US09694953B2
A liquid dispensing container may include a body, lid, valve assembly, and straw. The valve assembly may be movable between a first position to allow contents to be discharged by inverting and/or squeezing the container, and a second position to allow the contents to be discharged by sucking and/or squeezing through a straw.
US09694951B2
A reclosable elastomeric fastener and method for sealing storage and serving containers using same. The fastener consists of two complementary elastomeric profiles, having male and female interlocking elements, which extend around the periphery of the lid and container components of a storage receptacle. The reclosable fastener forms a water-resistant seal when the male and female elements of the complementary profiles are mutually occluded.
US09694948B1
The closure device for bottle comprises an inner sleeve with locking means on the bottle, a cover with tear-off element, coupled to the inner sleeve, wherein said cover is connected with the tear-off element by a weakened section. The inner sleeve is a hollow cylindrical element with open butt ends, outer projections are formed on the lower part of the sleeve and the tear-off element is formed with inner projections for coupling with the outer projections of the sleeve. The inner sleeve comprises an annular element arranged on its inner surface which can provide additional visual tamper-evident through the outer side surface of the inner sleeve.
US09694944B2
A dispenser for viscous foods like condiments, batter and syrups employs a flexible plastic bag made of a flexible plastic material. The dispenser includes a cylinder having an annulus and defining an open interior. The cylinder receives the flexible plastic bag within the open interior. The cylinder includes a threaded nozzle that extends away from the open interior. A dispensing cap threadingly engages the threaded nozzle and includes a hollow tube and at least one knife edge which extends past the annulus into the open interior.
US09694935B2
The present invention relates to a container end closure that generally comprises a pour opening and a secondary vent opening which improves venting during emptying of contents from the container. In particular, the present invention relates to an end closure for a container having scores defining a secondary vent opening which may optionally be opened. The secondary vent opening has a significantly larger area then vents of prior art designs and thereby improves pour rate and smoothness of pour. After the pour opening is opened using a pull tab interconnected to the end closure, a consumer may selectively open the secondary vent opening by pulling back on the tab.
US09694921B2
The present invention relates, generally, to a method and apparatus for filling and/or tamping product in a container. More specifically, the present disclosure is related to a device for filling a container with a material including a conduit comprising a top opening and a bottom opening, and a tamper integrally coupled to the conduit, wherein the tamper is configured to move laterally in a straight path horizontally, wherein a tamping face is configured to tamp in a vertical direction.
US09694914B2
A collision avoidance system includes a sensor adapted to detect at least one vehicle in the vicinity of a predetermined area and generate target data relating to the at least one vehicle. An awareness engine receives the target data and evaluates the target data for a threat of a collision. An alerting system is adapted to alert the at least one vehicle in the event of a threat of a collision, the alerting system being activated by the awareness engine.
US09694912B2
A gas turbine engine nacelle includes a first annular portion that is stationary and adapted for partially surrounding an engine core. The first annular portion includes a fore pylon connecting portion. A rail is coupled to the fore pylon connecting portion and extending in the aft direction from the first annular portion. A second annular portion, aft of the first annular portion and coupled to the rail, is movable along an engine core centerline between a closed position and at least one open position. The second annular portion is configured to engage with the first annular portion when the second annular portion is in the closed position, thereby providing access to the engine core. A guide pin extends forward from the second annular portion. A locking mechanism is disposed within the first annular portion for engaging the guide pin when the second annular portion is in the closed position.
US09694909B2
A modular mounting structure is described which allows for the easy installation and removal of various payloads from a vehicle structure. An embedded electrical bus feature further supports the installation of the various payloads into the vehicle structure.
US09694906B1
The vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial vehicle includes a pair of selectively rotatable ducted fans and a selectively rotatable thrust vectoring nozzle providing vertical takeoff and landing for an unmanned aerial vehicle or a similar type of aircraft. A pair of fixed forward-swept wings are mounted on a rear portion of a fuselage, and a pair of canards are mounted on a top end of a forward portion of the fuselage. The pair of ducted fans are respectively mounted on free ends of the pair of canards, and are selectively rotatable about an axis parallel to a pitch axis of the fuselage. An engine is mounted in the rear portion of the fuselage, and a thrust vectoring nozzle is mounted on the rear portion of the fuselage for directing thrust exhaust from the engine. The thrust vectoring nozzle is selectively rotatable about an axis parallel to the pitch axis.
US09694903B2
An aircraft-based mobile device connectivity system generally includes a housing, an avionic systems interface integrated into the housing, a wireless interface integrated into the housing, and a data security module. The avionic system interface is configured to be communicatively coupled to an avionics system external to the housing. The wireless interface is configured to provide wireless communication with one or more mobile devices. The data security module is configured to receive commands from the mobile devices, securely process the commands, receive avionics data from the avionics system via the avionic systems interface and the avionics module, and securely transmit the avionics data to the mobile devices.
US09694899B2
A rotorcraft provided on top with a fairing (3) arranged below the rotary wing of a main rotor of substantially vertical axis of the rotorcraft, and covering a mechanism enabling the blades of the rotary wing of the main rotor to be operated. The streamlined shape of the fairing (3) is shaped longitudinally like a drop of water that is truncated in its rear portion. The truncated portion (6) of the waterdrop-shaped profile of the fairing (3) forms the rear wall of the fairing (3) and is provided with a transversely middle hump (7). Said hump (7) is provided with projections in relief (9) arranged as waves in a longitudinal succession extending along the side walls of the fairing (3), and the truncated portion (6) is arranged in a plane sloping towards the rear of the rotorcraft.
US09694887B2
Disclosed are a propulsion device for a ship and a ship having same. The propulsion device, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a rear propeller fixed to a driveshaft; a front propeller positioned in front of the rear propeller, and supported rotably on the driveshaft; and a counter rotation device for reversing and transmitting the rotation of the driveshaft to the front propeller; a motor for rotating the driveshaft; and an housing, which extends from to the lower part of the hull, and which is installed so as to envelope the counter rotation device and the motor.
US09694879B2
A method for determining start and stop times of at least one selected operation on a pipe deployment vessel includes measuring either or both tension on a pipe deployed from a reel on the vessel and velocity of pipe motion with respect to the vessel. Rotational velocity of the reel is measured. Geodetic position of the vessel with respect to time is measured. The start and stop times of the at least one selected operation are determined from the measured tension, motion velocity, rotational velocity and geodetic position. The start and stop times are recorded.
US09694877B2
A tie down system includes at least one device hook having a hook base; at least one hook opening in the hook base; a generally elongated hook shaft extending from the hook base; a curved hook finger extending from the hook shaft; a hook base extension extending from the hook base in spaced-apart relationship to the hook shaft; and a hook slot between the hook shaft and the hook base extension.
US09694870B2
A motorcycle comprises a rear wheel; a vehicle body frame including a front frame unit supporting a motor, and a rear frame unit supporting a seat; and a swing arm which is rotatably connected to the front frame unit and supports the rear wheel, wherein the rear frame unit includes: a front section which supports the seat and extends rearward from the front frame unit; a pair of right and left branch sections extending rearward from a rear end portion of the front section to be spaced apart from each other in a rightward and leftward direction; and a pair of rear sections which extend rearward from rear end portions of the pair of right and left branch sections, respectively, and are placed rightward and leftward relative to the rear wheel.
US09694857B2
A fender for a wheeled vehicle has an arcuate fender body and a brace. The fender body has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is adapted to face a wheel of the vehicle. The brace has a first end and a second end. The first end is disposed on and connected to the outer surface of the fender body. The second end is adapted to connect to the vehicle. The second end is spaced from the fender body and is disposed radially inward of the first end. A wheeled vehicle having the fender disposed on a wheel thereof is also described.
US09694849B2
A steering control system is disclosed for use with a machine. The steering control system may have left and right motors, at least one input device configured to generate first and second signals indicative of desired speed and desired steering, a left speed sensor configured to generate a third signal, and a right speed sensor configured to generate a fourth signal. The steering control system may further have a controller configured to determine a difference between desired and actual steering based on the second, third, and fourth signals, to determine a steering command change that should be implemented based on the difference, and to determine a gain based on the second signal. The controller may also be configured to adjust the steering command change as a function of the gain, and to selectively apply the adjusted steering command change to one of the left and right motors.
US09694826B1
Apparatuses, methods and systems comprising vehicle gear shifting controls are disclosed. One embodiment is a method comprising operating a vehicle system comprising an engine structured to output torque, a transmission structured to receive torque from the engine and output torque to one or more ground contacting wheels, and an electronic control system in operative communication with the engine and the transmission. The electronic control system is structured to estimate an engine load parameter using one or more dynamically determined vehicle operating parameters, set an engine load threshold using the engine load parameter, evaluate a current engine load relative to the engine load threshold, and selectably perform an operation to control or influence a shifting event in response to the evaluation.
US09694821B2
An upper limit value of an upward gradient of a road surface for starting neutral coasting is set to be larger than an upper limit of the upward gradient of the road surface for starting free-run coasting, so, when the upward gradient is relatively large and a coasting distance is short, the vehicle is caused to travel in the neutral coasting, and stop and restart of the engine are not carried out. Therefore, a decrease in drivability of the vehicle is suppressed. When the upward gradient is relatively small and the coasting distance is long, the vehicle is caused to travel in the free-run coasting, and supply of fuel to the engine is stopped, so fuel economy of the vehicle is obtained. Thus, it is possible to achieve both fuel economy and drivability of the vehicle during coasting on an upward gradient.
US09694815B2
A vehicle driving control apparatus is provided for controlling an own vehicle to track a target vehicle. The vehicle driving control apparatus includes: (1) means for acquiring an actual relative speed of the target vehicle to the own vehicle; (2) means for setting a target acceleration of the own vehicle based on the product of a relative speed gain and the actual relative speed acquired by the acquiring means, the relative speed gain being normally set to a reference gain; (3) means for detecting occurrence of an event which causes the target acceleration set by the setting means to discontinuously change; and (4) means for correcting, upon detection of occurrence of the event by the detecting means, the relative speed gain so as to gradually increase the relative speed gain from a value that is less than the reference gain.
US09694814B2
Described embodiments include a system and a method. A system includes a surface evaluation circuit configured to determine a surface fraction characteristic of at least a portion of a driving surface of a possible collision avoidance path of a vehicle. The system includes a rating circuit configured to assign a risk value to the possible collision avoidance path responsive to the determined surface traction characteristic. The system includes a selector circuit having a rule-set configured to select a collision avoidance path from at least two possible collision avoidance paths in response to an evaluation of the respective assigned risk value for each of the at least two possible collision avoidance paths.
US09694810B2
A side wind assistant for a vehicle and a method for the operation of the side wind assistant involve detecting a side wind disturbance acting on the vehicle and reacting to the side wind disturbance by carrying out a side wind compensation intervention to at least partially compensate for the influence of the side wind disturbance, at least when an intervention threshold has been exceeded. The side wind assistant thus reacts to the side wind disturbance in a frequency selective manner in which the frequency selectivity is controlled depending on the side wind compensation or a state of the side wind assistant correlating with the side wind compensation intervention. In particular, the frequency selectivity is controlled depending on whether the side wind compensation intervention is carried out or not carried out, and depending on the duration of the side wind compensation intervention.
US09694808B2
The present invention relates to a method for a vehicle (10) having an electric machine (11). The electric machine (11) is coupled to at least one wheel (16) of the vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) can optionally be operated in at least a first operating mode (21) and a second operating mode (22). In the first operating mode (21), the electric machine (11) applies a torque to the wheel (16), and in the second operating mode (22) the electric machine (11) does not apply any torque to the wheel (16). In the method, a request for switching over between the first and the second operating modes (21, 22) is detected and the vehicle (10) is operated in a transition operating mode (23) if the request to switch over from the first operating mode (21) into the second operating mode (22) is detected. In the transmission operating mode (23), a torque is applied to the at least one wheel (16) counter to a rolling direction of the vehicle (10) for at least a predetermined time.
US09694805B2
A hybrid work vehicle includes a work device, a traveling drive device, a lever operation quantity detection unit, an engagement state detection unit, a pedal operation quantity detection unit, a travel state detection unit, and an engine control unit. The engine control unit controls an engine rotation rate based upon at least either the lever operation quantity or the pedal operation quantity in correspondence to either the engaged state or the non-engaged state and either the traveling state or the non-traveling state.
US09694798B2
A vacuum brake booster includes a housing in which a piston is accommodated, the piston being supported by a cylindrical body sealingly passing through an opening in the bottom and having a key that engages with the return element of the cylindrical recess. A damping element separates the front of the key from the rear of the base supporting the piston and the bead of the membrane.
US09694792B2
Backstopping Brake System (BBS) is a part with two original and Accessory natures that can be installed on all manual transmission cars which their engine power is transmitted into forward wheels. By installing the system on vehicle forward wheels axle (plus (P)), when plus rotates around its axle in a reverse motion of engine, it locks the plus (P) and prevents unnecessary reverse motion of vehicle. This system can be activated or inactivated from cabin inside wirelessly through control remote system (2-3) or by wire. In the case of necessary reverse motion, this system is inactivated by pulling back its pawl. For safety, when vehicle has a severe shock, this system will be separated from joint point of vehicle body.
US09694785B1
A vehicle security system may include a vehicle controller and a first wireless communications device carried by the vehicle, and a wireless security sensor(s). The wireless security sensor(s) may include a portable housing, a motion sensor carried by the portable housing to detect motion thereof, a second wireless communications device carried by the portable housing to communicate with the first wireless communications device, and a sensor controller carried by the portable housing. The sensor controller may cooperate with the motion sensor and the second wireless communications device to determine when motion of the portable housing exceeds a first security alert threshold and send a first security alert message to the vehicle controller based thereon, and determine when the first security alert threshold is exceeded for a predetermined time and enter a power saving mode. The vehicle controller may generate a first alarm responsive to the first security alert message.
US09694768B2
A vehicle system with a processing device programmed to determine an ignition state and determine a vehicle speed and then send a control signal to enable power for at least one vehicle subsystem if the ignition state is off and the vehicle speed is above a predetermined threshold.
US09694766B2
Disclosures teach providing data over a vehicle bus, data providing values for a road attribute indexed to points anticipated to be traversed by a vehicle. To compress the data, a server may fit a regression function to the data with coefficients applied to kernels in the function. The server may limit the number of coefficients to reflect a limitation on rate of change imposed on data by the road on which it reports. Similarly, the server may limit one or more numbers of bits encoding the coefficients in a message transmitted on the vehicle bus, reflective of a limited range of potential amplitudes for data imposed by the road. A client may maintain a copy of the kernels and retrieve the coefficients from the message. The client may estimate future values of the road attribute by evaluating the coefficients applied to the kernels, which may, in some examples, be Gaussian.
US09694757B2
A vehicle rooftop system for carrying boards, such as SUP boards, may include a support unit having an elongate body, a self-adjusting strap slidably attached to the body, and a load-assist roller. A lockable cam buckle for securing the strap may be included at one end portion of the unit, and a paddle carrier may be included at another end portion.
US09694754B2
A vehicle body structure includes a side wall at least partially defining a cargo area. The side wall has an electrical fixture. A storage compartment assembly has a storage compartment and is moveable between an uninstalled orientation and an installed orientation where the storage compartment assembly is directly fastened to the side wall. An outboard panel of the storage compartment assembly includes a fixture receiving opening aligned with the electrical fixture with the storage compartment assembly in the installed orientation such that the electrical fixture is only accessible from within the storage compartment.
US09694753B2
A mirror reflective element sub-assembly for a vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element, a heater pad and a mirror back plate. The heater pad is adhered to the reflective element with a light-transmitting aperture of the heater pad generally juxtaposed with a light transmitting aperture of a metallic mirror reflector of the reflective element. The heater pad is adhered to the mirror back plate with the light-transmitting portion of the heater pad generally juxtaposed with an aperture of the mirror back plate. A blind spot indicator has a light source disposed at a first end of a generally elongated passageway, with a second end of the generally elongated passageway passing through the aperture of the mirror back plate to attach at the rear of the reflective element. The blind spot indicator is associated with a blind spot detection system of the vehicle.
US09694751B2
A rearview assembly having an electro-optic element. A front substrate defines a first surface and a second surface. A front side edge is disposed between the first surface and the second surface. A rear substrate is operably coupled with the front substrate and spaced a predetermined distance therefrom. The rear substrate defines a third surface and a fourth surface. A rear side edge is disposed between the third surface and the fourth surface. A perimeter of the rear substrate is larger than a perimeter of the front substrate, such that an outer portion of the third surface is exposed, thereby defining a peripheral step between the front side edge and the rear side edge. An electro-optic material is disposed between the front substrate and the rear substrate. A bezel is configured to extend around the rear substrate, over the outer portion of the third surface.
US09694750B2
A vehicular exterior sideview mirror assembly includes a main mirror element having a first primary field of view rearward of the vehicle and an auxiliary curved mirror element having a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the vehicle. The main mirror element and the auxiliary mirror element are adjacently disposed at a mirror backing plate element in a side-by-side relationship. The first primary field of view of the main mirror element may overlap the second auxiliary field of view of the auxiliary mirror element by between about 2 degrees and about 20 degrees. When used in an exterior sideview mirror assembly of a vehicle, the main mirror element may have a rearward field of view that subtends an angle of less than about 20 degrees relative to the side of the vehicle.
US09694749B2
A tow hitching aid system for a vehicle having a hitching ball for connecting to a hitching receiver of a trailer includes a camera disposed at the vehicle and having a field of view that encompasses the hitching ball of the vehicle. The system also includes a plurality of distance measuring sensors disposed at the vehicle. A display screen is disposed in the vehicle and is viewable by a driver of the vehicle when the driver is normally operating the vehicle. A control receives input from the camera and input from the distance measuring sensors. During a tow hitching maneuver, the display screen displays video images captured by the camera, and at least one graphic overlay is superimposed over the displayed video images to assist the driver during the tow hitching maneuver to connect the hitching ball of the vehicle with the hitching receiver of the trailer.
US09694748B2
The invention regards a system of command and control and of aiming and firing for a military land vehicle equipped with at least one weapon. This system of command and control and of aiming and firing comprises: an external vision system for aiming and firing operationally associated with a weapon of the military vehicle; an external vision system for command and control; an aiming and firing user interface configured to control both the external vision system for aiming and firing and the associated weapon, and the external vision system for command and control; and a command and control user interface configured to control both the external vision system for command and control and the external vision system for aiming and firing and the associated weapon.
US09694741B2
A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat having a base including peripheral side ledges disposed on first and second sides of the seat. A seat cushion is disposed on the base and includes first and second independent thigh supports that extend forwardly over the base and define a forward ledge. A seatback is operably coupled to the seat and includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion includes a seatback cushion and a seatback support. A peripheral seatback cavity is located on first and second sides of the lower portion between the seatback cushion and the seatback support. At least one light source is disposed proximate the peripheral side ledges, the forward ledge, and the peripheral seatback cavity.
US09694737B2
A vehicle headlight control system includes a headlight, a positioning system, a receiver, and a controller. The positioning system is configured to generate host vehicle information including a host vehicle location and a host vehicle trajectory. The receiver is configured to receive remote vehicle information including a remote vehicle location and a remote vehicle trajectory. The controller is configured to calculate a remote vehicle distance from the host vehicle location based on the remote vehicle information and the host vehicle information, determine whether the remote vehicle distance is less than a predetermined distance, and automatically operate the headlight in a first setting while the remote vehicle distance is determined to be less than the predetermined distance.
US09694734B2
A retaining apparatus includes a base member having a backing portion engaging a first side of a fixed plate and a cleat engaging a second side of the fixed plate. A neck portion connects the backing portion to the cleat and slidingly engages a keyway hole in the fixed plate. The retaining apparatus also includes a locking member coupled to the base member by a hinge. The locking member defines a disengaged position spaced from the fixed plate and is pivotable to an engaged position to secure the apparatus to the fixed plate.
US09694729B2
A seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle includes a frame assembly for supporting a seat occupant in the vehicle, a foam pad supported by the frame assembly, and a trim cover covering the foam pad. A noise reduction coating is applied to the foam pad between the foam pad and the frame assembly to reduce noise from movement therebetween. The noise reduction coating includes a fluorescent additive from the group consisting of: vitamin A, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B-12, gypsum, talc, opal, agate, quartz, amber, chlorophyll, quinine, n-propanol, n-butanol, diacetone alcohol, xylene, and cresol.
US09694722B1
A protective shield for an infant seat includes a transparent enclosure having a top wall, two spaced, opposing sidewalls and an inclined front wall. The front wall includes an audiovisual system for playing video and/or audio recordings to entertain the child. The enclosure is attached to a child seat with a swiveling clamp that allows the enclosure to be pivoted onto and away from a seated child.
US09694720B2
The present invention relates to a Taumel-type reclining device and provides a reclining device in which clattering does not occur. On either the inner side or the outer side of a first wedge-shaped member 71 and a second wedge-shaped member 73, a driving ring 75 is disposed. A abutting portion of the driving ring 75 is formed such that, in a case where the internal gear 61 and the external gear 63 are in a locked state, a force to move the first wedge-shaped member 71 and the second wedge-shaped member 73 in a direction in which engagement of the inner teeth 61c of the internal gear 61 and the outer teeth 63a of the external gear 63 becomes deeper can be generated.
US09694719B2
A slide rail by which a conveyance seat is slidably coupled to a floor of a conveyance includes: a lower rail attached on the floor; an upper rail slidably assembled to the lower rail and attached to the conveyance seat; and a locking spring supported by the upper rail and having a locking piece that is inserted into a locking slit formed in the lower rail to prohibit the upper rail and the lower rail from sliding relative to each other. The locking piece extends in a direction along a cross-section (the width direction) of the upper rail from a position in the locking spring, at which the locking spring is supported by the upper rail. The locking piece is inserted into the locking slit by deflection deformation of the locking piece in an in-plane direction of the cross-section (the height direction) of the upper rail.
US09694717B2
A system for adjusting a position of a wheelchair occupant includes a sensor configured to generate sensor data based on the position of the occupant, an adjustment system coupled to a support point on the wheelchair and configured to be coupled to a support point on the occupant's clothing, and a processing circuit. The adjustment system is configured to extend and retract at least one adjustment element to adjust the position of the occupant, and the processing circuit is configured to determine the position of the occupant in the wheelchair based on the sensor data and adjust the adjustment element based on the determined position of the occupant.
US09694713B2
An electric motorcycle includes an electric motor, a manual transmission, a shift drum potentiometer, and an ECU. When it is determined based on an input from the shift drum potentiometer that a transmission manipulation has been performed, the ECU executes a first control operation when switching from a power transmission state to a power cut state and executes a second control operation when returning from the power cut state to the power transmission state. In the first control operation, the ECU controls an operation of the electric motor to facilitate disengagement of an engagement mechanism from a gear train of the manual transmission. In the second control operation, for facilitating engagement of the engagement mechanism with a different gear train, the ECU controls the operation of the electric motor to make a revolving speed of the different gear train close to the revolving speed of the engagement mechanism.
US09694708B2
A battery assembly mounted on a hybrid electric vehicle is provided that prevents thermal runaway caused by overcharging. The battery assembly includes a battery having a plurality of cells and a protection switch disposed opposite to the battery. A relay is configured to turn on or off according to an operation of the protection switch and a PRA (power relay assembly) is connected between the relay and the battery.
US09694702B2
The invention relates to a circuit arrangement of an electric vehicle, in particular a circuit arrangement of an electric vehicle for inductive power transfer to the vehicle, and a method of operating the named circuit arrangement. The circuit arrangement includes an impedance and at least one rectifier for rectifying an AC voltage. An AC part of the circuit arrangement includes the impedance. The rectifier connects the AC part to a DC part of the circuit arrangement. The circuit arrangement further includes at least one current control means for controlling a current flow in the AC part vehicle.
US09694694B2
Provided is an in-vehicle step-down switching power supply capable of obtaining a stable output while suppressing nose in a harmful frequency band even when an input voltage decreases. The in-vehicle step-down switching power supply includes a switching frequency control unit and the switching frequency control unit includes a switching frequency range setting unit that changes a switching frequency between fa and fb and a switching frequency path setting unit that skips a frequency band from fd to fe between fa and fb, via an intermediate frequency fc between fa and fb.
US09694690B2
Comprising at least one device for providing mechanical/electrical energy conversion utilizing materials with linear electromechanical interaction properties, a device providing intermediate storage and, a device providing primary storage. Where the energy is transferred by inductive coupling of an inner hub coil and an outer hub coil between said storage devices. Energy conversion and storage is initiated by motion of said energy converter which places the system operational. Then, mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy which is delivered to the intermediate storage device. When the intermediate storage device is charged, energy is transferred to the outer hub coil for inductive transmission to the inner hub coil. From the inner hub, energy is immediately transferred to the primary storage until the system is required to provide power to an external device or system. Replacing or supplementing conventional sources of power, this system may also provide for collecting and transmitting data.
US09694687B2
The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for displaying a fuel efficiency increasing rate during eco-coasting for an electric vehicle. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a driver may confirm the fuel efficiency increasing rate depending on the eco-coasting performance after driving ends to lead a driver to use an eco-coasting guide function and perform fuel efficiency driving.
US09694670B2
An under cover for a heat suction is provided and includes a stagnant-air inlet unit into which stagnant air formed in an engine room is drawn and a communication pipe that is configured to communicate with the stagnant-air inlet unit and transmit the stagnant air, drawn into the stagnant-air inlet unit, to an under cover body. A stagnant-air outlet unit is configured to communicate with the communication pipe to exhaust the stagnant air, transmitted to the under cover body, out of the under cover body through the stagnant-air outlet unit, and the stagnant-air outlet unit is mounted to the under cover body.
US09694668B1
A cooling module is formed by stacking a condenser mounted in order to cool an engine of a vehicle and cool a refrigerant of an air conditioner, an electronic radiator disposed below the condenser, an engine radiator, and a fan shroud assembly and capable of improving cooling performance of the electronic radiator by forming the engine radiator in only a region in which the condenser is formed or forming the engine radiator in a portion of a region in which the electronic radiator is formed as well as the region in which the condenser is formed, in a height direction and including an air guide installed at a portion corresponding to the electronic radiator below the engine radiator to allow air to be introduced toward the electronic radiator.
US09694664B2
A vehicle drive apparatus includes a motor, a case, a cover member, a sensor, and a separate member. The case includes a reservoir to store liquid fluid. The sensor is provided in a first communication hole of the cover member and is fixed to the cover member. A second communication hole constitutes a part of a fluid flow path extending from an inside of the case to an outside of the case. The fluid flow path has an intake port through which the liquid fluid is to be drawn. The fluid flow path includes an inside fluid flow path provided from the second communication hole to the intake port. The separate member is fixed to the cover member to define the inside fluid flow path.
US09694660B2
A glass run for guiding a door glass in a frame includes: a body having a substantially U-shaped cross-section including an outer-cabin side wall, an inner-cabin side wall longer than the outer-cabin side wall in cross section and a connecting wall which connects the side walls; an outer lip and an inner lip which are slidably brought into contact with the door glass; and a holding lip which extends from an end part of the inner-cabin side wall for fastening an inner-cabin side part of the frame together with the inner-cabin side wall. A noise insulation wall protrudes at least on the end part of the inner-cabin side wall for closing a concave space between an inner-cabin side surface of the door glass and the inner-cabin side wall.
US09694652B2
Rear console duct air flow of an air conditioner for a vehicle is provided. An inlet of the rear console duct which is in fluid communication with a rear console register is located at a position where conditioned-air which passes through an evaporator and a heater core flows. The inlet of the rear console is always opened such that the conditioned-air is always introduced into the rear console duct when the air conditioner is operated. A guide member, which guides the conditioned-air to the rear console register through the rear console duct, is disposed between the rear console duct inlet and a face duct inlet that is in fluid communication with a face register. An end of a face door selectively contacts the guide member selectively contacts the guide member when the face door makes a turning movement.
US09694648B2
A motor vehicle has lower and upper air duct sections (4, 8) arranged within the motor vehicle in series in a throughflow direction, with a vent for conveying and discharging air for air conditioning the vehicle interior space. The lower air duct section (4) is arranged in the region of an inner floor of the vehicle and is fixed to the bodyshell. The upper air duct section (8) is part of a lining (9) for the B pillar (2).
US09694644B2
Pitch of a trailer being towed by a tractor along a roadway is controlled to reduce aerodynamic drag.
US09694642B2
A seal arrangement for an air spring system for sealing off a shock-absorbing damper is disclosed. The shock-absorbing damper is situated in a rolling tube and in another tube, where the air spring system has at least one integrated control valve for the admission of compressed air into a pressure chamber formed between the outer tube, the rolling tube, and an air spring bellows that connects the outer tube and rolling tube. The seal arrangement is arranged between an inner circumferential surface of the rolling tube and an outer circumferential surface of the shock-absorbing damper and/or between an inner circumferential surface of the outer tube and the outer circumferential surface of the shock-absorbing damper. A support ring which is of step-shaped form on an outer circumferential surface is arranged on a distal end of the rolling tube and/or on a distal end of the outer tube.
US09694641B2
In an electric power generating apparatus using a suspension device according to an embodiment of the present invention, provided is a valve structure for partially disconnecting a suspension device (or a damper) from an energy recovery device (or a turbine unit) when a vehicle is driving on an under-construction road or an unpaved road from which a large bump is expected.
US09694640B2
The present invention reveals a distance sensor comprising: a signal receiving unit, an electromagnetic wave transmitting unit, and a magnetic signal transmitting unit; wherein the signal transmitting unit is adapted to transmit to the signal receiving unit a sensed distance between the signal receiving unit and the magnetic signal transmitting unit, wherein the magnetic signal transmitting unit further comprises an electromagnetic wave receiving unit and an electromagnetic wave-to-electric power converter, and wherein the electromagnetic wave receiving unit receives electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting unit to operate the magnetic signal transmitting unit.
US09694636B2
An amphibious pumping vehicle comprising: a floatable vehicle body; ground engaging propulsion structure configured to raise and lower relative to the vehicle body; a fluid pump; a first fluid nozzle configured to direct fluid through the air, the fluid nozzle connected by a fluid conduit to the fluid pump; and, a power source configured to provide power to both the ground engaging propulsion structure and the fluid pump. The vehicle is particularly well suited to pumping and recirculating fluid within manure lagoons and is able to be driven up out of the lagoon when the lagoon level has been lowered.
