US09555601B2
The present subject matter relates to a laminate comprising: an outer layer of 50% to 70% of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and 50% to 30% of Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE); an aluminum core layer disposed between Ethylene Acrylic Acid (EAA) layers; and an inner layer of about 50% to 70% of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and 50% to 30% of Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). The outer polyethylene layer or inner polyethylene layer is a multilayer film, preferably three layer film.The present subject matter also relates to a process for the preparation of the laminate.
US09555597B2
An apparatus and computing device are described herein. The apparatus includes a chassis cover of a computing device. The apparatus also includes a foam core. Furthermore, the foam core is in contact with a surface of the chassis cover of the computing device.
US09555588B2
An insert for forming an end connection in a uni-axial composite material, and an end connection comprising at least one insert, is disclosed. The insert comprises a sleeve which comprises a plurality of fibers having a multi-axial arrangement. At least a portion of the interior surface of the sleeve comprises a thread formation. A method of forming an end connection in a uni-axial composite material is also disclosed. The method comprises providing a sleeve comprising a plurality of fibers having a multi-axial arrangement and providing a thread formation on at least a portion of the interior surface of the sleeve. The sleeve is positioned and secured within the uni-axial composite material.
US09555581B2
The invention relates to a method for producing plastics containers (15) from thermoplastics with inserts (13) which, by exploiting the heat of plasticization, are connected during shaping of the plastics container (15) by a material bond and/or interlocking connection to the container wall (140), wherein the method provides the use of at least one opening (26) on the insert (13), which opening forms a melt duct or melt inlet and/or melt passage for plasticized or plastic material of the container wall (140), wherein the method is distinguished in that the opening (26) is monitored as a reference opening (26) by optical and/or sensory means during the production of the connection, wherein the degree of penetration of the opening (26) with thermoplastic from the container wall (140) is used as a measure of the quality of the connection.
US09555580B1
A heat assisted friction stir welding system and fastener for use therewith allows the joining a variety of dissimilar materials, including joining composites and plastics to metal, in which the fastener becomes part of the bond. The fastener can be constructed from multiple materials, allowing for the joining of dissimilar metals. Heating the materials to be joined reduces the clamping force and torque required by the friction stir weld process. The result is a bond that is stronger with less energy input.
US09555573B2
The present invention relates to a process for making a container having an integral handle, comprising the steps of: a) providing a preform (1) in a mould cavity (2); b) stretch-blow moulding the preform (1) to form an intermediate container (3); c) applying one or more inwardly moving plugs (5) to form one or more concave gripping region(s), whilst maintaining the pressure within the intermediate container (3) above 1 bar and whilst the temperature of the material in the gripping region of the intermediate container is at a temperature below the glass transition temperature, Tg; d) releasing excess pressure within the container, preferably prior to withdrawing the plug (5) from within the container; and e) ejecting the finished container(6) from the mould cavity (2,4).
US09555572B2
The present invention relates to an integrally blow-moulded bag-in-container (2) and preform(1, 1′) for blow-moulding the bag-in-container. An inner layer (11) and an outer layer (12) are used, wherein the preform forms a two-layer container upon blow-moulding, and wherein the obtained inner layer of said container releases from the thus obtained outer layer upon introduction of a gas at a point of interface (14) between the two layers. At least one of the inner and outer layers includes at least one additive allowing both inner and outer layers to reach their respective blow-moulding temperatures substantially simultaneously.
US09555549B2
A control device includes a reception unit that receives first operation information and second operation information different from the first operation information; and a process unit that instructs a robot to execute operations based on the first operation information and the second operation information using a plurality of captured images of an imaged target object, the images being captured multiple times while the robot moves from a first posture to a second posture different from the first posture.
US09555544B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for automating a manual process. The methods, systems, and apparatus include actions of identifying a process that (i) is manually performed by a user interacting with a computer, and (ii) is to be automated for performance by a robot that is configured to interact with another computer. Additional actions include obtaining one or more images taken of a display of the computer while the user is interacting with the computer in manually performing the process and applying a computer vision technique to identify one or more activities associated with the process. Further actions include, for each of the one or more identified activities, generating activity information associated with the activity and generating a process definition for use in causing the robot to automatically perform the process.
US09555543B2
A jointed robot capable to move on a surface is provided. It is known to limit to a predefined fixed value the torque that the motors of the joints of the robot can develop. A rigidity coefficient corresponding to the limit torque is calculated by solving a dynamic equilibrium model of the robot. The contact points of the characteristic effectors are determined by a selection from a list of potential effectors, notably as a function of a criterion of distance from a virtual ground plane. The contact forces for said effectors are calculated by optimal resolution of the equilibrium equations. Finally the torques applied in the dynamic equilibrium model of the robot and the coefficients of corresponding rigidity are calculated.
US09555531B2
A hydraulic hammer is disclosed having a piston and an accumulator membrane disposed external and co-axial to the piston. Additionally, a sleeve is disposed between the piston and accumulator membrane, wherein the sleeve has a plurality of radial passages formed therein that fluidly connect the accumulator membrane with the piston.
US09555530B2
A fastener driving apparatus includes an extensible polymer assembly and a fastener drive assembly, such that when said extensible polymer assembly is actuated (by a motor and linear motion converter), energy is stored as an extensible polymer of the polymer assembly extends in length and force from said extensible polymer is applied on said fastener drive assembly. When said extensible polymer reaches a sufficient extension, a retention means releases said fastener drive assembly and wherein said fastener drive assembly moves from a first position to a second position such that an anvil of the fastener drive assembly is capable of driving a fastener into a substrate.
US09555527B2
A method for controlling a torque output of a DC electric tool, includes presetting torque levels and voltage ranges corresponding to the torque levels, detecting the current output voltage of a battery and determining the voltage range in which the current output voltage is located, determining whether or not the current voltage range matches the preset torque level or not, and if the current voltage range does not match the preset torque level providing a warning that the torque output cannot reach the preset torque level and calculating and displaying a maximum torque level corresponding to the actual torque output value and, if the current voltage range does match the preset torque level, calculating the current actual torque output value and keeping a PWM modulation value constant if the torque output value conforms to the preset torque level or increasing the PWM modulation value for compensation if the torque output value does not conform to the preset torque level.
US09555526B1
A tool including selectively operable torque-limiting mechanism is provided. The tool includes a housing, a torque-limiting mechanism disposed within the housing and including a first gear engaged with the housing and including a number of first recesses, a second gear rotatably disposed within the housing adjacent the first gear and including a number of second recesses, a number of bearings disposed between the first gear and the second gear partially within the first recesses and partially within the second recesses, and a variable force-applying assembly engaged with the first gear opposite the second gear, a drive body engaged with the second gear and extending outwardly from the housing, and a cover disposed around the housing and selectively engaged with the drive body to control the operation of the torque-limiting mechanism.
US09555521B2
A pliers tool for the removal of lug nut caps includes a pair of elongated handle portions, a pair of jaw portions, a pair of neck portions, a pair of V-shaped clamping plates, a pair of V-shaped channels, and a pair of V-shaped chamfered edges. The pair of handle portions are at one end of the pliers tool. The pair of jaw portions are at another end of the pliers tool. The pair of neck portions are between the handle portions and the jaw portions. A first clamping plate of the pair of V-shaped clamping plates is directly attached to a first jaw portion of the pair of jaw portions. A first channel of the pair of V-shaped channels is attached to an end of the first clamping plate. A first chamfered edge of the pair of chamfered edges is disposed on an end of the first channel.
US09555518B2
Polishing pads with multi-modal distributions of pore diameters are described. Methods of fabricating polishing pads with multi-modal distributions of pore diameters are also described.
US09555511B2
The invention relates to an apparatus for the assembly and disassembly of hydraulic cylinders, composed of a pedestal-like machine frame having horizontally arranged guide means which bear, in displaceable manner, a receptacle for the cylinder barrel of the hydraulic cylinder, at least one receptacle for a support and a receptacle for a tool, and furthermore having a holder for fixing the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder. According to the invention, the holder for fixing the piston rod has a centering carriage which is driven by a centering spindle and which comprises a piston rod receptacle, wherein the holder is designed to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the machine frame and the rotational movement is realized by means of a torque-controlled electromotive drive.
US09555509B2
A wellbore screen including: an apertured base pipe; an intermediate filtering layer including a plurality of metal fibers wrapped helically around the apertured base pipe and a fluid tracing filament wrapped helically about the apertured base pipe, the fluid tracing filament including a filament structure and a tracer carried by the filament structure, the tracer being entrainable produced fluids in a wellbore environment; and an outer apertured shell over the intermediate layer. A method for producing a wellbore screen, the method comprising: forming a filter tube by wrapping an intermediate layer, including a metal wool fiber strip and a fluid tracing filament, about an apertured base pipe in a helical arrangement under tension; positioning the filter tube within the long bore of an outer apertured sleeve; and securing the outer apertured sleeve and the filter tube together.
US09555502B2
Methods and systems for forming a scribe line in a thin film stack on an inner surface of a thin film photovoltaic superstrate are provided via the use of a cleaning laser beam and a scribing laser beam. The cleaning laser beam is focused directly onto the exposed surface of the superstrate such that the cleaning laser beam removes debris from the exposed surface of the superstrate, and the scribing laser beam is focused through the exposed surface of the superstrate and onto the thin film stack such that the scribing laser beam passes through the superstrate to form a scribe within the thin film stack on the inner surface of the superstrate. The method and system can further utilize a conveyor to transport the superstrate in a machine direction to move the superstrate past the cleaning laser source and the scribing laser source.
US09555497B2
A plasma arc torch is provided that includes a torch body and a torch height controller. The torch height controller includes a movable part mounted to the torch body and a fixed part connected to a robotic arm. The movable part and the torch body are biased toward a workpiece and are translational relative to the fixed part.
US09555495B2
An automatic wire feed adjuster, including a feeding mechanism including a pair of rollers that feeds a wire therebetween, a tension controller that adjusts a tension between the pair of rollers, a wire speed sensor that measures a fed speed of the wire after exiting the feeding mechanism, and a control circuit that compares a driven speed of the wire with the fed speed of the wire, and that decides whether to instruct the tension controller to adjust the tension between the pair of rollers.
US09555489B2
A cutting insert includes an insert body having a polygonal plate shape. Rake faces are formed on polygonal surfaces of the insert body, and flank faces are formed on lateral faces of the insert body arranged around the polygonal surfaces. Main cutting edges are formed on side ridges of the polygonal surfaces at intersecting ridgelines between the rake faces and the flank faces. Each main cutting edge extends between two corners adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction of the polygonal surface among corners of the polygonal surface. When seen from a direction opposing the rake face, one end portion of the main cutting edge that stretches to one corner of the two corners has a convexly curved shape, and the other end portion of the main cutting edge that stretches to the other corner of the two corners has a concavely curved shape.
US09555488B2
A milling insert, including an upperside, an underside, and a reference plane parallel thereto. A plurality of indexable cutting edges are formed along a peripheral borderline in transitions between at least the upperside and a number of clearance surfaces. Each cutting edge includes a chip-removing main edge and a surface-wiping secondary edge. The main edge, from a first end of the main edge adjacent to the secondary edge, declines toward the underside of the milling insert and then, from a lowest part, rises toward an opposite second end of the main edge. The secondary edge is inclined at an angle (ε) in relation to the reference plane as viewed perpendicularly to the clearance surface of the secondary edge, such that a first end of the secondary edge connected to the main edge is situated on a lower level than the opposite, second end of the secondary edge.
US09555483B2
A cutting tool utilizing a replaceable blade has a body which defines a blade-accepting pocket having an interior within which the body of the blade is nestingly accepted when inserted within the pocket and for releasable securement of the blade within the blade-accepting pocket. Furthermore, the blade-accepting pocket includes an abutment surface against which a surface of the blade body bears against when the cutting edge of the blade is moved into cutting engagement with an item being cut with the tool.
US09555479B2
A chuck for clamping workpieces or tools in a clamping space with a clamping force (F). The chuck includes at least two chuck jaws movable in translation along one clamping plane (E) in the direction of one center Z of the clamping space and a gear train located at least largely within the chuck for transfer of a driving torque of a drive motor, which can be coupled to the gear train by coupling means of the gear train, to the chuck jaws for movement of the chuck jaws. The coupling means able to be coupled to a corresponding coupling connection of the drive motor. The movement from the maximum size of the clamping space to the minimum size of the clamping space is executed via the gear train from the drive motor.
US09555478B2
A chuck for a tool comprises a device for supplying a cooling and/or lubricating medium to a medium channel in a tool held in the chuck, an adjusting screw, and securing means. The adjusting screw serves as a stop for the tool held in the chuck, is arranged in the chuck, is adjustable in relation to the chuck in the axial direction of the chuck, and interacts with a pipe element. The pipe element is held rotatably in the chuck and the securing means limit an axial displacement of the pipe element at least in the direction of the adjusting screw. The pipe element and the adjusting screw are connected in a rotationally fixed but axially displaceable manner with respect to each other.
US09555477B2
A holder for grooving work includes a shank portion, and a head portion located on an end portion thereof. The head portion includes an insert attaching space, an upper and lower respectively located above and below the insert attaching space, a slit extending backward from the insert attaching space, an upper and a lower jaw connecting portions divided by the slit, an upper clamp surface on the upper jaw and a lower clamp surface on the lower jaw opposed to the insert attaching space. A column-shaped groove is connected to the deepest end of the slit. The column-shaped groove is formed to reduce the thickness of the upper jaw connecting portion, and extends from the lateral face on the side of the insert attaching space halfway along the deepest end of the slit toward the opposite lateral face. Upon attaching the insert to the holder the cutting tool is obtained.
US09555473B2
An apparatus for increasing the bulk density of metal powder may include a sealed chamber, a nozzle, and a target. The sealed chamber may include an inert environment. The nozzle may be coupled to an inert gas source and may be configured to introduce raw metal powder into a flow of the inert gas for discharge as a cold spray mixture of the raw metal powder and the inert gas into the chamber. The target may be housed within the sealed chamber and may be configured to receive an impact of the cold spray mixture. The nozzle and the target may be configured to flatten the raw metal particles into flattened metal particles in response to the cold spray mixture impacting the target.
US09555461B2
A method for connecting two components. The method includes heating a deformation region of at least one component part to provide complete heating. The at least one component part is plastically deformed after the complete heating of the deformation region.
US09555460B2
A method for manufacturing a split link assembly having a split link (800C) that includes a first half link (801), a second half link (803) and a threaded aperture (805) formed in both the first half link (801) and second half link (803) for use in joining the first half link and second half link with a fastening device (807). The split link assembly is machined to include a head portion (811), shoulder portion (813), barrel portion (815) and base portion (817) for use in providing a highly flexible tube bending mandrel.
US09555453B2
Methods for abrasive cleaning, existing pipes before coating interior surfaces which extends the life of piping systems such as copper, steel, lead, brass, cast iron piping and composite materials. The method can include the steps of generating pressurized gas into pipes to generate a moving air stream, intermittently injecting separate spaced apart bursts of abrasive particles into the moving air stream with different cumulative amounts of the intermittent bursts of the abrasive particles that vary based on different piping diameters, cleaning interior wall surfaces of the pipes with the intermittent bursts of the particles, reducing at least one of burrs or interior lips in the interior wall surfaces of the pipes, with the intermittent bursts of the particles and removing abrasive particles and debris caused by each one of the separate burst shots of the abrasive particles.
US09555423B2
A fluid injection device includes: a pulse generation section that includes a fluid chamber whose volume is changeable, and an inlet flow passage and an outlet flow passage that are connected to the fluid chamber; a first connection flow passage connected to the outlet flow passage, having an end portion; a second connection flow passage connected to the inlet flow passage; a fluid injection opening formed at the end portion of the first connection flow passage, having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the outlet flow passage; a connection flow passage tube including the first connection flow passage and having rigidity adequate to transmit pulses of fluid flowing from the fluid chamber to the fluid injection opening; and a pressure generation section that supplies fluid to the inlet flow passage.
US09555419B2
The present invention is directed to films that are deposited with foamable inks or coatings. One purpose is to facilitate their separation for recycling purposes. The films are particularly useful as packaging labels. The inks/coatings are designed so that foaming is activated when the film is in the hot-wash stage of a typical recycle process. This provides added buoyancy to the film allowing it to float to the surface and be removed, thereby significantly improving the efficiency of the recycle process. A feature of the invention is that, prior to this hot wash, the inks/coatings remain substantially unfoamed and thereby do not negatively affect the aesthetics of labeled package. The foamable inks/coatings can be used with any type of film.
US09555417B1
An apparatus includes: a disposal unit; a control unit configured to stop operation of the disposal unit; and a metal detector coil and associated circuitry, the metal detector coil located such that waste passing into the disposal unit for shredding passes through the metal detector coil. The control unit is triggered to stop operation of the disposal unit upon the detection of metal passing through the metal detector coil.
US09555414B2
The present invention provides a rack for holding sample vials comprising: (i) a solid base; (ii) an upwardly extending wall around the perimeter of said base; (iii) a plurality of means for supporting a plurality of vials, each means for supporting one vial; and (iv) a means for draining liquid from said rack.
US09555411B2
Methods and systems for controlling fluid flow through a cartridge for use in an assay of a fluid sample for detection of a target analyte. In one aspect, the cartridge includes a microfluidic device having a network of microfluidic channels, one or more reservoirs and one or more actuatable valves for controlling fluid flow from the reservoirs through the microfluidic channels. In some embodiments, the valve includes a deformable membrane movable between a closed configuration in which the membrane seals against the microfluidic device inhibiting fluid flow and an open configuration moved away from the microfluidic device to allow fluid flow through the microfluidic channels. Other valve embodiments utilize frangible membranes or user-removable membrane.
US09555410B2
An active fluid component (40) for connection with a substrate (10) has an interface which can be connected with the substrate (10) in a fluid-tight manner, and a magnet (42) arranged in the region of the interface.
US09555407B2
A sample processing apparatus includes a laser triangulation system that locates the position of a lower end of a pipette tip. When the laser triangulation system identifies a discrepancy between the actual position of the lower end and the proper position of the lower end, the sample processing apparatus may undergo a compensating action to compensate for the discrepancy.
US09555399B2
Provided is a visible-light-responsive titanium oxide microparticle dispersion or the like readily enabling manufacture of a highly transparent photocatalyst thin film demonstrating photocatalyst activity even using visible light alone, and having exceptional titanium oxide microparticle dispersion stability even after storage for prolonged periods of time in cold and dark interior locations. The present invention makes it possible to: produce a peroxotitanic acid solution containing vanadium and a tin compound from a titanium compound, a vanadium compound, a tin compound, a basic substance, hydrogen peroxide, and an aqueous dispersion medium as starting materials; subject the peroxotitanic acid solution to a hydrothermal reaction under high pressure; subsequently admix a copper compound into the acid solution; and obtain a visible-light-responsive titanium oxide microparticle dispersion or the like.
US09555392B2
Novel electrospun nanofibers and nanofibrous membranes, methods of manufacturing the same, and methods of using the same are provided. The nanofibers include a cactus mucilage, such as mucilage from Opuntia ficus-indica. An organic polymer can be added to the cactus mucilage before electrospinning. The nanofibrous membranes can be used in water filtration.
US09555387B2
A process for the formation of pellets containing an ultra hard (superhard) core coated with an encapsulating material includes utilizing a shovel rotor in combination with a rotating pan and/or a fluidized bed apparatus in sequence. The process includes providing a source of superhard material, providing a mixture comprising a binder, a solvent or fluid medium and the intended coating or encapsulating layer, and combining the superhard material and the mixture in a shovel rotor. The rotor of the shovel rotor is rotated at a velocity such that the superhard material is encapsulated by the mixture to form pellets. The pellets are introduced into a rotating vessel or fluidized bed granulating apparatus, and the pellets are contacted with encapsulating material to form pellets of greater mass than the pellets introduced into the vessel.
US09555378B2
A thin film composite polyamide membrane comprising a porous support and a thin film polyamide layer characterized by possessing an azo (—N═N—) content of from 0.75% to 0.95%, as measured by pyrolysis gas chromatography.
US09555371B2
Niobia- and tantala-doped ceria catalysts, their use in selective catalytic reduction (SCR) processes, and a compact after-treatment system for exhaust gases are disclosed. In some aspects, the catalyst comprises at least 91 wt. % of ceria and 0.1 to 9 wt. % of niobia or tantala doped on the ceria. While conventional SCR catalysts can deactivate at higher temperatures, the doped cerias, particularly ones having as little as 1 or 2 wt. % of Nb2O5 or Ta2O5, are activated toward NOx conversion by calcination. The doped cerias are also valuable for SCRF® catalyzed filter applications, including an after-treatment system that comprises a diesel particulate filter having inlets and outlets, and a dual-function catalyst coated on the inlets, outlets, or both. Compared with conventional SCR catalysts, the niobia or tantala-doped cerias enable a higher level of NO2 to be present.
US09555368B2
The invention in its various embodiments is directed to methods and equipment for generating an activated sorbent from a sorbent precursor with the addition of certain chemicals that enhance the effectiveness of the activated sorbent. The invention in its various embodiments is also directed to the methods and equipment for generating some of the chemicals that are added to the raw carbonaceous material or activated sorbent to enhance its effectiveness. The invention in its various embodiments is also directed to methods and equipment for generating certain chemicals that can be added to a gas stream to convert a given gaseous pollutant to a form that is more easily removed from the gas stream.
US09555361B2
A method of capturing carbon dioxide, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a cellulosic material which carries an amino compound; and (b) contacting the cellulosic material with a composition comprising carbon dioxide; wherein a portion of the heat energy produced in step (b) is captured.
US09555349B2
A rotary disc filter device includes a rotor rotatable about an axis of rotation. The rotor includes a plurality of disc-shaped filter members, each disc-shaped filter member having a frame. The frame is made of sheet metal elements which are connected with each other by rivets.
US09555341B2
A spray-drying device includes a spray nozzle that sprays the dehydrated filtrate from the desulfurization wastewater, in a spray-drying device body, an inlet that is provided in the spray-drying device body and introduces flue gas for drying spray liquid, a dry area that is provided in the spray-drying device body and dries the dehydrated filtrate by the flue gas, an outlet that discharged the flue gas contributing to the drying, a plurality of thermometers that are provided in the dry area and measure temperatures of the inside, a determination unit that determines whether or not a spray-drying state of the dehydrated filtrate is satisfactory on the basis of the measurement results of the thermometers, and a control unit that adjusts the flue gas or the dehydrated filtrate when it is determined that the spray-drying is not satisfactory as a result of the determination of the determination unit.
US09555336B2
A balloon inflating device includes a gas mixing device fluidly connecting a supply of pressurized lighter-than-air (LTA) gas and a supply of a second gas to a balloon interface nozzle via a gas shut-off valve. The gas mixing device includes an outer pipe including a closed first end, an inner chamber, an inner pipe that projects through the closed first end of the outer pipe into the inner chamber, a first fluidic inlet and an outlet port. The inner pipe includes a second fluidic inlet into the inner chamber. The second fluidic inlet fluidly connects to the supply of LTA gas. The first fluidic inlet is proximal to the closed first end and fluidly connects to the supply of the second gas. A second end of the outer pipe fluidly connects to the outlet port. The outlet port fluidly connects via the gas shut-off valve to the balloon interface nozzle.
US09555334B2
Apparatus and methods provide a player of a massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG) to participate in at least one aspect of the MMORPG while using a wireless device. The wireless device executes a mobile MMORPG client, which interfaces with the game server(s) of the MMORPG via a mobile MMORPG server. A location based gaming mode for use with the wireless device is disclosed.
US09555323B2
An exemplary information-processing device includes: a first receiving unit configured to receive plural categories for each of which a search condition is set, from a configuration device via a network; a first display control unit configured to control a display unit to display the received plural categories; a selecting unit configured to select one category from among the received plural categories; a transmitting unit configured to transmit to a search device a search condition that is set for the selected category; a second receiving unit configured to receive from the search device via the network a search result obtained using the transmitted search condition; and a second display control unit configured to control the display unit to display a content corresponding to the selected category, based on the received search result.
US09555322B2
A local game-area network includes a plurality of gaming devices and local game-area servers. Each local game-area server is associated with a corresponding gaming device. Each local game-area server in the local game-area network is operatively associated with every other local game-area server in the local game-area network. Additionally, one of the local game-area servers is a host local game-area server while the remaining gaming devices and associated local game-area servers are clients. Furthermore, the host status of the host local game-area server moves dynamically to an available local game-area server in the local game-area network in response to the host local game-area server becoming non-operational.
US09555311B1
The protective overgarment is intended for use by persons who engage in potentially hazardous activities, such as motorcycling and mountaineering. The overgarment is formed of generally circumferential elements that extend around the legs, torso, and arms of the wearer. The circumferential elements are connected by a plurality of connecting elements that extend along the sides of the torso and limbs of the wearer. The elements define corresponding open ventilation passages therebetween, providing greater comfort for the wearer during warm weather. Each of the elements is formed of at least one distinct layer. One layer may be a sheet of resilient rubber or the like. Another layer may be pneumatically inflated or filled with foam plastic material. Yet another layer may also be foam-filled and covered with a stretch fabric for comfort. Additional knee, shoulder, and chest protection is provided by removable rigid plates.
US09555309B1
Disclosed is a portable lifting jerk block for use in holding barbells used in weightlifting. The jerk block allows an individual to position a barbell at most any height by use of hydraulic lift member providing safety and convenience to the operator. A laser leveling light coordinates two adjoining jerk blocks providing a visual signal by highlight indicia on the adjoining lifting jerk block, or producing an audible tone when a laser light on an adjoining jerk block illuminates a photo cell detector to assure a level support for the barbell when positioned between the lifting jerk blocks.
US09555291B1
Multi-layered golf balls containing a three-layered core assembly are provided. Preferably, at least one of the core layers is formed from a thermoplastic composition that comprises: a) thermoplastic non-acid polymer, and b) plasticizer. In one preferred embodiment, the inner core is made of a first thermoset composition, for example, polybutadiene rubber; and the intermediate core layer is made of a thermoplastic composition; and the outer core is made of a second thermoset composition. A fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is preferably used as the plasticizer. Suitable non-acid polymers include, for example, polyesters, polyamides, polyolefins, and polyurethanes. The core assembly has a relatively high resiliency at given compressions.
US09555289B2
A golf ball has a large number of dimples on a surface thereof. The golf ball meets the following mathematical formula (I): 1.320≦L1≦1.420 (I), where L1 represents a ratio of a lift coefficient CL1 which is measured under conditions of a Reynolds number of 1.290×105 and a spin rate of 2820 rpm, relative to a lift coefficient CL2 which is measured under conditions of a Reynolds number of 1.290×105 and a spin rate of 1740 rpm.
US09555287B2
A power ice screw system including an ice screw and screw adapter configured to engage the ice screw, thus enabling use of a power drill to install the ice screw in an ice feature, is described. The ice screw includes a drive head configured to engage the screw adapter. The screw adapter includes clearing ports that enable the adapter to expel ice that enters the adapter from within the ice screw hollow core. The ice screw core extends through the drive head to permit ice to flow through the ice screw and into the adapter. A cutting member resides within the screw adapter, typically disposed between two clearing ports. The cutting member can be flanked by two flanges configured to direct ice that has been disrupted by the cutting member outwardly through the clearing ports. The power drill is typically a lightweight battery powered electric driver.
US09555279B2
The adjustable variant resistance exercise apparatus has installed several different resistant elastic springs and can provide variety of resistance for exercise. Man, woman, boy and girl can share the same one of adjustable variant resistance exercise apparatus for exercise. User can upgrade or downgrade exercise resistant power by adding more or remove some elastic rubber bands for exercise.
US09555276B2
Gait rehabilitation apparatus having lateral entry mechanism and lateral entry method using the same
Disclosed herein is a gait rehabilitation apparatus including a first frame having a bottom surface which is movable at predetermined speed; a second frame extending upwards from a tip of the first frame; a load support unit which is mounted to an upper end of the second frame and is rotatable about a rotation axis thereof; a connection string, one end of which is connected to the load support unit, and the other end of which is connected to an upper body of a rehabilitant; a safety bar which is connected to the second frame and is rotatable so as to be tilted upwards; and a gait assistance link member which has a structure able to be tilted upwards, and is connected to each leg of the rehabilitant entering onto the first frame to assist rehabilitation training of the rehabilitant through mechanical movement of the gait assistance link member.
US09555273B2
Systems and methods for determining the accuracy of a foam addition system on a firefighting vehicle are disclosed. The methods may include measuring the amount of a test water stream flowing through a foam metering device.
US09555271B2
Various concepts are provided for suppressing a fire condition in an aircraft. In one embodiment, the presence of a fire condition in an aircraft is detected. After such a detection, extinguishing agents can be dispensed and/or certain areas of the aircraft can be depressurized.
US09555268B2
An ultrasonic HIFU transducer (120) has a threaded opening into which a modular cavitation sensor (90) is removably located. The modular cavitation sensor includes a modular housing (92) containing a piezoelectric transducer for sensing acoustic signals indicative of cavitation. The modular cavitation sensor has electrodes (96,98) which engage spring contacts (112,114) in the threaded opening when the modular housing is screwed into the threaded opening. A damaged sensor can be unscrewed and replaced simply without connectors or soldering.
US09555262B2
A method and device for treating an infection of the nail or nail bed and adjacent tissues through non-thermal means is described. The device illuminates an area with light in the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Preferably, light having wavelengths of from about 870 nm to about 930 nm will be used. Further, the device includes light emitting diodes that are capable of emitting ultraviolet light. These lights are intended to provide a sterile environment for a user using the apparatus.
