US09956893B2
A safety seat is provided, including a seat base and a seat back. The seat back includes a framework adjustable in shape and a covering part covering the framework and made of flexible material. A surface of the covering part is provided with multiple sensors for obtaining back position information of a person sitting on the safety seat. The safety seat further includes a data processing device and a driving structure. The data processing device is for receiving the back position information, determine a shape of a back surface of the person and send a covering part adjustment signal. The driving structure is for adjusting a shape of the framework according to the covering part adjustment signal and changing a shape of the surface of the covering part by changing the shape of the framework so as to match the shape of the back surface of the person.
US09956889B2
The present invention relates to a battery discharging apparatus and a method thereof of a battery management system and an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a battery discharging apparatus, including: a battery module including a plurality of battery cells; a discharging element which is connected to the battery cells through switches to discharge a voltage of the battery cells; a detecting unit which detects an abnormal state of a vehicle; and a control unit which is connected to the battery module to monitor a charged/discharged status of the battery cells of the battery module and controls the switches to balance the battery cells, in which when the control unit receives a vehicle abnormal state signal from the detecting unit, the control unit controls the switches to be turned on/off at a predetermined duty ratio to discharge the battery cell.
US09956888B2
A power supply system includes a plurality of electrical storage devices, a distributor configured to distribute electric power between the plurality of electrical storage devices in a desired distribution mode, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit configured to (i) set the desired distribution mode based on at least one of a magnitude relation between first rates of change in dischargeable power of the corresponding electrical storage device to a charge state value indicating a remaining level of charge of the corresponding electrical storage device, or a magnitude relation between second rates of change in chargeable power of the corresponding electrical storage device to the charge state value, and (ii) control the distributor such that electric power is distributed in the set distribution mode.
US09956878B2
In a user interface and to a method for signaling a position of an input mechanism with respect to an area for 3D gesture detection for a user interface, the method includes the following steps: input mechanism of a user are detected in the area for 3D gesture detection, and the position of the input mechanism is signaled by an indicator in the area of the edge of a display unit of the user interface.
US09956851B2
An interior unit includes a discharge water passage communicating with a drainage port and having a first space portion in which water inside an air conditioning casing flows down from a guide opening portion, and an upward wall portion and a downward wall portion which constitute a partition wall separating between the discharge water passage and a second space portion adjacent to the discharge water passage and preventing the water falling in the discharge water passage from flowing into the second space portion. A prevention wall extending upward from a bottom wall portion in the second space portion is provided, and an upper end of the prevention wall is higher than a position of a fixation portion in which the first casing member and the second casing member are fixed with each other.
US09956850B2
A system (20) is operable in a plurality of modes. The system has: a container (22) having an interior (24); an internal combustion engine (66); a refrigeration system (30) and a flywheel energy storage device (70). In at least one mode, the refrigeration system coupled to the internal combustion engine to receive power and thermally coupled to the container to cool the container interior. In at least one mode, the energy storage device coupled to the internal combustion engine to receive power from the internal combustion engine. In at least one mode, the energy storage device coupled to deliver power to the refrigeration system.
US09956847B2
A vehicle air conditioning apparatus is provided that can prevent temperature variations of the air after the heat exchange in a radiator to reliably control the temperature of the air supplied to the vehicle interior. During the heating operation and the heating and dehumidifying operation, target degree of supercooling SCt when target air-blowing temperature TAO is a predetermined temperature or higher is set to SCt1 that is greater than SCt2 when the target air-blowing temperature TAO is lower than the predetermined temperature. When amount of air Ga supplied from indoor fan 12 is lower than a predetermined value, the target degree of supercooling SCt is corrected, which is set such that the degree of supercooling is lower than target degree of supercooling corrected when the amount of air Ga supplied from the indoor fan 12 is a predetermined value or higher.
US09956834B2
The present invention relates to a assembly and disassembly device for automobile tire, comprising a device case (41), an upright (42) disposed on the device case (41), a tire dismantling tool connected to a cross beam of the upright (42), and a workbench (44) disposed below the tire dismantling tool (43) and located in the device case (41). The device case (41) is internally provided with a combined compound gearbox (46); the main shaft (31) of the motor penetrates the case; the lower end of the main shaft (31) in the device case (41) is in an engaged connection with a motor gear (36) disposed in the case. The motor gear (36) brings the main shaft gear (35) sleeved on the upper part of the main shaft (31) through a drive gear to drive the workbench (44) connected with the main shaft (31) for it to work. Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the advantages of obvious energy-saving effects, reduction of transmission consumption, long service life, etc.
US09956831B2
The present disclosure includes a combination sensor and pressure relief valve. The combination sensor and valve may be used with existing aircraft wheel systems. Wheel systems utilizing the combination sensor and valve are also disclosed.
US09956830B2
A pneumatic tire for a motorcycle includes a tread having a tread surface which makes contact with ground, a pair of beads each positioned on a radially inner side of the tread, a carcass bridging one of the beads and the other one of the beads, and a reinforcement layer laminated on the carcass on the radially inner side of the tread. Each of the beads includes a core and an apex extending from the core in a radially outward direction, and the apex of each of the beads has an outer edge positioned on a radially outer side of an edge of the tread surface.
US09956829B2
A pneumatic tire 1 is provided in a bead portion 4 with a bead core 5 formed of a bead wire 20. The bead core 5 has a wound single bead wire structure formed from turns of the single bead wire 20, and has at least three wire layers 10. Each side face of the bead core 5 has a shape such that it is possible to draw a common tangent 30 to at least two turns of the bead wire 20 appearing in the side face 51 which common tangent is substantially parallel with the tire radial direction. The turns of the bead wire 21 in the 1st wire layer 11 are alternated with the turns of the bead wire 22 in the 2nd wire layer 12 disposed on the outside of the 1st wire layer 11. The 1st wire layer 11 includes a turn 21 having the winding-start end 16 of the bead wire, which turn 21 is positioned between adjacent two turns 22 of the bead wire in the 2nd wire layer 12.
US09956826B2
A circumferential recess is formed on the outer surface of a tire side section, the circumferential recess being recessed inward in a tread width direction and extending in a tire circumferential direction. A block protruding outward in the tread width direction is formed on the inside of the circumferential recess. In a cross section along the tread width direction of the tire and the tire radial direction, a rim outer surface is formed in an area from a rim separation point, which is the outermost point in the tire radial direction that is in contact with a rim flange, to an inner end of the circumferential recess in the tire radial direction. At least a part of the block protrudes further to the outside in the tread width direction than a virtual line along which the rim outer surface extends.
US09956824B2
A motorcycle tire includes a tread portion including a central region and a pair of shoulder regions. In a cross-sectional view of the tire under a standard condition, the central region has an outer profile protruding radially outwardly and having a first radius of curvature R1, and each shoulder region having an outer profile protruding radially outwardly and having a second radius of curvature R2 smaller than the first radius of curvature R1. The tread portion is provided with a zigzag central main groove in the central region with zigzag corners, a plurality of shoulder lateral grooves each extending axially outwardly from each zigzag corner to one of the shoulder regions, and a plurality of shoulder sub groove each disposed between a pair of circumferentially adjacent shoulder lateral grooves and each extending axially outwardly from the central region to the shoulder region.
US09956821B2
Wheel bearing unit with a wheel hub, wherein the wheel hub has an integrally formed wheel flange on one end thereof and an inner ring that is rotatable together with the wheel hub, wherein the inner ring is fastened on the wheel hub through the use of a rolling rivet connection in order to pre-tension a row of rolling elements in relation to an outer ring, and with an encoder provided on the inner ring and extending radially towards the outer ring, and with a protective cover fixed on the outer ring in order to close and seal annular openings formed between the outer ring and the wheel hub, and wherein a cylindrical section of the protective cover is pressed in and wherein a bottom section extends inwardly from the cylindrical section in a radial direction in order to cover an inner-side end of the wheel hub, wherein the cylindrical section is joined with a substance bond to the outer ring and wherein the substance-bond connection is produced through the use of a hardening fluid and wherein the fluid is held in a filling reservoir provided between the cylindrical section and the outer ring.
US09956817B2
The present disclosure includes a wheel assembly having a tie bolt retention system. Tie bolt retention systems of the present disclosure include retention holes and retention elements. Retention elements may engage retention holes to prevent loosening or disengagement of a tie nut from the tie bolt.
US09956809B2
An add-on pocket affixable to a folder or a stair-step, expandable file folder or other product with a front face is disclosed. The add-on pocket has a portion which is affixed to the front on the folder and a flap portion which wraps over the front. The remainder of the pocket is formed from a bottom portion and front portion which includes retaining tabs. The tabs mate to form the sidewalls of the pocket.
US09956807B2
The invention relates to a method for producing a multi-layer body, in particular a security element, in which a partial first layer or partial first layer system is produced on a substrate, wherein the partial first layer or partial first layer system is present in a first partial area and not in a second partial area. Subsequently, a partial second layer or partial second layer system is produced, wherein the partial second layer or partial second layer system is present in a third partial area and not in a fourth partial area, and wherein the third partial area overlaps with the first and second partial areas. Finally, the partial first layer or partial first layer system is structured as a mask using the partial second layer or partial second layer system.
US09956802B2
The thermal transfer sheet according to the present invention that has in the order mentioned, a substrate, a release layer, a colored layer, and an adhesion layer; and is characterized in that the colored layer contains a colorant and a polyester-based resin; the adhesion layer contains a polyester-based resin; a ratio of the thickness of the release layer to the total thickness of the colored layer and the adhesion layer (the thickness of the release layer/(the thickness of the colored layer+the thickness of the adhesion layer)) is not less than 2/3 and not more than 3/2; and the total thickness of the release layer, the colored layer, and the adhesion layer is not less than 1.0 μm and not more than 2.0 μm.
US09956791B2
A recording apparatus includes: a container; a conveying mechanism configured to convey a recording medium contained in the container; a recording head configured to record an image on the recording medium that has been conveyed through a conveying path by the conveying mechanism; a moving mechanism including a carriage and configured to move the carriage reciprocatingly together with the recording head; a first sensor installed in the carriage and configured to detect the recording medium; a second sensor configured to detect a change of a state of the container; a storage unit configured to store width information of the recording medium that is conveyed by the conveying mechanism; and a controller configured to control the conveying mechanism, the moving mechanism, and the recording head.
US09956787B2
According to one embodiment, a laser recording device performs recording by irradiating a recording medium with laser light. The recording medium includes thermal recording layers including thermal materials with different color development threshold temperatures and stacked in an ascending order of the threshold temperatures of the included thermal materials from a surface irradiated with the laser light; and an intermediate layer provided between the thermal recording layers to perform thermal insulation and thermal conduction. The laser recording device includes a controller. The controller sets a power density of the laser light and an irradiation time and performs recording on the thermal recording layers by controlling irradiation with the laser light. The power density is relatively higher at recording of any of the thermal recording layers with a higher threshold temperature. The irradiation time is effectively longer at recording of any of the thermal recording layers with a lower threshold temperature.
US09956781B2
A maintenance member includes a plate, an absorption member, and a protection plate. The plate includes a first face and is configured to be mounted in a print device. The absorption member is fixed on the first face and has absorbed a liquid. The edge surface of the absorption member is exposed in an extension direction of the first face. The protection plate is fixed in place such that a gap is provided between the protection plate and the absorption member. The protection plate is configured to protect the absorption member from contact.
US09956777B2
An orifice surface is provided with a coating. A molecule for forming the coating is bonded to the orifice surface through a silicon-carbon bond. The molecule constituting the coating comprises exactly one fluoro-atom. A print head is provided with such orifice surface. In addition, a methods of manufacturing such orifice surface and a method of printing using a print head provided with such orifice surface are disclosed.
US09956775B2
An inkjet head including a flow path unit and a plurality of actuator units, each of the plurality of actuator units has a parallelogram shape defined by two sets of opposing sides, which is substantially parallel to a first direction and a second direction intersecting with each other along a plane, the side of the actuator unit parallel to the second direction is substantially parallel to that of an adjacent actuator unit and is shifted from that of the adjacent actuator unit in the second direction, the plurality of actuator units are inclined with respect to two contour lines of a flow path unit, the two contour lines being parallel with each other and extending in a longitudinal direction of the flow path unit, and centers of gravity of contours of the plurality of actuator units are arranged on substantially one straight line which is parallel to the contour lines.
US09956773B2
A wall-shaped enclosure that forms a space which can accommodate a head chip is formed in a projecting manner at a lower end of a lower case member. Since a cylindrical thick part is formed at the lower end of the lower case member, the lower case member is unlikely to be bent, particularly around the wall-shaped enclosure and a part where the wall-shaped enclosure is disposed. The head chip that is disposed in the space of the lower case member which is unlikely to be bent is unlikely to be subjected to an external force, and the cover member absorbs torsion generated between the head chip and the lower case member so that the head chip is even more unlikely to be subjected to the external force.
US09956756B2
A method of preparing a printing form precursor for printing, or a printed circuit board precursor or a semiconductor precursor, the method comprising the step of applying electromagnetic radiation having a pulse duration of not greater than 1×10−6 seconds, in an imagewise manner, to an imagable surface of the precursor. The imaging process may cause ablation of the coating of the precursor or permit its development in a developer. In each case the imaging radiation needs not be tuned to imaging chemistry (if any) present in the coating. Alternatively the imaging process may induce a change of hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity, or other change of state, of an uncoated substrate.
US09956755B2
A method includes: a first step of disposing the superposed substrate at a position where the superposed substrate is not in contact with a first holding unit and a second holding unit in a space between the first holding unit and the second holding unit, and supplying an inert gas into the space; a second step of thereafter relatively moving the first holding unit and the second holding unit in the vertical direction, and holding the processing target substrate by the first holding unit and holding the supporting substrate by the second holding unit; and a third step of thereafter relatively moving the first holding unit and the second holding unit in the horizontal direction while heating the processing target substrate held by the first holding unit and the supporting substrate held by the second holding unit, to separate the processing target substrate and the supporting substrate from each other.
US09956754B2
An apparatus for processing display laminate, wherein the display laminate includes a front electrode layer, a display material layer and a protective film layer. The display laminate is continuous. A section of protective film layer is continuously removed from the edge of the display laminate by a cutting unit while the display laminate is running through the cutting unit. After removing the section of the protective film layer, a section of the display material layer located at the same edge as the removed section of the protecting film layer is continuously removed by spraying medium in a spraying unit while the display laminate is running through the spraying unit.
US09956750B2
Provided is tissue paper which has softness, smoothness, and moistness either equaling or surpassing those of the existing moisturizing tissue paper and which is also less sticky and is not easily torn in use. The two-ply chemicals applied tissue paper has a configuration in which the amount of the chemicals applied on both side surfaces is 2.0 to 5.5 g/m2, the basis weight per each layer of sheets constituting the two-ply chemicals applied tissue paper is 10 to 25 mg/m2, and the thickness of the two-ply chemicals applied tissue paper is 100 to 140 μm.
US09956741B2
Invention relates to a multilayer article comprising successively: a non-woven layer of fibers (3) comprising at least 50% by weight of at least one biodegradable polymer melting point of which is below 220° C.; a layer of food-safe adhesive (2); a cellulose-fiber based support (1).
US09956733B2
A method for producing a sealing bellows, involving (1) vulcanizing a sealing bellows having clamping elements integrated into the sealing region and into the attachment region (2) and having a substantially cylindrical casing, thereby forming the sealing bellow; (2) interrupting the vulcanizing after the mold cavity has been filled and after attaining dimensional stability of the sealing bellows and then releasing the sealing bellows from the mold; (3) introducing the sealing bellows having a substantially cylindrical casing into a heated blowing mold having a substantially spherical cavity and sealing the blowing mold in an airtight manner; (4) subjecting the interior of the sealing bellows to a relative excess pressure such that the casing is applied against a wall delimiting the cavity of the blowing mold; and (5) completely curing the sealing bellows, then opening the blowing mold to release the sealing bellows from the mold.
US09956725B2
Various embodiments related to three dimensional printers, and reinforced filaments, and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, a void free reinforced filament is fed into an conduit nozzle. The reinforced filament includes a core, which may be continuous or semi-continuous, and a matrix material surrounding the core. The reinforced filament is heated to a temperature greater than a melting temperature of the matrix material and less than a melting temperature of the core prior to applying the filament from the conduit nozzle.
US09956721B2
There is described a sonotrode for sealing an opening device onto a hole of a packaging material destined to from a sealed package, comprising: a sealing surface adapted to cooperate with packaging material in order to seal the opening device to the packaging material; a cavity bounded by an opening of sealing surface and adapted to receive the opening device and a ring made in an elastomeric material, partially protruding inside the cavity, and adapted to center a first axis of the opening device on a second axis of the sonotrode.
US09956715B2
A method of producing a container and a closure comprises blow molding a body comprising a container portion and a closure portion joined together, and separating the closure portion from the container portion. A container and/or a closure produced according to the method are also disclosed, as well as an intermediate product for producing a container and a closure.
US09956714B2
The invention relates to a method for producing hollow bodies from thermoplastic material comprising the shaping of at least one tubular preform or at least two two-dimensional, web-like preforms of plasticated thermoplastic material into a substantially closed hollow body, for example in the form of a fuel tank for motor vehicles.
US09956702B2
A method and device for manufacturing a cutting insert green body, the method includes the step of providing a compression tool having an upper and lower die, and an upper and lower punch. The upper die defines a punch tunnel in which the upper punch slides, and the lower die defines a punch tunnel in which the lower punch slides. The dies define a die cavity to accommodate a powder to be compressed by action of the respective punches to form the green body. Powder in the die cavity is compressed by forwarding the upper punch through the punch tunnel of the upper die and a predetermined distance L through the opening of the lower die. The upper die is displaced relative to the opening of the lower die and the upper punch is removed from the lower die to move the green body out of the lower die through the opening thereof.
US09956697B2
A personal care device is provided with a cutting unit comprising an external cutting member and an internal cutting member. A virtual skin plane is located on a side of the external cutting member facing away from the internal cutting member. The internal cutting member comprises cutting elements each having a first cutting edge. The external cutting member comprises hair-entry apertures each having a second cutting edge. In a starting position of cutting a hair situated in a cutting position in the hair-entry aperture and extending perpendicularly to the virtual skin plane, the first cutting edge is in contact with the hair in a first contact position, and the second cutting edge is in contact with the hair in a second contact position, wherein the first contact position is closer to the virtual skin plane than the second contact position.
US09956694B2
A motor according to the present invention includes an output axis, a brake for holding the output axis, a sensor for detecting an external torque applied to the output axis from outside, and a controller for decreasing or increasing the torque of the brake during operation of the brake in accordance with an increase or decrease in the external torque detected by the sensor.
US09956684B2
An apparatus for conveniently organizing, storing, and transporting elongate objects such as pipe nipples is described. The apparatus includes a bucket, within which an upper tray is suspended above a lower tray by a pillar. Holes in the upper tray align with holes in the lower tray. When an elongate object is passed through these holes, flexible tabs on each of the holes act to firmly grip the object so that it remains safely vertical in the bucket. At the same time, projections on the perimeters of the upper and lower trays act to stop the trays from moving inside the bucket.
US09956675B2
A hammer drive mechanism is provided for converting rotary drive from a motor to reciprocatory movement of an impact member of a hammer drill. The mechanism comprises a rotatable plate adapted to be rotated by the motor, an input drive member associated with the rotatable plate in an eccentric position with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotatable plate, an output drive member associated with the impact member, and a crank shaft having a respective driver adjacent each of its ends. Each driver engages with, and is complementary to a respective one of the drive members. At least one end portion of the crank shaft comprises a lubricating aperture which opens into the adjacent driver to provide a lubrication path to the engaging surfaces of the drivers and the drive members.
US09956674B2
A replacement tool removes an old bushing or installs a new bushing in a driveshaft yoke. A fixture has a guide chamber facing a bushing bore and a first threaded passage. A traveler mounted in the fixture has a plunger received in the guide chamber and a socket that holds the bushing. The plunger has a second threaded passage aligned with the first passage and having a smaller diameter. A set screw can lock the bushing into the socket. A removal bolt with a shaft matching the second passage is inserted through both passages. Turning of the removal bolt retracts the traveler and extracts the bushing. The tool is reconfigured with an installation bolt in the first passage only. A push plug is placed in the guide chamber to transfer force from the installation bolt to the plunger during turning of the installation bolt to press fit a new bushing.
US09956673B2
A tightening tool such as a torque wrench is provided in which electric power can be fed to an electronic circuit with eliminating the need for a battery and achieving daily maintenance-free. In the tightening tool, when a tightening torque has reached a set torque value and a torque limiter is actuated, an electronic circuit unit that has obtained a detection signal outputted from a torque limiter actuation detection unit outputs a tightening completion signal. The tightening tool has a power generation unit for feeding electric power to the electronic circuit unit at least during the actuation of the torque limiter. The power generation unit performs photovoltaic power generation, electromagnetic induction power generation, power generation by conversion from mechanical energy into electrical energy, or temperature difference power generation.
US09956672B2
A screw tightening tool includes a case body, a tool member, and a switching portion. The case body includes a guide portion configured such that a head portion of a screw is inserted therein. The tool member includes an engaging portion including a bit portion configured to engage with the head portion. The switching portion supports the tool member. The switching portion is configured to switch a position of the tool member among a first position, a second position, and a third position. The first position is a position in which the bit portion protrudes to an outside from the case body. The second position is a position in which the bit portion protrudes to the outside from the case body and that is different from the first position. The third position is a position in which the case body houses the bit portion.
US09956667B2
A coated cutting tool having a substrate and a surface coating, wherein the coating includes a Ti(C,N) layer of at least one columnar fine-grained MTCVD Ti(C,N) layer with an average grain width of 0.05-0.2 μm and an atomic ratio of carbon to the sum of carbon and nitrogen (C/(C+N)) contained in the MTCVD Ti(C,N) layer is in average 0.50-0.65.
US09956662B2
Method and apparatus for sharpening a cutting tool. In some embodiments, an abrasive endless belt is rotated in tension along a neutral plane between spaced apart first and second rollers. A guide assembly has spaced apart first and second guide surfaces which collectively converge to an intervening base surface to form a guide channel. Upon insertion of a blade of a cutting tool into the guide channel, a selected side of the blade contactingly slides against at least a selected one of the first or second guide surfaces and a first portion of a cutting edge of the blade contactingly engages the base surface to serve as a plunge depth limit stop for the blade. The endless belt is contactingly deflected by a second portion of the cutting edge away from the neutral plane to sharpen the second portion while the first portion remains in contact with the base surface.
US09956653B2
A method of manufacture of a cladding body for an edge of an aerofoil, the method including the step of providing a core member shaped to include an elongate recess portion for mounting on the edge of the aerofoil, the elongate recess portion being shaped across its width to define a smoothly curved concave surface. A support member is provided; the support member has a support portion for complementary engagement with the recess portion. Both the support member and the core member are arranged between a pair of opposing membranes. The core member is bonded to each of the pair of membranes to form an intermediate cladding body, wherein the recess portion of the core member is arranged to engage, at least during the bonding step, the support portion to be supported thereby. At least the membranes are shaped using a hot forming process.
US09956647B2
A welded assembly includes a first sheet and a second sheet. The second sheet is disposed over a portion of the first sheet and defines an overlap portion between the first and second sheets. A weld fastening the second sheet to the first sheet in the overlap area connects the second sheet to the first sheet for distributing stress uniformly across a welded portion of the overlap area.
US09956645B2
In a first embodiment, at a time of magnetic pulse welding, a stepped tube profile machining process axially bores a walled tube from an end inward to a transition depth to form a section with a reduced wall thickness and then axially bores the walled tube from the transition depth to a fall off depth, thereby forming a section with a maximized welding wall section. In a second embodiment, also at a time of magnetic pulse welding, a surface angle tube profile machining process axially bores at a surface angle a walled tube from an end to a bore length to form an angular welding wall thickness inward to a maximized wall section. For both embodiments, the bored surfaces are virgin with no pits, oil, residue, or oxidation thereon, thus making the machined walled tubes available for immediate magnetic pulse welding.
US09956643B2
Provided is a pressure applying unit used in baking a metal particle paste of an assembled body formed by arranging an electronic part on a substrate with the metal particle paste interposed therebetween by heating the assembled body while applying pressure to the assembled body using a pair of heating parts. The pressure applying unit includes: a pair of transferring members which transfers pressure and heat to the assembled body by sandwiching the assembled body therebetween; guide members which movably connect the pair of transferring members to each other; and a distance adjusting mechanism being configured to make the second transferring member separated from the assembled body during a pressure non-applying time and brings both the first transferring member and the second transferring member into contact with the assembled body during a pressure applying time.
US09956638B2
An electric arc welder having an inverter with a waveform generator that generates a welding waveform with a waveform period and a root mean square (RMS) level for maintaining a stable short welding arc based on at least a cored welding electrode. The electric arc welder having a circuit to adjust a wave balance of the welding waveform to maintain the stable short welding arc, where the wave balance is a ratio between a period of a positive portion of the welding waveform and the waveform period.
US09956631B2
A machine for machining a workpiece having a first central longitudinal axis passing through a workpiece plane that is disposed orthogonally relative to the first central longitudinal axis is provided. The machine includes a chuck or fixture on which the workpiece is disposable, a grinding spindle having a body, a wheel supporting an abrasive and an insulator electrically isolating the wheel from the body, the wheel being operable to remove material from the workpiece, the grinding spindle having a second central longitudinal axis about which the grinding spindle rotates, the second central longitudinal axis of the grinding spindle passing through the workpiece in the workpiece plane so as to create a continuous gear tooth on the workpiece and an electrochemical grinding (ECG) element configured to execute ECG processing on the grinding spindle and the workpiece to soften the workpiece as the gear tooth is being created by the grinding spindle.
US09956630B2
A wire electric discharge machine performs electric discharge machining on a workpiece by relatively moving a workpiece placed on a workpiece table and a wire electrode supported by upper and lower wire guides according to a machining program. The wire electric discharge machine comprises an interference determination unit configured to determine whether or not the top or bottom surface of the workpiece table interferes with the wire electrode at the height of the surface during the execution of the machining program.
US09956629B2
A method and apparatus for forming a fastener for an aircraft. An annealed titanium alloy is provided with about 5.50 to about 6.75 weight percent aluminum, about 3.50 to about 4.50 weight percent vanadium, more than 0.20 weight percent oxygen, and more than 0.30 weight percent iron. Operations are performed to form the fastener for the aircraft from the annealed titanium alloy.
US09956621B2
The invention relates to a tool holding device comprising a tool holding body for securing, in a fixed manner, a rotary tool comprising a shaft, provided with a clamping section and a receiving opening for the shall of the tool, a coolant feeding device for pressurized fluid, at least one coolant guiding device for guiding the coolant into a clamped tool shaft. The coolant guiding device is designed as at least one flat groove on an inner side of the receiving opening, joining to the front side on a free end of the tool holding body and directly adjacent to the tool shaft in the surroundings of the tool holding device or a coolant storing chamber and or collecting chamber is provided in the region of the free end of the tool holding body, to which the at least one coolant guiding device joins. The coolant storing chamber and or collecting chamber is connected by means of an annular gap to the surroundings of the tool holder device. The coolant storing chamber and/or collecting chamber and the annular gap are defined at least partially by the work shaft.
US09956620B2
The invention relates to a readjustment system that comprises an advancing head, wherein a tool can be moved in an advancing direction by a tool slide which is adjusted by means of at least one piezo actuator.
US09956619B2
A cutting tool includes a cutting insert that is held in a holder in a detachable manner. The cutting insert has a substantially regular quadrangular shape in plan view and includes four round corners. The cutting insert is formed of CBN sinter as a whole. The cutting insert includes two principal surfaces that are upper and lower surfaces opposite to each other, and four side surfaces that are arranged so as to connect the principal surfaces to each other. A boundary portion (ridge line portion) between each of the principal surfaces and each of the side surfaces forms a cutting edge. In a central portion of each of the side surfaces of the cutting insert, a groove for absorbing a crack, having a substantially V-shape in cross section, is formed all around the cutting insert so as to be recessed with respect to the side surfaces.
US09956601B2
A pilot assembly includes a body portion including an outer surface and an opening defined in the outer surface. A pilot is configured for extending through an alignment hole in a sheet of material and is coupled with the body portion. A shaft of the pilot extends through the opening and beyond the outer surface. A stripper includes a bushing and a resilient biasing member. The bushing is configured for moving with respect to the main body portion and the pilot to push the sheet of material off of the pilot. The resilient biasing member is situated within the body portion and is compressed when the bushing engages the sheet of material.
US09956587B2
A fabrication assembly comprises an apparatus that receives a composite substrate and a glass substrate having a surface with a release coating layer. A resin layer is deposited between the composite and glass substrates such that a first portion of the resin layer is positioned adjacent to a surface of the composite substrate and a second portion of the resin layer is positioned adjacent to the surface with the release coating layer to prevent aperture(s) from forming. A curing of the resin layer is conducted using electromagnetic radiation. A post-processing chamber receives the resin layer positioned between the composite substrate and the glass substrate and conducts another curing of the resin layer. The resin layer and the composite substrate are released from the glass substrate. Another deposition apparatus receives the resin layer and the composite substrate. A metallic coating is deposited to form a composite mirror object.
US09956582B2
A sealant applying apparatus includes a fastener rotating unit which supports a fastener to be rotatable around a central axis, and a sealant discharging unit which applies a sealant to the fastener by discharging the sealant. The fastener rotating unit includes a first holding member and a second holding member which hold the fastener to be rotatable, and a base which supports the first and second holding members. The first holding member is installed to the base to be exchangeable.
US09956580B2
A mask for masking a component at an annular boundary comprises a wall (90, 92) having an inner first rim portion having a first inner diameter (D1) and an outward rebate (140) adjacent the first rim portion.
US09956577B2
The disclosure relates to a paint system for coating components with a coating medium, in particular a painting system for painting motor vehicle bodywork components with a paint, comprising at least one pneumatic pump for circulating paint in the system. The pneumatic pump includes a feed air connection for feeding in a feed air stream for mechanically powering the pump and an exhaust air connection for conducting away a depressurised, cold exhaust air stream. The cold exhaust stream passing through a first heat exchanger where the heat exchanger cools a medium in a cooling circuit and the medium cools a heat-sensitive component. The heat sensitive component can be the paint circulation lines or a protective housing for the robot.