US09694629B1
The present disclosure describes a self-repairing article comprising an inflatable component comprising one or more material layers wherein at least one material layer comprises an elastomer. It also describes a self-repairing article comprising a sealed flexible package disposed within or between material layers of the inflatable component, and a repair composition disposed in the sealed flexible package, wherein the sealed flexible package comprises a metal foil and is configured to release the repair composition upon puncture of the inflatable component.
US09694622B2
A removable cap for receiving a writing implement includes a reverse clip. The cap has a hollow crown section for receiving the writing implement and an elongate cap extension that extends axially from the hollow crown section and includes an end that terminates in a clip flange. An elongate holding prong projecting substantially perpendicular from the clip flange and extending and opening toward the closed first end of the crown section in substantially parallel-spaced relation to the cap extension so as to define in conjunction with the cap extension and the hollow crown section, an elongate U-shaped slot, which is adapted to snugly engage an attachment material inserted into the slot. A gripping member is located within the U-shaped slot and is configured to intimately engage the attachment material inserted into the slot to assist in maintaining the engagement between the cap and attachment material when the writing implement is removed from the cap.
US09694620B2
A reservoir type writing pen having a micro-porous straight-liquid structure comprises a writing pen core (9); wherein the micro-porous straight-liquid structure includes an air pressure balance plug (3), a liquid storage pipe (11) configured for storing liquid ink, and a liquid guiding device configured for leading the liquid ink in the liquid storage pipe (11) into the writing pen core (9). The present application adopts the gap between the relaying pen core and the writing pen core, the ventilating core and the nano breathing plate to realize keeping the inner air pressure of the liquid storage space and the outside atmosphere pressure consistent. The writing pen of the present application has a simple structure, and the producing processes of the ventilating core have been matured, which can reduce the producing cost greatly.
US09694610B2
An inkjet printer 100 that carries out printing with respect to long continuous paper X provided with a perforation M at every page break and provided with marginal punch holes P in both sides, the inkjet printer having: a paper feeding unit 1 that disposes the Z-folded continuous paper X; a first pull roller 2a and a second pull roller 2b for conveying the continuous paper X; a pin tractor 3 for positioning the continuous paper X; a speed-variable motor 4 for applying tension to the continuous paper X; a printing unit 5 that carries out printing on the continuous paper X by a print head; and a discharging unit 6 that Z-folds and discharges the continuous paper X by a folding machine 61.
US09694606B2
An ink-jet recording apparatus includes: a roller; a first supporting member; a recording section; a second supporting member; and a first waved-shape imparting mechanism configured to impart, to the sheet, the waved shape so that both end portions of the sheet in the width direction are oriented downward. An upstream end portion, of the second supporting surface, in the conveyance direction is located below a downstream end portion of a first supporting surface of the first supporting member in the conveyance direction. The second supporting surface of the second supporting member is formed with projections arranged respectively at locations, of the second supporting surface, at which the both end portions of the sheet in the width direction are supported, the projections projecting upward above a location of the second supporting surface at which a central portion of the sheet in the width direction is supported.
US09694605B2
A liquid ejecting head is adapted to eject liquid toward a target medium. A transporter is adapted to transport a tray on which the target medium is mounted toward a region facing the liquid ejecting head via a transporting path. A tray guide is disposed in a front side of the liquid ejecting apparatus, and having a supporting face adapted to support the tray thereon. The tray guide is movable between a first position connecting the supporting face with the transporting path to allow the transporter to transport the tray to the transporting path and a second position escaping the supporting face from the transporting path. The supporting face is kept being parallel to the transporting path when the tray guide is moved between the first position and the second position.
US09694604B2
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a control section, a conveyance section, a recording head, a negative pressure applying section, a gap forming section, and a first voltage applying section. The conveyance section conveys a recording medium placed on a conveying surface. The negative pressure applying section applies negative pressure to holes in the conveying surface to suck the recording medium onto the conveying surface. The gap forming section forms a narrow gap, with the conveying surface, further upstream in a conveyance direction of the recording medium than the recording head. The gap forming section is composed of at least a part of a conductive portion. The first voltage applying section applies a voltage to the conductive portion. The control section controls the first voltage applying section to apply the voltage to the conductive portion while the inkjet recording apparatus performs a specific process.
US09694596B2
An image processing device includes circuitry to acquire image data of an image to be formed by a recording unit employing an inkjet method, calculate, based on the image data, ink thickness per pixel that indicates a thickness of ink to be discharged to form the image, set the maximum ink thickness per pixel of the entire image as a target thickness of the image, calculate, for each pixel, the difference between the target thickness and the ink thickness per pixel, create complementary data regulating thickness compensating the difference, and create print data including the image data and the complementary data.
US09694595B2
A liquid circulation device comprises a liquid chamber connected with a liquid discharge section that discharges liquid and able to hold the liquid; a circulation section configured to circulate the liquid in a flow path containing the liquid chamber and the liquid discharge section; a liquid replenishment section configured to replenish the liquid to the liquid chamber; a gas control section configured to be able to pressurize or decompress the liquid chamber; and a control section configured to replenish the liquid through the liquid replenishment section in a case in which pressure of the liquid discharge section is in a predetermined reference range and lower than a predetermined threshold value, pressurize the liquid discharge section by pressurizing the liquid chamber through the gas control section in a case in which the pressure is lower than the reference range.
US09694593B2
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a head, a recovery tank, a supply tank connected to the recovery tank, and a pressure regulator. The pressure regulator includes a first cylinder connected to an upper portion of the recovery tank, a first piston movable in the first cylinder, a first valve configured to open and close a path between the recovery tank and the first cylinder, depending on a position of the first piston, a second cylinder connected to the first cylinder and an upper portion of the supply tank, a second piston movable in the second cylinder, a second valve configured to open and close a path between the supply tank and the second cylinder, depending on a position of the second piston, and a third valve configured to open and close a path between the second cylinder and an atmosphere, depending on a position of the second piston.
US09694584B2
A liquid ejector includes a head having a plurality of nozzles arranged along a first direction of a nozzle surface of the head to eject a droplet from the nozzles, and an ejection detector to detect whether or not a droplet is ejected from the plurality of nozzles of the head by detecting an electrical change generated when the droplet lands onto the ejection detector. The ejection detector includes a droplet landing surface arranged opposed to the nozzle surface, a wiper to wipe the droplet off the droplet landing surface along the first direction, and a cleaner having a contact surface to remove the droplet adhered to the wiper after the wiper wipes the droplet landing surface. The contact surface has a curvature such that side ends of the wiper contacts with the contact surface at first, and then a center part of the wiper contacts the contact surface.
US09694577B2
In accordance with an embodiment, an inkjet head comprises a pressure chamber configured to house ink; an actuator configured to be arranged corresponding to the pressure chamber; a plate configured to have a nozzle communicating with the pressure chamber; and a driving circuit configured to drive the actuator, wherein the drive circuit applies an auxiliary pulse signal which contains an expansion pulse for expanding the volume of the pressure chamber and a contraction pulse for contracting the volume of the pressure chamber in such a degree as not to eject an ink drop from the nozzle to the actuator before enabling the ink drop to be ejected from the nozzle communicating with the pressure chamber by applying the expansion pulse and the contraction pulse as a drive pulse signals.
US09694574B2
An apparatus detects inoperative inkjets during printing. The apparatus operates the printhead or printheads in the printer to form test pattern on a thermal substrate. The heat of the materials used to form the test pattern increase the optical density of the areas where the materials land. The area where the test pattern is formed is imaged and the image data are analyzed to identify inoperative inkjets.
US09694570B2
The invention relates to a glazed module comprising a metal framework and an insulating glazing comprising a water-tight barrier, said insulating glazing being cold-bent, the metal framework and the insulating glazing being rendered integral by a holding means which forces the insulating glazing to retain the bent shape conferred on it by the framework. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of the glazed module comprising a metal framework and an insulating glazing, the insulating glazing being cold-bent, after it has been assembled with a water-tight barrier, by a force which causes it to take the shape of the metal framework and then held in this bent shape by a holding means.
US09694568B2
A method for coating a component of a turbomachine is disclosed. The method includes covering a first surface of the component with a covering device, where the covering device is profiled in a zigzag shape. The method further includes applying a coating material via cold kinetic compaction or kinetic cold gas spraying on the component such that a second surface of the component is coated with the coating material and such that particles of the coating material are deflected off of the covering device so that the particles do not adhere to the covering device.
US09694558B2
Disclosed is a multilayer nonwoven fabric for foam molding containing a dense layer and a reinforcing layer provided on at least one side of the dense layer, the reinforcing layer is a staple fiber nonwoven fabric containing thermoplastic resin staple fibers (A) having a fiber diameter of more than 20 μm, in an amount of 5% by mass to 50% by mass, and hermoplastic resin staple fibers (B) having a fiber diameter of 20 μm or less, in an amount of 95% by mass to 50% by mass, and conjugate polyester-based staple fibers (C) are contained in an amount of 10% by mass to 40% by mass, the dense layer is a nonwoven fabric having bulk density in a range of from 0.05 g/cm3 to 0.3 g/cm3, and the dense layer and the reinforcing layer are entangled with each other by needle punching.
US09694549B1
An object of the present invention is to provide an emulsion coagulant having excellent coagulation performance and a tire puncture repair kit that uses the emulsion coagulant. The emulsion coagulant of the present invention is an emulsion coagulant containing an α-starch and an anionic polyacrylamide; a molecular weight of the anionic polyacrylamide being from 500,000 to 2,000,000; and a mass ratio (WA:WB) of a content (WA) of the α-starch to a content (WB) of the anionic polyacrylamide being from 5:95 to 80:20.
US09694545B2
A purge station assembly for use in an additive manufacturing system, which includes a purge station having a base bracket, a slide mount slidably engaged with the base bracket, and a contact head configured to clean a nozzle tip of a print head. The purge station assembly also includes a mechanism, such as a cable line, operably attached to the slide mount that allows an operator to mechanically move the slide mount relative to the base bracket from a location that is remote from the purge station.
US09694544B2
A three-dimensional geometry is received, and sliced into layers. A first anisotropic fill tool path for controlling a three dimensional printer to deposit a substantially anisotropic fill material is generated defining at least part of an interior of a first layer. A second anisotropic fill tool path for controlling a three dimensional printer to deposit the substantially anisotropic fill material defines at least part of an interior of a second layer. A generated isotropic fill material tool path defines at least part of a perimeter and at least part of an interior of a third layer intervening between the first and second layers.
US09694543B2
An additive manufacturing apparatus with assembled and dissembled feature includes a base having a cavity, a control circuit is installed in the cavity. An upper surface of the base defines a through hole for an electrical socket extending through the base and being exposed on the upper surface. A stand connecting member is provided on the upper surface. A material deposition device for depositing material is provided with a beam connecting member. A movable platform capable of moving along a Y axis direction for carrying the deposited material is provided with a column connecting member. A stand having a column, a beam is provided on a top of the column. The beam is provided with a material, deposition device connecting member. The column is provided with a movable platform connecting member. A bottom of the column is provided with at least one base connecting member corresponding to the base.
US09694541B2
A method of forming a component having multiple material properties includes forming, by additive manufacturing, a particle containment structure on a base layer; filling the particle containment structure with a first layer of particles, the layer of particles being contained by the particle containment structure; curing the first layer of particles; repeating the forming the particle containment structure, filling the particle containment structure with one or more additional layers of particles and curing the one or more additional layers of particles until a desired component dimension is achieved; forming, by additive manufacturing, a cover to encapsulate any exposed particles; and fully curing the particle containment structure, particles and cover.
US09694535B2
An imprint apparatus of the present invention molds an uncured resin on a substrate using a mold and cures the resin to thereby form a pattern of the cured resin on the substrate. The imprint apparatus includes a gas supply mechanism configured to supply gas from the mold side toward the substrate and to recover the supplied gas at the mold side, when the mold is pressed against the uncured resin; a substrate holding unit configured to be movable while holding the substrate and have a flat plate portion that has a surface height which is adjusted to the level of the surface of the held substrate and is disposed on the outside of the substrate so as to surround the substrate; and a gas recovery mechanism configured to recover the gas entrapped in a gap region which is present between the outer circumferential side of the substrate held by the substrate holding unit and the inner circumferential side of the flat plate portion toward the substrate.
US09694514B2
A device, for mixing and dispensing a pasty mass, comprising a cartridge having a mixing element and a feed plunger arranged in it, whereby the mixing element is arranged on a mixing rod, the mixing rod extends through the feed plunger into the inside of the cartridge, the mixing rod and the feed plunger and the cartridge together form a tight connection that seals the cartridge inside of the device with respect to the exterior, whereby the feed plunger is arranged on the mixing rod and such that it can move in the cartridge in axial direction and whereby at least one clamping jaw is arranged on the feed plunger in appropriate manner such that the clamping jaw can be pressed onto the mixing rod by a locking element such that the mixing rod can no longer be shifted with respect to the feed plunger.
US09694505B2
An actuator assembly including a mounting device, a manual actuator rotatably mounted on the mounting device, and a cutting mechanism. The cutting mechanism is disposed in a gap that is formed between the manual actuator and the mounting device. The cutting mechanism is structured to cut a ligature inserted into the gap.
US09694500B1
A sensor or switch mechanism is connected to a gripper mechanism and uses a pivotal cam link connected to the driving mechanism of the gripper. A cam slot in the cam link is configured to convert linear reciprocal motion of the driving mechanism of the gripper to amplified rotational motion of the pivotal cam link. A target on the cam link and a stationary sensor positioned proximate to an arc described by the target on rotation of the cam link allows the sensor or switch mechanism to distinguish between the gripper properly gripping a single workpiece and the gripper improperly gripping no workpiece and/or two or more workpieces.
US09694499B2
An article pickup apparatus according to the present invention is configured to control a robot or a hand in accordance with profile control when the hand holds an article so that an external force acting on the hand detected by a force sensor installed between an arm and the hand is closer to a target value of the external force set by a force target value setting unit.
US09694496B2
The disclosure includes methods for determining a current location for a user in an environment; detecting obstacles within the environment; estimating one or more physical capabilities of the user based on an EHR associated with the user; generating, with a processor-based device that is programmed to perform the generating, instructions for a robot to perform a task based on the obstacles within the environment and one or more physical capabilities of the user; and instructing the robot to perform the task.
US09694490B2
A tool box is provided, including a board member and a connecting member. Each lateral face of the board member is formed with a first connecting portion, and a mounting hole is disposed in each first connecting portion. Two ends of the mounting hole are respectively formed with a second connecting portion. Each second connecting portion is detachably assembled in the mounting hole. The board member can be connected with another board member through the connecting members, and each lateral side can be connected with the board members.
US09694488B2
An access and storage system including a storage component configured to store items therein or thereon in an associated storage position, wherein the storage component is configured to provide a user direct manual access to the items in the storage positions. The system further includes a sensor system configured to track at least one of the user's removal of an item from the associated storage position or replacement of an item to the associated storage position and an identification system for identifying the user. The system also has an authorization database operatively coupled to the identification system for tracking which of the items a particular identified user is authorized to access.
US09694485B1
A device and method for providing assistance in gripping items that is sanitary and flexible. In its simplest embodiment, the device is an elongated elastomeric piece with two ends, each end terminating in an enclosed aperture that can be attached to a device to be gripped. Alternate embodiments include an embodiment with a third hole for thumb assistance from the other hand for placing the strap around the hand of the user and the item to be gripped, an embodiment with a middle hole thereby providing three holes wherein the center hole wraps around the center of a baby bottle while the two end holes wrap around the top and bottom of the baby bottle while providing space between the top and bottom holes for the baby's hands, an embodiment with a y-strap for gripping hand tools and an embodiment with a center long hole to allow for the bend in the knuckles of the hand of the user.
US09694477B2
A method and a tool for remotely pivoting an element mounted in a structure is provided. The method includes exerting a lever effect on the element by way of a control bearing on the structure coupled to a connection engaged with the element to cause it to pivot in a pivoting plane. The method also includes applying an angular offset to this connection in a plane different from the pivoting plane, in which the lever effect is produced, in order to render the control remotely operable.
US09694475B2
A clamp suitable for clamping a handle from which a blade extends or a pair of scissors when the blade is being tested or sharpened. The clamp includes a first jaw, a second jaw and a releasable lock if the form of a latch and teeth. At least one of the jaws are able to swing with respect to the other jaw through a hinge mechanism. The first jaw comprises two outer padded parts and a central padded part. The outer and central padded parts are aligned. The central padded part is recessed such that a curved handle or pair of scissors can lay against all three padded parts when clamped. If a straight handle is clamped, the handle only contacts the outer padded parts. The second jaw also comprises padded parts which are inwardly angled for gripping.
US09694459B2
A chip discharge device of a machine tool includes a coolant tank storing coolant which is supplied to and dropped from a machining point, and a chip conveyor discharging chips which are generated at and dropped from the machining point, to an outside of the machine tool. A bottom wall of the coolant tank is inclined in a chip discharge side by mounting the coolant tank to the bed.
US09694456B2
The motor control system of the present invention includes a signal receiving unit for receiving a signal for operating a mechanical brake, a position monitoring unit for obtaining the history of the rotational position of the servo motor from the receipt of the signal to when the rotation of the servo motor stops using a position detector, a displacement amount calculation unit which calculates the rotational displacement of the servo motor from the receipt of the signal to when the rotation of the servo motor stops from the history, and an abnormality determining unit which determines that an abnormality exists in the mechanical brake when the calculated rotational displacement exceeds a predetermined first threshold value.
US09694454B2
An element arranging apparatus includes a supply portion a feed portion, a first holding portion, and a second holding portion. The supply portion includes a first lane and a second lane. First CVT elements and second CVT elements are respectively arranged in the first lane and the second lane in a width direction of the CVT elements. A thickness of the first CVT elements is different from that of the second CVT elements. The feed portion simultaneously feeds one of the first CVT elements and one of the second CVT elements. The CVT elements fed by the feed portion and arranged in a thickness direction of the CVT elements constitute a CVT element set. The first holding portion holds and delivers the CVT element set. The second holding portion sequentially stacks the delivered CVT element sets in the thickness direction, and hold the stacked CVT element sets.
US09694452B2
A zone-control unit for use in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, the zone-control unit includes a heat exchanger, an inlet piping assembly coupled with the heat exchanger for supplying fluid to the heat exchanger, an outlet piping assembly coupled with the heat exchanger for receiving fluid from the heat exchanger, a bracket that maintains the inlet piping assembly and the outlet piping assembly in positional relationship, and an ancillary component coupled with the heat exchanger.
US09694450B1
A method for manufacturing a piston with a re-molten reinforced combustion chamber throat is provided. The manufacturing steps includes: a) piston rough machining: machining allowances of the combustion chamber throat and the combustion chamber bottom are 1-3 mm; b) piston washing and degreasing treatment; c) coating or spraying a surfactant on the combustion chamber throat and the combustion chamber bottom that need to be re-molten, wherein the surfactant formula comprises the components TiO2, SiO2, CuCl2 and MnCl2 that are mixed in percentage: 1-30% of TiO2, 1-30% of SiO2, 1-40% of CuCl2 and 1-50% of MnCl2; after the four components are uniformly mixed, a suspension is prepared by using acetone as a solvent a mass ratio of 1:(3-8); d) re-melting the piston by using an A-TIG welding method; and f) after re-melting, processing the piston into a finished product.
US09694448B2
Embodiments of methods and systems for distributing laser energy are disclosed herein. A method configured in accordance with one embodiment includes establishing communication with a laser energy source configured to dispense laser energy, and enabling the laser energy source to dispense laser energy by transferring laser energy credits to the laser energy source. The transferred laser energy credits correspond to an amount of enabled laser energy.
US09694444B2
A protection cover suitable for being placed between a spray nozzle and a metal part during a process of resurfacing the metal part, the protection cover including a side wall extending along a reference axis, the side wall including an inner surface and an outer surface, the side wall having a lower end and an upper end, the side wall being perforated by at least one lateral gas inlet port, the lower end of the side wall being perforated by a notch into which a portion of the metal part can be inserted, the upper end of the side wall being provided with an opening into which a portion of the spray nozzle can be inserted. The inner surface of the side wall includes at least one frustoconical portion.
US09694441B2
The invention relates to a planar structure for joining, in particular for the material-uniting joining, of at least two components. According to the invention, the planar structure is flexible and formed by at least one reaction strand. The reaction strand comprises a preferably cylindrical core, which is provided, at least in some areas, with a coating, which is constructed with a plurality of coaxially applied layers with a small thickness. To produce the layers, two different materials are used, the layers being constructed alternately with one of the two materials. Because of the high degree of flexibility of the reactive planar structure and its arbitrary area extent, components with a complex geometry in the region of the joint faces as well as large-format components can be joined in a material-uniting manner without problems. The reactive planar structure can be produced here using the methods known from textile engineering with virtually any dimensions and, in addition, by a continuous industrial production process. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for providing a material-uniting connection between two components, in particular by means of the planar structure according to the invention.
US09694440B2
An example method of attaching an airfoil for an integrally bladed rotor includes placing a support collar in an installed position around at least a leading edge and trailing edge of an airfoil stub to be repaired in an integrally bladed rotor. The support collar and the airfoil stub together have a midline that is positioned between opposing, laterally outer surfaces of the airfoil stub when the support collar is in the installed position. The method performs linear friction welding to add a replacement airfoil to the airfoil stub.
US09694434B2
Disclosed is a method for producing a permanently joined plate heat exchanger comprising a plurality of metal heat exchanger plates having a solidus temperature above 1100° C., provided beside each other and forming a plate package with first plate interspaces for a first medium and second plate interspaces for a second medium, wherein the first and second plate interspaces are provided in an alternating order in the plate package, wherein each heat exchanger plate comprises a heat transfer area and an edge area comprising bent edges which extend around the heat transfer area, wherein a first surface of the plates forms a convex shape and a second surface of the plates forms a concave shape, wherein the heat transfer area comprises a corrugation of elevations and depressions, wherein said corrugation of the plates and the bent edges are provided by pressing the plates. Also disclosed is a plate heat exchanger produced by the method.
US09694431B2
A cutting head for a mill configured to rotate about an axis to remove material from a work piece includes a base surface, a side region connected to the base surface, and a top region connected to the side region. The top region defines a central area and a periphery. A plurality of top teeth are disposed on the top region. The top teeth have cutting edges configured to contact the work piece to remove material. Each cutting edge extends from the central area towards the periphery and includes an axially extending peak portion.
US09694429B2
The invention relates to a balancing or measuring adapter (1) for clamping a component (2) on a rotating machine element of a balancing or measuring machine, which has a main body (4, 5) with a receiving opening (6) for the component (2) to be clamped, a collet chuck (11) arranged inside the main body (4, 5) with clamping tongues (26) for centrally clamping the component (2) and an actuator (12) axially adjustable between a clamp position and a release position for actuating the collet chuck (11). The collet chuck (11) is arranged inside the main body (4, 5) so as to be axially moveable such that, upon a displacement of the actuator (12) from the release position into the clamp position, in a first clamping phase the clamping tongues (26) of the collet chuck (11) move radially outwards, firstly to a front chucking area (27) allocated to the component (2) to be clamped, and that in a second clamping phase, the clamping tongues (26) move radially outwards with an axial movement inside the main body (4, 5) to a rear chucking area (28) allocated to the main body (4, 5).
US09694414B2
The invention relates to a deep-drawing packaging machine with a lifting gear for a forming station, sealing station or cutting station, wherein the lifting gear provides guides and lifting spindles which are arranged outside a collision region of a movable tool.
US09694407B2
A machine for cooling and truing cast components made from cast material, and includes a construction for holding cast components and a holder to supply cooling liquids. A method to treat a cast component after removal of the cast component from the casting mold, the cast component being loaded immediately with a cooling liquid in a water spray.
US09694402B1
The present disclosure relates to a method for cleaning contaminated soil including a process which grinds contaminated soil to separate contaminants present on the surface of the contaminated soil from the soil, and a process which injects air into a mixture of water and contaminated soil having undergone the surface grinding process to generate air bubbles and removes only the generated air bubbles to remove the contaminants included in the air bubbles.
US09694392B2
A screen panel has a pre-tensioned screen with a polished metal plate mounted to the top of the frame to eliminate all the exposed surface areas of epoxy which secures the screen to the screen panel frame. The metal plate also provides an edge against which a silicone bead may be seated to provide a much cleaner and finished looking panel which is anticipated to meet the standards set forth by the USDA. Additionally, the spatial positioning of the plate atop the screen material and screen frame allows for a clean and smooth transition across the components and one which may accept a finished bead of silicon or other material for reducing and/or eliminating sites for mold growth or other containments thereby enhancing the ability to clean and sterilize the screen panel for the processing of various materials.
US09694387B2
A gas sensor element in an air/fuel ratio sensor includes an element body and a protection layer having two layers (a first layer and a second layer). The gas sensor element has at least one separation portion in the form of a space between the first layer and the second layer. The gas sensor element can temporarily accumulate, in the at least one separation portion, water which adheres to the surface of the protection layer and penetrates into the protection layer. Thus, as compared with a protection layer which is identical in thickness to the protection layer, but does not have separation portions, water adhering to the protection layer is less likely to reach the element body. Therefore, there can be restrained breakage of an end of the element body which could otherwise result from thermal shock stemming from adhesion of water.
US09694384B2
A material dispensing assembly (100) and method of operation for converting a portable cartridge dispensing tool to a bag-type dispensing tool is provided in which the assembly includes a single piece piston (110) for advancing material though a material housing (104). The single piece piston (110) includes a substantially square-shaped receptacle (140). The assembly further includes a square shaped drive rack (112) for attaching to the piston (110) at the substantially square-shaped receptacle (140) at a connection end (128). The drive rack (112) further includes a plurality of teeth (142) located thereon. The assembly (100) further has a support (127) with a substantially square profile for receiving and supporting the drive rack (112) during operation such that the construct of the drive rack and piston (110) are prevented from rotating during operation.
US09694381B2
A combination nozzle and a device for applying a viscous material, particularly an adhesive, to a component edge includes two wide-slot nozzles lying close to one another. The first nozzle applies the viscous material and the second nozzle supplies a gas such as air for shaping the applied material bead. A nozzle mount has a guide roller placed on and movable about the edge of the component during application. A connector element via a connecting mechanism allows movement of the nozzle mount parallel to the surface normal on the component edge to press the guide roller against the edge during the application process by a spring mechanism. With the proposed combination nozzle and the proposed device, an optimal wetting of the component edge with the viscous material can be achieved, and additionally the component tolerances are compensated without the necessity of an elaborate sensor system.
US09694379B2
A rotating roll for depositing a fluid on a substrate is disclosed. The rotating roll can have a central longitudinal axis, wherein the rotating roll rotates about the central longitudinal axis. The rotating roll can have an exterior surface defining an interior region and a vascular network configured for transporting the fluid in predetermined paths from an interior region to the exterior surface of the rotating roll. The vascular network can have a main artery, a first capillary and a plurality of fluid exits on the exterior surface. The main artery can have an inlet and is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the rotating roll. Fluid enters the vascular network at the inlet and exits through substantially radial fluid paths to form a first tree.
US09694374B2
A suck-back valve selectively actuatable for dispensing liquid in its open condition from an associated liquid storage container, and for avoiding continued presence of excess dispensed liquid about the exit orifice in the closed condition of the valve, is formed at least in part of a spring member and a pin. The spring member includes a distal web that defines a valve seat and a dispensed liquid exit orifice, a proximal web, and a plurality of flexibly elastic bands helically connecting the distal and proximal webs. The pin includes an elongated shaft having a proximal end secured to the proximal web and carrying a substantially hollow frustoconical cone at its distal end. The cone has an outer valving surface for releasable abutment with the valve seat and the shaft has a bore of predetermined cross-sectional extent defined longitudinally along and within the shaft to create a continuous fluid passageway through and along the pin. Dispensed liquid remaining proximate the exit orifice is sucked back into the liquid container through the shaft bore as the valve returns from its open to its closed condition under the return urgency of the elastic bands.
US09694371B2
A substrate treatment apparatus according to the embodiment includes: a nozzle which ejects a treatment liquid onto a treatment target surface of a substrate; a trajectory deflector including a trajectory deflecting surface, which is an annular inclined surface that deflects a traveling direction of the treatment liquid ejected from the nozzle and makes the treatment liquid incident on the treatment target surface, the trajectory deflecting surface having an inclination angle varying in a direction of annular extension of the trajectory deflecting surface; and a position changer which moves an incident position of the treatment liquid on the trajectory deflecting surface in the direction of annular extension of the trajectory deflecting surface.
US09694364B2
An under-sink disposal unit includes a motor, a disposal chamber, and a disposal throat. The disposal throat extends from the disposal chamber to an opening in a top of the disposal unit and defines a passageway through which objects pass into the disposal chamber for grinding. The disposal unit further includes a coil assembly including an arrangement of coils. The arrangement of coils is used to detect the passing of a metallic object in the passageway through the disposal throat. Furthermore, the arrangement of coils includes at least one coil having a loop that is oriented with respect to an axis of the passageway through the disposal throat such that objects passing through the disposal throat into the disposal chamber pass by and proximate to, but do not pass through, such loop. Preferably DC injection braking is used to stop the motor upon detection of a metallic object.
US09694362B2
A composting garbage disposal for under sink use in a kitchen which separates food waste items into liquid and solid components. The liquid components are directed to a standard sewer or septic system. The solid components are directed to a removable storage bin. The food waste items are separated by use of a motor driven auger member which is in close proximity to the inside wall of a screened cup so that the liquid exits the screened portion of the cup and the solid exits through an aperture in the floor of the cup. A microprocessor circuit senses the strain on the drive motor and if the strain becomes excessive, automatically reverses the direction of the shaft and auger thereby releasing excess food waste that is causing the excess strain.
