US09487170B2

A retrofitably-attachable pre-formed shell covers exposed steel areas of existing stamped chrome or painted truck bumpers, providing a unique re-useable decorative/protective plastic shell cover, the edges of which are tucked under the existing trim pieces of the bumper as a main attachment mechanism. The formed shells can be used to cover existing minor damage on the bumper. Light-passing images can be incorporated on the bumper shells, and backlit without changes to the bumper or deviation from the original surface profile of the bumper.
US09487169B2

A front-end module having a cross-member with crash boxes attached thereto, and a mounting support arranged spaced apart therefrom and above the cross-member. The mounting support is attached by support elements to the cross-member or to the crash boxes, and the support elements are connected by clip connections to the mounting support.
US09487167B2

Speech recognition systems and/or techniques are provided in which grammar elements and/or speech inputs are targeted to selected functions. One or more input capture devices facilitate the collection of user input associated with a vehicle, and a vehicle function may be selected based upon received user input. A subset of available grammar elements that are associated with audible commands for the selected function may then be identified and utilized to evaluate received audio input. In this regard, speech recognition may be targeted to the selected function.
US09487162B2

A pillar garnish for covering a pillar of a vehicle includes a first garnish component and a second garnish component. The first garnish component is made of thermoplastic elastomer olefin and includes a sidewall opposite an airbag disposed between the pillar and the pillar garnish. The second garnish component is made of material having rigidity higher than the first garnish component and disposed so as to overlap the first garnish component. The second garnish component includes a garnish body having a plate-like shape and a clip mount for holding a tether clip to be fixed to the pillar. The clip mount protrudes from a surface of the garnish body on a pillar side.
US09487157B1

A display assembly for a vehicle includes an electronic display and a rod coupled to the electronic display. A guide defines a slot which receives the rod. The rod is movable along the slot from a first position to a second position. An energy absorption element is disposed along the slot and is deformable by the rod when the rod moves from the first position to the second position. During a frontal impact of the vehicle, a head of an occupant may contact the display assembly and may move the rod from the first position to the second position, during which movement the energy absorption element absorbs energy.
US09487153B2

An exemplary equipment support system includes a pair of U-shaped tubular arms spaced apart from one another and in a generally equivalent horizontal position. The apparatus comprises an elongated part with an adjustable mechanism configured to fit inside a fishing rod holder. At least two lateral supports opposing parallel members with an adjustable mechanism and extendable middle sections are combined to support the sporting equipment thereon.
US09487138B2

A method for outputting alert messages of a driver assistance system in a vehicle in which data for moving the vehicle and data regarding accident risks in the surroundings of the vehicle are detected, the detected data is evaluated and attributed to a specific accident risk category and an alert message is output subject to the attributed accident risk category. The method according to the invention is characterized in that from the captured movement of the vehicle a planned movement of the vehicle is derived and it is tested whether without modification of the planned movement of the vehicle a collision of the vehicle with another object will occur, and the manner of outputting the alert message is carried out in dependence on the result of said collision testing. The invention further relates to an associated driver assistance system and to a vehicle having such a driver assistance system.
US09487130B1

The dual vehicular brake switch with flasher unit is a brake switch with a dual stage design. When a brake pedal is pressed normally, the brake lights turn on normally. However, when the brake is pressed hard, a second switch activates which puts the brake lights (or an alternate lighting system) into a flashing or strobe mode. The dual vehicular brake switch with flasher unit comprises a housing, an acceleration sensor, a brake switch, a flasher switch, and a plurality of electrical connections.
US09487123B2

A vehicular headlamp apparatus includes: a headlamp that illuminates ahead of a vehicle; illumination range changing means for changing an illumination range of the headlamp; detecting means for detecting a position of a forward vehicle present in front of the vehicle; controlling means for controlling the illumination range changing means based on the position of the forward vehicle detected by the detecting means; and determining means for determining whether or not the position of the forward vehicle is within the illumination range. When the position of the forward vehicle is determined as being within the illumination range, the apparatus changes the illumination range so as to have the position of the forward vehicle fall outside the illumination range. When the position of the forward vehicle is determined as being outside the illumination range, the apparatus does not change the illumination range or performs, on the illumination range changing means, a control of suppressing change of the illumination range.
US09487117B2

A method for producing a cushion element for a vehicle seat, in which a component suitable for forming a three-dimensional separation zone is inserted in a tool, subsequently at least one first foamable mass is introduced into a first space of the tool. On foaming the mass, the component forms a three-dimensional separating element between a first foamed cushion region and a further space within the tool. The component is pressed against a counter-support in the tool during the forming to give a three-dimensional separating element. A suitable tool comprises an upper tool, a lower tool and a counter support for contacting a component taking on a three-dimensional shape. By introducing the three-dimensional mouldable shape into the tool and the subsequent forming thereof to give a three-dimensional separating element, complex formed regions with differing properties, in particular, differing degrees of hardness can be economically generated in a foamed cushion element.
US09487106B2

The present invention relates to a passenger detecting sensor which is installed in a seat to detect whether a passenger is seated on a seat, and a method of manufacturing the same. A method of manufacturing a passenger detecting sensor includes printing corrosion preventive ink on aluminum bonded on a flexible panel in accordance with a pattern; forming an aluminum pattern by corroding the aluminum; cleaning the corrosion preventive ink on the aluminum pattern; and printing a carbon paste on the aluminum pattern.
US09487103B2

A battery management method includes the following steps: (a) reading, via a battery management processor, a non-volatile memory to determine if the non-volatile memory contains data indicative of a brownout in the auxiliary battery module; (b) receiving, via the battery management processor, at least one input signal from at least one brownout detector of at least one smart device having a device processor in order to determine a brownout condition in at least one smart device; (c) determining, via the battery management processor, that a triggering event has occurred if the non-volatile memory contains data indicative of the brownout in the auxiliary battery module or the at least one smart device exhibits a brownout condition; and (d) commanding, via the battery management processor, the main battery module to electrically charge the auxiliary battery module of the hybrid vehicle if the triggering event has occurred.
US09487098B2

A power conversion apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a bridge circuit including a first switch and a second switch, a first auxiliary switch, a first auxiliary inductor, a control device, a transformer, a secondary-side inductor, a rectifier circuit, a smoothing circuit, and an output detection circuit. The control device performs an on/off operation on the first auxiliary switch if a value detected by the output detection circuit is smaller than or equal to a setting value, and maintains the first auxiliary switch in an off state if the detected value exceeds the setting value.
US09487097B2

A method of optimized recharging of the electric battery of at least one electrical system by an electrical recharging device, in which the electric battery is recharged during at least one time interval by applying a charging power level associated with this time interval, this time interval belonging to an available charging time period initiated by the connecting of the recharging system of the electric battery to the electrical recharging device, and the charging power level being determined as a function of a charging curve associated with the electrical recharging device and of the residual electrical energy contained in the electric battery upon the connecting of the electric battery charging system to the electrical recharging device.
US09487086B2

Provided is an auxiliary power module removably connectable to a mobile platform, such as a municipal vehicle having a prime mover mounted thereon for powering the auxiliary power module. The auxiliary power module includes a connector configured to be fluidly connected to a connector on the vehicle, a hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the connector through a hydraulic circuit, and an auxiliary device, such as a generator, mechanically driven by the hydraulic motor. When the auxiliary power module is connected to the municipal vehicle, the existing vehicle hydraulic circuit may be used with the auxiliary power module to provide output power from the generator during emergency and disaster situations.
US09487083B2

A fuel supply apparatus for supplying fuel to a fuel tank includes a passage forming member that has a fuel passage connected to the fuel tank, an injection port forming member that is disposed in the fuel passage and fixed to the passage forming member, the injection port forming member having an injection port forming a part of the fuel passage, and an injection port open and close mechanism that is mounted to the injection port forming member and has an open and close member for opening and closing the injection port. A reinforcing member of the passage forming member and a welded portion of the passage forming member and the injection port forming member are arranged in the vicinity of a common plane perpendicular to a center line of the fuel passage.
US09487082B2

An aircraft fuel tank system is disclosed in which a vent tank is provided with an ullage vent for use in combination with an eternal flamer barrier means during a refuelling process.
US09487073B2

A power train and related vehicle are described for continuously variable transmission of power. A gear set includes first and second input components and an output component. An engine provides mechanical power to the first input component and, when a clutch device is in a first state, to a first continuously variable power source (“CVP”). With the clutch device in a second state, the first CVP is decoupled from the engine. A second CVP receives non-mechanical power from the first CVP, and converts the non-mechanical power to mechanical power. When a brake device is not engaged, the second CVP provides the resulting mechanical power to the second input component. When the brake device is engaged, the brake device prevents the second input component from rotating.
US09487072B2

An anti-vibration device bracket is provided that is capable of suppressing deformation due to contact with a member coupled to an engine side, and also capable of suppressing liquid ingress from the engine side.A anti-vibration device bracket 70 supports an anti-vibration device main body 12 on a vehicle body, the anti-vibration device main body 12 including an inside attachment member 14 coupled to an engine bracket 90, an outside attachment member 16 coupled to the vehicle body, and a resilient body 18 that couples together the inside attachment member 14 and the outside attachment member 16. The anti-vibration device bracket 70 includes a case 74 that is coupled to the vehicle body, that houses the anti-vibration device main body 12, to which the outside attachment member 16 is fixed, and that is open at a side portion on an opposite side to the bracket 90 extension side, and a upper plate portion 78 that configures an upper portion of the case 74, that is formed with a through hole 80 through which passes the inside attachment member 14 that is coupled to the bracket 90 at the outside of the case 74, that is formed with an upper face 78A facing the bracket 90 to the outside of the case 74, and that is formed with a lower face 78B facing an extension portion 22 of the inside attachment member 14 toward an inner side of the case 74.
US09487067B2

A fixture for a vehicle, which is configured so that a plurality of retaining arms inserted into and caught by a coupling hole formed in a body panel are located on an imaginary circle, and arranged in the form of a cone so as to absorb an external force, thereby being easily assembled, and which is capable of dispersing and absorbing twisting generated when an indoor handle installed using the fixture is used. In the fixture for the vehicle, even-numbered retaining arms are formed to face each other on the imaginary circle, such that an external force generated when the indoor handle is used is dispersed and absorbed regardless of an applied direction of the external force, and a separation or an escape of the fixture is prevented, and thus a noise and a safety accident are reduced.
US09487066B1

A door assembly for a vehicle is provided having a door positioned between a first pillar and a second pillar, the first pillar having a first surface, the second pillar having a second surface. A bar is contained within the door, the bar having a first end and a second end, the bar extending between the first pillar and the second pillar, the bar at least partially bowed as defined by a first position. In the event of a collision, the bar moves to a second position where the bar is extended, the second position further defined when the first end of the bar is in contact with the first surface and the second end of the bar is in contact with the second surface of the pillar thereby distributing the force to the first pillar and the second pillar.
US09487063B2

An air conditioning system for use in an over-the-road or off road vehicle is provided that provides a method of operation during both engine on and engine off conditions. The method operates the air conditioning system at one capacity when the engine is running, and at a second capacity when the engine is not running. The selection of these capacities is based on the power capacity of the source of electric power from which the air conditioning system is operated. When a storage battery is used to power the air conditioning system during engine off conditions, the second capacity is lower than the capacity at which the system is operated when the engine is running.
US09487062B2

A heater system for an electric vehicle that is void of engine coolant. The heater system can include an air duct having an opening into a passenger compartment of the vehicle and a heater unit attached to the air duct. The heater unit can have a self-contained quantity of oil within an oil reservoir and an oil channel in fluid communication with the oil reservoir. The oil channel can be located between a front wall and a back wall of the heater unit and the unit can also have an electric heating element at least partially within the oil reservoir. The electric heater unit can be operable to heat oil in the oil reservoir and thereby result in the oil flowing through the oil channel and heating the front wall and the back wall of the unit.
US09487049B2

The invention relates to a rubber composition having improved vulcanization kinetics, which can be used in particular for manufacturing tires or semi-finished products for tires, based on at least one diene elastomer, a reinforcing filler and a coupling agent providing the bond between filler and elastomer, characterized in that said reinforcing filler comprises synthetic magnesium hydroxide Mg(OH)2 wafers, covered with silica. The invention also relates to the use of such a composition for manufacturing rubber articles, in particular tires or semi-finished products made of rubber intended for these tires, especially treads. The invention also relates, per se, to this synthetic magnesium hydroxide in the form of silica-covered wafers, and also to its use as a reinforcing filler, especially in a diene elastomer matrix.
US09487045B2

An element which has a decorative outer surface comprising: a first region having a constant luminance that is equal to a first predetermined value; and one second region adjacent to the first region, wherein the second region has a variable luminance that depends on the viewing angle, the variable luminance of the second region being equal to the first predetermined value for a first given viewing angle.
US09487042B2

According to the embodiments, there is provided an erasing apparatus and an image-forming apparatus. The erasing apparatus prints a mark including printing information of a sheet before erasing processing on the sheet after erasing processing. The image-forming apparatus performs control such that an image to be printed is suppressed to be formed on an area on which a large number of images have been printed in the sheet before the erasing processing.
US09487035B2

A printing apparatus includes a conveying unit, a printing unit, a cutting unit, and a control unit. In a case in which a marginless image is to be printed, if the margin portion is added on a trailing edge side of an image before the marginless image, the control unit performs control of printing the marginless image next to the margin portion. If the margin portion is not added on the trailing edge side of the image before the marginless image, the control unit performs control of providing a margin portion of more than the predetermined length before the marginless image.
US09487029B2

In a method or system to control a temperature of a substrate to be printed to and which exhibits said temperature during a traversal of a printing system, specifically selecting or controlling a fluid temperature of a liquid fluid to be applied onto the substrate to specifically influence the substrate temperature, the fluid being applied onto the substrate before the substrate is printed to. At least one of the fluid temperature and a quantity of the fluid applied onto the substrate per time unit at least depending on at least one of a first measurement value for a temperature of the substrate before the application of the fluid and a second measurement value for a surface temperature of the substrate after the application of the fluid.
US09487016B2

A fluid cartridge sub-assembly comprising a first vent bore, an elongate air channel, a cover extending over the first vent bore and the air channel, and a second vent bore connected to the air channel.
US09487015B2

Embodiments provide an inkjet cartridge refilling system. The system may include a drill station configured to drill at least one refilling hole in an inkjet printer cartridge. The system may include an evacuation station configured to remove excess ink from the inkjet printer cartridge. In some embodiments, the excess ink is removed via a vacuum source. The system may also include a filling station configured to provide any of a plurality of inks into the cartridge. Some embodiments provide the ink to the inkjet cartridge via a hole drilled in the cartridge. Other embodiments provide the ink via inkjet nozzles of the inkjet printer cartridge. The system may also include a test station configured to test the refilled cartridge to determine whether it is functioning properly after being filled with ink.
US09487005B2

A liquid jet head includes a piezoelectric body substrate having an array of alternating ejection grooves and non-ejection grooves opening to a surface of the piezoelectric body substrate. Common drive electrodes are provided on opposed side surfaces of the ejection grooves, and individual drive electrodes are provided on opposed side surfaces of the non-ejection grooves. Two individual wirings are electrically separated from each other on the surface of the piezoelectric body substrate at opposite end sides of each non-ejection groove in a longitudinal direction, and the individual wiring at one end side is electrically connected to the individual drive electrode on one side surface of the non-ejection groove, and the individual wiring at the other end side is electrically connected to the individual drive electrode on the other side surface of the non-ejection groove.
US09487003B2

Provided herein is a contact patterning apparatus comprising: a substrate; a fluid supply unit configured to supply fluid towards the substrate; a voltage applying unit electrically connected to the fluid supply unit, and configured to make the fluid from the fluid supply unit connected between the substrate and the fluid supply unit by applying a voltage to a surface of the fluid; and a control unit configured to adjust a level of the voltage being applied to the fluid such that the fluid is patterned on the substrate in a dots form or a continuous line form, thereby stably patterning a continuous line of a fine line width regardless of the viscosity of the fluid being used and the patterning velocity.
US09486995B2

A heat press having a spring-mounted platen for foil transfers that can accommodate minor variations in garment thickness and produce a high quality foil transfer. The heat press generally comprises a rectangular frame having opposing sides, a plurality of trusses straddling and overarching the frame, and an electrically-heated platen suspended inside the frame. The platen is backed by a reinforcing member. Each truss carries a pair of opposed damping pins which are affixed to the truss, and are slidably inserted down through the reinforcing member and platen, held captive there beneath. A compression spring is mounted on each of the damping pins between said the respective truss and reinforcing member. This provides the platen with a limited degree of freedom to float against the bias of said compression springs compensate for and accommodate minor variations in garment thickness.
US09486990B2

There are provided a shaped sheet laminate that is adapted for an absorbent article and that has a specific structure to enhance the absorbing effect of the absorbent article, a method for manufacturing the shaped sheet laminate, and a shaping apparatus adapted to manufacture the shaped sheet laminate. The shaping apparatus includes a first roller having a rolling surface, a plurality of indentations that are indented from the rolling surface, a plurality of annular inner wall surfaces respectively defining the indentations, and a plurality of suction holes that are in air communication the respective indentations. Each of the annular inner wall surfaces has an annular outer edge that meets the rolling surface.
US09486985B2

A method for sealing a vent includes coupling a film including an adhesive surface to an applicator, applying the film onto the vent using the applicator adhering the adhesive surface to at least one of the vent and a portion of a structure surrounding the vent, and decoupling the film from the applicator during or after the applying the film. An applicator for applying a sealing film to a vent for sealing the vent includes a first elongate member, a second elongate member having a bore extending along its length and receiving the first member within the bore, where the first elongate member is longer than the second elongate member and where a first end portion of the first elongate member extends beyond a first end of the second elongate member and a second end portion of the first elongate member extends beyond a second end of the first elongate member, and where the second elongate member is rotatable to various orientations relative to the first elongate member about a longitudinal axis.
US09486980B2

Disclosed are building board manufacturing techniques that minimize the build-up of slurry on associated forming equipment and also produce panels with enhanced physical properties. The methods involve applying a dissolvable film laminate to one or more fiber mats at the outset of the forming process. In the un-dissolved state, the film acts as a containment envelope for the gypsum slurry and any free floating glass fibers. During subsequent curing, the film is dissolved by vaporized water. In its dissolved state, the film is liquefied and coats the fibers of the underlying mat. This results in a building board with improved physical properties.
US09486953B2

An imprint apparatus includes: a mold that forms a pattern in a resin on a base plate; a press unit that presses the mold against the resin; a flow channel that is formed by a wall of the mold and a surface of the resin, air flowing along the wall and the surface; a supply unit that supplies air to the flow channel; wherein the supply unit supplies air with a first pressure to the flow channel when the mold makes contact with the resin.
US09486937B2

Provided is a wire saw intended for cutting concrete, stone or the like, more particularly, a diamond wire saw which is configured such that each front of beads is formed to be curved so that the beads can appropriately respond to resistance transmitted from an object to be cut without being in direct contact with the resistance, cutting diamond layers are electrodeposited and attached to the curved portions, and a large quantity of cutting chips are accommodate and are then discharged to the outside so that the number of installed beads can be easily adjusted.
US09486935B2

A safety system with a number of component devices that may be used alone or in combination to substantially reduce the risk of injury to the operator of the power cutting tool. The devices are designed for use with table saws, miter saws, jointers, routers, shapers and similar equipment. The devices secure a work piece against unanticipated movement and kickback while simultaneously protecting the operator's hands. The devices further enhance the capabilities of power equipment to make precise cuts safer, faster and easier.
US09486906B2

A combustion-powered fastener-driving tool includes a combustion-powered power source having a combustion chamber, a reciprocating piston and driver blade, and a valve sleeve reciprocable relative to the power source between a rest position and a firing position. The valve sleeve partially defines the combustion chamber. A lockout device is in fluid communication with the combustion power source and includes a reciprocating gas piston connected to a latch in operational proximity to the valve sleeve. The lockout device is configured such that upon combustion in the combustion chamber, gas from the combustion engages the gas piston and moves the latch to an engaged position in which the valve sleeve is prevented from moving to the rest position.
US09486894B2

In a trial peening step, a shot peening process is applied to a back face 40B of a mold 40 in which an opening of a closed-end water cooling hole 42 is formed. Next, in an evaluation step, compressive residual stress and surface roughness of a region shot-peened in the trial peening step are measured and an extent of shot peening treatment in the trial peening step is evaluated based on measurement results. Next, in a peening step, a surface of the water cooling hole 42 in the mold 40 is shot-peened under peening conditions set based on peening conditions for the trial peening step and on evaluation results produced in the evaluation step.
US09486892B2

[Problem] Provided is a polishing composition which is suitable for polishing a polishing object having a metal wiring layer and capable of diminishing the step defect while maintaining a high polishing rate.[Solution] Provided is a polishing composition used in polishing a polishing object having a metal wiring layer, which contains a metal corrosion inhibitor, a complexing agent, a surfactant, and water and in which the solid surface energy of the polishing object surface after polishing the polishing object using the polishing composition is 30 mN/m or less, and the surfactant is preferably an anionic surfactant.
US09486887B2

A tool chucking device, especially an oscillation tool chucking device, includes at least one chucking unit which has at least one pin-type chucking element for clamping a treatment tool in an axial direction and at least one grip head arranged on the chucking element. The tool chucking device further includes at least one movement conversion unit which is designed to displace at least the grip head at least substantially along the axial direction into at least one direction different from the axial direction depending on the movement of the chucking element.
US09486882B2

Provided is a nickel brazing material having a melting temperature of 1000° C. or less and acid corrosion resistance. It includes 15.0 to 30.0 mass % of Cr, 6.0 to 18.0 mass % of Cu, 1.0 to 5.0 mass % of Mo. 5.0 to 7.0 mass % of P, 3.0 to 5.0 mass % of Si, and 0.1 to 1.5 mass % of Sn, the remainder being Ni and inevitable impurities, and the total of Si and P being 9.5 mass % to 11.0 mass %. It can include additional element selected from the group consisting of Co, Fe, Mn, C, B, Al, and Ti. The content of Co is 5.0 mass % or less, the content of Fe is 5.0 mass % or less, the content of Mn is 3.0 mass % or less, the total content of C, B, Al, and Ti is 0.5 mass % or less, and the total content of these elements is 10.0 mass % or less.
US09486879B2

There is provided a bonding material capable of forming a bonding body under an inert gas atmosphere such as a nitrogen atmosphere, and capable of exhibiting a bonding strength that endures a practical use even if not a heat treatment is applied thereto at a high temperature, which is the bonding material containing silver nanoparticles coated with a fatty acid having a carbon number of 8 or less and having an average primary particle size of 1 nm or more and 200 nm or less, and silver particles having an average particle size of 0.5 μm or more and 10 μm or less, and an organic material having two or more carboxyl groups.
US09486869B2

In a power supply device for electric discharge machining, the polarity of the voltage to be applied is determined on the basis of a result of determination whether the machining gap is in open state or not, an average value of voltages applied across the machining gap voltage during machining, and the number of successive open states with the same polarity. This eliminates the need to significantly vary the voltages to be applied from positive to negative and from negative to positive, thereby reducing the output energy required by the machining power supply.
US09486868B2

A device for adjusting cutting depth for the removal of weld beads inside profile sections such as tubes and the like, comprising a supporting frame (1) of an elongated shape and transverse dimensions suitable for enabling it to be contained inside a profile section or tube (2), the supporting frame (1) being associated, at one end thereof, with an arm or external rod, the device being characterized in that it comprises: —a plurality of rolling elements (3) associated with the supporting frame (1) at a pre-established mutual distance in a longitudinal direction and that partially project out from the body of the same supporting frame and are capable of coming into contact with the inner surface of the profile section or tube (2) in a zone that is diametrically opposite the one whereon the internal weld bead (4) lies; —at least two rollers (5), which are idle, arranged longitudinally at a pre-established distance from each other, and mounted on small frames (6) that are movable in transverse directions with respect to the longitudinal axis of the supporting frame (1) from an active position, wherein the rollers (5) are in contact with the inner surface of the profile section or tube (2) in the proximity of the internal weld bead (4), to an inactive position, wherein the rollers (5) are not in contact with this inner surface of the profile section or tube (2).The rollers being commanded to shift transversely by a control mechanism having inclined surfaces (7).
US09486863B2

The invention relates to a method for producing slots (11) in a tube wall (10), wherein a single die plate (2) provided with notches (20) is pushed into the tube (1) and punches (5) arranged in a row pierce the tube wall from the outside and in the process produce the slots (10), whereupon the die plate (2) is rotated about its longitudinal axis out of a working position and into a withdrawal position and is pulled out of the tube (1). Economical production of the slots in tubes having different cross-sectional shapes is achieved according to the invention in that during the slotting operation the tube wall (30) is gripped from the outside and held and is stabilized from the inside against two opposing support strips (25) by way of the die plate (2). A slotting tool according to the invention is characterized in that a supporting tool (6) engages around the circumference of the tube (1) and in that the die plate (2), as seen in the cross-sectional direction (radial direction), has two narrow sides (21) which are arranged at opposite ends of a longest cross-sectional extent (22) of the die plate (2), wherein the die plate (2) has two axially extending support strips (25) between the narrow sides (21) and the inner side of the tube wall (10).
US09486853B2

A casting mold assembly includes an airfoil defining section and a casting core. The airfoil defining section includes an outer mold wall and a direct-shelled inner mold wall. The direct-shelled inner mold wall is disposed within a forward chordwise portion of the airfoil defining section. The direct-shelled inner mold wall includes an aft end having an external radius measuring more than about 0.075 in. (1.9 mm). The casting core is secured within an aft chordwise portion of the airfoil defining section, and includes an aft end with an external radius measuring less than about 0.075 in. (1.9 mm). A cast component and a method for making the casting mold assembly are also disclosed.
US09486852B2

A radial pattern assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a hollow sprue comprising a sprue wall disposed about a longitudinal axis, the sprue wall having a thickness, a length and a periphery. The assembly also includes a pattern disposed radially outwardly of the sprue wall. The assembly further includes a radially outwardly extending gate attached to and extending between the sprue wall and the pattern, the hollow sprue, pattern and gate each formed from a fugitive material.
US09486849B2

A double-action extrusion press obtains a tubular product, wherein the pressure-receiving surface area of a cylinder chamber on the side from which hydraulic oil is discharged from a container cylinder and the pressure-receiving surface area on the rod-side chamber of a piercer cylinder are set to be the same when a container moves in the extrusion direction, and the cylinder chamber on the side from which hydraulic oil is discharged from the container cylinder and the rod-side chamber of the piercer cylinder are connected by an oil pressure conduit and are in communication with each other when a billet is extruded from the extrusion stem after piercing has been completed.
US09486847B2

Provided is a cooling apparatus discharging water smoothly corresponding to increase of volume density of cooling water securing a high cooling capability. The apparatus disposed on downstream side from a row of hot finish rolling mill, supplying cooling water from above toward a pass line, includes a plurality of cooling nozzles arranged parallel in a pass line direction, and an upper surface guide disposed between the pass line and the cooling nozzles, wherein a predetermined relation is satisfied when defining: a volume density of cooling water sprayed as qm(m3/(m2·sec)); a pitch of the cooling nozzle in the pass line direction as L(m); a distance between a lower surface of the upper surface guide and the pass line as hp(m); a uniform cooling width as Wu(m); and a cross-sectional area of virtual flow path of discharging water flowing in a width direction of steel sheet as S(m2).
US09486842B2

The present invention provides an ultraviolet light based cleansing method and cleansing device. The method includes: (1) irradiating a substrate to be cleansed with ultraviolet light and controlling output energy of the ultraviolet light in order to control photon energy received by TFT component patterns formed on the substrate to be cleansed within an irradiation time period to be less than electron excitation energy that breaks down TFT component patterns; (2) cleansing the substrate to be cleansed with an alkaline solution; (3) cleansing the substrate to be cleansed with water/gas dual-fluid; (4) cleansing the substrate to be cleansed with deionized water; (5) drying the substrate to be cleansed with an air knife; and (6) subjecting the substrate to be cleansed to dehydration and drying to complete the cleansing operation, thereby improving product yield rate and cleanness.
US09486837B2

A woven wire screening for use in classifying material flowing therethrough and a method of forming the same. The woven wire screening includes a plurality of warp wires and a plurality of weft wires. The plurality of warp wires and the plurality of weft wires are interwoven to form an integral wire cloth having a plurality of openings for permitting material to be classified to flow through the openings. The integral wire cloth includes an upper screening surface configured to enhance the tumbling action of product impacting the upper screening surface to improve throughput of the woven wire screening.
US09486829B2

An improved applicator for dispensing liquids and viscous fluids comprising an applicator body, an applicator tip or applicator assembly, and optionally a filter element wherein the applicator tip or assembly has at least one of several beneficial features including a receptacle for shards, a fluid rate controlling tip, and a bubble breaking design.
US09486828B2

First and second coaters, first and second edge determiners, and first and second moving mechanisms are provided. The first and second coaters apply a coating solution for forming a heat-resistant protection layer onto both surfaces of a substrate on each of which an active material layer is previously formed. The first and second edge determiners determine the locations of lateral edges of the active material layers formed on both surfaces of the substrate to be coated by the respective first and second coaters. The first and second moving mechanisms move the location of the substrate along the width thereof based on the locations of the lateral edges determined by the first and second edge determiners, respectively. The locations of regions of both surfaces of the substrate to be coated are separately adjusted.
US09486821B2

[Object] To provide a coating apparatus that can prevent distortion of the shape of a coating area on a sheet member.[Solution Means] A coating apparatus 50 includes a suction roller peripheral wall 114a (base plate 70) on which a flexible electrolyte membrane 21 shaped like a thin film (sheet member 60) is placed, drawing unit 80 that draws the electrolyte membrane on the suction roller peripheral wall, and a coating mechanism 90 that applies catalyst ink 91 (material) onto the electrolyte membrane drawn on the suction roller peripheral wall by the drawing unit.The electrolyte membrane has, in a range from a center portion to a portion on an inner side of an outer peripheral edge 61, a coating area 62 where the catalyst ink is applied. The drawing unit draws the electrolyte membrane on the suction roller peripheral wall in the coating area where the catalyst ink is applied, and also draws the electrolyte membrane on the suction roller peripheral wall 114a in a range 63 extending outward beyond the coating area.
US09486817B2