US09956570B2
A device for treating objects, wherein a gap is formed between two wall sections of a treatment chamber. At least one respective component of at least one first and one second working device which can move along the gap, extends from an outer region outside of the treatment chamber through the gap into the treatment chamber. A covering assembly seals the gap in the wall of the treatment chamber, apart from a first through opening and a second through opening, through which the component of the first working device or the component of the second working device extend, and which follow a movement of the component of the first working device or the component of the second working device along the gap. A covering band running on the gap is secured to a first and to a second securing side of the first working device, said first and second securing sides facing one another in the longitudinal direction of the gap. A diverting device, directs the covering band from the first securing side to the second securing side of the first working device, and also from the first securing side of the first working device to the second working device, where it is lifted away from the gap using a lifting device and directed past the second working device.
US09956568B2
A paint guard for protecting a stair covering during the painting of a skirtboard on a staircase, the paint guard having a plurality of interconnected and generally perpendicular planar surfaces, including a surface for covering a portion of a stair tread, a surface for covering a portion of a stair riser, and a plurality of surfaces for covering the edges of the stair covering nearest the skirtboard. The paint guard also includes a concave portion attached to the surface for covering a portion of a stair tread, the concave portion covering a forward edge portion of a staircase tread. The paint guard is either rigidly made or constructed of a durable material that can be bent and folded into the final shape, and is adjustable in size to fit on staircases of varying dimension.
US09956566B2
A coating material is uniformly applied on an inner wall surface of a container while preventing leakage of the coating material and an increase in an installation space. An application apparatus (10) that applies a coating material (L) on an inner wall surface of a container (C) includes: a spray gun (20) having a spray nozzle (22); an outgoing pipe (30) and a return pipe (33); a supply control unit (50); a rotary drive unit (60); and a moving unit (70), wherein the outgoing pipe (30) and the return pipe (33) are each provided with a resilient-shape part (32, 35) capable of extending and contracting resiliently.
US09956563B1
A process for separating clean water which has an impurities content of less than 100 ppm from waste materials such as farm manure is disclosed. In a first step, a plate separator splits the waste material stream into a first effluent fraction and a first solids fraction. The first solids fraction then undergoes two stages of pressing to increase the solids contents to about 30 to 40 percent which makes it suitable for granulation or pelletizing. The first effluent fraction is treated in successive stages with various chemical agents resulting in the removal of most of the solids and inorganic impurities from the effluent to achieve drinkable water purity.
US09956558B2
Reconfigurable microfluidic systems are based on networks of microfluidic cavities connected by hydrophobic microfluidic channels. Each cavity is classified as either a reservoir or a node, and includes a pressure port via which gas pressure may be applied. Sequences of gas pressures, applied to reservoirs and nodes according to a fluid transfer rule, enable fluid to be moved from any reservoir to any other reservoir in a system. Such systems are suitable for automated, multi-input, multi-output homogeneous assays.
US09956547B2
The invention relates to a method for preparing polyglycerol, comprising —providing a catalyst salt on a support, the catalyst salt having catalytic activity with respect to an etherification reaction of a polyol selected from the group of glycerol and oligoglycerols, —contacting the catalyst salt on the support with a fluid phase comprising a polyol selected from the group of glycerol and oligoglycerols, —and subjecting the polyol in the fluid phase to an etherification reaction in the presence of the catalyst salt, thereby forming the polyglycerol.
US09956541B2
Methods are provided herein for separating an aromatic compound from a lube base stock by contacting a lube base stock containing an aromatic compound with an organosilica material.
US09956538B2
The invention relates to macro- and micro-liquid marbles (i.e. droplets of liquid with a particulate-based shell), and in particular, to photo-responsive macro- and micro-liquid marbles encapsulating a substance therein. Methods for forming the macro- and micro-liquid marbles, and use of the macro- and micro-liquid marbles, in controlled release applications are also disclosed.
US09956535B2
A container for accommodating high-viscosity materials, such as liquid concrete. The container has at least one bearing sleeve, which extends through a wall opening and is fastened in the container wall in a liquid-tight manner. A shaft extends through the bearing sleeve in such a way that an annular gap is left open. A shaft seal, which bridges the annular gap and is made of elastomeric material, is located at the container-interior end of the bearing sleeve. A lubricant is applied to the annular gap from the container exterior. The invention is characterized in that the shaft seal has, on the side thereof radially facing the shaft, a conveying thread that supports the conveying of the lubricant in the direction of the container interior, which conveying thread advantageously communicates with the container interior via a check valve open to the container interior.
US09956511B2
The present invention provides methods and systems for a reusable water filter cartridge that includes a top portion with a pair of spaced apart bores for receiving an elongate member that is inserted through the bores, and a bottom portion selectively secured to the top portion and including a cavity. A filter element is contained within the cavity.
US09956508B2
A method and means are described for rapidly evacuating trapped air from the top of a top-loaded liquid filter housing. An air vent means is provided that prevents complete sealing between a bypass valve and a sealing surface on an endcap of a replaceable filter element. The air vent means enables the rapid evacuation of trapped air in the top of the housing chamber, but permits only a negligible flow rate of liquid, for example oil, through the air vent means once air is evacuated due to high viscosity ratio of liquid, such as oil, versus air.
US09956490B2
A system and method are described for storing program code and data within an application hosting center. For example, one embodiment of a computer-implemented method comprises: subdividing program code and/or data used to execute an online application into a first type and a second type; storing program code and data of the first type in a first type of memory, the first type of memory providing relatively low latency memory access; storing program code and data of the second type in a second type of memory, the second type of memory providing relatively higher latency memory access compared to the first type of memory; retrieving program code and data from the first memory and the second memory in response to a client request to execute an online application; and transmitting a streaming interactive video stream representing images generated by the application to the client.
US09956473B2
A personal transportation vehicle comprises a carrier, a control device, a first pair of wheels and a second pair of wheels, wherein the first pair of wheels are fixed in a direction and the second pair of wheels are mounted on swivels disposed below the carrier, each of the first pair of wheels and the second pair of wheels comprises a first wheel and a second wheel, and the first pair of wheels and the second pair of wheels are arranged aligned and parallel to each other below the carrier, a first controller, a first driving device for driving the first wheel of the first pair of wheels, a second controller and a second driving device for driving the second wheel of the first pair of wheels. The control device is configured to transmit signals to the first controller and the second controller to control the first driving device and the second driving device, such that the second pair of wheels are swiveled and driven by a difference between the rotational speeds of the first wheel and the second wheel of the first pair of wheels to determine a movement direction of the transportation vehicle.
US09956472B2
A standing-ride type moving device includes: a board; wheels that are disposed on right and left sides of a front side and a rear side in a traveling direction of the board; drive units that is configured to independently rotationally drive the wheels disposed on the front side in the traveling direction of the board; a first sensor that is configured to detect a shift in the center of gravity of the rider riding the board; a steering board that is disposed on the front side in the traveling direction of the board; a second sensor that that is configured to acquire rotation information of the steering board; and a control unit that is configured to control the drive units.
US09956469B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices, systems, and methods for measuring values obtained from one or more sensors installed on a player's tennis racket and/or worn on the player's body, and using those values to calculate various parameters, such as the physical position and motion of the tennis racket. Embodiments may translate the parameters and derive one or more occurrences corresponding to phases of a tennis point or drill and then generate real-time audible, visual, and/or haptic coaching prompts and other related commands and signals, for the purpose of improving a player's motor skills. Embodiments may also send and receive messages to/from other embodiments, thereby permitting a player to interact with other players, coaches, or devices, such as ball machines and cameras.
US09956466B2
The present invention discloses an elasticity adjustment structure of physical training device which comprise one elastomer adjustment set; said elastomer adjustment set further comprises one first elastomer and one second elastomer. Overlapping the said second elastomer and said first elastomer with different rigidities at different depth positions to create a smooth elastic curve of said elastomer adjustment set; as a result the elasticity of said elasticity adjustment structure may be adjusted in accordance with different needs.
US09956464B2
A ball bat barrel has an interior surface and a luminescent layer on the interior surface. The luminescent layer, upon being charged, emits light that indicates tampering with the interior surface.
US09956461B2
A set 2 includes two or more iron type golf clubs 4 having loft angles different from each other. Each club 4 includes a shaft sf, a head hd, and a grip gp. The head hd includes a top surface 10, a sole surface 12, and a face surface 14 having a face line gv. The sole surface 12 includes a leading edge E1 and a trailing edge E2. In a planar view of the sole surface 12, the trailing edge E2 is curved so as to project toward a face side. A sole width WSt at a toe reference position is decreased as the loft angle is increased. A sole width WSh at a heel reference position is decreased as the loft angle is increased.
US09956457B2
An apparatus is provided, which includes a plurality of elongated strands having joinder regions uniting adjacent strands at a distance along a length of an outer perimeter of the elongated strands, the elongate strands being configured to couple together for a distance along their lengths. The elongated strands form a surface of a mesh when the joinder regions are coupled. The apparatus may further include a manducable protrusion coupled to the mesh and extending a distance away from an exterior surface of the mesh.
US09956455B1
A golf ball with a core comprising polybutadiene and graphene is disclosed herein. The golf ball has a single core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. Alternatively, the golf ball has a dual core with an inner core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. Alternatively, the golf ball has a dual core with an outer core comprising polybutadiene and graphene.
US09956453B2
Golf balls according to the present invention achieve flight symmetry and overall satisfactory flight performance due to a dimple volume ratio that is equivalent between opposing hemispheres despite the use of different dimple geometries on the opposing hemispheres.
US09956447B2
New high molecular weight fluoropolymers (fluoropolymer surfactants) are provided that are useful in compositions for use as fire extinguishing concentrates. The fluoropolymers contain C4-C6 perfluoroalkyl groups, and substantially lack perfluoroalkyl groups containing more than 6 fluorine-substituted carbon atoms.
US09956435B2
This invention provides novel injectable compositions comprising botulinum toxin that may be administered to a subject for various therapeutic, aesthetic and/or cosmetic purposes. The injectable compositions contemplated by the invention exhibit one or more advantages over conventional botulinum toxin formulations, including reduced antigenicity, a reduced tendency to undergo unwanted localized diffusion following injection, increased duration of clinical efficacy or enhanced potency relative, faster onset of clinical efficacy, and/or improved stability.
US09956432B2
Compositions and methods are disclosed for preventing or reducing loss of color from color-treated keratin fibers by forming a water-resistant coating on hair comprise a combination of a hydrophobic particulate material comprising a hydrophobically surface-modified oxide and one or more hydrophobic film formers in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle.
US09956431B2
Disclosed is an ultrasonic oscillator that heats a target using ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic oscillator includes: a plurality of ultrasonic oscillation elements that oscillates the ultrasonic waves; a retention portion that retains the plurality of ultrasonic oscillation elements in a state where the ultrasonic oscillation elements are arranged along a concave thereof opposing the heating target; and a controller that controls the ultrasonic oscillation elements so as to oscillate the ultrasonic waves.
US09956426B2
Provided herein are lanthanide-containing upconverting nanoparticles, methods of their preparation, compositions, and methods of using the same. The polymers and compositions provided herein may be used, for example, in photodynamic therapy.
US09956423B2
An extra-cardiovascular implantable cardioverter defibrillator senses R-waves from a first cardiac electrical signal by a first sensing channel and stores a time segment of a second cardiac electrical signal in response to each sensed R-wave. The ICD determines intervals between successively sensed R-waves and, in response to at least a predetermined number of the intervals being less than a tachyarrhythmia detection interval, analyzes at least a portion of the time segment of the second cardiac electrical signal corresponding to a most recent one of the sensed R-waves to confirm the most recent one of the R-waves. The ICD updates an unconfirmed beat count in response to the most recent one of the R-waves not being confirmed and withholds detection of a tachyarrhythmia episode in response to the unconfirmed beat count being equal to or greater than a rejection threshold.
US09956419B2
A system for identifying potential portions of a body in which electrical stimulation to treat a condition or disorder affects at least one symptom of the condition or disorder, stimulation effect, or side effect performs the following acts: obtaining, for each of multiple stimulation instances, an estimation of a region of the body stimulated during the stimulation instance and a score for each of at least one symptom, stimulation effect, or stimulation side effect; and determining, for each of multiple portions of the body using the scores and the estimates in a permutation test, a likelihood that stimulation of that portion of the body affects at least one symptom, stimulation effect, or stimulation side effect. In other embodiments, the system sets up a relationship between the outcomes of stimulation and influence of a particular part of the body on the outcome, and derives this influence using a pseudoinverse.
US09956409B2
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system having a recharging system with self alignment, a system for mapping current fields using a completely wireless system, multiple independent electrode stimulation outsource, and control through software on Smartphone/mobile device and tablet hardware during trial and permanent implants. SCS system can include multiple electrodes, multiple, independently programmable, stimulation channels within an implantable pulse generator (IPG) providing concurrent, but unique stimulation fields. SCS system can include a replenishable power source, rechargeable using transcutaneous power transmissions between antenna coil pairs. An external charger unit, having its own rechargeable battery, can charge the IPG replenishable power source. A real-time clock can provide an auto-run schedule for daily stimulation. A bi-directional telemetry link informs the patient or clinician the status of the system, including the state of charge of the IPG battery. Other processing circuitry in current IPG allows electrode impedance measurements to be made.
US09956404B2
In one example, a method including generating electrical stimulation therapy with a frequency of approximately 500 hertz or greater, and controlling delivery of the electrical stimulation therapy to a patient via a medical device between at least one of contractions of a bladder or contractions of a bowel of a patient, wherein the electrical stimulation therapy comprises electrical stimulation therapy configured to inhibit contraction of the bladder when the electrical stimulation is delivered between the contractions of the bladder, wherein the electrical stimulation therapy comprises electrical stimulation therapy configured to inhibit contraction of the bowel when the electrical stimulation is delivered between the contractions of the bowel, and wherein at least one of the generating and controlling is performed via one or more processors.
US09956403B2
An active transdermal medicament patch includes a planar substrate with a therapeutic face releasably retainable against the skin of a patient. A return electrode and a medicament matrix susceptible to permeation by medicament are secured at separated locations on the therapeutic face and electrically conductively engage the skin. A detector monitors iontophoretic medicament migration into the skin. An integrator operating on the output of the detector produces a running cumulative total of the amount of medicament delivered during a plurality of temporally non-contiguous therapy subsessions. A circuit breaker terminates medicament migration, when the output of the integrator equals a predetermined medicament quantity. A timer active during medicament migration stimulates a driver to operate a light-emitting diode in a distinct delivery confirmation mode during each a sequence of non-overlapping predetermined therapy subsessions, respectively. A circuit board on the substrate in a compact, folded state bears interconnected electrical circuit components.
US09956397B2
Described herein are polymer formulations for facilitating electrical stimulation of nasal or sinus tissue. The polymer formulations may be hydrogels that are prepared by a UV cross-linking process. The hydrogels may be included as a component of nasal stimulator devices that electrically stimulate the lacrimal gland to improve tear production and treat dry eye. Additionally, devices and methods for manufacturing the nasal stimulators, including shaping of the hydrogel, are described herein.
US09956396B2
A thin film for a lead for brain applications includes at least one section comprising a high conductive metal and a low conductive metal, whereby the low conductive metal is a biocompatible metal and has a lower electrical conductivity than the high conductive metal and whereby the high conductive metal is at least partially encapsulated by the low conductive metal. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a thin film for a lead for brain applications and a deep brain stimulation system.
US09956395B2
An electrode assembly includes a substantially porous element configured to be coupled to an electrode for delivery of electrical current to a patient in a neurostimulation procedure. The substantially porous material defining a contact surface, of which at least a portion contacts the patient during the neurostimulation procedure. A first insulating member is coupled to the substantially porous element and exposed at the contact surface to prevent a portion of the contact surface from contacting the patient to deliver the electrical current during the neurostimulation procedure.
US09956390B2
An implantable lead connector configured for long term implantation and to electrically interconnect multiple medical devices and to channel electrical signals between said interconnected devices and a target organ, comprising: a first port adapted to receive a first signal suitable to stimulate a target tissue, a second port adapted to receive a second signal suitable to stimulate a target tissue, and a third port configured to connect to a target organ, wherein at least one of said first and second ports is configured to connect to a signal generator not integrated with said connector.
US09956386B2
A drug delivery system that can be deployed from a catheter and retained within the bladder for delivery of treatment drug solutions over a period of time. The delivery system includes an inflatable or expandable delivery element that can be collapsed within the catheter tip for navigation into the bladder before being inflated or expanded within the bladder. The inflated or expanded delivery element can engage the bladder walls or sized to be too large to be passed from the bladder such that the delivery element is retained within the bladder after inflation or expansion to administer a treatment drug solution over an extended period of time.
US09956369B2
A mouthpiece having a vestibular shield overlapping a user's teeth and gums, a gases passageway extending through the vestibular shield allowing for the passage of the gases through the mouthpiece and an extra oral sealing member is associated with the gases passageway. The passageway in use causes gases to be diffused when exiting from the gases passageway. The mouthpiece may have a noseflap to seal the user's nose or provide a passageway for the user's nasal passages. The mouthpiece may have an adjustment arrangement to alter a distance between the vestibular shield and the extra-oral sealing member.
US09956356B2
A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.
US09956354B2
Disclosed is a nozzle device and a minimally invasive injection device, and the nozzle device for a minimally invasive injection device according to an exemplary embodiment includes an outlet to generate a microjet of a liquid, and an injection part of a micro-scale size connected to the outlet and adapted to be inserted into a skin tissue to a preset depth.
US09956353B2
Exemplary embodiments provide automatic injection devices in which a shroud is automatically deployed to protectively sheath a needle after an injection is performed. Exemplary embodiments also provide shroud deployment assemblies including a shroud and a syringe carrier that, when cooperatively configured in an automatic injection device, ensure that the shroud is automatically and completely deployed after an injection is performed using the automatic injection device. Exemplary embodiments are also configured to ensure that, once the shroud is deployed to an extended position to sheath the needle, accidental forces applied to the shroud do not succeed in subsequently retracting the shroud to a retracted position in which the needle would become exposed.
US09956345B2
Exemplary embodiments provide wearable automatic injection devices for administering a therapeutic agent to a patient's body at fast, controlled rates, for example, in a single fast bolus. Exemplary embodiments also provide methods for assembling wearable automatic injection devices for administering a therapeutic agent to a patient at fast, controlled rates. Exemplary embodiments also provide methods for using wearable automatic injection devices for administering a therapeutic agent to a patient at fast, controlled rates.
US09956344B2
An autoinjector including: a housing, in which can be mounted a syringe (28) having a plunger, a barrel and needle (19) at one end thereof through which medicament can be delivered to an injection site,—a syringe support means (30) capable of causing said syringe to move along an axial path with respect to said housing; biasing means capable of biasing said syringe support means so that said needle is normally inside said housing; and engagement means (180) selectively moveable by a user from a first position in which rearward movement of the syringe along said axial path is substantially prevented when said syringe is in an extended position where at least part of said needle is out of the housing, to a second position in which rearward movement of the syringe along said axial path relative to said housing is possible and said biasing means causes said needle to retract inside said housing; wherein said housing includes an outer housing (16) and said autoinjector further comprises a sleeve (18) intermediate the syringe support means and said outer housing that is capable of moving the engagement means between said first and second positions by rotating said sleeve about a longitudinal axis of said autoinjector between a first rotational position and a second rotational position; and wherein the sleeve is moveable between said first and second rotational positions by moving said outer housing with respect to the sleeve in a substantially axial direction.
US09956333B2
A ventricular assist device includes a pump such as an axial flow pump, an outflow cannula connected to the outlet of the pump, and an anchor element. The anchor element is physically connected to the pump, as by an elongated element. The pump is implanted within the left ventricle with the outflow cannula projecting through the aortic valve but desirably terminating short of the aortic arch. The anchor element is fixed to the wall of the heart near the apex of the heart so that the anchor element holds the pump and outflow cannula in position.
US09956331B2
A device for expressing human breast milk has a breast shield for bearing against a mother's breast, a vacuum pump for generating a vacuum, a line which connects the vacuum pump to the breast shield and is intended for transmitting the vacuum generated to the breast shield, and a chamber. The line ends on the pump side in a first port of the chamber. The chamber has a second port for connection to a milk collecting container. The two ports in the chamber are connected to each other in terms of fluid communication. During the expressing operation, the line forms a milk line for transporting breast milk expressed in the breast shield to the chamber and from the chamber to the milk collecting container. The pump can be designed to be quiet and small.
US09956322B2
A material that is less populated by biofilms than known materials and is well tolerated by the body is provided. The material is an element introducible into or attachable on a human or animal body and includes a glass and/or glass ceramic and/or ceramic material at least in some areas thereof, which inhibits the formation of biofilms and/or on which human or animal cells grow if the element is introduced into the human or animal body or attached thereto, wherein the glass and/or glass ceramic material comprises at least: SiO2 in a range from 60 to 75 wt % and ZnO in a range from 1 to 7 wt %.
US09956316B2
Methods for treating tissue matrices and tissue matrices produced according to the methods are provided. The methods can include treating a tissue matrix with a proteolytic enzyme to produce a desired pliability of the tissue matrix.
US09956293B2
The present invention provides pharmacological compounds including an effector moiety conjugated to a binding moiety that directs the effector moiety to a biological target of interest. Likewise, the present invention provides compositions, kits, and methods (e.g., therapeutic, diagnostic, and imaging) including the compounds. The compounds can be described as a protein interacting binding moiety-drug conjugate (SDC-TRAP) compounds, which include a protein interacting binding moiety and an effector moiety. For example, in certain embodiments directed to treating cancer, the SDC-TRAP can include an Hsp90 inhibitor conjugated to a cytotoxic agent as the effector moiety.
US09956292B2
The present invention relates to, in part, methods and compositions for the treatment of methanogen-associated disorders such as, for example, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Particularly, modified-release formulations comprising at least one antimethanogenic statin are provided which release the antimethanogenic statin in the intestines.
US09956281B2
The present invention is directed at a composition comprising a live swine flu virus having an infectious component and a plurality of surface antigens in contact with a formaldehyde donor agent having a molecular weight that is less than about 400 g/mol. Preferably, the formaldehyde donor agent is selected from a non-crosslinking chemical fixative that contains urea.
US09956270B2
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing a disease related to abnormal suppression of regulatory T cell activity comprising a polypeptide comprising a bee venom-PLA2 amino acid sequence exclusive of a leader sequence as an active ingredient. The secretory bee venom-phospholipase A2 of the present invention activates a regulatory T cell and suppress a differentiation of Th1/Th7. Therefore, the present polypeptide can be used as a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing a disease related to abnormal suppression of regulatory T cell activity, i.e. autoimmune diseases, allergic diseases, or neurodegenerative diseases.
US09956267B2
C-natriuretic peptide (CNP) has been shown to regulate proliferation of mouse and rat osteoblasts. Genetic deletion of CNP results in dwarfism. CNP effects on bone growth involve inhibition of MEK 1 and ERK 1/2 kinases mediated via the intracellular messenger cyclic GMP. Vessel dilator is another natriuretic peptide synthesized by the atrial natriuretic peptide gene whose biologic half-life is 12 times longer than CNP. Vessel dilator's biologic effects on proliferating cells are mediated via inhibiting MEK 1/2 and ERK 1/2 kinases via cyclic GMP. Vessel dilator was not studied previously on osteoblasts. CNP and vessel dilator were tested in dose-response studies enhanced human osteoblasts' proliferation, showing that vessel dilator has identical mechanisms of action to CNP but much longer biologic half-life and effects at lower concentrations. Vessel dilator exhibited therapeutic effect for use in human achondroplasia, short stature and osteoporosis by stimulating osteoblast proliferation.
US09956256B2
The present invention relates to a novel bacteriophage ΦCJ26 (KCCM11464P) and a composition comprising the same as an active ingredient. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for preventing and/or treating infectious diseases caused by Salmonella by using the bacteriophage ΦCJ26 (KCCM11464P) or the composition.
US09956255B1
The present invention describes a method to reduce body weight, fat accumulation and adipocyte size by administering the probiotic bacterium Parabacteroides goldsteinii. This probiotic bacterium can therefore be used to treat obesity in animals and humans.
US09956236B2
The invention provides, e.g., compositions and methods for increasing activation of immune cells.
US09956234B2
Oral dosage forms of osteoclast inhibitors, such as neridronic acid and zoledronic acid, in an acid or a salt form can be used to treat or alleviate pain or related conditions, such as joint pain.
US09956231B1
The application provides formulations for the topical administration of an active agent comprising at least one steroid, in the form of topical sprays that are propellant-free, and/or substantially non-foaming, and/or alcohol-free. The present application also provides processes for preparing such compositions and methods of using them in management of skin diseases or disorders such as psoriasis, dermatoses, and other associated skin diseases or disorders.
US09956227B2
The disclosure provides the use of particular substituted heterocycle fused gamma-carboline compounds as pharmaceuticals for the treatment of residual symptoms of psychosis or schizophrenia. The disclosure also provides novel long acting injectable formulations of particular substituted heterocycle fused gamma-carboline compounds and use of such long acting injectable formulations for the treatment of residual symptoms of psychosis or schizophrenia.
US09956224B2
Described herein are compounds of Formula I and Formula II, methods of their synthesis, compositions comprising the compounds, and use of the compounds and compositions in treating numerous diseases and disorders, including cognitive deficits associated with CNS diseases and disorders.
US09956214B2
The present disclosure is generally directed to compositions and methods for treating apicomplexan protozoan related disease, such as toxoplasmosis and cryptosporidiosis.
US09956202B2
The present invention relates to novel use of indolyl and indolinyl hydroxamates. Particularly, the invention relates to use of indolyl and indolinyl hydroxamates in the manufacturing a medicament or a pharmaceutical composition for treating a ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, spinal cord injury, cranial nerve injury, peripheral nerve injury and a neurodegenerative disorder or cognitive deficit.
US09956200B2
A method of using a composition including dihydroquercetin, as well as optionally α-tocopherol and/or bisabolol, for treating the effects associated with skin inflammatory disorder, such as those associated with diseases characterized by inappropriate immune response, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and/or urticaria. A process of manufacturing the composition is also described.
US09956199B2
The present invention relates to certain chromane-like cyclic prenylflavonoids, in particular the compounds of formulae (I), (II) and (III) as described and defined herein, for use in the treatment or prevention of a neurological disorder, as well as their use in promoting neuronal differentiation, neurite outgrowth and neuroprotection.
US09956194B2
This application relates to pharmaceutical compositions, comprising solabegron that are useful for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms such as, for example, overactive bladder and prostate disorders. Additionally, this application relates to methods for treating lower urinary tract symptoms utilizing the pharmaceutical compositions, comprising solabegron. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions, comprising solabegron comprise a dual release drug delivery system.
US09956192B2
Disclosed are selective histone deactylase inhibitors (HDACi) that having Formula (I). Methods of making and using these inhibitors for the treatment of cancer, in particular melanoma are also disclosed.
US09956189B2
The present invention is directed to a method of treating a subject with autism spectrum disorder by administering an acetylaminopropane sulfonate. The acetylaminopropane sulfonate may have the following formula
US09956186B2
The present disclosure relates to the use of cannabidiol (CBD) for the reduction of total convulsive seizure frequency in the treatment of “treatment-resistant epilepsy” (TRE). In particular, the disclosure relates to the use of CBD of treating TRE when the TRE is Dravet syndrome; myoclonic absence seizures or febrile infection related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES). The disclosure further relates to the use of CBD in combination with one or more anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs).
US09956185B2
The present disclosure relates to the use of cannabidiol (CBD) for the reduction of total convulsive seizure frequency in the treatment of “treatment-resistant epilepsy” (TRE). In particular, the disclosure relates to the use of CBD of treating TRE when the TRE is Dravet syndrome; myoclonic absence seizures or febrile infection related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES). The disclosure further relates to the use of CBD in combination with one or more anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs).
US09956179B2
This invention discloses a process for making nanoparticles of amphiphilic copolymers by flash precipitation. Nanoparticles may be of amphiphilic copolymer alone or may contain an additive target molecule, preferably an organic active. The inclusion of additive target molecules in amphiphilic copolymer nanoparticles can alter their water solubility characteristics, fluid dynamics, and/or stability. Changing an additive target molecule's solubility and stability in a nanoparticle can make a water insoluble compound suitable for pharmaceutical administration as well as specifically target the molecule to a specific area of a patient's body. The process affords the production of nanoparticles at high absolute active content, at high yield, high productivity, and high processing rates while using unusually low amounts of amphiphilic copolymers. Furthermore, the resulting particles exhibit sufficient stability for post processing as desired. The invention also discloses two apparatuses for the production of nanoparticles of amphiphilic copolymers by flash precipitation.
US09956166B2
There is disclosed a method for administration of a formulation of resiniferatoxin (RTX) to provide cardiac sympathetic afferent denervation when applied in an amount and concentration sufficient to chemically denervate vanilloid 1 receptor (TRPV1)-expressing CSAR (cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex) afferents. There is further disclosed a method for treating heart failure or hypertension and its related indications selected from the group consisting of increased sympatho-excitation, cardiac hypertrophy, increased left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), lung edema, and combinations thereof, comprising administering an effective amount of RTX directly to a tissue site selected from the group consisting of epicardium, a T1-T4 dorsal root ganglion and intrathecally to the T1-T4 region of the spinal column.
US09956159B2
Provided is an oil-based cosmetic comprising a siliconized polysaccharide compound, silicone emulsifier, organic modified clay mineral, carbonic acid ester, and wax. According to the present invention, a spinnable oil-based composition having exceedingly excellent adherability can be obtained by using a specific siliconized polysaccharide compound, silicone emulsifier, organic modified clay mineral, carbon dioxide ester, and wax, and if this composition is used in an eyelash cosmetic material, it is possible to obtain an eyelash cosmetic material that has excellent adherability, has an excellent long-lash effect without adding fibers, and is capable of imparting a natural finished look.