US09694359B2
A separation assembly for separation of a fluid into first and second parts is disclosed. A container has a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior, the container defining a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end. A separator body is disposed within the interior having a through-hole defined therethrough. The separator body includes a first part, and a second part interfaced with the first part, wherein the separator body is transitionable from a first position wherein the through-hole is provided in fluid-receiving alignment with the first end of the container, to a second position wherein the through-hole is provided substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container. In the first position, a through-axis of the through-hole of the separator body is in a plane that is not parallel with a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the container.
US09694352B2
A catalyst composition includes a heterobimetallic zeolite characterized by a chabazite structure loaded with copper ions and at least one trivalent metal ion other than Al3+. The catalyst composition decreases NOx emissions in diesel exhaust and is suitable for operation in a catalytic converter.
US09694346B2
A method for making catalysts of noble metal nanoparticles or alloy nanoparticles or both having shaped morphology, the method including the steps of: pretreating a support material; impregnating metal precursors onto the support material; and then reducing the impregnated metal precursors into shaped metal nanoparticles or shaped alloy nanoparticles or both using a functional gas atmosphere.
US09694345B2
A catalyst composition and process for preparing it and for using it to enhance the selectivity to light (C2 to C3) olefins in a Fischer-Tropsch conversion of synthesis gas is disclosed. The catalyst composition is an iron-based catalyst on an yttria/zirconia support. In a Fischer-Tropsch reaction the selectivity to ethylene may be enhanced by at least 20 mole percent and to propylene by at least 4 mole percent, in comparison with use of an otherwise identical catalyst that is free of yttria, in an otherwise identical Fischer-Tropsch reaction.
US09694334B2
A gas diffusion system configured to feed a gas stream, in particular a passivating gas stream, into an apparatus, in particular a decomposer, of a urea plant; the system extends along an axis and has a gas feed conduit having an outlet from which the gas flows substantially parallel to the axis, and a diffuser assembly configured to diffuse the gas supply from the conduit; the diffuser assembly is shaped so as to intercept the gas stream flowing axially from the outlet, and divert the gas stream substantially radially with respect to the axis and uniformly about the axis.
US09694331B2
The present invention relates to a mixer with a mixing container and a tool shaft (8) which is arranged at least partly in the mixing container and has a drive end and a working end for a working tool (6), the tool shaft (8) being mounted on the drive end by means of two mutually set-apart tool bearings and a drive motor (7) being provided for the tool shaft (8). In order to provide a mixer which is simple and economical to manufacture and has as few movable and wearing parts as possible and the tool shaft (8) of which is, in addition, able to accommodate the considerable transverse forces occurring during operation, the invention proposes that the drive motor (7) have a motor shaft which is mounted, at least on one side, by a tool bearing.
US09694330B1
The internal batch mixer with three-wing non-intermeshing rotors includes a pair of non-intermeshing, counter-rotating, tangential rotors each having three wing portions. The internal batch mixer includes a housing defining a mixing chamber, where the mixing chamber includes first and second substantially circular chamber cavities in open communication with one another at a central region of the mixing chamber. The first and second non-intermeshing, counter-rotating winged rotors are respectively rotationally mounted within the first and second substantially circular chamber cavities, such that the central region of the mixing chamber defines an interacting mixing region between the first and second non-intermeshing, counter-rotating winged rotors. The first and second non-intermeshing, counter-rotating winged rotors are driven to counter-rotate with respect to one another. Each rotor has a substantially helical contour and a blade portion divided into three separate wings.
US09694329B2
A mixing apparatus and system includes a hub, a plurality of blades, and a respective hinge for each blade to pivotally secure each blade to the hub. Each hinge including a lock having a tab and a detent to secure the respective blade in an operating conformation.
US09694320B2
The invention relates to the possibility of improving selective catalytic reduction (SCR), which is the selective reaction of nitrogen oxides with ammonia in the exhaust gas of combustion processes on an exhaust-gas catalytic converter suitable therefor—the SCR catalytic converter. For this purpose, materials used in the catalytic converter for storing ammonia are distributed on the catalyst carrier in such a way that, viewed in the flow direction, a region having low ammonia storage capacity is followed by a region of higher ammonia storage capacity.
US09694319B2
The invention relates to a gas purifier that removes moisture and oxygen from inert gases and reducing gases, for example, at sub-atmospheric pressures. The purifier can remove part per million levels of moisture in a gas stream to less than 100 parts per trillion by volume, and has a low pressure drop and a sharp breakthrough curve.
US09694318B2
A catalyst structure for exhaust gas cleaning obtained by superimposing flat plate-like catalyst elements composed of a flat part, which is a main structural part, and a linear spacer part composed of raised strips and recessed strips so that a gas flow channel is ensured along the lengthwise direction of the spacer part, wherein the flat part has at least one baffle part composed of a leg plate erectly provided on the flat part with a height that is less than that of the spacer part with reference to the flat part, and a top plate disposed substantially parallel to the flat part from the upper end of the leg plate. Turbulence can be imparted by the baffle part to gas that flows to the gas flow channel.
US09694316B2
A gas cleaning system (1) for removing gaseous pollutants from a hot process gas (2a) comprises a vessel (4) for bringing the hot process gas (2a) into contact with an absorbent material, and a separating device (6) for separating at least a portion of the absorbent material from the hot process gas (2a) to form a separated dust material. The gas cleaning system (1) further comprises a measuring device (48, 20, 44, 76) for measuring, directly or indirectly, a dust parameter such as a density, and/or a friction, and/or a hygroscopicity, and/or an electrical property of the separated dust material, to obtain a measurement, and a control system (46) for controlling at least one operating parameter of the gas cleaning system (1) based on the measurement of the measured dust parameter.
US09694311B2
Systems and methods for producing a product gas are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes at least one separation bed to separate adsorbable components from a gas source, a valving means to selectively direct gas from the gas source to the at least one separation bed, at least one sensing device associated with the at least one separation bed to sense the progress of an adsorption zone within the separation bed, and a controller. The controller includes logic to read the output of the at least one sensing device and control the gas separation process based on the progress of the adsorption zone.
US09694310B2
A vehicle fuel system includes a vapor recovery canister containing at least two carbon beds. Each carbon bed is configured to capture hydrocarbon material associated with fuel vapor discharged from a vehicle fuel tank into the canister.
US09694300B2
A push toy having a puppet mounted on a first member. Pivotally cross-connected at one end of the first member is a second member having wheels and pivotally cross-connected at the other end of the first member is a third member used for steering. Cables connecting the third member to the second member extend along each side of the first member. The cables extend through the puppet and the feet of the puppet are connected to the second member. As a user pushes the push toy and steers the wheels turn as the puppet moves in a manner such that the puppet appears to be steering the push toy.
US09694296B2
A system includes a drivable surface that includes location encoding markings. A mobile agent is provided that includes a drive motor, an imaging system for taking images of the markings, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the motor, the imaging system, and the vehicle wireless transceiver. A basestation is provided that includes a controller operatively coupled to a basestation wireless transceiver. Via wireless communication between the wireless transceivers of the mobile agent and the basestation, an action to be implemented by the mobile agent can be determined by the basestation and communicated to the mobile agent, whereupon the microcontroller of the mobile agent controls detailed movement of the mobile agent on the drivable surface based on images taken of the markings of the drivable surface by the imaging system to cause the mobile agent to implement the action on the drivable surface.
US09694295B2
An assembly of a toy and a capsule. The toy can be selectively removed from the capsule. Alternatively, the toys can be left inside the capsule and multiple capsules can be interconnected to produce a larger toy structure. Each capsule used in the system has a first half and a second half. The two halves selectively interconnect along a common seam. When the capsule is closed, the capsule's interior can only be accessed through an access opening. Each capsule comes with a toy figure that is held within its interior. The toy figure is mounted to a suction cup. The suction cup remains external of the capsule while the toy figure is inside the capsule. A neck links the toy figure to the suction cup through the access opening in the capsule. Different capsules can be interconnected to build a larger structure.
US09694289B2
An exemplary embodiment of a chess game variant comprises a game board and four sets of eighteen chess pieces each. The game board has an inner zone and four panel zones thereabout. The inner zone presents eighty-one playing positions in a nine-by-nine square array. Each panel zone presents twenty-seven playing positions arranged in a three-by-nine rectangular array. The board includes universal rows which adapt for chess-like play on an unbalanced board. Each set of game pieces include institutional pieces and citizen pieces. Most of the citizen pieces are matched in status with corresponding institutional pieces, and are subject to rules of promotion which are driven, in part, by these status relationships. Most of the game pieces include covert or overt markings, which also drive game play and strategy. In certain aspects of game play, a player may take control of the game pieces of one or more opposing players.
US09694288B2
A method for providing an activity involving a plurality of users in a plurality of virtual communities is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) creating the plurality of virtual communities based on the resources accessed or actions taken by the plurality of users, (b) keeping track of each of the plurality of user's resources accessed or actions performed, and (c) enabling the activity based on the resources visited and actions performed by each of the plurality of users.
US09694287B2
A game server employs a notification system associated with purchase of an item in a game and is capable of promoting the purchase of the item, Specifically, a game server may include a notifier, when receiving a request for provision of a first item from a communication terminal, for sending a notification that the first item is provided to the communication terminal to a communication terminal; and an item provider, when sending the notification from the notifier to the communication terminal that the first item is provided, for providing a second item, in addition to the first item, to at least one of the communication terminal and the communication terminal that sends the request for provision of the first item.
US09694275B2
An electronic die capable of reporting roll results is disclosed. The die can include an acceleration measurement system capable of outputting roll data. A processor can then interpret the roll data and transmit it through a wireless interface to a monitoring device. The monitoring device can then show a user the roll result. Waking the electronic die from a low power mode is also disclosed along with customizing the electronic die with faceplates and protective covers.
US09694272B2
A gaming table provides for use of RFID technology to track chip movement on a table game and to infer an association between a wager and a player position based on a chip identifier of a chip placed on a particular position of the table. In some embodiments, previous position history of the chip is also taken into account in determining a player position associated with a wager.
US09694270B2
The present invention is an ice-skate blade formed to increase the balance of a skater upon an ice-skate blade. The blade may incorporate indentations in one or more both of the following position: a portion of the front section of the skate blade; and a portion of the rear section of the skate blade. Such indentations may be a series of serrated cuts or otherwise formed notches in the lower blade edge. The blade may be formed in a variety of sizes, and may be connectable to a variety of skate boots. A skater utilizing the blade of the present invention will be assisted with regaining balance upon the blade upon experiencing unbalance, and assisted with maintaining balance upon the skate blade. The blade functions in a manner that allows a skater to learn and develop skating skills.
US09694269B2
A golf aid for assisting a user in reading a green includes a user tracking system to determine the location of a user on a golf course, a heads up display, and a processor. The heads up display is configured to be worn on the user's head, and to display an image within a field of view of the user. The processor is in communication with the user tracking system and with the heads up display, and maintains a representation of a topology for each of a plurality of golf greens, receives an indication of the location of the user from the user tracking system, identifies one of the plurality of golf greens that is the closest to the user, and displays a representation of the topology within the field of view of the user via the heads up display.
US09694268B2
A volleyball practice assembly includes a target unit that may be mounted to a support thereby facilitating the target unit to have a ball launched toward the target unit. The target unit registers when the ball strikes the target unit thereby facilitating the target unit to aid in accuracy training with respect to the ball. A control circuit is coupled to the target unit and the control circuit detects when the ball strikes the target unit. A remote unit is provided. The remote unit is in communication with the target unit such that the remote unit controls operational parameters of the target unit.
US09694267B1
A method for analyzing sensor data from baseball swings (or swings in similar sports) that transforms data into a reference frame defined by the bat orientation and velocity at impact. The swing plane defined by these two axes provides a natural and robust reference frame for physically relevant measurements of swing characteristics. Illustrative swing metrics derived from swing plane reference frame data include: swing speed, defined as a rotational rate within the swing plane; total swing angle, defined as the angular change within the swing plane; and swing tempo, defined as the percentage of peak swing speed achieved halfway through the swing. Analyzing these metrics from multiple swings across multiple users identifies factors that contribute to peak performance. Metrics may be combined into multidimensional feature vectors that characterize a swing; these feature vectors may be used to group swings into swing styles or to match swings against similar players.
US09694263B2
Methods and apparatuses related to golf club grips with attached or embedded RFID tags are described. In an embodiment, a RFID tag is attached to or embedded into a golf club grip and a RFID reader incorporated into a personal computing device may read or capture information associated with the RFID tag. The device may be configured to provide notifications to the golfer based on the captured information.
US09694256B2
A golf club head comprising a slidable weight for adjusting the location of the golf club head center of gravity, as well as the golf club head bias, is disclosed herein. In particular, the golf club head, which may be a wood or iron-type head, comprises a pair of rails extending along at least one surface, such as a rear surface of an iron type head or a channel disposed in a wood-type head, and a slidable weight comprising a pair of grooves sized to receive the rails. In some embodiments, an applique or one or more clips are applied over or to the rails to prevent the weight from disengaging from the golf club head.
US09694251B2
Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: (a) a shaft engaging member including a rotation-inhibiting structure; (b) a club head engaging member including a shaft-receiving chamber and a retaining structure for engaging the rotation-inhibiting structure; and (c) a securing system for releasably securing the shaft engaging member with respect to the club head engaging member. The club head and shaft may be changed by releasing the securing system and exchanging the original parts with different parts. Furthermore, the shaft may be bent or otherwise extend at an angle from the shaft engaging member so as to allow adjustment of the shaft position with respect to the club head.
US09694248B2
A system for measuring and displaying the pressure of conventional American-style footballs in real time to game officials and spectators continuously. In one preferred embodiment, at least one pressure transducer device is disposed inside the football. The pressure transducer is an electrical oscillator. The frequency of oscillation is a known mathematical function of the bladder pressure. At least one pressure readout device is positioned externally to the football at the outside of the cover-liner. The pressure readout device wirelessly stimulates the pressure transducer device to oscillate. The pressure readout device reads the frequency of oscillation and calculates the value of the pressure. In another preferred embodiment, the value of the football's pressure is measured by physical contact with a Durometer. Both embodiments display the pressure to game officials locally; and transmit the value of the football's pressure to spectators remotely.
US09694247B2
Described are balls for a ball sport, wherein the ball includes at least one heating element.
US09694246B2
Multi-piece golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a non-foamed thermoplastic composition such as ethylene acid copolymer ionomer. Preferably, the specific gravity (density) of the foam inner core is less than the density of the outer core layer. The ball further includes a cover of at least one layer and may include at least one casing layer. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
US09694243B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball showing a low spin rate on driver shots and an excellent shot feeing. The present invention provides a golf ball having a spherical core and at least one cover covering the spherical core, wherein the spherical core is formed from a rubber composition containing: (a) a base rubber, (b) an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and/or a metal salt thereof as a co-crosslinking agent, (c) a crosslinking initiator, and at least one compound of (d) mercaptobenzoic acids and/or salts thereof, provided that the rubber composition further contains (e) a metal compound in the case of containing only (b) the α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms as the co-crosslinking agent, and the spherical core has a hardness difference (Hs−Ho) between a surface hardness (Hs) and a center hardness (Ho) thereof of 20 or more in JIS-C hardness.
US09694235B2
A virtual biking system and a virtual hiking method by which a user can bike indoors while simulating actually being outdoors are provided. The virtual hiking system includes a Personal Computer (PC) configured to display a simulation screen, a motion platform configured to move corresponding to a state of a road of the simulation screen displayed on the PC, and a bicycle fixed onto the motion platform such that the simulation screen is changed corresponding to a movement and a speed of a handle.
US09694234B2
A treadmill includes an exercise deck, and a tread belt on the exercise deck having multiple slats. At least one slat of the multiple slats has a first rod end and a second rod end protruding from the slat. A first track is defined in a first side of the exercise deck and a second track is defined in a second side of the exercise deck. The first track receives and guides the first rod end, and the second track receives and guides the second rod end.
US09694230B2
A medicine ball includes a central member with a pair of opposing concave sides. Further, convex attachments are each adapted to mate with the concave sides of the central member to form a sphere. These convex attachments are fastened together to the concave sides by a pair of fasteners, such as zippers. Additionally, attachment ports which can receive an exercise attachment are each positioned within the central member. Examples of exercise attachments include a barbell bar, a handgrip, and a pair of roller pairs, among others. In an alternative embodiment the attachment ports are positioned within the convex attachments. Further, an article of clothing has a receptacle to receive the convex attachments.
US09694218B2
A portable intake air sterilizing apparatus is disclosed, which allows prevention of a worker's infection with virus/bacteria and which can allow, at the same time, the worker to work comfortably. The apparatus includes a cover member C for covering one or both of the nose and the mouth, an air intake portion K for the inner space of the cover member C, and a chlorine dioxide slow-release portion J capable of releasing chlorine dioxide gas into an intake air in association with introduction of this intake air from the air intake portion K.
US09694211B2
A system and method for ultrasound treatment of skin laxity are provided. Systems and methods can include ultrasound imaging of the region of interest for localization of the treatment area, delivering ultrasound energy at a depth and pattern to achieve the desired therapeutic effects, and/or monitoring the treatment area to assess the results and/or provide feedback. In an embodiment, a treatment system and method can be configured for producing arrays of sub-millimeter and larger zones of thermal ablation to treat the epidermal, superficial dermal, mid-dermal and deep dermal components of tissue.
US09694206B2
A radiotherapy system comprises a patient support, moveable along a translation axis, an imaging apparatus, comprising a first magnetic coil and a second magnetic coil, the first and second magnetic coils having a common central axis parallel to the translation axis, and being displaced from one another along the central axis to form a gap therebetween, the imaging apparatus being configured to obtain an image of a patient on the patient support, a source of radiation mounted on a chassis, the chassis being rotatable about the central axis and the source being adapted to emit a beam of radiation through the gap along a beam axis that intersects with the central axis, a multi-leaf collimator comprising a plurality of elongate leaves movable between at least a withdrawn position in which the leaf lies outside the beam, and an extended position in which the leaf projects across the beam, and a radiation detector mounted to the chassis opposite the source, the radiation detector having a plurality of detector elements aligned with the elongate leaves when projected onto an isocentric plane.
US09694205B2
Radiotherapy apparatus comprises a source of radiation mounted on a chassis, that is rotatable about a rotation axis and the source being adapted to emit a beam of radiation along a beam axis; a patient support, moveable along a translation axis; a set of magnetic coils located on either side of the beam, for establishing a magnetic field along a first direction; the translation axis, the rotation axis, and the first direction being substantially parallel; and further comprising a multi-leaf collimator fixed in its orientation with respect to the source of radiation, the multi-leaf collimator comprising a plurality of elongate leaves disposed with their longitudinal directions substantially aligned with the first direction and movable in that direction between a withdrawn position in which the leaf lies outside the beam, an extended position in which the leaf projects across the beam.
US09694198B2
Methods and arrangements for distinguishing between target areas and non-target areas during a laser surgical procedure involve coating or otherwise providing the non-target areas with a phosphorescent material that emits radiation, upon stimulation when a predetermined condition occurs, that is distinguishable from the treatment radiation.
US09694197B2
An apparatus is provided for stimulating brain neural networks of a subject comprising: at least one transmitter configured to generate an electromagnetic field through the brain neural networks of a subject, at least one brain wave measuring device for detecting subject brain wave frequency, a CPU for processing data concerned with detection of brain wave frequency of a subject, having a database for storing and analyzing natural and affected brain scans, and at least one computer readable medium containing a predetermined protocol for transmission of the electromagnetic wave frequency profiles. The apparatus further provides a resonance effect thereby inducing newly generated brain cells to migrate toward a brain tissue area having the pathology or lesion of interest, and initiating new brain pathways at the brain region of interest.
US09694189B2
Systems and methods for communicating between medical devices. In one example, a method for communicating between a plurality of medical devices in a medical device system comprises, with a first medical device, communicating a first message to a second medical device. The method further comprises, with the second medical device, receiving the first message, wherein the first message comprises a plurality of communication pulses. A first set of the plurality of communication pulses represent a synchronization portion of the first message. A second set of the plurality of communication pulses represent a relative device address portion of the first message. A third set of the plurality of communication pulses represent a command portion of the first message. A fourth set of the plurality of communication pulses represent a payload portion of the first message.
US09694186B2
A method for adjusting a pacing rate in a dual-chamber, leadless pacemaker implanted in a heart may involve determining, with a leadless atrial pacemaker implanted in an atrium of the heart, that an intrinsic atrial contraction rate of the atrium is faster than a ventricular contraction rate, transmitting a first signal from the atrial pacemaker to a leadless ventricular pacemaker implanted in a ventricle of the heart to increase a ventricular pacing rate of the ventricular pacemaker, receiving the transmitted first signal with the ventricular pacemaker, and increasing the ventricular pacing rate, based on the received first signal.
US09694154B2
A sound machine having a pseudo random white noise generator provides white noise sound therapy of selectable tone/texture, bandwidth and/or peak frequency to those suffering from tinnitus or others seeking noise-masking or sleep or relaxation. The sound machine having a pseudo random white noise generator includes a user input interface having a tone/texture user input control, a band pass user input control and a peak select user input control. The tone/texture user input control selects the tone/texture of the white noise sound generated, the bandpass user input control the bandpass of the white noise sound generated and the peak select user input control provides the ability to select frequency peaks of the white noise sound generated.
US09694148B2
A discharge device for a flowable substance includes at least one storage element having at least one reception chamber for a flowable substance. A carrier body including a discharge opening is provided with a pin having an axial channel and a transverse channel branching off from the axial channel. The storage element is guided on an outer side of the carrier body via at least one annular sealing lip. Discharge of the flowable substance is effected by sliding the storage element onto the pin so that the sealing lip skims over the transverse channel of the cylindrical pin and the cylindrical pin urges the flowable substance out of the reception chamber via the transverse and axial channels. In the area of the discharge opening, the carrier body includes an atomizing device that discharges the flowable substance in atomized form by a sliding of the storage element.
US09694133B2
A system and method for automatically adjusting parameters for predicting blood glucose levels and/or controlling the dispensing of insulin. In one embodiment, the system is a stand-alone system. In one embodiment, the system is part of a system for controlling the dispensing of insulin.
US09694119B2
A surgical instrument has a hollow tubular member, and a pressurization unit that has an outer valve portion, a pressurization device having a movable part configured to generate pressurized fluid when the movable part is moved, and an inner valve portion. The inner valve portion includes a first flow passage that is configured to fluidically connect a first port and a second port of the outer valve portion to each other when the inner valve portion is in a first position, and a second flow passage that is configured between the inner valve portion and the outer valve portion to fluidically connect the first port and a third port when the inner valve portion is in a second position. A sealing system fluidically isolates the second port and the third port from each other at any position of the inner valve portion. Pressurized fluid from the pressurization device causes the inner valve portion to move from the first position to the second position, thereby providing positive pressure to the hollow tubular member.
US09694114B2
Catheters and a method of preparation thereof comprising a catheter body and at least one connector. The catheter body has an exterior surface and at least one lumen having an aspect ratio of at least 3:1 and an intraluminal surface comprising a hydrophilic polymer layer thereon, the hydrophilic polymer layer has an average dry thickness of at least about 50 nanometers, wherein the catheter body comprises one or more permeabilization agents and one or more antimicrobial agents.
US09694113B2
The present disclosure relates to a packaged urinary catheter assembly and method of using the packaged urinary catheter assembly. The catheter assembly includes a conduit having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end includes at least one aperture for receiving fluid from a patient. The conduit is contained within a sleeve having a length, a width, and a size configured to receive the catheter. According to one embodiment, the conduit and the sleeve may be arranged in a helical coil. The outer surface of the conduit may have a lubricious and/or an antimicrobial coating.
US09694108B2
The present invention is directed to a device that permits a permanent aperture to be formed in a wall, or other partition, of an implantable medical device. The present invention maintains the continuity and fluid-retaining properties of the implantable medical device by providing a breachable barrier material fully covering an opening delimited by a deformable framework. The invention is accessed with conventional interventional surgical instruments that disrupt and displace the barrier material. Following disruption of the barrier material, the opening is enlarged with surgical instruments to form a permanent framed aperture in the wall of the implantable medical device. The permanent framed aperture provides fluid communication across the wall of the implantable medical device.
US09694100B2
The present invention is directed to topical enzymatic wound debriding compositions with enhanced enzymatic activity. These compositions comprise a dispersed phase comprising at least one proteolytic enzyme and at least one hydrophilic polyol; and a continuous phase comprising a hydrophobic base.
US09694099B2
The present invention relates to a lens care solution having 0.001 to about 5 weight percent of a low molecular weight amine of the general formula: where R1, R2, R3 and R4 are —H or low molecular weight radicals, and R5 is a low molecular weight radical, or salt thereof; an effective amount of a tonicity agent; and the balance water.
US09694092B2
The present invention relates to stabilised 99mTc radiopharmaceutical compositions of the ligand tetrofosmin, which include an ascorbic acid or ascorbate radioprotectant, in the absence of an antimicrobial preservative. The invention also provides lyophilised kits suitable for the bulk preparation of multiple unit patient doses of 99mTc-tetrofosmin metal complexes. Also disclosed are unit doses of 99mTc-tetrofosmin, together with processes for preparing such unit doses from the lyophilised bulk vial.
US09694088B2
Disclosed are methods, compositions and uses of conjugates of prodrug forms of 2-pyrrolinodoxorubicin (P2PDox) with antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof (ADCs), with targetable construct peptides or with other targeting molecules that are capable of delivering the P2PDox to a targeted cell, tissue or pathogen. Once delivered to the target cell, the ADC or peptide conjugate is internalized, a highly toxic 2-pyrrolinodoxorubicin (2-PDox) is released intracellularly. The P2PDox-peptide or ADC conjugates are of use to treat a wide variety of diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune disease or infectious disease.
US09694083B2
The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for treatment of subjects having or at risk of cancer or other conditions. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides. The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other vesicles containing nitric oxide. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.
US09694073B2
The present invention generally relates to use of compounds and compositions as a chemosensitizers and/or radiosensitizers and/or inhibitors of PNKP phosphatase activity. The present invention provides pharmaceutical combinations and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, kits containing such compounds and/composition and methods of using such compounds and/or compositions.
US09694067B2
The present invention relates to a monovalent H5N1 vaccine. More specifically, the present invention relates to the development of a monovalent H5 vaccine strain using hemagglutinin (HA) engineering to elicit cross-clade protection. The present invention also relates to an epitope-chimeric H5 and to a reverse genetics (RG) influenza virus expressing the epitope-chimeric H5.
US09694066B2
The present invention discloses and claims virus like particles (VLPs) that express and/or contains seasonal influenza virus proteins, avian influenza virus proteins and/or influenza virus proteins from viruses with pandemic potential. The invention includes vector constructs comprising said proteins, cells comprising said constructs, formulations and vaccines comprising VLPs of the inventions. The invention also includes methods of making and administrating VLPs to vertebrates, including methods of inducing substantial immunity to either seasonal and avian influenza, or at least one symptom thereof.
US09694056B2
The present application provides for compositions comprising α-galactosidase A in combination with an active site-specific chaperone for the α-galactosidase A, and methods for treating Fabry disease in a subject in need thereof, that includes a method of administering to the subject such compositions. The present application also provides methods for increasing the in vitro and in vivo stability of an α-galactosidase A enzyme formulation.
US09694052B2
Preparations including FSH, for example recombinant FSH, for use in the treatment of infertility.
US09694049B2
Disclosed herein are methods for diagnosing, prognosing and treating muscular dystrophy. The disclosed methods can be used to diagnosis, prognosis or treat a subject with merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy Type 1A (MDC1A), limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), facioscapulohumeral (FHMD), Beckers muscular dystrophy (BMD) or Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Also disclosed are methods of determining the effectiveness of an agent for the treatment of muscular dystrophy. In an example, a method of diagnosing or prognosing a subject with muscular dystrophy includes detecting expression of Galectin-1 or Galectin-3 in a sample obtained from the subject at risk of having or having one or more signs or symptoms associated with muscular dystrophy, thereby diagnosing or prognosing the subject with muscular dystrophy. Also provided are methods of enhancing muscle regeneration, repair, or maintenance in a subject by administering galectin, such as Galectin-1 and/or Galectin-3 to a subject in need thereof.
US09694043B2
A composition including Cuscuta japonica Choisy extract, or the extract of Rehmannia glutinosa Libschitz var. purpurea MAKINO and Cuscuta japonica Choisy is provided. The composition, which can be a pharmaceutical or food composition, is useful for preventing, ameliorating, or treating hearing loss. A method for ameliorating, preventing, or treating hearing loss, in particular, acoustic trauma, temporary or permanent hearing loss by effectively inhibiting the threshold shift induced by noise and the likes is disclosed.
US09694041B2
An object of the present invention is to improve the milk yield and/or milk quality of a ruminant for milk production, to prevent or treat a perinatal disease of a ruminant, and to improve the reproductivity of ruminant. In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the following is provided. An agent for improving at least one of milk yield and milk quality of a ruminant, comprising at least one of cashew nut shell liquid, heat-treated cashew nut shell liquid, anacardic acid, cardanol, and cardol. An agent for preventing or treating a perinatal disease of a ruminant, comprising at least one of cashew nut shell liquid, heat-treated cashew nut shell liquid, anacardic acid, cardanol, and cardol. An agent for improving reproductivity of a ruminant, comprising at least one of cashew nut shell liquid, heat-treated cashew nut shell liquid, anacardic acid, cardanol, and cardol.
US09694028B2
4′-azido, 3′-deoxy-3′-fluoro substituted nucleoside derivatives as inhibitors of HCV RNA replication
The present disclosure relates to the compound of Formula I: Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound of Formula I, methods of using the compound of Formula I and/or compositions comprising the compound of Formula I for the treatment of HCV.
US09694027B2
The present invention provides pyrazole derivatives, uses thereof for medical purposes and so on. More particularly, the present invention relates to pharmaceuticals useful for the prevention or treatment of constipation, which comprise as an active ingredient 3-(3-{4-[3-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-5-isopropyl-1H-pyrazol-4-ylmethyl]-3-methylphenoxy}propylamino)-2,2-dimethylpropionamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The pharmaceuticals of the present invention exert an effect of increasing the frequency of bowel movement or the like, and are useful for the prevention or treatment of constipation.
