US09371729B2
A permeameter probe, configured for performing hydraulic conductivity measurements of soil, includes a standpipe having a top section, a transitional section, and a bottom section. The transitional section provides a gradual change in diameter between the larger diameter bottom section and the smaller diameter top section. The standpipe also includes a lower lip for forming a pressure fitting between the standpipe and a casing placed in a borehole.
US09371726B2
Systems and methods are provided for expert systems for well completion using Bayesian decision networks to determine well completion recommendations. The well completion expert system includes a well completion Bayesian decision network (BDN) model that receives inputs and outputs recommendations based on Bayesian probability determinations. The well completion BDN model includes a treatment fluids section, a packer section, a junction classification section, a perforation section, a lateral completion section, and an open hole gravel packing section.
US09371721B2
Drain wells can be used to direct a fluid to a central production well in a subsurface well system. Subsurface well systems can include a production well extending from the earth's surface, a collection region having a fluid connection to the production well and either being contiguous with the production well or comprising a collection well that intersects or is in fluid communication with the production well, and at least one branched drain well extending laterally from the production well and including one or more branches that extend from the at least one branched drain well, wherein at least one of the one or more branches intersects or is in fluid communication with the collection region.
US09371719B2
A method for controlling pressure in a wellbore during a perforating operation can include positioning a perforating tool within the wellbore, where the perforating tool comprises a gun and an energetic chamber. The method can also include igniting an energetic within the energetic chamber to generate a propellant. The method can further include igniting at least one charge within the gun, where the at least one charge is ignited toward a wall of the wellbore adjacent to the gun. The method can also include directing the propellant from the energetic chamber into the gun.
US09371715B2
A method and apparatus for centering and engaging a casing against a wellbore. The apparatus comprises a valve body locatable in-line with the casing the valve body having an outer casing extending between first and second ends and a central passage therethrough, and at least one radially movable body extending therethrough. Each radially movable body has an aperture therethrough so as to permit an exterior of the valve body and the central passage to be in fluidic communication with each other. The apparatus further comprises a cylinder and a piston therein operable connected to the radially movable body in selective fluidic communication with the central passage. The method comprises locating the valve body in line with a wellbore casing, pressurizing the casing with a pressurizing fluid and transmitting the pressurizing fluid the cylinder so as to displace a piston located therein and extend the radially movable body.
US09371709B2
The pipe cutting capacity of an explosive pipe cutter may be improved by directing colliding shock fronts from opposite axial directions against a disc of metal having a shock impedance substantially corresponding to the shock impedance capacity of the explosive material.
US09371704B2
A device and a method for positioning a tool in a well tubular. The device comprising a housing having jacking arm assemblies with extendable jacking arms for fixating the device inside the well tubular. The device further comprising a tool connected to the housing and bellow assemblies comprising inflatable means for positioning the device substantially in the center of the well tubular. By deflating the inflatable means and simultaneously activating the jacking arms the device is pushed in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the well tubular.
US09371701B2
A roof-bolt drill bit includes a bit body rotatable about a central axis and at least one cutting element coupled to the bit body. The bit body has a forward end, a rearward end axially opposite the forward end, and an internal passage defined within the bit body, with the internal passage extending from a rearward opening defined in the rearward end of the bit body through at least a portion of the bit body. The at least one cutting element includes a cutting face, a cutting edge adjacent the cutting face, and a back surface spaced away from the cutting face, the back surface being mounted to the bit body. An opening defined in the bit body is positioned adjacent to the back surface of the at least one cutting element.
US09371697B2
The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method of transmitting data from a rotating control device. In one aspect, a method of transmitting data from a rotating control device coupled to an offshore drilling unit is provided. The method includes the step of generating data relating to a parameter associated with the rotating control device. The method further includes the step of transmitting the data from a transmitting assembly coupled to the rotating control device to a receiving assembly positioned proximate the transmitting assembly. Additionally, the method includes the step of transmitting the data from the receiving assembly to the offshore drilling unit. In another aspect, a data gathering and transmitting system for use with a rotating control device coupled to an offshore drilling unit is provided. In a further aspect, a method for transmitting data generated in a rotating control device coupled to a riser is provided.
US09371686B2
An actuator (2) for driving a blind with adjustable slats, the actuator including a housing (20) inside which a motor (22) is installed, the motor driving a first output shaft (21) that projects on either side of the housing (20), characterised in that the actuator further includes a second output shaft (23) of which the axis of rotation (X23) is parallel to and not coinciding with that of the first output shaft (21) and controlled coupling elements (26) making it possible to selectively transmit a rotational movement from the first output shaft (21) to the second output shaft (23), and in that the second output shaft (23) projects on either side of the housing (20).
US09371677B1
A counterbalance system that is set into the guide track of a tilt-in window. A brake shoe housing is provided that has a first arm element. The brake shoe housing is connected to a coil spring within the guide track of the tilt-in window. At least one post is set into the first arm element. Each post has a free end that extends away from the first arm element. One post passes through a hole in the coil spring and forms part of the mechanical interconnection between the brake shoe housing and the coil spring. A cam is disposed within the brake shoe housing. When turned, the cam moves the first arm element, therein causing each post to be biased against the guide track. The contact between each post and the guide track inhibits movement of the brake shoe housing.
US09371676B2
In one example a hinge assembly for an electronic device comprises a linkage comprising a first bushing disposed at a first end of the linkage and a second bushing disposed at a second end of the bushing, a first shaft rotatable within the first bushing about a first axis, a second shaft rotatable within the second bushing about a second axis, and at least one compression element disposed on the first shaft, wherein the first shaft and the first bushing are threaded such that rotation of the first shaft within the first bushing induces lateral translation of the first shaft along the first axis. Other examples may be described.
US09371668B2
A magnetic key comprising: a body; a segmented magnet housed within the body; and a ferrous element housed above the segmented magnet. A protective cap for a magnetic key comprising a body; and a ferrous element housed within the body. A locking system comprises a magnetic key and protective cap.
US09371665B2
The present invention relates to an article (1) of the tent or shelter type including a roof element (2) at least partially covering a shelter area (3), said roof element including a main flexible panel (4) having opposite outer (4a) and inner (4b) faces, the inner face (4b) being intended during operation to be oriented across from said shelter area (3). Characteristically, the inner face (4b) has an emissivity rate (%) of far infrared rays lower than the emissivity rate (%) of far infrared rays of the outer face (4a).
US09371657B2
A working device has a base designed as a stationary support column, a motor-driven rotary head and a stack of arms made up of several mast arms which can be moved with respect to each other in pairs, using articulated or sliding joints, supporting a concrete transport line. The stack of arms is articulated on the rotary head about a horizontal rotational axis by a first mast arm. The working device also includes a control mechanism which can be actuated by a control element or a radio path and which is arranged in a control box, and a hydraulic assembly including an oil tank and a motor-driven hydraulic pump for controlling working groups for moving the rotary head and mast arm. A working platform fixed with respect to the base is arranged in the region of the bearing block for emergency operations. In order to ensure that the components required for actuating the stack of arms are not in the way of the engine in the event of an emergency operation, the control box with the control mechanism and the hydraulic assembly with the oil tank and hydraulic pump are arranged on the rotary head above the bearing block.
US09371656B2
In one implementation, a handheld device for placing tile spacers includes a body that is sized and shaped for a user to hold; a cartridge enclosed within the body that stores a plurality of tile spacers; an input mechanism affixed to the body that is moveable based on application of force by the user; an opening in the body that is sized and shaped for tile spacers; and a dispensing mechanism contained within the body that, in response to an application of force to the input mechanism by the user, causes a particular tile spacer from the plurality of tile spacers to be moved from the cartridge and out of the opening.
US09371653B2
A joint structure for a floorboard, including: at least one first beveled tenon, the first beveled tenon including a tenon face facing upwards; a first beveled mortise, the first beveled mortise including a mortise face facing upwards; at least one second beveled tenon, the second beveled tenon including a tenon face facing downwards; and a second beveled mortise, the second beveled mortise including a mortise face facing downwards. The first beveled tenon is disposed in parallel to a surface of the floorboard at a right edge approximately half a height of the floorboard; the first beveled mortise is disposed at an inner side of the first beveled tenon. The second beveled tenon is disposed at a left edge approximately half the height of the floorboard. The second beveled mortise is disposed at an inner side of the second beveled tenon.
US09371652B2
Various embodiments of a shifting awning roll with drive mechanism are taught wherein the drive mechanism may be utilized in manual or automated modes to extend or retract the awning. Additionally, the awning uses a lighter weight design than prior art awnings and further operates with the drive to tolerate axial misalignment during extension, retraction or height adjustment.
US09371644B2
Fire block devices for application to a wall component. The fire-block device can be a wall component that includes a fire-resistant material strip that expands in response to sufficient heat to create a fire-resistant barrier. In some applications, the fire-block wall component is positioned to extend lengthwise along and across a gap between wallboard members. The fire-block wall component may have a U-shaped central portion and a pair of side portions extending in opposite directions from the central portion. The fire-resistant material may be positioned on the central portion of the fire-block device. The central portion may be positioned within the gap such that the fire-resistant material expands in response to sufficient heat to create a fire-resistant barrier.
US09371637B1
A disclosed powered drain unclogging device, system and method comprises a rotational power source and an attachment having a first end detachably coupled to the rotational power source and a second end comprising a plurality of protrusions disposed laterally from a tip thereof in a spiral tip pattern and a helical body pattern configured to drive the rotating tip into a drain and grab and retain debris therefrom. The disclosed method comprises driving the rotating tip into a drain based on an interaction of the spiral arrangement of the protrusions proximal the tip with an inside of the drain walls. The method further includes unclogging debris from the drain via a grabbing and retaining action of the debris by the sharp barbs of the attachment and the driving action thereof. The protrusions comprise bristles and barbs which sway and adjust to varying drain diameters. A splash guard protects the user.
US09371635B2
In combination a tubular strainer having a wall defining interior and exterior surfaces, and a first flange on the upper end of the wall, a tubular insert having a cylindrical wall sized for reception by the tubular strainer, and a second flange carried by the insert wall, an elastomeric seal having a tubular body fittingly sealingly carried by the insert cylindrical wall, the seal body configured for progressive compressive radial sealing engagement with the strainer wall interior surface when endwise inserted by the insert within said tubular strainer.
US09371634B2
A water faucet having a housing and a base plate, whereby the housing has an interior space and an inner collar forming a bottom opening. The bottom opening forms at least two different opening widths and the base plate is made in the manner of a crossbar with such a width that in the cross position it can penetrate through the circular bottom opening only in the area of the larger opening width, and further a seat for the base plate is provided in the interior space adjacent to the larger opening width and parallel to the inner collar. Preferably, a bayonet closure is formed between the housing and the base plate. This allows for a simplified production and mounting.
US09371632B2
A non-invasive thermal dispersion flow meter with chronometric monitor for fluid leak detection includes a heater, an ambient temperature sensor and a flow rate sensor which are configured to sense the temperature of a fluid in a conduit, and then monitor the flow of that fluid through the conduit. The fluid flow sensor is incorporated into a Wheatstone bridge circuit which is used to provide increased sensitivity to the outputs of the sensors. Based upon the ambient temperature sensor readings, the flow rate sensor and heater may be adjusted to optimize the operation of the system to detect leaks. An alternative embodiment utilizes a single sensor and separate heater which work together to determine heat propagation times which in turn is used to calculate flow rate.
US09371629B2
An apparatus for displaying an RPM section having a good efficiency for a construction machine is disclosed, which includes a control unit outputting different control signals depending on whether a current engine RPM belongs to a predetermined RPM section having the good efficiency, and a good-efficiency display unit selectively turning on or off an LED lamp according to the control signal output from the control unit. Since the RPM section having the good efficiency of the construction machine equipment is defined and the LED lamp for indicating the good-efficiency state is turned on if the current engine RPM belongs to the RPM section, a client can finally achieve good fuel efficiency in using the construction machine equipment.
US09371628B2
A control station for a road paver with a step device for providing a standing area for a person comprises a support part that is adapted to be firmly linked to a chassis or a paving screed of the road paver, and a step part with a step surface. The step part is attached to the support part such that the step part is tiltable about a main tilt axis between a transport position and an operating position, wherein the step surface is aligned generally horizontally in the operating position so that the standing area for the person is provided. The control station further includes a locking unit with an engagement element configured to engage the step part when the step part is in the operating position to secure the position of the step part, wherein the engagement element is pre-loaded for a movement into engagement with the step part.
US09371624B2
An accessory mounting system a swivel assembly has a swivel member defining first and second swivel member connector portions, a swivel housing, and first and second bearings operatively arranged between the swivel member and the swivel housing. The accessory mounting system operatively connects a helical pile driving system having a rotational drive system and at least one clamp system to an accessory. The first swivel member connector portion is adapted to operatively connect the swivel member to the drive system. The second swivel member connector portion is adapted to operatively connect the swivel member to the accessory. The swivel housing is adapted to engage the at least one clamp system such that the clamp system may be operated to fix a position of the swivel housing relative to the drive system. The first and second bearings are configured to allow rotation of the swivel member relative to the swivel housing.
US09371621B2
A spreader assembly may include a hopper having a receptacle for holding salt, or the like, and at least one chamber formed between the receptacle and an outer surface of the hopper. The chamber may hold a liquid used to pre-wet the salt before it contacts a ground surface. The hopper may be an insert hopper formed as a one piece plastic component in a rotational molding operation.
US09371609B2
Dryer appliances and methods for operating dryer appliances are provided. A method includes flowing internal air from a drum chamber through a vent duct of the dryer appliance, selectively actuating a valve to flow external air through the vent duct from external to a cabinet of the dryer appliance, and alternately sensing humidity values of the internal air and the external air.
US09371608B2
A laundry treatment apparatus including a cabinet comprising a front panel having a laundry introduction hole formed therein, a laundry accommodating unit provided in the cabinet including a predetermined space in which laundry introduced through the laundry introduction hole is held, a door which is coupled to the front panel and rotatable about a horizontal axis parallel to a bottom surface of the cabinet to open and close the laundry introduction hole, and a damper provided in the front panel and upwardly inclined with respect to the bottom surface of the cabinet, to elastically support the door.
US09371606B2
An embroidery data generator is configured to generate embroidery data and is provided with a pattern storing unit and a control device. The pattern storing unit is configured to store plural types of pattern data configured for sewing one or more sub-patterns according to a predetermined stitch pattern. The one or more sub-patterns constitutes an embroidery pattern. The control device is configured to randomly extract pattern data configured for sewing the one or more sub-patterns from the plural types of pattern data stored in the pattern storing unit and to assign extracted pattern data to the one or more sub-patterns.
US09371602B2
An industrial two-layer fabric of 16 or more shafts consists of an upper side fabric having upper side warps and upper side wefts and a lower side fabric having lower side warps and lower side wefts, the upper side fabric and the lower side fabric are bound by binding yarns. A first warp pair consists of a binding yarn and one of an adjacent upper side warp, an adjacent lower side warp and an adjacent binding yarn. A second warp pair consists of an upper side warp and an adjacent lower side warp. In a complete design, two or more of the first warp pairs are placed adjacent to each other, and two or more of the second warp pairs are placed adjacent to each other.
US09371593B2
The instant disclosure provides an electrolysis cell, which includes: an anode; a cathode block; and a current collector bar configured to be at least partially disposed adjacent to and in electrical communication with the cathode block, wherein the bar comprises: at least one sidewall; an inner void enclosed by the sidewall; and an expandable material retained in the inner void via the at least one sidewall, wherein the expandable material is configured to exert pressure on the wall of the inner void while the bar is at operating temperature, such that the bar is conformed to the cathode block.
US09371590B2
A method for operating an installation for producing hydrogen including at least one high temperature electrolyzer for producing hydrogen, the electrolyzer including a plurality of elementary cells, each including a cathode and an anode separated by an electrolyte, the elementary cells being separated by an interconnection plate, each interconnection plate defining with an adjacent cathode a cathode compartment and with an adjacent anode an anode compartment, the cathodes being made from a cermet containing nickel, the method including: a) raising a temperature of the cells up to an operating temperature of the electrolyzer comprised between 650° C. and 950° C.; b) applying a potential difference on terminals of the elementary cells at least equal to 0.62 V.
US09371585B2
The method and device are used to plasma-treat workpieces. The workpiece is inserted into a chamber of a treatment station that can be at least partially evacuated. The plasma chamber is bounded by a chamber bottom, a chamber cover, and a lateral chamber wall. The method process is optically monitored at least at times. In the optical monitoring, spectral lines of the radiation of the plasma above 500 nanometers are evaluated. Preferably, the evaluation is performed for frequencies above 700 nanometers.
US09371582B2
A method for manufacturing a silicon carbide thin film comprises steps of: (a) utilizing a mechanical pump to remove gases in a chamber such that the pressure in the chamber is reduced to a base pressure; (b) utilizing a microwave generator to generate microwaves at 1200 W to 1400 W so as to form microwave plasma inside the chamber; and (c) introducing into the chamber a silicon-based compound containing chlorine atoms that serve as a precursor, during the time that the temperature of a substrate disposed in the chamber is stable at 400° C. to 500° C., in which the temperature of the substrate is risen by the microwave plasma without heating the substrate additionally, so as to form a film of cubic silicon carbide on the substrate. In the present invention, the SiC thin film has good crystallinity and is manufactured by using MPECVD in a low temperature process.
US09371581B2
In an apparatus for treating a gas stream, a plasma generator comprises an electrode for energizing a source gas to generate a plasma flare by application of a high voltage. An inlet allows the gas stream into the apparatus and directs it into the generated plasma. A scraper is fitted for reciprocating movement from a first position to a second position for scraping a surface to remove solid deposits accumulated on the surface.
US09371580B2
A coated cutting insert and a method for making the same. The coated cutting insert has a substrate with a substrate surface. There is a backing coating scheme on the substrate surface, and a TiAl2O3 coating layer wherein the TiAl2O3 coating layer is deposited using chemical vapor deposition from a gaseous composition including AlCl3, H2, TiCl4, CO2 and HCl.
US09371575B2
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an aluminum/metal assembly consisting of a metal layer made of a first metal on the surface of a metal object made of a second metal, the first or second metal being aluminum, wherein said method includes the following steps: placing a metal foam having an open porosity on a surface of the metal object, and applying mechanical stress to the metal foam in such a manner that said foam becomes embedded in the surface of the object.
US09371565B2
The present invention is based on the discovery of genetic polymorphisms that are associated with psoriasis and related pathologies. In particular, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules containing the polymorphisms, including groups of nucleic acid molecules that may be used as a signature marker set, such as a haplotype, a diplotype, variant proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, reagents for detecting the polymorphic nucleic acid molecules and proteins, and methods of using the nucleic acid and proteins as well as methods of using reagents for their detection.
US09371555B2
Presently disclosed is a lighting system and methods of using the lighting system for in vitro potency assay for photofrin. The lighting system includes a lamp housing, a first lens, an infrared absorbing filter, an optical filter, and a second lens. The lamp housing includes a lamp and a light-port. In operation, broad spectrum light from the lamp exits the lamp housing by passing through the light-port. The first lens then collimates the broad spectrum light that exits the lamp housing through the light-port. The infrared absorbing filter then passes a first portion of the collimated broad spectrum light to the optical filter and absorbs infrared light of the broad spectrum light. The optical filter then passes a second portion of the collimated broad spectrum light to the second lens. The second lens then disperses the second portion of the collimated light to provide uniform irradiation of a cell culture plate. A method of using the lighting system for studying a photosensitizer is also disclosed.
US09371550B2
Biomass feedstocks (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, novel systems, methods and equipment for conveying and/or cooling treated biomass are described.
US09371549B2
The present disclosure relates to bioengineering approaches for producing biofuel and, in particular, to the use of a C1 metabolizing microorganism reactor system for converting C1 substrates, such as methane or methanol, into biomass and subsequently into biofuels, bioplastics, or the like.
US09371541B2
Genes whose expressions are up-regulated or down-regulated in plant roots in response to nematode infection are disclosed. These genes may play an important role in plant defense against SCN infection. Several nematode-inducible promoters have also been identified in plants, which may be used in nematode inducible gene expression construct. Expression of these SCN responsive genes may be manipulated to obtain SCN resistant lines.
US09371539B2
The present inventions relate to compositions and methods for providing stress tolerant transgenic plants comprising a RING domain zinc-finger motif transcription factor protein. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions and methods comprising a RING-H2 domain transcription factor protein for providing drought and salt tolerant plants, in particular comprising a recombinant XERICO gene and protein.
US09371534B2
Provided is a method for producing an expression product of an exogenous gene in a yeast with superior output regulation of gene expression. This is a method for producing an expression product of an exogenous gene in a yeast, including using one or two or more kinds of yeast gene terminator regions selected based on expression intensity data related to the expression intensity of yeast gene terminator regions to cause expression of a gene in a yeast.
US09371532B2
Lambda phages that can be used to introduce recombineering functions into host cells are disclosed. Also disclosed are plasmids that can be used to confer recombineering functions to a variety of strains of E. coli and to other bacteria, including Salmonella, Pseudomonas, Cyanobacteria, Spirochaetes. These plasmids and phages can be isolated in vitro and can be used to transform bacterial cells, such as gram negative bacteria.
US09371529B2
RNA interference is provided for inhibition of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) mRNA expression, in particular, for treating patients having a Syk-related inflammatory condition or at risk of developing a Syk-related inflammatory condition such as allergic conjunctivitis, ocular inflammation, dermatitis, rhinitis, asthma, allergy, or mast-cell disease.
US09371500B2
Provided are lubricants containing a synthetic ester, one or more additional base stocks and an additive package along with methods of making and using the same. Lubricant compositions comprise a synthetic ester that is a reaction product of at least one hindered organic polyol with one or more carboxylic acid where at least some (20%) up to 100% of the acids are branched. The lubricant compositions can provide improved oxidation stability and extended service life, as compared to a lubricant whose ester component is the reaction product of one or more hindered organic polyols and one or more carboxylic acids that are all linear, in applications that involve exposure to air, moisture, and/or high temperatures. These lubricant compositions are suited to a variety of lubricant applications, including, but not limited to air compressors, gear boxes, bearing sets, hydraulic systems, and chain drives.
US09371496B2
A hydroconversion catalyst comprising a Group VIB metal component, a Group VIII metal component and a carrier material is disclosed wherein said catalyst has a total surface area of 240 to 360 m2/g; a total pore volume of 0.5 to 0.9 cc/g; and a pore volume distribution such that greater than 60% of pore volume are in pores present as micropores of diameter between 55 and 115 Å, less than 0.12 cc/g of pore volume are in pores present at pores of diameter greater than 160 Å and less than 10% of pore volume are in pores present as macropores of diameters greater than 250 Å.
US09371494B2
Optimizing low coke naphtha reforming continues to pose significant challenges for oil refining companies in the operation of continuous catalytic regenerative reforming units for economic production of hydrogen, LPG and reformate. A novel processing scheme is hereby disclosed wherein multiple additives are used to increase spent catalyst coke to ensure operating the regenerators in steady state white burn operations. In previous disclosures novel additives sulfur and kerosene were identified as separately imparting enhanced rates of coke formation on the catalysts even at very mild severity catalytic reforming operations. To further accelerate spent catalyst coke formation and derive benefits from synergistic use of sulfur and kerosene, it is suggested that both sulfur and kerosene be used as additives in combination or in series with sulfur added first followed by kerosene and vice versa.
US09371484B2
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) device includes a first electrode; a second electrode facing the first electrode; an emitting material layer disposed between the first and second electrodes and a horizontally oriented liquid crystal type emitting material.
US09371469B2
Compositions comprising (B1) at least one polyisocyanate-group-containing compound (B1) having free or blocked isocyanate groups and a cycloaliphatic polyisocyanate parent structure, and/or a polyisocyanate derived therefrom, and (B2) at least one polyisocyanate-group-containing compound (B2) having free or blocked isocyanate groups and an acyclic, aliphatic polyisocyanate parent structure, and/or a polyisocyanate derived therefrom, where at least one of component (B1) and component (B2) comprise at least one structural unit selected from the group of structural unit (I) —NR—(X—SiR″x(OR′)3-x) (I), structural unit (II) —N(X—SiR″x(OR′)3-x)n(X′—SiR″y(OR′)3-y)m (II), and mixtures of two or more of the foregoing, wherein the compound (B1) is in an amount such that the binder fraction of the compound (B1) is between 5% and 45% by weight, based on the sum of the binder fraction of the compound (B1) and of the compound (B2), and the mixture of components (B1) and (B2) includes structural units (I) and structural units (II).
US09371466B2
A process for encapsulating TiO2 particles by polymerizing sodium styrene sulfonate with a redox initiator system; then polymerizing a first monomer mixture comprising at least 60 wt % acrylic monomers; then polymerizing a second monomer mixture comprising at least 40 wt % vinyl ester monomers.
US09371462B2
The invention provides a production process for a self-dispersible pigment, having a step of bonding a group R1 in the following general formula (1) to a particle surface of a pigment by radical addition reaction induced by removal of a hydrogen atom from a compound represented by the general formula (1): HN═N—R1 (1) wherein R1 is a group having at least one of an aliphatic group and an aromatic group and being substituted with at least one hydrophilic group selected from the group consisting of a carboxylic acid group, a sulfonic acid group, a phosphoric acid group and a phosphoric acid group.
US09371458B2
An ink composition for ink jet recording includes a coating film forming material, a polyether-modified silicone oil, and water, wherein the polyether-modified silicone oil is soluble in a solvent in which a lower limit of an SP value is 8.5 or less and an upper limit of the SP value is 18.0 or more.
US09371445B2
This invention aims at improving the tear strength of a film and a sheet molded from a resin composition containing microorganism-produced aliphatic polyester. This invention relates to a biodegradable polyester resin composition containing polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) in the proportion of 60 to 400 parts by weight and modified-glycerin in the proportion of 10 to 50 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of aliphatic polyester (P3HA) having a repeating unit represented by Formula (1): [—CHR—CH2—CO—O—] (wherein R is an alkyl group represented by CnH2n+1 and n is an integer of 1 or more and 15 or lower) and a film or a sheet obtained by molding the biodegradable polyester resin composition in which the maximum major axis of phases containing the aliphatic polyester (P3HA) measured by a transmission electron microscopy analysis-image analysis method (TEM method) is 18 μm or lower and the average value is 8 μm or lower.
US09371443B2
A continuous process for the production of a dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer comprising a thermoplastic resin and a non-halogenated elastomer with a multiolefin content of greater than 3.5 mol % that has been modified in situ with a carboxylic anhydride. The process provides materials with improved elongation at break and ultimate tensile strength that can be produced economically and with reduced environmental impact.
US09371436B2
The present invention provides a resin composition for golf balls that is excellent in resilience, flexibility, and fluidity. The present invention also provides a golf ball excellent in resilience, shot feeling, and productivity. The present invention includes a resin composition for golf balls including: (A) at least one selected from the group consisting of (a-1) a bipolymer of an olefin and a C3-C8 α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, (a-2) a metal ion-neutralized product of a bipolymer of an olefin and a C3-C8 α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, (a-3) a terpolymer of an olefin, a C3-C8 α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester, and (a-4) a metal ion-neutralized product of a terpolymer of an olefin, a C3-C8 α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester; (B) a compound containing an unsaturated hydrocarbon chain, a cationic moiety, and an anionic moiety in its molecule; and (C) an unsaturated fatty acid.
US09371433B2
An additive for a marble adhesive is disclosed. The additive is selected from the group consisting of R—(C6H4)—CH2OH, R—O—(CH2)2—O—(CH2)2—OH, R—O—CH2—CH(OH)—CH3, R—O—(CH2)2—OH, and a mixture thereof, where R represents hydrogen or alkyl.
US09371423B2
The present disclosure generally provides methods and apparatus for efficiently crosslinking silicon carbide fiber precursor polymers with electron beam radiation. The methods and apparatus utilize a platform containing silicon carbide fiber precursor polymer. The temperature of the platform is regulated while the silicon carbide fiber precursor polymer is irradiated to thereby regulate the temperature of the irradiated silicon carbide fiber precursor polymer thereon. In this way, the temperature of the irradiated silicon carbide fiber precursor polymer is regulated via the platform both during and after it is subjected to radiation. At least one of the platform and the e-beam radiation mechanism may be translated with respect to the other to irradiate different portions of the silicon carbide fiber precursor polymer and, ultimately, the entirety of the silicon carbide fiber precursor polymer contained on the platform.
US09371409B2
A process for preparing a curing composition of a coordination complex comprising methylenedianiline (MDA) and a salt, and less than 1000 of free MDA. The curing composition may be used in curing polyurethanes and epoxy resins.
US09371400B2
A material for energy management and peak energy reduction in a building structure, comprises an insulative base material, a first phase change material, and a functional polymeric phase change material that dynamically absorbs and releases heat to adjust heat transfer. The functional polymeric phase change material has at least one phase change temperature in the range between −10° C. and 100° C. and a phase change enthalpy of at least 5 Joules per gram, the functional polymeric phase change material including a plurality of polymer chains that include a backbone chain and a plurality of side chains, wherein a first portion of the plurality of polymer chains are crosslinked to each other, wherein a second portion of the plurality of polymer chains are crosslinked with the first phase change material and a third portion of the plurality of side chains are mechanically entangled with the inorganic insulative base material.
US09371394B2
Described herein are monoclonal antibodies and methods useful for determining and quantitating the presence of a phosphinothricin-N-acetyl-transferase enzyme. The claimed antibodies and methods are particularly useful for identifying and quantitating the presence of phosphinothricin-N-acetyl-transferase expressed in trangenic plants.
US09371389B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a monoclonal antibody binding to human XCR1, wherein the antibody binds to linear or discontinuous epitopes which comprise at least three amino acids selected from the group consisting of the 8th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd, 176th, and 177th amino acids in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 91.
US09371370B2
The present invention relates to modified coagulation Factor VII polypeptides exhibiting increased resistance to antithrombin inactivation and enhanced proteolytic activity. The present invention also relates to polynucleotide constructs encoding such polypeptides, vectors and host cells comprising and expressing such polynucleotides, pharmaceutical compositions, uses and methods of treatment.
US09371369B2
The present invention relates to compositions comprising biologically active proteins linked to extended recombinant polypeptide (XTEN), isolated nucleic acids encoding the compositions and vectors and host cells containing the same, and methods of using such compositions in treatment of glucose-related diseases, metabolic diseases, coagulation disorders, and growth hormone-related disorders and conditions.
US09371366B2
Provided herein are chimeric influenza hemagglutinin (HA) polypeptides, compositions comprising the same, vaccines comprising the same, and methods of their use.
US09371365B2
Compounds comprising peptides capable of binding C3 protein and inhibiting complement activation are disclosed. These compounds display greatly improved complement activation-inhibitory activity as compared with currently available compounds. The compounds comprise compstatin analogs having a constrained backbone at position 8 (glycine) and, optionally, specific substitutions for threonine at position 13.