US09956148B2
The present invention provides an oil-in-water emulsion cosmetic that is excellent in the resilient and supple (in other words, firm, tensional, and elastic) feel and also excellent in the softness and moisturizing effect. The oil-in-water emulsion cosmetic of the present invention is characterized by comprising the following components:(A) 0.1 to 5 mass % of hydrogenated polyisobutene with a number average molecular weight of 2000 to 3000,(B) 0.1 to less than 1 mass % of higher alcohol,(C) 1 to 25 mass % of an oil component,(D) 0.3 to 5 mass % of surfactant,(E) 0.05 to 5 mass % of water-soluble thickener, and(F) an aqueous component,wherein the blending quantity of nonpolar oil is 30% or lower of the total amount of component (C).
US09956145B2
A low-profile visual counting system is provided and designed to count pills or other small discrete objects. This technology is vision based, which allows a pharmacist or other user to pour pills onto a counting surface in a single layer, and then the device tells the user how many pills are on that surface. The present device places the camera and preferably an infrared light source below the counting surface. This offers the unique advantage of not having to mount a camera above the counting surface which reduces the size and improves the aesthetic characteristics of such a device. The image is captured and then processed to determine the number of pills on the surface. This system may be interfaced with other networks, terminals, and existing pharmacy management systems.
US09956136B1
A quick and easy bench and a hot tub cover platform. The bench top has three support braces: one left side, one center, and one right side. The bench top is hinged to a 2×4 on a wall. There is another 2×4 lower on the wall for the left, center, and right side braces to support the bench top. There are saddles on the bottom of the bench and a lower 2×4 on wall for the braces to support the bench. The top of the hot tub platform consists of 5-2×4's screwed to 4 stringers running perpendicular to the 5-2×4's and supported on the backside by 4 vertical 2×4's with a cross brace 2×4 at the bottom and top. The platform is attached to the hot tub skirt by a 2×4 screwed on the tub skirt.
US09956134B2
In some embodiments, a method may include clearing a biological airway. The method may include positioning an inner wearable harness on a torso of a subject. The method may include selectively positioning at least some of a plurality of engines on and/or adjacent at least one treatment area. At least one of the plurality of engines may be releasably couplable to the inner wearable harness. The method may include positioning an outer wearable harness on a torso of a subject. The method may include applying an oscillation force to at least one of the treatment areas using at least some of the plurality of engines. The method may include adjusting the applied oscillation force to the treatment area by activating the outer wearable harness. The method may include mobilizing at least some secretions in an airway within the subject substantially adjacent the at least one treatment area.
US09956125B2
An absorbent article has a back sheet with an absorbent core disposed on a body side of the back sheet. On a back side of the back sheet, there is provided a substrate carrying a conductive pattern as a liquid discharge detection circuit that is able to be connected to an electric potential generator for performing liquid discharge detection. At least one or a plurality of holes is formed through the back sheet to communicate portions of the conductive pattern with the absorbent core. Longitudinally adjacent pairs of the revealed portions of the conductive pattern form liquid discharge detection zones for detecting liquid discharge in the absorbent core. The detection zones are longitudinally distributed with respect to the absorbent core.
US09956122B2
A method of manufacturing a liner/composite web for use in an absorbent article includes joining a leg elastic member to a web moving in a machine direction and joining a flap elastic member to the web. The flap elastic member is spaced from the leg elastic member. The web is folded to form a leg and flap elastics composite including an outer side edge. The web is joined to a substrate to form the liner/composite web. The liner/composite web is joined to a web of material such that the outer side edge of the leg and flap elastics composite is coterminous with one of a pair of laterally opposing side edges of the web of material.
US09956121B2
A method and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound. The apparatus comprises an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate, a liquid impermeable, gas permeable filter layer over the absorbent layer, a cover layer comprising at least one orifice and a first liquid and gas permeable transmission layer underlying the absorbent layer. The transmission layer is in fluid communication with the filter layer.
US09956112B2
A device for warming a human body. The device is a gown that has a body with a thorax portion and a leg portion. One embodiment prevents redistribution hypothermia with a distributor attached to the inside of the leg portion. The sleeves, leg portion, and posterior of the gown are heat reflective. The anterior of the thorax portion of the gown is non-reflective. The distributor inflates when heated air is supplied. The distributor exhausts air into the gown. Temperature is maintained at a desired level for the extremities, while preventing the thorax area from being elevated to an uncomfortable level. Another embodiment is a perioperative warming device. The device is a gown that has a thorax portion and a leg portion. Each portion has an independent air chamber and inlet. The two portions are releasably connected. The sleeves, leg portion, and anterior of the gown are heat reflective.
US09956111B2
The invention is generally a dental appliance that, in exemplary embodiments, includes a mandibular advancement mouthpiece equipped with a tongue-securing mechanism. The dental appliance helps to keep a user's airway unobstructed by moving the mandible forward with respect to the maxilla, and securing a tip portion of the tongue slightly anterior to the mandible, so that the tongue is held from falling back into the throat. This invention helps alleviate problems including severe snoring and sleep apnea, which are typically caused by the tongue obstructing the airway at the throat, impeding respiration during sleep or when unconscious. In an exemplary embodiment, the dental appliance comprises of maxillary and mandibular components that make up a mouthpiece, which is configured to circumscribe a tongue retaining mechanism, or tongue sleeve that secures a user's tongue in place.
US09956108B2
A sock assembly for correcting a deformed toe of a foot of a person, including a sock wearable on an at least a part of the foot, a strap connected to the sock and wearable on an at least a part of the foot and wrappable on an at least a part of the deformed toe as the sock it worn on the foot, consequently applying a corrective force on the deformed toe.
US09956107B2
An exoskeletal orthosis includes a proximal cuff includes a hinge along an upper edge of the cuff; an ankle section/footplate; and at least one posterior strut connecting the proximal cuff to the ankle section and foot plate.
US09956102B2
The present invention provides systems and methods for deploying implantable devices within the body. The delivery and deployment systems include at least one catheter or an assembly of catheters for selectively positioning the lumens of the implant to within target vessels. Various deployment and attachment mechanisms are provided for selectively deploying the implants.
US09956093B1
Prosthetic limb covers and systems comprising a front shell and a back shell having self-aligning and self-closing features are provided. A prosthetic capture bracket is configured to capture the structural component of a prosthetic device to internally secure the shells to a prosthetic limb.
US09956092B1
A method couples a body worn apparatus and a prosthetic with the body of a person. The body worn apparatus has a plurality of activation elements arranged in at least one suit bundle, and a substrate supporting the plurality of activation elements. The method also activates the at least one suit bundle to move the prosthetic.
US09956088B2
An expandable implant is disclosed having an adjustable height for insertion between two adjacent bony structures or joint surfaces, for example between two adjacent spinal vertebrae. The implant includes at least one gear associated with at least one threaded shaft. Rotation of the gear engages the threaded shaft to expand the implant. The implant can be inserted in a collapsed configuration and expanded in situ. The invention also provides methods for using the implant to facilitate arthrodesis or fusion of adjacent joint surfaces or spinal vertebrae.
US09956087B2
Embodiments herein are generally directed to spinal implants, systems, apparatuses, and components thereof that can be used in spinal fusion and/or stabilization procedures, as well as methods of installation. The spinal implants may include an intervertebral spacer and a plate member.
US09956085B2
Implants and methods for augmentation, preferably by minimally invasive procedures and means, of body tissue, including in some embodiments repositioning of body tissue, for example, bone and, preferably vertebrae are described. The implant may comprise one or more chain linked bodies inserted into the interior of body tissue. As linked bodies are inserted into body tissue, they may fill a central portion thereof and for example in bone can push against the inner sides of the cortical exterior surface layer, for example the end plates of a vertebral body, thereby providing structural support and tending to restore the body tissue to its original or desired treatment height. A bone cement or other filler can be added to further augment and stabilize the body tissue. The preferred implant comprises a single flexible monolithic chain formed of allograft cortical bone having a plurality of substantially non-flexible bodies connected by substantially flexible links.
US09956084B2
A system for stabilizing a cervical spine segment includes a pair of uncinate joint stabilizers for stabilizing a respective pair of uncinate joints. Each uncinate joint stabilizer is elongated along a lengthwise dimension and is configured for placement in the respective uncinate joint with the lengthwise dimension substantially oriented along an anterior-to-posterior direction of the cervical spine segment. Each uncinate joint stabilizer has height configured to define spacing of the respective uncinate joint. Each uncinate joint stabilizer includes a generally cylindrical portion with cylinder axis in the lengthwise dimension. The generally cylindrical portion has threads for threading the uncinate joint stabilizer into the respective uncinate joint along the anterior-to-posterior direction. The threads are interrupted by one or more fenestrations configured to accommodate bone graft material, bone growth, and/or tissue displaced from the respective uncinate joint by the uncinate joint stabilizer.
US09956083B2
The present invention is directed to a modular assembly for an arthroplasty in a long bone and methods for achieving an anatomically accurate reconstruction. A modular arthroplasty assembly includes the components of: a convertible offset coupler bounded on a first side by an implant surface adapted to receive an implant component, and bounded on an opposite second side by a bone anchor engagement surface, prosthesis component and a bone anchor configured to be inserted in bone and adapted for engagement with the convertible offset coupler. Together, the components of the system, including the array of selectable engagement orientations of the components, enables adaptation to the existing anatomy of the patient and the ability to most closely achieve the native anatomy of the healthy shoulder joint so as to provide the patient with the most natural use of the joint. The system also provides a solution for reverse arthroplasty and conversion from anatomically correct to reverse that avoids a boney procedure on revision and minimizes humeral distalization.
US09956078B2
Devices and methods for the repair of the functioning of heart valves are provided. A device may comprise a first section having a generally spiral shape and a second section connected to the first section. A method involves positioning the device such that chords associated with the heart valve are positioned within the path of the generally spiral shape of the first section and positioning the second section on an opposite side of the heart valve. The first section may be turned in a manner such that the chords move closer to the center of the first section. The first section draws the chords closer together, thereby pulling the valve leaflets closer together in order to facilitate their coaptation and proper closing.
US09956077B2
Tissue shaping devices adapted to be disposed in a vessel near a patient's heart to reshape the patient's heart. The devices include a first anchor and a second anchor adapted to be deployed by a catheter to engage a vessel wall while the first anchor is adapted to resist the compression of a first part of the first anchor and resist the expansion of a second part of the first anchor in response to a compressive force on the first part.
US09956070B2
An endovascular apparatus is provided for treating the effects of vascular disease including aneurysms and arterial blockages using a percutaneous, minimally invasive technique. In one embodiment the endovascular apparatus includes a tubular sleeve having a cranial end, a first caudal branch, and a second caudal branch such that the tubular sleeve is shaped like an upside down “Y.” The apparatus further includes at least one expandable attachment device attached to the tubular sleeve for securing the endovascular apparatus to an interior wall of a vessel. The at least one expandable attachment device includes a plurality of telescoping segments similar to the telescoping segments of a presentation pointer. Accordingly, during percutaneous insertion of the endovascular apparatus into a patient the attachment device can be collapsed into a small profile. Once positioned at the site of the aneurysm the telescoping attachment device can be expanded to hold the endovascular apparatus in place adjacent the inner lumen wall.
US09956067B2
To increase the resistance to liquid and substance flow through a lumen of a tubular organ, a cuff comprising a flexible, mesh base member is appended to an exterior wall of the tubular organ such that it only partially surrounds the tubular organ. Ultimately, tissue ingrowth through the mesh base member integrates the cuff into the wall of the tubular organ. When the cuff is applied to the urethra of an incontinent patient, the increased resistance to flow renders the patient continent while still allowing normal voiding. The base member may also support an optional expandable component, e.g., a balloon-like element that can be selectively inflated and/or deflated to restrict the lumen of the tubular organ by a desired degree.
US09956064B2
The invention concerns methods and a device for the determination of the centric position of a human set of teeth with improved precision. This is needed for the adjustment of an articulator in the production of dentures. For this purpose a plurality of successive bite movements or displacement movements of the lower jaw are recorded in form of electronic signal data and evaluated for the determination of the centric position.
US09956062B2
A disposable saliva ejector with a single planar, double leaf shaped plate design embossed on the inner faces of the leaf plates with a series of arced ribs and then folded about its midpoint. A tab and slot arrangement joins the two plates when operationally folded. The arced ribs form a series of channels equidistant about the perimeter of the device. A trough runs along the linear axis of both of the plates to direct any fluid and debris that is sucked into the channels into a connected suction tube. Placement of the saliva ejector within the mouth lies along the interior of the patient's cheek, keeping the oral cavity clear of viewing obstructions.
US09956059B2
An orthodontic bracket includes a bracket body, a slide member, and a resilient member. The slide member is slidable relative to the archwire slot. The resilient member is coupled to and is slidable with the slide member. The resilient member is configured to engage a first portion of the bracket body in the opened position and a second portion of the bracket body in the closed position. The second portion is different from the first portion. The resilient member imposes a biasing force on the slide member in the direction of movement toward the archwire slot when the slide member is in the closed position. The resilient member may be configured to impose a biasing force on the slide member in the direction away from the archwire slot when the slide member is at a position intermediate the opened and closed positions.
US09956048B2
Methods and devices are disclosed relating improved articular models, implant components, and related guide tools and procedures. In addition, methods and devices are disclosed relating articular models, implant components, and/or related guide tools and procedures that include one or more features derived from patient-data, for example, images of the patient's joint. The data can be used to create a model for analyzing a patient's joint and to devise and evaluate a course of corrective action. The data also can be used to create patient-adapted implant components and related tools and procedures.
US09956044B2
To perform a tool exchange in a medical robotic system, tool is retracted back into an entry guide from a deployed position and pose so that an assistant in the operating room may replace it with a different tool. While the tool is being retracted back towards the entry guide by user action, its configuration is changed to an entry pose while avoiding collisions with other objects so that it may fit in the entry guide. After the tool exchange is completed, a new tool is inserted in the entry guide and extended out of the guide by user action to the original position of the old tool prior to its retraction into the entry guide while the tool's controller assists the user by reconfiguring the new tool so as to resemble the original deployed pose of the old tool prior to its retraction into the entry guide.
US09956043B2
The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical device components, including components that can be incorporated into robotic and/or in vivo medical devices. Certain embodiments include various actuation system embodiments, including fluid actuation systems, drive train actuation systems, and motorless actuation systems. Additional embodiments include a reversibly lockable tube that can provide access for a medical device to a patient's cavity and further provides a reversible rigidity or stability during operation of the device. Further embodiments include various operational components for medical devices, including medical device arm mechanisms that have both axial and rotational movement while maintaining a relatively compact structure. medical device winch components, medical device biopsy/stapler/clamp mechanisms, and medical device adjustable focus mechanisms.
US09956042B2
Systems and methods are described for using a robotic system to perform procedures within a cavity using a virtual fixture. The robotic system includes a rigid central stem including an access channel positioned longitudinally along the rigid central stem and a dexterous arm at least partially positioned within the access channel of the central stem. The dexterous arm includes a plurality of individually adjustable segments. A control system receives a positioning command from a manipulator control indicative of a desired movement of a distal end of the dexterous arm. A virtual fixture is defined that is representative of the access channel of the rigid central stem. The position of the dexterous arm is adjusted such that the distal end of the dexterous arm performs the desired movement while the portion of the dexterous arm that is positioned within the first access channel is not moved beyond the defined virtual fixture.
US09956036B2
Methods and devices described herein facilitate improved treatment of body organs.
US09956035B2
Ablation of cardiac tissue is carried out by inserting a probe having an ablation electrode and a plurality of microelectrodes into a body of a living subject to establish contact between two of the microelectrodes and target tissue, and energizing the ablation electrode. While the ablation electrode is energized impedances are measured between the microelectrodes, and the power level of the ablation electrode adjusted according to the impedances.
US09956031B2
A treatment device for an endoscope includes a pair of forceps pieces which has forceps surfaces in contact with a subject tissue and are opened and closed with the forceps surfaces facing each other. Concave portions are formed in the central portions of the forceps surfaces to form the forceps surfaces around the concave portions, and on the forceps surfaces, a first region on the proximal end side of the forceps pieces has a plurality of first teeth with top surfaces formed to be unsharp, and a second region on the distal end side of the forceps pieces to the first region has a plurality of second teeth with top surfaces formed to be sharp.
US09956015B2
System, including methods and devices, for fixing bone. The system may include a bone plate having two or more plate members connected to one another with one or more movable joints. Each joint may permit the orientation of the plate members to be adjusted relative to one another in a single plane or two or more nonparallel planes. The joint may have a movable configuration and a fixed configuration. Methods of creating the bone plate are also provided.
US09956013B2
Various bone fixation/fusion devices are sized and configured to be placed across fracture fragments or between bones that are to be fused.
US09956007B2
Systems, devices, and methods for treating the spine are disclosed herein. Medical devices can be positioned along a subject's spine to treat various conditions and diseases. The medical device can include an actuator assembly and a clamp assembly. The actuator assembly can be positioned at an interspinous space between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process. The actuator assembly can be used to reconfigure the clamp assembly such that the clamp assembly clamps onto the superior and inferior spinous processes.
US09956006B2
A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in a receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. The upper portion expands a retaining member in the receiver cavity to capture the shank upper portion in the receiver. In some embodiment either the retaining member or an insert provide for a friction fit of the shank upper portion in the receiver resulting in non-floppy placement of the shank with respect to the receiver. Some retainers and inserts have a lock-and-release feature. Final locking of the polyaxial mechanism is provided by frictional engagement between the shank upper portion and the retaining member. A pre-assembled receiver, retaining member and optional insert may be popped-on or snapped-on to the shank upper portion prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra.
US09956004B2
An open implant closure structure includes a helically wound guide and advancement structure having at least two helically wound forms thereon providing a multi-start closing mechanism for use between spaced arms of a cooperating open medical implant having mating helically wound structure thereon. Illustrated structures include interlocking flange forms, v-threads, square threads, reverse angle threads and buttress threads and receivers with break-off extensions and cooperating tooling.
US09955997B2
A trocar adapted for insertion through a fascia layer of an abdominal wall, comprising a proximal end configured for handling by a user; a distal end configured for insertion into tissue; and a shaft extending in between the proximal end and distal end, wherein the shaft comprises a narrow portion proximal to the distal end, the narrow portion defining at least one recess shaped and sized to receive fascia tissue, the recess ending, at a distal end, with a generally proximally facing surface of the shaft configured directly below the narrow portion, the proximally facing surface and the narrow portion shaped and sized to stabilize the trocar in the abdominal wall by the fascia. In some embodiments, a trocar and external cannula assembly are provided. In some embodiments, the trocar and/or trocar and external cannula assembly are configured for deployment of one or more anchors and/or sutures in the tissue.
US09955991B2
A device (1) for treatments of endoscopic resection/removal of tissues, includes: a handpiece apt to be held by an user; an external tubular element (3) having a proximal end, a distal end and a cutting aperture disposed at the distal end; an internal tubular element (4) apt to be pivotally housed in the external tubular element (3) and having a proximal end, a distal end and a cutting tip at its distal end; guide element (5) for rotating and/or oscillating the internal tubular element (4) with respect to the external tubular element (3); the guide element including an electric motor. At least one between the handpiece (2) and the guide element (5) is disposable.
US09955987B2
Catheter-delivered endovascular medical devices are described. The devices may include a pull wire attached to a distal body. The distal body may be formed of a distal body outer body comprising a basket comprised of a plurality of cells defined by a plurality of basket strips and a distal body inner body located in the interior of the distal body outer body and comprising a plurality of distal braided mesh openings formed by a plurality of woven linear strands. The distal braided mesh openings may be smaller than the cells when the device is in the relaxed state. Methods of using and making the devices are also described.
US09955986B2
A basket apparatus is described that assists in removing objects from within a patient. The apparatus includes a number of pull wires, each pull wire physically coupled to a different capstan that individually actuates one of the pull wires. The apparatus also includes an outer support shaft itself including a number of channels through which the pull wires traverse. The portions of the pull wires extending out of the outer support shaft form a basket of adjustable size, shape, and position. The pull wires are attached together at a tip located at a distal end of the basket apparatus. By controlling the actuation of the various pull wires, the basket's shape, position size can be manipulated to reposition the basket around an object located within a patient, independent of or in conjunction with motion of the remainder of the apparatus or an associated endoscope.
US09955983B2
Systems and methods for providing alignment in total knee arthroplasty operations are provided herein. The systems and methods generally include a plurality of sensors coupled to a patient's bones or other surgical tools, the sensors detect their position and orientation in space and communicate this information to a processor. The processor can utilize the information to display data to a surgeon or other user regarding the position, angle, and alignment of a patient's bones, surgical tools, and the reconstructed knee joint.
US09955982B2
A femoral drill guide assembly constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes a handle portion, a parallel slider, a perpendicular slider, a feeder guide and a receiving guide. The handle portion can extend along a first plane and include a first adjustable mating portion formed thereon. The parallel slider can have a second and a third adjustable mating portion thereon. The first and second adjustable mating portions can selectively move relative to each other causing the parallel slider to move relative to the handle portion between a plurality of positions along the first plane. The perpendicular slider can extend along a second plane and have a fourth adjustable mating portion thereon. The third and fourth adjustable mating portions can selectively move relative to each other causing the perpendicular slider to move relative to the parallel slider between a plurality of positions along the second plane.
US09955979B2
A bone cut positioning system and associated method are disclosed. The bone cut positioning system can include a positioning assembly, including a femoral attachment member, including a tongue with at least one fixation aperture configured to be fixed to a distal end of a femur. The positioning assembly can further include a light emitter mounting member configured to receive a light emitter, a channel configured to receive a depth selector slide, and a varus-valgus adjustment member configured to adjust a position of the positioning assembly relative to the femur to achieve a desired varus-valgus angle. A flexion-extension adjustment member can be configured to adjust a flexion-extension position of the positioning assembly relative to a flexion-extension of a knee joint and a guide member can be configured to extend from the depth selector slide.
US09955972B1
A method of creating an AV fistula between adjacent first and second blood vessels, includes steps of cutting a hole through the adjacent walls of the first and second blood vessels and inserting a welding catheter into the first vessel, and through the hole into the second vessel, so that a distal end of the welding catheter is disposed within the second vessel. A portion of wall defining the welding catheter is then expanded radially outwardly, and the expanded wall portion is pulled proximally to engage the wall of the second blood vessel and to pull it toward the wall of the first blood vessel. Then, a portion of wall proximal to the first expanded wall portion and disposed in the first blood vessel is expanded radially outwardly, thereby capturing the walls of each of the second and first blood vessels between the two expanded wall portions. Cutting elements on the expanded wall portions are then energized to create a tissue welded elongate aperture between the first and second blood vessels.
US09955971B2
In a method for treating an aortic arch disease, after an intraoperative stent is expanded in an aorta and at least one arch branch vessel, and before the vessel is exactly anastomosed with an incision, by blocking a thoracic aorta between the incision and an arch branch vessel closest to the incision, the intraoperative stent in the thoracic aorta is also blocked, so that blood is prevented from flowing from the incision, and a proximal orifice of the intraoperative stent, and the low body perfusion may be recovered in advance, thereby reducing the circulatory arrest time of the low body perfusion and reducing the time of ischemia of visceral organs and lower limbs of a patient. Meanwhile, the flow of a cerebral perfusion through the right axillary artery may be recovered to a normal flow in advance, and the time of ischemia of the brain of the patient is reduced.
US09955968B2
A fastener for attaching a sheet-like implant to tissue or bone may be provided with a first arm having a proximal portion and a distal portion, a second arm having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and a bridge formed at least in part by the proximal portion of the first arm overlapping the proximal portion of the second arm. Each of the first and second arms can include at least a partial loop member having a lumen therethrough slidably receiving the other arm, each arm further including a tissue retention member on a distal portion having a projection extending therefrom for engagement of bone or tissue when inserted therein. The staple can also include a one-way position retention assembly for allowing distal movement of each at least partial loop member relative to the other arm therethrough to tension the fastener and maintain a desired configuration.
US09955967B2
An extender for use in an electro-mechanical surgical system includes a surgical attachment that may be detachably coupled to an electro-mechanical driver device via a flexible shaft. The extender is a substantially rigid extender that includes a proximal end that may be detachably coupled to a distal end of the flexible shaft. The extender also includes a distal end that may be detachably coupled to the surgical attachment. The extender also includes at least one rotatable drive shaft configured to engage and be secured with a respective rotatable drive shaft of the flexible shaft such that rotation of the respective rotatable drive shaft of the flexible shaft by the electro-mechanical driver device causes the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the extender to rotate, thereby rotating a complementary connector of the surgical attachment so as to operate the surgical attachment.
US09955964B2
An implant for stabilizing two separated bone portions relative to each other an implant includes a peg, a bridge assembly and a securing element. The peg and bridge assembly include at least two peg portions and a bridge portion, wherein the bridge portion is arranged between the peg portions and wherein the peg and bridge portions are rigidly connected. The peg and bridge assembly is positioned relative to the bone portions such that one peg portion extends into the bone tissue of each one of the bone portions and the bridge portion extends across the gap separating the bone portions. The securing element is anchored in the bone tissue of one of the bone portions, its proximal end extending through an opening in an assembly portion extending parallel to a bone surface or across a notch in a proximal edge of an assembly portion.
US09955960B2
A tissue support device is provided for managing access through tissue. The tissue support device engages the tissue proximate an opening in the tissue and biases the tissue support device to bring the engaged tissue together.
US09955958B2
A vascular closure device includes a handle, a carrier tube, a sealing tip, a sealing tip connection member, and an actuator. The carrier tube extends from the handle. The sealing tip is positioned at a distal end of the carrier tube. The sealing tip connection member extends from the sealing tip to the handle. The actuator is mounted to the handle and operable to move the sealing tip connection member to release the sealing tip from the carrier tube.
US09955953B2
The invention refers to a container (1) for collecting, transporting and storing biological tissue samples, wherein the container (1) is filled with a first component (3) being a fixative and a second component (4) being a fluid, wherein the second component (3) has a lower specific gravity compared to the fixative (3), and is immiscible with the fixative (3). The second component (4) is stratified on top of the fixative (3) to form a protective film to prevent fixative fumes to escape from the container (1). The invention further relates to a method for collecting, transporting and storing biological tissue samples. The method comprises the steps of: filling a first component (3) being a fixative in a container (1), and filling a second component (4) being a fluid in the container (1) filled with the first component (3), wherein the second component (4) has a lower specific gravity compared to the fixative (3) and is immiscible with the fixative (3) so that the second component (4) is stratified on top of the fixative (3) to form a protective film to prevent fixative fumes to escape from the container (1). The method further comprises the step of placing a biological tissue sample into the first component (3) before or after the second component (4) has been filled into the container (1).
US09955950B2
An ultrasound system may include a curved probe having a first set of elements that define a first aperture, and a second set of elements that define a second aperture. The probe may be configured to simultaneously transmit first and second ultrasound signals from the first and second apertures, respectively. The first ultrasound signal is configured to be transmitted in a first direction that is parallel with a first beam axis of the first ultrasound signal. The second ultrasound signal is configured to be transmitted in a second direction that is parallel with a second beam axis of the second ultrasound signal. At least one processor is configured to independently steer each of the first and second ultrasound signals.
US09955949B2
A method for manufacturing a capacitive transducer is provided having a structure in which a vibrating film is supported to be able to vibrate. The method includes forming a sacrificial layer on a first electrode; forming a layer on the sacrificial layer, the layer forming at least part of the vibrating film; removing the sacrificial layer, including forming etching holes to communicate with the sacrificial layer; forming a sealing layer for sealing the etching holes; and etching at least part of the sealing layer. Before forming the sealing layer, an etching stop layer is formed on the layer forming at least part of the vibrating film. In the step of etching at least part of the sealing layer, the sealing layer is removed until the etching stop layer is reached.
US09955946B2
Methods and devices for assessing, and treating patients having sympathetically mediated disease, involving augmented peripheral chemoreflex and heightened sympathetic tone by reducing chemosensor input to the nervous system via carotid body ablation.
US09955938B2
Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus including medical devices having features for monitoring sounds and motions indicative of a state of health or administration of CPR to a subject. In one embodiment, a therapeutic device such as a therapy electrode comprises a layer configured to deliver a therapy to a subject and an acoustic sensor on the therapeutic device and coupled to the layer.
US09955930B2
The present invention relates to a sensor device for detecting radiation signals. To enable high signal integrity and cost efficiency while maintaining the capability of being four-sidedly buttable, the proposed sensor device comprises a sensor array (22) comprising a plurality of detectors (11, 11a-d), a sensor element (14) for converting said received radiation signals (74, 74′) into a plurality of corresponding electric signals, an interposer element (16, 16a-d) extending laterally between a first side (28) and a second side (30), and an integrated circuit element (18, 18a-d). The interposer element (16, 16a-d) comprises a front surface (24) facing said sensor element (14) and a back surface (26) parallel to said front surface (24), wherein a front contact arrangement (36) is provided on said front surface (24) for directing said electric signals to a back contact arrangement (40) provided on said back surface (26). The integrated circuit element faces said back surface (26) and is electrically connected to said back contact arrangement (40).
US09955902B2
Some aspects of this disclosure include systems, methods, and/or computer programs that may be used to notify a user about a cause of emotional imbalance. Some embodiments described herein involve determining when a user is in a state of emotional imbalance based on a measurement of affective response of the user, which is taken with a sensor. Factors characterizing an event to which the measurement corresponds are examined in order to select a certain factor that, based on a model of the user, has an effect on the user that is congruous with the measurement of affective response. The user is notified about the certain factor in order to make the user more aware of the certain factor and its effect on the user.
US09955897B2
A magnetic resonance imaging sequence is defined by an imaging protocol and parameter values for a set of parameters of the imaging protocol. A contrast signal score is computed for the magnetic resonance imaging sequence respective to a contrast type to be scored using a scoring equation. A contrast type is determined for the magnetic resonance imaging sequence based on the computed contrast signal score. In one approach, the computing is repeated for a plurality of different contrast types to be scored, and the determining is based on the computed contrast signal scores.
US09955895B2
A apparatus for detecting electrooculograph (EOG) signals, comprising: a pair of temple pieces connected to a bridging structure; at least one electrode on each temple piece configured to contact the skin at the temple, and to receive an EOG signal from a proximate orbital socket; a reference electrode displaced from each temple; and a processor configured to process signals from the sensors to detect saccade movements of the eyes. A wavelet-based algorithm permits analysis and coding of the saccade movements.
