (PS-1 to PS-z) connected in parallel; and a controller (8) for the number of power supplies in operation which controls the number of power supplies in operation among the power supplies (PS-1 to PS-z). The controller (8) for the number of power supplies in operation determines the number of the power supplies in operation based on values of intersection currents i1 to i(z-1) which are determined through processes of: identifying output loss characteristics with respect to load currents of the z power supplies (PS-1 to PS-z) by use of convex functions f1 to fz, respectively; obtaining a function hn expressing a conversion efficiency of a total load current at the time of operating the n (n is a natural number equal to or smaller than z) power supplies (PS-1 to PS-z) based on the functions f1 to fz; and obtaining an intersection current iq (q is a natural number equal to or smaller than (z−1)) which is a current of an intersection point between a function hq and a function h(q+1). (Greek letter eta is replaced with h.)
US09048684B2
A transfer system may be provided. The transfer system may comprise a first transfer switch comprising first normally closed contacts and first normally open contacts. In addition, the transfer system may comprise a second transfer switch comprising second normally closed contacts and second normally open contacts. Furthermore, the transfer system may comprise third normally closed contacts with a solid state switch in parallel. A source monitor may be configured to monitor the quality of a primary source and a backup source. And a source control may be configured to operate the first transfer switch, the second transfer switch, the third normally closed contacts, and the solid state switch to transfer a load from the primary source to the backup source in response to the monitored quality of the primary source and the backup source.
US09048680B2
The invention provides an electricity distribution system, which can keep a voltage to ground low, and can commonly detect abnormity, such as an electrical leak etc. produced in AC and DC feed lines. An AC-DC converter 21 is installed between the AC feed line (branch electrical circuit Lb) of a single phase three wire system for supplying the power to AC devices 41, and the DC feed line (main electrical circuit Ld) of a three wire system for supplying the power to DC devices. The DC feed line comprises a neutral wire N commonly connected to a neutral wire N of the AC feed line within the AC-DC converter 21, a positive voltage wire L+ having a positive electrical potential to an electrical potential of its neutral wire N, and a negative voltage wire L− having a negative electrical potential to the electrical potential of its neutral wire N. A voltage of +150 [V] is applied to the positive voltage wire L+, and a voltage of −150 [V] is applied to the negative voltage wire L−.
US09048676B2
A charging circuit that simultaneously charges a battery with an electrical current supplied from an external power source and supplies the electrical current supplied from the external power source to a load includes a power supply circuit to supply an electrical current from the battery to the load when a load current required by the load is greater than a maximum supply current of the external power source, a detector to detect a voltage of the battery, and a controller to control power supply to the load as well as charging the battery. When the detected voltage of the battery is lower than the predetermined threshold, the controller stops supplying the electrical current from the battery to the load and charges the battery with the electrical current supplied from the external power source.
US09048671B2
The electrical consumption mitigation provided by energy storage systems can be unreliable when a consumption peak lasts long enough to deplete the energy stored and the remainder of the peak is unmitigated. By implementing a waiting period between detecting the peak and discharging the energy storage in which characteristics of the peak are observed, a peak mitigation system can lengthen the effective discharge duration of the energy storage system and prevent unmitigated plateaus from appearing. For example, when a consumption plateau is detected, the system may discharge at a slower rate than when a spike is detected in order to prolong mitigation activities before the conclusion of the plateau. Thus otherwise-incurred demand-related utility charges can be reduced without having to increase the capacity of the mitigation system. In some cases, these processes are performed with respect to the bounds of demand-averaged time periods used to calculate demand charges.
US09048654B2
Various systems and methods are provided for minimizing an inrush current to a load after a voltage sag in a power voltage. In one embodiment, a method is provided comprising the steps of applying a power voltage to a load, and detecting a sag in the power voltage during steady-state operation of the load. The method includes the steps of adding an impedance to the load upon detection of the sag in the power voltage, and removing the impedance from the load when the power voltage has reached a predefined point in the power voltage cycle after the power voltage has returned to a nominal voltage.
US09048649B2
A method and apparatus for managing icing of a plurality of transmission lines in a power transmission system. A power transmission system comprises a plurality of transmission lines and a control system. A first amount of power flows into the power transmission system through the plurality of transmission lines and a second amount of power flows out of the power transmission system through the plurality of transmission lines. The control system is configured to change a flow of power through the plurality of transmission lines such that icing of the plurality of transmission lines is managed. The first amount of power flowing into the power transmission system and the second amount of power flowing out of the power transmission system remains substantially constant during the change in the flow of power through the plurality of transmission lines.
US09048642B1
An electrical outlet raceway that eliminates the necessity of daisy chaining or doubling of electrical cords within the raceway. The electrical outlet raceway includes a modular system of several components that can be assembled together in order to provide additional electrical outlets on a wall, including a raceway back plate, a cordless receptacle, a raceway cover, a coupler, and one or more faceplates for attaching a high or low voltage component to the raceway. The electrical outlet raceway may also include a corner, end caps, and means for attaching faceplates to the raceway. Cordless receptacles enable the use of off-the-shelf electrical cords, thus allowing the installer to plan a given installation and obtain the proper number and lengths of electrical cords required to construct the planned installation. This eliminates the inefficiencies caused by the corded receptacles of conventional electrical raceways.
US09048630B2
A semiconductor laser diode includes a substrate. A semiconductor layer sequence on the substrate has at least one active layer designed for generating laser light that is emitted along an emission direction during operation. At least one filter layer has a main extension plane that is parallel to a main extension plane of the active layer and that is designed to scatter and/or absorb light that propagates in the semiconductor layer sequence and/or the substrate in addition to the laser light.
US09048626B2
The present invention features a laser based system configured with a noise detection unit. The system includes a mode-locked oscillator. A noise detection unit includes at least one optical detector that monitors optical pulses generated by the mode-locked oscillator and produces an electrical signal in response to the optical pulses. The noise detection unit includes a first filter to transmit signal power over a signal bandwidth which includes the mode-locked laser repetition frequency, frep. The noise detection unit may include one or more filters to transmit power over a noise bandwidth that substantially excludes repetition frequency, frep. Non-linear signal processing equipment is utilized to generate one or more signals representative of the power in the signal bandwidth relative to the power in the noise bandwidth. The system includes a controller operable to generate a signal for controlling the laser based system based on the relative power.
US09048625B2
Normal group velocity dispersion mode-locked optical frequency combs are provided on-chip. On-chip coherent frequency comb generation includes pulses showing temporal durations of about 74 fs. Pump detuning and bandpass filtering are provided for stabilizing and shaping the pulses from normal group velocity dispersion microresonators.
US09048624B2
According to a finite difference between inverse numbers of arrangement periods (a1 and a2) in first and second periodic structures, when seen in a thickness direction of a semiconductor laser element, at least two laser beams that form a predetermined angle (δθ) with respect to a lengthwise direction of a first driving electrode (E2) are generated in the semiconductor laser element, one of the laser beams is set to be totally reflected in a light emission end surface, and a refractive angle (θ3) of the other laser beam is set to be less than 90 degrees.
