US09480906B1
Provided is a water raceway device comprising a tub and a raceway insert. The tub is adapted to contain water to a functional depth, is open at the top, and is bounded by a set of side walls and a set of end walls. The raceway insert has a pair of dividers each having a first end, and a base. The base is engaged with the first ends of the dividers, has supports adapted for supporting the base on the tub, has a pair of slots elongated to define a forward direction and a rearward direction, each slot having slidably engaged therewith a handle, the handle having a paddle pivotably mounted thereon, and wherein each paddle can be moved in the forward direction or in the rearward direction. The dividers and the side walls define within the tub, wave sluices and a current sluice.
US09480895B2
A launching device comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end, a head coupled to the first end of the shaft and a handle coupled to the second end of the shaft. The head comprises a cavity and a launch ramp curved both upwardly and outwardly from the cavity, wherein a distal portion of the launch ramp extends outwardly beyond the cavity in a forward launching direction. An angle is defined by the longitudinal grip axis and the distal portion of the launch ramp to direct a projectile disposed in the cavity in the forward launching direction.
US09480891B2
A metal shaft includes a hollow tube made of metal, capable of having hardness varying in a longitudinal direction of the metal shaft while preventing increase in the number of variations on a shape of the metal shaft. The tube has a hardness pattern exhibited by hardness of the tube varying in a longitudinal direction of the tube according to Young's modulus or tensile strength of the metal varying in the longitudinal direction.
US09480883B2
Methods for evaluating and providing selections of recommended golf balls, golf ball constructions, and configurations of golf ball construction components are provided. Such methods may involve obtaining or measuring spin measurements for a plurality of golf clubs for each of a plurality of golf balls. A linear relationship may be used to determine a spin slope for each golf ball on the basis of the set of spin measurements associated with that golf ball. In turn, a selection of a recommended golf ball, golf ball construction, or configuration of a ball construction component may be made based upon which golf ball has the larger spin slope.
US09480879B1
A bowling ball wherein one or more sacrificial molds are encapsulated in said bowling ball and methods for manufacturing same.
US09480878B2
An apparatus is disclosed for enabling an operator to exercise comprising a frame having a body, a base and a top. A load is positioned on the frame for providing a resistive force. A press is positioned on the frame for displacement by the operator. A linkage joins the load with the press for displacing the load upon displacement of the press by the operator. An arm extends between a support end and a user end. A support pivot secures the support end of the arm to the top of the frame for pivoting the arm about the frame. A user interface inputs and outputs data. A user pivot securing the user interface to the user end of the arm for pivoting the user interface about the arm.
US09480876B1
An adjustable, customizable device for use in physical therapy and/or strength training. The device may have a rail; a handle; a weight, where the weight may be adjustably positioned along the rail and held in place against the rail via an attachment device; and a stop located on the rail adjacent the handle, such that the stop prevents the weight from coming into contact with the handle. When the device is held by the handle, the weight provides increased force the further the weight is located from the handle due to the cantilevered nature of the device. Thus, the amount of force used in various exercises can be adjusted by moving the weight along the rail, either between different types of exercises or as the user's strength increases. Different sizes and shapes of handles may be utilized to accommodate the user's hand size and exercise goals.
US09480870B2
A support apparatus for use during plyometric exercise. The apparatus includes a resilient body having a cuboid shape. A flexible cover is provided that surrounds the body. The cuboid body has a height, width and depth which are all of different lengths to each other such that the apparatus may be arranged in three different orientations in which an uppermost face defines a landing platform of three different heights. The body includes a foam core and a shock absorbing layer located at and bonded to the outer surface of the core that surrounds and encapsulates the core. The shock absorbing layer is formed of a foam material having a density greater than the foam core and is located at all six sides of the apparatus such that an intermediate layer is located at the upper face of the apparatus to define a landing platform whatever the orientation of the apparatus.
US09480868B2
A fire-fighting device includes an extinguishing device arranged on an end region of a cantilever arm and is adjustable in at least one spatial direction. A penetration fixture is adjustable relative to the extinguishing device and has a double-acting pressure cylinder subjectable to pressure by a pressure medium from a hydraulic system via at least one control valve. The cylinder has a tubular continuous piston rod having a penetration tool on a protruding end having a through-hole and a nozzle head. At another end, the piston rod is connected in line with a supply mechanism for an extinguishing medium. Pressure accumulator elements are in fluid communication with a pressure chamber of the pressure cylinder for extending the penetration tool and with a return line for the pressure medium from another pressure chamber for retracting the penetration tool.
US09480864B2
The present invention relates to a cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical active component for stimulating proteasome activity of skin cells comprising the broth obtained by inoculating a biomass of the algae, Gracilaria spp., particularly the algae, Gracilaria tikvahiae, with a yeast culture, and allowing fermentation of the biomass to produce a fermentation broth. Also described is a cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical active component for stimulating proteasome activity of skin cells comprising an extract of the algae, Gracilaria tikvahiae. The present invention also relates to topical compositions comprising as a cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical active component a ferment of the algae, Gracilaria spp., particularly the algae, Gracilaria tikvahiae, or an extract of the algae, Gracilaria tikvahiae, or a combination of both.
US09480859B2
This is a new technique of producing high energy X-rays for radiation therapy at a patient's level. The dose delivery system uses a linear accelerator with no flattening filter. The technique improves patient radiation therapy by reducing radiation scattered to surrounding normal tissue and reducing electron contamination. It increases dose rate to shorten treatment time. The flattening filter reduces the efficiency of the beam by reducing the fluence and increasing scattered radiation. This technique involves removal of the flattening filter. It uses inverse planning to shape the dose distribution.
US09480852B2
External cardiac defibrillators that include automatic or semi-automatic self-contained defibrillators to be used by non-health professionals (physicians, nurses and other specifically trained persons). A power subassembly in an automatic or semi-automatic cardiac defibrillator system which, associated with a computer device, is capable of diagnosing a patient's condition by performing a simplified electrocardiogram, transmitting the data to the electronic device and supplying, controlled by this device, electric shocks to the patient, and also providing or contributing to further ancillary defibrillation functions.
US09480847B2
An external data retrieval apparatus includes a transceiver, and a processing system coupled to the transceiver. The processing system obtains a plurality of measures over a period of time. The measures relate to a quality of a communications channel between the data retrieval apparatus and an active implantable medical device. The processing system determines a trend in the plurality of measures over the period of time, and then determines a preferred time during which to retrieve data based on the trend.
US09480845B2
A wearable medical device system having an external, necklace-shaped antenna that is sized and configured for placement about the neck of a subject, and having an implantable device with an implanted antenna that communicates with the external antenna to permit the transfer of energy and data between external and implantable components. The wearable medical device includes a control module that communicates with the implanted device via the external antenna. The implantable device includes an electrode configured to provide stimulation to a nerve.
US09480843B2
A system for neural and muscular stimulation, including DBS, cortical and muscle stimulation, heart pacemakers and similar applications. The improvement of our invention over prior art consisting of the possibility of a larger number of electrode pads from where to originate the electrical stimulation for better control of the process. Our invention discloses a system of address wires which controls switches and demultiplexers to select one of a plurality of wires and one of a plurality of electrode pads from where the electric stimulation starts, and latches that maintain some selected choices after the address buses go on to select other wires and other electrode tips. Our invention also discloses time delay lines which are used to keep the stimulating pulses for a pre-assigned time. Finally, our invention discloses telecontrol to select the active electrodes.
US09480838B2
An implantable electrode array for a cochlear implant has an array trunk that extends along a center axis from an insertion opening in an outer surface of a patient cochlea into the scala tympani. An apical section extends along the center axis from a distal end of the array trunk and a basal branch is separate from the array trunk and extends back from the distal end of the array trunk towards the insertion opening. The apical section follows along an outer lateral wall of the scala tympani during surgical insertion to attain a final insertion position towards the outer lateral wall in an apical portion of the scala tympani beyond a first basal turn of the cochlea. The basal branch attains a final insertion position towards an inner modiolar wall by the first basal turn of the cochlea with the basal branch stimulation contacts facing the inner modiolar wall.
US09480836B2
Embodiments of medical treatment including skin treatment using electrical energy, especially with the primary purpose for skin treatment for aesthetics are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09480833B2
An antimicrobial IV access cap having an inner surface for retaining an antimicrobial agent, and further configured to receive a portion of an access port of an intravascular device.
US09480826B2
A device and method for intravascular treatment of atherosclerotic plaque prior to balloon angioplasty. An intravascular device can comprise a carrier configured for expansion within a vessel. The carrier can have a s plurality of ribbon strips extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end. An open slot can be positioned between adjacent ribbon strips. A plurality of spikes can be positioned on each of the ribbon strips. The spikes can act as serrations for forming cleavage lines or planes in plaque in the vessel. The spikes may also be used to transport medication into the plaque. The plaque preparation treatment can enables subsequent angioplasty to be performed at low balloon pressures, can reduces dissections, and avoids injury to the arterial wall.
US09480822B2
A slidable locking device for fixing a position of a medical device, includes a housing having a passageway therethrough and an actuator coupled to the housing movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The actuator includes at least two arms extending therefrom that are operatively coupled with at least two engaging members disposed within the housing, each engaging member having a slot configured to receive a respective arm of the actuator, the engaging members being biased towards the housing passageway, wherein the engaging members are disposed toward the housing passageway when the actuator is in the locked position, and the engaging members are disposed away from the housing passageway when the actuator is in the unlocked position.
US09480820B2
A medical system comprises a medical probe including an elongated probe body, a lumen extending within the probe body, an axially flexible section, and a push-pull member slidably disposed within the lumen. The system comprises a ditherer mechanically coupled to the member for cyclically displacing it axially back and forth within the lumen, such that the ends of the probe body are axially displaced relative to each other via the axially flexible section. The system further comprises a sensor for sensing a force axially applied to the distal end of the probe body. A method comprises introducing a medical probe into a patient, axially dithering the distal end of the medical probe back and forth relative to the proximal end of the medical probe, and sensing a force applied between tissue of the patient and the distal end of the medical probe while the distal end is axially dithered.
US09480819B2
The present invention provides compositions of matter suitable for the prevention of and/or treatment of a spinal disorder and/or spinal pain, e.g., caused by and/or associated with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, and methods of treatment of a spinal disorder and/or spinal pain. For example, the compositions of the present invention comprise a modulator of growth differentiation factor (GDF)-6 signaling sufficient to reduce or prevent or delay IVD degeneration and/or to enhance or induce IVD regeneration. The present invention also provides medical devices comprising such compositions, and methods of treatment making use of such compositions.
US09480811B2
The present invention relates to a software-based system, which may include a social networking website, implemented on a stand-alone computing device or over a network using computing devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to modifying the neurological structure or neurochemistry of a user of the system by improving mood, positivity level, or resilience level either over the Internet or on a stand-alone computing device so as to provide cognitive benefits to the user.
US09480809B2
A patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a nasal prong assembly including a pair of nasal prongs structured to sealingly communicate with nasal passages of a patient's nose in use and headgear to maintain the nasal prong assembly in a desired position on the patient's face. The headgear includes side straps and rigidizers provided to respective side straps. Each rigidizer includes a first end portion that provides a connector structured to engage a respective end of the nasal prong assembly and an inwardly curved protrusion in the form of a cheek support that curves inwardly of the connector. The cheek support is adapted to follow the contour of the patient's cheek and guide a respective end portion of the side strap into engagement with the patient's cheek to provide a stable cheek support.
US09480802B2
A child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer comprises a cap, a dispensing tip configured to receive the cap thereon, and a base secured to the dispensing tip and secured to a dispenser bottle. The tip has a slot defined therein that comprises a wider insertion/removal portion for inserting or removing a downwardly extending leg and a narrower locking portion for engaging the leg to lock the cap to the dispensing tip. The cap is selectively secured to the dispensing dip by rotating the cap such that the leg moves from the wider portion of the slot to the narrower portion of the slot, such that the narrower portion of the slot engages leg. The leg extends downward through the slot to contact the top of the base so as to allow for the sprayer pump unit to be locked out from operation.
US09480800B2
A novel neural injection system and related methods are herein disclosed. Various embodiments of an embodiment of a neural injection system of the present invention provide for at least one benefit of enhanced injection characteristics, increased operational efficiency, reduced cost per unit, reduced incidence of injury through intraneural/intravascular injection, reduced incidence of injury through pricking/piercing, and/or the like.
US09480791B2
A system for delivery of a medical fluid to a patient includes a pump system including a pressurizing unit to pressurize the medical fluid and a drive system in operative connection with the pressurizing unit. The pump system exhibits variation in pressure during operation. The system further includes a compensating system in fluid connection with the medical fluid pressurized by the pressurizing unit. The compensating system defines a displacement volume in fluid connection with the pressurized medical fluid that is altered in a predetermined manner to alter the variation in pressure. The compensating system can, for example, reduce pulsatility of pressure during flow.
US09480790B2
Methods of treating acute heart failure in a patient in need thereof. Methods include inserting a therapy delivery device into a pulmonary artery of the patient and applying a therapy signal to autonomic cardiopulmonary fibers surrounding the pulmonary artery. The therapy signal affects heart contractility more than heart rate. Specifically, the application of the therapy signal increases heart contractility and treats the acute heart failure in the patient. The therapy signal can include electrical or chemical modulation.
US09480782B2
The present disclosure relates generally to surgical aspiration and irrigation devices, including methods regarding the same.
US09480777B2
Embodiments of a multi-purpose implant for use in surgery, such as for reconstruction of soft tissues, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the implant includes elastic polymer film made from a suitable biologically compatible polymer. The implant also includes a reinforcement element formed from a polyurethane mesh or other strong and stable woven or unwoven synthetic material. The reinforcement element can be fully enclosed by the film so that only the film comes into contact with the organs and tissues. Anti-adhesive properties or control over implant's integration into a body can be determined by the preset surface structure of the implant, while physical and mechanical properties, such as strength and elasticity of the implant, are obtained by virtue of reinforcement element geometry.
US09480776B2
Provided are medical devices for implantation in patients having suffered the loss of or damage to at least part of their esophagus. The medical device connects the esophagus or remaining part thereof with the stomach to form a gastro-esophageal junction that promotes healing and encourages new host tissue growth while distributing the load and decreasing tension at the anastomotic site. The medical device comprises extracellular matrix shaped into a conformation that more closely approximates the geometry of the native gastro-esophageal junction than does direct attachment of the stomach to the shortened esophagus. Molds useful in manufacturing the medical device and methods of use of the device are also described herein.
US09480763B2
A method of controlling unwanted condensation of hydrogen peroxide in a sterilization chamber at a preselected temperature is disclosed. The method includes the steps of maintaining the sterilization chamber at a vacuum pressure below the pressure at which hydrogen peroxide will boil at the preselected temperature, evaporating successive pulses of hydrogen peroxide, and injecting the evaporated hydrogen peroxide into the chamber, whereby the volume of each pulse of hydrogen peroxide is less than 75 μL, preferably less than 35 μL, most preferably less than 20 μL. Sterilization results are improved by controlling unwanted condensation of hydrogen peroxide.
US09480762B2
Liquid dispensing systems which automatically sanitize the liquid and liquid-contacting parts of a liquid dispensing system, by periodically flushing the system with a sufficiently heated, liquid and/or gas.
US09480756B2
The present invention relates to therapeutic conjugates with improved ability to target various diseased cells containing a targeting moiety (such as an antibody or antibody fragment), a linker and a therapeutic moiety, and further relates to processes for making and using the conjugates.
US09480752B2
The present invention refers to a conjugate comprising at least one polyunsaturated fatty acid residue, particularly an arachidonic acid residue, more particularly an anandamide (arachidonoyl ethanol amide) residue and covalently bound thereto at least one nucleosidic component selected from nucleic acids, nucleosides and nucleotides. This conjugate is suitable for the transfection of cells such as mammalian cells including human cells with high efficacy. Thus, a new delivery vehicle for therapeutic molecules including antisense molecules, siRNA molecules, miRNA molecules, antagomirs or precursors of such molecules, as well as the therapeutic nucleosides or nucleotides, is provided.
US09480748B2
The present disclosure relates to a mucoadhesive composition, adapted for preventing and/or treating a pathological reaction of the immune system of an individual, by inducing a specific tolerance towards at least one antigen involved in said pathological reaction, comprising chitosan particles loaded with said at least one antigen involved in the pathological reaction, wherein the size of the loaded chitosan particles is of more than 800 nm.
US09480745B2
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical cocktail and methods of treatment involving said cocktail, in particular, a combination of effective amounts of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, in combination with effective amounts of an angiogenesis inhibitor, including a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor such as bevacizumab for the treatment of cancer. In other embodiments, it relates to compositions and methods of treating cancer involving effective amounts of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating cancer (eliminating the tumor, shrinking the tumor, prolonging the life of the patient, increasing quality of life by decreasing the grade of adverse events seen with other cancer treatments, and/or preventing/reducing the likelihood of the tumor's metastases) are additional aspects of the present invention. In addition, the present invention may be used to favorably impact the therapeutic result of patients who have not responded to alternative, traditional anti-cancer therapy.
US09480741B2
Methods are provided for the prevention and treatment of seizures and epilepsy. It is shown herein that leukocyte recruitment plays a key role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Treatment with an agent that inhibits leukocyte recruitment has therapeutic and preventative effects in blocking recurrent seizures and epilepsy.
US09480740B2
Compounds, particularly, glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant (GLA) compounds, having the following structure (I) are provided: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10, Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, are as defined herein. Pharmaceutical compositions, vaccine compositions, and related methods for inducing or enhancing immune responses, are also provided.
US09480737B2
A vaccine having a fusion protein set forth as SEQ ID NO:1 containing antigenic determinants of haemagglutinins of influenza A and B viruses and flagellin fragments functioning as safe adjuvant, joined via flexible hinges is given, which can be used for prophylaxis of influenza caused by existing influenza A and B strains as well as by possible reassortants. Usage of the vaccine will provide a universal protection against influenza and provides safety, efficacy, polyvalence and preventive effect.
US09480714B2
Methods and systems of processing exosomes from a biologic sample, including providing a biological sample having a mixed population of exosomes, wherein the mixed population of exosomes includes two or more distinct subpopulations of exosomes; and processing the biological sample to selectively remove one or more exosome subpopulations from the mixed population of exosomes thereby obtaining a sample enriched with a desired subpopulation of exosomes.
US09480711B2
The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for treatment of subjects having or at risk of neuropathic pain or other conditions. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide. The nitric oxide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other vesicles containing nitric oxide. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin, e.g., onto a location with neuropathic pain, or on another suitable portion of the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.
US09480710B2
The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for treatment of subjects having or at risk of osteoporosis or other conditions. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide. The nitric oxide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other vesicles containing nitric oxide. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto a suitable portion of the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.
US09480708B2
The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for transdermal drug delivery, including treatment and prevention of learning and memory disorders, and enhancement of learning or memory. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide. The nitric oxide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other vesicles containing nitric oxide. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.
US09480705B2
The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for treatment of skin and/or other soft tissues that are infected with bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, and/or other infectious organisms. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide. The nitric oxide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other vesicles containing nitric oxide. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin, e.g., onto a site of infection, or on another suitable portion of the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.
US09480700B2
This invention provides a composition comprising an effective amount of glucan capable of enhancing efficacy of antibodies. This invention further provides the above compositions and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention also provides a method for treating a subject with cancer comprising administrating the above-described composition to the subject. This invention provides a composition comprising effective amount of glucan capable of enhancing efficacy of vaccines. This invention also provides a method of treating a subject comprising administrating the above pharmaceutical composition to the subject. This invention provides a composition comprising effective amount of glucan capable of enhancing efficacy of natural antibodies. This invention provides a composition comprising effective amount of glucan capable of enhancing host immunity. This invention also provides a composition comprising effective amount of glucan capable of enhancing the action of an agent in preventing tissue rejection.
US09480692B2
Methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of liver damage or disease in a subject in need thereof are provided. The methods involve providing the sulfated oxysterol 25-hydroxycholesterol-3-sulfate (25HC3S) to the subject e.g. by 1) administering 25HC3S to the subject; or 2) overexpressing, in the subject, the hydroxysterol sulfotransferase enzyme SULT2B1b, which catalyzes the sulfation of 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC) to form 25HC3S.
US09480686B2
The present invention provides a heterocyclic compound represented by the general formula (1): The compound of the present invention has a wide treatment spectrum for mental disorders including central nervous system disorders, no side effects and high safety.
US09480682B2
Provided are in vitro and in vivo methods for determining whether a patient with Fabry disease will respond to treatment with a specific pharmacological chaperone.
US09480679B2
Described herein are formulations and methods for treating diseases caused by infectious pathogens, including mycobacterium avium complex, mycobacterium tuberculosis, Nocardia, Plasmodium falcium, and Plasmodium berghei.
US09480675B2
Systems and methods are described providing therapeutic preparations of sirtuin inhibitors, such as SIRT1 inhibitors, for stimulating load-induced skeletal muscle growth in the body of a patient. The natural stimulation of SIRT1 activity can be suppressed through increased caloric intake and loading in conjunction with the inhibition of sirtuin activity to improve the inhibitory effect. In addition, known muscle growth promoting agents such as amino acids and hormones can be administered at the same time as the sirtuin inhibitor. The size of the tissue structure to be treated or the body size may be used to determine the therapeutic dose of sirtuin inhibitor. The sirtuin inhibitor and muscle stimulating agents are either locally or systemically delivered at therapeutic doses for the desired effect. The SIRT1 inhibitor Splitomycin is particularly effective.
US09480674B2
The subject invention provides a method of treating acne in a subject which comprises topically and periodically applying to the subject's acne a composition comprising 3-phenyl-1-benzo[f]chromen-1-one and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the 3-phenyl-1-benzo[f]chromen-1-one is present in an amount effective to treat the subject's acne. The subject invention also provides a method of treating a skin condition associated with abnormal sebum secretion or abnormal sebaceous gland function in a subject, compositions in such methods and a sorting method for identifying agonists of AhR pathway, useful in such methods and compositions.
US09480671B2
A nutritional composition comprising a significant amount of arachidonic acid (ARA) is described. Such nutritional composition is particularly suitable for infants below the age of 3 years, preferably between birth and 12 months of life. The composition can be used to reduce the risk of developing overweight/obesity and/or insulin resistance later in life.
US09480669B2
Disclosed is a method comprising the administration of a 3% amino acid and 3% glycerin solution for the use of prevention and disruption of bacterial biofilms. Also disclosed is method comprising the administration of L-cysteine 0.4 g per 100 ml for the prevention and destruction of fungal biofilms.
US09480661B2
An orally disintegrating tablet which can be chewed or disintegrated by contact with saliva and containing weight-loss drugs for weight control in humans, especially in children and adolescents, is disclosed.
US09480660B2
There are provided methods for treating an inflammatory diseases chosen from inflammatory bowel diseases, asthma, acute respiratory distress syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute lung injury, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatism. The method comprise administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of at least one lipid and an effective amount of at least one compound chosen from compounds of the present disclosure. Such compounds are polyunsaturated fatty acid monoglycerides or derivatives thereof.
US09480641B2
Methods and compositions for treatment of halitosis are provided; devices and methods, such as a palatal patch, including a tablet or strip having a bioadhesive component and active ingredients are further provided; the bioadhesive component allows for the palatal patch to be attached to the upper palate and for the active component to be released into the oral cavity and/or GI tract; compositions for the active ingredient include composition for treatment of halitosis, anti-acids, vitamins, anti-smoking agents, etc; an herbal composition for treatment of halitosis including Echinacea, Lavender, Mastic Gum and Sage and a method of manufacturing a medicine from the herbal composition are provided as well; a device for delivery of the palatal patch to the upper palate including a housing and piston is also provided.
US09480638B2
Disclosed herein is a cosmetic composition containing, as an active ingredient, a mixture of extracts of honey-roasted Adenophora triphylla var. japonica Hara and honey-roasted Angelica tenuissima Nakai, processed using a medicinal herb processing technique, and of extracts of medicinal herbs such as Lycium chinense Mill or Paeonia suffruticosa, and thus shows excellent antioxidant and skin-moisturizing effects.
US09480636B2
A skin care formulation which provides a skin lightening effect virtually immediately upon topical application to the skin and which includes a combination of one or more poly(ethylene) oxides and an acrylic emulsion polymer film former comprising emulsion polymers derived from one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers.
US09480631B2
A capsule slurry including at least one coacervated capsule and at least 10 wt % humectant is disclosed. The humectant may be sorbitol, glycerin, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, xylitol, erythritol and/or betaine.
US09480628B2
A web material containing one or more active agents and methods for making same are provided.
US09480625B2
A method of feeding breast milk to an infant includes providing a spout pouch having a spout, providing a plurality of adapters configured to couple to the spout pouch, coupling the spout of the spout pouch to a first adapter, coupling the first adapter to a breast pump, operating the breast pump to express breast milk into the spout pouch, so that the spout pouch collects the expressed breast milk, coupling a second adapter to the spout of the spout pouch, and coupling the second adapter to a nipple, so that expressed breast milk flows from the spout pouch to the nipple. Other systems, methods, and components are also provided.
US09480624B2
A vial adapter may include first and second sections each having first and second ends joined to form a collar having a central passage in which a neck of a vial may be disposed. Each collar section may have a hook formed at each end, the hooks joined to join the collar sections together. The first ends may have at least one tab depending therefrom and the second ends may have at least one indent formed therein, the tab disposed within the indent with the hooks joined to each other. In addition or instead, the collar may have an inner surface with a groove separating the collar into first and second regions on opposing axial sides of the groove. The first and second regions may be deformable axially into the groove when the collar is acted upon with the neck of the vial in the central passage.
US09480623B2
The present invention relates to a medical device (1, 100) comprising a first container (10, 110) holding a first medium and defining a general axis, a second container (20, 120) holding a second medium, and fluid connection means (50, 150) for establishing fluid connection between the first container (10, 110) and the second container (20, 120), the fluid connection means (50, 150) being arranged at least partially between the first container (10, 110) and the second container (20, 120). The device further comprises a cover receiving portion (42, 42) and a cover (4, 104) removably mounted thereon to shield at least an operable portion of the first container (10, 110). The cover (4, 104) is operatively coupled with the fluid connection means (50, 150) and configured to cause a relative converging motion between at least one of the first container (10, 110) and the fluid connection means (50, 150) and the second container (20, 120) and the fluid connection means (50, 150) in response to a dismounting of the cover (4, 104) from the cover receiving portion (42, 142).
US09480616B2
A femoral support system includes a plate configured to support the pelvis of a patient on a table. In addition, the system includes a femoral support pivotally coupled to the plate and configured to support the thigh of the patient.
US09480608B2
An absorbent article having improved handling of body exudates can include a fluid-entangled body facing material including a support layer and a projection layer. The fluid-entangled body facing material can include a plurality of hollow projections formed from a first plurality of fibers in the projection layer. The hollow projections can extend from the outer surface of the projection layer in a direction away from the support layer. The absorbent article can minimize the amount of body exudates in contact with a wearer's skin and can minimize the incidence of leakage of body exudates from the absorbent article.
US09480606B2
A stretch laminate having a first substrate is adhesively attached to an elastic film. The adhesive is applied in a continuous manner to the substrate in a first tack down region which is disposed proximate to an end of the stretch laminate. The adhesive is applied as a plurality of adhesive stripes in an activation region which is interior of the first tack down region. The adhesive stripes have a width and a distance between adjacent adhesive stripes. The ratio of stripe width to distance between the adhesive stripes is in the range of less than about 1 or greater than about 0.33.
US09480605B2
A device for removing mucus (dried or wet) from a nostril of a subject or for removing earwax (dry or wet) from an ear canal of a subject includes a handle portion or grip portion to facilitate manipulation of the device, at least one of a bowl or a loop at an end of the handle portion, and a stop located between the handle portion and the bowl or loop. The bowl or loop is sized and configured for insertion into a nostril or an ear canal of the subject, and the stop is sized to prevent insertion of the stop into the nostril or ear canal and to limit the extent that the bowl or loop can be inserted into the nostril or ear canal, thereby reducing or eliminating the potential for accidental injury or extreme discomfort to the subject during use.
US09480602B2
A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation structure of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the flexible housing tube. A compression of the actuation structure may cause the optic fiber to gradually curve. A decompression of the actuation structure may cause the optic fiber to gradually straighten.
US09480589B2
Implantable medical endoprosthesis delivery systems as well as related systems and methods are disclosed.
US09480587B2
A stent having an axial end to which is attached a ring of spoons of a material different from that of the stent. In one aspect, the ring of spoons is connected to the axial end through a plurality of complementary male-female form-fitting portions. In one aspect, the ring of spoons include parallel straight side edges. In one aspect, each of the side edges lies within a first distance from a facing side edge of an adjacent spoon in a stent delivery configuration, and each of the side edges lies within a second distance, greater than the first distance, from the facing side edge of an adjacent spoon in a stent deployed configuration.
US09480584B2
Novel devices and methods for implanting medical stents are provided. A novel apparatus, which may be in a first compressed position, may be inserted into the artery, such as by being positioned over a catheter. The apparatus may be expanded to a second position. In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to expand away in two substantially opposing directions along a second axis away from the longitudinal axis. The second axis may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The apparatus may include markers that are detectable to determine the orientation of the catheter or the apparatus and/or assist in the determination of the type or size of stent to utilize.
US09480581B2
A prosthetic limb and process to digitally construct a prosthetic limb which includes first, digitally producing a modified mold of a residual limb via 3d scanners and software; constructing a test socket from the digitally modified mold and be equipped with an alignable system; accurately scanning the test socket, along with finalized alignment that has been recorded and adjusted by a certified practitioner to provide a 3-D Image of the finalized prosthetic alignment; transferring the finalized digital alignment of the test socket to the finalized digitally modified mold; once the modified model has received the transferred alignment, fabricating the type of hookup in the socket; i.e., plug fit, four hole, support drop lock, or any other type of industry standard connection or accommodation via basic 3D software; and once the desired prosthetic attachment is finalized, sending finished file to a 3-D printer to produce the definitive prosthetic device.
US09480578B2
An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior plates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of expansion members or wafers in interlocking engagement. The superior and inferior plates have openings therethrough in communication with aligned holes through the wafers for receipt and containment of bone graft to promote fusion between opposing vertebral bodies. One of said superior and inferior endplates has a multi-contoured opening extending therethrough.
US09480574B2
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The devices and methods may include insertion of first and second elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an augmenting elongated member inserted therebetween to form a distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. The distraction device defines a generally annular configuration, with a locking member secured to one of the elongated members at a plurality of locations to maintain the distraction device in the generally annular configuration. The augmenting elongated member may be shorter than the first and second elongated members such that a window is defined between the proximal and distal ends of the augmenting elongated member when the distraction device and the first and second elongated members are in the generally annular configuration. Bone graft material or bone filler may be introduced into the interior of the distraction device through the window.