US09371361B2
Depsipeptides and congeners thereof are disclosed having structure (I), wherein m, n, p, q, X, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein. These compounds, including FR901228, have activity as, for example, immunosuppressants, as well as for the prevention or treatment of patients suffering or at risk of suffering from inflammatory, autoimmune or immune system-related diseases including graft-versus-host disease and enhancement of graft/tissue survival following transplant. Also provided are methods for inhibiting lymphocyte activation, proliferation, and/or suppression of IL-2 secretion.
US09371357B2
Described herein are compositions and methods for inhibiting HIV integrase activity. Also described are methods of identifying agents that inhibit HIV integrase for use in treating or preventing HIV. Also disclosed are methods of identifying agents that inhibit HIV viral mutants that are resistant to integrase inhibitors.
US09371345B2
Disclosed herein is a general method for the preparation of complexes containing a quaternary onium group in an inert ligand. Some of these complexes may be represented by formula 1: Methods for the preparation of complexes of formula 1, the preparation of intermediates and the use of complexes of formula 1 in metathesis reactions and a method for conducting an olefin metathesis reaction are also described.
US09371343B2
Nickel-metal-containing solids for use in manufacturing nickel metal complexes are disclosed. The nickel-metal-containing solids are made by reducing basic nickel carbonates. By varying the molar ratios of carbonates and bicarbonates to nickel salts, the methods provide basic nickel carbonates that produce superior nickel metal-containing solids that react more effectively with phosphorous-containing ligands. The phosphorous containing ligands can be both monodentate and bidentate phosphorous-containing ligands.
US09371337B2
Disclosed herein inter alia are Boron containing compounds and methods for treating infections related to antibiotic resistant microorganisms.
US09371335B2
The use of ORL-1 receptor antagonists of the formula: for the treatment of alcohol use disorders is described.
US09371310B2
3-(3-Chloro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine is prepared by coupling 3-bromopyridine with commercially available 3-aminopyrazole, purifying the 3-(3-amino-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine by crystallization, and converting the amino group to a chloro group by a Sandmeyer reaction.
US09371307B2
Potent low molecular weight, highly selective, competitive non-peptidic serine protease inhibitors and their use in treating serine protease-associated diseases are disclosed.
US09371299B2
The present invention relates to new thiadiazolidinediones of formula (I), or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, and its use in the treatment of a disease in which glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is involved, particularly neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular disorders. Additionally, there is provided a process for preparing such compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.
US09371295B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) and (IV), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, tautomers, stereoisomers thereof, which are inhibitors of histone deacetylase (HDAC). The compounds of the present invention are for use in the treatment of disorders that are ameliorated by inhibition of HDAC such as cancer and hemoglobinopathies like β-thalassemia or sickle cell anemia.
US09371292B2
Disclosed are as represented by Formula (I) a quinazoline derivative and a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof, or, an enantiomer, a non-enantiomer, a tautomer, a racemate, a solvate, a metabolic precursor, or a prodrug of both. Also disclosed are a preparation method therefor, an intermediate, a pharmaceutical composition having the quinazoline derivative, and an application thereof. The quinazoline derivative of the present invention is provided with improved anti-tumor activity.
US09371287B2
The invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of Formula 1, comprising coupling a carboxylic acid of Formula 2 with an aniline of Formula 3 in the presence of a coupling agent.
US09371278B2
The present invention relates to novel sulfur derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals as modulators of chemokine receptors.
US09371276B1
The invention relates to the compounds and compositions of Formula I, Formula II, Formula III, Formula IV, Formula V, Formula VI or its pharmaceutical acceptable polymorphs, solvates, enantiomers, stereoisomers and hydrates thereof. The pharmaceutical compositions comprises a salt of metformin and the methods for treating or preventing metabolic syndrome, prediabetes and diabetes may be formulated for oral, buccal, rectal, topical, transdermal, transmucosal, intravenous, parenteral administration, syrup, or injection. Such compositions may be used to treatment of diabetes mellitus, obesity, lipid disorders, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance.
US09371264B2
Compounds represented by formulae I, II, III, and IV including pro-drugs for treprostinil and prostacyclin analogs. Uses include treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH) or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The structures of the compounds can be adapted to the particular application for a suitable treatment dosage. Transdermal applications can be used.
US09371263B2
Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for preventing and treating diseases such as intracerebral hemorrhage, cancer, or conditions associated with damaged cells, activated lymphocytes, or microbial products. The disclosed compounds are curcumin analogs. The curcumin analogs possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which in part, reduce AP-1 and NF-κB activity.
US09371252B2
In the method according to the invention for producing cement clinker, raw cement meal is preheated in a preheater, the preheated raw cement meal is precalcined in a calciner and the precalcined raw cement meal is burnt in a kiln, fuel and combustion air having an oxygen content of at least 75 mol % being used in the calciner, and the raw cement meal being precalcined in a fluidized bed in the calciner. The exhaust gases occurring in the kiln are delivered to the preheater, bypassing the calciner, and the exhaust gases of the calciner are delivered to a CO2 preparation device.
US09371247B2
A compositional range of fusion-formable, high strain point sodium free, silicate, aluminosilicate and boroaluminosilicate glasses are described herein. The glasses can be used as substrates for photovoltaic devices, for example, thin film photovoltaic devices such as CIGS photovoltaic devices. These glasses can be characterized as having strain points≧540° C., thermal expansion coefficient of from 6.5 to 10.5 ppm/° C., as well as liquidus viscosities in excess of 50,000 poise. As such they are ideally suited for being formed into sheet by the fusion process.
US09371246B2
A glass base material elongating method of sequentially feeding rod-like glass base materials hung by a glass base material feeding mechanism into a heating furnace, and pulling a glass rod with a smaller diameter by a pulling chuck at a lower part of the heating furnace, includes: aligning, by an alignment guiding device that guides the glass rod, a guiding center of the alignment guiding device with an axis of the glass rod, the alignment guiding device guiding the glass rod between the heating furnace and the pulling chuck.
US09371240B2
The present invention relates to an ammonia gas generator for generating ammonia from an ammonia precursor substance and to the use thereof for reducing nitrogen oxides in exhaust, in particular from industrial facilities, from combustion engines, from gas engines, from diesel engines or from petrol engines.
US09371238B2
The present invention provides a titanium-silicalite molecular sieve and a method for preparing the same. The method includes the steps of preparing a mixture of a titanium source, a silicon source, a transition metal source, a template agent and water; heating the mixture to form a gel mixture; heating the gel mixture in a water bath; and calcining the gel mixture after the gel mixture in the water bath to form the titanium-silicalite molecular sieve. The present invention further provides a method for preparing cyclohexanone oxime by using the titanium-silicalite molecular sieve as the catalyst which results in high conversion rate, high selectivity and high usage efficiency of hydrogen peroxide.
US09371231B2
An apatite crystal is a single crystal expressed by a general formula (M2)5(PO4)3X. In this formula, M2 indicates at least one type of element selected from the group consisting of bivalent alkaline-earth metals and Eu, and X indicates at least one type of element or molecule selected from the group consisting of halogen elements and OH. And the single crystal is of a tubular shape. The outer shape of the apatite may be a hexagonal prism. The shape of an opening of a hole formed in the upper surface or lower surface of the hexagonal prism may be a hexagon.
US09371229B2
A system including: an ozone generating device including discharge electrodes forming a discharge space; a gas supplying device; a power source device that supplies power to the discharge electrodes; a temperature adjustment device that adjusts temperature of the discharge electrodes; a control unit that controls the ozone generating device; and a detection unit that detects an ozone generation parameter in the ozone generating device. The control unit increases temperature of the discharge electrodes up to a vaporizing temperature of dinitrogen pentoxide by controlling the temperature adjustment device and the gas supplying device or the temperature adjustment device and the power source device, based on the output ozone generation parameter, to thereby switch operation from a normal operation mode to a cleaning operation mode in which surfaces of the discharge electrodes and the discharge space are cleaned up while continuing generation of ozone in the discharge space.
US09371228B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for efficiently producing both a low-pressure ozone stream and high-pressure oxygen stream using a single air separation unit. The low-pressure ozone stream and high-pressure oxygen stream can be produced with significant energy savings and can be used in variety of applications, including the extraction of precious metals from ore with aqueous oxidation reactors and high-pressure oxidation reactors.
US09371226B2
Single source precursors or pre-copolymers of single source precursors are subjected to microwave radiation to form particles of a I-III-VI2 material. Such particles may be formed in a wurtzite phase and may be converted to a chalcopyrite phase by, for example, exposure to heat. The particles in the wurtzite phase may have a substantially hexagonal shape that enables stacking into ordered layers. The particles in the wurtzite phase may be mixed with particles in the chalcopyrite phase (i.e., chalcopyrite nanoparticles) that may fill voids within the ordered layers of the particles in the wurtzite phase thus produce films with good coverage. In some embodiments, the methods are used to form layers of semiconductor materials comprising a I-III-VI2 material. Devices such as, for example, thin-film solar cells may be fabricated using such methods.
US09371213B1
A triangular lift frame may include a first load block, a second load block and a third lift block, each load block including a hoist ring at each end. A first frame member extends between the first and second load blocks; a second frame member extends between the second and third load blocks; and a third frame member extends between the first and third load blocks. The frame members are arranged in a triangular fashion. In one embodiment, the triangular fashion may be such that a load force carried by each respective pair of load blocks is transmitted linearly longitudinally along a respective frame member extending between the respective pair of load blocks.
US09371209B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide new and improved folding apparatuses and methods for interfolding a continuous stream of sheets into a single-fold interfolded pattern of sheets while passing all of the sheets substantially along a single sheet path. More particularly, all sheets in the continuous stream of sheets pass through the nips between adjacent components.
US09371201B2
The invention is directed to a material loader for quickly and easily loading material, particularly bulk material, into a containment apparatus. Material to be loaded is placed inside a bin that is dimensioned to fit inside the containment apparatus. In use the containment apparatus is positioned so that the bin is inside the containment apparatus and the containment apparatus or a vehicle bearing the containment apparatus is connected to a material transfer member inside the bin. Forward movement of the containment apparatus/vehicle causes the material transfer member to hold against the material while the bin slides out of the containment apparatus from the point of view of the containment apparatus, leaving the material behind. In other words, the forward movement of the containment apparatus/vehicle causes the material transfer member to pull the material into the containment apparatus. The invention may also be used for unloading a containment apparatus.
US09371199B2
Apparatus for palletizing bottles or similar containers, comprising: a conveyor including a support structure and a closed ring belt having a horizontal branch movable in a direction of transport (A) and having an upper surface on which a layer of bottles (B) or similar containers rests when in use, and a movable pickup device positionable above the conveyor for picking up said layer of bottles (B) from the belt and movable in a palletizing station for depositing the layer of bottles (B) on the base of a pallet or on a previously deposited layer of bottles, wherein the pickup device comprises a frame open at the bottom and a shutter movable relative to the frame between a retracted position in which the shutter leaves the lower opening of the frame open and an extended position in which the shutter closes the lower opening of the frame, wherein, in use, the shutter during the movement from the retracted position to the extended position is inserted between the layer of bottles (B) and the upper surface of said horizontal branch, so as to transfer the layer of bottles (B) from the conveyor to the pickup device.
US09371192B2
An installation comprising a first platform having a first holder device comprising a first pair of jaws, and a second platform having a second holder device comprising a second pair of jaws. Each pair of jaws comprising a stationary jaw and a movable jaw mounted on the stationary jaw to be movable between a closed position and an open position. A resilient element connecting the two jaws together urges the movable jaw towards the closed position. The two pairs of jaws are provided with co-operation devices enabling them to transfer a container from one platform to another by co-operation between the pairs of jaws.
US09371187B2
A system and method for supercharging the feed system for a belt in tube conveyor for agricultural products, which enables achieving a full or near full fill level of the conveyor belt entering the intake end of the conveyor tube. The invention uses a crop delivery apparatus operable to propel an airborne flow of the crop material at least largely in a direction of movement of the conveyor belt, onto the belt surface after formation into a concave shape conforming to a lower portion of the conveyor tube. Additional capabilities include the ability to propel the crop material into an intake end of the conveyor tube, and provision of enclosing structure for containing and focusing the crop material flow. The system can accommodate various angles of tilt and sideward pivotal movement of the conveyor.
US09371186B2
The invention relates to a friction drive for force transmission, in particular for a transport conveying device, comprising a drive element (31) and an output element (34) and comprising a torque-limiting device (33), which acts therebetween and transmits a drive torque introduced by said drive element (31) up to a transmission torque, which can be set by means of the torque-limiting device (33), to the output element (34), and allows free running when a drive torque exceeds the set transmission torque, and which comprises at least one rolling bearing (41) having an inner race (42) and an outer race (46) and rolling bodies (45) arranged therebetween, and a clamping device (51), by means of which the inner race and the outer race of the at least one rolling bearing (41) of the torque-limiting device (33) can be displaced towards each other in an axial direction or can be clamped against each other in a radial direction and a transmission torque can be set.
US09371183B2
A multilevel vertical conveyor system for transporting uncontained case units to and from a multilevel storage structure having an array of vertically stacked storage levels is provided and includes a frame having platform guide members, a drive member connected to the frame, and support platforms coupled to the drive member. The drive member is configured to move the support platforms relative to the frame in a substantially continuous vertical loop, each of the support platforms being configured to support multiple uncontained case units where each of the multiple uncontained case units is disposed at a respective predetermined area of a respective support platform, the support platforms have support members that are guided by guide members substantially throughout a path of the substantially continuous vertical loop, where the support members are guided in three point contact by the guide members substantially throughout the path.
US09371182B2
An apparatus for archiving specimens in specimen vessels. The apparatus includes an archive room accessible via a lock for automated feeding of vessels into and out of the room. A storage and restacking system is disposed in the room and includes two side-by-side stacks of trays in a receiving area. Each tray has a receptacle area defining a plurality of receptacles therein, each configured to receive a single vessel. A stacking means forms the stacks of trays. One tray is stacked on another in such a way as to maintain a clearance relative to the receptacle area of the lower tray. A lifting means is provided for vertically lifting trays stacked on a selected tray; and a transfer means is provided for horizontal transfer of a selected tray from one stack to the other, or from one stack to the lock, or from the lock to one of the stacks.
US09371179B2
A collapsible nestable container is provided. The collapsible nestable container may comprise a plurality of panels, each having one or more locking features that interlock with the locking features of the other panels to form an assembled container. The panels further comprise one or more nesting features, that interlock with the nesting features of the other panels to allow the panels to nest in a collapsed configuration with similar or dissimilar panels.
US09371176B2
A capsule for preparing a beverage and/or nutritional product is disclosed that includes a body that forms a first compartment for liquid injection and a second compartment for containing beverage and/or nutritional ingredients. A separation wall separates the first and second compartments and includes an aperture for the liquid transfer from the first compartment to the second compartment. A separate liquid injector is inserted in and/or against the separation wall and is arranged for transferring liquid from the first compartment to the second compartment.
US09371163B2
The invention relates to a container (1) which includes a body (2) forming an opening, a mobile ring (4) capable of pivoting relative to said body (2), and a seal (3) made of a flexible, resilient material, connected to said body (2) as well as to said ring (4), capable of being twisted by pivoting the ring (4). According to the invention, said body (2) includes a circular peripheral wall (10) ending in a free edge that defines said opening, and said ring (4) is intended for being positioned around said wall (10); and one of said peripheral wall (10) or said ring (4) includes a series of grooves (11 and 15) and the other one of said ring (4) or said peripheral wall (10) includes a lug, the movement of said lug in said series of grooves enabling guided axial movement of the ring (4) relative to the wall (10) when the seal (3) starts to twist.
US09371158B2
A laundry product that is a container and a liquid laundry composition contained in the container. The primary label face has text that is substantially upright when the container is resting on the closed end of the container. The secondary label face has text that is substantially up-side-down when the container is resting on the closed end of the container. The secondary label face has a window through which the liquid laundry composition within the container can be observed from outside the container.
US09371153B1
A container made of an elastomer such as silicone with an integrated leak resistant seal. The seal incorporates press-fit elements with sizes and shapes sufficient to provide a strong seal that resists leakage of liquids from inside the container. The seal is integrated into the container and requires no external clips or clasps. Additional features are provided to facilitate opening such as extended flaps for pulling the sides open, and asymmetric cavities for press-fit elements to reduce the initial opening force. The container itself may be of asymmetrical shape, such as trapezoidal, to provide a wide opening along with a strong seal.
US09371149B2
An improved structure of paper cup, which comprising: a cup body and bottom; the cup body is designed with an annular side wall, and an outward folded arced cup edge is set on the ring edge at one end; the annular side wall is provided with an annular side wall mated with the annular side wall of the cup body far away from the cup edge to form holding space; the cup body and bottom form a holding space; particularly, an inflexed edge is formed at the annular side walls where the cup body is abutted with the cup bottom, thus reducing the height of the annular side wall for the mating of the cup body and bottom; when a large number of paper cups are stacked, the gap between cups could be reduced, thus increasing the storage amount and saving the storage and transportation cost.
US09371148B1
Image transfer articles, sheets and methods are disclosed. The image transfer articles and sheets can include or be configured to receive an image. The image can be capture on one or more ink or other marking receptive layers of the image transfer articles or sheets. In various examples, the image transfer articles provide decorative features in addition to the image. Such decorative features can include article portions bearing elements such as, but not limited to, metallic flakes, metallic-like flakes, glitter materials, sparkle materials, luminescent materials (e.g., having a glow-in-the-dark effect), pearlescent materials, reflective materials, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the image transfer articles include a vanishing layer configured to hold or sustain the image on a receptor element until the receptor element is washed a predetermined number of times.
US09371144B2
A container-handling apparatus includes a filling machine for filling containers, a filling-level-monitoring control unit downstream of the filling machine, a first container-detection element configured to scan and relay at least a partial contour of a relevant container as inspection data, and a control-and-regulating device configured to receive inspection data about containers. The first container-detection element is separated from and upstream of the filling-level-monitoring control unit. The filling-level-monitoring control unit inspects a container and passes inspection data about the container to the control-and-regulating device. The first container-detection element inspects the container independently of the filling-level-monitoring control unit and passes inspection data about the container to the control-and-regulating device.
US09371143B2
A VFFS bag is provided that is dimensionally stable, aesthetically pleasing, and renders items stored in it highly visible. The bag includes first and second gusseted side walls that span a depth of the bag and front and rear walls that span a width of the bag. The bag has a substantially rectangular closed bottom end. In order to maximize the viewabilty of stored items and reduce the amount of film material in the bag, the bag has a depth to width ratio of at least 1.5:1 at the bottom of the bag. Stability is enhanced by sizing the gussets such that they closely approach but do not overlap a line longitudinally bisecting the bag. A VFFS machine and its method of operation also are disclosed.
US09371139B2
An energy supply system, an aircraft and spacecraft using such an energy supply system and a method for providing electrical energy with the energy supply system. The energy supply system comprises an energy source which generates a direct current or a direct voltage. A converter is coupled to the energy source and is designed to convert the generated direct current or the generated direct voltage into an output current specified for the energy supply system or an output voltage specified for the energy supply system. A switching device is designed to couple an output of the energy supply system to the converter or directly to the energy source as a function of the electrical power required by the energy supply system.
US09371129B1
Disclosed herein is a novel approach to producing an aircraft window seal. The aircraft seal is produced of a much lighter material than has been used before, produced by a process of mixing a compound containing uncured silicone and a volume of microspheres, and then dispensing this material into a mold. Such a mold will normally be a female mold having the negative three dimensional shape of the aircraft seal to be produced. The seal may then be pressurized and/or heated during the curing process either prior to removing the seal from the mold or after removing the seal from the mold.
US09371125B2
A fuselage element including a fuselage segment including a skin and a junction means for connecting the skin to an adjacent fuselage segment. The fuselage segment extends along a longitudinal axis of the fuselage, and the skin includes a first section at at least one end of the fuselage segment. The fuselage segment includes at least one longitudinal stiffening element for the fuselage. A junction member is arranged so as to contact an outer surface of the first section of the skin, and the stiffening element partially extends to the junction member along the longitudinal axis.
US09371118B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a water safety device used to increase participant visibility by passing water craft. The device is worn by the participant on his or her wrist and activated upon need at which time a flag is uncoiled and extended above the water. Upon conclusion of the need for visibility, the flag is replaced around the participant's wrist and ready for the next use.
US09371111B2
Described are submersible assemblies including a support structure comprising a pair of flotation devices and a cabin pivotally coupled to the support structure between the pair of flotation devices having an outer enclosure encapsulating an inner cabin, wherein the cabin is configured to rotate between a raised position above a surface of a body of water and a submerged position, wherein at least a portion of the cabin is below the surface of the body of water, and wherein the inner cabin is configured to maintain substantially the same attitude as the support structure when the cabin rotates between the raised position and the submerged position.
US09371109B2
A tricycle may be operable between a first mode of operation steerable by a tricycle rider, and a second mode of operation steerable by an individual pushing the tricycle. A rider handle, in the first mode, may be configured to be rotationally coupled with the stem in a manner permitting a tricycle rider to exert forces on the rider handle and thereby turn the fork, and the rider handle in the second mode, being configured to be rotationally uncoupled from the stem, preventing forces on the rider handle from turning the fork. At least one rotation restrictor may be included for preventing the front wheel from turning to a position where the front wheel axis leads the fork axis, and for maintaining the front wheel axis in a position trailing the fork axis both when the tricycle is propelled by a tricycle rider in the first mode and when the tricycle is pushed from behind in the second mode.
US09371104B2
A headlight device for a motorcycle that can enhance cooling efficiency inexpensively, without using any special device. In the headlight device for the motorcycle, reflectors are provided with inlet parts through which cooling air is taken into an inside space. In addition, a louver provided on the upper sides of the reflectors is provided, at a position close to an outer lens, with openings through which the air in the inside space is discharged into an inside space.
US09371102B1
A bicycle seat assembly can include a mounting portion, a seat portion, a locking portion, and an actuator portion. The mounting portion can be configured to engage a frame of a bicycle. The seat portion can be pivotally mounted to the mounting portion. The locking portion can be disposed to selectively lock the mounting portion and the seat portion with respect to one another in a plurality of different seat positions. The seat portion can be moveable among the plurality of different seat positions when the locking portion is in an unlocked configuration and can be fixed in one of the plurality of different seat positions when the locking portion is in a locked configuration. The actuator portion can be engaged with the locking portion and operable to shift the locking portion from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. The actuator portion can be hand-operated. Another bicycle seat assembly can include a mounting portion and a seat portion. The seat portion can be engaged with the mounting portion. The seat portion can include a frame, a fabric member, and at least one tension adjuster. The frame can define a perimeter and an opening within the perimeter. The fabric member can be arranged on the frame and extend across the opening. The at least one tension adjuster can be operably engaged with the fabric member to adjust a tautness of the fabric member in a lateral direction of the seat portion.
US09371096B2
System and apparatus are disclosed for a cargo bed of a utility vehicle including side wall panels and a clamping device for mounting accessories. The cargo bed side panel includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The clamping device includes a first finger configured to engage the first protrusion and a second finger configured to engage the second protrusion, and an actuator configured to move the first and second fingers effective to secure the clamping device to the side panel.
US09371086B2
The present invention relates to a steering column for a vehicle and a steering apparatus having the same. According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent loads transmitted to the steering column from being concentrated to a part of the steering column, to uniformize the distribution of operation force of the adjusting lever, and to prevent the deformation and damage of the steering column when the driver operates the steering wheel by maintaining the bearing forces of the upper tube and the lower tube at the time of tightening and releasing the adjusting lever for a tilt or telescope operation while increasing the rigidity of the entirety of the steering column.
US09371081B2
A travel cooler, includes a body comprising a base, sidewalls, and a lid connected together to define an interior, insulated containment space for holding cooler items. A lengthwise dimension of the cooler extends between opposite ends of the cooler, and the body defines recessed exterior surface slots extending along a lengthwise extent of the cooler. The cooler further includes a U-shaped handle having two legs connected by a handle portion. The cooler is transitionable between a first configuration, in which the legs of the U-shaped handle extend a substantial length from the body of the cooler, and a second configuration, in which the legs of the U-shaped handle are received within the recessed exterior surface slots extending along a lengthwise extent of the cooler, the handle portion extending in close proximity to an end of the body of the cooler.
US09371073B1
A device includes a plurality of tires and a suspension system as subcomponents. The suspension system includes at least one suspension sensor configured to provide suspension data (S). A controller is operatively connected to the suspension sensor. The controller has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions for executing a method for determining respective tire normal forces (Fzi(t), i=1 . . . 4) for one or more of the plurality of tires, based at least partially on the suspension data (S). The tire normal force (Fz) is the net force acting on each tire (or wheel) in the vertical direction. The tire normal force acting on each tire may be determined without using the specific model of the tire, road information, wheel or tire sensors.
US09371071B2
A computer-implemented method includes determining, via a vehicle computer, that a current fuel-tank fill-level matches a stored fill-level, stored prior to a refueling process. The method also includes calculating an average fuel-consumption when the current fill-level matches the stored fill-level, based on distance traveled since the refueling process and a total amount of fuel received by the vehicle, as indicated by stored fuel-dispensed data received from one or more fuel pumps, since the stored fill-level was stored.
US09371064B2
A position sensing assembly adapted for use with a master cylinder to measure travel of a piston of the master cylinder via a magnet operatively coupled to the piston thereof for movement therewith between a zero brake apply position and a full brake apply position. According to one embodiment, the position sensing assembly includes a housing adapted to be attached to a master cylinder housing and a flux concentrator operatively disposed with the position sensing assembly housing. The flux concentrator includes a first end, an intermediate body, and a second end. At least one of the first end and the second end defines a longitudinal plane and at least a portion of the intermediate body is oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal plane whereby the position sensing assembly is adapted to measure the travel of the piston of the master cylinder via the magnet.
US09371054B2
In a webbing take-up device, a structure for interlocking a second lock pawl with a first lock pawl is only a shaft. It also suffices for switching between restricting of rotation of a lock ring and cancelling of the restricting to be carried out merely by moving a piston by gas pressure generated at a gas generator. In this way, by a simple structure, it is possible to switch between a mode, in which torsional deformation is brought about at a sub torsion main body of a sub torsion shaft, and a mode, in which torsional deformation is not brought about at the sub torsion main body of the sub torsion shaft.
US09371053B2
An airbag system includes an inflatable airbag including an aperture and an indicator, the indicator viewable through the aperture when the inflatable airbag is in a packaged condition. A method of packaging an inflatable airbag includes rolling an inflatable airbag into a packaged configuration and confirming the indicator is visible through the aperture when the inflatable airbag is in the packaged condition.
US09371047B2
There is provided a bumper beam that is formed of a 7000 series aluminum alloy hollow extrusion, has a crushed longitudinal portion, and locally has a low-hardness region in a bumper stay joint section. A portion (portion to be heated) of end portions of the bumper beam formed of a tempered member of a heat-treatable aluminum alloy extrusion is subjected to reversion treatment, thereby forming a heat-affected zone in a bumper stay joint section. An end region (portion to be crushed) of the heated portion is subjected to cold crushing, and then the whole bumper beam is subjected to age hardening. The heated portion and a non-heat-affected zone are hardened through the age hardening, thereby forming a low-hardness region that overlaps the joint section in a portion of the heat-affected zone.
US09371044B1
An emblem assembly for a vehicle having a number of attachment features such as two locating-pins, two opposing force clips, an orthogonal force clip, and an adhesive. A body panel having an embossed emblem-mating surface defining a number of attachment features such as a 2-way locating-slot, a 4-way locating-hole, a central void with opposing substantially parallel edges, a clip retention slot with an orthogonal edge, and a panel surface area for adhesive contact. The emblem assembly and the emblem-mating surface features combine to provide an effective support for an emblem on a body panel of a vehicle. The emblem may be located on a tailgate of a pickup with an aluminum body panel.
US09371040B2
A vehicle roof rack for securing objects to the top of a vehicle having cross-bars mounted to the roof of the vehicle, has two pivot bars slidably connected to two load tubes. Each pivot bar is connected to a bracket via a hinge, and bracket is then mounted onto the cross-bars. Each of the load tubes has an interior cavity and the first ends of the pivot bars are slidably inserted within an end of the load tubes, so that the load tubes can be slid between an extended position and a closed position. Each load tube has a first portion with an open profile, and a second portion with a closed profile. In the extended position, the second portion of the load tube abuts the mounting bracket and acts as a stop to keep the load tube from freeing itself from the pivot bar.
US09371039B2
The present invention in one or more embodiments provides a storage assembly, which includes a housing, a tray positioned within the housing and including first and second portions opposing each other, and a track unit supported on the housing including first and second segments to respectively support and guide movement of the first and second portions, the first and second segments being positioned relative to each other with a transverse angle.
US09371035B2
A lighted vehicle bin assembly that activates a light source based on motion and recalibrates a sensor is provided. The lighted vehicle bin assembly includes a vehicle storage bin, a light source arranged to illuminate the bin, and a proximity sensor for sensing an object in the bin based on a sensor signal relative to a threshold. The lighted vehicle bin assembly also includes a controller that activates the light source when the sensor signal exceeds a threshold and recalibrates the sensor when the sensor signal exceeds the threshold for a time period.
US09371023B2
An apparatus for opening and closing a sliding armrest console may include having a console body, an opening and closing plate rotatably secured to an upper portion of the console body to thereby open and close an upper surface of the console body, and an armrest slid from the opening and closing plate, may include a hook provided to a front end portion of the opening and closing plate and controlling opening and closing of the opening and closing plate from the console body, and a locking unit provided to the armrest, controlling a sliding operation of the armrest by a rotation operation and operating the hook together with the controlling of the sliding operation of the armrest at the same time.
US09371021B2
A double-folding-type automotive seat including: a seat cushion having a forward end portion rotatably mounted on a floor of the automobile and an engagement piece provided to a rear end portion of the seat cushion, the engagement piece being normally disposed near to the floor of the automobile and displaceable with the seat cushion; a seat back having a lower end portion rotatably mounted on the floor of the automobile; and a headrest detachably mounted on a top portion of said seat back. In that seat, at a bottom surface of the headrest, there is provided a headrest attaching portion so configured to permit insertion therein of the aforesaid engagement piece of the seat cushion.
US09371015B2
A reclining device includes an operating shaft that is inserted through the reclining device in its axial direction to be mounted, and is adapted to release the reclining device from a locked position, and a torsion spring mounted between an outer end portion of the operating shaft which protrudes from the reclining device outward in a width direction of the seat, and a frame portion that is located outside the reclining device in the seat width direction. The operating shaft is constantly biased by the torsion spring in a rotational direction for locking the reclining device. The torsion spring is mounted onto the outer end portion of the operating shaft in the axial direction from an outer side of the seat, and has an inner end portion which is engaged with the operating shaft, and an outer end portion which is engaged with the frame portion.