US09048615B1
A slab gas laser has a live slab electrode and a ground slab electrode with the live slab electrode and the ground slab electrode defining a primary gas discharge chamber therebetween. The live electrode is in electrical communication with a first AC power supply to provide a first excitation signal. A pre-ionizing cell comprises a live electrode and a ground electrode defining a pre-ionizing gas discharge chamber therebetween. The live electrode is in electrical communication with a second AC power supply distinct from the first AC power supply to provide a second excitation signal delivering a discharge of electrons from the pre-ionizing gas discharge chamber. The pre-ionizing and the primary gas discharge chambers are aligned such that the pre-ionizing cell is oriented with the edges of its live and ground electrodes adjacent and substantially parallel to edges of the ground slab and live slab electrodes, respectively.
US09048613B2
A hybrid vertical cavity laser includes an optical circuit substrate including a grating having refractive index units having a lower refractive index and a higher refractive index with respect to each other that are alternately arranged in a first direction, and a waveguide guiding light in the first direction, a mesa structure on the optical circuit substrate, the mesa structure including a first-type semiconductor layer including an exposed portion, an active layer, a second-type semiconductor layer, and an upper reflective layer sequentially stacked in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a first electrode on the exposed portion, and a second electrode on the upper reflective layer. An overlapped length between the waveguide and a mesa aperture forming an opening through which light produced from the active layer enters the grating is D, a pitch of the grating is p, and 0
US09048604B2
The invention relates to a method (9) and an adjustment arrangement (2) for orientating contact pins (4) of an electric component (1) and to an electric component (1) having a plurality of contact pins (4). So as to be able to orientate the contact pins (4) as precisely and efficiently as possible along a contact contour (K) at least in portions and thus be able to fit the electric component (1) securely on a contact carrier, the invention provides that a plurality of contact pins (4) arranged along the contact contour (K) in advance are orientated simultaneously by a shaping body (3) to form the contact contour (K), the shaping body (3) being part of the adjustment arrangement (2).
US09048603B2
The current diverter rings and bearing isolators serve to dissipate an electrical charge from a rotating piece of equipment to ground, such as from a motor shaft to a motor housing. One embodiment of the current diverter is substantially arc shaped with a plurality of radial channels extending there through. A conductive assembly may be positioned in each radial channel such that a contact portion of the conductive assembly is positioned adjacent a shaft passing through the center of the current diverter ring. The arc-shaped body may be particularly useful during installation over certain existing shafts.
US09048602B2
A cover for an electronic device is provided that may include a connector housing integrally molded with the cover. The connector housing may define a cavity configured to receive a connector plug therein, and a plurality of connector springs may be configured to contact the connector plug when the connector plug occupies the cavity. The plurality of springs may be protected and, as such, may not be visible when the cover is removed from the electronic device.
US09048598B2
A low voltage power receptacle assembly is provided for use in a modular electrical system. The receptacle assembly includes a housing that defines an internal cavity for receiving and protecting various high and low voltage electrical components, and for providing convenient access to low voltage power outlets associated therewith. The receptacle assembly houses at least two electrical bus bars that are spaced apart and that conduct line voltage received from a relatively high voltage power input. A low voltage transformer has at least two electrical contacts for engaging the electrical bus bars, and is operable to convert the line voltage to a lower output voltage at the power outlets. An isolator body has a non-conductive wall positioned between the electrical bus bars to maintain electrical isolation thereof.
US09048596B2
An electrical connector and method for mounting to mating member with an arcuate cylindrical member. The electrical connector includes a housing and a mounting member extending from the housing. The mounting member has latching members and a mating member receiving section. The mating member receiving section has an arcuate configuration which cooperates with the arcuate cylindrical member to maintain the electrical connector on the arcuate cylindrical member. The latching members have latching arms, with each latching arm having an arcuate configuration which cooperates with a surface of the mating member to prevent unwanted rotation of the electrical connector relative to the mating member.
US09048591B2
An electrical connector electrically connecting a chip module to a printed circuit board includes an insulative housing including a top insulative housing and a bottom insulative housing matched with the top insulative housing, a number of terminals received in the top insulative housing and the bottom insulative housing and at least one shielding plate fixed in the insulative housing and located beside the terminal, the electrical connector further employs a grounding plate assembled between the top insulative housing and the bottom insulative housing, the grounding plate electrically connects with the shielding plate and the shielding plate has a pair of clips fixed to the grounding plate.
US09048587B2
Externally insulated coaxial connector (2) for connecting two electrical coaxial components, the connector comprising an insulative housing 6 defining first and second intersecting passageways (18, 20) for respectively receiving at least portions of the coaxial components and having central longitudinal axes (16, 22) which are not aligned with each other and may be mutually perpendicular. The connector further comprising a first shield member (54) which is at least partly accommodated by the first passageway (18) and a second shield member (120) which is at least partly accommodated by the second passageway (20) and is engageable with the first shield member (54) by movement of the second shield member (120) with respect to the second passageway (20). Engagement of the first and second shield members (54, 120) with each other and engagement of first and second core connection members (44, 110) with each other may be by means of push-fit inter-engagement.
US09048578B2
A boss drawing-in groove of a lever includes: a lever inversion groove portion configured to cause the lever drawing-in boss to rotate the lever in an opposite direction opposite to a fitting rotation direction, in response to an insertion of a male connector into a hood with the lever being positioned at an initial rotation position; a drawing-in groove portion configured to guide the lever drawing-in boss by a rotating operation of the lever in the fitting rotation direction and cause the male connector to be fitted into a female connector; and a lever inertial rotation portion configured to rotate in the fitting rotation direction due to an inertial force of the lever after rotation of the lever in the opposite direction and cause the lever drawing-in boss to move to the drawing-in groove portion.
US09048577B2
A lever connector includes a first connector housing, a second connector housing that includes a distal fitting portion to which a distal end of the first connector housing is fittedly connected, and is attached to a connector attaching plate in a state of inserting the second connector housing through a connector attaching hole of the connector attaching plate, a lever pivotally that is equipped on the first connector housing and fits the first connector housing into the second connector housing by a pivoting operation of the lever, and a grommet that is mounted on the first connector housing and ensures a waterproofing property of an inside of the first connector housing. The lever includes a lever body and an operation plate. The grommet includes an operation plate a tubular portion.
US09048560B2
A method for producing modular electrical connectors having varying contact element configurations includes providing a common header component having a plurality of receptacle spaces defined therein. A plurality of different contact sub-assemblies are provided having varying contact element configurations, with each of sub-assembly having a common size configured for receipt in the receptacle spaces. A pattern of the contact sub-assemblies is defined for a particular desired connector configuration from any combination of the contact sub-assemblies, and the contact sub-assemblies are fitted and adhered into the receptacle spaces in the header component according to the pattern. A kit may be provided with the modular components for making the connectors.