US09555260B2
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The treatment comprises transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers that are responsible for smooth muscle dilation. The transmitted energy impulses, comprising magnetic and/or electrical, mechanical and/or acoustic, and optical and/or thermal energy, stimulate the selected nerve fibers.
US09555259B2
The present invention is directed toward a detection architecture for use in implantable cardiac rhythm devices. The detection architecture of the present invention provides methods and devices for discriminating between arrhythmias. Moreover, by exploiting the enhanced specificity in the origin of the identified arrhythmia, the detection architecture can better discriminate between rhythms appropriate for device therapy and those that are not.
US09555258B2
Methods and devices for stimulating nerves are disclosed. In one embodiment adapted for stimulating excitable tissue, the invention includes drive circuitry, an acoustic transducer and a pair of electrodes.
US09555247B2
Devices and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea by first performing an assessment of the patient that involves observing the patient's upper airway during a tongue protrusion maneuver. The assessment may, for example, be done using endoscopy to observe the upper airway while the patient is awake in the supine position. An adequate response of the upper airway during the tongue protrusion maneuver is indicative of likely therapeutic success with hypoglossal nerve stimulation, and may be used for making clinical decisions. The principles of the present invention may be applied to other therapeutic interventions for OSA involving the upper airway.
US09555244B2
The present invention is an improved package and configuration for an implantable retinal prosthesis. The retinal prosthesis of the present invention includes an electrode array suitable to be mounted in close proximity to a retina, an electronics package and inductive receiving coil mounted next to each other on a strap surrounding the sclera so that the height above the sclera of the prosthesis is minimized.
US09555241B2
There is provided a method for controlling a flow of fluid in the vas deferens in order to obtain a controlled male contraception. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the tissue wall) at least one portion of the tissue wall to influence the flow vas deferens, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow in the vas deferens. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in the vas deferens, or for actively moving the fluid in the vas deferens, with a low risk of injuring the organ.
US09555239B2
A dynamic electroporation appliance comprises an oblong isolating applicator (1) with a rounded front part (4) and with two annular electrodes (3) arranged on its front surface at the sides of an intermediate opening (2). The intermediate opening it linked to at least one duct (9) associated with a central seat for a syringe (6) for dispensing pharmacological or aesthetic products or active ingredients. The electrodes (3) are energizable to produce a dynamic electroporation effect on the treated surface.
US09555232B2
A clamp for clamping flexible tubing is disclosed. The clamp includes a body having a first portion, a second portion, a first passage through the first portion, and a second passage through the second portion. The first passage is configured to compress a first length of the flexible tubing. The second passage is configured to compress a second length of the flexible tubing that does not overlap the first length.
US09555219B2
A medical device may include a handle housing having a side wall defining an interior space and proximal and distal apertures extending through the side wall, an elongated outer sheath, an elongated inner member, a proximal flush port disposed within the interior space and in fluid communication with the elongated inner member, and a distal flush port disposed within the interior space and in fluid communication with the elongated outer sheath. A control knob may be rotated to move the distal flush port within the interior space.
US09555212B2
An anesthesia system for providing a breathing gas enriched with anesthetic has an anesthesia apparatus (2) and at least one anesthetic dispensing device (3), which is detachably coupled with the anesthesia apparatus. A fluid connection (7, 8, 9) is provided between the anesthesia apparatus and the dispensing device, which is designed to send anesthetic from the dispensing device into the anesthesia apparatus. At least one optical interface is provided between the anesthesia apparatus and the dispensing device. At least one display device is provided in the dispensing device. The optical interface has at least one light source (10), which is provided in the anesthesia apparatus, and at least one fiber optic light guide (20), which is provided in the anesthetic dispensing device (3). The light fed by the light source (10) into the fiber optic light guide is sent to the display device to directly or indirectly light the display device.
US09555211B2
An apparatus for delivering pressurized, humidified breathable gas to a patient having a sleep-related disorder includes a CPAP unit with a blower configured to generate a flow of pressurized breathable gas. The Apparatus also includes a liquid storage container configured to hold a body of liquid. The liquid storage container has a gas feed opening, a gas discharge opening and a humidifying region above a metallic heat conducting material. In addition, the apparatus includes a support housing integrated directly into the CPAP unit and having a receiving space configured to removably receive the liquid storage container. The liquid storage container is structured such that when the liquid storage container is received by the support housing, the gas feed opening aligns with and engages with an ending portion of a gas feed flow path defined by the support structure and the gas discharge opening aligns with and engages with a beginning portion of a gas discharge flow path defined by the support structure so that the liquid storage container fluidly connects the gas feed flow path and the gas discharge flow path.
US09555208B2
A fluid tube is disclosed herein. The breathing circuit tube has a wall which comprises a hollow geometry. The wall defines a passageway with a central longitudinal axis therethrough. The wall is expandable and contractible to adjust a diameter and a length of the passageway. The wall includes one or more corrugations that expand and contract to adjust the diameter and length of the passageway. The corrugations extend between terminal end portions of the wall.
US09555193B2
A syringe includes a holding portion that accommodates an injection objective substance, a driving portion that applies injection energy, and a nozzle portion that includes a passage for injection, with these portions being loaded into a housing independently, whereby a state where the injection objective substance can be injected is established. The syringe includes a regulating means for regulating a loading position of the holding portion and the driving portion within the housing so that a loading state, where the holding portion and the driving portion are always loaded in the same order into the housing, is established for injection of the injection objective substance. Due to this, it is possible to facilitate injection of injection liquid ideal for various purposes and to improve user's convenience.
US09555183B2
A method of delivering a medicament to a limb of a patient body includes isolating a circulatory system of the limb from a circulatory system of the patient body, wherein the limb circulatory system is substantially all limb arteries and substantially all limb veins located between an isolation region and an end of the limb. A perfusion catheter is inserted into a limb artery in an antegrade position, while a collection catheter is inserted into a limb vein in a retrograde position. The blood flow of the limb circulatory system is then circulated by collecting the blood flow with the collection catheter and delivering the blood flow with the perfusion catheter. A medicament is perfused into the limb circulatory system with the perfusion catheter.
US09555182B2
A system and method for removing gas bubbles from blood during circulatory assist procedures. An active filter apparatus forces the bubbles to the center of the system where they are removed from the blood before the blood exits the filter.
US09555178B2
According to at least one example embodiment, a system of monitoring blood leaks during hemodialysis therapy includes a wetness sensing device and a hemodialysis machine. The wetness sensing device is configured to transmit information wirelessly, the information being indicative of an absence of a liquid or a presence of a liquid. The hemodialysis machine includes, or is coupled to, a wireless receiver having two or more antennas. Signals received at the two or more antennas are decoded at the wireless receiver. If decoded signals indicate a detected wetness, the hemodialysis machine is caused to halt blood flow in and out of the machine and generate an alarm.
US09555177B2
A needle guard is used when suturing the cuff of an attachment ring to the heart. The needle guard is disposed in the attachment ring to prevent other parts of the attachment ring from being punctured by a suturing needle. The needle guard can include one or more grooves to inhibit relative movement between the needle guard and the attachment ring during suturing. The needle guard is removed upon completion of suturing and to allow insertion into attachment ring of an inflow conduit of a heart assist device. An articulated clamp is used to compress the attachment ring into engagement with the inflow conduit. The attachment include an annular rib that grabs the inflow conduit.
US09555175B2
The invention is a next generation miniature heart assist device developed in order to maintain the blood circulation in patients with severe heart failure, and is applied endovascularly to the large arteries. This device is technically a kind of synchronous servo electric motor using “direct drive technology”. It provides longer battery life and high blood flow. Small volume and very low energy consumption provide a much longer battery life and a high blood flow. As the outer surface of the parts placed into the blood vessel will be completely covered with the endothelial cells and the intima layer of the arteries in time, there will be no foreign surface contacting directly with blood. As a result, no thromboembolic event or any negative effect on the cellular components of blood is expected.
US09555173B2
An extravascular pulsation blood pump possesses a bidirectionally acting pumping system (P, M) having a pump (P) which is connected via a first conduit (L1) to the left ventricle (LV) and via a second conduit (L2) to the aorta (AO). By means of a control means (St), the pump (P) is operated alternately in one and the other direction according to a given cardiac rhythm, so that alternately blood is sucked through the first conduit (L1) and simultaneously blood ejected through the second conduit (L2) to the same extent, on the one hand, and blood is sucked through the second conduit (L2) and simultaneously blood ejected through the first conduit (L1), on the other hand. The pulsation blood pump combines the functions and advantages of an extravascular copulsation pump with those of an extravascular counterpulsation blood pump.
US09555171B2
A method provides for procuring platelet rich plasma (PRP) from a sample of whole blood in a vial. The method includes the steps of: separating the whole blood into layers through centrifugation with an upper layer containing platelet poor plasma (PPP) and a PRP layer below the upper layer containing PRP; adjusting an end point of a first range of motion of an extractor relative to a position of the PRP layer; moving the extractor through the first range of motion through the vial, PPP passing out from the upper layer through the extractor; and after the extractor reaches the end point of the first range of motion, extracting the PRP through the extractor and collecting the PRP.
US09555162B2
A method of reducing phospholipid concentration in biological tissue. The biological tissue is immersed in an isopropyl alcohol solution for an effective period of time. After the effective period of time, the biological tissue has a phospholipid concentration that is at least 10 percent by weight less than an initial phospholipid concentration of the biological tissue.
US09555161B2
Oxidation resistant crosslinked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is described, wherein at least two different additives in the manufacture synergistically increase the oxidation resistance of crosslinked UHMWPE. This allows the manufacture of oxidation resistant crosslinked UHMWPE using lower levels of additives and/or lower levels of crosslinking irradiation or chemicals. The lower levels of additives and/or crosslinking produce crosslinked UHMWPE having desired physical properties not possible without the synergistic interaction of the additives. This crosslinked UHMWPE may be used in medical prostheses such as in bearing components having desired physical properties such as wear resistance and oxidation resistance not possible without the synergistic interaction of the additives.
US09555155B2
Resorbable multifilament yarns and monofilament fibers including poly-4-hydroxybutyrate and copolymers thereof with high tenacity or high tensile strength have been developed. The yarns and fibers are produced by cold drawing the multifilament yarns and monofilament fibers before hot drawing the yarns and fibers under tension at temperatures above the melt temperature of the polymer or copolymer. These yarns and fibers have prolonged strength retention in vivo making them suitable for soft tissue repairs where high strength and strength retention is required. The multifilament yarns have tenacities higher than 8.1 grams per denier, and in vivo, retain at least 65% of their initial strength at 2 weeks. The monofilament fibers retain at least 50% of their initial strength at 4 weeks in vivo. The monofilament fibers have tensile strengths higher than 500 MPa. These yarns and fibers may be used to make various medical devices for various applications.
US09555151B2
A system for managing female incontinence includes a body of biocompatible material configured to fit between the labia minora and the vestibule floor, the body having a surface configured to occlude the urethral meatus, an adhesive carried on at least a first portion of the surface and configured to provide a sealing engagement between the body and the urethral meatus, and wherein at least the adhesive includes a water gradient silicone hydrogel.
US09555145B2
A method for removing biofilm from a lumen of a medical implant is disclosed. The method includes the steps of inserting a plasma applicator into a lumen defined in a medical implant, the lumen having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion having an opening therein, positioning the plasma applicator adjacent a biofilm formation, generating a selectively reactive plasma effluent at the plasma applicator and directing the selectively reactive plasma effluent at the biofilm formation.
US09555143B2
Devices and methods for defining a data set, referred to herein as a signature, for a particular device having interior channels. A baseline signature is established for the particular device while the particular device is known to be in a decontaminated condition. After use of the device and subsequent decontamination of the device, a signature for the particular device is determined and compared with the baseline signature to verify that the latter signature is within an acceptable range.
US09555141B2
Provided are viscous and adherent food-safe antimicrobial compositions, and methods for using same in the immediate and residual decontamination of microbial-contaminated substrate surfaces, in reducing or precluding cutting implement-mediated transfer of surface contamination during cutting operations in the food industry, and for reducing or preventing transfer of contamination from contaminated surfaces in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Adherent antimicrobial protective layers are formed on substrate surfaces (e.g., processing equipment and utensils), providing a barrier (e.g., chemical and/or physical) to the passage or transport of microbial contamination between and among surfaces. The adherent formulations confer residual decontaminating activity, providing for prolonged killing of associated microbial contamination, are preferably formulated and applied as a gel, syrup or foam, and preferably comprise materials that are ‘generally-regarded-as-safe’ (GRAS) in food products, obviating post-treatment removal prior to consumption. Preferably, the inventive formulations are heated to a temperature≧about 80° C. prior to application.
US09555138B2
The present invention provides compounds with imaging moieties for imaging a subject. The present invention also relates to systems, compositions, and methods for the synthesis and use of imaging agents, or precursors thereof. An imaging agent precursor may be converted to an imaging agent using the methods described herein. In some cases, a composition or plurality of imaging agents is enriched in 18 F. In some cases, an imaging agent may be used to image an area of interest in a subject, including, but not limited to, the heart, cardiovascular system, cardiac vessels, brain, and other organs.
US09555130B2
A method of detecting and/or labeling myelin in an animal's peripheral nervous system tissue includes administering to the animal a fluorescent stilbenzene derivative and visualizing the animal's peripheral nervous system tissue using an in vivo imaging modality.
US09555128B2
Described herein are compositions of antibodies and carrier proteins and methods of making and using the same, in particular, as a cancer therapeutic. Also described are lyophilized compositions of antibodies and carrier proteins and methods of making and using the same, in particular, as a cancer therapeutic.
US09555125B2
Conjugates and compounds for making conjugates which are PBD molecules linked via the N10 position are disclosed, along with the use of the conjugates for treating proliferative diseases, including cancer.
US09555124B2
The invention provides novel B7-H3 and B7-H4 polypeptides useful for co-stimulating T cells, isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding them, vectors containing the nucleic acid molecules, and cells containing the vectors. Also included are methods of making and using these co-stimulatory polypeptides.
US09555123B2
A multi-arm polyethylene glycol (I) having different kinds of reactive groups and the uses thereof are disclosed, which is formed by polymerizing ethylene oxide with oligo-pentaerythritol as an initiator, wherein, PEG is same or different and is —(CH2CH2O)m-, the average value of m is an integer of 2-250; l is an integer of 1 or more. The method for producing the multi-arm polyethylene glycol having different kinds of reactive groups, the multi-arm polyethylene glycol active derivatives comprising linking groups X attached to PEG and terminal reactive groups F attached to X, the gels formed by the multi-arm polyethylene glycol active derivatives, the drug conjugates formed by the multi-arm polyethylene glycol active derivatives and drug molecules, and the uses thereof in preparing drugs are also disclosed.
US09555120B2
This invention provides a composition comprising: (i) a chitosan hydrogel comprising cross-linked chitosan and water; and (ii) a liquid dispersed in the hydrogel.
US09555119B2
Disclosed herein is a delivery composition for administering a hydrophobic active agent. In one embodiment, a delivery composition for local administration of a hydrophobic active agent to a tissue or organ of a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the delivery composition includes a cationic delivery agent, a therapeutically effective amount of a hydrophobic active agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous carrier. In one embodiment, the cationic delivery agent includes polyethyleneimine (PEI). In a more specific embodiment, the cationic delivery agent includes branched PEI. Methods of making the delivery composition, as well as kits and methods of use are also disclosed.
US09555108B2
The present invention includes a method of delivering a therapeutic agent into and across an endothelial cell (EC) in a subject in need thereof, comprising: attaching to a T Cell receptor mimic (TCR mimic) an active agent to form a therapeutic agent; and administering to the subject the therapeutic agent in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the therapeutic agent effectively crosses the EC microvascular barrier. Furthermore, the present invention relates to methods of treating diseases (particularly neuronal diseases) or conditions comprising identifying a subject in need of such a treatment and administering to said subject a composition comprising a TCR mimic conjugated to an active agent.
US09555102B2
The invention relates to an immunogenic composition for sublingual, perlingual or oral administration, comprising at least an antigen and at least an adjuvant that is a bacterium selected from a Bifidobacterium and a lactic acid bacterium, and/or a combination of a corticosteroid with vitamin D3 or any metabolite or analog of the latter, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier that is suitable for sublingual, perlingual, or oral administration. Such compositions allow to elicit antigen-specific immune tolerance.
US09555101B2
The present invention provides compositions or vaccines that contain a recombinant EHV-1 that elicit an immune response in animals against equine herpesvirus, including compositions comprising the recombinant EHV-1, methods of vaccination against equine herpesvirus, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.
US09555087B2
This invention relates to a novel target for production of immune and non-immune based therapeutics and for disease diagnosis. More particularly, the invention provides therapeutic antibodies against VSIG1, ILDR1, LOC253012, AI216611, C1ORF32 or FXYD3 antigens, which are predicted co-stimulatory family members and which are differentially expressed in cancers including, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and colon cancer, and diagnostic and therapeutic usages. The use of these antibodies for modulating B7 costimulation and related therapies such as the treatment of autoimmunity are also provided. This invention further relates to the discovery of extracellular domains of VSIG1 and its variants, FXYD3 and its variants, ILDR1 and its variants, LOC253012 and its variants, AI216611 and its variants, and C1ORF32 and its variants awhich are suitable targets for immunotherapy, cancer therapy, and drug development.
US09555084B2
The present invention refers to a combination of growth factors, cytokines, antibacterial/antiviral factors, stem cell stimulating factors, complement proteins C3a/C4a, immunoglobulins and chemotactic factors. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of said combination from serum, placenta or colostrum and to composition containing said combination for use in the treatment of conditions requiring tissue repair and regeneration and for the substitution of stem cell therapies.
US09555076B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for preventing, treating or delaying various cardiovascular diseases or disorders in mammals, particularly in humans. More particularly, the present invention provides for compositions and methods for preventing, treating or delaying various cardiovascular diseases or disorders using, inter alia, a neuregulin protein, or a functional fragment thereof, or a nucleic acid encoding a neuregulin protein, or a functional fragment thereof, or an agent that enhances production and/or function of said neuregulin.
US09555075B2
The present invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition comprising virtosomes isolated from non-dividing cells or the medium in which the cells are grown, for use in the inhibition of tumor growth and/or prevention of metastases.
US09555063B2
Synthetic Stem Cell-like Tissue Healing and Regeneration Medication with Anti-inflammatory, Protein Synthesis, Enzyme Deficiency Activation and Genetic Therapy, and Anti-cancer Agent derived from a series of inventions that include these products of Biomolecular Engineering, Drug Discovery from a Biologic Periodic Table of Applied Biochemistry and Biophysics. Tissue has a self healing effect promoting tissue healing and tissue regeneration. Not only does it maintain good health but also it has been observed that the patient's blood is withdrawn from the patient and applied to the ulcer has healing qualities. Cartilage placed in a wound promotes and accelerates wound healing. The anabolic biochemical and biophysical equivalent of tissue has been found in these embodiments to have the same pharmacologic qualities, when devoid of genetic DNA mismatch and other catabolic factors including the catabolic effects of microorganism overgrowth that lacks pro-biotic qualities. The healing efficacy of these tissue components gives us further appreciation of the protective action of human tissue over and above and other than the immune protective system or perhaps an integral component part of the immune system.
US09555044B2
The disclosures herein relate to novel compounds of formula wherein W, X and Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4 are defined herein, and their use in treating, preventing, ameliorating, controlling or reducing the risk of neurological or psychiatric disorders associated with orexin receptors.
US09555042B2
The invention is related to a method of treating a subject with pancreatic cancer with administration of a compound represented by Structural Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09555038B2
The present invention relates to novel Heterocycle-Substituted Tetracyclic Compounds of Formula (I): (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein A, A′, R2 R3, R4 and R are as defined herein. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising at least one Heterocycle-Substituted Tetracyclic Compound, and methods of using the Heterocycle-Substituted Tetracyclic Compounds for treating or preventing HCV infection in a patient.
US09555035B2
The present disclosure is related to heteroaryl compounds as MEK inhibitors. These compounds include heteroaryl compounds of formula I, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, combinations with suitable medicament and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The present disclosure also includes processes of preparation of the compounds and their use in methods of treatment. The compounds as disclosed herein are of Formula (I) below:
US09555027B2
A preparation for oral administration comprising: a pregelatinized starch comprising N-[4-[4-(1,2-benzisothiazol-3-yl)-1-piperazinyl]-(2R,3R)-2,3-tetramethylene-butyl]-(1′R,2′S,3′R,4′S)-2,3-bicyclo[2,2,1]-heptanedicarboxyimide hydrochloride (lurasidone) represented by the formula (1) as an active ingredient; a water-soluble excipient; and a water-soluble polymeric binder, the preparation exhibiting an invariant level of elution behavior even when the content of its active ingredient is varied.
US09555025B2
Provided is an ointment which has excellent drug stability and excellent drug uniformity. The ointment, which comprises 1 to 5% by weight of 1-[2-[(4S)-4-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolin-1-yl]-4-pyridyl]-2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-6,7-dimethoxynaphthalene·3/2 hydrate, 3 to 7% by weight of a separation inhibitor, 15 to 50% by weight of a hydrocarbon gel, a pH controller and 0.05 to 0.4% by weight of an antioxidant, has excellent drug stability and excellent drug dispersibility. In the present ointment, polyoxyethylene (196) polyoxypropylene (67) glycol is preferred as the separation inhibitor, diisopropanolamine is preferred as the pH controller, and dibutylhydroxytoluene is preferred as the antioxidant.
US09555015B2
Topical and wash compositions comprising a polymeric biguanide or a bis(biguanide) compound, a chelating agent and a buffering agent and methods for using these compositions for the prevention or treatment of skin or ear tissue infections is provided.
US09555011B2
The present invention includes compositions and methods of making an activated polymeric nanoparticle for targeted drug delivery that includes a biocompatible polymer and an amphiphilic stabilizing agent non-covalently associated with a spacer compound that includes at least one electrophile that selectively reacts with any nucleophilic on a targeting agent and places the targeting agent on the exterior surface of a biodegradable nanoshell, wherein an active agent is loaded with the nanoshell.
US09555002B2
The invention relates to dosage forms which contain preparations of poorly water-soluble substances in a polymer matrix of polyether copolymers, said polyether copolymers being obtained by the radically initiated polymerization of a mixture from 30 to 80% by weight of N-vinyl lactam, 10 to 50% by weight of vinyl acetate and 10 to 50% by weight of a polyether, and at least one poorly water-soluble polymer, the poorly water-soluble substance being present in the polymer matrix as an amorphous substance.
US09554999B2
Lyophilized pulmonary surfactants having an increased specific surface area and porosity are described. Methods of making the lyophilized pulmonary surfactants are also described.
US09554995B2
The invention relates to nanoemulsions useful for analytical techniques and delivery of cargoes such as pharmaceutically active agents. In particular, the invention relates to nanoemulsions comprising an oil phase dispersed in an aqueous phase and at least two peptide surfactants adsorbed at the liquid-liquid interface, one peptide surfactant comprising a short peptide sequence having α-helical propensity and at least one second polypeptide surfactant comprising at least two peptide sequences having α-helical propensity linked by a linking sequence of 3 to 11 amino acid residues. Optionally the at least one second polypeptide surfactant comprises at least one pharmacokinetic modifying agent and/or a targeting agent. Furthermore, the nanoemulsion may further comprise a cargo such as a pharmaceutically active agent.
US09554993B2
A pulmonary delivery medicament comprises a plurality of particulates, the particulates comprising a structural matrix and a water insoluble and/or crystalline active agent. The particulates have a geometric diameter of 0.5 to 50 μm. The water insoluble active agent can be a fungicide, antibiotic, budesonide. A method of making the medicament comprises forming a liquid feedstock, and forming a feedstock suspension by suspending in the liquid feedstock, the active agent and an excipient capable of forming a structural matrix, such as a phospholipid. The feedstock suspension is spray dried to produce the particulates.
US09554991B2
A gastroretentive drug formulation for the sustained release of an active agent in the gastrointestinal tract comprises an internal layer or compartment comprising an active agent and one or more pharmaceutical excipients, of which at least one is a polymer and two membranes forming together an envelope around the inner membrane, each membrane comprising at least one polymeric combination of an enteric polymer which is not soluble in gastric juice, and an hydrophilic swelling polymer, and at least one plasticizer.
US09554988B2
Methods, compositions and products for preventing skin tumor formation or inhibiting the development of an existing skin tumor in a subject are described. The methods involve administering to the subject a composition containing an α adrenergic receptor agonist, such as brimonidine.
US09554987B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating sialic acid deficiencies comprising extended release formulations.
US09554985B2
An agent for promoting hair growth and a preparation method for the same are provided. The method for preparing an agent for promoting hair growth that includes: (1) preparing an extract from eight medicinal herbs combined together at an optimal combination ratio to contain 50 to 70 wt. % of Rumex japonicas HOUTT, 3 to 6 wt. % of Pleuropterus multiflorus, 1 to 2 wt. % of Radix Notoginseng, 1 to 2 wt. % of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), 1 to 2 wt. % of Cnidium officinale, 0.5 to 1 wt. % of Mentha Arvensis var. Piperascens, 0.5 to 1 wt. % of Asarum sieboldii, and 0.5 to 1 wt. % of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer; and (2) adding 10 to 15 wt. % of a purified horse fat to the extract. The present invention exhibits the remarkable effects of promoting hair growth, preventing hair loss, and providing skin care functions through the treatment of the underlying diseases, such as kidney infection, heart problems and liver disorders, that are in direct and close relation to hair loss, and by promoting blood circulation and metabolic activity.
US09554978B2
A compliant personal care article, can include: a personal care composition, including i) a surfactant; and ii) from about 3% to about 40%, by weight of the composition, of a water insoluble hygroscopic fiber, fine, or filament; and a first contact substrate adjacent to the composition, wherein the contact substrate is a multiplanar film, includes a surface aberration, and has a surface aberration area of about 45% to about 98%.
US09554970B2
A coupling includes a first input port and a photoluminescent portion associated with the first input port. The first input port may be one or more of a gastric port, a jejunal port, or a balloon port. The first port may have a first glow-in-the dark feature and a second port may have a second glow-in-the-dark feature, which may be different from one another. The coupling may include means for orientation that assists a user in properly orienting a connector to be mounted in the first port in proper orientation and a first connector for coupling to the first port.
US09554969B2
A portable self medication management system and method of provided. For example, the system may include a removable tote and docking station. The removable tote including a plurality of receptacles, communicating section for transferring data to and from a docking station and a power reception station for receiving power from the docking station. The docking station including a scanner, a display screen, a controller, a storage device, communicating sections for transmitting data to the removable tote and other external devices and a power transmitting section for transferring power to the removable tote.
US09554965B2
In a device for introducing shock waves into a living body by way of at least one element (4; 12; 14) which transmits the shock waves and upon which shock pulses act, wherein at least one spring member (2) is used for generating the shock waves, a tensioning device is associated with the spring member and allows for an abrupt release of the spring member while delivering a shock pulse.
US09554964B1
Suspension and body attachment system and differential pressure suit for body weight support devices
The present invention provides a differential pressure body suit with external support against body suit migration. In its preferred embodiment, such body suit may comprise a close-fitting, multi-layered suit sealed against a mammal's skin to contain the differential pressure, or a looser-fitting suit that bends at the mammal's joints with minimal force. External support means include either fixed or movable mechanical supports attached to the body suit, extraordinary air pressure levels for making the body suit rigid, or exoskeletons attached to the body suit, or a counter-force suspension cable adjustment system. A cyclic control system can turn the differential pressure condition within the body suit on and off on a selective basis to accommodate the movement of the legs of the mammal. This differential pressure body suit provides a portable and convenient system for, e.g., rehabilitating a skeletal joint injury or training the mammal for injury prevention or athletic performance or fat burning. The pressurization reduces the weight of the body to greater or lesser extents, and offloads the weight to the ground through the external support means.
US09554962B1
A walker having a frame with a plurality of legs with each leg having a wheel or roller located at a respective free end for providing rolling movement of the walker. The frame is dimensioned to surround the person utilizing the walker. The user's weight can be supported by a seat member, which is releasably attached to the frame. The frame of the walker can be pivotally opened and closed to permit the entry and exit of the user with relation to interior of the walker. Depending on the height and comfort of the user, the support frame is also vertically adjustable.
US09554960B2
A wearable motion supporting device includes a waist portion frame having a long base portion in a right-left direction of a wearer, a pair of right and left lower extremity frames connected to a lower portion of the waist portion frame, a back portion frame connected to an upper portion of the base portion of the waist portion frame, and a connection portion connecting the back portion frame and the base portion of the waist portion frame. The connection portion is made of a rotational mechanism of one DOF (Degree Of Freedom) on a frontal plane, for example, a four-node link mechanism.
US09554955B2
The present invention is directed to a tilt-in-space wheelchair that limits the shift of the center of a gravity of a wheelchair occupant during tilting. The wheelchair comprises a main frame adapted to be supported on a surface by wheels, a seat frame for supporting a occupant, and an arc plate for slidably or rollably supporting the seat frame with respect to the main frame. The arc plate defines a first track and a second track that guide the tilting of the seat frame relative to the frame. The first track and second track may have non-constant curvatures. Further, the first track and second track may be arranged non-concentrically on the arc plate and may have different lengths.