US09371013B2
Seat tracks each include a lower rail, an upper rail, a lock lever, and a handle. When a handle is operated, the lock lever is set in a locking state or an unlocking state by engaging and disengaging the lock lever with and from lock recesses in the lower rail. The lock lever is supported pivotally with respect to the upper rail by pivot support portions, in which support holes in side plates of the upper rail and protrusions on arm plates of the lock lever are fitted together. A torsion coil spring, which interlocks the handle and the lock lever, includes a second stopper, which hooks on first stoppers provided on the arm plates of the lock lever.
US09371005B2
The present invention relates to an electric vehicle, and to a method for managing the charging of an auxiliary battery for an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle according to the present invention comprises: a high voltage battery for driving the electric vehicle; an auxiliary battery for supplying a plurality of electronic loads with driving power; a converter converting the voltage of the high voltage battery to a voltage required by the electronic loads via PWM switching; and a current detection unit for detecting the output current of the converter wherein the converter includes a converter control unit for reducing the output voltage of the converter when the energy required by the loads, based on the current detected by the current detection unit, is greater than the rated capacity of the converter. Accordingly, energy supplied to the loads can be handled by the converter and the auxiliary battery so as to enable the safe operation of an electric vehicle system.
US09371003B2
A control system for a vehicle includes first and second modules. The first module receives input from an operator of the vehicle via an input device, wherein the operator input includes a change to an operating parameter of a vehicle system. The second module selectively adjusts a resistance of the input device based on the operator input and a predetermined threshold. A method for controlling a vehicle includes receiving input from an operator of the vehicle via an input device, wherein the operator input includes a change to an operating parameter of a vehicle system, and selectively adjusting a resistance of the input device based on the operator input and a predetermined threshold.
US09371002B2
A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a braking of the vehicle and a control device for sending a signal to a headlight activation circuit to modulate the vehicle's headlights based upon the braking of the vehicle. In particular, a headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated based upon an application of one or both of a front brake and a rear brake. The headlight activation circuit is able to modulate the headlight between an on position and an off position or modulate the headlight between a high beam position and a low beam position. Consequently, the vehicle is better seen as it approaches likely congestion areas such as intersections and slowing or stopped traffic and attempts to enter traffic.
US09371000B2
A transmission includes provisions to mount two accessory drive units and to transmit power to the accessory drive units from an engine. The accessories are driven by an accessory drive gear that is coupled to a torque converter impeller as opposed to a turbine such that power is provided to the accessories regardless of the selected gear state or vehicle speed. The accessory drive gear also transmits power to an off-axis transmission pump. In one embodiment, power is transferred to the accessories via idler gears that is supported by the transmission housing and is present even when no accessory is installed. In another embodiment, the idler gear is supported by the accessory drive unit and is only present when the accessory is installed.
US09370998B2
Systems and methods for assembling a fuel filler system for use in a vehicle are provided. The fuel filler system includes a closure device assembly and a fuel filler tube. A circumferential rim extends radially outwardly from a first end of the fuel filler tube. The rim has a non-planar cross-sectional shape. The fuel filler system also includes at least one catch member that extends from an inner surface of the closure device assembly. A seal member encircles a portion of the closure device assembly, and is axially spaced apart from the at least one catch member. After the closure device assembly is coupled to the fuel filler tube, the circumferential rim is axially captured between the at least one catch member and the seal member.
US09370994B2
Disclosed is an integrated power electric unit mounted on an electric vehicle, comprising a first power electric unit, a second power electric unit arranged over the first power electric unit in a vertical direction of the vehicle, a channel that connects the first and second power electric units so as to flow the air, and a breather provided in the second power electric unit to cause inner and outer sides of the second power electric unit to communicate with each other.
US09370989B2
A hinge assembly with continuous seal, includes a hinge shaft, a fixed hinge part and a rotatable hinge part, a fixed frame part and a rotatable frame part, which respectively comprises a parallel profile element and a seal that is affixed continuously to the profile element of the rotatable frame part and configured so that it bridges the distance between the two profile elements in the closed position.
US09370961B2
A compact utensil which has two utility components connected by an assisted opening hinge.
US09370960B2
A ballpoint pen system having a slidable pen cap. A ballpoint ink cartridge disposed inside a pen housing has a ballpoint tip protruding out of a pen housing anterior aperture. The pen cap is disposed on a pen housing anterior end for capping the ballpoint tip. At least one linear pen cap through-slot is disposed through a pen cap side surface. At least one raised stopper located on the pen housing near the pen housing anterior end is disposed through the through-slot of the pen cap such that linearly sliding the pen cap causes the pen cap to move longitudinally relative to the pen housing. Sliding the pen cap to an extended position causes the pen cap to cover the ballpoint tip. Sliding the pen cap to a retracted position causes the ballpoint tip to protrude from the pen cap anterior aperture.
US09370959B2
A writing instrument includes a barrel, a refill assembly, and a refill plug assembly that is quick to release from the barrel and quick to re-attach to the barrel when changing a refill assembly. The refill plug assembly is quickly secured to the barrel of the writing instrument and quickly released from the barrel of the writing instrument through a twisting and/or pushing action that may require less than one full turn to disengage from the barrel and to re-attach to the barrel, thus expediting replacement of the refill assembly.
US09370955B2
The present invention provides an image processing method which includes any one of recording an image on a thermally reversible recording medium that can reversibly change any one of its transparency and color tone depending on temperature by irradiating and heating the thermally reversible recording medium with a laser beam, and erasing the image recorded on the thermally reversible recording medium by heating the thermally reversible recording medium, wherein in any one of the image recording and the image erasing, the thermally reversible recording medium is located at a position farther than a focal position of the laser beam, and at least any one of the image recording and the image erasing is performed.
US09370950B2
A printer includes a printing head, a take-up driving device, a take-up amount detecting portion, a constant torque control device, and a switching control portion. The take-up driving device drives a take-up portion for taking up at least a part of layers of the recording medium fed by a feeder on an outer circumference part and forming a roll. The take-up amount detecting portion detects a take-up amount by the take-up portion. The constant torque control device performs constant torque control that sets a driving torque of the take-up driving device to a constant value corresponding to an input command value. The switching control portion switches the command value in stages in accordance with an increase in the take-up amount detected by the take-up amount detecting portion associated with an advancement of the take-up by the take-up portion.
US09370946B2
A printing apparatus comprises a feeding roller configured to feed a printing sheet, a conveyance roller configured to convey the printing sheet, a printing unit configured to print on the printing sheet, a conveyance control unit configured to control conveyance of printing sheets so that a trailing edge of a preceding sheet and a leading edge of a succeeding sheet overlap each other, a determination unit configured to determine whether the leading edge of the succeeding sheet overlaps the trailing edge of the preceding sheet, and a delay unit configured to delay conveyance of the preceding sheet when the determination unit determines that the leading edge of the succeeding sheet does not overlap the trailing edge of the preceding sheet.
US09370945B1
A print media moving apparatus includes a vacuum assembly positioned immediately upstream relative to a roller. The vacuum assembly has an arcuate surface including three sections with the second section located between the first and third sections. The arcuate surface includes an extremum in the second section. The roller, having a diameter and rotational axis, includes three sections with the second section located between the first and third section as viewed along the rotational axis. The diameter of the roller in the first and third sections is greater than in the second section. The three sections of the vacuum assembly correspond to the three sections of the roller such that the contour of the arcuate surface causes the print media, after leaving the vacuum assembly, to contact the first and third sections of the roller prior to contacting the second section of the roller.
US09370942B2
Disclosed is a printing method whereby a glossy image free of running can be printed by an inkjet printer. An inkjet head (14) is caused to scan in the Y direction to print outline portions (32 and 33) on a medium (31). Next, immediately after the printing of the outline portions, a first UV irradiation means (15 or 16) disposed coaxially with the scanning axis of the inkjet head irradiates ink at the outline portions with UV light to harden the ink at the outline portions to prevent running. Next, the inkjet head prints a solid portion (34) between the outline portion (32) and the outline portion (33), and a second UV irradiation means (17) disposed forward in the scanning direction (X direction) of the medium (31) hardens the ink at the solid portion.
US09370929B2
An inkjet printing system includes: a plurality of print head cartridges; a print head chassis for supporting the plurality of print head cartridges; a lift mechanism for lifting and lowering the print head chassis between a printing position, a transition position, and a maintenance position; and a maintenance chassis supporting a chassis sub-frame having a corresponding plurality of maintenance cradles; and a sub-frame movement mechanism for slidably moving the chassis sub-frame with respect to the maintenance chassis. In the transition position, the print head chassis is held at a height, relative to a platen, that allows the maintenance chassis to be moved from a storage position to an operational positional under the print head chassis. Further, in the operational position, the sub-frame movement mechanism aligns a capper or a wiper with a respective printhead.
US09370918B2
Systems, methods, and apparatus for increasing durability of adhesively bonded joints in a sandwich structure. Such systems, methods, and apparatus includes an first face sheet and an second face sheet as well as an insert structure, the insert structure having a first insert face sheet, a second insert face sheet, and an insert core material. In addition, sandwich core material is arranged between the first face sheet and the second face sheet. A primary bondline may be coupled to the face sheet(s) and the splice. Further, systems, methods, and apparatus of the present disclosure advantageously reduce the load, provide a redundant path, reduce structural fatigue, and/or increase fatigue life.
US09370916B2
An oxygen-scavenging multi-layer container and methods of making, controlling, and using the same are disclosed.
US09370907B2
Provided herein is an apparatus, including a substrate; an etch stop layer overlying the substrate, wherein the etch stop layer is substantially resistant to etching conditions; and a patterned layer overlying the etch stop layer, wherein the patterned layer is substantially labile to the etching conditions, and wherein the patterned layer comprises a number of features including substantially consistent feature profiles among regions of high feature density and regions of low feature density.
US09370902B2
Method embodiments for producing a fiber-reinforced epoxy composite comprise providing a mold defining a shape for a composite, applying a fiber reinforcement over the mold, covering the mold and fiber reinforcement thereon in a vacuum enclosure, performing a vacuum on the vacuum enclosure to produce a pressure gradient, insulating at least a portion of the vacuum enclosure with thermal insulation, infusing the fiber reinforcement with a reactive mixture of uncured epoxy resin and curing agent under vacuum conditions, wherein the reactive mixture of uncured epoxy resin and curing agent generates exothermic heat, and producing the fiber-reinforced epoxy composite having a glass transition temperature of at least about 100° C. by curing the fiber reinforcement infused with the reactive mixture of uncured epoxy resin and curing agent by utilizing the exothermically generated heat, wherein the curing is conducted inside the thermally insulated vacuum enclosure without utilization of an external heat source or an external radiation source.
US09370899B2
In an apparatus for successively making plastic bags, a receiver plate 5 is fixed to a support plate 7. The support plate 7 extends widthwise of the webs of film material 2H and 2L to protrude on one of opposite sides of the webs of film material 2H and 2L. An elastic support device is disposed on the one side of the webs of film material 2H and 2L to elastically support the receiver plate 5 and the support plate 7. An attitude hold device is disposed on the one side of the webs of film material 2H and 2L to act on the support plate 7 so that the receiver plate 5 and the support plate 7 are held in attitude not to be inclined when being lowered and raised.
US09370893B2
In the process of closing a blow cavity split mold 14, a roller 32 is allowed to directly contact a bottom surface 38 of a guide block 36 and roll thereon. Thus, the mold clamping movement of the blow cavity split mold 14 is guided, without clearance from the guide block 36. Consequently, the upward movement of the blow cavity split mold 14 is regulated.
US09370885B2
A case molded article is molded by injecting resin into a molding space formed in an in-mold decoration die; meanwhile, foil is joined to the surface of the case molded article. After that, the foil is peeled off from the surface of the case molded article while leaving a pattern layer at least on the upper ends of the corners of the rising wall on the case molded article. Subsequently, the foil is peeled off from the surface of the case molded article while leaving the pattern layer at other points where the foil is joined to the surface of the case molded article.
US09370882B2
The present invention provides a cost effective and efficient air circulation system for a rotomolded vehicle body, comprising: at least one inlet vent disposed at the lower front of the rotomolded body assembly for receiving the air; an outlet vents comprising at least one venting vane disposed at floor of the rotomolded body assembly for receiving the air from inlet vent and disposing the air to underside of the floor for cooling of the power train system located beneath the floor. A roof of the rotomolded body assembly receiving the air from inlet vents and disposing in the void of the rotomolded body assembly for cooling the passenger area, wherein the air is forced-in from inlet vents and forced-out through the outlet vents. A high volumetric throughput pressure is maintained between inlet and outlet vents comprising the said venting vane due to position thereof.
US09370866B2
A wrist unit of an industrial robot including an eccentric rocking-type reduction gear. The eccentric rocking-type reduction gear includes a hollow forming part forming a hollow part along the rotation center axial line; a through shaft supported rotatably at the hollow forming part and passing through the hollow part to transmit a rotation from the third wrist drive motor from a first wrist element side to a second wrist element side; a plurality of crankshafts arranged around the through shaft and having input gears at ends of the side of the first wrist element; and a gear member provided rotatably centered about the rotation center axial line, the gear member having a first gear to which a rotational force from the second wrist drive motor is input and a second gear with which the input gears of the plurality of crankshafts engage.
US09370860B2
A handle device, in particular for a hand tool, includes a grip unit and a fastening unit. A resiliently elastic damping unit is arranged between the grip unit and the fastening unit. The damping unit is configured to transmit a vibration that occurs on the fastening unit in the operating state of the handle device to the grip unit in an at least partially damped manner so that a user is decoupled at least partially from the vibration. An overload protection unit is configured to protect the damping unit from damage in the event of an overload state occurring on the grip unit or on the fastening unit by diverting at least part of a force flux between the fastening unit and the grip unit to an additional force flux path as a bypass during the overload state.
US09370854B2
The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device with metal interconnections and a design of a tool for performing such a method. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating a semiconductor device, the method includes providing a semiconductor substrate, depositing a dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate, forming at least one trench in the dielectric layer, and forming a metallization layer in the trench and over the dielectric layer. The method further includes performing a chemical mechanical polishing process to planarize the metallization layer and the dielectric layer, performing a surface treatment on the planarized dielectric layer to form a protection layer, cleaning the planarized metallization layer and the treated dielectric layer to remove residue from the chemical mechanical polishing process, and drying the cleaned metallization layer and dielectric layer in an inert gas environment.
US09370849B2
A flexible manufacturing system that makes it possible to give a higher priority to machining of a workpiece that is a super-urgent item is provided. When a pallet to which a workpiece, which is a super-urgent item, is attached is loaded on a loading station, a second controller gives a command to a conveyor to convey a pallet to which a workpiece, which is a normal item, is attached and which is located at a standby position of a pallet changer to a pallet storage room. Then, the second controller controls the conveyor to convey the pallet to which the workpiece, which is the super-urgent item, is attached and which is loaded on the loading station to the standby position.
US09370845B2
A method for repairing a multi-valve cylinder head, having a fuel injector or spark plug, or pre-chamber opening near the valve openings, that provides an insert with structural integrity that is capable of providing for both a repair for the crack and injector sleeve functionality in the finish-machined cylinder head. The present invention overcomes the consequences and structural limitations typically confronting larger diameter configurations while providing for a reliable sealing approach.
US09370841B2
An electrode extension guide for use with welding systems is provided. This electrode extension guide includes a barrel adapted to be connected to a contact tip, wherein the barrel has a predetermined length, a predetermined outer diameter, a predetermined inner diameter, and a plurality of apertures formed therein, wherein each aperture extends from the outer diameter through to the inner diameter of the barrel, and wherein the inner diameter further defines a channel passing lengthwise through the barrel; a plurality of bearings, wherein each bearing is inserted into one of the apertures formed in the barrel such that the bearing extends a predetermined distance into the channel, and wherein each bearing is electrically non-conductive; and a sleeve disposed around the outer diameter of the barrel along the length thereof, wherein the sleeve is operative to retain the bearings within the apertures at the outer diameter of the barrel.
US09370824B2
Apparatus, methods and systems for nano/micro machining. A lathe head has a microscopic pivot aperture for seating a conical tip. The conical tip is carried on a turnable part at one end thereof and is polished down to a microscopic apex. The microscopic pivot aperture is dimensioned for seating the concentric tip in the pivot aperture such that an apex of the conical tip protrudes through and beyond the aperture to a position in close proximity with the aperture. A driver system can comprise a rotator for axially rotating the turnable part, including the conical tip seated in the pivot aperture, and a forward pressure applicator for concurrently applying forward pressure to the conical tip in the direction of the pivot aperture. A light/particle beam system can be utilized to machine the rotating conical tip and the rotating turnable part, including the tip, can be easily removed after machining.
US09370823B2
A metallic housing of an electronic device, includes a metallic outer frame and an inner structural member. The metallic outer frame comprises a plurality of latching portions protruding, and a plurality of latching grooves. The inner structural member is made from metal-alloy and embedded in the outer frame by die-casting. The inner structural member comprises a peripheral sidewall, a plurality of engaging portions, and a plurality of matching portions. The plurality of engaging portions and the plurality of matching portions protrude from the peripheral sidewall outwardly. Each latching portion comprises at least two parallel latching ribs, and forms a receiving groove between two adjacent latching ribs. The plurality of engaging portions is respectively embedded in the plurality of receiving grooves, and the plurality of matching portions is respectively embedded in the plurality of latching grooves. The present disclosure further provides a manufacturing method for the metallic housing.
US09370822B2
In a vacuum-die casting machine comprising a casting mold having stationary and movable mold halves defining therebetween a mold cavity, a casting chamber which is in communication with the mold cavity and includes a piston and an evacuation arrangement connectable to the casting chamber for drawing melt from a melt storage into the casting chamber, a control arrangement is provided for controlling the mold cavity pressure depending on the pressure difference between the mold cavity and a cavity pressure and a counter pressure of the metal melt.
US09370816B2
An induction heating coil manufacturing apparatus includes a winding device that winds a wire around a winding shaft having a quadrangular cross section, and a bending device that bends the wire at a position at which the wire is to be wound around a corner of the winding shaft before the winding device winds the wire at the position around the winding shaft.
US09370815B2
This disclosure presents a heat exchanger that comprises a header frame having end plates, a plurality of rows of finned hairpins, each extending through a cooling fin and each having ends extending through the end plates, and at least one finless hairpin having ends extending through the end plates. Additionally, a support sheet is coupled to the header frame and at least on finless hairpin extends through the support sheet and is supported thereby. A method of manufacturing the heat exchanger is also presented as well as a heat ventilation air conditioning system in which the heat exchanger may be employed.
US09370811B2
A method and tool for calibrating an extruded tube for use in a manufacturing operation. According to the method, the tube is stretched while in a clamping tool by approximately 3%. The tool encloses the tube while a stretching mechanism is clamped to opposite longitudinal ends of the tube and applies a stretching force to opposite ends of the tube. The tool includes a clamping mechanism that clamps the tube into a cavity and a stretching mechanism with clamps that are attached to opposite longitudinal ends of the tube to calibrate the tube by longitudinally stretching the tube.
US09370809B2
Contaminated soil can be in-situ cleaned without an excavation process. Heated gas can be injected to the contaminated soil to heat the soil for vaporizing the contaminants. Vacuum extraction can be used for extracting the volatile contaminants. Cool air can be injected to the cleaned soil to prevent total organic carbon degradation.
US09370807B2
Movement from a carrying table to a support table can be prevented from becoming complicated and made simpler and positioning on the support table can be easily performed. Provision is made of cleaning tanks 40, 50 which hold and clean parts of a substrate case C inside a booth 10 in a separated state, provision is made of a support table 20 which supports the substrate case C in the booth 10, provision is made of a conveyance mechanism which conveys the parts of the substrate case C between the support table 20 and the cleaning tanks 40, 50, provision is made of a carrying table 13 on which the substrate case C is carried at the outside of an opening 11 of the booth 10, provision is made of a movement mechanism 30 which moves the substrate case C between the carrying table 13 and the support table 20, and the movement mechanism 30 carries the support table 20 and can be moved to the two positions of an advance position R1 where it advances to the carrying table 13 side and receives and delivers a substrate case C with the carrying table 13 and a retraction position R2 where it retracts inside the booth 10 and delivers and receives a substrate case C with the conveyance mechanism.
US09370805B2
A megasonic cleaning method and a megasonic cleaning apparatus are provided. Microcavitation bubbles may be formed by applying an electromotive force to a cleaning solution using a megasonic energy in a separate room from an object to be cleaned. The microcavitation bubbles having a stable oscillation among the formed microcavitation bubbles may be moved to the object to be cleaned. A surface of the object to be cleaned may be cleaned using the microcavitation bubbles having the stable oscillation. Particles attached onto the surface of the object to be cleaned may be effectively removed while preventing pattern damage.
US09370804B2
Parts of a substrate case can be separated and cleaned inside a tank body while making the cleaning solution evenly reach it. A substrate case C which is provided with a base Mb and shell Ms and holds a substrate inside is cleaned in a state with no substrate. Provision is made of a cleaning tank 40 which holds and cleans the parts of the base Mb and shell Ms of the substrate case C in a separated stated, provision is made of a conveyance mechanism which conveys the parts of the substrate case with the cleaning tank 40, and the cleaning tank 40 is provided with a tank body 42 and a lid 43 which can be opened and closed and is provided with a rotating plate 44 which is provided at a bottom part of the tank body 42 to be able to rotate about an axis in the vertical direction, a plurality of base support rods 46 which are provided standing up at the rotating plate 44 and which support parts of the outer edge of the base Mb at a predetermined height position, and a plurality of shell support rods 47 which are provided standing up at the rotating plate 44 and which support parts of the outer edge of the shell Ms at a predetermined height position different from the base support rods 46.
US09370793B2
A component mounting device is provided with a head unit having a first nozzle array including a plurality of nozzle members aligned in a first direction, a second nozzle array that includes a plurality of nozzle members aligned in the first direction and that is aligned in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A first linear motor vertically drives the nozzle members of the first nozzle array. A second linear motor drives the nozzle members of the second nozzle array. Each linear motor includes a linear motor main body that includes a stationary element and a mobile element that faces the stationary element in the second direction. The mobile element of the first linear motor and the mobile element of the second linear motor are in close proximity with each other in the second direction and each stationary element is located outside the mobile element.
US09370792B2
Exemplary production methods for producing a paint plant component, e.g., for producing a component of a color changer, a color valve, or a spray device, are disclosed. According to the exemplary illustrations, the paint plant component may be produced in a rapid prototyping method. The exemplary illustrations also include a paint plant component that is produced accordingly.
US09370790B2
The present invention relates to a shock-absorbing lower structure of an airless type dispenser, wherein a support member made of elastic material is arranged in a lower part of a piston to provide a cushioning function so as to support the lower end of the piston in the housing of the dispenser. Thus, when the piston descends and presses a housing support by the shock applied from an external source, the housing support is prevented from being separated from the housing of the dispenser. Furthermore, when content expand in volume at a low temperature, not only is a housing support or a pumping member prevented from being separated, but also the pumping member is prevented from being damaged.
US09370781B2
A dynamic baffle system for a magnetic separator includes a containment barrier secured to a frame and positioned between a rotary screen drum and a magnetic drum. The dynamic baffle system further includes a baffle configured to block an opening of the containment barrier. The baffle is movable between an open position in which media mixture is capable of flowing from the containment barrier to the magnetic drum and a closed position in which the media mixture is prohibited from flowing from the containment barrier to the magnetic drum and configured to evenly build up on the containment barrier. The dynamic baffle system further includes a sensor and a controller coupled to the sensor and the baffle to control the amount of media mixture flowing from the rotary screen drum to the magnetic drum.
US09370778B2
A method is provided to separate an eggshell membrane from the outer shell of an egg. The method includes first adjusting the moisture content of an eggshell which includes a shell and a membrane. The eggshell is then subjected to airflow, such that the shell is broken and detaches from the membrane resulting in shell particles and membrane fragments. The shell particles and membrane fragments may be further dried and separated. The membrane fragments may then be processed. In some embodiments, the moisture content is adjusted to less than 24% such as by drying the eggshell. The eggshell may be pulverized resulting in shell powder or dust. The membrane fragments may be further processed for storage, transport, or the final application of same, such as by drying, grinding, and/or freezing.
US09370771B2
The present invention relates to extruded shaped bodies containing at least one metal-organic framework (MOF), methods for their preparation and their use.
US09370768B2
A process has been developed for preparing a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst precursor and a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst made from the precursor. The process includes contacting a gamma alumina catalyst support material with a first solution containing a vanadium compound and a phosphorus compound, to obtain a modified catalyst support material. The modified catalyst support material is calcined at a temperature of at least 500° C. The modified catalyst support is less soluble in acid solutions than an equivalent unmodified catalyst support. The modified catalyst support loses no more than 6% of its pore volume when exposed to water vapor. The modified catalyst support is contacted with a second solution which includes a precursor compound of an active cobalt catalyst component to obtain a catalyst precursor. The Fischer-Tropsch catalyst has enhanced hydrothermal stability as measured by losing no more than 10% of its pore volume when exposed to water vapor.
US09370765B2
Solid sorbents, systems, and methods for pumping, storage, and purification of gases are disclosed. They derive from the dynamics of porous and free convection for specific gas/sorbent combinations and use space filling polyhedral microliths with facial aplanarities to produce sorbent arrays with interpenetrating interstitial manifolds of voids.
US09370763B2
A high capacity filtration media, method of preparing the media, and method of treating a fluid stream with the media are provided. The media contain a porous substrate impregnated with high concentrations of a permanganate. Preferably, the media includes a porous substrate impregnated with at least about 8% permanganate by weight. The media can optionally contain sodium bicarbonate. Improved capacity for the removal of undesirable compounds such as ethylene, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan are achieved.
US09370753B2
This invention relates to a tubular cyclonic separation device the style of which was presented in PCT/ZA2003/000160 and which enables all of the inlet and outlet connections to be completely contained within a tubular profile, the diameter of which is that of the body of the cyclonic section. This disclosure adds further novel and inventive developments to the cyclonic device which enable it to be used as a separating device for systems involving all three phases (gas, liquid and solid) and where two, three or more different product streams may be separated, all within the same cylindrical profile. These further inventive developments also relate to the use of externally supplied gas and/or additional liquid phases which are injected through the walls of the cyclonic body using specifically located slots and/or holes in combination with specifically located stepped edges. These further novel and inventive developments enable the concepts of froth floatation (FF) and Dispersed Air Floatation (DAF) to be exploited within an enhanced gravitational field together with the options for washing the separated froth and/or the separated heavier fractions, all within the same cyclonic unit. As part of the novel and inventive introduction of the stepped edges, means are provided whereby gas bubbles smaller than 30 microns can be created on a large scale and with a reduced energy input relative to typical conventional equipment. Also, the size of the gas bubbles may be controlled together with the intensity of any particle on particle interactions that may be created. This latter has many potential applications within FF and/or DAF processes, including applications within oil and tar separation from solid surfaces and within many ore preparation and ore leaching processes. The tubular profile enables processing and separation to be achieved “within the pipe line” or for very closely packed arrangements to be assembled within carrier vessels.
US09370752B2
An aeration element for gasification or aeration of liquids includes an essentially flattened, rigid support element having a substantially oval cross-section and corrugated outer surfaces, the corrugated outer surfaces including ridges defining grooves therebetween; a threaded opening for receiving a cooperating fitting for connection to an air supply; and a flexible membrane of elastomeric material disposed around the support element, The membrane has a plurality of slits, and wherein compressed gas is introduced between the support element and the membrane, the gas can escape via these slits into the surrounding liquid. A retaining clamp holds the membrane around at least one end of the support element. A check valve assembly prevents backflow of liquid, particles, sludge or debris into the interior of the support element.
US09370751B2
A water-treatment separating membrane includes a polyamide active layer formed on999 a porous support. The ratio of a maximum value with respect to a minimum value of a ratio of a peak height of a C═O double bond of a carboxyl group (—COOH) with respect to a peak height of a C═O double bond combined with an amide group (—CONH—) is from 1.2 to 4, when measured after acid treating the polyamide active layer and by using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR).
US09370746B2
A reverse osmosis membrane separation device includes: a reverse osmosis membrane module; a flow rate detecting unit configured to detect a flow rate of permeate water to output a detected flow rate value corresponding to the flow rate; a pressure pump configured to be driven at a rotation speed corresponding to an input drive frequency and to feed supply water to the reverse osmosis membrane module; an inverter configured to output a drive frequency corresponding to an input current value signal to the pressure pump; and a control unit configured to calculate a drive frequency of the pressure pump by a velocity type digital PID algorithm, such that a detected flow rate value output from the flow rate detecting unit becomes a target flow rate value that is set in advance to output a current value signal corresponding to a calculation value of the drive frequency to the inverter.
US09370744B2
A particulate form carbon pyrolyzate adsorbent, having the following characteristics: (a) CO2 capacity greater than 105 cc/gram at one bar pressure and temperature of 273° Kelvin; (b) CO2 Working Capacity greater than 7.0 weight percent; (c) CO2 heats of adsorption and desorption each of which is in a range of from 10 to 50 kJ/mole; and (d) a CO2/N2 Henry's Law Separation Factor greater than 5. The carbon pyrolyzate material can be formed from a polyvinylidene chloride-based polymer or copolymer, or other suitable resin material, to provide an adsorbent that is useful for carbon dioxide capture applications, e.g., in treatment of flue gases from coal-fired power generation plants.
US09370734B2
A degassing module is adapted for degassing a liquidous fluid at relatively high throughput flow rates. The degassing module includes a tubular separation membrane that is helically wound within an interior chamber of a degassing module housing. The helically wound tubular separation membrane is disposed in an axial flow gap of predetermined proportions that maximizes fluid flow dynamics in reducing the gas transport resistance from the liquid phase across the membrane. Typically, the helically wound tubular separation membrane is positioned in the gap with radial spacings to surfaces bounding the gap, thereby forming axial flow channels circumaxially inwardly and/or outwardly of the wound tubular membrane.
US09370731B2
This application discloses porous self-sealing media comprising a sintered mixture of an absorbent material and a thermoplastic. The self-sealing media block passage of organic solvents or organic solvents in aqueous mixtures, wherein the organic solvents are at concentrations greater than about 40%. The self-sealing media also block acidic solutions. The self-sealing media are useful in a variety of applications such as a pipette tip filter, in line filter, vent, non-mechanical check valve, safety valve, and suction canister.
US09370730B2
The present invention provides a chromatographic separation process for recovering a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) product, from a feed mixture, which process comprises introducing the feed mixture to a simulated or actual moving bed chromatography apparatus having a plurality of linked chromatography columns containing, as eluent, an aqueous organic solvent, wherein the apparatus has a plurality of zones comprising at least a first zone and second zone, each zone having an extract stream and a raffinate stream from which liquid can be collected from said plurality of linked chromatography columns, and wherein (a) a raffinate stream containing the PUFA product together with more polar components is collected from a column in the first zone and introduced to a nonadjacent column in the second zone, and/or (b) an extract stream containing the PUFA product together with less polar components is collected from a column in the second zone and introduced to a nonadjacent column in the first zone, said PUFA product being separated from different components of the feed mixture in each zone, and wherein the aqueous organic solvent is other than aqueous alcohol.