US09048551B2
An electrical connector (2) housing (1) for connecting at least one cable lug (31) to a threaded terminal of an electrical device (4), including, for each lug, a hole (11) for receiving a screw (12) for retaining a lug in a threaded terminal, which hole has a lateral slot (13) designed to allow a lug to penetrate the hole, a lower opening (14) for connecting the lug to a threaded terminal and an upper opening (15) designed to allow the passage of a screwing tool for the screw, the size of the upper opening of the hole at its widest point being strictly less than the size of the hole at its widest point, said opening being designed so as to allow the passage of the screwing tool and having a section which is less than the section of a human finger.
US09048536B2
A mobile communication device and an impedance matching method thereof are provided. The mobile communication device includes an antenna, a power amplifier, a tunable matching circuit, a power detection circuit and a controller. The tunable matching circuit determines an output impedance encountered by a radio frequency (RF) signal transmitted by the power amplifier to the antenna when the RF signal enters the tunable matching circuit. The power detection circuit detects a forward power of the RF signal entering the antenna and a reflected power of the antenna. The controller tunes the tunable matching circuit according to a frequency range currently used by the mobile communication device, the forward power and the reflected power to steer the output impedance toward a corresponding load-pull impedance that the power amplifier has in the frequency range.
US09048529B2
A resonator structure of an electric apparatus, wherein the resonator structure is configured to interact with a radio frequency signal. The resonator structure includes a dielectric resonator element configured to resonate as a response to the radio frequency signal for transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic energy wirelessly, and a conductive grounding structure magnetically coupled with the dielectric resonator element and configured to resonate with the dielectric resonator element. The conductive grounding structure includes at least a portion of the casing of the electric apparatus.
US09048524B2
Various embodiments of methods and apparatus' for compensating for a phase shift on a communication device are described herein. In an embodiment, an antenna of a communication device is tuned based on a characteristic of the communication device, thereby causing a phase shift of a signal that is to be transmitted via the antenna. A property of the signal at the antenna after the phase shift is measured. The phase shift is compensated for based on the measured property.
US09048520B1
A quick-release clamp that is placed over a pair of waveguide flanges and then locked into place. The device eliminates the need for laborious removal and reinstallation of numerous small nuts and bolts from the waveguide flanges, which are a time consuming component of every maintenance job done on the waveguides. The device consists of a formed clamp that conforms the to the shape and size of a particular waveguide flange pair. The clamp is hinged in one corner and has a securing mechanism in the opposite corner. The inside of the clamp has gaskets than ensure a tight secure fit for the clamp. In this way, a variety of waveguide flanges can be opened and sealed quickly and easily.
US09048510B2
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly, the method including: preparing an electrode laminate including at least one negative electrode, at least one positive electrode, and at least one separation film; generating a separation film assembly by bonding remaining portions of the separation film positioned in regions not corresponding to shapes of the negative electrode and the positive electrode; and cutting the separation film assembly so as to correspond to the shapes of the negative electrode and the positive electrode, and an electrode assembly manufactured by the method.
US09048508B2
A subject is to provide a nonaqueous electrolyte excellent in cycle performances such as capacity retention after cycling, output after cycling, discharge capacity after cycling, and cycle discharge capacity ratio, output characteristics, high-temperature storability, low-temperature discharge characteristics, heavy-current discharge characteristics, high-temperature storability, safety, high capacity, high output, high-current-density cycle performances, compatibility of these performances, etc. Another subject is to provide a nonaqueous-electrolyte secondary battery employing the nonaqueous electrolyte. The subjects have been accomplished with a nonaqueous electrolyte which contains a monofluorophosphate and/or a difluorophosphate and further contains a compound having a specific chemical structure or specific properties.
US09048505B2
A system and/or method for replenishing lithium-ion battery capacity that is lost due to side reactions over the lifetime of a battery in one embodiment includes a battery with a first electrode, a second electrode, a separator region configured to electronically isolate the first and second electrodes, a first portion of lithium metal encapsulated within a first ionically insulating barrier configured to prevent transport of lithium ions therethrough, a memory in which command instructions are stored, and a processor configured to execute the command instructions to (i) determine a first lithium content of the first electrode, (ii) compare the first lithium content of the first electrode to a first threshold, and (iii) activate the first portion of lithium metal based on the comparison of the first lithium content to the first threshold.
US09048498B2
The substrate-supported anode for a high-temperature fuel cell comprises an at least three-layer anode laminate on a metallic substrate. Each of the layers of the anode laminate comprises yttria-stabilized zirconia and nickel, wherein the mean particle size of the nickel decreases from one layer to the next as the distance from the substrate increases. The last layer of the anode laminate, which is provided for contact with the electrolyte, has a root mean square roughness of less than 4 μm. The overall mean pore size of this layer is typically between 0.3 and 1.5 μm. Starting powders having a bimodal particle size distribution of yttria-stabilized zirconia and nickel-containing powder are used at least for the first and second layers of the anode laminate. The mean particle size of the nickel-containing powder is reduced from one layer to the next, whereby it is advantageously no more than 0.5 μm in the last layer of the anode laminate.
US09048495B2
Disclosed herein is a cathode active material coated with a fluorine compound for lithium secondary batteries. The cathode active material is structurally stable, and improves the charge-discharge characteristics, cycle characteristics, high-voltage characteristics, high-rate characteristics and thermal stability of batteries.
US09048487B2
A secondary battery which can maintain alignment between a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate and can improve the cell stability and life characteristic of the battery, and a manufacturing method thereof. A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate; a second electrode plate; a first separator between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate and including a central portion and an outer portion at a periphery of the central portion; and a second separator at a side of the first electrode plate or the second electrode plate opposite a side facing the first separator, the second separator including a central portion and an outer portion at a periphery of the central portion of the second separator, and the outer portion of the first separator and the outer portion of the second separator contact each other at least at a joining part.
US09048483B2
A power supply device includes battery cells, separators, and fastening members. The plurality of battery cells have a rectangular-box exterior shape. The separators are interposed between the battery cells, which are arranged side by side. The fastening members securely hold a battery assembly of the battery cells and the separators, which are alternately arranged side by side. The surfaces of each of the battery cells is covered by an electrically insulating covering member. Each of the separators has recessed parts that form a plurality of gas-flowing paths between the battery cells so that cooling gas can flow along surfaces of these battery cells when this separator is interposed between these battery cells. Edge parts of the recessed part, which forms the gas-flowing paths, are rounded.
US09048477B2
A battery pack having increased resistance against external impact by increasing a coupling strength between a bare cell and a case, resulting in increased reliability and quality. The battery pack includes a bare cell, a circuit module electrically connected to the bare cell, a frame case surrounding the bare cell and including a channel groove arranged at a region facing the bare cell, a coupling reinforcement portion arranged in the channel groove to couple the frame case to the bare cell and a metal label attached to side surfaces of the bare cell.
US09048467B2
The invention relates to a fuel cell system with at least one fuel cell for electrochemical conversion of two reactants. The fuel cell has two electrode areas, having a first supply line for supplying a first reactant to a first electrode area, and an outlet line, for emission of residual gas from the first electrode area. The residual gas has an electrochemically unconsumed portion of the first reactant, a recirculation element, for feeding the residual gas from the outlet line into the first supply line, and an outlet valve in order to emit the residual gas into an area surrounding the fuel cell system. The invention provides for the fuel cell system to have a monitoring unit in order to control the outlet valve. In particular, the monitoring unit opens the outlet valve when the energy required to feed the residual gas by the recirculation element exceeds an energy potential of the first reactant which is present in the residual gas.