US09480571B2
A position adjustment device having a tool holder is locked to at least two pins projecting from respective anterior facing locations near a distal end of a tibia of a patient. The position adjustment device is adjusted. The position adjustment device is locked with the tool holder at first coordinates in the proximal-distal and medial-lateral directions. The distal end of the tibia is resectioned with a tool positioned on the tool holder, while the tool holder is in the first coordinates in the proximal-distal and medial-lateral directions. The tool is removed from the tool holder. A tibia trial is placed on the resectioned tibia using the tool holder, while the tool holder is in the first coordinates in the proximal-distal and medial-lateral directions. The tibia trial has a size and shape of a tibial tray of an ankle replacement system.
US09480567B2
Bone implant compositions and methods are provide that have an outer surface, the outer surface comprising demineralized bone and having a cavity disposed in the outer surface, the cavity having a demineralized bone material coated therein; and an inner surface of the bone implant comprising cortical bone, the inner surface contacting the outer surface. The bone implant compositions and methods provided are osteoinductive and allow rapid bone fusion.
US09480561B2
An assembly for guiding a medical apparatus within a patient includes an elongated shaft and a balloon affixed to the shaft and movable between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. A mesh material may be affixed to the shaft and movable between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The balloon may project away from the shaft when the balloon is in the expanded condition. The mesh material may project away from the shaft when the mesh material is in the expanded condition.
US09480556B2
A prosthetic heart valve for functionally replacing a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve is disclosed. The prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible support structure with leaflets and anchors mounted to the support structure. The support structure also includes an inflow end and an outflow end. The anchors include a radially outwardly extending first anchor proximate to the inflow end and a radially outwardly extending second anchor proximate to the outflow end. The first anchor includes a first configuration and the second anchor includes a second configuration where the first configuration is different than the second configuration. The previously implanted prosthetic heart valve serves as a platform for securement of the prosthetic heart valve to the patient's native tissue.
US09480553B2
Methods of manufacturing a medical article that include radial deformation of a polymer tube are disclosed. A medical article, such as an implantable medical device or an inflatable member, may be fabricated from a deformed tube.
US09480548B2
There is disclosed a porous emboli deflector for preventing cerebral emboli while maintaining cerebral blood flow during an endovascular or open surgical procedure. The device prevents the entrance of emboli of a size able to cause stroke (greater than 100 microns in the preferred embodiment) from entering either the right or left carotid arteries by deflecting emboli downstream in the blood flow. The device can be placed prior to any manipulation of the heart or aorta allowing maximal protection of the brain during the index procedure. The device has a low profile within the aorta which allows sheaths, catheters, or wires used in the index procedure to pass. Also disclosed are methods for insertion and removal of the device.
US09480538B2
The present invention is directed to a dental treating apparatus including: a hand piece; a power source (micro motor); a driving unit (motor driver); and a controller. The driving unit drives the cutting tool so as to be switchable between first driving in which the cutting tool is driven clockwise and second driving in which the cutting tool is driven counterclockwise. When a rotation direction in which the cutting tool cuts an object to be cut is defined as normal rotation and a rotation direction opposite to the normal rotation is defined as reverse rotation, the controller sets the first driving as driving for the normal rotation when a first cutting tool rotated clockwise is held on the head unit, and sets the second driving as the driving for the normal rotation when a second cutting tool rotated counterclockwise is held on the head unit.
US09480535B2
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with tracking an ablative device and monitoring an ablation produced by the ablative device are described. One example method includes acquiring a magnetic resonance (MR) image of an ablative device inserted in a body and selectively controlling positioning of the ablative device based, at least in part on the MR image. The MR image may be continuously provided in real-time by an interventional MR imaging apparatus programmed to image using a tri-orthogonal plane sequence. The method may also include acquiring an MR image of an ablation performed by the ablative device, and selectively controlling the ablative device based, at least in part, on the MR image. The MR image may also be provided by the IMRI apparatus operating according to a tri-orthogonal plane sequence. In one example, the ablation may treat hypopharyngeal obstructive sleep apnea by reducing tongue base volume.
US09480533B2
A telescopic insertion axis, a robotic surgical system including the telescopic insertion axis, and a method of instrument insertion are provided. In one embodiment, a telescopic insertion axis includes a base link operably coupled to a distal end of a manipulator arm, and a carriage link movably coupled to the base link along a lengthwise axis, the carriage link including an instrument interface.
US09480529B2
An aesthetic treatment device including: a multi illumination system having at least one source in the visible region, disposed around a periphery of a predetermined area of skin; an imaging device, sensitive to the illumination system, to discern features on or in the skin within the predetermined area of skin to be treated; multiple treatment light sources mounted on an optical bench and aimed and focused to a point of treatment within the predetermined area of skin; a mechanical guidance system to guide the multiple treatment light sources; and a pulse generator to control power output of the multiple treatment light sources based upon the treatment to be applied to the predetermined area of skin.
US09480526B2
A coaptive surgical sealing tool may be similar to an ordinary hemostat with long (50, 60, 70 or 80 mm) thin jaws for sliding into the liver parenchyma, without tearing the larger blood vessels. The jaws are spring loaded and are designed for uniform compression, and to avoid closing too quickly. The jaws are capable of sealing a 50, 60, 70 or 80 mm sealing length, in a single bite, although it can also seal shorter lengths as well. The tool can be used with existing ablative therapy microwave generators. The tool may be provided with irrigation and/or suction.
US09480524B2
An apparatus and method for treatment of a tubular anatomical structure is disclosed. The method includes using an electrical energy to destroy elongated cells on the tubular anatomical structure. The apparatus may include one or more electrodes for creating an electric field, and a cooling system for carrying heat away from the electrode. The elongated cells can include nerve cells on the tubular anatomical structure.
US09480516B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a bone screw device including a bone screw with a temporary encasement. In some embodiments, the temporary encasement comprises a biocompatible material that may be an osteoinductive, a hemostatic and or a bacteriocide. Some embodiments include a temporary encasement including a therapeutic. In some embodiments, the temporary encasement comprises a wax. In some embodiments, the screw head is substantially U-shaped. In some embodiments, the screw includes an extension tip extending from the screw shaft. Some embodiments of the invention include a system for percutaneous implantation of a bone screw including a screwdriver shaft rotatably coupled to a screw that includes a temporary encasement. In some embodiments, the screw shaft can be at least partially rotated by the screwdriver shaft. Some further embodiments further include a retractable sleeve at least partially surrounding the screwdriver shaft and the bone screw.
US09480515B2
A device and method for stabilizing a broken bone while it heals is disclosed. The device is preferably a metal rod that has a threaded portion. The device is positioned into a bone, such as a metacarpal bone, by forming an opening in the bone suitable for receiving the device, and inserting it into the opening wherein the threaded portion retains the device in position.
US09480510B2
Systems and method for fixation to a spinal column are described. A system includes a plate having an anterior surface, a posterior surface, a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and a through hole passing through the anterior and posterior surfaces; and a dynamic fixator interface member configured and dimensioned to connect to the plate within the through hole and to axially slide relative to the plate in directions of the longitudinal axis, and additionally, to rotate relative to the plate in directions about the transverse axis.
US09480500B2
Systems, assemblies, components and methods for correcting alignment of one or more vertebrae of a spine are provided. A first elongate derotator member includes a first elongate element having a first proximal end portion and a first distal end portion. The first distal end portion is releasably engageable with a first implant implanted in one of the vertebrae. A second elongate derotator member comprising a second elongate element is releasably engageable with a second implant implanted in the same vertebra. A transverse member is engageable with the first and second elongate elements. A first channel extends axially through the first elongate element and a second channel extends axially through the second elongate element such that a proximal end portion of the first implant can be accessed from a proximal end portion of the first elongate element by inserting a tool through the first channel and a proximal end portion of the second implant can be accessed from a proximal end portion of the second elongate element by inserting the tool or another tool through the second channel.
US09480490B2
A device for an orthopedic knee procedure. The device includes a tibial drill guide having a body portion and first and second posts extending from the body portion, the first post shorter in length than the second post. The device includes a patient-specific tibial alignment guide including a body with an inner anatomy-engaging surface shaped to closely conform and mate with a corresponding tibial joint surface. The first and second guiding receptacles define first and second inner channels sized and shaped to receive the first and second posts of the tibial drill guide. The first receptacle being shorter in length than the second receptacle, such that when the alignment guide is mounted on the tibial joint surface and the drill guide is mounted on the alignment guide, the first receptacle and the first post define a clearance gap between the tibia and the device for a patellar tendon.
US09480488B2
A device for drilling a hole in bone and for inserting bone screws into the drilled hole is provided. The device comprises a trocar, drill sleeve and protection sleeve in a telescopically nested configuration. The drill sleeve and protection sleeve may have an axial locking feature that allows the two pieces to be handled together as a unit by preventing inadvertent separation. The axial locking feature may comprise an integral annular ridge provided on one sleeve that cooperates with an annular groove provided on the other sleeve. One sleeve may also have at least one slot allowing the locking feature to be disengaged prior to separation of the sleeves. The sleeves may be easily separated with one hand by the user by the application of an axial separation force between a pair of flanges provided with the sleeves, and by a radial compression force applied to at least a portion of the drill sleeve.
US09480483B2
An apparatus and method for introducing portals into bone is described herein. An example apparatus for introducing portals into bone includes a handle, a base, and a driving member. The driving member can be made to project past the base by operating the handle. The base is detachable from the handle. The apparatus also includes a guide coupled at a first end to the handle and at a second end to the base. The base is detachably coupled to the guide. A base coupling detachably coupling the base to the guide includes an actuating member movable between a coupled configuration wherein the base is coupled to the guide and an uncoupled configuration wherein the base is released from the guide. The actuating member is arranged so that motion of the handle toward the base moves the actuating member from the coupled configuration to the uncoupled configuration.
US09480478B2
A clipping device includes (a) a shaft defining a lumen therethrough from a proximal end which, during a procedure remains outside the body accessible to a user and a distal end including a distal opening which, during a procedure is inserted into the body to a position adjacent to target tissue; (b) a flexible clip deployable from the distal opening, when in an unconstrained state, the clip assuming a shape selected to clip tissue and prevent a flow of fluid therethrough wherein, while residing within the lumen the clip is held substantially straight by an inner diameter of the lumen; (c) a control wire extending through the lumen from the proximal end to the distal end thereof; and (d) a release mechanism connecting the control wire to the clip during deployment of the clip and disconnecting the control wire from the clip after deployment thereof.
US09480476B2
A tissue thickness compensator comprising at least one woven lattice can be positioned in the end effector of a surgical instrument. A fastener cartridge that is positioned in the end effector can comprise at least one cavity configured to receive a fastener. The fastener can be moveable between an initial position, wherein the fastener is at least partially position in a cavity, and a fired position, wherein the fastener is configured to compress a woven lattice of the tissue thickness compensator. The woven lattice can comprise a resilient material such that compression of the woven lattice generates a restoring force. The woven lattice can also comprise an axis that can laterally traverse the fastener cartridge, diagonally traverse the fastener cartridge, or intersect a deck surface of the fastener cartridge. The woven lattice can comprise a hydrophilic substance, which can expand when the woven lattice is severed by a cutting element.
US09480475B2
A suture anchor insert comprising a body configured to be inserted into a hole in a bone plate. The body has a proximal end, a distal end, a length extending between the proximal and distal ends and substantially corresponding to a thickness of a bone plate, a sidewall, at least one plate engaging member extending outwardly from the sidewall to secure the body to the bone plate, a recess defined by the sidewall, and a transverse edge formed on the sidewall. A crossbar extends inwardly from the sidewall across the recess such that a free end of the crossbar is normally disposed distally of the transverse edge. The crossbar is flexible such that when a distally directed force is applied, the free end of the crossbar is positionable in the recess. The free end of the crossbar is engageable with the transverse edge to limit proximal motion of the crossbar.
US09480473B2
The present invention relates to a suture which is firmly maintained and fixed to an operation site to stably sustain suturing or lifting effects for a long time. More specifically, the present invention provides a suture having a conic or pyramidal shape with a cut top, wherein a suture supporter comprising a communication hole penetrating the both ends is provided at one end. The suture support can have one or more portions which are cut vertically from a lower end at a lower end portion having a larger diameter between the both ends, or a part of the lower end can be removed so as to form one or more gaps formed from the end at a wall of the end portion.
US09480472B2
A minimally invasive surgical portal system, kit, device and method may include a top ring assembly removably connected to an arm of a table mounted frame to provide stability and a secure trajectory. The portal system may include a top-ring assembly which may mount to an arm of a table mounted frame. The system may include a removable connection mechanism comprising a spring loaded collar configured to removably connect the top ring assembly to a table mounted frame. A variable adjustment positioner may be removably connected to the arm of the table mounted frame. The system may also include a depth positioning mechanism. The system may further include a light source configured to be placed down the portal tube.
US09480470B2
A device that can be delivered into a body cavity to manipulate tissue intracorporeally while being controlled extracorporeally and a method of using the device to perform a single-port laparoscopic or natural orifice surgery are provided. The device is capable of being passed through an interior diameter of a single port into the body cavity. The device may include an anchor or suspension element that is attachable or mountable to the tissue intracorporeally, a guide element attached to the anchor or suspension element that allows for manipulation of at least one structure in at least one direction, and at least one structure attached to a suture or thread that is passable through the interior diameter of the port and positionable by the guide element. The structure is controllable extracorporeally by manipulating the suture or thread so that the structure moves in at least one direction intracorporeally.
US09480458B2
An ultrasonic positioning method for real time measuring the distance between the epidural needle and the epidural space is provided. The ultrasonic positioning method at least includes a puncturing step; an advancing step; a positioning step for simultaneous detecting reflected ultrasonic signals from the ligamentum flavum (LF) and dura mater (DM); a replacement step for removing the ultrasound needle transducer and putting an injecting catheter; and an injection step for injecting an anesthetic into the epidural space via the injecting catheter.
US09480452B2
A first and a second accumulated value calculating units are provided which, in a location where foil shadows by grid foil strips straddle pixels, identify this location based on geometry, and calculate straddle accumulated values of the foil shadows in the identified location. Even when the foil shadows by the grid foil strips straddle the pixels due to twisting and bending of the grid foil strips, such location is identified based on geometry and the straddle accumulated values of the foil shadows in the identified location are calculated. Therefore, even when changes are made in the pitches or pixel sizes of an X-ray grid and a flat panel X-ray detector (FPD), the foil shadows will be removed based on the straddle accumulated values. As a result, the foil shadows can be removed taking twisting and bending of the grid foil strips into consideration, and in a way to accommodate X-ray grids and FPDs of various sizes.
US09480449B2
The present invention relates to methods and medicaments useful for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IFF) by administering anti-CTGF antibodies. Methods for prognosing individuals with IPF are also provided.
US09480439B2
Provided is a new hierarchical methodology having a series of computational steps such as adaptive window creation, 2-D SWT application, masking, and boundary tracing is proposed. The techniques and systems are able to detect and quantify fracture as well as to generate recommendations for decision-making and treatment planning in traumatic pelvic injuries.
US09480427B2
The invention relates to a lancet, which has a lancet tip at a front end and which on an upper face comprises a contact surface for placing a test element thereon and at least one channel for receiving a sample, wherein an upwardly open section of the channel runs in the contact surface. According to the invention, the channel has another upwardly open channel section which runs on the upper face of the lancet in or adjacent to a surface area that is lower than the contact surface, wherein the contact surface is arranged between the lancet tip and the lower surface area. The invention further relates to a system comprising such a lancet and a test element, and to a method for transferring a liquid sample from a channel of a lancet which is designed as a groove or slot to a test element.
US09480422B2
A pulse oximetry sensor comprises emitters configured to transmit light having a plurality of wavelengths into a fleshy medium. A detector is responsive to the emitted light after absorption by constituents of pulsatile blood flowing within the medium so as to generate intensity signals. A sensor head has a light absorbing surface adapted to be disposed proximate the medium. The emitters and the detector are disposed proximate the sensor head. A detector window is defined by the sensor head and configured so as to limit the field-of-view of the detector.
US09480419B2
A lancing device comprises a lancet drive to cause a lancet to effect a puncturing movement, a housing that encloses the lancet drive, and a touching element with an opening for applying a part of a body in which a prick wound is to be produced, the touching element being movable relative to the lancet drive for the purpose of adjusting the puncturing depth in a puncturing direction. The touching element is connected rotatably by means of a screw thread to an intermediate piece and is movable in the puncturing direction, while the intermediate piece is rotatable and movable relative to the housing. A guide prevents rotation of the touching element relative to the housing, and the touching element is enclosed by the intermediate piece at least over part of its length.
US09480418B2
Methods and systems for monitoring or testing the hearing of a user using a portable unit include presenting a plurality of test frequencies for selection by a user and storing data about those frequencies, and the user's response to stimuli presented at those frequencies, and comparing the stored data to previously acquired hearing data. Using mathematical prediction algorithms, changes in baseline hearing values can be used to identify potential hearing issues, especially hearing issues associated with ototoxicity.
US09480398B2
Methods and systems for determining a physiological parameter of a subject through interrogation of an eye of the subject with an optical signal are described. Interrogation is performed unobtrusively. The physiological parameter is determined from a signal sensed from the eye of a subject when the eye of the subject is properly aligned with regard to an interrogation signal source and/or response signal sensor.
US09480394B2
A slit lamp mounted eye imaging a slit lamp integrated, a handheld, OCT integrated, or attached to a separate chinrest-joystick assembly apparatus for producing a wide field and/or magnified views of the posterior or the anterior segments of an eye through an undilated or dilated pupil. The apparatus images sections and focal planes and utilizes an illumination system that uses one or more LEDs, shifting optical elements, flipping masks, and/or aperture stops where the light can be delivered into the optical system on optical axis or off axis from center of optical system and return imaging path from the eye, creating artifacts in different locations on the eye image. Image processing is employed to detect and eliminate artifacts and masks from images. The apparatus can be used in combination with an OCT, microscope and can be disposed in a hand-held housing for hand-held use.
US09480390B2
This invention relates generally to a diagnostic and therapeutic device. According to some aspects of the invention, the device may be composed of a flexible sheet that is wrapped around the endoscope shaft to form a flexible overtube. The overtube may include an inflatable positioning ring that may be inflated after placement of the overtube just proximal to the tip of the endoscope or colonoscope to secure the position of the overtube and create a seal within the body cavity. The overtube also may include an inflatable sealing band within the internal surface of the overtube that when inflated secure the position of the endoscope within the overtube and create a seal around the endoscope shaft. According to other aspects of the invention, the device may have a catheter with an occlusion balloon at its free end portion that is carried by the overtube and extends beyond the dostal endportion of the overtube and the tip of the endoscope that when inflated secure its position within the body cavity and create a seal within the body cavity. Inflation of the positioning ring, sealing band and occlusion balloon defines an examination compartment within the body cavity at the tip of the endoscope. The examination compartment may be filled with air, or with water, depending on applications. In addition the examination compartment can be thoroughly lavaged using the irrigation tube system.
US09480389B2
A docking system includes basket and wall conduit systems. The basket conduit system includes a conduit and first and second nozzles mounted to opposite ends of the conduit. The second nozzle has a first funnel shape with a first circumference that decreases from an open end of the second nozzle towards the conduit. The wall conduit system includes front and back housings, a sliding plate, and a third nozzle. A sliding aperture is formed through a front plate of the front housing. A nozzle aperture is formed through a back plate of the back housing. The sliding plate slides within a space formed by the front housing and the back housing. The third nozzle is sized and shaped to slide within the sliding aperture and includes a generally cylindrical shape and a second funnel shape with a second circumference that decreases from the sliding plate towards the generally cylindrical shape.
US09480386B2
Dishwasher appliances are provided. A dishwasher appliance includes a tub that defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing, and a rack assembly arranged within the tub. The dishwasher appliance further includes a fluid ejection assembly, the fluid ejection assembly including an ejection head disposed within the wash chamber, the ejection head operable to eject fluid into the wash chamber. In one embodiment, the dishwasher appliance further includes a passive deflection assembly, the passive deflection assembly including a deflection unit disposed within the wash chamber for deflecting fluid from the ejection head towards the rack assembly. In another embodiment, the dishwasher appliance further includes a deflection assembly, the deflection assembly including a deflection unit disposed within the wash chamber for deflecting fluid from the ejection head towards the rack assembly, the deflection assembly further including a magnet operable to move the deflection unit.
US09480377B2
An extension tube for a vacuum cleaner comprises an outer tube, an inner tube slidingly sheathed in the outer tube, wherein the front end of the inner tube being embedded with a sealing component with an end extending out from the inner tube, the inner tube being provided with several rows of clamping grooves, and each row of clamping grooves being provided with a plurality of clamping grooves at intervals in the length direction, and a length adjustment component mounted on the rear end of the outer tube and used for selectively fixing the inner tube to adjust the length of the extension tube.
US09480369B2
A disposable hand cleaning glove and method is provided. The glove has a hand portion and a sleeve portion. The hand portion has an interior and an access opening configured to receive a human hand into the interior. The interior has a hand cleaning substance. The sleeve portion is connected to the hand portion about the access opening of the hand portion. The sleeve portion has an absorbent material.
US09480367B2
A safety grab bar and grab bar ring sized and configured to removably mount around the safety grab bar to assist in preventing a user's hand from sliding along the grab bar. The grab bar ring has a first ring and second ring, which are connected together and are sized and configured to removably mount around the safety grab bar. Gaskets are located on inside surfaces of the first and second rings. The gaskets are configured to contact a portion of the safety grab bar. One side of the first and second rings is rotatably joined together by a hinge connection. The opposite side of the first and second rings is removably joined together by a latch connection. An external surface of the first and second rings may include surface texturing or a non-slip surface. Multiple grab bar rings may be mounted to a single grab bar.
US09480358B2
A gas barbecue having a cut-off valve situated between a gas inlet and a gas burner. According to some implementations the cut-off valve has a control knob moveable to a first position and a second position, in the first position of the control knob the cut-off valve is maintained in an open position, in the second position of the control knob the cut-off valve is placed under the control of an electrical control unit that acts upon an electromagnet assembly of the cut-off valve to control the open and close position of the cut-off valve. When the control knob is in the second position the electrical control unit is able to wirelessly exchange information and/or instructions with a remote control unit, whereas when the control knob is in the first position the electrical control unit is unable to wirelessly exchange information and/or instructions with the remote control unit.
US09480356B2
An enhanced boot tray that combines the functions of a boot tray, shoe scraper, foot rest or stool. This boot tray has a plurality of upward extending projections connected to a flat base. The base is surrounded by a wall that may rise up to the height of the projections to serve as an additional scraping surface for footwear. This boot tray may optionally be used with a foot rest designed with a top surface that has the same characteristics as the tray, and walls elevating the top surface. When used with the foot rest, the boot tray is placed underneath to save space while providing additional space to store footwear. The foot rest also serves as a boot tray and shoe scraper.
US09480349B2
An anti-theft assembly for deterring theft of a ring is provided. The anti-theft assembly includes a base that can be used to support an electronic article surveillance marker; a product engagement member including a support member that supports the ring during use and a locking member that secures the support member to the base; and an attachment member for securing the ring to the support member. In one embodiment, the support member and the locking member are a single, unitary member. In another embodiment, the support member and the locking member are separate members. Once assembled, upon applying a twisting force to the ring the engagement member rotates within the opening so that the attachment member is not broken.
US09480347B2
A jewelry display hanger is provided that includes a hook, a body connected to a housing by a neck and a cable tie or a twist tie. The hook extends from the first end of the body and the neck extends from the second end. The housing is elongated with first and second ends and a passage extending therebetween. The elongated housing is connected to the body by the neck. The cable tie or twist tie has a first end and a second end. The first end of the cable tie or twist tie passes through the passage in the housing and is connected to the second end to form a loop for attaching the hanger to an article of jewelry.
US09480343B2
A child high chair includes a frame, a seat and a seat attaching mechanism. The seat is detachably assembled with the frame and includes a seat body. The seat attaching mechanism includes a first combining component, a second combining component and a latch. The first combining component is disposed on the frame, and a sunken portion is disposed inside the first combining component. The second combining component is disposed on the seat body to combine with the first combining component. An opening is formed on the second combining component. The latch is disposed inside the second combining component and pivots to the second combining component. The latch includes a protruding portion, which is adapted to protrude from the second combining component via the opening to detachably engage with the sunken portion.
US09480334B2
An end display includes a base, an end wall coupled to a rear of the base, a bottom shelf located on the base and secured to the end wall, at least one intermediate shelf spaced apart from the bottom shelf and secured to the end wall and at least one set of dividers. The bottom shelf includes a top having a tiered shelf structure. Each intermediate shelf includes a top having a tiered shelf structure and a bottom having a set of guides. The at least one set of dividers have bottom ends that are mounted to the tiered shelf structure of the bottom shelf and top ends that mate with the set of guides on the bottom of the at least one intermediate shelf.
US09480330B2
A cleaning device (10, 110) comprises a body (16, 116), a cleaning arrangement (14, 14), and a driver (18, 118) to effect motion of the cleaning arrangement. The driver is held by the body, and the driver comprises a mounting arrangement (30, 32, 180, 82) to detachably mount the cleaning arrangement on the driver. There is also disclosed a cleaning arrangement (14, 14) for use with a drive arrangement (12, 112) of a cleaning device (10, 110). The cleaning arrangement has a longitudinal main axis and comprising a support (124) extending along the main axis. The cleaning arrangement further includes a brush part (126) on the support, the brush part extending radially outwardly from the support.
US09480325B2
A travel backpack comprises a main portion defining a main chamber for storing items, a mat portion, and a main pad. The main pad is supported by the main portion and the mat portion such that the main pad extends through at least a portion of the main portion and through the mat portion. The travel backpack is arranged in a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the mat portion is folded and secured to the main portion to facilitate carrying of the travel backpack. In the second configuration, the mat portion is unfolded to allow the travel backpack to be used as a sleep surface, where the main pad extends along the length of the sleep surface when the travel backpack is in the second configuration.
US09480323B2
A container for holding and delivering liquids is disclosed. A method of making the same is disclosed. The container can have a molded container top, a molded container bottom, a flexible film reservoir, and a handle extending from the container top to the container bottom. The reservoir can be laterally exposed around the entire circumference of the reservoir along a part of the longitudinal length of the reservoir. A thermally insulated reservoir system is disclosed. The reservoir system can have a bag having a multi-layered bag wall. The bag wall can have a first layer sealed to a second layer. The volume defined between the first layer and the second layer can be partially or completely filled with a fluid insulator, such as air or saline solution. The volume defined between the first layer and the second layer can also or alternately be partially or completely filled with a solid insulator, such as a matted fiber layer.
US09480322B2
A cosmetics storage assembly is provided. The cosmetics storage assembly can include a compact box and a cosmetics tray disposed in the compact box. The cosmetics tray can have a plurality of wells formed therein adapted for holding cosmetics materials. The compact box can include a floor panel, a cover panel, and a plurality of side panels. The floor panel, cover panel and side panels can fold along seams therebetween to form a chamber and the cosmetics tray can be disposed within the chamber.
US09480321B2
The invention relates to a motor-driven epilation head for an epilation device for plucking hairs of the human skin. Specifically, the invention relates to an epilation head having a rotation cylinder that can be rotated about a rotation axis and includes a plurality of plucking units for capturing and plucking the hairs. Each plucking unit comprises a first clamping element, a second clamping element and a third clamping element. The first clamping element together with the second clamping element forms a first closeable plucking gap and the second clamping element together with the third clamping element forms a second closeable plucking gap. The first and the second clamping elements are movably mounted and can be jointly actuated by means of an actuation element in order to close the first and the second plucking gap. The first and the second clamping elements move in the same direction.
US09480314B2
A length-adjustable tube for trekking sticks etc, comprising an outer tube and an inner tube insertable telescopically into the outer tube, and an expanding device with which the inner tube is clampable in the outer tube. The expanding device has an expanding element which can be pushed apart radially and is provided with a taper, and an inner element which is provided with an opposed taper and is accommodated in the expanding element. An adjustment screw held on the inner tube is operatively connected to an internally threaded bore in the inner element A clamping section is arranged on the expanding element, which, in a relaxed state, has a greater radius than the radius of the expanding element. The clamping section is elastically offsettable inwards counter to a restoring force.
US09480298B2
An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole, and a support assembly positioned beneath the midsole. The support assembly includes a plurality of primary support members having a substantially Z-shaped cross-section extending transversely across the support assembly. The support assembly may include a plurality of secondary support members having an inverted V-shaped cross-section, extending longitudinally along the support assembly, and intersecting with the primary support members. An outsole is positioned beneath the support assembly.
US09480280B2
A method of modifying the taste of a consumable, comprising adding to a consumable base at least one compound of the formula I in which (a) A is selected from the moieties (b) n is from 0-7, such that X is absent or a linear alkylene group in which n is from 1-7; and (c) Z is absent and Y is a moiety selected from the groups —CHO, or —CH2OH; or (d) Z is present and is a C1-7 linear alkane, and Y is selected from —CHOH, —CO, or —COC(CH3)O. The result is a consumable with enhanced mouthfeel and/or creaminess.
US09480277B2
The invention is directed to a method for preparing a fermented dough based food product, to a fermented dough based food product, to the use of native potato protein isolate, to a bread improver, and to a dough. The method of the invention comprises preparing a dough which dough comprises which dough comprises a native potato protein isolate, said native potato protein isolate having a protein content of 90% or more based on dry matter as determined from the weight of total Kjeldahl nitrogen multiplied by 6.25. The invention is also directed to a fermented dough based food product obtainable by said method.
US09480274B2
Protein concentrates and protein isolates, in addition to processes for the production of protein concentrates hydrolyzates thereof and protein isolates, are disclosed. In particular, the disclosure relates to a process for removing fiber from an oilseed meal, comprising: i) mixing an oilseed meal with a blending solvent, optionally water, saline solution, polysaccharide solution or protein containing solution, to form a mixture; ii) optionally adjusting the pH of the protein slurry to a pH of about 2 to about 10; iii) separating the mixture to form a protein slurry comprising soluble and insoluble proteins and an insoluble fiber fraction, and iv) extracting the protein slurry with an alcohol containing solvent to render soluble protein insoluble and separating and recovering the insoluble protein.
US09480269B2
A method for producing dairy products used in the food industry in milk processing plants involving the laser treatment of raw milk under turbulent flow conditions at a reception point, and heat treatment to produce pasteurized milk in equipment sanitized using rinsing and cleaning agents treated with laser radiation. Another variant of the method comprises the laser treatment of raw milk under turbulent flow conditions at the reception point, heat treatment to produce pasteurized milk in equipment sanitized using rinsing and cleaning agents treated with laser radiation, and the subsequent processing of the pasteurized milk into dairy products.
US09480267B2
A crisper drawer for postponing postharvest produce deterioration having a drawer housing that substantially defines the size and shape of the crisper drawer and fits within a residential refrigerator. A chamber within the drawer housing is cooled by the refrigerator. An ozone generator provides gaseous ozone to the chamber, and an ethylene scrubber reduces levels of ethylene in the chamber. An ozone level control with the ozone generator controls ozone levels.