A fluid delivery assembly for a shower includes a waterway assembly, a spray head, and a water treatment assembly. The spray head is configured to receive fluid from the waterway assembly and deliver fluid from an outlet. The water treatment assembly is configured to provide a treatment to the fluid of the waterway assembly.
US09486815B2

The present invention relates to the use of a polyquaternary polymer obtainable by reacting i) a dialkylamine having the structure R1R2NH, where R1 and R2 independently are hydrocarbyl groups having 1-3 carbon atoms; ii) a difunctional compound selected from the group consisting of epihalohydrins, diepoxides, precursors of epihalohydrins and epoxides which under alkaline conditions are readily converted into the corresponding epoxy compounds, and mixtures thereof; and iii) optionally a polyfunctional amine selected from the group consisting of ammonia, primary amines, alkylenediamines having 2-6 carbon atoms, and polyalkylenepolyamines having the structure H2N—[R3—N(R4)]y—R3—NH2, where y is an integer from 1 to 5, R3 is an alkylene radical having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and R4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl group having 1-3 carbon atoms, and an ω-aminoalkyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms; as a depressant in a method for froth flotation of potash ores.
US09486814B2

A process for sorting materials using material-selective electroadhesive grippers is disclosed. At least one of an electroadhesive surface or a plurality of articles is manipulated such that multiple ones of the plurality of articles are at least intermittently proximate the electroadhesive surface. Voltage is applied to one or more electrodes in the electroadhesive surface to thereby cause the electroadhesive surface to selectively adhere to a subset of the plurality of articles based on the subset of the plurality of articles having different material properties than others of the plurality of articles. While the voltage is applied, the electroadhesive surface is moved with respect to the others of the plurality of articles to thereby separate the subset of the plurality of articles from the others of the plurality of articles.
US09486800B2

The invention relates to compositions and methods of treatment employing compositions comprising polyelectrolyte complexes. The compositions include a water-soluble first polyelectrolyte bearing a net cationic charge or capable of developing a net cationic charge and a water-soluble second polyelectrolyte bearing a net anionic charge or capable of developing a net anionic charge. The total polyelectrolyte concentration of the first solution is at least 110 millimolar. The composition is free of coacervates, precipitates, latex particles, synthetic block copolymers, silicone copolymers, cross-linked poly(acrylic) and cross-linked water-soluble polyelectrolyte. The composition may be a concentrate, to be diluted prior to use to treat a surface.
US09486791B2

A NOx trap, and its use in an exhaust system for internal combustion engines, is disclosed. The NOx trap comprises a substrate and three layers on the substrate. The first layer comprises a first platinum group metal, a first NOx storage component, and a first support; the second layer comprises a second platinum group metal, a second NOx storage component, and a second support; and the third layer comprises rhodium and a third support. The platinum group metal loading in the first layer is from 1 to 40 percent of the platinum group metal loading in the second layer. In addition, the first NOx storage component and the second NOx storage component are the same, and the first support and the second support are the same. The NOx trap is less prone to deactivation over numerous desulfation/NOx trap regeneration cycles.
US09486784B2

The effect of aging temperature on oxygen storage materials (OSM) substantially free from platinum group (PGM) and rare earth (RE) metals is disclosed. Samples of ZPGM-ZRE metals OSM, hydrothermally aged at a plurality of high temperatures are found to have significantly high oxygen storage capacity (OSC) and phase stability than conventional PGM catalysts with Ce-based OSM. ZPGM-ZRE metals OSM includes a formulation of Cu—Mn stoichiometric spinel structure deposited on Nb—Zr oxide support and may be converted into powder to be used as OSM application or coated onto catalyst substrate. ZPGM-ZRE metals OSM, after aging condition, presents enhanced level of thermal stability and OSC property which shows improved catalytic activity than conventional PGM catalysts including Ce-based OSM. ZPGM-ZRE metals OSM may be suitable for a vast number of applications, and more particularly in underfloor catalyst systems.
US09486783B2

A diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) system for the treatment of exhaust gas emissions, including oxidation of nitrogen oxides (NO), unburned hydrocarbons (HC), and carbon monoxide (CO) is disclosed. Fresh and hydrothermally aged Zero-PGM (ZPGM) DOC samples are prepared and configured with an alumina-based washcoat on ceramic substrate, overcoat including doped Zirconia support oxide, and impregnation layer of Cu—Mn spinel of selected base metal loadings. Testing of fresh and hydrothermally aged ZPGM DOC system samples including Cu—Mn spinel is developed to evaluate the performance of Cu—Mn spinel active phase in oxidation CO, HC, and NO, as well as production of NO2. Key to improvement in light-off performance and NO oxidation is to have a diesel oxidation catalyst that is substantially PGM-free and available for a plurality of applications in lean burn engine operations.
US09486781B2

Acetic acid is hydrogenation in the presence of a catalyst comprising one or more active metals on a silica support, wherein the catalyst has a radial crush strength of at least 4 N/mm. The one or more active metals may include cobalt, copper, gold, iron, nickel, palladium, platinum, iridium, osmium, rhenium, rhodium, ruthenium, tin, zinc, lanthanum, cerium, manganese, chromium, vanadium, molybdenum and mixtures thereof. Radial crush strength may be improved by steam treating the catalyst support prior to the loading of the one or more active metals.
US09486779B2

The present invention provides a glass article including a photocatalyst film 1 containing silicon oxide particles 6 and titanium oxide particles 5, and a glass sheet 2. Assuming that the photocatalyst film 1 has a film thickness T, 80% or more of the titanium oxide particles are localized in a region between a surface of the glass sheet 2 and a position spaced from the surface by 0.6 T toward a surface of the photocatalyst film 1 in a thickness direction of the photocatalyst film 1. The glass article has an increased transmittance provided by enhancing the reflection-reducing function of the photocatalyst film 1 while maintaining the film strength and photocatalytic function of the photocatalyst film 1.
US09486778B2

The present invention relates to a super absorbent polymer and a preparation method thereof. The super absorbent polymer includes surface crosslinked polymer particles prepared by surface crosslinking of particles of a base resin, wherein the base resin is polymerized from a monomer composition including water-soluble ethylene-based unsaturated monomers, and a water-soluble component, wherein the water-soluble component has a ratio (dwt/d(log M)) of 0.9 or less over molecular weights (M) ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 when measured from an eluted solution after swelling the super absorbent polymer for 1 hour, and wherein the content of the water-soluble component is 5% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the super absorbent polymer, when measured after swelling the super absorbent polymer for 1 hour. The super absorbent polymer has excellent liquid permeability even when swollen without a reduction in centrifuge retention capacity or absorbency under load while having improved permeability.
US09486770B2

A method of encoding a microarray includes depositing a first batch of particles on a substrate. The first batch of particles comprises a mixture of at least two sub-batches of the particles. Each of the sub-batches is capable of binding to a different, specific target analyte. Information necessary for decoding the microarray is provided prior to or during the depositing and includes a unique particle number ratio of the sub-batches. If more than one batch of particles is deposited, an image can be taken of the first batch prior to depositing subsequent batches to provide information about the position of the particles in the first batch of particles. These depositing and imaging steps can be sequentially repeated for the subsequent batches. Such a microarray having multiple batches can be decoded using the information about the position of the particles and the known particle number ratios of the sub-batches.
US09486764B2

The present invention describes a device and a method for dense and homogeneous loading of catalyst into the annular space of bayonet tubes employed in a steam reforming reactor, said device being constituted by a series of removable helical elements.
US09486763B2

The present invention relates to a thermochemical system comprising a reactor, or an enclosure for storing a solid reactive material capable of absorbing a gas, the reactive material and the gas being such that, when placed together, a chemical reaction occurs which results in the gas being absorbed by the reactive material, and a reverse chemical reaction occurs, wherein the gas absorbed by the reactive material is desorbed when heating means are applied to said reactive material when the latter has absorbed the gas. Said thermochemical system is characterized in that the reactor consists of an outer housing which is made of a composite material and which contains a sealed inner housing containing the reactive material, the heating means being arranged between the two enclosures.
US09486762B2

A center feed system allows residual byproduct to be injected into a vessel from within the center of the vessel. The center feed system can include an inlet sleeve that is attached to the vessel and a retractable injection nozzle that extends into the vessel to inject residual byproduct into the vessel and that retracts into the inlet sleeve after injecting the residual byproduct. A retractable injection nozzle may include one or more openings that each includes an insert that can be removed from the opening. The inserts can therefore be replaced to customize the functionality of the nozzle or to replace the inserts when they have become worn.
US09486759B2

An apparatus is provided that is configured for attachment to an aerosol can to permit mixing of contents therein. The apparatus includes a generally flat base portion coupled to a drive shaft orthogonally oriented relative to the base portion, and a securing strap attached to the base portion. The securing strap is configured to engage or grip a cylindrical end portion of an aerosol can to secure the aerosol can to the apparatus, whereby the drive shaft is configured to be mounted within a drill chuck to permit the mixing apparatus to rotate an aerosol can attached thereto for mixing contents within the aerosol can.
US09486758B2

Disclosed is an apparatus for producing composite gas used for fabricating nanocomposite materials. The apparatus includes a pressure tank having a housing, which has an internal space and an upper opening, and a closing cap opening or closing the opening, a carrier mounted below the housing, a gas supply supplying inert gas into the pressure tank, a powder supply mounted to the closing cap to supply nano-powders into the pressurized inert gas tank, an exhaust part discharging the inert gas containing nano-powders supplied into the pressure tank, an upper rotor disposed to the inner side of the closing cap, and a lower fan mounted at a lower portion of the housing.
US09486757B2

Parallel uses of microfluidic methods and devices for focusing and/or forming discontinuous sections of similar or dissimilar size in a fluid are described. In some aspects, the present invention relates generally to flow-focusing-type technology, and also to microfluidics, and more particularly parallel use of microfluidic systems arranged to control a dispersed phase within a dispersant, and the size, and size distribution, of a dispersed phase in a multi-phase fluid system, and systems for delivery of fluid components to multiple such devices.
US09486754B2

An aerating system includes a container, a liquid, and a venturi tube. The liquid is inside the container. The container includes a dispensing port for dispensing the liquid. The dispensing port includes the venturi tube. The venturi tube is positioned so liquid being dispensed through the dispensing port flows through the venturi tube. The venturi tube includes a portion that includes an air-access port. The air access port is located to draw air into the venturi tube when the liquid is dispensed through the venturi tube. The portion of the venturi tube that includes the air-access port is located inside the container.
US09486750B2

A method and apparatus for injecting a gas into a liquid in which a rotating helical impeller within a draft tube submerged in the liquid creates a liquid flow within the draft tube. Gas bubbles are injected into the draft tube either above or below or alongside the helical impeller or in all three locations. The liquid is drawn into the draft tube with a superficial velocity greater than a substantially uniform terminal ascent velocity of the gas bubbles to allow entrainment of undissolved gas bubbles in the bulk liquid into the liquid being drawn into the draft tube. The gas bubbles are injected with a uniform diameter of between about 10.0 microns and about 1.0 millimeters. The small bubble size enhances the dissolution of the gas into the liquid and also allow the entrainment of the gas into the liquid being drawn into the draft tube.
US09486746B2

Technologies and implementations for providing melt processable poly(vinyl alcohol) blends and poly(vinyl alcohol) based membranes are generally disclosed.
US09486743B2

Apparatus (8) for filtering, clarifying or polishing, a liquid flow containing finely divided solids. In the apparatus (8), the liquid flow to be filtered is directed to the outer surface of a filter element (3) with high speed and in tangential direction, and thereby, influenced by the generated shearing force, part of the liquid penetrates the filter element (3) and is filtered. More precisely, the apparatus (8) includes a cross-flow tube (2) having a circular cylindrical shape and having apertures directed substantially in tangential direction towards the outer surface of the filter element (3). A method for removing finely divided solids from a liquid flow using such apparatus is also described.
US09486738B2

The present invention concerns the elimination of heavy metals, in particular mercury and possibly arsenic and lead, present in a dry or moist gaseous effluent (1) by means of a capture mass (2) comprising a porous support at least part of which is of low mesoporosity and an active phase based on sulphur. The invention is advantageously applicable to the treatment of gas of industrial origin, synthesis gas or natural gas.
US09486737B2

The absorbent solution for removing acidic compounds contained in a gas effluent comprises water and at least one amine that is selected from among tertiary monoalkanolamines that contain an etheric function and belong to the 3-alcoxypropylamine family having general formula (A). The method for removing the acidic compounds contained in a gas effluent involves placing a gas effluent 1 into the column C1 together with the absorbent solution 4.
US09486733B2

A method and system are described for on-board treatment of an exhaust stream containing CO2 emitted by a hydrocarbon-fueled internal combustion engine (ICE) used to power a vehicle in order to reduce the amount of CO2 discharged into the atmosphere which include: a. a treatment zone on board the vehicle containing a capture agent that is a liquid, a slurry or a finely divided flowable solid having a predetermined capacity for extracting CO2 from the exhaust stream, the treatment zone having an inlet for admitting the exhaust gas stream and an outlet for passage of a treated exhaust stream to contact the capture agent having a reduced CO2 content, the treatment zone including a heat exchanger with an inlet for receiving the hot exhaust gas stream from the ICE for passage in heat exchange relation with the capture agent to release CO2 and regenerate the capture agent, and an outlet for the cooled exhaust gas stream, the treatment zone having a CO2 discharge outlet for CO2 released from the regenerated capture agent; b. a compression zone in fluid communication with the CO2 discharge outlet from the treatment zone, the compression zone including one or more compressors for reducing the volume of the CO2; c. a storage zone for receiving the compressed CO2 for temporary storage on board the vehicle; d. an exhaust gas conduit in fluid communication with the treated exhaust gas stream outlet from the treatment zone; and e. at least one waste heat recovery zone for recovery of heat energy from the exhaust gas stream, the ICE cooling system and/or directly from the ICE for conversion to electrical or mechanical energy.
US09486729B2

An air filter element (10) with a cylindrical central pipe (11) is provided wherein at one end of the central tube (11) a device (18) for transmission of torque from a tool to the air filter element (10) is provided and at the other end of the central tube (11) a fastening device (14) for detachably mounting the filter element (10) within a cylindrical support body (21) by means of an insertion/rotation movement is provided.
US09486728B2

A honeycomb filter includes a ceramic honeycomb substrate, an auxiliary filter layer, an SCR catalyst, and a portion. The ceramic honeycomb substrate has cell walls provided along a longitudinal direction of the ceramic honeycomb substrate to define cells through which fluid is to pass and which have a fluid inlet end and a fluid outlet end opposite to the fluid inlet end along the longitudinal direction. The cells include first cells and second cells. The auxiliary filter layer is provided on first surfaces of first cell walls of the first cells. The SCR catalyst is supported on second surfaces of second cell walls of the second cells. The second surfaces substantially correspond to the first surfaces. The portion satisfies a
US09486714B1

A hurdle with movable gate tubes that telescope upon uprights has an automatically movable counterweight inside each leg. Each counterweight is attached to two cables. The first cable runs from the leading end of the counterweight to a cable guide inside the leading end of each leg, then to a cable guide at the intersection of the leg and the upright, then to an actuating rod. The second cable runs from the trailing end of the counterweight to a cable guide at the intersection of the leg and the upright, then to a cable guide near the top of the upright, and then to the actuating rod.
US09486706B2

A video server is configured to provide streaming video to players of computer games over a computing network. The video server can provided video of different games to different players simultaneously. This is accomplished by rendering several video streams in parallel using a single GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The output of the GPU is provided to graphics processing pipelines that are each associated with a specific client/player and are dynamically allocated as needed. A client qualifier may be used to assure that only clients capable of presenting the streaming video to a player at a minimum level of quality receive the video stream. Video frames provided by the video server optionally include overlays added to the output of the GPU. These overlays can include voice data received from another game player.
US09486701B2

A computer-controlled video entertainment system providing user-related input data to said system. The invention provides an rich input sensor device having direct access to an IP-based network, in particular to the Internet, for transmitting sensor signals or data derived thereof as user-related input data via the IP-based network to a remote computing device or server, preferably to a cloud of servers, which then process these input data for controlling the running entertainment program. The sensor device can be made simple, since it is mainly designed to detect user activities and to generate sensor signals which are directly transmitted as input data to the remote computer(s) or server(s). The sensor device can directly communicate with any IP-based computing device (gaming server or the like) being installed remotely and having powerful hardware and software to process the received input data.
US09486699B2

An information processing system includes an information processing unit configured to move a virtual camera in a virtual space within a predetermined movable range in response to a movement and/or a posture of a controller. The information processing unit changes a correspondence relation between the movement and/or the posture of the controller and a capturing direction and/or a viewing point position of the virtual camera after the movement of the virtual camera reaches a limit of the movable range due to the movement of the controller in a predetermined direction.
US09486694B2

Golf game management integrates pre-game, in-game, and post-game activities for a golf game into a unified experience. A golf cart-mounted entertainment console includes video cameras, sensory devices worn by the players during the game, and locally-mounted data processing components for modeling collected data. A cart-mounted interface, website, and mobile device application present game-related content that allows players to view and manipulate data before, during and after the game. Multiple data processing modules provide several functions built on data collected from playing a game of golf for players to enjoy an enhanced golf experience.
US09486686B2

A martial arts training bag is provided having a substantially cylindrical upper portion and a tapered, e.g., frusto-conical, lower portion. The bag includes a central support and one or more training devices configured to be releasably connected to the central support. The bag includes at least four connectors to provide a four-point suspension.
US09486683B2

Device and methods for teaching batting skill are disclosed having front and rear foot pads and at least one release point. A stride pad may be included and aligned with the rear pad and a pitching location/source. The front rear pad provides for adjustment out of linear alignment with the rear pad and the stride pad to accommodate open and closed stances. The device admits to multiple position settings and variable stances, and the related methods will help teach baseball and softball players to adopt and use a correct and confident stance, stride and swing.
US09486678B2

A molded golf grip for a golf club includes first simulated wrap, and a second simulated wrap. The first simulated wrap includes a first wrap surface extending in a helical pattern. The first wrap surface includes a first wrap surface texture and a first wrap width that is less than a pitch of the helical pattern. The second simulated wrap includes a second wrap surface extending in a second helical pattern intertwined helically with the first wrap surface. The second wrap surface includes a second wrap surface texture that is different than the first wrap surface texture and a second wrap width that is less than the pitch. The first simulated wrap and the second simulated wrap are molded as a single body forming a shaft opening there within.
US09486675B1

An apparatus for manufacturing a sport ball may include a first component having a first baseplate and a plurality of support structures extending from the first baseplate and a second component having a second baseplate and a plurality of welding dies extending from the second baseplate. The apparatus may be configured such that, when the first component is assembled with the second component, each of the plurality of welding dies extending from the second baseplate of the second component aligns with one of the support structures extending from the first baseplate of the first component. In addition, the apparatus may be further configured to compress edges of casing panels against one another between the welding dies and the support structures. Further, the second component may be configured to supply welding energy to edges of casing panels when the casing panels are compressed between the welding dies and the support structures.
US09486667B2

Provided is a bicycle trainer that provides a riding sensation such as that when actually riding a bicycle outdoors. The bicycle trainer is for training by using a detachably installed bicycle (21) and is provided with the following: a main body (3) placed on the floor; a support shaft (5) in which one end is movably inserted into the main body and the other end is fixed to a fork end support means (7) that supports a fork end part (23) of the bicycle; and an elastic part disposed so as to surround at least a part of the support shaft from the center in the longitudinal center thereof to the other end. The support shaft elastically deforms due to the force imparted from the fork end part and therefore the bicycle can move forward and backward and incline to the left and right.
US09486661B2

An exercise swing comprising: a seat; an axle; at least one swingable member having a first end attached to said seat and a second end connected via a pivot to said axle; and a resistance adjuster for varying the resistance of said pivot to back-and-forth swinging motion of the swingable member about the pivot, and the exercise swing arranged so as to allow the entire body of a user, with the user seated on the seat, to swing back-and-forth through an arcuate path.
US09486650B2

Plural equipment control devices of a particle beam therapy system comprise an equipment operation parameter calculation unit calculating equipment operation parameters based on data given by equipment data servers individually and an equipment operation verification data generation unit generating equipment operation parameter verification data for verifying soundness of the equipment operation parameters, an equipment data server comprises an equipment operation parameter integrating calculation unit calculating so as to obtain equipment operation parameters of each equipment, an equipment operation parameter verification data integrating generation unit generating an equipment operation parameter verification data of each equipment for verifying soundness of equipment operation parameters of each equipment, and a verification data comparison unit comparing equipment operation parameter verification data of each equipment which is received from plural equipment control devices with equipment operation parameter verification data of each equipment which is generated by the operation parameter verification data integrating calculation unit.
US09486639B2

The present invention provides for Stereotactic Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (sTMS) at predetermined locations with the brain or spinal cord and incorporates an array of electromagnets arranged in a specified configuration where selected coils in the array are pulsed simultaneously. Activation of foci demonstrated by functional MRI or other imaging techniques can be used to locate the neural region affected. Imaging techniques can also be utilized to determine the location of the designated targets.
US09486637B2

An implantable medical device system includes an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) for detecting and treating ventricular tachycardia (VT). The ICD includes a sensing module for sensing a cardiac signal from selected cardiac signal sensing vectors. A control module generates morphology templates of the cardiac signals for multiple patient postures for each of the available sensing vectors. A cardiac signal received during an unknown cardiac rhythm is compared to the morphology templates without determining a current posture of the patient. The unknown cardiac rhythm is detected and classified as supraventricular tachycardia in response to the cardiac signal matching at least one of the morphology templates.
US09486636B2

A notebook, laptop computer or tablet having an automated external defibrillator (AED) capability, and methods of utilizing the notebook, laptop computer or tablet defibrillator to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest. A notebook, laptop computer or tablet having the technology to enable each to be used as an automated external defibrillator (AED). Methods and apparatuses for implementing the common notebook, laptop computer, tablet, common cell phone and the common personal digital assistant (PDA) as an automated external defibrillator (AED).
US09486632B2

Data characterizing a signal of electrical activity sensed in a patient can be received using at least one data processor. A pain signature associated with peripheral nerve damage can be detected using the received data. A treatment protocol can be determined in response to the detected pain signature. The treatment protocol can include providing at least one electrical signal to the patient comprising one or more electrical pulses being at least about 150 Hz, between about 1 and about 3 volts, between about 1 and about 3 milliampere, and between about 0.25 and about 1 second in duration. The treatment protocol to be delivered to a sensory thalamus contained within the patient via an electrical lead and electrode implantable within the sensory thalamus. The treatment protocol can be caused to be initiated.
US09486626B2

The present invention provides a system and method of directing, focusing, or concentrating electrical charges within a defined electric field so that these charges can be used to exert forces on cells and tissues in vivo and/or cell cultures in vitro. The present invention reduces and/or eliminates the damage at a target site that would normally be caused by an electrode that acts as a current source or sink to accomplish the same task.
US09486620B2

A paddle lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes a paddle body. The paddle body includes four columns of electrodes, each column including at least one electrode. The columns include two outer columns flanking two inner columns. The paddle lead assembly further includes a plurality of lead bodies coupled to the paddle body. At least one terminal is disposed on each of the plurality of lead bodies. A plurality of conductive wires couple each of the electrodes to at least one of the plurality of terminals.
US09486617B2

A rotary valve body for a dispensing device is arrangable in a matching valve seat in the dispensing device, whereby the rotary valve body is rotationally symmetrical about the rotation axis of the rotary valve body at least within a region intended for the valve seat. At least one sealing cam is arranged on the rotationally symmetrical jacket surface of said region and is raised above the radius of the rotationally symmetrical jacket surface such that the sealing cam renders the circumference of the rotary valve body larger than the internal diameter of the valve seat. At least one feed-through is arranged in the rotary valve body and extends from a first opening in the rotationally symmetrical jacket surface into a second opening in the rotationally symmetrical jacket surface.
US09486615B2

According to some embodiments, a system for treating skin includes a handpiece assembly comprising a tip and a main body portion, the main body portion comprising an interior cavity and at least one canister configured to store at least one of a treatment material and a waste material. The treatment material and/or the waste material is in fluid communication with the tip.
US09486609B2

An anti-clogging catheter includes a hollow cannula defining a first interior diameter and a distal end defining a second interior diameter smaller than the first interior diameter. A solid stylet is movable within the fluid passageway and has an outer diameter substantially equal to the second interior diameter of the cannula, the stylet and cannula together defining (1) a closed fluid pathway that prevents neurological material from passing into the distal end of the cannula when the distal end of the stylet is extended into the distal end of the cannula and (2) an open fluid pathway that allows fluid to flow in a single contiguous path around the distal end of the stylet and out of the distal end of the cannula when the distal end of the stylet is retracted away from the distal end of the cannula and remains within the body of the cannula.
US09486606B2

A swaged braided catheter for use in various medical procedures is provided. The swaged braided catheter includes a tubular braid formed from a plurality of braided wire members. A plurality of intersections is formed by the braided wire members. The intersections are compressed defining a plurality of flattened regions along the tubular braid. The intersections have a first thickness before being compressed and a reduced second thickness after being compressed. The flattened regions with the reduced second thickness provide the swaged braided catheter with a reduced cross-sectional profile, and reduced catheter recoil.
US09486602B2

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mask for achieving positive pressure mechanical ventilation (inclusive of CPAP, ventilator support, critical care ventilation, emergency applications), and a method for a operating a ventilation system including such mask. The mask of the present invention includes a piloted exhalation valve that is used to achieve the target pressures/flows to the patient. The pilot for the valve may be pneumatic and driven from the gas supply tubing from the ventilator. The pilot may also be a preset pressure derived in the mask, a separate pneumatic line from the ventilator, or an electro-mechanical control. Additionally, the valve can be implemented with a diaphragm or with a flapper.
US09486591B2

According to embodiments of the present application, a color changeable dye can comprise a redox indicator, a reduction reaction initiator, an electron donor, an oxygen scavenger, an indicator barrier agent, a thickening agent and an agent to facilitate mixing. The color changeable dye is a first color in the presence of oxygen, capable of changing to a second color upon reduction in a substantially oxygen free environment, and capable of changing back to the first color after exposure to oxygen for a period of time corresponding to the intended use time of a disposable or limited use product. Methods of making and using the color changeable dye and apparatuses incorporating such dye are also disclosed.
US09486588B2

The present invention relates to a dose setting and expelling device comprising a drive member and a dose setting mechanism which simultaneously sets a given dose and stores the energy necessary for a subsequently driving the drive member in order to expel a dose of medicine from an injection device. According to the invention the dose setting mechanism allows adjustment in both directions, such that a given set dose can be reduced or cancelled by reversing the input motion, typically by rotating a setting member backwardly, this in contrast to the known devices which either requires an additional release mechanism or which cannot be reversed at all.
US09486578B2

Described and illustrated is a system for management of diabetes that includes an infusion pump, glucose sensor and controller with a method programmed into the controller. The infusion pump is configured to deliver insulin to a subject. The glucose sensor is configured to sense glucose levels in the subject and provide output signals representative of the glucose levels in the subject. The controller is programmed receives signals from at least one of the glucose sensor and the pump and configured to issue signals to the pump to deliver an amount of insulin determined by a feedback controller that utilizes a model predictive control of the subject based on desired glucose levels, insulin amount delivered and measured glucose levels of the subject. The controller is also configured to deliver insulin using a tuning factor based on either one of an omission index module or a calibration index module.
US09486575B2

The disclosures made herein relate to an infusion device specifically adapted for syringe injections. In one embodiment of the disclosures made herein, an infusion device comprises a body including an accessible surface having a single inlet port therein, an engagement surface having a single outlet port therein, a medication delivery channel extending between the single inlet port and the single outlet port, and an identification feature on the accessible surface of the body adjacent to the single inlet port. The single inlet port of the medication delivery channel is tapered thereby forming a funnel-shaped entry into the medication delivery channel. A cannula is coupled to the body at the single outlet port and is adapted for receiving medication from the single outlet port and transmitting the medication therethrough.
US09486569B2

Disclosed is an anti-contamination device for preventing contamination of a fluid stored in a fluid container with a spike and a manually operable fluid blocking mechanism arranged directly downstream of the spike. A non-return valve is arranged between the spike and the fluid blocking mechanism, and that valve is adapted to allow only a flow from the spike in the direction of the manually operable fluid blocking mechanism.
US09486567B2

The present invention relates to a method for assessing a patient's sensitivity to fluid removal from the patient's vascular system or to fluid replacement or addition with regard to the patient's hydration state, the method comprising the step of determining a value reflecting the distribution of fluid between at least two distribution spaces of the body of the patient or changes thereof from measured or calculated values, and assessing whether the value fulfills at least one criterion. It also relates to a controller, an apparatus, a device, a digital storage device, a computer program product, and a computer program.
US09486561B2

A suction apparatus for aspirating a fluid from a human or animal body by negative pressure comprises a drainage connection for a drainage line in order to remove the fluid from the body. A vacuum source generates a negative pressure at the drainage connection. A fluid connection container collects the sucked-up fluid. The drainage line can be flushed with air by an auxiliary connection and an auxiliary line connected to the latter. In order to reduce the entraining of pathogens, a sterilizing cell is provided. The supplied air is treated in the latter in such a manner that pathogens contained in the air are modified and thereby rendered harmless.
US09486551B2

An air freshener system includes a roll paper assembly and an air freshener assembly coupled with the roll paper assembly. The air freshener assembly includes an integrated air freshener element in the form of a single, continuous gel component.
US09486550B2

An emanation device is described which comprises a housing defining a sealed container having a front wall and a rear wall defining the length and width of the housing and connected to each other by a top wall, a bottom wall and one or more side walls defining the depth of the housing, wherein the length and width are each greater than the depth; one or more vent holes in the housing; electrical plug pins connected to the rear wall of the housing, said plug pins being operatively connected to a heating means located within the interior of the housing; an absorbent pad containing a quantity of air treatment agent mounted within the interior of the housing; wherein the pad fills a majority of the length and width of the housing; and wherein the heating means is located in connection with or immediately adjacent to a central portion of the pad on the front face thereof where the front face of the pad is adjacent the front wall and remote from the face of the pad facing the rear wall and electrical plug pins.
US09486545B2

The present invention relates to biomarkers for colon cancers, specifically adenomas and adenocarcinomas in the GI tract. The inventors have discovered that the expression and/or overexpression of biomarkers such as CLDN1, GPR56, GRM8, LY6G6D, TLR4 and SLCO1B3 are indicative of adenomas and adenocarcinomas. A method of detecting colon cancer using targeted molecular imaging agents is also presented.
US09486543B2