US09694020B2
Provided herein are compositions, systems, and methods for treating a disease, such as kidney and/or cardiovascular disease, with an agent that reduces the production of trimethylamine (TMA) or trimethylamine-n-oxide (TMAO) in a subject. In certain embodiments, the agent is: i) 3,3-dimethyl-1-butanol (DMB) or a DMB derivative or related compound, ii) acetylsalicylic acid or derivative thereof (e.g., with an enteric coating for delivery to the colon and/or cecum); iii) a flavin monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) inhibitor; iv) a gut TMA lyase inhibitor; v) an antibiotic or antimicrobial; vi) a probiotic or prebiotic; vii) an antiplatelet agent; or viii) a TMA and/or TMAO sequestering agent.
US09694014B2
Administration of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor is useful in the prevention and treatment of muscle dystrophy. Methods and compositions for inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species in a muscle cell overproducing reactive oxygen species are provided herein.
US09694011B2
The present invention is directed to novel pyrazolopyrimidines such as compounds of Formula I, their derivatives, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and hydrates thereof. The compounds and compositions of the present invention have protein kinases inhibitory activities against BTK and/or EGFR T790M and are useful for the treatment of protein kinases mediated diseases and conditions.
US09694010B2
The present disclosure relates pharmaceutical formulations comprising hydralazine in the treatment of eye diseases and conditions with the formulations. The present disclosure also related to methods of preparing the pharmaceutical formulations.
US09694005B2
Nonsteroid and steroid compounds that cause down-regulation of the androgen receptor (AR), both full length and splice variant, induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation of inhibiting proliferation and migration of androgen sensitive cancer cells. The steroid compounds and nonsteroid compounds may be agents for the prevention and/or treatment of cancer, including prostate cancer, castration resistant prostate cancer, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Kennedy's disease, androgenetic alopecia, breast cancer, androgen-insensitive syndrome, and spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy.
US09693995B2
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for topical administration comprising a compound of formula I, 3-{4-[2-{5-chloro-1-(diphenylmethyl)-2-[2-({[2-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]sulfonyl}amino)ethyl]-1H-indol-3-yl}ethyl]sulfonyl}phenyl}propanoic acid: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; and to methods of treating inflammation comprising topical administration of a compositions comprising a compound of formula I.
US09693982B2
The present invention is directed to a composition for ameliorating hypoalbuminemia containing a branched-chain amino acid(s) as an active ingredient(s), wherein the composition contains leucine and/or isoleucine as the active ingredient(s) and does not contain valine. As the above branched-chain amino acid(s), leucine and isoleucine are preferably contained. The mass ratio of leucine to isoleucine described above is preferably from 0.1 to 10. As the above branched-chain amino acid(s), either leucine or isoleucine alone may be contained. The present invention is suitably used as an infusion formulation, an oral formulation or a food or drink.
US09693969B2
The present invention provides methods of administering an active agent to a specifically identified area of mucous membrane of a human being, as well as a body dissolving film formed therefore.
US09693966B2
Gastric resistant film-forming compositions are described herein. The composition comprises a gastric resistant natural polymer, a film-forming natural polymer, and optionally a gelling agent. Suitable gastric resistant natural polymers include polysaccharides such as pectin and pectin-like polymers. The film-forming composition can be used to prepare soft or hard shell gelatin capsules which can encapsulate a liquid or semi-solid fill material or a solid tablet (Softlet®) comprising an active agent and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. Alternatively, the composition can be administered as a liquid with an active agent dissolved or dispersed in the composition. The compositions are not only gastric resistant but may also prevent gastric reflux associated with odor causing liquids, such as fish oil or garlic oil, encapsulated in a unit dosage form and esophageal irritation due to the reflux of irritant drugs delivered orally.
US09693952B2
An elongate body for parenteral injection at low velocity from a device is described. The body has at least one pointed end and comprises at least one active material. In addition, the body has a compressive strength of greater than or equal to 5 Newton and the pointed end has an included angle of between about 10-50°. A solid vaccine formulation for needle-free parenteral delivery, methods for making the body, packaging of the body and use of the body, packaging and suitable delivery device are also described.
US09693948B1
The present invention relates to a hair care product. In particular, the invention relates to an apple cider vinegar hair texturizing rinse product.
US09693942B2
The present invention relates generally to the field of enhancing skin appearance. One aspect of the invention aims to provide a composition comprising 4-oxo-2-pentenoic acid for use in the reduction or prevention of regions of the skin with darker pigmentation. The present invention also relates to cosmetic use of a composition comprising 4-oxo-2-pentenoic acid for the reduction or prevention of regions of the skin with darker pigmentation.
US09693936B2
The present disclosure is directed to dispersions of a Dead Sea material in oil, the Dead Sea material is present in the dispersions in the form of solid nanoparticles. Further disclosed are formulations comprising the dispersions, method of treating and/or preventing diseases or disorders of the skin comprising topical application of the dispersions or formulations thereof onto a skin of a subject, method of inducing a heat sensation on the skin of a subject by topically applying the dispersions or formulations thereof onto a skin of a subject and methods of preparing the dispersions.
US09693933B2
For a person who has a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (“PEG”) tube and an esophagus stoma, an ostomy pouch is provided, where the pouch forms an inlet connected to the esophagus stoma and an outlet connected to one end of a interconnecting tube. An opposing end of the interconnecting tube is connected to the PEG tube, so that when the person consumes matter by mouth, the matter flows out the stoma, through the ostomy pouch, the interconnecting tube and the PEG rube, and into the stomach.
US09693930B2
A hospital-grade basin holds water for washing patients, or alternatively converts easily/quickly for a patient's limb to rest comfortably within and across a portion of the basin. In a first embodiment, half-moon shaped openings on opposite sides of the basin side wall(s) comfortably support the limb at a reduced height with respect to adjacent side wall portions, which serve as a partial shield during wound irrigation, and aid fluid collection. The shaped openings may each be sealed with a hinged door in a closed position, using a friction fit, to form the traditional, watertight basin. In an alternate embodiment, the doors may be secured in the closed position using an elastomeric leaf-spring-shaped member. In other embodiments, rather than cutouts and doors, opposing portions of the side wall may instead be formed of an over-molded elastomeric material that conforms to the patient's limb, or may instead be formed like a bellows.
US09693912B2
An object of the invention is to obtain spunbonded nonwoven fabrics including thin hollow fibers which have excellent lightweight properties and uniformity as well as exhibit high strength and flexibility. An aspect of the invention is directed to a spunbonded nonwoven fabric including hollow fibers of a propylene polymer, the hollow fibers satisfying the following requirements (a) to (c): (a) the C-axis orientation is at least 0.85, (b) the average fiber diameter is 5 to 20 μm, and (c) the hollowness is 5 to 30%.
US09693907B2
Dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed, in some embodiments, that involve treating a tissue site with reduced pressure. In one embodiment, a reduced-pressure dressing may include a dressing bolster, a retention pouch, and a sealing member. The dressing bolster may be adapted to apply a compressive force to the tissue site capable of closing a wound or incision therein. The retention pouch may be adapted to retain and manage fluid extracted from the tissue site to keep the tissue site substantially free of fluid and to prevent clogging of the reduced-pressure dressing. The sealing member may provide a seal over the retention pouch, the dressing bolster, and a portion of the epidermis of the patient. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US09693905B2
A system for ophthalmic surgery on an eye includes: a pulsed laser which produces a treatment beam; an OCT imaging assembly capable of creating a continuous depth profile of the eye; an optical scanning system configured to position a focal zone of the treatment beam to a targeted location in three dimensions in one or more floaters in the posterior pole. The system also includes one or more controllers programmed to automatically scan tissues of the patient's eye with the imaging assembly; identify one or more boundaries of the one or more floaters based at least in part on the image data; iii. identify one or more treatment regions based upon the boundaries; and operate the optical scanning system with the pulsed laser to produce a treatment beam directed in a pattern based on the one or more treatment regions.
US09693888B2
A dynamic infant head support for preventing, or correcting, the abnormal shape of a head of an infant, and a method of using the support for treating deformational plagiocephaly. The support is an oval-shaped pillow, with a central opening to receive the head of the infant to be treated. Spaced barriers divide the interior of the pillow into a plurality of compartments. A ring-like manifold passes through the pillow and communicates with each compartment. A plurality of valves is operatively associated with the manifold; one valve is located in each compartment. The valves allow fluid, such as pressurized air, in the manifold, to inflate individual compartments. The manifold is pressurized by a pump, at a remote location. A remote controller is connected to the valves by electrical leads for governing the sequence of operation of the valves, and regulating the duration of time that each valve is open.
US09693882B2
An optical trial implant device that can be used to determine an appropriate size for an intervertebral disc implant can be configured so that one or more portions of the device can be optically transparent or radiolucent. The device can include an imaging device that can be used to view and image the intervertebral space through the optically transparent portion(s) of the device. The device can be used to determine the extent and quality of preparation of an intervertebral space between adjacent vertebral bodies for a surgical procedure, such as a disc replacement or spinal fusion procedure. The acquired image information can be transmitted to a mobile computing device for display in real time and/or stored for future use. The information may also be used to determine parameters indicating the quality of endplate surface preparation.
US09693876B1
The present invention relates generally to medical devices and methods for use in spinal surgery. In particular, the disclosed system relates to an intervertebral spinal implant assembly sized and dimensioned for the lumbar or cervical spine implantable via an anterior approach. The device includes an implant, bone fasteners, and instruments for delivering the implant and bone screws.
US09693872B2
Systems and tools for inserting and securing an implant within the intervertebral space. An intervertebral disc implant with upper and lower bearing members with an articulation interface between the members for providing relative motion therebetween. The implant may be provided with various securing members for fixing the implant within the intervertebral space. A tool may be used to insert the implant, which includes a plurality of shiftable implant engaging members that are shiftable between non-engaging and engaging configurations to alternatively release or hold the implant.
US09693871B2
A vertebral implant (1) is provided to be implanted in a patient's intersomatic space. The implant (1) includes an intersomatic cage (2) and at least one fixing screw (10) that is intended to be screwed into a bony mass through a well (7) of the cage (2) to stabilize the position of the cage (2) within the intersomatic space. In addition, the well (7) and the screw (10) form a system for the self-locking of the screw (10) in the well (7) in which the screw (10) is locked into position by the well (7).
US09693868B2
Methods, systems, and devices for replacement of a joint with a prosthetic system that replicates the natural kinematics of the joint is disclosed. A prosthetic system according to one embodiment includes a tibial component having a tibial plateau and a tibial stem portion, the tibial plateau having a top side and a bottom side, a tibial insert, with a bearing surface, adapted to be positioned on the top side of the tibial plateau, a femoral component having a base portion and a central housing, the femoral component having an axis of extension-flexion rotation, the base portion having a pair of condyles, an a mechanical linkage component linking the tibial component with the femoral component and with the tibial insert in between the tibial component and the femoral component, so that there is a center of contact between the condyles and the bearing surface.
US09693866B2
The present invention relates to a tasseled cortical bone graft and a method of preparing cortical bone in thin strips or tubes then fully demineralizing it to give it formed flexibility and then creating a plurality of strands extending from one or more connection locations in the cortical bone in a fashion similar to a tassel.
US09693863B2
A delivery device usable to deliver an inverting implant is provided that includes a positioning mechanism that automatically initiates the inversion process once a predetermined length of the implant has exited a delivery catheter. The positioning mechanism allows the implant to be safely and accurately deployed with reduced operator experience and in a greater variety of target locations.
US09693851B2
A filter delivery device for implanting a vessel filter within a blood vessel of a patient's body. The filter delivery device includes a mechanism for preventing hooks and/or legs on a vessel filter from entangling with each other while the vessel filter is loaded within the delivery device. In one variation, the filter delivery device includes a delivery catheter with grooves at the distal end lumen opening. When a vessel filter with radially expanding legs is compressed and inserted into the distal end of the delivery catheter, the hooks on the distal end of the legs are received and separated by the corresponding grooves on the delivery catheter. In another variation, a pusher rod, with a receptacle for receiving the hooks, is positioned within a delivery catheter to prevent the entanglement of the hooks and/or legs of a filter loaded within the delivery catheter.
US09693850B2
A combined multi-lumen central access catheter and an embolic filter including ports proximal and distal the filter for fluid infusion and/or pressure sensing and infusion ports in the catheter to permit infusion of bioactive agents, flushing agents and/or contrast agents. The embolic filter may be removably coupled to the multi-lumen catheter for temporary placement and retrieval under recommended indications.
US09693845B2
A system and method for real-time measurement of curing energy delivered to a simulated dental restoration from a source of curing energy. The system comprises a detector and a display. The detector measures at a location within the simulated dental restoration the amount of curing energy delivered by the curing energy source. The display displays the measured amount of curing energy in real-time. The system also comprises a temperature detector to measure temperature changes in the oral tissues during curing (teeth and gums). The system also comprises a video camera to record the operator's curing technique.
US09693843B2
A strainer/filter unit for effectively collecting solid, liquid or gaseous substances at the source and the method of using the strainer/filter unit. The strainer/filter unit includes a housing, a one-way valve at one end of the housing, and a filter having a certain depth and thickness within the housing. The filter is formed from a plurality of layers of material with pores such that pores of one layer partially overlap pores of subsequent adjacent layers. Matters entering the strainer/filter unit are collected in the filter while travelling through filter via a tortuous path.
US09693842B2
A dental valve device is disclosed having a valve body having a tip receiving end, a hose receiving end, a lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, a partial opening formed in the valve body, and a rotatable valve sealing body adapted to being inserted into the partial opening, the rotatable valve sealing body having a bottom having an opening, a bore for alignment with the lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, the bore having a tip receiving opening and a hose receiving opening, the rotatable valve sealing body having a check valve positioned in the bore and the opening in the bottom.
US09693841B2
A variety of medical devices including staples sutures and dental floss with surface treatment on at least one tissue-facing surface to improve biologic function such as to control tissue adhesion are disclosed including heparin surface treatment which provides heparin present in an amount to yield heparin bioactivity of at least one of i) an ATIII binding of at least 2 pmol/cm2, and ii) a thrombin deactivation of at least 0.2 IU/cm2; an acrylic surface treatment for coupling thereto of a heparin surface treatment, a collagen surface treatment or both; and an amino-functional polysiloxane surface treatment for coupling thereto of a heparin surface treatment.
US09693836B2
A method of manufacturing an orthodontic appliance may include molding a plurality of green bodies in plurality of molds and coupling the green bodies so as to form an intermediate green body. The orthodontic appliance may be an orthodontic bracket body. The plurality of green bodies may be molded so as to be devoid of any undercut formations. Coupling the plurality of green bodies may form the intermediate green body to include at least one undercut formation. An orthodontic bracket may include an undercut formation not capable of being formed in a single shot molding process and not formed through post-formation processes. The undercut formation may include a guiding track and/or a retaining recess configured to receive a portion of the ligating member. The ligating member may include a flexible ligating portion that overlies the archwire slot and a relatively rigid main body portion.
US09693832B2
Transducer-based systems can be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of a between graphical element can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected between graphical element. Selection of a plurality of between graphical elements and graphical elements can cause visual display of a corresponding activation path in the graphical representation. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers. Activation requests for a set of transducers can be denied if it is determined that a transducer in the set of transducers is unacceptable for activation.
US09693816B2
An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical instrument having at least one electrode configured as a first sensor for measuring a voltage drop therethrough and a temperature sensor for a thermal sensor configured to measure a temperature difference across the at least one electrode; and a generator including an output stage coupled to the at least one electrode, the output stage configured to generate radio frequency energy; and a controller configured to determine actual radio frequency current based on the voltage drop and electrical resistivity of the at least one electrode and radio frequency power based on the measured temperature difference and the thermal conductivity of the at least one electrode.
US09693802B2
A surgical access apparatus including a cannula defining an internal lumen, the cannula having a connection for receiving insufflation fluid. The apparatus also includes an obturator assembly, the obturator assembly configured to be inserted through a cannula so as to define an interstitial space between the cannula and the obturator assembly. The interstitial space is in fluid communication with the cannula connection so as to convey the insufflation fluid. The obturator assembly includes an obturator shaft having a hollow interior and a tip member at a distal end of the obturator shaft. The tip member is configured to penetrate and/or dissect through tissue. The tip member has an outer surface that defines a channel, the channel being in fluid communication with the interstitial space to as to convey the insufflation fluid from a proximal end of the tip member to a distal end of the tip member.
US09693798B2
A tool introducer is configured for introduction in an elongated body including a straight tube, wherein the tube encloses a tube lumen opened at its distal end with a tube opening. The tool introducer includes locking means to selectively lock or unlock an interchangeable surgical tool to the tube from displacing axially and/or rotationally in the tube lumen, the locking means being configured such that, at the locking, a tool connector of the tool projects towards the tube opening and is distanced therefrom by at least 3 cm. A method includes positioning the surgical tool introducer such that a distal portion thereof projects in a body cavity, manipulating and/or extending the tool introducer to reach and engage an elongated shaft introduced percutaneously into the body cavity; and inserting the elongated shaft into the tube lumen via the tube opening and connecting the tool to the elongated shaft.
US09693783B2
A method for positioning a bone cutting guide on a tibia may begin with coupling a bone cut positioning apparatus with a tibia. The method may also include adjusting the positioning apparatus in a varus/valgus orientation to shine a light emitted by a light emitter approximately along a midline of an anterior surface of the tibia, swinging a pivoting arm about a pivot joint to direct the emitted light along a medial surface of the tibia, adjusting the positioning apparatus in an anterior/posterior orientation to shine the light approximately along a midline of the medial surface, contacting a stylus with a proximal end of the tibia to select a cutting depth for a bone cut to be made on the tibia, and attaching the bone cutting guide to the tibia in a position determined by the positioning apparatus.
US09693777B2
A staple cartridge is disclosed which includes a cartridge body, a plurality of staples removably stored, at least partially, within the cartridge body, and an implantable layer. The implantable layer can include a first portion, a second portion spaced apart from the first portion, and a third portion intermediate the first portion and the second portion, the third portion including a pressed region.
US09693773B2
An anvil assembly is provided. The anvil assembly includes an anvil center rod, a head assembly pivotally secured to the anvil center rod assembly from an operative position to a tilted position, and a sleeve slidably disposed about the anvil center rod. The sleeve is associated with the head assembly such that movement of the head assembly from the operative position towards the tilted position effects proximal movement of the sleeve about the anvil center rod.
US09693772B2
A surgical buttress for use in a surgical stapling apparatus is provided and includes an elongate rectangular body portion defining a width; a neck portion integrally formed with and extending from a distal end of the body portion, the neck portion defining a width; a head portion integrally formed with and connected to a distal end of the neck portion, the head portion defining a width; and a tail portion integrally formed with and extending from a proximal end of the body portion, the tail portion defining a width. The width of the tail portion is less than the width of the body portion.
US09693770B2
An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An illustrative apparatus for tissue suturing includes a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis, a reciprocating needle drive, and an actuator capable of releasably engaging the needle drive to rotate the needle. A method for suturing tissue is provided that includes placing a suturing device having a cartridge containing a suturing needle to span at least one tissue segment, activating an actuator to cause rotational movement of the suturing needle through the at least one tissue segment, and deactivating the actuator to stop an advancing movement of the suturing needle to cause a suturing material to be pulled through the at least one separated tissue segment forming a stitch.
US09693768B2
In a meniscus reattachment device, with at least one needle and at least one implant, the implant is intended to have at least one extensible subsidiary surface.
US09693762B2
A tissue retractor device within the scope of the present invention generally includes a frame, an actuating mechanism, and a plurality of blades. The actuating mechanism generally includes at least one cam that encourages automatic toe-out of the blades. The tissue retractor eliminates the need for bulky secondary blade mechanisms to prevent undesired blade deformation at the surgical site. The toe-out motion occurs simultaneously along with the opening of the blades. The present invention further provides for depth adjustment of the blades by means of an adjustable screw assembly.
US09693759B2
This invention relates to an operation device especially intended to proceed with an operation inside the body of a living being. This device (10) comprises a control handle and a flexible element (12) provided with a proximal end connected to this control handle. The flexible element (12) comprises at a distal end (14), a steerable area comprising a rigid head. The control handle comprises a control lever arranged for controlling said steerable area (17) of this flexible element. The device of the invention is characterized in that the flexible element (12) comprises at its distal end (14), a retractable tool (21), and this retractable tool being arranged to be operated by said control handle.
US09693751B2
Disclosed herein too is a positron emission tomography calibration system comprising a positron emission tomography scanner having a ring detector that comprises at least one bin for receiving radiation; a patient that is placed at approximately the center of the ring detector where the patient is irradiated with at least one dose of a treatment radiation beam; a crystal efficiency calibration system that performs the following: measures activity generated by the at least one defined radiation dose in the at least one bin; takes projection data of the measured activity; calculates crystal efficiency from the projection data; re-estimates the measured activity of each bin based on the calculated crystal efficiency; and calibrates the detector based on the re-estimated measured activity.
US09693750B2
An evaluation aid is used as a phantom (imitation lesion) when a digital X-ray dynamic image thereof is taken and evaluated for image qualities for X-ray absorption parts having different X-ray absorption ratios. The evaluation aid contains a fixed plate (plate-like body) including a plurality of regions having different X-ray absorption ratios; a rotating disk (movable body) having a plurality of wires (wire rods), the rotating disk capable of rotating (moving) with respect to the fixed plate so that the plurality of wires traverse X-ray with which the fixed plate is irradiated; and a driving motor (driving portion) which rotates (moves) the rotating disk with respect to the fixed plate. It is preferred that thicknesses and/or constituent materials of the plurality of regions of the fixed plate are different from each other, so that these regions have the different X-ray absorption ratios.
US09693744B2
Methods and apparatus for imaging with detectors having moving heads are provided. One apparatus includes a gantry and a plurality of detector units mounted to the gantry. At least some of the plurality of detector units are movable relative to the gantry to position one or more of the detector units with respect to a subject. The detector units are movable along parallel axes with respect to each other.
US09693740B2
A medical diagnostic imaging apparatus includes: a bed device on which an examinee lies down; a gantry having a tunnel-shaped inner portion into which the bed device moves and inserts a table with which the examinee is in direct contact, and being configured to obtain information on an interior of the examinee by imaging the examinee located in the inner portion; and a control device configured to control drive of the bed device and the gantry. The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus further includes a multi-degree-of-freedom support mechanism mounted at a position facing the bed device with the gantry interposed in between and configured to support the table based on a control by the control device in accordance with movement of the table.
US09693739B2
There is provided a system for use with a patient in a healthcare environment, the system comprising a medical device configured to monitor or treat a patient, the medical device being for use in a room in which the patient is located and comprising an alarm unit configured to issue an audible alarm; a detection unit configured to detect whether a healthcare staff member is in the room in which the patient is located; a remote alarm unit configured to issue an alarm to alert a healthcare staff member located outside the room in which the patient is located; and a control unit that is connected to the medical device, the remote detection unit and the alarm unit, the control unit being configured to: (i) control the alarm unit in the medical device to issue an audible alarm in the event that the medical device detects an alarm condition for the patient or the medical device and the detection unit detects that a healthcare staff member is in the room in which the patient is located; and (ii) control the remote alarm unit to issue an alarm to alert a healthcare staff member located outside the room in which the patient is located in the event that the medical device detects an alarm condition for the patient or the medical device and the detection unit detects that no healthcare staff member is in the room in which the patient is located.
US09693728B2
Systems and methods deform the surface of the material with a probe, such as a mechanical device or a gas/liquid jet, while optically recording in detail the three-dimensional (3D) topography of the resulting surface deformation. The probe effectively applies a forcing function to the material, the attributes of which are known by performing calibrations prior to use or by direct measurement while it is applied. The topography is effectively the system output that is measured as indicative of the underlying mechanical properties of the material. In one application, systems and methods that apply a pressure in-vivo to human tissue and analyze a three-dimensional topography of the resulting surface deformation to identify localized inhomogeneities and anomalies in the human tissue.
US09693726B2
An alertness device includes a heart rate sensor configured to obtain an electrocardiographic signal of a person, a calculation unit configured to calculate the electrocardiographic signal obtained from the heart rate sensor, a waveform generation unit configured to generate an RRI waveform from an electrocardiographic waveform of the electrocardiographic signal, and a determination unit configured to determine the alertness of the person based on the electrocardiographic signal. The calculation unit replicates a same number of RRI waveforms as that of anchors, each anchor being a point where a certain RRI is shorter than an adjacent preceding RRI, moves the time axes of the replicated RRI waveforms such that the anchors of the replicated RRI waveforms are in phase with each other, and calculates a PRSA signal defined as an RRI average for each time axis. The determination unit determines the alertness based on the RRIs and the PRSA signals.
US09693720B2
Embodiments of the present invention relates to analyte sensors. In particular, the preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to non-consuming intravascular glucose sensors based on fluorescence chemistry.
US09693711B2
The disclosure relates to methods, devices, and systems to identify a user of a wearable fitness monitor using data obtained using the wearable fitness monitor. Data obtained from motion sensors of the wearable fitness monitor and data obtained from heartbeat waveform sensors of the wearable fitness monitor may be used to identify the user.
US09693707B2
A shape sensing device, system and method include an interventional instrument (102) having regions of articulation to be configured to change shape during an interventional procedure. An optical fiber (202) is disposed on or about the areas of articulation in a pattern to provide an optical signal indicating an instantaneous change or current position or orientation of the instrument. A signal interpretation module (115) is configured to receive the optical signals and interpret the instantaneous change or current position or orientation of the instrument.
US09693703B2
An electrocardiogram display device includes an electrocardiogram waveform generating unit that generates electrocardiogram waveforms of a plurality of leads based on electrocardiogram data of each of the leads, an arranging instruction unit that instructs an arranging order of the electrocardiogram waveform of each lead by performing inputting, a display unit, and a displaying control unit that arranging the electrocardiogram waveform of each lead in a corresponding arranging order in response to instruction of the arranging instruction unit to create and display one screen image on the display unit.
US09693695B1
A method, system, and computer product for detecting an oral temperature for a human include capturing a thermal image for a human using a camera, detecting a face region of the human from the thermal image, detecting a mouth region on the face region, comparing a temperature value on the mouth region to a reference temperature value on a first other face region, detecting an open mouth region on the mouth region based on a comparison result of the temperature value on the mouth region to the reference temperature value of the first other face region, determining whether a mouth of the human is open enough for an oral temperature to be detected, and computing the oral temperature based on temperature values on the mouth region and at least one other face region, responsive to the determination of the mouth being open enough for the oral temperature to be detected.
US09693694B2
Non-invasive apparatus and method for determining and monitoring glucose concentrations in human subjects. Glucose level is estimated through the effect of glucose on biological cells with glucose dependencies, e.g., red blood cells. The invention is based on the interaction of such cells with oscillating electric field gradients. The response of biological cells depends on factors including shape, size, and electrical charge distribution. The field gradient causes the cells to undergo characteristic motion which is detected by light beam scattering. The autocorrelation of the scattered light is computed, and the Fourier transform (FT) is performed to produce a characteristic velocity spectrum in which the peaks are characteristic of the cell “bio-electrical” states. The glucose level is estimated through measurements of changes of FT with changes in glucose levels after calibration with standard glucose methods.
US09693691B2
A method for determining a spatial location of at least one patient data gathering device includes the steps of receiving at least one signal from a geolocation system and analyzing the at least one signal to determine the spatial location of the at least one patient data gathering device.
US09693685B2
An imaging apparatus includes an image sensor sensitive to infrared rays, and a control circuit. The control circuit determines whether the imaging apparatus is mounted on a fundus camera in a state where an image of a fundus of a subject's eye can be captured based on reflected light flux from the fundus, and controls a function of the imaging apparatus depending on the determination.
US09693680B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a field of vision testing technique, and particularly to a vision testing apparatus and method. The vision testing method and apparatus can concurrently test vision and ability for distinguishing colors concurrently by using vision synthetic-testing pictures, wherein a character in the vision synthetic-testing picture is used to test the vision, and color combination in the vision synthetic-testing picture is used to test the ability for distinguishing colors.
US09693662B2
A motor enclosure for a vacuum cleaner motor having an air inlet and an air outlet may enclose the vacuum cleaner motor and the motor enclosure may form a channel structure around the vacuum cleaner motor for guiding at least a part of an airflow exiting the air outlet of the vacuum cleaner motor during use to turn by an angle of 360° or more about an axis that is perpendicular to a line between the air inlet and the air outlet of the vacuum cleaner motor. Further, a mounting suspension may connect the vacuum cleaner motor to a housing of the vacuum and may suspend the motor enclosure, for example such that the motor enclosure is only connected to the suspension and the motor enclosure is connected to the motor and the vacuum cleaner only via the suspension.
US09693660B1
The present application discloses shelving systems (e.g., shower stations) with adjustable shelves (e.g., baskets) that can be moved by hand.
US09693646B2
A shadow projecting device includes a box which acts as a base. A four sided cavity is formed within the box. Sand is provided and retained within the cavity. Crosses extend upwardly through the sand above the box. Stones may be provided on the sand. A light source is provided at the front of the box. The light is directed rearward and upward to illuminate the crosses and create a shadow on a wall behind the box. The size of the shadow on the wall varies according the distance of the box from the wall.
US09693639B2
A child-supporting device including a child-seat assembly mounted to and supported by a rocker frame assembly. The seat assembly includes a backrest, a footrest, or both, pivotably adjustable between reclined and inclined positions. A recline adjustment mechanism is operable to selectively lock the seat in the reclined or inclined position for use, then release the seat for pivotal adjustment to the other position. In some embodiments, a linkage interconnects the backrest and the footrest so that pivoting one of them synchronously pivots the other one. And in some embodiments, the footrest is detachable and a quick connect/disconnect mechanism is provided that permits operation of the recline adjustment mechanism when the footrest is attached.