US09480265B2
Deboning machines and methods of operating deboning machines are provided. In one aspect, a deboning machine includes a housing, a bearing supported by the housing, a separation chamber supported by the housing and including perforations defined through the separation chamber from an interior surface to an exterior surface, an auger including a shaft and a flute formed about the shaft with the auger extending through the separation chamber and the flute adapted to be positioned a working distance from the interior surface of the separation chamber. The deboning machine also includes a retainer rotatably supported by the bearing with the auger extending through the retainer, a nut rotatably coupled to a threaded portion of the auger and rotation of the moves the flute relative to the separation chamber to establish the working distance between the flute and the interior surface of the separation chamber.
US09480260B2
Methods of forming antimicrobial polymeric materials comprising metallic nanoparticles are disclosed. Such methods generally comprise: combining a metal-containing material with a resin in situ; and curing the resin in the presence of a metal-containing material. Antimicrobial polymeric materials formed by said methods are also disclosed.
US09480259B2
The present invention relates to a pyrazolopyran of the general formula I wherein the variables are defined according to the description, including a tautomer, salt, cleavable prodrug, or mixtures thereof, in particular to said pyrazolopyran for use as a medicament and/or an inhibitor of the enzyme serinehydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT). The invention also relates to a process the preparation of a pyrazolopyran of the formula I, to compositions comprising said compound and processes for the preparation of these compositions. Further it relates to use of the pyrazolopyran of formula I as an herbicide as well as to a method of controlling undesired vegetation.
US09480258B2
Antimicrobial compositions based on the synergistic combination of 2-methyl-3-isothiazolone and selected commercial microbicides where the compositions are substantially free of halogenated 3-isothiazolone, are disclosed. Particularly preferred are combinations of 2-methyl-3-isothiazolone together with benzoic acid, citric acid, sorbic acid, 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane, 1,3-dimethylol-5,5-dimethylhydantoin, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, zinc pyrithione or climbazole, that provide enhanced microbicidal efficacy at a combined active ingredient level lower than that of the combined individual 3-isothiazolone and commercial microbicide effective use levels.
US09480250B2
The present invention relates to a method for the production of solid solutions of sparingly soluble pesticides, pulverulent products that are obtained by said method and their use for pesticide formulations.
US09480242B1
An aquarium fabricated of a transparent material contains water. A housing retaining the aquarium has an opening for displaying the aquarium including fish swimming in the aquarium. Player components on the housing include a payment assembly and a feeding button. Operational components within the housing include a feeder assembly with fish food. An intelligent electronic controller is within the housing. A line couples the intelligent electronic controller to the feeder assembly for dispensing fish food in response to activating the payment assembly and depressing the feeding button. A timer allows dispensing of fish food at regularly timed intervals.
US09480235B1
Provided herein are several improved lettuce varieties, having increased anthocyanin and polyphenol content, and increased oxygen radical absorption capacity, as compared to other known varieties of lettuce. Also provided are parts of such new lettuces, such as leaves, heads, seeds, tissue cultures, and extracts generated from such varieties. The disclosure also provides methods of using the new lettuces and parts thereof, for example to reduce blood glucose levels.
US09480233B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV019537. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV019537, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV019537 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV019537 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV019537.
US09480228B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated XR30AR14RX. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety XR30AR14RX. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety XR30AR14RX and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety XR30AR14RX with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09480222B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH484024. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH484024, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH484024 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH484024.
US09480217B2
The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of tomato, NUN 00213 TOP which is especially useful as processing tomato.
US09480213B2
The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of tomato, N 6407 or NUN 00193 TOP which is especially useful as processing tomato.
US09480207B2
The invention provides a lighting system (100, 200, 300) for controlling the growth of plants, the system comprising; an array of solid state/semiconductor light sources (101, 201, 301) adapted to emit light of a predetermined wavelength or wavelength range; and a cooling arrangement(102, 202, 302) comprising a pipe (103, 203, 303) having at least one inlet opening for receiving a gaseous cooling medium and a plurality of outlet openings (105, 205, 305) for releasing said gaseous cooling medium from said cooling arrangement, the cooling arrangement being in mechanical and thermal contact with said light sources. The invention also provides a method for controlling the growth of a plant in a greenhouse of growth chamber. The invention allows promoting the photosynthesis of a plant by modifying the conditions (light intensity, temperature, CO2 concentration) locally around the plant.
US09480201B2
In a lawn mower for mowing lawns on a ground having a drive shaft adapted to transmit a rotational driving force of a operating motor (prime mover), three blades and a connecting member having a blade disk adapted to connect the blades with the drive shaft, a fan is integrally formed at the connecting member. The blades are attached to the connecting member at a circumference of the connecting member and to be movable relative to the connecting member in a radial direction of the connecting member.
US09480200B1
A multi-blade mower includes at least two spindles spaced apart from each other. In one example implementation, two blades are mounted at different heights on each respective spindle, and the blades at each spindle have different lengths. Horizontal clearance is provided between the lower blades, and the cutting circle of one of the upper blades overhangs the clearance zone between the lower blades, so that any grass missed between the lower blades is cut by the overhanging upper blade.
US09485895B2
A central control device used in a manufacture work machine for performing a manufacture work to control, in a centralized manner, work-element performing apparatuses each configured to perform one of work elements that constitute the manufacture work, by sequentially transmitting motion commands each of which is a command for one motion to be performed by one of the work-element performing apparatuses, the central control device including: a source-data storage section configured to store source data in which is encoded a matter of each of the work elements to be performed by each of the work-element performing apparatuses to perform manufacture work; a motion-command generating section configured to generate motion commands on the basis of the source data; and a command-transmission processing section configured to preform transmission processing to transmit the motion commands generated by the motion-command generating section to the work-element performing apparatuses.
US09485890B2
An electrical connector system includes a panel having a plurality of connector openings and a plurality of vent openings interspersed among the connector openings. Cable connectors are coupled to the panel and extend at least partially into the connector openings. The cable connectors have mating interfaces presented at the front for mating with mating connectors and the cable connectors have cables extending from cable ends of the cable connectors and located rearward of a rear of the panel. Air funnels are coupled to the panel at corresponding vent openings. The air funnels extend rearward of the rear of the panel. The air funnels route the cables clear of the space rearward of the vent openings to define an unimpeded flow path through the vent openings.
US09485886B2
A drive module is inserted into an extraction opening of a server and includes a casing, a circuit board, a fixing member fixed on the casing, a plurality of drives, and a cover having a clamping portion and forming a space cooperatively with the casing. The fixing member has engaging and pressing arms. The engaging arm is engaged with the circuit board when the clamping portion and the casing clamp the circuit board. The pressing arm has a hole for engaging with a protruding portion of the server to fix the drive module. The plurality of drives is inserted into the space and plugged into the circuit board. When the pressing arm is pulled toward a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction, the hole is disengaged from the protruding portion or the pressing arm drives the engaging arm to be separate from the circuit board.
US09485885B2
A system for performing computing operations includes a rack that rests on a floor and a stabilization device coupled on the top of the rack. The stabilization device includes a mounting portion coupled to the rack, a ballast member, and one or more spring devices coupled between the ballast member and the mounting portion. The ballast member reduces displacement of the rack from seismic loads transmitted from the floor to the rack to mitigate effects of the seismic loads on the rack.
US09485883B2
A wireless sensor device capable of constant operation without replacement of batteries. The wireless sensor device is equipped with a rechargeable battery and the battery is recharged wirelessly. Radio waves received at an antenna circuit are converted into electrical energy and stored in the battery. A sensor circuit operates with the electrical energy stored in the battery, and acquires information. Then, a signal containing the information acquired is converted into radio waves at the antenna circuit, whereby the information can be read out wirelessly.
US09485855B2
A substrate reinforcing structure for preventing and suppressing deformation or the like of a substrate with a fixed electric component socket.A first reinforcing plate in, for example, a frame shape is attached to a back surface of a wiring board. Further, a second reinforcing plate in, for example, a flat shape is provided on a back side of the first reinforcing plate. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first insulating sheet is further provided between the wiring board and the first reinforcing plate, and a spacer is provided on the second reinforcing plate and abutted to a part of the wiring board where contact pins do not protrude. A second insulating sheet is further provided on the second reinforcing plate.
US09485854B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward techniques and configurations for electrical signal absorption in an interconnect disposed in a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly. In one instance, a PCB assembly may comprise a substrate, and an interconnect formed in the substrate to route an electrical signal within the PCB. The interconnect may be coupled with a connecting component that is disposed on a surface of the PCB. An absorbing material may be disposed on the PCB to be in direct contact with at least a portion of the connecting component to at least partially absorb a portion of the electrical signal. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
US09485853B2
A wiring substrate according to the present invention includes a laminate of one or more insulation layers and one or more conductive layers and further includes a plurality of connection terminals formed on the laminate and spaced apart from one another, each having a step formed at the outer periphery of a first main surface opposite a contact surface in contact with the laminate, and a filling member provided in a filling manner between the connection terminals.
US09485849B1
A radio frequency particle accelerator structure and particle acceleration method are disclosed. Radio frequency electromagnetic energy is emitted from a fundamental power coupler coupled between a first electromagnetic resonant cavity sequentially coupled a second electromagnetic resonant cavity. The radio frequency electromagnetic energy is resonated in the first electromagnetic resonant cavity and the second electromagnetic resonant cavity.
US09485840B2
A controller comprising a control module configured to: use a non-optical sensor to perform motion detection; in response to the non-optical sensor detecting motion whilst one or more lighting device is operating in a first state whereby the lighting device(s) illuminates an environment according to a first level or emits no light, control the lighting device(s) to operate in a second state whereby the lighting device(s) illuminates the environment according to a second level higher than the first level, use a light sensor to perform motion detection whilst the lighting device(s) is operating in the second state; if no motion is detected by the light sensor, control the lighting device(s) to operate in the first state or a further state; and in response to the light sensor detecting motion, control the lighting device(s) to illuminate the environment according to a third level higher than the second level.
US09485832B2
A display panel including: a panel section including a display region where a plurality of pixels are arranged, and a gap region provided in a gap between the pixels; and a barrier section including a plurality of transmissive regions in a two-dimensional arrangement, and a light-blocking region to be around each of the transmissive regions. The transmissive regions are each configured to make entirely visible any one of the pixels therethrough when a viewer views the panel section not from a front but from a first or second direction via the barrier section, the pixels are each configured by a plurality of sub-pixels varying in type, and the sub-pixels in each of the pixels are arranged not in stripes but differently.
US09485831B2
The invention relates to supervision circuits (10) for supervising organic light emitting diode devices (1) via detection circuits (20) for detecting failure states of the organic light emitting diode devices (1) and for generating decision signals in response to detected failure states of the organic light emitting diode devices (1), which detected failure states have durations equal to or larger than time intervals. In response to the decision signals, the organic light emitting diode devices (1) can be bypassed and deactivated through switching circuits (30) such as bi-stable circuits. The failure states may include that the organic light emitting diode devices (1) have a relatively low impedance or “short” and a relatively high impedance or “open”. The supervision circuit (10) further prevents the organic light emitting diode devices (1) from being bypassed unjustly. The supervision circuits (10) may be autonomous circuits that only receive power via the organic light emitting diode devices (1) and may be automatic circuits that automatically reset themselves after turn-off.
US09485825B2
This relates to an enable driver circuit for an LED drive. In some examples, the enable driver circuit may sense an input of the LED driver and enable the LED driver when a conduction angle of the input is greater than a threshold value after a set amount of line cycles of the input of the LED driver have occurred. If the conduction angle is not greater than the threshold after the set amount of line cycles, the enable driver circuit may not enable the LED driver and power may not be delivered to the LED load. In some examples, the enable driver circuit may further enable the LED driver if the conduction angle of the input increases by a certain amount and the resultant conduction angle is greater than the threshold, regardless of the number of line cycles of the ac input voltage that have occurred.
US09485817B2
A control circuit of a light-emitting element comprises a rectifying unit which full-wave rectifies an alternating current power supply, a clock generator which generates and outputs a clock signal (CLK), a first comparator which compares a comparison voltage (CS) corresponding to a current flowing to the light-emitting element and a reference voltage (REF), and a switching element which is set to an ON state in synchronization with the clock signal (CLK) and which is set to an OFF state when the comparison voltage (CS) becomes greater than the reference voltage (REF) at the first comparator, to switch the current flowing to the light-emitting element. In this structure, a period of the clock signal (CLK) generated in the clock generator is varied, to reduce or inhibit noise.
US09485814B2
The present disclosure is directed to a hysteresis based driver that incorporates the forward voltage of the LEDs being driven into the design of the driver itself. Instead of providing a typical fixed voltage reference, the forward voltage of one or more LEDS driven by the driver is used as a voltage reference. As the input voltage varies during operation of the one or more LEDs, the current varies as well. This current change is larger than it would be without the LEDs and only resistors. This variable current measurement may be used as input into a hysteresis circuit that controls the switch that turns on and off the one or more LEDs. As such, the driver may not incorporate or use a typical fixed voltage reference such as one provided by a zener diode.
US09485809B2
The invention relates to a heating rod, comprising a housing made of metal, a heating element disposed in the housing, and a contact plate, which is seated against the heating element with a front and which protrudes from the housing. It is provided according to this disclosure that the contact plate is an aluminum sheet having an anodized back and the contact plate comprises projections for positioning the heating element.
US09485807B2
Provided is a liquid heating apparatus capable of heating fluid such as peroxosulfuric acid solution to high temperature in a short time. The heating apparatus includes: a flow channel member forming a flow channel 4 allowing liquid to flow and having flow channel thickness of 10 mm or smaller, the flow channel member composed of material transmitting near-infrared rays; and a near-infrared heaters 7, 8 placed over the outside of at least one of opposite flow channel surfaces of the flow channel and heating the liquid in the flow channel. The liquid flowing through the flow channel is instantaneously and evenly heated using near-infrared rays. It is preferable that spacers 6 be further provided within the flow channel 4 in order to limit the volume of the flow channel. Since not only the residence time in the heating apparatus can be shortened but the possible largest heat transfer area can be also maintained by decreasing the volume of the flow channel of the heating apparatus and by increasing the flow velocity in the heating apparatus, it is possible to increase the temperature of liquid to be heated to high temperature in a very short time even if the preset temperature of heat transfer surfaces is low.
US09485801B1
An electronic device in a home digital living network alliance (DLNA) network. The device comprises a memory, a processor, and a client application stored in the memory, when executed by the processor, communicatively couples to an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) server, wherein communication between the client application and the IMS server is initiated by the client application, and forwards at least one of content or available service information from the home DLNA network to a mobile communication device via the IMS server. The application further polls the IMS server, and receives at least one of content or available service information from the mobile communication device via the IMS server, whereby issues with firewall, dynamic internet protocol address, and network address translation (NAT) in communicatively coupling the mobile communication device and the home DLNA network are limited.
US09485788B2
The invention is directed to synchronizing a massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) link between an access point (AP) and a contaminating AP. An exemplary method comprises: detecting, by an AP, a contaminating AP, wherein the contaminating AP interferes with communication between the AP and other UEs in communication with the AP; and extracting, by the AP, broadcasted pilot information from a first channel associated with a data frame, wherein the broadcasted pilot information is associated with the contaminating AP.
US09485773B2
Techniques for supporting communication in a heterogeneous network are described. In an aspect, communication in a dominant interference scenario may be supported by reserving subframes for a weaker base station observing high interference from a strong interfering base station. In another aspect, interference due to a first reference signal from a first station (e.g., a base station) may be mitigated by canceling the interference at a second station (e.g., a UE) or by selecting different resources for sending a second reference signal by the second station (e.g., another base station) to avoid collision with the first reference signal. In yet another aspect, a relay may transmit in an MBSFN mode in subframes that it listens to a macro base station and in a regular mode in subframes that it transmits to UEs. In yet another aspect, a station may transmit more TDM control symbols than a dominant interferer.
US09485767B2
A first wireless communication device including a first transceiver and a second transceiver. The first transceiver is configured to transmit first signals according to a first wireless communication technology. The second transceiver is configured to transmit second signals according to a second wireless communication technology. Memory is configured to store a schedule that identifies first intervals for allowing communication using the first signals and second intervals for allowing communication using the second signals. A coexistence circuit is configured to allow the first transceiver to transmit the first signals only during the first intervals, allow the second transceiver to transmit the second signals only during the second intervals, and cause the first transceiver to transmit, prior to each of the second intervals, a message that indicates a duration of a respective one of the second intervals.
US09485762B2
A communication device includes a receiving circuit, an uplink control information generating circuit, a transmitting circuit and a control circuit. The receiving circuit receives an uplink-downlink reconfiguration message from a communication station. The uplink control information generating circuit generates a plurality of uplink control information. The transmitting circuit transmits the uplink control information in a plurality of data frames, each of which comprises a plurality of subframes. The control circuit determines the subframe of the data frame to be an uplink subframe, a downlink subframe or a special subframe according to the uplink-downlink reconfiguration message. The uplink-downlink reconfiguration message configures the communication device to operate in one of valid uplink-downlink configurations. The control circuit configures the transmitting circuit to transmit the uplink control information in a subframe of the data frame, which is not configured to be the downlink subframe in the valid uplink-downlink configurations.
US09485756B2
A method, and a user equipment (UE), for transmitting control information. The method according to one embodiment includes receiving a sounding reference signal (SRS) simultaneous transmission parameter; and if the SRS simultaneous transmission parameter is true, transmitting an SRS, and, in cell specific SRS subframes of a primary component carrier, a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) which coincides in a same subframe as the SRS. The PUCCH using a shortened format carries at least one of a HARQ-ACK and a positive scheduling request (SR). The method according to the embodiment further includes, if the SRS simultaneous transmission parameter is false, transmitting the PUCCH which uses a normal PUCCH format and carries at least one of the HARQ-ACK and the positive SR, while not transmitting, in a secondary component carrier, the SRS which coincides in the same subframe. The transmitting of the PUCCH uses carrier aggregation.
US09485755B2
A mobile station receives a downlink control structure in a first carrier, where the downlink control structure indicates that control information for the mobile station is on a second, different carrier. The mobile station decodes the control information in the second carrier, where the control information specifies resource allocation of a wireless link for the mobile station. More specifically, according to some implementations, the control channel in the first carrier specifies the resource allocation for an extended control channel in the second carrier, where the extended control channel specifies the resource allocation for traffic data of a wireless link for the mobile station.
US09485754B2
The disclosure relates to a network node 21, 2n; 31, 3n of a communication system 1 for wireless communication. The network node 21, 2n; 31, 3n is configured to utilize a first bandwidth, B1, allocated in accordance with a first communication standard, wherein a first carrier and a second carrier are allocated within the first bandwidth B1. The first carrier has a first bandwidth, Blegacy, and is configured to operate in accordance with a transmission format of the first communication standard, and the second carrier has a second bandwidth, Bnon-lebacy, and is configured to operate in accordance with a transmission format of a second communication standard.
US09485751B2
A core network apparatus notifies a piece of identification information on each service for receiving multicast data in a down link to an access network apparatus. The access network apparatus receives the piece of the identification information notified from the core network apparatus to capture a radio channel for the service identified by the piece of the identification information. The core network apparatus transmits the multicast data to the access network apparatus in a receivable form on the basis of the piece of the identification information. The access network apparatus receives the multicast data transmitted from the core network apparatus on the basis of the piece of the identification information and transmits the received multicast data to terminals over the radio channel.
US09485745B2
Location of one or more devices in a monitored environment based at least in part on data communications between a device and a communication array disposed relative to the monitored environment. The communication array may include a plurality of nodes, at least two of which may be in operative communication with a mobile device. The plurality of nodes may be synchronized to a common time base with communications over a packet-switched communication network (e.g., employing IP communications or the like). In turn, communications between nodes of known location and a device may be used to determine ranging values at least in part based on characteristics (e.g., time of flight) of the communication. As such, a location may be determined by, for example, multilateration of a plurality of ranging values.
US09485743B2
Apparatus and methods for synchronizing a network element (e.g. access points, femtocells, etc.) to a master network (such as a cellular network) to provide accurate frequency and/or time references for their internal systems. In one embodiment, the network element utilizes a dedicated receiver (or transceiver) to receive timing information from the master network. The implementation of the dedicated receiver is advantageous for cost and simplicity reasons. Furthermore, the timing or frequency information, as received from the master network, is used to correct the network element's internal timing. In addition, the network element's internal timing can operate in open-loop mode, if no master network can be found, thereby allowing for the device to continue providing service to network users. Additionally, a dedicated receiver can also receive information (e.g. location, SID, NID, SSID, etc.) local to the network element, such information may be useful or required for seamless operation within the master network.
US09485738B2
A method for configuring gain factors in a WCDMA telecommunication system is provided in which the gain factor for defining power required for normal reception of uplink data in an environment supporting an uplink service over an E-DCH can be configured using minimal signaling information. First gain factors for first TFs corresponding to a part of a TF set including a plurality of TFs available for an uplink service are received. One of the first TFs is determined as a reference TF for a second TF other than the first TFs in the TF set. Then, a second gain factor for the second TF is calculated using the first gain factor for the determined reference TF. The second gain factor is used for transmitting or receiving uplink data.
US09485737B2
Described embodiments provide a method for controlling radio units to transmit a signal to user equipment wherein each one of the radio units includes at least two antennas associated with a different transmission pattern. The method may include determining whether user equipment is located at an overlapping cell area of a first cell and a second cell and controlling a first radio unit in the first cell to transmit a signal to the user equipment using a first resource block and controlling a second radio unit in the second cell to transmit a reference signal associated with the first resource block with a second transmission power when the user equipment is determined as being located in the overlapping cell area. The second transmission power may be lower than a first transmission power of the first radio unit in the first cell for transmitting a reference signal using the first resource block.
US09485734B2
The disclosure generally relates to a method and apparatus for Low-Energy Bluetooth (BLE) synchronization. In one embodiment, the disclosure enables BLE devices enabled with both BLE and IEEE 802.11 radios to synchronization using a non-BLE beacon signal. The beacon signal and available shared information between corresponding BLE devices are used to synchronize the BLE devices. In an exemplary method, the first BLE device receives a beacon signal having a reference timestamp and determines a first time-offset as a function of the reference timestamp. The first BLE device then selects an event time window as a function of the first time-offset and conducts a BLE event (advertising or scanning) during the event time window. The second BLE device also uses the beacon signal and the shared information to complement the first device's event by one of advertising or scanning.
US09485719B2
The present invention relates to a method and device that may determine a service provided by a WiFi device to be connected before connecting a WiFi direct network. According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, if a service for an owner device of a wireless communication group is discovered for in the process of discovering for a service for the wireless communication group, there is the advantage that is possible to more conveniently perform the service discovery process by obtaining supported service information on each device belonging to the group. In addition, if there is a currently unavailable service in the process of discovering for the service for the wireless communication group, there is the advantage that it is possible to provide information highly necessary for a user to determine network establishment by further providing information on the unavailable service.
US09485718B2
Various embodiments enable recovering from an out-of-service state in a wireless device. A processor may perform scans of a first acquisition database to acquire a first renewed service connection for a first subscriber identification module (SIM). The scans include first and second searches for first and second channels identified in first and second technology lists, respectively, from the first acquisition database, respectively, until either a renewed service connection is acquired or each of the first and second technology lists are exhausted. The first and second technology lists identify channels from first and second radio access technologies. A currently used channel of a second SIM acquired service is first on the first technology list. The processor may perform a full frequency scan to acquire a first renewed service connection for the first SIM in response to determining that each of the first and second technology lists were exhausted.
US09485717B2
A mobile communication system including a base station which sets a plurality of cells and a mobile station is provided. In the mobile communication system, the base station notifies the mobile station in communication through a first cell among the plurality of cells, of the identification information of at least one cell among the plurality of cells, which can be used for communication with the mobile station and instructs the mobile station to measure a reception state of radio signals. The mobile station detects, in response to the instruction from the base station, a cell for transmitting radio signals which the mobile station is able to receive, and when identification information of the detected cell matches any of the identification information of the at least one cell, the mobile station notifies the base station of the identification information of the detected cell.
US09485713B2
A circuit for avoiding channel interference, including a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) chip and at least one first single-pole multi-throw switch, where a movable end of the first single-pole multi-throw switch is connected to a signal transmit pin of the Wi-Fi chip; one non-movable end of the first single-pole multi-throw switch is connected to a first signal transmit tributary while another is connected to a second signal transmit tributary; and when the Wi-Fi chip determines that a first channel and a second channel interfere with each other, the movable end of the first single-pole multi-throw switch is controlled to connect to the second non-movable end of the first single-pole multi-throw switch, where the first channel is a wireless local area network channel, and the second channel is different from the wireless local area network channel.
US09485704B2
The invention relates to methods and arrangements for handling handover-related parameters. A radio base station of a mobile communications network is arranged to serve at least a first cell, and to make handover decisions based on handover-related parameters. The radio base station comprises means for receiving handover related feedback from a radio base station serving a second cell after handover of a UE from said first cell to said second cell; means for using the handover related feedback received from the base station serving said second cell to adjust the handover-related parameters; and further by means for sending handover related feedback to a radio base station serving a second or another cell after handover of a UE to said first cell from said second or another cell.
US09485701B2
A method for assigning a tracking area (TA) is disclosed. A mobility state of a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) is determined and the TA is assigned based on the determined mobility state. Also disclosed is a method for accessing a closed subscriber group (CSG) TA. A CSG TA identifier is received at a WTRU and is stored. A CSG TA broadcast is received and the broadcast CSG TA is accessed if an identifier of the broadcast CSG TA matches the stored CSG TA identifier. Also disclosed is a method for changing a mobility state of a WTRU. A current mobility state of the WTRU is determined and a predetermined metric of the WTRU is examined. The predetermined metric is evaluated to determine if the metric has crossed a threshold and the mobility state is changed based on the evaluated metric.
US09485684B2
A PCEF (400) for a cellular system, arranged (405, 410) to receive data packets from at least one other node via a certain Radio Access Technology, RAT, the PCEF (400) also being arranged to communicate with a PCRF via a PCC interface. The PCEF (400) is further arranged (425, 430) to set up Service Data flows, SDFs, which SDFs are defined for the PCEF (400) by the PCRF over the PCC interface and which comprise filters for received data packets. Said filters define a Quality Class Index, a QCI, for each received data packet, and the PCEF (400) is arranged (415, 420) to interpret QCIs for received data packets up to and including a predefined value in a first predefined manner for all RATs, and to interpret (415, 420) QCIs over said predefined value in a second predefined manner.
US09485672B2
A first wireless connection is initiated between a station and a first access point (410). During this first wireless connection, data packet traffic is monitored from other access points (420). It is repeatedly determined (430), by the station using the monitored data packet traffic and during the first wireless connection, which of the other access points provides a best data transmission profile. Thereafter, the station automatically transitions (440) from the first wireless connection to a second wireless connection with the access point having the most recently determined best data transmission profile upon occurrence of a trigger event or a termination of the first wireless connection. Related apparatus, systems, methods and articles are also described.
US09485670B2
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for maintaining synchronization with respect to the security configurations of the network and a mobile terminal, even during a cell update procedure. A method may include causing a cell update message to be provided during performance of a cell update procedure and including, with the cell update message, a security configuration information element indicating that a mobile terminal has applied an updated security configuration in an instance in which the mobile terminal has applied the updated security configuration. The method may also include, with the cell update message, the information element indicating that the mobile terminal has reverted to a prior security configuration in an instance in which the mobile terminal has reverted to a prior security configuration.
US09485663B2
A method and apparatus for selecting a carrier in a wireless communication system is provided. a pico eNodeB (eNB) transmits a carrier information request message including a request of information on carriers used by a macro eNB, receives a carrier information response message as a response of the carrier information request message, the carrier information response message including the information on carriers used by the macro eNB, and selects a primary cell (PCell) of the pico eNB based on the received information on carriers used by the macro eNB.
US09485662B2
A method, system and device for allocating resources of a base station node (Node B) are disclosed to enable F-DPCH resources of a local cell to be sufficiently used. In this invention, Node B reports to the RNC the F-DPCH capability of the local cell so as to provide a decision-making basis about using or not using the F-DPCH to the RNC. If the local cell supports F-DPCH, when the UE initiates an RRC connection establishment request, the RNC instructs the Node B to allocate the F-DPCH and HSDPA resources to the UE, otherwise the RNC instructs the Node B to allocate DPDCH and DPDCCH resources to the UE. The F-DPCH capability of the local cell can be reported in a newly added IE or extended existing IE of the Audit Response message and Resource Status Indication message.
US09485661B2
Systems and methodologies are described herein that facilitate the generation and use of separable, hierarchical channel state feedback in a wireless communication system. As described herein, in the event that multiple network nodes cooperate to conduct downlink transmissions to a network user, channel state feedback as reported by the network user can be separated into intra-node feedback relating to per-node channel conditions and inter-node feedback relating to relative phase and/or amplitude between channels corresponding to respective nodes. Further, a network user can select to report intra-node feedback and/or inter-node feedback based on network instructions, a cooperation strategy to be utilized by respective network nodes, or the like. As additionally described herein, respective codebooks on which inter-node and intra-node channel feedback is based can be configured to convey information relating to a partial channel description and/or to vary based on resource units (e.g., sub-bands, resource blocks, etc.) utilized for downlink communication.
US09485660B2
Systems and methods to detect and characterize fake cell towers in a network operator's network include receiving live data comprising any of crowd-sourced data and tower data; performing live data analysis on the live data and reference data; and detecting the fake cell towers based on the live data analysis. Optionally, spectrum data captured at cell towers by a baseband processor coupled to backhaul equipment can be used as additional input.
US09485657B2
An electronic apparatus and a control method thereof are disclosed. The electronic apparatus according includes: a first communicator configured to communicate with an authentication terminal device; a second communicator configured to communicate with a new terminal device that is not registered with an access point (AP); a storage configured to store authentication information for accessing the AP; and a controller configured to control the second communicator to transmit the authentication information that is stored in the storage to the new terminal device in response to receiving terminal information of the new terminal device from the authentication terminal device through the first communicator.
US09485651B2
The present invention relates to an OAM apparatus for a radio base station. The OAM apparatus comprises an OAM receiver configured for receiving an electronic code key. The apparatus also comprises a storage unit comprising a list of code keys of which at least one of said code keys is valid. The apparatus further comprises a processing unit configured for determining whether a received code key is comprised in said list and whether said received code key is valid, and for invalidating said received code key in said list for preventing repeated use of the code key. The apparatus also comprises an OAM transmitter configured for being in a silent unless activated. The OAM apparatus is configured for wireless communication with an OAM terminal over a wireless OAM link if it has been determined that the received code key is valid and if the OAM transmitter has been activated.
US09485648B2
A distribution method is disclosed. A distribution device receives based on a near field communication protocol, a virtual user identification data acquiring request sent by a terminal device. The virtual user identification data acquiring request carries service selection information of virtual user identification data that needs to be acquired. According to the service selection information, subscription relationship data of virtual user identification data matching the service selection information is determined. The distribution device sends the subscription relationship data to the terminal device based on the near field communication protocol.