The present invention provides a device for administering an active agent to a localized mucous membrane in the oral cavity of a mammal, as well as an oral dissolving film formed therefore.
US09486542B2

Compositions and methods are described for normalizing a bioluminescent signal in a live animal.
US09486540B2

Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for the treatment of diseases of the CNS with nucleic acid nanoparticles. Compositions are also disclosed herein that utilize nucleic acid nanoparticles to treat conditions such as Parkinson's Disease. Furthermore, methods of intranasally administering the compacted nucleic acid nanoparticles for therapeutic purposes in the brain are disclosed.
US09486535B2

The invention provides methods for attaching drugs, dyes or radiolabels to bis-MTX. This method can be used to prepare bis-MTX analogs that can be used to deliver agents, such as nanoparticles, drugs, dyes or radiolabels, to cells.
US09486532B2

Esterified cellulose ethers which comprise (i) aliphatic monovalent acyl groups or (ii) groups of the formula —C(O)—R—COOA, wherein R is a divalent aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon group and A is hydrogen or a cation, or (iii) a combination of aliphatic monovalent acyl groups and groups of the formula —C(O)—R—COOA, which have a viscosity of up to 2.33 mPa·s, measured as a 2.0 wt % solution of the esterified cellulose ether in 0.43 wt % aqueous NaOH at 20° C., and which have a viscosity of up to 13 mPao·s, measured as a 10 wt % solution of the esterified cellulose ether in acetone at 20° C. are useful for preparing solid dispersions comprising drugs.
US09486530B1

Gancyclovir formulations that are ready-to-use, substantially particulate free, and stable upon storage are disclosed. Methods of manufacture and administration of such compositions are also provided.
US09486521B2

The present disclosure provides methods for reducing axonal and/or synaptic degradation in neurons by modulating sterile α/Armadillo/Toll-Interleukin receptor homology domain protein (SARM) activity and/or expression.
US09486515B2

The present application discloses an immunogenic composition comprising at least 2 different N. meningitidis capsular saccharides, wherein one or more is/are selected from a first group consisting of MenA, MenC, MenY and MenW which is/are conjugated to a protein carrier(s) wherein the saccharide:protein ratio (w/w) is between 1:2-1:5, and one or more different saccharides is/are selected from a second group consisting of MenA, MenC, MenY and MenW which is/are conjugated to a protein carrier(s) wherein the saccharide:protein ratio (w/w) is between 5:1-1:1.99.
US09486510B2

A composition comprising liposomes associated with a nucleic acid operatively encoding an antigenic protein and with an assistor protein, wherein the assistor protein shares at least one epitope with the antigenic protein, and wherein the nucleic acid and said assistor protein are associated with the same liposomes is described. The composition provides an improved immune response compared to mixtures of liposomes some of which are associated with the nucleic acid and some of which are associated with the assistor protein.
US09486509B2

Embodiments of the present invention illustrate methods of preventing transplantation rejection. In certain embodiments, a subject in need of an organ or non-organ transplantation can be pretreated with an AAT composition to reduce the incidence of transplantion rejection in the subject. Other embodiments include treating a subject with a composition including AAT before, during or after plastic surgery.
US09486503B2

A medicinal composition for suppressing or preventing the metastasis of a malignant tumor, the composition comprising, as an active ingredient, at least one kind of vasoprotective agent selected from the following (i) to (iv): (i) angiotensin II receptor antagonist, (ii) HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, (iii) ghrelin or its derivative, and (iv) adrenomedullin or its derivative; or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof.
US09486502B2

Particular aspects of the invention provide methods for decreasing the amount of fluid present in the subretinal space of the eye by administering interferon gamma to the basolateral side of the retinal pigment epithelium. Adverse ocular conditions associated with the accumulation of fluid in the subretinal space can be treated by administering an amount of interferon gamma to the basolateral side of the retinal pigment epithelium effective to remove excess fluid from the subretinal space.
US09486496B2

A medical or dental material can be prepared by using, as an active ingredient, at least one of a protamine, and derivatives thereof and hydrolysates thereof, or a complex of at least one of a protamine, and derivatives thereof and hydrolysates thereof with an anionic high molecular weight compound. As a result, an antibacterial agent against periodontal disease-causing bacteria can be provided, which is highly safe without concern of a side effect. A medical or dental material can be also provided, which exhibits antimicrobial activity on periodontal disease-causing bacteria and additionally has insolubility in water and good formability.
US09486491B2

Provided are methods of producing a novel collagen peptide composition, and a DPP-4 inhibitor and antihyperglycemics that comprise the above-mentioned collagen peptide composition. Ginger rhizome-derived enzymes are added to and break down a collagen and/or gelatin solution to generate peptide compositions comprising peptides represented by X-Hyp-Gly (wherein X represents an amino acid residue other than Gly, Hyp, and Pro). The thus obtained collagen peptide composition has a high DPP-4 inhibitory activity and an excellent antihyperglycemic effect.
US09486485B2

The invention is directed to methods for treating urushiol-induced contact dermatitis. Specifically, the invention is directed to treating and reducing inflammation associated with poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak by administering to a subject suffering from such conditions novel cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “CFS” compositions), including novel sustained-release cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “SR-CFS” compositions).
US09486484B2

Aspects of the invention provides methods for preparing and using adipose-tissue-derived stem and progenitor cells, adipose-tissue-derived lymphatic endothelial cells, and cells capable of differentiating into lymphatic endothelial cells to treat disorders of the lymphatic system and to modulate expansion, repair, and/or regeneration of the lymphatic system. The invention further provides using adipose-tissue-derived lymphatic endothelial cells and cells capable of differentiating into lymphatic endothelial cells for delivery of therapeutic agents to tumor cells as a means for treating malignant disease, and assays to screen for drugs that modulate lymphatic system expansion, repair or regeneration.
US09486475B2

The present invention relates to a pentosanpolysulfate (PPS) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in the amelioration, treatment, or prevention of adverse neurological events caused by administering an antibody or fragment thereof comprising a CD3 binding domain, including a CD19 x CD3 bispecific single chain antibody, such as blinatumomab. PPS is a semi-synthetically produced heparin-like macromolecular carbohydrate derivative, which chemically and structurally resembles glycosaminoglycans. Kits comprising a PPS, an antibody or fragment thereof comprising a CD3 binding domain, and instructions for administration, which indicate that the PPS is to be employed for the amelioration, treatment or prevention of adverse neurological events caused by administering the antibody or fragment thereof comprising said CD3 binding domain, are also disclosed.
US09486470B2

This application encompasses combination therapies including triciribine and related compounds and one or more platinum compounds and compositions with reduced toxicity for the treatment and prevention of tumors, cancer, and other disorders associated with abnormal cell proliferation.
US09486465B2

Provided are an attractant for bone marrow stem cells containing at least one of cinnamtannin B1 and pentagalloylglucose, and a method for attracting bone marrow stem cells in which bone marrow stem cells are attracted by the attractant.
US09486461B2

The present invention provides a method for inducing apoptosis in selected cells by aggravating ER-stress. The aggravation of ER-stress is achieved in a specific manner by inhibiting SERCA (sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase), leading to elevated level of cytoplasmic calcium concentration, yet without inhibiting the activity of COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) or triggering the release of histamine. Induction of apoptosis may be enhanced by first inducing or further aggravating ER-stress through inhibition of proteasome or proteases. Also provided are compounds and compositions useful as ER-stress aggravating agents, methods for screening, selecting, identifying and designing the same and methods for treating diseased conditions by inducing apoptosis through specific and selective aggravation of ER-stress.
US09486456B2

The present invention discloses that diabetic rats showed a reduction in nitrergic relaxation of the gastric, impaired nNOS dimerization, decreased BH4 and GTPCH1 levels and thus, are more susceptible to develop diabetic gastroparesis. The use of tetrahydrobiopterin and its derivatives and sex steroid hormones as disclosed herein provides a novel strategy for therapeutic intervention of diabetic gastroparesis and any other gut-related diseases. Additionally, the present invention also discloses methods to determine risk of developing gastroparesis in an individual that are drawn to detecting variations in the activity and levels of GCH gene and in gene encoding sex steroid hormone receptor.
US09486455B2

The present application relates to compounds and methods for treating pain and other conditions related to TRPV3.
US09486448B2

The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and method of using the same in the treatment or prevention of diseases mediated by the activation of β3-adrenoceptor.
US09486443B2

The present invention is a method for treating hyperlipidemia comprising (4S,5R)-5-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-3-({2-[4-fluoro-2-methoxy-5-(propan-2-yl)phenyl]-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl}methyl)-4-methyl-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt and amlodipine or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt at a synergistic ratio of about 4:1.
US09486441B2

The present invention provides compounds and/or compositions that modulate PP2A methylation and/or activity and methods for preparing the same, which are useful for modulating the demethylation of PP2A, modulating the methylation of PP2A and/or modulating the activity of PP2A.
US09486431B2

Provided is a coated implantable medical device, comprising: a substrate; and a coating disposed on said substrate, wherein said coating comprises at least one polymer and at least one pharmaceutical agent in a therapeutically desirable morphology and/or at least one active biological agent and optionally, one or more pharmaceutical carrying agents; wherein substantially all of pharmaceutical agent and/or active biological agent remains within said coating and on said substrate until the implantable device is deployed at an intervention site inside the body of a subject and wherein upon deployment of said medical device in the body of said subject a portion of said pharmaceutical agent and/or active biological agent is delivered at said intervention site along with at least a portion of said polymer and/or a at least a portion of said pharmaceutical carrying agents.
US09486430B2

A method for reducing alpha-synuclein amyloid protein in a patient suffering from Parkinson's Disease comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of trans-resveratrol, a method for treating a neurodegenerative disease associated with amyloid proteins comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of trans-resveratrol, and a method for treating Parkinson's Disease comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a pharmaceutically effective amount of carbidopa, levodopa, and trans-resveratrol are described. More particularly, the effect of trans-resveratrol on reducing the pharmaceutically effective dose of at least one of carbidopa and levodopa in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease is described. In addition, a method of improving cognition, speech and/or movement in a patient suffering from Parkinson's Disease comprising administering to the patient carbidopa, levodopa and trans-resveratrol is described.
US09486429B2

Isolated polynucleotide molecules and peptides encoded by these molecules are used in the analysis of human carbamyl phosphate synthetase I phenotypes, as well as in diagnostic and therapeutic applications, relating to a human carbamyl phosphate synthetase I polymorphism. By analyzing genomic DNA or amplified genomic DNA, or amplified cDNA derived from mRNA, it is possible to type a human carbamyl phosphate synthetase I with regard to the human carbamyl phosphate synthetase I polymorphism, for example, in the context of diagnosing and treating hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD) associated with bone marrow transplants.
US09486418B2

Method for the treatment or prophylaxis of dry eye disorders by the administration of alkylamino-polyhydroxyalkanes and compositions thereof.
US09486415B2

A method for producing starch films comprises the following steps: preparing a mixture comprising starch and water, wherein more than 50 weight percent of the starch is present in the form of particles of granular starch; shaping the mixture to form a film in a shaping process; solidifying the mixture by increasing the temperature of the mixture during and/or after the shaping process by more than 5° C. Films produced by this method have starch particles bonded to one another. A device for performing this method comprises a shaping device for enabling shaping of the starch material to form a film, and has a heating device for performing a heat treatment for destructuring of the starch during and/or after the shaping.
US09486413B2

The present invention relates to pharmaceutical dosage forms, for example to a tamper resistant dosage form including an opioid analgesic, and processes of manufacture, uses, and methods of treatment thereof.
US09486412B2

The present invention relates to pharmaceutical dosage forms, for example to a tamper resistant dosage form including an opioid analgesic, and processes of manufacture, uses, and methods of treatment thereof.
US09486411B2

The present invention provides a solid preparation excellent in disintegration property and preservation stability. The present invention relates to a solid preparation containing (1) 2-[[6-[(3R)-3-amino-1-piperidinyl]-3,4-dihydro-3-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1(2H)-pyrimidinyl]methyl]-4-fluorobenzonitrile (compound (A)) or a salt thereof, (2) a saccharide, and (3) sodium stearyl fumarate. In addition, the present invention relates to a solid preparation containing (1) compound (A) or a salt thereof, (2) a saccharide, and (3) stearic acid or talc in a naked tablet part.
US09486410B2

A pharmaceutical composition comprises a solid amorphous dispersion comprising a low-solubility drug and a concentration-enhancing polymer and a lipophilic microphase-forming material. Alternatively, a solid amorphous dispersion comprising a low-solubility drug and a concentration-enhancing polymer is co-administered with a lipophilic microphase-forming material to an in vivo use environment.
US09486409B2

The present invention provides nanoparticle compositions including one or more peptides. The present invention achieves transdermal delivery of such peptides without the need for peptide modification, or for use of chemical or mechanical abrasion or disruption of skin.
US09486401B2

The invention describes methods and agents for improving cosmetic appearance, for promoting, improving or restoring health of cells and tissues, preferably skin, and more preferably, for restoring aged or damaged skin to a healthy appearance. In preferred embodiments, the methods and agents comprise active extracts produced from fish eggs. The invention further provides processes for making active fish egg extracts.
US09486391B2

A vial adapter modular assembly (10) including a bag spike port (12) connectable to an output port (16) of a bag (18), a vial port (20) connectable to a vial, and an exit port (24), characterized by a lumen (32) having a vial port flow opening (36) in fluid communication with the vial port (20), and a plunger element (34) that slides in the lumen (32) between a non-blocking position and a blocking position, wherein in the non-blocking position, the plunger element (34) does not block the vial port flow opening (36) and permits fluid flow between the bag spike port (12) and the vial port (20), and wherein in the blocking position, the plunger element (34) blocks the vial port flow opening (36) and blocks fluid flow between the bag spike port (12) and the vial port (20).
US09486386B2

A method for treating a weak viewer-eye includes the steps of receiving eye-strength data indicative of an eye-strength of the weak viewer-eye and causing a 3D display system to vary, in accordance with the eye-strength of the weak viewer-eye, display characteristics of a perspective that the 3D display system displays.
US09486376B2

Various embodiments include a system that provides assisted access to a pool. The system includes a platform that includes a frame, a deck, and one or more handrails. The deck is attached to the frame and sized to receive a wheelchair. The one or more handrails are attached to at least one of the frame and the deck. The system includes an upright lifting component case. The frame of the platform is substantially perpendicular to the upright lifting component case. The system includes lifting components that are at least partially disposed in the upright lifting component case and attached to the platform. The lifting components are operable to vertically move the frame between a top and a bottom of the upright lifting component case. The system includes an electrical power source operable to provide electrical power to at least a portion of the lifting components.
US09486375B2

A back support device (100) having a first convex region (160) and a concave region (200) being connected to the first convex region (160), the first convex region (160) and the concave region (200) being configured to support respective regions of a user's back, wherein a ratio between a straight line distance across the first convex region (160) and a straight line distance across the concave region (200) approximates a geometric progression.
US09486371B2

An absorbent core for use in an absorbent article, the absorbent core including a first absorbent layer comprising a first substrate, a layer of first superabsorbent polymer particles deposited on the first substrate on a deposition area and a fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material covering the layer of first superabsorbent polymer particles, and a second absorbent layer comprising a second substrate and a mixed layer comprising a mixture of second superabsorbent particles and cellulosic fibers deposited on the second substrate. The first and second absorbent layers are combined together such that at least a portion of the fibrous thermoplastic adhesive material of the first absorbent layer contacts at least a portion of the mixed layer of the second absorbent layer.
US09486363B2

A protective helmet having a cover plate over a front vision area and a cover plate knock out assembly for moving the cover plate a predetermined distance away from the helmet so that a finger of a user can get behind the cover plate to enable its removal from the front vision area of the helmet. The cover plate knock out assembly comprises a step-shaped actuator element and a light blocking cover. The upper portion of the step-shaped actuator pushes the cover plate away from the helmet when the lower portion is pressed towards the cover plate. The cover plate is made of clear plastic and has a tendency, when slightly compressed and attached to the helmet, to push the upper portion of the step-shaped actuator into a resting position in the helmet.
US09486356B2

An eye dropper bottle including a notch for resting on the bridge of a nose is provided. The eye dropper bottle may include a curved neck with a nozzle. The nozzle may be oriented at an angle relative to the bottle. A user may place the notch on the bridge of the nose so that the nozzle is disposed over the eye. The user may then squeeze the bottle to dispense the liquid into the eye.
US09486352B2

A wrist support device includes a splint body having a central portion and a thumb extension. The central portion provides a protective shield which is located such as to overlie a carpal tunnel of a human wrist when the device is worn. The central portion is raised relative to surrounding sections of the splint body such that the central portion can be elevated from the carpal tunnel, does not contact the wearer, and provides a support surface which disperses external forces acting thereon to locations other than the carpal tunnel so as not to compress the carpal tunnel. The thumb extension section of the splint body confronts, supports and stabilizes a base of a thumb of the wearer. The device permits the wearer to rest the inner wrist on counters, keyboard surfaces, counter edges or sharp and irregular surfaces without compression of the carpal tunnel area.
US09486334B2

A prosthetic device includes a socket assembly defining a cavity and configured to receive a portion of a residual limb of a user within the cavity, a force sensing member configured to detect forces applied to the residual limb at a plurality of locations about the portion of the residual limb and generate signals based on the detected force, a vacuum system in fluid communication with the socket and configured to control an amount of vacuum applied to the cavity, and a controller coupled to the force sensing member and the vacuum system. The controller is configured to receive the signals from the force sensing member and control operation of the vacuum system during use of the prosthetic device by the user based at least in part on the signals received from the force sensing member.
US09486329B2

A spinal fusion system and related methods involve the use of a spinal fusion implant of non-bone construction. The spinal fusion implant is particularly suited for introduction into the disc space via a lateral approach to the spine.
US09486323B1

An expandable implant for augmenting a damaged or otherwise torn posterior annulus fibrosus. The implant is deployable into an evacuated posterior disc space following a subtotal nuclectomy. The implant includes an inflatable balloon which is fixed to the annulus fibrosus to protect against migration. When inflated with a curable polymer, the posterior wall of the implant is intimately disposed along the inner surface of the annulus fibrosus to provide a substantially fluid-tight seal of the annular tear or defect and reinforce the weakened posterior annulus. The anterior wall of the implant sequesters the nuclear remnant to guard against disc remnant herniation. The implant can restore intradiscal pressure and disc height. An integrated posterior reinforcement band creates a strong, yet flexible and resilient structure, resistant to penetration of the implant through the annular tear or defect.
US09486312B2

A prosthetic valve for implantation in a stenosed aortic valve. The prosthetic valve includes a metallic frame formed with intersecting bars having diameters in the range of 0.1 to 0.6 mm. The frame is radially collapsible for advancement into a native aortic valve using a catheterization technique. The frame is radially expandable for embedding the frame within the native aortic valve. The frame has sufficient radial strength to resist the recoil forces of the native aortic valve after implantation. The prosthetic valve includes a collapsible valvular structure made with pericardium. The prosthetic valve also includes an internal cover which forms a substantially impermeable tubular sleeve. The internal cover preferably extends between a lower extremity of the frame and the valvular structure. The internal cover is preferably sutured to the valvular structure. The valvular structure and internal cover are sutured to the bars of the frame.
US09486310B2

A system includes a scleral prosthesis and an insert. The scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body having a first free end and a second free end opposite the first end. A maximum width of the body at each end is wider than a maximum width of the body between the ends. The body includes multiple first portions that form the first end of the body and a part of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated lengthwise along a substantial portion of a total length of the body. The first portions are biased so that they maintain separation from one another without external interference but are configured to be pushed towards each other. The insert is configured to be placed between the first portions to maintain a separation of the first portions. The body and/or the insert could be formed using one or more magnetic materials.
US09486308B2

A fluid-filled soft prosthetic implant having a shell with a reinforced shell wall. The soft prosthetic implant may be for breast reconstruction or augmentation, or to restore the normal appearance of soft tissue in the buttocks, chin, calf, etc. The implants may be reinforced using several methods: reinforcement of the shell wall, non-homogeneous gel-filling, or both. At least a portion of the perimeter region desirably has a shell wall thickness greater than the average shell wall thickness of either the anterior face or the posterior face. The added material at the perimeter region strengthens that area in which a large percentage of implant ruptures occur. The reinforced perimeter also helps prevent the implant from collapsing or folding, which can cause undesirable rippling or wrinkling visible through the patient's skin. The remainder of the shell will desirably have a nominal wall thickness to retain the overall softness and supple feel of the implant. The implant shell may be filled with gels of different gel cohesiveness to counterbalance any reinforced area or to provide added reinforcement.
US09486290B2

A variety of systems and methods are described which enable quantitative information to be extracted regarding automated procedures, including those performed at a high speed that may require a user input, without having to interrupt the procedure. In addition, these systems and methods serve to provide information on one or more parameters of the automated procedure, whereby they may be modified, if required, to improve the automated procedure or the results from such a procedure. The systems and methods provided are especially useful in automated hair transplantation procedures.
US09486289B2

An apparatus includes a brace being mounted on a person's body part and having a hard fitting surface. The apparatus also includes a load device, a support, a securing member, a brake, a switch device, and a soft film. The load device has a hard receiving surface receiving the fitting surface of the brace. The support movably supports the load device. The securing member secures the fitting surface to the receiving surface and enables the load device to move and follow movement of the person's body part and the brace against resistance applied from the support. The brake limits movement of the load device. The switch device switches operation modes of the apparatus, at least, between a free mode and a limiting mode. The soft film is arranged between the receiving and fitting surfaces for smooth movement of the person's body part on the load device in the limiting mode.
US09486282B2

A catheter adapted for mapping and/or ablation in the atria has a basket-shaped electrode array with two or more location sensors with a deflectable expander. The catheter has comprises a catheter body, a basket electrode assembly at a distal end of the catheter body, and a control handle at a proximal end of the catheter body. The basket electrode assembly has a plurality of electrode-carrying spines and an expander that is adapted for longitudinal movement relative to the catheter body for expanding and collapsing the assembly via a proximal end portion extending past the control handle that can be pushed or pulled by a user. The expander is also adapted for deflection in responsive to an actuator on the control handle that allows a user to control at least one puller wire extending through the catheter body and the expander.
US09486281B2

Described here are devices and systems for accessing and delivering devices to a heart. The left atrial appendage may be used as an access port to allow pericardial access to internal structures of the heart. Systems that may be used to provide access to the heart via the left atrial appendage may comprise a first access element with a first alignment member, a second access element with a second alignment member, a piercing element, and an exchange element. A piercing element may be advanced to pierce the wall of the left atrial appendage to form an access site therethrough. Optionally, an exchange element may be advanced to initiate a track between the inside and outside of the left atrial appendage, which may be used for device delivery. Some systems may further comprise a left atrial appendage stabilization device.
US09486280B2

Devices, systems, and methods for performing ablation therapy on body tissue are disclosed. An example ablation device for treating body tissue includes an ionically conductive balloon and a radio-frequency electrode that delivers RF energy into a distal section of the balloon. The balloon can have a composite structure with a non-conductive section and a conductive section. The ablation device can have a steering mechanism configured to deflect the balloon.
US09486278B2

Methods and devices for treating nasal airways are provided. Such devices and methods may improve airflow through an internal and/or external nasal valve, and comprise the use of mechanical re-shaping, energy application and other treatments to modify the shape, structure, and/or air flow characteristics of an internal nasal valve, an external nasal valve or other nasal airways.
US09486276B2

Described here are devices and methods for forming a fistula between two vessels. In some instances, the fistula may be formed between a proximal ulnar artery and a deep ulnar vein. The fistula may be formed using an electrode, and may be formed with a first catheter placed in a first blood vessel and a second catheter placed in a second blood vessel. In some instances, access to the proximal ulnar artery may be achieved through a brachial artery, and access to the deep ulnar vein may be achieved through a brachial vein.
US09486275B2

An electrosurgical apparatus for treating tissue comprises an elongate shaft including a proximal region, a distal region having an electrically conductive region and one or more lumens through the shaft. A stylet is located within one of the lumens for obturating at least a portion of an opening defined by a distal end of the elongated shaft. The stylet distal end has a sensor and may include an occluding component substantially surrounding and affixed to it. The elongated shaft and the stylet can possibly be configured to allow passage of fluid through the lumen while the stylet is located within the lumen. Related stylet configurations are also disclosed.
US09486272B2

An ablation apparatus includes a flexible probe adapted for insertion into a heart of a living subject. The probe has a distally disposed ablation electrode to be brought into contact with a target tissue in the heart, and has facilities for measuring contact force with the target tissue. The apparatus includes a transmitter, operative to transmit an indication of the contact force to a wearable device having an actuator operative to haptically stimulate the operator responsively to the indication.
US09486271B2

A surgical instrument and related method are provided. The surgical instrument includes a housing, a cable, and an identifying circuit. An end-effector is coupled to the housing for treating tissue. The cable extends from the housing and is configured to couple the surgical instrument to a generator. The identifying circuit includes a plurality of capacitive elements disposed on the surgical instrument. The plurality of capacitive elements is readable by the generator.
US09486270B2

Methods and apparatus are provided for bilateral renal neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field, via a stimulation electric field, via localized drug delivery, via high frequency ultrasound, via thermal techniques, etc. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion. Bilateral renal neuromodulation may provide enhanced therapeutic effect in some patients as compared to renal neuromodulation performed unilaterally, i.e., as compared to renal neuromodulation performed on neural tissue innervating a single kidney.
US09486269B2

A cartridge for use with an electrosurgical system includes a housing, a conduit, and a conductor. The housing includes a path defined therein. The conduit is disposed at least partially within the housing such that the path is configured to position at least a portion of the conduit within the housing. A chamber of the path is configured to dampen shock forces on the conduit. The conductor is adapted to transmit energy is disposed within the housing. At least a portion of the conductor is disposed at least partially within the housing.
US09486263B2

A plate system and method comprising a plate and a screw having an integral resilient lock. The screw comprises a head that has a portion that is adapted to be compressible as it is screwed into bone using a tool. After the screw head is received in the plate and the tool is removed therefrom, the screw head decompresses or expands into a locking or receiving area, thereby locking the screw in the plate. The plate is adapted to have at least one or a plurality of detents or lips for cooperating with at least a portion of the screw head to retain the screw in the plate and prevent it from withdrawing therefrom.
US09486262B2

A bone fixation plate, comprises an elongated body contoured to conform to the anatomy of a clavicle, the elongated body comprising a head at a first end and a shaft extending therefrom to a second end, the second end further comprising a reduced diameter tapered tip configured to permit insertion of the elongate body through a minimally invasive incision formed adjacent the clavicle. The bone fixation plate also comprises a first plate hole extending through the shaft from a proximal face to a distal face, the first plate hole formed as a combination hole and a second plate hole extending through the head from the proximal face to the distal face, the second plate hole being threaded.
US09486251B2

An implantable device may comprise a barrel, the barrel having an upper portion and a lower portion. The barrel may be configured to transition from a collapsed form having a first height to an expanded form having a second height and wherein the second height is greater than the first height. The implantable device may further include an actuator assembly disposed in the barrel, the actuator assembly comprising a front ramped actuator in engagement with the barrel, a rear ramped actuator in engagement with the barrel, and a central screw that extends from the rear ramped actuator through the front ramped actuator. The implantable device may further comprise a first plate and a second plate.
US09486242B2

A surgical access device includes a seal assembly having a seal housing and a gimbal mount disposed within the seal housing, the seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passage for receiving at least one surgical object therethrough and the gimbal mount adapted for angular movement relative to the central longitudinal axis. The surgical access device also includes at least one centering unit configured to engage at least a portion of the gimbal mount. The at least one centering unit is configured to center the longitudinal passage of the seal assembly with the central longitudinal axis.
US09486241B2

A trocar for performing a procedure on a patient. The trocar has a hollow cannula with a distal end and a proximal end. The trocar also has a housing with a distal end attached to the proximal end of the cannula and a proximal end having a wall attached thereto. The wall has an aperture therethrough. The trocar further includes a seal assembly disposed within the housing. The seal assembly includes a first substantially rigid ring, a second substantially rigid ring, and a plurality of layered elastomeric members compressed therebetween. The first ring has a plurality of distally extending protrusions extending from a distal surface thereof, and the second ring has a plurality of proximally extending protrusions extending from a proximal surface thereof.
US09486240B2

An inflatable assistive surgical instrument for transanal minimal invasive surgery, having a sheath that expands after inflation, is disclosed. The inflated sheath is cylindrical-shaped, and a notch is formed on the wall of the cylindrical sheath to expose the tissue of the colon wall for surgical operation. The inflatable sheath has an inflation nozzle for connecting with an inflating tube. The inflatable sheath disclosed in the present invention can fully achieve the expected effects and requirements and shows an extraordinary efficiency of the surgical operation, in comparison with the prior arts where the present invention is not adopted. The present invention also improves the quality and the success rate of surgical operation, and is highly appraised by the colorectal surgeons reduces the cost for single use.
US09486239B2

A subintimal recanalization catheter, including an elongate shaft including a first tubular member and a penetration member slidably disposed in a lumen of the first tubular member. The penetration member includes a distal tip positioned proximal of a distal nose of the first tubular member. The distal nose of the first tubular member includes a ramp and a guide wire lumen extending through the distal nose of the first tubular member. Longitudinal movement of the penetration member relative to the first tubular member causes the penetration member to contact the ramp to direct the distal tip of the penetration member away from the first tubular member.
US09486238B2

A minimally invasive surgical assembly broadly includes an outer tube which has an outer diameter of 3.0 mm or smaller, and a coaxial surgical instrument having a shaft which extends through the outer hollow tube. The coaxial surgical instrument includes end effectors at the end of the shaft. The end effectors include spring arms and wire frame clamp elements defining fenestrations. The spring arms are biased to an open position such that when the end effectors of the surgical instrument extend out of the outer tube they open, and they are closed by relative movement of the outer tube over them. The wire frame clamp elements are biased to an open position such that when they extend out of the outer tube they open and they are closed by relative movement of the outer tube over them.
US09486237B2