US09048466B2
A flat fuel cell assembly including a MEA, a cathode porous current collector, an anode porous current collector, a gas barrier material layer, a case, and at least one air baffle is provided. The cathode porous current collector and the anode porous current collector are disposed at two opposite sides of the MEA. The gas barrier material layer is disposed at a side of the cathode porous current collector and has at least one opening for exposing a surface of the cathode porous current collector. The case is disposed at a side of the MEA, the gas barrier material layer is disposed between the case and the MEA, and an air channel is located between the gas barrier material layer and the case. Additionally, the air baffle disposed within the air channel.
US09048454B2
An organic light emitting display apparatus includes pixel electrodes formed on a substrate for respective pixels. Auxiliary electrodes are formed on at least parts of the periphery of the pixel electrodes. A first organic function layer is formed on the substrate and covers the pixel electrodes and the auxiliary electrodes. An emissive layer is formed on the first organic function layer for the respective pixels. A second organic function layer is formed on the substrate and covers the emissive layer. A cathode electrode is formed on the entire substrate and faces the pixel electrodes and covers the second organic function layer. Secondary cathode electrodes are formed, on at least parts of the auxiliary electrodes, in contact with the cathode electrode through a contact hole.
US09048452B2
A method for manufacturing an organic light emitting display device includes mounting in a chamber a substrate where a transparent electrode is to be formed and a SnO member that is a source of forming the transparent electrode, injecting argon gas and oxygen into the chamber, and evaporating the SnO member to be deposited on the substrate.
US09048451B2
A laminated structure which can reduce defect by preventing deposition failure or holes of an insulating film, manufacturing method, and a display unit that employ same are provided. The laminated structure as an anode for organic light-emitting devices is provided on a flat surface of a substrate. In the laminated structure, an adhesive layer made of ITO, a reflective layer made of silver or an alloy containing silver, and a barrier layer made of ITO are layered in this order from the substrate side. A cross sectional shape of the laminated structure in the laminated direction is a forward tapered shape. A sidewall face of the adhesive layer, the reflective layer, and the barrier layer is totally covered by an insulating film, and deposition failure or holes of the insulating film is prevented. A taper angle made by the sidewall face and the flat surface is preferably from about 10° to about 70°. The laminated structure can be used as a reflective electrode, a reflective film, or a wiring for a liquid crystal display.
US09048450B2
The invention describes an OLED device (1) comprising an active layer (13) between a first electrode (11) and a second electrode (12); a contact means (3, 34, 35) for connecting the electrodes (11, 12) to a power supply (2); and a brightness distribution controlling means (20, 21, 21′, 24, 24′, 25, 25′), which brightness distribution controlling means (20, 21, 21′, 24, 24′, 25, 25′) comprises a plurality of openings (20), wherein an opening (20) extends through the second electrode (12) and the active layer (13) to expose an area (21, 21′) of the first electrode (11); and a plurality of selectively addressable current distribution lines (24, 24′, 25, 25′), wherein a current distribution line (24, 24′, 25, 25′) is arranged to extend between a contact means (3, 34, 35) and an exposed area (21, 21) such that an electrical connection can be established between the power supply (2) and the first electrode (11) to (specifically) regulate the brightness of the active layer (13) in the vicinity of the exposed area (21, 21′) accessed by that current distribution line (24, 24′, 25, 25′), and whereby the current distribution lines (24, 24′, 25, 25′) are electrically connected to each other by means of the first electrode (11). The invention further describes an OLED lighting arrangement (4) comprising such an OLED device (1), a line regulation means (22) for regulating the current flow through a selectively addressable current distribution line (24, 24′, 25, 25′) between the contact means (3) and the first electrode (11) to regulate the brightness of the active layer (13) in the vicinity of the exposed area (21, 21′) accessed by that current distribution line (24, 24′, 25, 25′); and a brightness distribution controller (41) for controlling the line activation means (22) to address a specific current distribution line (24, 24′, 25, 25′). The invention also describes a method of manufacturing an OLED device (1) with a brightness distribution controlling means (20, 21, 21′, 24, 24′, 25, 25′). The invention also describes a method of controlling the brightness of distribution of such an OLED device in such an OLED lighting arrangement.
US09048444B2
A flexible display device includes a display panel including a plastic substrate where an organic light emitting diode and a thin film transistor are formed; a circuit portion applying a power signal and a data signal, which are supplied from an external portion, to the display panel; and a support member coupled to the plastic substrate, wherein the display panel and the circuit portion are bent around the support member.
US09048442B2
Disclosed is a composition containing a metal complex and an organic compound, wherein the difference between the absolute value of the energy level of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbit of said metal complex and the absolute value of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbit of said organic compound, as calculated with a computational technique, is less than 0.40 eV.
US09048440B2
Provided is a material for organic electroluminescence device containing (a) a phosphorescent metal complex containing a monoanionic bidentate ligand and a metal having an atomic weight of 40 or greater, wherein the monoanionic bidentate ligand is represented by the following formula (A): wherein, each of E1a, E1d, E1e, E1f, E1k, E1l, E1p, and E1q independently represents a carbon atom or a hetero atom, each of Z1, Z2, and Z3 independently represents an aromatic ring or aromatic heterocycle, the aromatic ring or aromatic heterocycle may have a substituent, and a skeleton represented by the formula (A) has, in total, a 18π electron structure, and the bidentate ligand represented by the formula (A) may be coupled to another ligand to form a tridentate or higher-dentate ligand; and (b) a structural isomer represented by the same chemical formula as that of the phosphorescent metal complex (a) but different sterically in a coordination method of the ligand, wherein the structural isomer (b) is contained in an amount of 0.05 mass % or greater but not greater than 5 mass % relative to the phosphorescent metal complex (a).
US09048435B2
An organic semiconductive material comprising at least one matrix material and at least one doping material, wherein the doping material is selected from an organic compound and wherein the matrix material is selected from an diamine compound, also an organic component and a mixture for producing a doped semiconductor layer.
US09048434B2
Disclosed is an organic electroluminescent device having long life, while exhibiting high luminous efficiency. Also disclosed are an illuminating device and a display, each using such an organic electroluminescent device. In the organic electroluminescent device, a compound represented by the general formula (A) which is suitable as a host material for a phosphorescent metal complex is used at least in one sublayer of a light-emitting layer.
US09048432B2
The present invention provides a perylenebisimide-polyester copolymer and a transesterification process for the preparation thereof. The perylenebisimide-polyester copolymer prepared is useful in organic light emitting diodes, solar cells and such other photovoltaic applications.
US09048431B2
The devices can be fabricated by a method that permits active polymer chains to be polymerized on the surface of an electrode such that the active polymer chains are aligned with one another. The active polymer chains can also be covalently linked to a second electrode so the active polymer chains are located in an active layer of the device. The polymerization method can be paused and resumed at any point in the polymerization so nanoparticles can be added into the active layer. Additionally, the polymerization method allows that active polymer chains to be polymerized so they include junctions such as p-n junctions and Schottky junctions.