US09485644B2
A call processing control unit establishes communication with a first communication network by using a normal interface, and upon receiving a communication request using a second communication network from the first communication network, activates an emergency interface and establishes communication with the second communication network by using the emergency interface. A wireless communication unit and a baseband processing unit communicate with a first terminal device using the first communication network, connect the first terminal device to the first communication network via the call processing control unit and the normal interface, and when the call processing control unit receives a communication request, communicate with a second terminal device using the second communication network and connects the second terminal device to the second communication network via the call processing control unit and the emergency interface.
US09485642B2
The present invention provides a method for requesting location-based assistance executed on a mobile device of an assistance requester, and a method and system for providing location-based assistance executed on a server of a joint assistance service provider. The present invention integrates mobile positioning and telecommunications technologies to provide assistance provision information. In the present invention, an assistance request module of the mobile device is activated for execution to locate the assistance requester; assistance request information containing the assistance requester's location information is transmitted to the server of the joint assistance service provider. Then, the mobile device is connected to a social networking website or an assistance provider via the server of the joint assistance service provider to receive real-time assistance provision information. The present invention improves conventional assistance request methods as well as assistance provision timings. Also, the assistance request information, containing the assistance requester's location information, is analyzed to provide more accurate assistance-related data to the assistance provider. Therefore, the present invention allows the efficiency of providing assistance to be improved.
US09485639B2
A method and device for adjusting and processing ringtone is Provided, the method comprising: when a user equipment (UE) plays a ringtone, acquiring environmental audio data, the environmental audio data comprises the ringtone data played by the UE and the external environment noise data of the UE; analyzing the characteristic parameter of the ringtone played by the UE according to the acquired audio data; and adjusting the ringtone played by the UE according to the characteristic parameter. The disclosure solves the problem in the related art of how to automatically and accurately adjust the ringtone of a UE on the basis of different environments, thus achieving the effect of accurately adjusting the ringtone of the UE on the basis of different environments.
US09485635B2
For displaying information associated with correspondence, a memory stores code executable by a processor. The code identifies a communication context for a communication. The communication context includes a correspondent. The code further displays information associated with the communication context. The information includes a prior communication with the correspondent.
US09485627B2
Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, systems and/or methods of estimating a location of a mobile device. For example, an apparatus may include a radio to receive location information including locations of a plurality of detected access points; and a location estimator to select from the plurality of detected access points a plurality of selected access points, based on the location information, and to estimate a location of the mobile device based on communications from the plurality of selected access points.
US09485622B2
An apparatus for wireless positioning includes a first delimitation unit configured to delimit an initial boundary for a predetermined space to divide the predetermined space into at least two areas, each area of the at least two areas comprising multiple zones, the multiple zones including a boundary zone adjacent to the initial boundary; a detection unit configured to detect signal feature values of respective wireless access points in the boundary zone and determine an identifier set of the detected wireless access points; and a second delimitation unit configured to re-determine the boundaries of the at least two areas for the wireless positioning based on the detection results in the boundary zone. With the method and apparatus of embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the positioning calculation time while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
US09485615B2
A recommendation for a user is generated in response to a user request. The recommendation can pertain to whether a user should download and install a mobile device application and is based on a number of responses received from other mobile devices within a specified distance from the mobile device at which the recommendation was requested. Recommendations can also be requested and generated by various other devices in machine-to-machine networks. Recommendations can pertain to policy enforcement and device component performance or operation.
US09485610B2
A Bluetooth device used for data transmission between first and second peripheral devices is provided. The Bluetooth device includes a processing circuit and a Bluetooth chip configured to be capable of being operated in a transmitting mode and a receiving mode for data transmitting and data receiving, respectively. In the transmitting mode, a first communication link is established between the Bluetooth chip and the first peripheral device through a first communication protocol. The processing circuit establishes a second communication protocol. In the receiving mode, a second communication link is established between the Bluetooth chip and the second peripheral device through a third communication protocol. The second peripheral device transmits a data to the Bluetooth chip through the second communication link and the Bluetooth chip transmits, based on the second communication protocol, the received data to the first peripheral device through the first communication link simultaneously.
US09485600B2
An audio system including a first speaker and a second speaker that are arranged in front of a predetermined listening position to be substantially bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the listening position; a third speaker and a fourth speaker that are arranged in front of the predetermined listening position to be substantially bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the listening position; a first attenuator that attenuates components that are equal to or less than a predetermined first frequency of an input audio signal; and an output controller that outputs sounds that are based on the input audio signal from the first speaker and the second speaker and outputs sounds that are based on the first audio signal in which components that are equal to or less than the first frequency of the input audio signal from the third speaker and the fourth speaker.
US09485583B2
A vibration unit includes an encircling frame defining a vibration cavity therewithin, a vibration member disposed in the vibration cavity, and a suspension including an elastic diaphragm having a periodical wave-shape extended between the vibration member and the encircling frame to support the vibration member within the vibration cavity. The wave-shape diaphragm provides a 3-dimensional connection between the vibration member and the encircling frame to self-generate a repelling force to against a lateral movement of the vibration member so as to ensure the vibration member to be reciprocatingly moved in a linear direction.
US09485580B1
In an example embodiment a headset includes a phone jack, a speaker connected to the phone jack, a microphone coupled to the phone jack and a resistive switch string coupled to the phone jack to the same ring of the phone jack as the microphone. In another example an integrated circuit device includes a charge pump, a multi-voltage LDO having an input which is capable of being coupled to an output of the charge pump, an ADC; and a pull-up resistor coupled between an output of the LDO and an input of the ADC. In another example embodiment, a method for headset signal multiplexing includes providing a headset with a plurality of signal sources and voltage division multiplexing the plurality of signal sources on a common wire.
US09485572B2
A sound processing device includes a first calculation unit configured to calculate a suppression gain of noise by using respective input signals input from a plurality of microphones; an integration unit configured to obtain an integration gain by using a suppression gain of an acoustic echo and the suppression gain of the noise; an application unit configured to apply the integration gain to one input signal among the plurality of input signals; and a second calculation unit configured to calculate the suppression gain of the acoustic echo by using signals to which the integration gain is applied, output signals that are output to a replay device, and the one input signal.
US09485563B2
A two way communication assembly for discrete wireless communication includes a remote unit that may be coupled to an external electronic device. A remote processor is coupled to the remote unit. A remote transceiver is coupled to the remote unit and the remote processor. A remote actuator is coupled to the housing and the remote transceiver. A base unit may be positioned within a user's ear. A base processor is coupled to the base unit. A base transceiver is coupled to the base unit and the base processor. The base transceiver is in communication with the remote transceiver. A first base actuator is coupled to the base unit and the base processor. A second base actuator is coupled to the base unit and the base transceiver. A microphone is coupled to the base unit and the base processor. A speaker is coupled to the base unit and the base processor.
US09485562B2
This headset comprises two earphones (10), each comprising a generally ring-shaped, flexible circumaural or supra-aural pad (16), mounted on a shell (14) receiving a transducer (30). The headset comprises an electronic circuitry powered by a battery, and a battery recharging circuit connected to at least one inductive-coupling recharging coil (20). The coil is housed in a pad (16), and it is housed in a region of the pad (16) that is close to an outer limit plane, on the wearer side, of the envelope (16a, 16b) of the pad, for example near a seam (C) between two portions (16a, 16b) of an envelope of the pad.
US09485558B2
A flying disc is disclosed that can be used in recreational activities. The flying disc includes a body having an aerodynamic design. A sound reproduction device housing is attached to the body. A sound reproduction device is positioned in the sound reproduction device housing that is configured to generate audible music via an audio transducer when the sound reproduction device is activated.
US09485553B2
A path computation client (PCC) can request a path computation element (PCE) to compute a path across a wavelength switched optical network. PCC sends a request which identifies end nodes. The end nodes can support a plurality of possible values of a transmission parameter, such as modulation format or Forward Error Correction (FEC) type. The PCE computes a path between the end nodes and sends a reply to the PCC. The reply identifies the path between the end nodes and identifies a selected value of the transmission parameter for the computed path. The reply can comprise a spectrum assignment for the path. The reply can be a PCE Communication Protocol (PCEP) Reply message.
US09485549B2
Supply chain systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring fluid levels in liquid containers, such as kegs. Embodiments include sensors that fit within a keg's false bottom, measure the weight of the keg, and transmit the weight information to a computer database via a wireless network. Other embodiments include an RFID device with information about a characteristic of the liquid within a keg (such as brand and/or type of beer) that may be attached to the keg and paired with the sensor so the sensor can transmit information about the characteristic of the liquid in the keg. In alternate embodiments, the sensor's transmitter is short range and an uplink/gateway is used to receive information from the sensor and relay that sensor's information to a broader wireless network. Multiple containers in close proximity may each be fitted with an RFID device and sensor and communicate their individual information to the database.
US09485547B2
An apparatus, method, system and computer-readable medium are disclosed for, in one aspect, determining when a trigger, such as an application trigger, should be generated. In some embodiments, the application trigger may be generated when a frame included in a feed (e.g., a content feed) matches a specified or indicated frame. In some embodiments, a comparison between the feed and the specified or indicated frame may be based on one or more tolerances or thresholds. In some embodiments, the feed may be split and content (e.g., video) obtained via the split may be combined (e.g., multiplexed) with a trigger. The combined content and trigger may be transmitted to one or more devices, such as one or more user devices.
US09485542B2
Methods of adding an inline reply to a video email/message and presenting a chain of video emails/messages are provided. A video email/message is received and an inline reply to the video email/message is generated and associated with a point during playback of the video email/message. The inline reply is sent by return email such that, during subsequent playback of the video email/message, playback of the video email/message is paused at the point and the inline reply is displayed.
US09485539B2
A multimedia server receives a plurality of programs of a multimedia source. The multimedia server includes a tuning module to receive the plurality of programs and to select a set of programs from the plurality of programs based on a set of program select commands that is derived from select requests. A program mixer mixes the set of programs into a stream of program data. One or more transceiving modules transmit the stream of program data on to corresponding communication paths and receive the select requests. A client module produces the select requests for one or more clients. The client module includes a selection module to produce at least one of the select requests. A network interface controller transmits at least one of select requests to the multimedia server and receives the stream of program data via the communication path or paths in response.
US09485537B1
Systems and methods presented herein provide for asset recommendations based on asset effectiveness determinations. In one embodiment, an asset recommendation system operable to recommend insertion of assets into Video On Demand (VOD) content being selected by users through Customer Premises Equipment (CPEs). The system includes a recommendation engine communicatively coupled to an asset effectiveness evaluation module and to an asset decision system, wherein the recommendation engine is operable to accumulate demographic information associated with the determined effectiveness of the assets, to generate an anonymous user profile based on the accumulated demographic information and the associated effectiveness of the assets, and to recommend assets for insertion to the asset decision system based on the anonymous user profile. The anonymous user profile is used to identify other users with similar demographic information to retrieve and rank the assets for insertion to VOD content selections by the other users.
US09485536B1
A method and system for processing listing data includes a listing system having a listing database associated therewith, an external data source communicating station data, external schedule data and external program data to a listing system and an internal source communicating internal program data to the listing system. The listing system stores the station data, external schedule data and external program data and the internal program data in the database. The listing system communicates the listing data to other systems using the listing data such as a program guide system.
US09485520B2
Methods for improved parallel motion estimation are provided that decouple the merging candidate list derivation and motion estimation for merge mode and skip mode and the advanced motion vector predictor (AMVP) candidate list construction from regular motion estimation to increase the coding quality in parallel motion estimation while meeting throughput requirements. This decoupling may be accomplished by modifying the availability rules for spatial motion data (SMD) positions for construction of the candidate lists. As part of the decoupling, largest coding units (LCUs) of a picture may be divided into non-overlapping parallel motion estimation regions (PMER) of equal size. Within a PMER, motion estimation for merge mode, skip mode, and normal inter-prediction mode may be performed in parallel for all the prediction units (PUs) in the PMER.
US09485516B2
Picture decoding apparatus and picture decoding method for decoding a current picture in direct mode
A picture coding apparatus includes a motion vector estimation unit and a motion compensation unit. The motion vector estimation unit selects one method for deriving a motion vector of a block to be motion-compensated, depending on a motion vector of a block located in a corner of a decoded macroblock from among a group of blocks that compose the decoded macroblock corresponding to the current macroblock to be coded and determines the motion vector derived by the selected method for derivation to be a candidate of the motion vector of the current macroblock to be coded. The motion compensation unit generates a predictive image of the block to be motion-compensated based on the estimated motion vector.
US09485510B2
A video decoding method involving intra prediction includes: parsing a most probable mode (MPM) flag of a block while parsing symbols of the block of an encoded video from a received bitstream; determining whether a predetermined number of a plurality of candidate intra prediction modes are used to predict an intra prediction mode of the block based on the MPM flag; when it is determined that the plurality of candidate intra prediction modes are used based on the MPM flag, determining the plurality of candidate intra prediction modes based on intra prediction modes of a left block and an upper block that are adjacent to the block while restoring the intra prediction mode of the block by using the parsed symbols.
US09485509B2
An image compression device includes: a first encoder that encodes a target block included in a segment in a first encoding mode; a second encoder that encodes the target block in a second encoding mode using a fixed-length coding to obtain a second encoded data; a calculator that calculates an accumulated amount of the first encoded data of the blocks; a selector that selects an encoding mode to be used to encode the target block from among the first encoding mode and the second encoding mode; and a determiner that determines whether to encode encoding mode information according to a predetermined condition. The selector selects the second encoding mode if a sum of an accumulated amount and an amount of the second encoded data of all remaining blocks in a segment exceeds a target value.
US09485508B2
Systems, methods, and devices for coding multilayer video data are disclosed that may include, encoding, decoding, transmitting, or receiving a non-entropy encoded set of profile, tier, and level syntax structures, potentially at a position within a video parameter set (VPS) extension. The systems, methods, and devices may refer to one of the profile, tier, and level syntax structures for each of a plurality of output layer sets. The systems, methods, and devices may encode or decode video data of one of the output layer sets based on information from the profile, tier, and level syntax structure referred to for the output layer set.
US09485502B2
The quantization parameters (QP) for Chroma are extended up to and more preferably to the same range as Luma QP (e.g., 0 to 51). Previous, values of Chroma QP only extended up to 39. Techniques are provided for determining extended Chroma QP values (e.g., for Cr and Cb) based on the Luma QP and picture level chroma offsets. In one preferred embodiment, slice level offsets are added making the method particularly well-suited for slice level parallel processing. The extension of Chroma QP enhances functionality, flexibility and friendliness of the High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard for various applications.
US09485499B2
A system for calibrating multi-camera array images, comprising an array of at least four acquisition devices, configured to acquire images; at least one reference acquisition device configured to acquire at least one reference image at least partially overlapping at least four of the images; and a processor configured to extract tie points between the at least four of the images and the at least one reference image and utilize the tie points for calibrating the at least four of the images in respect of the at least one reference image.
US09485496B2
A camera array, an imaging device and/or a method for capturing image that employ a plurality of imagers fabricated on a substrate is provided. Each imager includes a plurality of pixels. The plurality of imagers include a first imager having a first imaging characteristics and a second imager having a second imaging characteristics. The images generated by the plurality of imagers are processed to obtain an enhanced image compared to images captured by the imagers. Each imager may be associated with an optical element fabricated using a wafer level optics (WLO) technology.
US09485491B2
An optical system includes at least one optical apparatus. The optical apparatus includes a first light source, a second light source, and a dynamic switch. The first light source is configured for providing a first light beam. The second light source is configured for providing a second light beam. The dynamic switch includes a plurality of mirrors arranged in an array manner. Each of the mirrors has a first tilt angle and a second tilt angle. The first light beam and the second light beam impinge on the dynamic switch from different directions. The dynamic switch reflects the first light beam to a desired position when the mirrors are at the first tilt angles, and reflects the second light beam to the desired position when the mirrors are at the second tilt angles.
US09485485B2
An apparatus is disclosed which has a media player, a local user interface, the local user interface being a primary presentation resource for the media player, a wireless communication interface, a media output port for connection to a remote media presentation device as a secondary presentation resource for the media player, and a controller. The controller is configured for receiving a wireless signal via the wireless communication interface from a remote control device designed for controlling an external device other than the apparatus. The controller is also configured for processing the received wireless signal to determine an action of the media player, and causing the media player to perform the determined action and output a result of the action to the media output port for presentation on the remote media presentation device if connected.
US09485479B2
An information processing apparatus includes: multiple optical propagation paths configured to propagate light; a photoelectric conversion element configured to perform photoelectric conversion on light propagated through each of the multiple optical propagation paths at mutually different partial areas in a photoelectric conversion area; and an estimating unit configured to estimate illuminance or color temperature to be obtained at the photoelectric conversion element, using an electric signal corresponding to light propagated through each of the optical propagation paths.
US09485478B2
An audio-video communication system comprises a wireless exterior module located proximate an entrance, a computerized controller running a software application, and a remote peripheral device. The wireless exterior module includes a proximity sensor for detecting a person at the entrance, a video camera for recording an image of the person at the entrance, a microphone for recording the person at the entrance, a speaker for playing audio to the person at the entrance, a transmitter for communicating sounds and images of the person at the entrance, and a receiver for receiving communications at the wireless exterior module. The computerized controller is disposed in wireless electronic communication with the wireless exterior module via the transmitter and the receiver of the wireless exterior module. The remote peripheral device is configured to electronically communicate with the computerized controller for viewing an image from the video camera communicated from the wireless exterior module.
US09485473B2
Disclosed herein is a system having an optically transparent substrate having a first side and a second side that are opposed to each other, a microprocessor, a database, a camera disposed upon the first side of the optically transparent substrate and a source of illumination. The source of illumination is disposed in a ring around the camera on the first side and is operative to illuminate the object disposed on the second side of the optically transparent substrate. Further the camera is in operative communication with the microprocessor and the database. The camera is operative to capture an image of an object disposed upon the second side of the optically transparent substrate. The microprocessor is operative to calculate dimensions and geometry of the object from the image and facilitate acceptance or rejection of the object based upon a standard, a parameter or a calibration chart.
US09485470B2
An evaluation unit is provided for processing images and/or image sequences of measurement areas (8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18) that are detectable on a crash test vehicle (4). Transmitted images and/or image sequences from at least one measurement sensor are utilizable. Additionally, image fusion apparatus is provided to produce digital image fusion of images and/or image sequences as image data (38, 40) of the same measurement area (8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18). An evaluation method, a measurement system for a crash test vehicle measurement and a method for performing a crash test vehicle measurement also are provided.
US09485469B2
Methods and apparatus to provide content on demand in content broadcast systems are disclosed. An example method comprises receiving a first portion of a program via broadcast signal and receiving a second portion of the program via an Internet protocol (IP) based signal. The example method may further comprise combining the first and the second portions and at least one of store the combined first and second portions in a file or playback the combined first and second portions.
US09485468B2
Provided are a system, method and device for providing communications to a multiple dwellings.
US09485467B2
The time in the host device and the time in the client device are synchronized. The host device and the client device download content data from a content distribution server using progressive downloading. The host device controls playback processes in the host device and the client device so as to be synchronized, in accordance with a download status in the host device and the client device.
US09485465B2
The present invention provides a picture control method, a terminal, and a video conferencing apparatus. The method includes, when videos separately corresponding to more than one terminal in a video conference are separately displayed on a multipicture of a first terminal, receiving, by the first terminal, a first instruction that is used to replace a video source of a subpicture in the multipicture. The first instruction includes relative position information of at least one subpicture and indication information that is used to indicate a new video source of the at least one subpicture. The method further includes sending a request message including the first instruction to a video conferencing apparatus receiving a video stream that is corresponding to the new video source and sent by the video conferencing apparatus, and displaying the new video source on a subpicture corresponding to the new video source.
US09485463B2
A video switch system providing a collaborative environment for one or more users to share information. In the current embodiment, the video switch system enables users to quickly connect to the system, present information, have a video conference, or have a multi-user wireless video session, or a combination thereof, in a collaborative manner.
US09485454B1
A display device, configured to receive a video signal including a plurality of frames having an odd field and an even field, including a processor and a display module. The processor performs the following steps: respectively determining whether the odd fields and the even fields of each current frame and its previous frame are similar; generating a first pattern, a second pattern, a third pattern, or a fourth pattern corresponding to the current frame according to a determining result; accumulating the first patterns, the second patterns, the third patterns, and the fourth patterns in a first cycle; determining whether the video signal is a video converted from film according to the accumulations; generating output frames according to the pattern of each current frame when the video signal is the video converted from film. The display module displays the output frames by progressive scanning.
US09485444B2
A photoelectric conversion device has pixels arranged in two dimensions. The pixels have a photoelectric conversion unit and a signal reading out unit that reads out a signal generated in the photoelectric conversion unit. The photoelectric conversion device includes first and second pixel groups, and first and second connection sections. Each of the first and second pixel groups has pixels arranged in a predetermined direction. The first connection section electrically connects output nodes of the pixels included in the first pixel group to one another. The second connection section electrically connects output nodes of the pixels included in the second pixel group to one another. The number of output nodes which are electrically connected to one another by the first connection section is different from the number of output nodes which are electrically connected to one another by the second connection section.
US09485442B1
An image sensor for on-chip phase detection includes a pixel array for capturing an image of a scene, wherein the pixel array has a plurality of horizontal phase-detection rows, each including phase-detection pixels for detecting horizontal change in the scene, and a plurality of vertical phase-detection columns, each including phase-detection pixels for detecting vertical change in the scene, and wherein each of the horizontal phase-detection rows intersects each of the vertical phase-detection columns. A phase-detection method includes generating a pair of horizontal line profiles using one of a plurality of phase-detection rows; generating a pair of vertical line profiles using one of a plurality of phase-detection columns intersecting with the one of a plurality of phase-detection rows; and determining phase shift associated with at least one arbitrarily oriented edge in a scene, based upon the pair of horizontal line profiles and the pair of vertical line profiles.
US09485440B2
A signal processing unit; includes: a high-frequency signal determination section configured to determine whether a reference region as a peripheral region of a phase difference pixel is a high-frequency signal region in a specific direction based on a pixel signal output from an image pickup section having the phase difference pixel disposed therein; and a synthetic ratio determination section configured to, when the reference region is determined to be not the high-frequency signal region in the specific direction, determine, using a pixel difference of the reference region, a synthetic ratio of an interpolated value of the phase difference pixel by a gain multiple interpolation technique to an interpolated value of the phase difference pixel by a peripheral pixel interpolation technique.
US09485436B2
An image processing apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect an object from image data, a blurring processing unit configured to execute blurring processing on the image data based on a result of the detection by the detection unit, and a control unit configured to control whether to execute the blurring processing according to a distance difference in subject distance between an object area corresponding to the object detected by the detection unit and a background area other than the object area in the image data and a size of the background area.
US09485434B2
An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing unit which captures an image of an object and outputs an image, a switching unit which switches modes between a first mode in which the image capturing unit outputs a first image and then outputs a second image having an exposure value different from the first image, and a second mode in which the image capturing unit continuously outputs an image not used for compositing, an exposure control unit which controls an exposure value for capturing an image of an object, following change in object luminance, when a parameter related to change in object luminance exceeds a predetermined range in which an exposure value for capturing an image of the object is not controlled to follow the change in object luminance, and a setting unit which sets the predetermined range.
US09485417B2
An image capture accelerator performs accelerated processing of image data. In one embodiment, the image capture accelerator includes accelerator circuitry including a pre-processing engine and a compression engine. The pre-processing engine is configured to perform accelerated processing on received image data, and the compression engine is configured to compress processed image data received from the pre-processing engine. In one embodiment, the image capture accelerator further includes a demultiplexer configured to receive image data captured by an image sensor array implemented within, for example, an image sensor chip. The demultiplexer may output the received image data to an image signal processor when the image data is captured by the image sensor array in a standard capture mode, and may output the received image data to the accelerator circuitry when the image data is captured by the image sensor array in an accelerated capture mode.
US09485416B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for guiding a user to capture an image of a target object using an image capturing device. In an embodiment, the method of the present disclosure comprises determining a bounding area for image to be captured and capturing at least one frame of the image upon detecting image to be inside the bounding area. Then, the target object in captured at least one frame is segmented by separating the target object from the rest of the image. Further, at least one of symmetry and self-similarity of the segmented target object is determined. In addition, at least one image parameter is determined by a sensor. The method then provides inputs for guiding user to capture a final image of the target object, based on at least one of determined symmetry, self-similarity, and at least one image parameter.
US09485409B2
An image capturing apparatus comprising: an image sensor configured to perform photoelectric conversion on light that enters via an imaging optical system and output an image signal; a focus detection unit configured to detect an in-focus position based on the image signal output from the image sensor; an edge detection unit configured to detect an edge angle and a number of edge of a subject included in an image based on the image signal output from the image sensor; and a correction unit configured to obtain a correction amount for the in-focus position based on the detected edge angle and the number of edge and correct the in-focus position detected by the focus detection unit based on the obtained correction amount.
US09485405B2
A focus control device in an endoscope system, implements an autofocus operation in an appropriate state by setting a focus mode of an imaging optical system. The focus control device includes a focus control section that controls a focus of an imaging optical system that includes at least a zoom lens that adjusts an optical magnification, and sets a focus mode of the imaging optical system, and an image acquisition section that acquires an image through the imaging optical system, the focus mode including a fixed focus mode and an autofocus (AF) mode, and the focus control section switching the focus mode between the fixed focus mode and the AF mode corresponding to whether the zoom lens is positioned on a wide-angle side or a telescopic side relative to a reference point that is situated between a wide-angle end and a telescopic end.
US09485402B2
An imaging apparatus, comprising: a communication unit configured to communicate with an external device; an operation control unit configured to control execution of predetermined operation concerning photographing in accordance with a control signal received from the external device; and a detection unit configured to detect disconnection of communication with the external device, wherein the operation control unit is configured to control execution of the predetermined operation in accordance with a predetermined operation control setting when disconnection of the communication with the external device is detected during execution of the predetermined operation.
US09485399B2
A billiard table top lighting apparatus provides substantially uniform lighting across the surface of a billiard table surface. In one form, the lighting apparatus includes a frame supporting lights that are non-centrally placed such that no lights are supported above a middle portion of the billiard table surface. So configured, the frame can have an attractive profile and further mount additional items above the billiard table surface to enable a variety of other features. For example, the frame may support one or more cameras, one or more motion sensors, one or more microphones, and/or one or more computing devices to enable any of a variety of innovative features. Such features could include automatic game play recording from one or more perspectives, merged video track storage for replay, review, and analysis, automatic lighting and dimming control, control of the apparatus from any mobile device, and the like.
US09485397B2
In accordance with the invention, a camera or optical module for a camera is provided, the camera or optical module comprising: —a first substrate with a plurality of first optical devices, —a second substrate with a plurality of second optical devices, —and a spacer between the first substrate and the second substrate, the spacer having a first and a second attachment surface, the first substrate attached to the first attachment surface and the second spacer attached to the second attachment surface, —the spacer having a through hole from the first attachment surface to the second attachment surface so that there is an interior space between the first substrate and the second substrate, the interior space being hermetically closed off, —the first optical devices and the second optical devices being mutually arranged so that light impinging, from an object side, on a first optical device is directed to an assigned second optical device through the interior space, —the camera further comprising a screen device in the interior space, the screen device comprising one screening wall or at a plurality of screening walls, the screening wall(s) blocking off light portions from a first device from getting to a second device other than the assigned second device.
US09485395B2
In one aspect, the invention provides an imaging system adapted to simultaneously receive light from wide and narrow fields of view, with the wide filed image data collected by an array of fixed position cameras, and the narrow field data collected by a panable, tiltable zoom camera at higher resolution than the fixed array in a selected orientation, and a compound viewing cover that includes two separated pieces interlocked with one another.
US09485393B2
An imaging device includes an illumination unit that irradiates a moving object with light A, an optical system that focuses into an image of the object, a detection unit having a light receiving plane on which the image of the object by this optical system is formed, and an analysis unit. The detection unit includes a plurality of light receiving cells d1 to dN which are arrayed in an x direction on the light receiving plane, and is disposed such that the image moves in a y direction on the light receiving plane, the detection unit receives light or does not receive light according to pseudo noise code sequences along the y direction respectively on the plurality of light receiving cells.
US09485389B2
A page image correction device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires a page image of each page of a plurality of pages from a book, the book being successively imaged in a thickness direction thereof; and a processor configured to: derive, in accordance with a page image of a first prescribed page and a page image of a second prescribed page differing from the first prescribed page, an amount of change in a thickness of the book when the book is opened to the first prescribed page as compared to when the book is opened to the second prescribed page; and correct, in accordance with the amount of change in the thickness of the book, page images of pages between the first prescribed page and the second prescribed page.
US09485381B1
An example of an apparatus for transferring data over a Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI) includes a scan bar for scanning an image, an analog front end (AFE) module in communication with the scan bar for receiving a plurality of video images of the image that is scanned by the scan bar, a translation logic module in communication with the AFE module to convert the plurality of video images into a scanlink frame using a MIPI communication protocol, wherein the scanlink frame comprises a frame start packet, a scanlink header packet, the plurality of video images and a frame end packet, a MIPI input interface in communication with the translation logic module to receive the scanlink frame and a processor in communication with the MIPI input interface to process the scanlink frame to generate a scanned image file using the scanlink frame.
US09485378B2
An image forming apparatus includes: a sensing unit configured to sense a user and an obstacle blocking the user's passage, and measure positions of the sensed user and the sensed obstacle; a power-saving state canceling unit configured to cancel a power saving state when the sensing unit senses entrance of a user into a power-saving state canceling area, the power-saving state canceling area causing cancellation of the power saving state when a user enters the power-saving state canceling area; a first determining unit configured to determine whether a power-saving state cancellation avoiding area not causing cancellation of the power saving state is necessary in the power-saving state canceling area when the obstacle is sensed by the sensing unit; and a creating unit configured to create the power-saving state cancellation avoiding area when the first determining unit determines that the power-saving state cancellation avoiding area is necessary.
US09485377B2
An image forming apparatus having a first power state and a second power state, which is lower in power consumption than the first power state, includes a detection unit in which a plurality of elements for detecting an object are arranged, and a control unit configured to acquire a detection result from part of the plurality of elements and to determine whether a person is present in a detection range of the detection unit, and in a case where it is determined that a person is present in the detection range, to acquire a detection result from part of the plurality of elements of the detection unit and to determine whether to shift the image forming apparatus from the second power state to the first power state.
US09485370B2
A device is provided which displays objects provided on an item by item basis of conditions of processing. The device includes a storage portion configured to store data therein, the data indicating specific objects belonging to a custom group, and indicating child specific objects belonging to a subordinate group lower than the custom group; an update portion configured to update the data in such a manner that the specific object designated belongs to the subordinate group and configured to update the data in such a manner that the child specific object designated is withdrawn from the subordinate group; and a display control portion configured to display a first screen in which a specific object not belonging to the subordinate group, and a call object are provided, and configured to display when operation is made on the call object, a second screen in which the child specific objects are provided.
US09485367B2
An image forming device includes a selection unit and an acquisition unit. The selection unit selects a bridge device from among multiple other connected image forming devices. The acquisition unit causes the bridge device to access another image forming device other than the bridge device, causes the bridge device to acquire information related to image data being stored in the other image forming device other than the bridge device, and acquires, from the bridge device, image data respectively being stored in the other image forming device other than the bridge device and in the bridge device.