US09955887B2
The present disclosure relates to a wearable monitor device and methods and systems for using such a device. In certain embodiments, the wearable monitor records cardiac data from a mammal and extracts particular features of interest. These features are then transmitted and used to provide health-related information about the mammal.
US09955884B2
A method of monitoring the cardiac function of a patient includes receiving a position input from a position sensor attached to the patient and classifying the position input into a position class. Cardiac waveform data is received for the patient and then the cardiac waveform data is compared to model waveform parameters for the position class.
US09955880B2
A physiological parameter measurement device comprising a processor and a video processing module coupled to the processor to divide each of a plurality of frames of a video into a plurality of blocks, where the video is of a body part of a subject whose physiological parameter is to be determined. The video processing module further is to select a block having highest peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) from amongst the plurality of blocks. Further, the video processing module is to extract a photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal from the video based on a block identifier associated with the block. The physiological parameter measurement device further comprises a signal enhancement module coupled to the processor, to process the PPG signal to obtain an enhanced PPG signal for determining a value of the physiological parameter for the subject.
US09955879B2
A system to generate a representation of a rhythm disorder includes a plurality of sensors disposed at multiple locations spatially in relation to the heart, wherein cardiac information signals are sensed. A processor receives and analyzes the activation onsets of the cardiac information signals to determine an arrangement of activation onsets. A representation that indicates the clinical source of the rhythm disorder is generated based on the arrangement of the activation onsets.
US09955869B2
A method in support of health management services acts upon active and passive data, in which the active data is communicated by a patient or healthcare professional and in which the passive data is detected by at least one sensor detectably coupled to the patient. These data are correlated with each other and if a predefined correlation is not met, further data can be solicited, patient-specific queries can be generated, alerts can be communicated, or a combination of these can be done in embodiments of the invention. Any Irregularity or trend in the data can be identified and processed in embodiments of the invention. Also in some embodiments, these data can be used in connection with intelligent, machine-based decisions to send communications concerning the provision of further healthcare resources to patients, such as in view of their relative acuity rank. Systems can be constructed to implement the methods described herein.
US09955865B2
A method to determine an ophthalmic tissue structure comprises measuring image data for a range of depths corresponding to a target point in an eye with an axial scanner with a probe; determining an image information by an imaging processor from the image data; identifying a tissue pathology corresponding to the target point by the processor from the image information; and signaling a user by a user indicator based on the identified tissue pathology. A corresponding apparatus comprises an axial scanner with a probe to measure image data for a range of depths corresponding to a target point in an eye; a processor to determine an image information from the image data, and to identify a tissue pathology corresponding to the target point from the image information; and a user indicator to signal a user based on the identified tissue pathology.
US09955852B2
A dilation catheter system comprises a guide member, a dilation catheter, and an image sensor. The guide member includes a shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end. The shaft further defines a longitudinal axis. The dilation catheter is movable relative to the guide catheter member and comprises an expandable dilator. The expandable dilator is sized to fit within one or both of a Eustachian tube or a passageway associated with a paranasal sinus. The image sensor is configured to provide visualization within anatomy of a patient. The image sensor is integral with the guide member.
US09955846B2
The present invention relates to a dishwasher comprising a washing chamber, a water circulating system and a water filtering system, said water filtering system is arranged in the lower part of the washing chamber, wherein said water filtering system comprises a filter through which at least some of the circulating water is passing, said filter having bistable characteristics such that it has two stable shapes and is flippable from one stable position to the other by a force applied on the filter in a direction toward the other stable shape, wherein the filter is securable in the lower part of the washing chamber by flipping the filter from one stable shape to the other. The invention furthermore relates to a method for mounting the filter in a dishwasher.
US09955824B2
A shower door assembly including at least one door panel having a bottom surface, a bottom frame member including a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion including two grooves on a lower side thereof, the bottom portion including two sidewalls each having a top edge engaged in one of the two grooves, the door panel adjacent to and above the top portion of the bottom frame member, wherein the bottom surface of the at least one door panel is in a plane divergent to a plane of a bottom surface of the bottom frame member.
US09955813B2
A receptacle holding unit for a beverage preparation device includes a first part and a second part cooperating with the first part; a cavity for receiving a receptacle containing an ingredient; and a driving device for relatively moving the second part towards the first part into a closed position for securing such receptacle in the cavity and relatively apart from the first part into an open position for inserting of the receptacle into the cavity. The driving device has an actuator and a transmission that has a helicoidal ramp arrangement cooperating with a connector member for converting a translational movement into a rotational movement or vice versa. When the actuator actuates the transmission, the first and second parts are driven together or apart by the ramp arrangement cooperating with the connector member.
US09955809B2
In an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprises: a first sleeve body and a second sleeve body, wherein the first sleeve body comprises a first sleeve body outer wall and a first sleeve body opening, wherein the first sleeve body opening is configured to removably receive a cup, wherein the first sleeve body outer wall comprises a first sleeve body outer wall portion, wherein the second sleeve body comprises a second sleeve body inner wall, wherein the second sleeve body inner wall comprises a second sleeve body inner wall portion, and wherein the second sleeve body inner wall portion is coupled to the first sleeve body outer wall portion. In another embodiment of the invention, a method comprises: forming a first sleeve body; forming a second sleeve body; wherein the first sleeve body comprises a first sleeve body outer wall and a first sleeve body opening, wherein the first sleeve body opening is configured to removably receive a cup; wherein the first sleeve body outer wall comprises a first sleeve body outer wall portion; wherein the second sleeve body comprises a second sleeve body inner wall; wherein the second sleeve body inner wall comprises a second sleeve body inner wall portion; and coupling the second sleeve body inner wall portion to the first sleeve body outer wall portion.
US09955803B2
A door for a refrigerated merchandiser including a case defining a product display area. The door includes a door frame that is attachable to the case, and a glass panel assembly that is coupled to the door frame. The glass panel assembly includes a first glass panel and a second glass panel that is spaced apart from the first glass panel by a gap. The glass panel assembly further includes a conductive coating that is applied to the first glass panel, and a heater element that is coupled to the first glass panel and that is in electrical communication with the conductive coating. The door also includes a connector that extends through the first glass panel and the second glass panel and securable to the glass panel assembly, and the connector is configured to electrically connect the heater element to a power source.
US09955802B2
A merchandising system includes a first cooperating member having a first engagement structure for engaging the mounting member in order to restrict movement of the first cooperating member relative to the mounting member in at least one direction. A second cooperating member includes a second engagement structure for engaging the mounting member to restrict movement of the second cooperating member relative to the mounting member in at least one direction. A third engagement structure is provided for selectively connecting the first cooperating member to the second cooperating member. The first cooperating member and the second cooperating member are selectively independently mountable to the mounting member and are selectively attachable to each other and mountable as a combined structure to the mounting member.
US09955798B1
A playpen includes a frame, a cloth enclosure mounted on the frame and having a movement space, and a protective cushion mounted in the movement space of the cloth enclosure. The protective cushion includes at least one upper covering layer secured on the cloth enclosure, and a cushion body mounted between the at least one upper covering layer and the cloth enclosure. A receiving space is defined between the at least one upper covering layer and the cloth enclosure to receive the cushion body. Thus, when the baby is stepping and moving on the protective cushion, the at least one upper covering layer of the protective cushion will not slip on the cloth enclosure, thereby preventing the baby from falling down.
US09955790B2
A folding stool comprises a seat portion, a backrest and a hinge device connecting the seat portion and the backrest. The hinge device comprises a first hinge and a second hinge rotatably connected. Two first hinges are respectively fixed to the backrest and the seat portion, the first hinge comprises two ear portions, the second hinge comprises four ear portions, and the four ear portions of the second hinge are respectively connected to four ear portions of the two first hinges by means of two rotary shafts. A position limiting board is fixed on the back surface of the second hinge, and the position limiting board comprises two oppositely provided position limiting surfaces.
US09955783B1
A door control device for an electric appliance cabinet includes a cabinet and sensor; doors are configured on the front side face of the cabinet body, and the sensor is configured inside the cabinet body and senses the opening or closing of the doors and controls the electric appliance inside the cabinet body to turn on or off. The sensor being configured and used to detect the opening or closing of the doors to turn on and then off the appliance automatically correspondingly realizes an intelligent control.
US09955774B1
A backpack includes two sheets, two straps and a moisture-expelling apparatus. The sheets are connected to each other. The straps are connected to one of the second sheet. The moisture-expelling apparatus includes a permeable bag, a pump and a tube. The permeable bag is attached to the second sheet. The pump is inserted in the permeable bag. The pump can be squeezed to release air and can automatically expand to suck air when the squeezing stops. The tube is inserted in the permeable bag. The tube is connected to the pump so that air travels into the tube from the pump when the pump is squeezed and that air travels into the pump from the tube when the pump expands. The tube includes apertures via which air can enter and leave the tube.
US09955773B1
A vertically oriented cosmetic container organizer is disclosed. The cosmetic container organizer includes a vertically oriented housing having a front end, a back end, a planar bottom end and two opposing sides. A plurality of compartments is disposed within the housing. Each of the compartments has an open front end that is above a rear end of the compartment defining a rearward sloping lower surface. At least one fastener coupled to the back end of the housing for mounting the container to a wall.
US09955772B2
The invention relates to a device (1) for dispensing artificial eyelashes, comprising a housing (10) equipped with a dispensing opening (11), a carrier strip (30) to which a plurality of artificial eyelashes (41) are fixed, and a movement mechanism capable of being actuated to cause movement of the strip (30) in order to convey the artificial eyelashes (41) towards the dispensing opening (11) and to allow the artificial eyelashes (41) to exit through the dispensing opening (11).
US09955770B2
An applicator for applying a composition, such as makeup or a care product composition, e.g. lip gloss, mascara, eye liner, hair color, wound care, pharmaceutical or the like, that have diverse application characteristics. The applicator comprises an applicator element comprising a support and a layout of fibers on at least a portion of the support, the fibers being flocked to at least portion of the support and allow the applicator element to be loaded with the composition. The layout of fibers defines a pattern of fibers on the support and the pattern of fibers is visible to naked eye and perceptible to touch.
US09955767B2
A connecting element with a dual engaging means that allows two different items of daily use to be connected together as a single article for the day to day convenience of the user is disclosed. The connecting element has the dual engaging means to secure two articles at a time. The connecting element is used as an engaging means and also as a closing means for respective articles. The connecting element has different geometric features at its either ends so that it is used as an engaging means and a closing means for the articles with different geometric features.
US09955765B2
A manually operated pump and a method for pumping a preferably cosmetic liquid are proposed in which actuation is performed either by manual linear actuation or by swiveling actuation using a lever mechanism. The pump can be equipped with a locking device that blocks actuation of the pump in the locked state. The delivery head of the pump can be integrally formed with the swivel lever. Moreover, components of the pump can advantageously be provided with a flexible or elastic layer.
US09955763B2
A system for providing securement of a plurality of secure portable encasements including one or more encasements each configured to engage, and subsequently disengage, inseparable interaction with a common docking unit; and one or more common docking units.
US09955758B2
A jewelry item has a ring part pivotally attached to a closure at one end. The closure spans the continuity of the ring from an end of the ring part and comprises a ring continuation arm extending in continuity of the ring and pivotally attached to and of the ring part at a pivoted connection. The closure further comprises a bias arm extending along with the ring continuation arm along said ring continuity. The bias arm comprises a spring part and a lever part pivotally attached to each other. A connection between said lever part and the ring part is rigid, so that as the ring part is opened, said lever part is configured to rotate inwardly towards an interior of said item. The spring part has a natural shape of smaller circumference than the ring part so that once a certain extent is reached, the spring part pulls the lever part towards the spring part in order to allow the spring part to attain its smaller diameter and thus establish a stable open position. The lever part further on closure of the ring part, is configured to push the spring part outwardly towards the ring continuation arm to establish a second stable position to close the closure. Another jewelry item comprising a spring arm pivoted to said continuation at a first location thereon and further pivoted to its ring part at a second location is disclosed. A method of manufacturing a closure for a jewelry item, a finding for an earring, a kit of parts constructed to form the finding and an earring constructed from the kit of parts and a mounting are also disclosed.
US09955747B2
A system and overshoe for dissipating charge from a human body standing on a surface and wearing the system. The overshoe further contains a sole and an overshoe body that is attached to the edge of the sole such that the sole has an inner surface that faces the overshoe side and an outer surface that is exterior to the overshoe. A conductive strip is folded around at least a portion of the edge of the sole and bonded to the sole by a first adhesive such that at least a portion of the conductive strip is exposed to the inner surface of the sole. A tape covers the seam between the conductive strip and the sole on an exterior portion of the overshoe and that is adhesively bonded to the seam by a second adhesive such that at least a portion of the conductive strip is exposed to the surface that the human body is standing on.The portion that is exposed to the surface that the human body is standing on is sufficient in area to yield a resistance of in the range of >104 to <108 Ohm when measured between the hands of the human body and the surface.
US09955746B2
A head garment for privacy and methods of using the same. The head garment has a frame including an elongated member, the frame including a loop portion that extends upward and forward from a rear portion that includes a tail, the loop portion including a rim, a veil having a rear portion that is connected to the rear portion of the frame and a front portion that is connected to the rim. The tension in the portion of the veil that spans between the connection to the rear portion of the frame and to the rim provides support for the rim, and the front portion of the veil extends beyond and drapes downward from the rim. The head garment is usable with a ventilation system and/or an electronic device and may be folded for stowing in a container.
US09955745B2
A helmet having an energy absorbing layer and a sliding facilitator is provided. The sliding facilitator is provided inside of the energy absorbing layer. A method of manufacturing a helmet having a sliding facilitator is further provided. The method includes providing an energy absorbing layer in the mold, and providing a sliding facilitator that contacts the energy absorbing layer.
US09955744B1
A pinned plate assembly having a plate assembly made of a flexible and bendable semi rigid material that maintains its shape once configured. The plate assembly has an exterior face, an interior face, first and second edges, and first and second lateral edges. The plate assembly further has first and second channels, each having at least one hole. Securing means secure the plate assembly onto headgear. In a preferred embodiment, the plate assembly has a substantially rectangular shape. The exterior face displays desired text, and/or letters, and/or symbols, and/or words, and/or logo designs, and/or artwork, and/or graphics. The first and second channels each have an exterior channel defined at the exterior face and an interior channel defined at the interior face. The at least one hole extends from the exterior channel to the interior channel.
US09955736B2
A portable, personal storage and carrying case for an e-liquid e-cigarette PV in which the case includes an electrical power source for re-charging a rechargeable battery in the PV; a user-replaceable reservoir for holding e-liquid; and an electrical or electronic pump adapted to transfer e-liquid from the reservoir to a chamber in the PV, the pump delivering a pre-defined or variable quantity of e-liquid from the reservoir; and in which the reservoir is not user-refillable.
US09955709B2
A method for washing fish flesh to remove water soluble sarcoplasmic proteins includes producing a mixture by combining wash water with fish flesh having sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins, wherein the wash water removes some of the sarcoplasmic protein from the fish flesh; depositing the mixture on a screen separator. The wash water having sarcoplasmic proteins is separated from the mixture while a speed of the screen separator and a speed of the mixture at the interface with the screen separator remains about equal and reducing or eliminating shear forces at the interface between the screen separator and the fish flesh. Thus, washed fish flesh fish flesh with an increase in a percent of myofibrillar protein retained in the fish flesh is produced. In order to have a speed of the screen separator belt be equal with a speed of the mixture at the interface, the perforated screen separator is stationary, vibrating only in the up and down direction, advancing slowly or fast, or advancing only intermittently, while the wash water is allowed to percolate through the fish flesh and exit the perforated screen.
US09955697B2
A composition for weed control and fertilizer comprising an effective amount of iron hydroxyl ethylenediaminetriacetic acid, micromate, feed grade urea, a natural-based wetting agent, molasses desurgarized solubles, and water, and may further comprise glycerin, are provided. Methods for weed control and fertilization of plants comprising the steps of providing a composition comprising an effective amount of iron hydroxyl ethylenediaminetriacetic acid, micromate, feed grade urea, natural-based wetting agent, and molasses desurgarized solubles, and applying an effective amount of the composition to soil or a plant or a weed, are also provided.
US09955678B2
A spool braking device brakes the rotation of a spool rotatably supported by a reel body. The spool, which is a conductor that is rotated in conjunction with the spool. The magnet includes an N-pole and an S-pole on a surface that faces the rotating surface of the spool. The retaining member, the support ring, and the engagement member form a magnetic flux change rate variable mechanism. The magnetic flux change rate variable mechanism varies the change rate of the flux in the rotational circumferential direction that is affected by the magnet, at a prescribed rotating surface of the spool having a prescribed unit width in the rotational axis direction, with the rotation of the spool.
US09955673B1
The present disclosure provides methods and systems for optimizing a cost efficiency or a nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) for a feeding regimen of a herd of interest of milk-producing animals, for monitoring a urinary urea-N excretion (UUNE) for a herd of interest of milk-producing animals, and for monitoring a NUE for a herd of interest of milk-producing animals. The methods include use of a milk urea-N yield (MUNY) value or a ratio of MUNY to a protein yield (PY) in milk produced by the herd of interest.
US09955669B2
According to an exemplary embodiment, an improved nipple water valve includes a nipple housing, a deflector, an annular seal, a nipple stem, a resilient element, and an orifice housing portion, assembled such that the deflector deflects water exiting the valve toward an internal surface of the nipple housing, thereby reducing spray. The deflector is also arranged to restrain movement of the nipple stem in a direction toward the deflector and to permit movement of the nipple stem away from the deflector to aid operation of the nipple water valve.
US09955668B2
An animal lifting device and method is provided. In particular, a hip member and a chest member are provided that have handles thereon. The chest member and the hip member may be selectively interconnected to each other with an interconnection member. The chest member may include an upper portion, shoulder pads, a chest pad, a center cross member, and an adjustable strap. The hip member may include an upper portion, an adjustable sling, and adjustable straps.
US09955665B1
A novel soybean variety, designated 5PSAA27 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PSAA27, cells from soybean variety 5PSAA27, plants of soybean 5PSAA27, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PSAA27. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PSAA27 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PSAA27, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PSAA27, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PSAA27. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PSAA27 are further provided.
US09955662B1
The present invention is in the field of soybean variety CL1561930 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety CL1561930 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using CL1561930 in a breeding program.
US09955658B1
A novel maize variety designated X13K527 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 X13K527 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13K527 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13K527, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13K527. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13K527.
US09955656B1
A novel maize variety designated X05K682 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 X05K682 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X05K682 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X05K682, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X05K682. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X05K682.
US09955651B1
A novel maize variety designated X00K421HR 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 X00K421HR with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X00K421HR through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X00K421HR, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X00K421HR. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X00K421HR.
US09955649B1
A novel maize variety designated PH2DRB and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2DRB with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2DRB through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2DRB or a locus conversion of PH2DRB with another maize variety.
US09955629B2
An agricultural harvester includes a chassis; a cleaning system carried by the chassis and is configured to clean crop material; and a crop material elevator carried by the chassis that is supplied with cleaned crop material from the cleaning system. The crop material elevator includes: a housing including a boot portion at a bottom of the housing, the boot portion defining a bulbous shape on at least a conveyance side of the housing; a driving loop held within the housing and configured to rotate; a driving element linked to the driving loop and configured to rotate the driving loop; and a plurality of paddles carried by the driving loop.
US09955626B2
An adjustable planter bar for a multi-row planter generally comprises a horizontal support bar, a first plate member coupled to a trailing side of the support bar, and a second plate member coupled to a leading side of the support bar. The first plate member can form an upper, trailing rail extending above the trailing side of the support bar.
US09961818B2
An electronic component mounting machine is provided with a film thickness gage. The film thickness gage is provided with measurement sections. The mounting head moves to a position above the storage section and lowers the film thickness gage to cause the film thickness gage to come into contact with the flux film. In the film thickness gage, the measurement sections form measurement marks corresponding to the film thickness in the flux film. The electronic component mounting machine images the measurement marks using a mark camera, and determines the film thickness of the flux film which is actually formed based on imaging data.
US09961816B2
A mounting device, which receives electronic circuit components from component supply devices, and mounts the components onto a substrate which is carried into a work region by a substrate conveyance device. The mounting device includes (a) a plurality of articulated robots, which include an arm section that includes a plurality of link members, which are connected so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to one another at a plurality of joints, and a hand that is attached to a free end section of the arm section so as to be relatively rotatable, and (b) a robot guide rail that supports base end sections of the articulated robots in a manner in which the articulated robots are capable of moving in a direction that is parallel to a conveyance direction, and the hand holds a rotating head, which holds a plurality of suction nozzles.
US09961815B2
A series of electronic components stored in a tape include a plurality of electronic components each arranged such that a first main surface faces a bottom surface of a cavity. In each electronic component, on a first side surface, a thickness in a width direction of a first terminal electrode at a first main surface side is smaller than a thickness in the width direction of the first terminal electrode at a second main surface side, and on a second side surface, a thickness in the width direction of a second terminal electrode at the first main surface side is smaller than a thickness in the width direction of the second terminal electrode at the second main surface side.
US09961812B2
A method and apparatus for producing a radio frequency absorber (RFA) or perfect microwave absorber (PMA) skin is described herein. A metamaterial layer may be applied to a low dielectric substrate. Resistive and capacitive components may then be added to the metamaterial layer. The metamaterial layer may then be formed into an RFA or PMA skin, which may then be applied to a multi-layered assembly for absorption of electromagnetic radiation in a frequency range such as the microwave frequency spectrum in a final product including but limited to cell phones, communication devices, or other electronic devices.
US09961808B2
A power-electronics assembly includes a plurality of power modules each having a body, a power stage disposed in the body and having opposing major sides, and a coolant channel defined in the body at a location adjacent to one of the major sides. The modules are arranged in a stack such that the coolant channels are interleaved with the power stages. At least one of the bodies defines a passageway extending between adjacent channels to connect the adjacent channels in fluid communication.
US09961807B2
An electric power converter includes a semiconductor module with a built-in switching element, a cooler that cools the semiconductor module, and a metallic case provided with an internal space that accommodates the semiconductor module and the cooler. The case is formed by combining a first case member and a second case member. The case includes an outer fixing portion for connecting and fixing the first case member and the second case member on an outside of the internal space, an inner fixing portion for connecting and fixing the first case member and the second case member on an inside of the internal space. The case includes a partition wall that is formed continuously from the inner fixing portion and partitions the internal space. A heat-generating component disposed along a wall surface of the partition wall is accommodated in the internal space.
US09961806B2
Systems and methods for transformer cooling by vertical airflow are described. One embodiment of an air transfer unit includes an assembly frame that includes an interior portion and defines a lateral side, an upper side, and a lower side, where the assembly frame includes a length that is substantially the same as a width of a plurality of cooling fins on a transformer. Some embodiments include a plurality of air directing apparatuses that are positioned in the interior portion and are aligned along the length of the assembly frame, where the plurality of air directing apparatuses receive airflow from the lateral side and direct the airflow vertically through the upper side to further cool the plurality of cooling fins. Similarly, some embodiments include an exhaust screen that is coupled to the upper side, wherein the exhaust screen further consolidates the airflow vertically toward the plurality of cooling fins.
US09961804B2
A cooling apparatus includes: a circulation path of coolant; a first pump provided in the circulation path, the first pump including a first inlet and a first outlet; a second pump connected to the first pump, the second pump including a second inlet and a second outlet; a first main pipe with one end connected to the first outlet; a second main pipe with one end connected to the second inlet; a connection portion connecting another ends of the first and second main pipe; a first bypass pipe connecting the first inlet and the connection portion; and a second bypass pipe connecting the second outlet and the connection portion, wherein the first main pipe and the second bypass pipe are connected in a same direction in the connection portion, and the second main pipe and the first bypass pipe are connected in the same direction.
US09961783B2
A printer deposits material onto a substrate as part of a manufacturing process for an electronic product; at least one transported component experiences error, which affects the deposition. This error is mitigated using transducers that equalize position of the component, e.g., to provide an “ideal” conveyance path, thereby permitting precise droplet placement notwithstanding the error. In one embodiment, an optical guide (e.g., using a laser) is used to define a desired path; sensors mounted to the component dynamically detect deviation from this path, with this deviation then being used to drive the transducers to immediately counteract the deviation. This error correction scheme can be applied to correct for more than type of transport error, for example, to correct for error in a substrate transport path, a printhead transport path and/or split-axis transport non-orthogonality.
US09961767B2
A circuit board includes an insulating layer including first and second insulator films, a first wiring layer embedded in the first insulator film and including pads and first wiring patterns exposed from the first insulator film, and a second wiring layer including second wiring patterns formed on the second insulator film and via wirings penetrating the insulating layer and electrically connecting the second wiring patterns to the first wiring layer. The first insulator film is made of a reinforcement-free resin that includes no reinforcing member. The second insulator film is made of a reinforcing member impregnated with a resin.
US09961763B2
An electronic device connection unit includes a substrate and a plurality of signal pads on the substrate configured to send signals from an electronic device to a driving printed circuit board (PCB). One or more active ground pads on the substrate are configured to connect at least the driving PCB to a reference voltage of the electronic device. One or more dummy ground pads on the substrate are configured to connect to the reference voltage of the electronic device without extending onto the driving PCB. One or more connectors are connected to the one or more dummy ground pads, where each of the one or more connectors is configured to electrically couple at least a subset of the one or more dummy ground pads to the one or more active ground pads.
US09961760B2
A wiring substrate includes an insulating layer including a projection and a wiring layer on the projection. The wiring layer includes a first metal layer on an end face of the projection and a second metal layer on the first metal layer. The width of the end face of the projection is different from at least one of the width of the first metal layer and the width of the second metal layer. An inner wall surface and a bottom surface of a depression around the projection are roughened surfaces.
US09961755B2
An extreme ultraviolet light generation device may include: a chamber earthed to a ground, in which extreme ultraviolet light is generated by irradiating a metal target supplied inside with laser light; a target supply unit earthed to the ground and configured to output the target supplied into the chamber from a nozzle; an extraction electrode configured to exert electrostatic force on the target by applying a negative first potential to the extraction electrode; a first power supply configured to apply the first potential to the extraction electrode; an acceleration electrode unit configured to accelerate the target by applying a negative second potential lower than the first potential to the acceleration electrode unit; a second power supply configured to apply the second potential to the acceleration electrode unit; and a charge neutralizer disposed inside the acceleration electrode unit and configured to emit electrons onto the target.
US09961749B1
A power harvesting switch circuit includes a main switch and a voltage extractor connected in series between Line wire and switch wire. The main switch includes a first power MOSFET and a second power MOSFET connected in series. The voltage extractor includes a first Zener diode and a second Zener diode connected in series but in opposite directions.
US09961747B2
The disclosure relates to a lighting system which can be controlled from a wireless device in dependence on complying with an access rule that the wireless device is determined to be within in a spatial region associated with the lighting system. The disclosure provides apparatus for securing against the lighting system being controlled from a device located outside the relevant region via a rogue relay device located in that region. The apparatus comprises a user location module configured to determine user location information indicative of whether a user is accompanying the wireless device in the region associated with the lighting system, and an access module which is configured with a further access rule: that it does not allow the control of the lighting system by the wireless device if the user location information is indicative of the wireless device being unaccompanied by a user.
US09961742B2
An apparatus to drive a multi-channel light emitting diode (LED) array includes switching transistors connected to LED strings of the multi-channel LED array, error amplifiers connected to the switching transistors, each of the error amplifiers being configured to control current flowing through the LED string to have a target magnitude, and overheating protection circuits connected to the switching transistors, each of the overheating protection circuits being configured to regulate current flowing through a respective switching transistor to have a magnitude less than or equal to the target magnitude.
US09961738B2
A solid state lighting platform comprised of one or more modular lighting instruments each of which are comprised of an enclosure, driver/logic module(s) governed by a microprocessor and a unique array of emitter boards consisting of a multitude of lighting elements. The lighting instruments may joined together using magnets embedded in the enclosure(s) and receive control instructions from a smart device or any other light on the wired or wireless network. A unique algorithm and look up table allow flicker free dimming and highly accurate color temperature tuning from the microprocessor.
US09961718B2
Enhanced discontinuous reception (DRX) techniques are discussed for networks configured with some combination of contention-based spectrum. Various aspects provide common or separate DRX configurations across all carriers and cells. Durations may be adjusted to increase the probability of a user equipment (UE) remaining active for the base station to secure the shared channel. Physical layer commands may also be transmitted for UE to enter sleep mode dynamically in order to further save power. Additional triggering signals sent via the physical layer or layer 1 signaling, such as fast wake-up signals or fast sleep signals, may either wake the UE for monitoring the contention-based spectrum of the secondary carrier or cause the UE to enter a sleep mode after monitoring is over. Further aspects provide to initiate DRX procedures in contention-based spectrum in response to detected CUBS or other channel usage signals.
US09961715B2
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for radio resource control (RRC) signaling in wireless communication networks with data offload are provided. The radio configuration messages from a small cell to a dual connection UE may be sent by an overlay macro E-UTRAN node-B (eNB). The small cell may send the RRC messages to the macro-eNB first via a backhaul link, and the macro-eNB then transmits the messages to the UE. In some implementations, the radio configuration messages from a small cell to a dual connection UE may be sent directly from the small cell. In some other implementations, some of the RRC messages may be sent selectively to/from either the macro-cell or the small cell, or to/from both the macro-cell and the small cell. The type of RRC messages sent over the small cell and/or the macro-cell may be preconfigured or predetermined.
US09961712B2
A base station may receive an indication to manage a connection, associated with a device, or traffic associated with the device. The indication may include a network identifier associated with a core network. The base station may determine, based on the network identifier, management information associated with managing the connection or the traffic associated with the device. The base station may manage, based on the management information, the connection or the traffic associated with the device.
US09961701B2
Various methods and apparatuses for transmitting an allocation of time in a wireless communication system are disclosed. In one aspect, an allocation of time for receiving communications via a receive beam direction is transmitted. The allocation of time may be based on information regarding an apparatus known to be located in the receive beam direction. A unique time for receiving communications from each known apparatus may be allocated, or a duration of time for receiving communications from the known apparatuses may vary based on a number of apparatuses known to located in a receive beam direction.