A method of removing material from a blood flow lumen generally includes providing a device having a cutting element and an opening, advancing the device through the blood flow lumen to a site where material is to be removed, forcing the opening toward a wall of the site where material is to be removed, and moving the cutting element and the opening so that material in the blood flow lumen is cut by the cutting element and directed into the opening for removal as the cutting element and opening are moved through the blood flow lumen. In some embodiments, the device may be deflected or bent to force the opening toward a wall to remove material. The cutting element may be rotatable and may have an axis that is movable, that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, or both.
US09486232B2

Minimally invasive endoscopic cutting instruments having improved efficiency, access and reduced manufacturing costs are described herein. In particular, the present invention describes means for eliminating or modifying the distal end axial bearing surfaces so as to reduce manufacturing costs as well as the opportunity for galling and metal shedding. The present invention further describes an improved hub attachment method that may further or alternatively reduce overall manufacturing costs. The present invention yet further describes means and methods for improved bendability in the field, which, in turn, enables improved access to remote surgical targets.
US09486231B2

A tool for implanting an inflatable penile prosthetic cylinder includes a barrel and a clasp. The barrel extends from a proximal end to a distal end and has a solid central portion bounded by a curved exterior perimeter of the barrel. The clasp has a proximal end that is attached to the tool and a distal end that is free to move away from and towards the barrel. The clasp has an interior surface located adjacent to the curved exterior perimeter of the barrel and an exposed exterior surface opposite of the interior surface. The interior surface of the clasp is spaced a distance away from the barrel at locations between the proximal end and the distal end of the clasp. The interior surface of the clasp touches the barrel at the distal end of the clasp.
US09486230B2

Devices and methods for percutaneously treating and removing aneurysms or other anomalous tissue associated with vascular, intestinal, or other body tissue.
US09486229B2

Various apparatus and methods for excising tissue are described therein. In certain variations, a method of excising a target tissue mass from a subject, may include advancing an elongate instrument having an opening at its distal end into a subject. A cutting element, e.g., a snare or loop, may be advanced from the distal end of the elongate instrument, wherein the cutting element may be configured to cut tissue. The cutting element may be positioned near the target tissue mass. The cutting element may be actuated, e.g., expanded or deployed, and may perform energy based or mechanical cutting of a section of tissue encapsulating the target tissue mass. The cut section of tissue and the target tissue mass encapsulated therein may be removed from the subject.
US09486228B2

Surgical devices, kits and methods of using thereof are described. Generally, the surgical kit includes an osteotomy guide device and/or a bone spacer guide device. The surgical kit can be used in a surgical method for correcting a malalignment of the knee joint that involves performing a fibular osteotomy and/or a tibial osteotomy, and/or administering stem cells. Generally, the osteotomy guide device is configured to allow drilling to occur around the tibia and across a horizontal cross-sectional plane of the tibia so that a direction of each of the drill holes that are formed in the tibia is substantially parallel to or on the same horizontal cross-sectional plane of the tibia. The osteotomy guide device allows drilling to be conducted efficiently and accurately.
US09486225B2

A device for excluding the left atrial appendage (LAA) includes first and second members, each with first and second ends. The second ends are connected by a hinge. The first ends interlock to close the device about the LAA. The members are shaped such that they can exclude the LAA without causing the development of necrotic tissue. If desired, a flexible cover can be provided and the first and second members can be disposed within the cover. If such a cover is used, it will contact the LAA in order to cushion the contact between the members and the LAA and minimize the tendency of the LAA to bleed. The invention also includes methods for using the device to exclude the LAA.
US09486213B2

A tacker for applying a rotary tack, including a drive shaft coupled to a trigger assembly, wherein operating the trigger assembly causes rotation of the drive shaft, a distal portion of the drive shaft passing into an articulated arm that holds rotary tacks, wherein upon operation of the trigger assembly, the drive shaft rotates to cause deployment of the tacks distally out of the articulated arm, and wherein the drive shaft includes a cable on which are located a plurality of axially spaced drive links that transfer rotational motion of the drive shaft to rotation of the tacks.
US09486211B2

A suture construction and method for forming a suture construction is disclosed. The construction utilizes a suture having an enlarged central body portion defining a longitudinal passage. First and second ends of the suture are passed through first and second apertures associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. Portions of the suture lay parallel to each other within the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes constriction of the longitudinal passage, thus preventing relative motions of the captured portions of the suture.
US09486208B2

A device for repairing a tear in a portion of tissue comprises a proximal actuator portion, a transfer needle extending distally from the proximal actuator portion and a catch needle extending distally from the proximal actuator portion. A suture needle is disposed in the transfer needle, and is extendable from the transfer needle toward the catch needle and retractable from the catch needle toward the transfer needle. An extendable catch plunger is disposed in the catch needle for capturing suture therein when it is transferred from the transfer needle. A retractable insertion sheath is provided for covering the transfer needle and the catch needle when the device is inserted into a procedural site. A depth limiting apparatus limits the depth of insertion of the needle into the procedural site.
US09486207B2

Techniques and reconstruction systems for knotless tissue fixation using a driver with a cannulated interference device or fixation device preloaded on the shaft of the driver. An eyelet, adjustable in size, is formed of a loading suture provided at the distal end of the driver shaft. A working suture attached to the tissue to be fixed is passed through the eyelet. The size of the eyelet is adjusted by the user once the working suture is passed through the eyelet, to capture the working suture with the eyelet. The cannulated interference device is then advanced down the shaft to secure the working suture in a bone socket.
US09486205B2

The present disclosure relates to a surgical device including a shaft having an outer member and an inner member slidably received within the outer member, a handle coupled to the shaft, and a means for providing movement to the inner member coupled to the inner member. A method of tissue repair is also disclosed.
US09486203B2

An anchor that secures to a connector as part of an anchor assembly is disclosed. The proximal anchor includes a pair of spaced apart prongs which join together at a slot inception. The prongs are shaped and sized of a configuration to define a catch or latching structure. The prongs are configured to capture and deform the suture between the protrusions and prevent the suture from disengaging from the slotted anchor device once engaged.
US09486197B2

An assembly for accessing a body cavity through an opening in tissue is provided. The access assembly includes a flexible outer sleeve configured to be received through an opening in tissue. The outer sleeve defines a passageway therethrough. The access assembly further includes an inner core configured for selective reception within the passageway of the outer sleeve. The inner core defines at least a first lumen configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough.
US09486195B2

A surgical retractor includes a pair of small grips that are disposed at the ends of arms that can be moved toward or away from each other. The grips engage and separate the sides of an incision that has been made in a patient. A lifting mechanism that can be attached to one of the arms enables one side of the incision to be raised relative to the other side of the incision. The lifting mechanism includes a clamp that can be connected to the retractor and a foot that is connected to the clamp and which is movable relative thereto. The foot is engageable with the patient such that extension of the foot causes a selected grip to be raised. Retraction of the foot permits the selected grip to be lowered. In the preferred embodiment, the foot is disposed at one end of a notched rack; a rotatable pinion is in contact with the notches to extend and contract the rack; and a pivotally movable pawl permits movement of the rack in one direction and prevents movement of the rack in the other direction.
US09486193B2

A procedural sheath holding device includes a base member and a securing member. The base member is positionable in contact with an outer skin surface adjacent to an incision. The securing member is attached to the base member and includes a securing portion operable to releasably secure a procedural sheath in a fixed axial position relative to the skin surface when a vascular closure device is inserted through the procedural sheath to seal the incision. The securing member may be pivotal relative to the base member.
US09486186B2

An exemplary ultrasound biopsy device includes a probe and a holster. The probe is insertable into the holster to form a completed assembly. To assemble the probe to the holster, the probe is initially slid laterally onto the holster and then slid forward to latch the probe into engagement with the holster. The holster is coupled to a vacuum control module by one or more conduits and a power cable. The conduits and/or power cable may be retracted into the vacuum control module. The probe of the biopsy device includes a blade assembly at the distal end. The blade assembly comprises a blade that snaps onto a nosecone via a pair of resilient notched ends. A frictional fitting needle cover can be inserted over the needle and blade assembly to protect the user from the sharp blade.
US09486175B2

An x-ray imaging system includes an x-ray source, an x-ray detector including a plurality of detector strips arranged in a first direction of the x-ray detector. Each detector strip includes a plurality of detector pixels arranged in a second direction of the x-ray detector. A phase grating and a plurality of analyzer gratings including grating slits are disposed between the x-ray source and detectors. The x-ray source and the x-ray detector are adapted to perform a scanning movement in relation to an object in the first direction, in order to scan the object. Each of the plurality of analyzer gratings (162) is arranged in association with a respective detector strip with the grating slits arranged in the second direction. The grating slits of the analyzer gratings of the detector strips are offset relative to each other in the second direction.
US09486173B2

An imaging system includes a computed tomography (CT) acquisition unit and a processing unit. The CT acquisition unit includes an X-ray source and a CT detector configured to collect CT imaging data of an object to be imaged. The X-ray source and CT detector are configured to be rotated about the object to be imaged and to collect a series of views of the object as the X-ray source and CT detector rotate about the object to be imaged. The processing unit is operably coupled to the CT acquisition unit and configured to control the CT acquisition unit to vary a view duration for the views of the series. The view duration for a particular view defines an imaging information acquisition period for the particular view, wherein the series of views includes a first group of views having a first view duration and a second group of views having a second view duration that is different than the first view duration.
US09486163B2

An imaging agent for detecting analytes in a biological environment includes functionalized, silicon vacancy center-containing nanodiamonds. Individual nanodiamonds of the imaging agent include at least one silicon vacancy center. The at least one silicon vacancy center can emit light having a wavelength in a narrow band in response to illumination having any wavelength in a wide range of wavelengths. The nanodiamonds are functionalized to selectively interact with an analyte of interest. The nanodiamonds can additionally include other color centers, and the imaging agent can include a plurality of sets of nanodiamonds having detectably unique ratios of silicon vacancy centers to other color centers. The silicon vacancy centers in the nanodiamonds can have a preferred orientation enabling orientation tracking of individual nanodiamonds or other applications. A method for detecting properties of the analyte of interest by interacting with the imaging agent is also provided.
US09486162B2

Methods and apparatus for positioning a elongate hollow member at a desired location in a body in a medical procedure are provided. A position marker is removably disposed within a sheath. The sheath may be disposable. The sheath and enclosed position marker may be inserted into a lumen of a member to be positioned. The position in space of the position marker may be monitored by a position sensor to provide real-time information regarding a position of the member. The spatial relationship between the position marker and member may be fixed by securing the mounting member to the sheath and securing the sheath to the member.
US09486159B2

The invention relates to a device for superimposing known patterns, characteristic of a region, on (real) images of said region. The device comprises , a memory in which patterns are stored, which are representative of a selected region, of known position and orientation with relation to a common reference and processing means, for determining a pattern representative of the selected portion in the memory, on receipt of the designation of at least one portion of an observed image of the selected region, taken at a selected angle and at least one representative attribute of said region, taking account of the attribute selected, then superimposing the determined pattern on the selected portion of the image taking account of the selected angle.
US09486150B2

An embodiment of the invention comprises a method of monitoring cardiac electrical activity with two or more ECG devices and computing an enhanced cardiac electrical signal from the cardiac electrical signals obtained from the two or more ECG devices. Electrodes of the two or more ECG devices are positioned in a manner to provide an electrical potential difference that is large enough to give useful information about a given ECG signal. The method further includes recommending addition of a supplemental ECG device when it is determined that the one or more of the existing ECG devices are inadequate for providing cardiac electrical data that identifies a specific cardiac event.
US09486146B2

What is disclosed is a system and method for detecting cancerous tissue in breast tissue using a thermal image. In one embodiment, the present tumor detection method involves selecting a region of interest in the thermal image to be processed for breast cancer screening. Thereafter, a percentage of pixels p1 in the selected region having a temperature Tpixel1, where T1≦Tpixel1≦T2, is determined. A percentage of pixels p2 in the selected region having a temperature Tpixel2, where T3≦Tpixel2, is determined. A ratio p 3 = P edge / P block is also determined, where Pedge is a number of pixels around a border of a suspected tumor within the selected region, and Pblock is a number of pixels in a perimeter of the selected region. A decision fusion rule R, as more fully disclosed herein, is utilized to determine, based on these determination whether tissue within that region is cancerous, or non-cancerous, or is suspicious of being cancerous.
US09486135B1

An amusement park ride having a car with seating options above a track, below the track or adjacent to the track such that a rider may experience different thrill levels depending on the position of the car in relation to the track. The car may have a swiveling arm to position the car above, lateral to, or below the track. Alternatively, ride may have multiple cars arranged above, lateral to, or below the track for the rider to choose which position to ride in. In lieu of or in addition to the car seating options, the may have adjustable shoulder restraints that allow the rider to use the shoulder restraints or not. The shoulder restraints may be flexible or rigid, but rotatable from an upright configuration to a sideways configuration.
US09486134B2

An ophthalmologic imaging apparatus that can follow up imaging for acquiring a cross sectional image by referring to a front image of an eye acquired in the past and scanning the same position as before with light, includes: a photographing part configured to photograph the eye and acquire a front image thereof; a cross sectional image forming part configured to scan the eye with light and form a cross sectional image thereof; a storage configured to store a first front image of the eye and a second front image acquired in follow up imaging executed with referring to the first front image; an information obtaining part configured to analyze the first and second front images and obtain misregistration information between these front images; and a calculator configured to calculate an evaluation value of an error in a scanning position in the follow up imaging based on the misregistration information.
US09486133B2

A surgical access system comprising a tissue dilation assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures. A retractor assembly for creating an operative corridor to a spinal surgical target site is disclosed, comprising: a retractor body and a plurality retractor blades extending generally perpendicularly to the retractor body, the retractor body being operable to separate the at plurality of retractor blades relative to each; and a supplemental retractor blade assembly attachable to at least two of the plurality of retractor blades, the supplemental retractor blade assembly comprising an elongated supplemental retractor blade and a crossbar connector, the crossbar connector configured to be attached to said at least two retractor blades while engaging the supplemental retractor blade.
US09486129B2

An apparatus for cleaning an endoscope that may include a handle, a rod insertable into a channel of an endoscope, the rod including a first end and a second end, the first end of the rod being attachable to the handle, a wiping tip insertable into the endoscope channel and attachable to the second end of the rod, and a wiping surface attachable to the wiping tip.
US09486122B2

Improved mop base capable of using both surfaces of a normal mop arranged parallel to one another.
US09486119B2

A bumper assembly comprising a first member configured to engage a portion of the toilet or bidet attachment; and a resilient second member coupled to the first member; wherein the first member is more rigid than the second member and includes at least one catch configured to selectively engage a recess of the toilet or bidet attachment to detachably couple the first member to the toilet or bidet attachment.
US09486116B2

There is provided herein a dispenser for a rolled product which has a center bore, comprising: a casing having walls and having a top with an opening; a first fastening means disposed on a first inner wall of said casing; a second fastening means disposed on a second inner wall of said casing, wherein said first inner wall is opposite said second inner wall, and said first fastening means is opposite said second fastening means; and an axle fastened to said first and second fastening means, wherein said axle can rotate when fastened.
US09486111B2

A bath safety rail for being engaged to and disengaged from a bath surface. The bath safety rail includes a base, a handle on the base, first and second suction cups opposing the handle, cam followers on the suction cups that extend into the base, and cams in the base to engage and draw up the cam followers and suction cups to thereby create suction. The handle is two-piece where the pieces are separated by a handle plane, where each axis of each suction cup is in the handle plane.
US09486106B2

The invention aims to provide a device and a method for retrieving efficiently a capsule from a receptacle of a beverage production apparatus. In particular, the device allows retrieving a used capsule in safe conditions and without waiting time. The beverage production apparatus comprises a receptacle (1) with a cover (3) for receiving a capsule (2) containing beverage ingredient. The device comprises capsule extracting and guiding means consisting of a clamp (6) having members (6′, 6″) arranged on each lateral side of the cover (3) of the receptacle. The capsule (2) is provided with a rim (8) around its upper edge which is directed upwards when the capsule is inserted in the receptacle (1). At opening of the cover of the receptacle, the clamp (6) is activated in such a way to position its members under the rim (8) of the capsule which is lifted thanks to a spring (4) at the bottom of the capsule.
US09486092B2

A twist-tie dispenser refill comprises a twist-tie cluster and a base. The twist-tie cluster includes a top cluster portion. The base includes a top portion, which is generally U-shaped and forms an opening configured and arranged to receive the top cluster portion of the twist-tie cluster. The base also includes a rear portion that defines mounting members used for mounting the base to a fixture.
US09486085B2

A boiler for hot water heating mats, including: a hot water heating tank having a hot water discharging port, a hot water recovering port, and an electric heater; a hot water storage tank connected to the hot water heating tank, with a water charging port, an air exhausting port, a hot water inlet port and a hot water outlet port; a hot water discharging check valve; and a hot water recovering check valve. The heater is installed horizontally or inclinedly, and the interior space of the hot water heating tank is divided into a hot water heating chamber and a hot water discharging chamber. To ensure the heater remains partially submerged in water, the hot water discharging port may be formed at a height higher than the lower surface of the heater or a retaining wall may be installed on the bottom of the hot water heating tank.
US09486083B2

According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a recreational floatation device comprising a body portion comprising an inflatable member having a first inner perimeter surrounding a first inner area, a first support portion comprising a layer of material extending through the first inner area and attached to the inflatable member at its first inner perimeter to support a user of the device, a back support member located within said first inner area, a hinge mechanism coupled to the back support member and the first inner perimeter and configured to allow the back support member to rotate between a first position, wherein a substantial portion of the back support member extends generally away from the first inner area, and a second position, in which the back support member lies substantially within the first inner area.
US09486079B2

An office chair including a linking mechanism between a movable chair seat and a pivotable chair back. The mounting arrangement between the chair back and the chair seat includes swing arm assembly that is pivotally connected to the chair seat. When the chair seat moves forward, the swing arm assembly moves with the chair seat and causes the chair back to pivot and move relative to a stationary support arm. The stationary support arm includes a curved support face that moves within a movement slot formed on the swing arm assembly. The movement slot includes a roller that helps guide relative movement between the two components. The chair seat includes a thigh support portion that allows the user to adjust the seat depth as desired.
US09486076B2

A table may be sized and configured to nest with another table to reduce a height of a plurality of stacked tables in a nested configuration. The table may include a table top with a receiving portion disposed at least proximate an intersection of an upper surface and a sidewall. The table top may also include a lip and a lower portion of the lip may include a contact surface that is sized and configured to contact an upper surface of an adjacent, nested table. The lower portion of the lip may also include an engaging portion that is sized and configured to be disposed in a receiving portion of an adjacent, nested table. The contact surface and the engaging portion may be directly adjacent to each other in the lower portion of the lip.
US09486072B1

Devices are provided that can be positioned on a user's lap and, when so positioned, provide a stable, comfortable surface to support a pet. The devices include a resilient body configured to be positioned around the user's thighs and having a central supporting surface.
US09486069B2

A furniture piece in the form of a table comprises a table frame with two table leg structures, which are connected to one another by at least one connecting brace. Fastening brackets for fastening the connecting brace are provided on the table leg structures. The table frame has a vibration-damping device that operates between the connecting brace and at least one fastening bracket in order to damp lateral vibrations of the furniture piece.
US09486058B1

A wearable upper-body garment has a plurality of first webbings secured to the garment front panel in a substantially parallel relation, each of the plurality of first webbings defining at least one passageway between the webbing and the front panel with the passageways extending perpendicular to the webbing. The first webbings extend upwardly and outwardly from a sternal region on the front panel that divides the garment front panel into a right half and a left half.
US09486051B1

A nail clipper apparatus including a nail clipper and a pair of elongated gripping members attachable to each other with a spring loaded hinge. A bottom end of each of a pair of tension rods is mounted to an upper arm of an actuating lever of the nail clipper, and a top end of each of the pair of tension rods is attached to a bottom surface of a lower gripping member of the pair of gripping members. A top side of a push rod is attached to an upper gripping member of the pair of gripping members, and a bottom side of the push rod is slidably disposed atop the upper arm of the actuating lever. Each of an open position and a closed position of the pair of gripping members coincides with an open position and a closed position of the nail clipper.
US09486048B2

In a hair styling device comprising a heating unit (11), and a unit capable of engaging a detachable holder (21) with a hair treatment agent, whereby in the presence of the detachable holder (21), the detachable holder (21) covers the heating unit (11), a detector detects the presence of the detachable holder (21), and a temperature of the heating unit (11) in the presence of the detachable holder (21) is automatically set higher than a corresponding temperature in the absence of the detachable holder (21).
US09486044B1

A reverse folding umbrella includes a cane body and a umbrella body; the cane body including a shaft and a handle; the umbrella body including a hollow tube, outer and inner fabric; the hollow tube having a grip disposed in one end thereof, and a top notch disposed in opposite end thereof; the top notch having a plurality of upper ribs connected around a peripheral edge thereof; one end of the upper ribs connected with reverted ribs; the reverted ribs connected with lower ribs; the lower ribs connected around a peripheral edge of a runner; the reverse folding umbrella that has the function of rain or sun shelter and walking cane.
US09486041B2

A jewellery item, or a gold, silver, or costume jewellery item, accessories and the like include an annular band having a predetermined width and a plurality of modular elements of an elongated shape, at least one of the modular elements being connected to at least three additional modular elements by at least three connection points, the modular elements being hinged with each other about each connection point such that the jewellery item is adjustable between a contracted condition and an extended condition, wherein the width has different values along the overall extension of the jewellery item.
US09486038B1

A substantially cylindrical member having a stepped diameter and a lower portion dimensioned to fit snugly into the lace eyelets of a lace-up shoe (footwear, including a sneaker, e.g.). The upper end includes a circumferential groove which is adapted to receive an elastic member such as a rubber band, O-ring, or the like. The lower may be bifurcated to facilitate insertion into the shoe eyelets. As illustrated, the lower end is double bifurcated at right angles. According to one embodiment, the invention is sold as a kit which includes enough members to fill all of the eyelets of a shoe and enough elastic members to match. According to other embodiments: a pair of shoes are sold with the invention pre-installed; the invention is permanently installed; the cylindrical members and the elastic members are provided in different colors; the tops are adorned with three dimensional decorations.
US09486036B1

A shoe, and method of manufacture, including (i) a shoe upper having an arrangement of holes in the bottom surface, (ii) an outer sole having an arrangement of holes corresponding to the arrangement of holes in the bottom surface of the shoe upper, and (iii) an inner sole disposed within the shoe upper, the inner sole having a plurality of pegs that extend from its bottom surface that are arranged in alignment with the arrangement of holes in the shoe upper and outer sole when the inner sole is disposed within the shoe upper, each peg extending downwardly through its associated hole in the shoe upper and the outer sole, so that, in the preferred embodiment, the bottom surface of each peg is exposed to, and forms part of, bottom surface of the shoe.
US09486027B2

A connection assembly for adjoining a peripheral with a host wearable device. Embodiment of the assembly can be a hardhat with an accessory connection slot allowing for both mechanical and electrical attachment of various accessories such as earphones, video display, headlamp, welder's face shield.
US09486023B1

An artificial hair apparatus comprises: a front region comprising an inner front surface, an outer front surface, a first mesh section and a second mesh section, the first mesh section comprising a first hair parting channel comprising a first predetermined length and a second hair parting channel comprising a second predetermined length, the first hair parting channel and the second hair parting channel protruding into the second mesh section such that the first predetermined length is different from the second predetermined length; a top region adjacent to the front region comprising an inner top surface and an outer top surface; a rear region adjacent to the top region comprising an inner rear surface and an outer rear surface; and a plurality of side regions adjacent to each of the front region, the top region and the rear region comprising an inner side surface and an outer side surface.
US09486018B2

A cooling unit that can be used with or without a garment, such as a ballistic vest, that covers a user's torso when worn by the user. The cooling unit includes a fan for blowing ambient air; a manifold for distributing to the torso the air that is blown by the fan; and a hose for connecting the fan to the manifold. The manifold may be formed of three overlying panels that are secured together, including an outer panel, a central panel, and an inner panel that is closest to the user's torso when the cooling unit is being worn. No modification of the vest is necessary to accommodate the cooling unit.
US09485995B2

A plant for the automatic production of baked goods using a dough strand has a kneading device to knead dough from prepared starting products. An extruder is used to extrude the dough to form the dough strand. A portioning device is used to divide the dough strand into dough strand portions of a predetermined weight. A post-preparation device is used to finish the baked goods from the dough strand portions. The post-preparation includes the supplying of the dough strand portions to associated receivers in at least one transporting mould, fermenting the dough strand portions in the transporting mould and baking the fermented dough strand portions. The result is a production plant with an increased throughput in the production of baked goods and simultaneously a plant outlay which is as low a possible.
US09485987B2

The present invention provides an aqueous suspended agricultural chemical composition comprising an agricultural chemical active ingredient, an alkyl naphthalene sulfonate formalin condensate and one or two or more compounds selected from the group consisting of an alkyl sulfate, a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfate, an alkyl phosphoric acid and a salt thereof, a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether phosphoric acid and a salt thereof, and a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether acetic acid and a salt thereof. The aqueous suspended agricultural chemical composition suppresses the crystal growth of the agricultural chemical active ingredient, and has an excellent effect on pest control and an excellent storage stability.
US09485985B2

A system for enhancement of crop production includes a triggerable seed support package. The triggerable seed support package has a payload including seed enhancement material, where the payload is configured to be released in response to a trigger.
US09485982B2

A game call may include a mouth piece and a plurality of passages coupled to the mouthpiece. There is a difference between the passages. The game call is operable to generate sound that resembles or simulates the vocal sound of an animal.
US09485978B1

A pivoting fishing rod holder for a kayak having a structure pivotally holding a pair of existing fishing rods, the structure comprising, a pair of identical L-shaped mounts configured for spaced apart mounting to the existing kayak, a pair of identical upright members, pivotally affixed to the L-shaped mounts, a tubular rod holder affixed at an angle to a distal end of each upright member, the angle within a range of about 20-45 degrees upwardly from a horizontal, a pair of diametrically opposed rounded insets disposed within each holder outer end, and a horizontal crossbar connecting the distal ends.
US09485976B1

The telescoping multi-line fishing device including multiple fishing lines within an alternately expandable and collapsible structure that provides two telescopic sections connected to a center cylindrical casing with propeller power. Each section provides sliding tubes rotatably and slidably connected to each other. A quartet of spool housings in each section provides user settable timed fishing line and weighted leader release from a capsule. The spool housings features slow line extraction with automatic retraction upon a sharp tug from a fish. The fishing lines provide user set timed release. The device includes reeled retrieval.
US09485973B2

A bait bridle is uniquely designed to connect a hook to bait while allowing the entire hook to be exposed for enhanced hooking capabilities and free movement of the bait. The addition of a small elastic band to the hook end of the bridle holds the hook firmly in place, yet allows easy removal when desired. The re-usable bridle system of the present invention can be switched from one hook to another hook with no damage to bait or the bridle. The bridle system of the present invention allows for free movement of the bait and full exposure of the hook. The bait bridle can be easily opened and closed to placement or removal of bait with the bridle on or off the hook.
US09485971B2

Described herein is the generation of Fah+/− heterozygote pigs by homologous recombination and somatic cell nuclear transfer, and a method for producing Fah−/− homozygote pigs. The Fah-deficient pigs of the disclosure can be used for a variety of research and therapeutic purposes, such as for the expansion of human hepatocytes, and as large animal models of hereditary tyrosinemia type 1, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
US09485968B2

A beehive comprises a main housing, a primary entrance housing that is rotatably attached to the main housing, and a rotation element for rotating the main housing about its rotational axis between vertical and horizontal positions. The main housing includes chambers for holding honey frames and brood frames. The primary entrance housing includes a primary entrance slot that allows ingress and egress of bees into and out of the primary entrance housing. A primary entrance tube connects the main housing to the primary entrance housing. The primary entrance tube provides a path of travel for bees to move between the primary entrance housing and the main housing. In this configuration, the bees may freely move from the exterior of the beehive, through the primary entrance slot into the primary entrance housing, and through the primary entrance tube into the chambers of the main housing.
US09485961B2

A collapsible pedestal is disclosed for use with a pet dish or fountain. The pedestal is made of several releasably attached legs. Preferably, all of the legs are of a substantially identical design. Each leg has a coupling hub that may be a pair of hinged, knuckle connection such that the legs may be freely rotatable. The pedestal can be collapsed into a collapsed condition, which accounts for a lesser volume than when the pedestal is in an operating condition. Additionally, the pedestal may be configured to be inverted such that different cradles can be used, each cradle configured to accommodate a bowl, dish, fountain, or other object of varying shapes or designs. Additional legs can be added to an existing pedestal.
US09485954B2

The present invention relates to the field of plant breeding and more particular to the development of a spinach plant that expresses a new resistance pattern against downy mildew (Peronospora farinosa f. sp. Spinaciae) strains Pf1-Pf12 and isolate PfsUA441), methods and compositions relating to plants, progeny, seeds and derivatives thereof and plants, progeny, seeds and derivatives thereof having all the morphological, physiological and/or genetic characteristics thereof.
US09485938B2

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV063063. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV063063, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV063063 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 CV063063 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 CV063063.
US09485935B1

A novel soybean variety, designated XB29AM14 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB29AM14, cells from soybean variety XB29AM14, plants of soybean XB29AM14, and plant parts of soybean variety XB29AM14. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB29AM14 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB29AM14, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB29AM14, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB29AM14. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB29AM14 are further provided.
US09485926B2

The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SV3301HW and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV3301HW and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
US09485923B2

An irrigation drip emitter, and methods relating to same, are provided for delivering irrigation water from a supply tube to an emitter outlet at a reduced and relatively constant flow rate. The emitter having at least one movable member for compensating for fluctuations in supply line fluid pressure. In one form the movable member includes a tapered baffle section movable between a first position wherein fluid is allowed to flow over the tapered baffle section and a second position wherein fluid is prevented from flowing over at least a portion of the tapered baffle section and the tapered baffle section effectively lengthening the extent of a pressure reduction passage. In another form, first and second movable members are provided for compensating for such pressure fluctuations. In another form, a plurality of inputs are provided which are movable between first and second positions to compensate for such pressure fluctuations.
US09485916B2

An agricultural baler including a base unit, a plurality of ground engaging devices supporting the base unit and at least one tie system mounted to the base unit. The at least one tie system including a needle moveable relative to the base unit and a needle stabilizer. The needle stabilizer attached to the base unit with the needle stabilizer contacting the needle over a portion of the movement of the needle.
US09485914B2