US09554953B2
The embodiments relate to a medical device and to a method for controlling a movement of the mobile medical device. The medical device includes a chassis and a control apparatus, wherein the medical device is embodied by the chassis to perform a movement in at least two spatial directions on a plane of motion and to execute a rotary movement about an axis of rotation standing perpendicularly on the plane of motion, and the control apparatus is embodied for controlling the chassis.
US09554948B2
A sensor that is sensitive to the presence of aqueous-based fluids is described. The sensor has a wetness indicating material immobilized or printed on a substrate. The indicating material contains at least one electron-donating leuco dye and one electron deficient receptor, and exhibits a visual signal (e.g., vivid or strong color intensity) in a dry state, which fades or disappears when in contact with a water-containing liquid. An absorbent article incorporating such a sensor to communicate to a user that the article has been exposed to water-containing fluids is also described.
US09554947B2
The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article comprising a chassis having a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region between the front and back waist regions, said chassis having two opposing longitudinal edges and two perpendicularly placed end edges, said chassis further comprising: a. a liquid permeable topsheet spanning at least the crotch region; b. a backsheet spanning at least the crotch region; c. an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and backsheet; and d. a elastic member disposed along at least one opposing longitudinal edge in either the front waist or back waist region of said chassis wherein said member comprises an unapertured, skinless elastomeric layer wherein said layer exhibits an Energy Recovery Value of at least about 0.77.
US09554944B2
Methods and devices for dressing a wound are disclosed. One such dressing includes a layer of spaced protrusions, each protrusion shaped to receive medication for treating a wound and a plurality of holes defined in the layer, the holes configured to allow evaporation of exudate from the wound. Another such dressing includes multiple layers, each layer sandwiched over the next and including spaced protrusions, with alternate layers comprising absorptive materials. The alternate layers of absorptive materials can communicate via holes in the non-absorptive layers to allow exudate to travel from between the absorptive layers and away from the wound.
US09554940B2
Systems and methods for delivering multiple ocular implants to reduce intraocular pressure are disclosed. The ocular implants can be implanted at multiple sites within a single human eye without requiring removal of the delivery apparatus from the eye. A system for delivering multiple ocular implants can include at least two implants preloaded within a delivery device and configured to be implanted within the eye, a metering device configured to transfer energy to the implants for delivery at selected locations within the eye, wherein the metering device is configured to meter a variable amount of energy for each implant delivery event in the eye. The system can further include an injector mechanism configured to serially engage and drive each of the implants.
US09554938B2
An anti-snoring device for positioning within the mouth cavity of a person is disclosed. The invention is characterized in that a displacement member (9) is provided with a shape and size suitable for placement within the mouth cavity between the bottom of the tongue and the musculature at the bottom of the mouth, the member lifting the tongue in toward the mouth cavity, wherein the displacement member is connected to a mouthpiece-shaped element (8) placed between the teeth of the upper and lower jaw, and provides a passage opening (15) for ventilation of the mouth cavity with air that is breathed.
US09554932B2
The present disclosure relates generally to prosthetic devices for use in restricting food and caloric intake into the stomach and of absorption of the food components in the stomach and small intestine. The system includes an elongated bariatric sleeve having a normally superior or upper proximal end and a normally inferior or lower distal end. An elongated lumen support member is positioned within the first lumen in contacting relation with the first membrane for maintaining the first lumen in an open position. A proximal anchor ring with a central aperture and a catheter channel is connected to the proximal end of the sleeve to the collar member. The anchor is inflatable or expandable memory material for anchoring the sleeve in superior relation to a pyloric valve of the patient's stomach. An anchor weight is connected to the distal end of the first flexible tube. The device further includes a tether or a delivery catheter connected to a gastric port to aide in minimizing movement of the device and the device for delivery of nutritional and pharmaceutical compositions through the gastric opening and into the second lumen where they may be absorbed by the proximal duodenum and jejunum of the small intestine. The system can also include an intragastric displacement balloon.
US09554927B2
A stent includes a central portion of helically wound undulations formed of struts, cylindrical end portions, and transition zones between the helical portion and the cylindrical portions. According to a first aspect of the invention, the torsional flexibility of the stent is maximized by having bridges connecting adjacent winding be interrupted by the maximum possible number of undulations. In one embodiment, each winding includes nineteen undulations around the circumference, bridges are provided every five undulations. According to a second aspect of the invention, uniform opening of the transition zone is achieved by altering the width, and thereby the flexibility, of a series of struts in accordance with their lengths. Specifically, the long transition zone struts are made wider.
US09554924B2
A stent (10) for transluminal implantation comprises a first, second and third stent section (11, 12, 13) for splinting and/or keeping open a hollow organ which are connected to each other via elastic tubular sections (14, 15). The stent (10) combines at least three different stent designs in one stent and can therefore be adjusted to the motion behavior of a hollow organ in an improved fashion (FIG. 1).
US09554923B2
The invention relates to a prosthesis shaft for receiving an amputation stump of an extremity, comprising connecting means for a distal prosthesis device (2), wherein the prosthesis shaft (1) comprises at least one shell (11, 12), which has an arched, open cross-section and the shell ends of which in the applied state overlap each other at least partially, at least one tensioning means (14, 15) being disposed on the shell (11, 12), said means acting in the circumferential direction and tensioning the shell ends relative to each other, and the shell (11, 12) being made of a dimensionally stable plastic having regions with varying elasticity.
US09554906B2
Tissue restraining systems and devices as well as methods of using these devices are disclosed herein. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a tissue restraining device that may include an annuloplasty member having one or more contact points along a portion of the annuloplasty member in a spaced relation to one another. The tissue restraining device may also include a second anchor for placement in a substantially opposing, spaced relation to the annuloplasty member. A restraining matrix may extend from the contact points of the annuloplasty member to the second anchor.
US09554903B2
A heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The prosthetic valve comprises a support structure that is deployed at a treatment site. The prosthetic valve further comprises a valve member configured to be quickly connected to the support structure. The support structure may take the form of a stent that is expanded at the site of a native valve. If desired, the native leaflets may remain and the stent may be used to hold the native valve open. In this case, the stent may be balloon expandable and configured to resist the powerful recoil force of the native leaflets. The support structure is provided with a coupling means for attachment to the valve member, thereby fixing the position of the valve member in the body. The valve member may be expandable or a non-expandable type.
US09554894B2
An intraocular lens insertion device and a cartridge which enable the intraocular lens to be inserted into an eye more stably and easily than ever before. A supporting portion 102 of an intraocular lens 100 arranged on a lens-advancing side in a lens-advancing direction x is pressed against a protrusion 21 so as to be bent backward. Thus, releasing the intraocular lens 100 from a nozzle portion 13 is allowed to begin with the releasing of a curved portion of the supporting portion 102 that has become U-shaped and hard to move freely. As a result, there can be provided an intraocular lens insertion device and a cartridge which enable the intraocular lens 100 to be inserted into an eye more steadily and easily than ever before.
US09554889B2
Methods and systems for manufacturing a wavefront-guided scleral lens prosthetic device customized for an eye of a patient include obtaining a first scleral lens prosthetic device with a central optic zone configured to vault over the eye's cornea and a peripheral haptic zone configured to align with the eye's sclera, collecting measurements of any offset and/or rotation of the first scleral lens prosthetic device relative to the eye's pupil and of any aberrations, particularly higher-order aberrations, generating a wavefront-guided profile from the measurements, and fabricating a second scleral lens prosthetic device with the profile on a surface of a central optic zone configured to vault over the eye's cornea and a peripheral haptic zone customized to align with the eye's sclera.
US09554887B2
The present invention relates to a prosthesis (100) comprising an openworked three-dimensional knit (101) comprising a front face and a rear face, each face being formed with one or more laps of yarns defining pores on said face, the front face being bound to the rear face by connecting yarns defining a spacer, characterized in that the connecting yarns are distributed so that they define an entanglement of yarns crossing each other at the spacer, without obstructing the pores of the front and rear faces.
US09554886B2
The present invention discloses a medical assembly including an implant, a first sleeve, a second sleeve and an elongate member. The implant has a first portion, a second portion and a mid portion. The first portion of the implant is configured to be enclosed by the first sleeve and the second portion of the implant is configured to be enclosed by the second sleeve. The elongate member is configured to couple the implant with the first sleeve and the second sleeve and is configured to respectively extend from the first portion to the mid portion of the implant and past the mid portion such that the elongate member exits the implant through the mid portion and forms a loop near the mid portion.
US09554856B2
Disclosed herein are optical assemblies having thin, low profile shapes. These optical assemblies may be used with fiber coupled lasers and other light sources, including high power sources, to irradiate tissue at a wavelength suitable for inducing ablation or coagulation to a target depth, denaturation, thermal modification of a tissue, and/or preferential injury to a target tissue structure. Example optical assemblies can produce substantially uniform illumination patterns that are useful for treating superficial tissue, including the internal or luminal (e.g., esophageal) tissue. Some examples may have capability for cooling superficial tissue or skin, such as a detachable, reusable heat sink for active cooling without consumables, fluid pumps, or other cooling equipment.
US09554855B2
A microwave ablation system includes an energy source adapted to generate microwave energy and a power splitting device having an input adapted to connect to the energy source and a plurality of outputs. The plurality of outputs are configured to be coupled to a corresponding plurality of energy delivery devices. The power splitting device is configured to selectively divide energy provided from the energy source between the plurality of energy devices.
US09554854B2
Various embodiments are directed to an electrosurgical systems and methods for providing an electrosurgical signal to a patient. An electrosurgical signal defining a plurality of pulses may be provided to first and second electrodes. A first reading may be received indicating an impedance between the first and second electrodes taken at a first point of a first pulse of the electrosurgical signal. A second reading may indicate the impedance a first point of a second pulse of the electrosurgical signal, where the first point of the first pulse and the first point of the second pulse are at equivalent positions within the first and second pulses. Based on a comparison of the first reading and the second reading, a short circuit may be determined and a signal indicating the short circuit may be generated.
US09554853B2
An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation of organs and other tissues includes a radio frequency generator which provides a radio frequency signal to ablation electrodes. The power level of the radio frequency signal is determined based on the subject area of ablation. The radio frequency signal is coupled with the ablation electrodes through a transformation circuit. The transformation circuit includes a high impedance transformation circuit and a low impedance transformation circuit. The high or low impedance transformation circuit is selected based on the impedance of the ablation electrodes in contact with the subject tissue. Vacuum level, impedance level, resistance level, and time are measured during ablation. If these parameters exceed determinable limits the ablation procedure is terminated.
US09554848B2
An ablation catheter assembly including an elongate catheter body having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen therethrough. A helical structure associated with the catheter distal portion carries a plurality of independently operable electrodes and is transformable between a low-profile configuration wherein a straightening element is positioned in the lumen and an expanded configuration wherein the straightening element is at least partially retracted from the spiral structure. When the helical structure is in the expanded configuration, a laterally offset tip portion extends distally therefrom.
US09554843B2
An adapter includes a coupling mechanism that mates with a protruding nozzle of a gas-enhanced electrosurgical coagulation handpiece to convert the coagulation handpiece into a gas-enhanced electrosurgical cutting instrument. An adapter electrode and flow passageways of the adapter conduct electrical energy and gas from the nozzle of the coagulation handpiece to a protruding cutting end portion of an adapter electrode.
US09554840B2
An inflatable bone tamp for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes a shaft having a primary region and a reduced diameter region, and an inflatable structure surrounding at least a portion of the reduced diameter region. The reduced diameter region of the shaft allows the deflated size of the inflatable structure to be minimized, while at the same time eliminating the need for the conventional dual lumen balloon catheter construction.
US09554832B2
An instrument for spinal rotation that aligns and holds direct vertebral rotation (DVR) lever arms relative to each other to achieve an initial axial alignment of a segment of vertebrae and allows the final DVR rotation by rotating the instrument and lever arms together. A method of direct vertebral rotation that allows rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to each other, and collectively rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to adjacent spinal segments by rotating the direct vertebral rotation instrument. A system for direct vertebral rotation having at least two pedicle screws. The system also includes at least two levers attachable to the pedicle screws and a clamping instrument configured to clamp the levers.
US09554831B2
A spinal implant is provided. The spinal implant includes a body extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end defines a notch configured for disposal of a first vertebra. The distal end includes a protrusion configured for disposal in a second vertebra. The proximal and distal ends are movable relative to one another between an unexpanded position in which the spinal implant is inserted between lamina and an expanded position in which the spinal implant is disposed between the lamina.
US09554828B2
A birth delivery device (10, 30) including one or more engaging elements (18, 32) shaped to engage a fetal head, one or more handles (19, 40) connected to the one or more engaging elements (18, 32) that manipulate the one or more engaging elements (18, 32), and one or more position sensors (20) placed on a portion of at least one of the engaging elements (18, 32) and the handles (19, 40), the position sensors (20) being in communication with a processor (22) that processes data from the position sensors (20) to determine positional information related to the fetal head.
US09554826B2
The present invention comprises methods and devices for generating and providing contrast medium for sonography of structures such as ducts and cavities. The invention provides for creation of a contrast medium comprising detectable acoustic variations between two phases, for example, a gas and a liquid. Sonography is the primary imaging technique but other conventional detection techniques may also be employed with the present invention.
US09554822B2
The subject matter relates a catheter having a helical or spiral tip defining an aspiration port for removing obstructions from blood vessels.
US09554813B2
An orthopedic surgical instrument includes a patella trial and drill guide that may be used to both perform a surgical trial of the patellofemoral joint and guide the surgeon in drilling a number of anchor holes in the patella of the patient.
US09554804B2
A medical device implant for the left atrial appendage of a patient's heart to prevent strokes. The device includes a cap that overlies the opening of the LAA connected to a bulb in the LAA. Discontinuous segmented sails attached to the cap promote tissue growth over the device. The device maybe repositioned and redeployed during implantation.
US09554801B2
An extravascular anastomosis device for facilitating side-to-side arteriovenous fistula creation and maintenance of patency thereof is presented. The device comprises two device halves each containing an anastomosis window which is in fluid connection with an interior space of the device. Further, the device comprises a pair of vessel capture spaces in which portions of the vessels to be joined are captured. The invention also has an embodiment wherein a method of joining a vein and an artery in order to create a fistula is presented.
US09554799B2
An apparatus for closing a surgical incision comprises left and right base panels, a plurality of closure components, and a plurality of left and right axial supports coupled to the respective base panels. The closure components couple the left and right base panels to each other laterally and have left and right ends coupled to the respective base panels. The closure components are positioned laterally across the left and right panels, the left axial supports are disposed between pairs of left closure component ends, the right axial supports are disposed between pairs of right closure component ends, and the left and right axial supports are offset from one another such that a serpentine arrangement of consecutive closure components and axial supports is formed. The apparatus can be made of antimicrobial materials or materials impregnated with antimicrobial agents. A flexible adhesive cover can be provided over the apparatus when in use.
US09554795B2
An anvil cap for providing secure anastomosis in a circular staplers in which the anvil cap has a movable inner shaft, a command wire connected to the movable inner shaft so as to cause a pulling movement to be applied to the movable inner shaft, a plurality of upper wings pivotally mounted to joint points on the movable inner shaft so as to be openable in relation to the movable inner shaft, and a plurality of lower wings cooperative with the plurality of upper wings such that the plurality of lower wings open when the plurality of upper wings apply pressure to the plurality of lower wings.
US09554793B2
A device according to one exemplary embodiment is a compact, light-weight handheld device that includes a needle and suture assembly, a mechanism for gripping and releasing the needle and suture assembly (a “needle transfer mechanism” or “needle shuttle mechanism”), safely capturing the needle assembly upon exit from the patient's tissue, and returning the needle to position such that the process of delivering additional sutures to the patient can be repeated. The device of the present invention accommodates the right or left-handed user, rests comfortably in the user's hand, allows sufficient visualization of the procedure site, and permits the user to either control penetration depth of the needle or default to a device-determined depth. The present device permits the user to utilize a wrist-rotation (pivoting) suture delivery technique that is familiar to a user based on experience with other surgical techniques.
US09554792B1
A suturing device, and methods for suturing various sizes of apertures in tissues, are presented. The suturing device has a body with at least one or more adjustable arms that are coupled with catch targets. The arms are coupled with needle guides such that movements of the arms orient the needle guides to direct the needles towards the catch targets. The catch targets are coupled with sutures, such that when the needles reach the targets, they capture and pull the sutures back to the body. By changing the angles at which the arms extend from the body, the catch targets are moved closer to, or farther from, the body, and the suture device is readily configured to suture various sizes of apertures.
US09554786B2
A medical device that includes a plurality of strut members forming a plurality of generally diamond-shaped openings, the plurality of strut member being configured to form an annular shaped structure with the generally diamond-shaped openings extending generally longitudinally relative to a longitudinal axis of the medical device. A plurality of tissue engaging portions are associated with the plurality of struts, with each tissue engaging portion extending towards the longitudinal axis in a deployed configuration.
US09554785B2
Disclosed are puncture sealing systems and methods of locating a puncture site within a vessel. The systems can include puncture locating dilators and access sheaths that are configured to locate the puncture site within a vessel so that the position of the puncture site relative to a distal end of the access sheath is known during a puncture sealing procedure.
US09554782B2
A method for treating a wound or defect at a surgical target site using a minimally invasive surgical procedure is provided which includes utilizing a surgical access device such as a port or a catheter having a plurality of reactive members of a specific binding pair releasably contained on a surface of the access device, the reactive members having affinity for binding a cellular component of tissue cells located at the target site; contacting the surface of the access device with the tissue cells, wherein upon contact of the reactive members on the surface of the access device with the tissue cells, the reactive members are released from the surface of the access device and bind to the tissue; providing a tissue repair member having secured thereto a plurality of complementary reactive members of the specific binding pair; and applying the tissue repair member to the tissue, wherein upon contact of the complementary reactive members on the surface of the tissue repair member with the reactive members on the tissue, covalent bonds are formed between the reactive members and the complementary reactive members, thus bonding the tissue repair member to the tissue. A surgical access device for use in minimally invasive surgery is provided which includes a plurality of reactive members of a specific binding pair releasably contained on a surface of the access device, the reactive members having an affinity for binding a cellular component of tissue cells and another affinity for binding complementary members of the specific binding pair.
US09554777B2
A method of evaluating tissue stiffness of a target area includes positioning an ultrasound elasticity imaging apparatus adjacent a surface of an area of tissue where the target area is located and applying a dynamic range of force to the tissue. A plurality of ultrasound beams can be directed at the tissue and a plurality of ultrasound echoes can be acquired from the strained tissue in the target area to calculate an amount of developed strain within the target area.
US09554776B2
A three-dimensional/four-dimensional (3D/4D) imaging apparatus and a region of interest (ROI) adjustment method and device are provided. An ROI is adjusted through an E image in a 3D/4D imaging mode, in which the E image is refreshed in real time when the ROI is adjusted and has a scan line range larger than that of the ROI.
US09554772B2
A method and process is described for providing Non-Invasive three dimensional (3-D) image of a patient such that during surgical or other procedures, the person performing the procedure can visually identify the organs and the location of the instruments in real time inside the body. Such a non-invasive imaging and reconstruction using spatially coordinated imaging in three dimensions is a very valuable tool especially to the surgical community. The high powered computing capabilities, advances in the imaging techniques, individually or in combination when combined with noise filtering and error correction capabilities, have made accurate 3-D imaging in real time from scans a reality. These 3-D images are also used as a diagnostic tool, a practice tool and a teaching tool by the medical community. There may be other applications in these and related areas which may emerge as technology develops and they become apparent to individuals practicing the art.
US09554770B2
Detection of tissue response is provided with a high pulse repetition frequency. A sequence of separable signals is transmitted in one event. For example, pulses at different frequencies are transmitted as separate waveforms, but in rapid succession. As another example, coded transmit pulses are used. After transmission of the pulses, signals are received. Based on the different frequencies or coding, tissue response is measured at different times based on the receive event. Instead of one measure, a plurality of measures are provided for a given transmit and receive event pair, increasing the effective pulse repetition frequency for shear or elasticity imaging.
US09554769B2
The apparatus for assessing the risk of cerebrovascular diseases comprises a sensor part 1, a circuit part 2, a computation part 3 and an output part 4, where the circuit part 2 is a functional part for driving the sensor part 1 and transmitting a signal detected at the sensor part 1 to the computation part 3 and comprises a transmission circuit 21, a first receiving circuit 22, a second receiving circuit 23 and the like. The transmission circuit 21 is in connection with a transmission device 111 and a transmission device 121, for driving these devices to generate a continuous wave. A rate wave form computation part 31 is in connection with the first receiving circuit 22 and the second receiving circuit 23 to obtain the frequency of the reflected continuous wave as detected with the receiving units 112 and 122. Comparing the frequency with the frequency from the transmission circuit 21, the variation of the frequency is detected. Based on these values, blood flow rate “v” can be determined. In such manner, an apparatus for assessing the risk of cerebrovascular diseases with fewer burdens to persons to be examined and with simple measurement units can be provided.
US09554767B2
The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for adaptive exposure in imaging systems. An x-ray source for producing x-ray radiation and an x-ray detector for measuring amount of x-ray radiation passing through the human patient and striking the detector can be used. A tomographic image of the human patient or a tomosynthetic image of the human patient can be generated. Region of interest filtering and equalization filtering can be utilized. Filtering can be accomplished with a mechanical shield or shutter or with electronic control of the x-ray source.
US09554765B2
A positioning tool aids in the positioning of at least one instrument at a subcutaneous treatment site visible via a medical imaging device. The positioning tool includes a penannular member, at least one spacing member having a proximal end attached to the penannular member and a distal end spaced from the proximal end, and at least one aligning portion attached to the at least one spacing member. The aligning portion is configured for aligning the tool with a target visible via the medical imaging device. A kit includes a plurality of the tools. A method includes use of the tool.
US09554759B2
A radiographic detector acquires a first partial exposed image signal during an image readout of each of the rows of photosensors, one row at a time. A first scan of each row includes measuring the charge delivered to each cell of the rows, including some rows having partial charge and other rows having full charge, and obtaining a first null image signal during the scan. A second scan includes measuring remaining charge delivered to those rows having partial charge. The null image signal data is subtracted from a sum of the first two scans.
US09554750B2
A catheter includes a distal distension balloon and circumferentially arranged motility measurement balloons proximal of the distension balloon. A manifold includes balloon ports each configured to fluidly couple to a motility measurement balloon, pressure transducer ports, and a priming port. A port selector is coupled to the manifold and movable between different positions. Each port selector position causes the manifold to establish different fluidic couplings between the respective motility balloon, pressure transducer, and priming ports. A pressure sensing device includes pressure transducers each fluidly coupled to one of the pressure transducer ports. The pressure sensing device is configured to coordinate calibration of the pressure transducers at atmospheric pressure with the port selector in a first position and motility balloon pressure measurements with the port selector in a third position. Priming of the motility measurement balloons is implemented by moving the port selector to a second position.
US09554747B2
The systems and methods described herein relate to the power efficient measurement of physical activity with a wearable sensor. More particularly, the systems and methods described herein enable the continuous activity tracking without compromising battery life. In some implementations, the wearable sensor detects movement and enters predefined power states responsive to the type of movement detected.
US09554742B2
Systems and method are disclosed for determining a concentration of an analyte in a fluid (e.g., blood). The system can draw blood from a patient and deliver the blood to a sample cell. A particular component of the fluid (e.g., plasma) may be separated and/or positioned such that the concentration of the analyte is measured in the particular component of the fluid (e.g., plasma). The sample cell can include a sample container that has two window pieces. The system can have a fluid passage having a tip configured to mate with a multi-lumen catheter without leaking. The multi-lumen catheter can have proximal and distal ports. A fluid pressure system can be configured to periodically draw fluid from vasculature through a proximal intravascular opening and the proximal port while maintaining a low pressure and/or flow rate to thereby reduce risk of reversing the fluid flow in a vessel and drawing infusates upstream into another intravascular opening.
US09554741B2
A bodily fluid sampling device is operable to lance with a precise depth and express fluid from both fingertip and alternate sites. In one form, the device is operable to adjust the penetration depth of the lancet into the skin. The bodily fluid sampling device includes a lancet adapted to form an incision in skin. A skin contacting member has an orifice through which the lancet extends when lancing the skin. The orifice has a first opening size that is sized to flatten the skin around the lancet during lancing. The orifice has a second opening size that is larger than the first opening size after the incision is formed to express fluid from the incision.
US09554732B2
A system includes an activity-specific article and an activity-agnostic puck. The article includes a receptacle and an activity-specific sensor coupled to the receptacle. The puck is configured to be removably positioned in the receptacle. The puck includes a processor, a communication interface, and at least one activity-agnostic sensor coupled to the processor. The processor receives information from the activity-specific sensor and the activity-agnostic sensor, and provides the received information through the communication interface.
US09554729B2
Visual-assisted guidance of an ultra-thin flexible endoscope to a predetermined region of interest within a lung during a bronchoscopy procedure. The region may be an opacity-identified by non-invasive imaging methods, such as high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) or as a malignant lung mass that was diagnosed in a previous examination. An embedded position sensor on the flexible endoscope indicates the position of the distal tip of the probe in a Cartesian coordinate system during the procedure. A visual display is continually updated, showing the present position and orientation of the marker in a 3-D graphical airway model generated from image reconstruction. The visual display also includes windows depicting a virtual fly-through perspective and real-time video images acquired at the head of the endoscope, which can be stored as data, with an audio or textual account.
US09554725B2
Embodiments relate to a method of monitoring physiological parameters of a patient with renal dysfunction. The method includes electrically connecting one or more medical device electrodes with a measurement site of a patient, generating one or more first stimulation signals sufficient to provide input physiological parameters specific to the patient, measuring one or more first bioimpedance values from the generated signals, analyzing at least one of the input physiological parameters within the one or more first bioimpedance values and generating a personalized dialysis program. The systems and methods can further provide essentially real-time data of patient undergoing treatment and control of treatment to a patient.
US09554721B1
The present invention relates to a brain dysfunction and seizure detector monitor and system, and a method of detecting brain dysfunction and/or seizure of a subject. The various embodiments of the system of the present invention were developed for the brain activity and preferably EEG monitoring of a single patient or multiple patients. Preferably, the system or monitor of the present invention also includes one or more seizure detection algorithms. The analysis method is specifically optimized to amplify abnormal brain activity and minimize normal background activity. This analysis yields a seizure index whose value is directly related to the current presence of ictal activity in the signal. In addition, a seizure probability index based on historical values of the aforementioned seizure index, is derived for diagnostic purposes. The seizure probability index quantifies the probability that the patient has exhibited abnormal brain activity since the beginning of the recording. The real-time seizure index, and the historical seizure probability index, can be used in the context of an emergency and/or clinical situation to assess the status and well being of a patient's brain, or can be used to automatically administer treatment to stop the seizure before clinical signs appear.
US09554720B2
Detection of R-peak signal in an electrocardiogram signal is provided. An electrocardiogram signal representing heart activity of an individual is received. The electrocardiogram signal is sampled to obtain a plurality of sample points, and a bounded non-linear response value is computed for each sample point of the received signal by calculating a negative exponential of derivatives of the sample points.
US09554704B2
Provided is a living organism information measurement device which users can easily and reliably operate. A living organism information measurement device for acquiring living organism information and generating measurement data relating to the information is provided with a device body, and a panel detachably attached to the device body. The device body comprises a control unit which executes a plurality of functions of the device body, a living organism information measurement unit which is connected to the control unit and generates the measurement data, and a first communication unit connected to the control unit. The panel comprises a second communication unit including a memory storing predetermined information. When the panel is attached to the device body, the first communication unit receives the predetermined information from the second communication unit. The control unit selects and executes a function corresponding to the received predetermined information among the plurality of functions.
US09554703B2
A diabetes care system for detection of an analyte and method for selective data transmission are disclosed. The diabetes care system has a mobile component and a base station, wherein a data transmission occurring between the mobile component and the base station within a time interval in which a wireless communication link exists, wherein is selectively performed in such a manner that within the time interval, a first partial set of the data is transmitted from the mobile component to the base station. The first partial set is selected using a processor-controlled selection algorithm in such a manner that the data transmitted in the time interval is representative of the entirety of the data stored in the mobile component.
US09554696B2
Systems and methods for measuring dysphotopsia are provided. These systems and methods can be used to objectively quantify positive and negative dysphotopsia. One embodiment provides a system and method for determining dysphotopsia that uses a first light source configured to provide light energy to illuminate a model eye, a refractor for refracting the light energy from the first light source and directing it into the model eye, a first electronic light sensor for measuring an amount of light in the model eye; a second light source configured to provide light energy to illuminate the model eye, wherein the light energy from the second light source is introduced at an angle from the first light source; and a second electronic light sensor for measuring the amount of light in the model eye, wherein the second electronic light sensor is capable of taking measurements from various points around the model eye. Data from these measurements can then analyzed to provide an objective measurement of dysphotopsia.
US09554693B2
An image processing device includes an image acquisition unit for acquiring a normal light observation image captured with white light and a special light observation image captured simultaneously with the normal light observation image using predetermined narrowband light, and an image processing unit for subjecting the normal light observation image acquired by the image acquisition unit to predetermined processing to generate a processed normal light observation image and providing information of the processed normal light observation image to the special light observation image.
US09554689B2
A method for demonstrating a domestic appliance, the domestic appliance having a controller, a display, and at least one user input component, the method comprising: displaying a plurality of images in accordance with a predetermined order on the display; while displaying a first image of the plurality of images in accordance with the predetermined order on the display, detecting at least one user input that is provided to the at least one user input component; responsive to the at least one user input, displaying a second image of the plurality of images that is associated with the at least one user input on the display for an amount of time; and subsequent to the amount of time, displaying the plurality of images on the display in accordance with the predetermined order resuming with a third image, said second image being different from said first image and said third image.