US09048425B2
Embodiments generally include a method of forming a nonvolatile memory device that contains a resistive switching memory element that has an improved device switching capacity by using multiple layers of variable resistance layers. In one embodiment, the resistive switching element comprises at least three layers of variable resistance materials to increase the number of logic states. Each variable resistance layer may have an associated high resistance state and an associated low resistance state. As the resistance of each variable resistance layer determines the digital data bit that is stored, the multiple variable resistance layers per memory element allows for additional data storage without the need to further increase the density of nonvolatile memory devices. Typically, resistive switching memory elements may be formed as part of a high-capacity nonvolatile memory integrated circuit, which can be used in various electronic devices, such as digital cameras, mobile telephones, handheld computers, and music players.
US09048420B2
A power generation unit includes a beam (a deforming member) having a piezoelectric element and deforming while switching a deformation direction, an inductor electrically connected to the piezoelectric element, a switch disposed between the piezoelectric element and the inductor, a memory (a storage section) adapted to store switching period information (information of a characteristic vibration period of the beam), and a control circuit (a control section) adapted to control one of a timing at which the switch is set to a conductive state and a timing at which the switch is set to a nonconductive state in accordance with the switching period information stored in the memory.
US09048417B2
A magnetic memory device is provided. The magnetic memory device includes a first vertical magnetic layer and a second vertical magnetic layer on a substrate, a tunnel barrier layer between the first vertical magnetic layer and the second vertical magnetic layer, and an exchange-coupling layer between a first sub-layer of the first vertical magnetic layer and a second sub-layer of the first vertical magnetic layer.
US09048409B2
A light emitting diode (LED) package includes a semiconductor stack including a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, and an active layer disposed between the first and second semiconductor layers, the first and second semiconductor layers having different conductivity types, a first contact layer disposed on the first semiconductor layer, a second contact layer disposed on the second semiconductor layer, a first insulation layer contacting the first contact layer, a second insulation layer disposed on the first insulation layer, a first bump disposed on a first side of the semiconductor stack, the first bump being electrically connected to the first contact layer, a second bump disposed on the first side of the semiconductor stack, the second bump being electrically connected to the second contact layer, and a third insulation layer disposed on side surfaces of the first bump and the second bump.
US09048407B2
The present invention is a method for mounting, on a ceramic substrate (9), an LED chip (1), in which an upper surface of a positive electrode (6) is in a higher position than an upper surface of a negative electrode (5). The method includes the steps of: (i) laminating resist (16) on the negative electrode (5) and the positive electrode (6) and forming openings (16a and 16b) in the resist (16); (ii) forming bumps (11 and 12) in the respective openings (16a and 16b); (iii) removing the resist (16); and (iv) bonding bumps (11 and 12) to the ceramic substrate (9). A cross-sectional area of the opening (16a) is larger than a cross-sectional area of the opening (16b).
US09048395B2
Disclosed are a light emitting device package and a lighting system. The light emitting device package includes a semiconductor light emitting device, a first encapsulant over the semiconductor light emitting device, and a second encapsulant having a refractive index greater than a refractive index of the first encapsulant over the first encapsulant.
US09048387B2
A light emitting device with improved light extraction efficiency includes an n-type layer, a p-type layer, an active region sandwiched between the n-type layer and the p-type layer, a characteristic AlGaN layer over which the n-type layer is formed, and an AlN layer on which the characteristic AlGaN layer is formed. The characteristic AlGaN layer has gradually enlarging bandgap width from that of the n-type layer to that of the AlN layer in the direction pointing from the n-type layer to the AlN layer. The light-emitting device may further include a nanoporous AlN layer over which the AlN layer is formed.
US09048386B2
While maintaining unity of wavelength of light emitted from a semiconductor light emitting element, decrease of light emission efficiency with an increase in environmental temperature is suppressed. A semiconductor light-emitting element includes: an n-cladding layer; a light emitting layer laminated on the n-cladding layer; and a p-type semiconductor layer laminated on the light emitting layer. The light emitting layer includes a first barrier layer to an eighth barrier layer and a first well layer to a seventh well layer, and a single well layer is sandwiched by two barrier layers. The first well layer to the fifth well layer have a common standard well thickness and a common composition, and the sixth well layer and the seventh well layer are set at a maximum well thickness larger than the common standard well thickness and have a composition whose band gap energy is larger than that of the common composition.
US09048383B2
The invention relates to a light-emitting diode chip, comprising an n-type semiconductor layer (3), a p-type semiconductor layer (4), an active region (2) between the n-type semiconductor layer (3) and the p-type semiconductor layer (4), a lateral surface (14), which limits the n-type semiconductor layer (3), the p-type semiconductor layer (4) and the active region (2) in a lateral direction, and a doped region (1), in which a dopant is introduced into a semiconductor material of the light-emitting diode chip, and/or comprising a neutralized region (1), wherein the doped region (1) and/or the neutralized region (1) are formed at the lateral surface (14) at least in the region of the active region, and the light-emitting diode chip is intended to emit incoherent electromagnetic radiation during operation.
US09048379B2
A light-emitting device of an embodiment of the present application comprises a semiconductor layer sequence provided with a first main side, a second main side, and an active layer; a beveled trench formed in the semiconductor layer sequence, having a top end close to the second main side, a bottom end, and an inner sidewall connecting the top end and the bottom end. In the embodiment, the inner sidewall is an inclined surface. The light-emitting device further comprises a dielectric layer disposed on the inner sidewall of the beveled trench and the second main side; a first metal layer formed on the dielectric layer; a carrier substrate; and a first connection layer connecting the carrier substrate and the semiconductor layer sequence.
US09048377B2
Provided are a light emitting device, a method for fabricating the light emitting device, a light emitting device package, and a lighting unit. The light emitting device includes a support member having a stepped portion on a side surface, a light emitting structure on the support member, the light emitting structure including a first conductive type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second conductive type semiconductor layer to generate light, and an electrode supplying a power to the first conductive type semiconductor layer. The support member has a first surface on which the light emitting structure is disposed and a second surface having an area greater than that of the first surface.
US09048376B2
A multi-junction solar cell device includes a substrate having a first lattice constant, a first optoelectronic conversion layer having a second lattice constant, and a second optoelectronic conversion layer having a third lattice constant wherein the value of the first lattice constant is between that of the second lattice constant and the third lattice constant.
US09048375B2
Systems and methods are provided for fabricating pyrite thin films from molecular inks. A process is provided that comprises dissolving simple iron-bearing and sulfur-bearing molecules in an appropriate solvent and then depositing the solution onto an appropriate substrate using one of several methods (roll-to-roll coating, spraying, spin coating, etc.), resulting in a solid film consisting of the molecules. These molecular precursor films are then heated to 200-600° C. in the presence of sulfur-bearing gases (e.g., S2, H2S) to convert the molecular films into films of crystalline iron pyrite (FeS2).