US09693638B1
A support pillow with dual infant support pillows that can be configured in a face-to-face or opposing position and, alternately, in a side-by-side flanking position. Two C-shaped pillow segments are joined on one side by a hinge or joint. When the joint is open, the adjoining arms are generally co-linear. When the support pillow is folded at the joint, the two adjoining arms of the C-shaped pillow segments are adjacent and generally parallel. A supportive body wrap may be included for one or both pillow segments. The support pillow may also serve as a body or maternity pillow for a single adult. Additionally, the joint allows the pillow to be folded for use as a study or lounging pillow for an adult or older child. Still further, the pillow can be used as a nursing pillow with attached back support for mothers and caregivers.
US09693633B2
A seat support with adjustment systems allowing a height and swivel adjustment functionality of the seat in a manner free of any wobble and shaking motion. The seat mechanism for height and swivel adjustments have screw adjustment applying a pre-load on a resilient component which gives a resilient force on a load bearing surface. The load bearing surface guides the seat part in motion during seat adjustment in a way to reduce friction and wear with use in time. The screw adjustment and the resilient component are configured such that play in guiding of the seat part in motion during seat adjustment is eliminated regardless of fabrication and component variations, and wear, with use in time. A screw adjustment locking device is configured to assure a stable adjustment with use in time.
US09693624B2
A work platform height adjustment apparatus having a frame and a support assembly moveably mounted on the frame. The frame is provided with cover panels which are mounted to the frame and the support assembly carries a spring biased work platform on brackets mounted to the support assembly so that the work platform can assume a number of fixed height positions.
US09693623B2
The holster includes a solid basically flat rectilinear shape. In one embodiment, a horizontal slot through the thickness of the base receives a strap that is wrapped around the portable device, while a second strap, vertically oriented, is fixed in a keyway in the bottom of the base and threaded through a vertical slot in the thickness of the base and is brought upward over the horizontal strap. In a second embodiment a pair of horizontal straps are set in keyways and are wrapped around a portion of the portable device, holding it in place. All straps having a webbing having one side covered by the hook portion of a hook and loop fastening system and the other side covered by the loop elements of a hook and loop fastening system, allowing opposite sides, or faces, of any single strap to be fastened to itself.
US09693620B2
A customizable backpack and method of use is described. Embodiments of the customizable backpack can include a pack body, a pack flap, a first panel, and a second panel. The first panel can be coupled to the pack body via the pack flap and the second panel can be removably attached to the first panel. One or more fastening mechanisms can be implemented to couple the first panel to the pack flap. Decorative objects can be removably attached to the first panel and to the second panel to customize the backpack. In a typical implementation, a user can decorate the first panel and the second panel with one or more decorative objects and/or utilitarian objects. The user can then decide which side of the first panel or the second panel to face outwardly when wearing the backpack.
US09693609B2
A band for a wearable device includes first and second band links. The first band link includes one or more magnetic pins and the second band link includes one or more magnets and one or more apertures. In a first position, the first and second band links mechanically and magnetically couple by the magnet pulling the magnetic pin into the aperture. In a second position, the first and second band links mechanically and magnetically decouple by the magnetic pin being forced from the aperture. In this way, the band links may be easily and quickly coupled to and/or decoupled from each other.
US09693608B1
A band may include a plurality of interlocking links or link adjustment mechanisms. An interlocking link or link adjustment mechanism may include a rotating member on a first side, and a static member on a second side. The rotating member may rotate as much as approximately ±45 degrees with respect to a horizontal axis of a pin in an open/unlocked position. Interlocking links or link adjustment mechanisms may interlock with one another, and the rotating member of a first interlocking link or link adjustment member may rotate to a closed/locked position. In the closed/locked position, a pin of a second interlocking link or link adjustment member may be fully inserted into the pin aperture provided by the rotating member of the first interlocking link or link adjustment member. The pin may include a pin end that may provide a spring-loaded connector that may be secured in the pin aperture.
US09693606B2
A slider assembly includes: a slider comprising upper and lower plates provided with teeth guides, and a post connecting the upper and lower plates, the slider interlocking the teeth while advancing along the teeth arranged a set distance apart on each sides of first and second tapes; and separating the teeth while moving backwards therealong; a locking unit, disposed at the longitudinal-direction end of the first tape, for restricting the backward movement of the slider; and a bottom unit, disposed at the longitudinal-direction end of the second tape, elastically coupling with the locking unit by the vertical pressure (in the direction of the thickness of the tape) applied by the overlapping locking unit pressing down, and uncoupling therefrom by the force of moving the slider backwards. The slider assembly can be included in a zipper.
US09693604B2
An article of footwear includes an outsole having a heel region, a midfoot region, and a forefoot region. An outer midsole layer is secured to the outsole and extends only over the heel region and at least some of the midfoot region. An inner midsole layer is supported by the outer midsole layer and the outsole without being fixed thereto, and extends over the heel region, the midfoot region, and the forefoot region. The outer midsole layer is configured to surround a periphery of the inner midsole layer at the heel region. The outsole may include lateral and medial arch portions for traction.
US09693603B2
Orthotics or other footwear inserts including a set of separate and incrementally different inserts sized and adapted for a right and/or left foot. One such insert in said set has a first corrective structure and at least another such insert has a second corrective structure. The second corrective structure including at least an incremental change in one or more of curvature, thickness and firmness of at least one sidemost portion of said insert in said set as compared to the first corrective structure and a corrective structure of each other said insert in said set. The inserts in the set have a progressive sequence based on the increase or decrease in one of the curvature, thickness and firmness, are adapted to be worn one at a time for a period of time sequentially based on the progressive sequence and also include at least one internal sipe.
US09693600B1
A goalie skate assembly has i) a plastic blade mounting member adapted to releasably receive a metal skate blade therein, and ii) a monocoque carbon fiber and resin composite skate boot body for receiving a foot of the user therein. The unitary structure of the skate boot body includes i) a sole portion, ii) a heel portion extending upwardly from the sole portion for receiving a heel of the user therein, iii) a pair of side portions extending upwardly from opposing sides of the sole portion, and iv) a lower portion extending downwardly from a bottom side of the sole portion so as to surround at least a portion of the blade mounting member. A toe cap mounted on the skate boot body includes a molded plastic outer shell and a liner formed of a fiber and resin composite material bonded to an inner surface of the outer shell.
US09693594B1
A protective device for a head of an individual person. The protective device forms a cap that includes a flexible headpiece and a segmented outer protective shell disposed about the flexible headpiece for distributing an impact load. The device covers and protects the front, top, sides and back of the head from impact injuries and rebound effects of high speed objects as seen for example, a baseball or softball moving at a speed of up to about 125 mph.
US09693591B1
The invention is an anchor point device for use with a bra support underwire comprising: a unitary interface sleeve comprising a distal paraboloid section with an underwire cavity passing therethrough; a cylindrical section extending from the distal paraboloid section, the cylindrical section having the underwire cavity terminating therein; a proximal paraboloid section extending from the cylindrical section; and an anchor tab, configured as a geometric shape, a threaded component, a ribbed component, or a reinforced thread, attached to the interface sleeve. The invention provides reduced kinetic friction and kinetic wear between support underwires and ultra thin tubular fabric casings.
US09693578B2
The present invention relates to a method of producing a probiotic fruit beverage comprising a high viable count of acid-adapted probiotic bacteria, such as strains of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei, and to probiotic fruit beverage obtainable by such method.
US09693576B2
Provided is a hydrolyzed pea protein based fermentation process employing Lactobacillus sp., the formed ingredient, food products comprising said ingredient and a method of enhancing the salty taste of food products.
US09693572B2
The invention provides flaked fish analogs comprising from about from about 18 to about 25% protein, from about 3 to about 9% fat, and from about 60 to about 85% moisture. The compositions have a realistic fish-like appearance and texture, mostly due to the presence of “flakes” that mimic the flakes of real fish.
US09693570B2
A dough-like confectionery material contains a solid particulate, a liquid, and a diffusion controller. The dough-like confectionery material is an effective replacement for panned coatings, and it can be applied to an edible substrate, such as candy or chewing gum to form a layered confection. Methods and apparatus for forming layered confections are also described.
US09693554B2
Plant growth accelerator comprising, as an active ingredient, 5-amino-4-hydroxypentanoic acid of formula (1) H2NCH2CH(OH)CH2CH2COOR1 (1) wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a derivative thereof or a salt thereof.
US09693550B2
A decoy suitable for hunting geese comprising a silhouette portion, side body portions attached to the silhouette portion capable of being folded into a one dimensional appearance or unfolded into a three-dimensional honeycomb appearance resembling the body of a goose from below the neck to the tail, and a stake attached to the bottom of the silhouette portion for insertion into the ground.
US09693549B1
Rodent shields are constructed from various gauge metal and are shaped to fit substantially flush against vertical members to prevent roof rats (Rattus Rattus) from traveling to and from their homes located in the upper parts of structures. The rodent shield can be installed on different diameter size vertical members by simply cutting the housing portions at the required length. The rodent shield is wide and the surface is sleek to prevent roof rats from firmly gripping the shield. The rodent shield can be used individually or used with multiple rodent shield.
US09693543B2
A reel body of a double bearing reel according to the invention has a left side plate that has a circular shape as viewed laterally and is situated further from a handle. An outer diameter of a right frame body that serves as another side plate situated closer to the handle is larger than an outer diameter of the left side plate. The reel body includes one or more connecting members that connect the left side plate and the right frame body. Among the connecting members, at least the connecting member that connects the side plates in front of the spool has a planar outer surface facing away from the spool and a curved inner surface facing the spool. The inner surface is formed to be convex outward, and the connecting member is connected to the left side plate through an arc-like bowed portion.
US09693540B2
The present invention in general relates to the field of biological crop protection by use of phytoseiid predatory mites. More particularly the present invention relates to a system for releasing a phytoseiid predatory mite in a crop and novel uses of host mites in such phytoseiid predatory mite releasing system. The phytoseiid predatory mite releasing system according to the invention and the uses according to the invention are characterised by the selection a host mite species having an intrinsic growth rate (rm) of <0.28.
US09693536B1
A pet-related system with a first dog collar operably configured to determine if the first dog collar is at or outside of a first user-selected geofence boundary; and a mobile electronic device communicatively coupled to the first dog collar. The mobile electronic device is operably configured to display a user interface of a first instance of a pet-related social network application associated with a first social network identity; receive a user input selecting the first user-selected geofence boundary of the first dog collar; communicate the first user-selected geofence boundary to the first dog collar; and receive a proximity notification of the mobile electronic device's proximity to a second mobile electronic device communicatively coupled to a second dog collar and operably configured to execute instructions of a second instance of the pet-related social network application associated with a second social network identity.
US09693523B1
A novel maize variety designated X08H743 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X08H743 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08H743 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08H743, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08H743. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08H743.
US09693520B1
A rice cultivar designated M-209 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of rice cultivar M-209, to the plants of rice M-209 and to methods for producing a rice plant produced by crossing the cultivar M-209 with itself or another rice variety. The invention further relates to hybrid rice seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar M-209 with another rice cultivar.
US09693519B2
An inbred rice line designated 133008 is disclosed. Seeds of inbred rice line 133008, plants of rice line 133008 and methods for producing a rice plant by crossing line 133008 with itself or hybrid rice by crossing with another rice line, are also disclosed.
US09693515B2
In an embodiment, the invention relates to the seeds, plants, and plant parts of canola variety SCV239377 and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing canola variety SCV239377 with itself or with another canola variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic canola plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to canola varieties or breeding lines and plant parts derived from canola variety SCV239377, to methods for producing other canola varieties, lines or plant parts derived from canola variety SCV239377 and to the canola plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid canola seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the variety SCV239377 with another canola variety.
US09693501B2
A reduced weight underbelly mower has a cutting deck suspended beneath a frame by a deck height adjustment mechanism with a pivotable scissor configuration. The deck height adjustment mechanism cooperates with the mower frame so as manually or through a motorized jack to adjust the cutting height. Due to the mower's reduced weight and the scissor-like configuration of the deck height adjustment mechanism, an operator can manually lift the mower front end and swing the deck rear swinging forward, such that the mower rests stabilly on the deck rear and the deck underside is exposed for maintenance procedures.
US09693500B2
A filament cutterhead for a brushcutter is able to be driven in a rotatable manner during operation in a rotational direction about a rotational axis. The filament cutterhead has a base body on which at least one cutting filament is retained and which has a lower face facing the ground during operation. The cutting filament extends from an outer face of the base body through an opening as far as an inner region of the base body which is open toward the lower face of the base body. In order to achieve a low degree of soiling of the filament cutterhead during operation, a shield element is provided in the inner region and the leading portion of the cutting filament in the inner region is arranged in the slipstream of the shield element relative to the rotational direction.
US09699942B1
Component carrier having a chassis, a first component sled engaged with and receivable into the chassis, a fan module mounted at the front of the first component sled, and a second component sled engaged with and receivable into the chassis above the first component sled and rearward of the fan module. The first and second component sled each transitionable between an extended position and a withdrawn position. The extended position having the respective component sled at least partially outside of the chassis and the withdrawn position having the respective component sled substantially received into the chassis. Transition of the first component sled from the withdrawn to the extended position moves the fan module from the chassis but does not move the second component sled while transition of the second component sled from the withdrawn position to the extended position moves the first component sled to the extended position.
US09699941B2
A chassis of an information handling system (IHS) includes a lateral segment that spans across a directional path of air travelling from an air intake side to an air exhaust side and including receiving affordances for insertion of a lateral support for a directional air mover. A user can select one of a first lateral support and a second lateral support that is insertable into the lateral segment and securable to the receiving affordances. The first lateral support has apertures of a first size to receive respective first fan modules and the second lateral support has apertures of a second size to receive respective second fan modules. An inserted one of the first and second lateral supports is selected based on a cooling air requirement corresponding to user selected compute components placed within the chassis to operate within the IHS.
US09699934B2
An electronic apparatus includes a first body; a second body; a connection device including: a connection body through which the first body is connected with the second body; with a first torque generator and a second torque generator provided inside the connection body. When an angle value is in a first preset threshold range, the first torque generator generates a first torque for balancing a second torque generated by gravitation of the first body. When the angle value is larger than a maximum value of the first preset threshold range, the first torque generator generates a third torque and the second torque generator generates a fourth torque; the third torque and the fourth torque balancing a fifth torque generated by a first composite force, which is the composite force of the gravitation of the first body and a push force acting on a touch control unit.
US09699933B2
A server rack includes a power mapping module, a power receptacle that includes a power tine communication module wherein the power receptacle is uniquely associated with a rack unit of the server rack and is collocated with the associated rack unit, and a server coupled to the power mapping module via a management network, wherein the server asserts an interrupt request to the power mapping module via the management network. The power mapping module sends a unique identifier via the first power tine communication module in response to receiving the interrupt request. The server receives the unique identifier via the second power line communication module and sends the unique identifier to the power mapping module via the management network. The power mapping module determines that the server is installed into the rack based upon the receipt of the unique identifier.
US09699927B2
A cable is drawn through a first opening of a cable holder from a rear side to a front side, and drawn back through a second opening to the rear side, and drawn again through a third opening to the front side. The cable holder on which the cable is wound is contained in a chamber of a load cell. Central lines of the cable are soldered to a circuit board in the load cell. A male thread of a nut is screwed into a female thread of the chamber, so that the cable holder is pressed against a front side of the chamber via a rubber sleeve.
US09699926B2
A case for an electronic device includes an injection preform having a recess on at least one portion of a surface thereof, a deposition layer deposited on a surface of the injection preform, and a paint layer formed on the deposition layer. The deposition layer may directly contact a surface of the injection preform. A method of manufacturing a case includes injection-molding an injection preform having a recess on a surface thereof, forming a deposition layer directly contacting a surface of the injection preform, and forming a paint layer on the deposition layer.
US09699922B1
The invention generally relates to an interactive audio pass-through device constructed as a portable unit that houses Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth wireless hardware and software, a microprocessor for processing a unique queuing algorithm for a plurality of users, and a plurality of colored light sources for visually indicating the queue to the users. The queuing algorithm assigns specific Bluetooth codes to users' Bluetooth devices, and a user software application loaded on the users' Bluetooth enabled devices allows the device to stream content wirelessly using its unique Bluetooth code to the interactive audio pass-through device. The microprocessor also allows private interactive chats among users in the queue, and also includes administrator control software to allow the unit's owner to set parameters for the unit.
US09699912B2
A wiring board includes an insulating layer; and a wiring layer embedded in the insulating layer at one surface side of the insulating layer, one surface of the wiring layer being exposed from one surface of the insulating layer, the wiring layer including a first portion and a second portion whose width is wider than that of the first portion, one surface of the first portion and one surface of the second portion being flush with each other, and the first portion being thinner than the second portion.
US09699907B2
A semiconductor package module may include a first substrate, and a second substrate disposed to face the first substrate. The semiconductor package module may include an interconnection member electrically connecting the first substrate to the second substrate and including a plurality of wires. Portions of the plurality of wires may be twisted and wound together and may be bent to extend in a predetermined direction.
US09699905B2
To provide a wiring board ensuring adhesion strength of a connecting terminal to reduce the connecting terminal from being fallen over or peeled off under fabrication process. The wiring board according to the present invention includes a laminated body where one or more layer of each of an insulating layer and a conductor layer are laminated. The wiring board includes a plurality of connecting terminals formed separately from one another on the laminated body and a filling member filled up between the plurality of connecting terminals. The filling member is filled up to a position lower than a height of the plurality of connecting terminals. The connecting terminals has a cross section with a trapezoidal shape where a width of a first principal surface on a side contacting the laminated body is wider than a width of a second principal surface facing the first principal surface.
US09699900B2
A circuit board, including a plurality of wiring lines extending along a first direction and arranged side by side along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a plurality of pads having a predetermined length along the first direction, the plurality of pads being on the wiring lines; ground pad outside the pads, the wiring lines including first wiring lines delivering a positive polarity signal and second wiring lines delivering a negative polarity signal, the pads including first pads on the first wiring lines and second pads on the second wiring lines, and a cross-sectional area of each wiring line being substantially equal to that of each pad.
US09699898B2
The present invention provides a conductive film including a plurality of groove units of which horizontal sections are formed in a lattice form, and a plurality of cells that are regions surrounded by the groove units, wherein at least a part of the groove unit include a conductive pattern formed through separation by a separation unit, and a method for preparing the same.
US09699893B2
An elastic flexible substrate including an insulating film base material provided with a wire is provided. In the insulating film base material, a plurality of slits are provided with a predetermined space left therebetween, the insulating film base material has a bellows shape in which the insulating film base material is bent or curved by using the slits as base points, and the slits are deformed when the insulating film base material is stretched.
US09699886B2
An electronic device includes: a casing; a board disposed inside the casing and having a heating element mounted thereon; an opposing member disposed inside the casing and having an opposing face opposed to a face of the board on which the heating element is mounted; a heat sink formed by alternately laminating thermal diffusion sheets and adhesive layers each having an opening at a location corresponding to the heating element on the opposing face of the opposing member; and a press member configured to press the heating element against a region of the heat sink corresponding to the opening of the adhesive layer, thus joining the thermal diffusion sheets together at the location of the opening.
US09699883B2
A thermal switch includes a substrate having a target region and a peripheral region. A metallization array is coupled to the substrate and is positioned adjacent the target region, the metallization array including a plurality of first temperature dependent thermally conductive metallization segments and a plurality of second temperature dependent thermally conductive metallization segments. The metallization array directs heat flux toward the target region within a first temperature range and directs heat flux away from the target region within a second temperature range.
US09699880B2
A plasma generating system is provided. The plasma generating system includes: a pair of electrodes having distal ends; an electrode holder holding the pair of electrodes; a gate having a surface on which the electrode holder is slidably mounted and adapted to be controlled by sliding the electrode holder on the surface; and a resilient member secured to the gate and adapted to generate a force to close the opening. The distal ends are adapted to move into an opening of the gate as the electrode holder slides along a direction on the surface and adapted to generate an electric arc to thereby ignite plasma in a gas.
US09699876B2
An EUV light source target material handling system is disclosed which may comprise a droplet generator having a target material reservoir in which the target material may be replenished while a nozzle portion of the droplet generator is maintained at temperature. Also disclosed is a system for selectively draining spent target material.
US09699868B2
In one example, a device includes a transformer configured to electrically isolate one or more components of the device from a communication bus, and a controller configured to receive and transmit data via the communication bus, wherein the controller is operable to communicate via a plurality of communication standards that include at least one analog unidirectional communication standard and at least one digital bidirectional communication standard, and wherein both the received data and the transmitted data pass through the transformer.
US09699866B2
Some embodiments include a remote for gesture recognition for an external light system. In some embodiments, the remote may include an acceleration sensor; a wireless transceiver; memory; and a processor communicatively coupled with the acceleration sensor, the wireless transceiver, and the memory. In some embodiments, the processor may be configured to: sample acceleration data from the acceleration sensor; determine a first event type based on the acceleration data; determine a second event type based on the acceleration data; determine a command for an external system based on the first event type; and transmit the command to the external device using the wireless transceiver. In some embodiments, the first event type and/or the second event type comprises an event selected from the list consisting of a swipe, a tap, a double tap, a directional point, and a tilt; exclude the second event type.
US09699865B2
A spotlight and a method of controlling the spotlight with an external device. The spotlight includes a first light source, a second light source, and a power supply. The spotlight also includes a transceiver configured to communicate wirelessly with the external device and a processor. The processor is operable to receive a first input from the external device specifying a first amount of power to be provided to the first light source, and receive a second input from the external device specifying a second amount of power to be provided to the second light source. The processor is also operable to control the power supply to provide the first amount of power to the first light source in response to the first input, and control the power supply to provide the second amount of power to the second light source in response to the second input.
US09699862B2
In some examples, non-lighting application controller technology includes methods and apparatuses. In other examples, the technology includes a non-lighting application controller system. The system includes one or more light fixtures. Each light fixture of the one or more light fixtures has one or more non-lighting elements, such as a speaker, alarm, motor, and camera. Each light fixture of the one or more light fixtures is electrically coupled via a power line. Each light fixture of the one or more light fixtures includes a conversion module configured to convert instructions between power line communication and non-lighting control communication, a communication module configured to communicate the power line communication over the power line, and a non-lighting element controller configured to control the one or more non-lighting elements in a respective light fixture based on the instructions.
US09699856B2
A lighting fixture includes an outer frame, a solid-state light source, a lens, and a sensor module connector. Driver circuitry is coupled to the outer frame and provides one or more drive signals for powering the light source. The lens is supported by and attached to the outer frame. The solid-state light source is mounted to the outer frame and at least partially surrounded by the lens, such that at least a portion of the light provided by the solid-state light source is transmitted through the lens towards an area of interest. The sensor module connector is mounted to the outer frame and configured to accept a connector from a sensor module such that when the sensor module is installed in the lighting fixture, a surface of the sensor module faces the area of interest towards which light from the solid-state light source is provided.
US09699852B2
An apparatus and a method for controlling an isolated switch are disclosed. The apparatus and the method for controlling an isolated switch according to the present invention, configure a circuit so as to maintain a light emitting diode (LED) included in an isolated switch in an OFF state at normal times and control the LED in an ON state when an event occurs in an isolated switch such as a photo MOS relay to reduce power consumed for emitting the LED by decreasing a duration for which the LED is maintained in an emission state and improve durability of a system adopting the isolated switch by improving a life-span of the isolated switch.
US09699845B2
An error signal generating unit is configured such that (i) in a calibration period, the error signal generating unit is set to a first state in which it amplifies an error signal by amplifying a difference between a predetermined first reference voltage and the lowest one from among multiple first detection voltages, and such that (ii) after the calibration period, the error signal generating unit is set to a second state in which it generates the error signal by amplifying a difference between a second detection voltage and a second reference voltage. A reference voltage setting unit holds, as the second reference voltage, the largest value of the second detection voltage detected in the calibration period.
US09699840B2
In one embodiment, a light-emitting diode (LED) driver can include: (i) a reference voltage control circuit configured to provide a reference voltage signal in response to an enable signal; (ii) a current control circuit configured to control an output current of the LED driver in response to the reference voltage signal; and (iii) the LED driver being configured to drive an LED load when the enable signal is active.
US09699835B2
Apparatuses and methods are provided for a processing apparatus configured to authenticate an item based on at least one optical indicium associated with the item before processing the item. An interface may be configured to receive processing information from a machine readable element associated with an item to be processed. An image acquisition device may be configured to acquire image information relating to at least one optical indicium associated with an item. At least one processor may be configured to verify authentication of the item based upon the image information acquired by the image sensor unit. The processor may be further configured to receive processing information from the interface and to determine one or more instructions for processing the item based on the processing information. The apparatus may be further configured to processing the item in accordance with the instructions after the item has been verified as authentic.
US09699832B2
A second cellular client delegates cellular communication to a first cellular client. The first cellular client determines that the first cellular client has been assigned to perform cellular communication for the second cellular client. The first cellular client receives a transmission from a cellular service-provider antenna intended for the second cellular client. The first cellular client sends a first command based on the transmission to the second cellular client. The first command instructs the second cellular client to enable the cellular functionality of the second cellular client.
US09699807B2
Embodiments of a high-efficiency Wi-Fi (HEW) station, access point (AP), and method for random access contention in a wireless network are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the HEW station may receive a beacon frame that indicates a number of trigger frames (TFs) included in a beacon interval. The beacon frame may be received from an HEW access point (AP) in channel resources that include multiple sub-channels. The HEW station may receive a random access TF that indicates a random access portion of the sub-channels that are allocated for random access contention during an uplink transmission period. The HEW station may select a candidate sub-channel from the channel resources. When the candidate sub-channel is included in the random access portion, the HEW station may transmit an association request (AR) frame on the candidate sub-channel during the uplink transmission period.
US09699806B2
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. Particularly, the present invention provides a method for enabling a user equipment (UE) to retransmit uplink data on the basis of a signal received through a physical hybrid ARQ indicator channel (PHICH) in a wireless communication system and a device for the same, and the method for retransmitting uplink data comprises the steps of: receiving, from a base station, an indication on whether or not to detect the PHICH; retransmitting the uplink data on the basis of a PHICH detection result if the received indication is to detect the PHICH; and retransmitting the uplink data on the basis of an uplink grant received from the base station if the received indication is not to detect the PHICH.
US09699802B2
A Long Term Evolution (LTE) protocol enhancement realizes the full benefit of dual connectivity User Equipment (UE) in LTE networks by providing a toggling mechanism to alleviate uncertainty in available transmit power, or power headroom, for uplink transmissions so that efficient utilization of the uplink radio resources can be achieved in dual connectivity. A new field for Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages enables toggling for alternating transmissions to Master and Secondary Evolved Node Bs (MeNBs and SeNBs) during alternating time periods. An enhanced Media Access Control Element enables toggling by the MeNB, SeNB or UE. In one embodiment, the UE schedules uplink transmissions to a SeNB during even numbered time divisions when the UE schedules the uplink transmissions to the MeNB during the odd numbered time divisions, or during the odd numbered time divisions when the UE schedules the uplink transmissions to the MeNB during the even numbered time divisions.
US09699800B2
Systems and methods for bearer splitting among multiple radio links are disclosed herein. User equipment (UE) may be communicatively coupled to an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) Node B (eNB) by multiple radio links (e.g., an LTE link and a WLAN link). A transmitter may dynamically determine a splitting policy for how to split traffic among each link (e.g., what proportion to send over each link). In some embodiments, the transmitter may determine the splitting policy explicitly based on lower layer metrics. Alternatively, or in addition, each radio access interface may request data when a transmission opportunity becomes available, and the splitting policy may be determined implicitly from the data requests. For a UE, the splitting policy may be determined with network assistance, which may include a resource allocation for an LTE link, a probability of successful transmission over a WLAN link, and/or the like.
US09699796B2
A HeNB includes a CQI acquiring unit and an SIR acquiring unit that measure communication qualities of transmission bands on an uplink side and a downlink side. The HeNB, upon detecting an interference difference between bands in a transmission band on each of the uplink side and the downlink side on the basis of a result of measurement of the communication qualities, sets allocation of a band in which the communication quality satisfies a predetermined condition in the transmission band in which the interference difference is detected. The HeNB includes a control unit that, upon detecting signal interference on the downlink side on the basis of the result of the measurement of the communication qualities, controls a band on the downlink side, and controls a band on the uplink side in the transmission band in cooperation with the control on the band on the downlink side.
US09699794B2
Performing scheduling operations by a centralized scheduler in a wireless communication system. Receiving Channel State Information (CSI) about a channel between each of a plurality of Transmission Points (TPs) and each of a plurality of User Equipments (UEs) performing communication with each of the plurality of TPs from each of the plurality of TPs, performing a first scheduling operation for allocating wireless resources to each of the plurality of TPs based on the CSI received from each of the plurality of TPs, and transmitting first scheduling information representing a result of the first scheduling operation to each of the plurality of TPs. The first scheduling information contains transmission power information representing transmission power for each of the wireless resources allocated to each of the plurality of TPs, and is used to perform a second scheduling operation to select a UE to communicate with each of the plurality of TPs.
US09699792B2
A base station apparatus including a plurality of communication units which communicate through a different plurality of communication channels with an upper layer apparatus of the base station apparatus, a base station information acquisition unit which acquires base station information relating to the state of the base station apparatus, a channel selection unit which selects any of the plurality of communication channels in accordance with base station information, and a channel switching unit which dynamically switches the channel which is used for transmission of traffic of the mobile station apparatus to a channel which is selected by the channel selection unit.
US09699790B2
A mobile station for transferring delay-sensitive data to a wireless communications network is provided with an uplink resource release controller that selectively inhibits release of an uplink resource in order to meet requirements of a delay-sensitive data application, such as a VoIP or streaming application. In one embodiment, the uplink resource release controller causes dummy blocks to be written to a data buffer to prevent initiation of a countdown process. By intelligently controlling resource release, delay-sensitive data may be transmitted in a more reliable fashion, thereby increasing application performance.
US09699784B2
An electronic device has wireless communications circuitry. The wireless circuitry may transmit and receive wireless signals over a network having first and second wireless base stations. The first base station may establish a primary wireless connection with the device using selected connection settings and may transmit the selected connection settings to the second base station. The second base station may copy the received connection settings to establish a secondary wireless connection with the device while the primary connection is simultaneously maintained. After the primary and secondary connections have been established, the first and second base stations may transmit data streams to the electronic device over different frequency bands in a carrier aggregation link. By using the second base station to copy the received connection settings that were used by the first base station to establish the primary connection, the connection time for establishing the carrier aggregation link may be improved.