US09370723B2
A squeezable face-covering toy includes a toy figure having a face, left and right arms and a squeeze mechanism mounted inside the toy figure. The squeeze mechanism includes four curved panels connected end-to-end by four hinges, and left and right arm supports configured to support the left and right arms respectively. A spring is fastened between two opposite hinges whereby squeezing the squeeze mechanism moves the arms from an initial face-covering position to a face-revealing position.
US09370707B2
A dental appliance is disclosed designed to protect a wearer's dentitions against injury from impacts suffered in sports or other activities that can cause chipping, fracturing, dislodging or evulsion of teeth. The appliance may be custom-fittable with at least one pocket having an energy absorbing fluid. The energy absorbing fluid be nanosuspensions of small particles in viscous fluids that can undergo shear thickening when the dental appliance is struck by an object. The appliance dampens and diffuses horizontal and axial forces and directs them away from dentitions thereby reducing the risk for dental injuries.
US09370703B1
The present invention relates to a golf swing correction apparatus using the moment of inertia in which a shoulder turn is improved by the moment of inertia of a swing which is not scattered and concentrated on the shoulder by the correction apparatus of a weight made to restrict a motion of a preceding arm during a swing of golf, accuracy of the impact is improved by preventing the preceding arm from bending to the follow-through for making a constant swing arc, and the carrying distance is increased by a muscular strength properly developed from the weight training, thereby properly correct a swing motion of golf.
US09370692B2
An anchor assembly is described and which includes two bodies with a common axle between them and with a shaft mounted to each body distal to the axle, there being a plurality of lobes, each having a first end, a distal tip, and a raised portion, mounted on the shafts and axle, the shaft receiving lobes rotating in the opposite direction to the axle receiving lobes and with the lobes caused to rotate by a slideably moveable trigger from a first position with the tips below a horizontal plane defined by the shaft and axle centerline to a second position with the tips on the opposite side of the horizontal plane causing the anchor assembly to have a first dimension, and a second position where the rotation of the lobes causes the anchor assembly to have a second dimension which is lesser than the first dimension.
US09370687B2
An embodiment of this invention discloses a flattened treadmill comprising a conveyer belt and two decorating bars respectively arranged at a side of the conveyer belt. The conveyer belt and the decorating bars have the same elevation resulting in the flattened treadmill. In another embodiment, the flattened treadmill further comprising a motor housing, in which the elevation of the motor housing has also the same elevation as the conveyor belt.
US09370684B2
An elastic band or elastic strap retention system, used for example in exercise equipment, encompasses a pin with one end of the elastic strap wrapped around the pin and with a series of hog rings or other fastening devices encircling the wrapped assembly of elastic strap end and pin. The assembly is encapsulated in a ridged thermoplastic or thermoset resin system in order to inhibit the movement of the hog rings or other components of the assembly. The resulting attachment is stronger than the elastic material of the elastic strap.
US09370682B2
An exemplary embodiment of exercise equipment assembly of the present disclosure utilize a suspension apparatus provide resistance used in various exercise routines. The suspension apparatus is located parallel to and affixed at or below a ceiling of an exercise room such that the apparatus can provide a plurality of attachment points for one or more tensioning devices that are located generally above the position of an exercising user.
US09370678B2
A table gym and method of use is provided. The table gym may include a tabletop supported by a support frame, wherein the support frame provides telescoping portions movable from a retracted position to an extended position providing a plurality of inclinations of the tabletop. The table gym may include an upright standard with a flip-over pull-up bar that is pivotably connected to the tabletop so as to fold into and out of the tabletop upwardly facing surface. The tabletop may provide a folding ab bench removably attached thereto, wherein the ab bench may operatively engage the upright standard for performing various exercise routines. Alternatively, the ab bench could be move about the tabletop for performing other types of exercise routines or for eating and/or working at the tabletop.
US09370671B2
An irradiation plan for a particle irradiation unit is determined in a first run based on a specified target volume in a test object and a specified dose distribution to apply the particle beam in the target volume. The target volume includes a plurality of isoenergy layers. The irradiation plan may be determined in a second run with an additional condition that at least one of the isoenergy layers, determined according to one or more criteria, is not irradiated. Alternatively, the irradiation plan may be determined in a second run with an additional condition that only certain isoenergy layers, determined according to one or more criteria, are irradiated.
US09370662B2
Systems and methods for controlling blood pressure by controlling atrial pressure and atrial stretch are disclosed. In some embodiments, a stimulation circuit may be configured to deliver a stimulation pulse to at least one cardiac chamber of a heart of a patient, and at least one controller may be configured to execute delivery of one or more stimulation patterns of stimulation pulses to the at least one cardiac chamber, wherein at least one of the stimulation pulses stimulates the heart such that an atrial pressure resulting from atrial contraction of an atrium overlaps in time a passive pressure build-up of the atrium, such that an atrial pressure of the atrium resulting from the stimulation is a combination of the atrial pressure resulting from atrial contraction and the passive pressure build-up and is higher than an atrial pressure of the atrium would be without the stimulation, and such that the blood pressure of the patient is reduced.
US09370642B2
A drug or agent coated balloon having a length which is adjustable in vivo is described herein. The balloon is configured to be coated or coatable with one or more drugs where the coating may be applied prior to advancement into a patient body or prior to balloon expansion within the patient body. The length of the expandable portion of the balloon is adjustable to approximate a length of the tissue region to be treated. Moreover, the drug-coated balloon may be used alone or it may be utilized to deploy luminal prostheses having one or more linked or otherwise coupled segments.
US09370633B2
A ventilator including an inspiration flow control unit and an expiration flow control unit coupled to the inspiration flow control unit. The ventilator also includes a nasal intermittent mandatory ventilation (NIMV) control system coupled to the inspiration flow control unit and the expiration flow control unit. The NIMV control system is configured to automatically and simultaneously adjust an inspiration flow and an expiration flow. A pressure of the inspiration flow is increased from a baseline pressure to a control pressure. A pressure of the expiration flow is returned to the baseline pressure.
US09370622B2
Systems, devices, and methods for delivering therapeutic particles are disclosed. In one variation, a device for delivering particles includes a gas supply configured for supplying gas under pressure, a particle cassette comprising the particles, a cassette housing, and a cassette membrane. The cassette housing can comprise an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) copolymer of 18% to 28% by weight of Vinyl Acetate (VA). The device can also include a safety interlock to prevent or minimize the risk that the device will be unintentionally activated. The device can also have a silencer.
US09370612B2
A system is disclosed for managing a supply of breast milk. In one form the system includes a codified container for receiving expressed breast milk. A computing device receives an image of the expressed milk in the codified container. The codification allows for software to recognize the size and type of the container, as well as scale and orientation, to translate the image into an accurate volume. The milk data is then processed and analyzed to produce feedback regarding the pumping session, such as logs, charts, or reminders. In other embodiments, nipple positioning may be analyzed as well.
US09370607B2
A nerve graft includes a carbon nanotube structure, a hydrophilic layer, and a nerve network. The hydrophilic layer having a polar surface is located on a surface of the carbon nanotube structure. The nerve network positioned on the polar surface of the hydrophilic layer includes a number of neurons connecting with each other. The nerve network has a polarity. The polar surface of the hydrophilic layer has a polarity attracted to the polarity of the nerve network.
US09370603B2
Described herein are injectable alloplastic implant compositions that are particularly useful for soft tissue defect augmentation. The compositions include microparticles, such as polymethylmethacrylate particles, and collagen as a suspending agent, wherein the collagen contains a reduced amount of low molecular weight gelatine compared to high molecular weight collagen. By controlling the molecular weight of the collagen in the compositions, the injectability, stability, and antigenicity of the alloplastic implant compositions can be improved.
US09370596B2
A fan device with air guide function, which contains at least a fan device and is characterized by comprising an air guide frame, wherein the said air guide frame is composed of at least two layers inclined guide which are configured as a symmetrical geometrical shape or at least two layers of arc-overlapped inclined guide which forms a arc-overlapped air guide frame, and are both connected by the securing elements. By the combination of the fan device and both embodiments of the air frame guide, the present invention is applicable to guide the air flow propelled from the fan with a prolonged air path in the space and provides higher air molecule freedom by the effect of more frequent collision which results each loose air molecule has larger surface area existing and moving in the air flow, enables a better indoor air circulation and forms comfortable and nature breeze.
US09370581B2
The present invention provides iRNA agents comprising at least one subunit of the formula (I): wherein: A and B are each independently for each occurrence O, N(RN) or S; X and Y are each independently for each occurrence H, OH, a hydroxyl protecting group, a phosphate group, a phosphodiester group, an activated phosphate group, an activated phosphite group, a phosphoramidite, a solid support, —P(Z′)(Z″)O-nucleoside, —P(Z′)(Z″)O-oligonucleotide, a lipid, a PEG, a steroid, a lipophile, a polymer, —P(Z′)(Z″)O-Linker-OP(Z′″)(Z″″)O-oligonucleotide, a nucleotide, an oligonucleotide, —P(Z′)(Z″)-formula (I), —P(Z′)(Z″)- or -Linker-R; R is LG, -Linker-LG, or has the structure shown below: LG is independently for each occurrence a carbohydrate, e.g., monosaccharide, disaccharide, trisaccharide, tetrasaccharide, oligosaccharide, polysaccharide; RN is independently for each occurrence H, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, or benzyl; and Z′, Z″, Z′″ and Z″″ are each independently for each occurrence O or S.
US09370546B2
N-acyldipeptide derivatives are described. Compositions comprising the N-acyldipeptide derivatives are therapeutically effective for topical or systemic administration to alleviate or improve conditions, disorders, diseases, symptoms or syndromes associated with a tumor, cancer, immune, nervous, vascular, musculoskeletal or cutaneous system, or other tissue or system in a subject.
US09370539B2
A composition for, and method of, alleviating or inhibiting one or more symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, acid reflux, psoriasis, cartilage nodules, fibromyalgia, diabetes, or hypoglycemia in a mammal. The composition includes a fruit-vegetable extract, the composition formulated for contact with the mammal's skin, the fruit-vegetable extract present in an amount effective to alleviate or inhibit one or more symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, acid reflux, psoriasis, cartilage nodules, fibromyalgia, diabetes, or hypoglycemia in the mammal. The method includes contacting the mammal's skin with a composition that includes a fruit-vegetable extract. The fruit-vegetable extract is present in an amount effective to alleviate or inhibit one or more symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, acid reflux, psoriasis, cartilage nodules, fibromyalgia, diabetes, or hypoglycemia in the mammal.
US09370532B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for treating symptoms associated with lactose intolerance and for overall improvement in gastrointestinal health. Described herein are methods and compositions for improving overall gastrointestinal health or for decreasing symptoms of lactose intolerance by administering to subject in need thereof a prebiotic composition, optionally in combination with effective amount of a probiotic microbe or microbes.
US09370524B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods for increasing therapeutic gain in radiotherapy and chemotherapy for proliferating malignant or nonmalignant disease to produce high probability of tumor control with low frequency of sequelae of therapy by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a histone deacetylase inhibitor. The compounds are capable of simultaneously stimulating the epithelium regrowth, inhibiting the fibroblast proliferation, decreasing the collagen deposit, suppressing the fibrogenic growth factor, subsiding the proinflammatory cytokine and modulating the expression of cell cycle genes, tumor suppressors and oncogenes, and are useful to increase the therapeutic gain in radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which results in decrease of skin swelling and inflammation, promotion of epithelium healing in mucosa and dermis, decrease of xerostomia, prevention/reduction of severity of plantar-palmar syndrome, prevention of tissue fibrosis, ulceration, necrosis and tumorigenesis, and increase of tumor growth inhibition and tumor therapy effectiveness.
US09370522B2
Disclosed herein are new heterocyclic compounds having structural Formula IIa and compositions and their application as pharmaceuticals for the treatment of disease. Methods of inhibiting PAS Kinase (PASK) activity in a human or animal subject are also provided for the treatment of diseases such as diabetes mellitus.
US09370519B2
The present invention relates to macrocylic compounds and compositions containing said compounds acting as kinase inhibitors, in particular as inhibitors of FLT3 (FMS-Related Tyrosine kinase 3). Moreover, the present invention provides processes for the preparation of the disclosed compounds, as well as methods of using them, for instance as a medicine, in particular for the treatment of cell proliferative disorders, such as cancer.
US09370517B2
Compounds of formula (I) which are effective inhibitors of the Pi3K/Akt pathway, processes for their production and their use as pharmaceuticals.
US09370516B2
The present invention relates to methods of treating sleep disorders in patients comprising administration of a ghrelin receptor inverse agonist or antagonist. The invention also includes methods of treating sleep disorders comprising the administration of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a ghrelin receptor inverse agonist or antagonist and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient.
US09370496B2
The present invention relates to methods of treating Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy and dominant optic atrophy with tocotrienol quinones, including alpha-tocotrienol quinone, in order to alleviate symptoms of the disease.
US09370489B2
The present invention provides methods for delivery of therapeutic agents to a subject using multi-component liposomal systems. The methods include administration of a therapeutic liposome containing an active agent, followed by a administration of an attacking liposome that induces release of the agents from the therapeutic liposome.
US09370484B2
This invention relates to, in part, methods and compositions that are useful for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a blinding eye disease, including in the discovery of drugs that are efficacious against these diseases. Diseases include, for example, age related macular degeneration and reticular pseudodrusen disease, and the methods described herein include, for example, the method named delayed near infrared analysis (DNIRA).
US09370478B2
The compositions and methods of this invention relate to skin care compositions containing: (a) hydrophobic and hydrophilic, linear cellulose particles having an average length of from about 1 to about 1000 μm, a particle aspect ratio from about 1000 to about 2 and a thickness of from about 1 to about 500 μm; (b) amphiphilic linear cellulose particles derived from sources selected from the following group: citrus pulp, sugar beet pulp, banana pulp, mango pulp, apple pulp, passion fruit pulp and tomato pulp and the like, said particles having an average size of from about 1 to about 1000 μm, a particle aspect ratio from about 1000 to about 2 and a thickness of from about 1 to about 500 μm; wherein the ratio of ingredient (b) to ingredient (a) is from about 1:10 to about 10:1; and a cosmetically acceptable carrier.
US09370477B2
A subject-matter of the present invention is a composition for dyeing keratinous fibers, in particular human keratinous fibers, such as the hair, comprising: —at least 25% by weight of at least one fatty substance not comprising a carboxylic acid functional group; —at least one aminopyrazolopyridine oxidation base chosen from the bases of formula (I), the bases of formula (II) and their addition salts, their solvates and the solvates of their salts: —at least one coupler; and —at least one oxidizing agent. The composition of the invention is suitable for use in oxidation dyeing and results in a coloration with shades which are varied, intense or chromatic, powerful, attractive, not very selective and highly resistant to the various assaults which the hair may be subjected to, such as shampooing operations, sweat, permanent reshapings and light. In particular, it makes it possible to obtain an optimized color result with a good power, a good dyeing capacity and a good equal depth.
US09370474B2
The present invention relates to hexylresorcinol/water concentrates that are high in clarity, easily handled, and readily blended with other ingredients to form skin care compositions.
US09370469B2
Described herein are injectable alloplastic implant compositions that are particularly useful for soft tissue defect augmentation. The compositions include microparticles, such as polymethylmethacrylate particles, and collagen as a suspending agent, wherein the collagen contains a reduced amount of low molecular weight gelatine compared to high molecular weight collagen. By controlling the molecular weight of the collagen in the compositions, the injectability, stability, and antigenicity of the alloplastic implant compositions can be improved.
US09370465B2
This invention relates to a smart IV bag with a structurally integrated optical tag for IV drug identification and monitoring. The optical tag comprises a flow cell with a fluid channel in communication with the IV bag to sample a portion of the IV fluid onto an optical surface embedded in the flow cell. The optical surface causes a light beam to interact with the sampled IV fluid to produce a spectroscopic signal. The spectroscopic signal is then analyzed to obtain the content and concentration information of the IV fluid. Unlike traditional IV bag labels, the optical tag provides real-time, in-situ monitoring of IV fluid content and concentration, which greatly reduces the risk of mislabeling induced IV error.
US09370460B2
A system for treating amblyopia through the visual stimulation of the brain through a predetermined regime is provided. The system for treating amblyopia comprises a headmountable visual content display device, a controller unit, a visual content source, a data storage device, a graphic processing unit and an audio source. A protocol useful for treating amblyopia by visual stimulation of the brain is also provided. A predetermined regime useful for treating amblyopia by stimulation of the brain is additionally provided.
US09370459B2
A system and method for assisting a visually impaired user including a time of flight camera, a processing unit for receiving images from the time of flight camera and converting the images into signals for use by one or more controllers, and one or more vibro-tactile devices, wherein the one or more controllers activates one or more of the vibro-tactile devices in response to the signals received from the processing unit. The system preferably includes a lanyard means on which the one or more vibro-tactile devices are mounted. The vibro-tactile devices are activated depending on a determined position in front of the user of an object and the distance from the user to the object.
US09370457B2
A method can be provided that includes measuring sound waves using a sound measuring device, determining, at a central controller of an air mattress system, one or more parameter values of the sound waves, comparing the one or more parameter values with values, ranges, or patterns indicative of snoring, identifying a snoring state of a user, and initiating, with the central controller, a change to one or more adjustable features of the air mattress system.
US09370447B2
A probe for endo-ocular photocoagulation procedures provides straight and curved tip configurations. A flexible tubular material, pre-formed with a radius of curvature, allows the tip to be inserted through a trocar cannula and to resume its pre-formed shape for use during a surgical procedure. Alternatively, a tubular material is pre-formed with a radius of curvature, and is stiffened by use of a preferably stainless steel tube. Inside the tubular material is a distal end of at least one optical fiber, inserted such that its tip is coterminous with the tubular material. A tube surrounds the optical fiber and is free to move along the axis of the assembly, acting to straighten the tubular and optical fiber members as it moves forward via a sliding member associated with the hand piece. Illumination energy, laser energy, or both may be supplied to the targeted surgical site.
US09370433B1
An expandable fusion device capable of being inserted between adjacent vertebrae and expanded laterally to facilitate the fusion process and the use of such device. The expandable fusion device can expand laterally such that it expands the cross-sectional support area of the device to provide more stable support of the support the spine and maintain the normal spacing between opposing vertebrae. The interior area of the expandable fusion device (in which the bone graft can be packed) does not decrease (and generally increases) during expansion of the device. This facilitates pre-packing of the expandable fusion device before utilization.
US09370427B2
A femoral stem for canines or humans is made bone-compliant by use of a thick sintered titanium body in a proximal bone contacting region and a polymeric or ceramic body in a distal bone contacting region of the femoral stem. An elastic modulus is thereby engineered to match that of bone tissue. The porous sintered titanium body is created by sintering spheres of titanium. It is bonded to a central solid biocompatible metallic body by diffusion bonding. The distal region has a biocompatible polymeric body or biocompatible cement body. When compression molded the distal region develops an elastic modulus matching that of bone tissue. The proximal region has a porosity designed to encourage bone ingrowth.
US09370423B2
A delivery system and method for positioning and partially deploying a replacement valve at an implantation site, verifying the location of the replacement valve relative to the implantation site, and retrieving the partially deployed stent for repositioning relative to the implantation site.
US09370421B2
A medical device handle may include an elongated handle housing, a rotatable collar disposed about the handle housing, a rotatable control knob disposed about the collar, and a slidable door disposed about the collar. The door may be rotatably locked to the collar to prevent relative rotation between the door and the collar.
US09370420B2
Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems used to deliver a prosthetic heart valve to a deficient valve. In one embodiment, for instance, a support member is positioned to at least partially surround the native leaflets of a valve. A locking member is used to couple both ends of the support member, forming a support band. An expandable prosthetic heart valve is delivered into the native heart valve and expanded while the expandable prosthetic valve is at least partially within the support band, thereby causing one or more of the native leaflets of the native heart valve to be frictionally secured between the support band and the expanded prosthetic heart valve.
US09370409B2
An electro-polymer motor comprising a fixed member and a first actuator having a first end fixedly connected to the fixed member and a second end is presented. The first actuator comprises a polymer positioned between two electrodes. The electrodes are in communication with a power supply. The motor also comprises a driven member comprising a first leg and a second leg such that the first leg and the second leg are separated by an axis. The driven member is fixedly connected to the second end of the first actuator. The motor also comprises a compressible member having a first end fixedly connected to the fixed member and a second end fixedly connected to the second leg of the driven member. The compressible member is spaced apart from the first actuator. The first actuator elongates after the power supply applies a voltage across the electrodes to move the driven member.
US09370402B2
A marker deployment tool may comprise a marker cannula having a lateral deployment aperture, a push rod slidably disposed within the marker cannula and a scalloped tip coupled to the distal end of the marker cannula. The scalloped tip may have a push rod recess configured to receive a portion of the distal end of the push rod such that the push rod does not appreciably extend out of the lateral deployment aperture when the push rod is actuated distally. The marker deployment tool may further comprise a magnet at or near the distal end. This magnet may be used in combination with a magnet or plurality of magnets disposed about an access chamber in a tissue sample holder to assist the user in aligning the marker deployment tool. The access chamber in the tissue sample holder may also include a valve, two valves, or a removable plug.
US09370393B2
A forceps includes an end effector assembly including a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable relative to the other between a spaced apart position, a first approximated position, and a second approximated position. The jaw members are configured to apply a pre-determined pressure to tissue disposed therebetween in each of the first and second approximated positions. A sealing pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the first approximated position. A cutting pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the second approximated position.
US09370389B2
A medical compound delivery device, including an elongated compound delivery conduit; a housing attached to the delivery conduit; a dispensing element movably positioned within the housing; an actuation element coupled to the housing, the actuation element operable to selectively move the dispensing element from the housing into the delivery conduit in discrete length increments; and a pressure limiting element configured to limit movement of the dispensing element when a pressure in the delivery conduit exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure.
US09370387B2
A bone plate system for reshaping a bone plate to conform to contours of bone surfaces. The system comprises a bone plate, a pair of spaced-apart guides removably attached to the bone plate, and a bending tool. The bending tool comprises a handle and a head attached to a distal end of the handle. The head defines a cavity sized and shaped to engage the pair of spaced-apart guides. The bone plate system is configured to transfer a leverage force applied by a user to the bending tool while the cavity of the head is fitted over the pair of spaced-apart guides to a regionalized bending moment to the bone plate through the pair of spaced-apart guides to reshape the bone plate.
US09370383B2
The present application provides a tool for minimally invasive surgical procedures. The tool includes a first and second portion where each portion has an outer blade and an inner blade that is slidable along the outer blade. A removable connector connects the first and second portions. When removed, the first and second portions are separated by a gap extending the length of the tool.
US09370381B2
The present invention provides a bone connection material that includes an internal layer. The internal layer is formed by braiding a plurality of filaments. The internal layer that is formed by braiding filaments is resistant to lateral shearing forces and may provide flexibility so as to achieve wide applications. Further, the present invention overcomes the drawback of the conventionally used metallic materials that are rigid and inelastic and also overcomes the problem of polylactic acid material of being brittle. Thus, the bone formed according to the present invention is close to a natural bone and is more suitable for uses in portions where frequent movements are made and scaffolds of stem cells.
US09370369B2
A system and method for delivering a surgical clip to a surgical site within a patient's body to compress body, tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment for the system of the present invention, the system includes an endoscopic device that has an endoscope cap disposed on a distal end of the endoscopic device. A surgical clip is removably disposed on an outside surface of the endoscope cap. A deployment device is associated with the surgical clip for deploying the surgical clip from the endoscope cap to the body tissue that is to be compressed. The surgical clip can be a deformable clip that is deployed in a non deformed configuration, and is then deformed so as to apply compression on selected tissue. The surgical clip can be a multi-legged clip, having a plurality of legs that can be locked in a closed position to apply compression to body tissue.
US09370366B2
There are provided torque limiting mechanisms for use in tissue clamping surgical instruments. The torque limiting mechanisms generally include a driven member, engageable with an approximating mechanism of the surgical instruments, and having a driven surface and a driving member having a driving surface engageable with the driven surface of the driven member. The driving member is rotatable relative to the driven member such that the driving surface of the driving member slips relative to or dissengages from the driven surface of the driven member at a predetermined engagement pressure.
US09370359B2
A surgical fastener applying apparatus comprising a cartridge section having a cartridge containing a plurality of fasteners and an anvil section having an anvil for receiving the fasteners when advanced from the cartridge. The cartridge and anvil sections clamp tissue therebetween. A cam member is slidable within the cartridge section to fire the fasteners, and is movable from a first position defining a first distance from the anvil to a second position defining a second different distance from the anvil. A cam adjusting member is operably associated with the cam member and moves the cam member from the first position to the second position in response to a thickness of tissue clamped between the anvil and cartridge sections.
US09370352B2
An apparatus includes a flexible fixation member having a body with a longitudinal extent and a width, the body defining a plurality of openings through the body, each of the plurality of openings formed substantially cross wise through the width of the body, and a suture having two terminal ends, the suture being interwoven through each of the plurality of openings in the body of the fixation member such that multiple portions of the fixation member are slidably coupled to the suture and configurable to form a cluster within a surgical site.
US09370336B2
A model-based method for assessing acoustic signal quality in a heart monitoring device. The personal heart sound interval distribution of a person being actively monitored is compared with a modeled global heart sound interval distribution shared by most human beings after which processing action is taken consistent with the quality assessment. The error in the best fit between the personal interval distribution and the global interval distribution is presumed to be caused predominantly by noise, allowing the quality of the fit to serve as a proxy for the level of noise in the acoustic signal and used in making processing decisions.
US09370335B2
A physiological acoustic monitoring system receives physiological data from an acoustic sensor, down-samples the data to generate raw audio of breathing sounds and compresses the raw audio. The acoustic monitoring system has an acoustic sensor signal responsive to tracheal sounds in a person. An A/D converter is responsive to the sensor signal so as to generate breathing sound data. A decimation filter and mixer down-samples the breathing sound data to raw audio data. A coder/compressor generates compressed audio data from the raw audio data. A decoder/decompressor decodes and decompresses the compressed audio data into decompressed audio data. The decompressed audio data is utilized to generate respiration-related parameters in real-time. The compressed audio data is stored and retrieved so as to generate respiration-related parameters in non-real-time. The real-time and non-real-time parameters are compared to verify matching results across multiple monitors.
US09370332B2
Robotic navigation is provided for nuclear probe imaging. Using a three-dimensional scanner (19), the surface of a patient is determined (42). A calibrated robotic system positions (48) a nuclear probe about the patient based on the surface. The positioning (48) may be without contacting the patient and the surface may be used in reconstruction to account for spacing of the probe from the patient. By using the robotic system for positioning (48), the speed, resolution and/or quality of the reconstructed image may be predetermined, user settable, and/or improved compared to manual scanning. The reconstruction (52) may be more computationally efficient by providing for regular spacing of radiation detection locations within the volume.
US09370328B2
Described herein are methods and systems for determining tumor boundary characteristics. One example method involves (a) receiving imaging data, wherein the imaging data indicates a tumor and one or more tissues that surround the tumor; (b) determining one or more radial segments that extend from the tumor to the one or more surrounding tissues based on the imaging data, wherein the one or more radial segments each comprise one or more respective data points indicating signal intensity; (c) determining one or more respective tumor boundary parameters for each of the one or more radial segments based on at least the one or more respective data points indicating signal intensity; (d) determining a tumor margin based on the one or more determined tumor boundary parameters; and (e) causing a graphical representation of the determined tumor margin to be displayed on a graphical display.
US09370322B2
A modular, multifunction dock system is disclosed. The dock system includes a dock housing with a dock receiver to interface with a data port for both a recorder and a transmitter. The dock system further includes a logic board that is contained within the dock housing. The logic board couples a memory and a processor to the dock receiver to enable dock functionality with both the recorder and the transmitter. Further included with the dock system is a coupling port to provide access through the dock housing to a socket coupled to the logic board and an input/output port to enable power and data transmission from the logic board to a data processor. The dock housing includes a mating arm that moves between a retracted and extended position. The mating arm fits within the coupling port and is terminated by a plug that couples with the socket. The dock system further includes a light emitting element on the exterior of the dock housing that is coupled to the logic board to provide visual feedback regarding the status of either the recorder or the transmitter when either are coupled to the dock receiver.
US09370318B2
A technique for performing computational analysis of craniosynostosis from CT images is discussed. An image-computing platform assesses craniofacial malformations by using a shape analysis methodology for image processing. The shape of a patient's craniofacial anatomy is assessed in terms of a statistical shape model that incorporates normal shape variability. The model allows for the identification of a closest normal variant to a patient's anatomy rather than comparing the patient's anatomy to an age-specific average shape. Further, an image registration and segmentation method is discussed which enables obtaining a personalized anatomical model for each patient, thereby achieving a precise and systematic characterization of shape abnormality. Visual (qualitative) and quantitative surgical planning, as well as pre-operative and post-operative assessments are achieved. Further, automatic surgical planning for cranial vault reconstruction using tessellation algorithms to establish the relationship between patient's anatomy and the closest normal variant is discussed.
US09370317B2
A data processing method for determining the position of a main plane of an anatomical body part, comprising the steps of: • providing absolute auxiliary point data which describe the position of at least one actual auxiliary point of the body part relative to a marker device attacked to the body part, the at least one actual auxiliary point being outside the main plane; • providing relative point data which constrain the possible positions of the main plane relative to the at least one actual auxiliary point; • providing absolute main point data which describe the position of one or two actual main points of the body part relative to the marker device attached to the body part, said one or two actual main points lying in the main plane and/or calculating the position of at least one virtual main point relative to the marker device, said at least one virtual main point being in the main plane and being calculated based on the absolute auxiliary point data and the relative point data; • calculating a position of the main plane relative to the marker device, wherein the calculation uses the relative point data and auxiliary point data as well as the provided absolute main point data and/or the calculated position of the at least one virtual main point.
US09370303B2
An adaptive optics (AO) optical system is used, to perform accurate alignment between the AO optical system and a subject's eye. An ophthalmologic apparatus according to the present invention includes a positional relationship change unit (e.g., a driving mechanism including a stage for moving the apparatus) configured to change a positional relationship between a subject's eye and an optical system including an aberration measurement unit (e.g., a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor) in a first irradiation state of the subject's eye with measurement light, and an irradiation state change unit (e.g., a mechanism for changing an irradiation position) configured to change an irradiation state of the subject's eye with the measurement light from the first irradiation state to a second irradiation state for correcting an aberration of the subject's eye based on a measurement result of the aberration measurement unit.
US09370283B2
A paper product dispenser that includes a motor adapted to dispense a paper product and a controller. A network interlace card is in communication with the controller and is adapted to connect the paper product dispenser to a network. DIP switches are connected to the motor to adjust the length of the paper product and the interval between the activation of the motor. A power roller is connected to the motor and an idle roller is face-to-face with the power roller. The paper product passes between the power roller and the idle roller. A paper sensor is positioned below the power roller to detect the presence or absence of the paper product. A thermopile sensor is also provided to detect the presence of a human being adjacent to the dispenser.