US09485351B2
A mobile terminal device is provided with a call control module configured to switch an output destination of receiving sound in a phone call, between a first sound output module provided in the mobile terminal device, and a second sound output module wirelessly connected to the mobile terminal device. The call control module sets the output destination to the first sound output module for starting the phone call, when a first touch operation is performed with respect to a first object included in an incoming call screen displayed on a display surface, and sets the output destination to the second sound output module for starting the phone call, when a second touch operation different from the first touch operation is performed with respect to the first object.
US09485350B2
The method for managing menu functions in a mobile station includes the steps of executing menu edition, selecting menu items the user uses frequently in the executed menu edition, to set up a menu, executing the menu, and displaying the menu of the selected menu items at first. The basic menu inclusive of all menu items the mobile station provides is selected as a last menu item of the mode menu displayed at first so that the user can access to menu items other than the menu items of preference. By providing easy mode menu with menu items the user or manufacturer of the mobile station uses frequently in advance, and displaying on a display window at first, the user is permitted a quick and easy access to a desired menu item without going through many steps of menus for using the desired menu item.
US09485347B2
An arrangement for allowing “hands-free” access to DTMF-controlled systems, such as one's voice mail messaging systems, utilizes a speech-to-DTMF tone application that monitors the communication between the user and the DTMF-controlled system. A speech recognition unit is utilized to retrieve certain voice commands (e.g., “next”, “skip”, “repeat”, “forward”, etc.) when uttered by the user. The application then translates the received commands into the proper DTMF tone sequence used by the DTMF-controlled system and transmits the DTMF tones to the system. The application is particularly useful in the cell phone environment and avoids the necessity of the user to constantly switch between using the keypad and listening to messages/commands from the system.
US09485346B2
A method and apparatus for controlling a playback speed of an animation message in a mobile terminal is provided. The method includes recognizing at least one object to be displayed included in the received animation message; determining the playback speed of the received animation message with respect to each object to be displayed according to the recognized feature of each object; and displaying the animation message according to the determined playback speed.
US09485341B2
A terminal device and a method for controlling the same are disclosed herein. The terminal device includes a communication unit configured to perform communication with an external target, a rollable display unit configured to be stored in the housing and to be exposed from the housing, a sub display unit configured to be positioned on a portion of the housing, a grip unit configured to be positioned on a lower portion of the housing and to detect whether or not a contact is being made, a sensor unit configured to detect a movement of the terminal device, an input unit configured to receive commands from an external source, and a controller, wherein the controller may be configured to set up a first mode, in case the rollable display unit is exposed from the housing, wherein at least one key of the input unit is mapped to a key configured to perform a function respective to the first mode, and to set up a second mode, in case the rollable display unit is stored in the housing, and in case a contact state detected by the grip unit matches with a predetermined contact state, wherein at least one key of the input unit is mapped to a key configured to perform a function respective to the second mode.
US09485334B2
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques for generating responses to extended length frames having increased symbol lengths without changing the short interframe space duration. According to certain aspects, a method for transmitting an extended length frame generally includes generating a packet having a preamble decodable by a first type of device having a first set of capabilities and a second type of device having a second set of capabilities, wherein at least a first portion of the packet is generated using an increased symbol duration or increased cyclic prefix relative to a second portion of the packet generated using a standard symbol duration or standard cyclic prefix and the packet includes padding symbols after the first portion, and outputting the generated packet for transmission.
US09485333B2
A method of data streaming in a streaming system (200) that comprises a processor (202) and a controller (204) operably coupled to a streaming peripheral (214) via a shared interconnect (206) is described. The method comprises at the controller, receiving at least one descriptor that points to at least one header data element in memory and at least one payload buffer element in the streaming peripheral (214); reading the at least one descriptor (211) by the controller (204); fetching by the controller the at least one header data element from memory and the at least one payload element from the payload buffer (212) in the streaming peripheral (214) referred to by the descriptor (211).
US09485323B1
Methods and apparatus for managing pooled client-premise resources via provider-defined interfaces are described. A pool management request is received from a client via a programmatic interface implemented at a provider network, indicating at least one resource located at a data center external to the provider network. An activation status of the resource within a pool is to be managed by a service of the provider network. A network connection between an administrative resource of the service, located within the provider network, and a control module instantiated on behalf of the service at the external data center is established. A command is transmitted from the administrative resource to the control module to activate the particular resource.
US09485321B2
A method and apparatus for brokering a communication connection between a device and a push server for providing a push service irrespective of a protocol difference between the device and the push server, and a computer readable storage medium for executing the method. The method includes: authenticating a connection between at least one device and a brokering apparatus based on protocol information relating to the at least one device; and if data is received from the server when the at least one device is connected to the brokering apparatus, modifying the data received from the server based on a protocol relating to the at least one device, and transmitting the modified data to the at least one device, wherein the brokering apparatus performs the modifying.
US09485319B1
Provided is a mechanism which may use a real Online Social Network (OSN) to simulate user behavior based on what the user(s) post in order to analyze how the information is spread across a network. In various embodiments, the disclosed mechanisms may be implemented via systems, methods and/or computer program products.
US09485317B2
Embodiments of the present application relate to a method, a system and a computer program product for monitoring execution of a user request on a distributed system. A method for monitoring execution of user requests on a distributed system is provided. The method includes sampling a user request received by a plurality of servers, generating an identifier corresponding to the user request sampled by the plurality of servers, injecting tracking interfaces in advance into processes executed by the plurality of servers, determining whether the current process contain the identifier corresponding to the user request, in the event that the current process contains the identifier corresponding to the user request when the process has executed the tracking interface, recording information corresponding to the identifier relating to the function indicated by the tracking interface and generating a log, and individually collecting the generated log according to the corresponding identifier.
US09485305B2
A technique for providing an API from a server to one of more endpoint devices including receiving a request for data from a endpoint device, retrieving one or more data resources from the data resources available within the server, based upon the request, manipulating the data within the retrieved data resources into a response optimized for the endpoint device, and transmitting the response to the endpoint device.
US09485301B2
A system and method for scheduling data transfers between systems. One or more data requesting systems may request access to particular data. The request for access to the particular data may correspond to a request that a task to be performed. The task may be to exchange the particular data between a data accessing system having access to the particular data and a data requesting system requesting access to the particular data. The communication exchange may be scheduled for processing. In some embodiments, the communication exchange may be initiated based on a parameter included in the request that the task be performed.
US09485297B2
A method for encoding streaming data according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a step of dividing a forward error correction (FEC) source block into one or more FEC sub-blocks; a first encoding step of FEC encoding said one or more FEC sub-blocks; a second encoding step of encoding said FEC source block; and a step of generating third encoded data including first encoded data encoded in the first encoding step and second encoded data encoded in the second encoding step. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a streaming service is provided to multiple users in various environments or in a communication environment that varies according to movement or changes in a communication state. Further, a plurality of pieces of parity information is transmitted to provide a streaming service which is capable of high reliability data recovery.
US09485294B2
Disclosure of the present invention provide a method and an apparatus for processing a video stream. The method includes: acquiring a request message from a terminal, where the request message carries address information of multiple sub video screens, according to the address information, acquiring multiple substreams corresponding to the multiple sub video screens in a one-to-one manner, merging the multiple substreams into a single stream, and generating an indication message used to indicate a picture parameter of the single stream, and sending the single stream and the indication message to the terminal, so that the terminal decodes the single stream and displays decoded multiple sub video screens according to the indication message.
US09485291B2
This specification describes technologies relating to imparting real-time priority-based network communications in an encrypted session. In general, aspects of the subject matter described can be embodied in methods that include establishing, based on cryptographic information in a reserved, random-data portion of a handshake communication, a session, receiving parameter values relating to a sub media stream, included in a header of a network communication, storing the parameter values, obtaining state information and a data payload included in a second network communication, identifying, from the state information, a purpose of the second network communication, and whether a header of the second network communication includes one or more new values corresponding to one or more of the parameters, updating one or more of the stored values based on the one or more new values, and processing the data payload based on the identified purpose and the stored parameter values.
US09485282B2
A method and apparatus for a video call service in a communication system is provided. The method includes transmitting, in a process of configuring a session together with a second terminal by a first terminal, resolution information and color information of an image, which are transmittable and receivable, to the second terminal by the first terminal, receiving the resolution information and the color information of the image, which are transmittable and receivable by the second terminal, from the second terminal by the first terminal, and compressing the image according to the received resolution information and the received color information, and transmitting the image to the second terminal, by the first terminal.
US09485276B2
A network device comprises one or more processors coupled to a memory, and a dynamic services module configured for execution by the one or more processors to receive, from a client device, a service request specifying a service. The dynamic service module is further configured for execution by the one or more processors to, in response to obtaining a negative indication for the service, send a representation of the service request to a honeypot to cause the honeypot to offer the service to the client device.
US09485269B2
Methods and apparatuses for filtering electronic communications in a communication system. The method includes receiving a message report from a user in response to an electronic message received by the user, and identifying a confidence value associated with the user from whom the message report is received. The method also includes adding, if the confidence value exceeds a predetermined confidence value threshold, the confidence value to a signature value associated with the electronic message, and determining if the signature value exceeds a signature value threshold. The method further includes filtering the electronic message if the signature value exceeds the signature value threshold.
US09485268B2
A method extracts views from an application program, where at least some extracted views include at least one view component, and presenting the extracted views to a user. In response to the user selecting a view component in a presented extracted view, the method presents a form to the user having a plurality of vulnerability types indicated for the selected view component and, for each vulnerability type, provides an ability for the user to set an indicator in the form as to indicate whether the view component is at least one of a source or a sink. The method further includes saving the form containing the user's input in conjunction with a user-provided label for the selected view component and a unique identification of the selected view component, and deriving an analysis policy configuration from the saved form that is formatted for use by a program security analyzer.
US09485266B2
Electromagnetic (EM)/radio frequency (RF) emissions may be detected and corresponding EM personas may be created. One or more EM personas may be associated with a super persona corresponding to a particular entity. EM personas, super personas, and/or supplemental identifying information can be used to enforce security protocols.
US09485264B2
According to one embodiment, an analyzer module (AM) within a same protected network and on-premise with a web application server (WAS) detects and distinguishes between types of Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks. The AM tracks whether test HTTP messages, which include test HTTP request messages that a signal generation module (SGM) is configured to transmit to the WAS and test HTTP response messages that the WAS is expected to transmit in response to the test HTTP request messages, are timely received. The AM is aware of a timeliness that the SGM is expected to transmit the test HTTP request messages and that the WAS is expected to transmit the test response HTTP messages. The AM detects an occurrence of a DoS attack and identifies the type of the DoS attack based upon the result of the tracking indicating that a number of the test HTTP messages have not been timely received.
US09485263B2
Various embodiments provide an approach to classifying security events based on the concept of behavior change detection or “volatility.” Behavior change detection is utilized, in place of a pre-defined patterns approach, to look at a system's behavior and detect any variances from what would otherwise be normal operating behavior. In operation, machine learning techniques are utilized as an event classification mechanism which facilitates implementation scalability. The machine learning techniques are iterative and continue to learn over time. Operational scalability issues are addressed by using the computed volatility of the events in a time series as input for a classifier. During a learning process (i.e., the machine learning process), the system identifies relevant features that are affected by security incidents. When in operation, the system evaluates those features in real-time and provides a probability that an incident is about to occur.
US09485262B1
A device may receive information that identifies an attack signature for detecting an intrusion. The device may determine a device configuration that is vulnerable to the intrusion, may determine an endpoint device associated with the device configuration, and may determine a time period during which the endpoint device was associated with the device configuration. The device may determine an endpoint identifier associated with the endpoint device during the time period, and may identify network traffic information associated with the endpoint identifier during the time period. The device may apply the attack signature to the network traffic information, and may determine whether the endpoint device was subjected to the intrusion during the time period based on applying the attack signature to the network traffic information. The device may selectively perform an action based on determining whether the endpoint device was subjected to the intrusion.
US09485260B2
The present disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for user verification. A terminal device recognizes a sequence of click operations made by the user according to a maneuver prompted on a terminal device. The sequence of click operations carries operation information from which a click pattern characteristic, such as a characteristic code, can be determined. Upon receiving the determined click pattern characteristic, a server verifies the user input by matching the click pattern characteristic with a verification code set or stored by the server. The click pattern characteristic may be based on recognizing clicking or tapping operations performed by the user at a specified time and/or in a designated area. The method enables user verification on devices that lowers the rate of errors in the user input of verification codes.
US09485258B2
Mediation systems and methods for restricted access item distribution are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method for facilitating payment from a user device for a restricted access item hosted by a host system is disclosed. In another embodiment, a system for facilitating payment from a user device to for a restricted access item hosted by a host system is disclosed. In another embodiment, a method for providing a mediated marketplace service is disclosed.
US09485253B2
Embodiments of the invention are directed to human challenge response test delivery systems and methods. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to secure human challenge response test delivery services of configurable difficulty for user devices. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to methods and systems for implementing a familiar and dynamic human challenge response test challenge repository created from transaction data. The dynamic human challenge response test challenge repository may be created by a server computer receiving a plurality of transaction data. Challenge items may be extracted from the transaction data using an extraction algorithm. Furthermore, in some embodiments a challenge message may be sent to a requestor, a verification request may be received, and the verification request may be compared to the challenge message. Another embodiment may be directed at using user information in a human challenge response test to mutually authenticate a user and a service provider.
US09485250B2
One embodiment is in the form of a Self-Service Terminal (SST), such as an automated teller machine (ATM). The SST includes a peripheral device, such as a cash dispenser, and a security controller device including a memory device and a coupling to the peripheral device. The security controller device is operable to perform data processing activities including receiving peripheral device identifying data from the peripheral device and transmitting a public key (SCpk) of the security controller device to the peripheral device. The security controller may then decrypt a received peripheral device encryption key (Ki) according to SCpk, generate a first security controller encryption key (Ke1), and generate a first message authentication code key and encrypt the first message authentication code key according to Ke1 to obtain (Km1)Ke1. (Km1)Ke1 may then be stored in the memory device and transmitted to the peripheral device.
US09485247B2
An on-board vehicle communication system and method employ a storage device, a communication device and a controller. The storage device is configured to store a plurality of security certificates. The communication device is configured to receive external information that is external to a host vehicle equipped with the on-board vehicle communication system. The controller is configured to determine whether to begin a security certificate replenishment process to attempt to receive additional security certificates from at least one source that is external of the host vehicle based on the received external information, upon an amount of security certificates stored in the storage device decreasing below a first prescribed threshold.
US09485245B2
Aspects of the present invention provide machines, systems, and methods in which industrial control systems may be secured from compromise and/or disruption via authentication and firewall. In particular, an industrial controller may: randomly generate an exchange key and send the exchange key to a client device in response to a transaction request originating from the client device; combine the exchange key with a locally stored pass key to produce an authentication code; and compare a challenge key received from the client device to the authentication code to determine a match between the challenge key and the authentication code. A successful match between the challenge key and the authentication code may allow the client device to further access the industrial controller using a common industrial protocol (CIP), and a failed match between the challenge key and the authentication code may prevent the client device from further access to the industrial controller.
US09485236B2
A method for verifying the on-line identity of a subscribed user and securely displaying an indicia in connection with that user's on-line content, wherein the indicia includes an aspect corresponding to the verification level assigned to the subject user's profile.
US09485235B2
Systems, methods, and devices for inter-network service selection are described herein. Through the use of one or more of device identifiers and device classes, information including a randomization metric can be transmitted to networked devices indicating which devices and/or device classes are permitted or denied to access a given network service. Equipment seeking access may alter the selection based on this information. Equipment providing access may enforce access request based on this information. As an example, selection between eHRPD and LTE may be load balanced based on device class or identifiers.
US09485229B2
A symmetric PGP encrypted communications path is provided in which the recipient may be identified with only publicly available information. Data to be encrypted is encrypted at the object level. Encryption keys for both the transmitter and receiver are sent to a security server. Data received from the transmitter includes intended receiver ID. The receiver includes its actual ID. The received ID and the actual ID are sent to the security server for authentication. If authentication succeeds, the security server sends a session key to the receiver, and the receiver can use its own key to decrypt data. The system reacts to authentication failure by disabling decryption in the receiver and may also take countermeasures.
US09485204B2
A photo spam detector detects illegitimate non-natively captured images through extracting image features and feeding the extracted features into a probabilistic model. The probabilistic model categorizes the photo as legitimate or illegitimate. Requests to tag one or more users in a photo are analyzed by a tag analyzer that assesses relationships between the tag requests themselves, social relationships between the tagged users, and the presence or absence of faces within the regions specified by the tag requests. Based on the classification of images or tags as illegitimate, a social networking system applies one or more social media distribution policies to the image or tags to suppress or prohibit distribution.
US09485197B2
In one embodiment, a device receives information regarding a data set to be processed by a map-reduce process. The device generates a set of virtual clusters for the map-reduce process based on network bandwidths between nodes of the virtual clusters, each node of the virtual cluster corresponding to a resource device, and associates the data set with a map-reduce process task. The device then schedules the execution of the task by a node of the virtual clusters based on the network bandwidth between the node and a source node on which the data set resides.
US09485187B2
An example method embodiment for networking includes managing, by a network controller, network services for one or more network devices connected to the network controller. Managing network services includes receiving a packet in a traffic flow from a network device. The network device is one of the one or more network devices connected to the network controller. Managing network services further includes determining applicable services for the packet, transmitting the packet to a service provider in accordance with the applicable services for the packet, receiving, from the service provider, service results corresponding to the packet, and creating a forwarding entry providing instructions for handling the traffic flow in a service path table at the network device in accordance with the service results corresponding to the packet.
US09485186B2
Messages are sent from a first network device to a second network device across a network. The network includes a network portion with an expected random packet loss rate. The actual packet loss rate for packets sent across the network is compared to the expected random packet loss rate. A determination is made that the actual packet loss rate is greater than the expected random packet loss rate. Compensation for network congestion is performed in response to the determination that the actual packet loss rate exceeds the expected random packet loss rate.
US09485185B2
Some embodiments provide a method for reducing the transmission of connection validating control signals when they are not needed. Network entities transmit connection validating control signals over network connections at regular intervals to validate that the network connections and the network entities remain functional. The method monitors data traffic fluctuations on the network connections to determine when connection validating control signals may not be needed. The method reduces unnecessary connection validating control signals in order to optimize the usage of network resources.
US09485181B2
A method for adjusting bandwidth in a communications network having a plurality of nodes connected over multiple links with a plurality of services running on the links includes detecting an impairment of a link wherein the impairment invokes a reduction in bandwidth available to the services running on the link, communicating information about the impairment to other nodes in the network and redistributing services between the links to limit a bandwidth required by services running on the impaired link to a value not exceeding the bandwidth available on the impaired link.
US09485177B2
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for managing communication of data to/from a device. For example, multiple client applications running on the device can communicate to a second device through a same primary socket connection. A mux module can receive data from two different client applications over respective client connections. The received data can include header information identifying the second device as the destination. When the first data from a first client application is received at the mux module, the primary socket connection can be created; and when the second data from a second client application is received, the existing primary socket connection can be identified and re-used. The primary socket connection can be managed by a controller of the mux module.
US09485172B2
A data transmitting device coupling to a plurality of nodes in a network includes a plurality of communication paths, the data transmitting device includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory configured to set a routing table based on a command that designates a first communication path included in the plurality of communication paths, to detect a link failure occurred in the network, and when the link failure has occurred at a first location between the data transmitting device and a first node adjacent to the data transmitting device on the first communication path, to modify the routing table so that data are to be transmitted to a second node on a second communication path different from the first communication path, and when the link failure has occurred at a second location that differs from the first location in the network, to maintain the routing table.
US09485168B2
An apparatus and method routes data over network links based on a temperature of the network links. When the temperature of a link meets a first threshold a routing mechanism re-routes a portion of the network traffic over a lower temperature link to reduce the likelihood that the link will exceed a second threshold that necessitates that the link be throttled back or disabled. Re-routing data to cooler links allows the system to maintain the lowest possible temperature of the network links to gain optimal performance of the system. In the disclosed example, the network links include interconnect cable connections and backplane connections. A temperature of the network links is determined by monitoring a region of an integrated circuit near a line driver driving the network link.
US09485160B1
A system and method for optimizing the performance of one or more disks in a storage array in response to access requests by other computer devices and processes across a network. For requests to access to the storage disk from the network, such as a read/write request, a response monitor notes the service time for each access requests by the storage disk, and if the performance in handling the access requests fails to meet, at least, a predetermined time threshold, actions can be taken to migrate data, modify accesses permitted to the disk, or otherwise indicate underperformance.
US09485158B1
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium and an multi-blade network traffic manager device that assists with aggregating per-session statistics on a clustered system includes receiving a request for a HTTP transaction. Presence of a cookie within the received request is determined. One or more actions is performed based on the determination of the presence of the cookie to prepare for aggregating session statistics within a clustered system. Session statistics information is aggregated upon performing the one or more actions and completing the request for the HTTP transaction.
US09485154B2
Methods and apparatus for managing an over-the-top data traffic flood using multiple-pipe techniques are provided. For example, provided is a method for routing Internet data including receiving the Internet data at a carrier portal, as well as classifying the Internet data based on criteria specified by the carrier, such as a quantity of payment from at least one of a user of the Internet data to a provider of the Internet data. The classified data is transmitted via one of a plurality of ports, where port selection is based on the classification. Each of the ports in the plurality of ports is coupled to a respective one of a plurality of independent data transport networks and/or separate optical paths. The data transport networks and/or separate optical paths can differ in capacity and/or latency.
US09485145B1
A system, method, apparatus, and computer program product for determining a configuration of a converged infrastructure are disclosed. A method may include performing a scan of network addresses for components of the converged infrastructure. The method may further include capturing fingerprints of components discovered by the scan. The method may additionally include identifying the components discovered by the scan based at least in part on a comparison between each captured fingerprint and one or more known component fingerprints in a fingerprint library, which may include a set of known component fingerprints and associated component identities. The method may further include accessing at least one identified component. The method may also include determining a component configuration of each of at least one accessed component.
US09485138B1
In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first controller configured to be operatively coupled within a network having a set of network nodes, a forwarding gateway and a configuration entity. The first controller is configured to manage session state and node state associated with the set of network nodes independent of the forwarding gateway. The first controller is configured to fail over to a second controller when the first controller fails, without the forwarding gateway failing over and without the configuration entity failing over.
US09485137B2
An online reconfiguration method comprising communicating data transfer units (DTUs) using a subscriber line, monitoring the subscriber line for a line condition event, detecting the line condition event, wherein detecting the line condition event comprises determining whether the line condition triggers a threshold, sending an online reconfiguration request message that indicates a robust management channel (RMC) frame type in response to detecting the line condition event, wherein the RMC frame type is a normal RMC frame that comprises time marker information when the line condition event does not trigger the threshold, and wherein the RMC frame type is a special RMC frame that comprises time marker information when the line condition event triggers the threshold, receive an online reconfiguration response message that comprises the time marker information, and synchronizing a transition of one or more transmission parameters using the time marker information.
US09485136B2
A network includes multiple routing arcs for routing network traffic to a destination. Each arc comprising nodes connected in sequence by reversible links oriented away from a node initially holding a cursor toward one of first and second edge nodes through which the network traffic exits the arc. Each node includes a network device. The nodes in the arc detect a first failure in the arc. Responsive to the detecting the first failure, the nodes exchange first management frames over a data plane within the arc in order to transfer the cursor from the node initially holding the cursor to a first node proximate the first failure and reverse links in the arc as appropriate so that the network traffic in the arc is directed away from the first failure toward the first edge node of the arc through which the network traffic is able to exit the arc.
US09485133B2
DCMI functionality is extended to platforms of a datacenter by integrating a management controller in each of plural platforms and interfacing the management controllers with a management server through a network. End users interface with platforms of the datacenter using DCMI protocol communications. The management server supports communication with management controllers by receiving DCMI messages and translating the DCMI messages to a text-based protocol for communications with the management controllers. In one embodiment, the management controllers push sensor information for their associated platforms to a sensor cache of the management server so that the management sensor references the cache to respond to DCMI requests for sensor information.
US09485127B2
Disclosed is a wireless transmitter comprising: a module configured to modulate input data bits into data symbols according to a predetermined modulation scheme, and group the data symbols into one or more precoding blocks; at least one symbol insertion module, each configured to insert one or more cancellation symbols into a corresponding precoding block; at least one precoding module, each configured to precode a corresponding precoding block; a subcarrier insertion module configured to concatenate the one or more precoded blocks and to insert at least one cancellation subcarrier into the concatenated precoded blocks to form a precoded OFDM symbol; a module configured to process the precoded OFDM symbol so as to reduce the out-of-band power emitted by the transmitter in transmitting the precoded OFDM symbol, wherein the processing uses the inserted cancellation symbols and cancellation subcarriers; and a module configured to transmit the processed precoded OFDM symbol over a wireless communication channel.
US09485121B2
System and method for digitally equalizing a data channel having wide channel impulse response for clock recovery of heavily ISI-induced received signals operating at one sample per symbol, according to which the received signal is pre-processed to provide a received signal with modified constellation, which is pre-processed for the decision process of signal with Inter-Symbol Interference by introducing controlled ISI to the received signal. The decision process is performed, based on a higher order vocabulary according to the introduced controlled ISI.
US09485120B1
Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with reliably determining signal loss over a data communication channel have been described. According to one embodiment, a method includes receiving input signals at an input of a serializer/deserializer device and equalizing the input signals to form equalized signals which compensate for frequency response distortion. The method also includes analyzing the equalized signals to determine whether peak amplitudes of the equalized signals are within a range of amplitudes defined by two threshold values. Furthermore, the method includes analyzing the equalized signals to determine whether logic levels of the equalized signals correspond to a sequence of a same logic level. The method further includes generating a signal absent indicator when the peak amplitudes of the equalized signals are within the range, or when the logic levels of the equalized signals correspond to the sequence of the same logic level.
US09485115B2
A system and a method for providing conversational learning is implemented in a network environment. An exemplary method includes receiving a subnet route advertisement that includes an attribute that triggers glean behavior for routing decisions; and installing a subnet entry in a Forwarding Information Base/Adjacency (FIB/ADJ) table. The subnet entry includes a subnet associated with the subnet route advertisement and a corresponding glean adjacency. The corresponding glean adjacency is configured to trigger installation of a host entry associated with a host in an active conversation in a network.
US09485114B2
A method of converging a plurality of communication standards is disclosed. The method comprises providing a medium access control (MAC) abstraction sub-layer, wherein the MAC abstraction sub-layer is arranged between an upper layer and a plurality of MAC layers of the plurality of communication standards; and providing a corresponding service management entity (SME) between the MAC abstraction sub-layer and the plurality of MAC layers and a plurality of physical (PHY) layers of the plurality of communication standards in a control plane; wherein the MAC abstraction sub-layer communicates with the plurality of MAC layers and the plurality of PHY layers in the control plane via the corresponding SME, and the corresponding SME communicates with the MAC abstraction sub-layer via an application programming interface (API).
US09485111B2
In a monitoring system, a master device stores setting information indicating a predetermined state for detecting a target by using a sensor in a storage unit, and transmits the setting information to a camera (a baby monitoring camera or a monitoring camera) having a sensor built thereinto or correlated with a sensor so as to set a detection parameter therein. When the predetermined state set by the detection parameter is detected, the camera transmits a detection notification to the master device. When the detection notification is received from the camera, the master device transmits detection notification information to a smartphone, and the smartphone displays a detection information screen based on the detection notification information transmitted from the master device on a display/input unit.
US09485103B2
A network powered device includes field effect transistors connected as bridge circuit. The bridge circuit includes control circuitry to enable the FETs based on completion of a powered device detection sequence performed by power sourcing equipment coupled to the device via an Ethernet link.
US09485101B2
A method for provisioning digital certificates in a compute service environment may include authorizing a customer entity for using and/or controlling a network resource in the compute service environment. Upon completing the authorization, a digital certificate may be issued to the customer entity. The digital certificate may be associated with the network resource and may be issued for a limited duration period. The use and/or control of the network resource by the customer entity may be monitored. Reissuance of the digital certificate may be conditioned on whether the customer entity is still using and/or controlling the network resource in the compute service environment. If the customer entity is still using and/or controlling the network resource in the multi-tenant environment, the digital certificate may be automatically reissued for another limited duration period. The automatically reissuing may take place without receiving a certificate reissue request from the customer entity.
US09485100B2
The present invention provides systems and methods for making efficient trust management decisions. A trust management engine is provided that processes requests for system resources, authorizations or certificates, and the identity of one or more root authorities that are ultimately responsible for granting or denying the requests. To determine whether a request should be granted, the trust management engine identifies a set principals from whom authorization may flow, and interprets each of the certificates as a function of the state of one or more of the principals. The processing logic iteratively evaluates the functions represented by the certificates, updates the states of the principals, and repeats this process until a reliable determination can be made as to whether the request should be granted or denied. The certificates may be evaluated until the state of the root authority indicates that the request should be granted, or until further evaluation of the certificates is ineffective in changing the state of the principals.
US09485098B1
The present disclosure pertains to data security, and more specifically, to a method and system of user authentication using an electronic digital signature of the user. An exemplary method includes obtaining biometric data of the user, calculating a biometric key based on the biometric data, identifying encrypted confidential information of the user in an electronic database and decrypting the identified confidential information of the user using the calculated biometric key. Furthermore, the method includes calculating a cryptographic key using a first portion of the decrypted confidential information of the user; generating an electronic digital signature of the user based on the cryptographic key; verifying the electronic digital signature using a second portion of the decrypted confidential information; and authenticating the user to access the data if the electronic digital signature is verified.
US09485096B2
The method herein teaches encrypting a Private Key using a Passkey from an RSA generated private key/public key pair; the encrypted Private Key is split and then the portions are stored in two different databases. To encrypt data a new AES key is created that encrypts the data that is stored in another database. All users have their AES key encrypted using their associated public encryption keys such that the encrypted AES keys are stored in another database. To decrypt data the user enters his PassKey that is used to decrypt a rejoined split private key from portions that were retrieved from their respective databases. Next the encrypted AES key is retrieved and decrypted using the decrypted Private Key. Finally the AES encrypted data is retrieved from a database and decrypted using the decrypted AES key.
US09485087B2
A method of performing a cryptographic operation including: receiving a plurality of binary input values; splitting the binary input values into a plurality of non-binary digits of base r, where r is an integer greater than 2 and not equal to a power of 2; and performing, by a cryptographic block on each of the plurality of non-binary digits, a different modulo r operation to generate at least one output digit) of base r.
US09485086B2
Apparatus to implement several high performance phase interpolators are disclosed. Some embodiments are directed to a full-wave integrating phase interpolation core comprising two pairs of in-phase and quadrature-phase current DACs arranged in a cascode architecture to drive an integrating capacitor and produce an interpolation voltage waveform. The current DACs are biased, weighted, and controlled by in-phase and quadrature-phase input clocks to yield an interpolation waveform that presents a phase value between the phases of the input clocks. Some embodiments deploying the interpolator core use feedback circuitry and reference voltages to adjust the common mode and amplitude of the interpolation voltage waveform to obtain both optimal performance and operation within the interpolator linear region or output compliance range. Both the single-core and dual-core implementations, as well as other implementations of the interpolator core, exhibit high power supply rejection, highly linear interpolation, a wide frequency range, and low cost duty cycle correction.