US09961699B2
Embodiments herein disclose a method and a base station for accessing a channel of an unlicensed band in a wireless communication network. The method includes maintaining a plurality of virtual stations by the base station in the wireless communication network based on a value. Further, the method includes contending to access the channel using the plurality of virtual stations. Each virtual station in the plurality of virtual stations includes a contention window and a counter value.
US09961694B2
A dual band communication method and a wireless local area network (WLAN) device, First determining a service type of a service in a switching period according to a preset policy, where the switching period includes one first timeslot in which a first radio frequency (RF) channel works and one adjacent second timeslot in which a second RF channel works, and determining, according to the determined service type and a preset service quality requirement corresponding to the service type, maximum duration of the switching period in which the service quality requirement is met, and when time division multiplexing (TDM) is performed on a baseband processor, controlling the switching between the first RF channel and the second RF channel according to the maximum duration, hence actual duration of the switching period is less than or equal to the maximum duration.
US09961688B1
A novel cloud RAN architecture which allows pooling the baseband resources to optimize both CAPEX and OPEX. The cloud baseband unit provides a pool of LTE channel baseband signal processing elements that can be assigned to remote radio units based on the traffic load. The LTE channel baseband element or elements can also be shared among a group of remote radio units.
US09961682B2
A low-complexity Radio Resource Allocation method (100,200) efficiently assigns frequency resources, such as a set of contiguous subcarriers, to Mobile Terminals in SC-FDMA uplink systems. The inventive method initially finds the resource allocation that leads to maximum efficiency in terms of transmitted data rate, without considering any resource adjacency constraint. Subsequently, the method iteratively redefines the resource allocation in order to find a resource allocation that is in accordance with resource allocation adjacency required by the SC-FDMA multiple access scheme.
US09961668B2
In some examples, a method includes generating, at a first device, a paging message including an indication of whether the first device is available for a particular time period during which devices of a data link group of a neighbor aware network (NAN) are configured to operate in an active operating mode. The method also includes sending the message from the first device to one or more devices of the data link group of the NAN.
US09961666B2
The invention relates to a method for detecting multipath propagation in RF signals exchanged between a mobile entity (10) and different cells (31, 32) of a cellular network. The method comprises the steps of obtaining cell location information for a plurality of cells; obtaining a measurement report reported by the mobile entity (10) to the cellular network for a first cell (31) and a second cell (32) of the plurality of cells, the measurement report comprising a parameter related to a first time delay occurring for the RF signal travelling between the first cell (31) and the mobile entity (10), and a parameter related to a second time delay occurring for the RF signal travelling between the second cell (32) and the mobile entity (10). A time delay difference is calculated between the first time delay and the second time delay, and a distance difference is deduced from the time delay difference taking into account the speed of the RF signals travelling between the first cell (31) and the mobile entity (10) and between the second cell (32) and the mobile entity (10). An inter-cell distance between the first cell (31) and the second cell (32) is calculated based on the cell location information for the first cell and the second cell. The inter-cell distance is compared to the distance difference, wherein the multipath propagation is detected based on the result of the comparison.
US09961655B1
In a wireless communication system, a client terminal may first establish time and frequency synchronization with the network. While establishing the time and frequency synchronization, a client terminal may need to detect additional parameters about the network, such as physical cell identity, before it can initiate communication with the wireless communication system. Detecting the network parameters in presence of time and frequency offsets increases the complexity of the initial cell search procedure that includes time and frequency synchronization as well as detection of network parameters. A method and apparatus are disclosed that achieve frequency synchronization earlier in the cell search procedure, which in turn reduces the complexity and improves the performance of the latter stages of cell search procedure and the overall performance of the client terminal.
US09961654B2
A method for and apparatus for performing synchronization in a wireless communication system is provided. A wireless device receives information including a set of subframes in which a discovery signal or a synchronization signal is transmitted, and a muting pattern which is changed according to a downlink (DL)/uplink(UL) configuration of a corresponding cell; receives the discovery signal or the synchronization signal from a cell based on the information; and performs synchronization, wherein the information is indicated to cells via air interface from a source cell.
US09961647B2
A device for controlling exposure of electromagnetic waves from a base station collects a power value received from at least one base station together with position information using a plurality of terminals in a controlled area; maps the received power value collected from the terminals on a plurality of subareas in the controlled area based on position information collected from the terminals; calculates a power density for respective frequency bandwidths in the respective subareas by using the received power value of the terminals provided in the respective subareas; and calculates a specific absorption rate of electromagnetic waves in a human body in the respective subareas by using a power density value for respective frequency bandwidths in the respective subareas.
US09961641B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a user equipment power saving method, an apparatus, and user equipment. The method includes: determining whether power saving needs to be performed on user equipment; if power saving needs to be performed on the user equipment, sending a power saving configuration request to a network side, where the power saving configuration request is used to request the network side to perform, according to the power saving configuration request, a power saving configuration on the user equipment. According to the user equipment power saving method provided in embodiments of the present invention, an objective of reducing power consumption of UE can be achieved, thereby improving user experience.
US09961632B2
A wireless user equipment (UE) device may include a receiver and transmitter. The UE device may dynamically vary the fidelity requirements imposed on the analog signal processing performed by the receiver and/or the transmitter in response factors such as: amount of signal interference (e.g., out-of-band signal power); modulation and coding scheme; number of spatial streams; extent of transmitter leakage; and size and/or frequency location of resources allocated to the UE device. Thus, the UE device may consume less power on average than a UE device that is designed to satisfy fixed fidelity requirements associated with a worst case reception scenario and/or a worst case transmission scenario.
US09961628B2
A system and method are disclosed that may selectively switch a station's association from a first AP to a second AP based, at least in part, on whether an indication of first RSSI values for the first AP is greater than an indication of second RSSI values for the second AP by more than a difference value. For some embodiments, the difference value may be dynamically adjusted based, at least in part, on the first RSSI values, on a connection history of the station, and/or on a user selection.
US09961621B2
Wireless CPE and an access method therefor are provided. The wireless CPE includes a control subsystem, an access subsystem, and an interface and control module arranged therebetween. The interface and control module is configured to provide a communication link between the control subsystem and the access subsystem when no master equipment accesses the interface and control module, otherwise, disconnect the communication link between the control subsystem and the access subsystem and provide a communication link between the access subsystem and master equipment. Thus, some users can exclusively enjoy wireless broadband resources while some users use wired broadband resources without additional cost.
US09961617B2
A network access method and a mobile communication terminal are provided. The mobile communication terminal determines the current location of the mobile communication terminal, receives a graphical two-dimensional barcode transmitted by another mobile communication terminal bound with the mobile communication terminal, decodes the graphic two-dimensional barcode to acquire an equivalent home public land mobile network (EHPLMN) list to which the graphic two-dimensional barcode points, and performs network access according to the EHPLMN list when the mobile communication terminal detects that the EHPLMN list contains a network identifier of a public land mobile network (PLMN) corresponding to the current location.
US09961615B2
A method embodiment for network authentication includes selecting, by a user equipment (UE), an access network for establishing a network connection and receiving one or more network authentication status indications for a network associated with the access network. The method further includes implementing a network authentication and selection policy in accordance with the one or more network authentication status indications.
US09961607B2
According to several disclosed techniques, a wireless network provides assistance information to a mobile terminal for cell selection at re-establishment of a connection after a radio link failure. An example method is implemented in a mobile terminal served in a first cell of a wireless network, and includes receiving (510) a configuration message from the network, the configuration message identifying at least one carrier frequency. Upon subsequently losing connection with the first cell without receiving a handover command, the mobile terminal initiates (520) a cell search using the identified at least one carrier frequency, based on the configuration message.
US09961603B2
An object is to improve the throughput of a mobile station UE without affecting the coverage of a macrocell in a case where CA is introduced to a HetNet environment. A radio base station eNB according to the present invention is configured to determine whether or not to change the connection destination of a mobile station UE from a small cell #1 to a small cell #2 while the mobile station UE is performing CA by using the macrocell and the small cell #1, based on at least one of the congestion status in each of the small cell #1 and the small cell #2 and the communication quality in each of the small cell #1 and the small cell #2.
US09961593B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, apparatus, and system for a handover to a circuit switched domain. The method includes: selecting an MSC capable of both CSFB and SRVCC for a UE; and selecting, if a location service of a CS domain triggers an SRVCC procedure for the UE when the UE has a VOIP service in progress, the MSC capable of both CSFB and SRVCC in the SRVCC procedure, so that the UE, after being handed over to the CS domain, accesses the MSC and implements the location service of the CS domain. The apparatus includes: a first selecting module and a second selecting module. The system includes a UE and the apparatus. The embodiments of the present invention enable the UE with the VOIP service in progress to be correctly handed over to the CS domain and implement the location service.
US09961581B2
Apparatus and methods, in one or more aspects, provide for status report management of received data packets at a wireless device. The wireless device may determine that a first status report, generated in response to identifying a number of missing data packets within a sequence of a plurality of data packets received at the UE, includes information associated with fewer than the number of missing data packets. The wireless device may transmit the first status report. The wireless device may also disable a status prohibition timer in response to the transmitting based on the determination. The wireless device may transmit a second status report including information associated with a remainder of the number of missing data packets not included in the first status report.
US09961575B2
A process of wireless communication for obtaining channel quality information alignment includes predicting a channel state of a future downlink subframe of a signal. The process also includes providing a base station with a set of parameters based on the predicted channel state. For example, a user equipment (UE) can obtain a recommended transport block size (RTBS) from the predictor process, and return the RTBS to the base station as one of the set of parameters.
US09961568B2
A method for a mobile communication system, the mobile communication system defining a dedicated channel (DCH) active set and an enhanced-dedicated channel (E-DCH) active set, the method including performing a power measurement of a pilot signal from a cell that is not included in the E-DCH active set but included in the DCH active set, and performing a power measurement of a pilot signal from a cell that is included in the E-DCH active set.
US09961566B2
A method and apparatus for selecting a scheduling group of base stations is provided for use in a communication system. The method includes receiving, at the control apparatus, received signal power information for a signal received by a terminal; receiving cell edge terminal information on the terminal located at a cell edge; determining a combination of base stations that maximize throughput based on the received signal power information and the cell edge terminal information; and mapping the determined combination of the base stations to the integral scheduler.
US09961557B2
A spectrum resource management device: determines available spectrum resources of a target communication system, so that aggregation interference caused by the target communication system and a communication system with a low right against a communication system with a high right in a management area does not exceed an interference threshold of the communication system with a high right; reduces available spectrum resources of the communication system with a low right, so that the interference caused by the communication system with a low right against the target communication system does not exceed an interference threshold of the target communication system; and updates the available spectrum resources of the target communication system according to the reduced available spectrum resources of the communication system with a low right, so that the aggregation interference does not exceed the interference threshold of the communication system with a high right.
US09961543B2
A wireless router, comprising a location information acquisition module configured to acquire location information of a mobile device and an identity information collection module configured to store a predetermined location model to determine a match between the location information and the predetermined location model based on a corresponding relation between the predetermined location model and identity information of the mobile device. A wireless router further comprising an authentication and authorization module configured to determine a match between the location information and the predetermined location model and to authenticate and authorize the mobile device to access a network.
US09961538B2
A method is provided for providing mobile device support services. The method may include monitoring a mobile device status. The method may additionally include performing device diagnostics based at least in part on captured device status data to identify potential faults that may affect mobile device functionality. A corresponding system, apparatus, and computer program product are also provided.
US09961537B2
The present invention relates to a wireless communication device, an information processing method, and a recording medium for the same. The wireless communication device according to the invention a checking section for checking ID information, set to a communication network by automatic setting or user's selection setting, of communication network IDs of one or more communication network devices accessible by the wireless communication device at current place, and checking a web address for a place corresponding to the checked network ID; and a processing section for changing a web address, for an output object, pre-set on a web browser program into the web address for the place corresponding to the checked network ID while interlocking with the web browser program equipped in the wireless communication device.
US09961535B2
An approach is disclosed for providing an instant location service. At a wireless device of a first user, mapping information of a second user is received over a wireless network. The mapping information specifies position of the second user within a prescribed proximity of the wireless device. The first user is notified of the location of the second user based on the received mapping information. A communication session is selectively initiated by the wireless device, over the wireless network to the second user.
US09961530B2
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for obtaining traffic information by a terminal in a wireless communication system. The method comprises the steps of: broadcasting a first D2D discovery signal requesting traffic information to a plurality of first surrounding terminals; receiving, in response to the first D2D discovery signal, a second D2D discovery signal indicating surrounding traffic information from one or more second surrounding terminals among the plurality of first surrounding terminals; and updating the traffic information of the surrounding area on the basis of the one or more second D2D discovery signals.
US09961520B2
A system having a server for receiving a message from a sending device executing a messaging application and for sending a message notification alert to a recipient, the server having a processor and memory, the memory having computer executable code, comprising receiving the message from the sending device executing the messaging application, the message containing recipient address information provided by the sending device, determining, based on recipient address information, that the recipient is not associated with a recipient device having the messaging application, and transmitting the message notification alert to the recipient via an alternate communications method, the message notification alert comprising a link to view the message.
US09961519B1
Disclosed are systems, methods, apparatus and computer program products for facilitating text-based interaction by a mobile device with an enterprise database. In some implementations, a first one or more text messages sent from a mobile device during a session is parsed to identify a command and a type of enterprise work record. It is determined that the identified command and record type were previously identified. One or more fields of the record type required by the enterprise database to be populated to carry out the identified command is determined. A request message requesting user input to populate the one or more fields can be sent to the mobile device, and instructions can be sent to the enterprise database to carry out the identified command with respect to the identified type of enterprise work record using the field data.
US09961517B2
A communication system includes a headset including a microphone and an audio speaker installed on the headset, the headset including an RF transceiver configured to perform wireless communication with a two-way radio having a push-to-talk communication channel. The RF transceiver is further configured to perform wireless communication with an information handling system. The headset includes processing electronics configured to process an input signal from the microphone and output a first processed signal to the RF transceiver and to process an input signal from the RF transceiver and output a second processed signal to the speaker. A remote control unit is configured to perform wireless communication with the headset, the remote control unit including a remote control unit interface disposed thereon for selectively configuring the headset to function as an audio interface for the push-to-talk communication channel and an audio interface for the information handling system.
US09961502B2
A method may use location information to transmit alert information to a communications device. Such a method may include receiving location information identifying a physical location of a mobile device; responsive to receiving an indication of communication intended for the mobile device, selecting an alerting tone based on the physical location of the mobile device; and providing instructions to adjust an alerting mechanism of the mobile device based on the selecting of the alerting tone. Other methods and systems are also provided.
US09961498B2
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.
US09961495B2
A system enables a single WiFi access point to localize clients to within tens of centimeters. Such a system can bring indoor positioning to homes and small businesses which typically have a single access point. A key enabler underlying the system is a novel algorithm that can compute sub-nanosecond time of flight using commodity WiFi cards. By multiplying the time of flight with the speed of light, a Wifi access point computes the distance between each of its antennas and the client, hence localizing it. An implementation on commodity WiFi cards demonstrates that the system's accuracy is comparable to state-of-the-art localization systems, which use four or five access points.
US09961492B2
A method for monitoring an operation location of a surface processing apparatus is provided, wherein a surface processing apparatus is allocated to a spatially delimited operation area by way of an allocating unit, and wherein the position of the surface processing apparatus is established, and it is determined whether the surface processing apparatus is disposed inside or outside the operation area. For versatility, the surface processing apparatus is allocated to a first operation area and at least one second operation area that is spatially separated from the first operation area, and it is determinable whether the surface processing apparatus is disposed outside the first operation area but inside the at least one second operation area. Furthermore, the invention relates to a monitoring system for performing the method.
US09961484B2
Disclosed are a method and apparatus for forming, by a first device, forming a Wi-Fi connection with a second device using Bluetooth LE in a wireless communication system, including receiving an advertising message from the second device, forming a Bluetooth LE connection with the second device based on the advertising message, transmitting a first write request message to the second device requesting writing of authentication information necessary for performing Wi-Fi authentication with the third device, wherein the first write request message including the authentication information, receiving a write response message from the second device as a response to the first write request message, and sending a second write request message to request the writing of Opcode indicating a Wi-Fi connection with the third device to the second device. The second write request message includes identification information for identifying the third device, and the Wi-Fi connection is formed between the second and the third devices based on the authentication information.
US09961483B1
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to wireless charger cross-talk prevention system. A power transmitting unit (PTU) may determine a power receiving unit (PRU) of one or more PRUs in proximity to a charging area of the PTU. The PTU may detect a communication link between the PTU and the PRU. The PTU may generate an enhanced message, including one or more identifying information associated with the PTU. The PTU may cause to send the enhanced message to the PRU.
US09961481B2
The present invention is related to a method for transmitting and receiving data to and from a web server by using Bluetooth communication in a wireless communication system, comprising receiving a first write request including HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) request-related information from a first client device; transmitting to a web server HTTP request-related information generated on the basis of information included in the received first write request; receiving an HTTP response message in response to the HTTP request-related information from the web server; notifying the first client device of an HTTP status code indicating the status of data included in the received HTTP response message; and receiving a read request requesting data transmission on the basis of information included in the HTTP status code from the first client device, wherein, in case a second write request is received from a different client device while the first write request is being received, an error response is transmitted to the different client device.
US09961474B2
The disclosure is based on the finding that acoustic near-field transfer functions indicating acoustic near-field propagation channels between loudspeakers and ears of a listener can be employed to pre-process audio signals. Therefore, acoustic near-field distortions of the audio signals can be mitigated. The pre-processed audio signals can be presented to the listener using a wearable frame, wherein the wearable frame comprises the loudspeakers for audio presentation. The disclosure can allow for a high quality rendering of audio signals as well as a high listening comfort for the listener. The disclosure can provide the following advantages. By means of a loudspeaker selection as a function of a spatial audio source direction, cues related to the listener's ears can be generated, making the approach more robust with regard to front/back confusion. The approach can further be extended to an arbitrary number of loudspeaker pairs.
US09961470B2
The invention discloses rendering sound field signals, such as Higher-Order Ambisonics (HOA), for arbitrary loudspeaker setups, where the rendering results in highly improved localization properties and is energy preserving. This is obtained by a new type of decode matrix for sound field data, and a new way to obtain the decode matrix. In a method for rendering an audio sound field representation for arbitrary spatial loudspeaker setups, the decode matrix (D) for the rendering to a given arrangement of target loudspeakers is obtained by steps of obtaining a number (L) of target speakers, their positions (L), positions (S) of a spherical modeling grid and a HOA order (N), generating (141) a mix matrix (G) from the positions (S) of the modeling grid and the positions (L) of the speakers, generating (142) a mode matrix ({tilde over (Ψ)})from the positions (S) of the spherical modeling grid and the HOA order, calculating (143) a first decode matrix ({circumflex over (D)}) from the mix matrix (G) and the mode matrix ({tilde over (Ψ)}), and smoothing and scaling (144, 145) the first decode matrix ({circumflex over (D)}) with smoothing and scaling coefficients.
US09961468B2
A sound reproduction system includes an electro-acoustic transducer and a transducer driver for driving the electro-acoustic transducer. The transducer drive includes a filter which is configured to reproduce at a listener's location an approximation to the local sound field that would be present at the listener's ears in recording space, taking into account the characteristics and intended position of the electro-acoustic transducer relative to the listener's ears. The electro-acoustic transducer includes a first sound emitter which provides an intermediate sound emission channel, and second and third sound emitters providing respective left and right sound emission channels. The first sound emitter is located intermediate of second and third sound emitters. Higher frequencies from at least one of the second and third sound emitters are transmitted closer to the first sound emitter while lower frequencies are transmitted away from the first sound emitter.
US09961456B2
A hearing aid system includes: a first hearing aid comprising a first set of microphones, a first beamformer, a first processing module, and a first receiver; and a second hearing aid comprising a second set of microphones, a second beamformer, a second processing module, and a second receiver; wherein the first beamformer in a first operating mode is configured to provide a first audio signal in accordance with a first primary spatial characteristic, wherein the second beamformer in the first operating mode is configured to provide a second audio signal in accordance with a second primary spatial characteristic, the first primary spatial characteristic having a first main lobe with a first direction, and the second primary spatial characteristic having a second main lobe with a second direction, wherein the second direction is different from the first direction.
US09961455B2
A test apparatus for binaurally-coupled acoustic devices is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base, a lid, a primary speaker, and a binaural test fixture. The lid is coupled to the base and movable between a closed position in which the lid and base cooperate to form a closed sound chamber that is symmetric about a vertical mirror plane, and an open position. The primary speaker is coupled to one of the base and the lid, and faces a direction that lies on the mirror plane. The binaural test fixture is positioned inside the sound chamber, and includes first and second acoustic coupler mounts. The vertical mirror plane extends symmetrically between the first and second acoustic coupler mounts. A binaural test fixture, an acoustic coupler assembly, and a method of testing binaurally-coupled acoustic devices are also disclosed.
US09961447B2
A speaker comprises a permanent magnet (2) and a coil (8) positioned around the permanent magnet (2) and attached to a membrane (10), wherein the membrane comprises an elastomer of thickness less than 0.3 mm and with a Young's modulus below 100 MPa.
US09961444B2
A reproducing device includes a reproducing unit configured to reproduce a contents sound, an output unit configured to output the contents sound which has been reproduced using the reproducing unit to a headphone, a talk detection unit configured to detect that a headphone fitter who fits the headphone talks with a person and an image normal position control unit configured to move the normal position of the image of the contents sound which has been reproduced using the reproducing unit to an arbitrary position when the talk detecting unit has detected that the headphone fitter has started talking with the person.
US09961439B2
According to the present invention, a recording apparatus includes an apparatus body having a front surface and a rear surface that constitute a front and a back, a first microphone which is placed in the front surface of the apparatus body and which has a predetermined directivity, a second microphone which is provided in the rear surface facing the front surface of the apparatus body and which has a directivity that is narrower than that of the first microphone, and a recording processing unit which switches a microphone for use in recording processing between the first microphone and the second microphone to perform the recording processing in accordance with the state of the apparatus body.
US09961426B2
A cylindrical member holding apparatus which is flexible in an axial direction of a cylindrical member and resists being deformed in directions perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical member. A plurality of elastically-deformable supporting portions are disposed on respective opposite sides of the cylindrical member held by a holder portion in a direction of an axis of the cylindrical member and connect a base portion and the holder portion together. The supporting portions have such a shape as to be more easily elastically deformed in a first direction than in a second and third direction. The first direction is the axial direction of the cylindrical member, the second direction is a direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and connects the holder portion and the base portion together, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and also perpendicular to the second direction.
US09961420B2
[Problem] To provide an optical packet buffer control device, without making device construction large in scale, that is capable of dynamically responding to traffic and suppressing power consumption.[Solution] An optical delay line and electronic buffer merged-type optical packet buffer control device having N number of input terminals (11), an optical packet information acquisition unit (13), a plurality of switches (15), a plurality of delay lines (17), an electronic buffer (19), an output terminal (21), and a buffer control unit (23), wherein the buffer control unit (23) receives packet information and analyzes packet traffic, and exerts control so as not to use the electronic buffer (19) when the packet traffic is equal to or less than a first threshold, or receives information pertaining to the use state of the delay lines and exerts control so as not to use the electronic buffer (19) when the use rate of the delay lines (the percentage of the number of used delay lines relative to the total number of delay lines) is equal to or less than a first threshold pertaining to the use rate. This device can expand capacity by utilizing the electronic buffer at the time of congestion, and can dynamically respond to changes in traffic.
US09961404B2
Audio fingerprinting and other media matching technologies can be used to identify broadcast media, such as television shows and radio broadcasts. A user device can record image, audio, and/or video information and upload information to a matching service that is able to use matching technology to identify the media and provide supplemental content or information to the user. The user might receive information identifying a product in an advertisement, identifying an actor on screen in a movie at a particular time, or other such information. In some embodiments, the user can receive access to a digital copy of the captured media, such as the ability to download a copy of a program in which a user expressed interest. Since a user might capture media information after the point of interest, a device can buffer a window of recently captured media in order to attempt to identify the intended media.
US09961400B2
Techniques for real-time DVR programming employ secure instant message protocol in a DVR environment. An embodiment sends an instant message to the DVR which causes the DVR to open a new secure connection with the service provider for synchronizing data on the DVR with updated programming data from the service provider. Another embodiment uses an already established connection with an instant message server for synchronizing data on the DVR with updated programming data from the service provider.
US09961397B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a centralized broadband gateway for a wireless communication system, including a router/gateway module which receives encoded compressed audio/video (A/V) streams and distributes the encoded compressed audio/video A/V streams; multiple audio/video decoders which receive the encoded compressed A/V streams from the a router/gateway module, decode the encoded compressed A/V streams, and output uncompressed A/V streams; and an integrated Wireless High Definition Multimedia Interface (WHDMI) which receives the uncompressed A/V streams from the multiple audio/video decoders and transmits the uncompressed A/V streams wirelessly to media devices, without deploying individual media processors at each media device. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09961392B2
The present disclosure provides a method, apparatus and a system of synchronizing audio with video. A receiving device receives a video signal embedded with a video sync signal and an audio signal embedded with an audio sync signal provided by a sending device; searches for the video sync signal in the video signal, searches for the audio sync signal in the audio signal; and processes the video signal and the audio signal according to a time when the video sync signal occurs in the video signal and a time when the audio sync signal occurs in the audio signal to make the processed audio signal synchronized with the processed video signal during playback.
US09961388B2
A method, apparatus and system of exposure of public internet protocol addresses in an advertising exchange server to improve relevancy of advertisements are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of a client device includes applying an automatic content recognition algorithm to determine a content identifier of an audio-visual data. The client device then associates the content identifier with an advertisement data based on a semantic correlation between a meta-data of the advertisement provided by a content provider and/or the content identifier. The advertisement data may be generated through an advertising exchange server based on the content identifier of the audio-visual data and/or a public internet-protocol address associated with an application requesting the advertisement data. A provider of the content identifier may receive a compensation when the advertisement data is associated with the audio-visual data based on the public internet protocol address associated with the application requesting the advertisement data.
US09961386B1
Systems and methods for presenting custom navigation options are described herein. In some embodiments, the media guidance application displays a first portion of a media asset, and identifies a set of entities referenced in messages associated with the media asset. The media guidance application then selects an entity frequently referenced in the plurality of messages, and displays a transport bar associated with the entity comprising an indicator identifying the entity and a region associated with only portions of the media asset associated with the entity. The media guidance application then displays a second portion of the media asset in response to receiving a user selection of a segment of the region. In some embodiments, the region corresponds to a custom presentation of the media asset featuring the selected entity, and the transport bar updates dynamically based on newly received messages, or the content displayed by the media guidance application.
US09961385B2
In one aspect, an example method involves: accessing, by a computing device, a program schedule of a news program; accessing, by the computing device, data associated with an election; using, by the computing device, the accessed data to make a determination that a status of the election satisfies each condition in a condition set; responsive to making the determination that the status of the election satisfies each condition in the condition set, modifying, by the computing device, the program schedule at least by inserting into the program schedule a record that corresponds to the election; and displaying, by the computing device, the modified program schedule.
US09961381B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for reducing latency in presenting digital videos. In one aspect, a system includes a front-end server that provides videos and local servers that each include a cache for storing videos that have been partially presented at client devices located in a same geographic location as the local server. The system includes a back-end server that selects a video in response to a content request received from a client device located in the same geographic location as a local server. The back-end server provides, to the client device, at least a portion of the video and determines that less than all of the video was presented at the client device. The back-end server reduces latency in presenting additional portions of the video at the client device by storing the video in the cache of the local server.
US09961379B2
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for constructing a schedule well before the time of an asset delivery opportunity that associates a collection of one or more assets, potentially from multiple advertisers or asset providers, that are planned to play in each asset delivery opportunity. Specific rules for each device also determine which asset each will play, thereby ensuring that campaigns of total asset delivery and asset delivery pacing are approximately fulfilled. This scheduling can be accomplished using marketing data associated with each user device and can be prepared in a practicable period of time using reasonable processing resources.
US09961370B2
A method and apparatus for a three-dimensional encoding or decoding system incorporating view synthesis prediction (VSP) with reduced computational complexity and/or memory access bandwidth are disclosed. The system applies the VSP process to the texture data only and applies non-VSP process to the depth data. Therefore, when a current texture block in a dependent view is coded according to VSP by backward warping the current texture block to the reference picture using an associated depth block and the motion parameter inheritance (MPI) mode is selected for the corresponding depth block in the dependent view, the corresponding depth block in the dependent view is encoded or decoded using non-VSP inter-view prediction based on motion information inherited from the current texture block.
US09961368B2
The present invention variably adjusts the maximum splitting information of a conversion unit according to the type of prediction unit and the splitting information on a coding unit and selects the optimal splitting information on the conversion unit. The present invention determines the maximum splitting information on the conversion unit of a depth block by using the maximum splitting information on the conversion unit for texture data. The present invention may lower complexity without a loss in efficiency by variably adjusting the maximum splitting information on the conversion unit in consideration of the characteristics of the depth data. The present invention may lower complexity by determining the maximum splitting information on the conversion unit of the depth data by using similar characteristics between the texture data and the depth data.
US09961363B2
An inter-layer prediction method and device for a multi-layer video. The inter-layer prediction method includes the steps of: generating a restored picture in a reference layer through the predictive coding of the reference layer, determining when there is a restored picture in the reference layer for the time corresponding to a current picture in an enhancement layer for coding or decoding of the current picture in the enhancement layer, and performing inter-layer prediction by referencing a picture in the enhancement layer or a restored picture in the reference layer, depending on whether there is restored picture from the same view in the reference layer.
US09961361B2
Several methods and systems for encoding pictures are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method comprises dividing an LCU of a picture into a plurality of MERs having size equal to or less than a predetermined size. For one or more MERs of the plurality of MERs, a number of first motion searches are performed for determining a first quad-tree based on a cost function associated with a first plurality of PUs of the one or more MERs. A number of second motion searches are performed for the LCU, for determining a second quad-tree, based on the cost function associated with a second plurality of PUs of the LCU. The first quad-tree or the second quad-tree is selected for performing encoding of the picture based on a comparison of a first cost of the first quad-tree with a second cost of the second quad-tree.