US09554687B2
A household appliance includes a circulation pump for circulating dishwashing liquid in a washing compartment of the household appliance. A drain pump empties the dishwashing liquid from the washing compartment. For the purposes of ventilating the drain pump, a control device is provided to activate the drain pump after the washing compartment has been filled with the dishwashing liquid and before or during operation of the circulation pump.
US09554683B2
A floor cleaning or burnishing machine has at least one motor controller that is electrically connected to an analog joystick control, right and left potentiometers, an electrical power source, and right and left electrical drive motors. The right motor is mechanically connected to a right rear steering drive wheel and the left motor is mechanically connected to a left rear steering drive wheel. Rotational speed and direction of each rear wheel is independently controlled, by way of the joystick in cooperation with respective potentiometers, in either a forward or reverse direction. At any given time, each potentiometer controls a respective motor controller which individually controls the rotational speed and direction of a respective wheel, thereby each wheel is capable of rotating in an opposite direction at a different speed to the other wheel. To slow the floor cleaning or burnishing machine down, regenerative braking is utilized by operating the motors as generators.
US09554678B2
A dispenser including a rear housing member and a front housing member that are connected by way of a first hinge so that the front housing member is openable relative to the rear housing member in order to fill a space defined by the front housing member and the rear housing member with at least one stack of sheet products. The front housing member and the rear housing member also include components for forming a second hinge. The first hinge allows the front housing member to open from a first side of the rear housing member in a first rotational direction, and the second hinge, when formed, allows the front housing member to rotate in an opposite direction from an opposite side of the rear housing member.
US09554667B2
A beverage dispensing system which includes a server, a sensing system coupled to the server for detecting a quantity of beverage retained in the server, a display coupled to the sensing system, and a count-up timer coupled to the system. The display may provide indicia as to the time and/or freshness of the beverage in the server. A method for sensing and displaying a quantity of beverage in a beverage server which can also include a freshness indicator. A resettable timer is incorporated which cannot be reset until at least the sensing system has been physically or operatively uncoupled from the server. The resetting may also require the sensing system to detect an empty server upon recoupling the sensing system with the server. Further, the resetting may also require monitoring a refill function for refill occurring within a predetermined rate parameter or time.
US09554660B2
A door is constructed for a refrigerated cabinet and includes an insulated glass IG unit of rectangular shape and a frame surrounding the unit. The frame is formed of a pair of horizontally disposed aluminum rails and a pair of vertically disposed plastic stiles. Each stile is secured at each end to a respective end of each of the rails by screws. Each rail and stile receives the insulated glass unit in a recessed manner. Full perimeter gasketing of the door is obtained by a vertical gasket on the stile on the hinged side of the door and a pair of horizontal seals on the cabinet opposite the rails of the door.
US09554647B2
The invention proposes a device for connecting wall elements of a drawer, wherein the wall elements, in the connected state, form at least part of a wall of the drawer, and wherein the drawer wall comprises a front wall, a rear wall and/or at least one side wall. According to the invention, a plate-like connecting adapter with engagement means is provided for connecting the wall elements which are to be connected, the engagement means interacting, for connecting purposes, both with an end side of a first wall element which is to be connected and with a main side of a second wall element which is to be connected, wherein the connecting adapter, in its main direction of extent, butts against the end side and the main side.
US09554644B2
An adjustable desk platform can include: an upper platform defining a substantially planar work surface; a base located beneath the upper platform, the base defining a bottom surface without legs that is adapted to sit on an existing desk; first and second sets of arms coupling the upper platform to the base, wherein the first and second sets of arms are adapted for movement of the upper platform substantially in parallel with the base between a fully raised position and a fully lowered position; and a user-operable locking mechanism associated with the upper platform, the locking mechanism adapted to releasably lock the upper platform in the fully raised position, and in at least one intermediate position between the fully raised position and the fully lowered position. Other features and embodiments are discussed.
US09554639B1
Devices and methods disclosed here can include a foot mount, such as an action camera foot mount. The action camera foot mount can include a harness having a toe loop and an ankle loop. The harness can include an elastic material and can be in tension between the toe loop and the ankle loop. The toe loop can encircle a toe of the user and the ankle loop can encircle an ankle of the user to secure the harness to the foot of the user. In an example, at least one midportion can be disposed between the toe loop and the ankle loop of the harness. A base member can be coupled to the harness and the base member can include a camera mount for attaching an action camera to the harness. In an example, the base member can be slidably coupled along the midportion.
US09554636B1
A dispenser has a barrel, a piston upwardly movable within the barrel from a first position to a second position, and a body of personal care composition at least partially within the barrel between the piston and the barrel top end. An actuator is coupled to the piston to shift the piston upward (toward the top end). The actuator comprises a screw member having a threaded portion engaged to the piston for relative rotation about a first axis. A cap has a first condition mounted at the barrel top end. The cap is removable from the first condition. An upper portion of the barrel has a rim portion, a dome, a breakaway connection between the dome and the rim portion recessed below the rim, and a handle coupled to the dome to allow pulling of the handle to sever the breakaway connection to remove the dome from the rim portion.
US09554615B2
A skate boot having an outer shell and a toe cap. The outer shell has medial and lateral side portions having front medial and lateral end portions. The toe cap has rear medial and lateral extensions defining medial and lateral hollow spaces. The front medial and lateral side end portions of the outer shell are at least partially received in the medial and lateral hollow spaces of the toe cap for affixing the toe cap to the outer shell.
US09554609B2
A belt fastener for detachably connecting two belt ends has a housing and a plug, which can be clipped into the housing. The belt fastener can be a safety fastener opening if a predetermined tensile load acts on the belt ends. A separate finger flap is hinged to a front end of the plug for clipping it into the housing. The finger flap preloaded outwards in direction away from the plug by a separate spring. The finger flap can be brought in abutment with a stop surface of the housing by means of a stop surface opposite of the attachment point. Both stop surfaces are tilted forward by an angle of inclination (α) of >0°, particularly of 20°. In addition, two stop surfaces can be convexly or concavely curved.
US09554605B2
Provided is a hat formed from a single piece of fabric. The single piece of fabric comprises parallel regions of fabric including first and second headband regions and at least one intermediate region. The headband regions are joined at their ends to form a headband and the intermediate region forms the crown of the hat. The headband regions and the at least one intermediate region are of differing stiffness and/or thickness.
US09554604B2
Ventilated suit embodiments are disclosed. The ventilated suit typically comprises a hood portion, four limb portions, an air inlet port, and an air distribution system in fluid communication with the air inlet port and attached to the back portion of the ventilated suit. The air distribution systems comprises at least five air pathways that extend into the four limbs and hood of the suit, with the air pathways being in fluid communication with the air inlet port to distribute air outward into the limbs and hood.
US09554602B2
A garment having a portion suitable for being combined with an inflatable member for protecting a user is described. The portion of the garment includes a covering surface suitable for forming a covering for the inflatable member. The covering surface comprises at least one insert made of elastic material.
US09554598B2
An apparatus configured to heat smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material, wherein the apparatus comprises a region of insulation having a core region which is evacuated to a lower pressure than an exterior of the insulation.
US09554591B2
Provided herein are butter compositions, which include a legume butter or nut butter or seed butter and a plant-derived wax that increases the hardness of the butter compositions and reduces the separation of oil from the butter during storage. Butter compositions incorporating such plant-derived waxes and methods of manufacturing these butter compositions are also disclosed.
US09554584B2
Compositions are provided comprising a balance between lysine and essential amino acids and metabolizable energy. The compositions are useful in methods to prevent or treat obesity in an animal without concomitant loss of lean muscle mass. The compositions may also be used in methods to preserve or to cause a gain in lean muscle mass in an animal in need thereof.
US09554580B2
A system and method for controlling blisters. The method begins by mixing the ingredients to form a dough with a moisture content between about 35% and 60%. The dough is sheeted and cut. Thereafter, the dough is pre-heated to reduce the moisture content to between about 10% and about 45%. The preforms are then docked and dehydrated. The docking system, in one embodiment, has a backing plate and a docking device with at least two docking pins of varying lengths. The docking device is adjustable relative to the backing plate. The system also has a removing plate which removes preforms from the docking pins.
US09554577B2
A capsule suspension formulation comprising microencapsulated pendimethalin comprising a herbicidally effective amount of pendimethalin being encapsulated within a polymeric wall, said polymeric wall being in-situ formed by an interfacial polymerization reaction occurring between a first phase dispersed in a second phase, at least one of said first and second phases being characterized in comprising a pre-defined amount of at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal salt of an organic acid; and a herbicidally effective amount of a second herbicide.
US09554568B1
Described herein is a refrigeration system for bedbug eradication. The refrigeration system comprises a generator, a condensing unit, and a portable evaporating and blowing unit connected with the condensing unit for transporting into a bedbug-infested room of a building. Temperature sensors are used for monitoring an ambient temperature in the bedbug-infested room to ensure that the temperature drops to a predetermined temperature to kill the bedbugs and their eggs. Moisture in the bedbug-infested room is removed with a dehumidifier prior to cooling down the bedbug-infested room with the evaporating and blowing unit.
US09554567B2
Dual action lethal containers, systems, methods, compositions and formulas used to kill mosquitoes and their larvae. The containers can have separate interior larvicidal and adulticidal coatings separated from each other by horizontal water line holes in the container. Another container can use a novel combined coating of a larvicidal and adulticidal coating. Unique compositions of adulticidal coatings, larvicidal coatings and combined adulticidal and larvicidal coatings can be used as liners.
US09554560B2
Disclosed is a system for a variable animal interaction device including an animal interaction device; a shell at least partially embedded into the animal interaction device; a component that is substantially encapsulated within the shell, wherein the shell is a barrier between the animal and the component; a detection device that detects a change in the shell; a deterrent device that has at least an on and an off state wherein the on state substantially changes the animal interaction device to substantially deter further interaction between the animal and the animal interaction device; wherein the deterrent device is actuated into the on state when the detection device detects a change in the shell.
US09554558B2
A self contained support kit includes a utility envelope configured to be removably secured to an animal garment, such as a sweater or shirt, for the deployment of a diaper coupler to grip and hold a diaper in its intended animal protective position; the animal garment and the diaper being separate articles of clothing worn by an animal; one for substantially covering the fore section of the animal and one for substantially covering the hind section of the animal.
US09554556B2
An automatically refreshed water supply for pets is provided by diverting the water from the water supply of a toilet to a water dispenser accessible to the pet and returning excess water to the toilet. The water is diverted from the flush cycle of a toilet to an exterior dish which fills to a predetermined level and then overflows over the edge of the dish and then by way of channels into the toilet, retaining the water after the flush cycle is completed. Alternatively a mechanism can be provided for triggering the replacement water flow by sensing of the motion or weight of the pet. The system can be pet-triggered for the toilet flush and/or flow of replacement water to the pet dish, or continuous water flow as long as the pet is detected.
US09554555B2
An apparatus is provided for protecting wildlife feed. The apparatus has a body with a bottom portion and a top portion. The body is configured to attach to a feed accumulation portion of a wildlife feeder that provides feed accessible to wildlife. The apparatus further includes a first extension member angularly extending forward from the bottom portion of the body, and a second extension member angularly extending rearward from the top portion of the body.
US09554543B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH124028. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH124028, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH124028 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH124028.
US09554542B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH115983. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH115983, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH115983 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH115983.
US09554536B2
A soybean cultivar designated S140140 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S140140, to the plants of soybean cultivar S140140, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S140140, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S140140. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S140140. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S140140, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S140140 with another soybean cultivar.
US09554533B1
A novel maize variety designated PH25R0 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH25R0 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH25R0 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH25R0 or a locus conversion of PH25R0 with another maize variety.
US09554526B1
An inbred corn line, designated SMM11BM, the plants and seeds of the inbred corn line SMM11BM, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred corn line SMM11BM with itself or with another corn plant, and hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line SMM11BM with another corn line or plant and to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line SMM11BM, to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line SMM11BM and to the inbred corn lines derived by the use of those methods.
US09554518B2
An agricultural harvester with a flexible crop residue management system. A pivotal swath door and displaceable windrow chute are coordinated to be displaced between positions in which all of crop residue is spread laterally and another position in which straw in the crop residue is directed in a windrow by a windrow chute and the chaff is directed laterally. The windrow chute and swath door are each pivotally mounted and a linkage is provided between the windrow chute and swath door in the form of bars extending in between rollers to displace the windrow chute in coordination with the displacement of the swath door.
US09554515B1
A belt pickup (100) with drive system (130) includes a frame (102); a pickup conveyor (106) supported on the frame (102), a transfer conveyor (108) supported on the frame (102), wherein the drive system (130) includes a motor (132) coupled to a drive roller of the transfer conveyor (108), a first pulley (134) driven by the motor (132), a first drive belt (136) driven by the first pulley (134), a second pulley (138) driven by the first drive belt (136), a third pulley (140) fixed to the second pulley (138) and driven by the second pulley (138), a second drive belt (142) driven by the third pulley (140), and a fourth pulley (144) coupled to a drive roller (112) of the pickup conveyor (106).
US09554504B2
A planting system including a plurality of seeding row assemblies, each having components maintained at a controlled elevation. The seeding row assembly includes a tillage row unit controlled to maintain a desired elevation relative to a seeding row unit, the seeding row unit being configured to passively follow the local terrain. Each seeding row assembly can include two position sensors that generate signals corresponding to the elevation of the seeding row unit and the ground engagement attachment, respectively, or a differential position sensor that generates signals corresponding to the difference in the elevations. Various embodiments include a local closed loop controller that adjusts elevation of the tillage row unit relative to the seeding row unit to a desired set point. In some embodiments, the down force of the seeding row unit is actively controlled.
US09554503B2
A seed dispenser and conveyor system applied in agricultural tools with a circular structural base (20) equipped with lid (22), and an angled vertical base (21) equipped with lid (23), on the upper part of the base (20) presenting a seed box (30), a vacuum turbine (40) and a cutting disk (50), with the system actuated by a bar (223) and gear (222) rotating the selector disk (VI) in a clockwise movement, transmitting the movement to the hollowed gears (B1, C1, D1, and E1) equipped with spacing that conveys the seed (60) to the releasing ramp (211), producing synchronized movements in opposed directions, uniformly conveying the seeds and not being subject to trepidation in the seeding line or any type of lateral, frontal and rear inclination, besides keeping the correct distance up to the seeding groove, and reducing the seed variation coefficient in the seeding line.
US09554499B2
An agricultural vehicle has an implement connection hitch which is moveable relative to a rear axle of the vehicle. A system for controlling movement of the connection hitch is coupled with position sensors such as a GPS receiver. During turning maneuvers, the control system moves the hitch relative to the rear axle of the vehicle until it reaches an offset position such as to reduce the turning circle of the vehicle and a connected implement. The extent of offset may be determined automatically by the control system on identification of a connected implement.
US09560794B2
A cooling device for cooling a rack-type server of which a housing includes a plurality of electronic devices includes an interior cooling unit and an exterior cooling unit. The interior cooling unit includes a heat-receiving unit, a heat dissipation unit, an outward path pipe, and a return path pipe. The interior cooling unit allows working fluid to be circulated through the heat-receiving unit, the outward path pipe, the heat dissipation unit, the return path pipe, and the heat-receiving unit to thereby move the heat from the heat-receiving unit to the heat dissipation unit. The exterior cooling unit has a heat exchange unit abutted on the heat dissipation unit and allows, by a circulated cooling medium, the heat of the working fluid discharged from the heat dissipation unit to be dissipated to external air.
US09560788B2
A heat dissipation device including a driving module and a heat dissipation sheet is provided. The heat dissipation sheet has a connection portion and a swing portion and is connected to the driving module by the connection portion. When the driving module receives an input voltage to drive the connection portion, the connection portion drives the swing portion to swing back and forth so as to generate a heat dissipation airflow.
US09560784B1
A cover assembly for an outdoor electrical device includes a base having a rear wall with an adapter plate which surrounds the face of the device. A lid which is hinged to the base includes a front panel having an arched or curved contour. Projecting from the underside of the front panel is a grid of ribs having coplanar proximal edges. The distal face of a gasket seats against the proximal edges and the grid is open in a space behind a breakaway portion of the gasket. In the event the electrical device comprises a toggle switch, the breakaway portion is removed, leaving an opening such that the toggle switch lever can extend into the opening and, if necessary, into the open space, without distorting the proximal face of the gasket which seals against the rear wall when the lid is closed.
US09560781B2
A cap assembly for optical communications comprising a housing that includes a front side perpendicular from a bottom side, opposing parallel first and second sides perpendicular from the bottom side, and a back side disposed perpendicularly between the first side and the second side offset from respective ends of the first side and the second side opposite the front side. The back side includes an opening there-through and a three-sided ledge formed along an interior of the first side leg, an exterior of the back side, and an interior of the second side leg. The cap assembly further includes a window configured to contact the three-sided ledge of the back side, the window covering the opening there-through and attached to the assembly via a solder pre-form.
US09560777B2
A hot/cold aisle air containment room includes a plurality of electronic equipment enclosures at least partially defining an interior aisle, a frame structure supporting one or more ceiling panels above the interior aisle, and a door assembly. The door assembly includes a sliding door and an unpowered door closer mechanism adapted to move the sliding door from an open state to a closed state, thereby providing controlled access to the interior aisle and minimizing intermixing of hot air and cold air between an environment external to the hot/cold aisle air containment room and an environment internal to the hot/cold aisle air containment room.
US09560770B2
A component built-in board of multi-layer structure that has a plurality of unit boards stacked therein and is configured having a plurality of electronic components built in thereto in a stacking direction, wherein the plurality of unit boards include: a double-sided board that includes a first insulating layer, a first wiring layer formed on both surfaces of the first insulating layer, and a first interlayer conductive layer that penetrates the first insulating layer and is connected to the first wiring layer, and that comprises an opening in which the electronic component is housed; and an intermediate board that includes a second insulating layer, a first adhesive layer provided on both surfaces of the second insulating layer, and a second interlayer conductive layer that penetrates the second insulating layer along with the first adhesive layer, and the double-sided board is disposed above and below the intermediate board.
US09560762B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor chip, a plurality of external terminals, and a board. The board includes a first main surface in which a plurality of first electrodes electrically connected to the semiconductor chip are formed, a second main surface in which a plurality of second electrodes electrically connected to the plurality of external terminals are formed, and a plurality of interconnect layers, provided between the first main surface and the second main surface, for forming a plurality of signal paths that electrically connect the first electrode and the second electrode corresponding thereto. The interconnect layer includes a plurality of metal members which are dispersedly disposed at a distance shorter than an electromagnetic wavelength equivalent to a signal band of a signal supplied to the signal path, in the vicinity of a portion in which a structure of an interconnect for forming the signal path is changed.
US09560761B2
Embodiment related to a curved display including a curved panel, a printed circuit board separated from the curved panel, and a plurality of flexible films electrically connecting the curved panel and the printed circuit board. The lengths of the flexible films is increased as the flexible films approach an edge of the curved panel.
US09560760B2
Techniques for reducing resonance in contact fingers of a connector are described herein. An example of a device in accordance with the present techniques includes an add-in-card that includes a circuit board and an edge contact finger disposed on an outer surface of the circuit board. The add-in-card also includes a resonator disposed in an internal layer of the circuit board and coupled to the edge contact finger, wherein the resonator reduces a resonance in the edge contact finger.
US09560756B2
The present invention relates to an array substrate assembly and a display device. The array substrate assembly comprises a substrate; a first metal line formed at one side of the substrate; an insulating layer formed on the first metal line; a second metal line formed on the insulating layer, wherein one end of the second metal line connected with a driving circuit is formed with a second terminal, wherein in a thickness direction of the substrate, a distance between a surface of the second terminal away from the one side of the substrate and the substrate is less than a distance between a surface of the second metal line away from the one side of the substrate and the substrate. The display device includes the array substrate assembly. With the solution of the present invention, when the array substrate assembly is connected to IC or COF, deformation difference between a conducting gold ball at a gate line terminal and a conducting gold ball at a date line is small, thus impedances at the two terminals are close to each other, and therefore image quality of the display device is improved.
US09560753B2
A light emitting diode load board includes a substrate, a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer and a first conductive pad and a second conductive pad. The second dielectric layer includes a first structure part, a second structure part and a third structure part. The first dielectric layer is disposed on the substrate. The first structure part is disposed on the first dielectric layer and has a first sidewall. The second structure part is disposed on the first structure part and has a second sidewall. The third structure part is disposed on the second structure part and has N sidewalls. The second sidewall is more prominent than the first sidewall. The first sidewall, the second sidewall and the N sidewalls define the first etched part, and the part of the first dielectric layer is exposed from the first etched part. The first conductive pad is disposed in the first etched part. The second conductive is disposed on the second dielectric layer, covers part of the second dielectric and exposes the open of the first etched part.
US09560749B2
An electronic device may have circuitry mounted on a printed circuit board. The circuitry may include electronic components such as integrated circuits, sensors, and switches that are sensitive to bending-induced stress in the printed circuit board. An overmolded plastic stress concentrator may be overmolded over the printed circuit board and the circuitry on the printed circuit board. A flexible plastic body may be used to enclose the stress concentrator and printed circuit board. The plastic body, stress concentrator, and printed circuit board may be elongated along a longitudinal axis. The stress concentrator may have unbent regions in which the printed circuit board is prevented from flexing and enhanced flexibility regions. Sensitive circuitry may be located in the unbent regions to prevent the sensitive circuitry from being exposed to bending stress.
US09560746B1
In order to limit the stress and strain applied to a printed circuit board while still maintaining flexibility, multiple small rigid mesas are formed on a flexible printed circuit, where the rigid mesas are physically isolated by trenches formed around their perimeters. Individual electronic components are attached to the multiple rigid mesas. These trenches form openings at which the printed circuit board is enabled to flex, bend or twist, thereby minimizing, if not eliminating, resulting stress applied to the interconnection between the electronic components and the rigid mesas.
US09560744B2
A component includes a substrate having at least one flexible substrate area which has at least one area reinforced by forming a material composite. The material composite includes at least a portion of the flexible substrate area. The component also includes a first microstructured or nanostructured element and a connecting mechanism configured to attach the first microstructured or nanostructured element to the flexible substrate area. A damping mass is configured to cover at least the first microstructured or nanostructured element and a portion of the substrate protruding over the material composite. The component is configured to provide a secure receptacle for the electronic element and to offer good vibration decoupling of the electronic element from vibrations of the component.
US09560734B2
A non-radio-isotopic radiological source using a dense plasma focus (DPF) to produce an intense z-pinch plasma from a gas, such as helium, and which accelerates charged particles, such as generated from the gas or injected from an external source, into a target positioned along an acceleration axis and of a type known to emit ionizing radiation when impinged by the type of accelerated charged particles. In a preferred embodiment, helium gas is used to produce a DPF-accelerated He2+ ion beam to a beryllium target, to produce neutron emission having a similar energy spectrum as a radio-isotopic AmBe neutron source. Furthermore, multiple DPFs may be stacked to provide staged acceleration of charged particles for enhancing energy, tunability, and control of the source.
US09560732B2
A nozzle for a plasma arc torch is provided. The nozzle includes a substantially hollow, elongated nozzle body capable of receiving an electrode, the body defining a longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end. The nozzle also includes a swirl sleeve attachable to an interior surface of the nozzle body, the swirl sleeve configured to impart a swirling motion to a gas introduced to the nozzle. The nozzle additionally includes a nozzle tip connected to the proximal end of the nozzle body, a nozzle shield, and an insulator configured to connect the nozzle tip and the nozzle shield to electrically insulate the nozzle shield and the nozzle tip from one another while transferring thermal energy therebetween.
US09560725B2
The invention generally relates to an illuminated sports system. In certain embodiments, the system includes a device configured to be worn by a user that includes a first portion having a first illumination source and a second portion having first control circuitry configured to at least transmit or receive data associated with the device. The system also includes a movable piece of sports equipment including a second illumination source and second control circuitry configured to at least transmit or receive data associated with the movable piece of sports equipment. At least one of the first and second control circuitries is configured to sense when the user possesses the movable piece of sports equipment and modify an emission of at least one of the first and second illumination sources based on the user possessing the movable piece of sports equipment.
US09560704B2
The present invention supplies desired DC output power to a first LED load and a second LED load whose color temperature is different from that of the first LED load, includes a switching element, ripple current reducers series-connected to the respective LED loads and for reducing current ripples flowing through the LED loads, and a control circuit for controlling the DC output power so that it has a predetermined value, by performing on-off control of the switching element based on a feedback voltage at a connecting point between each of the LED loads and a corresponding one of the ripple current reducers. Each ripple current reducer has feedback-type constant current control circuits for performing control for varying impedance, and the present invention also includes color controllers for performing color control by maintaining a total LED current value of the first and second LED loads at a certain value.
US09560697B2
A double-sidedly self-adhesive planar element which is intrinsically heatable in a self-regulating way and at the same time has a particularly high flexibility. The planar element has a layer sequence of a posistor heating layer, a contacting layer and an adhesive layer, the contacting layer being a two-dimensional perforate contacting element which within the planar element is therefore present as a contacting element which has not been applied to a backing. Also disclosed is an adhesively bonded assembly of a bonding substrate and a planar element of the aforesaid kind, a method of producing a planar element of the aforesaid kind, and a method of using a planar element of the aforesaid kind for heating an adhesively bonded assembly.
US09560693B2
Methods and apparatus for recovering access data from a malfunctioning device. In one embodiment, trained service personnel are provided a specialized apparatus for retrieving access data from a malfunctioning device. For example, in the instance the device comprises a cellular device having an unrecoverable hardware failure, trained service personnel can connect to the secure element and retrieve the one or more electronic Subscriber Identity Modules (eSIMs) stored thereon. The eSIMs are then “reclaimed” and reprogrammed/distributed to a new device. In one implementation, security and integrity measures are taken to protect and control distribution of sensitive access data.
US09560692B2
A system for controlling a machine may include a remote control (RC) input device configured to remotely initiate a RC enabled mode on the machine. The RC input device may subsequently establish a communication link with the machine when no other RC input device currently has a communication link with the machine. The RC input device may transition the machine to a RC reserved mode in which the machine is reserved for control by the RC input device, and transition a mode of control for the machine to a RC active mode from the RC reserved mode. The RC input device may selectively control the machine when in the RC active mode. The RC input device may also transition the mode of control for the machine to an autonomous mode from the RC active mode.
US09560687B2
A method performed by a network node for enabling network-assisted Device-to-Device, D2D, communications between user equipments configured to be in a wireless telecommunications network is provided, wherein the network node is configured according to a Radio Access Technology, RAT, that cannot be used for D2D communications. The network node determines D2D assistance information to enable network-assisted D2D communications by the network node. The network node then transmits the D2D assistance information to at least one user equipment. A user equipment, another network node and methods performed therein are also provided.
US09560680B2
In the present invention, a first terminal device is provided with an address request means that makes a request to a second terminal device for a unique address allocated to the second terminal device that belongs to a prescribed network segment. The second terminal device is provided with an address notification means that notifies the first terminal device of the unique address requested by the address request means. Also, the first terminal device is provided with a first unique ID generation means that generates a first unique ID on the basis of the unique address notified by the second terminal device. Also, the second terminal device is provided with a second unique ID generation means that generates a second unique ID on the basis of the own unique address of the second unique ID generation means. The first terminal device and the second terminal device establish a mutual wireless communication connection in a case where the first unique ID and the second unique ID match.
US09560671B2
The present disclosure provides a method and base station for transmitting scheduling information. The method comprises: determining that a downlink subframe corresponding to the uplink subframe according to a first scheduling timing corresponding to a first Time Division Duplex (TDD) uplink and downlink configuration scheme of a plurality of TDD uplink and downlink configuration schemes is unavailable for transmitting the scheduling information; obtaining a first equivalent TDD uplink and downlink configuration scheme by treating one or more downlink subframes, including the downlink subframe, in a radio frame as uplink subframes; selecting a downlink subframe corresponding to the uplink subframe according to a second scheduling timing corresponding to a second TDD uplink and downlink configuration scheme of the plurality of TDD uplink and downlink configuration schemes, wherein a set of downlink subframes specified in the second TDD uplink and downlink configuration scheme is a subset of a set of downlink subframes specified in the first equivalent TDD uplink and downlink configuration scheme; and transmitting the scheduling information in the selected downlink subframe.
US09560666B1
As disclosed, while a wireless communication device (WCD) is idling on a particular carrier frequency of a base station, the base station may receive a message broadcast by that base station, the message specifying multiple relative sets of priority levels defined for a set of carrier frequencies and correlating each of the multiple relative sets of priority levels with respective different WCD operational characteristics. In particular, the message may specify a first correlation of one relative set of priority levels with one WCD operational characteristic and includes a second correlation of a different relative set of priority levels with a different WCD operational characteristic. The WCD may select one of the relative sets of priority levels responsive to the WCD having a WCD operational characteristic that the message correlates with the selected relative set of priority levels. The WCD may then apply the selected relative set of priority levels.
US09560659B2
Various techniques are disclosed for wireless communications for providing a methodology and algorithm(s) to manage resources and schedule users in a coordinated way among a group of base stations, such as Femtocells, Picocells, self-organized Basestations, Access Points (APs) or mesh network nodes, or among the basestations in a two tiered networks, to improve the performance for individual user, individual Basestation (BTS), the overall systems or all of above.