A first sensor is associated with the first arm to provide a first sensor signal response indicative of a first position or first movement of the first arm with respect to the first row. A second sensor is associated with the second arm to provide a second sensor signal response indicative of a second position or second movement of the second arm with respect to the first row, or second row. A data processor is adapted to estimate a center point of the first row or a center point between the first row and the first row, or second row based on targeting substantial symmetry in the first sensor signal response and the second sensor signal response as an indication that a longitudinal axis of the vehicle is aligned with the center point, for example.
US09485913B2

A mowing implement includes an improved crop and forage material converging arrangement for a wide mowing implement equipped with a rotary cutter bar and powered converging drums. One or more stripper elements are mounted for rotation with one or more converging drums so as to limit the tendency for cut material to wrap around the converging drums, and to more consistently transfer the cut material to the material discharge zone. Each stripper element can be located and dimensioned to sweep a path a near an adjacent converging drum and pass in close proximity to an auger of the mowing implement to effectively guide and converge material. Each stripper elements can be an oblong plate configured and arranged to strip cut material from an adjacent converging drum and deflect the stripped material towards a material discharge zone of the implement.
US09485912B2

A system for sensing the location of a tree trunk relative to an orchard harvester, which includes a body, including a distance sensor mounted on the body, a boom movably connected to the body, a tree shaker head having two opposed jaws and rotatably connected to the boom and a programmable controller in communication with the distance sensor, the controller programmed to manipulate the angle at which the distance sensor measures distance as determined by a measured height at which the shaker head jaws will clamp a proximate tree.
US09485910B2

A blade rotor includes a mower disk, at least one mowing blade, at least one bearing pin mounted on the mower disk for pivotable mounting of the mowing blade, and a spring plate arranged on the mower disk for retaining the mowing blade on the bearing pin. In order to facilitate maintenance work when replacing the bearing pin, the invention proposes to provide a mounting hole in or on the mower disk, into which mounting hole the bearing pin can be screwed from a side of the mower disk facing away from the spring plate, wherein a threaded region and a retaining region are formed on the bearing pin, and the retaining region can be introduced through the mounting hole and brought into engagement with the spring plate when the bearing pin is screwed in.
US09485901B2

A seed planting apparatus has a first disc is rotatably disposed about a first axis which is substantially perpendicular to a line of travel. A following trenching device has a second disc rotatably attached along a second axis transverse to the line of travel but not parallel to the first axis. A third disc is rotatably attached along a third axis which is transverse to the line of travel but not parallel to either the first axis or the second axis. At least one of the first, second and third discs has a first side has an outer periphery and a second side has an outer periphery. The second side is spaced from the first side and has a larger diameter than the first side. A transition surface between the outer periphery of the first side and the outer periphery of the second side being annular and concave.
US09485900B2

A plug detection system for an agricultural implement with a ground-engaging tool may include a rotational speed sensor, a ground speed sensing system, and a controller. The rotational speed sensor may be configured to detect a rotational speed of the ground-engaging tool. The ground speed sensing system may be configured to detect a ground speed of the agricultural implement. The controller may be in communication with the rotational speed sensor and the ground speed sensing system and may be configured to determine a threshold rotational speed based on the ground speed and send an alert signal when the rotational speed is below the threshold rotational speed.
US09491888B2

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing, an input device, a sliding groove and an actuating unit. The input device is disposed on the housing, wherein the input device includes a first input interface and a second input interface, and the first input interface and the second input interface are respectively disposed on opposite surfaces of the input device. The sliding groove is formed on the housing. The actuating unit is connected to the input device, the actuating unit automatically moves between a first position and a second position of the sliding groove to rotate the input device, the first input interface faces outward from the housing when the actuating unit is in the first position, and the second input interface faces outward from the housing when the actuating unit is in the second position.
US09491878B2

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a connector detachable from part of an electronic device including a display, and a cover connected to the connector, wherein the cover is capable of covering at least part of the display of the electronic device, and wherein the cover includes a window configured to expose the at least part of the display when the cover covers at least part of the display.
US09491870B2

A display apparatus for improving corrosion resistance of a pad area and a method of manufacturing the same. The display apparatus includes a first substrate including a display area, a non-display area, and a pad area, and a second substrate facing the first substrate and corresponding to at least the display area, wherein the pad area includes, a connection area connected to a driving circuit; an exposed area spaced from the connection area; and a plurality of blocking areas between the connection area and the exposed area.
US09491856B2

A light system including a printed circuit board including a base layer, a first protection layer which is in contact with at least one surface of the base layer, an insulating layer disposed on the base layer, and a conduction layer disposed on the insulating layer, and a light emitting device package mounted on the conduction layer. Further, the base layer includes iron (Fe).
US09491852B2

The border routing of conductive traces in devices, such as displays, touch sensor panels, and touch screens, to improve border area space usage, thereby reducing device size, and to reduce trace resistance, thereby improving device operation, is disclosed. The conductive traces can form a staggered stair-step configuration in the device border area, in which the average widths of the traces can be different from each other and each trace can have segments with different widths. The conductive traces can be coupled to an active area of the device to transmit signals to and from the active area in accordance with a device operation. The varying widths can help improve the border area space usage, reduce trace resistance, and reduce the differences in resistance between traces.
US09491850B2

A printed circuit board includes a first dielectric layer, a first ground layer, a second dielectric layer, a first power layer, a first via hole and a ground hole extending through the printed circuit board. A first signal line is laid on the first dielectric layer. A third signal line is laid on the second dielectric layer. The first and third signal lines are electrically connected to the first via hole. An extending direction of the first signal line on the first dielectric layer is the same as an extending direction of the third signal line is laid on the second dielectric layer. A first void area is defined in the first ground layer around the first via hole. A second void area is defined in the first power layer around the first via hole. The ground hole is outside the first void area and the second void area.
US09491848B2

A grounding part, an electronic device, an imaging device, and a method of producing a grounding part are provided. The grounding part includes a first connecting component made of an electrically conductive material and connected to a circuit board having an electronic component thereon, and a second connecting component made of an electrically conductive material and connected to the first connecting component and a grounding member. The first connecting component includes a substrate connecting part connected to the circuit board, and a second-connecting-component connecting part connected to the second connecting component, and the second connecting component includes a first-connecting-component connecting part connected to the first connecting component, and a grounding-part connecting part connected to the grounding member. The imaging device includes the circuit board and the grounding member. The method includes a method for producing the first connecting component and a method for producing the second connecting component.
US09491844B2

An electronic device includes a circuit board, first and second electronic components, a housing, and a heat conduction member. The first electronic component is mounted on a first surface of the circuit board, and the second electronic component is mounted on a second surface of the circuit board. The first electronic component and the second electronic component are arranged in an arrangement direction. The heat conduction member is disposed between the housing and a first component-opposite portion of the circuit board opposite to the first electronic component, and between the housing and a second component-opposite portion of the circuit board opposite to the second electronic component. The circuit board has a through hole in a formation area between the first electronic component and the second electronic component. The heat conduction member integrally covers each of the first component-opposite portion and the second component-opposite portion and the formation area of the circuit board.
US09491843B2

A circuit board includes an insulating film extending from an active area for displaying images to a peripheral area surrounding the active area. A circumference wiring is arranged in an aperture penetrating the insulating film and extending from the aperture to the active area on the insulating film so as to cross an edge of the aperture. The shape of the edge of the aperture which the circumference wiring crosses includes at least one concave portion and one convex portion, respectively.
US09491839B2

A light source device includes a discharge lamp including a pair of electrodes arranged to be opposed to each other in a hollow section in which a discharge medium is encapsulated and a driving device. The driving device includes a supplying unit configured to supply an alternating current having a frequency higher than 1 kHz to the pair of electrodes in a high-frequency period and a control unit configured to set at least a first frequency higher than 1 kHz and a second frequency higher than 1 kHz and different from the first frequency as the frequency of the alternating current, switch an alternating current having the first frequency and an alternating current having the second frequency in the high-frequency period, and control the supplying unit to repeat the high-frequency period to supply an alternating current to the pair of electrodes.
US09491837B2

An LED lighting device includes a light emitting assembly including at least one LED and a wireless network interface connecting the LED lighting device to a network. The wireless network interface includes a RF transceiver. An antenna is in electrical communication with the RF transceiver. A thermally conductive housing receives the light emitting assembly, the thermally conductive housing in thermal communication with the at least one LED. In one aspect the thermally conductive housing is formed of a thermally conductive and electrically nonconductive material. In another aspect, the thermally conductive housing includes a first portion attached to a second portion, wherein the first portion is formed of a first, thermally conductive material and defines an interior cavity receiving the wireless network interface. The second portion is formed of a second, electrically nonconductive material and defines an aperture allowing optical output of the at least one LED to pass therethrough.
US09491835B2

A method for improving the illumination of an illumination region (100), in particular of an operation region, from an illumination device (10), includes at least two light modules (20) and at least one sensor device (30) for detecting depth information. The method includes the steps of monitoring a monitored volume (110) between the light modules (20) and the illumination region (100), identifying the position and the geometry as object data of at least one object (200) within the monitored volume (110), comparing the identified object data with beam paths (S) from the light modules (20), and modifying the light intensity of at least one light module (20) on the basis of the comparison between the identified object data with beam paths (S) from the light modules (20).
US09491828B2

Lighting devices comprising first, second and third strings of solid state lighting devices. One aspect further comprises means for supplying first fixed current through the first string, means for supplying second fixed current through the second string, and means for supplying current through the third string. In a second aspect, the first and second strings emit light within a specific area on a 1931 CIE Chromaticity Diagram, and the third string emits light of dominant wavelength 600-640 nm. A third aspect further comprises a power line and a power supply configured to supply a first and second fixed currents through the first and second strings, respectively, and supply a current to the third string. A method of making a lighting device, comprising measuring color output, adjusting current to first, second and/or third strings, and permanently setting currents to the first and second strings.
US09491827B2

Disclosed are methods and apparatus for lighting control. Presence of a lighting control element (110, 310, 312A-C, 510, 512, 610, 710, 915, 917) is identified over one or more LEDs (323, 327, 930) and at least one lighting control property of the lighting control element is identified. At least one property of light output of controlled light sources associated with the lighting control element is adjusted based on the lighting control property of the lighting control element. The lighting control element may be a user interface element.
US09491819B2

In one aspect, a switching power converter is described that includes a transformer, a switch, and a controller that generates a control signal to turn on and turn off the switch. For each alternating current (AC) half-cycle of an input voltage, the controller determines a minimum value of a signal representing an on-time of the power converter, compares the determined minimum value with a threshold value that is used to determine whether the switching power converter operates in a constant on-time mode or in a constant power mode, and adjusts the threshold value based on a result of the comparison. The controller further generates the control signal to operate the switching power converter in a constant power mode during a first time period of the AC half-cycle, the first time period representing a duration where the threshold value is larger than an instantaneous value of the first signal.
US09491818B2

Disclosed is an LED driver adapted to an electronic transformer, where the LED driver can ensure that the electronic transformer meets minimum load current requirements, and operates during an entire AC period by clamping the minimum inductor current. By controlling the LED load current through a current stabilization control circuit, the LED load can operate with relatively high control accuracy and fast response speed. In addition, the LED driver can match various electronic transformers based on traditional circuit structures, and the LED load can operate without flicking.
US09491812B2

Broad light emission is provided and additionally heat conductivity is increased to improve reliability. A light emitting device comprises a light emitting element, a pair of conductor members, a transparent board and a transparent member. The conductor members are spaced away from each other at an interval in a side-surface direction of the light emitting element and are electrically connected to the light emitting element. The transparent board supports the light emitting element and the pair of conductive members. The transparent member is located on the transparent board and seals the light emitting element and the pair of conductor members. The pair of conductor members are provided with a pair of metal plates that are secured thereon. The pair of metal plates project from the transparent member in directions different from each other.
US09491805B2

The present invention is a heater including: a resistor including a heat-generating portion; a lead joined to an end portion of the resistor; and an insulating base covering the resistor and the lead. The heater includes a connection portion in which the resistor and the lead overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the lead, and a boundary between the resistor and the lead has a curved shape when the connection portion is seen in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction.
US09491800B2

A base station apparatus includes an area setting module that sets a part of an area of resources used for communication with a radio communication terminal devices as a search area, a plurality of selecting modules that each select a resource included in the search area and belonging to a group allocated to the scheduler of each of the selecting modules out of groups divided based on logical positions of resources, and an L1 function module that transmits a signal including control information by using the resource selected. The radio communication terminal device includes an acquiring module that receives the signal and searches the search area in the received signal to acquire control information addressed to the radio communication terminal device, and a communication module that communicates with the radio base station based on the control information acquired.
US09491794B2

The present invention discloses a method for quickly establishing a trunking service. The method includes: receiving, by a base station device, indication information that a user equipment has entered a trunking service mode, where the indication information is sent by an evolved packet core network device; responding to the indication information, and creating a radio resource control connection with the user equipment; responding to the indication information, and generating radio resource connection configuration information including a discontinuous reception cycle; sending the radio resource connection configuration information to the user equipment, so that the user equipment configures the discontinuous reception cycle as a discontinuous reception cycle of the user equipment itself; and when the user equipment is in the trunking service mode, retaining the radio resource control connection with the user equipment according to the radio resource connection configuration information.
US09491793B2

Methods and apparatus for addressing wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) behavior in response to configuration, configuration parameters and access issues related to the activation/deactivation process when the WTRU may be configured with multiple serving cells or carrier aggregation.
US09491792B2

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, apparatus, and system for measurement for D2D communication, used to reduce blindness of measurement in a mechanism of D2D communication between terminals. The method in an embodiment of the present invention includes: sending directly or forwarding, by an access point to a wireless network management entity, a consulting message for D2D communication between terminals; requesting the wireless network management entity to calculate a performance evaluation parameter for D2D communication between the terminals, so as to evaluate feasibility of measurement for D2D communication between the terminals; determining, according to a received performance evaluation parameter for D2D communication between the terminals, to perform the measurement for D2D communication between the terminals, and performing measurement configuration for the terminals; and determining, according to a result of the measurement for D2D communication between the terminals, to perform D2D communication between the terminals.
US09491788B1

A bicycle wireless system is basically provided with a first bicycle component, a second bicycle component and a terminal device. The first bicycle component includes a first wireless communication unit. The second bicycle component includes a second wireless communication unit. The terminal device includes an identification acquiring section and a pairing section. The identification acquiring section is configured to acquire identification information from one of the first and second bicycle components. The pairing section is configured to pair the first and second bicycle components for wireless communications.
US09491766B2

A method, apparatus, and computer program for supporting simultaneous multi-use of resources of a backhaul link between a relay base station and another base station of a cellular radio network. The relay base station is configured to forward transmission resources of the backhaul link to at least one communication device located in a cell of the relay base station. The communication device(s) is/are then configured to utilize the resources of the backhaul link for device-to-device connections.
US09491752B2

Techniques are described for wireless communication. One method includes monitoring, by a first base station of a first operator, for uplink configuration information and downlink configuration information associated with a second base station of at least one second operator; identifying a transmission timing of one or more uplink transmissions to the second base station of the at least one second operator based at least in part on the uplink configuration information; and prohibiting access to an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band by the first base station of the first operator during the identified transmission timing of the one or more uplink transmissions. Transmissions of the second base station of the at least one second operator in the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band may be asynchronous to transmissions of the first base station of the first operator in the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band.
US09491750B2

The present invention relates to a wireless communication system, and more specifically, disclosed are a method and an apparatus for transmitting or receiving a downlink signal by considering an antenna port relationship. A method for user equipment receiving a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) signal in the wireless communication system, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises the steps of: determining from the downlink subframe a resource element (RE) on which the PDSCH is mapped; and receiving the PDSCH signal based on the RE on which the PDSCH is mapped, wherein when the DCI is comprised according to DCI format 1A and the downlink subframe is a multicast broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN) subframe, the RE on which the PDSCH is mapped can be determined depending on cell-specific reference signal (CRS) location information, which is included in a PDSCH resource element mapping and Quasi co-location indicator (PQI) parameter set that is established by an upper layer.
US09491741B2

The present invention relates to a method for transmitting and receiving an uplink signal for low-cost machine-type communication (MTC) used in a wireless communication system, and the apparatuses for supporting same. The base station of the present invention sets a maximum number of RBs capable of being allocated to the MTC device to be smaller than the total number of RBs in a system band supported by the base station. The MTC device of the present invention transmits an uplink signal through a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) on the basis of the maximum number of RBs capable of being allocated to the MTC device.
US09491740B2

The present invention categorizes a plurality of cells that are configured to a user equipment into at least one cell group, and configures an anchor cell for each of the cell groups. The anchor cell for each of the cell groups is used for transmitting a PUCCH, which carries uplink control information on a pertinent cell group, and in a random access process for acquiring a timing advance with respect to the pertinent cell group. When the uplink control information is transmitted from a PUSCH of one cell, the PUSCH carries only the uplink control information on the cell group to which the one cell belongs and does not carry information on another cell group.
US09491736B2

Provided are a base station device and a mobile station device, which can lighten a cell-search processing. The base station device includes a frame constitution unit for forming a frame, in which a pilot symbol multiplied by a base station scrambling code and a plurality of sequences contained in the corresponding sequence set is arranged in at least the head or tail, and a radio transmission unit for sending the formed frame. On the receiving side, the frame timing can be detected from the position of a pilot symbol contained in that frame. Since the base station scrambling code and the sequence set containing the sequences are made to correspond to each other, candidates can be narrowed to at most the base station scrambling codes of the number of the combinations of the sequences contained in the sequence set, by detecting the sequences multiplied by the pilot symbol.
US09491733B2

Disclosed is a method of determining, by an access point (AP), a location of a terminal by use of a wireless local area network (LAN). The method may include detecting a probe request frame transmitted by a terminal searching for a wireless LAN through active scanning, obtaining a MAC address of the terminal from a configuration value of an SA field of the probe request frame regardless of a configuration value of a BSSID field of the probe request frame, and transmitting the MAC address of the terminal and ID information of the AP to a server.
US09491732B2

The present invention relates to a paging processing method, user equipment and system. A user equipment receives a paging message sent by a mobility management network element. The user equipment sentence a message for location update according to a value of a temporary identity (TIN) used for next update. A mobility management network element receives the message for location update and acquires a bearer context of the user equipment.
US09491724B2

A data transmission system is utilized in a Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI). A master device includes a control module for generating a control signal according to a feedback signal. A packet encoding module is coupled to the control module for encoding an original packet to be a transmission packet according to the original packet and the control signal to process a transmission operation. A slave device includes a packet decoding module for decoding the transmission packet to be the original packet or a related display device signal corresponding to the original packet to a display device. A feedback module is coupled to the packet decoding module for generating the feedback signal to the control module of the master device according to a decoding condition of the control module, so as to switch a transmission mode of the transmission operation.
US09491715B2

Embodiments herein relate to a method in a radio base station (12) for handling a thermal noise power floor in a thermal noise power floor estimation process. The radio base station (12) determines a change or a rate of change of a thermal noise power floor estimate relative a previous thermal noise power floor estimate. When the change or rate of change exceeds a threshold value, the radio base station (12) performs one or more of the following: setting a limitation of the change or rate of change to be below the threshold; adjusting of a scaling power, and reducing an estimated mean power level with a quantity dependent on a reduction of the thermal noise power floor estimate.
US09491712B2

Methods, systems, and devices are described for uplink power control in a wireless communications network. Power settings for various uplink transmissions may account for, or be based on, prior uplink channel repetition levels. Uplink power settings may also be based on other factors, including a power ramp-up associated with prior uplink transmissions. Certain uplink power settings may be computed by a user equipment (UE) or they may be indicated to a UE from another system node. The described features may be implemented as coverage enhancement techniques, for example, for machine-type communication (MTC).
US09491692B2

A mobile terminal device includes a processor that connects to a base station; connects to a network through an access point; and detects transition from a non-display state to a display state; and a storage device that stores connection history information correlating area identification information identifying a communication area of the base station, and access point identification information identifying an access point through which connection to the network has been made in the communication area. The processor, when detecting the transition in a communication area of a first base station, starts searching for an access point in the communication area of the first base station after a predetermined period elapses, and determines whether an entry including first area identification information of the first base station is retrieved from the connection history information; and after the predetermined period elapses, performs control to connect to the network, based on a determination result.
US09491690B2

Systems and methods are provided for adaptive control of scanning by a communications device, such as a mobile handset, for an available communication network based on a status of the communications device, user behavior, and signal status. A new time interval used for scanning for communications networks and access points is calculated responsive to a detected change in condition.
US09491688B2

A home base station registration request message includes data identifying whether or not the home base station comprises an open access mode or a closed access mode home base station.
US09491687B2

An infrastructure and method for controlling wireless access to a telecommunications infrastructure for a device includes a first access grant time interval applicable for granting access for the device to the telecommunications infrastructure stored in a device register system. The first access grant time interval is applied when the device requests access to the telecommunications infrastructure via a first network node of the telecommunications infrastructure. However, a second access grant time interval is applied in a second network mode of the telecommunications infrastructure when the device requests access via the second network node. The second access grant time interval is applicable for granting access for the device to the telecommunications infrastructure and is different from the first access grant time interval.
US09491677B2

The invention described herein enables a form of downlink macro-diversity in packet-switched cellular networks. It allows packets to be selectively delivered from a network/internetwork to an end node, e.g., a wireless communication device or terminal, over a set of available link-layer connections to/from the end node, through one or more access nodes, e.g., base stations. Downlink macro-diversity is particularly important when the link-layer connections between the end node and the corresponding access node, e.g., the access links, are subject to independent or partially correlated time variations in signal strength and interference. In accordance with the invention, the end node dynamically selects the downlink to be used out of a set of available access links on a per packet basis subject to prevailing channel conditions, availability of air-link resources and other constraints. The invention improves the robustness and efficiency of communication, overall utilization of air-link resources, and quality of service experienced by the end node.
US09491676B2

A method performed by user equipment (UE) includes receiving a request to access a service unavailable through a first network cell associated with the UE, and receiving a message from an access device associated with the first network cell, wherein the message identifies a plurality of second network cells providing the service.
US09491675B2

A mobile unit preselects candidate femtocells for handover. The mobile unit reports candidate femtocells and associated measurement data to the network. The network analyzes the preselected candidate femtocells and provides a list of handover femtocells for the mobile unit to use. This list can be the same or different than the preselected list.
US09491658B2

Systems and methods are disclosed for determining network congestion. A wireless communications device may identify available networks and assess a congestion parameter for each wireless channel associated with those networks. Assessing congestion on a given channel may include identifying all access points operating on the channel and monitoring traffic associated with each access point. By performing this assessment for each channel, the channel exhibiting minimum congestions may then be selected.
US09491655B2

Method and apparatus for controlling crowdsourcing data are disclosed. The method may include comparing a set of access points detected in an area of a wireless environment by the mobile device to a set of known access points for the area, determining a level of crowdsourcing based at least in part on the comparison, where the level of crowdsourcing controls a quantity of crowdsourcing data to be collected, uploaded, or a combination thereof by the mobile device, and performing crowdsourcing, at least in part, in accordance with the determined level of crowdsourcing, where the determined level of crowdsourcing affects a frequency of crowdsourcing operations to be performed by the mobile device, a type of quantization to be applied to crowdsourcing data collected, or some combination thereof.
US09491648B2

An apparatus and method for transmitting channel state information in a wireless communication system are disclosed. The UE apparatus for transmitting channel state information includes a channel state measurement module for measuring a channel state based on a level of interference received from a neighbor cell, a channel state information generation module for generating channel state information for a plurality of resource regions or for periodic and aperiodic channel state information reporting modes using the measured channel state and offsets received from a serving BS, the offsets being set for the plurality of resource regions or the periodic and aperiodic channel state information reporting modes, and a transmission module for transmitting the generated channel state information to the serving BS.
US09491638B2

A system of at least one wireless access device in a local area network (LAN) having a plurality of transceivers. Each transceiver has a directional antenna positioned in a substantially circular array to communicate signals with a plurality of stations in a corresponding sector. Each sector defines a portion of a coverage area surrounding the wireless access device. The wireless access device has a network interface to a data network, and an array controller to control communication of data between the stations and the transceivers, and between the transceivers and the network interface. The array controller is configured to modify channel assignments so as to minimize channel interference dynamically.
US09491633B2

Managing spectrum use in a managed area where spectrum use is carried out by an incumbent user on an intermittent basis includes sensing spectrum use in the managed area and determining that the incumbent spectrum user is actively using spectrum in the managed area by analyzing sensor data. A spectrum use policy associated with characteristics of the determined spectrum use is made and one or more secondary spectrum users are notified that spectrum defined in the identified policy is unavailable for use by the one or more secondary users.
US09491632B2

Systems and methods for Carrier Sense Adaptive Transmission (CSAT) and related operations in unlicensed spectrum are disclosed to reduce interference between co-existing Radio Access Technologies (RATs). The parameters for a given CSAT communication scheme may be adapted dynamically based on received signals from a transceiver for a native RAT to be protected and an identification of how that RAT is utilizing a shared resource such as an unlicensed band. Other operations such as Discontinuous Reception (DRX) may be aligned with a CSAT Time Division Multiplexed (TDM) communication pattern by way of a DRX broadcast/multicast message. Different TDM communication patterns may be staggered in time across different frequencies. Channel selection for a co-existing RAT may also be configured to afford further protection to native RATs by preferring operation on secondary channels as opposed to primary channels.
US09491631B2

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus, comprising a memory configured to store at least one first parameter, at least one processing core configured to control, using a cognitive radio principle, radio transmission using a first radio access technology, wherein the at least one first parameter is used in the cognitive radio principle, wherein the at least one processing core is configured to select the at least one first parameter in dependence of at least one second parameter, wherein the at least one second parameter at least one of relates to a second radio access technology and comprises a length of a last burst or silent period of the first radio access technology.
US09491629B2

A method, in a cellular communication network comprising cells with at least one switched off cell, for providing a minimum coverage for multimedia transmission, said multimedia being parted into a number of independent autonomous multimedia partitions, comprising the steps of: —transmitting from all neighbor cells (3-8) of said switched off cell (1), multimedia partition(s) of a primary subset over a normal range, —transmitting from at least a first (3-8) and a second (3-8) neighbor cells of said switched off cell (1), multimedia partition(s) of a secondary subset over an extended range (3′-8′), the secondary subset of said first neighbor cell (3-8) being partially disjoint of the secondary subset of said second neighbor cell (3-8) when first and second cells are adjacent.
US09491623B2

Systems and methods for cloning a Wi-Fi access point. A determination is made by a network monitoring device to transition communications between a Wi-Fi device and a first access point (AP) to a second AP. The SSID and the security configuration information, and, optionally, network address translation (NAT) information of the first access point are acquired and provided to a second AP. The second AP instantiates the SSID and the security configuration information and, optionally, the NAT information. The networking monitoring device directs the first AP to cease using the SSID and the security configuration information and, optionally, the NAT information in response to receipt of confirmation that the second AP has instantiated the SSID and the security configuration information and, optionally, the NAT information of the first AP.
US09491622B2

A motion-based authentication method is operative in a mobile computing device having a display interface and that includes an accelerometer. Normally, the device software includes a locking mechanism that automatically locks the display interface after a configurable timeout. The authentication method operates to un-lock the display interface (and thus allow the user access to the device) by movement of the device in a predetermined series of physical movements and without display-based entry of a password or other access code on the display itself. In this manner, the user can un-lock the device without display-based entry of a password (on the display itself) by simply holding the device and performing the necessary movement(s) to generate the unique code.
US09491616B2

Embodiments described herein may help to protect users' privacy when storing and/or utilizing location data that is provided by the users' mobile devices. An example method may involve: (a) determining a location history associated with a first client device, wherein the location history comprises a plurality of time-stamped location reports associated with the first client device, (b) before the location history is exported: (i) identifying at least one stop in the location history, wherein the at least one stop corresponds to a plurality of location reports that indicate a substantial lack of movement by the first client device, and (ii) scrubbing the location history in order to obscure at least one location report that corresponds to the at least one stop, and (c) exporting the scrubbed location history to long-term data storage.
US09491611B2

The embodiments of the present document provide a method and apparatus for receiving system information. The method includes: a UE receiving system information and/or system information updating indication of a serving cell and/or a neighboring cell according to system configuration, including: receiving the system information and/or the system information updating indication of the serving cell and/or the neighboring cell from other locations except a fixed location configured by the system. By using the method and the apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present document, the user terminal can receive the system information from other locations except the fixed location configured by the system, thereby solving the problem in the related art that the user terminal cannot obtain the system information due to interference in the system information at the fixed location.
US09491607B2

An electronic device performs a scan of each wireless channel in a sequence of wireless channels to detect advertising frames transmitted from other electronic devices. When performing the scan, the electronic device waits for a next transmit time. After the next transmit time, the electronic device configures the electronic device to monitor a next wireless channel from the sequence of wireless channels. The electronic device then monitors the next wireless channel for the advertising frames for a scanning time interval, wherein a duration of the scanning time interval is set in accordance with one or more transmit times used for transmitting advertising frames on the wireless channels in the sequence of wireless channels. When wireless channels from the sequence of wireless channels remain to be scanned, the electronic device returns to wait for a next transmit time.
US09491603B2

In one embodiment, a method includes recording a first location of a mobile device; determining, by one or more processors of a geographic-positioning component of the mobile device, on a periodic basis, a current location of the mobile device; determining, by the processors of the geographic-positioning component, whether the current location is outside a geographic region defined at least in part by the first location; and if the current location is outside the geographic region, then transmitting, by the processors of the geographic-positioning component, a message to one or more other processors of the mobile device, the message causing one or more of the other processors to transition from a sleep state to an active state.
US09491601B2

Systems and methods may provide for identifying one or more phrases in a conversation between a first user and a second user. In addition, a first visual profile may be generated based on the one or more phrases and a real-time recommendation may be generated based on the first visual profile. In one example, generating the first visual profile includes using the one or more phrases to obtain one or more images and incorporating the one or more images into the first visual profile.
US09491600B2

Systems and methods for terminating telephony communications to a mobile telephony device that is roaming outside of its native service area make use of a forwarding termination service. The forwarding termination service causes the native mobile telephony service provider that provides service to the mobile telephony device to forward incoming telephony communications directed the native telephone number of the mobile telephony device to a forwarding access number. The forwarding termination service receives telephony communications directed to the forwarding access number, and then terminates the telephony communication to the mobile telephony device via any one of multiple different methods. The mobile telephony service provider can be instructed to implement and cancel call forwarding instructions by dialing a special character string on the mobile telephony device.
US09491594B2