US09699780B2
A base station device and a mobile station device efficiently communicate by using a flexible subframe. When a physical uplink shared channel and a sounding reference signal are not scheduled in a first flexible subframe, and at least the physical uplink shared channel is scheduled in a second flexible subframe immediately following the first flexible subframe, the mobile station device monitors a downlink grant which is used for scheduling the physical downlink shared channel in the first flexible subframe, and receives the physical downlink shared channel except for a last part in a time domain, in the first flexible subframe, based on the detected downlink grant.
US09699777B2
The present invention relates to wireless communication, and more particularly, to a method for transmitting a signal using a plurality of antenna ports and a transmission end apparatus for same. According to a method for a transmission end transmitting the signal in a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) wireless communication system of the present invention, a step of transmitting instruction information on a first channel transmission method to a reception end, and a step of transmitting the first channel to the reception end using a resource region are comprised, wherein the first channel is either an advanced-physical downlink control channel (A-PDCCH) or a relay-physical downlink control channel (R-PDCCH), the first channel is not transmitted when at least a portion of the resource region overlaps with a resource region used for transmitting a second channel, and wherein the second channel can be periodically transmitted using a predetermined portion of the resource region.
US09699765B2
Method in a user equipment (120), a user equipment (120), a method in a base station (110) and a base station (110) for setting values of system parameters used within a wireless communication system (100). A first set of parameter values and an associated first tag is sent from the base station (110) to be received and stored by the user equipment (120). Further, a second set of parameter values and an associated second tag is sent from the base station (110) to be received and stored by the user equipment (120). When the base station (110) determine to change system information parameters, a command tag is sent, to be received by the user equipment (120), which apply the set of parameter values associated with the tag corresponding to the received command tag.
US09699758B2
Various techniques are provided for Location Services (LCS) Assistance Data broadcast, for example for implementation in LTE and LTE-A systems. The embodiments described herein may use the LPP/LPPe positioning protocol, by making use of existing unsolicited Provide Assistance Data (PAD) messages. Embodiments avoid the need to define and implement a separate broadcast Assistance Data protocol. Additional exemplary embodiments for scheduling and verifying of the broadcast Assistance Data messages are described herein.
US09699748B2
A first communication device receives respective beamforming training packets as part of a procedure for developing respective transmit beamforming matrices for use by a plurality of second communication devices during a subsequent UL MU transmission. The first communication device generates respective beamforming feedback information based on reception of the respective beamforming training packets, and transmits the respective beamforming feedback information to the plurality of second communication devices. The first communication device transmits a synchronization signal to a group of multiple second communication devices to the group to simultaneously transmit to the first communication device at a particular time as part of the UL MU transmission, and receives simultaneous transmissions from the group responsive to the synchronization signal, the simultaneous transmissions having been beamformed by second communication devices in the group using transmit beamforming matrices.
US09699743B2
The present invention relates to a method implemented by a wireless device in a wireless communication system, for adjusting a maximum output power level of the wireless device. The method comprises obtaining an indication indicating a current level of criticality in the system in which a network node serving the wireless device is operating, and adjusting the maximum output power level based on the current level of criticality indicated by the obtained indication.
US09699741B1
A wireless communication system includes a first access point, and at least one first station in communication with the first access point. The first access point controls access parameters for communications with a first station. The access parameters may include Enhanced Distributed Channel Access parameters such as a minimum or maximum contention window parameter, an arbitration interframe spacing parameter, or a transmit opportunity limit parameter. The access parameters also may include a channel bandwidth parameter, a transmit power parameter, or a data rate parameter such as a modulation and coding scheme parameter. Where the system includes an additional access point, and at least one additional station in communication with the additional access point, the first access point and the additional access point control access parameters to avoid interference between the first access point and the additional access point. A central controller may coordinate between the first and additional access points.
US09699739B2
In some implementations, a mobile device can analyze motion sensor data and proximity sensor data during a voice call to determine whether the mobile device is on a stationary object or worn on a user's body (e.g., in the lap or pocket of a user of the mobile device). The mobile device can adjust the transmit power level of the telephony transceiver during the voice call based on the determination.
US09699726B2
A data transmitting/receiving method capable of effectively suppressing power consumption includes: establishing synchronization between a master device and a slave device; receiving a data frame; extracting payloads from the received data frame; generating a new payload section by combining the extracted payloads with another payload extracted from another data frame received from another device or a new payload generated by the device; generating a new synchronization section and a new header section; generating a new data frame by combining the new synchronization section and the new header section that are generated with the new payload section; and transmitting the generated new data frame.
US09699715B2
An embodiment of the present invention entails a method in which discovery is effected by a first device supporting a WiFi direct service, the method comprising the steps of: scanning usable channels; switching channel to a first channel; and effecting a procedure relating to probe sending and receiving, together with a second device on the first channel. Here, the first channel is determined from either a time stamp or the scanning result.
US09699711B2
An apparatus comprises a first interface module configured to interface with one or more user devices through a wireless local area network (WLAN) connection; a second interface module configured to interface with a wireless communication network through a wireless wide area network (WWAN) connection; and a controller. The controller is configured to detect availability of carrier hotspots; if no carrier hotspot is detected, route traffic to and from the one or more user devices through the WWAN connection; and if a carrier hotspot is detected, route traffic to and from the one or more user devices through the detected carrier hotspot.
US09699695B2
Described embodiments provide an apparatus and method for selectively providing system information in a heterogeneous network environment including a first network overlaid on a second network. The apparatus may include a location determination unit, a mapping table, and a signal processor. The location determination unit may be configured to determine a first network base station in the first network. The mapping table may be configured to store information on at least one second network cell in a second network, which is spatially in a comparatively close distance to each first network base station in the first network. The signal processor may be configured to determine at least one second network cell spatially close to the determined first network base station based on the mapping table and to transmit system information of the at least one second network cell to the user equipment.
US09699694B2
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and a computer program products for Mobility Management Entity (MME) triggered detach and re-attach to a specific target MME are provided. One method includes receiving or obtaining a trigger to move a UE attached to a source MME to another target MME. The receiving of the trigger may cause the initiating of a GUTI reallocation command towards the UE in which the MME code (MMEC) specifies the target MME and the M-TMSI is set to a reserved value. The method may further include receiving a GUTI reallocation complete message from the UE, sending a detach request to the UE with a detach type of “re-attach required,” and receiving a detach accept message from the UE. The new attach request initiated by the UE is then directed towards the target MME. The target MME recognizes the reserved value, requests UE permanent identity with Identity Request message, UE responds with Identity Response specifying the permanent identity, and the registration with Attach towards the target MME continues.
US09699693B2
An architecture is described that can provide enhancement with respect to circuit switched fall back. In particular, the architecture can reduce the signaling and delay of conventional systems that are necessitated by establishing a radio resource control connection prior to establishing the circuit switched fall back connection. For example, when user equipment is not in a radio resource control connected state at the time of a circuit switched fall back call, the radio resource control connection can be at least partially avoided by responding to a radio resource control connection request message with a radio resource control connection reject message that includes target cell reselection information.
US09699692B2
A node of a cellular network detects entry of a vehicle-to-vehicle communication device into a cell of the cellular network. The node allocates resources to the vehicle-to-vehicle communication device, and sends channel information to the vehicle-to-vehicle communication device. The channel information can be included in a handover command to the vehicle-to-vehicle communication device. The channel information indicates the allocated resources. The vehicle-to-vehicle communication device uses the allocated resources for sending of vehicle-to-vehicle communication messages.
US09699686B1
A method in a network entity for generating resource templates for a plurality of radio links. The method provides for obtaining link interference information representing interference relation among the plurality of radio links; dividing the plurality of radio links into a number of groups based on the link interference information, such that each radio link in each group does not interfere with any radio link in any other group; and generating resource templates for the plurality of radio links by determining, for each group individually, schedulabilities of resource elements for each radio link in the group.
US09699681B2
A method for transmission of environment-related information between a user equipment and a mobile communication network includes: transmitting measurement configuration information from a mobile communication network to a user equipment; obtaining local network information by conducting a requested measurement; and transmitting the local network information together with at least one other uplink transmission performed by the user equipment to the base station entity by using at least one radio interface of the user equipment.
US09699675B2
A method of handling an interference measurement for a communication device in a time-division duplexing (TDD) system comprises receiving a signal; measuring an interference coming from at least one cell with at least one uplink/downlink (UL/DL) configuration in the TDD system in a subframe according to the signal, to obtain a measured interference; and generating a measurement result comprising the measured interference and information of the at least one UL/DL configuration of the at least one cell.
US09699674B2
An approach for the analysis of the impact of over the top (OTT) applications is provided, which operate “over the top” of the network applications, with respect to network performance and power consumption on mobile devices. A wireless network for an application-carrying device separate from wireless communications network test equipment is simulated. A wireless communications interface between the simulated network and the application-carrying device is monitored. The monitoring comprises measuring signaling data on a control plane, and measuring application data on a user plane related to at least one application implemented on the application-carrying device. Cross-layer measurement data is generated based on the measured signaling data and application data. The signaling data and the application data are measured on the basis of a common time reference of the test equipment.
US09699669B2
Embodiments described herein relate generally to a communication between an element manager and a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP). The WLAN AP may be configured with one or more counters. The one or more counters may measure events, such as data transmission and/or reception at the WLAN AP or a carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) procedure by the WLAN AP. The element manager may be configured to read one or more of these counters and compute one or more values based on the values read from the one or more counters. The element manager may be configured to communicate the one or more computed values to a network manager. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
US09699667B2
A particular method includes transmitting a frame from a station to an access point. The frame includes a beacon sequence number related to a configuration of the access point. The method also includes, in response to transmitting the frame, receiving an update frame from the access point. The update frame indicates at least one change in the configuration of the access point.
US09699662B2
A method for generating a signal of a broadcasting receiving apparatus is provided. The method includes receiving a broadcasting signal, setting a guide band frequency according to a preset frequency range and a tuned frequency, and transmitting information for the set guide band frequency to at least one external apparatus.
US09699655B1
When manufacturing, distributing, or selling mobile phones, each phone is associated with an asymmetric cryptographic key pair, comprising a public key and a private key. The private key is stored on the phone, and the public key is stored in a public key repository. When connecting to a cellular network, a phone provides its device ID to the network. The cellular network queries the public key repository to determine the public key of the phone and authenticates the phone using the phone's public key. The cellular network also provides a digital identity certificate to the phone, allowing the phone to authenticate the cellular network using a public key infrastructure (PKI).
US09699649B2
A mobile device, such as a smart phone, receives program instructions, such as program instructions to evaluate components and/or software in the mobile device. The mobile device detects a local network and determines whether an attribute of the local network matches a desired attribute, such as a service set identifier (SSID) identified in the program instructions. When the attribute of the local network matches the desired attribute, the mobile device executes the program instructions. If the attribute of the local network does not match the desired attribute, the mobile device continues to look for a matching local network before executing the program instructions.
US09699642B2
Embodiments are described for identifying and accessing an electronic subscriber identity module (eSIM) and associated content of the eSIM in a multiple eSIM configuration. An embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) can include multiple eSIMs, where each eSIM can include its own file structures and applications. Some embodiments include a processor of a mobile device transmitting a special command to the eUICC, including an identification that uniquely identifies an eSIM in the eUICC. After selecting the eSIM, the processor can access file structures and applications of the selected eSIM. The processor can then use existing commands to access content in the selected eSIM. The special command can direct the eUICC to activate or deactivate content associated with the selected eSIM. Other embodiments include an eUICC platform operating system interacting with eSIMs associated with logical channels to facilitate identification and access to file structures and applications of the eSIMs.
US09699637B1
Systems and methods are provided for reliable, wireless group messaging or alerting in a system having a database, switch, wireless network, and a plurality of intelligent mobile receivers. A message is broadcast to and received by a selected group of the mobile receivers. The network replies to the sender with detailed information about the individual members in the group. Each of the mobile receivers in the group can acknowledge the group message back to the system such as when the message is received, when the message is read, and a response when sent. The system employs centralized management to provide the sender with response information of the mobile receivers.
US09699633B2
An input/output system interconnects a mobile terminal, a cooperative processing apparatus, and a plurality of electronic devices, and is configured to implement a cooperative process of prompting an electronic device corresponding to an input apparatus to input electronic data and prompting an electronic device corresponding to an output apparatus to output the input electronic data. The input/output system includes an acquisition unit that acquires input/output apparatus information from the electronic device corresponding to the input/output apparatus, an input control unit that controls the electronic device specified by the input apparatus information to input electronic data, and an output control unit that controls the electronic device specified by the output apparatus information to output the input electronic data in an output format compatible with the electronic device specified by the output apparatus information if the electronic device is capable of directly outputting the input electronic data from the mobile terminal.
US09699628B2
A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium provide to determine whether a user of the user device is being transported by a vehicle; determine whether any of multiple events pertaining to a message application is detected in response to a determination that the user is being transported by the vehicle; obtain input characteristic data attributed to the user in response to a determination that any of the multiple events is detected; determine whether the user is a driver of the vehicle based on the input characteristic data; and block receipt of an inbound message and a creation of an outbound message in response to a determination that the user is the driver of the vehicle.
US09699622B1
An embodiment of the invention includes a system, method and computer program product for managing dynamic events. The embodiment may include managing, by a first subsystem, an event in a first region of the plurality of geographic regions using a first event agent. The embodiment may include determining whether the event is predicted to spread from the first region to a second region. The embodiment may include generating a first dynamic event agent to monitor the event as a dynamic event based on predicting the event may spread from the first region to the second region. The first dynamic event agent may receive information relating to the dynamic event, update a status of the dynamic event based on the received information, and transmit the received information. The embodiment may include generating, by a second subsystem, a second dynamic event agent for handling the dynamic event in the second region.
US09699612B2
The principles described herein provide methods and systems for locating a tracking device. In particular, one disclosed method includes associating a user with a tracking device, receiving an indication that the tracking device is lost, setting a flag indicating that the tracking device is lost, receiving a location within a proximity of the tracking device from one of a plurality of mobile devices associated with a community of users, and providing the location to the user.
US09699610B1
Systems, apparatus, methods, and non-transitory media for consumer interfaces including ambient map displays are discussed herein. Some embodiments may include a system with one or more servers. The one or more servers may be configured to generate a consumer interface including an ambient map display with a graphical representation of a map. The ambient map display may further include merchant location indicators within the map. The merchant location indicators may indicate the activity level for merchant locations that are determined to be near a consumer device, such as through a variable blink rate or other indicator. The activity level may represent, for example, the number of consumers at a particular venue or the rate of a particular consumer activity, such as transaction activity. The system may be configured to provide real-time merchant data to consumer device based on tracking the consumer device location.
US09699609B2
A method and system are disclosed for determining the geographic location of a user communicating on a communications network such as the Internet. In one embodiment, a provider of a product or service: (a) receives the user's phone number (or other identification for contacting the user's station), and (b) supplies the user's station with a distinctive identifier. The provider of the product or service then supplies a location determining service (or location service provider) with the user's phone number (or other identification). A phone call is made to the phone number by the location determining service (or location service provider) for retrieving the distinctive identifier from the network station having the phone number. If the distinctive identifier is retrieved and the location determining service (or location service provider) determines that the user's station is within an appropriate geographical area (or not within an inappropriate area), then the provider of the product or service can provide the requested product or service to the user.
US09699600B1
An interpersonal communication and an interactive information system, where a user can access a wireless local area network connected to a cloud computing service from any compatible mobile device and obtain information specific to the user's location and communicate with other mobile devices in the user's location through the wireless local area network.
US09699593B2
Methods and systems for storing data regarding received advertising packets are disclosed. An example method involves determining parameters of at least one batch-scan mode for a Bluetooth device. The parameters of the at least one batch-scan mode specify a format for storing data regarding particular advertising packets that are received by the Bluetooth device when operating in the at least one batch-scan mode. The method also involves receiving, by the Bluetooth device, one or more advertising packets on an interval basis. Further, the method involves storing data regarding the one or more advertising packets into a memory of the Bluetooth device in accordance with the at least one batch-scan mode. And the method involves providing the stored data regarding the one or more advertising packets to the host Bluetooth stack.
US09699590B2
A wireless communication apparatus stores therein, in an associated manner, each piece of path information on a plurality of destinations and a use frequency of data communication that is performed by using the path information. When the wireless communication apparatus receives data whose send source is a first destination, the wireless communication apparatus specifies, on the basis of the use frequency, path information that is less frequently used from among the pieces of the stored path information. The wireless communication apparatus updates the specified path information to path information whose destination is the first destination.
US09699589B2
Systems, methods, and apparatuses can involve receiving, from a network node, a radio resource control (RRC) configuration message that includes configuration information for a first user equipment (UE) for an inter-device session (IDS) between the first UE and a second UE, the UE1 configuration information including an inter-device session (IDS) radio network identifier.
US09699582B2
A self calibrating dipole microphone formed from two omni-directional acoustic sensors. The microphone includes a sound source acoustically coupled to the acoustic sensors and a processor. The sound source is excited with a test signal, exposing the acoustic sensors to acoustic calibration signals. The responses of the acoustic sensors to the calibration signals are compared by the processor, and one or more correction factors determined. Digital filter coefficients are calculated based on the one or more correction factors, and applied to the output signals of the acoustic sensors to compensate for differences in the sensitivities of the acoustic sensors. The filtered signals provide acoustic sensor outputs having matching responses, which are subtractively combined to form the dipole microphone output.
US09699580B2
The volume of a sound generated from a source is monitored. Contextual data is collected from sensors. Based on the collected contextual data listeners of the sound are identified. The identified listeners are grouped into listeners that are bothered by the sound and listeners that are unbothered by the sound. An acceptable range for the volume of the sound is determined based on the bothered listeners and the unbothered listeners.
US09699575B2
A hearing aid device comprising a receiver unit arranged in a compartment in a shell, wherein the shell comprises a venting passage between first and second opposite faces of the shell to provide air passage from one side of the shell to another, and wherein the shell comprises an opening in the first face into the compartment and a closing member positioned to close off the compartment. The opening is shaped to allow the receiver unit to be inserted into the compartment through the opening, and the compartment is acoustically connected to the venting passage to allow the sound to emit through the venting passage. The receiver unit may be releasably mounted in the compartment such that the receiver unit can be retracted from the shell through the opening.
US09699573B2
An example of an apparatus configured to be worn by a person who has an ear and an ear canal includes a first microphone adapted to be worn about the ear of the person, and a second microphone adapted to be worn at a different location than the first microphone. The apparatus includes a sound processor adapted to process signals from the first microphone to produce a processed sound signal, a receiver adapted to convert the processed sound signal into an audible signal to the wearer of the hearing assistance device, and a voice detector to detect the voice of the wearer. The voice detector includes an adaptive filter to receive signals from the first microphone and the second microphone.
US09699572B2
An audio system includes a transient suppression circuit that rectifies an input signal representing target sounds and transient sounds and produces a threshold envelope of the rectified input signal. The transient suppression circuit accumulates the difference between the rectified input signal and the threshold envelope, and normalizes the accumulated difference using the rectified input signal. A gain is calculated using this normalized accumulated difference and applied to the input signal to suppress the transient sounds without substantially affecting the target sounds.
US09699570B2
A voice signal processing apparatus and a voice signal processing method are provided. A last sampling point of an mth original frequency-lowered signal frame is determined according to a phase reference sampling point number of the mth original frequency-lowered signal frame. Here, the phase reference sampling point number corresponds to a middle sampling point of an mth renovating frequency-lowered signal frame, and the last sampling point is phase-matched with a sampling point corresponding to the phase reference sampling point number in the mth original frequency-lowered signal frame. P consecutive sampling points starting from the last sampling point are applied as sampling points of an (m+1)th renovating frequency-lowered signal frame.
US09699566B2
The present invention provides an electromagnetic signal converter for an osteophone, comprising a soft magnetic yoke, an electrical coil arranged concentrically to the longitudinal axis of the yoke, an elastically suspended, soft-magnetic armature which, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the yoke, is separated from the yoke by a working air gap and can move along the longitudinal axis of the yoke, and a permanent magnet which is magnetized in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the yoke in order to generate a magnetic biasing voltage of the yoke and of the armature, characterized in that the permanent magnet and the coil do not overlap one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the yoke and that means is provided for dividing the magnetic flux that can be produced by the coil onto at least two flux paths, wherein one flux path runs outside of the permanent magnet, and characterized in that the permanent magnet, yoke and coil are surrounded in the signal converter of the invention by a soft magnetic housing which is separated by an air gap from the armature and from the yoke so that the magnetic flux which can be generated by the coil can be guided by the soft magnetic housing onto a flux path outside of the permanent magnet.
US09699556B2
Embodiments disclosed herein enable detection and improvement of the quality of the audio signal using a mobile device by determining the loss in the audio signal and enhancing audio by streaming the remainder portion of audio. Embodiments disclosed herein enable an improvement in the sound quality rendered by rendering devices by emitting an test audio signal from the source device, measuring the test audio signal using microphones, detecting variation in the frequency response, loudness and timing characteristics using impulse responses and correcting for them. Embodiments disclosed herein also compensate for the noise in the acoustic space by determining the reverberation and ambient noise levels and their frequency characteristics and changing the digital filters and volumes of the source signal to compensate for the varying noise levels.
US09699544B2
A user terminal device, and a method of controlling a user terminal device are discussed. The user terminal device includes an ear accessory of the user terminal device including a first electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode contacted with an ear of a user, a second ECG electrode contacted with a hand of the user, and a first speaker configured to output an audio signal; a display; and a controller configured to display, on the display, bio information based on a first ECG signal from the first ECG electrode when the ear of the user is contacted with the first ECG electrode, and control an audio playback in response to a second ECG signal from the second ECG electrode when the hand of the user is contacted with the second ECG electrode.
US09699541B2
An ear pad to be mounted to a base body to which a speaker unit is fixed includes an elastic body in which a plurality of elastic members having different coefficients of restitution are laminated together in a sound emitting direction of the speaker unit. A skin material covers an exterior of the elastic body. The elastic body includes a first elastic member arranged at a side of the base body, and a second elastic member laminated on and fixed to the first elastic member. The first and second elastic members respectively have ring shapes having a substantially same external diameter. The second elastic member has an inner peripheral surface having a different dimension compared to an inner peripheral surface of the first elastic member, and has a portion having a larger inner diameter than an inner diameter of the first elastic member.
US09699539B2
A stereo microphone for mobile devices, comprising a coupling body provided with elements for electromechanical connection to a mobile device and a supporting body for sound wave transducer means, which are integral therewith, the supporting body being pivoted to the coupling body by way of pivoting elements that allow its rotation about a single rotation axis for transition between a first shooting configuration, which corresponds to the use of the mobile device in portrait mode, and a second shooting configuration, which corresponds to the use of the mobile device in landscape mode.
US09699527B2
A method of processing telematics data associated with multiple machines. The method includes receiving the telematics data from multiple telematics data providers in communication with the machines. The method also includes determining if the telematics data from each of the telematics data providers is in a non-standard format and transforming the telematics data in the non-standard format to a standard format. The method further includes displaying, via a Graphical User Interface (GUI), the telematics data in the standard format.
US09699524B2
Disclosed are a signal transmitting method, a signal transmitting apparatus, and a system for transmitting and receiving a signal. The signal transmitting method comprises the steps of: discovering a companion device using a multicast mode; receiving and storing device type information from the discovered companion device; receiving an application uniform resource identifier (URI) and storing the application URI to correspond to the device type information; and identifying the device type information of the companion device selected by a user and transmitting to the selected companion device the application URI corresponding to the device type information.
US09699520B2
A video receiving apparatus includes: a receiving unit which receives video content; an extracting unit which extracts a partial content which is a portion of the video content by analyzing the video content, to obtain a feature of the partial content item, the feature being characteristic within the video content; an information generating unit which generates a composition information item indicating the partial content item and including at least one of a character and an image; a priority setting unit which sets a priority of the composition information item based on the feature obtained from the partial content item, the priority indicating a degree of association between the video content and the composition information item; and a display control unit which controls display of the composition information item on a display screen according to the priority of the composition information item set by the priority setting unit.
US09699517B2
The satellite television antenna device scans the sky and locks onto a first satellite candidate by measuring microwave radiation. The antenna acquires identification (ID) of a first satellite candidate from a set top box (STB), if possible. Then, the antenna moves to a second satellite candidate and acquires the corresponding ID from the STB, if possible. Antenna dish orientation information is stored in memory for at least all satellites that were identified as corresponding to a user's television programming package. The antenna can switch directly between two or more stored dish positions in response to the user changing channels on the STB. The antenna can be powered solely by the STB. A two-way communication conduit can be established between the STB and the antenna via a single cable. The communications conduit can also be used to transmit power to the antenna.
US09699512B2
A DVR, server, or other agent correlates media metadata from diverse sources, like an EPG data provider and multiple video-on-demand (VOD) service providers. Metadata sets from different sources are compared in order to attempt to identify identical programs to which the metadata sets pertain. From at least one metadata set, information about the program that the other metadata set lacks is selected. A “canonical” data structure instance for the program is created. The information that is lacking from at least one of the metadata sources is inserted into that instance. For each source from which a program is available, the DVR stores the identity of that source on the DVR's persistent storage device in association with the canonical data structure instance for that program. The DVR receives search criteria from a user and then searches the stored canonical data structure instance for programs that satisfy the criteria.
US09699500B2
An apparatus and method for session management and control procedures for supporting multiple groups of sink devices in a peer-to-peer wireless display system are described. One implementation may include an apparatus configured to transmit multimedia content to a plurality of sink devices. The apparatus may comprise a processor configured to connect to each of the sink devices with a Wi-Fi peer-to-peer connection. The processor may further be configured to receive capability information from each of the sink devices. The processor may further be configured to generate a control message including a group session ID and a transport port number. The processor may further be configured to determine a set of streaming parameters for the sink devices. The processor may further be configured to transmit, using the transport port number and according to the set of streaming parameters, the particular multimedia content to each of the Wi-Fi peer-to-peer connected sink devices.
US09699490B1
This disclosure provides examples of computer-implemented systems and processes for determining a user browsing session context, intent, or activity based on contextual information associated with a user's browsing session, and using this determined context as a basis to filter or improve selection of content items for the user. For example, if the user is building up a watch list (for example, discovering new titles), then it may be desirable to filter out items for recommendation which are already on that watch list. However, when the user is searching for something to watch in the current session (for example, consuming content), then it may be more appropriate to show items already added to the watch list as recommended content. Item recommendations can thus be improved or filtered based in part on parameters of the user's browsing activity with respect to content items.
US09699481B2
A technique is provided for processing decoded video data to mask visual compression artifacts resulting from video compression. In accordance with this technique, a hardware block is provided for generating and adding random noise to the decoded video stream. In one embodiment, a random number is generated for each pixel of the decoded video data and compared against one or more threshold values to determine a threshold range. In such an embodiment, a noise addend value is selected based upon the threshold comparison and summed with the current pixel. While the present technique may not eliminate the compression artifacts, the addition of random noise renders the compression artifacts less noticeable to the human eye and, therefore, more aesthetically pleasing to a viewer.
US09699479B2
There is provided a terminal device capable of efficiently performing communication in a communication system in which a base station device and the terminal device communicate with each other. The terminal device that communicates with the base station device by using a plurality of aggregated cells recognizes that a serving cell is stopped in a first state, recognizes that the serving cell is started in a second state, and switches from the first state to the second state based on a received PDCCH.
US09699476B2
The present invention relates to a system and method for efficiently generating images and videos as an array of objects of interest (e.g., faces and hands, plates, etc.) in a desired resolution to perform vision tasks, such as face recognition, facial expression analysis, detection of hand gestures, among others. The composition of such images and videos takes into account the similarity of objects in the same category to encode them more effectively, providing savings in terms of time transmission and storage. Transmission time is less advantage to such a system in terms of efficiency, while less low cost storage means for storing data.
US09699463B2
In embodiments, apparatuses, methods and storage media are described that are associated with content distribution. In embodiments, an encoder may be configured to encode portions of content, such as video and/or audio data, utilizing different sets of encoding control variable settings. The different sets of encoding control variable settings may include different resolutions, different frame rates, and/or different compression levels. In embodiments, different segments and/or different portions of a single segment of data may be encoded using different sets of encoding control variable settings. In embodiments, the sets of encoding control variable settings may be selected based on quality of the encoded video and/or audio data. Instances of video and/or audio data encoded with different sets may be compared to the data from which they were generated to determine one or more quality metrics. One of the instances may then be selected for provisioning to a content consumption device.
US09699460B2
An apparatus of decoding an image is discussed. The apparatus can include an intra prediction unit for generating a prediction block using an intra prediction mode of a current prediction unit; an inverse scanning unit for inversely scanning significant flags, coefficient signs and coefficient levels according to an inverse scan pattern which is selected based on the intra prediction mode and a size of a transform unit to generate a quantized block; an inverse quantization unit for inversely quantizing the quantized block using a quantization parameter and a quantization matrix to generate a transform block; an inverse transform unit for inversely transform the transform block to generate a residual block; and an adder for adding the prediction block and the residual block to generate a reconstructed block.
US09699459B2
Image encoding apparatus, image encoding method, image decoding apparatus, and image decoding method
The present invention provides an image encoding/decoding technique that is capable of achieving the higher compression efficiency. An image encoding method comprises: an intra prediction step which performs intra prediction on a block basis to generate a predicted image; a subtraction step which calculates the difference in prediction between the predicted image generated by the intra prediction step and an original image; a frequency conversion step which performs frequency conversion processing for the difference in prediction; a quantization step which subjects the output of the frequency conversion step to quantization processing; and a variable-length encoding step which subjects the output of the quantization step to variable-length encoding processing; wherein the intra prediction encoding step predicts a target pixel to be encoded by use of pixel values of two reference pixels between which the target pixel to be encoded is located.
US09699457B2
A video coder can be configured to determine an intra-prediction mode for a block of video data, identify a most probable transform based on the intra-prediction mode determined for the block of video data, and code an indication of whether the most probable transform is a transform used to encode the block of video data. The most probable transform can be a non-square transform.