US09485084B2
A phase interpolator, including: a first portion including a first plurality of branches and a plurality of tail current sources, each branch including a differential pair of transistors, source terminals of the differential pair of transistors connect to form a source node, wherein each tail current source couples to one of the source nodes, and wherein the differential pair of transistors and the corresponding tail current source are configured in a current coding scheme; a second portion including a second plurality of branches and a fixed current source coupled to the second plurality of branches, each branch of the second plurality of branches including a second plurality of differential pairs of transistors and a plurality of switches configured in a size coding scheme; wherein the first portion and the second portion are coupled to each other and to a pair of load resistors.
US09485083B2
A method and apparatus for time synchronization between a plurality of nodes in a network. The apparatus distinguishes between an optical synchronization signal for synchronization between nodes and an optical data signal for data transmission, and synchronizes nodes with each other using the optical synchronization signal.
US09485078B2
A microwave communication system may include subscriber stations in communication with a base station. The stations may include time duplex circuitry normally found in wireless local area networks (WLANs). Signals normally routed through antennas associated with such circuitry instead are routed through circuitry to perform frequency conversion to and from microwave communications frequencies, for communications over microwave links between the subscriber stations and the base station. In some embodiments the wireless circuitry is configured for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) operation with one antenna port dedicated for transmission of data and one antenna port dedicated to reception of data.
US09485076B2
A method for sending a data from an electromagnetic radiator by polarization modulation of an electromagnetic wave includes radiating from the radiator first and second electromagnetic waves including first and second polarizations respectively, the first polarization being different than the second polarization. The first and second electromagnetic waves form a third electromagnetic wave having a third polarization different from the first or second polarization. The method includes modulating the third polarization responsive to the data by modulating one or more parts of the third electromagnetic wave. The data is sent in the third polarization. A system for sending a data includes an oscillator adapted to generate an oscillating signal, and a phase shifter coupled to the oscillator and adapted to generate a first phase-shifted oscillating signal having a first phase. The phase shifter is adapted to vary the phase difference across a predefined range in response to the data.
US09485074B1
The present invention provides a method of scheduling asynchronous transmissions for a plurality of subscriber units. The method includes receiving information associated with a plurality of subscriber units that have uplink data to transmit, the information including uplink timing offset information associated with each of the subscriber units. Two or more subscriber units are then selected from a set of subscriber units having a timing offset differential, that is below a predetermined threshold, where the timing offset differential is the difference between the timing offset of a first subscriber unit and the timing offset of a second subscriber unit further selectively offset by a multiple of the transmission segment size, which minimizes the difference. The transmission segments, which are available for the uplink of data, are then allocated between the selected two or more subscriber units, which limits the number of transmission segments that have at least one of an overlap or a gap, and the amount of any overlap or gap, in order to minimize wasted scheduling opportunities.
US09485065B2
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus which transmit/receive at least one demodulation reference signal by using a CDM group and/or a transmission rank of a user device that have been used to transmit the at least one demodulation reference signal for the user device, an OCC that has been used to spread the demodulation reference signal, etc. Also, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus which change an antenna port for transmitting the demodulation reference signal by using NDI for a disabled transmission block.
US09485061B2
A communication system includes: a message communication module configured to communicate a preceding data before a repeat request; a metric module, coupled to the message communication module, configured to determine a repeat metric associated with the repeat request for re-communicating the preceding data or a portion therein; and wherein the message communication module is further configured to communicate a repeat data including a repeat portion based on the repeat metric for re-communicating the preceding data or a portion therein for communicating with a device.
US09485058B2
The present invention is directed to data communication systems and methods. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a communication system that removes reflection signals. A digital data stream is processed through both tentative path and the main path. The tentative path uses a first DFE device and a reflection cancellation circuit to generate a correction signal for removing reflection signal from the digital data stream. A second DFE device removes ISI and other noises from the corrected digital data stream. There are other embodiments as well.
US09485057B2
Methods and apparatuses are described to determine subsets of vector signaling codes capable of detection by smaller sets of comparators than required to detect the full code. The resulting lower receiver complexity allows systems utilizing such subset codes to be less complex and require less power.
US09485043B1
A modulation system for AM stereo transmission wherein in a combination of amplitude modulation and phase modulation allows a pair of unique audio channel signals to be modulated onto an AM carrier. When a monophonic audio signal is provided, there is no phase modulation present. However, when a first audio signal (e.g., a “right” channel) differs from a second audio signal (e.g., a “left” audio channel), phase modulation occurs simultaneously with amplitude modulation. The modulation system accepts non-matrixed audio signals and produces quadrature modulation compatible with the industry standard C-QUAM system.
US09485040B2
A method for using a test data packet signal to test a data packet signal transceiver device under test (DUT) having an operating characteristic defined by a data packet error rate (PER) as a function of data packet signal power (PWR). The test data packet signal power is varied and a test PER is computed as a function of DUT response data packets and test data packets until a measured test PER or a computed test PER extrapolated from measured PERs is equal to a predetermined PER less than and greater than maximum and minimum PERs, respectively.
US09485034B2
A device is equipped with at least one communication module. The communication module supports communication on the basis of body-coupled-communication signals. Further, the device is equipped with a metal frame. The metal frame forms a part of an outer surface of the device. The metal frame is operable to provide conductive coupling of the of body-coupled-communication signals to a body of a user of the device.
US09485025B2
An optical management node comprising a memory comprising instructions, a processor coupled to the memory and configured execute the instructions, wherein executing the instructions causes the processor to schedule data transmissions across an electrical network between a plurality of user terminals and an optoelectrical interface by using time division multiplexing or time division multiple access based on optimization of crosstalk performance of electrical lines of the electrical network, and a transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to transmit schedule information to the optoelectrical interface via an optical network. Also disclosed is a method implemented in a management node comprising scheduling data transmissions with a plurality of user terminals across a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) network using time division scheduling based on optimization of crosstalk performance of DSL lines of the DSL network, and transmitting schedule information to the user terminals via an optical network.
US09485021B2
Systems, devices, and methods for hybrid anti-clipping in optical links in hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) networks are disclosed. A hybrid anti-clipping circuit can be included in both the uplink and downlink paths of the HFC network to avoid driving the laser in the optical link above a clipping threshold. The anti-clipping circuit can compare the average, or RMS, input power level and the power envelope of a RF input signal to a clipping threshold associated with the particular laser module being used. If the average power is above the clipping threshold, then the input signal can be attenuated proportionally to avoid clipping. If peaks in the power envelope are above the clipping threshold, then the bias current of the laser module can be adjusted to avoid clipping. Accordingly, the modes of anti-clipping circuit operation include applying attenuation to the input signal and/or adjusting the laser module bias current.
US09485018B2
An example embodiment includes an optical transmission device. The optical transmission device includes an optical source, a collimator lens, and an optical monitor. The optical source is configured to transmit a channel of light. The collimator lens is configured to reflect a portion of the channel of light. The optical monitor is arranged to receive at least a first portion of the reflected channel of light directly from the collimator lens, and is configured to communicate a gross electrical signal representative of received light including the first portion of the reflected channel of light.
US09485011B2
A system in the technical field of rigid or semi-rigid packaging for cosmetic or pharmaceutical products, is intended to generate visual expressions on a plurality of packagings on the basis of information provided by an outside creator (5). This system includes a master station (4) able to emit control data (2COM) on the basis of the information provided by the outside creator (5) via a command interface (4a) and to transmit an electronic instruction signal (2|NS), dependent on these control data (2COM), to a remote server (2); and includes intermediate communication devices (6) able to receive, by long-distance communication, the instruction signal (2|NS) received by the remote server (2) and to transmit, by short-distance radiofrequency communication, the instruction signal (2|NS) to a telecommunication unit (16) of a container (12).
US09485005B2
In order to prevent a mismatch between an HFN used by a PDCP layer on a transmitting side and an HFN used by a PDCP layer on a receiving side, and thereby to avoid a decrease in the throughput due to a failure in deciphering processing on PDCP-PDU in the PDCP layer on the receiving side. In a mobile station UE according to the present invention, a transmission unit 13 is configured to, if an HFN report trigger is detected, send a radio base station eNB the HFN or COUNT value most recently used in the deciphering processing on a PDCP-PDU.
US09485000B2
A wireless communication system includes a transmitting device and a receiving device each including a plurality of antennas. A plurality of streams are subjected to spatial multiplexing and are transmitted in a downlink in which packets are transmitted from the transmitting device to the receiving device. In the transmitting device, each of the plurality of transmission streams is divided into a plurality of bit-series groups having decoding characteristics to which priority levels are assigned, the bit-series groups are subjected to encoding processes and modulating processes in accordance with the priority levels and further subjected to weighting and synthesizing, and each of the plurality of transmission streams in which a plurality of bit series items are synthesized with one another is spatially multiplexed and transmitted.
US09484996B2
Provided is a receiver device that can switch between transmission methods, while minimizing increase in the number of blind decryption iterations and the amount of signaling needed for acknowledgement. In this device, a receiver part (201) receives a signal mapped to any of a plurality of mapping candidates; and according to application levels established for each of the plurality of mapping candidates, a control signal processor (205) performs blind decryption of the plurality of mapping candidates, employing either a first transmission method using a single antenna port to carry out precoding based on feedback information from the receiver device, or a second transmission method involving transmission diversity employing multiple antenna ports.
US09484994B2
Techniques are generally described related to tag refinement strategy. One example method for communicating between a first wireless system having a plurality of first antennas and a second wireless system having a plurality of second antennas may be presented. The method may include receiving configuration information associated with the plurality of first antennas and a plurality of modulation schemes which the first wireless system is configured to support; determining a plurality of configurations based on the configuration information, wherein each of the plurality of configurations defines a corresponding subset of first antennas selected from the plurality of first antennas and a corresponding modulation scheme selected from the plurality of modulation schemes; and selecting a first configuration from the plurality of configurations, wherein when operating under the first configuration, the first wireless system is configured to achieve one or more performance criteria.
US09484985B2
An apparatus and method are described that may enable a target device to communicate with a source device using a wireless power. The communication apparatus receives a wireless power from a source resonator through a magnetic coupling between the source resonator and a target resonator. The communication apparatus transmits a message, and modulates the message based on the received wireless power and impedance mismatch between the source device and the target device. The communication apparatus controls the impedance mismatch by changing an impedance of the target device.
US09484982B2
A wireless communication apparatus and method minimizes degradation in a separation characteristic of a code-multiplexed response signal using two-dimensional processing. One of plural cyclic shift values defines a reference signal sequence that is spread with an orthogonal sequence associated with one of the plural cyclic shift values. This two-dimensional processing compensates for interference affecting the reference signal.
US09484980B1
Methods are provided for implementing a timing synchronization or a backup timing synchronization in a telecommunication network. Timing pulses are received from a celestial body such as a star, pulsar, or quasar. The timing pulses are periodic and repetitive and act as a primary reference source in place of GPS timing or an atomic clock. The telecommunication network is synchronized from the timing pulses.
US09484974B2
The various embodiments include methods and apparatuses for canceling nonlinear interference during concurrent communication of multi-technology wireless communication devices. Nonlinear interference may be estimated using a multilayer perceptron neural network with Hammerstein structure by dividing an aggressor signal into real and imaginary components, augmenting the components by weight factors, executing a linear combination of the augmented components, and executing a nonlinear sigmoid function for the combined components at a hidden layer of multilayer perceptron neural network to produce a hidden layer output signal. At an output layer, hidden layer output signals may be augmented by weight factors, and the augmented hidden layer output signals may be linearly combined to produce real and imaginary components of an estimated jammer signal. A linear filter function may be executed for the components of the jammer signal, and to produce a nonlinear interference estimate used to cancel the nonlinear interference of a victim signal.
US09484973B1
A switch branch that improves voltage uniformity across a series stack of an n-number of transistors is disclosed. A first one of the n-number of transistors is coupled to an input terminal, and an nth one of the n-number of transistors is coupled to an output terminal, where n is a positive integer greater than one. Predetermined parasitic capacitances associated with each of the n-number of transistors are adjustable with respect to capacitance value by predetermined amounts by dimensioning and arranging at least one metal layer element in proximity to the series stack of the n-number of transistors. Capacitance values for the predetermined parasitic capacitances are selected such that a voltage across the series stack of the n-number of transistors is uniformly distributed. In this way, the n-number of transistors can be reduced without risking a transistor breakdown within the series stack of the n-number of transistors.
US09484968B2
An input signal having at least one modulated signal is captured. At least four analog sample streams are generated from the input signal. Each analog sample stream is generated by sampling the input signal at a frequency substantially equal to the frequency at which each other analog sample stream is generated and at a phase separate from that at which each other analog sample stream is generated. For each analog sample stream, multiple analog samples of the analog sample stream are combined to create a bandwidth adjusted signal. The bandwidth adjusted signals are jointly representative of the input signal.
US09484965B2
A terminal and a method for making a touchscreen of the terminal, relate to the field of communications technologies and are invented for improving flexibility for receiving an frequency modulation (FM) broadcast. A terminal includes: a touchscreen; where the touchscreen includes a basal layer, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and a touch layer, an antenna layer, and a separation layer, where the antenna layer is configured to dispose a FM antenna; the antenna layer and the separation layer are disposed between the basal layer and the first conductive layer or disposed between the second conductive layer and the touch layer, and the antenna layer is separated from the first conductive layer or the second conductive layer by using the separation layer. The embodiments of the present invention are mainly used in a terminal.
US09484946B2
Embodiments of digital-to-analog converters (DACs), methods for operating a DAC, and transceiver circuits are described. In one embodiment, a DAC includes an input terminal configured to receive a digital signal, a converter circuit configured to convert the digital signal into an analog signal using first-order interpolation allowing low electromagnetic emissions, and an output terminal configured to output the analog signal. Other embodiments are also described.
US09484937B2
A fractional error correction circuit includes a time-to-digital converter (TDC) configured to detect a phase difference between a reference clock signal and a variable clock signal, and a configurable multiplier coupled with the TDC. The configurable multiplier has a selectable bit size, the selectable bit size being based on a minimum number of bits needed to obtain a reciprocal of a period of the variable clock signal. The TDC is configured to output a fractional error correction value based on the detected phase difference and the reciprocal of the period.
US09484928B2
An oscillator includes: an integrated circuit including a circuit for oscillation; a resonator element; a circuit element; a heating element, and a container. The integrated circuit, the resonator element, and the heating element are arranged inside the container. The circuit element is arranged outside the container.
US09484927B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor element having a gate and controlled with a gate voltage, a gate drive circuit which controls the gate voltage, an electrode connected to the semiconductor element, a principal current in the semiconductor element flowing through the electrode, a temperature sensing part which senses the temperature of the electrode, a generation section which generates, on the basis of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensing part, a first control signal for giving a maximum amount of energization to the semiconductor element in such a range that the temperature of the electrode does not exceed a predetermined temperature, and a comparison section which compares the first control signal and a second control signal transmitted from the outside for the purpose of controlling the gate voltage, and selects a selective control signal which is one of the control signals with which the temperature of the electrode can be limited. The gate drive circuit controls the gate voltage according to the selective control signal.
US09484919B1
Approaches are disclosed for processing a circuit design to protect against single event upsets. A logic path of the circuit design is selected for redundancy based on a total of failure rates of circuit elements in the logic path being greater than a product of a target reduction in failure rate of the logic path and a failure rate of a voting circuit. The circuit design is modified to include at least three instances of the logic path coupled in parallel and a voting circuit coupled to receive output signals from the instances of the logic path. The modified circuit design is stored in a memory.
US09484913B2
An LED input emulator to interface a signal source designed for use with an LED optocoupler, to capacitive or other galvanic isolation circuitry, emulating LED forward and reverse bias voltages. VR reverse blocking circuitry includes MP1 and MP2 PMOS transistors coupled to an emulator anode port, and to emulate LED reverse bias voltage. VF control circuitry includes a variable resistance (MP3) coupled between anode and cathode ports, and a current control circuit coupled to an output node, and to control current through the variable resistance to maintain a desired forward voltage at the output node. In an example embodiment, the VF control circuitry is implemented with an amplifier and a bandgap voltage reference circuit coupled to the output node, generating both reference and feedback voltages input to the amplifier to control the variable resistance.
US09484906B2
Apparatus and methods are provided to power an N-type load switch using a bootstrap capacitor. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit for a wireless power receiver comprises a first rectifier input terminal (RX1), a second rectifier input terminal (RX2), a first bootstrap terminal (HSB1), a second bootstrap terminal (HSB2), and a load switch terminal (LSW). A first and a second bootstrap circuit are coupled with HSB1 and HSB2 to power the rectifier in a regular mode. A load switch driver circuit is coupled between LSW and either HSB1 or HSB2. In the regular mode the load switch driver circuit powers a load switch through a corresponding bootstrap circuit. In an output shutdown mode, an output shutdown circuit is turned on to turn off the load switch. In one embodiment, the load switch is external to the integrated circuit. In another embodiment, the load switch is internal to the integrated circuit.
US09484902B2
A delay circuit may include a fine timing measurement unit suitable for measuring fine timing information on whether an input signal corresponds to the timing of any one of an even cycle or an odd cycle based on a clock, a coarse delay unit suitable for delaying the input signal whose fine timing has been measured by the fine timing measurement unit in synchronization with a frequency divided clock and outputting a delayed signal, and a fine timing application unit suitable for applying the fine timing information to the delayed signal of the coarse delay unit.
US09484901B1
Circuitry for interpolating a value based on a first plurality of samples from within a larger second plurality of samples includes storage for the second plurality of samples, including a plurality of sample memories corresponding in number to the first plurality of samples. Adjacent samples in the sample memories correspond to samples in the second plurality of samples that are separated by other samples numbering one less than that number. A first sample address into a first one of the sample memories is derived by dividing a floor of an index by the number. Respective circuitry for each respective other one of the sample memories derives a respective other sample address from the first sample address based on a remainder of dividing the floor of the index by the number. Shifting circuitry outputs selected samples in a second order under control of a value determined by the remainder.
US09484891B2
An integrated circuit supports multiple communication modes using different input/output (IO) voltages. The IC includes a low-voltage communication circuit operating at a low IO voltage in a low-voltage mode, and a high-voltage communication circuit operating at a high IO voltage in a high-voltage mode. The low-voltage communication circuit includes low-voltage transistors in a critical path that exhibits sensitivity to a destructive voltage less than the high IO voltage. The low-voltage communication circuit is therefore provided with protection circuitry to protect the low-voltage transistors from the high 10 voltage.
US09484889B2
A fabric for delaying digital signals in continuous time has an array of node filters. Inputs of filters in the first column are inputs of the fabric. A node filter has a delay element and a cross-coupling element, whose output signals are added or subtracted to form an output signal of the filter. A node filter in a row is concatenated to the previous filter in the row through its delay element. Inputs of cross-coupling elements are connected to other rows of the array. Outputs of node filters form the outputs of the fabric. Delay times of delay elements and cross-coupling elements are nominally equal. Drive strengths of cross-coupling elements may be lower than drive strengths of delay elements. A delay line is constructed by combining a phase generator and a fabric, where the phase generator splits a digital input signal in multiple incrementally delayed versions for the fabric inputs.
US09484886B2
A surface acoustic wave device includes a piezoelectric substrate including an interdigital transducer located on one principal surface thereof, an insulating layer arranged around the interdigital transducer, a cover layer arranged over the insulating layer and the interdigital transducer, and a columnar electrode penetrating through the insulating layer and the cover layer, and connected to the interdigital transducer through a connection wiring, wherein a buffer layer is arranged on the other principal surface of the piezoelectric substrate.
US09484870B2
A device includes an operational-amplifier including an amplifier-part amplifying signals and transmitting amplified signals to a first and a second nodes, and an output-part connected to the first and second nodes and outputting signals from a first and a second outputs. The device includes a first and a second chopper switches and a first and second phase-compensation capacity elements. A first capacitance switch switches between a first connection-state and a second connection-state. In the first connection-state, the first phase-compensation-capacity element is connected between the first node and the first output and the second phase-compensation-capacity element is connected between the second node and the second-output. In the second connection state, the first phase-compensation-capacity element is connected between the second-node and the second output and the second phase-compensation-capacity element is connected between the first node and the first output.
US09484868B2
Distortion is effectively reduced in a wide frequency band of an output signal from an amplifier. A distortion compensation apparatus includes: a distortion compensation processing section that performs a distortion compensation process on an input signal to the amplifier, based on a first amplifier model of the amplifier, and output a compensated signal; a signal generation section that receives the compensated signal and a first digital monitor signal, and generates a second digital monitor signal; and an estimation section that estimates the first amplifier model, based on the compensated signal and the second digital monitor signal. The first digital monitor signal is a signal generated by subjecting an analog monitor signal obtained by monitoring an output signal from the amplifier, to analog-to-digital conversion. A monitor band of the first digital monitor signal is narrower than a frequency band of the compensated signal. A frequency band of the second digital monitor signal is wider than the monitor band of the first digital monitor signal, and includes signal components obtained by restoring signal components outside the monitor band, among signal components included in the analog monitor signal. The signal generation section restores the signal components outside the monitor band among the signal components included in the analog monitor signal, based on the compensated signal and the first digital monitor signal.
US09484860B2
A tracking power supply for one or more amplifiers includes one or more cascaded sets of power boost circuits to temporarily boost the positive and/or negative power supply rail, respectively. Each power boost circuit may include a gain element and an energy source such as a capacitor or battery, and the power boost circuits are linked to provide a greater degree of voltage boost when needed. An optional control circuit monitors amplifier output signal levels, or separately amplified input signal levels, and provides power boost control signals to the power boost circuits, which temporarily raise or lower the positive and/or negative supply voltages above or below the nominal voltage rails in tandem with the highest and lowest output signals, respectively, from the amplifier(s).
US09484858B1
A quadrature voltage controlled oscillator (QVCO) for providing an oscillating output signal. The QVCO includes a first oscillating circuit for producing a first output signal and a second output signal, those signals being a first set of antiphase signals. The QVCO also includes a second oscillating circuit for producing a first output signal and a second output signal, those signals being a second set of antiphase signals. The first oscillating circuit also has injection circuitry for injecting the second set of antiphase signals without a DC bias into the first output signal and the second output signal, and the second oscillating circuit also has injection circuitry for injecting the first set of antiphase signals without a DC bias into the third output signal and the fourth output signal.
US09484855B2
Clock synchronization error is corrected or minimized by fitting a parabolic f(T) function to the crystal's data, and compensating for sampling period drift in an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) at various temperatures.
US09484853B2
A system for mounting at least one solar panel on a building may include at least one panel mounting bracket including a base to be positioned on the building, and a vertical extension having a proximal end coupled to the base and a distal end vertically spaced apart from the base. The vertical extension may have a cavity extending vertically therein. The system may also include an adjustable height extension device for the at least one panel mounting bracket including a lower portion carried within the cavity of the vertical extension and vertically slidable within the cavity, an upper portion carried by the lower portion to be connected with the at least one solar panel, and a vertical height adjustment member carried by the upper portion to cause the lower portion to slide vertically within the cavity to adjust a vertical height of the upper portion.
US09484851B2
Disclosed is a technique of correcting a resolver offset by measuring and correcting an offset of a resolver assembled to a motor of an eco-friendly vehicle in an accurate and simple way. The offset measurement process includes, after completing the assembly of a resolver a resolver to a motor, rotating the motor by using a rotation device able to transfer a rotation force to the motor, setting a voltage instruction and current-controlling the motor according to the voltage instruction, and obtaining a d-axis current and a q-axis current, which are feedback currents, during the current-control of the motor. Then when the system is in a steady state, a resolver offset ({tilde over (θ)}) is calculated from the d-axis current and the q-axis current by using {tilde over (θ)}=tan−1(d-axis current/q-axis current).
US09484843B2
An electric circuit with one power amplifier (V1) for at least two piezoelectric actuators (C1, C2), said piezoelectric actuators (C1, C2) being in preferably antagonist arrangement connected mechanically in series and being connected electrically with each other and operated or clocked by a control circuit, such as a pulse modulator circuit, for time-variant energizing of the piezoelectric actuators (C1, C2) in push-pull fashion, said power amplifier (V1) being connected to a junction point between the two piezoelectric actuators (C1, C2), characterized in that said power amplifier (V1) is connected to a one directional diode (D1) and in that two buffer capacitors (C3, C4) and two static resistors (R3, R4) are provided downstream the one directional diode (D1) with regard to the power amplifier (V1).
US09484841B2
A switching power supply device equipped with an inverter device includes a transformer including a primary winding and a secondary winding, which are magnetically coupled with each other. On the primary side, a capacitor and a switching element are connected in series with the primary winding and a switching element is connected in series the switching element and is connected in parallel with the primary winding and the capacitor. On the secondary side, a bidirectional switching element, which includes FETs, is connected in series with the secondary winding. A control circuit alternately turns the first switching element and the second switching element on, and turns the bidirectional switching element on in an off period of the first switching element or the second switching element. Thus, the inverter device outputs an alternating current output voltage by using a single secondary winding of a transformer.
US09484834B2
A rectifier circuit includes first and second load terminals, a first semiconductor device having a load path and configured to receive a drive signal, and a plurality of second semiconductor devices each having a load path and each configured to receive a drive signal. The load paths of the second semiconductor devices are connected in series, and connected in series to the load path of the first semiconductor device. A series circuit with the first semiconductor device and the second semiconductor devices is connected between the load terminals. Each of the second semiconductor devices is configured to receive as a drive voltage either a load-path voltage of at least one of the second semiconductor devices, or a load-path of at least the first semiconductor device. The first semiconductor device is configured to receive as a drive voltage a load-path-voltage of at least one of the second semiconductor devices.
US09484831B2
The number of constituent components is reduced so as to provide a small-size and inexpensive electric-power conversion system. The electric-power conversion system is provided with an inverter circuit (14) connected with the rear stage of an AC power source, a smoothing capacitor (22) connected with the rear stage of the inverter circuit (14) by way of a rectifying device (20), a charging switch (2) that is connected with the front stage of the inverter circuit (14), that inputs an electric quantity based on an output of the AC power source (1) to the inverter circuit (14) when being turned on, and that cuts off an input of the electric quantity to the inverter circuit (14) when being turned off, and an inrush current prevention circuit (7) having an inrush current prevention switch (3) and an inrush current prevention resistor (4) that is connected in series with the rear stage of the inrush current prevention switch (3); the electric-power conversion system is characterized in that the inrush current prevention circuit (7) is connected in parallel with the charging switch (2).
US09484824B2
An on/off controller device includes a control circuit to generate a control signal to switch a power switch between an on state and an off state to transfer energy from a primary side to a secondary side of a switched mode power supply. A comparator is coupled to generate an enable signal that enables and disables the switching of the power switch by the control circuit. The comparator compares a feedback signal with a variable threshold and switches the enable signal between enabling and disabling the switching of the power switch. The variable threshold is modulated to increase a fundamental frequency of the switching of the power switch by the control circuit. The variable threshold is modulated with a fixed amplitude pulse that is combined with a second threshold to modulate the variable threshold between a first higher value and a second lower value.
US09484807B2
A high efficiency switched capacitor voltage regulator circuit and a method of efficiently generating an enhanced voltage from an input voltage supply. An input voltage Vin from a main power source is the base voltage to be pumped to an enhanced voltage. Auxiliary voltage sources V1 and V2 are from sources (or grounds) available in the system. During phase 1 of a clock signal, a pump capacitor is charged to ΔV=V2−V1. During phase 2 of the clock signal, the pump capacitor is connected in series between Vin and an output capacitor, resulting in the sum voltage V=Vin+ΔV being generated across the output capacitor.
US09484804B2
A battery charging system includes a PFC converter which converts an alternating current input voltage which is input from a power supply to a direct current output voltage, a DC-DC converter which changes an output voltage of the PFC converter, a battery which is charged by the DC-DC converter, and a controller which calculates power conversion efficiency based on the input current and the input voltage, a charged voltage of the battery, and a charging current for the battery, and updates the output voltage of the PFC converter according to the power conversion efficiency. A battery charging method includes steps of: calculating power conversion efficiency using the input current and the input voltage from the power supply, and the charging current and the charged voltage of the battery; and updating the output voltage of the PFC converter according to the calculated power conversion efficiency.
US09484801B2
A power converter system includes first and second input terminals; a converter connected to the first and second input terminals and including an output terminal; a start-up circuit connected to a first capacitor and configured to charge the first capacitor during start-up and hiccup conditions; a voltage source connected to the first and second input terminals and configured to provide, during the start-up and hiccup conditions, a voltage proportional to a voltage applied to the first and second input terminals; and a voltage buffer including a MOSFET with a gate connected to the voltage source, a source connected to the start-up circuit, and a drain connected to one of the first and second input terminals.
US09484797B2
This disclosure relates generally to radio frequency (RF) switching converters and RF amplification devices that use RF switching converters. In one embodiment, an RF switching converter includes a switching circuit operable to receive a power source voltage, a switching controller configured to switch the switching circuit so that the switching circuit generates a pulsed output voltage from the power source voltage, and an RF filter configured to convert the pulsed output voltage into a supply voltage, wherein the RF filter includes a decoupling capacitor configured to receive the supply voltage. The switching controller is configured to generate a ripple correction current that is injected into the decoupling capacitor such that the decoupling capacitor filters the ripple correction current. The decoupling capacitor outputs the ripple correction current such that the ripple correction current reduces a ripple variation in a supply current level of a supply current resulting from the supply voltage.
US09484788B2
Provided is a rotary-electric-machine temperature estimation system for a vehicle. The temperature estimation system includes a rotary electric machine, a cooler, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The rotary electric machine is fixed to a vehicle body of the vehicle and provided in the vehicle. The rotary electric machine includes a stator coil. The cooler has an injection outlet for injecting refrigerant, and cools off the stator coil by the refrigerant thus injected from the injection outlet. The temperature sensor measures a temperature of the stator coil. The controller estimates an actual temperature of the stator coil by use of the measured temperature and a preset temperature correction value. The controller changes the temperature correction value according to a change in a posture of the vehicle body.
US09484786B2
An induction generator for a radio switch having a magnet element as well as an induction coil with a coil core, characterized in that the coil core is U-shaped, wherein a first contact position and a second contact position for the magnet element are defined on the limbs of the coil core, with a flux direction reversal taking place in each case in the coil core when a change takes place between said positions, wherein the magnet element is arranged such that it can move in a defined manner linearly between the contact positions on the induction generator in a direction in which the limbs are adjacent to one another.
US09484784B2
Electric motor systems and methods may provide highly efficient operation. The electric motor systems and methods discussed herein provide an oil filled motor that is low speed and utilizes permanent magnets. The electric motor may utilize a large number of poles and fractional slot design. Further, in some embodiments, the electric motor systems and methods may be suitable for use downhole.