The present document provides a method for managing a terminal group, including: a home subscriber information unit sending group information of a terminal group to a machine type communication interworking function (MTC IWF), and the MTC IWF storing the group information; after receiving request message of the terminal group sent by a server, the MTC IWF executing a terminal group process relevant to the request according to the group information. The present document further provides a system for managing a terminal group. The present document can realize managing a terminal group through an MTC IWF.
US09491584B1

A series of RF beacons deployed about a localized area associated with a hospitality venue creating an infrastructure for use with mapping, navigation, marketing of merchants, and local based services (LBS) in the vicinity thereof. An application would utilize the RF beacons to determine a user's location respective to a local area and inform the user of their location on an associated map. The application can employ the RF beacons for navigation through the local area. The application can utilize a beacon identifier that would be embedded within the beacon signal. The beacon identifier can be utilized to determine a user's location, provide navigation, obtain marketing information for merchants associated with the specific beacon, etc. Receipt of the beacon signal could initiate a feature on the receiving device to activate a process for obtaining information associated with the area located proximate the respective beacon.
US09491580B1

Computer-based systems and methods for verifying user location utilize at least one processor and memory configured with program instructions to store a plurality of user profiles associated with a plurality of users, each user profile including contact information for a mobile device, and to determine an applicable tracking policy for each of the plurality of users based upon at least one set of tracking rules, the applicable tracking policy including a reporting schedule. Receipt of location reports for the plurality of users from the plurality of mobile devices are monitored, and a status is periodically determined for each of the plurality of users based on the reporting frequency and timing of the receipt of location reports relative to the reporting schedule. Location can thereby be verified without the need to actively track user location.
US09491577B1

Systems and methods for creating a database of geofences and registering geofences, with each geofence in the database being associated with an IP address, preferably an IPV6 address. Each geofence is defined using at least one geographic designator, preferably real property boundaries. Entitlements can be associated with geofences relating to permissive and prohibitive activities within the geofences.
US09491576B2

A method includes determining a physical location and start time of a meeting stored in a calendar entry of a mobile device, determining a current location of the mobile device, determining a time to reach the physical location of the meeting from the current location, identifying connection information suitable to electronically connect to the meeting, and if the time to reach the physical location of the meeting exceeds a time remaining to the start time of the meeting, initiating a connection to the meeting.
US09491575B2

A method includes establishing, at a positioning beacon, a wireless backhaul connection to a communication network; receiving, at the positioning beacon, scheduling information for a positioning reference signal (PRS) from the communication network over the wireless backhaul; and transmitting, from the positioning beacon, the PRS according to the scheduling information.
US09491565B2

Systems, devices and techniques for machine to machine (M2M) communications include optimizing performance of an M2M network based on knowledge about a fixed, or non-mobile, operation of an M2M service. In various embodiments, paging operation, direct channel assignment operation and timer based registration are optimized. The fixed operation may be communicated by a user device receiving the service to a network server providing the service.
US09491560B2

A headphone system includes a headphone, a sensor, and a processor. The headphone may provide sound from virtual speakers to a listener via a plurality of sound paths that are filtered with a plurality of filters. The sensor may sense an angular velocity of a movement of the listener. The processor may receive the angular velocity and may calculate delays in the plurality of sound paths and filter coefficients for the plurality of filters based on the angular velocity, and insert the calculated delays in the plurality of sound paths and adjust the plurality of filters with the calculated filter coefficients.
US09491548B2

A parametric system for generating audible sound, comprising a transducer array configured to emit modulated ultrasonic waves in a converging wave pattern toward a focal volume, where the modulated ultrasonic waves are configured to demodulate to generate audible sound waves in the focal volume, and where the generated audible sound waves emanate from the focal volume with a diverging wave pattern.
US09491545B2

In one embodiment, a process for suppressing reverberation begins with a device of a user obtaining a reverberant speech signal from a voice of the user. The device determines a first estimated reverberation component of the reverberant speech signal. The device generates a first de-reverberated output signal with a first reverberation suppression based on the reverberant speech signal and the first estimated reverberation component. Then, the device generates a second improved reverberation component using the first de-reverberated output signal. The device generates a second de-reverberated output signal with a second reverberation suppression based on the reverberant speech signal and the second improved reverberation component.
US09491544B2

Frequency domain signal extraction methods and apparatuses include receiving a reference signal, which contains mostly undesired audio and is substantially void of desired audio. The reference signal is decomposed into at least two reference frequency components. Filtering the at least two reference frequency components with at least two adaptive filters to form at least two filtered reference frequency components. The filtered reference frequency components are recombined in an IFFT component, to produce a filtered reference signal. A delayed signal is input to an adder. The delayed signal contains desired audio and undesired audio. The filtered reference signal is subtracted from the delayed signal to form an output signal containing desired audio. The output signal is decomposed into at least two frequency components. The filtering is adapted with the at least two frequency components. The filtering is inhibited intermittently with the at least two adaptive filters to prevent cancellation of the desired audio. In some implementations, frequency sub-bands are employed. In some implementations, an acoustic element with a Cardioid beam pattern is used to acquire the reference signal.
US09491539B2

A Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) assembly includes a substrate, lid, MEMS device, and at least one wall. The substrate has electrical connection pads and the electrical connection pads are coupled to electrical conductors extending through the substrate. The MEMS device is attached to the lid. The at least one wall is coupled to the lid and the substrate and is formed separately from the lid and has an electrical conduit disposed therein. The electrical conduit is electrically coupled to the electrical conductors on the substrate. The electrical conduit and electrical conductors form an electrical path between the MEMS device and the electrical connection pads.
US09491534B2

The present invention relates to a monaural wireless headset (20) that may e.g. be connected to a mobile phone by means of a Bluetooth connection.The present invention provides a monaural wireless headset (20) comprising a housing (21) with a main body (22) and a microphone boom (23), a microphone (27), a wireless transceiver (28), a speaker driver (39) and a rechargeable battery (29). The monaural wireless headset (20) is adapted to be arranged at an ear (1) of a user in a wearing position wherein at least a portion of the main body (22) resides on the inwards side of the crest (7) of the ear's antitragus (6) and wherein the microphone boom (23) at least partly extends outside the ear's pinna (1) towards the user's mouth. The microphone (27) is arranged in the microphone boom (23) and is adapted to receive a voice signal from the user and provide a microphone signal to the wireless transceiver (28) in dependence on the voice signal. The wireless transceiver (28) is adapted to transmit a wireless output signal in dependence on the microphone signal. Furthermore, the wireless transceiver (28) is adapted to receive a wireless input signal and provide an audio output signal to the speaker driver (39) in dependence on the wireless input signal. The speaker driver (39) is arranged and adapted to transmit a sound signal into the ear (1) in dependence on the audio output signal, and the rechargeable battery (29) is adapted to provide electric power to the wireless transceiver (28) and the speaker driver (39).The monaural wireless headset (20) is characterized in that the speaker driver (39) and the rechargeable battery (29) are arranged in the main body (22) in such a way that the speaker driver (39) and at least a portion of the rechargeable battery (29) reside on the inwards side of the crest (7) of the antitragus (6) when the monaural wireless headset (20) is in the wearing position.This may provide a monaural wireless headset (20) that allows a comfortable wearing and a secure holding of the headset (20) when in use.
US09491529B2

A built-in audio apparatus includes a speaker unit, a mode setting unit configured to selectively set the speaker unit to one of a first position and a second position, and a controller configured to control the speaker unit depending on the setting of one of the first position and the second position. The mode setting unit is configured to be disposed in a surface of a structure, and includes an opening for emitting sound outputted from the speaker unit.
US09491526B1

According to at least one aspect, a network system includes a wavelength selective switch (WSS) mesh network, multiple dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) multiplexers/de-multiplexers, and a controller. The WSS mesh network includes a plurality of WSS components. Each WSS component includes a common port and multiple switching ports. The plurality of WSS components are coupled to each other through corresponding switching ports. Each DWDM multiplexer/de-multiplexer is coupled to one of multiple sets of servers via a respective top tier switch and respective aggregation nodes and coupled to a common port of a WSS component of the WSS mesh network. The controller is configured to obtain indications of communication bandwidth demand for communications between the multiple sets of servers, determine a configuration for the WSS mesh network based on the obtained indications of communication bandwidth demand, and cause the WSS components and the top tier switches to be configured according to the determined configuration.
US09491524B2

In embodiments, apparatuses, methods and storage media are described that are associated with support for leap seconds for provision of media content. In embodiments, a leap second is identified for a time during which media content may be timestamped. In embodiments, timestamps may be generated so that no segment of the media content contains a repeated timestamps and the media content is provisioned. In embodiments, content may be provisioned using a non-repeating time standard, such as TAI, and segments of media content maybe defined to have different lengths. In other embodiments, different time standards may be used, but seconds may be repeated across segment boundaries. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
US09491523B2

A method for effectively implementing a multi-room television system includes a digital base station that processes and combines various program sources to produce a processed stream. A communications processor then responsively transmits the processed stream as a local composite output stream to various wired and wireless display devices for flexible viewing at variable remote locations. The transmission path performance is used to determine the video encoding process, and special attention is taken to assure that all users have low-latency interactive capabilities.
US09491519B2

Methods and devices for presenting an interactive media guidance application are provided. In some embodiments, methods for presenting an interactive media guidance application in a user equipment device are provided, the methods comprising: determining a location of the user equipment device; determining a destination of the user equipment device; determining an arrival time for the user equipment device to be located at the destination; selecting, as guide listings, listings corresponding to media available at the destination at/after the arrival time; and presenting the guide listings on the user equipment device.
US09491516B2

A method of verifying a blackout event includes storing blackout event data at an event log database of a media distribution platform. The method includes receiving a request for the blackout event data from a subscriber event transmission interface system communicating with the media distribution platform. The method also includes sending the blackout event data to the subscriber event transmission interface system. A load-ready file including at least a portion of the blackout event data is accessible to an electronic data warehouse communicating with the subscriber event transmission interface system.
US09491515B2

A destination setting unit (901) receives setting of a destination by the user when a route from a present position to the destination is guided. A user specifying unit (902) judges whether the user who sets the destination is the user who performs program recording reservation. When the user is judged to be the user who performs program recording reservation, a keyword extracting unit (903) extracts a keyword for use in performing program recording reservation based on the destination. A keyword display unit (904) presents the user with the extracted keyword. A keyword selecting unit (905) receives selection, by the user, of the presented keyword. A program selecting unit (906) selects a program associated with the keyword. A program reservation unit (907) reserves recording of the selected program.
US09491511B2

A video-on-demand (VOD) content delivery system has a VOD Application Server which manages a database of templates ordered in a hierarchy for presentation of video content elements of different selected types categorized in hierarchical order. The templates include those for higher-order displays which have one or more links to lower-order displays of specific content. The VOD Application Server, in response to viewer request, displays a high-order templatized display, and in response to viewer selection of a link, displays the lower-order display of specific content. A web-based Content Management System receives content uploaded online in file formats with metadata for title and topical area, and automatically converts it into video data format compatible with the VOD content delivery system indexed by title and topical area. A User Interface for the system delivers listings data to the viewer's TV indexed by title and topical area specified by the uploaded metadata.
US09491497B2

Video content is uploaded via the Internet to a video-on-demand (VOD) server identified by a title and a hierarchical address of categories and subcategories for categorizing the title. The VOD server converts and stores the video content at a storage address in a video content database linked to the title. The title is listed in a location of an electronic program guide (EPG) using the same categories and subcategories as in its hierarchical address. Any TV subscriber can access the EPG and navigate through its categories and subcategories to find a title for viewing on the TV. This can enable many, new blogging or podcasting-like programs by popular “Hosts” to be self-published on the Internet and readily navigated for display on TV. The EPG can also store TV program addresses as bookmarks and allow them to be shared with other subscribers or with friends and contacts online by sending to their email addresses.
US09491480B2

The present disclosure provides a motion vector encoding/decoding method and apparatus using a motion vector resolution combination, and an image encoding/decoding method and apparatus using the same. A motion vector encoding apparatus include: an encoding cost calculator for calculating an encoding cost according to a motion vector resolution for each motion vector resolution combination including one or more motion vector resolutions; a resolution combination determiner for selecting a motion vector resolution combination by using the encoding cost calculated for each motion vector resolution combination; and a motion information encoder for outputting encoded motion vector data generated by encoding a motion vector determined according to the motion vector resolution combination selected, as a bitstream. Accordingly, an efficient motion vector resolution combination is selected adaptively and a motion vector is determined and decoded based on the motion vector resolution combination, thus making it possible to improve compression efficiency.
US09491478B2

Provided is a method that de-multiplexes a bit stream to extract intra prediction mode information and residual signals, restores an intra prediction mode of a current prediction unit using the intra prediction information and intra prediction modes of prediction units adjacent to the current prediction unit, generates reference pixels using one or more available reference pixel if there exist unavailable reference pixels of the prediction unit, adaptively filters the reference pixels based on the restored intra prediction mode, generates a prediction block using the restored intra prediction mode and the reference pixels, decodes the residual signal to generating a residual block, and generates a reconstructed block using the prediction block and the residual block. Accordingly, additional bits resulted from increase of a number of intra prediction mode are effectively reduced. Also, an image compression ratio can be improved by generating a prediction block similar to an original block.
US09491477B2

To provide a video coding technique to reduce the amount of code, a coding apparatus configured to code layers at a plurality of resolutions as a stream determines the coding unit, prediction unit, and frequency transform unit for each layer in compliance with given rules with reference to the coding unit, prediction unit, and frequency transform unit of the lower layer, respectively, and switches the given rules with a flag. This adaptively and efficiently compresses a video.
US09491467B2

A video decoding apparatus using an intra prediction, includes: a decoder to obtain mode information of a current block and residual sub-blocks corresponding to a plurality of sub-blocks included in the current block, from a bitstream; an intra predictor to select an intra prediction mode of the current block from among a plurality of intra prediction modes, based on the obtained mode information, identify the plurality of sub-blocks of the current block, and sequentially predict the plurality of sub-blocks by using neighboring pixels adjacent to each of the plurality of sub-blocks; an inverse quantization and transform unit configured to inversely quantize and then inversely transform each of the residual subblocks; and an adder configured to sequentially reconstruct the plurality of sub-blocks by adding each of the predicted sub-blocks to an inversely quantized and inversely transformed residual sub-block corresponding thereto.
US09491449B2

A stereoscopic image display device includes an image compensator, a signal controller, a data driver, and a display panel. The image compensator is configured to convert input image data to revised image data. The revised image data is obtained by compensating for temperature variations of the display panel. The signal controller is configured to output the revised image data. The data driver is configured to receive the revised image data. The display panel includes a plurality of pixels configured to display a left eye image and a right eye image in response to receiving a data voltage from the data driver. The image compensator includes a temperature compensation lookup table selector having a temperature compensation lookup table, and a standard lookup table selector having a standard lookup table and configured to select the revised image data according to correction values selected from the temperature compensation lookup table.
US09491448B2

Systems and methods for measuring a surface of an object. The system, in one embodiment, includes a laser projector device mounted at a fixed location relative to an object being formed by a fabrication process, and a videogrammetry device mounted at another fixed location relative to the object. The laser projector device includes a laser element mounted on a two-axis gimbal assembly, and the gimbal assembly directs laser beams from the laser element onto target points on a surface of the object. The laser projector device measures angles of the laser beams to the target points, while the videogrammetry device simultaneously performs measurements of the target points by capturing video images of the laser beams reflecting off of the target points. A controller processes the measurements from the laser projector device and the videogrammetry device to calculate x, y, z coordinates of the target points in a 3D coordinate system.
US09491435B2

An image synchronization method for a three-dimensional (3D) display apparatus is provided. The method includes steps of: receiving a plurality of first-eye image frames and a plurality of second-eye image frames; selecting a first image frame from the first-eye image frames according to a system time; selecting a second image frame from the second-eye image frames according to a timestamp of the first image frame; and outputting the first image frame and the second image frame.
US09491432B2

A video processing apparatus includes a video decoder, a storage device, and a video output device. The video decoder decodes an encoded video input to generate a video input with a source video format. The storage device buffers the video input generated from the video decoder. The video output device outputs a video output to a display device according to the video input buffered in the storage device. The video output has a display video format satisfying a display capability of the display device, and the source video format and the display video format are three-dimensional (3D) video formats different from each other.
US09491429B2

In an information processor having a function to check out a content to a portable device such as a portable disc player, a content is recorded to a content data base under the control of a content management program, and it is set under the control of a display/operation instruction program whether the recorded content has to be checked out to the portable device. If a content is recorded in case it has been set that the content has to be checked out, the content having been recorded in the content data base is checked out to the portable device.
US09491423B2

A projection device including a housing, an optical engine, and a power connector is provided. The housing has a front end portion, a rear end portion opposite to the front end portion, and a projection opening. The optical engine is disposed within the housing and includes a projection lens, a first light-emitting element, and a second light-emitting element. The projection lens is adapted to output an image beam through the projection opening. The first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are respectively thermally coupled to a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion of the housing. The housing has a heat separation for separating the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion. The power connector is connected to the rear end portion.
US09491413B2

Disclosed herein is an imaging apparatus including: an imaging portion capturing an image of a subject, thereby acquiring a video signal; a first coding portion compression-coding the video signal through intra-frame compression and inter-frame compression, thereby generating a first coded signal; a second coding portion compression-coding the video signal through the intra-frame compression, thereby generating a second coded signal an amount of information on which is less than that of the first coded signal; and a signal sending portion sending the first coded signal and the second coded signal to a coaxial cable.
US09491410B2

An information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire restriction information about imaging functions from an imaging device connected to a network, a setting control unit configured to display a setting window in which after a parameter for one imaging function is selected, selectable parameters for other imaging functions are restricted in accordance with the selected parameter on the basis of the restriction information so that the imaging functions to be used are selected, and an information processing unit configured to acquire image information about an image captured using the selected imaging functions via the network.
US09491396B2

In response to receiving a sound signal representing sounds originated from a viewer for each one of a plurality of projectors, which are collected at each one of a plurality of microphones that are associated with the plurality of projectors, a projector control apparatus generates, for each one of the plurality of projectors, distance information indicating a distance of the viewer relative to the projector using the sound signal, and determines a layout of a projection image to be displayed by at least one of the plurality of projectors, based on the distance information of each one of the plurality of projectors.
US09491389B2

A digital focal plane array includes an all-digital readout integrated circuit in combination with a detector array. The readout circuit includes unit cell electronics, orthogonal transfer structures, and data handling structures. The unit cell electronics include an analog to digital converter. Orthogonal transfer structures enable the orthogonal transfer of data among the unit cells. Data handling structures may be configured to operate the digital focal plane array as a data encryptor/decipherer. Data encrypted and deciphered by the digital focal plane array need not be image data.
US09491387B2

An image-capturing device includes a solid-state image-capturing device in which a first substrate and a second substrate are electrically connected through connection units. The image-capturing device includes: a pixel unit in which a plurality of pixels, each of which has a photoelectric conversion element for generating a photoelectric conversion signal according to an intensity of incident light disposed on the first substrate, are disposed in a two-dimensional matrix and configured to output a photoelectric conversion signal generated by each of the pixels as a pixel signal for every row; a plurality of signal processing units, each of which is disposed for every one or more columns of the plurality of pixels provided in the pixel unit, performs predetermined signal processing on the pixel signal output from the pixel of a corresponding column, and outputs a processed signal including a plurality of signals after the signal processing is performed.
US09491386B2

A reset level in a pixel cell is boosted by switching ON a reset transistor of the pixel cell to charge the floating diffusion to a first reset level during a reset operation. A select transistor is switched from OFF to ON during the floating diffusion reset operation to discharge an output terminal of an amplifier transistor. The reset transistor is switched OFF after the output terminal of the amplifier transistor has been discharged in response to the switching ON of the select transistor. The output terminal of the amplifier transistor charges to a static level after being discharged. The floating diffusion coupled to the input terminal of the amplifier transistor follows the output terminal of the amplifier transistor across an amplifier capacitance coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal of the amplifier transistor to boost the reset level of the floating diffusion.
US09491383B2

Systems and methods are disclosed for reducing reset noise in an image sensor. Voltage on the column read out is sensed during reset. When the voltage reaches a desired threshold level, a voltage is asserted on the column read out line that turns off the reset transistor. Using column circuitry to turn off the reset transistor may be used to reduce noise associated with the reset switch. In example embodiments, a comparator may be included on each column line to determine when the threshold voltage has been reached and to trigger the assertion of the turn off voltage on the column line.
US09491372B2

An apparatus and method wherein the apparatus includes a beam splitter configured to split a beam of light into at least two split beams, such that the at least two split beams are incident on different imaging sensors, wherein the beam splitter includes at least one diffraction grating; and at least two imaging sensors configured to detect the at least two split beams.
US09491367B2

An electronic device processes image data using a plurality of image sensors and a control unit. The control unit, in response to receiving image data from one image sensor of the plurality of image sensors, establishes a single mode processing path for processing the received image data using a first processor corresponding to system processing unit via the single mode processing path. The control unit, in response to receiving the image data from two or more sensors of the plurality of image sensors, establishes a dual mode processing path for processing the image data using a second processor corresponding to a graphic processing unit, and processing the image data via the dual mode processing path.
US09491366B2

An electronic device and an image composition method thereof are provided. The electronic device selects a plurality of key images from a plurality of images corresponding to a scene according to a first image characteristic, and selects at least two portions from the plurality of key images according to a second image characteristic. Each of the at least two portions corresponds to different regions of the scene. Then, the electronic device generates a composite image corresponding to the scene by combining the at least two portions and provide the composite image and at least two of the key images from which the at least two portions are selected to a user.
US09491365B2

A system embodiment may include at least one camera wearable, at least in part, by a human operator. The at least one camera may have, when enabled, at least one active field of view that may be captured by the at least one camera in response, at least in part, to image capture actuation by the human operator. This embodiment also may include a viewfinder wearable, at least in part, on a head of the human operator. The viewfinder may provide to the human operator, prior to the image capture actuation, at least one visual indication of the at least one active field of view of the at least one camera. The at least one visual indication may be displayed in at least one central field of vision of the human operator. Of course, many alternatives, modifications, and variations are possible without departing from this embodiment.
US09491360B2

Systems, methods, and computer readable media to improve image stabilization operations are described. A novel combination of image quality and commonality metrics are used to identify a reference frame from a set of commonly captured images which, when the set's other images are combined with it, results in a quality stabilized image. The disclosed image quality and commonality metrics may also be used to optimize the use of a limited amount of image buffer memory during image capture sequences that return more images that the memory may accommodate at one time. Image quality and commonality metrics may also be used to effect the combination of multiple relatively long-exposure images which, when combined with a one or more final (relatively) short-exposure images, yields images exhibiting motion-induced blurring in interesting and visually pleasing ways.
US09491359B2

An automatic-tracking camera apparatus which is capable of realizing continuous and smooth driving and obtaining an image with little position variation of a tracking target from a target position within the image and with little blur. The position of a camera body is changed by a gimbal device. The speed of a tracking target object at the next-after-next start timing of image acquisition by the camera body is predicted. The gimbal device is controlled so that the camera body reaches the position indicated by a position instruction value generated for the next-after-next start timing of image acquisition by the camera body, at the next-after-next start timing, and the speed of the camera body at the next-after-next start timing of image acquisition by the camera body corresponds to the speed predicted for the next-after-next timing of image acquisition.
US09491355B2

A device and method that assists a user in photographing a vehicle for documenting a condition of the vehicle for a vehicle insurance estimate. The device is a camera that captures images of the vehicle. The camera includes a screen that displays an image of the vehicle and a graphical arrow that indicates a direction in which a plurality of vehicle images are to be captured. The camera also includes a memory that stores a plurality of captured vehicle images of the vehicle each captured from a different vantage point. The camera transmits the plurality of captured vehicle images that are reviewed at an insurance estimate computer.
US09491354B2

The present disclosure relates to a mobile terminal capable of displaying an image and a control method thereof. A mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an image generation unit configured to capture an image; a display unit configured to display the captured image; and a controller configured to capture a first image at a first point in time at which an image generation control command is received and capture a second image at a second point in time which is a point in time subsequent to the first point in time at which the image generation control command is received, and automatically capture and store at least one image between the first and the second points in time in a preset specific condition.
US09491348B2

An imaging lens includes a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, and a third lens group having positive refractive power. The first to third lens groups are arranged in order from an object side toward an image side. A focusing operation is performed through allowing the second lens group to travel along an optical axis. The following conditional expressions are satisfied, 0.40
US09491345B2

A method may be provided that includes sensing a temperature, determining a current of a flash device based on the sensed temperature, and operating the flash device based on the determined current to provide light.
US09491326B2

An electronic device includes a setting unit configured to set setting information of an operation of the electronic device according to common setting information; a designation information acquisition unit configured to acquire designation information, which designates an acquisition origin of the common setting information, via a network; and a setting information acquisition unit configured to acquire the common setting information from the acquisition origin of the common setting information designated by the designation information acquired by the designation information acquisition unit.
US09491322B2

In an image forming apparatus, when an instruction to supply power in a power-off state of the image forming apparatus is detected, control is performed such that the image forming apparatus is started by shifting from the power-off state to a standby state or is started by shifting from the power-off state to a sleep state based on transition setting information of a power supply state.
US09491317B2

A printer that performs: supplying first capability information which includes information indicating that the printer has a specific processing capability to a first external apparatus, acquiring first print data from the first external apparatus in response to the supplying of the first capability information, executing first printing processing including specific processing corresponding to the specific processing capability in response to the acquiring of the first print data, supplying, in a case where the first print data satisfies a first predetermined condition, second capability information, which does not include the information indicating that the printer has the specific processing capability, to a second external apparatus, acquiring second print data from the second external apparatus in response to the supplying of the second capability information, and executing second printing processing not including the specific processing in response to the acquiring of the second print data.
US09491315B2

The present invention provides systems and methods for the virtualization, aggregation, and distributed processing of facsimile communications. The Remote FAX Interconnect known as etherFAX® is a system and method that allows for the reception and delivery of information based on cloud computing infrastructure to or from one or more facsimile systems using Internet/web based communication protocols such as HTTP(S) as the transport between a facsimile capable application or hardware and the remotely accessible etherFAX® services.
US09491311B1

Systems and methods for offline charging. An Offline Charging System (OFCS) includes a data storage system partitioned into a plurality of data segments, a plurality of Input/Output (I/O) devices configured to communicate with the data storage system, and a plurality of charging function devices configured to communicate with the data storage system. An I/O device receives an accounting record for an accounting session, selects a data segment of the data storage system for the accounting session, and stores the accounting record for the accounting session in the data segment. A charging function device retrieves a copy of the accounting record for the accounting session from the data segment, and processes the copy of the accounting record to generate a CDR for the accounting session.
US09491307B2

A system and method for assisting with calls to public safety answering points may include receiving emergency message data from a user, and, in response to receiving an emergency call request from the user at a telecommunications device, communicating the emergency message data in an audio format to a PSAP.
US09491306B2

Methods, systems, and apparatus for controlling audio signal processing are described herein. In accordance with certain embodiments, a measure of coupling between at least one microphone and one speaker associated with an audio device is obtained. The measure of coupling may be used to control audio signal processing, such as sidetone generation and application of multi-channel decorrelation to the audio signal.
US09491296B2

A method includes receiving a call signal associated with an incoming communication at a first device. The method includes sending a request to a second device to store a voice message at a network storage device. The second device is configured to store the voice message associated with the incoming communication based on the incoming communication being unanswered by the first device.
US09491294B2

A system and method include a customer engagement platform of an enterprise. The customer engagement platform is configured to connect with an audience computer and provide to the audience computer contact information associated with a marketing attribution. The marketing attribution accompanies an impression served to the audience computer. The impression and marketing attribution associated with the contact information are sent to the customer engagement platform during an interaction with the enterprise.
US09491281B2

An apparatus and a method for displaying unchecked messages in a terminal, which can clearly and concisely display the unchecked messages. The apparatus includes: a display unit including a 1st region displaying unchecked messages and a 2nd region displaying checked messages in an unchecked message arrangement mode; and a controller that controls the display unit to arrange and display the unchecked messages according to predetermined priorities in the 1st region in the unchecked message arrangement mode.
US09491270B1

A portable communications device having a panel movable between a first position and a second position, a receiver to receive incoming audio messages, a memory and an electronic processor. The electronic processor determines whether the panel is in a first position or a second position. The electronic processor converts an audio portion of the incoming audio message to a visual message and displays the visual message on a display of the portable communications device.
US09491269B2

A method for improving uplink transmission rate in a wireless communication device is provided. The wireless communication device can include a first logical layer and a second logical layer. The method can include the wireless communication device decoding, at the first logical layer, a first acknowledgement status of a transmitted data unit. The method can further include the wireless communication device determining, at the first logical layer, a second acknowledgement status of the data unit, which can be an acknowledgement status of the data unit at the second logical layer. The method can additionally include the wireless communication device determining, at the first logical layer, whether to retransmit the data unit based at least in part on both the first acknowledgement status of the data unit and the second acknowledgement status of the data unit.
US09491262B2

A server may receive information from one or more service providing apparatuses. Computer-readable instructions may cause the server to store device identification information, type information, and/or a transmission condition in association with service identification information. The server may receive device state information from one or more information devices when an information device determines that a transmission condition is satisfied. The server may also store the received device state information in association with device identification information identifying a specific information device, which transmitted the device state information. Further, the server may transmit, to a specific service providing apparatus, identified by specific service identification information, the device state information stored in association with the specific service identification information.
US09491258B2

Systems and methods are disclosed for distributing images corresponding to communication endpoints. A system includes one or more servers configured to determine whether image privacy settings corresponding to images of communication endpoints permit the images to be transmitted to others of the communication endpoints for display with contacts lists of the others of the communication endpoints. A method includes transmitting the data corresponding to the images to the others of the communication endpoints as permitted by the image privacy settings. A communication endpoint is configured to present a contacts list displaying the images corresponding to communication endpoints listed in the contacts list to a user, if permitted by the corresponding image privacy settings. A method of transforming a computing device into a communication endpoint includes storing computer-readable instructions directed to performing actions the communication endpoint is configured to perform, and transmitting the computer-readable instructions to the computing device.
US09491253B2