US09961356B2
An image encoding and decoding apparatus and method, the image encoding and decoding apparatus includes: an encoding unit adjusting at least one weight value adaptively to the number of bits expressing each pixel of a current image, predicting a pixel value of a block of interest by performing an operation on a pixel value of at least one block having a pixel value similar to the pixel value of the block of interest among blocks included in a previous image and the at least one adjusted weight value, and encoding the pixel value of the block of interest using the predicted pixel value of the block of interest; and a decoding unit adjusting the at least one weight value adaptively to the number of bits, restoring the predicted pixel value of the block of interest by performing an operation on the pixel value of the at least one block having the pixel value similar to the pixel value of the block of interest among blocks included in the restored previous image and the at least one adjusted weight value, and decoding the pixel value of the block of interest using the restored pixel value, wherein the previous image refers to an image displayed prior to a current image, and the block of interest is a target block of interest among blocks belonging to the current image.
US09961346B2
The present invention provides a video encoder and a method of operating the video encoder to implement high-precision bit rate control by reducing the risk of overflow of an intermediate buffer coupled between a quantizer and an encoding section. The intermediate buffer supplies a selection control signal indicative of whether the amount of stored data is large or small to a selector. If the selection control signal indicates large, the selector outputs an estimated code amount from a code amount estimation section to the rate controller. If the selection control signal indicates small, the selector outputs an actual code amount from the encoding section to the rate controller. The rate controller calculates the quantization scale according to the output of the selector and feedbacks the calculated quantization scale to the quantizer. The quantizer adjusts the quantizer scale.
US09961341B2
The present disclosure discloses a method for evaluating crosstalk in a naked-eye stereoscopic display, including: controlling a display panel to display sequentially viewpoint images; when displaying each of the viewpoint images, each of sub-pixels for displaying a current viewpoint image displays a white image, each of sub-pixels for displaying other viewpoint images displays a black image; obtaining sequentially, on a light emitting side of the display panel, first luminance values of light at respective test angles corresponding to the current viewpoint image; controlling the display panel to display an all-black image, obtaining sequentially second luminance values of light at the respective test angles; determining a crosstalk value of light at one test angle corresponding to any one of luminance peaks in the first luminance values, according to the one of luminance peaks and one second luminance value at the same test angle corresponding to the one of the luminance peaks.
US09961339B2
A calibration rig and calibration method for an imaging system includes a base and a holder extending from the base, the holder including a fixture configured to hold a radioactive source material in a two-dimensional geometric configuration and a radioactive source material disposed in the fixture.
US09961338B2
A method for reducing fixed pattern noise of an image sensor is provided. The method includes: accessing pixel data of at least one test frame in a test environment; and calculating/deriving average values of each column based on at least one portion of pixel data of the column in the at least one test frame, wherein the average values of columns are used as calibration values for calibrating image pixel data of columns when the image sensor operates in a normal light source environment.
US09961335B2
A pickup device and method for an object in three-dimension display are disclosed. The device comprises a gaze point information acquisition module for acquiring a first location information about a gaze point of an eye of a user with respect to the user; and an object determination module for determining an object picked up by the user according to a second location information about the user in a display space, motion posture information about the user, the first location information and distribution information about objects in the display space. A technical solution of the present application determines an object picked up by a user by means of the location of a gaze point of an eye, making it natural and convenient to pick up an object in a three-dimension display space.
US09961330B2
Provided is a method of generating multi-view immersive content. The method includes obtaining a multi-view background image from a plurality of cameras arranged in a curved shape, modeling the obtained multi-view background image to generate a codebook corresponding to the multi-view background image, obtaining a multi-view image including an object from the plurality of cameras and separating a foreground and a background from the obtained multi-view image by using the generated codebook, and synthesizing the object included in the separated foreground with a virtual background to generate multi-view immersive content.
US09961327B2
A method for extracting an eye center point includes: photographing a left eye using a left camera resulting in a left eye image; extracting a light reflection point from the left eye image using a first lighting; extracting a first reflection point which is the brightest point on a horizontal line of the light reflection point using a second lighting; photographing the left eye using a right camera; extracting a second reflection point and a third reflection point from an epipolar line by computing an epipolar line of an image corresponding to the light reflection point using the first lighting and the second lighting; and extracting the eye center point using the light reflection point, the first reflection point, the second reflection point, and the third reflection point.
US09961326B2
The disclosure is directed to providing high resolution stereoscopy with extended depth of focus. Wave front coding in optical paths going to a first detector and at least a second detector may be implemented to affect an intermediate set of images. The intermediate set of images may be filtered (i.e. decoded) to produce a filtered set of images with selected resolution and depth of focus properties. A first filtered image and a second filtered image may be substantially simultaneously presented to respective first and second eyes of an observer to further generate an illusion of enhanced depth (i.e. 3D perception).
US09961324B2
A method is described for generating a video stream by starting from a plurality of sequences of 2D and/or 3D video frames, wherein a video stream generator composes into a container video frame video frames coming from N different sources (S1, S2, S3, SN) and generates a single output video stream of container video frames which is coded by an encoder, wherein said encoder enters into the output video stream a signalling adapted to indicate the structure of the container video frames. A corresponding method for regenerating the video stream is also described.
US09961323B2
A multiview video decoding method includes receiving a base view image stream of a base viewpoint and additional view image streams of at least two additional viewpoints, restoring base view images by performing motion compensation that references base view anchor pictures of an I-picture type, by using the base view image stream, restoring a view decoding refresh image configured for viewpoint switching for changing a first additional viewpoint, by performing disparity compensation that references at least one of the restored base view images, on a first additional view image stream, and restoring first additional view images of the first additional viewpoint by performing at least one of disparity compensation that references the restored base view images and motion compensation that references restored images of the first additional viewpoint excluding the view decoding refresh image that precedes the restored first additional view images, on the first additional view image stream.
US09961316B2
Hybrid image projection systems and methods can superimpose image components of an input image. An input image can be divided into smaller regions and at least one parameter of each region can be determined. The input image can be decomposed based on the parameter of each region into multiple, less correlated, orthogonal or quasi-orthogonal image components. Each projector can display respective image components so that the images projected may be optically superimposed on a screen. The superposition of orthogonal or quasi-orthogonal image components can result in superposition of images in an existing multi-projector image systems being more insensitive to inter-projector image misalignment. Superimposing orthogonal or quasi-orthogonal images can be used to avoid visible image degradation, and provide more robust image quality in a multiple projector system implementation.
US09961314B2
An illumination device (100) includes a solid-state light source device (10), a pickup lens unit (20) on which light from the solid-state light source device is incident, and a polarization conversion element (40). A lens (22) constituting the light exit surface of the pickup lens unit (20) is an aspherical lens having a light exit surface shaped like a rotationally symmetric shape centered on a light axis (40ax) when viewed from a direction of the light axis (40ax), and having a cross-section of an aspherical shape when cut with a plane parallel to the light axis (40ax). The light exit surface of the aspherical lens has a function of collimating and then emitting the light having been emitted from the center of the solid-state light source device (10) in an area near to the light axis (40ax), and emitting the light so as to converge toward the light axis in an area far from the light axis (40ax).
US09961308B2
A multispectral image capture device includes a filter wheel (4) and an image sensor. The filters (41-46) are located close to a focusing plane of a light beam used to form the images, and at least one of the filters is more angularly narrow than the optical field of the image sensor. The production of the filter is thereby facilitated. Advantageously, the filters are closer to one another in the wheel such that multiple filters are in the optical field of the sensor simultaneously. Each multispectral image can be captured more quickly than when each filter covers the entire optical field of the sensor.
US09961305B2
Disclosed are a method and a system for video stitching. After it is determined that initial mounting of cameras in a M×N video stitching scene is completed, a reference image is selected from M×N images corresponding to M×N cameras; where both M and N are positive integers, at least one of M and N is larger than 1, and a rotating mirror is set in front of a camera lens of each camera; an image whose position does not meet a requirement among respective images except for the selected reference image is adjusted by controlling a rotating mirror corresponding to the image to rotate according to the selected reference image; and video stitching is performed according to an adjustment result.
US09961304B2
Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic image processing method and apparatus. The ultrasonic image processing method includes acquiring volume data by radiating ultrasonic waves to an area around the uterus, extracting at least one object candidate group based on the acquired volume data, and displaying the at least one extracted object candidate group on a screen. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus includes a data acquisition unit acquiring volume data of an area around the uterus using ultrasonic waves, a data processing unit extracting at least one object candidate group based on the acquired volume data, and a display unit displaying the at least one extracted object candidate group on a screen.
US09961297B2
A system, article, and method of rotation of video frames for displaying a video.
US09961289B2
The invention relates to image sensors and more specifically the generation of control signals for pixels and readout circuits.The sequencing circuit which produces these signals comprises: a programmable memory (MEM) containing binary words (M0, M1, M2, etc.) in which each word comprises a group of several bits of position 1 to N, and in which the position i of a bit in a word corresponds to the position i of a respective control signal; a memory controller (CTRL_MEM) for extracting from the memory at a determined rate the words located at successive addresses of the memory from a start address to an end address; and a control signal generation circuit (GEN_TIMING) establishing each control signal of position i from the succession of bits of respective position i that are extracted from the memory by the controller, the control signal reproducing the successive values taken by the bit of position i at the clock rate.
US09961287B2
An image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of unit pixels in a matrix including rows and columns. The matrix being divided into a plurality of groups and each of the plurality of groups includes two or more different columns, a binning sampling unit configured to sample outputs of unit pixels in each of the plurality of groups and output binning sampling signals, and an analog-digital conversion block including first and second analog-digital conversion units corresponding to the columns. The first analog-digital conversion units convert the binning sampling signals. When the first analog-digital conversion units convert the binning sampling signals, the second analog-digital conversion units are turned off.
US09961282B2
For each of the signal corresponding to a signal of a photoelectric converting unit being only a part of an effective pixel and the signal corresponding to a signal obtained by adding signals of a plurality of photoelectric converting units, the difference corresponding to the signal corresponding to the signal obtained by adding the signals of the plurality of photoelectric converting units of a light-shielded pixel.
US09961274B2
In a method of setting an OSD function according to a related technique, it is not allowed to select various superimposing techniques. In a case where a monitoring camera supports a plurality of superimposing techniques, a user is supposed to select one of the superimposing techniques via a troublesome operation. In view of the above, an image pickup apparatus is provided which includes a reception unit configured to receive an acquisition request for information associated with an image superimposing method of the image pickup apparatus, and a transmission unit configured to, in a case where the acquisition request for the information associated with the image superimposing method of the image pickup apparatus is received by the reception unit, transmit information associated with the image superimposing method of the image pickup apparatus.
US09961268B2
On a display screen of a display unit which displays an image captured by an imaging unit, the image capturing direction and the zoom magnification for a specified imaging region to be captured by the imaging unit are determined. If the determined image capturing direction is out of a range of the image capturing direction of the imaging unit that can be changed, the zoom magnification of the imaging unit is restricted to be lower than the zoom magnification determined in the determination.
US09961264B2
A camera including a camera lens, acquisition circuitry receiving images via the camera lens, for acquiring a first field of view when the camera lens is in a first orientation and for acquiring a second field of view when the camera lens is in a second orientation, and a viewfinder displaying the second field of view when the camera lens is in the second orientation and displaying at least a portion of the first field of view at least partially composited with the second field of view.
US09961262B2
A solid-state imaging device and a method therefore capable of suppressing occurrence of motion distortion are provided. Each pixel includes a photo diode PD which accumulates a charge generated by photo-electric conversion in an accumulation period, a transfer transistor capable of transferring the accumulated charge in a transfer period, a floating diffusion FD to which the charge accumulated in the photo diode PD is transferred, a source-follower transistor which converts the charge of the floating diffusion FD to a voltage signal in accordance with the charge quantity, and a capacity changing portion capable of changing the capacity of the floating diffusion FD in accordance with a capacity changing signal, the capacity of the floating diffusion FD being changed by the capacity changing portion in a predetermined period in one readout period with respect to the accumulation period and a conversion gain being switched in this one readout period.
US09961246B2
Techniques and apparatuses are described that enable non-canting VCM-actuated autofocus. These techniques and apparatuses enable multiple focal distances that are substantially free of imaging errors caused by canting of a lens housing. These multiple focal distances are provided by multiple positions of a lens housing relative to an image sensor. These positions can be free of cant through use of mechanical stops and corresponding mechanical stop-mates. By so doing, lower cost, faster focusing, higher image quality, lower power, or lower settling time can be achieved.
US09961244B2
An optical image capturing system comprising, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element, a sixth lens element and a seventh lens element. The first lens element with negative refractive power has a concave image-side surface. The second lens element, the third lens element and the fourth lens element have refractive power. The fifth lens element has refractive power. The sixth lens element with refractive power has an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region and includes at least one convex shape in an off-axial region, wherein the surfaces thereof are aspheric. The seventh lens element with refractive power has an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region and includes at least one convex shape in an off-axial region, wherein the surfaces thereof are aspheric.
US09961238B2
A gamut size metric is used in all phases of color image processing (e.g., capture, transmission, and display). In general, the gamut size metric is a single-valued metric that changes as image content changes. More particularly, a gamut boundary histogram is determined and used to estimate a gamut size metric. A gamut size metric identifies a minimum size gamut needed to encompass each pixel in an image, where the gamut size is limited at one end by a first device independent gamut (S1), and at another end by a second device independent color space (S2), where S1 is wholly enclosed within S2. The gamut size metric may be based on strict pixel color value differences. In other embodiments the gamut size metric may take into effect perceptual color differences and significance.
US09961232B2
To provide an image forming device (20) able to perform an appropriate preview. A MFP (20) that generates an output image (27a) for at least one of transmission and printing (S102) and executes an output using an output image (27a) generated in S102. The MFP (20) generates a preview image (27b) for preview of the output image (27a), stores the preview image (27b) generated in S104 in a storage medium (30) outside of the MFP (20), and performs a preview using the preview image (27b) stored in the storage medium (30) in S109 (S111).
US09961231B2
An image processing method is provided for acquiring additional information from image information obtained by shooting a printed product on which the additional information is multiplexed by at least one of a plurality of different multiplexing methods, the method comprising: attempting decoding of the additional information from the image information by a plurality of different decoding methods corresponding to the plurality of different multiplexing methods; and outputting, by a unit, the additional information successfully decoded.
US09961230B2
A document generation system creates a secure document by: receiving document content to be printed onto a substrate; creating a stencil mask comprising an image of at least a portion of the document content; receiving an image of a watermark to be printed on the substrate; modifying the watermark to remove portions of the watermark that will correspond to locations of the stencil mask; causing a print device to print the document content on the substrate; and causing the print device to print the modified watermark through the stencil mask on the substrate.
US09961227B2
A light source drive control device includes: an image data generating part that generates line-thinned image data having been subjected to line thinning processing for thinning an edge pixel in image data by a first pixel width; an intensity information generating part that generates intensity information including a first intensity at which a pixel not included in a set second pixel width of an edge in the line-thinned image data is exposed and a second intensity at which a pixel included in the second pixel width is exposed and which is higher than the first intensity; and a light source driving part that drives a light source based on a light source modulation signal generated according to the line-thinned image data and a drive current data switched based on a drive current switching signal generated based on the intensity information.
US09961220B2
A recording apparatus includes a rotating body that opens and closes an apparatus main body which is provided with a recording portion that performs recording on a medium and rotates between a first posture that is a closed posture and a second posture that is an open posture, a biasing unit that biases the rotating body in an opening direction, and a biasing release unit that releases an action of a biasing force applied by the biasing unit to the rotating body in a range from a third posture, which is a posture between the first posture and the second posture, to the second posture.
US09961217B2
An instruction position specifying unit which specifies a position of an indicator, a target detecting unit which detects a mark of a medium, an instruction reception unit which receives an instruction corresponding to a position which is indicated by a user using the indicator based on the detected mark, and a processing unit which performs a process corresponding to the received instruction are included.
US09961216B2
An image processing apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive first setting information from an information terminal; a providing unit configured to provide a setting screen for setting second setting information to the information terminal, based on the received first setting information; and an image processing unit configured to execute image processing based on the received first setting information and the second setting information set by the setting screen.
US09961215B2
A communication apparatus is configured to accept input of a condition for selecting a communication apparatus to connect to, receive, from a first communication apparatus that is operating as a base station in a wireless network, information on the first communication apparatus and information on a second communication apparatus that is participating in the wireless network established by the first communication apparatus, and display, from among the first communication apparatus and the second communication apparatus, a communication apparatus or communication apparatuses that meet the condition input via the input unit, based on the received information.
US09961214B2
According to an embodiment of the present invention, an image shooting apparatus includes an imaging unit, a transmission unit, and a processor that is configured to acquire an image captured by the imaging unit to generate a shot image and control the transmission unit to transmit, to an information acquiring apparatus, (i) the shot image, and (ii) instruction information for instructing the information acquiring apparatus to acquire supplementary information, with a shooting instruction. The supplementary information is information which is acquired by a sensor of the information acquiring apparatus and which is to be added to the transmitted shot image.
US09961212B2
A policy and charging control function PCRF determines an application service chain for an application based on multi-dimensional context information corresponding to the application, and transmits the corresponding application service chain information to an SDN controller. The SDN controller determines a forwarding rule for the application based on the application service chain information, and transmits the forwarding rule to a corresponding service chaining infrastructure network. SCEP(s) in the service chaining infrastructure network perform corresponding service function based on the forwarding rule.
US09961211B1
Tracking a status of an ongoing call includes monitoring, by a computer of a contact center, the ongoing call that is connected with a human agent and that originated from a provider network and determining when an automated agent instead of the human agent is connected with the ongoing call. The computer of the contact center can then send a first message to the provider network, wherein the first message comprises first data indicative that the automated agent instead of the human agent is connected with the ongoing call.
US09961204B1
Embodiments provide an oversight mechanism using eye tracking to monitor a human agent's review of artificial intelligence generated contact in a contact center communication session. Content generated by an artificial intelligence engine for each session can be presented to the human agent through a user interface for review by the human agent. While the generated content is being presented, an eye tracking system associated can monitor review of the generated content by the human agent. An indication of the human agent's level of attention to the generated content can be generated based on monitoring the review of the content by the human agent. The indication of the human agent's level of attention can be stored in a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the human agent. One or more reports can be provided based on the KPIs.
US09961198B2
Methods and systems for reducing the impact of fraudulent or spam calls are disclosed. One or more calls to a first phone address are received, the first phone address not currently associated with a communication for a customer prospect. The calling party phone addresses associated with the calls received prior to the association of the first phone address to the first communication are stored. Then the first phone address is associated to the first communication. A first call to the first phone address is received. Prior to answering the first call and at least partly in response to a determination that a calling party phone address of the first call matches one of the previously stored calling party phone address, the first call is identified as a spam or otherwise undesirable call candidate and may be rejected.
US09961196B2
A method of and system for facilitating a captioned conversation between a hard of hearing user using a hard of hearing user's captioned device and a hearing user, the method including the steps of establishing communication between the captioned device and a hard of hearing user's phone device that is independent of the captioned device, and establishing communication between the captioned device and a relay for communicating a text communication from the relay to the captioned device, the text communication including a text transcript corresponding to a hearing user's voice signal transmitted to the hard of hearing user's phone device from a hearing user's phone device.
US09961194B1
A system for authenticating the identity of a caller (i) receives a phone call from a caller, where the phone call is initiated through an application on a remote computer device associated with the caller, and where the phone call includes one or more phone authentication credentials; (ii) determines a preliminary identity of the caller based upon the one or more phone authentication credentials; (iii) receives online authentication credentials from the application on the remote computer device; (iv) determines a confirmed identity of the caller based, at least in part, upon the one or more online credentials and the preliminary identity of the caller; and (v) displays the confirmed identity of the caller to a user answering the phone call. As a result, the user and/or the system do not need to perform additional authentication before providing service to the caller.
US09961190B2
The present application provides a system and method for providing telephony functions for operation during a computer game application execution. In particular, a system and method for performing mobile telephony calling and/or messaging operations in-game during computer game application execution is provided. In the disclosure, a mobile telephony user interface is provided and operated in conjunction with a computer game user interface presenting a game environment to a gamer. Mobile telephony operations are provided by way of the mobile telephony user interface in a manner that at least substantially avoids interrupting gamer perception of ongoing game play and gamer interaction with the game environment.
US09961184B2
A portable terminal case and a method for controlling a smart key of a portable terminal are provided. The portable terminal case may include a cover unit for covering and protecting a rear side of a portable terminal and a coupling unit for connecting with a connector exposed on a rear side of the portable terminal. A seating surface for receiving a smart key may be formed in an inner side of the cover unit and the coupling unit may include a communication port for communicating with the portable terminal and a power port for receiving power, which are electrically connected to the smart key received in the seating surface.
US09961177B2
A communication message, which carries contact displaying information of a target contact may be received. The contact displaying information of the target contact may be displayed on a communication interface. Contact information of the target contact may be obtained when a select instruction corresponding to the contact displaying information of the target contact is received. The contact information of the target contact may be added to an address book.
US09961174B2
System, methods and apparatus are described that model analog behavior in a multi-wire, multi-phase communications link. A digital signal representative of a physical connection in a communications link and a virtual signal characterizing a three-phase signal transmitted over the physical connection are generated. The virtual signal may be configured to model one or more analog characteristics of the physical connection. The analog characteristics may include voltage states defining the three-phase signal. The analog characteristics of the physical connection include at least three voltage states corresponding to signaling states of the three-phase signal.
US09961161B2
Provided are techniques for activity analysis for monitoring and updating a personal profile. User activities are monitored to create a user activity log. The user activity log and a user profile are analyzed using one or more profile entity to activity mappings to identify one or more suggestions for updating the user profile. The one or more suggestions are provided to update the user profile. In response to acceptance of at least one of the suggestions, the user profile is updated.
US09961142B2
A method, device and system disclosed used in storage technique, comprising: splitting a file of size M into k blocks, that is to say, each block is of size M/k; issuing the above k blocks across k different storage nodes in the distributed network storage system in a distributed manner; using the k blocks, constructing n−k independent blocks via linear coding method, and satisfying the property that any k of the n encoded blocks can be used to reconstruct the original data in the file, which means the linear coding method is a kind of Maximum-Distance Separable (MDS) code; distribute the n−k encoded blocks to the rest n−k different storage codes in the distributed network storage systems.
US09961127B2
Systems and methods for capturing interaction data relating to a host application (app) implemented on a mobile device are disclosed. A tracking module is embedded in the host application. Interaction data relating to the host application is captured on the mobile device with the tracking module. The captured interaction data is transmitted from the mobile device.
US09961124B2
The present invention relates to a high picture quality video streaming service method and system. The high picture quality video streaming service system according to the present invention includes: a content server for generating a first encoding video by encoding an original video with at a constant bit rate, generating a second encoding video by encoding the original video by using 1/N of the length of a first encoding video Group Of Pictures (GOP) and 1/N of a frame rate with constant Quantization Parameters, generating a streaming video by using the first encoding video and the second encoding video, and downloading the first encoding video and transmitting the streaming video in real time; and a user terminal for downloading and playing the first encoding video, or generating and playing a video for playback by recombining frames of the first encoding video and frames of the streaming video.
US09961122B2
Streaming of a media asset from a cloud server computer to a media playback device is disclosed. In an embodiment, a list of media assets stored in the cloud server computer is sent over network from the cloud server computer to a portable device. In another embodiment, the list is transferred via close-range communication to the portable device from the media playback device which received the list from the cloud server computer over network. In the embodiments, a media asset is started streaming over network from the cloud server computer to the media playback device responsive to selection of one of the listed media assets at the portable device. In some embodiments, streaming is redirected from the portable device to the media playback device responsive to a user's operation or in case of disconnection.
US09961121B2
A system for making and maintaining connections and providing and transmitting information between governmental persons or candidates and the audience, comprising a processor connected to a network; a database connected to the processor; a governmental person user interface operable to interact with the processor and the database; an audience user interface operable to interact with the processor and the database; wherein the processor is able to obtain information associated with a governmental person from the governmental person user interface; obtain information associated with a governmental person from a third party source; obtain information associated with an audience user; store the information obtained in the database.
US09961117B2
A data processing method comprising receiving, at a proxy associated with a plurality of ICE endpoint computers, a datagram from a client computer for a specific ICE endpoint computer of the plurality of ICE endpoint computers, wherein the datagram comprises a username generated by the specific ICE endpoint computer, and wherein the username has been sent to a server computer by the specific ICE endpoint computer for use in establishing a session between the specific ICE endpoint computer and the client computer, in response to attributes of the datagram not matching an entry in a table of the proxy, extracting an identifier from the username, forwarding, by the proxy, the datagram to the specific ICE endpoint based on the identifier.
US09961109B2
Communication sessions may be initialized by sending an initialization request, and the request may include a frame of policy data identifying permissions, prohibitions and/or rules governing a requesting user or computing device's ability to make calls and use communication services. The policy frame of data may be included with the call initialization request for the session, and may be passed along to multiple nodes that receive the call initialization request.
US09961098B2
Techniques for security scanning of containers executing within VMs. A virtualization system maintains container disk files that store data for containers. The container disk files are stored separate from, and not included within, virtual machine disk files that store data for the virtual machines. To scan data for any particular container, a scanning module scans the container disk file associated with the container. If a threat is found, a container scan catalog is updated to indicate this fact. A container may be disconnected from the network if identified security threats cannot be removed from the container. An entire VM may be disconnected from the network if all containers within the VM have threats that cannot be cleaned. The use of container disk files for security threat scanning allows for data for individual containers to be scanned.
US09961089B1
Methods and Systems for detecting anomalies in a control area of a control system. Estimating for the control area, a first state from a historical state over a first time period using a model of dynamics, and defining a transition of the first state as a function of control inputs, the first state includes a generator state for each generator, the control inputs include a network state for each bus, a mechanical input to each generator or power consumptions at the buses. Updating estimated first state, by connecting measurements of rotor frequency of each generator and measurements of the network states on the buses with the generator state of each generator, to obtain a second state over a second time period later than the first time period, and detecting anomalies based on a statistic deviation of the second state from its corresponding prediction derived from the first state.
US09961086B2
According to various embodiments, the Message Authentication Engine is given permission to access dynamically changing content provided by a buyer system. The Message Authentication Engine receives a purchase request from the buyer system for an item from a vendor system. Based on the purchase request, the Message Authentication Engine retrieves a portion of the dynamically changing content from a client device of the buyer system. The Message Authentication Engine provides to the vendor system the portion of the dynamically changing content provided by the buyer system. The vendor system sends a message to the buyer system with a copy of the portion of the dynamically changing content as a visual verification that the vendor system can be trusted.
US09961081B2
Systems and methods for secure transaction authorization are provided. An emulator is instantiated on a host device and configured to emulate an integrated circuit having a different instruction set than an integrated circuit of the host device, and a guest operating system executing on the emulated integrated circuit is configured to communicate with a host operating system of the host device through an emulated network interface of the emulator. Under control of one or more guest operating system processes executing on the emulated integrated circuit, a request is received over a first secure communication channel from an application executing on the host operating system to authorize a transaction. An authorization result is received from a remote system over a second secure communication channel, and a response is sent to the application over the first secure communication channel indicating the authorization result.
US09961073B2
Techniques are disclosed for dynamically generating a digital certificate for a customer server. A customer server creates a certificate profile and receives an associated profile identifier from a certificate authority (CA). The customer server installs an agent application received from the CA. The agent application generates a public/private key pair and an identifier associated with the customer server. The agent application sends a signed request to the CA that includes the profile identifier, server identifier, and the public key corresponding to the key pair. Upon receiving the credentials, the CA generates a dynamically updatable certificate. Thereafter, if the customer changes information associated with the certificate (or if external conditions require a change to the certificate, such as a key compromise or change in security standards), the CA may generate an updated certificate based on the certificate profile changes and the public key.
US09961071B2
In an example embodiment, a virtual private network (VPN) connection is established between a client device and an authentication service. Then a request is received from a third-party application on the client device, with the request being for a third-party service. A log-in page is requested from the third-party service, with the log-in page including one or more log-in fields usable to enter credential information. The log-in page is then modified to hide the one or more log-in fields. Credentials corresponding to a user of the client device and also corresponding to the third-party service are then obtained. The modified log-in page is sent to the client device via the VPN connection. A log-in submission is received from the third-party application. The credentials corresponding to the user and to the third-party service are sent to the third-party service to log-in the user to the third-party service.
US09961070B2
Method, system, and programs for performing two-factor authentication for a controlled access application via one or more third-party host verification servers. An example method includes receiving a request to a controlled access application after a user has successfully logged into an enterprise system with a first Identifier (ID) factor, the controlled access application requiring additional authentication with a second ID factor, obtaining first information to complete the second ID factor, at least some of the first information being obtained from the user, and generating a first web form using the first information. The method also includes submitting the first web form to a host verification server, receiving an indication of successful verification from the host verification server; and initiating, in response to receiving the indication of successful verification, access to the controlled access application.
US09961066B1
A method and an apparatus of limiting a rate at which traffic is received at an origin server are described. A first request for a resource at an origin server is received at a proxy server from a client device. A first response that includes a refresh instruction, a first refresh time, and a first cryptographic token that is not valid until a first predetermined time is reached is transmitted to the client device. The refresh instruction is to cause the client device to request the resource after the first refresh time has elapsed. A value of a first counter is incremented. As a result of the refresh instruction a second request for the resource is received from the client device. The second request includes the first cryptographic token. Responsive to determining that the first cryptographic token is valid, fulfilling the request.
US09961063B2
An information processing device includes an interface configured to receive authentication information from an electronic device. The device also includes circuitry configured to identify an execution range of an association operation program executed by the electronic device, the execution range being indicative of an authentication of an association between the electronic device and another electronic device.
US09961055B1
A client negotiates multiple cryptographic keys with a server. One of the cryptographic keys is used to encrypt communications that the server can decrypt. Another of the cryptographic keys is used to encrypt communications that, while sent to the server, are not decryptable to the server. The server is configured to forward communications that it is unable to decrypt to another computer system having an ability to decrypt the communications.