US09370280B2
A blender includes a container having a plurality of ribs projecting into a processing zone of the container. The plurality of spaced ribs each include a width and a depth that taper from a top end section adjacent a teardrop shaped opening of the container to a more narrow bottom end section adjacent a bottom wall of the container. A side wall of the container continuously tapers from the teardrop shaped opening to a substantially square shaped bottom end portion including first, second, third and fourth side wall sections connected to one another at respective rounded corners. A blade assembly is coupled to the container and includes a plurality of blades angled at different planes with respect to a horizontal plane. The blender container further includes a handle adapted to receive a handle of a similar blender container, such that like blender containers can be nested for storage.
US09370276B2
A stove comprising a stove body defining an interior cooking chamber, and a plurality of removable leg assemblies for supporting the stove body. Each leg assembly includes a removable leg, and a coupling member for coupling the removable leg to the stove body. The coupling member is configured to provide an adjustable length.
US09370274B2
The invention relates to a distributing head, which is used to distribute a hot liquid over an infusion material in a beverage maker. The distributing head has a housing (1, 2, 3, 4), which has an interior (7) and an inlet (13) for the liquid that opens into the interior (7) and a plurality of outlet openings (35), which lead outward from the interior (7). The housing (1, 2, 3, 4) has at least one first portion (1, 2), which is made of a first material, and at least one second portion (3, 4), which is made of a second material that repels liquid better than the first material.
US09370270B1
A straw includes an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end, the elongated body with a hollow center and an outer surface; an opening extending through a thickness of the body and in fluid communication with the hollow center; and a sleeve slidingly engaged with the outer surface and configured to completely cover the opening.
US09370262B2
An open refrigerated display case comprising: a refrigerated display area comprising one or more shelves; an air outlet and an air inlet opening into the display area and spaced from one another; a duct fluidically coupling the air inlet to the air outlet, the duct being configured to direct air flow out of the air outlet across the display area and toward the air inlet to form an air curtain across the display area; wherein each of the one or more shelves are provided with an associated flow stabilizing device; wherein each flow stabilizing device comprises a pair of stabilizing beams which are spaced from one another so as to define an innermost stabilizing beam and an outermost stabilizing beam; wherein a first slot is formed between the innermost and the outermost stabilizing beams, the first slot extending transversely across the display area perpendicular to the direction of the air flow within the air curtain, the first slot having a stabilizing inlet, a stabilizing outlet and a stabilizing throat disposed therebetween; wherein the innermost stabilizing beam is spaced from the adjacent shelf so as to form a second slot between the innermost stabilizing beam and the shelf; and wherein the one or more flow stabilizing devices are each positioned so that the stabilizing inlet of the first slot receives the air curtain, the stabilizing throat being configured to stabilize the air flow within the air curtain which exits the flow stabilizing device via the stabilizing outlet.
US09370259B1
A control system for a child swing that comprises a drive mechanism that includes a motor configured to impart torque to the at least one swing arm so that a child seat moves in an arcuate path. A phase control subsystem generates a motor drive signal configured to maintain a desired lead angle between a phase of the drive mechanism and a phase of the swing arm. An amplitude control subsystem configured to steer the phase control subsystem based on a correlation of an actual height of the child seat to a selected height of the child seat.
US09370257B2
A foldable infant positioner with a softgoods seat is a seating apparatus that includes a softgoods seat and a hardgoods foldable support structure. The support structure includes a seat support that is movably coupled to a ground engaging section so that the support structure can move between a deployed configuration and a stored configuration. The seat may be removably secured to the seat support by folding a top portion of the seat over and around the seat support and then coupling the seat thereto. The seat may also have a front flap which extends beneath the seat and prevents an infant's feet from directly contacting the support surface when an infant is disposed in the seat, in an upright seated position, thus preventing the infant from pushing down on the front flap and tipping the infant positioner over.
US09370255B2
An apparatus and method for making same utilizing a breathable mesh material having a reduced suffocation resistance level for infant and toddler use. The breathable mesh material includes an inner and outer fabric that includes larger openings on the front substructure than on the back substructure and a pile substructure is integrated and extends between the front and back substructures allowing air to substantially move effectively therethrough.
US09370243B2
This disclosure describes a shelving unit including a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels each includes a first edge; a second edge opposite the first edge; and a plurality of slots located at the first edge. One or more of the plurality of slots becomes narrower as the plurality of slots extends from the first edge to a center of the plurality of panels. The narrowing of the plurality of slots pinches an adjoining panel when assembled together to provide a secure joint.
US09370231B2
An apparatus for dreadlocking hair comprising a motor and a means for holding or engaging a strand of hair. The holding means is rotated by the motor, so that the strand of hair is twisted into a dreadlock, that is, a twisted bundle of hair where hair on the surface of the bundle describes a purely helical path, at least in a newly dreadlocked part of the strand.
US09370226B2
A cane with grasping fingers. The cane includes a hollow shaft having a first end and a second end, a grasping mechanism within the first end of the shaft, and a release mechanism adjacent to the second end of the shaft. The release mechanism includes a handle, a trigger within the handle, and a release button. Pressing the release button extends the trigger beyond the handle and extends the grasping fingers beyond the first end of the shaft so that the grasping fingers are separated by a first distance. Squeezing the handle retracts the grasping fingers and reduces the distance between the grasping fingers to a second distance less than the first distance. Squeezing the handle so that the grasping fingers are fully retracted into the first end of the shaft results in the trigger and the grasping mechanism being locked into place until the release button is pressed again.
US09370223B1
A belt adjustment system includes a belt; a plurality of belt teeth carried by the belt; a belt clamp carried by the belt; a buckle carried by the belt clamp, the buckle accommodating the belt; a lever pivotally carried by the buckle; a tooth-engaging tab carried by the lever, the tooth-engaging tab positional between a tooth-engaging position wherein the tooth-engaging tab engages one of the plurality of belt teeth and a tooth-disengaging position wherein the tooth engaging tab disengages one of the plurality of belt teeth responsive to pivoting of the lever on the buckle; and a tab biasing mechanism normally biasing the tooth-engaging tab in the tooth-engaging position.
US09370220B2
This invention provides a novel elevated toe device system that allows the wearer's toes to be elevated to a perpendicular or approaching a perpendicular orientation relative to the line of gravity and undertake activities, such as downhill skiing, with a greater amount of control of the skis and/or snowboard as a result of the elevated toes. The conventional systems do not make use of the natural qualities of the foot. On a downward slope, the device permits the wearer to enjoy the dynamics of the foot and assume a stance that presents less strain on the foot while accentuating maneuverability. The device can be a preset system, in which the wearer can interchange devices of different angular orientations to modify the posture of the toes, or adjustable. In an alternate embodiment, the device can be provided so that the surface under the big toe presents an elevated angular orientation.
US09370219B1
A sole is formed of a body portion and an insert. The body portion has a front and a rear, interior and exterior edges, and upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface being formed with a recess having forward and rearward and intermediate regions. The recess has a circular aperture in the rearward region. The insert is formed with upper and lower surfaces and is positioned within the recess. The recess is formed with a cylindrical portion positioned in the circular aperture. Next provided is an upper adapted to hold the sole and insert to the foot of a wearer.
US09370216B2
The present invention is for a safety helmet having a hard outer shell having a plurality of protective flexible air bags for protecting a person's head against blows to the helmet outer shell and having a shock absorbing face guard. Each air bag may have a plurality of cushioning air bags enclosure layers mounted to a thin foamed polymer shell lining. Each enclosure layer of each air bag has an interior filled with a resilient multi-cellular sponge like material, such as a shaped foamed polyurethane sponge, and has a plurality of air escapement openings sized to meter the release of air under impact to the helmet hard shell under predetermined pressure with a different air release pressure for each enclosure layer.
US09370214B1
A helmet having blunt force trauma protection includes a prior art helmet and a replaceable impact layer. The replaceable impact layer preferably includes at least one gas cell layer, a removable attachment system and an outer layer of sheet material. The at least one gas cell layer includes a plurality of gas cells created between two plastic sheets. Each cell will burst upon a pre-determined impact. The plurality of cells preferably have a hexagon shape, but other shapes may also be used, such as round or square. The removable attachment system is preferably hook and loop fasteners, but other suitable removable attachment systems may also be used. At least one first pad of hook and loop fasteners is attached to an exterior surface of a prior art helmet and at least one second pad of hook and loop fasteners is attached to a bottom surface of the replaceable impact layer.
US09370213B1
A multi-purpose flexible clip for gripping a medium to which it is affixed consisting of a thin, one-piece high density material shaped in a rectangle having a front facing side and being folded over to form a backside thereby creating a resistant clip, said backside having two holes formed therein for access to said medium for gripping said medium for removal from said medium.
US09370207B2
A core cooling method includes a hand covering configured as a glove having a palm portion and a wrist portion. The glove also includes an outer layer and an inner liner. An access opening in the palm portion of the outer layer permits access between an outer surface of the outer layer and a pocket in a space between the outer layer and the inner liner. A cooling element is positioned within the pocket and adjacent the access opening in the palm portion of the outer layer. A tubular air passage is connected to the exterior surface of the glove and communicates with the interior of the inner liner permitting air to be withdrawn from the interior of the inner liner.
US09370198B2
A deformable container for single serving of a viscous or semi-solid product from an associated dispensing machine, the deformable container having a cylindrical or conical shape with two opposing end walls and at least one collapsible side wall connecting the first and second end walls, wherein one end wall is provided an opening with a cover through which the product is dispensed from the container. The collapsible side wall may have a cylindrical shape with a plurality of pleats arranged in an accordion-like shape, and be configured to collapse on itself into a substantially flattened position while maintaining a vertical alignment of each pleat. The collapsible side may be conical with a plurality of pleats arranged in a corrugated-like shape, and be configured to collapse on itself into a substantially flattened position wherein the pleats are arranged horizontally next to each other. The container may additionally include a lock mechanism for maintain the flattened shape.
US09370195B2
An apparatus is disclosed for left/right determination of the arm part of a pig carcass before it is deboned. A plurality of clampers move around on an endless track. At a suspension station, a work is suspended from each clamper. There are left/right and front/back determination stations where it is determined whether a left-side or right side, and a front-side portion or back-side portion is facing a side irradiated by X-rays. Based on results of the determinations, posture of the work is corrected by a clamper rotating device. At an X-ray imaging station, it is controlled so that the front-side portion of the work faces the side irradiated by the X-rays and a longer side faces a movement direction of the endless track. An X-ray image of the work is obtained to determine a target coordinate of a bone-part surface required for incision making and deboning processes.
US09370194B2
A method of slaughtering fish comprising the steps of providing an elongated passage, passing fish entrained within a flow of water through said passage, and generating linear electric field in the water along at least a first region of said passage, thereby inducing electro-anaesthesia or stunning of the fish passing through said first region of the passage, and applying a further electric field in the water in a subsequent region of the passage, downstream of said first region, to kill the fish such that the fish exit a downstream end of said passage in a dead state.
US09370184B2
6-Pyridone-2-carbamoylazoles of the general formula (I) are described as herbicides. In this formula (I), W, X and Z represent radicals such as hydrogen, organic radicals such as alkyl, and other radicals such as halogen. Q represents a 5-membered radical such as oxadiazyl.
US09370179B2
A storage stable capsule suspension formulation comprising clomazone encapsulated within a polymeric shell wall of microcapsules, a process for the preparation thereof and method of controlling weeds utilizing said formulation.
US09370172B2
Materials and Methods for lysing a strain of Paenibacillus larvae that is not P. larvae 2605, including methods for providing to an environment of a bee hive infected with the strain of P. larvae a lysing phage that also lyses with P. larvae 2605.
US09370167B2
In one embodiment, an animal toy includes a body member and a squeaker member. The body member defines a cavity and includes a sidewall. The sidewall defines an opening in fluid communication with the cavity. The sidewall has a channel. The squeaker member defines a lumen and is configured to produce a sound in response to air passing through the lumen. The squeaker member has an extension portion. The squeaker member is coupled to the body member such that the extension member is disposed within the channel of the sidewall and at least a portion of the squeaker member is disposed within the cavity defined by the body member.
US09370157B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01046703. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01046703. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01046703 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01046703 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09370153B2
A rice hybrid designated HR140003 is disclosed. Seeds of rice hybrid HR140003, the plants of rice hybrid HR140003, and methods for producing a rice plant by crossing the hybrid HR140003 with a plant of the same genotype, or rice plant not of the same genotype, are also disclosed. Methods of growing and producing blends of rice seeds including seeds of rice hybrid HR140003, are disclosed.
US09370148B1
An inbred corn line, designated XHH39, the plants and seeds of the inbred corn line XHH39, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred corn line XHH39 with itself or with another corn plant, and hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line XHH39 with another corn line or plant and to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line XHH39, to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line XHH39 and to the inbred corn lines derived by the use of those methods.
US09374920B1
A lockable infrastructure includes a frame assembly, including a first portion of an electrical connector, configured for use within an IT infrastructure. A module assembly, including a second portion of the electrical connector, is configured to be removably positionable within the frame assembly. An indication system is configured to visually indicate the position of the module assembly within the frame assembly.
US09374916B2
An electrical junction box includes a case including a bottom plate portion and case-side peripheral wall portion extending from a peripheral edge of the bottom plate portion, the case having an opening that opens to a lateral side, a circuit structure is accommodated in the case, and a cover closes the opening and includes a lid plate portion and cover-side peripheral wall portion extending upright from a peripheral edge of the lid plate portion and covering a perimeter of the case-side peripheral wall portion. The circuit structure includes a circuit board and electronic components mounted on a mounting surface of the circuit board, and is accommodated in the case with the mounting surface of the circuit board facing the opening. The circuit structure is disposed in the case with a space allowing water to pass through provided between an inner surface of the bottom plate portion and circuit structure.
US09374915B2
The invention relates to a backplane configuration for use in an electronic crate system, said backplane configuration comprising a first-type backplane and a second-type backplane; wherein the first-type backplane is coupled to the second-type backplane by mechanical connection means; wherein the first-type backplane and the second-type backplane are spatially separated from each other by a distance which is sufficient such that electromagnetic interferences between the first-type backplane and the second-type backplane are eliminated or at least minimized; and wherein the first-type backplane is adapted to be electrically coupled with at least one first-type module, and the second-type backplane is adapted to be electrically coupled with at least one second-type module.
US09374912B2
A multilayer electrical device, such as a printed circuit board, having a tooth structure including a metal layer set in a dielectric. The device includes a base; a conductive layer adjacent to the base; a dielectric material adjacent to conductive layer; a tooth structure including a metal layer set in the dielectric material to join the dielectric material to the metal layer; and wherein the metal layer forms a portion of circuitry.
US09374908B2
In an electronic component, a laminate is obtained by laminating a plurality of ceramic layers, and includes an upper surface and a bottom surface which are at ends of the laminate in the z-axis direction, end surfaces facing each other, and side surfaces facing each other. First capacitor conductors, second capacitor conductors, and the ceramic layers are laminated. One of the first capacitor conductors and one of the second capacitor conductors face each other via one of the ceramic layers. A first external electrode and a second external electrode are located on one of the end surfaces and one of the side surfaces, respectively, and are connected to the first capacitor conductors. A third external electrode and a fourth external electrode are located on the other one of the end surfaces and the other one of the side surfaces, respectively, and are connected to the second capacitor conductors.
US09374905B2
A dispensing apparatus includes a frame having a gantry configured to provide movement in the X axis and Y axis directions, and first and second dispensing units coupled to the gantry and configured to dispense material onto a substrate. The second dispensing unit is coupled to the gantry by an automatic adjustment mechanism. The dispensing apparatus further includes a controller configured to control the operation of the gantry, the first dispenser, the second dispenser, and the automatic adjustment mechanism. The automatic adjustment mechanism is configured to move the second dispenser in the X axis and Y axis directions to manipulate a spacing between the first dispensing unit and the second dispensing. Methods of dispensing material on the substrate are further disclosed.
US09374901B2
In a monolithic capacitor mounting structure, assuming that a portion of a first outer electrode joined with a first bonding material is a first bonding portion and a portion of a second outer electrode joined with a second bonding material is a second bonding portion, a length of each of the first and second bonding portions in a lengthwise direction of the monolithic capacitor is about 0.2 times to about 0.5 times a length of an elementary body in the lengthwise direction, and a center of each of the first and second bonding portions in the lengthwise direction is located at a position different from a center of the elementary body in the lengthwise direction. Vibration noise is changed depending on positions of outer electrodes of the monolithic capacitor, the outer electrodes being used to bond the monolithic capacitor to a mounting substrate.
US09374895B2
The present invention provides a laminate in which at least a layer including a support, a primer layer, a first conductive layer, an insulating layer, and a second conductive layer are laminated, wherein the insulating layer is formed by coating at least a portion of or entirety of a surface of the first conductive layer with a resin composition and drying the resin composition; and the second conductive layer includes a second plating seed layer formed by coating a portion of or entirety of a surface of the insulating layer with a fluid containing a conductive substance, and a second plating layer formed on a surface of the second plating seed layer. This laminate has high adhesion between layers and allows the high adhesion to be maintained even upon exposure to a high-temperature and high-humidity environment.
US09374884B2
An electromagnetic force field configured to protect designated assets against incoming objects, comprising a plurality of layers, wherein the layers are a member of a group consisting of a supercharged plasma window, a curtain of high-energy laser beams arranged in a lattice-like configuration, and a carbon nanotube (CNT) layer, wherein the laser beams are positioned at equal distance between each other and as such as to ensure that at least four laser beams are in the path of the smallest object, and wherein, the CNT layer comprises a plurality of CNT sheets.
US09374882B2
An extreme ultraviolet light system includes a target material delivery system configured to produce a target material; and a beam delivery system that is configured to receive an amplified light beam emitted from a drive laser system and to direct the amplified light beam toward a target location that receives the target material. The beam delivery system includes a final focus assembly that focuses the amplified light beam at a focal location to enable interaction between the amplified light beam and the target material to cause the target material to be converted into a plasma that emits extreme ultraviolet light. The final focus assembly includes at least one transmissive optical element having at least one curved surface through which the amplified light beam travels; and at least one reflective optical element having at least one curved surface on which the amplified light beam is reflected.
US09374881B2
A radiation generator includes: a radiation tube configured to generate radiation by emitting electrons from a cathode through a grid to a target; a grid-voltage generating unit configured to apply an extraction voltage to the grid in response to an external request for radiation output; a cut-off voltage generating unit configured to generate a cut-off voltage applied to the grid so as to lower the potential of the grid relative to the potential of the cathode when there is no external request for the radiation output; and a detection unit configured to detect a decrease in the cut-off voltage, wherein the target is not irradiated by the electrons when the decrease in the cut-off voltage is detected.
US09374877B2
Provided is an ESD protection device having high insulation reliability and good discharge characteristics. An ESD protection device includes a first discharge electrode and a second discharge electrode that are disposed so as to face each other, a discharge auxiliary electrode (18) formed so as to span between the first discharge electrode and the second discharge electrode, and an insulator base that holds the first discharge electrode, the second discharge electrode, and the discharge auxiliary electrode (18). The discharge auxiliary electrode (18) includes an aggregate of a plurality of metal particles (24) each having a core-shell structure including a core portion (22) that contains, as a main component, a first metal and a shell portion (23) that contains, as a main component, a metal oxide containing a second metal. A pore (26) is present in at least part of the shell portion (23).
US09374871B2
A method and system are disclosed for controlling a plurality of light modules in a lighting and/or signaling system by deactivating a light emission from at least one of the plurality of light modules in the event of a failure of another of the plurality of light modules. The method or system has a first light module suitable for performing a part of a first regulatory lighting and/or signaling function, and a second light module suitable for performing a part of a second regulatory lighting and/or signaling function separate from the first function. A third light module is also provided for selectively performing at least another part of the first function and at least another part of the second function. Light emission from the first and second light modules is deactivated in the event of failure of the third light module.
US09374863B2
A LED lamp has LED groups, a path controller, a power bank, and a bank controller. The LED groups are arranged in series between a rectified input voltage and a ground voltage. The path controller controls path switches, each path switch for coupling a corresponding LED group to the ground voltage. The power bank is coupled between the rectified input voltage and the ground voltage, having a capacitor and a discharge switch. The capacitor is configured to be charged when the rectified input voltage exceeds a capacitor voltage of the capacitor. The discharge switch is connected between the capacitor and the rectified input voltage. The bank controller determines a connection period and controls the discharge switch in response to a signal turning ON one of path switches, in order to make the capacitor capable of being discharged to the rectified input voltage during the connection period.
US09374859B2
A light module includes lighting elements. The lighting elements including a light emitting diode, a power block a constant current driver and power terminals. The lighting elements are connected together vertically and horizontally by the power terminals to form a shape.
US09374858B2
An apparatus includes at least one LED, at least one charge storage device and a switching circuit configured to route current through the least one LED to the at least one charge storage device for a first state of an applied voltage and to discharge the at least one charge storage device via the at least one LED for a second state of the applied voltage. The apparatus may further include a current control circuit coupled in series with the at least one LED.
US09374854B2
Solid-state lamps having an electronically adjustable light beam distribution are disclosed. In accordance with some embodiments, a lamp configured as described herein includes a plurality of solid-state emitters (addressable individually and/or in groupings) mounted over a non-planar interior surface of the lamp. The interior mounting surface can be concave or convex, as desired, and may be of hemispherical or hyper-hemispherical geometry, among others, in accordance with some example embodiments. In some embodiments, the heat sink of the lamp may be configured to provide the interior mounting surface, whereas in some other embodiments, a separate mounting interface, such as a parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR), a bulged reflector (BR), or a multi-faceted reflector (MR), may be included to such end. Also, the lamp may include one or more focusing optics for modifying its output. In some cases, a lamp provided as described herein may be configured for retrofitting existing lighting structures.
US09374849B2
A node receives, from a neighboring node that is a node in the neighborhood, neighboring node information indicating a node that neighbors the neighboring node and determines whether a common neighboring node is present, the common neighboring node being common amongst a neighboring node and a node indicated by the received neighboring node information. When it is determined that the common neighboring node is present, the node registers, in a storage unit, information that a link on a simplex path is to be formed with the common neighboring node or the neighboring node that is the source of the neighboring node information. Alternatively, when it is determined that the common neighboring node is not present, the node registers, in the storage unit, information that a link on a duplex path is to be formed with the neighboring node that is the source of the neighboring node information.
US09374846B1
The present disclosure provides a method for making mobility measurements in a cellular telephone network that includes assessing the quality of the downlink signal from an active cell during multiple discontinuous operation time periods. If the quality metric exceeds a threshold, the method calls for performing a mobility measurement on the downlink signal during a first time interval. If the quality metric is less than the threshold, the method calls for performing the mobility measurement on both the downlink signal from the identified cells and a downlink signal from a previously un-identified cell during a second time interval that is greater than the first time interval.
US09374844B2
According to one embodiment, a electronic device includes a detector, a first connection processor and a second connection processor. The detector is configured to detect, when the electronic device is connected to a first apparatus which is a connection destination of the first wireless communication, a second apparatus which is a connection destination of the second wireless communication. The first connection processor is configured to connect the electronic device to the detected second apparatus. The second connection processor is configured to switch the connection destination of the first wireless communication from the first apparatus to a third apparatus when the second apparatus is detected or the device is connected to the second apparatus.
US09374843B2
The disclosure discloses a Bluetooth-based system for automatically matching a vehicle-mounted device with a mobile phone terminal. The system controls a vehicle-mounted device and a mobile phone terminal to turn on/off their respective Bluetooth function based on a vehicle ignition switch signal. In such a way, the driver needn't to turn on, match, and turn off the Bluetooth functions of the vehicle-mounted device and the mobile phone terminal manually. More intelligentized, convenient and efficient service is provided for the drivers and the power of the mobile phone terminal can be saved.
US09374823B2
Provided is a radio communication base station device which can prevent lowering of use efficiency of a channel communication resource for performing a frequency diversity transmission when simultaneously performing a frequency scheduling transmission and the frequency diversity transmission in a multicarrier communication. In the device, a modulation unit (12) executes a modulation process on Dch data after encoded so as to generate a Dch data symbol. A modulation unit (22) executes a modulation process on the encoded Lch data so as to generate an Lch data symbol. An allocation unit (103) allocates the Dch data symbol and the Lch data symbol to respective subcarriers constituting an OFDM symbol and outputs them to a multiplexing unit (104). Here, when a plurality of Dch are used for a Dch data symbol of one mobile station, the allocation unit (103) uses Dch of continuous channel numbers.
US09374822B2
A hybrid band intelligent backhaul radio (HB-IBR) is disclosed that is a combination of two radios operating in different bands. Embodiments include a dual radio configuration wherein a first radio operates in a non-line of sight (NLOS) radio link configuration and a second ancillary radio operates in a near line of sight or line of sight configuration (n)LOS. For example, the HB-IBR may have an Intelligent Backhaul Radio (IBR) operating in the non-line of sight mode of operation within the 5.8 GHz unlicensed band, and have an ancillary radio link operating in the FCC part 101 E band of operation at 60 GHz. A common medium access control (MAC) block may be utilized between the dual radios.
US09374806B2
Embodiments of a system and method for providing dynamic hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) transmission with enhanced physical downlink control channels are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a receiver is arranged to receive, on an enhanced physical downlink control channel (ePDCCH), one of a lowest control channel element index (nCCE) and a lowest enhanced control channel element index (neCCE), a user equipment specific starting offset (NPUCCH(1)) and at least one additional offset-related parameter. A processor determines allocation of an uplink resource of a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) for HARQ-ACK transmission based the one of a lowest control channel element index (nCCE) and a lowest enhanced control channel element index (neCCE), the user equipment specific starting offset (NPUCCH(1)) and at least one selected from the at least one additional offset-related parameter. A transmitter transmits a signal on the PUCCH using the allocated uplink resource.
US09374804B2
A broadband access network terminal comprising a hardware integrated circuit is disclosed. The hardware integrated circuit is for communicating with a plurality of access points. The plurality of access points is for communicating with a plurality of subscriber terminals via a wireless local area network. The hardware integrated circuit is further for communicating with a broadband access network. In addition, the broadband access network terminal comprises an Internet Protocol multicast enabled broadband access network terminal, The broadband access network terminal further supports an Internet Protocol push-to-talk service for the plurality of subscriber terminals via the wireless local area network and supports media stream mixing and multicasting of information associated with the Internet Protocol push-to-talk service.
US09374788B2
A mobile device peripheral is provided comprising a wireless memory sub-system configured for carrying out wireless data communications with a mobile device. The mobile device peripheral also has a battery configured to provide power to the wireless memory sub-system and a housing configured to hold the wireless memory sub-system and battery. The housing is further configured to physically attach the mobile device peripheral to the mobile device so that the mobile device peripheral and mobile device are carryable together as a single unit. The mobile device peripheral can take the form of a mobile device case or cover, for example. In another embodiment, the mobile device peripheral has a power splitter configured to split power received from a power connector to charge both the battery of the mobile device peripheral and the battery of the mobile device.
US09374786B1
Various embodiments enable a multi-SIM multi-active (MSMA) communication device to operate a power amplifier in a power saving envelope tracking mode when a first radio frequency (RF) resource is supporting data transmission to a communication network associated with a first SIM and a second RF resource is supporting a voice call in discontinuous transmission mode. A MSMA communication device processor may monitor the second RF resource supporting the voice call for silence periods, the power amplifier of the first RF resource may operate in a first power-saving mode during silence periods on the voice call, and the power amplifier of the first RF resource may operate in a second power-saving mode when the voice call on second RF resource is not in a period of silence. Periods of silence may be determined by monitoring a protocol stack of the second RF resource for silence descriptor (SID) frames scheduled for transmission.
US09374784B2
A terminal device 2 transmits a wireless frame having a frame length or amplitude that represents the ID of a wireless base station 1 to be woken up to the wireless base station 1. The wireless base station 1 detects the wakeup ID from the frame length or amplitude of the wireless frame from the terminal device 2, and, if the detected wakeup ID is identical with its own ID, transitions from a sleep mode to an operating mode. In this case, the wireless frame is the same wireless frame as that transmitted and received by the wireless communication module of the terminal device 2 to and from the wireless base station 1.
US09374780B2
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for modified power management for UEs in a wireless communication system that utilizes one or more RANs for communication. For example, certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a technique for controlling when the UE is placed in a low power state in the first RAN based, at least in part, on inactivity of the UE in the first RAN. Certain aspects of the present disclosure also relate to controlling when to modify one or more network bearers between the first RAN or the second RAN and the core network based, at least in part, on at least one of inactivity on the one or more network bearers or inactivity in both the first RAN and the second RAN. According to certain aspects, the first RAN may include a WWAN and the second RAN may include a WLAN.
US09374771B2
A message acknowledgement method includes: An access point sends a beacon frame, receives an uplink frame sent by a terminal, and sends an acknowledgement frame for the uplink frame, where the acknowledgement frame includes offset time, and the offset time is a difference between a time point when the access point sends the acknowledgement frame and a time point when the access point sends the beacon frame; compares the difference that is obtained through calculation by the terminal and is between the time point when the terminal receives the acknowledgement frame and the time point when the terminal lately receives a beacon frame with the offset time carried in the acknowledgement frame, and if a difference between the two is within a preset error range, determines that the acknowledgement frame received by the terminal is sent by the access point associated with the terminal.
US09374760B2
A user equipment capable of performing reselection in a wireless network is disclosed. The user equipment comprises: 1) a controller configured to perform reselection between cells according to a priority-based reselection (PBR) algorithm using priority information; 2) transceiver circuitry configured to operate in cells using at least one radio access technology and to receive incoming messages including the priority information; and 3) a memory configured to store the received priority information. The controller is further configured to compare the received priority information with defined limits stored in the memory and to determine if the received priority information exceeds the defined limits.
US09374757B2
A method of supporting fast sub-cell switching by a sub-cell included in a macro coverage in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes receiving multiple pieces of feedback information on multiple sub-cells from a User Equipment (UE), extracting channel quality indicators from the multiple pieces of received feedback information, respectively, comparing values of the extracted channel quality indicators, and determining, based on a result of the comparison of the values of the extracted channel quality indicators, whether to perform fast sub-cell switching of the UE.
US09374756B1
Examples disclosed herein provide systems, methods, and software for rolling over a data communication from one communication network to another. In one example, a wireless communication device may initiate a Voice over Long Term Evolution communication using Long Term Evolution or LTE. However, during the communication, the device may be required to transition to a different communication format such as CDMA2000. In response to this transition, an IP multimedia subsystem is configured to gather information about the subscriber equipment and provide this information to a media gateway controller to transition the communication.
US09374752B2
A cellular basestation can select its own mobility parameters in order to achieve desirable effects in terms of the overall network performance. When a cellular basestation forms part of a group of such basestations on a single local area network, it can receive information from the other basestations in the group, for example relating to the loading on the other basestations, and can use this information in order to set mobility parameters. Where the basestation receives loading information from other basestations in the group, it can set mobility parameters so that a user equipment device becomes less likely to select a more highly loaded cell, and more likely to select a less highly loaded cell.