Methods, systems, and software for operating a data storage system of a content delivery node are provided herein. In one example, a method of operating a data storage system of a content delivery node is presented. The method includes receiving content data into a storage system, storing the content data in a first storage space, determining popular content data within the content data based on at least user requests for the content data, and storing the popular content data in a second storage space.
US09491252B2

The object of the invention is a system, a device, a terminal and a method for filtering electronic information to be transferred to the terminal through a telecommunication connection. The invention comprises attaching a specific filtering parameter (30-32) by the device transferring the electronic information to the electronic information for the purpose of filtering before the electronic information is transferred to the terminal through the telecommunication connection, and informing the terminal of said filtering parameter (30-32) before the electronic information is transferred to the terminal through the telecommunication connection. In the terminal, the steps comprise checking said informed filtering parameter (30-32) and allowing or preventing the receiving of the electronic information on the basis of said filtering parameter (30-32). In response to said allowing of the receiving, the electronic information is transferred to the terminal through the telecommunication connection, and in response to said preventing of the receiving, the electronic information is not transferred to the terminal through the telecommunication connection.
US09491244B2

A method is described for invoking a constituent service in a telecommunication network. The constituent service is associated to a composite service. A first group of parameters is determined which is associated with the composite service. A second group of parameters is determined which is associated with the constituent service. The first and the second group of parameters are compared. If there are matching parameters (212) in the first and the second group requirements are determined for the constituent service based on the matching parameters in the first and the second group. The constituent service (216) is invoked according to these requirements. An application server is also described.
US09491243B2

A method for a user agent to access a session policy in a network is provided. The method comprises the user agent sending a registration message to a first network node. The method further comprises the user agent receiving policy-related information from the first network node in a response to the registration message. The policy-related information is one of the session policy, a Uniform Resource Locator that points to the session policy, and a Policy-Contact header containing a policyContactURI for a policy document.
US09491242B2

A system for wirelessly programming and diagnosing a motor includes a server computer system, a portable electronic device, and a wireless communication device. The server computer system stores motor operating parameters and other motor data that can be accessed by the portable electronic device over a wireless communication network for identifying a suitable replacement motor for an unserviceable motor. The server computer system also generates motor programming instructions for programming the replacement motor to emulate the unserviceable motor. The portable electronic device wirelessly transmits the motor programming instructions to the wireless communication device for storing the motor programming instructions on a memory of a controller of the replacement motor so that the replacement motor will emulate the unserviceable motor.
US09491239B2

Methods and systems for managing data and transmission of content are disclosed. One method can comprise receiving a first request from a first computing device via a network. An index can be received from a first storage medium in response to the first request. The index can be stored in a second storage medium. The first storage medium is located in the network upstream from the second storage medium relative to the first computing device. A second request can be received from one or more of the first computing device and a second computing device via the network. The index can be retrieved from the second storage medium in response to the second request.
US09491227B2

A recipe exchange and management system is provided for a group of related restaurants. The system may be implemented as a network service that provides a series of interfaces or web pages to implement recipe creation, recipe sharing, and recipe and menu management. Users of the system may login with a username and password to access recipe data and menu data of any of two or more restaurants supported by the network service. A recipe may be created by a first user and reviewed by one or more second users of the service. A user associated with a first restaurant of the group of restaurants may access a recipe associated with a second restaurant of the group of restaurants.
US09491222B2

System and method for enabling interoperability between a Flex application included in a web page and an external application. A method includes substituting the Flex application included in the web page with a container application, the container application including an external interface; loading the Flex application into the container application; generating, by the container application, a representation for at least one object in the Flex application; and facilitating a communication between the Flex application and the external application based on the representation of the object.
US09491196B2

A wireless network includes a border router, multiple router nodes and end devices. All nodes of the wireless network use a same group key for encryption and decryption of payloads of multicast layer-2 packets. A router node of the wireless network receives a group key from its parent node, and forwards the group key to its child nodes. The router node receives a layer-2 multicast packet with a payload specifying a multicast layer-3 address. The router node decrypts the payload using the group key. If at least one child node of the router node belongs to a group corresponding to the multicast layer-3 address, the router node forwards the encrypted payload as a layer-2 multicast packet to corresponding child nodes. Use of a same group key across all nodes of the wireless network reduces storage space in a node for storing group keys, and also simplifies group key handling.
US09491192B2

A computer system that registers entities, their relationship, and information related to the relationship. The related information is maintained only by its issuer and read access may be given to related entities. One entity can share with other entities the read access to information granted to it through the relationships it establishes with other entities. When an entity shares information, it gives another entity read access to the information at its source, maintained only by its issuer, without changes. For example, an entity shares its phone number and educational background with some company. The company entity may access all information shared by the entity, and can be sure the information is reliable since it is maintained and shared by its issuer. The phone number will be informed by the phone company and educational background information by each educational institute related to the entity that shared the information.
US09491186B2

An approach for providing hierarchical pattern recognition of communication network data is described. A network security brain platform may process communication network data associated with one or more levels of communication network hierarchies. The network security brain platform may further determine a network information pattern of the communication network data based on one or more network information pattern models. The network security brain platform may also identify a network service issue based on the determined network information pattern. The network information pattern may include a network security pattern.
US09491184B2

A method and apparatus for managing tokens for Digital Rights Management (DRM) in a terminal are provided. In the method, at least one token is acquired from a Rights Issuer (RI), and the token is moved to a Secure Removable Media (SRM) through a token move request message. The token can be shared by several terminals.
US09491183B1

In a computing environment a request is received from a computing device associated with a user, requesting access to one or more computing resources. An approximate geographic location of the computing device is determined based on geographic information associated with the computing device. Access to the requested one or more computing resources is allowed based on the approximate geographic location of the computing device and geographic policy information for the user.
US09491182B2

A method and system for providing secure internet access and services are disclosed. The method includes receiving a request for services from a user terminal, the request including user terminal data; sending the user terminal data to a security server; and receiving a security level of the user terminal from the security server. The security server determines the security level of the user terminal based on historical user data related to the user terminal. The method further includes initiating a verification process based on the security level of the user terminal.
US09491178B2

A computer-implemented method includes retrieving, by one or more processing devices and from one or more data repositories, user information; generating, based on the retrieved user information, a digital personal profile that is a composite of a set of pre-defined attributes; determining an aggregate strength of values of the set of pre-defined attributes in the digital personal profile; and generating, based on the determined aggregate strength, a digital security score that measures a level of online security of accessing resources over a computer network.
US09491177B2

A user generates a message by adding a recipient in order to send the message to the recipient. The message has a link to an attached object which is automatically detected and it is determined whether the recipient has rights to the object. If not, the recipient's rights are automatically modified so that the recipient has rights to the object, and the user is notified of the modified permissions.
US09491164B1

A method is disclosed for migrating a client domain involving identifying a user account entry in a client domain's password table, where the entry includes a user identifier and a first hashed password value, where the first hashed password value is derived from hashing a user password with a client domain hash algorithm. The first hashed password value is re-hashed using a multi-tenant system hash algorithm to obtain a second hashed password value. Another user account entry is created and stored in a multi-tenant system password table along with the second hashed password value and metadata from which the client domain hash algorithm can be determined.
US09491157B1

Embodiments are directed towards managing network traffic that includes SSL secured NTLM acceleration. A Packet Traffic Management Computer (PTMC) may receive a challenge sent by a server computer before the challenge is provided to a client computer. After receiving the challenge from the server computer, the PTMC may generate a cookie that at least includes a session-ID that corresponds to the client computer. The PTMC may add the cookie to the challenge before the modified challenge is forwarded to the client computer. If response is received from the client computer and it includes the same cookie that was sent with the challenge. The session-ID may be extracted from the cookie and employed to determine which server computer should receive the message. If a server computer may be determined, the PTMC may forward the message to the determined server computer.
US09491149B2

Improvement of the security of communication is facilitated. A server receives from an on-vehicle device, encrypted data obtained by encrypting ECU information using key information (111-1#C), and identification information (112-1#C). Thereafter, the server determines from the identification information (112-1#C), whether identification information of a next key to be used after identification information (112-1) is stored. The server determines that the identification information of the next key to be used after the identification information (112-1) is not stored, and obtains key information (111-2#S) and identification information (112-2#S) to identify key information (111-2) as the next key. The server encrypts the key information (111-2#S) and the identification information (112-2#S) using key information (111-1#S), and transmits encrypted data and identification information (112-1#S) to the on-vehicle device.
US09491144B2

Methods and apparatus for supporting secure packet communications, e.g., sRTP/sRTCP, which are resistant to denial of service attacks are described. A received packet is identified to correspond to a particular stream being received, the stream having a current expected set of packet sequence numbers, e.g., a current window including a next expected packet sequence number and at least one packet sequence number in the expected packet window on each side of the expected packet sequence number. Unencrypted information from the received packet, e.g., a received packet sequence number, is used to determine at least one of: to drop the received packet, or to assign the packet to one of a plurality of policing levels. If the packet passes policing at its assigned policing level, the packet may undergo authentication and decryption to determine if it is a valid packet.
US09491142B2

In some embodiments, a malware analysis system includes receiving a potential malware sample from a firewall; analyzing the potential malware sample using a virtual machine to determine if the potential malware sample is malware; and automatically generating a signature if the potential malware sample is determined to be malware. In some embodiments, the potential malware sample does not match a preexisting signature, and the malware is a zero-day attack.
US09491129B2

Processing electronic mail can include receiving, within an electronic mail server, an electronic mail from a sender client system, sending acceptance criteria for a recipient of the electronic mail to the sender client system responsive to receiving the electronic mail, and receiving, within the electronic mail server, acceptance criteria values from the sender client system in response to the acceptance criteria for the recipient. Using a processor of the electronic mail server, a determination is made whether the acceptance criteria values comply with the acceptance criteria. Responsive to determining that the acceptance criteria values are non-compliant with the acceptance criteria, the electronic mail server rejects the electronic mail, wherein the electronic mail is not delivered to the recipient, and providing, to the sender client system, an indication of rejection of the electronic mail including a reason for non-compliance.
US09491128B1

An apparatus and method for sending video content to a mobile device is described. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprising embedding a widget in a website, the widget generating a form. The form is provided when a user visits the website so as to execute the widget. The form includes a first field to enter a recipient phone number, a send selector, and one or more non-visible fields, the non-visible fields containing a content service provider identifier, and a video URL. A data packet is generated with the widget when the user selects the send selector, the data packet including the recipient phone number, the video URL, and the content service provider identifier. An encoded version of the data packet is sent to the content service provider and a video link message is sent to the recipient phone number.
US09491125B2

In a system of interconnected enterprise apps, a business data object maintained by a server undergoes a life cycle event which triggers a message notification. All messages between client applications and the server are intercepted, and a configurable rules engine and message processing filters govern the transformation and delivery of each message according to each recipient's role, application, and login state. Messages can be enhanced by adding contextual information and details from other messages and/or information retrieved from enterprise back-end systems according to the rules. The transformation and delivery of messages occurs in real-time across multiple channels, platforms, and users.
US09491116B2

Methods, systems, and techniques for managing groups of entities, such as individuals, employees, or systems, and providing entitlement and access to computer resources based on group membership are provided. Example embodiments provide a Group Management System having a Group Management Engine “GME,” an Entitlement Engine, and a Provisioning Engine, which work together to allow simplified grouping of entities and providing entitlement and access to the entities based upon the group membership. In one embodiment, the GME leverages dynamic programming techniques to enable accurate, scalable systems that can manage near real time updates and changes to the group's status or to the entities' status. These components cooperate to enable provisioning of applications based upon current entitlement.
US09491113B2

Systems and methods for the generation and management of content requests generated by client computing devices are provided. A client computing device initiates a browse session with a content provider by establishing a remote browse session between the client computing device and a network computing provider. The network computing provider can utilize profile information corresponding to the content provider to determine a number of concurrent network connections to establish with a content provider. The network computing provider and the client computing device exchange browse session state data and client interaction data.
US09491102B1

A technique for load balancing in a multi-topology network selects a network path having a favorable bandwidth*hop count product. Accordingly, shorter paths are prioritized while longer paths are used for traffic load balancing when appropriate. For example, a telecommunications network may employ a Clos-style topology in which hosts are connected to each other through multiple hierarchical levels of forwarding devices. One or more high level switches may be removed, creating isolated blocks of forwarding devices. The blocks may be connected by the remaining original high level Clos-style topology switch(es) and a second type of network topology. In an exemplary embodiment, traffic may be scheduled over routes with the following decreasing priorities: (1) the shortest path, using either or both network topologies; (2) a path using only a single network topology type; (3) non-shortest paths between directly-connected blocks; and (4) non-shortest paths between indirectly-connected blocks.
US09491098B1

Methods and apparatus for transparent multipath utilization through encapsulation are disclosed. Respective encapsulation packets are generated for at least two different baseline packets transmitted between a source and destination linked by multiple network paths. Each encapsulation packet comprises contents of a corresponding baseline packet, and one or more data values selected in accordance with a path balancing policy. The data values added to one encapsulation packet may differ from those added to another. Different network paths to the destination may be selected for different encapsulation packets of a given transmission based at least in part on the added data values.
US09491092B1

The disclosed apparatus may include a physical link that facilitates communication for a plurality of customer networks connected to a service provider network. The apparatus may also include a network device communicatively coupled to the physical link. The network device may identify first and second route-update messages that advertise a plurality of route targets representing the plurality of customer networks to at least one other network device within the service provider network. The network device may remove a route target from the first route-update message due at least in part to the physical link no longer facilitating communication for a customer network represented by the route target. The network device may then maintain the second route-update message intact despite the removal of the route target from the first route-update message. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.
US09491084B2

A computer system monitors connectivity between a core network and two or more paths comprising a contiguous local area network segment. Each of the two or more paths couple at least one member of a team of network resources of the computer system to the core network. Each of the members of the team is configured to receive network management frames transmitted by one or more devices residing near or within the core network. A break in the connectivity between a path of the network segment and the core network is detected whenever the at least one member of the team coupled to that path fails to receive an expected one of the network management frames within a predetermined time period.
US09491078B2

The present principles are directed to identifying and classifying web traffic inside encrypted network tunnels. A method includes analyzing network traffic of unencrypted data packets to detect packet traffic, timing, and size patterns. The detected packet, timing, and size traffic patterns are correlated to at least a packet destination and a packet source of the unencrypted data packets to create at least one of a training corpus and a model built from the training corpus. The at least one of the corpus and model is stored in a memory device. Packet traffic, timing, and size patterns of encrypted data packets are observed. The observed packet traffic, timing, and size patterns of the encrypted data packets are compared to at least one of the training corpus and the model to classify the encrypted data packets with respect to at least one of a predicted network host and predicted path information.
US09491063B2

A method and apparatus for providing network services orchestration are described herein. The apparatus comprises a network controller that runs a network services orchestration module. The network services orchestration module has a service management northbound application programming interface (API), an instance management submodule, an autoscaling and power management submodule, and an instance location southbound API. A steering module is also described herein that includes a steering northbound API and an instance location northbound API.
US09491061B1

Method for web-based management of resources. On a cloud computing system, for groups of user resources, defining commonly managed subgroups. Accessing cloud-based control procedures of one subgroup using a dedicated communication channel. Control procedures reside on a server, and are visible with a single specified domain ID unique for the subgroup. Multiple domain IDs are used in one communication session. On the client, isolated windows for each domain ID contain graphical representation of local applications, and where applications of one window share local data and are connected to control procedures using the same domain ID. Managing user resources through control procedures that are controlled by the applications. Only one of the isolated windows is activated at any one time on the user's computer.
US09491055B1

What is disclosed is a method of operating a communication network, where the communication network comprises a set of users. The method includes obtaining usage activity for each of the users of the set and processing the usage activity to determine connectivity information between individual ones of the users of the set. The method also includes processing the connectivity information to determine users of the set with similar connectivity, and processing the users of the set with similar connectivity to identify a community of users within the users of the set with similar connectivity. The method also includes monitoring at least one of the users in the community to determine if action is needed for at least another one of the users in the community.
US09491046B2

A system, method and apparatus in which RSVP path messages are modified to indicate that a failed source-to-leaf (S2L) sub-LSP or path has switched (or is switching) to a bypass S2L sub-LSP or path via a local-protection mechanism. Thus, a leaf PE node may choose to switch traffic sourcing from a primary tunnel to a standby tunnel even if the primary tunnel appears to be functioning properly. In this manner, any actual or potential suboptimal performance of the primary tunnel due to selection of the local-protection mechanism may be avoided.
US09491044B2

A wireless communications system supporting user plane data comprises: a first network having a first packet data network gateway (P-GW); a second network having a second P-GW operably coupled to the first network via a backhaul link; a serving gateway (S-GW) a base station; and a terminal device, wherein a single packet data network connection is created for the terminal device that traverses through the first P-GW, second P-GW, S-GW and base station.
US09491038B2

Various techniques of content virality determination and visualization are disclosed herein. For example, a method of determining network content virality metric includes constructing a diffusion cascade for a computer network content based on a plurality of time points at which individual users adopt the network content and connection information of the users. The method also includes calculating, with a processor, a virality metric of the network content based on a structural characteristic of the constructed diffusion cascade. Based on the calculated virality metric, one may determine if the network content is viral.
US09491037B2

Some embodiments of an enhanced exporter tool have been presented. In one embodiment, a connected centralized server is synchronized with an external server of a software vendor over an external network. The connected centralized server may reside in an internal network of a customer of the software vendor. Content from the connected centralized server is exported to a disconnected centralized server of the customer according to a set of criteria. The disconnected centralized server may reside in a secured portion of the internal network of the customer.
US09491032B2

In various embodiments, methods and systems for managing wake-enabled transport connections of wake-enabled applications is provided. A set of ports is designated as a wake-enabled port set. An operating system (OS) of a computing device running applications plumbs the multiport wake pattern to the one or more network interface controllers (NIC) of the computing device. A wake-enabled application acquires a port from the wake-enabled port set. The OS makes a determination that the application is wake-enabled and as such, assigns a port, from the wake-enable port set, to the wake-enabled application. Upon receiving a packet at the NIC, a determination is made whether the packet corresponds to a wake-enabled transport connection based on comparing the packet to the multiport wake pattern. Upon matching the packet to the multiport wake pattern, the NIC communicates with the OS to wake a portion of the wake-enabled application associated with the wake-enabled transport connection.
US09491031B2

Information associated with session flows between communication devices and servers is collected and shared. A request is generated for data having predefined attributes within session flows occurring between multiple communication devices and a server over a communication network. The request is sent to a controller having access to information indicating network elements within the communication network traversed by the session flows. The controller selects a network element from among the network elements traversed by the session flows and retrieves the data from the selected network element.
US09491030B2

A phase rotation correcting method includes receiving a signal modulated by a multi-value modulation method; recognizing a position of a symbol point of the received signal on an IQ plane; performing phase rotation for rotating a phase of the symbol point of the received signal toward an I axis or a Q axis in accordance with the recognized position and calculating, as an amount of phase rotation correction, a value on an axis different from the axis toward which the phase of the symbol point has been rotated by the phase rotation; and correcting phase rotation of the symbol point by using the calculated amount of phase rotation correction.
US09491025B2

A transmitting end of an Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) wireless communication system may generate a training sequence and attach the training sequence to a data sequence that contains information data. A receiving end of the OFDM wireless communication system may identify a starting position of the data sequence and further extract the data sequence.
US09491018B2

A least squares estimator of carrier phase and amplitude in a receiver in a communication system using a phase shift keying modulation scheme that uses both known pilot symbols and unknown data symbols is described. That is, the method exploits knowledge of pilot symbols in addition to the unknown data symbols to estimate carrier phase and amplitude. Further, an efficient recursion based estimation method is described that only requires O(L. log L) arithmetic operations where L is the number of received signals. This method uses the M-Ary rounded phase offsets to sort the data symbols and this sorted order is used to recursively calculate candidate values in an optimization process. Simulation results show that the estimation methods Using data and pilot symbols outperform estimation methods using only data symbols (ie non-coherent detection methods). Further, the system can be used for systems using multiple M-ary phase shift keying digital modulation schemes.
US09491013B2

A device and method for solving problems of the prior art in which channel information as well as a DC offset is removed when removing the DC offset using a feedback signal of a baseband amplifier is provided. The device includes a DC offset correcting unit for removing the DC offset using an HPF function and controlling a feedback path according to a control signal to stop the HPF function and a signal generator for generating the control signal for controlling the HPF function, wherein the control signal is a signal for controlling formation and cutting-off of the feedback path.
US09491009B1

A decision feedback equalizer (DFE) is provided. The DFE includes an analog front end, configured to receive a digital communication signal having amplitude modulation greater than two-level, and to output a feedforward signal based on the digital communication signal. The DFE includes a summing block, configured to receive the feedforward signal, a plurality of delayed data decisions as digital signals, and a plurality of adapted coefficients. The summing block is configured to produce an analog feedback signal as an analog subtraction from the feedforward signal of each of the plurality of delayed data decisions multiplied by a corresponding one of the plurality of adapted coefficients. The DFE includes a delay chain configured to produce the plurality of delayed data decisions based on the analog feedback signal, each of the plurality of delayed data decisions having two or more bits, corresponding to the amplitude modulation being greater than two-level.
US09491005B2

Provided are a network system and a method of controlling the same. The network system includes a metering device metering energy supplied from a power supply source, a communication device by which energy information related to the energy communicates, an energy management device recognizing the energy information to control an operation of an electric product, and an environment information management device recognizing a carbon amount or a carbon dioxide amount, which is generated according to the operation of the electric product. A power-saving operation of the electric product is selectively performed, based on the carbon amount or the carbon dioxide amount recognized by the environment information management device. Since a power management program is executed using an environment information management unit, energy may be further efficiently managed within an intellectual power supply network.
US09491003B2

Disclosed are a method and apparatus for keeping orders among messages when transmitting and receiving messages within a Converged IP Messaging (CPM) session. A message transmission and reception method in a network comprises receiving a message including sequential identification information and a cumulative size, and outputting the received message, wherein the sequential identification information is an identifier allowing identification of orders managed within a session, transmission and reception being performed in the session, and the cumulative size is the sum of sizes of messages, the messages being sent by a subject having sent the received message within the session, wherein the output order of the received message is decided based upon the sequential identification information and sequential identification information relating to messages received prior to the received message.
US09490985B2

A computing apparatus configured to verify a digital signature applied on a set of data received from a user device, including a user ID assigned by a partner system to uniquely identify a user of the user device among customers of the partner system, and a user device identifier identifying the user device. The digital signature is generated via applying a cryptographic one-way hash function on a combination of the set of data and a secret, shared between the computing apparatus and the partner system via a secure communication channel separate from a channel used to receive the set of data.
US09490977B2

A method and apparatus for generating physical layer security keys is provided. Channel impulse response (CIR) measurements are recorded. Each CIR measurement is associated with a time-stamp. Where possible, the time-stamps are paired with time-stamps that are associated with another plurality of CIR measurements. The CIR data associated with the paired time-stamps is aggregated. Each of the aggregated CIR measurements is aligned, and at least one CIR measurement is selected for use in secret key generation.
US09490971B2

Vector instructions for performing ZUC stream cipher operations are received and executed by the execution circuitry of a processor. The execution circuitry receives a first vector instruction to perform an update to a liner feedback shift register (LFSR), and receives a second vector instruction to perform an update to a state of a finite state machine (FSM), where the FSM receives inputs from re-ordered bits of the LFSR. The execution circuitry executes the first vector instruction and the second vector instruction in a single-instruction multiple data (SIMD) pipeline.
US09490965B2

Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to simultaneous transmission of clock and bidirectional data over a communication channel. An embodiment of a transmitting device includes a modulator to generate a modulated signal including a clock signal and a data signal, the clock signal being modulated by a first signal edge of the modulated signal and the data signal being modulated by a position of a second signal edge of the modulated signal; a driver to drive the modulated signal on a communication channel; an echo canceller to subtract reflected signals on the communication channel; and a data recovery module to recover a signal received on the communication channel, the received signal being encoded by Return-to-Zero (RZ) encoding, the signal being received simultaneously with driving the modulated signal on the communication channel.
US09490958B2

The present invention is related to a method for allocating resources in a communications system. The method comprises receiving a matrix of priorities assigned to a plurality of services at a plurality of user levels; and allocating resources to a bearer for a station of the communication system based at least in part upon the priority assigned to a service provided over the bearer at the user level associated with a subscriber.
US09490956B2

The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for transmitting acknowledgement/negative ACK (ACK/NACK) in a wireless communication system which supports carrier aggregation, and to an apparatus for the method. A method in which a terminal transmits ACK/NACK in a wireless communication system that supports carrier aggregation comprises the following steps: receiving a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH); receiving a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) indicated by the PDCCH; and transmitting ACK/NACK for the PDSCH via a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). A PUCCH format for transmitting ACK/NACK is selected by taking the number of aggregated carriers into account.
US09490954B2

A method and an apparatus for configuring a control channel between a first transceiver and a second transceiver in a communication system are provided. The method includes generating, by the first transceiver, a signaling message including information for the control channel; transmitting, by the first transceiver, the signaling message including information for the control channel to the second transceiver; generating, by the first transceiver, the control channel based on the information for the control channel; and transmitting, by the first transceiver, the generated control channel to the second transceiver at a subframe configured as a subframe associated with the control channel, wherein the information for the control channel includes resource assignment information, and information regarding that if interleaving is applied.
US09490941B2

In a mobile communication system in which a plurality of base stations included in a CoMP cooperating set perform downlink CoMP communication with a user terminal, when receiving HARQ ACK from the user terminal, each of the plurality of base stations transmits ACK information on the received HARQ ACK to another base station included in the CoMP cooperating set.
US09490933B2

In a method for removing interferential signals of a mobile device, an original communication signal waveform of the mobile device is acquired. A differential signal waveform corresponding to each signal frame in a group is generated, and a DPPPV of the differential signal waveform is acquired. The differential signal is determined to be an interferential signal, in response to that the DPPPV is not less than a calculated differential threshold value, and a DNPPV at a target time point is not less than a preset ratio of the DPPPV. A signal interference section is determined and compensation values corresponding to the signal interference section is calculated, to generate a differential compensation waveform of the signal frame. An integrated differential compensation waveform of all signal frames and the original communication signal waveform are incorporated to obtain a processed signal waveform without interferential signals.
US09490921B2

The embodiments disclose a method and test station for radio production test with respect to one and more TDD radio units, which are tested by the respective test stations simultaneously. The method comprises assigning a test case in a test suite with a time fragment which is used to executed the test case by a test station, the execution of the test case will not be interrupted within the time fragment; obtaining the execution information of the test cases being executed by other test stations; determining whether there is an interference between the execution of the test case and the execution of the test cases being executed by the other test stations based on the executed information; and executing the test case when determining that the interference will not present.
US09490916B2

According to an embodiment, a communication apparatus includes a substrate, a first communication unit, a first signal line, a first terminal, a second signal line, a variable capacitance portion, and an inductor portion. The substrate is provided with a reference potential electrode. The first communication unit transmits and receives. One end of the first signal line is connected to the first communication unit. The first terminal is connected to the other end of the first signal line. The second signal line is connected to the first signal line through the first terminal. One end of the variable capacitance portion is connected to the other end of the second signal line. One end of the inductor portion is connected to the other end of the variable capacitance portion. The communication apparatus executes communication through a living body.
US09490912B2

A system for transmitting routable energy packets includes an optical power source and a processing circuit. The optical power source is configured to generate an optical power packet having optical energy, generate an optical data packet comprising routing information configured to control a route of the optical power packet, and transmit the optical power packet and the optical data packet via a conduit. The processing circuit is configured to generate the routing information to be transmitted within the optical data packet, and control a transmission by the optical power source.
US09490910B2

An apparatus is described which uses directly modulated InGaN Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or InGaN lasers as the transmitters for an underwater data-communication device. The receiver uses automatic gain control to facilitate performance of the apparatus over a wide-range of distances and water turbidities.
US09490908B2

The invention inter alia relates to a method of receiving an optical-duo-binary, ODB, signal (S), which has a predefined ODB-transmission bit-rate (B), using a photoreceiver, said method comprising the step of filtering the ODB signal using a filter (10) which provides a frequency peak in the photoreceiver's frequency response located in the spectral range between 30% and 70% of the predefined ODB-transmission bit-rate.
US09490902B2

An optical power supply includes a plurality of lasers each providing an output at a respective optical wavelength and optical power and a plurality of optical splitter groups, each comprising an input associated with a respective one of the plurality of lasers and splitting the input into a plurality of outputs each having an output power approximated by Power n = 1 x n ⁢ Power input , where: x is an integer greater than 1; n is a number of the outputs of the optical splitter group and n=1 . . . m; m is a total number of outputs of the optical splitter group; Powern is the output power of the nth output; and Powerinput is the optical power of the output of the laser received at the input of the optical splitter group.
US09490899B1

An optical tunable transmitter is used to transmit multiple radio frequency bands on a single beam. More specifically, a tunable laser is configured to generate a plurality of optical wavelengths, and an optical tunable transmitter is configured to modulate each of the plurality of optical wavelengths with a corresponding radio frequency band. The optical tunable transmitter is also configured to encode each of the plurality of modulated optical wavelengths onto a single laser beam for transmission of a plurality of radio frequency bands using the single laser beam.
US09490898B2

A communication system in which a master station device is connected to a plurality of slave station devices by an optical transmission line and a plurality of wavelengths are used to perform at least one of downstream communication and upstream communication. The master station device includes: a control unit that assigns a wavelength to be used in communication to the slave station device, and that generates a control signal for notifying the slave station device of the assigned wavelength; and an optical transmitter that transmits the control signal generated by the control unit to the slave station device. The slave station device includes an optical receiver and an optical transmitter that carry out communication with the master station device using the wavelength based on the control signal received from the master station device.
US09490896B2

An optical transceiver includes: a light source; a light source power management unit configured to manage a state of an output power of the light source; an optical detector configured to receive a first optical signal from a counterpart optical transmission apparatus and detect the first optical signal; and a monitoring information extraction unit configured to extract a monitoring information of a reception power level of a second optical signal, which is generated from an output light of the light source and received in the counterpart optical transmission apparatus, from the first optical signal, wherein the light source power management unit is configured to update a written value of the state of the output power of the light source in a case where a monitored value of the reception power level included in the monitoring information is decreased to exceed a variation of an optical transmission path.
US09490895B2