US09048368B2
A light emitting device includes a conductive support member, and first and second light emitting structures. A channel layer is provided around lower portions of the first and second light emitting structures. A first electrode is coupled to a first conductive first semiconductor layer of the first light emitting structure, and a second electrode is coupled to a second semiconductor layer of the first light emitting structure. A third electrode is coupled to a third semiconductor layer of the second light emitting structure, and a fourth electrode is coupled to a fourth semiconductor layer of the second light emitting structure. A first connection part is coupled to the first electrode and the conductive support member, and a second connection part is coupled to the second and third electrodes. A third connection part is coupled to the fourth electrode and has one end provided on the channel layer.
US09048366B2
Embodiments generally relate to optoelectronic semiconductor devices such as photovoltaic cells. In one aspect, a method for forming a device includes forming an absorber layer made of gallium arsenide (GaAs) and having one type of doping, and forming an emitter layer made of a different material and having a higher bandgap than the absorber layer. An intermediate layer can be formed between emitter and absorber layers. A heterojunction and p-n junction are formed between the emitter layer and the absorber layer, where the p-n junction is formed at least partially within the different material at a location offset from the heterojunction. A majority of the absorber layer can be outside of a depletion region formed by the p-n junction. The p-n junction causes a voltage to be generated in the cell in response to the cell being exposed to light at a front side.
US09048360B2
Disclosed are a solar cell, a solar cell with interconnection sheet attached, and a solar cell module wherein a surface of an electrode for first conductive type is covered with a migration suppressing layer for preventing a metal forming electrode for first conductive type from precipitating, and at least one of a surface of migration suppressing layer covering electrode for first conductive type and a surface of electrode for second conductive type is covered with an insulating member.
US09048355B2
A semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided which can suppress corrosion by chemicals in processes, while preventing generation of thermal stress on a mark. A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer with a front-side main surface and a back-side main surface opposed to the front-side main surface, a plurality of light receiving elements formed in the semiconductor layer for performing photoelectric conversion, a light receiving lens disposed above the back-side main surface for supplying light to the light receiving element, and a mark formed inside the semiconductor layer. The mark extends from the front-side main surface to the back-side main surface. The mark has a deeply located surface recessed toward the front-side main surface rather than the back-side main surface. The deeply located surface is formed of silicon.
US09048354B2
Methods of manufacturing an integrated circuit device including a through via structure are provided. The methods may include forming an isolation trench through a substrate to form an inner substrate, which is enclosed by the isolation trench and forming an insulating layer in the isolation trench and on a surface of the substrate. The methods may also include forming a hole, which is spaced apart from the isolation trench and passes through a portion of the insulating layer formed on the surface of the substrate and the inner substrate and forming a conductive layer in the hole and on the insulating layer formed on the surface of the substrate. The methods may be used to manufacture image sensors.
US09048351B2
An LED die includes a transparent substrate, an N-type layer, an active layer and a P-type layer successively arranged on a first surface of the transparent substrate. A part of the N-type layer is exposed. The LED die further includes an electrode structure arranged on the P-type layer and the exposed surface of the N-type layer. A light outputting surface is formed on a second surface of the transparent substrate. The light outputting surface is a smoothly concave and arc-shaped surface. An LED automobile lamp with the LED die and a method for manufacturing the LED die are also provided. The light outputting surface of the LED die directly faces a lens of the LED automobile lamp.
US09048346B2
Provided are embodiments of a light emitting device and fabrication methods thereof. The light emitting device can include a buffer layer provided between a substrate and a semiconductor layer incorporating a high fusion point metal. In a fabrication method of the light emitting device, the buffer layer incorporating a high fusion point metal can be formed on a substrate, and a semiconductor layer can be formed on the buffer layer.
US09048337B2
A memory device, system and fabrication method relating to a vertical memory cell including a semiconducting pillar extending outwardly from an integrally connected semiconductor substrate are disclosed. A first source/drain region is formed in the semiconductor substrate and a body region and a second source/drain region are formed within the semiconductor pillar. A first gate is coupled to a first side of the semiconductor pillar for coupling the first and second source/drain regions together when activated. The vertical memory cell also includes a storage capacitor formed on an extended end of the semiconducting pillar and electrically coupled to the second source/drain region.
US09048332B2
A semiconductor device manufacturing method includes: a first-process for placing, on a first-substrate on which traces and first-electrodes are formed, each of the first-electrodes being connected to one of traces, a second-substrate in which through-holes corresponding to the first-electrodes and relay-members are disposed, each of the relay-members being formed of solder, penetrating through one of the through-holes, and projecting from both ends of the one of the through-holes, so that the first-electrodes are aligned with the through-holes in a plan view; a second-process for melting the relay-members so that the relay-members are connected to the first-electrodes, after the first-process; and a third-process for placing a semiconductor substrate on which a second-electrodes corresponding to the first-electrodes are formed on a side opposite to the first-substrate across the second-substrate, after the second-process, to connect the first-electrodes and the second-electrodes to each other via the relay-members.
US09048317B2
The disclosure relates to a semiconductor device. An exemplary structure for a contact structure for a semiconductor device comprises a substrate comprising a major surface; a fin structure extending upward from the substrate major surface, wherein the fin structure comprises a first fin, a second fin, and a third fin between the first fin and second fin; a first germanide over the first fin, wherein a first bottom surface of the first germanide has a first acute angle to the major surface; a second germanide over the second fin on a side of the third fin opposite to first germanide substantially mirror-symmetrical to each other; and a third germanide over the third fin, wherein a third bottom surface of the third germanide has a third acute angle to the major surface less than the first acute angle.
US09048313B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of gate electrodes including a part extended in a first direction in a plane parallel with the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate has a second semiconductor layer including a plurality of first conductive type pillars and second conductive type second pillars that are disposed on the first semiconductor layer, extending in the first direction in the plane parallel with the semiconductor substrate and in a third direction intersecting with a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and arranged adjacent to each other in an alternate manner.
US09048311B2
A laminate including a supporting member which is light transmissive; a supported substrate supported by the supporting member; an adhesive layer provided on a surface of the supported substrate which surface faces toward the supporting member; and a release layer which is made of a fluorocarbon and is provided between the supporting member and the supported substrate, the release layer having a property that changes when it absorbs light coming through the supporting member.
US09048303B1
A Group III-nitride-based enhancement mode transistor includes a heterojunction fin structure. Side faces and a top face of the heterojunction fin structure are covered by a p-type Group III-nitride layer.
US09048302B2
A field effect transistor has an MOS structure and is formed of a nitride based compound semiconductor. The field effect transistor includes a substrate; a semiconductor operating layer having a recess and formed on the substrate; an insulating layer formed on the semiconductor operating layer including the recess; a gate electrode formed on the insulating layer at the recess; and a source electrode and a drain electrode formed on the semiconductor operating layer with the recess in between and electrically connected to the semiconductor operating layer. The recess includes a side wall inclined relative to the semiconductor operating layer.