US09374747B2
A method in a network node for estimating a channel from a user node to the network node is provided. The network node receives first pilots. The network node receives (502) additional pilots from the user node. The network node estimates (503) the channel based on the additional pilots. The additional pilots are any one out of: pilots in an existing channel, modified to create space for the additional pilots, and an existing mechanism modified to be used as the additional pilots.
US09374746B1
Responsive to a first orientation of a first device relative to a second device, a first element of a signaling alphabet is used to convey information to/from the first device while a second element of the signaling alphabet is precluded from usage to convey information to/from the first device while said second element is being used to convey information to/from the second device. Moreover, responsive to a second orientation of the first device relative to the second device, the first element and the second element of the signaling alphabet are used to convey information to/from the first device while said first and second elements are also being used to convey information to/from the second device. Systems/methods relating to smart antennas are also disclosed.
US09374742B1
In a communication system comprising a first base station of a plurality of base stations, a computing system may identify one or more other base stations of the plurality based on whether each of the one or more other base stations sits as a node on the same local area network (LAN) as the first base station, and perhaps based on other considerations, such as whether each of the one or more other base stations is geographically located near the first base station and whether each operates with a whitelist. The computing system may then cause the first base station to wirelessly transmit, to at least one user equipment device (UE) served by the first base station, a specification of the identified one or more base stations to enable the at least one UE to search for coverage of at least one of the specified one or more base stations.
US09374739B2
Controller and method for Handover (HO) based 1×CSFB communicates Calling Party Number (CPN) to User Equipment (UE) a in a cellular communication system. A first solution provides Interworking Solution (IWS) adding CPN sent to target Base Station Controller (BSC) via Mobile Switching Center (MSC) in Interoperability Specification (IOS) HO messages. A second solution provides that IWS sends CPN with Air Interface HO message and stores the CPN until UE transition to the target Radio Access Network and acquires a traffic channel. A third solution provides that IWS receives CPN from MSC with a paging message and stores the CPN until UE transition to the target Radio Access Network and acquires a traffic channel. A fourth solution provides sending AWI message to the target Radio Access Network from the MSC. A fifth solution provides that IWS sends CPN via Feature Notification Message (FNM) data tunneled to UE before the paging message to let user decide whether to accept a call before leaving 3G/4G cellular communication.
US09374733B2
A communication system and method are disclosed for transmitting packets of information in at least one first format over a communications link that utilizes packets of information in a second format. In certain embodiments, the packets of information in a first format are converted to packets of information in the second format prior to transmission via the communications link by packing and fragmenting the information in the first format in a coordinated manner. Embodiments may also utilize packing subheaders and fragmentation control bits in the packing and fragmentation processes.
US09374724B2
A method in a radio network node for estimating channel gain over frequencies of a bandwidth in a radio communications network. The radio network node measures a first channel gain based on a received power of a sounding reference signal over a first set of frequencies from a user equipment, which first set of frequencies is comprised in the frequencies of the bandwidth. Furthermore, the radio network node measures a second channel gain based on a received power of a received demodulation reference signal of a physical uplink shared channel over a second set of frequencies from the user equipment, which second set of frequencies is comprised in the frequencies of the bandwidth. The radio network node then estimates a third channel gain over the frequencies of the bandwidth based on the measured first channel gain and the measured second channel gain.
US09374720B2
In a cellular communications network system comprising a plurality of cells including a first cell and second cells different from and present in the neighborhood of the first cell, measurement reports are repeatedly received from user equipments, each including a first signal strength value corresponding to a signal strength measured from the first cell over a short time period and n second signal strength values corresponding to signal strengths measured over the short time period from n second cells, which correspond to the n strongest signal strengths measured from the second cells, n being an integer greater than one. A value of a counter is incremented which corresponds to a potential cooperation area formed by the first cell corresponding to the first signal strength value and the n second cells corresponding to the n second signal strength values.
US09374719B2
A method of wireless communication includes transmitting channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) configuration information to a user equipment (UE). The CSI-RS configuration information is transmitted so that the UE may mitigate interference caused by interfering CSI-RSs. The CSI-RS configuration may be a CSI-RS configuration of a neighbor cell.
US09374718B2
Provided are a method and an apparatus for reporting a channel quality indicator (CQI) in a multi-node system. A terminal measures the CQI on the basis of a final interference power in which interference from at least one node among a plurality of nodes, from which the terminal receives signals, is reduced, and reports the measured CQI to a base station. Improvement of system performance, such as a data rate increase can be expected.
US09374714B2
In a method of configuring a cell for operation in a wireless communication network, a determinable neighborhood of cells within the network is used for cell configuration. In the method, a neighborhood of cells is selected for the given cell to be configured. Data is acquired from cells of the selected neighborhood, and configuration settings for the given cell are determined based on the acquired data.
US09374705B2
Disclosed is a method for verifying Mobile Equipment (ME), which includes that: an Ad Hoc hotspot, after determining that the ME transmitting equipment information is legal equipment, transmits corresponding ME information generated according to the equipment information to operating company database equipment, and receives verification key information returned by the operating company database equipment; and the Ad Hoc hotspot, after receiving a key verification request from the ME, verifies the ME by utilizing the corresponding verification key information, notifies the ME that the ME passes the verification if the ME passes the verification, and establishes a connection with the ME. The disclosure also discloses devices and a system for verifying the ME. By the disclosure, the Ad Hoc hotspot can provide different service for ME of different telecommunication operating companies, the quality of service of the Ad Hoc hotspot provided by the telecommunication operating company for its own customers using ME is ensured, and an Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) of the telecommunication operating company is further ensured.
US09374704B2
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus comprises transceiver circuitry configured to receive information from a fixed network node, initiate sending information toward the fixed network node and initiate communication with at least one peer node, the peer node being a mobile node. The apparatus further comprises a memory configured to store information received from the fixed network node, and logic circuitry operably connected to the memory, configured to derive internet protocol address information from the information received from the fixed node and to initiate sending the internet protocol address information to the at least one peer node.
US09374692B2
A method and terminal for processing message service is provided. The method includes: after receiving a message, a terminal judging whether the message is a blowout-type message or not according to a preset blowout-type message judgment condition, if yes, saving the blowout-type message, and judging whether there exists a blowout-type message group or not; if there already exists the blowout-type message group, judging whether the blowout-type message belongs to the existing blowout-type message group or not according to a preset grouping condition, and if yes, adding the blowout-type message into the blowout-type message group corresponding to the blowout-type message; if there exists no blowout-type message group, grouping the saved ungrouped blowout-type messages according to the preset grouping condition when the number of saved ungrouped blowout-type messages reaches a first threshold.
US09374682B2
An information exchange method and system, a server and an instant messaging client are provided. The method may include: when receiving a chat session request message sent by a first instant messaging client in an intercom group, receiving, by a server, chat session audio information transmitted by the first instant messaging client; and when receiving a chat session stop message sent by the first instant messaging client, distributing, by the server, the chat session audio information to instant messaging clients, except the first instant messaging client, in the intercom group for real-time playing. The instant messaging client implements an intercom talk function based on a network, thereby saving the purchase cost and improving the confidentiality and stability of information exchange.
US09374673B2
A system and method that employs features of a user's cellular phone to emit an emergency beacon to aid first responders search and rescue units or emergency personal in locating a person experiencing an emergency condition. The system includes a process for identifying a location of the user's cellular phone independent of functionality of a Global Positioning System (GPS) by determining the location of the user's cellular phone by using locating beacon signals emitted from locating beacons deployed in a vicinity of the person. The user's cellular phone can be adapted to emit an emergency beacon signal. The emergency beacon signal can include emergency information in a naming portion thereof when the emergency beacon signal is transmitted using Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi protocols. The emergency information can include location information.
US09374672B1
In an approach for determining an unauthorized device, a computer receives detection information from a computing device, wherein the detection information includes a broadcast transmission from one or more devices. The computer creates a state trajectory map based on the received detection information, wherein the state trajectory map identifies connections between at least the computing device and a first device of the one or more devices and the computing device and a second device of the one or more devices. The computer one or more anomalies within the created state trajectory map. The computer determines an unauthorized device based on the determined one or more anomalies.
US09374663B2
Method and apparatus for providing positional information using wireless fidelity (WIFI) information
A method and apparatus for providing positional information using wireless network information is provided. A method of providing positional information at a mobile terminal may include collecting WI-FI access point (AP) information by scanning for a WI-FI AP in a vicinity of the mobile terminal, extracting facility information associated with a facility associated with the WI-FI AP, and determining the positional information of the mobile terminal based on the extracted facility information.
US09374660B1
An approach for providing intentional monitoring is provided. An alarm can be predefined with any number of metrics or thresholds for monitoring an electronic service. The predefined metrics and/or thresholds can be combined with one or more input variables selected by a customer or with one or more signals received from a network component. The alarm can be implemented using the predefined metrics, thresholds, and the one or more customer selected input variables or signals from the network component.
US09374656B2
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for automatically pairing a mobile endpoint device to an output device using a card swipe authentication are disclosed. For example, the method detects a card swipe of an access card at the output device, determines that the mobile endpoint device associated with the access card is authorized for remote user interface (UI) access of the output device, establishes a secure session between the mobile endpoint device and the output device, sends a notification to the mobile endpoint device, wherein the notification comprises configuration information that was used to establish the secure session and pair the output device to the mobile endpoint device, receives a command from the mobile endpoint device via the secure session and forwards the command to the output device to execute the command.
US09374655B1
A user device may include a transmission power manager to control a transmission power level of a wireless transceiver based on a location of a human body proximate the user device as detected by a proximity sensor. In response to at least one of a power up of the user device or initialization of a wireless transceiver, the transmission power manager may restrict a transmission power level of the wireless transceiver to one of a plurality of power states. The transmission power manager may then operate to detect a step in proximity sensor data obtained by the proximity sensor. Then, in response to detecting the step in the proximity data, the transmission power manager may restricting the transmission power level of the wireless transceiver and determine a proximity threshold value based at least in part on the detected step and the proximity sensor data.
US09374653B2
A method for a multi-channel wireless speaker system utilizes a wireless private network to ensure proper synchronization of a plurality of speaker units. The system includes the plurality of speaker units and an audio receiver. Each speaker unit includes a wireless communication device and a digital-to-analog converter module. The audio receiver includes an audio interface and a wireless access point. The method includes probing each speaker units in order to identify the speaker channel and use said information to compile a sound system configuration. The sound system configuration is used to configure a plurality of compatible audio channels from an audio frame, wherein each channel corresponds an audio sample. The audio frame is broadcasted to the plurality of speaker units. Each speaker unit extracts the audio sample corresponding to a specific channel that is in turn associated with the speaker type. The audio sample is sounded by each speaker unit.
US09374650B2
Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for embedding a conductive trace for a hearing assistance device housing. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a method of forming a hearing assistance device housing. The housing is constructed of plastic including a photo conductive dopant, in various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the housing is laser printed to activate the photo conductive dopant on the surface of the plastic to provide a conductive trace on a surface of the housing. The housing is plated using an electroless process to increase the conductivity of the conductive trace, in various embodiments.
US09374648B2
A system for providing hearing assistance having: an audio signal source; a transmission unit transmitting audio signals as data packets in a frame structure; a receiver unit for receiving audio signals from the transmission unit and associated with an ear-worn device having a power source and a hearing stimulator, and having a digital transceiver powered by the power source of the ear-worn device with a value between lower and upper limits. The transceiver listens, and optionally transmits, during part of each frame and otherwise sleeps. The receiver unit has a capacitor connected in parallel to the transceiver for supplying the transceiver with current during listening or transmission. A controlled current for controlling current flowing from the power source to the transceiver and the capacitor. The controlled current source has a DC/DC converter with an input connected to the power source and an output voltage connected to the capacitor.
US09374643B2
A microphone base includes a plurality of metal layers and a plurality of core layers. Each of the plurality of core layers is disposed between selected ones of the metal layers. A dielectric membrane is disposed between other selected ones of the plurality of metal layers. A port extends through the metal layers and the core layers but not through the dielectric membrane. The dielectric membrane has a compressed portion and an uncompressed portion. The uncompressed portion extends across the port and the compressed portion is in contact with the other selected ones of the metal layers. The compressed portion of the membrane is effective to operate as a passive electronic component and the uncompressed portion is effective to act as a barrier to prevent at least some external debris from traversing through the port.
US09374641B2
A driving device for a sound system by loudspeaker signals, wherein the sound system has a wave field synthesis loudspeaker array and one or several supply loudspeakers arranged separate from the wave field synthesis array includes an audio input for receiving at least one audio signal from at least one sound source, a position input for receiving information on a position of the sound source, a wave field synthesis unit for calculating loudspeaker signals for the loudspeakers of the wave field synthesis loudspeaker array, and a provider for providing the loudspeaker signal for the one or the several supply loudspeakers. The driving device enables a sound system by means of which sound localization becomes possible for the audience and at the same time pleasant levels can be achieved also in the first rows of the audience.
US09374638B2
The application relates to a hearing assistance device and to a method of performing a real ear measurement. The method comprises providing a first controlled acoustic feedback path from an output transducer to a measurement input transducer via a standard acoustic coupler; generating a first probe signal; estimating and storing a first estimate of the first controlled acoustic feedback path; and providing a second controlled acoustic feedback path from the output transducer to the measurement input transducer via the residual volume between the ITE part of the hearing aid device and the user's eardrum; generating a second probe signal; estimating and storing a second estimate of the second controlled acoustic feedback path; and determining a real ear to coupler difference from said first and second acoustic feedback estimates. An alternative and relatively simple method of determining an RECD-value in hearing assistance device of a particular user is thereby provided.
US09374630B1
Links are provided in association with video content that reference and allow navigation to additional content related to the video content. Links may be embedded in the video content metadata or sent separately and synchronized with the video content via time stamps. Selection of the links allows a user to view the additional content or to view the video content item along with the additional content to provide a richer and deeper personalized viewing experience. The video content may be analyzed to determine whether additional content may be available. If additional content is identified, the video content item may include the additional content or the video content may receive links to the additional content. Additional content that is relevant to the user based on the user's viewing history, viewing patterns, viewing behavior, demographic profile, etc. may be identified for association with a given video content item.
US09374628B2
Various arrangements for managing multiple consecutive recordings by a television receiver are presented. Stored timers may be analyzed by a television receiver. Based on such analysis, a first television program and a second television program that are scheduled to be broadcast in consecutive time slots and are both broadcast as part of a single transponder stream may be identified. The first television program and the second television program may be recorded to a single file stored to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of the television receiver. Such a single file may be handled in various ways to reduce the likelihood of any portion of the recording of one of the television programs being missed.
US09374622B2
The present invention includes (i) a tuner (21b) for preferentially receiving broadcast waves (2b) for carrying television programs (3b) list-displayed near a television program (3a) carried by a broadcast wave (2a) rather than a broadcast wave for carrying television programs which are list-displayed away from the television program (3a) and (ii) an information obtaining section (11) for obtaining thumbnails (5a) representing the television programs (3b) from the broadcast waves (2b) received by the tuner (21b).
US09374619B2
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes establishing a connection between a first client and a messaging fabric of a conductor element associated with a video system; receiving a request to perform a companion service with a second client; authenticating the first client via a client directory based on an identifier associated with the first client; receiving a pair message from the first client for the second client; and verifying whether the two clients can be paired in order to perform the companion service. Companion service commands can be authorized/policy checked and resulting commands on the second client may appear as-if they had been triggered locally.
US09374605B2
A method and apparatus for enhancing television advertising viewership. Advertisers deliver content demographic and associated data as metadata along with content to a service that is in communication with a large number of multimedia devices. Each device supplies information to the service that tells about the user of the device's content viewing preferences. The service compares user information to content metadata to find content for the user. The service sends the selected content to the multimedia device. Advertisers whose content were downloaded to the multimedia device may be charged a fee for the download. The multimedia device sends statistics regarding the user's action when the user viewed the content to the service. The service charges a fee to advertisers that had their content viewed by the user.
US09374602B2
Provided are a method and apparatus for entropy-encoding/entropy-decoding video data. The method of entropy-encoding video data includes binarizing coefficients of the frequency domain, which are generated by transforming a residual block of a current block into the frequency domain, using different binarization methods and performing binary arithmetic coding on the binarized coefficients. In this way, the coefficients are binarized adaptively according to whether the frequencies of the coefficients are high or low, thereby improving the compression efficiency of the video data.
US09374600B2
A method of video coding using intra prediction in which the intra prediction modes are ranked according to a priority order associated with the block size. One or more tables are used, where the tables ranks the intra prediction modes according to a first priority order for the block having a first block size and ranks the intra prediction modes according to a second priority order for the block having a second block size. Two or more neighboring intra prediction modes corresponding to two or more neighboring blocks are received, where each neighboring block has a neighboring block size corresponding to the first block size or the second block size. A highest-priority mode among said two or more neighboring intra prediction modes is selected as the most probable mode. The current mode is then encoded or decoded using the most probable mode as a predictor.
US09374599B2
A method for encoding an image having been cut up into partitions. The method includes: predicting data of a current partition based on an already encoded and then decoded reference partition, generating a predicted partition; determining residual data by comparing data relating to the current partition with the predicted partition, the residual data associated with various digital data items. Prior producing a signal containing the encoded information, performing the following steps: determining, from the predetermined residual data, a subset containing residual data capable of being modified; calculating the value of a function representative of the residual data; comparing the calculated value with a value of at least one of the digital data items; based on the comparison, modification or non-modification of at least one of the residual data items of the subset; and, in the event of a modification, entropy encoding the at least one modified residual data item.
US09374597B2
A method and device for predicting a block of pixels of an image for encoding/decoding same. The method comprises a step of defining a causal vicinity of said block to be predicted, a step 2 of searching for candidate patches during which a set of candidate patches is formed from at least one patch belonging to an image other than the image to which the block to be predicted belongs, each patch being formed from a block and from a causal vicinity of said block, and a step 3 of block prediction during which the block is predicted at least from the block of at least one patch of said set of candidate patches.
US09374596B2
Disclosed herein is a method for digital video encoding prediction comprising creating a constructed reference frame using an encoder and compressing a series of source video frames using the constructed reference frame to obtain a bitstream including a compressed digital video signal for a subsequent decoding process. The constructed reference frame is omitted from the series of digital video frames during the subsequent viewing process.
US09374589B2
Image encoding and decoding are described. An input HDR image that includes a base image and a ratio image may be stored using two or more color description profiles. One profile defines the encoding color space of the base image and the second profile defines the encoding color space of the HDR metadata which may be different than the color space of the base image.
US09374588B2
An example method to perform rate control in a parallel encoding system including a plurality of parallel encoders is disclosed. The method may comprise determining a quantization parameter for one of the plurality of parallel encoders based on a measure of parallelism of the plurality of parallel encoders. The method may further comprise providing the quantization parameter to the one of the plurality of parallel encoders to encode a chunk of a video sequence to generate an encoded chunk based on the quantization parameter.
US09374584B2
An apparatus for decoding a video, includes: a mode information extractor to extract mode information on an intra-prediction mode of a current block from encoded data; a prediction mode determiner to determine a candidate intra-prediction mode selected from a plurality of candidate intra-prediction modes as the intra-prediction mode of the current block, when the mode information indicates a first encoding mode; a prediction mode extractor to determine the intra-prediction mode of the current block by using a prediction mode identifier, when the mode information indicates a second encoding mode and includes the prediction mode identifier; and a decoder to decode the encoded data to produce a residual block, and reconstruct the current block by adding the produced residual block to a prediction block predicted based on the intra-prediction mode of the current block determined by either the prediction mode determiner or the prediction mode extractor.
US09374578B1
Blocks of a video data stream may be encoded using either intra-frame (intra) prediction or inter-frame (inter) prediction. Combining intra and inter prediction can provide greater compression while maintaining the quality of the decoded video stream. Intra and inter prediction blocks are combined by weighting each block on a pixel-by-pixel basis and adding the weighted pixel values together. Weighting is based on the intra prediction mode. Pixels are weighted to give emphasis to intra predicted pixels closer to the boundaries where the predicted pixels originate and more emphasis to inter predicted pixels further away from the boundaries.
US09374575B2
A method of processing three-dimensional image data includes demodulating a first transmission signal into image data which is image data for a left-eye or image data for a right-eye, wherein the first transmission signal is received during an enable period of a frame; demodulating a second transmission signal into identification data, where the second transmission signal is received during a blanking period of the frame, and the identification data identifies the image data of a subsequent frame; identifying whether the image data of the subsequent frame is the image data for the left-eye or the image data for the right-eye based on the identification data; and processing the image data based on an identified result from the identifying whether the image data of the subsequent frame is the image data for the left-eye or the image data for the right-eye.
US09374570B2
Disclosed are an apparatus and method for correcting a depth map for a three-dimensional image, which are capable of accurately correcting an initially-generated depth map in accordance with characteristics of an image, thereby achieving an enhancement in picture quality of a three-dimensional image. The disclosed apparatus includes an original depth map generating unit for generating an original depth map for frame image data externally supplied to the original depth map generating unit, and a depth map correcting unit for analyzing the externally-supplied frame image data, calculating an image pattern of the frame image data and per-pixel brightness values of the frame image data, based on results of the analysis, and correcting the original depth map output from the original depth map generating unit, based on the calculated image pattern and the calculated brightness values, thereby generating a corrected depth map.
US09374567B2
An image processing method and apparatus, and an imaging device are provided. The method includes: obtaining a first green component value and a first red component value or first blue component value that are of the current pixel and obtained by using an interpolation algorithm, a minimum first-gradient value in horizontal and vertical directions, a minimum second-gradient value in inclined directions, a threshold for a green component, and a threshold for a red component or blue component; obtaining a corrected value of the green component and a corrected value of the red component or blue component of the current pixel; and obtaining a second green component value and a second red component value or second blue component value of the current pixel. The method may be used to reduce crosstalk of a color component in which the current pixel is located on other two color components obtained by interpolation.
US09374564B2
An illumination unit includes one or more light sources each including a solid-state light-emitting device configured to emit light from a light emission region including a single or a plurality of light-emitting spots. The solid-state light-emitting device includes a single chip or a plurality of chips each emitting a light beam. Three or more of the light-emitting spots are provided within the whole of one or more light sources, to allow the whole of one or more light sources to emit light beams in two or more wavelength bands different from one another, and the solid-state light emitting device in a first light source which is at least one of the one or more light sources, has a plurality of light-emitting spots which emit light in the same wavelength band.
US09374558B2
A digital signage network employs a common data model and a subscription system to disseminate data gathered from a plurality of data sources to a number of displays. The network nodes interact with each other as content sources, content consumers, or both, with some systems acting as consumers to upstream sources and acting as sources to downstream consumers. The presentation of the data on a digital signage display allows for real-time binding of live data to provide a rich display effect.
US09374556B2
A communication terminal receives first state information that indicates transition of a state of a counterpart communication terminal from a previous state to a current state, determines whether the communication terminal currently has a state associated with the current state of the counterpart communication terminal indicated by the first state information, and control output of content data transmitted from the counterpart communication terminal for display at the communication terminal based on determination. When the determination indicates that the communication terminal has the state associated with the current state of the counterpart communication terminal, the content data transmitted from the counterpart communication terminal is output for display at the communication terminal.
US09374547B2
A display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus includes a communicator configured to communicate with an input apparatus comprising a touch pad, and receive coordinate data corresponding to a dragging trajectory input through the touch pad. The display apparatus also includes a display configured to display the dragging trajectory on a screen based on the received coordinate data; and a controller configured to recognize a number or character corresponding to the dragging trajectory based on the received coordinate data, and provide visual feedback adjusting the displayed dragging trajectory according to a recognition result.
US09374539B2
An image pickup circuit including a plurality of circuit blocks. Each of the plurality of circuit blocks includes a plurality of comparing elements, a single counter, and a plurality of storage units. Each of the comparing elements compares a pixel signal supplied through a vertical signal line connected to vertically aligned pixels in a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, and a slope signal whose voltage is changed from an initial voltage at a constant slope. The counter counts an elapsed time since a voltage of the slope signal starts to change from the initial voltage. Each of the storage units stores a count value obtained by the counter in accordance with a comparison result of the comparator, the count value corresponding to an elapsed time until the voltage of the slope signal is changed from the initial voltage to a voltage coinciding with the pixel signal.
US09374536B1
Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for providing captioning of a video communication session for a conversation between at least two users in which media data is communicated between at least two communication devices during a video communication session involving a video captioning service. The video captioning service provides text captions for the far-end audio of the video communication session, in which the user of the second communication device is associated with a hearing-capable user that is not authorized to receive text captions from the video communication service during the video communication session.
US09374535B2
Provided is a moving-image processing device for determining interference between objects. A moving-image processing device (101) determines whether a first object drawn in a first moving image clashes with a second object drawn in a second moving image. The first moving image is accompanied by a first anterior-surface depth for the first object. The second moving image is accompanied by a second anterior-surface depth for the second object. A rear-surface depth acquirer (102) acquires a first rear-surface depth for the first object, and a second rear-surface depth for the second object. A clash determiner (103) functioning as an interference determiner determines whether the first object interferes with the second object in certain frames, on the basis of the overlapping of a first occupancy zone spanning from the first anterior-surface depth to the first rear-surface depth and a second occupancy zone spanning from the second anterior-surface depth to the second rear-surface depth, the first and second occupancy zones being in an overlap area present in cases when a first drawing area where the first object is to be drawn overlaps a second drawing area where the second object is to be drawn.
US09374533B2
An imaging apparatus including an electric charge accumulation unit configured to accumulate electric charge in accordance with an incident light quantity; a tracking unit configured to perform tracking; and an exposure control unit configured to perform exposure control, wherein the electric charge accumulation unit performs a first accumulation, and then performs a second accumulation after the first accumulation, wherein the tracking unit performs the tracking based on an image signal obtained through the first accumulation, and wherein the exposure control unit computes a control value for the exposure control based on at least the image signal obtained through the second accumulation of the image signal obtained through the first accumulation and an image signal obtained through the second accumulation.
US09374531B2
An image shake correcting apparatus includes a calculating unit that calculates an image shake correction amount by acquiring a shake detection signal output from a shake detecting unit. A shake correcting unit corrects an image shake in accordance with the calculated image shake correction amount. An offset removing unit removes an offset component from the shake detection signal. A reference value calculating unit calculates an offset reference value from the shake detection signal. The calculating unit causes the offset removing unit to remove an offset component from the shake detection signal to thereby calculate the image shake correction amount from a start of an operation of the shake detecting unit until the reference value calculating unit calculates the offset reference value, and the calculating unit calculates the image shake correction amount from a signal obtained by subtracting the offset reference value from the shake detection signal.
US09374529B1
A user activation of an image capture function of a mobile device is received. The image capture function is for a surround image mode. Two or more camera LENSs are approximately concurrently activated. Responsive to activating the LENSs, two or more front-side images from a first camera LENS and two or more rear-side image from a second camera LENS are optically captured. Content from the front-side images and content from the rear-side images are recorded in a non-transitory storage medium of the mobile device within a single file for a surround mode image.
US09374526B2
A temporal filter in an image processing pipeline may insert a frame delay when filtering an image frame. A given pixel of a current image frame may be received and a filtered version of the given pixel may be generated, blending the given pixel and a corresponding pixel of a reference image frame to store as part of a filtered version of the current image frame. If a frame delay setting is enabled, the corresponding pixel of the reference image frame may be provided as output for subsequent image processing inserting a frame delay for the current image frame. During the frame delay programming instructions may be received and image processing pipeline components may be configured according to the programming instructions. If the frame delay setting is disabled, then the filtered version of the given pixel may be provided as output for subsequent image processing.
US09374523B2
An imaging apparatus and an imaging method supply an optimum amount of image data to another apparatus. When a PDA has a maximum transfer rate of 1.5 Mbps, a mobile phone determines that the maximum speed of communication with the PDA is low, reduces the amount of moving image data captured by a CCD of the mobile phone accordingly, and supplies the captured moving image data to the PDA. The PDA therefore displays a low-quality moving image on its display unit. When the PDA has a maximum transfer rate of 480 Mbps, the CPU of the mobile phone leaves unchanged the amount of moving picture data captured by the CCD and supplies the captured moving image data to the PDA. The PDA then displays a high-quality moving image on its display unit. The foregoing may be advantageously applied to digital cameras.
US09374522B2
A video generating apparatus comprises: an obtaining unit for obtaining an image in which a person has been taken; a human body recognizing unit recognizing a part of a human body of the person in the image; a holding unit for holding data concerning a basic video showing that the person exercises; a setting unit for setting a motion range of a specific part in the exercise of the person, on the basis of the recognized parts of the human body of the person; a video generating unit for generating, from the data concerning the basic video, a sample video for the person in the image on the basis of the motion range; and a display controlling unit for displaying the generated sample video on a displaying apparatus. Thus, it is possible to generate and show the sample video suitable for the person.
US09374520B2
A digital image processing apparatus and a method of controlling the same. When the composition of a subject displayed on a display of the apparatus is changed during application of a first shutter-release signal, a current auto-focus (AF) region moves along with the subject and displayed on the display at the same time as the subject. The apparatus can further display an initial AF region on the display in a manner distinguishable from the current AF region. After the composition of the subject is changed, while the current AF region moving along with the subject is being displayed on the display, when the application of the first shutter-release signal is interrupted, an AF region is reset as the initial AF region. Also, an image file can be generated and stored after application of a second-shutter release signal which occurs after application of the first shutter-release signal.
US09374519B2
An image processing apparatus includes: an evaluation value generation unit configured to generate a focus evaluation value indicating a degree of focus of image data which is a target; an evaluation value stabilization unit configured to perform a stabilization process on the focus evaluation value generated by the evaluation value generation unit; and a display data generation unit configured to generate display data, in which focus information is added to the image data, using the focus evaluation value subjected to the stabilization process by the evaluation value stabilization unit.
US09374515B2
An electronic element supporting base and an electronic device applying the same are provided. The electronic element supporting base comprises a fixing portion and a carrying part. The fixing portion is suitable for being fixed to a frame of the electronic device as a fulcrum for the electronic element supporting base. The carrying part is suitable for carrying a plurality of electronic elements, wherein a gap exists between the carrying part and the frame, and a gap exists between the carrying part and the circuit board. When the electronic device receives an impact, the suspended design of the electronic element supporting base allows the carrying part to oscillate through the gaps, and the electronic element supporting base will not be squeezed, which prevents the electronic elements on the electronic element supporting base from being shifted.