Described herein is an optical channel monitor (1) including a protective housing (3), an input port (5) disposed in the housing (3) and configured for receiving at least one input optical signal (7) including one or more optical channels separated by wavelength. A wavelength configurable laser (9) is located within the housing (3) and is configured to provide an optical reference signal (11) at a first wavelength (λr). The laser (9) is adapted to scan across a range of wavelengths covering the one or more optical channels. An optical mixing module (13) is coupled to the input port (5) and the laser (9) for mixing the input optical signal (7) with the optical reference signal (11) to produce a mixed output signal. A receiver module (15) is configured to receive the mixed output signal and extract signal information indicative of at least the optical power of the at least one input optical signal at the first wavelength (λr).
US09490893B2

A satellite is configured to communicate with a ground base station to provide coverage for communication in a first geographic region, and suppress from the communication, interference from a second geographic region. The satellite includes an onboard beamformer (OBBF), feed array and feeder-link antenna. The OBBF is configured to produce first and second spot beams for respective ones of the first and second geographic regions. The feed array is configured to receive first and second signals in respective ones of the first and second spot beams for respective geographic regions. At least portions of the first and second signals carry respective ones of the communication and the interference. The feeder-link antenna, then, is configured to transmit the first signals and second signals to the ground base station that is configured to suppress any of the interference from at least the portion of the first signals carrying the communication.
US09490891B2

A hybrid in-flight communications system integrates aircraft communications systems and traffic management of the aircraft air-to-ground communications and satellite communications to provide gate-to-gate connectivity to users on an aircraft. A technique for providing users with in-flight connectivity includes a first modem configured to process signals communicated with a non-terrestrial relay point. The apparatus includes a second modem configured to process signals communicated with a terrestrial relay point. The apparatus includes a wireless local area access node configured to communicate with user equipment on the aircraft and a small cell access node configured to communicate with user equipment on the aircraft. The apparatus includes a controller configured to manage first data streams between the small cell access node and the first modem and the second modem. The controller is configured to manage second data streams between the wireless local area access node and the first modem and the second modem. The apparatus may include avionics equipment.
US09490888B2

A codebook based channel information feedback method, device and system are provided in the present invention. The codebook based channel information feedback method includes: measuring, by a terminal in a communication system, a parameter of a downlink channel between the terminal and a base station of the communication system; selecting a plurality of precoding matrixes from a precoding codebook by using the parameter of the downlink channel, wherein a plurality of the precoding matrixes can be used by both of single-user multi-input multi-output (MIMO) transport mode and multi-user MIMO transport mode, and the precoding codebook is an aggregation of precoding matrixes; and feeding back a first information for indicating a plurality of the precoding matrixes to the base station.
US09490873B2

Methods and apparatus for a near-field signal system to generate signals underwater for navigation and/or communication. In one embodiment, a system includes a signal processing module coupled to a first antenna to transmit near-field signals underwater and a second antenna to receive near-field signals underwater transmitted by the first antenna. In one embodiment, a wetsuit includes an integrated near-field signal system.
US09490872B2

A reduced-memory vectored DSL system reduces the bandwidth and memory storage demands on a vectored DSL system in which FEXT data is transmitted and stored. When test signal data, such as training and/or tracking data, is sent to determine FEXT characteristics of the DSL system, error signals are available for all or substantially all of the upstream and/or downstream frequency band DSL tones used in the system. Dividing a frequency band into sub-bands, only a subset of tones in each sub-band is used for deriving FEXT data. For tones in the sub-band subsets, full-precision FEXT data values can be derived. For other tones, approximations of the FEXT data can be derived. Memory is reduced in both the transmission of such FEXT data (between upstream and downstream ends) and within an upstream-end device such as a DSLAM that performs vectoring using a separate or internal vectoring processing apparatus.
US09490868B2

An apparatus and method for transmitting data using a human body. The apparatus includes a parallel bit stream generation unit, a frequency selective spreading unit, a matched filter unit, and a transmission filter unit. The parallel bit stream generation unit outputs a parallel bit stream for an input serial bit stream. The frequency selective spreading unit divides the parallel bit stream into a preset number of bit groups, generates a single code vector by combining orthogonal code vectors corresponding to the respective bit groups, and shifts the center frequency of a transmission signal by spreading the single code vector using a frequency shift code. The transmission filter unit meets a transmit mask for the transmission signal.
US09490859B2

A dual holding case for mobile computing devices comprising: an outer portion having a long axis along substantially the center of the outer portion; a divider that runs longitudinally along the long axis of the outer portion to provide a left side and a right side, wherein the left side has at least one left side opening and at least one left side attachment means and the right side has at least one right side opening and at least one right side attachment means.
US09490853B2

A data transmitter may include a transmitter circuit and a calibration controller. The transmitter circuit is configured to be coupled to a receiver through a channel, and configured to provide an output signal to the channel based on an input signal and adjust an output impedance value according to a bias signal. The calibration controller is configured to adjust the bias signal by comparing the output signal of the transmitter circuit to a reference signal during a calibration operation.
US09490850B1

A method for decoding a packetized video signal including at least one encoded frame. In one case, the method includes receiving at least one FEC packet at a receiving station. The receiving station uses embedded data associated with the FEC packet to obtain more accurate knowledge of the packet loss state of the media packets. This improved knowledge can allow the receiver to make better use of packet retransmission requests. The embedded data associated with the FEC packet can include in some cases a base sequence number and a packet mask.
US09490849B1

Systems and methods are provided for using a product code having a first dimension and a second dimension to encode data, decode data, or both. An encoding method includes receiving a portion of user data to be written in the first dimension, and computing first parity symbols with respect to the first dimension for the portion of user data. Partial parity symbols with respect to the second dimension are computed for the portion of user data and are used to obtain second parity symbols for the portion of user data. A decoding method includes decoding a first codeword in the first dimension. When the decoding the first codeword in the first dimension is successful, a target syndrome of a second codeword in the second dimension is computed based on a result of the decoding of the first codeword, wherein the first codeword partially overlaps with the second codeword.
US09490848B2

It is an object of the invention to provide a memory architecture that can handle data interleaving efficiently. This and other objects are achieved by the system according to the invention. The data handling system, is configured for receiving at an input a plurality of commands. The system comprises: a plurality of memory banks; a distributor connected to the input and having a plurality of distributor outputs. Each specific one of the plurality of memory banks (106) is connected to a specific one of the plurality of distributor outputs. The distributor comprises a permutator for designating for each specific command a specific distributor output. The distributor distributes the specific command to the specific designated distributor output. The permutator has a control input and the designating is reconfigurable under the control of reconfiguration data received at the control input.
US09490847B2

One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for protecting data with an error correction code (ECC). The data is accessed by a processing unit and stored in an external memory, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM). Application data and related ECC data are advantageously stored in a common page within a common DRAM device. Application data and ECC data are transmitted between the processor and the external common DRAM device over a common set of input/output (I/O) pins. Eliminating I/O pins and DRAM devices conventionally associated with transmitting and storing ECC data advantageously reduces system complexity and cost.
US09490846B2

A low density parity check (LDPC) encoder, an LDPC decoder, and an LDPC encoding method are disclosed. The LDPC encoder includes first memory, second memory, and a processor. The first memory stores an LDPC codeword having a length of 16200 and a code rate of 3/15. The second memory is initialized to 0. The processor generates the LDPC codeword corresponding to information bits by performing accumulation with respect to the second memory using a sequence corresponding to a parity check matrix (PCM).
US09490842B2

Architecture for enabling continuous operation of a control command issued by a control input (e.g., a control key on a computer keyboard or game controller). For example, for a user of a software application (e.g., a gaming application), an activation modifier is used for enabling continuous operation of the control command. The activation modifier can be a lock key or other type of input used in combination with the control key. During continuous operation of the control command, one or more alternate control inputs (e.g., from alternate control keys) are enabled to concurrently issue alternate control commands to the software application.
US09490839B2

This disclosure describes techniques for coding transform coefficients for a block of video data. According to some aspects of this disclosure, a coder (e.g., an encoder or decoder) may map between a code number cn and level_ID and run values associated with a first transform coefficient of the block of video data according to a first technique (e.g., a structured mapping), and map between a code number cn and level_ID and run values associated with a second coefficient of the block using a second technique. According to other aspects of this disclosure, the coder may map between a code number cn and level_ID and run syntax elements using different mathematical relationships, depending on a determined value of the code number cn or the level_ID syntax element. For example, the coder may access a mapping table of a plurality of mapping tables differently, dependent on the determined value.
US09490838B2

The present invention describes a method and an arrangement for coding transform coefficients in picture and/or video coders and decoders and a corresponding computer program and a corresponding computer-readable storage medium, which can particularly be employed as a novel efficient method for binary-arithmetic coding transform coefficients in the field of video coding.For this, it is suggested that, for blocks of (video) pictures containing significant transform coefficients, coding of the transform coefficients takes place in such a way that, for each block in a scan process, the positions of significant transform coefficients in the block and subsequently, in a reverse scan order—starting from the last significant transform coefficient within the block—the values (levels) of the significant transform coefficients are determined and coded.
US09490836B2

An apparatus includes an encoder adapted to encode data bits for transmission via a communication link. The encoder includes a logic circuit. The logic circuit is adapted to perform a logic operation on a pattern of bits and the data bits in order to reduce a run-length of the data bits.
US09490829B2

An electronic device for synthesizing a frequency is provided. The electronic device includes a bank changer configured to output a channel code corresponding to a reference frequency signal and a feedback frequency signal, a channel code mapper configured to generate a changed channel code by applying an offset to the channel code output from the bank changer, and a voltage controlled oscillator configured to control a total capacitance of a plurality of capacitors based on the changed channel code and to oscillate a frequency dependent on the total capacitance.
US09490822B1

A delay lock loop including a selection unit, a delay unit, an elimination unit, and a phase detection unit is provided. The selection unit receives a non-inverted clock signal and an inverted clock signal and generates a first clock signal and a second clock signal according to an indication signal. The delay unit includes a delay factor and delays the first clock signal according to the delay factor to generate a third clock signal. The elimination unit is coupled to the selection unit and delays the second clock signal to generate a fourth clock signal. The phase detection unit is coupled to the delay unit and the elimination unit and generates the indication signal according to a phase difference between the third and fourth clock signals. The delay unit adjusts the delay factor according to the indication signal.
US09490820B2

In order to appropriately set an operation range of a voltage controlled oscillator without excessively increasing a frequency at which delta-sigma modulation is performed, a fractional N-PLL circuit includes: a voltage controlled oscillator that is configured to set plural output frequency ranges; a frequency selection circuit that selects one output frequency range; a division circuit; and a division setting circuit that sets a division ratio of the division circuit. The division setting circuit performs, while the frequency selection circuit is searching for the plural output frequency ranges of the voltage controlled oscillator, the delta-sigma modulation at a frequency lower than a frequency after the frequency selection circuit terminates the search.
US09490817B1

Aspects of the disclosure provide a system. The system includes a first functional circuit, a first clock generator, a second functional circuit, and a second clock generator. The first functional circuit is configured to be operative in response to a first clock signal. The first clock generator is configured to generate the first clock signal with a first clock cycle being a function of a first number of first inversion delays. The second functional circuit is configured to be operative in response to a second clock signal. The second clock generator is configured to generate the second clock signal with a second clock cycle being a function of a second number of second inversion delays. In an embodiment, the first inversion delays are correlated to switching delays in the first functional circuit, and the second inversion delays are correlated to switching delays in the second functional circuit.
US09490815B2

A field programmable threshold-logic array (FPTLA) includes a number of threshold logic gates and a number of programmable interconnect elements. Each one of the programmable interconnect elements are connected between two or more of the threshold logic gates, such that the programmable interconnect elements route signals between the threshold logic gates. By using threshold logic gates for the FPTLA, the size of the FPTLA may be significantly smaller than conventional solutions. Further, using threshold logic gates results in significant improvements in the computation speed of the FPTLA when compared to conventional solutions.
US09490812B1

In a programmable logic device having high-speed serial interface channels, a clock distribution network for providing one or more high-speed clocks to dynamic phase alignment circuitry of those high-speed serial interfaces includes at least one bus that is segmentable (e.g. using tristatable buffers). This allows the bus to be divided into different portions that can be connected to different clock sources when the high-speed serial interfaces are running at different speeds. In one embodiment, the segmenting elements (e.g., the aforementioned buffers) are located between selected channels (e.g., every fourth channel), limiting the size of the different segments. In another embodiment, segmenting elements are located between each channel, allowing complete user freedom in selecting the sizes of the segments. Thus, instead of providing a bus for every clock source, multiple clocks can be made available to different channels by segmenting a single bus.
US09490811B2

An apparatus is disclosed herein for a programmable gate architecture with hybrid logic/routing circuitry. In one embodiment, a programmable gate array comprises a plurality of hybrid logic or routing tiles (HLRT), each of the HLRTs having a hybrid logic-or-routing function (HLR) that is configurable as a logic function or a routing function.
US09490807B2

In some embodiments, a logic circuit is provided that has a plurality of gates with gate inputs. Also provided is one or more latch circuits coupled to the logic circuit to provide operational data when in an operational mode and to cause at least some of the gate inputs to be at values resulting in reduced leakage during a sleep mode. Additionally provided are embodiments of non-destructive latch circuits, which may be used to implement the latch circuits just discussed. Other embodiments are disclosed and/or claimed herein.
US09490802B2

Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for transmitting an analog signal, and an analog signal multiplexer. The apparatus comprises a photocoupler to receive an input analog signal and transform the input analog signal into an output analog signal, which varies with the input analog signal in a manner of non-linearity. The apparatus further comprises a non-linearity correcting unit to receive the output analog signal and correct the non-linearity to output a corrected output analog signal. An analog signal may be transmitted with a photocoupler.
US09490801B2

A rapid cutoff device includes a thyristor AC switch for supplying an AC current from a first AC circuit to a second AC circuit. A serially-connected circuit of a first switch and a first capacitor parallel-connects with the first AC circuit. A serially-connected circuit of a second switch and a second capacitor parallel-connects with the second AC circuit. When cutting off the thyristor AC switch, the first switch is operated to conduct the first capacitor in a first direction for the AC current charging to the first capacitor, alternatively, the second switch is operated to conduct the second capacitor in a second direction for the AC current charging to the second capacitor, thereby lowering a current in the thyristor AC switch approaching a zero value and thus rapidly cutting off it.
US09490799B2

An electronic device includes a transmission interface, a switch unit and a control unit. The transmission interface includes a signal reference contact and a signal transmission contact. The switch unit is coupled between the signal reference contact and a grounded layer. The control unit is coupled to the switch unit. When the control unit controls the switch unit to connect the signal reference contact and the grounded layer, the signal transmission contact is used to transmit a first signal. When the control unit controls the switch unit to disconnect the signal reference contact from the grounded layer, the signal reference contact is used to transmit a second signal.
US09490788B2

A semiconductor device includes a first variable delay circuit that delays inputted multiphase signals according to a delay control signal, a selection circuit that selects and outputs two signals of signals output from the first variable delay circuit, a second variable delay circuit that delays one of the two signals according to the delay control signal, a phase comparison circuit that compares a phase of a signal outputted by the second variable delay circuit with a phase of the other of the two signals, a filter that updates the delay control signal according to a signal outputted by the phase comparison circuit, and a delay control signal selection circuit that provides the delay control signal to the first variable delay circuit or the second variable delay circuit.
US09490787B1

An embodiment integrated circuit (IC) clock distributor system includes a first IC. The first IC includes a clock synchronizer circuit and a clock generator circuit. The clock synchronizer circuit includes a first input coupled to a first clock transfer path including a replica delay of a portion of a first signal path included in an external IC. The clock synchronizer circuit also includes a second input coupled to a second clock transfer path. The clock generator circuit also includes an input coupled to an output of at least one of a reference oscillator and the clock synchronizer circuit. Delay of the second clock transfer path includes delay of the first signal path.
US09490785B1

Programmable delay circuits are described herein according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, a delay circuit comprises a plurality of delay stages coupled in series. Each of the delay stages comprises a delay gate on a forward path of the delay circuit, wherein the delay gate is configured to pass or block a signal on the forward path depending on a logic state of a respective select signal. Each of the delay stages also comprises a multiplexer on a return path of the delay circuit, wherein the multiplexer is configured to pass a signal on the return path or route the signal on the forward path to the return path depending on the logic state of the respective select signal. Output logic states of the delay gates and the multiplexers may remain static during a change in the delay setting of the delay circuit to reduce glitch.
US09490784B2

A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product are provided. The apparatus outputs a sinusoidal signal according to a first clock frequency, generates, a first digital signal having a 25% duty cycle based on the sinusoidal signal, generates a second digital signal having a 25% duty cycle based on the sinusoidal signal, combines the first digital signal and the second digital signal to generate a combined digital signal having a 50% duty cycle and a second clock frequency that is double the first clock frequency, and doubles the second clock frequency of the combined digital signal to generate an output signal having a third clock frequency that is quadruple the first clock frequency. The apparatus further generates a first control voltage and a second control voltage for the first buffer and a third control voltage for the second buffer based on the output signal.
US09490783B1

The invention is an intelligent connection of the internal scan logic in a multi-bit flip-flop register. Individual bits in this register are connected in a serial scan chain. In this invention the serial chain is connection reuses logic between slave latches on bit n and master latches on bit n+1. This reuse reduces the number of transistors required to implement the multi-bit register. This reduction in the number of required transistors enables a consequent reduction in integrated circuit area required, thereby reducing manufacturing cost. Alternatively, the area saved using this invention may be used for other purposes. This could increase the value of the corresponding integrated circuit without increasing manufacturing costs.
US09490781B2

Embodiments of a latch circuit and a method of operating a latch circuit are described. In one embodiment, a latch circuit includes an input terminal configured to receive an input data signal, a switching unit configured to control application of the input data signal, a first inverter circuit connected to the switching unit, where the first inverter circuit includes a first cross-coupled pair of inverters, and a second inverter circuit connected to the first inverter circuit through the switching unit. The second inverter circuit includes a second cross-coupled pair of inverters and two transistor devices. Each inverter of the second cross-coupled pair of inverters is connected to a voltage rail through a corresponding transistor device. Each of the two transistor devices is connected to a node that is between the switching unit and the first inverter circuit or the second inverter circuit. Other embodiments are also described.
US09490779B2

Synchronisation circuitry 2 comprises a first dynamic circuit stage 4 generating a first stage state signal which is pulse amplified by pulse amplifying circuitry 8 to generate a pulse amplified signal. The pulse amplified signal is supplied to a second dynamic circuit stage 6 where it is used to control generation of a second stage state signal. The pulse amplifying circuitry 8 comprises a chain of serially connected skewed inverters 20, 22. The action of the pulse amplifying circuitry 8 is to reduce the probability of metastability in the output of the second dynamic stage 6.
US09490770B2

An acoustic resonator structure includes a bottom electrode disposed on a substrate, a piezoelectric layer disposed on the bottom electrode, a top electrode disposed on the piezoelectric layer, a cavity disposed beneath the bottom electrode, and a temperature compensating feature. The temperature compensating feature has a positive temperature coefficient for offsetting at least a portion of a negative temperature coefficient of the piezoelectric and electrode layers. The acoustic resonator structure further includes an acoustic reflector disposed over the substrate around a perimeter of the cavity. The acoustic reflector includes a layer of low acoustic impedance material stacked on a layer of high acoustic impedance material.
US09490749B2

A frequency translation device includes a transmit circuit including a first frequency converter configured to convert a signal at a first frequency into a signal at a second frequency. A receive circuit includes a second frequency converter configured to convert a signal at the second frequency into a signal at the first frequency. A detector circuit is configured to determine when the frequency translation device is receiving a signal, and to route the signal to the transmit circuit or to the receive circuit.
US09490748B2

A receiving device includes a dividing circuit, N pieces of internal circuits, and an averaging circuit. The dividing circuit is configured to divide an input signal into N pieces of divided signals (where N is an integer of two or larger), and the N pieces of internal circuits are configured to receive and process the N pieces of divided signals. The averaging circuit is configured to receive N pieces of output signals from the N pieces of internal circuits, averaging the output signals, and output an averaged signal.
US09490741B2

A motor control device according to the invention includes: a mode setting section that sets one of a first mode in which a charge/discharge current of a secondary battery varies according to load fluctuation of a motor and a second mode in which the charge/discharge current of the secondary battery becomes constant for a predetermined time regardless of the load fluctuation of the motor; and a drive signal generating section that generates a drive signal for driving the motor on the basis of the mode that is set by the mode setting section, a torque command value, and a motor rotation speed.
US09490740B2

An apparatus for controlling a motor/generator having a plurality of windings comprises a stator magnetically coupled to a rotor and having a plurality of slots and a plurality of windings, a controller and a power converter means. Each winding is installed in two corresponding slots, and a plurality of magnetic poles and a plurality of phases in each pair of poles are formed when currents flow through the windings, and the windings are configured such that the number of phases and the number of poles can be dynamically. The controller comprises a pole and phase mapping for controlling the winding of the motor/generator to a pole and a phase, and a phasor control for controlling currents of the windings such that the number of poles of the motor/generator and the number of phases in a pair of poles are dynamically adjusted through a phase relationship between the currents of the windings. The power converter means is controlled by the controller for controlling the winding currents of the motor/generator.
US09490733B2

A method is disclosed for controlling a synchronous motor by determining a rotor position of the synchronous motor based on estimating a flux linkage. The method includes applying a voltage of a stator winding of the motor to a transfer function. The transfer function includes an S-domain integration operation and an error correction variable. An output of the transfer function is processed to compensate for the error correction variable introduced in the transfer function. An estimated flux linkage is generated and an angle of the rotor position is computed based on the flux linkage. The computed rotor position is input to a controller for controlling a position or speed of the motor.
US09490731B2

A motor driving apparatus comprises an H bridge circuit having outputs coupled with a motor coil of a single-phase motor, a hall comparator configured to generate a hall detection signal indicating a position of a rotor of the motor, an electric angle generator configured to generate a pulse signal indicating that the motor rotates by a predetermined electric angle, a current monitoring circuit configured to asserts a zero current detection signal upon detecting a reversed direction of a coil current; a transition trigger circuit configured to assert a transition pulse when a count value of the first counter matches an lead angle set value; a logic circuit configured to transition the H bridge circuit according to a predetermined sequence of states; and a lead angle controller configured to adjust the lead angle set value based on a timing of assertion of the zero current detection signal.
US09490729B2

A magnetostrictive vibration power generation device including: a longitudinal magnetostrictive element formed of a magnetostrictive material and configured to be attached to a vibrating member at at least one end part thereof; a coil wound on a closed magnetic path constituted including the magnetostrictive element; and a permanent magnet arranged so as to apply a bias magnetic field to the closed magnetic path. A yoke member formed of a magnetic material is arranged in parallel at a side of the magnetostrictive element, and the closed magnetic path is formed including the magnetostrictive element and the yoke member, the permanent magnet is attached to the yoke member on the closed magnetic path, and the yoke member is allowed relative displacement in relation to the magnetostrictive element on at least one side in a magnetic path lengthwise direction of the closed magnetic path.
US09490727B2

The invention relates to a method for calibrating a multiphase, in particular three-phase, inverter (1) having a respective switching element (T1, T2, T3) on the high-voltage side and a respective switching element (T4, T5, T6) on the low-voltage side for each of the phases thereof as well as a respective current sensor for at least some of the phases (I, II, III). The following steps are proposed: (f) switching off all switching elements (T1-T6), (g) switching on a switching element (T1) on the high-voltage side for a first phase (I) and a switching element (T5) on the low-voltage side for a second phase (II), (h) measuring the currents flowing through the first phase (I) and the second phase (II), (i) forming an average value from the measured currents, and (j) calibrating the inverter (1) on the basis of the formed average value. The invention also relates to an apparatus, a computer program and a computer program product.
US09490722B2

In a first period when a cosine value is positive that is a cosine value of a value twice a phase angle determined while an AC waveform output from a single-phase AC power source is regarded as a sine value of the phase angle, a discharge duty for making a first switch conducting is set to be higher than a first value determined by dividing the product of an amplitude of an AC voltage of the single-phase AC power source and the cosine value by the product of an across voltage of a capacitor and √2. In addition to or alternatively to this, in a second period when the cosine value is negative, a rectifying duty for making a diode rectifier conducting is set to be higher than a second value that is the reciprocal of the product of the absolute value of the sine value and √2.
US09490720B1

An electric power supply unit includes a primary stage having an electric converter arranged to increase a frequency of AC power provided to an input of the power supply unit; a transformer stage connected to receive AC power from the primary stage and to reduce a voltage level of the AC power; and a secondary stage connected to receive the AC power at the reduced voltage level and the increased frequency and having a rectifier and power factor correction circuit arranged to convert the AC power to DC power and to provide power factor correction for power entering the power supply unit.
US09490712B2

An output current calculating circuit for a flyback converter operating under CCM and DCM is disclosed. The off current value ION and the blanking current value ILEB flowing through a sensing resistor are calculated using a detection module and are summed together using a current summing unit. A voltage converted from the sum value of the off current value IOFF and the blanking current value ILEB is transmitted through an output stage in a predetermined time ratio of a cycle with the duty cycle determined by a logic control unit, in which the logic control unit controls the output stage to receive the voltage converted from sum current in a predetermined time period of each cycle, and prevents the output stage to receive the voltage converted from sum current in the remaining time other than such predetermined time period of each cycle.
US09490710B2

A power supply device supplies power to a load by combining a secondary battery and a capacitor connected in parallel to the secondary battery. The power supply device includes an insulation type DC-DC converter with a primary coil connected in parallel to the secondary battery and configured to accumulate energy by a current supplied from the secondary battery and a secondary coil configured such that an induction current flows thereinto from the primary coil by the accumulated energy, and a switching circuit configured to selectively connect the secondary coil in series to the capacitor in forward and opposite directions.
US09490705B2

An inverter device includes: a rectifier circuit that converts an AC power supply into a DC power supply; a smoothing unit that is connected to a subsequent stage of the rectifier circuit; a short-circuit unit that short-circuits the AC power supply via a reactor that improves a power factor of the AC power supply; an inverter unit that converts a direct current from the smoothing unit into an alternating current; and a control unit that controls the inverter unit, wherein a gate drive circuit is connected to a gate terminal of each switching element in the inverter unit, the gate drive circuit includes a first gate voltage line and a second gate voltage line having a voltage value larger than a voltage value of the first gate voltage line, and the voltage value of the first gate voltage line is variable even during an operation of the inverter device.
US09490701B2

Methods and apparatus relating to reducing switching noise and improving transient response in voltage regulators are described. In an embodiment, one or more pulses are inserted into an output waveform of a voltage regulator. The one or more pulses introduce multiple frequencies into the output waveform of the voltage regulator (e.g., to reduce acoustic noise). In another embodiment, the output voltage of a voltage regulator is modified in response to comparison of the output voltage with at least one of a plurality of threshold values. The plurality of threshold values includes an upper trigger point voltage value and a lower trigger point voltage value. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.
US09490700B2

An electronic power supply circuit for battery-powered hardware devices is disclosed which can be electronically switched to supply any of at least two predetermined voltages wherein the batteries are switched in parallel or in series depending on the desired voltage. Also disclosed is an electronic apparatus comprising the electronic power supply circuit, which in some modes of operation uses the highest of the two predetermined voltages and which in other modes of operation can function with the lower of two predetermined voltages, and includes control logic that switches the electronic power supply circuit to supply said higher voltage when the apparatus in a mode in which it uses this higher voltage and that switches said electronic power supply circuit to supply said lower voltage at least during some of the modes in which the apparatus can function with the lower voltage.
US09490699B2

A current mode converter includes a converter stage comprising a first switch, a second switch, an inductor, and a capacitor, and a digital-to-analog converter configured to convert a digital target current signal to an analog current signal. The current mode converter further includes a slope compensation circuit coupled to the digital-to-analog converter and is configured to convert the analog target current signal to a slope compensated analog target signal. A comparator is coupled to the converter stage and the slope compensation stage and is configured to generate and output a signal when a value of an actual analog signal is equal to a value of the slope compensated analog target signal.
US09490698B2

The low input voltage boost converter with peak inductor current control and offset compensated zero detection provide a boost converter scheme to harvest energy from sources with small output voltages. Some embodiments described herein includes a thermoelectric boost converter that combines an IPEAK control scheme with offset compensation and duty cycled comparators to enable energy harvesting from TEG inputs as low as 5 mV to 10 mV, and the peak inductor current is independent to first order of the input voltage and output voltage. A control circuit can be configured to sample the input voltage (VIN) and then generate a pulse with a duration inversely proportional to VIN so as to control the boost converter switches such that a substantially constant peak inductor current is generated.
US09490696B2

An apparatus including: a current source configured to generate current; a bias node coupled to the current source; a switching current source circuit coupled to the current source and the bias node to allow the current to flow through the switching current source circuit into the bias node; a biasing circuit configured to receive a control signal from a phase detector, and mirror the current flowing through the switching current source circuit in response to the control signal; and a switch device disposed between the switching current source circuit and the biasing circuit to isolate the switching current source circuit from the biasing circuit.
US09490694B2

A power converter (e.g., AC-DC converter) includes an input inductor coupled between a first AC voltage source input node and a central node, a first switch coupled between the central node and a first rail node, a second switch coupled between the central node and a second rail node, and a resonant output circuit. The first switch has a body diode that passes current from the first rail node to the central node. The second switch has a body diode that passes current from the central node to the second rail node. A first input device controls current flow between the first rail node and the second AC voltage source input node, and a second input device controls current flow between the second rail node and the second AC voltage source input. The output circuit includes at least one capacitor and at least one inductor which form a resonant network, hence are denominated as resonant capacitor(s) and resonant inductor(s).
US09490686B2

Provided is a linear motor capable of preventing an increase in length of the armature in the moving direction and also of reducing cogging. The linear motor has a magnetic field part having a plurality of permanent magnets arranged in a straight line in such a manner that N poles and S poles are formed alternately; and an armature having a core which has a plurality of teeth arranged opposite to the magnetic field part with a gap created therebetween and a plurality of coils wound on the teeth of the core. Among the teeth with the coils wound around, a width TW1 in a relative moving direction of each of teeth placed at both ends in the relative moving direction of the armature is smaller, from a base part to an end part thereof, than a width TW2 in the relative moving direction of each of other teeth.
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