US09961053B2
Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for detecting compromised credentials. In some implementations, a content management system can receive information identifying compromised login credentials (e.g., account identifier, password, etc.) from a third party server. The login credentials can be represented by a first hash value generated using a hashing algorithm. When a user logs in to the content management system the user can provide the user's account identifier and password for the content management system. The content management system can generate a second hash value from the user-supplied password using the same hashing algorithm used for the compromised login credentials. The content management system can determine whether the second hash value matches the first hash value and prompt the user to provide a new password for the user's content management system account when the second hash value matches the first hash value.
US09961041B2
Some embodiments of a method for withdrawal a message include receiving, by a mobile device, an input to send a first message to a first recipient, the first message containing at least one image or video. The mobile device processes the first message for transmittal to the first recipient. In response to detecting a request to withdraw the first message within a timeout period, the mobile device determines that the first message has not been sent from the mobile device and terminates the processing of the first message for sending.
US09961038B2
A computer-implemented method of posting content to a social medium comprises receiving content posted by a user along with an associated posting time which indicates when the user selected an option to post the content to the social medium; determining that publication of the content posted by the user is dependent on a trigger; and in response to determining that publication of the content is dependent on the trigger, storing the content with the associated posting time and suspending publication of the content until the trigger is satisfied such that the posting time published with the content indicates a time prior to transmission of the content from an electronic device to a server for publishing.
US09961034B2
Aspects of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and system for prioritization of lock allocation. The method includes one or more computer processors receiving a first message in a queue of messages. The method further includes one or more computer processors determining whether the received first message is related to one or more messages in the queue. The method further includes one or more computer processors responsive to determining that the first message is related to one or more messages in the queue, assigning a priority value to the first message. The method further includes one or more computer processors assigning a priority order to the first message, wherein the priority order indicates a position in which the first message is granted access to a resource lock.
US09961025B2
The current document is directed to systems and methods that stream real-time, processed data from remote processor-controlled user appliances, including personal computers, tablets, mobile phones, and laptops, to application programs for display, analysis, and other purposes and to other data-consuming devices and systems. In one implementation, a real-time processed-data streaming system includes instrumentation within remote, processor-controlled user devices, data collection at geographically distributed data-collection centers, consolidation of event messages generated by the geographically distributed data-collection centers within consolidation systems, processing of the consolidated event messages within one or more processing centers, and streaming of processed data, in the form of various types of processed-data-containing messages, to consumers of the data, including application programs that render the data for display on electronic display devices.
US09961024B2
Described herein are methods, systems, and software for handling packet buffering between end users and content servers, such as content delivery nodes. In one example, a method of operating a content server includes generating first and second data packets for first and second content requests. Once generated, the method provides storing the first packets in a packet buffer and transferring the first packets to a first user device. Upon transfer, the first packets are deleted from the packet buffer and replaced with the second packets.
US09961018B2
Apparatus and methods for cableless connection of components within chassis and between separate chassis. Pairs of Extremely High Frequency (EHF) transceiver chips supporting very short length millimeter-wave wireless communication links are configured to pass radio frequency signals through holes in one or more metal layers in separate chassis and/or frames, enabling components in the separate chassis to communicate without requiring cables between the chassis. Various configurations are disclosed, including multiple configurations for server chassis, storage chassis and arrays, and network/switch chassis. The EHF-based wireless links support link bandwidths of up to 6 gigabits per second, and may be aggregated to facilitate multi-lane links.
US09961016B2
In a Proxy Mobile IPv6 (PMIP) network, a mobile node can roam between different access networks while maintaining a consistent IP address for session continuity. To provide access to a user's home LAN resources, even when the user's mobile node is not directly attached to the home LAN, a local mobility anchor and mobility access gateway are configured to authenticate the mobile node credentials and if authorized, to provide access to the user's LAN resources by via data tunnels and routing table reconfigurations.
US09961004B2
Embodiments provide popularity-based adaptive bitrate management of linear programming over constrained communications links. Embodiments can operate in context of a communications network communicating with multiple mobile client devices disposed in one or more transport craft. A number of channel offerings, including channels providing linear programming, can be made available via the communications network for consumption by the client devices. Embodiments can compute channel popularity scores for the channel offerings based on a predicted popularity, an estimated popularity, a measured popularity, etc. A bitrate can be determined for each (some or all) of the channel offerings based at least in part on its channel popularity score, so that more popular channel offerings can be communicated at higher bitrates. Determined-bitrate instances of the channel offerings can be obtained and/or generated, and delivered via the communications network, to the client devices for consumption.
US09961002B2
Compute-intensive packet processing (CIPP) in a computer system comprising a programmable computing platform is accelerated by using a packet I/O engine, implemented on the platform, to perform packet I/O functions, where the packet I/O engine is configured to achieve direct access to a network interface card (NIC) from a user application. For a Linux-based computer system, standard I/O mechanisms of Linux are bypassed and only the packet I/O engine is used in performing the I/O functions. Furthermore, the computer system is configured to: process a batch of packets, instead of packet by packet, in every function call; and when moving a packet between a buffer of an individual user application and a queue of the packet I/O engine, copy a packet descriptor of the packet instead the entire packet. In addition, workflows across different working threads are balanced and parallelism is exploited to fully utilize resources of the platform.
US09961000B2
A method for estimation of a network path segment delay includes determining a scaled time stamp for each packet of a plurality of packets by scaling a time stamp for each respective packet to minimize a difference of at least one of a frequency and a frequency drift between a transport protocol clock of a host and a monitoring point. The time stamp for each packet is provided by the transport protocol clock of the host. A corrected time stamp for each packet is determined by removing from the scaled time stamp for each respective packet, a temporal offset between the transport protocol clock and the monitoring clock by minimizing a temporal delay variation of the plurality of packets traversing a segment between the host and the monitoring point.
US09960997B2
A method and system for interacting with data frames passing through a module connected to an industrial network is disclosed. Each module includes an aggregation unit located on the network interface above the physical layer. To transmit data, the aggregation unit reads a header from a dynamic data packet to determine if the module is a participant module for the packet. If so, the aggregation unit inserts data from the module into the data packet and transmits the packet to another module. To receive data, the aggregation unit reads a header from the data packet to determine whether the data packet includes data for the module. If so, the aggregation unit reads the data and passes the data packet to another module. If the aggregation unit determines that a data packet is not intended for the module, the data packet is passed to another module with no further interaction.
US09960994B2
The disclosed computer-implemented method for forwarding network traffic using minimal Forwarding Information Bases (FIBS) may include (1) identifying a Routing Information Base (RIB) that includes a set of routes that define paths to destinations both inside and outside a network and then (2) creating a FIB that includes a subset of active routes whose size is below a size threshold by (A) importing, from the set of routes within the RIB, (I) internal routes that define paths to destinations inside the network, (II) high-traffic external routes that define paths to destinations outside the network, and (III) a default route that defines a path to a default node that facilitates resolution of traffic that does not match any of the internal or high-traffic external routes and (B) excluding, from the FIB, low-traffic external routes that define paths to destinations outside the network. Various other methods, systems, and apparatuses are also disclosed.
US09960993B2
A packet network linear protection method, a network, and a node in a dual or multi-home configuration include designating each of a plurality of home nodes in the dual or multi-home configuration as a working home or a protect home; designating each link between each of the plurality of home nodes and an end node in the dual or multi-home configuration as active or standby; operating a protection switch state machine based on an associated linear protection protocol at each of the plurality of home nodes and the end node; communicating protection messages to each of the plurality of home nodes from the end node; and communicating protection states in an associated protection switch state machine by each of the plurality of home nodes to other home nodes and to the end node.
US09960992B2
A method for routing data in a network including a plurality of nodes connected by links, the method includes collapsing first and second rings of the nodes together, for each of the nodes in the network, determining a shortest path tree to each of the other nodes in the network, and for data sourced from a particular one of the nodes in the network, blocking the link or links not included in the shortest path tree determined for the particular one of the nodes. Also, a system for routing data through a network having a plurality of nodes connected by links, includes a ring collapsing module for collapsing first and second rings of the nodes together, a shortest path tree calculation module for determining, for each of the nodes, a shortest path tree to each of the other nodes in the network, and a link blocking module for blocking the link or links not included in the shortest path tree determined for data sourced from a particular one of the nodes.
US09960983B2
[Object]A monitoring item selection method, device and a storage medium capable of simplifying operation and management of a system that frequently undergoes configuration changes are proposed.[Solution]Operation information concerning resources in the monitoring target device and nodes that run on the monitoring target device and make use of the resources to execute processing are periodically or randomly acquired from a monitoring target device. A relation between the nodes and a relation between the nodes and the resources based on the acquired operation information are extracted. Monitoring items of the monitoring target device are selected based on the operation information, the extracted relation between the nodes and relation between the nodes and the resources, and a pre-defined condition.
US09960980B2
Embodiments described herein provide various techniques for monitoring electronic devices at various locations, and cloning behaviors of specific electronic devices across locations and times. Device monitor and control systems may be configured to detect changes in the operational settings of electronic devices at monitored locations, and to transmit control signals to control corresponding electronic devices at other locations. In some cases, separate device monitor and control systems may operate at different locations, where each system may monitor and control a set of local devices and communicate device status detection signals, control signals, and the like to other device monitor and control systems at other locations. In some examples, central device monitor and control systems may operate at network hubs, such as satellite base stations, cable head-ends, and/or central computer servers, to coordinate the device monitoring and cloning of device behaviors between multiple locations.
US09960971B1
An apparatus, method, and a computer program are provided. In one embodiment, a request is transmitted to a selector module for an available web service and a response is received from the selector module for a web service server. The response includes an endpoint uniform resource indicator to allow a client module to transmit a web service request to an appropriate web service server.
US09960968B2
A request to identify a networking component of a network is received. An application programming interface signature is selected. The application programming interface signature comprises a characteristic. It is determined whether an application programming interface implemented by the networking component exhibits the characteristic. In response to a determination that the application programming interface implemented by the networking component exhibits the characteristic, it is indicated that the networking component implements the application programming interface.
US09960967B2
A method and system to determine a web server based on geo-location information is disclosed. The system includes: a local DNS server coupled to a web client; a plurality of web servers; and a global load balancer coupled to the local DNS server. The global load balancer: receives a request for a web service sent by the web client, the request comprising local DNS server information; determines a geographic location for the local DNS server based on the local DNS server information; determines a web server from the plurality of web servers based on the requested web service; determines a geographic location for the determined web server; determines that the geographic location for the local DNS server matches the geographic location for the determined web server; selects the determined web server; and sends a response comprising information on the selected web server to the local DNS server.
US09960966B2
The present invention discloses methods and systems for managing VPN tunnels. A VPN concentrator establishes a first aggregated VPN connection and a second aggregated VPN connection with a first host and a first network device respectively. When the first aggregated VPN connection comprises a first plurality of VPN tunnels, the VPN concentrator applies uplink and downlink bandwidth limits to each of the plurality of VPN tunnels. Similarly, when the second aggregated VPN connection comprise a second plurality of VPN tunnels, the VPN concentrator applies uplink and downlink bandwidth limits to each of the plurality of VPN tunnels. The first host encapsulates a first data packet in a first encapsulating packet and transmits the first encapsulating packet to a VPN concentrator using a first aggregated VPN connection. When the VPN concentrator receives the first encapsulating packet, the VPN concentrator decapsulates the first data packet from the first encapsulating packet and encapsulates the first data packet in a second encapsulating packet. The VPN concentrator then transmits the second encapsulating packet to a first network device using a second aggregated VPN connection.
US09960963B2
A method, system, and computer program product for upgrade procedures in high-availability clustered systems. The method selects fail-over nodes during rolling patch installation and comprises steps for identifying a first node to upgrade, migrating services of the first node to a second node and shutting down the first node to perform its upgrade, then migrating the services back from the second node to the first node. When performing an upgrade of the other nodes of the cluster (e.g., nodes of the cluster other than the first node), rather than migrating the services of the node to be upgraded to another node that still needs to be upgraded, instead migrate the services of the node to be upgraded to a node that has already been upgraded. This reduces the brown-out time at least to the extent that this method incurs only one migration per node rather than two migrations per node.
US09960962B2
A smart communications controller for building equipment includes an equipment port connected to the building equipment and a plurality of autoconfiguration objects. Each of the autoconfiguration objects is configured to perform a protocol testing process for a particular communications protocol. The protocol testing process includes automatically determining whether the communications protocol is used by the building equipment connected to the equipment port. The smart communications controller further includes an autoconfiguration manager configured to cause the autoconfiguration objects to iteratively perform their protocol testing processes until the communications protocol used by the building equipment is identified. The smart communications controller further includes an equipment controller configured to use the identified communications protocol for the building equipment to generate protocol-specific control signals for the building equipment.
US09960961B2
Systems and techniques for managing interaction between a network operator and entities managing resources and instances in a virtual radio access network. A radio access network resource manager comprises a database mapping cells to resources and instances associated with the cells, and one or more interfaces between the network operator and the entities managing resources and instances. The radio access network manager mediates commands and information received from the network manager and from the entities managing resources and instances, translating cell-level commands and information from the network manager to commands and information relating to associated resources and entities, and translating resource and instance-level information and requests from the entities managing resources and instances to cell-level information and requests to the network operator.
US09960954B2
This disclosure relates generally to data centers and more particularly to methods and systems for improving correlation between overlay networks and underlay networks in data centers. In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining control information from a first network and control information of a second network of the plurality of networks, and correlating the control information of the first network and the second network to generate a relationship matrix. The method further includes determining one or more issues in the first network and the second network in response to generating of the relationship matrix, and performing one or more corrective actions to resolve the one or more issues in one or more of the first network and the second network.
US09960952B2
Techniques for managing networked node transactions are disclosed. In an embodiment, a fingerprint generator determines multiple classifier digital fingerprints that each comprise a bit sequence associated with a respective result classifier. The fingerprint generator receives transaction event entries that contain message text associated with a transaction between two or more nodes. The fingerprint generator generates a digital fingerprint for each of the transaction event entries. Each of the generated digital fingerprints comprises a bit sequence that is associated with an identity of at least one of the two or more nodes, and generating each of the fingerprints includes, for each bit position in the fingerprint bit sequence, determining whether the message text includes a specified text pattern and setting the bit position value based on the determination of whether the message text includes the specified text pattern. An event classifier groups each digital fingerprint into one or more event classification sets that each correspond to one of the result classifiers based, at least in part, on pattern matching the generated digital fingerprint with the classifier digital fingerprints.
US09960950B2
Apparatus, method, system and computer program product for server failure handling A mechanism for a first apparatus is described. The mechanism comprising receiving, from a first apparatus, a first authentication request comprising an user identity and an identity of said first apparatus, wherein said first apparatus being capable for provide authentication related service with respect to said user identity; determining if a third apparatus, originally associated with said user identity for providing authentication related service, is available for providing said service; registering said first apparatus as the server associated with said user identity for providing authentication related service, if said third apparatus is not available; sending a response to said first apparatus to acknowledge the first authentication request.
US09960945B2
Provided is a method of processing a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) signal timing offset for a signal analyzer. The method includes estimating an integer multiple timing offset of WCDMA baseband sample data corresponding to an amount of at least one frame; generating a frequency domain signal which is time delayed corresponding to a fractional timing offset estimation resolution after generating the frequency domain signal by performing a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) calculation on an already-known reference signal; converting each time-delayed frequency domain signal into a time domain signal by performing an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) calculation on each time-delayed frequency domain signal and calculating a correlation between an input signal from a position of the integer multiple timing offset and the time domain signal; and estimating a delay time leading to a maximum correlation as a fractional timing offset.
US09960941B2
It is presented a method for controlling cyclic shift for demodulation reference symbols for uplink communication in a cellular communication network. The method is performed in a network node and comprises the steps of: determining a first cyclic shift parameter for demodulation reference symbols based on a current subframe index; generating a control message comprising the first cyclic shift parameter; and transmitting the control message to a wireless device of the cellular communication network. Corresponding network nodes, computer program and computer program product are also presented.
US09960929B2
This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives.
US09960928B1
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes establishing a connection between a client and a messaging fabric of a conductor element associated with a video system; creating a plurality of nodes for system management events; and receiving a subscription request for a particular one of the system management events. The particular subscription request and system management event is authenticated and authorized by use of an identifier associated with the particular subscription request and system management event.
US09960917B2
A method is described. The method includes iteratively performing for each position in a result matrix stored in a third register, multiplying a value at a matrix position stored in a first register with a value at a matrix position stored in a second register to obtain a first multiplicative value, where the positions in the first register and the second register are determined by the position in the result matrix and performing an exclusive or (XOR) operation with the first multiplicative value and a value stored at a result matrix position stored in the third register to obtain a result value.
US09960908B1
A hardware cipher module to cipher a packet. The cipher module includes a key scheduling engine and a ciphering engine. The key scheduling engine is configured to receive a compact key and iteratively generate a set of round keys, including a first round key, based on the compact key and determine, based upon a cipher mode indication and a type of ciphering whether to generate a key-scheduling-done indication after the first round key is generated and before all of the set of round keys are generated or to generate the key-scheduling-done indication after all of the set of round keys is generated. The ciphering engine is configured to begin to cipher the packet with one of the set of round keys as a result of receiving the key schedule done indication.
US09960900B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for modeling of a physical system using two-dimensional look-up tables. A method can include determining coefficients for a piece-wise polynomial function that estimates a non-linear function, storing the coefficients as entries in one or more two-dimensional look up tables in the memory, receiving a complex value input corresponding to an actual input value, identifying two closest entries, a first closest entry and a second closest entry, to the complex input value in a two-dimensional look-up table of the one or more two-dimensional look-up tables, evaluating, using the one or more hardware processors, the piece-wise polynomial function at the complex input value twice, a first evaluation using the coefficients corresponding to the first closest entry and a second evaluation using the coefficients corresponding to the second closest entry, to generate first and second output values, and generating an output value by performing a linear interpolation between the first and second output values.
US09960898B2
A radio frequency front-end circuit includes a duplexer, a phase adjustment circuit, and a low noise amplifier. The phase adjustment circuit is connected between an Rx filter of the duplexer and the low noise amplifier. The phase adjustment circuit executes phase adjustment such that a quadrant in which an impedance ZLNA(fn) at a particular frequency different from a fundamental frequency of a reception signal when looking at the low noise amplifier side from the Rx filter is present and a quadrant in which an impedance ZRX(fn) at the particular frequency when looking at the Rx filter side from the low noise amplifier is present are not in a conjugate relation in terms of phase.
US09960897B2
The present disclosure provides a method in a communication device for scheduling of feedback. The method includes determining, for a data transmission, a resource element to be scheduled for a feedback signal being responsive to the data transmission. The resource element is determined to be within a feedback time limit. The feedback time limit indicates a maximum allowable time period between transmitting the data transmission and receiving the feedback signal. The feedback time limit is dependent on a type of resource allocated to the data transmission and/or a type of traffic associated with the data transmission. The method further includes transmitting, to a wireless device, a feedback scheduling instruction indicating the resource element.
US09960894B2
The present invention relates to orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) communication systems with four transmit antennas and one or more receive antennas, and in particular to methods for inserting scattered pilots (SPs) into the transmit signals of such OFDM systems, for estimating channel properties on the basis of the scattered pilots, a multi-antenna OFDM transmitter, and an OFDM receiver. In this context, it is the particular approach of the present invention to keep the same SP pattern like in the single-transmitter case, to partition the pilots into as many subsets as there are transmitters (transmit antennas), and to interleave these subsets both in time and in frequency. In this manner, the granularity of pilots of the same subset is reduced. This offers increased flexibility in designing the scattered pilot patterns and greater accuracy of the estimated channel properties.
US09960877B2
Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, devices, systems and methods of beamforming. For example, a first wireless station may be configured to communicate a plurality of Sector Level Sweep (SLS) frames with a second wireless station over a first channel; and to communicate a plurality of Beam Refinement Protocol (BRP) frames with the second wireless station over a bonded channel comprising the first channel and at least a second channel.
US09960873B2
A pluggable transceiver module (200) comprising a line receiver (208) connected to a unit interface transmitter (202), a line transmitter (206) connected to a unit interface receiver (204) and a timestamp counter (210) adapted to generate counter values based on clock signals received from an external source and to send the counter values to the line transmitter (206) and to the line receiver (208). The line transmitter (206) and the line receiver (208) are adapted to associate timing packets in a stream of data packets transmitted and received by the pluggable transceiver module (200) with counter values output by the timestamp counter (210).
US09960852B2
Devices are provided including an SFP interface and a further interface for wire-based data transmission. A conversion circuit converts between SFP interface signals and wire-based interface signals. The interfaces and the conversion circuit may be, but need not be, provided on a same circuit board.
US09960850B2
Methods and systems for reducing leaked downlink interference signals in a remote unit uplink path(s) in a distributed antenna system (DAS) are provided. In a remote antenna unit (RAU) disclosed herein, a downlink interference signal may be leaked from a downlink path to an uplink path in the RAU. In this regard, an adjustment circuit is provided in the downlink path of the RAU to suppress the downlink interference signal. A control system is provided in the DAS to monitor the leaked downlink interference signal and control the adjustment circuit in the RAU to minimize the leaked downlink interference signal in the uplink path. By providing the adjustment circuit in the RAU and the control system in the DAS to minimize the leaked downlink interference signal in the uplink path, it is possible to reduce interferences between downlink and uplink communications signals without increasing costs of the RAU.
US09960836B2
A satellite is configured for use in space so as to receive RF signals, convert them to a different frequency range, and retransmit the converted RF signals. The satellite comprises a payload area supporting a motherboard structure with a plurality of frequency converters supported on it. The frequency converters are each connected with an antenna system of the satellite so that each of them receives a respective RF input signal. A local oscillator source supported on said motherboard structure generates a local oscillator signal, and a motherboard in the motherboard structure receives the local oscillator signal and transmits it through the motherboard to each of the frequency converters. The frequency converters each convert the respective RF input signal to a respective RF output signal using the local oscillator signal and transmit the RF output signal to the antenna system so as to be transmitted wirelessly.
US09960831B2
A communication system for the next generation wireless communications technology standards. The communication system architecture is created by the combination of the index modulation technique and the multiple input multiple output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing which eliminates the need to utilize complex equalizers by parsing high speed data strings and transmitting them over multiple orthogonal subcarriers, and allows the bits to be transmitted via active subcarrier indices. The OFDM-IM and multiple input multiple output communication techniques are used in tandem. The communication system can be used in future generation mobile communication systems and standards (5G and beyond), Local Area Network system and standards, terrestrial digital TV system and standards, multi-carrier communication systems and broadband digital communication systems.
US09960829B2
The present invention discloses a channel state information feedback method and apparatus. User equipment determines a PMI and a CQI, and a feedback expression manner of the PMI and the CQI, where the feedback expression manner includes a first or a second feedback expression manner, and sends the PMI and the CQI to a network device in the determined feedback expression manner of the PMI and the CQI, where the first feedback expression manner includes: using T CQI values to express CQI of M codewords, and using one PMI value to indicate one PMI, where T is less than M, and there is at least one CQI value that can express CQI of at least two codewords; and the second feedback expression manner includes: using M CQI values to express CQI of M codewords. The present invention may be applied to a scenario in which an antenna quantity increases.
US09960826B2
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling a rank information (RI) report. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for controlling an RI report of a User Equipment (UE) in a base station of a Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile communications network is provided. The method includes the following steps: determining a Channel State Information (CSI) report set for a UE, where the CSI report set includes multiple CSI feedback modes (CSI processes); sending to the UE Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling indicating the CSI report set; and sending to the UE signaling indicating a precoding codebook subset and/or rank restriction of each CSI feedback mode in the CSI report set. According to the above embodiment, rank selection and high rank transmission are supported for coordinated multi-point (CoMP) transmission in the LTE mobile communications network.
US09960825B2
The present invention relates to a method and control system for adapting beam patterns generated by at least one array antenna serving one or more users. Each array antenna comprising multiple antenna subarrays within an aperture and is configured to provide coverage to a service area using a set of fixed beams, each fixed beam having a beam pattern covering a portion of the service area which beam pattern is generated by applying weights to the antenna subarrays.
US09960813B2
Systems and methods for communication between near field communication devices within a target communication region using near field magnetic induction is disclosed. One method comprises generating a near field detectable signal at an active node having a power level sufficient to enable communication with a plurality of near field communication nodes located within the target communication region. Information is modulated onto the near field detectable signal using at least one of the near field communication nodes. The modulated information is detected at the active node. The information is then relayed on the near field detectable signal from the active node to at least one of the plurality of near field communication nodes within the target communication region.
US09960806B2
A method and a device are described for generating a signal representing data. The method for generating a signal has a step of modulating a portion (1P, 2P) of the data using phase shift keying and spreading the modulated portion over the at least one frequency base band using at least one highly auto-correlated spread code sequence (1C, 2C) associated with the frequency base band. The method for further has a step of delaying, according to a delay determined using a remainder (1R, 2R) of the data (ID), the at least one spread code sequence (1C, 2C) by a time delay wherein the modulated portion (1MP, 2MP) is spread according the delayed spread code sequence (1DC, 2DC).
US09960804B2
Noise caused by and leaking from a transmit signal into a radio-frequency (RF) receive path signal is reduced by forwarding the transmit signal to a first filter or a digital processor and DAC, scaling the transmit signal and approximating the noise, subtracting first and second corrective signals from the RF receive path signal, down-converting a resulting corrected RF receive path signal, filtering the down-converted corrected signal in a second filter, up-converting the filtered corrected signal to create the first corrective signal, and up-converting the filter or DAC output signal to create the second corrective signal. The transmit signal may come from an output of an RF power amplifier, and may be down-converted prior to filtering in the first filter or processing in the digital processor. The second filter may be a series filter or a shunt filter. A radio includes the circuits to perform the above method.
US09960799B2
A case containing DNA material protect the user from non-ionizing radiation emitted from a mobile phone, while protecting the phone from physical damage. The DNA material absorbs the radiation emitting from the transmitter of the mobile phone. Layers of DNA material along with non-organic layers are advantageously combine to increase the absorption. The DNA material may be used form the case or be provided and an insert to a prior art case.
US09960798B2
A frequency tuning apparatus includes: a frequency tuner configured to tune an oscillation frequency of an oscillator based on target information extracted from a mapping table in correspondence to a target frequency, and oscillation information collected from the oscillator; and a frequency compensator configured to compensate for a compensation error between the tuned oscillation frequency and the target frequency based on an offset table.
US09960795B1
Provided are a semiconductor device and an operating method thereof. A semiconductor device includes a mixer configured to upconvert a baseband signal using a local oscillator (LO) signal; and a notch filter configured to receive the upconverted signal from the mixer and filter notch frequency components, the notch filter further configured to resonate at a fundamental frequency to provide a higher impedance and resonate at a notch frequency different from the fundamental frequency to provide a lower impedance.
US09960792B2
An electromagnetic Extremely High Frequency (EHF) communication chip includes one or more local oscillator circuits, a transducer circuit and at least one of a modulator or a demodulator coupled to the transducer circuit. Each of the local oscillator circuits may have a local oscillator and configured collectively to generate first and second carrier signals having respective first and second EHF frequencies. The first EHF frequency may be different than the second EHF frequency. The transducer circuit may have a first transducer for transmitting and receiving EHF communication signals. The modulator may be coupled to the local oscillator circuits for modulating the first carrier signal or the second carrier signal with a first transmit base data signal. The demodulator may be for demodulating the first carrier signal or the second carrier signal to produce a first receive base data signal.
US09960790B2
A method of processing data received over a channel includes receiving data representing probabilities associated with a plurality of variables and receiving a parity check matrix associated with a factor graph which includes variable nodes and check nodes connected by edges. After each exchange of messages between the variable nodes and check nodes, messages are calculated based on messages received at the variable nodes and permuted messages to be sent from the variable nodes in the next iteration are calculated by applying a permutation to the calculated messages. The permutation is of a set of permutations which map each codeword of the set of codewords onto a different codeword of the set of codewords. Soft values associated to variable nodes can be accumulated over two iterations of the message exchange processing.
US09960781B1
A current-mode analog-digital conversion (ADC) circuit directly samples and digitizes an input signal in the current domain; the input signal may be a current signal or a photonic signal. Input capacitors may be coupled to the current source by a series of switches and configured to store a target charge. The target charge may be compared to a reference voltage by comparators of the system to generate digital output. The current-mode ADC circuit may be adapted to flash, successive-approximation, and pipeline architectures, or embodied in a photonic receiver incorporating current-mode ADC circuits configured to sample and digitize photonic signals.
US09960780B1
At least some embodiments are directed to a system that comprises a differential switch network comprising first and second output nodes, first and second transistors coupled to the network, and first and second resistors coupled to the first and second transistors. The DAC also comprises a voltage source coupled to the first resistor and a ground connection coupled to the second resistor. The DAC further includes a capacitor coupled to the first and second transistors and to the second resistor.
US09960777B2
The present disclosure describes a channel selector for use in an analog-to-digital converter that has a sampling circuit for converting an analog input to a digital output within a fault tolerance range. The channel selector includes a reception channel, a diagnostic channel, and an impedance compensator. The reception channel receives an analog signal for delivery to the sampling circuit when it is selected for coupling with the sampling circuit. The diagnostic channel receives a diagnostic signal for verifying the digital output of the sampling circuit when it is selected for coupling with the sampling circuit. The impedance compensator is configured to offset a high channel impedance of the reception channel based on the fault tolerance range of the sampling circuit and when the diagnostic channel is selected.
US09960765B2
A radio frequency antenna switch includes an antenna port, a radio frequency signal port, and at least one branch connected to the antenna port or the radio frequency signal port, where each branch includes multiple transistors which are connected in a stack manner; channel width to length ratios of a preset number of transistors in the multiple transistors progressively decrease in a direction away from the antenna port, where the preset number is less than or equal to the total number of the multiple transistors. With the radio frequency antenna switch, capacitances of the preset number of transistors close to the antenna port increase, and distributed voltages that these transistors close to an antenna end in an off state need to bear are reduced.
US09960764B2
GaN-based half bridge power conversion circuits employ control, support and logic functions that are monolithically integrated on the same devices as the power transistors. In some embodiments, a low side GaN device communicates through one or more level shift circuits with a high side GaN device. Both the high side and the low side devices may have one or more integrated control, support and logic functions.