US09560658B2
A wireless communication system using radio resources for transmission of backhaul data between one or more mobile stations and at least one network control node, a first backhaul transmission link (L_1) being used for transmission of backhaul data and at least one second backhaul transmission link (L_2) being used for transmission of backhaul data. The first backhaul transmission link (L_1) operates as a main backhaul transmission link and the second backhaul transmission link (L_2) operates as an auxiliary backhaul transmission link, and the second backhaul transmission link (L_2) uses at least a part of the radio resources for transmission of backhaul data when in operation.
US09560655B2
The invention relates to a universal mapping of resource elements (REs) to enhanced resource element groups (e REG) that applies to both the PDCCH and PDSCH regions; the mapping is universal since it is not user or cell-specific but applies to the resource block pairs irrespective of the actual reference signals used. The mapping is such that all REs of the resource block pair are assigned to one out of a plurality of e REGs. According to the mapping, the REs are sequentially assigned to the e REGs, in predetermined orders. Within an OFDM symbol a pair of REs is assigned to the same e REG, wherein the two REs are spaced apart from each other by 3 or 6 subcarriers.
US09560649B1
A system and method of allocating communication resources to a wireless device in a wireless communication network are provided. A first subframe configuration can be assigned to a first carrier of a frequency band of an access node. A second subframe configuration different from the first subframe configuration can be assigned to a second carrier of the frequency band. The access node can receive a resource request associated with an application running on the wireless device. An application requirement of the application running on the wireless device can be determined. The wireless device can be instructed to establish communication with the access node over one of the first carrier and the second carrier during a communication session based on the determined application requirement.
US09560648B2
An apparatus for providing reduced feedback delay may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, with the processor, to cause the apparatus to perform at least selecting a frame format to be applied for configuring transmission and reception of data. The frame format may be selected from options including a downlink only format, an uplink only format and a downlink and uplink format. The apparatus may be further configured for communicating the frame format to a transceiver to enable configuration of the transceiver for transmission and reception of data according to the frame format selected. A corresponding method and computer program product are also provided.
US09560646B2
A communication apparatus and a communication method capable of suppressing an increase of bits used for a request to send a reference signal and flexibly setting a resource used for sending a reference signal. In a base station, a transmission processing unit transmits, in one of a plurality of formats, control information containing a request to send a sounding reference signal (A-SRS), and a reception processing unit receives the transmitted A-SRS using the resource specified by the format of the transmitted control information. Then, the plurality of formats is associated with each different SRS resource by a setting unit.
US09560643B2
A base station is configured to communicate with a terminal using a resource element configured of an area in the frequency direction and an area in the temporal direction, and a resource block pair configured of a predetermined number of the resource elements. The base station includes: a second control channel generating unit configured to generate a second control channel which can be mapped to a second control channel area which is an area different from a first control channel area where a first control channel can be mapped, and which is set to the terminal from the base station in units of the resource block pair. A resource element group which is a group of the predetermined resource elements in the resource block pair of the second control channel area is configured, and the second control channel is mapped to a plurality of the resource element groups.
US09560636B2
A wireless communications system includes a base station, a plurality of intermediate devices, and a terminal device. Downlink communications may be provided directly from the base station to the terminal device, including control signals which instruct the terminal device where to send uplink data. This enables the base station to directly control scheduling of uplink communications, and in particular to define an uplink route from the terminal device to the base station via one or more intermediate devices. Power is conserved at the terminal device on the uplink because a lower power transmission can be used which although insufficient to reach the base station can reach the intermediate device. The terminal device is not required to determine the uplink path itself and therefore does not require complex, expensive, and power consuming control logic.
US09560635B2
An apparatus, method and system to reduce interference between frequency-division duplex and time-division duplex signals in a communication system. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a processor (520) and memory (550) including computer program code. The memory (550) and the computer program code are configured to, with the processor (520), cause the apparatus to allocate a time-division duplex carrier for a frequency-division duplex downlink signal for communication with a communication element, and employ the time-division duplex carrier with a truncated time duration for the frequency-division duplex downlink signal.
US09560631B2
Users are experiencing an increasing number of alerts and notifications on their mobile devices. When it is inconvenient or not possible to view the network-connected device, an accessory can be used to save time and avoid missing notifications. A system comprising a network-connected device and an accessory are provided to address these problems. The accessory is capable of notifying the user of alerts from the network-connected device, allowing the user to quickly be advised of alerts without needing to first interact with the network-connected device. The system includes a method to selectively filter alerts so as to avoid unnecessarily interrupting the user in cases where the network device is inaccessible. The system is also capable of pushing new interface designs and themes from the network device to the accessory to alter the appearance and configuration of its display.
US09560630B2
A method for reduced overhead paging by an access point is described. The method includes assigning at least one paging identifier to at least one station. The method also includes partitioning a paging identifier space into paging identifier sets. The method further includes generating a paging message based on at least one of the paging identifier sets and the at least one paging identifier. The method additionally includes sending the paging message.
US09560629B2
Users are experiencing an increasing number of alerts and notifications on their mobile devices. When it is inconvenient or not possible to view the network-connected device, an accessory can be used to save time and avoid missing notifications. A system comprising a network-connected device and an accessory are provided to address these problems. The accessory is capable of notifying the user of alerts from the network-connected device, allowing the user to quickly be advised of alerts without needing to first interact with the network-connected device. The system includes a method to selectively filter alerts so as to avoid unnecessarily interrupting the user in cases where the network device is inaccessible. The system is also capable of pushing new interface designs and themes from the network device to the accessory to alter the appearance and configuration of its display.
US09560627B2
A method for assisting a mobile device to perform positioning measurements on positioning signals periodically transmitted by at least some of a plurality of cells in a wireless communication network includes receiving cell information. The cell information is measured or otherwise obtained by the mobile device and includes measurements/data pertaining to one or more of the plurality of cells in the wireless communication network. The method includes generating assistance data to include an assigned frequency channel number for use by the mobile device for performing the positioning measurements based on the received cell information. The assistance data is then sent to the mobile device.
US09560624B2
Techniques for configuring a Home evolved Node B (HeNB) in a location server and positioning the HeNB are disclosed. In one aspect, location for a HeNB is supported based on LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) messages. The HeNB communicates LPP messages with a location server. These LPP messages are terminated at the HeNB instead of a UE. At least one location transaction for the HeNB can be performed to configure in the location server and/or locate the HeNB based on the LPP messages. In another aspect, location for a HeNB is supported based on an embedded UE in the HeNB. The HeNB establishes a location session with a location server based on an embedded UE ID, which is assigned to the HeNB and recognized by the location server as being for a HeNB instead of a UE. At least one location transaction for the HeNB is performed during the location session.
US09560620B2
Disclosed are methods and systems for obtaining measurements of a range between devices based on a Round Trip Time (RTT) for an exchange messages. In particular, described are techniques for transmitting messages between or among devices to share computed parameters indicative of ranges between devices.
US09560614B2
A first wireless communication device (14-1) belongs to a first (12-1) of multiple groups (12) of wireless communication devices (14). Devices (14) in any given group (12) are synchronized to the same timing reference and devices (14) in different groups (12) are not synchronized to the same timing reference. The first device (14-1) receives a message that indicates, for each of one or more of the groups (12), a range of possible values for misalignment between the timing reference of that group (12) and a common timing reference. The range accounts for uncertainty in that misalignment. The first device (14-1) determines, based on the one or more ranges, intervals of times during which direct control signaling is expected to be received at the first device (14-1) from one or more devices (14) in one or more other groups (12-2, 12-3). The first device (14-1) then adjusts intervals of times during which it is configured to operate in an awake state to narrowly encompass the intervals of times during which the direct control signaling is expected to be received.
US09560612B2
The present invention discloses a data synchronization method and system. The method includes that: a first device adds a time stamp to a received data packet and transmits the data packet to a second device; the second device determines a transmission period to which the data packet belongs according to the time stamp of the data packet, and transmits data packets of different services which belong to the same transmission period by using air resources corresponding to the transmission period after the data packets of the different services which belong to the same transmission period are multiplexed. By the technical scheme of the present invention, air resources can be fully utilized.
US09560610B2
A method and arrangement in a Radio Network Controller (RNC) for monitoring radio link (RL) synchronization for each RL as soon as it is added to a User Equipment's (UE's) Active Set. When a new RL is added, each RL in the Active Set sends an Active Set Update Complete message to the RNC. When the RNC determines that a Radio Link Restore Indication message is not received from the Target NodeB serving the new RL, the RNC starts an initRlSyncT timer set for a defined time period and monitors incoming messages to determine whether the Radio Link Restore Indication message is received for the new RL before the initRlSyncT timer expires. If so, the method ends; but if not, the RNC instructs associated NodeBs and the UE to remove the new RL from the UE's Active Set.
US09560609B2
Embodiments of this disclosure include methods in which spurs generated by the drifting of an oscillation frequency of an oscillation signal provided by a free-running oscillator may be minimized and/or eliminated from an output signal of a phase locked loop (PLL). Methods include minimizing the mixing gain between the oscillation signal and a power signal provided to the PLL. The oscillation signal and the power signal may be mixed in a phase frequency detector (PFD) included in the PLL. The minimizing of the mixing gain for the PFD also minimizes the degrading effect that the spurs have on the overall performance of the communications device. The mixing gain may be minimized by minimizing the impedance provided at nodes included in the PFD where the oscillation signal and the power signal mix. The mixing gain may also be minimized by maximizing the power supply rejection ratio for the PFD.
US09560607B2
A method and apparatus for radio link synchronization and power control in CELL_FACH state and idle mode are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) transmits a random access channel (RACH) preamble and receives an acquisition indicator acknowledging the RACH preamble via an acquisition indicator channel (AICH) and an index to an enhanced dedicated channel (E-DCH) resource. The WTRU determines a start of an E-DCH frame. An F-DPCH timing offset is defined with respect to one of the RACH access slot and an AICH access slot carrying the acquisition indicator. A relative F-DPCH timing offset may be signaled to the WTRU and the WTRU may determine a start of an E-DCH frame based on the relative F-DPCH timing offset and timing of an AICH access slot including the acquisition indicator. The WTRU may transmit a dedicated physical control channel (DPCCH) power control preamble before starting an E-DCH transmission.
US09560590B2
Embodiments of a context-retention controller and method for retaining context in a wireless access network are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the context-retention controller may assign a context identifier to a mobile device at network entry for context retention. A disconnection and context-retention request may be received from a base station to trigger entry of the mobile station into a context-retention mode. The base station may generate the disconnection and context-retention request upon an indication of a disconnection of the mobile device from the wireless access network. The context-retention controller may maintain context for the mobile device in a context-retention database after disconnection of the mobile device from the wireless access network.
US09560586B2
A communication method performed by a target station in a WLAN system is provided. The method includes receiving a relayed TIM message from a relay station, the TIM message comprising a relayed TIM field indicating whether there is buffered traffic intended to be transmitted from an AP to the target station, determining whether there is the buffered traffic based on the relayed TIM field, receiving a data frame related to the buffered traffic, if the relayed TIM field indicates that there is the buffered traffic, and switching to a doze state, if the relayed TIM field indicates that there is no buffered traffic. The relayed TIM field is determined based on a TIM element transmitted from the AP to the relay station. The TIM element is transmitted in a first period, and the relayed TIM message is transmitted in a second period.
US09560585B2
A method includes using a set of information for a plurality of different access networks, said plurality of networks including at least one cellular network and at least one local wireless network and a current priority associated with a user equipment to provide access network selection information to said user equipment for one or more of said a plurality of said network and causing said access network selection information to be provided to said user equipment. The set of information may include a set of priority information and/or a set of network access information.
US09560583B2
A system may be configured to receive information regarding a geographical location of a user device; and compare the geographical location of the user device to geographical locations of a set of gateway devices. The gateway devices may be associated with a cellular network, and the gateway devices may communicatively couple one or more network devices associated with the cellular network to an access point that is not associated with the cellular network. The system may further select a particular gateway device based on the geographical location of the user device and the geographical locations of the particular gateway device; and store or output information regarding the selected particular gateway device.
US09560582B2
A telecommunication device configured to perform at least one of adjusting a network polling frequency, prompting a user to select one of a plurality of networks, automatically connecting to one of the networks, or automatically disconnecting from one of the networks is described herein. The telecommunication device performs the adjusting, prompting, or connecting based at least on received device data or network data that is associated with the networks.
US09560581B2
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for user equipment (UE) devices to determine that it does not have cellular service and perform one or more searches for a mobile country code (MCC). The searches may include searches based on cellular modes, radio access technologies (RATs), and/or cellular bands. The UE may determine the MCC based on results of the one or more searches and perform a targeted service acquisition search based on, and limited by, the MCC. The MCC may be associated with one or more cellular modes, RATs, and/or cellular bands via a data structure that maps the MCC to the one or more cellular modes, RATs, and/or cellular bands. The targeted service acquisition search may include at least one RAT and one or more cellular bands within the at least one RAT associated with the MCC.
US09560569B2
A relay communications system is described in which a base station receives a request from an MME that an overload procedure be started or stopped. The base station inserts the identity of the MME into the request and forwards the modified request to a relay node. The relay node then initiates or terminates the overload procedure in accordance with the request for mobile telephones which the MME that made the request serves, but not for mobile telephones which the MME does not serve.
US09560566B2
A technique for operating an RNC of a communication network during a soft handover process of a mobile terminal between a first BS and at least one second BS that are connected to the RNC is provided. A method implementation of the technique comprises receiving, at a MAC protocol layer of the RNC, a first data frame stream from the first BS via a first data path and a second data frame stream from the second BS via a second data path. A relative delay between the data frames of the first and the second data frame stream regarding their arrival at the RNC is determined. At then the MAC protocol layer, data frames of the first and the second data frame stream are then merged into a third data frame stream which is transmitted to a protocol layer above the MAC protocol layer. The merging of the data frames comprises a reordering process of the data frames and wherein, if the relative delay for a data frame exceeds a delay difference reference value, the data frame is transmitted from MAC protocol layer to the protocol layer above the MAC protocol layer without subjecting data frame to the reordering process.
US09560562B1
Systems and methods are described for determining a handover condition in a wireless communication network. A plurality of active wireless devices in communication with a first access node may be detected. Measurement and reporting information may be received at the first access node from the wireless devices indicating proximity to a second access node. A criteria for selecting a wireless device in communication with the first access node for handover may be determined. A bias factor for the selected wireless device based on the received measurement and reporting information may be calculated. The bias factor may be provided to the selected wireless device and the first access node and/or a controller node may instruct the selected wireless device to communicate with the second access node.
US09560553B2
A mobile station capable of being served via a first radio access technology (RAT) and a second RAT. The mobile station includes a component configured to receive a permission to identify a cell of the first RAT in absence of a first radio access type neighbor cell list for a serving cell of the second RAT. The mobile station also includes a component configured to identify a cell of the first RAT after receiving the permission.
US09560552B2
A communication system includes a plurality of base stations and a user equipment, wherein the communication link is established between the user equipment and a source base station of the plurality of base stations. A method includes: selecting a target cell and a re-establishment cell of at least one candidate handover base station of the plurality on the basis of a measurement report, the measurement report comprising measurements of attributes of cells of the plurality of base stations for a handover; initiating a handover preparation by transmitting a request from the source base station to the at least one candidate handover base station, wherein the request indicates the target cell and the re-establishment cell; carrying out admission control on the target cell and on the re-establishment cell; initiating the handover by transmitting a handover request acknowledgement from the at least one candidate handover base station to the source base station.
US09560549B2
The present disclosure is directed at systems, methods and media for relieving RAN congestion in a core network. In some embodiments, RAN congestion information is reported from user equipment to a packet data gateway (PGW) through an eNodeB and a software gateway. The PGW can aggregate the RAN congestion information and periodically notify other network nodes, for example, a PCRF, about the aggregate congestion in a network. By aggregating RAN congestion information, the PGW can substantially reduce the signaling required to report RAN congestion in the core network.
US09560535B2
A data stream generation and transmission system is provided. The system includes a cable, a data stream generation device, and a wireless transmission device connected to the data stream generation device through the cable. The data stream generation device includes a storage component and a data stream generation module. The storage component stores wireless network configuration data. The data stream generation module generates a data stream. The wireless transmission device includes a wireless module, wherein the data stream generation device is adapted to send the wireless network configuration data and the data stream to the wireless transmission device through the cable, and the wireless transmission device is adapted to use the wireless network configuration data to configure the wireless module and use the wireless module to transmit the data stream wirelessly.
US09560534B2
It is inter alia disclosed to respectively link at least two objects of a plurality of objects to one or more respective regions of a grid of regions. The at least two objects are respectively related to a respective coverage area representation and/or a respective coverage-providing entity. At least two of the at least two objects are associated with each other based on a finding that both have been linked to at least one same region of the grid of regions. At least one of the at least two associated objects is an object related to a first communication system and at least one other of the at least two associated objects is an object related to a second communication system that is different from and/or operated by another operator than said first communication system.
US09560526B2
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for single sign-on in a mobile communication system. A method in which a browsing agent performs single sign-on in a mobile communication system according to the present invention comprises: a step of transmitting user-supplied identifier to a relay party (RP); a step of receiving, from said RP, a message indicating that a browser should be re-directed to said RP; a step of transmitting an identifier of an authentication agent to an open ID provider (OP)/network application function (NAF); and a step of transmitting, to the authentication agent, the identifier of the authentication agent or a message that triggers to make an inquiry into the identifier of the authentication agent. According to the present invention, a single sign-on procedure may be performed in a safer manner.
US09560524B1
Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods to provide wireless network application access to a wireless device via an untrusted access node. In a particular embodiment, a method provides receiving communications directed to an application system within a wireless communication network from a wireless communication device via a wireless access node external to the wireless communication network. The method further provides determining whether the communications are authorized for the application system based on a signature included in the communications, wherein the signature comprises a unique identifier generated at the wireless communication device that corresponds to an identity of the wireless communication device and an identity of an integrated circuit within that wireless communication device that is associated with a subscriber of the wireless communication network. Upon determining that the communications are authorized, the method provides transferring the communications to the application system.
US09560513B2
According to a first aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a method in a base station for handling a process of discovering a candidate user equipment for Device to Device, D2D, communication in a cell. The cell is served by the base station. The base station divides (200) the cell into a number of regions. The base station then assigns (201) to each one out of the number of regions, a channel resource for use in the region. The channel resource is for sending beacon signals in the process of discovering the D2D candidate user equipment.
US09560504B2
In a first embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided comprising: receiving application data from a primary mobile device, wherein the application data is received via hooks designed to automatically send the application data received by or sent from an application on the primary mobile device; and sending the application data to one or more secondary mobile devices that are registered to the primary mobile device, wherein each of the secondary mobile devices are resource limited devices.
US09560502B2
Methods performed by handsets such as cell phones of receiving a notification of a remotely stored message, the notification including message parameters related to the message, monitoring those parameters for a parameter selected via a user interface of the handset and requesting an action be performed on the message when the parameter matches the selected parameter, such as forwarding all messages of a given type to another destination.
US09560497B2
A Short Message Serving System (SMSC) can be configured to determine a format of a short service message (SMS) message with a read acknowledgement request. The SMSC can also be configured to generate a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) multi-segment short message that includes user data from the SMS message and comprises a plurality of ordered segments. The GSM multi-segment short message can include a read acknowledgement request.
US09560494B2
A wireless communications device logs on to an instant messaging service through a proxy server. Notification of an incoming instant message is provided to the wireless communications device by converting at least part of the instant message to Short Message Service (SMS) format or by transmitting a notice in SMS format that a message has been received.
US09560486B2
A method for identifying a motion status of a mobile terminal, and a mobile terminal are provided. The method includes collecting information about multiple wireless local area network (WLAN) access points during each time of scanning, where the information includes a basic service set identifier and signal strength; calculating a belief value and a list orthogonality value according to the information about the multiple WLAN access points; and presetting a belief decision threshold and a list orthogonality decision threshold, and comparing the decision thresholds with calculated values to acquire the motion status of the mobile terminal. Therefore, the motion status of the mobile terminal may be acquired without making a change in any hardware on an existing mobile terminal. In addition, the present disclosure is applicable to an area covered by multiple wireless local area network access points.
US09560481B1
System and method of geo-fencing. A user equipment (UE) defines a geo-fence for an asset by tracking location coordinates of the UE with at least one sensor element, as the UE is moved around a perimeter of an area. The location coordinates of the geo-fence are transferred to a location aware device (LAD) attached to the asset. Upon determining, by the at least one sensor, that the LAD crossed the geo-fence, a notification is sent to a warning server operative to trigger a warning message to one or more recipients.
US09560479B2
Embodiments of a location sharing network manager process are described. The process is executed on a server computer coupled to a plurality of mobile communication devices over a wireless network. Each mobile device is a location-aware mobile communication device. The process determines the geographic location of a mobile communication device operated by a user within an area, displays a map representation of the area around the mobile communication device on a graphical user interface of the mobile communication device, and superimposes on the map the respective locations of one or more other trusted users of mobile communication devices coupled to the mobile communication device over the network. A security component allows users to establish trusted relationships by requiring mutual consent and disclosure of identifier and phone number information for each trusted user. Location information can be blocked among trusted users or obfuscated on the display of the mobile devices of the other users.
US09560476B2
A wireless communication apparatus includes, a first communication unit that performs communication with an external apparatus through a first wireless communication method, a second communication unit that performs communication with the external apparatus through a second wireless communication method, and a control unit that establishes the communication with the external apparatus through the second communication unit using a communication parameter shared with the external apparatus through the first communication unit. The control unit determines, in response to activation of the wireless communication apparatus, whether the wireless communication apparatus is in a predetermined state and sets the wireless communication apparatus to be in a state of either executing or not executing communication processing based on whether the wireless communication apparatus is in the predetermined state.
US09560472B2
A method and apparatus for sharing data with another electronic device are provided. The apparatus includes a processor, and a memory for storing program instructions. The program instructions are configured to have the processor sense a tagging with the another electronic device; determine a service level of the another electronic device; identify shared data corresponding to the determined service level of the another electronic device; and transmit the identified shared data to the another electronic device.
US09560471B2
A method and system is disclosed for allowing the sharing of one or more system resources between multiple devices. In one embodiment, a requesting device transmits a resource access request to a target device using a near-field communication (NFC) protocol. The target device responds by using the NFC connection to return a listing of resources available for sharing to the requesting device. The requesting device may select one or more of the available resources and establish an appropriate connection to access the selected resource or resources. In one embodiment, the requesting device may lack external network connectivity capabilities while the target device includes wi-fi connectivity as a shared resource. Accordingly, the requesting device may access external network of the target device via the target as a conduit.
US09560470B2
A communications system and method of operating a vehicle multi-tainment unit (VMU) within that communications system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (a) establishing a connection between the VMU and a mobile device; (b) retrieving from a cache associated with the VMU user data previously provided by the mobile device; (c) prior to receiving current user data from the mobile device, receiving via the connection recently-used user data from the mobile device; (d) comparing the previously-provided user data and the received recently-used data; and (e) updating the previously-provided user data based on the comparison.
US09560466B2
A mixing signal processing technique modifies digital audio recordings to simulate the linear and nonlinear effects of propagation and mixing of sounds in air. When multiple sounds or complex sounds comprised of multiple frequencies in the audible spectrum propagate in such a nonlinear medium, they transfer energy into sound at new frequencies given by the sums and differences of the original signal frequencies. The mixing signal processing technique may improve the ability of a system to reproduce the effects of a live performance using a digital audio recording.
US09560448B2
An audio system for a vehicle has at least one source of audio signals. A respective directional loudspeaker array is mounted at each seat position and coupled to the at least one source. The at least one source includes a microphone that detects speech from an occupant of the first seat position. Processing circuitry receives signals from the microphone that correspond to the detect speech and drives each second respective loudspeaker array at the other seat positions to radiate acoustic energy corresponding to the detected speech. The processing circuitry processes magnitude and phase of the signals from the microphone to each second directional loudspeaker array so that each second directional loudspeaker array directionally radiates first acoustic energy to the seat position at which the second directional loudspeaker array is located and so that second acoustic energy radiated from the second directional array to the first seat position is less than the first acoustic energy according to a predetermined criteria.
US09560447B2
A system and method allow for extracting target signals from the overall measurement data without knowing how and where these data are collected, the locations and characteristics of target sources as well as those of random background noise sources. In essence, it uses an innovative and advanced signal processing technique to reveal certain critical information from a mixture of data that is hard to obtain otherwise. In particular, it allows for denoising the measured data that have been contaminated by various interfering and background noise, making it possible to extract certain target information that may be otherwise difficult to observe. The only assumption made in this method is that the target signal is incoherent with respect to all interfering signals and background noise. The more information about a target signal is available, the more complete the extracted signal becomes.
US09560446B1
A sound source locator efficiently employs a distributed physical or logical microphone array to determine a location of a source of a sound. In some instances, the sound source locator is deployed in an augmented reality environment. The sound source locator detects sound at a plurality of microphones, generates a signal corresponding to the sound, and causes attributes of signal as generated at the plurality of microphones to be stored in association with the corresponding microphone. The sound source locator uses these stored attributes to identify multiple groups of the plurality of microphones from which delays between the times the signal is generated can be used to compute the location of the source of the sound.
US09560444B2
In one implementation, the output of a microphone is modified based on movement. A circuit or other controller is in communication with a microphone that generates an electrical signal based on sounds waves and a motion sensor. The motion sensor may be coupled to the microphone, coupled to a device including the microphone, or coupled to an object in the vicinity of the microphone. The controller is configured to receive the electrical signal from the microphone and motion data from the motion sensor. The controller is configured to perform a comparison of the motion data to a threshold level and adjust the electrical signal in response to the comparison of the motion data to a threshold acceleration level.
US09560433B2
A microphone support and enclosing windscreen has microphone supports curving about 270 degrees about an axis with upper and lower fingers to grip the microphone above and below the longitudinal axis of the microphone. The microphone supports move along an upper rail of a connector. First and second cage portions have longitudinal ribs connected to circular rings forming a windscreen support, with base rings on each cage portion connected to a bracket to encircle the microphone and its supports during use. One of the cage portions moves along the connector and rotates to allow access to the microphone.
US09560432B2
A Bluetooth communication bracelet includes a main body and a Bluetooth earphone. The main body includes a wearing member, a charging plate, an USB interface, and an audio jack. The wearing member defines a receiving groove, a positioning portion and a charging electrode. The receiving groove is located on the outer peripheral of the wearing member, the positioning portion. The charging electrode is located on sidewalls of the receiving groove. The charging plate is located in the wearing member. The USB interface is electrically coupled to the charging plate for charging the charging plate. The Bluetooth earphone, which is received in the receiving groove, includes a carrier, an earplug, and a microphone. The carrier sets a matching portion and a contact electrode. The matching portion matches the positioning portion to make the Bluetooth earphone releasably mounted to the wearing member. The contact electrode is in contact with the charging plate.
US09560430B2
A waterproof structure includes a housing, an electroacoustic transducer, a packing and an annular member. The electroacoustic transducer has a case formed with tone holes. The packing is interposed between the housing and the electroacoustic transducer and has a thin film part on a part opposed to the tone holes. The annular member is interposed between the thin film part and the case and surrounds the tone holes. A space surrounded by the thin film part, the annular member and the case is formed. The annular member is configured to bias the thin film part of the packing.
US09560426B1
A system and method for tracking a group of individuals comprising: a wireless tracking device provided to at least one or more individuals within a group, wherein the wireless tracking device is configured for bi-directional communications with a monitoring center that establishes dynamic geo-fencing limitations in real-time for all group members provided with the wireless tracking device based on the group's center of gravity as they travel, whereby the geo-fence is in constant motion, and the wireless tracking device is adapted to determine and store absolute location information of each wireless tracking device provided to group members; and viewing device configured for displaying identification information concerning each individual wireless tracking device within the group on a rotating map display oriented relative to the group leader's location information.
US09560425B2
A method, apparatus and system related to zero-configuration remote control of device(s) coupled to a networked media device through a client side device communicatively coupled with the networked media device are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of a client device includes determining that an internet protocol address and a port from an unannounced device is associated with a networked media device. The client device constrains an executable environment in a security sandbox. Then, the client device executes a sandboxed application in the executable environment using a processor and a memory. Next, the client device automatically instantiates a connection between the sandboxed application and the unannounced device associated with the networked media device based on the determination that the internet protocol address of the port from the unannounced device is associated with the networked media device. The unannounced device may utilize a web services interface and/or an infrared remote control interface. The networked media device may utilize an InfraRed (IR) blaster to associate with the unannounced device instead of the internet protocol address and the port when the unannounced device utilizes an infrared remote control interface.
US09560416B2
A method for capturing viewer attention concerning a product depicted in a color motion video display is provided wherein one or a chosen sequential plurality of image frames rendering the motion video on a display during a defined time period, includes highlighted portions of the video frame depicting products or services to attract the gaze and attention of the user wherein a provided user interface may be employed to request information about or order the product depicted in the highlighted portion of the display of the video.
US09560404B2
A scheme for providing targeted advertisements in a multicast adaptive bitrate (ABR) streaming environment. In one implementation, ads specific to a subscriber's demographic profile and relevant to the genre of a tuned MABR media channel may be downloaded in a gateway (GW) or into a network storage system. In another implementation, multicast ABR streams of ads may be triggered at specific points (e.g., insertion markers in a multicast ABR media channel) that can be selectively joined by a GW node based on demographics and channel genre. In yet another implementation, continuously streaming multicast ad channels may be switched at suitable points in a multicast ABR media channel based on targeting parameters.