US09374505B2
A solid-state imaging device is capable of simplifying the pixel structure to reduce the pixel size and capable of suppressing the variation in the characteristics between the pixels when a plurality of output systems is provided. A unit cell (30) includes two pixels (31) and (32). Upper and lower photoelectric converters (33) and (34), transfer transistors (35) and (36) connected to the upper and lower photoelectric converters, respectively, a reset transistor (37), and an amplifying transistor (38) form the two pixels (31) and (32). A full-face signal line 39 is connected to the respective drains of the reset transistor (37) and the amplifying transistor (38). Controlling the full-face signal line (39), along with transfer signal lines (42) and (43) and a reset signal line (41), to read out signals realizes the simplification of the wiring in the pixel, the reduction of the pixel size, and so on.
US09374502B2
A method for converting a full color image to a monochrome image is provided, wherein the color values of pixels are decomposed in a luminance and a chrominance component. Both components are converted to a grayscale value representing an intensity of a pixel. The luminance grayscale value is in a limited range close to a light end of the available grayscale. The chrominance grayscale value is closer to the dark end of the available grayscale when the chrominance component of the color value is larger. The darkest value of the two converted values is selected for a corresponding pixel. The effect of this conversion is that colored pixels are darker than colorless pixels, which is useful to highlight parts of a monochrome image that stand out because of their color in a full color image. It is particularly useful to help color blind people recognize colored parts of an image.
US09374495B2
A printing system includes first and second communicatively linked printers, each including a print engine and a processor which controls the operation of the respective print engine. A scanner, associated with the first printer, scans a hardcopy document and generates image data therefrom. The scanner is for communicating the image data to the first printer. A graphical user interface is provided through which user selections are communicated to at least one of the scanner and the first printer. The first processor has a first mode of operation in which a print job derived from the image data is printed on the first print engine and a second mode of operation in which a print job is exported to the second printer for printing. At least one of the first and second modes of operation is invoked at least in part by user interaction with the graphical user interface.
US09374494B2
The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and method, a reproducing apparatus and method, and a program that make it possible to photograph and record a still image and moving images before and after the still image as well. In step S1, when a still-image-with-moving-image photographing mode is set, moving image temporary storage is started. When a shutter is depressed in step S2, in step S3, a photographed still image is recorded and one moving image is generated from the moving image before the still image stored in step S1, a moving image obtained by converting the photographed still image, and a moving image photographed after the depression of the shutter and the one moving image generated is recorded. Therefore, the moving images before and after the still image are recorded together with a high-definition still image.
US09374487B2
A reading control portion reads an image in reading range including image regions of an entire document sheet image in both state where a document sheet is not tilted and a state where the document sheet is tilted at predetermined maximum tilt angle. A first blank sheet determination processing portion is able to determine whether the image read by the reading control portion is a blank sheet image, based on an image of a first determination region which is included in both the image region of the entire document sheet image in the state where the document sheet is not tilted and the image region of the entire document sheet image in the state where the document sheet is tilted at the maximum tilt angle. A first tilt correction processing portion executes no tilt correction processing for the document sheet image when the read image is a blank sheet image.
US09374476B2
A system, method and apparatus for vending network access by determining access pricing or tariffs for one or more of a plurality of network access regions using one or more of an eNB cell congestion level, an eNB congestion level, a quality of service level, an access technology, a level of activity by a target subscriber and the like. The access pricing is offered to potential access purchasers along with optional metadata indicative of, illustratively, user equipment and network parameters associated with the cell or eNB. The pricing may be offered via an API to allow automatic purchase decisions by access purchasers.
US09374475B1
A transactional processing system includes a central storage system utilized to form a scalable pipeline for processing activity records into invoices subscriber usage records and invoices. Activity records received by the transactional processing system are queued and processed into “shards” and shards are stored in the central storage system. and queued for processing into billing records. Sharded activity records applicable for billing are stored by the central storage system and queued for processing into “shards”, and shards are stored by the central storage system for processing into invoices.
US09374469B2
Devices and methods are provided for implementing a network resource management system that reduces network signaling traffic through a network. A network server utilizing a communication signaling protocol is configured with functionality that reduces call set-up signaling traffic. Instead of exchanging communication signaling protocol related signaling between a calling end user device and a destination end user device when attempting to set up the call, the disclosed examples provide for determining a call status of the destination end user device before sending any communication signaling protocol related messages to the destination end user device. If the destination end user device is unavailable or is on another call, the network server uses communication signaling protocol related messages to connect the calling end user device with a voice mail server related to the destination end user device and foregoes sending communication signaling protocol related messages to the destination end user device.
US09374461B2
A set-top box (STB) obtains a listing of businesses responsive to a request for a business directory search from a customer. The STB receives, from a customer, a selection of a business from the listing of businesses to call. The STB performs one of: initiating, at the STB, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) call to a phone number associated with the business and connecting the VoIP call to a mobile device, or other VoIP device, associated with the customer via a VoIP network, or initiating, at the STB, establishment of a call between a phone number associated with the business and a mobile device associated with the customer via a telephone network. The STB sends data associated with the request for the business directory search to a billing server for billing the customer for the request for the business directory search received at the STB.
US09374456B2
Ring tones and other alerts are processed based on social networks. A person's contact information, as an example, may be associated with a social network. Each different social network may also have its own custom ringtone or other alert. Calls, texts, and other electronic messages may thus processed with the alert of the social network.
US09374454B1
A system, method and non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising instructions that when read by a processor perform receiving a telephony connection request at a location in a telephony network, the location separated from the intended recipient of the telephony connection request by a target telephony network, determining addressing information regarding the intended recipient, the addressing information including at least routing information or a phone number, accessing a do-not-call list, the do-not-call-list including one or more telephony recipients and recipient addressing information for each telephony recipient, the recipient addressing information including at least routing information or a phone number, and determining whether the target addressing information matches any recipient addressing information.
US09374449B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for generating an animated message. Input objects in an image of the animated message are recognized, and input information, including information about an input time and input coordinates for the input objects, is extracted. Playback information, including information about a playback order of the input objects, is set. The image is displayed in a predetermined handwriting region of the animated message. An encoding region, which is allocated in a predetermined portion of the animated message and in which the input information and the playback information are stored, is divided into blocks having a predetermined size. Display information of the encoding region is generated by mapping the input information and the playback information to the blocks in the encoding region. An animated message including the predetermined handwriting region and the encoding region is generated. The generated animated message is transmitted.
US09374448B2
A system for receiving multiple conversations or messages and for playing the multiple conversations or messages with a mobile device and wireless earpieces. The system may determine various presentation parameters based on various characteristics of the received messages and may play the messages such that audio appears at distinguishing locations around the user. The system may change how messages and/or conversations are played in response to recognize a change in the focus of the user based on detected user inputs, such as body movement gestures.
US09374446B2
Web content is formatted to show an icon adjacent identified phone numbers to enable select-to-call, e.g., click-to-call functionality from within a web platform. The web platform can include various web browsers, web applications, and the like. The select-to call functionality can comprise an integral part of the web platform, such as comprising part of the web platform's binary. Alternately, the select-to call functionality can be provided through a web plug-in that is downloaded and incorporated into the web platform. The select-to-call functionality can enable the user's web platform context to be maintained during the call.
US09374442B1
An apparatus, system, and method for the improved validation of information across a communications network provide a common validation rules library that may be accessed and executed either by a client or server. The provision of a minimal amount of logic either to the client or the server is achieved by generating only a requisite amount of validation logic. Furthermore, developers are enabled to reuse and build upon validation logic by subsequent validation logic inheriting validation logic from a parent rule.
US09374435B2
A system and method of redirecting messages between a mail system and a mobile communications device, upon determining an occurrence of a trigger event that is configured to initiate redirection of messages at the mail system with respect to the user, the system sets a redirection flag associated with the user. Upon detecting arrival of a new message at the mail system for the user, the system determines whether the redirection flag associated with the user is set and if the redirection flag is set, causes an instance of the new message to be packaged for transmission to the mobile communications device associated with the user.
US09374405B2
A digital video system including one or more video cameras and a video server connected to the one or more video cameras is disclosed. In an illustrative embodiment, the video server includes a computer having a central processing unit (CPU) for executing machine instructions and a memory for storing machine instructions that are to be executed by the CPU. The machine instructions when executed by the CPU implement a number of functions including receiving one or more trigger event conditions, receiving data relating to the one or more trigger event conditions, generating a trigger event message based on a comparison of the one or more trigger event conditions and the data relating to the one or more trigger event conditions, and transmitting the trigger event message.
US09374395B2
Several different embodiments of a segmented object storage system are described. The object storage system divides files into a number of object segments, each segment corresponding to a portion of the object, and stores each segment individually in the cloud storage system. The system also generates and stores a manifest file describing the relationship of the various segments to the original data file. Requests to retrieve the segmented file are fulfilled by consulting the manifest file and using the information from the manifest to reconstitute the original data file from the constituent segments. Modifying, appending to, or truncating the object is accomplished by manipulating individual segments and the manifest file. In further embodiments, manipulation of the individual object segments and/or the manifest is used to implement copy-on-write, snapshotting, software transactional memory, and peer-to-peer transmission of the large file.
US09374387B2
Aspects of the present invention provide a device, method and system which utilize hardware-based granular evaluation of industrial control protocol packets to withstand traffic storms. In an embodiment, packet evaluation circuitry coupled to a port may be adapted to evaluate one or more protocol fields contained in each inbound packet before switching circuitry can send the inbound packet to the proper destination. The inbound packet may be sent by the switching circuitry if it is a particular message, or may be selectively inhibited from being sent by the switching circuitry if the inbound packet does not contain the particular message for being sent and if the total number of bytes of the inbound packet type exceeds a threshold for the outbound port during a given period of time. As such, critical industrial applications may continue to operate in the presence of a traffic storm.
US09374386B2
Application malware filtering for advertising networks is disclosed. For example, techniques for providing a system and process for detecting malicious ad content (e.g., or other undesirable ad content) distributed by advertising (ad) networks are disclosed. In some embodiments, application (“app”) malware filtering for advertising networks includes receiving ad content; processing the ad content; and automatically determining whether the ad content is associated with a malicious app.
US09374385B1
A data processing system comprises a security control computer performing operations comprising: receiving, an advertising exchange network computer, advertising presentation data indicating presentations of advertisements to particular browsers that have browsed to particular websites; determining, based upon detection data, whether the particular websites are associated with network attacks or malware; in response, storing transit data specifying computers that have visited the particular web sites and using the transit data to determine a plurality of particular web pages to inspect for threats; based on a hierarchical structure of the particular web pages and without consideration of content of the particular web pages, identifying one or more features, of links in the particular web page or files referenced in the particular web pages, that indicate one or more security threats in the web pages; and determining remediation measures to remediate security threats that are identified in one of the particular web pages.
US09374384B2
Hardware based detection devices for detecting network traffic content and methods of using the same
A device for detecting network traffic content is provided. The device includes a first input port configured to receive one or more signatures, each of the one or more signatures associated with content desired to be detected, a second input port configured to receive data associated with network traffic content. The device also includes a processor configured to process the one or more signatures and the data to determine whether the network traffic content matches the content desired to be detected, and an output port configured to couple the device to a computer system of an intended recipient of the network traffic content. The output port passes the network traffic content to the computer system when it is determined that the network traffic content does not match the content desired to be detected.
US09374383B2
In one embodiment, a system includes a processor to receive network flows, for each of one of a plurality of event-types, compare each one of the network flows to a flow-specific criteria of the one event-type to determine if the one network flow satisfies the flow-specific criteria, for each one of the event-types, for each one of the network flows satisfying the flow-specific criteria of the one event-type, assign the one network flow to a proto-event of the one-event type, test different combinations of the network flows assigned to the proto-event of the one event-type against aggregation criteria of the one event-type to determine if one combination of the network flows assigned to the proto-event of the one event-type satisfies the aggregation criteria for the one event-type and identifies an event of the one event-type from among the network flows of the proto-event. Related apparatus and methods are also described.
US09374378B2
An access method for accessing a protected communication service via a public communication network by using a secure communication network, whereby the secure communication network is based on user groups, including defining an access group having access to the communication service based on the user groups of the secure communication network, generating a group key for all members of the access group, providing the group key to a member of the access group via the secure communication network, and accessing the communication service via the public communication network using the group key, is provided. A communication system including a secure communication network based on user groups, a public communication network, a protected communication service, and an access server for managing access rights to the communication service, whereby the communication system implements the above method is further provided.
US09374376B2
A method and apparatus for reducing unauthorized access of an information stream. The information stream is received at a node along a path to a destination node. The information stream comprises information bits and quantum bits that are interspersed with each other. A portion of the quantum bits are examined at the node along the path. An occurrence of unauthorized access to the information stream is indicated when an original entangled state of the portion of the quantum bits is absent.
US09374360B2
A system and a method for single-sign-on (SSO) in a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environment are disclosed. The system includes a VDI service server configured to provide a virtual desktop environment to a user terminal according to a request from the user terminal, and a VDI authentication interworking gateway configured to receive VDI environment information of the user terminal from the VDI service server and carry out delegated user authentication for a target system in the virtual desktop environment using the VDI environment information.
US09374356B2
A framework, which conforms to the OAuth standard, involves a generic OAuth authorization server that can be used by multiple resource servers in order to ensure that access to resources stored on those resource servers is limited to access to which the resource owner consents. Each resource server registers, with the OAuth authorization server, metadata for that resource server, indicating scopes that are recognized by the resource server. The OAuth authorization server refers to this metadata when requesting consent from a resource owner on behalf of a client application, so that the consent will be of an appropriate scope. The OAuth authorization server refers to this metadata when constructing an access token to provide to the client application for use in accessing the resources on the resource server. The OAuth authorization server uses this metadata to map issued access tokens to the scopes to which those access tokens grant access.
US09374352B2
A method for alerting Internet content providers of the age or other personal information of a computer user, which includes receiving a reverse DNS lookup query from an Internet content provider; and providing the age information of the computer user, in addition to a host name, from a reverse map zone file in response to the request. The personal information may be used by the content provider to select appropriate content for the requesting host, for example for complying with content restrictions. A system of alerting an Internet content provider of the age or other personal information of a computer user is also provided.
US09374342B2
A device may verify whether pinholes in a perimeter protection device are open and may determine pinhole opening and closing delays. The method for determining the pinhole opening delay may include sending a stream of packets for passing through the pinhole in the network perimeter protection device. The packets in the stream may be sent at known time intervals. The method may include receiving one or more of the packets in the stream, wherein the received packets passed through the pinhole. The pinhole opening delay may be based on an indication of the position of the first one of the packets received in the stream and the known time intervals. The pinhole closing delay may be based on the number of packets having passed through the pinhole, after sending a session termination message, and the known time intervals.
US09374336B2
A method of forwarding selected passages from an electronic document being displayed on an electronic reader to a designated recipient. The method includes electronically selecting a passage from the electronic document, and automatically associating metadata with a selected passage upon selection by the user. The method also includes storing the selected passage together with the associated metadata in a file in the memory of the electronic reader. The method further includes electronically checking the selected passage for compliance with special requirements, the special requirements including a designated size of the selected passage, the special requirement of the designated size of the selected passage being of a variable size designated by the user based on user preference. The method also includes electronically transmitting the stored selected passage and associated metadata from the electronic reader to a designated recipient after completion of the electronic checking by the electronic reader.
US09374331B2
Systems, method sand computer program products for facilitating the automatic deletion of received emails after a user-selectable time period has elapsed are disclosed. In various embodiments, email messages contain a header field referred to as an “Expiration Time” header field that dictates the length of time the email will reside in a designated Inbox prior to its automatic deletion by an email server. The server is able to automatically delete the received email as long as the email is residing in a folder that is synched to the server. A user receiving the email has access to the Expiration Time Header field and can modify its value if desired and allowed by the sender. The user can move the retrieved email to a folder that is not synched to the server, thus preventing the email from being automatically deleted by the server.
US09374324B2
A control component of a computing environment initiates sending of request(s) over a network of the computing environment by an activated virtual adapter. The activated virtual adapter is hosted on a physical adapter of a host system coupled to the network, and is for use by a guest, hosted by the host system, in performing data input and output. The request(s) retrieve access control information from the network indicative of access control(s) enforced in controlling access by the activated virtual adapter to network component(s). The initiating provides indication(s) to the physical adapter, absent involvement of the guest, that the request(s) be sent by the virtual adapter. Based on the initiating, the control component obtains the access control information from the physical adapter, and determines, based on that information, the access control(s) being enforced by the network in controlling access by the activated virtual adapter to the network component(s).
US09374323B2
A method for bridging communication between a plurality of Virtual eXtensible Local Area Network (VXLAN) networks, wherein the method comprises joining the VXLAN networks, obtaining a forwarding entry table that associates a plurality of endpoints with a plurality of VXLAN tunnel endpoints (VTEPs) within the VXLAN networks, receiving a VXLAN encapsulated data packet from one of the VXLAN networks, and transmitting the VXLAN encapsulated data packet using the forwarding entry table to a different VXLAN network.
US09374317B2
One or more devices, including one or more virtual elements associated with a virtual transmission system that emulates one or more physical devices of a physical transmission system, may receive provisioning information for a client device; provision the client device to prepare the client device to receive or transmit a data flow via the one or more virtual elements based on the provisioning information; receive the data flow; and transmit the data flow from the client device or to the client device via the one or more virtual elements based on provisioning the client device. The data flow may be transmitted or received via the one or more virtual elements to circumvent one or more gateways of the physical transmission system.
US09374314B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for balancing loads between two physical resources. During operation, for each physical resource, the system establishes resource-usage models for a plurality of jobs that share the physical resource, identifies quality-of-service (QoS) levels associated with the jobs, and computes a QoS balance point for the physical resource based on the resource-usage models and the QoS ratings. The QoS balance point indicates a rating of QoS, above which substantial resource provisioning is required. In response to detecting a difference between a first QoS balance point associated with a first physical resource and a second QoS balance point associated with a second physical resource, the system identifies one or more jobs to be moved between the first and second physical resources such that the difference between the first and the second QoS balance points is reduced.
US09374312B2
A method and system for managing traffic in a network. Label switch paths are identified. Each label switch path begins at a first provider edge and ends at a second provider edge. For each label switch path, logical paths are identified. Most recent data received from the first provider edge is transmitted to the second provider edge via a selected logical path.
US09374309B2
A method of operating a content distribution system with a server controlled routing mechanism is disclosed. The method includes: collecting prefix entries from an autonomous system; receiving a content request to send a particular digital content to a prefix; generating, at a host server, an opaque label based on the autonomous system for an Internet protocol (IP) packet of the digital content when the prefix is listed in the prefix entries collected from the autonomous systems; and forwarding the IP packet out of an egress interface of a network equipment, the egress interface associated with the opaque label.
US09374307B2
At present some situations occur where a policy control at individual user level is not enough. For example, where a plurality of users surpasses a load limit in a certain location area, which could imply a risk of network congestion, policy control decisions in conventional architectures have to be made by submitting corresponding orders for each user affected by the decision, thus resulting in a higher signalling and processing load. To overcome these drawbacks, the present specification provides for new network entities and method to monitor and control a plurality of users, as dynamically determined according to different selection criteria, in order to compile users-related aggregated reports, to establish dynamic group of users whom specific policy control rules can be applied, and to map orders and information between group and user level.
US09374306B1
Methods and systems are provided for using packet-transport metrics for setting DRCLocks. In an embodiment, an access node provides packet-data service to access terminals, which comprises (a) providing wireless service over an air interface in a wireless coverage area and (b) providing transport service over a packet-data network. The access node measures, over at least the packet-data network, each packet-transport metric in a set of one or more packet-transport metrics. The access node sets a DRCLock for at least one of the access terminals based at least in part on the one or more measured packet-transport metrics.
US09374289B2
A system comprising: one or more server devices to: set a first network threshold level for determining network congestion in a network; set rate limiting criteria for determining when one or more subscribers will be rate limited; detect an increase in network congestion at a base station above the first network threshold level; identify one or more subscribers meeting one or more of the rate limiting criteria; rate limit network traffic associated with the one or more subscribers; detect a decrease in network congestion at the base station below a second network threshold level; and remove the rate limiting of the network traffic associated with the one or more subscribers.
US09374287B2
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method and system for processing data such as a stream of tuples. One embodiment is directed toward a method for managing a stream of tuples. The method can include receiving the stream of tuples to be processed by a plurality of stream operators operating on one or more computer processors. The method can include routing the stream of tuples to a plurality of output ports, the output ports each communicate with a processing branch. The method can include receiving performance data of the stream of tuples from a measuring stream operator that measures the processing branch. The method can include determining weights to assign to each output port based on the performance data. The method can also include modifying the routing of the stream of tuples through the plurality of output ports as a function of the weight of each output port.
US09374286B2
Network DNA may be determined for a computer network that taxonomically classifies the computer network. Network DNA may include derived network DNA components and raw network DNA components. Raw network DNA components may be acquired from local or remote sources. Derived network DNA components may be generated according to derived network DNA component specifications. Derived network DNA component specifications may reference raw network DNA components. Network DNA determined for the computer network may include a network species component capable of indicating network species classifications for computer networks. Network species classifications may include enterprise network, home network and public place network. Network species classifications may be determined as a function of network security, network management and network addressing. One or more network DNA stores may be configured to store network DNA for computer networks. Network DNA stores may store network DNA history as well as current network DNA.
US09374282B2
A method for measuring quality of packetized audio and video transmission over a transmission chain includes: providing one or more measurement detectors along the transmission chain; detecting, by the one or more measurement detectors, loss of bit stream packets at one or more measurement points; determining the unique identifier for each detected lost packet; sending, by the one or more measurement detectors, a list of lost packet identifiers to a central monitoring system; constructing, by the central monitoring system, a simulated stream for each measurement point based on a stored error-free stream and the received lost packet identifiers; and evaluating the simulated stream for deriving a quality score for each measurement point.
US09374276B2
Embodiments include determining attributes of a property using an incubation pool. An incubation period is identified based on estimated attributes for the property, and based on rules that define a minimum and a maximum incubation time. The property is added to the incubation pool, and load and patterns for the property are analyzed. A load size and/or a traffic type for the property is identified based on the incubation. Embodiments also include offloading traffic within a CDN. A load balancer agent determines that traffic at an edge data center should be offloaded to the other edge data centers. The load balancer agent sends a request, including a determined priority level. The load balancer agent receives one or more replies indicating that resources are available for use. The load balancer agent sorts the replies and offloads traffic to at least one edge data center.
US09374275B2
An online content management system enables rapid application development by an application developer using an application development system to create a content application configured to execute on a client device. A designated folder on the application development system is designated for sharing with the client device. Configuration data containing parameters for controlling the operation of the content application is stored in the designated folder. The content application on the client device reads the configuration data from the designated location and applies the parameters on execution and thereafter. When the configuration data is modified on the application development system, the modified data is synchronized by the content management system to the client device. The content application on the client device reads the modified configuration data and applies the modified parameters during execution.
US09374272B2
A data processing apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive an input of user information, a determining unit configured to determine a destination corresponding to the user information, a preparing unit configured to prepare a computer program for enabling an information terminal device to which the computer program is installed to use a data processing function provided by the data processing apparatus and configuration information related to the data processing function, and a transmitting unit configured to transmit instruction information giving an instruction as to how the computer program and the configuration information are acquired to the destination thus determined over a network.
US09374270B2
Techniques are described to provide multicast service within a virtual network using a virtual network controller and endpoint replication without requiring multicast support in the underlying network. The virtual network controller is configured to create a multicast tree for endpoint devices of a multicast group in the virtual network at a centralized location instead of in a distributed fashion. The virtual network controller communicates the multicast tree to one or more of the endpoint devices of the multicast group to instruct the endpoint devices to replicate and forward multicast packets to other endpoint devices according to the multicast tree. The replication and forwarding of multicast packets is performed by virtual switches executed on the endpoint devices in the virtual network. No replication is performed within the underlying network. The techniques enable multicast service within a virtual network without requiring multicast support in the underlying network.
US09374266B1
A client may be enrolled in a notification system by receiving a notification instruction for a user to enroll in the notification system, identifying metadata associated with the notification instruction, prompting the user for activation of notifications for the metadata based on the metadata, and enabling the user profile to receive notifications for the metadata when a user elects to receive notifications in response to the prompt.
US09374264B2
Provided are a system and method for transmitting and receiving Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) messages. The system includes user equipment (UE) including an SIP client configured to generate an SIP message, and an external transport configured to receive the SIP message from the SIP client, generate a packet by combining a tunneling header with the received SIP message, and transmit the generated packet to an SIP broker server, and the SIP broker server configured to receive the packet from the external transport in the UE, remove the tunneling header from the packet, and transmit the SIP message from which the tunneling header has been removed to a communication counterpart.
US09374263B2
Techniques for mitigating effects of differing latencies associated with real time data streams in multimedia communication networks. For example, a technique for mitigating a latency differential between a first media path and a second media path, over which a first device and a second device are able to communicate, includes the following steps. A training phase is performed to determine a latency differential between the first media path and the second media path. Prior to the first device switching a media stream, being communicated to the second device, from the first media path to the second media path, the first device synchronizes the media stream based on the determined latency differential such that a latency associated with the switched media stream is made to be substantially consistent with a latency of the second media path.
US09374262B1
The present disclosure, for example, relates to one or more techniques for linearizing a signal in a communications system. An input signal may be obtained at a beginning of a signal path of a radio frequency (RF) communication device. The RF communication device may estimate subsequent distortion of the input signal due to the signal path. The estimated distortion may include estimated phase distortion and estimated amplitude distortion of the input signal. The RF communication device may adjust phase and amplitude within the signal path to compensate for the estimated phase distortion and the estimated amplitude distortion to produce an adjusted signal. The phase within the signal path of the input signal may be adjusted separately from the amplitude within the signal path of the input signal. The RF communication device may generate a linearized signal at an end of the signal path based at least in part on the adjusted signal.
US09374249B2
A communication processor of a receiving apparatus includes a channel matrix calculation unit, a noise power calculation unit, and an interference orthogonalization equalizer. The channel matrix calculation unit calculates a channel matrix of a propagation path based on a reception signal. The noise power calculation unit calculates noise power included in the reception signal. The interference orthogonalization equalizer orthogonalizes an interference signal by equalizing the reception signal by using the channel matrix and the noise power.
US09374244B1
A process is directed to the generation and processing of server identification data by a network computing provider. A client computing device transmits data identifying a server associated with a content source. The identification data can include a digital certificate signed by a third-party certificate authority, a DNS record from a third-party DNS server, etc. The network computing provider comprises one or more physical computing devices for processing the identification data received from any number of client computing devices. The network computing provider can alert the client computing device, content source, or DNS server when erroneous or potentially fraudulent identification data is detected. The network computing provider can also store the identification data and provide content sources and DNS servers with access to the identification data received from client computing devices.
US09374242B2
A system, method, computer program product, and carrier are described for obtaining one or more evaluation parameters in association with a message content destination selection and transmitting at least a tentative-message-content evaluation result from an application of the one or more evaluation parameters to tentative-message-content.
US09374240B2
Described are systems and methods for implementing and operating a Device Abstraction Proxy (DAP). In one embodiment, the DAP includes a communications interface to connect the DAP to one or more access aggregation devices, each having a plurality of physical ports to provide Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) communication services to a plurality of remote DSL terminals via the plurality of physical ports. The DAP may further include a memory and processor to execute a virtual access aggregation device, in which a subset of the plurality of physical ports are allocated and linked to corresponding logical ports. The DAP may further include a global rule-set module to define operational constraints for the DSL communication services, and a management interface to allow at least one broadband access management system to manage the subset of physical ports allocated to the virtual access aggregation device subject to the operational constraints.
US09374238B2
A wireless network apparatus provides a communication connection for a wireless device. The wireless network apparatus comprises a determining module used for outputting a first determining result when the wireless device is joining a multicast group and enables a power-saving mode thereof; a media queue module used for transmitting media information to the wireless device by either a direct-transmission mode or a deferred-transmission mode; and a control module used for controlling the media queue module to disable the deferred-transmission mode and enable the direct-transmission mode to transmit the media information to the wireless device based on the first determining result outputted by the determining module.
US09374236B2
In one embodiment, a first network device is configured to receive from a second network device a site-type attribute of the second network device, and to control establishment of a tunnel between the first network device and the second network device based at least in part on the received site-type attribute. The site-type attribute may be received in the first network device as part of a Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) message transmitted by the second network device to the first network device, and may comprise a Multicast Virtual Private Network (MVPN) site-type attribute indicating whether the second network device is a sender site of the MVPN. Controlling establishment of the tunnel between the first network device and the second network device may comprise preventing setup of the tunnel if the received site-type attribute indicates that the second network device is a sender site of the MVPN.
US09374220B2
The present invention relates to a technique which provides a function of compressed encryption large pieces of plaintext information in a single ciphertext in order to improve a space efficiency of the encryption data which occupies most of a storage space to design an efficient SHE technique which is a base of the FHE technique design. More specifically, the present invention relates to a technique which is designed to improve a structure in which only one bit is encrypted/decrypted in the technique of the prior art to encrypt/decrypt multiple bit information to improve the space efficiency for storing a ciphertext.
US09374218B2
Disclosed are a method for conducting data encryption and decryption using a symmetric cryptography algorithm and a table look-up device. The method comprises: when it is determined that it is required to use S-boxes to look up a table in a symmetric cryptography algorithm, determining all types of S-boxes to be used; for each type of S-box, determining the total number Ni of the type of S-box, and when Ni is larger than 1, determining that the type of S-box meets a multiplexing condition; and when data encryption and decryption are conducted using the symmetric cryptography algorithm, multiplexing at least one type of S-box which meets the multiplexing condition. The present application can reduce the occupation by the symmetric cryptography algorithm of hardware resources under the condition of comparative shortage of hardware resources.
US09374216B2
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product are described. The apparatus generates a receive clock signal for receiving data from a multi-wire open-drain link by determining a transition in a signal received from the multi-wire open-drain link, generating a clock pulse responsive to the transition, delaying the clock pulse by a preconfigured first interval if the transition is in a first direction, and delaying the clock by a preconfigured second interval if the transition is in a second direction. The preconfigured first and/or second intervals are configured based on a rise time and/or a fall time associated with the communication interface and may be calibrated by measuring respective delays associated with clock pulses generated for first and second calibration transitions.
US09374211B2
A method and an apparatus of transmitting scheduling request (SR) in a wireless communication system are provided. The method includes configuring a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) for a SR in a subframe, the subframe comprising a plurality of single carrier-frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) symbols, wherein one SC-FDMA symbol on the PUCCH is punctured and transmitting the SR on the PUCCH in the subframe.
US09374204B2
The present invention provides a transmission method and apparatus for cancelling inter-carrier interference in wireless communication systems. Particular carriers are not used for data transmission but carry weighted data to cancel the ici interference of a first group of interfering sub-carriers onto a second group of victim sub-carriers. The weights are inversely proportional to the frequency offset between the interfering sub-carriers and the victim sub-carriers.
US09374199B2
A method of transmitting data in a communication network is provided, wherein the method includes receiving an error message indicating that a data packet precoded by using a first matrix and transmitted a first time by using a cooperative transmission scheme is not decoded correctly, preparing an recoded data packet by precoding the data packet using a second matrix which is different to the first matrix, and retransmitting the recoded data packet.