US09484782B2
A concentrated power-distribution member for a concentrated winding motor including a ring-shaped busbar and a coil connection terminal formed in one-piece with the busbar to hold a coil winding end positioned in an inner side of the busbar. The coil connection terminal has an erected portion extending from the busbar in parallel with the center axis of the busbar and a pair of arms extending from the leading end of the erected portion toward a center axis. A pair of arms is constructed by a pair of wing portions that extend to both sides of the erected portion and are bent toward the center axis along a bending line parallel to the center axis. A coil end holding portion is provided in leading ends of the pair of arms. According to this construction, a dimension of the concentrated power-distribution member is reduced.
US09484780B2
Provided is a segmented armature motor, which includes a plurality of armature coils which enclose a rotor having a rotary shaft, an armature which houses the armature coil and which is coupled in a segmented form, a motor frame which is coupled to the armature so as to enclose the armature, and motor covers coupled to the front and rear faces of the motor frame. The segmented armature motor is formed so that the armature coils completely enclose a pole portion of the rotor and are formed into a horseshoe shape or U shape, thereby minimizing magnetic losses of the armature and of the rotor.
US09484770B2
A system is provided to allow for charging of a chemical storage device without a rectifier. A gate is used in conjunction with a gate controller. The gate controller monitors input voltage and opens the gate when voltage crosses a zero crossing in a first direction. The gate monitor then closes the gate when the voltage crosses a zero crossing in a second direction. This increases the chances that the output power will have voltage in a single direction. This output power is then fed to a chemical storage device, where it can be stored and used by one or more electronic devices.
US09484769B2
A case for a portable electronic device includes a soft protective case, a hard protective frame, and a wireless charging receiver pad stored in a pad opening of the soft protective case. The pad opening has first, second, third and fourth walls such that the first and second walls face each other and the third and fourth walls face each other. Upper portions of the first and second walls are slanted to same directions and lower portions of the first and second walls are slanted to same directions whereas the upper and lower portions of the first wall are slanted in opposite directions. In addition, left and right portions of the third wall are slanted in opposite directions and left and right portions of the fourth wall are slanted in opposite directions as well. The right portions of the third and fourth walls are slanted in same directions.
US09484768B2
Provided are a complex device including a piezoelectric device, a wire patch cell (WPC) antenna disposed on one surface of the piezoelectric device, the WPC antenna being connected to two antenna patterns that are vertically spaced apart from each other, and a near field communication (NFC) antenna disposed outside the WPC antenna and an electronic device having the same.
US09484767B2
There is provided a wireless power transmitter, including: a board having circuit wiring thereon; a connector mounted on a surface of the board; a terminal pin formed on one side of the connector and penetrating through the board; and a battery provided on the other surface of the board to be coupled to the terminal pin.
US09484764B2
A charge control device that controls a state of charging to a storage section that stores electric power supplied from a power source and supplies the stored electric power to a load. The charge control device includes a voltage monitoring section which, if the storage section has its inter-terminal voltage being higher than or equal to a predetermined upper limit voltage, determines that the storage section is on a full charge, and which, if the storage section has its inter-terminal voltage being lower than or equal to a predetermined lower limit voltage which is lower than the predetermined upper limit voltage, determines that the storage section needs to be charged.
US09484758B2
The disclosed embodiments provide a synchronous switching converter that converts a DC input voltage into a DC output voltage. This synchronous switching converter includes a high-side switching MOSFET coupled between an input node and a first node. The converter also includes a low-side switching MOSFET coupled between the first node and a ground node and is in series with the high-side switching MOSFET. This converter additionally includes a bootstrap capacitor coupled to the high-side switching MOSFET to provide turn-on voltage for the high-side switching MOSFET. Furthermore, the converter includes a main refresh circuit coupled to the bootstrap capacitor and is configured to refresh the bootstrap capacitor during a first operating mode of the synchronous switching converter. Moreover, the converter includes an auxiliary refresh circuit coupled to the main refresh circuit and the bootstrap capacitor and is configured to refresh the bootstrap capacitor during a second operating mode of the converter.
US09484755B2
An in-vehicle charging control device may comprise a control module, a charging socket, and a switching circuit. The charging socket has a charging connection confirming terminal (CC) and a protective grounding terminal (PE). The switching circuit is connected with the charging connection confirming terminal (CC) and the protective grounding terminal (PE) of the charging socket. The control module is connected with an in-vehicle battery via the switching circuit. The charging socket matches with a charging plug. The switching circuit is in a conducting state when the charging plug is plugged in the charging socket and in a disconnection state when the charging plug is not plugged in the charging socket.
US09484751B2
A wireless electrical power system provides access to high voltage and/or low voltage electrical power at portable articles that are positionable at different locations within a work area, and substantially without the use of exposed cabling. The power system includes a portable article that is positionable at two or more locations within a work area. The work area is defined by a plurality of surfaces, at least one of which incorporates a wireless electrical power transmitter. The portable article incorporates a wireless electrical power receiver that is configured to receive electrical power from the wireless power transmitter when the wireless power receiver is sufficiently close to the wireless power transmitter. The portable article further includes an electrical power outlet that provides users in the work area with access to the electrical power.
US09484747B1
Transient survivability metrics are used to select improvements to distribution automation network designs. The approach combines survivability analysis and power flow analysis to assess the survivability of the distribution power grid network. Available investment decisions are then automatically optimized with respect to survivability and investment costs.
US09484746B2
A power converter circuit includes output terminals configured to receive an external AC voltage. At least one series circuit has at least two converter units. Each converter unit includes input terminals configured to be coupled to a DC power source. Output terminals provide an AC output current. The at least one series circuit is connected between the output terminals of the power converter circuit. A voltage measurement circuit is connected between the output terminals of the power converter circuit and configured to provide at least one measurement signal that includes information related to phase and frequency of the external AC voltage. At least one of the converter units is configured to receive the at least one measurement signal and is configured to regulate the generation of the AC output current dependent on the at least one measurement signal.
US09484745B2
A system includes power electronics inverters connected in a network. The power electronics inverters can utilize measurements at local terminals, without a need to exchange information between other power electronics inverters.
US09484742B2
Power supply system for mounting to a rail has an AC/DC converter for converting high voltage AC power to low voltage DC power a controller for controlling the power supply system, an AC/DC converter and controller module for mounting to the rail and for connection to the AC/DC converter and controller respectively, and a battery connection and LVBD contactor module for mounting to the rail and for connection to a first battery, wherein the battery connection and LVBD contactor module on a first side is connected to the AC/DC converter and controller module by a first connection interface and where the battery connection and LVBD contactor module on a second side, opposite of the first side, has a first connector of a second connection interface.
US09484738B2
A method and system are provided for operation of substations in which protection, control and measurement devices (e.g., Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs)) exchange operational data over a data network, for example, according to IEC standard 61850. During maintenance, commissioning and fault situations, when one or several IEDs are inoperable, the data that these IEDs would have produced is substituted to ensure availability of the substation. To this effect, a dedicated substitute device is permanently installed that can take the role of any IED, and that is automatically configured out of a standard configuration description (SCD) file that describes the SA system.
US09484731B2
A bipolar lightning rod apparatus includes a fixation plate, a rod member configured to have one end connected to the fixation plate in a length direction thereof and charged with the electric charges of a ground, at least two insulators installed in the length direction, an electrification plate installed between adjacent insulators, electrically insulated from the rod member, and charged with electric charges having an opposite polarity to the electric charges of the ground, an electrification tube installed between the electrification plate and the insulators, electrically connected to the electrification plate, and charged with electric charges having an opposite polarity to the electric charges of the ground, and a rod cap connected to the top of the rod member and configured to induce the falling of a thunderbolt. The rod cap has an outside diameter greater than that of the insulators.
US09484724B2
A cover is provided for protecting cables. The cover includes a first cover member and a second cover member. The second cover member is configured to mate with the first cover member to define conduits that enclose and permit passage therethrough of one or more cables. Plural covers are couplable to form an articulating cover system operable to enclose a selected length of cable(s). The covers may be employed to protect hoses, pipes, ducts and the like.
US09484723B2
A wire harness (11) includes a one-sided self-adhesive sheet (28) which has a special adhesive layer (23) and is formed with a sheet hole (21), and which is folded at a folded part (25) so that two parts of the adhesive surface (23) are adhered and fixed, electric wires (15) which are sandwiched between the two parts of the special adhesive layer (23) along the folded part (25), and which have two end parts which are derived from the one-sided self-adhesive sheet (28), and a clip (17) which has a base plate (37), from which an elastic locking leg (43) which is inserted into the sheet hole (21) is raised, and which is formed with a regulating edge portion (45) which is sandwiched by the one-sided adhesive sheet (28) along the folded part (25).
US09484722B2
A workstation and method for the installation of a pulling head assembly onto one or more conductors of a cabling system are provided. The workstation incorporates one or more of: a conductor clamp that holds the conductors of the cabling system in place during the installation of the pulling head assembly; a cutting guide having indicia marks that indicate the lengths to which to cut the conductors in order to achieve a staggered pattern of pulling eyes attached to the conductors in the pulling head assembly; a stripping tool that is used to remove a portion of the insulation from the terminal end of each conductor so that the end of the conductor may be inserted into the pulling eye; and a crimping tool that is used to crimp the pulling eyes onto the terminal ends of each of the conductors.
US09484717B2
The disclosure pertains to ignition systems and more particularly to spark igniters for burners and burner pilots. The spark igniter provided, is configured such that an electric field concentration between two electrodes increases while keeping output voltage unchanged.
US09484713B2
A light-emitting element includes a mesa structure in which a first compound semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, an active layer, and a second compound semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type are disposed in that order, wherein at least one of the first compound semiconductor layer and the second compound semiconductor layer has a current constriction region surrounded by an insulation region extending inward from a sidewall portion of the mesa structure; a wall structure disposed so as to surround the mesa structure; at least one bridge structure connecting the mesa structure and the wall structure, the wall structure and the bridge structure each having the same layer structure as the portion of the mesa structure in which the insulation region is provided; a first electrode; and a second electrode disposed on a top face of the wall structure.
US09484711B2
A semiconductor laser apparatus includes a silicon-on-insulator assembly and an edge-emitting semiconductor laser assembly integrated on the silicon-on-insulator assembly. The silicon-on-insulator assembly includes an optical waveguide at the top which is bonded to the edge-emitting semiconductor laser assembly and configured to couple a laser light emitted from the edge-emitting semiconductor laser assembly, and the optical waveguide includes a core portion located in the middle of the optical waveguide; and at least one vertical rib configured on two sides of the core portion respectively, with a width narrower than that of the core portion. The apparatus obtains a single mode laser operation and has low propagation loss and high mechanical bond strength.
US09484710B2
A semiconductor laser device includes: semiconductor laser arrays; collimating members; a condenser lens provided, in common, for collimated light beam arrays outputted from the respective collimating members, and including a light incident surface on which a light incident row pattern including light incident regions is formed through entering of the collimated light beam arrays; and an optical fiber. A condenser lens incident optical path length of at least one of the semiconductor laser arrays is different from that of any other one of the semiconductor laser arrays. A collimated light beam array derived from one of the semiconductor laser arrays that corresponds to the largest condenser lens incident optical path length is directed to a predetermined light incident region in the light incident surface. The predetermined light incident region is other than the outermost light incident region in the light incident row pattern.
US09484706B1
Tapered core fibers are produced using tapered core rods that can be etched or ground so that a fiber cladding has a constant diameter. The tapered core can be an actively doped core, or a passive core. One or more sleeving tubes can be collapsed onto a tapered core rod and exterior portions of the collapsed sleeving tubes can be ground to provide a constant cladding diameter in a fiber drawn from the preform.
US09484698B2
An apparatus for attaching duct work to an electrical outlet or electrical switch, said apparatus comprising: a generally cylindrical tube having a first end having a first diameter and a second end having a second diameter where said second diameter larger than said first diameter; a tapered wall that connects said first and second ends; at least two slots disposed through said tapered cylindrical wall; a gasket disposed about the perimeter of the said second end; at least one bracket, said bracket comprising at least two tabs, said tabs sized and oriented to be inserted into said slots, where said bracket is disposed across the diameter of said second end; means for selectively and releasably attaching said bracket to an electrical outlet.
US09484696B2
A pair of terminal portions of a bus bar is composed of a first terminal portion and a second terminal portion extended along a sidewall of the base portion. Each of the first and second terminal portions has a spring portion for generating biasing force toward a direction of holding the base portion, and a contact portion provided on a tip of the spring portion. The contact portion of the first terminal portion abuts on a contact lead wire, and the contact portion of the second terminal portion abuts on the sidewall of the base portion, thereby the contact portions hold the base portion therebetween. In a natural condition that the bulb is not inserted and the spring portion is not elastically deformed, the pair of terminal portions is displaced from a center plane toward the one side corresponding to a projection size of the contact lead wire.
US09484690B2
The present invention relates to a modular electrical connector, and the modular electrical connector can be divided into three modules including: housing, connecting modules, and RJ45 receiving modules, wherein the housing is used for disposed on a circuit board of an external host case, and the connecting modules and the RJ45 receiving modules are assembled and disposed in the housing so as to electrically connected with the circuit board; according to the modular design of the present invention, the RJ45 receiving modules are able to be individually disassembled from the connecting modules and the connector, thus, user does not have to disassembles whole connector during the RJ45 connector's repairing or replacing process.
US09484689B2
A method associated with the related structures to prepare cable wires of a cable connector, comprising the steps of: extending a first type and a second type of cable wires through a wire spacer having a notch; securing the first and second types of wires to the spacer; bending the extended cable wires of the first type in the spacer notch; operating the extended cable wires of the second type; returning the extended cable wires of the first type; and operating the extended cable wires of both the first type and the second type. The second type may be coaxial cables and the operating steps on these coaxial cables may include steps of removing outer jackets and braidings.
US09484679B2
An electrical connector for mounting to a printed circuit board for mating with a plug connector, includes an insulative housing and the upper and lower contacts on the housing, each contact including a contacting section, the contacts including grounding contacts each having a free end of the contacting section, and a mounting leg mounted to the corresponding grounding region of the printed circuit board wherein the free ends of the corresponding paired upper grounding contact and lower grounding contact either abut against each other or against a metallic shielding plate embedded within the mating tongue to form a parallel relation between the paired upper grounding contact and lower grounding contact.
US09484678B1
An electrical connector assembly includes a cage member having a plurality of walls comprising side walls and an end wall defining a port configured to receive a pluggable module that is electrically connected to a communication connector housed within the cage member. The port has an airflow channel along the end wall allowing airflow through the port along the pluggable module. Standoff features extend from at least one of the end wall and the side walls. The standoff features extend into the airflow channel and are configured to engage the pluggable module and locate the pluggable module relative to the communication connector for mating thereto and locate the pluggable module relative to the airflow channel.
US09484676B2
An electrical connector (100) includes a metal plate (1) having a pair of affixed portions (12) at opposite sides thereof, a first housing (21) insert molded with the metal plate and defining two rows of passageways (211), two rows of terminals (3) accommodated in the two rows of passageways, a pair of latches (4) respectively connected to the affixed portions of the metal plate and soldered on the circuit board, and a second housing (22) over molded with the first housing and the pair of latches to form a subassembly.
US09484670B2
A connector is mateable with a mating connector which has a mating lock portion. The connector comprises a first housing, a second housing and a contact. The first housing accommodates, at least in part, the contact. The contact is provided with a cable holding portion which holds an end of a cable so that the cable extends in a predetermined direction. The second housing is attached to the first housing to hold the contact in cooperation with the first housing. The second housing is provided with a hooked portion, a spring portion, an operation portion and a lock portion. The spring portion is resiliently deformable. The operation portion and the lock portion are supported by the spring portion. The lock portion locks the mating lock portion when the connector and the mating connector are mated with each other. The hooked portion is a portion which is hooked by a finger upon operation of the operation portion. The hooked portion is positioned apart from the operation portion in the predetermined direction. The operation portion releases a lock of the lock portion against the mating lock portion when operated to be moved toward the hooked portion.
US09484667B2
A vehicle-side connector (10) to be connected to a battery mounted in a vehicle includes an outer housing (31) to be fixed to a body of the vehicle, an inner housing (50) to be fitted into the outer housing (31) from a vehicle interior side, terminal fittings (11) respectively connected to a plurality of wires (20P, 20S) drawn out from the interior of the vehicle including the battery, a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers (53, 40) provided from the inner housing (50) to the outer housing (31) and configured such that the respective terminal fittings (11) are inserted and accommodated thereinto from behind, a retainer (60) assemblable with the inner housing (50) to lock and retain each terminal fitting (11), and a lock mechanism portion (47, 70) configured to lock the retainer (60) and the outer housing (31) in a joined state.
US09484666B2
An electrical connector assembly is disclosed having a first connector and a second connector. The first connector has a first engagement portion on a first mating end, and at least one first ridge positioned on and protruding outward from an outer surface of the first engagement portion. The second connector has a second engagement portion on a second mating end. The second engagement portion has a first connector receiving chamber having an inner surface, and at least one second ridge positioned on and protruding inward from the inner surface. The at least one second ridge is positioned on, and protrudes inward from, the inner surface, being in electrical contact with the first ridge when the first engagement portion is positioned in the first connector receiving chamber.
US09484664B1
A water resistant port and a method for using it are provided. The port comprises a moveable seal assembly coupled to a spring structure. The moveable seal assembly may comprise a plastic material on an inner surface and a seal material on an outer surface. When the spring structure is in a relaxed position, the moveable seal assembly is caused to create a seal with a gasket material coupled to a side wall of a port casing. The spring structure comprises a spring coupled to the moveable seal assembly at one end and to a guide at an opposite end in an interior portion of the port casing. The port casing comprises, on an interior surface, one or more electrical connectors adapted to receive one or more electrical contacts of an accessory plug when the spring structure is compressed and the moveable seal assembly is in an engaged position.
US09484663B2
A device for dividing at least one bundle of insulated electrical conductors is provided, where in the housing, is arranged a contact part, consisting of metal, which protrudes outwardly beyond the profile of the housing and has at its end projecting out of the housing at least one throughhole and at its end located in the housing a connecting element for electrically conductively connecting a conductor. In the assembly position at least one electrical individual line extends through one of the openings into the housing. The line has at least two conductors, wherein one of the conductors is electrically conductively connected to the contact part, while the other conductor of the individual line projects through one of the openings out of the housing.
US09484662B2
A receptacle connector for mating with the plug connector, includes a terminal unit, a metallic shield and a mating cavity surrounded by the metallic shield. The terminal unit includes a terminal module having a first insulator with a plurality of first contacts embedded therein via a first stage insert-molding process, a second insulator with a plurality of second contacts embedded therein via the similar first stage insert-molding process. The first insulator includes a first front insulator and a first rear insulator spaced from each other while linked together by the corresponding first contacts; the second insulator includes a second front insulator and a second rear insulator spaced from each other while linked together by the corresponding second contacts.
US09484648B2
Disclosed is a connector mateable with a mating connector along a first direction. The connector comprises a housing and a plurality of terminals, wherein the housing includes a plurality of held portions, and the terminals correspond to the held portions, respectively. Each of the terminals includes a base portion, a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion extends directly from the base portion and is provided with a first contact portion which projects towards the second portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second portion extends directly from the base portion and is provided with a second contact portion and a press-fitting projection. The second contact portion projects towards the first portion in the second direction and faces the first contact portion. The press-fitting projection projects towards the third portion in the second direction. The third portion extends directly from the base portion. Each of the held portions is held by the second portion and the third portion of the terminal corresponding thereto.
US09484645B2
A post-less coaxial cable connector includes a body, a shell, a compression ring, and a coupling portion. The shell has a collapsible groove that, when the post-less coaxial cable connector is axially compressed, collapses and engages the coaxial cable. This provides pull strength and electrical communication in the post-less coaxial cable connector. The compression ring has projections, that when the post-less coaxial cable connector is axially compressed, engage the coaxial cable jacket, providing sealing at the back end and rotation torque.
US09484641B2
A female terminal includes a terminal body having a contact holder in a tubular shape at a front side of the terminal body, a contact member in a tubular shape which is contained inside the contact holder and into which a male terminal is inserted from a front side, and a rotary ring which is mounted to the contact holder. The contact member has a pair of holding rings provided at both ends thereof, and a diameter variable part held by a pair of the holding rings at both ends thereof, an inner diameter of the diameter variable part being set to be larger than an outer diameter of the male terminal in an initial state, and contracted to be smaller than the outer diameter of the male terminal, by twisting a pair of the holding rings.
US09484639B1
An openable wire-mounting connector includes a body. A bottom of the body forms a welding face. A front of the body forms a wire entrance. Two sides of a rear of the body bend oppositely to form elastic clips which allow an insertion of a conducting wire and hold the wire in place. A top edge of each elastic clip forms a funnel-shaped mouth which opens upwards. A top end of the rear of the base bends firstly to form a curved limiting part and then bends upwards to form an elastic button. The curved limiting part presses down on the conducting wire to prevent the wire from escaping. The elastic button is located above the funnel-shaped mouth. The elastic clips can be opened by pressing the elastic button which activates the funnel-shaped mouth.
US09484633B2
An antenna, a portable electronic device incorporating an antenna and a method of operation are provided to enable both wide and multiple frequency band response. The antenna may include a feeding arm and a parasitic element. The feeding arm may include a conductive loop antenna and a conductive excitation arm portion. The loop antenna portion may extend from a first end that is configured to be grounded to a second end that is configured to be driven by radio frequency circuitry. The excitation arm may be coupled at a first end to the loop antenna portion and extend outwardly therefrom to an open end. The parasitic element may extend from a first end is configured to be grounded to a second end that is open. The parasitic element may extend along opposite sides of the excitation arm portion so as to be coupled thereto.
US09484626B2
A door handle assembly for a door of a vehicle, with the door handle assembly configured to mount at a handle region of a vehicle door, includes an antenna circuit for an antenna of a passive entry system of the vehicle. The antenna circuit includes at least an inductor in series electrical connection with a capacitor. The antenna circuit includes a resistor in electrical connection with the inductor and the capacitor. The resistor is selected to provide a selected reduction of a quality factor or Q factor of the antenna circuit to a reduced level.
US09484622B2
An multi-band antenna includes a base section including a first end and a second end opposite to each other, a first radiating arm and a second radiating arm extending opposite to each other from the first end and locating on two opposite sides of the base section in a longitudinal direction, and a loop conductive portion extending from the base section. The loop conductive portion includes a grounding portion locating adjacent to the second end of the base section and a connecting portion extending in the longitudinal direction. The connecting portion is located on the same side of the base section with the first radiating arm.
US09484618B2
An antenna configuration is particularly suitable for use within a front panel assembly of an electronic device, such as a set-top box. According to an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device includes a chassis, a printed circuit board and an F-shaped antenna. The printed circuit board includes a ground portion and a dielectric portion. The ground portion is electrically coupled to the chassis. The F-shaped antenna includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion of the F-shaped antenna extends along the dielectric portion of the printed circuit board. The second portion of the F-shaped antenna is electrically coupled to the ground portion of the printed circuit board. The third portion of the F-shaped antenna extends between the ground portion and the dielectric portion of the printed circuit board and is electrically coupled to a signal processor via a reactive element (jX1, Jx2).
US09484615B2
A mast arrangement comprises: a mast arranged for carrying a first module of a radio network node, a holding structure adapted to receive a lower portion of the mast, and a housing for a second module of the radio network node. An air inlet channel in the mast is connected to the housing via an inlet passage, and an air outlet channel in the mast is connected to the housing via an outlet passage. An interior of the housing is arranged to direct an airflow from the inlet passage along, and/or through, the second module to the outlet passage. Further, a radio network node and a method of cooling the second module in a radio network node are provided.
US09484602B1
Conventional internal combustion engine technology has been around for decades and historically has been the primary power source for virtually all industrial equipment. It relies on carbon-based fuels, is loud, polluting, and the machines it powers are expensive to operate and maintain. A self-contained, rechargeable battery system is provided that possesses superior power than comparable diesel and gas engines. The rechargeable battery power system generates zero emissions, is virtually maintenance free, is quiet, and recharges overnight via a standard electrical outlet. The rechargeable battery power system can be installed in new and used construction equipment (light towers, excavators, generators) and may be used wherever a source of power is required, for example, in vans and boats, and in supplemental power systems including smart grid applications. It can be safely used indoors, in neighborhoods and other locations sensitive to the side effects of internal combustion engines.
US09484589B1
A microbial fuel cell comprising: an anode; an anode chamber configured to house the anode and an oxygen-reduced, nutrient-rich solution from a sediment bottom of a natural water body, wherein the anode chamber shields the anode from surrounding oxygen-rich water; a cathode disposed outside the anode chamber in the oxygen-rich water and electrically coupled in series to the anode via an electrical load; and an agitator configured to periodically agitate the sediment bottom to increase the quantity of nutrients in the nutrient-rich solution.
US09484587B2
An electrochemical cell system and a process for operating the same, the system having at least two fuel electrodes for receiving electrodeposited metal fuel; at least one oxidant electrode spaced apart from the fuel electrode; at least one charging electrode; an ionically conductive medium communicating the electrodes of the electrochemical cell system for conducting ions to support electrochemical reactions at the fuel, oxidant, and charging electrodes; and, one or more controllers configured to operate the cell system in discharging and charging modes and monitor a state of charge for each fuel electrode. The controllers may assign each fuel electrode in a discharging unit having a state-of-charge meeting a predetermined depletion criteria from the discharging unit to the charging unit, and each fuel electrode in the charging unit having a state-of-charge meeting a predetermined loading criteria from the charging unit to the discharging unit.
US09484579B2
A binder composition for a rechargeable battery, including a binder polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 20° C. or less, and having a storage modulus (60° C.) of 50-150 MPa. The binder composition according to an embodiment can improve life characteristics of the rechargeable battery by efficiently controlling expansion of a negative electrode plate.
US09484577B2
Provided are a positive electrode material for lithium ion batteries and a process for preparing the same. The positive electrode material for lithium ion batteries comprises a composite positive electrode material consists of LiCoO2 and an auxiliary positive electrode material, the general formula of the auxiliary positive electrode material is LiCo1-x-yNixMnyO2, wherein 0
US09484565B2
In an energy storage device including a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate that are insulated from each other with a separator interposed therebetween, and a non-aqueous electrolyte, the separator includes a base material layer and a coating layer that is disposed on at least one surface of the base material layer, and the separator has an air permeability of the base material layer of 25 (sec/100 cc) or greater and 250 (sec/100 cc) or less, a porosity of the base material layer of 45% or greater, an air permeability of an interface between the base material layer and the coating layer of 15 (sec/100 cc) or less, and an air permeability of the coating layer of 15 (sec/100 cc) or less.
US09484564B2
An electric energy storage device for an electric vehicle, which storage device including at least one battery module having a plurality of especially flat and substantially plate-shaped battery cells which are electrically connected to one another and which are arranged next to one another or one above the other between at least two pressure plates in at least one stack. At least one battery cell and/or the battery module is surrounded by a plastic structure.
US09484562B2
A traction battery assembly includes a base plate and a plurality of prismatic cells stacked in an array on the base plate. A spacer assembly surrounds and is in contact with at least a portion of each of the cells. Each of the spacers assemblies include a pair of brackets having retaining tabs configured to extend over and retain a top portion of the cell opposite the base plate and anchoring tabs extending away from a base of the array. A clamp is disposed along the array and is configured to anchor the anchoring tabs to the base.
US09484557B2
An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. In one aspect, the OLED display includes a substrate which includes non-emission regions and emission regions, a first electrode which is formed on each of the emission regions of the substrate, an organic light-emitting layer which is formed on the first electrode, a second electrode which is formed on the organic light-emitting layer and the substrate and a passivation layer which is formed on the second electrode. The passivation layer includes a first passivation layer which substantially overlaps the organic light-emitting layer and a second passivation layer which does not overlap the organic light-emitting layer, wherein the refractive index of the first passivation layer is higher than the refractive index of the second passivation layer.
US09484550B2
A light-emitting element display device includes: a display area which has an organic insulating layer that is made of an organic insulating material; a peripheral circuit area which is disposed around the display area and which has the organic insulating layer; and a blocking area that is formed between the display area and the peripheral circuit area. The blocking area includes: a first blocking area configured by only one or a plurality of inorganic material layers between an insulating base substrate and an electrode layer which covers the display area and is formed continuously from the display area, and which configures one of two electrodes for allowing the light emitting area to emit the light; and a second blocking area including a plurality of layers configuring the first blocking area, and a light emitting organic layer.
US09484541B2
A compound having a formula M(LA)x(LB)y(LC)z, where ligand LA is ligand LB is and ligand LC is is disclosed. In the structure of M(LA)x(LB)y(LC)z, M is a metal; x is 1, or 2; y and z are 0, 1, or 2; X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and X8 are each independently C or N; rings C and D are each independently a 5 or 6-membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring; two adjacent RB form a six-member aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring E fused to ring B and, when ring E is heterocyclic, the only heteroatom is nitrogen; and ring E can be further substituted by RE. Additionally, any adjacent substituents R11, R12, RB, RC, RD, RE, R1, R2, R3, R4, R′ and R″ are optionally joined to form a ring. Formulations and devices that include the compound of formula M(LA)x(LB)y(LC)z, are also described.
US09484536B2
Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells. Heater structures are formed over an array of electrical nodes, and phase change material is formed across the heater structures. The phase change material is patterned into a plurality of confined structures, with the confined structures being in one-to-one correspondence with the heater structures and being spaced from one another by one or more insulative materials that entirely laterally surround each of the confined structures. Some embodiments include memory arrays having heater structures over an array of electrical nodes. Confined phase change material structures are over the heater structures and in one-to-one correspondence with the heater structures. The confined phase change material structures are spaced from one another by one or more insulative materials that entirely laterally surround each of the confined phase change material structures.
US09484513B2
A device according to embodiments of the invention includes a semiconductor structure including a light emitting layer sandwiched between an n-type region and a p-type region and first and second metal contacts, wherein the first metal contact is in direct contact with the n-type region and the second metal contact is in direct contact with the p-type region. First and second metal layers are disposed on the first and second metal contacts, respectively. The first and second metal layers are sufficiently thick to mechanically support the semiconductor structure. A sidewall of one of the first and second metal layers comprises a three-dimensional feature.
US09484512B2
A light emitting device includes a substrate, conductive members, and first and second light emitting elements. The conductive members have first to fourth lands and a linking portion linking the second and third lands. An outer edge of the first land is positioned to the inside of a point at which an extension of a side facing the second land and an extension of a side facing the third land intersect. An outer edge of the fourth land is positioned to the inside of a point at which an extension of a side facing the second land and an extension of a side facing the third land intersect. The first light emitting element has electrodes connected to the first and second lands, and the second light emitting element has electrodes connected to the third and fourth lands.