US09560403B2
Control information for configuring an audiovisual device to present multimedia content according to a first service type may be generated. A first data structure specifying that the first control information is associated with the first service type may be generated. A plurality of packets, including a multimedia stream according to the first service type, the first control information, and the first data structure, may be generated and transmitted. Second control information for configuring the audiovisual device to present a multimedia stream according to a second service type may be generated. The first data structure may be modified to include information about the second control information. A second plurality of packets, including the modified first data structure, the first control information, a multimedia stream according to the first service type, the second control information, and a multimedia stream according to the second service type, may be generated and transmitted.
US09560401B2
A method is provided for transmitting at least one content representative of a service, from a server to a terminal. Such a method includes a preliminary preparation phase of the service and a phase of transmitting. The preliminary preparation phase includes a step of providing the service by a creator, in the form of a textual description comprising a text portion and at least one program instruction, and a step of translating, in a compilation environment, the textual description of the service into a service program, including executable instructions. The phase of transmitting the content to the terminal, includes, on receipt of a request by the terminal, a step of executing the service program on the server, delivering the content in the form of binary data, and a step of transmitting the binary data to the terminal.
US09560389B2
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for network-based storage of requested content are provided. A request for a content item may be received by a content storage device from a customer. Portions of the content item may be extracted from the content item. The content storage device may store the extracted portions of the content item specific to the customer. Additionally, the remainder of the content item may be stored by the content storage device separately from the stored extracted portion. The content item may be reconstructed for the customer using the extracted portions of the content item specific to the customer and the remainder of the content item.
US09560383B2
Techniques for coding video data include coding a plurality of blocks of video data, wherein at least one block of the plurality of blocks of video data is coded using a coding mode that is one of an intra pulse code modulation (IPCM) coding mode and a lossless coding mode. In some examples, the lossless coding mode may use prediction. The techniques further include assigning a non-zero quantization parameter (QP) value for the at least one block coded using the coding mode. The techniques also include performing deblocking filtering on one or more of the plurality of blocks of video data based on the coding mode used to code the at least one block and the assigned non-zero QP value for the at least one block.
US09560377B2
A hierarchical motion prediction apparatus and method. The hierarchical motion prediction method splits a current frame and a reference frame into pixel groups, changes a pixel location of each pixel group, and selects one pixel, and thus resolutions of the current frame and reference frame are reduced. A motion vector of a down-sampled current block is obtained based on a down-sampled current frame and reference frame, and is expanded to a motion vector of an original resolution based on a down sampling rate.
US09560374B2
The present invention relates to a technique for encoding and decoding video data, and more particularly, to a method for performing inter-prediction in an effective manner. The present invention combines an inter-prediction method using an AMVP mode and an inter-prediction method using a merge mode so as to propose a method for using the same candidate. The method for encoding video data proposed by the present invention comprises the following steps: receiving mode information on an inter-prediction method of a current block; determining, on the basis of the received mode information, whether the interprediction method to be applied to the current block is an AMVP mode or a merge mode; and selecting a candidate to derive motion information of the current block, wherein the candidate is selected in a left region, top region and corner region of the current block and in the same position block as the current block, and the AMVP mode and the merge mode are applied on the basis of the selected candidate.
US09560365B2
An intra-scene and inter-scene adaptive coding unit 6 converts an MPEG-2 video bit stream into a slave stream by using both coded data which is included in the coded data about scene video units in a master stream recorded in a data recording unit 2 and for which alternative coded data to be used for prediction reference has not been retrieved by an inter-scene prediction determining unit 5, and coded data retrieved by the inter-scene prediction determining unit 5 for the prediction reference.
US09560362B2
A method and apparatus for 3D video coding system are disclosed. Embodiments according to the present invention apply SAO process (sample adaptive offset process) to at least one dependent-view image of the processed multi-view images if processed multi-view images are received. Also embodiments according to the present invention apply the SAO process to at least one dependent-view image of the processed multi-view images or at least one depth map of the processed multi-view depth maps if both processed multi-view images and the processed multi-view depth maps are received. The SAO can be applied to each color component of the processed multi-view images or the processed multi-view depth maps. The SAO parameters associated with a target region in one dependent-view image or in one depth map corresponding to one view may share or may be predicted by second SAO parameters associated with a source region corresponding to another view.
US09560361B2
A video processing device includes an interface to receive an input video stream and an interface to provide an encoded video stream. The input video stream includes a sequence of frames. Each frame comprises two fields. The video processing device further includes an encoder to encode the input video stream to generate the encoded video stream. The encoder is to dynamically switch between a first encoding mode and a second encoding mode responsive to a variable quantization parameter. In the first encoding mode the encoder is to encode both fields or the complete frame of a corresponding frame of the sequence. In the second encoding mode the encoder is to encode only one field of the two fields of a corresponding frame of the sequence. This approach can achieve a specified low bit rate with reduced quantization effects while keeping the horizontal resolution unchanged.
US09560359B2
A method and apparatus for luma-based chroma intra prediction for a current chroma block are disclosed. The chroma intra predictor is derived from reconstructed luma pixels of a current luma block according to the chroma sampling format. Depending on the chroma sampling format, either sub-sampling, down-sampling or no processing is applied to the reconstructed luma pixels in horizontal or vertical direction. The information associated with the chroma sampling format can be incorporated in the sequence parameter set (SPS), the picture parameter set (PPS), the adaptation parameter set (APS) or the slice header of a video bitstream.
US09560355B2
The present invention relates to deblocking filtering, which may be advantageously applied for block-wise encoding and decoding of image or video signal. In particular, the present invention relates to performing an efficient and accurate decision on whether or not to apply deblocking filtering on an image block. The efficient and accurate decision is achieved by performing individual decisions on whether or not to apply deblocking filtering for segments of a boundary between adjacent image blocks, wherein the individual decision are based on pixels comprised in a subset of the pixel lines that the image blocks are composed of.
US09560353B2
A moving picture coding method including: determining whether or not (a) a picture including a co-located block and (b) a current picture to be coded are included in a same view, the co-located block being a block that is included in a picture different from the current picture and is at a position corresponding to a position of a current block to be coded included in the current picture; adjusting the position of the co-located block when the picture including the co-located block and the current picture are included in different views; and adding to the list an entry including a motion vector derived from the co-located block, wherein the adjusting includes: obtaining a disparity vector between the view including the picture including the co-located block and the view including the current picture; and adjusting the position of the co-located block by the obtained disparity vector.
US09560347B2
A method and system process transform blocks according to quantization matrices in a video coding system. Embodiments of the present invention derive one or more derived quantization matrices from one or more initial quantization matrices or from one previously derived quantization matrix. In one embodiment, the initial quantization matrices include a 4×4 and 8×8 quantization matrices, which can be either default or user-defined. All quantization matrices larger than 8×8 can be derived from the 4×4 and 8×8 initial quantization matrices. Non-square quantization matrices can be derived from at least one initial square quantization matrix or at least one derived square quantization matrix. Individual initial quantization matrices may be used to derive respective larger quantization matrices. Furthermore, the individual initial quantization matrices may be derived from larger quantization matrices designed for corresponding transform sizes. Syntax design also enables the quantization matrix representation.
US09560335B2
A device for three-dimensional scanning of an object includes a detector adapted to obtain orientation information of the device, optics adapted to obtain planar information about a position of the device in a first reference plane of the optics, and a processor adapted to acquire the orientation information and the planar information from the detector and from the optics, respectively, and to process such information in order to obtain an estimate of a position of the device on an axis substantially perpendicular to the first reference plane, for the purpose of obtaining a three-dimensional image of the object.
US09560330B2
In various embodiments, a dynamic range converter includes a plurality of circuits, including at least one configurable circuit that operates based on configuration data. The plurality of circuits include a first color space converter to convert a source color space of a source video having a source dynamic range to nonlinear color space signals. A linearizer configured converts the nonlinear color space signals to linearized color space signals having a mastering dynamic range via a piecewise linear interpolation of a transfer function. A color volume transformer applies dynamic color transform metadata associated with the source video to generate master adjusted color space signals from the linearized color space signals. A delinearizer converts the master adjusted color space signals to nonlinearized color space signals via a piecewise linear interpolation of an inverse transfer function in accordance with a display dynamic range. A second color space converter converts the nonlinearized color space signals to display domain signals. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09560326B2
Technologies for projecting a proportionally corrected image include a projection device. The projection device includes a camera capable of performing a depth scan and a projector capable of projecting an image onto a projection region of a projection surface. The projection device is configured to determine one or more image corrections as a function of the model of the projection region, transform the image based on the image corrections to generate an updated image, and project, by the projector, the updated image to the projection region. The projection device is further configured to monitor the projection region to detect an adjustment event, (i.e., a detected change of the projection region relative to the projection device) and generate, in response to detecting the adjustment event, another updated image based on the detected change of the projection region. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09560316B1
Implementations generally relate to indicating sound quality during a conference, thereby providing real-time feedback to those generating audio intentionally or unintentionally. In some implementations, a method includes detecting an audio signal during a conference. The method further includes determining one or more sound types in the audio signal based on one or more respective characteristic criteria. The method further includes providing an indicator based on the one or more sounds types.
US09560312B2
A video player tablet, or a mobile device includes a processor configured to receive live video and audio data from a communication network and format the video and audio data for display on the tablet. The processor is also configured to receive live meta-data from the communication network and format the meta-data for display on the same tablet. The processor is further configured to select the meta-data, and time synchronize the selected meta-data with the video and audio data for simultaneous display on the tablet, or mobile device.
US09560311B2
A processor converts an input video signal via a first filter, and outputs a video signal for a determination obtained by converting the video signal via a second filter. Both filters satisfy a stipulated condition. The processor calculates the degree of matching between the input video signal and the video signal for the determination. The processor determines whether or not the input video signal has been converted by using a filter that satisfies the stipulated condition in conversion at a preceding stage. The processor generates an encoded string by encoding the video signal in the second format converted via the first filter, and the determination result. In this way, whether or not and where a video is that converted by using a filter different from a stipulated filter can be automatically determined.
US09560307B2
A method for projecting imagery onto a plurality of non-coplanar surfaces includes: viewing one or more mattes on a display; projecting, from a projector device operatively coupled to the display, a projected image of the one or more mattes on the three-dimensional surface; adjusting on the display the size, shape, position, orientation, or any combination thereof, of a first matte of the one or more mattes; viewing adjustments to the first matte on the display; and projecting the adjustments to the first matte so that edges of the projected image of the first matte are aligned with surface edges of at least one of the non-coplanar surfaces.
US09560304B2
A comprehensive mechanism is provided for broadcasting and accessing multiple audio sources in connection with the viewing of a television program. Audio is collected through the use of standard audio capture techniques. Next, the audio is distributed by either of in-band via broadcast or out-of-band techniques. In-band audio is preferably provided via an MPEG stream associated with the current television program. Out-of-band (OOB) audio can be broadcast as well, although it is preferable to select which channel is distributed upstream first, rather than broadcast all channels downstream and consume bandwidth for unselected audio. The viewer operates a set top box to select the appropriate audio channel(s) for reproduction.
US09560292B2
A frame-sequential multiwavelength imaging system comprises a wavelength switching device for producing a repeated series of different wavelength profiles, a detector for detecting the dynamic scene and a signal processing unit for synthesizing a dynamic multiwavelength image of the dynamic scene. The signal processing unit may comprise at least one input device at least one logic device and at least one output device. The system can be used in a method to perform multiwavelength imaging of a dynamic scene, typically for surgical purposes.
US09560286B2
An image capturing apparatus capturing an object image based on a set time includes: a first state-changing unit setting an light emission unit in a first state with a light emission corresponding to image capturing, and in a second state with less power consumption than that in the first state; a second state-changing unit setting the apparatus to a third state where an image is captured, and in a fourth state with less power consumption than that in the third state; and a light emission determining unit that determines whether to cause the emission unit to emit a light for the next capturing. The second state remains until the next capture when it is determined not to emit a light. The change to the fourth state starts after it is determined not to emit a light. Then, the apparatus changes to the third state again for the next capturing.
US09560285B2
An image pickup apparatus performs a global electronic shutter operation in which exposure periods of a plurality of pixels coincide with one another. In a first period in which a photoelectric conversion unit of at least one of the pixels stores charge, signals based on charges stored in holding units of the pixels are successively output to output lines. In a second period after the output of the signals from the pixels is terminated, the holding units of the pixels hold charge.
US09560278B2
An imaging device includes an imaging-lens, an image-sensor, a lens-moving-mechanism, a ROM, and an intersection-point-position-control-section. The lens-moving-mechanism moves an intersection point on the image-sensor by moving a second lens in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis. The ROM stores, in advance, a LUT that stores the intersection point and an image quality evaluation value of an image, which is obtained through image capturing performed at the intersection point, in association with each other. The intersection-point-position-control-section acquires the current intersection point, calculates distances between the current intersection point and the plurality of intersection points stored in the LUT, and selects an intersection point for imaging, at which a ratio of the image quality evaluation value to the distance from the current intersection point is at the maximum, among the positions of the plurality of intersection points stored in the LUT.
US09560275B2
Disclosed is a solid-state imaging device including a pixel array, two vertical scanning circuits, and a control part. The pixel array has a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional matrix form. The two vertical scanning circuits are configured to sequentially select and scan each of the pixels in a vertical direction per row. The control part is configured to generate, based on a mode signal corresponding to an imaging mode, a driving switch signal to stop driving of one of the two vertical scanning circuits.
US09560274B2
Methods and apparatus provide for generating a component image in which, with images picked up using a front side camera and a rear side camera built in portable equipment, posture information of the portable equipment is associated; combining a plurality of component images between which the posture of the portable equipment is different to generate a synthesis image; changing over an image pickup mode between a double-sided synthesis image pickup mode in which a synthesis image of one half circumference picked up by the front side camera and a synthesis image of one half circumference picked up by the rear side camera are connected to each other to pick up a synthesis image of a whole circumference and a single-sided synthesis image pickup mode in which a synthesis image of a whole circumference is picked up by each of the front side camera and the rear side camera.
US09560269B2
Systems and approaches are provided to allow for collaborative image capturing. Multiple user devices subscribed to the collaborative image capturing system can be synchronized to perform certain image capturing related tasks, including coordinated image capture. When the user devices are widely dispersed, the image data can be aggregated to generate composited image data, such as panoramas, 3-D transformations, or stereoscopic image data. Multiple user devices can also be coordinated to simultaneously flash or activate other light emitting components that may improve lighting condition than would otherwise be capable of a single computing device.
US09560256B2
An image capture system is provided that increases processing speed after an image is captured and also increases the rate at which data is read from an image capture device during a shooting sequence. The image capture system includes an image capture device for capturing an object image and converting the captured object image into an electrical signal, a plurality of image processing devices, and a distribution device for distributing the electrical signal from the image capture device to the plurality of image processing devices. The plurality of image processing devices generate image signals by processing the electrical signal output from the distribution device and are provided in parallel with each other. Each of the plurality of image processing devices concurrently processes the electrical signal for one frame.
US09560252B1
Various embodiments include a camera system. The camera system can receive a command to photograph an environment utilizing a camera. The camera system can identify a plurality of flash settings for a flash system of the camera. The camera system can drive the flash system in a sequence of flashes respectively corresponding to the plurality of flash settings. The camera system can then capture consecutive images utilizing the camera. The capturing of the consecutive images can be synchronized against the sequence of flashes such that a device can later combine the consecutive images to generate a composite image that represents a virtual photograph of the environment.
US09560251B2
A light-emitting-part holder moves between a housing position in which the light-emitting-part holder is housed in a housing part formed in a strobe base and a light emission position in which the light-emitting-part holder projects from the housing part. One end of an arm member is supported by the light-emitting-part holder, and the other end thereof is supported by the strobe base. An arm cover member holds a magnet, and in a case where the arm member is housed in the housing part, the arm cover member is fixed to the face of the arm member facing the housing part. A part of a light-emitting-part flexible board (flexible wire member) is disposed between the magnet held by the arm cover member and the arm member.
US09560244B2
An image pickup device includes a first image sensor for photoelectrically converting subject light and generating an image, a second image sensor for photoelectrically converting the subject light and generating an image for a live view, a first optical member for transmitting the subject light and allowing the subject light to enter the first image sensor, and at the same time, reflecting the subject light, and a second optical member for leading the subject light reflected by the first optical member to the second image sensor and allowing the subject light to enter the second image sensor.
US09560234B2
An image reading device includes a support table that supports a document; a light source that is supported movably along the support table between a reading start position set near one end of the support table and a reading end position set near the other end of the support table and that irradiates the document with light; a reading member that reads an image based on reflected light from the document; and an image composing unit that composes read image information based on a first image read by the reading member and a second image based on light reflected from the document in a direction different from a direction of the first image.
US09560231B2
An information processing terminal transmits, to an authentication server, information obtained by imaging a code pattern of multifunction device information, and authentication information inputted by a user. The authentication server performs user authentication based on the received authentication information and specifies a multifunction device based on the received information of the code pattern. If the user has been authenticated, the authentication server transmits print data corresponding to the user to the multifunction device and prescribes the execution of print processing to the multifunction device. The multifunction device executes print process based on the obtained print data.
US09560227B2
An image reader including a conveyor, a first detector, a plurality of second detectors, a reading unit, and a controller configured to perform a control process that includes determining whether second detection information output from the second detectors satisfies a predetermined state, executing a first sequence when determining that the second detection information satisfies the predetermined state, the first sequence including determining whether a conveyed object is in a multi-feed condition based on first detection information output from the first detector, and halting at least one of a conveying operation by the conveyor and a reading operation by the reading unit when determining that the conveyed object is in the multi-feed condition, executing a second sequence when determining that the second detection information does not satisfy the predetermined state, the second sequence including continuing the conveying operation and the reading operation regardless of the first detection information.
US09560225B2
An image display operation device includes a function selecting portion to correlate with a plurality of functions so as to be executable, a display portion to display the function selecting portion, and a display control portion that causes the display portion to display the function selecting portion. The function selecting portion includes a first function selecting portion in which selectable function items are displayed, and a second function selecting portion in which other function items that are selectable in conjunction with functions included in the first function selecting portion are displayed. When one or more functions included in the first function selecting portion are selected, the display control portion changes function items to be displayed on the second function selecting portion, based on contents of the one or more functions selected on the first function selecting portion.
US09560217B2
Adapters, terminal devices, USB connection devices and charging stations are disclosed. The adapter includes a first port configured to connect to an alternate current (AC) source, a conversion module configured to convert an AC power from the AC source into a direct current (DC) power, a second port configured to connect to a first electronic device and provide power thereto, an uplink interface configured to connect to the first electronic device, a downlink interface coupled with the conversion module to obtain an external power supply therefrom and configured to connect to a second electronic device, and a signal control module arranged between the uplink and downlink interfaces, and configured to control a status of a signal in the downlink interface based on a status of a power supply of the uplink interface. The second electronic device enters one of the operating and charging modes based on the status of the signal in the downlink interface, when the second electronic device is coupled with the downlink interface. With the present invention, charging of an electronic device which can be charged only upon recognizing the signal line status of the downlink interface can be enabled even if a computer is powered off or in a sleep state.
US09560210B1
Modifications to the call acceptance process in a call handler allows determination of how to process a call before the call is answered. In one embodiment a call handler receives an incoming call notification message that include call related information, such as the calling and called telephone numbers. A call acceptance timer is started after the incoming call notification message is received. Prior to accepting the call, the call handler uses the call related information to ascertain an appropriate queue and an available agent in that queue. If an appropriate agent is available, the timer is stopped, the call is accepted, and the call is routed to the appropriate agent. If an agent is not available, then upon expiry of the timer, the call is accepted and an announcement may be played to the calling party, while awaiting for an agent to become available.
US09560206B2
Various embodiments of systems, methods, and computer programs are disclosed for providing real-time resources to participants in an audio conference session. One embodiment is a method for providing real-time resources to participants in an audio conference session via a communication network. One such method comprises: a conferencing system establishing an audio conference session between a plurality of computing devices via a communication network, each computing device generating a corresponding audio stream comprising a speech signal; and in real-time during the audio conference session, a server: receiving and processing the audio streams to determine the speech signals; extracting words from the speech signals; analyzing the extracted words to determine a relevant keyword being discussed in the audio conference session; identifying a resource related to the relevant keyword; and providing the resource to one or more of the computing devices.
US09560189B2
The present disclosure relates to a mobile terminal in which part of the display unit can be bent or flexed, and a control method thereof. The mobile terminal may include a display unit with flexibility configured to be placed in a first state in which a specific region is planar and a second state in which the specific region is protruded, and a controller configured to change the specific region from the first state to the second state when an event has occurred in an application, and display an icon indicating the event in the specific region. Here, the controller may execute at least one function associated with the event when the second state is restored to the first state.
US09560172B2
A capability is provided for statelessly recognizing Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) keep-alive packets. A server receives a TCP SYN packet including an initial client sequence number and selects an initial server sequence number for the TCP connection based on the parity of the initial client sequence number and a parity rule. A server receives a TCP packet from a client and uses a parity rule for determining whether to manipulate a TCP response packet to be sent by the server to the client responsive to the received TCP packet (to ensure that the next TCP packet to be sent by the client is not incorrectly identified as a TCP keep-alive packet). A network device receives a TCP packet and uses a parity rule to determine whether the TCP packet is a TCP keep-alive packet. The parity rule is indicative of an expected parity of TCP keep-alive packets.
US09560170B2
A system and method for abstracting communication protocol using self-describing messages. The method includes providing a first communication protocol having control codes and binary messages having a self-describing schema of a data object model. The method includes providing a second communication protocol where instances of the second communication protocol are associatively mapped to the instances of the first communication protocol. The method includes receiving a message in the second communication protocol. The method includes classifying the message as being either a control message or a data message and translating it to a second message where upon the message has been classified as a control message, the processor maps the control message to one or more control codes and where upon the message has been classified as a data message, the processor maps the data message to a corresponding binary message having the self-describing schema.
US09560160B1
Prioritizing delivery of different portions of images is disclosed, including: receiving a request for an image file; identifying a cluster of characterized images in an N-dimensional space to which the image file belongs; assigning a split point to the image file that is associated with the identified cluster of characterized images; and prioritizing a delivery of a first portion and a second portion of the image file based at least in part on the assigned split point.
US09560158B2
A local area networking method includes a receiving by a system server unique identifiers associated with the first mobile device and other devices of a local area network. The system server correlates a listing of user identifiers and user profiles with the unique identifiers received from the first mobile device. The system server then communicates the listing of user identifiers and user profiles correlated with the unique identifiers to the first mobile device. A user of the first mobile device is thereby permitted to view the user identifiers and user profiles relating to the other devices registered with the system server, including the other devices in the local area network. The system server may further receive a geographical location of the local area network from the first mobile device, and associate one of a data file and an executable file from the first mobile device with the geographical location.
US09560154B2
Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media can determine a frequency by which content items published by an entity are to be provided for a user. Examples of content items previously published by the entity are selected. Information is provided to assist the user in a determination about whether to assent to provision of content items published by the entity for the user.
US09560135B2
A method is provided for communication, which is implemented by an interfacing device of a server of a first network for distributing digital content. The method includes: receiving a content ingestion request emitted by a device of a second network for distributing content, with a view to storage of the content in the second distribution network; and when the first distribution network is not able to respond to the request, dispatching an enquiry destined for at least one third network for distributing content, requesting a transfer of the content to the second distribution network. The first distribution network delegates the transfer of the content. The third distribution network then transfers the digital content to the second content distribution network.
US09560127B2
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of logical movement of data objects. In various examples, the logical movement of data objects may reduce or eliminate network hotspots (e.g., avoid formation of hotspots, remove existing hotspots and/or reduce the magnitude of hotspots). In various examples, the logical movement of data objects may be implemented in the form of systems, methods and/or algorithms.
US09560125B2
A load balancer forwards a content request from a client system to a proxy server, receives from the proxy server a modified content request based on the content request and including information identifying a content origin server, opens a connection with the content origin server in response to receiving the first modified content request, and sends a second modified content request based upon the first modified content request to the content origin server. The load balancer also receives content associated with the content request from the content origin server, and forwards the content to the client system.
US09560123B2
A method and system for processing a request by a user of a program in a first computer. The program in the first computer displays, in the first computer, a first computer screen and another computer screen superimposed on the first computer screen. The program in the first computer receives a request and updates a first working storage area to indicate the request. The first computer sends to a second computer a copy of contents of a first working storage area in the first computer. The first computer receives from the second computer contents of a second working storage area in the second computer updated with a result of a copy of a program in the second computer processing the request, and in response, the first computer updates the contents of the first working storage area with the contents of the updated second working storage.
US09560117B2
An embodiment includes a low-latency mechanism for performing a checkpoint on a distributed application. More specifically, an embodiment of the invention includes processing a first application on a compute node, which is included in a cluster, to produce first computed data and then storing the first computed data in volatile memory included locally in the compute node; halting the processing of the first application, based on an initiated checkpoint, and storing first state data corresponding to the halted first application in the volatile memory; storing the first state information and the first computed data in non-volatile memory included locally in the compute node; and resuming processing of the halted first application and then continuing the processing the first application to produce second computed data while simultaneously pulling the first state information and the first computed data from the non-volatile memory to an input/output (IO) node.
US09560108B2
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for providing an access point for connection to the Internet. The methods may be performed using one or more user devices (e.g. smartphones or other mobile communications devices) which may be part of a residential Local Area Network or “home” network. A user device may detect that a connection to the Internet via a first access point is unavailable. This connection may be via a residential gateway. In response to the detection that Internet connectivity via the first access point is unavailable, a user device (e.g. the same or different user device) may activate a second access point (e.g. a wireless or mobile access point) to the Internet for use by other user devices. Other user devices may then connect to the Internet using this second access point. The second access point may be de-activated if Internet connectivity via the first access point is re-established.
US09560089B2
Systems, methods, and apparatus for use in connection with at least one virtual agent. In some embodiments, at least one processor is programmed to use a record of a multiparty conversation to provide input to the at least one virtual agent.
US09560078B2
Technologies for performing security monitoring services of a network functions virtualization (NFV) security architecture that includes an NVF security services controller and one or more NFV security services agents. The NFV security services controller is configured to transmit a security monitoring policy to the NFV security services agents and enforce the security monitoring policy at the NFV security services agents. The NFV security services agents are configured to monitor telemetry data and package at least a portion of the telemetry for transmission to an NFV security monitoring analytics system of the NFV security architecture for security threat analysis. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09560075B2
An electronic communication evaluating device determines a suspicion level for an initial electronic communication. The initial electronic communication is addressed to an addressed entity that is associated with an electronic communication receiver. In response to the suspicion level exceeding a predetermined level, a communication switching device reroutes the initial electronic communication from the addressed entity to a cognitive honeypot. The cognitive honeypot transmits, to the electronic communication transmitting system, emulation electronic communications that emulate the addressed entity until a predefined state of the communication session occurs.
US09560074B2
A method includes receiving a set of strings and applying one or more filters to generate a subset of strings that are determined to correspond to strings of interest. The method also includes retrieving domain name system (DNS) information associated with a first string of the subset. The method includes executing a rule-based engine to determine, based on application of one or more rules to the DNS information, whether to add the first string to a set of suspicious hostnames.
US09560066B2
Systems and methods are presented for generating a threat score and a usage score of each of a plurality of IP addresses. The threat score may be determined based on quantity of occurrences and recency of each occurrence of an IP address in network alert datasets, in addition to a weighting factor for each data source indicating the accuracy of the data source.
US09560054B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs for defining a first group of contacts, the first group of contacts having been specified by a first user of a social networking service and including contacts of the first user within the social networking service, each contact in the first group of contacts being associated with a first sub-group of contacts within the first group of contacts, the first group of contacts being associated with a distribution scheme for digital content provided by the first user within the social networking service, and associating, based on first input provided by the first user, one or more contacts of the first sub-group of contacts with a second sub-group of contacts within the first group of contacts, the second sub-group of contacts including contacts for which at least some digital content distributed to the first user is filtered from display to the first user.
US09560053B2
A device may receive a first indication that a user device connected to a first network device associated with a first network, the first indication including a hardware identifier associated with the user device; identify a policy set associated with the hardware identifier; and output the policy set to the first network device. The outputting may cause the first network device to filter traffic, transmitted via the first network device and destined for the user device, in accordance with the policy set. The device may receive a second indication that the user device has connected to a second network device associated with a second network; and output the policy set to the second network device. The outputting may cause the second network device to filter traffic, transmitted via the second network device and destined for the user device, in accordance with the policy set.
US09560035B2
A login session server is configured to establish a communications session between an application that runs natively on a device and a service that is secured by a web services gateway by supporting a temporary login session socket between the device and the login session server and by passing a login session token to the device over the temporary login session socket. The temporary login session socket can be used to verify that the application that runs natively on the device is authorized to use the services of the service provider. Related systems, devices, methods and computer program products are disclosed.
US09560031B2
A system and method of maintaining a user profile for a handheld computer in a shared, scalable computing resource is described. The method includes receiving user profile data from the handheld computer at the shared, scalable computing resource, the user profile data comprising a user security factor. The user profile data is received via a secure wireless communication protocol having authentication of an identity of the handheld computer. The method includes storing the user profile data on the shared, scalable computing resource as a portion of a user profile, the user profile further comprising user preference data. The method further includes receiving the user security factor from a second computing device. The user security factor is received via a secure wireless communication protocol having authentication of an identity of the second computing device. The method further includes downloading user preference data to the second computing device.