US09960758B2
An AD converter acquires first and second input values. A first multiplication unit multiplies a first tangent value, which is based on a first boundary angle based on a phase range of a reference value, by the reference value to calculate a first threshold value. A second multiplication unit multiplies a second tangent value, which is based on a second boundary angle based on the phase range, by the reference value to calculate a second threshold. A comparison unit determines whether the comparison value is within a particular phase range specified by the first and the second thresholds. The comparison unit determines magnitude of the comparison value when the comparison value is not within the particular phase range. A phase estimation unit updates the particular phase range to a phase range adjacent to a direction corresponding to the result of determination.
US09960756B1
Bypass techniques are provided herein to protect noise sensitive circuits from both internal and external noise sources. According to one embodiment, an integrated circuit (IC) chip may include a noise sensitive circuit coupled between a power supply pad and a first ground pad of the IC chip. In order to protect the first ground pad of the noise sensitive circuit, two distinct bypass paths are provided to route noise current around the noise sensitive circuit. Each bypass path terminates in its own ground pad (e.g., a second ground pad and third ground pad), which is separate from the first ground pad of the noise sensitive circuit.
US09960755B2
A switching gate driver and method of operating the gate driver is described. The gate driver includes a first voltage source, and a clamping voltage source configured to have a voltage that is less than that of the first voltage source. There is also a current path, for initial charging of a gate voltage of the switching gate, between the first voltage source and a ground source; and a comparator which is configured to clamp the gate voltage to the clamping voltage source as it approaches the voltage of said clamping voltage source.
US09960752B2
Multiple termination impedance values are provided in a switchable termination circuit so as to accommodate multiple transmission line characteristics. In one example, a termination matching circuit includes first and second nodes, a series interconnection of a first switch and a first impedance coupled between the first and second nodes, and another series interconnection of a second switch and a second impedance coupled between the first and second nodes. First and second control circuits respectively control the first and second switches such that a selectable impedance is provided between the first and second nodes through selective activation of the first and second switch devices by the first and second control circuits. In another example, additional nodes and resistors are provided to provide further termination impedance values.
US09960751B2
A piezoelectric vibrator includes a piezoelectric substrate including a first surface, a second surface that is opposites to the first surface, and a connection part that connects the first surface and the second surface to each other, and a pair of excitation electrodes disposed respectively on the first surface and the second surface. The connection part includes a plurality of protruding parts disposed in an area between the excitation electrode and an outer edge of the piezoelectric substrate. Top parts of the protruding parts are arranged so that the closer to the outer edge the top part is, the closer to the second surface the top part is, and lower parts of the protruding parts adapted to connect the adjacent protruding parts to each other are arranged so that the closer to the outer edge the lower part is, the closer to the second surface the lower part is.
US09960749B2
Embodiments of the present application provide an intra-band combiner-divider and a multisystem combining platform, and the intra-band combiner-divider includes: a first-level duplexer, an intra-band combination unit, an intra-band division unit, and a second-level duplexer. In the embodiments of the present application, two ends of the intra-band combiner-divider are connected to the first-level duplexer and the second-level duplexer, so that the intra-band combiner-divider can separately process uplink and downlink signals, thereby reducing PIM of a communication system and improving receiver sensitivity of a base station.
US09960745B2
A noise filter includes: a capacitor-side accommodating body including capacitors, a grounding conductor connected to one electric connector, and conductors connected to the other electric connector; an inductor-side accommodating body including inductors and conductors connected to the inductors; an accommodating body connecting structure that connects the capacitor-side accommodating body to the inductor-side accommodating body by engaging a holding groove with a protrusion; a terminal connecting structure that electrically connects the capacitors to the inductors, and connects the capacitor-side accommodating body to the inductor-side accommodating body by connecting one terminal connector of a connection terminal fitting to a terminal connector of a capacitor-side conductor, and connecting the other terminal connector of the connection terminal fitting to a terminal connector of an inductor-side conductor.
US09960741B2
A system is disclosed which allows for canceling high frequency rail to rail common mode swing at pulse-width modulation (PWM) frequency for a Class-D, H and G audio amplifier or a Linear Resonance Actuator (LRA) driver. This allows wide bandwidth current sensing without the need of external components, or large on-chip resistor-capacitor (RC) networks, facilitating integration of the sense resistor. In addition, the sense amplifier DC input common mode and audio band common mode swing is reduced, allowing a sense resistor high frequency common mode swing of a least twice the MOSFET gate break down voltages.
US09960736B2
Control systems and methods for power amplifiers operating in envelope tracking mode are presented. A set of corresponding functions and modules are described and various possible system configurations using such functions and modules are presented.
US09960733B2
A stress compensated oscillator circuitry comprises a sensor arrangement for providing a sensor output signal SSensor, wherein the sensor output signal SSensor is based on an instantaneous stress or strain component σ in the semiconductor substrate, a processing arrangement for processing the sensor output signal SSensor and providing a control signal SControl depending on the instantaneous stress or strain component σ in the semiconductor substrate, and an oscillator arrangement for providing an oscillator output signal Sosc having an oscillator frequency fosc based on the control signal SControl, wherein the control signal SControl controls the oscillator output signal Sosc, and wherein the control signal SControl reduces the influence of the instantaneous stress or strain component σ in the semiconductor substrate onto the oscillator output signal Sosc, so that the oscillator circuitry provides a stress compensated oscillator output signal.
US09960729B2
A solar tracker comprises: a measuring section which measures the quantity of electric power generated by a solar panel; a solar position getting section which gets information about the theoretical solar position; a driving section which changes the orientation of the solar panel; a dither control section which measures a solar position; a positional shift measuring section which measures a solar positional shift between the measured solar position and the theoretical solar position. The driving section corrects the theoretical solar position based on the estimated attitude error and controls the orientation of the solar panel based on the theoretical position corrected.
US09960726B1
An electric drive system of an electrified vehicle has a power converter with phase leg switching devices controlled by pulse-width modulation to supply multi-phase AC to an electric traction motor. Dead-time intervals are inserted into gate drive signals for the switching devices without introducing any significant distortion in the output of the converter. A direction of current flow between a phase leg and the motor is detected. When the current direction is positive, lower gate signals for a lower switching device in the phase leg have a delayed rising edge and an advanced falling edge while upper gate signals are unmodified. When the current direction is negative, upper gate signals for an upper switching device in the phase leg have a delayed rising edge and an advanced falling edge while lower gate signals are unmodified.
US09960723B2
Disclosed examples include power conversion systems, computer readable mediums and methods for mitigating input filter resonance, in which a controller operates an active front end (AFE) rectifier in a first mode to turn a single rectifier switching device on and off and measures a filter voltage or current signal while all of the rectifier switches are off. The controller determines a resonant frequency based on a transient response of the measured voltage or current signal, and selectively adjusts a rectifier control parameter to mitigate filter resonance based on the resonant frequency.
US09960722B2
A motor controller which controls a switched reluctance motor (hereinafter referred to as a motor) includes an inverter, a torque computation part, a magnetic flux computation part, and a switching control unit. The switching control unit controls the inverter by using at least a reference torque, which is a torque command value, and a calculated torque. The switching control unit includes a minimum magnetic flux maintenance part. The minimum magnetic flux maintenance part controls the inverter such that a calculated phase magnetic flux of each phase becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined minimum value in a state where the rotational speed of the motor is above a predetermined speed.
US09960719B1
A variable speed drive for an electrostatic motor provides feedback control by conversion of measured current phases provided to the motor into a vector in a rotating rotor framework. This vector is used for evaluating corrective voltages and then reconverted to a non-rotating framework for application to the motor electrodes. Current-source drive circuits provide current stabilized outputs making such sophisticated control tractable.
US09960715B1
Provided is a light activated piezoelectric converter comprising a cantilever vane coupled to a foundation. The vane comprises a first surface and a second surface. The first and second surfaces are generally co-planer and adjacent to a common boundary and have differing emissivities. A piezoelectric material is additionally coupled to the vane, arranged such that a deflection of the free end of the vane generates stress acting on the piezoelectric material. When the piezoelectric converter is illuminated with a radiant flux, the differing emissivities of the first and second surfaces produce a temperature gradient across the vane and a thermal creep force across the planar surface generates a deflection of the vane, and a subsequent voltage induced by the stress on the piezoelectric material generates a voltage between a first electrode and second electrode in electrical contact with the piezoelectric material.
US09960705B1
A rectifier device is described herein. In accordance with one example, the rectifier includes a first MOS transistor, which has a load current path and a diode connected parallel to the load current path, wherein an alternating input voltage is operably applied across the load current path and the diode. The rectifier device further includes a control circuit that is configured to switch on the first MOS transistor for an on-time period, during which the diode is forward biased. A stand-by detection circuit includes a cycle detection circuit configured to detect cycles of the alternating input voltage and a timer that is coupled to the cycle detection circuit. The timer is configured to be reset by the cycle detection circuit upon detection of a cycle of the alternating input voltage, and to disconnect a supply line of the control circuit unless reset before a maximum time span has elapsed.
US09960700B2
In an electronic apparatus, a case houses an electronic apparatus main body and is electrically conductive. A terminal block is attached to a case wall of the case. In the terminal block, a main body portion is composed of an insulating material. An external terminal is inserted into a through-hole formed in the case wall, and is connected to the electronic apparatus main body. A capacitor is disposed inside the main body portion. An elastic member is disposed inside the main body portion, is composed of a conductive material, is interposed at least one of between the capacitor and the external terminal, and between the capacitor and the case wall, and fixes the capacitor inside the main body portion by pressing the capacitor. The capacitor and the elastic member configure a filter circuit that allows a noise current included in the external terminal to flow to the case wall.
US09960699B2
A power converting device includes a first and a second power module electrically coupled in parallel, a loop current limiting circuit and a driving circuit. A first and a second terminal of the loop current limiting circuit are coupled to the first and the second power module respectively. A third and a fourth terminal of the loop current limiting circuit are coupled to each other. The loop current limiting circuit includes a coupled differential-mode inductor, a first inductive unit and a second inductive unit. A first winding and a second winding of the coupled differential-mode inductor are coupled to the first and the second power modules respectively. The first and the second inductive units are coupled to the first and the second power modules respectively. The driving circuit is configured to output a driving signal to the first and the second power module according to a current detecting signal.
US09960695B2
A power supply apparatus includes a trans circuit configured to convert an input voltage into an output voltage by adjusting switching of the input voltage; an output voltage detector configured to detect the output voltage; a compensator configured to generate a control value controlling a duty ratio of the switching such that a value of the detected output voltage coincides with a target value for the output voltage; an input voltage detector configured to detect the input voltage; an estimator configured to estimate an allowed range of the control value in accordance with the target value and a value of the detected input voltage; and an adjuster configured to adjust the control value so as to stop the switching when the control value falls outside the allowed range.
US09960685B2
Methods for supplying a synchronous rectifier (SR) driver circuit and supply voltage generation circuits for a SR driver circuit are described. In one embodiment, a method for supplying a SR driver circuit involves receiving a converted voltage from a secondary winding of a transformer and generating a supply voltage for the SR driver circuit based on the converted voltage, where the supply voltage is higher than an output voltage of the transformer that is generated using the secondary winding. Other embodiments are also described.
US09960684B2
An electronic converter may include transformer with a primary winding and a secondary winding, wherein the primary winding is coupled to an input for receiving a power signal, and wherein the secondary winding is coupled to an output including a positive terminal and a negative terminal for providing a power signal. The converter moreover may include an electronic switch arranged between the input and the primary winding, wherein the electronic switch is configured to control the current flow through the primary winding. Specifically, the converter may include a snubber circuit arranged between the secondary winding and the output.
US09960679B2
Devices and methods are provided where a feedback is provided from a control terminal of a first switch, and a second switch is controlled based on the feedback.
US09960657B2
A rotating electrical machine, in particular to an alternator (A) or to an alternator-starter, for a motor vehicle, comprising: a rotor (2) supporting a front fan (23) at the front and a rear fan (24) at the rear, the rotor being rotatable about an axis of rotation, a stator (4) comprising a stator body and at least one winding placed on the stator body, the winding forming front and rear chignons on either side of the stator body, and a casing (1) in which the stator and the rotor are placed.
US09960654B2
An electronic package adapted for connection to a rear frame member of an electric machine of liquid and/or air-cooled type. The electronic package includes a cooling tower having opposite first and second axial ends spaced along a package central axis. The cooling tower includes a metallic wall extending about the package central axis to define a radially outer wall surface. The cooling tower is at ground potential and defines a heat sink. The electronic package also includes a plurality of power modules mounted in conductive thermal communication to the cooling tower at positions on the radially outer wall surface. Heat transference to the cooling tower from each power module occurs along a respective primary cooling path. Transference along the primary cooling paths of heat from the cooling tower includes thermal convection to air and/or liquid. An electric machine of liquid and/or air-cooled type including an electronic package is also disclosed.
US09960649B2
A coolant flow path structure which cools a rotor is configured of a first coolant flow path forming a radial coolant flow path of the rotor and a second coolant flow path communicating with the first coolant flow path and forming an axial coolant flow path of the rotor, and a negative pressure structure, which brings an exist of the coolant flow path structure into a negative pressure as a result of a rotation of the rotor, is provided at the exit of the second coolant flow path.
US09960643B2
A system and method for demodulating a wireless power signal onto which binary data has been modulated involves processing the wireless power signal with analog circuitry to produce a modified power signal in accordance with the type of demodulation used, periodically capturing digital samples of the modified power signal to produce a series of digital samples, applying, with an MCU, at least two digital filtering algorithms to the digital samples to determine transitions associated with the modulation, and recovering, with the MCU, the binary data as a function of the determined transitions. The demodulator is applicable to bidirectional power transfer capable devices and includes algorithms that can be applied similarly to both ASK and FSK demodulations with little or no modification.
US09960640B2
An inductive power transfer system is provided that includes at least one inductive power receiver having at least one secondary inductor for forming an inductive couple with a primary inductor and providing power to an electric load and at least one inductive power outlet having at least one primary inductor wired to a power supply via a driver configured to provide a driving voltage across the primary inductor. The driving voltage is oscillating at a transmission frequency significantly different from the natural frequency of the inductive couple. The system further includes at least one power monitor and at least one frequency modulator operable to adjust the natural frequency of the inductive couple thereby regulating power provided to the electric load.
US09960638B2
A wireless power transmission system includes a power transmission device, which applies an alternating-current voltage to active and passive electrodes, and a power reception device, which supplies to a load a voltage induced in active and passive electrodes facing the active and passive electrodes of the power transmission device. The power transmission device includes a planar coil connected to the active and passive electrodes and the power reception device includes a planar coil connected to the active and passive electrodes. Magnetic flux generated by the planar coils link with each other causing the planar coils to be magnetic-field coupled with each other. Thus, a wireless power transmission system capable of efficiently transmitting power is provided.
US09960635B2
A system for recharging a battery having; memory that stores computer-executable instructions; a processor, communicatively coupled to the memory that facilitates execution of the computer-executable instructions; the instructions having: a battery; a thermal insulating layer; the thermal insulating layer; adapted and configured as the exterior of the battery; the battery adapted and configured with the thermal insulation layer for harnessing heat created by a plurality of solar panels; the plurality of solar panels configured on the exterior of the battery; an application interface unit; the application interface unit adapted and configured to control the plurality of solar panels; wherein the processor transforms heat energy collected by the plurality of solar panels and stored in the thermal insulation layer into energy to power a communication device.
US09960629B2
A method of operating a single structure multiple mode antenna is described. The antenna is preferably constructed having a first inductor coil that is electrically connected in series with a second inductor coil. The antenna is constructed having a plurality of electrical connections positioned along the first and second inductor coils. A plurality of terminals is connected to the electrical connections that facilitate numerous electrical connections and enables the antenna to be selectively tuned to various frequencies and frequency bands.
US09960628B2
Various embodiments of a single structure multiple mode antenna are described. The antenna is preferably of a single layer construction having a plurality of inductor coils positioned on respective opposing substrate sides that are electrically connected. The antenna is also constructed having a plurality of electrical connections positioned along the first and second inductor coils. A plurality of terminals facilitates connection of the electrical connections thereby providing numerous electrical connection configurations and enables the antenna to be selectively tuned to various frequencies and frequency bands.
US09960620B2
GaN-based half bridge power conversion circuits employ control, support and logic functions that are monolithically integrated on the same devices as the power transistors. In some embodiments a low side GaN device communicates through one or more level shift circuits with a high side GaN device. Both the high side and the low side devices may have one or more integrated control, support and logic functions. Some devices employ electro-static discharge circuits and features formed within the GaN-based devices to improve the reliability and performance of the half bridge power conversion circuits.
US09960611B2
A system includes a first circuit in which storage battery units are connected in series, second circuits, adjusters that adjust the amounts of the currents flowing through the second circuits, and a controller that performs at least one of first control and second control. The first control is control in which the controller causes the adjusters to make the voltage of a first storage battery unit higher than the voltage of a second storage battery unit having a higher degree of degradation than the first storage battery unit by adjusting the amounts of the currents flowing through the second circuits and then stops a charge. The second control is control in which the controller causes the adjusters to make the voltage of the first storage battery unit lower than the voltage of the second storage battery unit by adjusting the amounts of the currents flowing through the second circuits and then stops a discharge.
US09960610B2
A flying capacitor type voltage detecting device which uses a capacitor to detect a voltage of each battery stack of a battery pack which includes a plurality of battery stacks each of which includes a plurality of battery cells connected in series, includes: a detecting unit that detects a voltage between both ends of the capacitor, as the voltage of each battery stack; and a branch line that is a single line which is branched from a connection line connecting the battery stacks and the detecting unit and connected to the capacitor and where a current during charging of the capacitor and a current during discharging of the capacitor flow in opposite directions.
US09960605B2
A circuit arrangement for transferring energy includes an energy source, a control device and an energy distribution network. The energy distribution network has a base element and at least one load element. The base element includes a first intermediate circuit energy storage element which can be electrically connected to or disconnected from the energy source via two first controllable switching elements by way of the control device to form a first energy circuit. The at least one load element includes an energy consumer which can be electrically connected to or disconnected from the connections of the first intermediate circuit energy storage element via two second controllable switching elements by way of the control device to form a second energy circuit. The control device is designed to actuate the first and second switching elements of the respective energy distribution network such that that energy is transferred from the energy source to the energy consumer or the reverse, wherein a direct conductive connection between the energy source and the energy consumer does not exist at any time.
US09960603B2
An installation for transmitting electrical power between a first and a second alternating voltage network. A self-commutated converter can be connected to the second alternating voltage network, and is connected to a unidirectional rectifier by way of a direct voltage connection. The unidirectional rectifier can be connected to the first alternating voltage network on the alternating voltage side, and to a wind farm via said first alternating voltage network. The farm has at least one wind turbine feeding electrical power into the first alternating voltage network when wind speeds are greater than a switch-on wind speed. An energy-generating device can be connected to the first alternating voltage network and/or to the at least one wind turbine for providing electrical energy. The energy-generating device converts a renewable primary energy from its surroundings when wind speeds are lower than the switch-on wind speed for the wind turbine.
US09960595B2
An system and method to automatically disconnect a retrofit electrical unit from an electrical system in the event of an emergency situation and maintain power to the retrofit electrical unit.
US09960594B1
A system for dynamically controlling over voltage protection includes a voltage detection circuit, an over voltage protection reference signal output circuit, and an over voltage control signal output circuit. The voltage detection circuit is used for detecting a voltage and outputting a sampled voltage according to the voltage. The over voltage protection reference signal output circuit is coupled to the voltage protection circuit for generating an over voltage protection reference signal according to the sampled voltage and a voltage feedback signal. The over voltage control signal output circuit is coupled to the voltage detection circuit and the over voltage protection reference signal output circuit for generating an over voltage control signal according to the sampled voltage and the over voltage protection reference signal.
US09960593B2
Method and system for Single Event Latchup (SEL) current surge mitigation involves monitoring data signals for a protected device and deriving from them a detected signature comprised of one or more detected signature vector components. The detected signature vector components are compared to previously stored signature vector components. Based on the comparing, the system selectively differentiates between the occurrence of standard power surges associated with normal operation of the protected device, and a non-standard current surge which requires cycling power of the protected device for continued proper functioning of the protected device.
US09960590B1
The DC voltage conversion circuit includes a booster circuit and a protection circuit. When the booster circuit is under EOS test, a detection circuit of the protection circuit obtains a second detection voltage from the voltage on the VGH line. A first adjustment circuit produces a third signal based on the comparison result of the second detection voltage and a reference voltage. A second adjustment circuit produces a fourth signal based on the comparison result of the second detection voltage and the reference voltage. The third and fourth signals adjust the equivalent resistances of a first and a second feedback circuits to a third and a forth equivalent resistances, respectively. Through the adjustment of the equivalent resistances of the first and second feedback circuits, the voltage of the VGH line is restored to that when no test signal is applied.
US09960587B2
A cord reel cable including a polymeric sheath with a conductive EMI drain and a method of manufacture therefor. The cord reel includes a cable comprising power and data conductors, as wells as a single drain wire which is grounded to a cord reel housing or spool or the like. The drain wire contacts an outer ETFE layer surrounding the cable in order to provide EMI shielding to the cable.
US09960572B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer formed of a III-V group semiconductor crystal containing As as a primary component of a V group. A V group element other than As has been introduced at a concentration of 0.02 to 5% into a V group site of the III-V group semiconductor crystal in the semiconductor layer.
US09960571B2
Novel ICL layering designs, ridge waveguide architectures, and processing protocols that will significantly lower the optical losses and improve the power conversion efficiencies of interband cascade lasers designed for both DFB single-mode and high-power applications. The semiconductor top cladding and metal contact layers are eliminated or significantly reduced. By instead using a dielectric or air top clad, or dielectric or air layers to supplement a thin top clad, in conjunction with lateral current injection and weak index-guiding, the present invention will substantially reduce the internal loss of such ICLs, resulting in lower lasing threshold, higher efficiency, and higher maximum power.
US09960560B2
An electric motor with contact commutation may include an external stator and an internal, rotatably mounted rotor. A magnet arrangement including at least one permanent magnet may be arranged fixedly on the rotor. A coil arrangement including at least one electric coil may be arranged fixedly on the stator. A contact commutation assembly may be in communication with the coil arrangement.
US09960559B2
A rotary connector device for making a plurality of electrical connections in a mating arrangement between two components includes a male component with a large diameter end part transitioning to a slope-stepped part having a surface defined by outer sidewalls of alternating male conducting rings and male insulating rings and a female component having a central bore configured to retain a series of alternating female conductor rings and insulating rings. Each of the male conducting rings is connectable to an electrical line and each of the female conducting rings is connectable to an electrical line. Each of the female conducting rings makes direct or indirect conductive contact with a corresponding male conducting ring of the male conducting rings when the mating arrangement is made. The male conducting rings and the female conducting rings, or separate conducting components associated therewith, have contact surfaces with complementary shapes that engage each other in a latching mechanism when the mating arrangement is made.
US09960558B2
A power transfer system to facilitate the transfer of electrical power between tree trunk sections of an artificial tree is disclosed. The power transfer system can advantageously enable neighboring tree trunk sections to be electrically connected without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections. Power distribution subsystems can be partially disposed within the trunk sections. The power distribution subsystems can comprise a male end, a female end, or both. The male ends can have prongs and the female ends can have channels, and the prongs and channels may be positioned outside of the trunk sections. The prongs can be inserted into the channels to electrically connect the power distribution subsystems of neighboring tree trunk sections. The prongs and channels may be configured to engage one another without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections.
US09960557B2
A composite cable is provided that improves terminal machinability while maintaining bending resistance. The composite cable is provided with: a pair of first electric wires; a twisted-pair wire obtained by twisting together a pair of second electric wires having an outer diameter that is smaller than that of the first electric wires; and a tape member spirally wrapped around an aggregate obtained by twisting the pair of first electric wires together with the twisted-pair wire. The twisting direction of the twisted-pair wire, the twisting direction of the aggregate, and the wrapping direction of the tape member are all the same direction.
US09960553B2
A connector assembly can be provided. A receptacle includes terminals that can be positioned in a card slot on a 0.60 mm pitch (or greater). A biasing element can be provided in the card slot to engage a mating paddle card. The receptacle can be configured to allow air to flow from a front face to a rear face, the air passing through a middle wall. A plug assembly can be provided that includes a conductive body and is configured to generate some amount of heat. The body can include a surface that has cooling grooves. The cooling grooves allow air flow over the plug assembly so that the plug assembly can be cooled directly.
US09960543B2
A electrical connector includes an insulating body having a tongue plate, a plurality of upper conductive terminals having upper contact portions, and a plurality of lower conductive terminals having lower contact portions; the upper and lower conductive terminals are buried and molded in the insulating body, the upper contact portions and the lower contact portions are vertically aligned one by one and respectively exposed on an upper surface and a lower surface of the tongue plate; the upper conductive terminals vertically corresponding to the lower conductive terminals one by one so as to form a plurality of corresponding columns, and the upper and lower conductive terminals of at least one corresponding columns are fixedly connected with each other by riveting.
US09960541B2
A subsea connector includes a recess arranged on an inner surface of the housing of the subsea connector. The recess is configured to receive a canted coil spring such that it provides an electrical multi-point contact between an outer shielding layer, sometimes referred to as a screen, of a subsea cable. The subsea connector further includes a link configured to releasably attach an earth link wire to the housing.
US09960534B2
A connector includes a required number of contacts, an electrical insulation housing and a metallic shell. A tab is formed in the connector. A pressure receiving portion of the tab is pushed by a pushing portion of the shell to move the pressure receiving portion toward a mounting face of a substrate for applying a force in the insertion of FPC but not applying a force to the tab in the detaching thereof, whereby an engaging portion of the tab is moved in a direction opposing to the mounting face of the substrate to unfasten the engaging portion from an locking portion of the FPC.
US09960529B2
A communication plug is described. The communication plug has a communication cable with a plurality of conductors, a plug housing, and a cable manager partially enclosed within the plug housing. The cable manager has a load bar with a plurality of holes, a first cable management section connected to the load bar via a first hinge, and a second cable management section connected to the load bar via a second hinge. The first and second cable management sections are configured to fold together and partially enclose the cable before the cable manager is inserted into the plug housing.
US09960527B2
An electrical assembly includes a backshell having a coupling nut defining a cavity and a cable follower received in the cavity and extending rearward from the coupling nut. The cable follower has a plurality of rearward extending spring fingers extending to distal ends and being tapered inward to the distal ends to define a generally conical shaped cable channel configured to receive a cable. The spring fingers are deflectable and are spring biased against the cable in different radial directions to provide a clamping force against the cable and to substantially center the cable in the cable channel. The electrical assembly includes a retention feature coupled between the cable follower and the coupling nut allowing the coupling nut to be rotatably coupled to the cable follower such that the coupling nut is rotatable relative to the cable.
US09960523B2
In a mat seal cover of a waterproof connector, waterproof pins are provided inside through holes of the waterproof connector and are configured to close terminal insertion holes of a connector housing. The waterproof pins are retained in the through holes by pin retention portions. Coupling portions between the pin retention portions and inner circumferential walls of the through holes are disposed more closely to the front side in the pushing direction of the punching jig than abutment surfaces at rear ends of the waterproof pins against which the punching jig abuts, and rear end faces of the pin retention portions are inclined faces extending from the abutment surfaces toward the coupling portions and inclined to the front in the pushing direction of the punching jig.
US09960521B2
A protective case for a portable electronic device is provided. The portable electronic device has a device connector for transmission of data and/or power between the device connector and a data and/or power source via a reciprocal connector assembly. The case includes an aperture disposed proximate the device connector of the installed portable electronic device, the aperture passing between an outer surface and an inner surface of the case and defined by a surface between the outer and inner surfaces, the aperture having a circumference; and a compliant seal surrounding the circumference of the aperture, the compliant seal to interface with at least a portion of the backshell portion of the reciprocal connector assembly to seal the aperture when the reciprocal connector assembly is inserted through the aperture to interface with the device connector of the installed portable electronic device.
US09960512B2
A flexible circuit board whose entire surface has flexibility includes a first substrate portion and a second substrate portion that are adjacent to each other and electrically connected to each other in a planar direction of the flexible circuit board. The first substrate portion includes a plurality of resin layers, which are bonded together with an adhesive, and the second substrate portion includes a plurality of resin layers, which are integrated with one another by intermolecular bonding of a thermoplastic resin.
US09960509B2
A power tool includes a housing coupled to an electrical power source, a motor contained in the housing, and a motor control circuit that controls output speed of the motor. A light nut is coupled to the housing to illuminate a work surface. A light unit control circuit controls illumination of the light, unit. A switch unit is coupled to the housing and selectively operable to control the operation of the motor control circuit and the light unit control circuit. The light unit control circuit includes a timer configured to cause the light unit to illuminate a first brightness level when the switch unit is actuated, and to remain illuminated at the first brightness level for a predetermined time period after the trigger is actuated. The predetermined time period restarts if the switch unit is not deactivated before the end of the predetermined time period.
US09960493B2
A patch antenna is presented herein. The patch antenna can include a substrate layer, a dielectric layer and a conductive layer. The substrate layer can include a hollow thermoplastic structure. The dielectric layer can be attached to a surface of the substrate layer. Furthermore, the dielectric layer can include a thermoplastic structure filled with a fluid. The conductive layer can be associated with another surface of the substrate layer.
US09960491B1
The invention relates to a method for automatically adjusting one or more tunable passive antennas and a single-input-port and single-output-port tuning unit. The invention also relates to an apparatus for radio communication using this method, for instance a radio transceiver. An apparatus for radio communication of the invention comprises: a tunable passive antenna; a feeder; a single-input-port and single-output-port tuning unit having an input port and an output port; a sensing unit; a transmission and signal processing unit which applies an excitation to the input port, which delivers one or more antenna adjustment instructions, and which delivers one or more tuning unit adjustment instructions; and a control unit which delivers one or more antenna control signals to the tunable passive antenna, and one or more tuning control signals to the single-input-port and single-output-port tuning unit.
US09960486B2
A circuit board for an antenna assembly comprising: an antenna, a slot extending from a front end of the circuit board for trapping ground currents generated by the antenna, at least one electronic component placed at a front end of the circuit board, at least one of a biasing line and a ground line for the at least one electronic component wherein the biasing line and/or the ground line are routed from the electronic component through the slot.