US09374197B2
Logic for direct current (DC) estimation of a wireless communication packet. Logic may determine a first DC estimation based upon a first set of sequences in a preamble of the wireless communication packet. Logic may determine a second DC estimation based upon a second set of sequences in the preamble. Logic may select one of the DC estimations based upon a frequency-offset estimation. Logic may remove one of the DC estimations from the packet. Logic to null DC bins that result from a Fourier transform of the packet to mitigate transmitter DC bias. And logic to determine a correction for the packet based upon a difference between a predetermined guard interval value and a received guard interval value and to apply the correction to the packet.
US09374191B2
Outer loop link adaptation for device resumption. A user equipment (UE) and base station (BS) may be in communication in a first network (e.g., an LTE network). Communication between the UE and the BS may be interrupted, e.g., due to a long fading environment, the UE tuning away to a second network (e.g., a CDMA network). Accordingly, the measured error rate may increase dramatically. After resumption from the interruption, a negative offset may be applied to a reported SINR value from the UE due to the previous increase in error rate. Upon improvement in the error rate, a larger, positive offset adjustment may be added to the negative offset, allowing the estimated SINR to return to reported SINR more quickly. Additionally, the error rate estimation may be adjusted to converge to a more recently measured more quickly by decreasing a feedback filter coefficient.
US09374190B2
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for enhancing data exchange between an access point (AP) and station (STA) in a wireless network when the exchange must be interrupted for the AP to perform other services while data remains buffered for later exchange. AP downlinks an indicator that more data remains for exchange together with a request for the STA to enter sleep mode for a duration scheduled by the AP. Sleep duration may be sent in the medium access control (MAC) header of a data frame, with the indicator of more data and the indicator of the sleep mode request being contained in the frame control (FC) segment of the MAC header. The STA may uplink an acknowledgement (ACK) of the sleep mode. Alternatively, the AP may downlink an ACK of the STA's indication of more data confirmation together with sleep mode indication and duration.
US09374185B2
An apparatus includes an AWG demultiplexer having first and second adjacent input ports. The first input port is configured to receive a first WDM data-bearing signal, the second input port is configured to receive a first WDM LO signal. The first and second input ports are located such that individual channels of said WDM data-bearing signal route to a first set of output ports, and individual channels of said WDM LO signal route to a second set of output ports interleaved with the first set.
US09374179B2
A method for supervision of faults in a receiving signal chain of a wireless communication comprises providing (210) of data representing measured received powers in the receiving signal chain at a number of time instances. The method further comprises determining of (220) a noise floor value at a number of time instances based on the data representing measured received powers. A time evolution of the determined noise floor values is registered (230) and any occurrence of a fault in the receiving signal chain is detected (240) based on the registered time evolution. An arrangement for performing supervision of faults in a receiving signal chain is also presented.
US09374173B2
In an example, the present invention includes an integrated system on chip device. The device is configured on a single silicon substrate member. The device has a data input/output interface provided on the substrate member. The device has an input/output block provided on the substrate member and coupled to the data input/output interface. The device has a signal processing block provided on the substrate member and coupled to the input/output block. The device has a driver module provided on the substrate member and coupled to the signal processing block. In an example, the device has a driver interface provided on the substrate member and coupled to the driver module and configured to be coupled to a silicon photonics device. The device also has an interface configured to communicate between the silicon photonics device and the control block.
US09374169B2
An optical communication fiber includes: a fiber body having a tip surface; and a light absorption layer provided to the tip surface of the fiber body, and configured to reduce light transmittance of communication light.
US09374166B2
A fiber optic system includes a transmitter configured to utilize a plurality of modulation formats and a receiver communicatively coupled to the transmitter and configured to utilize a plurality of modulation formats. The transmitter and the receiver are cooperatively configured to set a modulation format of the plurality of modulation formats based upon optical signal-to-noise ratio associated therewith. A flexible bandwidth adaptation method includes monitoring at least one aspect of an optical link at a network element, responsive to the at least one aspect, computing a new modulation scheme for the optical link, and, if a solution is found for the new modulation scheme, changing to the new modulation format.
US09374163B2
An optical waveguide substrate includes: a substrate body in which an optical waveguide is formed; a cable holding part configured to have a cable holding hole into which a signal cable is inserted, the signal cable having one of an incidence part and an emission part that is arranged so as to face the optical waveguide and having a first magnetic part; and a second magnetic part configured to generate a repulsive force in the cable holding hole in association with the first magnetic part.
US09374157B2
A method is provided for detecting movement indicative of intrusion events on optical drop fibers of a network where the individual drop fiber can be identified to locate the event. The method uses a monitor system at the network end and multiplexing the monitor signal along the individual fibers to the respective terminals. At each of the terminals, the monitor signal is returned unchanged or in modified form along the same or different fibers to the network end. At the network end the received monitor signals is analyzed for changes in said monitor signals indicative of movement. Which one or more of the drop fibers has triggered the alarm is determined by modifying the monitor signal in wavelength or polarization, or by applying a modulation at the source and/or at multiplexing and/or at returning so that the monitor signal of one drop fiber has a difference from the monitor signal of another drop fiber.
US09374156B2
A transmitting apparatus, a receiving apparatus, and a communication system are provided that allow a reduction in a frame loss due to interference caused by use of the same channel. A transmitting apparatus disposed in a base station includes a GPS receiver for receiving a GPS signal, a timing generator for controlling respective function blocks in accordance with the GPS signal and an inter-base-station control signal so as to precisely synchronize the timing of frame transmission among base stations, the front-end transmission processing unit including for converting transmission information into transmission time slots, a frame generator for generating a frame including a plurality of time slots and one frame guard, and a back-end transmission processing unit for transmitting the generated frame as a radio signal.
US09374153B2
Methods and apparatus for providing primary transport service discovery information over one or more alternate transports that are not normally associated with the primary transport services. In one embodiment, the primary transport comprises a first wireless interface (e.g., Bluetooth), and the alternate transport comprises a second wireless interface (e.g., WiFi or WiMAX). Service profile information relating to the primary transport is broadcast to other users over the alternate transport in a more efficient and streamlined manner than that available on the primary transport. The other users store this service profile information so that it can be subsequently accessed for service profile discovery of the transmitting device by those other devices, thereby obviating subsequent transfer of the data over any transport (primary or alternate).
US09374144B2
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system, and more specifically, disclosed are a method and an apparatus for virtualizing an antenna. A method for communicating using a virtual antenna of a terminal in the wireless communication system, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises the steps of: configuring one or more virtual antennas according to an antenna virtualization pattern that is determined based on information indicating a movement status of the terminal and/or information indicating a communication status of the terminal; and communicating with the base station by using the one or more virtual antennas, wherein one or more physical antennas that are mapped to the one or more virtual antennas can be determined base on the direction of movement of the terminal.
US09374136B2
An approach is provided for retrieving ordered content via a service endpoint. A radio frequency memory tag is preloaded with content managed by a service platform. A request is generated for content stored on the radio frequency memory tag of an endpoint associated with the service platform. Transmission of the request to the endpoint is initiated. The request for the content is received from a user equipment. Transmission of the content is initiated from the memory tag to the user equipment. The user equipment receives the content from the memory tag in response to the request.
US09374132B2
A DSL transmitter and receiver are disclosed that are capable of accurately measuring crosstalk in G.vector-compliant DSL lines resulting from a legacy line. During crosstalk measurement, the legacy line can be placed in a showtime mode. Once in showtime mode, a data signal designated for the legacy line is reduced in power spectrum density and/or spectrum to reduce its effects on crosstalk measurements. An O-P-Vector-1 signal is then superposed on the reduced data signal, and the resulting test signal is transmitted over the legacy line while sync signals are transmitted over neighboring G.vector lines. The receiver can then accurately measure the crosstalk on the neighboring lines, and report back to the transceiver for adjustments. A similar configuration can be performed in a diagnostic mode of the legacy line.
US09374127B2
An apparatus comprises a tunable duplexer configured to output a transmission signal to be wirelessly transmitted from the apparatus at a transmission frequency, and configured to input a reception signal wirelessly received by the apparatus at a reception frequency, a tuning device connected to the tunable duplexer, configured to control a balance between impedances of an antenna port and of a balance port of the tunable duplexer, a transmitting device configured to, during a predetermined time period, wirelessly transmit a specific transmission signal for calibration of the tunable duplexer, a receiving device configured to, during the predetermined time period, wirelessly receive the specific transmission signal transmitted by the transmitting device, and a measuring device configured to, during the predetermined time period, measure the power of the specific transmission signal received by the receiving device. The tuning device controls the balance based on the measured power of the specific transmission signal.
US09374123B2
The present invention relates to a circuit assembly which comprises an antenna path (A1), which can be connected to a first antenna (ANT1), a transmission path (TX1), a reception path (RX1), a duplexer (DPX1), operating with acoustic waves, which connects the transmission and reception paths (TX1, RX1) in each case to the antenna path (A1), and means for suppressing an interference signal.
US09374116B2
A modulated signal is demodulated to obtain a modulation signal. The modulated signal is contained within an input signal. A periodic time segment sequence is defined having a plurality of ordered time segments. Signal values are acquired, from the input signal, during each ordered time segment. Signal values acquired during each ordered time segment are combined with signal values acquired during the same ordered time segment over multiple periods of the periodic time segment sequence. The modulated signal is demodulated by executing mathematical steps on the combined signal values to obtain the modulation signal.
US09374112B2
A digital pre-distortion component includes: a first capturing component that captures a first sample set of data; a first generating component that generates a first change matrix associated with a portion of the first sample set of data; a first memory component that stores the first change matrix; a second capturing component that captures a second sample set of data; a second generating component that generates a second change matrix associated with a portion of the second sample set of data; a second memory component that stores the second change matrix; a third capturing component that captures a third sample set of data; a third generating component that generates a third change matrix associated with a portion of the third sample set of data; a comparing component that compares the third change matrix with the first change matrix to obtain a first comparison, and compares the third change matrix with the second change matrix to obtain a second comparison; and an adapting component that adapts the digital pre-distortion component with the third sample set of data based on one of the first comparison and the second comparison.
US09374109B2
A quadratic permutation polynomial (QPP) interleaver is described for turbo coding and decoding. The QPP interleaver has the form: Π(n)=ƒ1n−ƒ2n2 mod K, where the QPP coefficients ƒ1 and ƒ2 are designed to provide good error performance for a given block length K.
US09374107B1
An LDPC decoder includes a check node processor. The check node processor is configured to implement an n-degree check node, where n is a predetermined number. The degree of a check node is the number of edges coupled to the check node. The LDPC decoder also includes a plurality of n time division multiplexers coupled to the check node processor to couple different edge connection input values to the check node processor at different times so as to allow the check node processor to be time division multiplexed for use in implementing different check nodes with the same check node processor. Each of the multiplexers is configured to provide no more than one edge connection input value to the check node processor at any given time. Each edge connection is used to implement an edge into a check node.
US09374099B2
An oscillating signal generator includes: a controllable oscillator arranged to output an oscillating signal according to a control signal and a band adjusting signal; a control circuit arranged to generate a continuous signal having a specific slew-rate when the control signal reaches a boundary of a control signal interval; and a current mirror arranged to generate the band adjusting signal according to at least the continuous signal.
US09374096B2
A semiconductor apparatus includes a clock division block suitable for generating a first internal clock and a second internal clock having a first phase difference at which active sections of the first internal clock and the second internal clock overlap with each other by dividing a phase of a source clock at a predetermined rate, and a phase detection block suitable for outputting detection result information generated by combining a result obtained by detecting a phase of the first internal clock at a predetermined edge of a strobe signal and a result obtained by detecting a phase of the second internal clock at the predetermined edge of the strobe signal.
US09374086B2
A method of electrically coupling a first node and a second node of a switch cell includes biasing the second node and a bias node of the switch cell at a direct current (DC) voltage level of a second voltage level greater than a first voltage level. A first switch unit coupled between the first node and the second node is tuned on by a first control signal having a third voltage level. The third voltage level being greater than the first voltage level, and a difference between the third voltage level and the first voltage level is about twice a difference between the second voltage level and the first voltage level. Also, a second switch unit coupled between the second node and the bias node is turned off by a second control signal having the first voltage level.
US09374084B2
Methods, systems, circuits, and devices for power-packet-switching power converters using bidirectional bipolar transistors (BTRANs) for switching. Four-terminal three-layer BTRANs provide substantially identical operation in either direction with forward voltages of less than a diode drop. BTRANs are fully symmetric merged double-base bidirectional bipolar opposite-faced devices which operate under conditions of high non-equilibrium carrier concentration, and which can have surprising synergies when used as bidirectional switches for power-packet-switching power converters. BTRANs are driven into a state of high carrier concentration, making the on-state voltage drop very low.
US09374083B2
The switching current control circuit includes a switching pulse supply circuit, a comparator circuit, and analog circuit unit, a digital circuit unit, etc. The A/D converter (2) detects a load current in an ON period of a switching pulse as a detected current, and converts it into digital data. The arithmetic control circuit (3) calculates a lower limit of the detected current for providing a timing of switching from OFF to ON of the switching pulse, based on the converted data. Continuation/discontinuous modes are determined whether the lower limit is equal to or greater than 0.
US09374079B2
A level jump reset IC design circuit is provided, comprising a reset IC, a reset circuit, and a switching circuit. The reset circuit and the switching circuit both are connected to signal input pins of the reset IC. The level jump reset IC design circuit can make mobile phones effectively realize reset shutdown and restart, and make the mobile phones enter a Recovery model. Reset pulse time can be set by a user according to requirements, so that the user can distinguish two different operations of reset shutdown and restart. When the model phones enter the Recovery model, the switching circuit deactivates the reset circuit, so the mobile phones can enter the Recovery mode normally and effectively.
US09374077B2
There is provided a semiconductor device capable of preventing the passage of current that is unexpected in a circuit operation even in the case of reverse connection, thus ensuring higher safety. The semiconductor device has a switch circuit which includes: a first transistor; a second transistor having a drain thereof connected to a drain of the first transistor, a source and a back gate thereof connected to a back gate of the first transistor, and a gate thereof connected to a source of the first transistor; and a third transistor having a drain thereof connected to the source of the first transistor, a source and a back gate thereof connected to the back gate of the first transistor, and a gate thereof connected to the drain of the first transistor.
US09374074B2
The highest voltage of a power supply voltage, a ground potential, and a signal voltage is output as a selection voltage from a terminal on the output side. In this case, terminals on the input side and the terminal on the output side are connected to each other through MOS transistors in the ON state. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a voltage drop due to a parasitic diode of each MOS transistor.
US09374068B2
A circuit system having at least two inverter modules connected in parallel, each of which includes an inverter circuit having power semiconductor circuit breakers and a gate driver circuit for controlling the power semiconductor circuit breakers; the gate driver circuit of a first inverter module includes a signal transmission circuit via which a control signal is transmittable from a low-voltage side to a high-voltage side, and a first driver output terminal which is electrically connected to the first driver input terminals of the gate driver circuits of the inverter modules connected in parallel, and via which the high-voltage side control signal or a control signal deduced therefrom is transmittable to the gate driver circuits of the inverter modules connected in parallel. The power semiconductor circuit breakers of the inverter circuits of the inverter modules, connected in parallel to the first inverter module, are controlled based on the transmitted control signal.
US09374059B1
An acoustic resonator comprising a substantially horizontal membrane of piezoelectric material with upper and lower metal electrodes on its upper and lower faces, said membrane being attached around its perimeter to the inner side walls of a rectangular interconnect frame by an attaching polymer, the side walls of the package frame being substantially perpendicular to the membrane and comprising conducting vias within a dielectric matrix, the conducting vias running substantially vertically within the side walls, the metal electrodes being conductively coupled to the metal vias by a feature layer over the upper surface of the membrane and top and bottom lids coupled to top and bottom ends of the interconnect frame to seal the acoustic resonator from its surroundings.
US09374055B2
A hybrid, translinear amplifier has at least one gain stage including first and second gain transistors, at least a first load transistor electrically coupled to the first gain transistor and at least a second load transistor electrically coupled to the second gain transistor, and load resistors electrically coupled to the load transistors. A hybrid, translinear amplifier with selectable gain has a first hybrid, translinear amplifier cell having at least first and second load transistors, each load transistor having a load resistor, at least one additional hybrid, translinear amplifier cell having at least third, fourth, fifth and sixth load transistors, each load transistor having a load resistor, at least two switches electrically coupled to the amplifier cells to allow selection of one of the amplifier cells, and a differential output signal having a gain corresponding to a selected amplifier cell.
US09374052B1
A method, system and apparatus for voice coil protection using damping are provided. At a device and/or a system comprising: a processor; a sound transducer comprising a voice coil; a power supply; an amplifier in communication with the voice coil; and a circuit configured to apply an electromotive force (“EMF”) to the voice coil under control of the processor, the amplifier is placed into a standby state. When the amplifier is in the standby state, the circuit is controlled to apply the EMF to the voice coil using the power supply so that the voice coil has restricted excursion.
US09374051B2
Embodiments of circuits for use with an amplifier that includes multiple amplifier paths include a first circuit and a second circuit in parallel with the first circuit. The first circuit includes a first input coupled to a first power divider output, a first output coupled to a first amplifier path of the multiple amplifier paths, and a first adjustable phase shifter and a first attenuator series coupled between the first input and the first output. The second circuit includes a second input coupled to a second power divider output, a second output coupled to a second amplifier path of the multiple amplifier paths, and a second adjustable phase shifter coupled between the second input and the second output.
US09374050B1
A differential amplifier may, when connected to a positive or negative supply voltage and to a ground voltage, provide a differential pair of outputs signals at a differential output that are an amplification of a differential pair of input signals at a differential input. A differential input stage may receive the differential pair of input signals from the differential input and may include a first transistor associated with one of the input signals and a second transistor associated with the other input signal. A differential output stage may generate the differential pair of output signals at the differential output and may include a third transistor associated with one of the output signals and a fourth transistor associated with the other output signal. The first, second, third, and fourth transistors may be all P type or all N type. The differential pair of output signals may have a common mode that is: near the ground voltage when the first, second, third, and fourth transistors are all N type and the supply voltage is positive with respect to the ground voltage; near the supply voltage when the first, second, third, and fourth transistors are all P type and the supply voltage is positive with respect to the ground voltage; near the ground voltage when the first, second, third, and fourth transistors are all P type and the supply voltage is negative with respect to the ground voltage; or near the supply voltage when the first, second, third, and fourth transistors are all N type and the supply voltage is negative with respect to the ground voltage.
US09374038B2
A phase frequency detector circuit includes an edge detector circuit, a plurality of phase frequency detector sub-circuits, and a decision circuit. The edge detector circuit is configured to receive a first input signal and a second input signal. The decision circuit is configured to detect whether a blind condition exits based on outputs of the edge detector circuit and outputs of the plurality of phase frequency detector sub-circuits. Responsive to a result of the decision circuit, a corresponding frequency detector sub-circuit of the plurality of phase frequency detector sub-circuit is configured to provide signals for use in determining a phase difference between the first input signal and the second input signal.
US09374037B2
An apparatus having a substrate with an inductor, a first die and a second die is disclosed. The first die may be (i) mounted on the substrate, (ii) configured to vary a frequency of a signal in the inductor, and (iii) fabricated with multiple first masks. The second die may be (i) mounted on the substrate, (ii) configured to excite the signal, and (iii) fabricated with multiple second masks. A particular one of the first masks generally has several designs that customize the first die to several configurations respectively. A particular one of the second masks may have several designs that customize the second die to several configurations respectively. The first die, the second die and the inductor may form a voltage-controlled oscillator. A selected first design and a selected second design generally establish multiple performances of the voltage-controlled oscillator.
US09374027B2
A rotor position determination and tracking system for a dynamo electric machine includes a first AC power supply to inject a carrier wave into a main stator of the dynamoelectric machine and a second AC power supply to inject an excitation voltage or current into an exciter stator of the dynamoelectric machine. A plurality of current sensors and voltage sensors located at the exciter input lines sense current and voltage thereat. A first control logic receives the sensed current and voltage and outputs an estimated rotor position. A second control logic receives an estimated exciter field voltage or current rotating wave form angle and filtered sensed current or voltage signals from the first control logic and utilizes a known main stator carrier frequency to determine the rotor position. The rotor position is input into the first control logic to calibrate the first control logic for tracking of the true rotor position.
US09374012B2
There is provided a power supply including a direct current (DC) to DC converter supplying main power to a load, and a sub converter connected to the DC to DC converter and reducing output loss, wherein the sub converter is operable based on a hold-up time.
US09374006B2
A driver circuit includes three non-contiguous high-voltage wells formed within a low-voltage monolithic silicon substrate; a high-side driver circuit fabricated within each of the wells; a separate logic input path for each of the high-side driver circuits, each input path comprising a logic signal input terminal, a signal amplifier, a noise filter, a pulse generator, and a high-voltage level shifter; an output terminal for each driver circuit, each output terminal coupled to its associated driver circuit output through a separate mask-configurable, variable-value output resistor bank, which reduces the number of external components needed for driver circuitry; a startup circuit which prevents operation of an associated high-side switch during periods of line voltage instability; and embedded capacitor banks, each of which is in close proximity to a high-side switch, for reducing capacitive, resistive and inductance losses associated with long metal lines.
US09374002B2
The present invention related to a switch control circuit, a coupled inductor boost converter including the same, and a driving method thereof. The coupled inductor boost converter includes a first inductor connected between an input voltage and a first node, a second inductor connected between the first node and a second node, and a power switch connected between the first node and a ground, and a switch control circuit. The switch control circuit receives a voltage of the second node and turn on the power switch by using the voltage of the second node at a time when a voltage of the first node becomes a zero voltage.
US09373999B2
A connection switch control part that, within a voltage change period where an applied voltage to an inverter can be changed by repeatedly and alternately switching to a serial state where a first power supply and a second power supply are connected in series to the inverter and to a parallel state where the first power supply and the second power supply are connected in parallel to the inverter, provides: a first period during which current of either one of the first power supply and the second power supply changes with an increasing trend, and current of the other one changes with a decreasing trend; and a second period during which current of one of the power supplies changes with a decreasing trend and current of the other power supply changes with an increasing trend.
US09373998B2
A power conversion device has a power module that switches the ON/OFF state of a switching element and converts and outputs input power, a metal housing that houses the power module, and a conductive member connected to the housing. The conductive member is connected to the housing at a position having a length of nλ/4 from the open end. More specifically, “n” is an odd number of 1 or greater, “λ” is the wavelength of noise generated by switching the switching element ON or OFF.
US09373997B1
A power converting apparatus with dynamical driving adjustment includes a rectifying unit, a power factor correction unit, a power conversion unit and a feedback unit. The rectifying unit rectifies an AC input power to generate and transfer a DC power to the power factor correction unit for performing power factor correction. A power factor correction power is generated and transferred to the power conversion unit. The feedback unit is electrically connected to the power conversion unit to form a closed control loop. A PWM driving controller of the power conversion unit performs an adjustment process to control a switching transistor based on a feedback signal from the feedback unit, and the power conversion unit converts the power factor correction power into an output power supplied to an external load. Thus, the margin for electromagnetic interference is increased, and both switching loss and conduction loss are considerably reduced.
US09373992B2
According to one embodiment, a rotor is configured by a rotor core and magnetic poles. Two or more types of permanent magnets are used such that each product of coercivity and thickness in the magnetization direction becomes different. A stator is located outside the rotor with air gap therebetween and configured by an armature core winding. At least one permanent magnet is magnetized by a magnetic field by a current of the armature winding to change a magnetic flux content thereof irreversibly. A short circuited coil is provided to surround a magnetic path portion of the other permanent magnet excluding the magnet changed irreversibly and a portion adjacent to the other permanent magnet where the magnetic flux leaks. A short-circuit current is generated in the short circuited coil by the magnetic flux generated by conducting a magnetization current to the winding. A magnetic field is generated by the short-circuit current.
US09373980B2
In a power protection and distribution assembly a trip system monitors electrical current and sends a current status signal to an arc flash protection system indicating whether current characteristic of an arc event is detected. The arc flash protection system evaluates this current status signal along with a light status signal indicating whether light characteristic of an arc event has been detected. Based on this evaluation, the arc flash protection system sends a control signal to the trip system for controlling the trip system to trip a breaker. The systems each include a full-duplex signaling module for sending the signals between the systems over a pair of conductors. Each signaling module sends one of the signals by modulating the magnitude of a current through or a voltage across the conductors, and receives the other signal by demodulating the magnitude of the current through or the voltage across the conductors, as distinctively modulated by the other signaling module.
US09373979B2
Systems and methods of operating uninterruptible power supplies in parallel in a power distribution system to provide power to a load are provided. At least one uninterruptible power supply inverter provides power to the load. A communication interface provides a measured value of at least one of inverter output current of a first uninterruptible power supply and a measured value of the load current to a second uninterruptible power supply, and receives a measured value of at least one of inverter output current of the second uninterruptible power supply and the load current. A controller controls the uninterruptible power supplies to operate in one of a master state and a slave state. In the master state the uninterruptible power supply is configured to control the voltage to the load, and in the slave state the uninterruptible power supply is configured to determine a reference output current value based at least in part on at least one of the measured value of inverter output current of the second uninterruptible power supply and the measured value of the load current. The uninterruptible power supply in the slave state drives its inverter output current toward the reference output current value to provide its share of the load current.
US09373974B2
A portable device recharging system includes a base unit generating an electromagnetic field. A portable device includes a rechargeable battery inductively charged by the electromagnetic field. Spacers are disposed between the portable device and the base unit. The spacers support the portable device and maintain an air gap between the base unit and the portable device.
US09373968B2
In a charging control device, a determining unit individually determines whether a charging path and a vehicle are in a connected state or non-connected state based on a current value detected by a current detecting means. The state of connection with the vehicle is detected not by an exclusive sensor as it is done in the prior art but by using a current detection result by the current detecting means. Hence the cost for detecting the state of connection with the vehicle can be reduced.
US09373967B1
A system and method for storing, charging and monitoring one or more handheld electronic devices. A cabinet structure is provided that defines compartments. The cabinet structure supports a power supply, a controller, an interface, a camera, and alarms. Cables lead from each of the compartments to the power supply. The cables are terminated in the compartments with a variety of connector heads. The system is operated by a user utilizing an interface and a systems controller. When a user places a handheld electronic device in a compartment and connects that device to the appropriate connector head, a power connection is made. Furthermore, the controller assigns a unique access code to that connection. Should a person undue the connection without first entering the proper access code into said interface, then the camera and alarms are activated.
US09373957B2
Systems and methods for power balancing in power distribution networks are disclosed herein. According to an aspect, a method may be implemented at a power manager in a power distribution network including multiple computing devices. The method may include receiving vital product data associated with the computing devices. The method may also include predicting, based on the vital product data, occurrences of unbalanced power in the power distribution system upon distribution of power to the computing devices. Further, the method may include controlling application of power to the computing devices, prior to distributing power in the power distribution system, based on the predicted occurrences such that power distribution to the power distribution system is substantially balanced.
US09373949B2
A protection case for protecting an electronic device includes a cover body shaped to receive and hold to the electronic device. A cable winding apparatus is arranged adjacent the cover body and includes a wheel rotatably arranged adjacent the cover body, and a pivot protruding from a center of the wheel and configured to wind a cable of an earphone. A through hole is arranged on a side wall of the pivot and configured to permit a first end of the earphone, which connects to a jack, to pass through.
US09373947B2
A grounding system in which can be adapted for both horizontal or vertical configurations. The system can directly attach to a structure or can create an alternative grounding path depending on the components chosen. Additionally, various mounting clamps can be utilized depending on the structure.
US09373946B2
The present invention relates to a busbar adapter having a lower deck and an upper deck that can be interconnected releasably. The deck elements comprise projections and openings that can be brought into engagement with each other, the busbar adapter further comprises a locking device.
US09373940B2
A spark plug having an insulator with a through hole formed therein in a direction of an axis, a center electrode disposed in a front side of the through hole, a metal terminal disposed in a rear side of the through hole, an electrical connection part arranged in the through hole to establish electrical connection between the center electrode and the metal terminal and a metal shell holding therein the insulator. The electrical connection part has a conductor including a conductive material and at least one kind of Fe-containing oxide material. The Fe-containing oxide material contains at least FeO. The conductor satisfies a relationship of 0.06≦S1/(S1+S2)≦0.46 where, in a cross section taken along the axis, S1 is an area occupied by the conductive material and S2 is an area occupied by the Fe-containing oxide material.
US09373936B1
An optical apparatus includes a gain block operable to produce output light at an output wavelength in response to pumping and a resonant grating optically coupled to the gain block and situated to couple the output light at the output wavelength into the gain block and reflect the output light at the output wavelength along an output axis. A method of making a surface emitting laser includes depositing a gain region having one or more quantum wells on a semiconductor substrate, forming a metallic resonant diffraction grating adjacent the gain region, and coupling the gain region and the resonant grating to a thermally conductive substrate.
US09373933B2
An optical wavelength sweeping apparatus having a laser diode with an active region, and a coupled pulse generator is disclosed. The pulse generator is configured and operable to provide current drive pulses of relatively short duration and high amplitude to the laser diode to selectively and rapidly heat the active region and the immediate vicinity and produce a rapid wavelength sweep of emitted optical radiation. Methods of driving a laser diode, and measurement systems are disclosed, as are other aspects.
US09373931B2
The methods and materials described herein contemplate the use films of colloidal quantum dots as a gain medium in a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser. The present disclosure demonstrates a laser with single-exciton gain in the red, green, and blue wavelengths. Leveraging this nanocomposite gain, the results realize a significant step toward full-color single-material lasers.
US09373930B2
A current Ii supplied to a pumping light source 20 is detected and time-averaged with a predetermined time constant to calculate a time-averaged current Iav. An optical output power Pi outputted from an amplifying optical fiber 12 is detected and time-averaged with the predetermined time constant to calculate a time-averaged optical output power Pav. A reference optical output power Pr and a reference current Ir supplied to the pumping light source 20 when the reference optical output power Pr is outputted from an optical fiber laser apparatus 1 are used to calculate an optical output power expectation value Pex=Iav×Pr/Ir. The time-averaged optical output power Pav and the optical output power expectation value Pex are compared with each other to determine a decrease of an optical output power of the optical amplifier apparatus 1 based on the comparison result.
US09373925B2
A copper sheet is adjusted to have arithmetic mean roughness Ra of from 0.5 μm to 4.0 μm in a direction parallel to a sliding direction upon connection, mean projection-depression interval of from 0.01 mm to 0.3 mm in the direction, skewness of less than 0, and protrusion peak portion height of 1 μm or less. A Sn surface coating layer group X as a plurality of parallel lines is included, and a Cu—Sn alloy coating layer is adjacent to each side of each Sn coating layer. Maximum height roughness is 10 μm or less in a direction of part insertion. The sheet is surface-roughened by pressing when stamped, thereby forming depressions as a plurality of parallel lines in its surface. The sheet is then plated with Cu and Sn, followed by reflowing.