US09560027B1
There is disclosed some techniques for processing an authentication request. In one example, a method comprises the step of determining the velocity between authentication requests of a user associated with the requests. Additionally, the method determines the likelihood that a location associated with one of the requests is associated with the user location. Furthermore, the method generates an authentication result based on the likelihood that a location associated with one of the requests is associated with the user location.
US09560020B2
At least a portion of a transmission of an outgoing first email from a first email account to at least a second email account is encrypted. Second email address data is changed corresponding to the second email account to cause replies to the first email intended for the second email account to be sent to an intermediate device prior to being routed to the second email account. Replies to the first email are then sent to the intermediate device and sent over one or more encrypted channels. Replies to the first email including the changed email address data are decoded to identify the second email address data associated with the second email account. A reply to the first email is then sent to the second email account based on the identified second email address data.
US09560019B2
A method and system for managing data security in a computing environment. A processor at the gateway server receives, from a user device, at least one message. Each message requests that an encryption key be downloaded to the user device. The gateway server interfaces between the user device and a cloud that includes interconnected computing systems external to the user device. In response to the received at least one message, the processor generates at least one unique encryption key for each message and sends the at least one generated encryption key to the user device, but does not store any of the generated encryption keys in the cloud. For each encryption key having been sent to the user device, the processor receives each encryption key returned from the user device. For each encryption key received from the user device, the processor stores each received encryption key in the cloud.
US09560010B1
A technology is described for transferring a file from an unsecure network to a secure network. An example method may include identifying an unsecure account profile and determining that a file is to be transmitted from an unsecure network to a secure network using a one-way transfer device. In response, the file may be obtained from a file storage location and an unsecure account profile name for the unsecure account profile may be identified. A request may be made that the one-way transfer device to transmit the file and the unsecure account profile name to the secure network. The file and the unsecure account profile name may then be transmitted to the secure network, where a secure account profile corresponding to the unsecure account profile may be identified in the secure network and the file may be placed in a folder associated with the secure account profile.
US09560009B1
The present disclosure provides techniques for commissioning a light switch and a control device. A wireless light system implementing such techniques includes a light switch comprising a first microcontroller, a first wireless transceiver, and a first magnetic reed switch. The wireless light system further includes a control device comprising a second microcontroller, a second wireless transceiver, and a second magnetic reed switch. When the second magnetic reed switch is closed, the control device transmits via the second wireless transceiver a second unique address to the first wireless transceiver. When the first magnetic reed switch is closed and when the first wireless transceiver receives the second unique address, the first wireless transceiver transmits to the second wireless transceiver a first unique address.
US09560007B2
A server apparatus includes a storage unit to store table data including an IP address and a MAC address of each of information processing apparatuses connected to a network, the IP address and the MAC address being associated with each other in the table data; and a processor to transmit information having one of the IP addresses specified, and to update the table data based on information in a reply for the transmitted information, to determine whether the MAC address being associated with the IP address has been changed since a time-out possibly occurring while receiving or transmitting the information with the information processing apparatus, and to issue a command for freezing the corresponding IP address on use to an IP address assignment apparatus connected to the network if the MAC address has been changed.
US09560005B2
A method for organizing messages may include detecting, by a processor, receipt of each new message of an activity stream comprising a group of messages and determining, by the processor, a tense associated with each new message. The method may also include associating, by the processor, the tense with each new message. At least the tense may be used for organizing the group of messages of the activity stream. The method may additionally include adding, by the processor, each new message and the associated tense of the message to the activity stream.
US09560002B1
According to one exemplary embodiment, a processor-implemented method for informing a user that an important unread email (IUE) will be removed from an online communication inbox, wherein the IUE is a high priority email determined by an algorithm is provided. The method may include determining, by the processor, if the online communication inbox associated with the user has received the IUE. The method may also include determining if an email removal event associated with the received IUE will occur within a threshold time. The method may then include displaying a notification to the user of the email removal event based on determining that the email removal event will occur within the threshold time.
US09559997B1
A custom email handler comprises network interface circuitry and in-line email processing circuitry. The network interface circuitry uses the simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP) to receive an email message that has already visited a sender's mail transfer agent (MTA). The in-line email processing circuitry searches a subject header field and/or a message body of the email message for a character string matching any of a predefined set of custom email processing commands. In response to one of the predefined set of custom email processing commands being found during the searching, the in-line email processing circuitry modifies the message body in accordance with one or more rules associated with the found command, and removes the found command from the subject header field and/or the message body. After the modifying and the removing, the email is sent, via the networking interface circuitry, into a network destined for a recipient's mail transfer agent.
US09559984B2
A communication system includes a plurality of port switches that include first and second port switches, a plurality of fabric switches that construct communication paths among the plurality of port switches, and a user switch. Each of the plurality of port switches is connected to each of the plurality of fabric switches via different communication lines. The first and second port switches are connected by a common communication line between redundancy ports of the first and second port switches to thereby form a same domain group. The user switch is connected to each of the first and second port switches via different communication lines, and also sets link aggregation for ports of the user switch that are connection sources of the communication lines that connect the user switch and each of the first and second port switches.
US09559976B2
An apparatus for inserting user targeted web resources into browser navigation memory includes a storage device storing machine-readable code and a processor executing the machine-readable code. The machine-readable code includes a determination module determining whether a web resource is a user targeted web resource. The web resource is loaded in a web browser. The machine-readable code includes an insertion module inserting a record of the web resource into navigation memory of the web browser in response to the determination module determining that the web resource is a user targeted web resource.
US09559974B2
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method and a device for creating a data packet with discard eligible information and to a method and device for receiving a data packet with discard eligible information. Specifically, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for creating a data packet, containing a data payload and at least one label determining onward routing for the data packet, for onward transmission in a data communication system, a machine readable medium for implementing the method, and a corresponding device. In a first step a discard eligibility associated with the data packet is determined. In a second step, discard eligible information is encoded in a label determining onward routing for the data packet. In a third step an outgoing data packet including the label is generated.
US09559973B1
Wireless communication link bandwidth utilization monitoring apparatus and methods are disclosed. Utilization of bandwidth on a wireless communication link is monitored to generate bandwidth utilization information. In order to provide a record of the distribution of bandwidth utilization, durations of bandwidth utilization above respective different thresholds might be determined. Such distributions could be useful for such purposes as network analysis and/or customer billing based on actual wireless bandwidth usage. Bandwidth utilization information may be collected from multiple wireless link nodes, illustratively the wireless link nodes at both ends of monitored wireless communication links, to allow total bandwidth utilization for bi-directional communications over the monitored links to be determined.
US09559969B2
Systems and methods are described for source-aware shaping of network traffic in a communications system. Embodiments can manage resource congestion within a communications network by preferentially adjusting certain types of traffic on a per-subscriber and/or per-application basis. For example, a subscriber can receive various types of traffic in respective streams, and the streams can be identified according to whether they carry adaptive traffic. When a congestion condition is detected, one or more of the identified streams can be squeezed or expanded, which can cause an associated content source to automatically adapt communication of the adaptive traffic (e.g., its quality) to the reduced or expanded capacity. Selectively squeezing those streams identified as adaptive can appreciably mitigate congestion, while maintaining a desired level of network performance for the subscriber.
US09559935B2
The invention relates to a network gateway comprising a gateway function configured to perform one or more predetermined operations on or with respect to data reaching the gateway function, a first application configured to participate in testing of the gateway function by exchanging data with a second application, and a routing unit configured for routing at least some of the data exchanged between the first application and the second application so that the at least some of the data reaches the gateway function. Implementing the first application for testing a particular gateway function on the network gateway having that function, as opposed to implementing the first application in a device in a network communicatively connected to the gateway, eliminates the need to have a device in the network that is available for testing of that function of the gateway.
US09559930B2
A method and apparatus of measuring a packet throughput using a timer in a wireless communication system are provided. When determining a reference time for estimating packet throughput, a receiver determines the time that a data burst starts or ends using a timer in order to estimate the packet throughput considering a change in the data burst of the transmitter buffer. A measurement period is defined through the determined start time and end time of the data burst by the timer, and packet throughput is measured considering the total amount of the received data burst. The throughput of packet data may be estimated by each base station based on the same standard rule, so that the measured packet throughput values may be reliable, thus allowing the operator to make use of it as a parameter for MDT.
US09559925B2
A network load balancing method in a blade grouping chassis can be provided. The method can include detecting system conditions among blades coupled to a single blade grouping chassis. The method also can include maintaining a rotation of selected ones of the blades among which individual blades are selected for use in network load balancing inbound workloads. Finally, the method can include removing an individual blade from the rotation responsive to detecting a system condition in the individual blade indicative of an inability of the individual blade to support high availability in network load balancing. As such, the method further can include re-adding the individual blade to the rotation responsive to detecting a system condition in the individual blade indicative of an ability of the individual blade to support high availability in network load balancing.
US09559924B1
A system and method for monitoring a plurality of servers by a monitoring server in a computer network. A list of servers and a plurality of services to monitor in the computer network is generated at the monitoring server. A status query is transmitted sequentially by the monitoring server to each of the plurality of servers, the status query including the plurality of services to monitor at each server. A status message report is received from each of the plurality of servers in response to each status query. An event is reported in an event log for each server that has an abnormal service status. The transmission of the status query to each server is performed by the monitoring server at a specified service time interval.
US09559916B2
Methods and systems for tracking time in a web-based environment are described. In some embodiments, a web-based application to track time associated with a plurality of records is provided. A record in an active state is identified. A session associated with the record is generated, which includes activating a timer. An indication is received indicating that the record is in an inactive state. In response to receiving the indication, the session is ended, which includes deactivating the timer. A duration of the session is recorded.
US09559914B1
A technology is described for determining a placement of a computing instance within a virtualized computing service. An example method may include receiving a computing group state for a server that provides a virtualized computing service. The server may include a computing slot which may be used to execute a computing instance. Weighting values for placement factors may be identified for the computing group state. A placement score may be calculated for the computing slot based at least in part on the weighting value for the placement factor.
US09559912B2
A framework supporting content delivery includes a plurality of devices, each device configured to run at least one content delivery (CD) service of a plurality of CD services. The plurality of CD services include rendezvous services forming one or more rendezvous service networks.
US09559909B2
A method of identifying an egress port of a focus device, the method being implemented at a monitor computer and comprising: generating a query message to the focus device including an address identifying the device and a query key formulated based on a destination identifier, and including an instruction readable at the device to return the result message including identification of an egress port for messages addressed to the destination identified in the destination identifier; receiving a result message at the monitor computer; reading the result message, and where the result message does not identify an egress port autonomously generating a subsequent query message; including at least one of (i) a different address for a different device connected in the computer network, and (ii) a different query key, wherein sufficient query messages are generated to identify the egress port of the focus device.
US09559901B2
Systems and methods for remote device configuration is provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises outputting, from a computer, to a first computing device, configuration options for a second computing device; receiving, at the computer, from the first computing device, configuration data associated with the configuration options for the second computing device; associating a first security identifier with the configuration data for the second computing device; and in response to a request for the configuration data for the second computing device, outputting, from the computer, to the second computing device, the configuration data for the second computing device.
US09559898B2
Techniques are disclosed herein for configuring a virtual network. One embodiment provides a computer-implemented method that includes receiving a request to add network interface cards (NICs) of a new virtual machine (VM) host to the virtual network, and determining, using a protocol by which network devices advertise information, ports of at least one physical switch to which the NICs are connected. The method further includes determining, based on a predefined network configuration document, virtual local area networks (VLANs) which are enabled on the ports of the at least one physical switch to which the NICs are connected. In addition, the method includes assigning the NICs to ports of at least one virtual switch in the virtual network based on the VLANs as determined.
US09559896B2
An example method for network-assisted configuration and programming of gateways in a network environment is provided and includes registering a non-Virtual eXtensible Local Area Network (VXLAN) device with a central controller, for example, by generating registration information associating the non-VXLAN device with a virtual local area network (VLAN) in a network environment, receiving a communication request from a VXLAN enabled device to communicate with the non-VXLAN device, mapping, based on the registration information, a VXLAN segment corresponding to the VXLAN enabled device with the VLAN associated with the non-VXLAN device, and configuring a gateway with the mapping through a suitable application programming interface exposed at the gateway.
US09559893B2
An application analysis computer obtains reports from user terminals containing application performance metrics and dimensions having values characterizing the applications and the user terminals. Statistics for each different type of the performance metrics across the reports are generated. One of the statistics, for one type of the performance metrics, that has changed at least a threshold amount between two time intervals is identified, and that performance metric is selected for analysis. For each combination of a different type of the characteristic dimensions and a different value among the values occurring for the type of the characteristic dimension, a statistic is generated for the selected type of the performance metrics from the reports. Information is communicated based on an active warning ID that was selected based on being associated with a combination of the type of the characteristic dimension and one of the statistics that changed at least a threshold amount.
US09559890B2
A routing device determines data associating commands with devices connected to a local area network (LAN). The routing device receives a request for execution of a particular command and identifies a particular device to execute the particular command based on the command data. The routing device generates an instruction message that causes the particular device to execute the particular command, and the routing device forwards the instruction message to the particular device via the LAN. The request may be received via a wide area network (WAN), and the request may include an address for the routing device on the WAN. When generating the instruction message, the routing device may replace, in the request, the address for the routing device with an address associated with the particular device. The instruction message may further include parameters associated with execution of the particular command by the particular device.
US09559885B2
Disclosed is a method for transmitting broadcast signals, including: formatting input streams to a plurality of data pipes (DPs), wherein the formatting comprises allocating data packets to a payload of a baseband frame (BBF), and adding a header indicating a format of the payload of the baseband frame, and the header comprises at least one of first control information and second control information.
US09559882B2
Methods and apparatus for the flexible provision of control data within large data structures. In one exemplary embodiment, DisplayPort is modified from its existing 8B/10B line coding to 128B/130B (or 128B/132B). In one embodiment, the 128B/130B (or 128B/132B) block includes: sixteen (16) eight (8) bit command or data symbols and a two (2) bit (or four (4) bit) synchronization header. The synchronization header may provide a fixed reference to the next command symbol (for example, the symbol immediately following the synchronization header). In one variant, each command symbol is split into a first and a second portion, where the first portion identifies a control function (control symbol), and the second portion provides a reference to the next command symbol.
US09559880B1
The present invention is directed to communication systems. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a technique and system thereof for performing eye modulation. Eye modulation is performed at the transmission side of a PAM communication system to compensate for distortion and non-linearity and generate an output waveform. Spacing among eye levels is adjusted by performing symmetric modulation using α parameter and asymmetric modulation using β parameter. A correction module measures the output waveform and sends feedback signals to a control module to adjust the α parameter and the β parameter. There are other embodiments as well.
US09559879B2
A power amplifier cell includes a first input arranged to receive an in-phase control signal, a second input arranged to receive a quadrature control signal, an input stage arranged to output a drive signal based at least partly on the received in-phase and quadrature control signals, and an output stage arranged to receive at an input thereof the drive signal output by the input stage, and to generate an output signal for the power amplifier cell in response to the received drive signal.
US09559877B1
Clock timing skew may occur during operation of a time-interleaved receiver. It would be beneficial to try to determine if there is timing skew, and if there is, then address it, such as by reducing or eliminating some or all of the timing skew. Embodiments are described herein that may achieve this. In one embodiment, a method includes generating at least two clocks having the same frequency but a different phase. Intersymbol interference (ISI) values are then determined, one for each of the clocks, by: for each clock, sampling a signal using the clock and determining a value representing ISI based on the sampled signal. A clock phase of at least one of the clocks is adjusted in response to at least one of the ISI values being different from a reference ISI value.
US09559866B2
Network operators are striving to find ways to provide stable video services amid a rapid increase in video data traffic. In order to provide stable video services with constrained network resources, network operators attempted to deploy multiple communication networks in parallel. However, network operators failed to effectively balance data traffic across parallel communication networks. This disclosure provides systems and methods for effectively balancing data traffic across parallel communication networks.
US09559865B2
A device, of a cloud computing environment, includes a virtual network device that receives a packet with an address, and determines whether the packet is a broadcast packet or a unicast packet. The virtual network device processes the packet based on whether the packet is a broadcast packet or a unicast packet. The packet is transmitted to local address(es) or remote address(es) when the packet is a broadcast packet. The local address(es) is associated with at least one hardware component of the device, and the remote address(es) is associated with at least one other device, of the cloud computing environment, that is separate from the device. The packet is transmitted based on whether the address, of the packet, matches the local address(es) or the remote address(es) when the packet is a unicast packet.
US09559862B1
Various systems and methods for determining connectivity of various elements of distributed storage systems. For example, one method involves generating first connectivity information for a node, where the node can to access data that is organized using logical objects. The logical objects include first logical objects and second logical objects. Each of the second logical objects includes one or more of the first logical objects. The first connectivity information for the node indicates accessibility of the node to the first logical objects. The method also includes generating second node connectivity information for the node, where the second connectivity information for the node indicates accessibility of the node to the second logical objects. The generating the second node connectivity information is based on the first connectivity information.
US09559850B2
Technologies are generally described for establishing secure communications to manage components of a control system. In some examples, upon receiving a request from a component to join a cluster of components, a class and instance of the component may be verified to authorize the component. A command to be transmitted from the component to another component of the cluster may be marked with a signature, where restrictions may be placed on a type of command that a particular class of component may transmit to one or more other classes of components. Based on the signature, a secure communication path between the components may be established by creating an encrypted virtual private network (VPN). The command may then be transmitted from the component to the other component through the secure communication path.
US09559847B2
Content access for the duration of a calendar event may be provided. Upon receiving a calendar invitation comprising a start time, an end time, and an encrypted attachment, a user may accept or reject the calendar invitation. If the calendar invitation is accepted, an acceptance notification associated with the calendar invitation may be transmitted. Upon receiving a request to access the encrypted attachment, a determination as to whether the request to access the encrypted attachment occurs within the start time and the end time of the calendar invitation may be made. If the request to access the encrypted attachment does not occur within the start time and the end time of the calendar invitation, access to the encrypted attachment may be refused.
US09559844B2
A non-linear processor, which subjects an input value from a feedback shift register storing an internal state of a stream cipher to non-linear processing to output a key stream, is connected to internal registers, which store output values from a non-linear substitution circuit which subjects the input value to non-linear substitution processing. The non-linear processor is provided with an exclusive-OR unit, which is at an input end of each of the internal registers and carries out an operation of a random number generated from part of values stored in the feedback shift register and the output value of the non-linear substitution circuit to mask the output value of the non-linear substitution circuit, and another exclusive-OR unit, which is provided at an output end of the internal register and performs an operation to unmask the value stored in the internal register.
US09559840B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to time delayed release of previously distributed digital content. In one embodiment, a method of and computer program product for low-bandwidth time-embargoed content disclosure are provided. A first cryptographic key is received. Encrypted content is received, encoded in a computer readable medium. A correction value is received. A predetermined function is applied to the first cryptographic key and the correction value to determine a second cryptographic key. The second cryptographic key is applied to the encrypted content to obtain decrypted content.
US09559839B2
The disclosure relates to message encoding. One claim recites an apparatus comprising: an input to receive a message key for transforming a plural-bit message, the message key having been generated through transforming a multi-bit seed with a randomizing process, and encoding the transformed multi-bit seed with error correction encoding, the transforming and encoding yielding the message key; electronic memory for storing a plural-bit message; and an electronic processor programmed for transforming the plural-bit message with the message key to yield a transformed message, and programmed as an encoder for encoding the transformed message key in data representing audio or imagery, thereby transforming the data representing audio or imagery. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided too.
US09559836B1
In a clock data recovery circuit according to related art, it is difficult to achieve a high responsiveness. According to one embodiment, a clock data recovery circuit includes a loop filter, the loop filter including a first path (121, 122) that determines a loop gain that sets a speed of adjusting a phase of a recovery clock to a phase of an input signal, a second path (123, 124) that determines a frequency tracking gain that sets a speed of adjusting a frequency of the recovery clock to a frequency of the input signal, and a compensator 130 that gives a negative feedback from an output side to an input side of the first path and compensates for a phase delay of an output of a phase detector due to a delay amount of the loop filter.
US09559835B2
A signal receiver may comprise circuitry for applying multi-level sampling to an input signal, using a plurality of sampling rates that comprises at least two different sampling rates, and circuitry for processing one or more outputs of the multi-level sampling. The processing may comprises sampling at a sampling rate that is different than each of the plurality of sampling rates used during the multi-level sampling and applying analog-to-digital conversion. At least one of the sampling rates used during the multi-level sampling and/or the sampling rate used during the processing may be set based on configuring of one or more clock signals used during the multi-level sampling and/or during the processing. At least one of the one or more clock signals may be configured based on reduction of frequency of a corresponding base clock signal.
US09559831B2
Network coding and multiple packet reception (MPR) are used together to improve message dissemination speed in a wireless network using half duplex communication. In at least one embodiment, MPR is used to initially distribute data packets from a number of source nodes in the network to the other nodes of the network. Network coding techniques may then be used to perform backfilling within the network to supply data packets to the source nodes that were originally missed due to the half duplex constraint.
US09559826B2
A method of controlling an uplink transmission in a wireless communications system, and a user equipment therefore are discussed. The method according to one embodiment includes configuring the user equipment with multiple component carriers; receiving first configuration information for allocating one or more component carrier sets; receiving second configuration information for periodically transmitting an uplink signal; receiving control information for configuring states of component carriers, by which a downlink component carrier and an uplink component carrier are controlled to be in a same state; and performing a procedure for periodically transmitting the uplink signal on an uplink component carrier in use of the first configuration information, the second configuration information and the control information. When the uplink component carrier is in the active state, a transmission of the uplink signal is performed. When the uplink component carrier is in the non-active state, the transmission of the uplink signal is skipped.
US09559825B2
A radio communication mobile station device reduces the number of blind decoding processes at a mobile station without increasing overhead by report information. The device includes a judgment unit which judges a particular PUCCH to which a response signal corresponding to the downstream line data is to be allocated among a plurality of PUCCH, according to a CCE occupied by PDCCH allocated to a particular search space corresponding to a CCE aggregation size of the PDCCH to which allocation information destined to the local station is allocated among search spaces changing in accordance with the CFI value; and a control unit which controls a cyclic shift amount of a ZAC sequence of the response signal and a block-wise spread code sequence according to a correspondence between CCE occupied by PDCCH allocated to a particular search space and a particular PUCCH resource, the correspondence changing in accordance with the CFI value.
US09559822B2
Embodiments relate to a method and mobile node in a wireless communication system for determining when to transmit a signal. The mobile node operates in the wireless communication system comprising a first cell and a second cell where the mobile node is synchronized to the first cell. The method comprises determining a timing reference based on a reception of a downlink transmission in the first cell. The method further comprises transmitting the signal, to be received in the second cell, at a point in time based on the timing reference and a timing advance value of the first cell.
US09559819B2
Provided is data signal transmitting method and data signal receiving method in a wireless communication system. A method of transmitting and receiving data signal in a wireless communication system by changing a transmission speed and a payload size included in the data signal according to an operation environment is disclosed.
US09559816B2
A technique for selecting a set of radio resources of a cellular telecommunications network for radio resource aggregation in a communication between the telecommunications network and a User Equipment (UE) is provided. As to a method aspect of the technique, a time offset relative to a primary radio resource for each of at least two secondary radio resources is monitored. The primary radio resource and the at least two secondary radio resources are provided by the telecommunications network for radio resource aggregation. Out of the at least two secondary radio resources, a set of radio resources is selected so that the time offsets monitored for the selected secondary radio resources fall within a time window having a width equal to or less than the threshold, if a spread of the monitored time offsets exceeds a threshold.
US09559808B2
Apparatus and methods for power control in mobile communication devices are provided. In one aspect, a wireless communication device includes a transmit chain that receives a digital in-phase (I) signal and a digital quadrature-phase (Q) signal and that generates a transmit signal. The wireless communication device further includes a power amplifier that amplifies the transmit signal, and a transmit chain controller including a reference generator that combines the digital I signal and the digital Q signal and generates a reference signal corresponding to an instantaneous value of an envelope of the combined signal. The transmit chain controller further includes an error extractor that generates an error signal based on the reference signal and an output power of the power amplifier, and a control signal generator that uses the error signal to generate one or more power control signals for controlling an adjustable power level of the transmit chain.
US09559803B2
A system for transmitting a wireless countermeasure signal to disrupt third party communications is disclosed that include an antenna configured to receive wireless signals and transmit wireless counter measure signals such that the wireless countermeasure signals are responsive to the received wireless signals. A receiver processes the received wireless signals to create processed received signal data while a spectrum control module subtracts known source signal data from the processed received signal data to generate unknown source signal data. The unknown source signal data is based on unknown wireless signals, such as enemy signals. A transmitter is configured to process the unknown source signal data to create countermeasure signals and transmit a wireless countermeasure signal over the first antenna or a second antenna to thereby interfere with the unknown wireless signals.
US09559792B1
An apparatus, and method therefor, relate generally to broadband IQ generation. In this apparatus, related generally to broadband in-phase and quadrature phase (“IQ”) generation, a divider circuit and a polyphase filter circuit are configured for receiving an oscillator output. The polyphase filter circuit is configured for polyphase filtering the oscillator output into a first quadrature output. The divider circuit is configured for dividing the oscillator output into a second quadrature output. A multiplexer circuit is coupled to the divider circuit and the polyphase filter circuit and configured for selecting either the first quadrature output or the second quadrature output as an IQ output based on a bandwidth of the oscillator output.
US09559789B2
A system and method for updating IR signal information remotely for control devices are disclosed.
US09559786B2
A method decodes an optical signal transmitted over an optical channel from a transmitter to a receiver. The receiver receives the transmitted optical signal to produce a digital signal including data symbols and pilot symbols, and determines filtering coefficients based on an error between amplitudes of the received pilot symbols and amplitudes of transmitted pilot symbols, while ignoring errors between phases of the received pilot symbols and phases of the transmitted pilot symbols. The amplitudes and the phases of the transmitted pilot symbols are known at the transmitter and the receiver. The receiver filters the digital signal according to the filtering coefficients to produce a filtered signal with equalized amplitude and an unconstrained phase demodulates and decodes the filtered signal to produce an estimate of the transmitted optical signal.
US09559783B2
In an optical receiver which is compatible with a plurality of signal channels, it is difficult to receive signals properly because a variation in receiving light sensitivity of a photoelectric conversion unit occurs between a plurality of signal channels, therefore, an optical receiver according to an exemplary aspect of the invention includes an optical processing circuit processing input signal light to have been input and outputting a plurality of output signal light beams; and a plurality of photoelectric conversion means for receiving the plurality of output signal light beams respectively and outputting electric signals, wherein the photoelectric conversion means includes an avalanche photodiode which can control a multiplication factor of an output current as the electric signal by means of an applied voltage; and the avalanche photodiode operates with a driving voltage by which the output currents in the plurality of photoelectric conversion means become almost the same.
US09559766B2
A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically receiving one or more communication network relay related transmissions at least in part associated with one or more first portions of mobile operating system operated intermediate electronic communication device functionality related at least in part to communication network relay functionality of a mobile operating system operated intermediate electronic communication device as one or more standby communication network relays upon activation thereof for use by one or more origination electronic communication devices to communicate at least in part with one or more destination electronic communication devices, the mobile operating system operated intermediate electronic communication device functionality including second portions related at least in part to mobile electronic communication device functionality. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
US09559761B2
This application discusses, among other things, apparatus and methods for providing device-to-device (D2D) discovery privacy. In an example, a method can include transmitting a first temporary identification and first discovery information from a first user equipment (UE), the discovery information authorizing discovery of the first UE; and receiving a request from a second UE to join a device-to-device network with the first UE using a second temporary identification associated with the second UE.
US09559757B2
Provided is control information related to polarizations of antennas for MISO communication. The control signal generator generates polarization information indicating whether antennas used for transmission by MISO have only a first polarization or have a second polarization as well as the first polarization. With this structure, the present invention allows for the use of combinations of SISO, MISO and MIMO, taking the polarization of antennas. Furthermore, the present invention enables the receiver to reduce the power consumption.
US09559756B2
An active antenna system and algorithm is described that provides for improved performance from LTE communication systems operating in Category 1 mode, where one antenna is used. For the LTE SISO case (category 1), a modal antenna capable of generating multiple radiation patterns will provide improved throughput due to improved resistance to fading. Modal (Null Steering) antenna technology is implemented in a multi-antenna system to provide for single and multiple antenna operation wherein one or more antennas have two or more radiation modes. An algorithm has been developed that determines when to switch from SISO to MIMO operation.
US09559751B2
A communication system includes a radio transmission apparatus that terminates a radio communication line, a radio transmission apparatus that terminates a radio communication line, and a line control apparatus that performs data communication with the radio transmission apparatuses. The radio transmission apparatuses and monitor the line states of the radio communication lines and notify the line control apparatus of the line states. The line control apparatus controls data to be output to the radio transmission apparatuses and according to the line states.
US09559750B2
In a multiple interface, low power and lossy network comprising a plurality of nodes, a low transmission power and medium transmission power topology are defined for the network and a channel-hopping schedule is defined for the devices operating in each topology. A sender determines that data is capable of being transmitted via a link on the low transmission power topology. The sender determines the transmission parameters for the transmission of the data over the link on the low transmission power topology and determines a low transmission power channel for transmission of the data. The sender transmits the determined channel and the transmission parameters to the receiver. The sender transmits the data via the determined channel in the low transmission power topology.