US09699440B2
An image processing device includes: a parallax control processing section performing an image processing for modifying a parallax magnitude, on each of a plurality of parallax images obtained through shooting from a plurality of respective view point directions different from one another, with use of shooting information related to a shooting condition for each of the parallax images.
US09699436B2
A display system includes a display arranged in sight of a viewer, a sensory subsystem configured to sense an ocular condition of the viewer, and a controller. Operatively coupled to the display and to the sensory subsystem, the controller is configured to adjust an operating parameter of the display system in response to the ocular condition, in order to prevent or relieve eye discomfort experienced by the viewer.
US09699434B2
A depth adjusting method and apparatus is described. The depth adjusting method and apparatus may calculate an average depth value of objects based on a spatial feature of an image, may adjust a depth of the image based on the calculated average value, and may adjust a depth of the image according to a difference in depth between a current frame and a previous frame, based on a temporal feature of the image.
US09699431B2
One variation of a method for monitoring an object during a presentation, includes: initiating capture of a video with a camera defining a field of view, the camera arranged on a first side of a mobile computing device supported on a base device; generating a position signal defining a position of the remote device relative to the camera; in response to wirelessly receiving a first input selection from the remote device, indexing through digital slide content rendered on a display arranged on the first side of the mobile computing device; in response wirelessly receiving sensor data from a remote device coupled to the object, generating an event tag including a timestamp; and generating a multimedia stream including the video, the position signal data, digital slide content, the first input selection, and the event tag.
US09699415B2
In an embodiment of the present invention, programming content and program-related content (PRC) cues are delivered to a subscriber via an interactive multi-service distribution network. The PRC cues comprise interactive visual elements that may be used to create a PRC object that is selectable by a subscriber. Upon selection of a PRC object, the subscriber receives PRC through a communication service separate from the video programming delivery service, VOD service, PVR service, and NDVR service.
US09699413B2
A method for allocating a video conferencing task within a computer network comprising a plurality of candidate processing devices, the method comprising: for each of the candidate processing devices: determining a topological score, the topological score being a function of at least one end-to-end delay between a pair of participating endpoints through the candidate processing device; for each candidate processing device within at least a subset of the candidate processing devices: determining an availability score, the availability score being a function of an available processing capacity of the candidate processing device; selecting a preferred processing device among the candidate processing devices as a function of the topological scores and of the availability scores, and allocating the video conferencing task to the preferred processing device.
US09699410B1
A method and system for dynamic layout generation in video conferencing system by a layout selection system is disclosed. The layout selection system set-up receives one or more feeds comprising top view of a location associated with video conference from a first camera in real-time, computes information associated with one or more participants of the video conference set-up in real-time based on the one or more feeds and one or more pre-determined parameters to map the one or more participants in the location, obtains live audio data from at least one directional microphone of a plurality of directional microphones placed in the location. The layout selection system receives live video feed from at least one second camera of a plurality of second cameras placed in the location and generate a dynamic layout for the video conference set-up based on the live video feed from the at least one second camera.
US09699409B1
Conference recording is carried out by identifying a virtual conference operated by a conferencing system connected to a communications network. A virtual participant process executing in a processor is registered with the conferencing system as a co-participant in the virtual conference. Information streams produced by the human participants are recorded and distributed with the virtual participant process.
US09699407B2
A method for outputting sensitive data to a user includes a communication terminal checking to determine whether at least a portion of the sensitive data is to be outputted by determining whether the communication terminal is in one of a plurality of predefined communication configurations for outputting the sensitive data. If the communication terminal is found to be a first configuration, the communication terminal transmits the sensitive data so that at least one of the video data and the audio data is output to the user via at least one peripheral device connected to the communication terminal. If the communication terminal is in a second configuration, the communication terminal performs at least one security action to help further protect the sensitive data.
US09699399B2
A mobile terminal which reproduces a video including image data and audio data and a control method thereof are provided. The mobile terminal which reproduces a video including image data and audio data includes a display unit configured to display an image corresponding to the image data based on a reproduction command with respect to the video, a subtitle processing unit configured to output subtitles related to the video along with the image to the display unit, and a controller configured to control the subtitle processing unit to change a display format of the subtitles according to sound characteristics of the audio data related to the image.
US09699396B2
An imaging system disposed on a TFT array employing a capacitance input sensing stage into a diode peak detecting circuit used as a single pixel on a semiconductor or TFT array that is capable of accessing the generated charge across the capacitor, peak detecting it, amplifying it and then distributing it to an external system via row and column addressing. The resulting imaging system is suitable for fingerprint imaging or as a computer touchpad input device.
US09699393B2
An image sensor may include a pixel array having visible and infrared imaging pixels for simultaneously detecting light in the visible and infrared spectral ranges. The pixel array may include an array of photodiodes, an array of filter elements formed over the photodiodes, and an array of microlenses formed over the array of filter elements. The filter elements may include infrared cutoff filter elements that block infrared light while passing visible light. The infrared cutoff filter elements may be formed from a patterned layer of infrared blocking material. Each visible imaging pixel includes a portion of the infrared blocking material and a color filter element. Each infrared imaging pixel is aligned with an opening in the infrared blocking material. The opening may be filled with an infrared pass filter element that passes infrared light while blocking visible light.
US09699392B2
Aircraft imaging system, including apparatus and methods, with compensation for changes to an attitude of an aircraft. In some embodiments, the system may include an array of image detectors having fields of view that partially overlap to create a wider field of view collectively. The system also may include a processor programmed to (a) splice video images collected by the array of image detectors while the array remains mounted in a fixed relation to an aircraft having a varying attitude, to create a series of spliced frames representing the wider field of view over a time interval, and (b) select a frame portion of each spliced frame based at least in part on one or more signals from an attitude sensor carried by the aircraft such that the selected frame portions each represent a same angle of view with respect to horizontal.
US09699385B2
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging module configured to capture an image, and a controller. The controller obtains a luminance of a minimum luminance area or a maximum luminance area in an imaging target area of an image captured by the imaging module and controls an exposure amount in the imaging module on the basis of the luminance.
US09699375B2
An approach is provided for processing and/or facilitating a processing of one or more images to determine camera location information, camera pose information, or a combination thereof associated with at least one camera capturing the one or more images, wherein the camera location information, the camera pose information, or a combination thereof is represented according to a global coordinate system. The approach involves causing, at least in part, an association of the camera location information, the camera pose information, or a combination thereof with the one or more images as meta-data information.
US09699368B2
A focus detection unit detects a defocus value, and a correction value for shifting an in-focus position based on the defocus value is obtained by a first method or by a second method. The correction value obtained by the second method is converted to a correction value of the first method by changing units, and the correction value obtained by the first method or the converted correction value is stored in a storage unit. A control unit controls driving of a focus lens to a lens position based on a value obtained by correcting the defocus value by the stored correction value. In the second method, a user selects one of a plurality of images obtained by driving the focus lens, and the correction value is calculated based on the defocus value of the selected image.
US09699364B2
The invention provides an imaging module that can reliably perform probing, and an electronic apparatus including the imaging module. An imaging module includes a lens unit, and an imaging element unit that is fixed to the lens unit. The lens unit includes a focus drive unit, first and second image blur-correction drive units, a housing, a first connecting portion that is electrically connected to the imaging element unit, a first wiring portion that electrically connects the respective drive units to the first connecting portion, second connecting portions that are disposed outside the housing, a second wiring portion that is electrically connected to the second connecting portions and is electrically connected to the respective drive units to which the first wiring portion is connected, and a wiring board that includes at least a part of the second wiring portion and the plurality of second connecting portions.
US09699361B2
A camera skid and thrust nozzle assembly for supporting a camera while being positioned in a tubular pipe or conduit spaced from any wall of the conduit and permitting movement of the assembly along the conduit. The assembly includes a cage rotatably fastened to a high pressure fluid tractor nozzle, wherein the cage can rotate about an axis through the tractor nozzle. A camera support structure is fastened within the cage for rotation of the support structure about the axis independent of rotation of the cage. The camera support structure has a weight attached thereto for urging rotational orientation of the camera support structure within the cage according to a sensed external gravitational force on the assembly.
US09699359B2
An imaging apparatus includes a lens module having a lens at a front thereof, a dome cover including a lens module housing space, an apparatus main body attached with the dome cover, a first support member supported at the apparatus main body in a free pan rotation manner inside the dome cover, a second support member supported at the first support member in a free tilt rotation manner and supports the lens module, a ring-shaped light shielding cover that surrounds the front of the lens module and comes into contact with an inner surface of the dome cover, an illumination mount that includes an illumination member provided further outward than an inner circumference of the light shielding cover and the light shielding cover disposed thereon and supported at the second support member, and a first elastic member that biases the illumination mount toward the dome cover.
US09699356B2
A management apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus for managing usage of the image forming apparatus is disclosed. The management apparatus includes a user data storage part for storing user identification data and use restriction data corresponding to the user identification data, and a use restriction data acquiring part for acquiring the use restriction data corresponding to the user identification data.
US09699352B1
A laser scanning unit for an image forming device includes a light source for emitting a laser beam, a scanning member having at least one reflective surface for scanning the laser beam onto an imaging surface across a plurality of scan lines, and driver circuitry for driving the light source to emit the laser beam. The driver circuitry has a first input for receiving a first signal indicating image information and a second input for receiving a second signal indicating shading information. The driver circuitry modulates the laser beam based on the first signal to form an image on the imaging surface corresponding to the image information and adjusts an output power of the modulated laser beam based on the second signal to substantially reduce energy variation across each scan line.
US09699350B2
A communication device includes: a communication control section; a variable resistor; a voltage detecting section; and a resistance value adjusting section. The communication control section performs control necessary for facsimile communication. The variable resistor is arranged between two line-connecting terminals, each of the line-connecting terminals is for connecting a telephone line. The voltage detecting section detects a line voltage of the telephone line to which the variable resistor is connected under closed state of the telephone line. The resistance value adjusting section changes a resistance value of the variable resistor. When the changed resistance value of the variable resistor becomes a standard resistance value to be a voltage value where the line voltage detected by the voltage detecting section is capable of the facsimile communication, the resistance value adjusting section sets the resistance value of the variable resistor to a resistance value for the facsimile communication.
US09699337B2
According to an embodiment, an image forming system includes at least one image processing device in communication with a server. The server stores an awards account for each of a plurality of users. The server receives, from the at least one image processing device, a reused sheet count of a number of sheets provided by a user and subject to image formation by the image processing device. The server also receives, from the at least one image processing device, a user identification corresponding to the user. The server updates the awards account corresponding to the user based on the received reused sheet count and user identification.
US09699329B2
When provision of a movement instruction for moving a file stored in a first folder to a second folder is detected, whether exclusion processing is already performed for the file is determined. In a case where it is determined that the exclusion processing is not performed for the file, the exclusion processing is performed so that the file to be operated by another user is not allowed and information indicating that the file is being moved is stored. After the file is moved to the second folder, the exclusion processing for the file is canceled. In a case where it is determined that the exclusion processing has already been performed for the file and when the information indicating that the file is being moved is stored for the file for which the exclusion processing has been performed, a notification indicating that the file is being moved is provided.
US09699320B2
A method and apparatus are provided for processing a request to instigate communication, received by a routing device associated with a plurality of terminals. The request relates to a communication to be established between a sender device of the request and at least one of the terminals. The method includes a step of comparing communication capabilities of said sender device with respective communication capabilities of one or more terminals, called addressee terminals, which are able to establish said communication, so as to identify at least one terminal having capabilities making it possible to establish with the sender device a communication of maximum quality. A call notification is transmitted to at least one of the addressee terminals, which is suitable for triggering on the addressee terminal a call presentation prompting a user to use, by priority, one of the terminals identified during the comparison step to establish the communication.
US09699303B2
A secure telephone call management system is provided for authenticating users of a telephone system in an institutional facility. Authentication of the users of the telephone call management system is accomplished by using a personal identification number, biometric means, and/or radio frequency means. The secure telephone call management system includes accounting software capable of limiting access to the system based on funds in a user's account, and includes management software capable of implementing widespread or local changes to the system. The system monitors a conversation in the telephone call to detect a presence of a first characteristic in audio of the conversation, and terminates the telephone call if the first characteristic does not match a second characteristic of biometric information of a user or a called party.
US09699300B2
A method of operating a portable electronic apparatus, a portable electronic apparatus, and a computer readable storage medium are described. The method includes detecting a motion amplitude of the portable electronic apparatus and vibrating the portable electronic apparatus by a vibrating amplitude that is based upon the detected motion amplitude of the portable electronic apparatus.
US09699297B2
The present invention relates to a method for selecting and downloading content from a content provider which is accessible via an IP/DNS/URL address to a mobile device, the content being any text information data, for converting the text information data to at least one audio message and for storing the at least one audio message as at least one audio file on the mobile device, wherein the at least one audio file is playable and discernable as a music file. Said method implemented on a mobile phone enables controlling and playing the audio messages as music files by determining a short title associated with the audio file using word underline and size attributes of the text, for user selection on the mobile's graphical user interface, for instance also in a car environment with a car kit enabling a control and a selection of one or more of said at least one audio files for playing from the mobile phone.
US09699296B1
A wireless communication device may include logic configured to receive a voice request, wherein the voice request includes a request to access information stored in another wireless communication device, a request for device status information associated with the other wireless communication device, or a request to configure an alert trigger in the other wireless communication device; identify the other wireless communication device; convert the received voice request into a text request; send the text request to the other wireless communication device; and receive a response from the other wireless communication device, wherein the response includes the requested information stored in the wireless communication device, the requested device status information, or an indication that the requested alert trigger has been configured.
US09699295B2
The present disclosure discloses a method for displaying an icon in a terminal device and the terminal device thereof. The method includes monitoring an implementation of an event which controls a display of the icon; determining animation display parameters according to properties of the icon, if the implementation of the event which controls the display of the icon is detected; and controlling the icon to be displayed in an animated manner in accordance with the animation display parameters. The present disclosure provides more enriched display effects of the icon.
US09699285B1
An apparatus for holding a cell phone in a vehicle that includes a cradle assembly to receive a cell phone or a mobile device and a speaker assembly removably connected to the cradle assembly. The cradle assembly includes a cradle base and a cradle rotatably attached to the cradle base. The cradle rotates such that the cell phone is located in either a portrait configuration or a landscape configuration. The cradle includes a pair of cradle arms and a pair of grips to hold the cell phone. The speaker assembly includes a speaker housing and one or more speakers located within the speaker housing. The cradle base includes a cradle release button that when pressed, releases the cradle assembly from the speaker assembly. The cradle arms and the grips creates a twist-to-release securement system such that when a user twists the cell phone in the cradle, the cell phone is released from the phone holder.
US09699283B2
A shell is configured to attach to an electronic portable device (such as a smart phone or a pad/tablet-styled device). The shell comprises a unitary integral component having a stand that selectively moves between a deployed position and a stowed position and a corresponding stand brace that selectively moves between a deployed position and a stowed position. By one approach the stand pivots with respect to a portion of the shell that attaches to the electronic portable device and the stand brace pivots with respect to the stand. By one approach the stand and the stand brace are substantially disposed planar to one another when both are in their respective stowed positions. By one approach a free end of the stand brace contacts the electronic portable device when the stand brace is in its deployed position to thereby bias the stand towards the deployed position for the stand.
US09699279B2
A mobile phone is provided, which includes a metal bezel having a left bezel portion and a right bezel portion and covering at least one part of an outer circumferential edge of a main body of the mobile phone, wherein upper and lower corner bezel portions of the left and right bezel portion are formed to be thicker outwardly in comparison with a middle portion of the left and right bezel portions.
US09699262B2
The embodiments provide a system and method for providing integrated view of applications installed in multi-platform environment. The method includes creating a connection between server(s) in a cloud and a client device using a connection broker. Further, the method includes providing a list of remote applications installed in at least one Operating System (OS) of the server on the client device, where each remote application generates a remote graphical view. Furthermore, the method includes allowing a user of the client device to select a remote application, and launching the selected remote application on the server. Furthermore, the method includes displaying, on the client device, an integrated view where including the remote graphical view of the launched application and local graphical views of local applications installed in OS of the client device.
US09699260B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for receiving from a plurality of publisher clients a plurality of messages, assigning each of the messages to one of a plurality of distinct channels wherein each channel comprises an ordered plurality of messages, storing messages of each of the channels in one or more respective buffers according to the order, each buffer having a respective time-to-live, retrieving messages for one or more of the channels from respective buffers having time-to-lives that have not expired and according to the order, and sending the retrieved messages to a plurality of subscriber clients.
US09699259B2
A computer-implemented method for updating a web user interface on a client device is provided. A router back-boned to the Internet communicates with the client device web-user interface data defined in markup language to dynamically update the web-user interface on the client device. The router contains no logic regarding the web-user interface running on the client device. The client device has a browser server for dynamically updating the web-user interface through downloading and caching the data from the router. The browser server on the client device has (i) a user interface model of the web-user interface running on the client device defined in Javascript, and (ii) a JavaScript Runtime Engine for dynamically converting the downloaded and/or cached web-user interface markup language data into JavaScript objects. The web-user interface is dynamically updated by combining steps (i) and (ii).
US09699241B2
Methods and apparatus related to identifying content accessed on a computing device that is likely actionable on another computing device. Some implementations are directed to methods and apparatus for identifying a computing device of a user, identifying content accessed on another computing device by the user, determining content that is actionable on the computing device, determining a confidence level that the actionable content is of interest to the user, and providing the actionable content for use on the computing device if the confidence level satisfies a threshold. The confidence level may be based on an indication of time passage between the user accessing the content on the other computing device and the identified use of the computing device.
US09699238B2
An image display system with one or more client computers in selective communication with a visual server having image processing capabilities. The client computer generates image-modifying data corresponding to a generated image, and transmits the data to the visual server. The visual server receives the image-modifying data, generates a modified image based upon the image-modifying data, and transmits the modified image as compressed data to the client. The client decompresses the modified image data and displays the modified image. In the system, the visual server and client can provide a sequential display of modified frames on client to support animation with complex 3-dimensional graphics.
US09699235B2
A relaying device is provided, which can mediate by using communications of a wireless apparatus without clipping off the beginning of verbal communication. The relaying device includes: a network interface that receives an audio signal as a group of packet trains via a network; a wireless apparatus interface to which a wireless apparatus is connected; a voice buffer that temporarily stores the audio signal; and a control unit that starts temporarily storing the audio signal in the voice buffer and requests the wireless apparatus to reserve a channel, when a leading packet of the group of packet trains is received, and that reads the temporarily stored audio signal from the voice buffer and transfers the audio signal to the wireless apparatus, after receiving from the wireless apparatus a reply indicating that a channel has been reserved.
US09699224B2
A web application assigns a number that resembles a conventional telephone number and that uniquely identifies the current Web session, and injects this number into a signalling message or signalling messages that flow towards a WebRTC gateway. The WebRTC gateway inserts this number into the signalling information element that conveys Caller ID in the signalling message that it sends into the telephone network. This allows the recipient of a WebRTC call to identify the web session from which the WebRTC call originates.
US09699222B2
A system for implementing VoIP over a cloud-based network includes a first edge proxy server operatively connected to a plurality of target proxy servers to receive resource information from one or more of the target proxy servers. Each target proxy server is associated with the cloud-based network. A first endpoint is operatively connected to the first edge proxy server and is configured for voice communications with a second endpoint. The voice communications are facilitated by the first edge proxy server using the received resource information.
US09699219B2
A first service submits a request to a second service on behalf of a customer of a service provider. The request may have been triggered by a request of the customer to the first service. To process the request, the second service evaluates one or more policies to determine whether fulfillment of the request is allowed by policy associated with the customer. The one or more policies may state one or more conditions on one or more services that played a role in submission of the request. If determined that the policy allows fulfillment of the request, the second service fulfills the request.
US09699210B2
A data processing device, that includes: a first storage device; and a processor configured to execute a procedure. The procedure includes: receiving write data to be written to a second storage device provided at a computer, outputting the write data to the second storage device, and duplicating and outputting the write data; executing control that writes the duplicated write data to the first storage device that is separate from the second storage device; executing virus countermeasure processing related to virus infection, on the write data stored in the first storage device; and in a case where the write data is output while executing the virus countermeasure processing, suspending the virus countermeasure processing and prioritizing execution of the control that writes the duplicated write data to the first storage device.
US09699209B2
Embodiments of the present technology relate to cyber attack vulnerability analyzes. In one embodiment, a method includes determining an external infrastructure of an entity, the external infrastructure including one or more cyber assets utilized by the entity, collecting infrastructure information regarding the one or more cyber assets, performing passive cyber security vulnerability testing on the one or more cyber assets using the collected infrastructure information, assessing cyber security vulnerabilities of the one or more cyber assets, calculating an association score for the one or more cyber assets based on the assessed cyber security vulnerabilities, and automatically recommending, based on the association score, computer network changes to reduce the cyber security vulnerabilities.
US09699208B1
Examples described herein provide for a system that evaluates a security level of a network system. Additionally, examples described herein evaluate a security level of a network system in order to enable a determination of components that can be used to enhance the security level of the network system.
US09699207B2
A system for evaluating the susceptibility of an organization to social engineering, the organization having a plurality of sources and a plurality of members using electronic devices, is provided. The system includes an appliance in communication with the plurality of sources configured to retrieve contact information of members and to detect triggering events from the plurality of sources. The system includes a platform remote from the appliance configured to receive signals from the appliance indicative of the triggering events and to prepare and send communications, including templates based on each of the triggering events to the appliance. Upon receipt of the communications, the appliance is configured to retrieve the contact information of intended recipient members, to create messages based on the templates, and to send the messages to the intended recipient members. The platform does not receive the contact information of the plurality of members from the appliance.
US09699206B2
Creation of new edges in a network may be used as an indication of a potential attack on the network. Historical data of a frequency with which nodes in a network create and receive new edges may be analyzed. Baseline models of behavior among the edges in the network may be established based on the analysis of the historical data. A new edge that deviates from a respective baseline model by more than a predetermined threshold during a time window may be detected. The new edge may be flagged as potentially anomalous when the deviation from the respective baseline model is detected. Probabilities for both new and existing edges may be obtained for all edges in a path or other subgraph. The probabilities may then be combined to obtain a score for the path or other subgraph. A threshold may be obtained by calculating an empirical distribution of the scores under historical conditions.
US09699204B2
An abnormal traffic detection apparatus and method based on Modbus communication pattern learning is provided. The abnormal traffic detection apparatus based on the Modbus communication pattern learning previously detects and responds to abnormal traffic on a Modbus/TCP protocol. According to the present invention, a communication service between control systems can be stably provided by previously detecting the abnormal traffic capable of interfering with a stable operation of the control system. Particularly, since the effective abnormal traffic on the Modbus/TCP protocol can be previously detected, security of the control system can be increased by rapid detection and response with respect to security threats on the Intranet of the control system, and availability can be secured.
US09699203B1
Systems and methods for account security are provided. In one example embodiment, a first login request including a username and a password is analyzed to identify a first internet protocol (IP) address and a first request time associated with the first login request. A login history comprising login request data for the server computer is analyzed to identify a plurality of usernames, wherein each username of the plurality of usernames is associated with a corresponding login request from the first IP address within a threshold time period of the first request time. In response to determining a login success ratio is below a threshold login success ratio and a number of unique usernames in the analyzed data is above the unique username threshold, the system automatically performs a security action.
US09699200B2
An inline ARINC data authenticity inspection module, method and computer program product are provided. In the context of a method, ARINC data that is transmitted via an ARINC bus is received into a buffer partition. The method also includes inspecting the ARINC data from the buffer partition within an inspection partition. The method further includes determining, as a result of having inspected the ARINC data within the inspection partition, whether the ARINC data is authentic. In an instance in which the ARINC data is determined to not be authentic, the method logs receipt of the ARINC data that is determined to not be authentic. However, in an instance in which the ARINC data is determined to be authentic, the method permits data corresponding to the ARINC data to be transmitted to an intended destination.
US09699194B2
A container that manages access to protected resources using rules to intelligently manage them includes an environment having a set of software and configurations that are to be managed. A rule engine, which executes the rules, may be called reactively when software accesses protected resources. The engine uses a combination of embedded and configurable rules. It may be desirable to assign and manage rules per process, per resource (e.g. file, registry, etc.), and per user. Access rules may be altitude-specific access rules.
US09699193B2
Embodiments for enterprise-specific functionality watermarking and management are provided. A request, originated in response to an attempt to perform an enterprise function on a client device, can be received by at least one computing device over a network, where the enterprise function is associated with a remotely-stored compliance rule. At least one watermark template can be identified from a plurality of available watermark templates based at least in part on the enterprise function, and a communication can be generated that, when received by the client device, authorizes the client device to: perform the enterprise function where at least one resource is generated or modified, and apply the at least one watermark template to the at least one resource such that performing the enterprise function complies with the compliance rule.
US09699192B2
A method for managing a data item includes a hub receiving a first access request from a first engine executing on a computing device operated by a first host and sending the first access request to a second engine executing on a first computing device of a second host. The second host owns the data item. The hub receives, from the second engine, the data item and an access rule set by the second host for the first host, and sends the first access rule and the data item to the first engine for storage. The first engine grants the first host access to the data item according to the first access rule.
US09699187B2
Exemplary methods, apparatuses, and systems receive a request from a user to access content for a group of users of a social networking system, and send the content to the user including an interface to a third party system. The interface is to enable the user to retrieve information related to a third party service from the third party system to share with the group. The user sends the information related to the third party service to share with the group to the social networking system. The social networking system sends the shared information related to the third party service to a group member based on the group member requesting access to the content. In one embodiment, the third party service stores a file or folder on a third party server and the shared information includes a link to the shared file or folder.
US09699180B2
Providing access to a cloud service includes a system receiving an application request to access a cloud service. In response, the system sends an identity provider (IP) a token request, comprising an application identifier (ID), an operating system (OS) cloud credential associated with login credentials of a user of an OS hosting the application, and a cloud service ID of the cloud service. Based on sending the token request, and on the IP authenticating the user and verifying the application ID is valid, the system receives a token from the IP. The token, which is signed with an IP signature, comprises the cloud service ID, the application ID, and a user assigned ID associated with the cloud service. The system provides the token to the application for submission to a cloud service provider for access, and obtains cloud service access based on the cloud service provider validating the IP signature.
US09699177B2
A technique to reassign one or more stored elements of web application client state information is provided in an HTTP-based client upon receipt of an HTTP redirect in response to a request-URI. One or more stored elements associated to the request-URI are saved in or in association with the client. Upon receipt of an HTTP 301 (permanent) redirect, the client automatically reassigns (re-associates) the one or more stored elements to the redirect domain when the redirect can be verified as authentic (e.g., to originate from the application to which the client is attempting to connect).
US09699176B2
A method for determining if a user of a computer system is a human. A processor receives an indication that a computer security program is needed and acquires at least one image depicting a first string of characters including at least a first and second set of one or more characters. A processor assigns a substitute character to be used as input for each of the second set of one or more characters. A processor presents the at least one image and an indication of the substitute character and when to use the substitute character to the user. A processor receives a second string of characters from the user. A processor determines whether the second string of characters substantially matches the first string of characters based on the substitute character assigned to each of the second set of one or more characters and determines whether the user is a human.
US09699169B2
Systems and methods for selective proxification of applications are disclosed. One or more computer readable storage media may be encoded with instructions executable by one or more processing units of a computing system. The instructions encoded on the computer readable storage media may comprise authenticating a single sign-on access at a proxy server, receiving a request at the proxy server to access an application on an application server requiring authentication, accessing the application on the application server, authenticating a user to the application without additional authentication input from the user, and selectively providing a proxified session between the user and the application.
US09699168B2
A rich client performs single sign-on (SSO) to access a web- or cloud-based application. According to the described SSO approach, the rich client delegates to its native application server the task of obtaining a credential, such as a SAML assertion. The native server, acting on behalf of the user, obtains an assertion from a federated identity provider (IdP) that is then returned to the rich client. The rich client provides the assertion to a cloud-based proxy, which presents the assertion to an identity manager to attempt to prove that the user is entitled to access the web- or cloud-based application using the rich client. If the assertion can be verified, it is exchanged with a signed token, such as a token designed to protect against cross-site request forgery (CSRF). The rich client then accesses the web- or cloud-based application making a REST call that includes the signed token. The application, which recognizes the request as trustworthy, responds to the call with the requested data.
US09699167B1
A method can include receiving a request from a requestor to a given resource, which requestor is registered to access a set of one or more resources. The request includes a ticket that includes signature data generated by an authenticating entity in response to authenticating the requestor. The signature data may be decrypted to provide a decrypted signature. The ticket may be validated in response to the request based on evaluating the decrypted signature. A response can be provided to the requestor based on the validation, and the response can grant the requestor access to the given resource if the validation determines the ticket to be authentic and authorized for the given resource or the response can deny the requestor access to the given resource if the validation determines to reject the ticket.
US09699157B2
In general, in one aspect, the invention relates to a method for reviewing a posting to a secure social network (SSN). The method includes receiving a first media item from a SSN member, evaluating the first media item to identify a first media attribute, and receiving a request to access the first media item from an inmate of a controlled facility. The method further includes retrieving a set of restricted attributes corresponding to the inmate, and determining whether the inmate is allowed to access the media item based on comparing the first media attribute to the set of restricted attributes. When the inmate is allowed to access the media item, granting the inmate access to the media item based on the first determination. When the inmate is not allowed to access the media item, denying the inmate access to the media item based on the first determination.
US09699152B2
A sending device receives a user input indicating that the user wishes to share and open item of content with a receiving device. A near field communication link is opened between the sending device and the receiving device. Metadata for sharing the open data is gathered on the sending device and a permission setting user interface display is displayed, with the user input mechanism that allows a user to set permissions corresponding to the open item. User actuation of the permission setting user input mechanism is received, the permissions are added to the open item, and the metadata is sent to the receiving device over the near field communication link. The metadata includes a location of the open item. The open item can then be accessed by the receiving device, with the permissions applied to the open item.