US09484509B2
In a first aspect of the present invention, a lighting device includes a light-emitting element, a frame including a phosphor that can be excited by light emitted from the light-emitting element, the frame having an inner side surface surrounding the light-emitting element and an outer side surface being positioned outside the inner side surface that demarcates a quadrilateral area, and a light-transmitting resin arranged in the quadrilateral area demarcated by the inner side surface of the frame and sealing the light-emitting element that is positioned inside the quadrilateral area, and the light-transmitting resin being further provided in contact with an outer side surface of the frame. In some embodiments, it is disclosed that the light-transmitting resin provided in contact with the outer side surface of the frame may include a diffuser.
US09484505B2
An LED structure is applied to a backlight source to set a white light of a backlight module at a standard D65 position of the CIE1931 chromaticity coordinates and used together with a display module. A red phosphor for emitting a red light, a yellow phosphor for emitting a yellow light, and a blue light LED chip are provided. The mixing ratio of the red phosphor to the yellow phosphor is controlled within a range of (2.33−1):1, so that the original LED white light falls within a region enclosed by ccy≦1.8*ccx−0.12, ccy≧1.8*ccx−0.336, ccy≦0.33 and ccy≧0.15 of the CIE1931 coordinates. Since the red phosphor does not absorb or convert yellow light, the brightness loss of the yellow light that excites the yellow phosphor is minimized. A color filter may be installed to achieve better NTSC effect and luminous efficacy.
US09484504B2
A light emitting device and method of manufacture are described. In an embodiment, the light emitting device includes a micro LED device bonded to a bottom electrode, a top electrode in electrical contact with the micro LED device, and a wavelength conversion layer around the micro LED device. The wavelength conversion layer includes phosphor particles. Exemplary phosphor particles include quantum dots that exhibit luminescence due to their size, or particles that exhibit luminescence due to their composition.
US09484498B2
A light-emitting structure comprises a semiconductor light-emitting element which includes a first connection point and a second connection point. The light-emitting structure further includes a first electrode electrically connected to the first connection point, and a second electrode electrically connected the second connection point. The first electrode and the second electrode can form a concave on which the semiconductor light-emitting element is located.
US09484486B2
Provided herein is a PIN diode, a manufacturing method thereof, an x-ray detector using the PIN diode, and a manufacturing method thereof, the PIN diode manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure including forming a lower electrode layer, and forming a lower electrode by etching the lower electrode layer; depositing a PIN layer for formation of a PIN structure above the lower electrode, and depositing an upper electrode layer for formation of the upper electrode above the PIN layer; forming a photo resist pattern above the upper electrode layer, and forming the upper electrode by etching the upper electrode layer having the photo resist pattern as a mask; forming the PIN structure by etching the PIN layer; etching an edge area of the upper electrode having the photo resist pattern as a mask; and removing the photo resist pattern.
US09484483B2
The restoration device of least one silicon-based photovoltaic solar cell includes a support of the cell, a heat source configured to heat the photovoltaic solar cell, and unit for generating charge carriers in the cell. To better accelerate the restoration kinetics of the solar cell, the device includes an ultrasonic transducer designed to generate ultrasonic waves propagating in the photovoltaic solar cell.
US09484476B2
It is an object of the present invention to improve photoelectric conversion efficiency in a photoelectric conversion device. The photoelectric conversion device according to the present invention uses a polycrystalline semiconductor layer including a plurality of semiconductor particles coupled together as a light-absorbing layer, each of the semiconductor particles including a group I-III-VI compound, each of the semiconductor particles having a higher composition ratio PI of a group I-B element to a group III-B element in a surface portion thereof than that in a central portion thereof.
US09484471B2
Embodiments include apparatuses and methods related to a compound varactor. A first varactor in the compound varactor may include a collector layer and a first base layer that is arranged in a first plurality of parallel fingers. A second varactor in the compound varactor may include a second base layer arranged in a second plurality of parallel fingers, and the base layer may be coupled with the collector layer. In embodiments, the fingers of the base layers of the first varactor and the second varactor may be interleaved with one another. Other embodiments may be disclosed or claimed herein.
US09484438B2
A method of fabricating a replacement gate stack for a semiconductor device includes the following steps after removal of a dummy gate: growing a high-k dielectric layer over the area vacated by the dummy gate; depositing a thin metal layer over the high-k dielectric layer; depositing a sacrificial layer over the thin metal layer; performing a first rapid thermal anneal; removing the sacrificial layer; and depositing a metal layer of low resistivity metal for gap fill.
US09484432B2
Techniques are disclosed for forming transistor devices having reduced parasitic contact resistance relative to conventional devices. The techniques can be implemented, for example, using a standard contact stack such as a series of metals on, for example, silicon or silicon germanium (SiGe) source/drain regions. In accordance with one example such embodiment, an intermediate boron doped germanium layer is provided between the source/drain and contact metals to significantly reduce contact resistance. Numerous transistor configurations and suitable fabrication processes will be apparent in light of this disclosure, including both planar and non-planar transistor structures (e.g., FinFETs), as well as strained and unstrained channel structures. Graded buffering can be used to reduce misfit dislocation. The techniques are particularly well-suited for implementing p-type devices, but can be used for n-type devices if so desired.
US09484430B2
A back end of line device and method for fabricating a transistor device include a substrate having an insulating layer formed thereon and a channel layer formed on the insulating layer. A gate structure is formed on the channel layer. Dopants are implanted into an upper portion of the channel layer on opposite sides of the gate structure to form shallow source and drain regions using a low temperature implantation process. An epitaxial layer is selectively grown on the shallow source and drain regions to form raised regions above the channel layer and against the gate structure using a low temperature plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process, wherein low temperature is less than about 400 degrees Celsius.
US09484424B2
A semiconductor device includes a two-input NAND circuit including four MOS transistors arranged in a line. Each of the MOS transistors is disposed on a planar silicon layer disposed on a substrate. The drain, gate, and source of the MOS transistor are arranged in the vertical direction. The gate surrounds a silicon pillar. The planar silicon layer is constituted by a first activation region of a first conductivity type and a second activation region of a second conductivity type. The first and second activation regions are connected to each other via a silicon layer disposed on a surface of the planar silicon layer, so as to form a NAND circuit having a small area.
US09484419B2
Provided are an oxide thin film, a method for post-treating an oxide thin film and an electronic apparatus. An oxide thin film is an oxide thin film with a single layer including a metal oxide, and the physical properties of the oxide thin film may change in the thickness direction thereof.
US09484418B2
The semiconductor device includes a substrate, a first GaN field effect transistor, a second GaN field effect transistor, and a GaN diode. The first GaN field effect transistor is disposed on or above the substrate, and the first GaN field effect transistor is a depletion mode field effect transistor. The second GaN field effect transistor is disposed on or above the substrate, and the second GaN field effect transistor is an enhancement mode field effect transistor. The GaN diode is disposed on or above the substrate. The first GaN field effect transistor, the second GaN field effect transistor, and the GaN diode are disposed on or above a same side of the substrate and electrically connected to each other.
US09484410B2
A semiconductor component may include a semiconductor layer which has a front side and a back side, a first terminal electrode on the front side, a second terminal electrode on the back side, a first dopant region of a first conduction type on the front side, which is electrically connected to one of the terminal electrodes, a second dopant region of a second conduction type in the semiconductor layer, which is electrically connected to the other terminal electrode, a pn junction being formed between the first and second dopant regions, a dielectric layer on the back side between the semiconductor layer and the second terminal electrode, and the dielectric layer having an opening through which an electrical connection between the second terminal electrode and the first or second dopant region is passed.
US09484409B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including a well dopant layer having a first conductivity type, a gate electrode on the well dopant layer, a channel dopant layer in the well dopant layer and spaced apart from a top surface of the semiconductor substrate, a channel region between the gate electrode and the channel dopant layer, and source/drain regions in the well dopant layer at both sides of the gate electrode. The channel dopant layer and the channel region have the first conductivity type. The source/drain regions have a second conductivity type. A concentration of dopants having the first conductivity type in the channel dopant layer is higher than a concentration of dopants having the first conductivity type in the channel region. The semiconductor device may be used in a sense amplifier of a memory device.
US09484398B2
There is disclosed a metal-insulator-metal, MIM, capacitor. The MIM capacitor comprises a MIM stack formed within an interconnect metal layer. The interconnect metal layer is utilized as an electrical connection to a metal layer of the MIM stack.
US09484391B2
An organic light emitting diode display includes a first electrode, a pixel defining layer positioned on the first electrode and including a first opening having a first polygonal shape opening the first electrode, and a first organic emission layer positioned on the pixel defining layer through the first electrode corresponding to the first opening and including a first chamfer adjacent to a corner of the first opening.
US09484384B2
An array substrate of an X-ray sensor and a method for manufacturing the same are provided, the method comprising a step of forming a thin-film transistor element and a photodiode sensor element, wherein the step of forming the thin-film transistor element comprises: forming a gate electrode (1001) on an base substrate (1000) by a mask process; depositing a gate insulating layer (1005) on the base substrate (1000) on which the gate electrode (1001) is formed; the step of forming the photodiode sensor element comprises: forming an ohmic contact layer (1002) on the base substrate (1000) through the same mask process while forming the gate electrode (1001); forming a semiconductor layer (1003) and a transparent electrode (1004) through a mask process on the substrate (1000) on which the ohmic contact layer (1002) is formed; depositing the gate insulating layer on the base substrate on which the semiconductor layer (1003) and the transparent electrode (1004) are formed while depositing the gate insulating layer (1005) on the base substrate (1000) on which the gate electrode (1001) is formed. A gate pattern and an ohmic contact layer are formed through the same mask process, and a passivation layer substitutes a channel blocking layer to reduce the number of the mask processes and simplify the manufacturing process and improve throughput and yield of the product.
US09484382B2
According to one embodiment, an image sensor includes an image-sensing element region formed by arranging a plurality of image-sensing elements on a semiconductor substrate, and a logic circuit region formed in a region different from the image-sensing element region on the substrate and including a plurality of gate patterns. Further, dummy gate patterns are formed with a constant pitch on the image-sensing element region.
US09484381B2
A display device includes a pixel which includes a first photosensor portion having a first photodiode for detecting visible light, which is provided together with a display element portion; and a pixel which includes a second photosensor portion having a second photodiode for detecting infrared rays, which is provided together with another display element portion. The second photosensor portion detects infrared rays included in external light, and selects an imaging element and adjusts sensitivity in accordance with the amount of infrared rays detected by the second photosensor portion.
US09484373B1
An image sensor includes a semiconductor material with a photodiode disposed in the semiconductor material, and a transfer gate disposed adjacent to an edge of the photodiode. A dielectric layer is also disposed between the semiconductor material and the transfer gate. A hard mask is disposed in an encapsulation layer and lateral bounds of the hard mask are coextensive with lateral bounds of the transfer gate. A first contact trench extends through the encapsulation layer and through the dielectric layer and contacts the semiconductor material. A second contact trench extends through the encapsulation layer and through the hard mask and contacts the transfer gate.
US09484365B2
To suppress variation of a signal in a semiconductor device. By suppressing the variation, formation of a stripe pattern in displaying an image on a semiconductor device can be suppressed, for example. A distance between two adjacent signal lines which go into a floating state in different periods (G1) is longer than a distance between two adjacent signal lines which go into a floating state in the same period (G0, G2). Consequently, variation in potential of a signal line due to capacitive coupling can be suppressed. For example, in the case where the signal line is a source signal line in an active matrix display device, formation of a stripe pattern in a displayed image can be suppressed.
US09484363B2
A liquid crystal display and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The liquid crystal display includes an insulating substrate, a gate electrode formed on the insulating substrate, an oxide semiconductor layer formed on the gate electrode, an etch stopper formed on the oxide semiconductor layer in a channel area, a common electrode formed on the insulating substrate, source and drain electrodes separated from each other on the etch stopper and extending to an upper portion of the oxide semiconductor layer, a passivation layer formed on the etch stopper, the common electrode, the source and drain electrodes, and a pixel electrode formed on the passivation layer and connected to the drain electrode.
US09484361B2
The present disclosure provides an array substrate, a manufacturing method thereof, a display panel and a display device. A base substrate of the array substrate or a buffer layer on the base substrate is provided with a plurality of recessed sections, each recessed section is provided with at least one inclined surface, and a thin film transistor (TFT) is arranged at the inclined surface of each recessed section. The recessed sections are divided into at least two types. In the recessed sections of different types, angles between a horizontal surface of the array substrate and the inclined surfaces on which the TFTs are arranged are different from each other.
US09484359B2
An SOI substrate, a semiconductor device, and a method of backgate work function tuning. The substrate and the device have a plurality of metal backgate regions wherein at least two regions have different work functions. The method includes forming a mask on a substrate and implanting a metal backgate interposed between a buried oxide and bulk regions of the substrate thereby producing at least two metal backgate regions having different doses of impurity and different work functions. The work function regions can be aligned such that each transistor has different threshold voltage. When a top gate electrode serves as the mask, a metal backgate with a first work function under the channel region and a second work function under the source/drain regions is formed. The implant can be tilted to shift the work function regions relative to the mask.
US09484356B2
A semiconductor structure and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The semiconductor structure comprises a substrate, a stack of alternate conductive layers and insulating layers, an opening, an oxide layer and a conductor. The stack is formed on the substrate. The opening penetrates through the stack. The oxide layer is formed on a sidewall of the opening. The conductor is filled into the opening. The conductor is separated from the sidewall of the opening by only the oxide layer.
US09484352B2
An embedded flash memory device is provided. A gate stack includes a control gate arranged over a floating gate. An erase gate is arranged adjacent to a first side of the gate stack. A word line is arranged adjacent to a second side of the gate stack that is opposite the first side. The word line includes a word line ledge exhibiting a reduced height relative to a top surface of the word line and on an opposite side of the word line as the gate stack. A polysilicon logic gate has a top surface approximately even with the word line ledge. An ILD layer is arranged over the gate stack, the erase gate, the polysilicon logic gate, and the word lines. A contact extends through the ILD layer. A method of manufacturing the embedded flash memory device is also provided.
US09484343B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device suppresses loss of vacuum in a chamber of an ion implanter, sag of a resist mask pattern for ion implantation, and producing a resist residue after ashing. First ion implanting process implants n-type impurity to form n+ impurity layer on the whole back surface of n− semiconductor wafer. A resist mask on the back surface of the wafer covers a part corresponding to where n+ cathode layer will be formed. A second ion implanting process implants p-type impurity using the resist mask to form p+ impurity layer in the interior of the n+ impurity layer. Second ion implanting process is split into two or more times. The dose of p-type impurity in second ion implanting process is greater than that of n-type impurity in first ion implanting process. The resist mask is removed, and p+ the n+ impurity layers activated.
US09484341B2
A capacitor circuit formed by a plurality of capacitors using metal electrodes formed on a substrate is provided, such that the capacitance of the capacitor can be adjusted with higher precision as compared to the conventional art. The MOM capacitor includes a plurality of MOM (Metal-Oxide-Metal) capacitors respectfully formed by pairs of metal electrodes facing each other through an insulating film on a substrate. The MOM capacitor circuit is formed by at least one capacitor element in a manner that each of the pairs of the metal electrodes of the MOM capacitors is connected to a first terminal and a second terminal through a connecting conductor; and at least one switch element, connected to the plurality of metal electrodes and at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal, wherein a capacitance of the MOM capacitor circuit is adjusted by turning on/off the switch element.
US09484339B2
A semiconductor device may comprise a semiconductor substrate, which is doped with dopants of a first doping type and includes a semiconductor layer adjoining a top surface of the semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor layer being doped with dopants of a second doping type; a MOS transistor being integrated in the first semiconductor region; and a protection circuit electrically connected to a portion of the first semiconductor layer and the gate electrode and being configured to charge the gate electrode dependent on a current passing from the first semiconductor layer to a drain electrode of the MOS transistor.
US09484338B2
A diode string having a plurality of diodes for ESD protection of a CMOS IC device comprises a first diode and a last diode in the diode string, wherein the first diode and the last diode are both formed on a bottom layer in a silicon substrate, and remaining diodes in the diode string. The remaining diodes are formed on a top layer placed on top of the bottom layer. The diode string further comprises a plurality of conductive lines that connect the first diode and the last diode on the bottom layer sequentially with the remaining diodes on the top layer to form a three dimensional (3D) structure of the diode string.
US09484337B2
A circuit protection device is provided and includes a first insulation layer, a second insulation layer, a thermal fuse, a diode, a first exterior electrode pad, a second exterior electrode pad, and a third exterior electrode pad. The second insulation layer is positioned above a top surface of the first insulation layer. The thermal fuse is packaged in the first insulation layer and having a first electrode end and a second electrode end positioned opposite to the first electrode end. The diode is packaged in the second insulation layer and having a first electrode surface and a second electrode surface positioned opposite to the first electrode surface. The first exterior electrode pad is positioned on a bottom surface of the first insulation layer and electrically connected to the first electrode surface and the first electrode end. The second exterior electrode pad is positioned on the bottom surface and electrically connected to the second electrode end, while the third exterior electrode pad is positioned on the bottom surface and electrically connected to the second electrode surface.
US09484335B2
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming active regions which are separated by a plurality of first trenches, forming supports which fill the first trenches; etching the active regions and defining second trenches which are shallower than the first trenches, forming spacers on sidewalls of the second trenches, etching bottoms of the second trenches and defining third trenches, forming punch-through preventing patterns which fill lower portions of the third trenches, etching sidewalls which are not protected by the punch-through preventing patterns and the spacers, and forming recessed sidewalls which face each other, and forming buried bit lines in the recessed sidewalls.
US09484332B2
Micro LEDs may be placed on a substrate in regularly spaced rows with an empty row between at least two successive rows of micro LED. A micro solar cell may then be placed in the empty row.
US09484331B2
A semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof. Various aspects of the disclosure may, for example, comprise forming a back end of line layer on a dummy substrate, completing at least a first portion of an assembly, and removing the dummy substrate.
US09484330B2
A light-emitting device includes light-emitting units and an electrical connection layer. Each light-emitting unit includes a light-emitting stacking layer, a first electrode layer, an insulation layer, and a second electrode layer. The light-emitting stacking layer includes first and second-type doped semiconductor layers, an active layer, and a first inner opening passing through the second-type doped semiconductor layer and the active layer. The second electrode layer is close to and is electrically connected to the second-type doped semiconductor layer. The insulation layer is disposed on a sidewall of the first inner opening and forms a second inner opening. The first electrode layer is disposed in the second inner opening and electrically connected to the first-type doped semiconductor layer. The electrical connection layer is electrically connected to the first electrode layer of one of two adjacent light-emitting units and the second electrode layer of the other adjacent light-emitting unit.
US09484329B2
Solid state lighting components are disclosed having multiple discrete light sources whose light combines to provide the desired emission characteristics. One embodiment of an LED component according to the present invention comprises a rectangular submount. A first group of blue shifted yellow (BSY) LED chips, a second group of BSY LED chips and a group of red LED chips are mounted on the submount. A plurality of contacts is arranged along one of the edges of the submount and accessible from one side of the component for applying electrical signals to the groups of LED chips.
US09484315B2
A chip structure includes a chip, a first metal layer, a second metal layer and a bonding wire. The first metal layer is disposed on the chip, and a material of the first metal layer includes nickel or nickel alloy. The second metal layer is disposed on the first metal layer, and a material of the second metal layer includes copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, palladium or palladium alloy. The bonding wire is connected to the second metal layer, and a material of the bonding wire includes copper or copper alloy.
US09484312B2
An inductor shielding structure includes a first conductive layer including a plurality of first conductive lines having a first width and a plurality of second conductive lines having a second width. The inductor shielding structure further includes a second conductive layer over the first conductive layer. The second conductive layer includes at least one third conductive line having a third width and a plurality of fourth conductive lines having a fourth width. Each conductive line of the at least one third conductive line is parallel to each conductive line of the plurality of first conductive lines. Each conductive line of the plurality of fourth conductive lines is parallel to each conductive line of the plurality of second conductive lines. The first width is different from the second width, or the third width is different from the fourth width.
US09484309B2
A light emitting device (10) includes light emitting elements (12), conductor wirings (14), and alignment marks (18) formed on a substrate (11). The alignment marks (18) and the conductor wirings (14) are formed by printing.
US09484305B2
Systems, apparatuses and methods for reduced OFF capacitance in switching devices are disclosed. A semiconductor die may include a semiconductor substrate, first and second elongated doped regions, said first region serving as a source of a first transistor, said second region serving as a drain of the first transistor and a source of a second transistor. The semiconductor die further includes a plurality of elongated gate structures including a first gate structure disposed between the first and second regions and serving as a gate of the first transistor. The semiconductor die further includes a first set of evenly-spaced electrical contact pads disposed on the first region, and a second set of evenly-spaced electrical contact pads disposed on the second region, the second set of contact pads being offset with respect to the first set of contact pads in a longitudinal direction of the first and second regions.
US09484304B2
In order to prevent the detachment of a film which is a constituent part of an interlayer-insulating film, and to prevent a decline in the device properties of a semiconductor device, a semiconductor device is provided with an interlayer-insulating film having, in this order, a carbon-containing silicon nitride (SiCN) film, a first silicon nitride film, and a silicon oxide film or a carbon-containing silicon oxide (SiOC) film.
US09484299B2
The present disclosure relates to a signal line connection structure and apparatuses using the same. The signal line connection structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a first signal line and a second signal line, one end of the first signal line and one end of the second signal line corresponding to each other and being connected through a conductive layer; and a first tip end arranged in the first signal line; and a second tip end arranged in the second signal line. The first tip end and the second tip end are arranged as opposed to but not connected with each other, and static charges in the first signal line and the second signal line are discharged through the first tip end and the second tip end.
US09484293B2
The invention relates to a semiconductor structure, comprising a substrate of a semiconductor material having a first side (FS) and an opposite second side (BS). There is at least one conductive wafer-through via (V) comprising metal, and at least one recess (RDL) provided in the first side of the substrate and in the semiconductor material of the substrate. The recess is filled with metal and seamlessly connected with the wafer-through via. The exposed surfaces of the metal filled via and the metal filled recess are essentially flush with the substrate surface on the first side of the substrate. There is also provide an interposer comprising the above structure, further comprising contacts for attaching circuit boards and integrated circuits on opposite sides of the interposer. A method of making the structure is also provided.
US09484292B2
A semiconductor package includes a first package substrate, a first semiconductor chip disposed on the first package substrate, the semiconductor chip including first through hole vias, and a chip package disposed on the first semiconductor chip, the chip package including a second package substrate and a second semiconductor chip disposed on the second package substrate, wherein a first conductive terminal is disposed on a first surface of the semiconductor chip and a second conductive terminal is disposed on a first surface of the second package substrate, the first conductive terminal disposed on the second conductive terminal.
US09484283B2
Modular cooling apparatuses are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cooling apparatus includes an inlet manifold, a jet plate manifold, a plurality of jet plates, a vapor manifold, and a target layer. The inlet manifold includes a fluid distribution chamber, and a plurality of fluid distribution channels symmetrically located within the fluid distribution chamber. The jet plate manifold is coupled to the inlet manifold such that the plurality of jet plate openings is vertically aligned with respect to the plurality of fluid distribution channels. The plurality of jet plates is removably disposed in the jet plate manifold. The vapor manifold has a plurality of walls that define a vapor manifold opening and at least one outlet channel through at least one of the walls. The target layer is coupled to the vapor manifold such that the jet orifice surface of each jet plate is positioned above the target layer.
US09484281B2
A package on package semiconductor structure includes a first package positioned above a first surface of a substrate, a second package positioned above the first package, and a first thermal element positioned between the first package and the second package, wherein the first thermal element is separated from the second package by an air gap and the thermal element provides a heat path for heat generated by the first package.
US09484277B2
Highly reliable interconnections for microelectronic packaging. In one embodiment, dielectric layers in a build-up interconnect have a gradation in glass transition temperature; and the later applied dielectric layers are laminated at temperatures lower than the glass transition temperatures of the earlier applied dielectric layers. In one embodiment, the glass transition temperatures of earlier applied dielectric films in a build-up interconnect are increased through a thermosetting process to exceed the temperature for laminating the later applied dielectric films. In one embodiment, a polyimide material is formed with embedded catalysts to promote cross-linking after a film of the polyimide material is laminated (e.g., through photo-chemical or thermal degradation of the encapsulant of the catalysts). In one embodiment, the solder resist opening walls have a wettable layer generated through laser assisted seeding so that there is no gap between the solder resist opening walls and no underfill in the solder resist opening.
US09484274B2
Embodiments of the disclosure provide methods and system for correcting lithographic film stress/strain variations on a semiconductor substrate using laser energy treatment process. In one embodiment, a method for correcting film stress/strain variations on a substrate includes performing a measurement process in a metrology tool on a substrate to obtain a substrate distortion or an overlay error map, determining dose of laser energy in a computing system to correct film stress/strain variations or substrate distortion based on the overlay error map, and providing a laser energy treatment recipe to a laser energy apparatus based on the dose of laser energy determined to correct substrate distortion or film stress/strain variations.
US09484272B2
Strained gate-all-around semiconductor devices formed on globally or locally isolated substrates are described. For example, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate. An insulating structure is disposed above the semiconductor substrate. A three-dimensional channel region is disposed above the insulating structure. Source and drain regions are disposed on either side of the three-dimensional channel region and on an epitaxial seed layer. The epitaxial seed layer is composed of a semiconductor material different from the three-dimensional channel region and disposed on the insulating structure. A gate electrode stack surrounds the three-dimensional channel region with a portion disposed on the insulating structure and laterally adjacent to the epitaxial seed layer.
US09484266B1
A method includes providing a substrate that underlies a layer of SiGe; forming a plurality of fins in the layer of SiGe. Each formed fin has a fin shape and fin location preserving hard mask layer on a top surface. The method also includes depositing Si on a first subset of the set of fins in what will be an nFET area; performing a Si—Ge inter-mixing process on the first subset of fins to reduce a concentration of Ge in the first subset while producing a Si—Ge intermix layer; removing the Si—Ge intermix layer leaving the first subset of fins having the reduced concentration of Ge, and forming a second subset of fins in what will be a pFET area. The second subset is also formed from the layer of SiGe and has a greater percentage of Ge than a percentage of Ge in the first subset of fins.
US09484260B2
In one embodiment, die are singulated from a wafer having a back layer by placing the wafer onto a first carrier substrate with the back layer adjacent the carrier substrate, forming singulation lines through the wafer to expose the back layer within the singulation lines, and using a mechanical device to apply localized pressure to the wafer to separate the back layer in the singulation lines. The localized pressure can be applied through the first carrier substrate proximate to the back layer, or can be applied through a second carrier substrate attached to a front side of the wafer opposite to the back layer. Heat is applied to the first carrier substrate while the localized pressure is applied.
US09484254B2
A size-filtered metal interconnect structure allows formation of metal structures having different compositions. Trenches having different widths are formed in a dielectric material layer. A blocking material layer is conformally deposited to completely fill trenches having a width less than a threshold width. An isotropic etch is performed to remove the blocking material layer in wide trenches, i.e., trenches having a width greater than the threshold width, while narrow trenches, i.e., trenches having a width less than the threshold width, remain plugged with remaining portions of the blocking material layer. The wide trenches are filled and planarized with a first metal to form first metal structures having a width greater than the critical width. The remaining portions of the blocking material layer are removed to form cavities, which are filled with a second metal to form second metal structures having a width less than the critical width.
US09484244B2
Structures and methods are provided for forming fin structures. A first fin structure is formed on a substrate. A shallow-trench-isolation structure is formed surrounding the first fin structure. At least part of the first fin structure is removed to form a cavity. A first material is formed on one or more side walls of the cavity. A second material is formed to fill the cavity, the second material being different from the first material. At least part of the STI structure is removed to form a second fin structure including the first material and the second material. At least part of the first material that surrounds the second material is removed to fabricate semiconductor devices.
US09484241B2
Disclosed is a device for holding a plurality of semiconductor devices during thermocompression bonding, comprising: a body; a plurality of support surfaces at a first side of the body, each support surface being configured for holding at least one semiconductor device during thermocompression bonding; and a plurality of internal conduits within the body, each internal conduit extending from an opening of a respective one of the support surfaces at the first side of the body to an opening at a second side of the body. In particular, the openings at the second side of the body are configured to be connected to separate pneumatic paths to be in fluid communication therewith, each pneumatic path having an independently controlled pneumatic suction force so that the openings of the support surfaces at the first side of the body are operative to selectively hold the one or more semiconductor devices against the support surfaces at the first side of the body or to release the same therefrom. An apparatus for holding semiconductor devices during thermocompression bonding, and a method of bonding a plurality of semiconductor devices to a substrate via thermocompression bonding are also disclosed.
US09484232B2
A zone temperature control structure which has two or more zone of which surface temperatures are controlled to different temperatures, respectively. The structure can maintain a temperature difference by suppressing heat conduction in a direction in which the zones are arrayed, and prevent formation of a hot spot by ensuring smooth heat conduction for heat input in a direction intersecting the direction in which the zones are arrayed. A heat-conducting anisotropic material layer is disposed between the two or more zones. The heat-conducting anisotropic material layer is configured such that heat conductivity is lower in the direction in which the two or more zones are arrayed than in the direction intersecting the direction in which the two or more zones are arrayed.
US09484220B2
A method for fabricating one or more conductive lines in an integrated circuit includes providing a layer of copper containing conductive metal in a multi-layer structure fabricated upon a wafer, providing a first hard mask layer over the layer of copper containing conductive metal, performing a first sputter etch of first hard mask layer using a chlorine-based plasma or a sulfur fluoride-based plasma, and performing a second sputter etch of first hard mask layer using a second plasma, wherein a portion of the layer of copper containing conductive metal residing below a portion of the first hard mask layer that remains after the second sputter etch forms the one or more conductive lines. In one embodiment, the second plasma is a fluorocarbon-based plasma.
US09484209B1
A material removal process referred to as spalling is used to provide flexible and stretchable sensors that can be used for healthcare monitoring, bio-medical devices, wearable electronic devices, artificial skin, large area sensing, etc. The flexible and stretchable sensors of the present application have high sensitivity that is comparable to that of a bulk silicon sensor. The flexible and stretchable sensors comprise single crystalline spring-like structures that couple various resistor structures together.
US09484207B2
A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes providing a wafer having a central portion and a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion. The method includes forming a first dielectric layer over the central portion. The first dielectric layer has first contact openings exposing conductive regions of the wafer. The method includes forming a protective layer over the peripheral portion. The method includes after forming the protective layer, performing a metal silicide process to form metal silicide structures over the conductive regions of the wafer.
US09484204B2
Various embodiments provide transistors and methods for forming the same. In an exemplary method, a substrate is provided, having a dummy gate structure including a dummy gate dielectric layer on the substrate and a dummy gate layer on the dummy gate dielectric layer. A dielectric layer is formed on the substrate and on sidewall surfaces of the dummy gate structure. A top surface of the dielectric layer is leveled with a top surface of the dummy gate structure. A barrier layer is formed on the dielectric layer for protecting the dielectric layer. The dummy gate layer and the dummy gate dielectric layer are removed, to form an opening in the dielectric layer without reducing a thickness of the dielectric layer. A gate dielectric layer is formed on sidewall surfaces and a bottom surface of the opening. A gate layer is formed on the gate dielectric layer to fill the opening.