US09048301B2
A transistor device and method for forming a nanowire field effect transistor (FET) device are provided. A device layer including a source region and a drain region is formed, where the source region and the drain region are connected by a suspended nanowire channel. Etch stop layers are formed beneath the source region and the drain region. The etch stop layers comprise support structures interposed between a semiconductor substrate and the source and drain regions. The suspended nanowire channel is formed by etching a sacrificial material beneath the suspended nanowire channel. The etching is selective to the sacrificial material to prevent the removal of the etch stop layers beneath the source region and the drain region.
US09048299B2
A method for patterning vias in a chip comprises forming a photomask layer including a gap on a patterned hardmask layer including a plurality of trenches and in contact with a uniform layer on a substrate, wherein the gap overlaps with two or more of the trenches. The method further comprises exposing a portion of the uniform layer under the gap using a photo exposure process, etching the exposed portion of the uniform layer with the photomask layer to obtain a plurality of vias extended partially through the substrate, and further etching the vias to obtain corresponding through-substrate vias. Another method comprises patterning a plurality of vias in a plurality of trenches of a hardmask layer on a substrate using a single photo exposure step and a photomask comprising a single gap that overlaps with the trenches.
US09048293B2
A semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. An additional spacer is formed at a lateral surface of an upper part of the bit line so that the distance of insulation films between a storage node and a neighboring storage node contact plug is increased. Accordingly, the distance between the storage node and the neighboring storage node contact is guaranteed and a bridge failure is prevented.
US09048290B2
A thin film transistor (TFT) array includes a substrate, a thin film transistor, a first wall, a transparent electrode and a color resist. The thin film transistor is disposed on the substrate. The first wall is disposed on the substrate and separates a first contact hole from a pixel region on the substrate, wherein the first contact hole exposes a drain electrode of the thin film transistor. The first wall has a first sidewall facing towards the first contact hole and a second sidewall facing towards the pixel region, wherein the slope of the first sidewall is gentler than the slope of the second sidewall. The transparent electrode is electrically connected to the drain electrode of the thin film transistor through the first contact hole. The pixel region is filled with the color resist.
US09048277B2
To reduce defects of a semiconductor device, such as defects in shape and characteristic due to external stress and electrostatic discharge. To provide a highly reliable semiconductor device. In addition, to increase manufacturing yield of a semiconductor device by reducing the above defects in the manufacturing process. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor integrated circuit sandwiched by impact resistance layers against external stress and an impact diffusion layer diffusing the impact and a conductive layer covering the semiconductor integrated circuit. With the use of the conductive layer covering the semiconductor integrated circuit, electrostatic breakdown (malfunctions of the circuit or damages of a semiconductor element) due to electrostatic discharge of the semiconductor integrated circuit can be prevented.
US09048263B2
A non-volatile memory and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. In this method, a first oxide layer having a protrusion is formed on a substrate. A pair of doped regions is formed in the substrate at two sides of the protrusion. A pair of charge storage spacers is formed on the sidewalls of the protrusion. A second oxide layer is formed on the first oxide layer and the pair of charge storage spacers. A conductive layer is formed on the second oxide layer, wherein the conductive layer is located completely on the top of the pair of charge storage spacers.
US09048255B2
A method comprises forming a first trench and a second trench, depositing a dielectric material in a lower portion of the first trench, depositing a gate electrode material in the second trench and an upper portion of the first trench, forming a first N+ region and a second N+ region through an ion implantation process, wherein the first N+ region and the second N+ region are on opposite sides of the first trench and forming an accumulation layer along a sidewall of the second trench.
US09048245B2
A method including providing a fixture comprising a trap ring, a base plate having a recess adapted to receive a laminate substrate, the base plate including an opening and an adjustable height center button disposed in the opening, the opening being located within the recess and located in a center of the laminate substrate, characterizing the laminate substrate for warpage characteristics by using one of room temperature techniques and elevated temperature techniques, determining a horizontal plane distortion based on the warpage characteristics, and placing the laminate substrate into the fixture with an adjustment to correct the horizontal plane distortion, the adjustment is provided by the adjustable height center button, wherein the adjustable height center button contacts the laminate substrate. The method further includes fluxing the laminate substrate, placing a chip onto the laminate substrate, and placing the fixture into a reflow furnace to join the chip and the laminate substrate.
US09048232B2
A package is connected at a first side to a printed circuit board and with a die fixed to it on a second side opposite to the first side. The package has an integrated pre-match circuit to provide an impedance match for a signal to be sent to a circuit external to the package. The signal has a predetermined main frequency component. The pre-match circuit has a pair of transmission lines and a pair of stubs on a predetermined layer of the package and connected to the pair of transmission lines. The pair of stubs have a length such as to form a short circuit for an harmonic frequency of the main frequency component in the signal.
US09048231B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a semiconductor device and methods of forming a semiconductor device. An embodiment is a method of forming a semiconductor device, the method comprising forming a conductive pad in a first substrate, forming an interconnecting structure over the conductive pad and the first substrate, the interconnecting structure comprising a plurality of metal layers disposed in a plurality of dielectric layers, bonding a die to a first side of the interconnecting structure, and etching the first substrate from a second side of the interconnecting structure, the etching exposing a portion of the conductive pad.
US09048223B2
A package structure having silicon through vias connected to ground potential is disclosed, comprising a first device, a second device and a conductive adhesive disposed between the first device and the second device. The first device comprises a substrate having a front surface and a back surface, and a plurality of through silicon vias filled with a conductor formed within the substrate. The first device is externally connected to the second device by wire bonding.
US09048215B2
A semiconductor device includes a first layer of a first-type, a second layer of a second-type formed on the first layer, a third layer of the first type formed on the second layer, a first electrode connected to the second and third layers, a second electrode connected to the first layer, a third electrode embedded in a trench formed through the third and second layers and into the first layer, a fourth electrode embedded in the trench below the third electrode, and an insulating layer formed in the trench around the fourth electrode. The first layer includes a first region that is in contact with the insulating layer and at which a concentration of the first-type dopant is lower than the concentration at a second region that is formed around the first region.
US09048205B2
An organic light emitting diode includes: a substrate; an encapsulation substrate facing the substrate and including a transmission region through which light is transmitted and an absorption region through which the light is not transmitted; a sealant between the substrate and the encapsulation substrate; and a pixel unit between the substrate and the encapsulation substrate, and including a plurality of pixels respectively including an organic light emitting element. The absorption region of the encapsulation substrate includes photoreactive crystals.
US09048203B2
A light emitting device having high definition, a high aperture ratio, and high reliability is provided. The present invention achieves high definition and a high aperture ratio with a full color flat panel display using red, green, and blue color emission light by intentionally forming laminate portions, wherein portions of different organic compound layers of adjacent light emitting elements overlap with each other, without depending upon the method of forming the organic compound layers or the film formation precision.
US09048192B2
A method of forming a pattern includes forming a mask pattern on a substrate; etching the substrate by deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) and by using the mask pattern as an etch mask; partially removing the mask pattern to expose a portion of an upper surface of the substrate; and etching the exposed portion of the upper surface of the substrate. In the method, when a pattern is formed by DRIE, an upper portion of the pattern does not protrude or scarcely protrudes, and scallops of a sidewall of the pattern are smooth, and thus a conformal material layer may be easily formed on a surface of the pattern.