US09699151B2
Methods and systems for managing encrypted network traffic using spoofed addresses. One example method includes receiving a request to resolve a domain name; determining that the domain name is included in a predetermined set of domain names; associating a spoofed address with the domain name; sending a response to the request to resolve the domain name, the response including the spoofed address; receiving a secure request for a resource, the secure request directed to the spoofed address; determining that the secure request is directed to the domain name based on the association between the spoofed address and the domain name; and selectively decrypting the secure request based at least in part on determining that the secure request is directed to the domain name.
US09699145B2
A method comprising using at least one hardware processor for: receiving input from a user with respect to masking of a data element in one or more documents of a java script object notation (JSON) type, wherein the input comprises: an identifier of the data element, and one or more constraints for masking the data element based on the hierarchy of the one or more documents of the JSON-type; and generating a masking rule for the one or more documents of the JSON-type based on the input.
US09699140B1
The disclosed computer-implemented method for selecting identifiers for wireless access points may include (1) receiving a request to establish an identifier for a configurable wireless access point, (2) identifying an existing access-point identifier that is used to identify at least one additional wireless access point, (3) determining a physical location of the configurable wireless access point, (4) verifying that the existing access-point identifier is not being used within a predetermined proximity of the physical location of the configurable wireless access point, and (5) assigning the existing access-point identifier to the configurable wireless access point. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US09699132B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose methods, apparatuses, and systems for exchanging electronic business card. One of the methods includes: receiving a first request message sent by a first terminal, wherein the first request message includes first condition information, a first electronic business card, and first location information of the first terminal; selecting a second request message from at least one request message received during a preset period of time, according to the first location information, the first condition information, and the time when the first request message was received; sending an electronic business card corresponding to the second request message to the first terminal; and sending the first electronic business card to a second terminal, wherein the second request message was sent by the second terminal. The methods, the apparatuses, and the systems can be directed to simplify the process of exchanging electronic business cards.
US09699130B2
A method of providing a user interface with recipient status information, in one aspect, may comprise detecting a message (e.g., online message such as instant messaging, chat, etc.) being initiated by a first user to a second user; gathering information associated with the second user; analyzing the gathered information; predicting a state of the second user based on the analyzing; and determining a notification action based on the predicted state of the second user, the notification action notifying the first user of the second user's state; and presenting a notification comprising one or more of graphical, textual, auditory, or tactile indications or combinations thereof to the first user.
US09699129B1
A system and method for increasing email productivity based on an analysis of the content of received email messages. The system includes a content analysis engine that analyzes the content of a received email message using natural language processing techniques. A prioritization module produces a priority score and a priority level for the message using a prioritization knowledge base. A message sorting module produces a set of suggested folders for the message using a sorting knowledge base. A junkmail module produces a junkman score for the message using a junkmail knowledge base. The prioritization knowledge base, the sorting knowledge base, and the junkmail knowledge base are updated with feedback from the user for each received email message, which allows the system to learn in real-time the user's preferences.
US09699127B2
Embodiments of a content delivery system are disclosed herein. In particular, an embodiment of a content delivery system may receive content associated with a first destination identifier associated with a first delivery method, determine a second destination identifier and a second delivery method associated with the first delivery destination, and deliver the content to the second destination identifier according to the second delivery method.
US09699118B2
A network switch including a set of communication ports is provided. The communication ports may have an allocated prebuffer to store data during packet switching operations. The network switch may further include a calendar associated with the set of communication ports that provides bandwidth configuration for the set of communication ports. The network switch may further include a secondary calendar that may be dynamically setup. The secondary calendar may provide an alternative bandwidth configuration strategy for the set of communication ports. The switch includes circuitry that may increase the prebuffer size and upon the successful increase of the prebuffer size reconfigure the set of communication ports from the original calendar to the secondary calendar, without a reboot. The circuitry may reset the prebuffer size after reconfiguration is complete and the switch may continue operation according to the reconfigured settings.
US09699096B2
Disclosed herein is a router configured for priority-based routing. The router is configured to receive a plurality of packets, wherein each packet is assigned a priority value. The router includes an output circuit configured to select the packet with the highest priority value. The output circuit is configured to forward the priority value of the selected packet to a second router. The output circuit is configured to transfer the selected packet to the second router when the link between the first router and the second router is available.
US09699092B2
A method for dynamically adjusting QoS parameters associated with a virtual circuit is disclosed. The virtual circuit includes a first end connected to a first router and a second end connected to a second router. The method includes receiving an offer message at the second router, and sending a request message to the first router. The offer message includes a first set of QoS parameters and the request message includes a second set of QoS parameters. The method further includes receiving a request confirmation message at the second router, receiving a new offer message at the second router, and sending information compliant with the second set of QoS parameters to the first router. The new offer message includes the second set of QoS parameters.
US09699087B2
A system and method for advertising out-of-resources (OOR) conditions for entities, such as nodes, line cards and data links, in a manner that does not involve using a maximum cost to indicate the entity is “out-of-resources.” According to the technique, an OOR condition for an entity is advertised in one or more type-length-value (TLV) objects contained in an advertisement message. The advertisement message is flooded to nodes on a data network to inform them of the entity's OOR condition. Head-end nodes that process the advertisement message may use information contained in the TLV object to determine a path for a new label switched path (LSP) that does not include the entity associated with the OOR condition.
US09699083B2
A frame search processing apparatus includes a frame information extraction unit (1) that extracts frame information from an input frame, a search processing unit (2) that compares the frame information with entry information, and a frame information output control unit (3) that controls output of the frame information to the search processing unit (2). The search processing unit (2) includes a plurality of comparison units that read out N pieces of entry information from a search table, and perform comparison between the entry information and the frame information at once. The frame information output control unit (3) includes a frame information buffer that accumulates the frame information, and an output processing unit that, when triggered by a predetermined accumulation count of the frame information or an elapse of a predetermined accumulation time of the frame information, distributes a plurality of pieces of frame information accumulated in the frame information buffer to the comparison units of the search processing unit (2) one by one.
US09699075B2
A network includes routing arcs for routing network traffic to a destination. Each arc comprising nodes connected in sequence by reversible links oriented to direct network traffic to first and second edge nodes through which the network traffic exits the arc. The nodes in the arc detect a first failure. In response, the nodes exchange first management frames to reverse links in the arc so that the network traffic in the arc is directed away from the first failure toward the first edge node of the arc through which the network traffic exits the arc. The nodes detect a second failure in the arc that is spaced apart from the first failure. In response, the nodes exchange second management frames to freeze incoming edges of parent arcs to prevent network traffic in the corresponding parent arc from entering the arc.
US09699067B2
A communication network includes multiple nodes, which are arranged in groups such that the nodes in each group are interconnected in a bipartite topology and the groups are interconnected in a mesh topology. The nodes are configured to convey traffic between source hosts and respective destination hosts by routing packets among the nodes on paths that do not traverse any intermediate hosts other than the source and destination hosts.
US09699056B2
Embodiments provide systems and methods for diagnosing a network and identifying problems in a network which reduce the data transfer rate of data through the network. One embodiment of a method for network diagnosis may include infusing data into a network upstream and downstream of a portion of the network relative to a library drive, querying the drive at intervals over time for drive data to determine the data transfer rate at the drive and comparing the data transfer rate of the data infused upstream of the device or network portion with the data transfer rate of the data infused downstream of the device or network portion to determine throughput. By comparing the data transfer rate of data infused upstream and downstream of a network device or network portion, problem devices in a network may be identified.
US09699051B2
A method for measuring one-way link delay includes transmitting a first packet from a first network device. The first packet is passively intercepted, a first copy of the first packet is transmitted to the first network device, and a second copy of the first packet is transmitted to a second network device. A time of receipt of the first copy of the first packet is recorded as an origin timestamp at the first network device. A time of receipt of the second copy of the first packet is recorded as a receive timestamp at the second network device. A second packet including the origin timestamp is transmitted from the first network device. The second packet is passively intercepted, and a first copy of the second packet is transmitted to the second network device. The first copy of the second packet is received at the second network device, and the origin timestamp is extracted from the first copy of the second packet. Link delay from the first network device to the second network device is calculated using the origin timestamp and the receive timestamp.
US09699041B2
A link cost determining method including computing, by a station, a new composite data rate using a set of data rates including an average data rate, a geometric mean data rate, and a minimum data rate for data samples, computing, by the station, a pair of hysteresis thresholds for a previous composite data rate, determining, by the station, whether the new composite data rate exceeds one of the pair of hysteresis thresholds, and advertising, by the station, the new composite data rate when the new composite data rate exceeds one of the pair of hysteresis thresholds.
US09699038B2
Example embodiments presented herein are directed towards a Packet Domain Network Gateway (PGW), and corresponding methods therein, for service usage reporting and quota management in a Policy and Charging Control (PCC) based network. Example embodiments presented herein are also directed towards an Online Charging System (OCS) for receiving service usage reporting and quota management in a PCC based network. Quota reporting and quota management is performed on a pre-rating group basis.
US09699030B1
A device may receive an indication to generate a probe packet associated with a tunnel included in a first network. The tunnel may include a first tunnel endpoint and a second tunnel endpoint and may correspond to a path, associated with a second network, between the first tunnel endpoint and the second tunnel endpoint. The device may generate the probe packet including information associated with the tunnel. The device may provide the probe packet, via the first tunnel endpoint, such that the probe packet is received by a network device that lies on the path. The device may receive a response packet, associated with the probe packet and provided by the network device, that includes path information. The path information may include information associated with the network device. The device may store the path information to allow the network device to be identified as lying on the path.
US09699026B2
There is provided a distributed processing system including: a data store server for storing data; a data store part for storing data in the data store server; a data acquisition part for obtaining data from the data store server; and an operation manager part for performing configuration change on the whole system. The distributed processing system has a function of managing the configuration content and the configuration order for each device according to the change content, to determine the target and order to be configured based on the managed information by the operation manager part. Further, the distributed processing system has a function of performing a configuration change process on the data store part, the data acquisition part, and the data store server by the operation manager part.
US09699025B2
A system and method are described for managing a plurality of sever nodes. In one embodiment, the sever nodes are organized into groups referred to as “instances.” Each instance includes a group of redundant sever nodes and a dispatcher for distributing service requests to each of the sever nodes. In addition, a central message passing architecture is defined which allows the various instances to communicate with one another. In one embodiment, a hierarchical configuration data object is stored within a database and is centrally accessible by all of the servers from all of the instances. The hierarchical configuration data object organizes configuration data and binary data in a logical hierarchy which simplifies sever node management in an enterprise network.
US09699024B2
Disclosed are various embodiments for facilitating anticipatory distribution of applications to a network of remote hosts. A demand for each of the applications is calculated. Based on criteria within the demand and computing resources available, remote hosts are selected to receive the applications. Transmissions of the applications to the selected remote hosts are scheduled and monitored for completion according to the schedule.
US09699018B2
A communication terminal reads, from a removable memory, user-specific application information indicating one or more of the plurality of applications that are allowed for use by a specific user, and transmits a request for address information that includes application identification information of each one of one or more applications that are allowed for use by the specific user at the communication terminal to obtain address information associated with the application identification information.
US09699016B2
Disclosed are a sign-in method and system. The method includes: obtaining, by using a location-based service (LBS) of a mobile terminal, geographical information of a current location of a person who signs in; binding the geographical information of the current location with identity information of the person who signs in and time information, using the geographical information of the current location, the identity information of the person who signs in, and the time information as sign-in information, and sending the sign-in information to a sign-in server; verifying, by the sign-in server, the sent sign-in information; and recording the sign-in information if the verification succeeds. The present disclosure not only can save costs of labor, material, and money, but also can enable several people to sign in simultaneously, thereby greatly improving sign-in efficiency.
US09699013B2
Transceiver device and method therein, for baseband processing of signals associated with TDD communication over wire lines. The method involves use of a single burst I/O N-point complex FFT kernel for baseband processing of receive and transmit signal blocks, where the processing involves simultaneously performing a respective FFT or IFFT of two N-sample signal blocks.
US09698999B2
Natural language controlled devices may be configured to activate command recognition in response to one or more wake words. Techniques are provided to enable a voice controlled system to detect or receive an indication of a secondary device available to be controlled. The voice controlled system communicates with the secondary device to obtain information related to the secondary device. The voice controlled system may output of an audio query requesting audio input data related to controlling the secondary device from a user and generate, based on the requested audio input data, recognition data utilized to recognize of at least part of one or more commands to issue one or more controls to the secondary device.
US09698994B2
Systems, methods and transitory computer-readable storage media for detecting one or more loops in a multicast tree. The method includes calculating a multicast tree radius for a first multicast tree, the multicast tree radius representing a maximum number of hops from a root node to a furthest edge node in the first multicast tree, forwarding, by the root node, a first packet to each edge node within the first multicast tree, the first packet having a time-to-live (TTL) value equal to twice the first multicast tree radius, receiving, at the root node, a copy of the forwarded first packet, and determining an existence of a loop in the first multicast tree based at least upon receiving the copy of the forwarded first packet.
US09698993B2
Methods, systems, and computer programs for producing hash values are disclosed. A prefix-free value is obtained based on input data. The prefix-free value can be based on an implicit certificate, a message to be signed, a message to be verified, or other suitable information. A hash value is obtained by applying a hash function to the prefix-free value. The hash value is used in a cryptographic scheme. In some instances, a public key or a private key is generated based on the hash value. In some instances, a digital signature is generated based on the hash value, or a digital signature is verified based on the hash value, as appropriate.
US09698990B1
Very strong, complex, unforgettable passwords unique to each web site are created for a user's Web site authentication by altering all or part of the web site address using, in a preferred embodiment, a predetermined encoding dictionary with more a single code for each entry and unique to each user. The entries in this preferred embodiment are single characters including characters used for words, punctuation, symbols and numerals; each single entry character appears more than once in the dictionary. The codes are of various character lengths and can be comprised of the same characters used in the entries. In a Web site authentication embodiment as well as for embodiments not used for Web site authentication, including pass-protecting files, the string of characters altered by encoding can be a private word or group of words. In another embodiment the password created by encoding is pseudo-randomly scrambled by using a seed unique to the user in order to create the password actually used. In yet another embodiment, the password is created without the encoding step, by pseudo-randomly scrambling the web address or other user-selected character string using a seed unique to the user.
US09698989B2
Embodiments of an invention for feature licensing in a secure processing environment are disclosed. In one embodiment, a processor includes an instruction unit and an execution unit. The instruction unit is to receive an instruction to initialize a secure enclave. The execution unit is to execute the instruction. Execution of the instruction includes determining whether a requested feature is licensed for use in the secure enclave.
US09698987B2
A system and methods for location authentication are presented. An estimated server signal is estimated based on a generated known code signal, and a client received satellite signal is received from a client device. The client received satellite signal is compared to the estimated server signal to provide a comparison result.
US09698984B2
In a decryption apparatus according to an embodiment, a holding device pre-holds a verification formula. A determination device performs a calculation based on the verification formula read from the holding device by substituting, into the verification formula, the part of the re-encrypted data received from a re-encryption apparatus and the public key of a re-encryption key generation apparatus and the private key of the decryption apparatus, to determine whether or not the verification formula holds true. An output device outputs verification success when a result of the determination indicates that the verification formula holds true.
US09698978B2
Provided is a network equipment and an authentication and key management method for the same. The network equipment generates a Network Key (NK); the network equipment performs authentication protocol interaction with opposite communication equipment, and calculates a Basic Session Key (BSK) according to parameters for the authentication protocol interaction and the NK; and the network equipment calculates link Encryption Keys (EKs) used respectively for Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical (PHY) layers using various access technologies according to the BSK, and provides the EKs for respective MAC and PHY layer function modules. With the disclosure, the legality of the equipment is verified by performing an authentication process on the heterogeneous network equipments in one pass, and keys in various MAC layer technologies are managed in a unified way.
US09698976B1
A pool of public keys, having a pool size, is received from a first device. The pool size reflects a target number of keys to be included in the pool. One of the received public keys included in the pool of keys is designated as a reserve key. A public key is selected from the pool of received public keys for use in conjunction with encrypting a communication to the first device. The selecting includes preferentially selecting a public key that is not designated as a reserve key, if at least one such key is present in the pool in addition to the reserve key. The size of the pool can be dynamically adjusted.
US09698960B2
A method is provided for decoding data in a wireless access system. A user equipment (UE) receives a higher layer signal including an indication that 256 quadrature amplitude modulation (256 QAM) is to be enabled. The UE further receives, via a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), downlink control information (DCI) including an index field representing a modulation and coding scheme (MCS). The UE also receives data via a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) scheduled by the PDCCH, and decodes the received data using the MCS represented by the index field. The UE has a first MCS index table supporting up to 64 quadrature amplitude modulation (64 QAM) and a second MCS index table supporting up to the 256 QAM.
US09698958B2
Various aspects of the disclosure provide a method of operating a user equipment (UE) to determine and report a throughput enhancing channel quality indicator (CQI) value when a physical channel between the UE and a base station is temporally uncorrelated. Reporting such CQI value may maximize the throughput of the channel when it remains temporally uncorrelated. In one aspect of the disclosure, the UE communicates with a base station utilizing a channel and determines that the channel is temporally uncorrelated. The UE further determines a plurality of CQIs in a first CQI reporting mode and computes the respective throughputs of the channel based on the plurality of CQIs. In addition, the UE selects a CQI of the plurality of CQIs corresponding to the highest throughput among the plurality of throughputs, and reports the selected CQI to the base station in a second CQI reporting mode while the channel remains temporally uncorrelated.
US09698956B2
Various example embodiments are disclosed herein. According to one example embodiment, a method may include determining, at a base station in a wireless network, an uplink channel quality for a mobile station, sending an acknowledgment/negative acknowledgment (ACK/NAK) aggregation indicator to the mobile station based on the determining, sending a plurality of data bursts to the mobile station, and receiving at least one aggregated ACK/NAK report from the mobile station.
US09698949B2
A method of handling a device-to-device (D2D) signal and a device-to-cellular (D2C) signal for a first communication device comprises communicating with a second communication device according to a D2D communication; communicating with a network according to a D2C communication; and transmitting one of the D2D signal and the D2C signal in a subframe, wherein the D2D signal and the D2C signal are transmitted to the second communication device and the network, respectively.
US09698927B2
Certain aspects of the present disclosure propose techniques for independently signaling features supported by a user equipment (UE) in different duplexing modes. The UE may be capable of communicating in frequency division duplexing (FDD) and time division duplexing (TDD) modes. The UE may obtain a FDD-specific feature group indicators (FGIs) set and a TDD-specific FGIs set, and signal at least one of the FDD-specific FGIs set or TDD-specific FGIs set. In addition, the UE may take one or more actions to reduce the likelihood of transitioning to a mode of operation that is different from its current mode of operation.
US09698923B2
The invention provides an electronic device configured to operate as a traffic information client. The traffic information client device comprises an interface adapted to receive traffic information messages, where a traffic information message comprises a location code which identifies a location of a traffic event. The traffic information client device further comprises a memory and a relational database stored in the memory, the relational database comprising at least a first set of relations including at least one relation which directly or indirectly associates location codes with location information.
US09698919B1
A system and method sequentially measure the amplitude and phase of a signal in each of two or more noncontiguous spectrum segments (e.g., harmonics) which each include two or more portions which together span the spectrum segment, using a local oscillator (LO) signal whose frequency and phase change for each measurement. The measured phase of the signal for at least one of the portions in each spectrum segment is adjusted to account for the change of phase in the LO signal from measurement of one portion to another, using phases of one or more pilot tones measured in each portion. The phase-adjusted measurements of the output signal in the various portions are stitched together to determine the amplitude and phase of the output signal across the spectrum segment. The phase relationships between the spectrum segments are determined from phases of comb teeth of a comb signal measured in each spectrum segment.
US09698916B2
One or more embodiments describe controlling audio signals at a user device during a communication session between the user device and a remote node, in which a primary audio signal is received at audio input means of the user device for transmission to the remote node in the communication session. It is determined whether the user device is operating in a first or a second mode. In dependence upon determining that the user device is operating in the first mode, the secondary audio signals are selectively suppressed from being output from the user device during the communication session.
US09698913B2
A phase-modulated optical link and methods are provided to suppress distortions in phase-encoded analog photonic links. The phase-modulated optical link includes a distortion compensation element. The distortion compensation element includes an optical comb generator that is seeded by a phase-encoded optical signal. The methods include generating an optical comb seeded by a portion of a phase-encoded optical signal and isolating desired peaks to be combined with a separate portion of the phase-encoded optical signal.
US09698912B2
Methods and systems for superchannel subcarrier monitoring using frequency modulated (FM) tones includes frequency modulating an optical subcarrier of a superchannel with a first frequency that is unique to the optical subcarrier and is chosen to be smaller than an optical transmission frequency for carrier data modulated onto the optical subcarrier. Then, downstream detection and monitoring of the optical subcarrier may be performed based on demodulation of the first frequency. Each optical subcarrier in the superchannel may be modulated using a respectively unique FM tone.
US09698905B2
An optical transmission system includes comprising: a first optical transmission apparatus to transmit wavelength-multiplexed optical signals; and a second optical transmission apparatus to receive the wavelength-multiplexed optical signals, the second optical transmission apparatus including: a receiver to perform digital coherent reception; a wavelength spacing monitor to transform a reception signal obtained by the digital coherent reception from a time domain signal to a frequency domain spectrum signal, and to monitor wavelength spacing of the spectrum signal; and a transmitter to transmit, to the first optical transmission apparatus, wavelength control information according to a monitor result obtained by the wavelength spacing monitor or the monitor result, wherein the first optical transmission apparatus includes: a receiver to receive the wavelength control information or the monitor result; and a control unit to control the wavelength spacing based on the wavelength control information or the monitor result received by the receiver.
US09698904B2
Embodiments provide an apparatus for monitoring an optical signal to noise ratio (OSNR), a transmitter and a communication system. The apparatus for monitoring optical signal to noise ratio includes: a signal extracting unit and a signal processing unit. The signal extracting unit is configured to extract pilot signals and non-pilot signals at two polarization states from received signals, frequencies of the pilot signals at the two polarization states being different, and the polarization states being differentiated by the frequencies of the pilot signals; and the signal processing unit is configured to obtain OSNRs at the two polarization states by using the pilot signals and the non-pilot signals extracted by the signal extracting unit. With the embodiments of the present disclosure, by making the frequencies of the pilot signals at different polarization states be different, OSNRs at different polarization states may be obtained more accurately.
US09698891B2
There is provided an arrangement for a wireless communication system that includes a set of power amplifiers and a set of antennas based on which at least two different configurations are provided, including a first configuration of power amplifiers and antennas and a second configuration of power amplifier(s) and antennas. The arrangement also includes switching circuitry configured to switch between the configurations. The second configuration employs a smaller number of power amplifiers than the first configuration, and the second configuration has fewer power amplifiers than antennas where at least one power amplifier is connected to at least two antennas via respective antenna branches that are configured with different delays, as represented by delay elements. A difference in delay between a pair of these antenna branches is based on a measure representative of the inverse bandwidth of a signal to be transmitted through the antennas.
US09698890B1
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe methods and apparatuses for selective application of cyclic shift diversity in uplink communications of mobile communication systems. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
US09698885B1
A procedure to establish a link in a directional wireless system where two nodes cannot listen to each other unless optimized beamforming pair is used and timing and framing synchronization is acquired. The procedure determines a set of beamforming pairs that the nodes can use for communication in addition to acquiring the framing and timing synchronization. Training packets are periodically transmitted by a transmitter while a receiver listens in each of a number of receive directions. Training packets are sent N times in N directions while a receiver listens in each of M receive directions until all N×M possible transmit and receive direction pair possibilities are tried. The receiver informs the transmitter which transmit and receive direction pairs were successful in creating communication links between the nodes.
US09698881B2
A method by a network node in a communications system includes determining a codebook subset restriction indicating a reduced set of precoding matrices out of an original set of precoding matrices in an original codebook. The full set of Precoding Matrix Indicator, PMI, bits is used to identify the original set of precoding matrices in the original codebook. The method includes determining a reduced set of Precoding Matrix Indicator, PMI, bits for use in a feedback channel based on a number of entries in the reduced set of precoding matrices. The reduced set of PMI bits has fewer bits than the full set of PMI bits. Related user equipments, methods by user equipments and network nodes are disclosed.
US09698879B2
The present invention relates to a method and arrangements in a communication system for Multi User Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO) signaling via Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) antennas between a base station and one of a plurality of mobile terminals supporting both Single User and Multi User Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (SU-MIMO and MU-MIMO) signaling modes. Switching between the modes is supported in the system and the modes have partly shared signaling. SU-MIMO mode signaling which is redundant, i.e. not needed, for MU-MIMO mode signaling is identified. Bits, i.e. data bits, of the identified redundant signaling is re-interpreted or re-defined to comprise signaling information associated with MU-MIMO mode. The signaling information associated with MU-MIMO mode is signaled to the mobile terminal by using the reinterpreted redundant bits.
US09698874B2
A power transmission device includes a communication unit that transmits a power capability information transmission request, receives power capability information in response to the power capability information transmission request, and transmits randomized parameter information by a communication channel. The power transmission device also includes a processing unit that produces the randomized parameter information, based on the power capability information. Further, the power transmission device includes a power transmission unit that wirelessly transmits power based on the randomized parameter information.
US09698867B2
In a multiple interface, low power and lossy network comprising a plurality of nodes, a sender node dynamically selects a data packet for setting a transmission parameter request in response to determining that an age value for a set of transmission parameters associated with a recipient device has expired or is expiring. The sender node selects an desired data packet for sending a transmission parameter request and transmits the selected data packet to the recipient device. The sender node receives a transmission parameter response from the recipient node comprising updated transmission parameters for that recipient node and then updates the current transmission parameters associated with the recipient node accordingly.
US09698865B2
Synchronous FHSS networks operating within mesh networks typically require a certain amount of network traffic to maintain time as well as for executing other functions, such as registration and neighbor discovery. The concepts presented in this disclosure provide a mesh network with enhanced communication capabilities without adding significant hardware or firmware costs to nodes within the network. The disclosed concept of using acquisition channels (frequencies) integrated within FHSS pseudo-random sequences speeds network responses to conditions like outage and restoration. Assignment of unique hop sequences by hop level or at time of manufacture can guarantee minimal network contention while minimizing system network traffic.
US09698858B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which can include computer instructions to determine a subset of use cases from a group of use cases stored in a memory of a communication device, and to determine a target use case from among the subset of use cases based on an operational parameter associated with a transceiver of the communication device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
US09698855B1
A cellular radio architecture that includes a receiver module having a delta-sigma modulator that includes a plurality of gm cells configured in stages, where each stage includes at least two gm cells and an LC filter circuit. The gm cells in each stage can be controlled to be active or inactive to convert, for example, the modulator from a fourth order modulator to a second order modulator to reduce power dissipation. Further, the gm cells can be controlled to optimize a dynamic range of the modulator and to redirect current from inactive cells to active cells in order to optimize power consumption.
US09698854B2
An electronic device may be provided with wireless circuitry. The wireless circuitry may include one or more antennas. An antenna may have an antenna feed that is coupled to a radio-frequency transceiver with a transmission line. An impedance matching circuit may be coupled to the antenna feed to match the impedance of the transmission line and the antenna. The impedance matching circuit and tunable circuitry in the antenna may be formed using integrated circuits. Each integrated circuit may include switching circuitry that is used in switching components such as inductors and capacitors into use. Sensors such as temperature sensors, current and voltage sensors, power sensors, and impedance sensors may be integrated into the integrated circuits. Each integrated circuit may store settings for the switching circuitry and may include communications and control circuitry for communicating with external circuits and processing sensor data.
US09698850B1
A protective case with a function of clearing and cleaning a display screen of an electronic device includes a case body, a clear component, and a mounting component. The case body defines a receiving space in which the electronic device is held and an opening at one end of the case body. Two opposite slide grooves are provided in the case body. The clear component on the mounting component can be pushed from an end of the case body along the display screen of the electronic device, to clear and clean it.
US09698849B2
A portable information device case according to the present invention includes three plate-like members: a holder part for housing a portable information device (smartphone) therein, a cover part for covering the holder part, and an optical panel part including an image-forming optical element (micromirror array) fitted therein in light-transmissive fashion. When these members are combined together to have a predetermined shape, the optical panel part is held in an attitude inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a display surface of the smartphone. Thus, the case allows selection with ease between a usage form in which an image appearing on the display surface is projected as a spatial image and a storage form in which these members are folded and stacked so that the entire case is made compact. The portable information device case according to the present invention is easy to carry.
US09698846B2
A method of controlling a mobile communication terminal including a first antenna and a second antenna is provided. The method includes receiving transmission data to be transmitted, applying first power smaller than a first threshold value to the first antenna, applying second power smaller than the first threshold value to the second antenna, and cooperatively transmitting the transmission data based on the first power and the second power, respectively, by the first antenna and the second antenna, wherein a sum of the first power and the second power is larger than a second threshold value.
US09698836B2
Systems and methods which provide mitigation of self-interference in spectrally efficient full duplex (e.g., transmit and receive using the same frequency simultaneously) communications are described. Embodiments provide an interference mitigation structure having a multi-tap vector modulator interference cancellation circuit operable to cancel time varying multipath interference in the analog RF domain. A multi-tap vector modulator interference cancellation circuit of embodiments may comprise part of a multi-stage interference cancellation circuit, such as a multi-stage interference cancellation circuit comprising a multi-tap vector modulator interference cancellation circuit and a digital residual interference cancellation circuit. A digital residual interference cancellation circuit of embodiments provides residual interference cancellation. A multi-stage interference cancellation circuit configuration of embodiments is operable to provide cancellation of strong multipath signals as well as cancellation of residual multipath signals, including interference in the received signal associated with circulator leakage, antenna reflection and multipath.
US09698827B2
An operating method of a controller that includes: when a first ECC decoding on data read from a semiconductor memory device according to a hard read voltage fails, generating one or more quantization intervals based on the number of unsatisfied syndrome check (USC), which is a result of the first ECC decoding; and performing a second ECC decoding on the data by generating soft read data according to soft read voltages determined by the hard read voltage and the quantization intervals.