US09048190B2
Methods and apparatus for processing a substrate are provided. In some embodiments, a method of processing a substrate having a first layer may include disposing a substrate atop a substrate support in a lower processing volume of a process chamber beneath an ion shield having a bias power applied thereto, the ion shield comprising a substantially flat member supported parallel to the substrate support, and a plurality of apertures formed through the flat member, wherein the ratio of the aperture diameter to the thickness flat member ranges from about 10:1-1:10; flowing a process gas into an upper processing volume above the ion shield; forming a plasma from the process gas within the upper processing volume; treating the first layer with neutral radicals that pass through the ion shield; and heating the substrate to a temperature of up to about 550 degrees Celsius while treating the first layer.
US09048189B2
Plasma processing methods of a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus which can minimize the amount of impurities adhered to the surface of a wafer, when a desired process using plasma is performed. According to the plasma processing methods of the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, after the desired process is completed, the plasma generated over the wafer is diffused, and then the wafer is de-chucked.
US09048174B2
The present disclosure provides a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure includes a buffer layer on a substrate, an graded aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) layer disposed on the buffer layer, a gallium nitride (GaN) layer disposed on the graded AlGaN layer, a second AlGaN layer disposed on the GaN layer and a gate stack disposed on the second AlGaN layer. The gate stack includes one or more of a III-V compound p-doped layer, a III-V compound n-doped layer, an aluminum nitride (AlN) layer between the III-V compound p-doped and n-doped layers, and a metal layer formed over the p-doped, AlN, and n-doped layers. A dielectric layer can also underlie the metal layer.
US09048170B2
A method for forming optical devices. The method includes providing a gallium nitride substrate member having a crystalline surface region and a backside region. The method also includes subjecting the backside region to a laser scribing process to form a plurality of scribe regions on the backside region and forming a metallization material overlying the backside region including the plurality of scribe regions. The method removes at least one optical device using at least one of the scribe regions.
US09048164B2
A solid state imaging device includes a P-type semiconductor substrate 1A, a P-type epitaxial layer 1B grown on the semiconductor substrate 1A, an imaging region VR grown within the epitaxial layer 1B, and an N-type semiconductor region 1C grown within the epitaxial layer 1B. The solid state imaging device further includes a horizontal shift register HR that transmits a signal from the imaging region VR, and a P-type well region 1D formed within the epitaxial layer 1B. The N-type semiconductor region 1C extends in the well region 1D. A P-type impurity concentration in the well region 1D is higher than a P-type impurity concentration in the epitaxial layer 1B. A multiplication register EM that multiplies electrons from the horizontal shift register HR is formed in the well region 1D.
US09048163B2
A transistor may include an active layer having a plurality of oxide semiconductor layers and an insulating layer disposed therebetween. The insulating layer may include a material that has higher etch selectivity with respect to at least one of the plurality of oxide semiconductor layers. The electronic device may include a first transistor and a second transistor connected to the first transistor. The second transistor may include an active layer having a different structure from that of the active layer included in the first transistor. The active layer of the second transistor may have the same structure as one of the plurality of oxide semiconductor layers constituting the active layer of the first transistor.
US09048161B2
A method for fabricating a sensor includes: forming, on a base substrate, a pattern of a source electrode and a drain electrode, a pattern of a data line, a pattern of a receiving electrode, a pattern of a photodiode, and a pattern of a transparent electrode disposed by using a first patterning process; forming a pattern of an ohmic layer by using a second patterning process; forming a pattern of an active layer by using a third patterning process; forming a pattern of a gate insulating layer by using a fourth patterning process, wherein the gate insulating layer has a via hole above the transparent electrode; and forming a pattern of a gate electrode, a pattern of a gate line, and a pattern of a bias line connected to the transparent electrode via the via hole above the transparent electrode by using a fifth patterning process.
US09048155B2
A plurality of photoelectric conversion elements including a first photoelectric conversion element, a second photoelectric conversion element, and a third photoelectric conversion element, are arranged in a photoelectric conversion apparatus of the present invention. Provided, between the first photoelectric conversion element and the second photoelectric conversion element, is a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type and of a first width in which a signal charge is a minor charier. And, provided, between the first photoelectric conversion element and the third photoelectric conversion element, is a second semiconductor region of the first conductivity type in a higher impurity concentration and of a second width narrower than the first width at a position deeper in a semiconductor substrate rather than a depth of the first semiconductor region.
US09048146B2
A means of forming unevenness for preventing specular reflection of a pixel electrode, without increasing the number of process steps, is provided. In a method of manufacturing a reflecting type liquid crystal display device, the formation of unevenness (having a radius of curvature r in a convex portion) in the surface of a pixel electrode is performed by the same photomask as that used for forming a channel etch type TFT, in which the convex portion is formed in order to provide unevenness to the surface of the pixel electrode and give light scattering characteristics.
US09048144B2
With an increase in the definition of a display device, the number of pixels is increased, and thus the numbers of gate lines and signal lines are increased. Due to the increase in the numbers of gate lines and signal lines, it is difficult to mount an IC chip having a driver circuit for driving the gate and signal lines by bonding or the like, which causes an increase in manufacturing costs. A pixel portion and a driver circuit for driving the pixel portion are formed over one substrate. At least a part of the driver circuit is formed using an inverted staggered thin film transistor in which an oxide semiconductor is used. The driver circuit as well as the pixel portion is provided over the same substrate, whereby manufacturing costs are reduced.
US09048140B2
Disclosed herein is a semiconductor integrated circuit including: a cell layout region including circuit cells subject to power control the supply and interruption of power to which is controlled by a power switch, and always-on circuit cell groups which are always powered after the activation; a main line laid out in the cell layout region and applied with a source or reference voltage; and first and second branch lines which branch from the main line in the cell layout region.
US09048133B2
A semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. In the semiconductor device, an upper part of a storage node contact plug is increased in size, and an area of overlap between a storage node formed in a subsequent process and a storage node contact plug is increased, such that resistance of the storage node contact plug is increased and device characteristics are improved. The semiconductor device includes at least one bit line formed over a semiconductor substrate, a first storage node contact plug formed between the bit lines and coupled to an upper part of the semiconductor substrate, and a second storage node contact plug formed over the first storage node contact plug, wherein a width of a lower part of the second storage node contact plug is larger than a width of an upper part thereof.
US09048131B2
An apparatus is disclosed for a memory cell having a floating body. A memory cell may include a transistor over an insulation layer, the transistor including a source, and a drain. The memory cell may also include a floating body including a first region positioned between the source and the drain, a second region positioned remote from each of the source and drain, and a passage extending through the insulation layer and coupling the first region to the second region. Additionally, the memory cell may include a bias gate at least partially surrounding the second region and configured for operably coupling to a bias voltage. Furthermore, the memory cell may include a plurality of dielectric layers, wherein each outer vertical surface of the second region has a dielectric layer of the plurality adjacent thereto.