US09559741B2
An apparatus and a system for housing a device are described. The apparatus includes a housing that is configured such that a device may be fitted within the housing and thereby be protected, such as from shocks and/or liquid. The housing may include top and bottom members that may be removably coupled together so as to form the housing. Each top and bottom member includes a perimeter portion. The perimeter is defined by proximal and distal ends as well as opposing sides. The top and bottom members may include respective clasping mechanisms that extend along the perimeter of the top and bottom members and may be configured for engaging a third clasping mechanism, such as a locking comb or wedge feature. The clasping mechanisms are configured for coupling the top and bottom members with one another thereby sealing the housing, for instance, in a shock-proof and/or water tight seal.
US09559731B2
An amplifier module includes a magnitude detector configured to detect a magnitude of a reflection coefficient, and a phase detector configured to detect a phase of the reflection coefficient. The magnitude detector includes an incident signal amplifier configured to amplify an incident signal, an output level controller configured control a level of an output of the incident signal amplifier, a reflected signal amplifier configured to amplify a reflected signal, and a comparator configured to compare an output of the incident signal amplifier with an output of the reflected signal amplifier to output a comparison result indicating whether the magnitude of the reflection coefficient is equal to or greater than a threshold determined based on the control signal.
US09559729B2
Various embodiments relate to an apparatus and related method for transmission and reception of a plurality of a carrier signals comprising one or more dual-band channels through a same-band combiner. A device such as a base station may include a same-band combiner that comprises a plurality of dual-bandpass filters and a combining element to transmit and receive the carrier signal. Each of the dual-bandpass filters may transmit and receive a channel, with each dual-bandpass filter including separate reception and transmission passbands for the separate frequencies in the dual-band channel. The combining element may separate and combine the one or more dual-band channels, with each of the dual-bandpass filters connected in parallel processing separate dual-band channels.
US09559728B2
Systems and methods presented herein enhance WiFi communications in a RF band where conflicting LTE signaling exists. In one embodiment, a system includes a processor operable to detect the WiFi communications between a UE and a wireless access point of a WiFi network, to identify errors in the WiFi communications, and to determine a periodicity of the errors based on the LTE signaling structure. The system also includes an encoder communicatively coupled to the processor and operable to encode the WiFi communications with error correction, and to change the error correction based on the periodicity of the errors in the WiFi communications.
US09559722B1
A network device including a matrix generating module, an encoding module and a transceiver. The matrix generating module is configured to generate or access a code base matrix, wherein the code base matrix has a corresponding code rate of 7/8. The matrix generating module is also configured to, based on the code base matrix, generate a resultant matrix of a low-density parity-check code. The resultant matrix includes sub-matrices. Each of the sub-matrices is generated based on a respective element in the code base matrix. The resultant matrix has a code length of 648 or 1296. The encoding module is configured to encode data based on the resultant matrix. The transceiver is configured to transmit the encoded data.
US09559720B2
Techniques are described herein for automatically selecting the compression techniques to be used on tabular data. A compression analyzer gives users high-level control over the selection process without requiring the user to know details about the specific compression techniques that are available to the compression analyzer. Users are able to specify, for a given set of data, a “balance point” along the spectrum between “maximum performance” and “maximum compression”. The point thus selected is used by the compression analyzer in a variety of ways. For example, in one embodiment, the compression analyzer uses the user-specified balance point to determine which of the available compression techniques qualify as “candidate techniques” for the given set of data. The compression analyzer selects the compression technique to use on a set of data by actually testing the candidate compression techniques against samples from the set of data. After testing the candidate compression techniques against the samples, the resulting compression ratios are compared. The compression technique to use on the set of data is then selected based, in part, on the compression ratios achieved during the compression tests performed on the sample data.
US09559714B2
In one respect, there is provided a method for analog-to-digital conversion. The method may include: receiving, at an analog-to-digital converter, an analog signal; determining, based on a total distortion caused by at least a sampler and an encoder, a sampling rate below the Nyquist rate and/or a quantization rate; and converting, by the analog-to-digital converter, the received analog signal to a digital signal by at least sampling at the determined sampling rate, when operation at the determined sampling rate does not worsen the total distortion. Related systems and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.
US09559712B2
Structures include a tunneling device disposed over first and second lattice-mismatched semiconductor materials. Process embodiments include forming tunneling devices over lattice-mismatched materials.
US09559711B2
An A/D converter includes: an input buffer; N sub-A/D converters including N first sampling circuits that are connected to the input buffer, and that sample the output analog signal in respective sampling slots; a control circuit that executes calibration for the N first sampling circuits one by one; a reference A/D converter including a second sampling circuit that is connected to the input buffer, and that samples the output analog signal in the same sampling slot as the sampling slot of one first sampling circuit under execution of the calibration among the N first sampling circuits; and a third sampling circuit that is connected to the input buffer, and that samples the output analog signal in the same sampling slots as the sampling slots of the (N−1) first sampling circuits out of the execution of the calibration.
US09559710B2
According to the present invention, a ring oscillator coupled to an output node operable to output a clock signal including a first logic level generated by a first odd number of delay circuits, and a second logic level different from the first logic level generated by a second odd number of delay circuits different from the first odd number of delay circuits.
US09559707B2
Embodiments relate to type-I PLLs that do not lock at a sub-harmonic frequency of a reference clock signal by controlling timing of charging or discharging of one or more capacitors in the PLLs. A phase frequency detector (PFD) of a type-I PLL can prevent sub-harmonic locking by generating a clear output signal to cause a sampling capacitor of PLL's loop filter to discharge only during a time period when the sampling capacitor is not being charged. For example, the PFD can include a gating element to control the time during which the clear output signal is generated. By ensuring that the sampling capacitor is not discharged during a time period while it is being charged, the PLL's voltage-controlled oscillator is controlled to oscillate at an intended frequency rather than at a sub-harmonic of the intended frequency.
US09559702B1
A circuit comprises an oscillator including a differential tank circuit, an oscillator carrier, and an active device. A phase difference between the oscillator carrier and a device current of the active device is adjusted to reduce upconversion of flicker noise of the oscillator. The circuit includes a common-mode reactance circuit configured to provide an intentionally introduced common-mode inductance, common-mode capacitance, or both, The common-mode reactance circuit is configured to adjust at common-mode impedance of the oscillator. A method comprises adjusting a phase difference between an oscillator carrier of an oscillator and a device current of an active device of the oscillator. The adjusted phase difference is selected to reduce upconversion of flicker noise generated in the oscillator. Adjusting the phase difference includes adjusting a common-mode impedance of the oscillator.
US09559692B2
A signal sensing circuit is provided. The signal sensing circuit comprises a first current-to-voltage circuit, a second current-to-voltage circuit and an impedance shifting circuit. The first current-to-voltage circuit converts a first input current into a first voltage that is directly proportional to a first impedance. The second current-to-voltage circuit converts a second input current into a second voltage that is directly proportional to a second impedance. The impedance shifting circuit generates a third voltage according to the first voltage, wherein the first impedance/the second impedance=K(first voltage/third voltage), where K is a real number.
US09559682B2
A circuit is suggested comprising an electronic switching element, a logic unit coupled to control the electronic switching element, and a counter unit coupled to the logic unit, wherein the counter unit comprises a counter and an internal power supply.
US09559679B2
An integrated circuit includes a semiconductor die including one or more switching circuits, a magnetic core having length and width, first and second metallic leads, and integrated circuit packaging material. The first metallic lead forms a first winding turn around a portion of the magnetic core, and the first metallic lead is electrically coupled to the semiconductor die. The second metallic lead forms a second winding turn around a portion of the magnetic core. The first and second winding turns are offset from each other along both of the width and length of the magnetic core. The integrated circuit is, for example, included in an integrated electronic assembly.
US09559678B2
An analog signal generation apparatus includes: a converter which converts an input waveform signal into a one-bit signal; a control section which, in response to a mute-off instruction, controls a pulse width time length of the one-bit signal, output from the converter, to progressively increase from zero to a target value; and a filter which converts the one-bit signal, controlled by the control section, into an analog signal. The control section may further perform, in response to a mute-on instruction, control for progressively decreasing the pulse width time length of the one-bit signal, output from the converter, from a current value to zero. The mute-off instruction is given in response to turning-on of a power supply, and the mute-on instruction is given in response to a power supply OFF instruction.
US09559677B2
A semiconductor apparatus includes a plurality of stacked chips. Each of the plurality of stacked chips includes a delay chain. Each of the plurality of stacked chips comprises a plurality of Through-Vias, wherein one of the plurality of Through-Vias formed in a first one of the plurality of stacked chips and electrically coupled to a predetermined location of a first delay chain on the first one of the plurality of stacked chips and one of the plurality of Through-Vias formed in a neighboring one of the plurality of stacked chips and electrically coupled to a predetermined location of a delay chain on the neighboring one of the plurality of stacked chips are configured to electrically couple the first one of the plurality of stacked chips to the neighboring one of the plurality of stacked chips. A signal transmitted from a first one of the plurality of stacked chips generates a feedback signal to the first one of the plurality of stacked chips through one or more of the plurality of Through-Vias.
US09559675B1
Aspects of the disclosure provide a circuit that includes a controller. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of a current flowing in a magnetic component and control a switch in connection with the magnetic component to shape a peak current of the current flowing in the magnetic component. The controller shapes the peak current from a first peak current level to a second peak current level in order to reduce an amplitude of a ripple in a current drawn from a triode for alternating current (TRIAC) during a time to satisfy a holding current requirement of the TRIAC.
US09559674B2
A latch circuit includes an input stage, an amplifying stage and a clock gating circuit. The input stage is arranged for receiving at least a clock signal and a data control signal. The amplifying stage is coupled to the input stage and supplied by a supply voltage and a ground voltage, and is arranged for retaining a data value and outputting the data value according to the clock signal and the data control signal. The clock gating circuit is coupled to the amplifying stage, and is arranged for avoiding a short-circuit current between the supply voltage and the ground voltage.
US09559672B1
In one or more embodiments, an integrated circuit includes a programmable memory, a key generation module and a module. The programmable memory is to maintain a first key portion. The key generation module is to generate a key using the first key portion from the programmable memory and a second key portion received via a memory interface. The module is to encrypt or decrypt data using the key.
US09559671B1
A master slave storage circuit can include a first master portion coupled to a first master data storage node and a first slave portion coupled to a first slave data storage node. The first master portion can comprise one of a first master latch or a first master capacitive element coupled to the first master data storage node and the first slave portion comprises one of a first slave latch or a first slave capacitive element coupled to the first slave data storage node. If the first master portion comprises the first master latch, the first slave portion comprises the first slave capacitive element, and if the first master portion comprises the first master capacitive element, the first slave portion comprises the first slave latch.
US09559668B2
A drive circuit includes a gate drive node, a power source node, and an output transistor connected between the gate drive node and the power source node that flows a current into the gate drive node. The drive circuit further includes an input transistor smaller than the output transistor that forms a current mirror with the output transistor. The drive circuit further includes an operational amplifier that outputs a control voltage depending on a potential difference between a voltage of the gate drive node and a constant voltage lower than a voltage of the power source node. The drive circuit further includes a control transistor including a control electrode receiving an output of the operational amplifier that is connected in series with the input transistor. The drive circuit further includes a constant current source connected in series with the control transistor.
US09559659B2
Systems, devices, and methods for tunable filters that are configured to support multiple frequency bands, such as within the field of cellular radio communication, can include a first resonator and a second resonator configured to block signals within one or more frequency ranges, and one or more coupling element connected to both the first resonator and the second resonator. The one or more coupling element can be configured to provide low insertion loss within a pass band.
US09559657B2
A radio includes a first tuner and a second tuner. A processor compares a first perceivable volume level of a station tuned by the first tuner to at least one second perceivable volume level of at least one background station tuned by the second tuner. The processor enables automatic volume knob changes using a pre-calibrated lookup table that associates a volume step of the volume knob with a difference between the first perceivable volume level and the second perceivable volume level.
US09559649B2
A control knob device that may be used in a vehicle to control audio volume or the like includes a shaft connected with a knob cap, an elastic member pressed by the shaft to be elastically deformed, and a switch located adjacent to the elastic member. The switch includes a switch part configured to output a signal upon a deformation of the elastic member. A deformable member deformed by a load greater than that when the elastic member is deformed and the switch outputs the signal, is configured to change a relative position between the knob cap and the shaft.
US09559648B2
A method of audio signal processing includes receiving a first audio input signal (first input signal) at an input of a first integrating amplifier of a first single-ended (SE) closed loop channel, and second input signal with a polarity reversed relative to the first input signal at an input of a second integrating amplifier configured of a second SE closed loop channel. During audio signal processing a common-mode (CM) reference voltage level applied to a current source coupled to an input of the first and second integrating amplifiers is dynamically changed including whenever a level of the input signals is below a predetermined low level, reducing the CM reference voltage level for implementing low duty cycle (LDC) PWM operation, and whenever the level is above a level that corresponds to an onset of clipping, increasing the CM reference voltage level for at least reducing the clipping to lower crossover distortion.
US09559646B2
A dynamically biased baseband current amplifier is provided. The dynamically biased baseband current amplifier includes an input interface; a controller; a variable resistor network; an amplifier stage; a hybrid differential envelope detector and full-wave rectifier; a transconductor; a first variable transistor; a second variable transistor; a third variable transistor; and a fourth variable transistor.
US09559642B2
Embodiments of the disclosure may include a method and apparatus for improving the efficiency and extending the operation time between recharges or replacement batteries of a portable audio delivery system. The audio delivery system may include a processor, an audio processing device, a speaker, and a rechargeable power source. The audio delivery system is generally configured to generate and/or receive an audio input signal and efficiently deliver an amplified, high quality audio output signal to a user. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the audio processing device of the audio delivery system may include a switch mode power supply (SMPS), a signal delay element, an envelope detector, and a switching signal amplifier.
US09559640B2
A CMOS amplifier including electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuits is disclosed. In one embodiment, the CMOS amplifier may include a PMOS transistor, a NMOS transistor, primary protection diodes, and one or more auxiliary protection diodes to limit a voltage difference between terminals of the CMOS amplifier. In some embodiments, the auxiliary protection diodes may limit the voltage difference between an input terminal of the CMOS amplifier and a supply voltage, the input terminal of the CMOS amplifier and ground, and the input terminal and the output terminal of the CMOS amplifier.
US09559634B2
The invention relates to a cleaning apparatus, in particular for cleaning solar installation surfaces or photovoltaic installation surfaces, comprising a carrier, at least one cleaning roller rotatably supported at the carrier, and a rotary drive for the cleaning roller, wherein the rotary drive is designed as a fluid drive, wherein the flow of a cleaning fluid supplied to the cleaning roller for cleaning purposes is converted into a drive movement for the cleaning roller.
US09559633B2
Disclosed are a folding module, a photovoltaic mounting structure, and mounting method thereof. The folding module includes a panel having front and back sides, two support blocks disposed on the back side of the panel adjacent to the two sides, two support members each hingedly connected with one of the support blocks such that the support members foldable and rotatable about the respective hinges. The photovoltaic mounting structure includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules, each module having front and back sides, each side attached with a securing block connector and a hook connector, both connectors further attached to a bracket assembly. The bracket assembly of the front side of the structure is rotatable about the securing block connector and the hook connector of the front side, and the bracket assembly on the back side is rotatable about the securing block connector and the hook connector of the back side.
US09559632B2
A solar propelled aircraft which has a wing having solar cell modules mounted therein includes: first solar cell modules which are positioned in a wing or a tail wing of the aircraft and receive solar energy directly from the sun; second solar cell modules which are positioned in a main wing or a tail wing of the aircraft and supplied with directed energy from the earth; and rotating shafts which rotate the first solar cell modules and the second solar cell modules so that the first solar cell modules and the second solar cell modules correspond to each other in both directions. The first solar cell module at the upper surface obtains solar energy from the sun, and the second solar cell module at the lower surface obtains directed energy transferred from the earth.
US09559622B2
A motor driving device of the present invention includes: a driver that receives supply of a power supply voltage to apply a plurality of phase voltages to a motor; a voltage-division phase voltage generation portion that divides each of the phase voltages to generate a plurality of voltage-division phase voltages; a neutral point voltage generation portion that combines and divides the phase voltages to generate a neutral point voltage; a selector that outputs any one of the voltage-division phase voltages as a selection voltage-division phase voltage; a comparator that compares the selection voltage-division phase voltage and the neutral point voltage to generate a comparison signal; and a controller that generates a selection control signal of the selector and an energization control signal of the driver according to the comparison signal.
US09559619B2
A system in which the operation of an electric motor is controlled by electronically controlled switches. The system includes the motor having a run winding and a start winding, a heating component, and a motor control subsystem. A control unit closes a first switch to energize the run winding, closes a second switch to energize the start winding, determines based on an amplitude and a lag time of a current flowing through the motor whether the motor has started and is running normally, and if so, opens the second switch to de-energize the start winding and closes a third switch to activate the heating component. The control unit determines whether the motor has started and is running normally by comparing the real time amplitude and lag time of the current to a plurality of stored amplitudes and lag times associated with different operating conditions.
US09559613B2
In accordance with an embodiment, switch driver includes a first switch driver configured to be coupled to a control node of a first switch, a second driver configured to be coupled to a control node of a second switch, and a first terminal and a second terminal configured to be couple to a boot capacitor. The first terminal is coupled between a boot input of the first switch driver and the second terminal is configured to be coupled to outputs of the first switch and the second switch. The switch driver further includes a voltage measurement circuit coupled to the first terminal and the second terminal, and a control circuit configured to activate the second switch driver when the voltage measurement circuit indicates that a voltage across boot capacitor is below a first threshold.
US09559608B2
A rectifier circuit includes a MOSFET (M1), and a first Zener diode (D1) or a first Zener-emulator (E1) that emulates the D1. The circuit conducts current in a forward direction from an input to an output, and substantially blocks current in a reverse direction. The M1 is characterized by an on-resistance. A cathode of the D1 or a cathode-contact of the E1 is connected to the input, and the anode of the D1 or an anode-contact of the E1 are connected to the source. The E1 includes a first small-Zener-diode (D11), a first resistor (R11) and a first transistor (M11) interconnected such that the E1 emulates the D1, and is characterized by a Zener-voltage. The Zener-voltage and the on-resistance are selected such that a stored-charge in the body-diode is less than a forward-charge-threshold when current flows in the forward direction, whereby the reverse recover time of the body-diode is reduced.
US09559593B2
A synchronous rectification converter includes: a first switching element coupled between a inductor and an input terminal; a second switching element coupled between the inductor and the input terminal; a capacitive element coupled between the other end of the inductor and the other end of the input terminal; a control circuit detects voltages of the inductor and the capacitive element; a current inversion detection circuit detects inversion of a direction in which a current supplied from the second switching element to the inductor flows and outputs an inversion signal; a delay circuit delays the inversion signal and outputs a delay inversion signal; a synchronous rectification reset circuit that changes the control signal; a load detector detects reduction of an output current supplied from a connection node of the inductor and the capacitive element; and a delay control circuit generates a delay control signal.
US09559588B2
A power managing apparatus, a DC-DC control circuit, and a method for enabling a chip are disclosed. The power managing apparatus has an enable pin and the enable pin is used to couple a first level control circuit. The power managing apparatus includes a second level control circuit and a level detecting circuit. The second level control circuit is coupled to the enable pin. The level detecting circuit is coupled to the enable pin and used to detect a control signal on the enable pin. The control signal is transmitted from the first level control circuit. The control signal has at least three levels according to operations of the first level control circuit and the second level control circuit.
US09559581B2
A bidirectional AC-DC converter is presented with reduced passive component size and common mode electro-magnetic interference. The converter includes an improved input stage formed by two coupled differential inductors, two coupled common and differential inductors, one differential capacitor and two common mode capacitors. With this input structure, the volume, weight and cost of the input stage can be reduced greatly. Additionally, the input current ripple and common mode electro-magnetic interference can be greatly attenuated, so lower switching frequency can be adopted to achieve higher efficiency.
US09559578B2
Described herein is an apparatus and system for generating a signal with phase angle configuration. The apparatus comprises an array of switch-resistors, each switch resistor to receive a control signal, wherein the array of switch-resistors to generate an output signal; and a circuit to configure phase angle of the output signal. The apparatus can be used for different package and inductor configurations. The apparatus provides flexibility to mitigate switching noise by adjusting phase angles, and provides the ability to enable and disable switch-resistors on the fly without ripples. The apparatus also saves power consumption by selectively turning off switch-resistors when phases are disabled. The output signal of the apparatus has smooth triangular waveforms for improving the quality of power supply generated using the output signal. Overall, the apparatus exhibits reduced sensitivity to process variations compared to traditional signal generators.
US09559576B2
A motor vehicle having an electric motor driving a permanent magnet power transmission connected to the gear box of the vehicle. The magnet power transmission has first and second disk assemblies. A copper member on the first disk assembly faces a plurality of permanent magnets located in bores in the second disk assembly. A control assembly operatively connected to the second disk assembly selectively moves the second disk assembly and magnets toward and away from the first disk assembly to vary the flux between the first disk assembly and second disk assembly.
US09559571B2
A system and methods for disassembling a rotary machine are provided. The rotary machine includes a casing having a plurality of arcuate channels. The system includes a reaction bridge that is configured to couple to the casing of the rotary machine such that the reaction bridge is moveable along a length of the casing. The reaction bridge includes a front support and a rear support that is substantially parallel to the front support. Each of the supports includes a first leg, a second leg, and a support beam extending therebetween. A force device including an actuator and an engaging rod extending therefrom is coupled to the reaction bridge. The force device is configured to apply a force substantially tangentially to a segment positioned in one of the casing arcuate channels.
US09559569B2
An assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a S/G having a rotatable shaft, a main machine, a PMG, and an exciter wherein at least one of the main machine, PMG, and exciter includes a rotor mounted to the shaft and having multiple rotor poles, a stator having multiple stator poles and at least one of the rotor poles and stator poles being formed by a core with a post and wire wound about the post to form a winding, with the winding having at least one end turn, and a layer to increase cooling capabilities of a portion of at least one of the stator and the rotor.
US09559566B2
A motor system comprises a rotor shaft, and a magnetic drive motor and a capacitive drive motor. An engagement system is configured for selectively engaging one or both of the magnetic drive motor and the capacitive drive motor with the rotor shaft, in order to rotate the rotor shaft at a desired rotational speed and generate a desired output torque. An actuator may be coupled to the rotor shaft in order to convert the rotational speed and/or output torque (or a rotational position of the rotor shaft) for operation on a load, for example to position the load rotationally or linearly with respect to the rotor axis, or to exert a force or torque on the load.
US09559559B2
A stator adapted to be used in a transverse flux electrical machine (TFEM) includes a plurality of phases comprising respective halves sized and designed to receive therein a plurality of cores about a rotational axis. The halves can be separated in angular portions sized and designed to be assembled together and further locate cores therein in respective predetermined positions. A TFEM phase assembly and a kit of phases components sized and designed to assemble a stator are also encompassed by the present application.
US09559553B2
The embodiment relates to a wireless power transmission apparatus and a wireless power transmission method. The wireless power transmission apparatus includes a first power converting unit to generate high-frequency AC signals; a second power converting unit to generate low-frequency AC signals; a first coil receiving the high-frequency AC signals and transmitting a wireless power through a first power transmission scheme; a second coil receiving the low-frequency AC signals and transmitting the wireless power through a second power transmission scheme; and a control unit to control the first and second coils, wherein the control unit is configured to transmit a detection signal for the first power transmission scheme to a wireless power reception apparatus through the first coil, detect a reception of a first response signal corresponding to the first detection signal during a first predetermined time, determine a power transmission scheme of the wireless power reception apparatus as the first power transmission scheme in response to a detection of the first response signal, and deactivate the first power converting unit in response to no detection of the first response signal.
US09559547B2
In some example embodiments, there may be provided a method, which may include detecting a presence of an object at least proximate to a first wireless power transmitter; determining whether the object is compatible with a first wireless power protocol of the first wireless power transmitter; and providing an indication representative of a location of a second wireless power transmitter, when the determining indicates the object is incompatible with the first wireless power protocol of the first wireless power transmitter. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.
US09559546B2
A charging device containing a support beam and a substantially planar housing may be configured to maintain an angle of under 90 degrees with respect to a flat surface that the charging device is placed on. The charging device may contain an inductive charging component that charges a mobile device in connection with the charging device. One or more magnets also contained in the charging device may enable the connection to a mobile device and may also facilitate the charging device rolling towards a mobile device.
US09559540B2
A method for discharging a rechargeable battery of a mobile terminal is described, wherein the terminal has a processor system. The method comprises the steps of determining a charge status of the rechargeable battery, comparing the charge status with a threshold value and, if the charge status exceeds the threshold value, discharging the rechargeable battery by increasing the energy consumption of the processor system. A computer program product for executing the process, a mobile terminal and a motor vehicle which comprises the described mobile terminal, are moreover described.
US09559536B2
A state of charge indicator for providing an indication of a state of charge of a battery module includes an indicator light configured to emit a first wavelength of light representative of the state of charge of the battery module. The state of charge indicator also includes a connector configured to be removably coupled to a mating connector of the battery module. The connector includes a plurality of electrical contacts. The plurality of electrical contacts includes a first electrical contact configured to receive a signal from the battery module indicative of the state of charge of the battery module and to transmit the signal to the state of charge indicator to activate the indicator light.
US09559533B2
A detachable charging system for a vehicle including an interface device that receives power from the vehicle and outputs the power to a detachable charging unit that detachably couples with and electrically connects to the interface device. The detachable charging unit includes a power storage device. The detachable charging unit outputs power stored in the power storage device to a mobile device when the detachable charging unit is detached from the interface device. The detachable charging unit outputs power received from the interface device and/or stored in the power storage device to the mobile device when the charging unit is electrically connected to the interface device.
US09559527B2
A discharge circuit, an image forming apparatus having the discharge circuit, and a power-supply unit are disclosed to minimize a standby power generated in a standby mode and improve a discharging speed of a capacitor charged with electricity by the AC power in a power off mode. The discharge circuit connected between AC power input lines receiving an AC power includes a first resistor and a first switch element connected in series between the AC power lines, and a second resistor and a second switch element which are connected in series between the AC power lines, turn off the first switching element upon receiving an electric current during supply of the AC power, and turn on the first switching element in response to cutoff of the AC power to discharge the first capacitor.
US09559523B2
The invention is a multilevel electronic DC/AC or AC/DC power converter for n output voltage levels with a positive branch (POS) with a positive DC voltage terminal (2), a negative branch (NEG) with a negative DC voltage terminal (1), and an AC voltage terminal (3) connected to the positive branch (POS) and to the negative branch (NEG), DC bus capacitors (4) interconnected between positive (2) and negative (1) DC voltage terminals and an intermediate DC voltage terminal (5) connected between the two DC bus capacitors (4); a plurality of first external controlled semiconductors (6) and second external controlled semiconductors (7) and, at least, one high-current DC capacitor (11), at least two high-frequency and low-current capacitors (12) and one intermediate controlled semiconductor (8) connected between the intermediate DC voltage terminal (5) and an intermediate terminal (10) of an internal branch (INT) connected in parallel with each high-current DC capacitor (11).
US09559520B2
Approaches for controlling power supplied to an electric grid are disclosed. In embodiments, methods and systems control power supplied to an electric grid using an energy storage device. In an embodiment, a method receives an indication of power to be supplied to the electric grid, generates power from a power generator and adjusts, using the generated power, an energy level of the energy storage device to control power supplied to the grid in accordance with the received indication. In another embodiment, a system comprises a grid indication receiver for receiving an indication of power to be supplied to the electric grid; a power generator connected to the grid; an energy storage device coupled to the power generator; and a controller for adjusting, using the generated power from the generator, an energy level of the energy storage device to control power supplied to the grid in accordance with the received indication.
US09559519B2
Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power. The system may use remote powering wherein few or all of the modules are powered from the same power source connected to the system in a single point. The power may be carried over dedicated wires or concurrently with the conductors carrying the activation signal. The payload may be a visual or an audible signaling device, and can be integrated within a module or external to it. The payload may be powered by a module or using a dedicated power source, and can involve randomness associated with its activation such as the delay, payload control or payload activation.
US09559505B2
A faceplate assembly for a wall-mounted electrical device may include a faceplate, an adapter plate, and/or an insert element. The faceplate assembly may be configured to accept a wall-mounted electrical device. The adapter plate may be configured to be attached to a wall-mounted electrical device. The adapter plate may include an opening that permits a front surface of a portion of the wall-mounted electrical device to protrude through the adapter plate. The faceplate may be configured to be removably attached to the adapter plate. The faceplate may include an opening that permits the front surface of the portion of the wall-mounted electrical device to protrude through the faceplate. The insert element may be configured to be removably attached to the adapter plate. The insert element may be configured to occupy a peripheral gap between an inner edge of the adapter plate and the outer surface of the wall-mounted electrical device.
US09559500B2
An electrically insulating shell is disclosed, which includes a first half shell and a second half shell devised to be mutually connected together and shaped so as to define, once connected together, a central part delimiting a substantially closed space, which will encase a corresponding first portion of an associated electrical conductor. A first hollow portion protrudes from a first side of the central part, the first hollow portion being in communication with an inner space of the closed central part and adapted to surround a corresponding second portion of the electrical conductor. A second hollow portion protrudes from the central part from a second side opposite to the first side, the second hollow portion being in communication with the inner space of the closed central part and adapted to surround a corresponding third portion of the electrical conductor.
US09559499B2
A rackmount distribution panel includes two movable, e.g., sliding, trays to provide full access to the distribution panel from both the front and the rear of the distribution panel. Consequently, the distribution panel may be easily and conveniently accessed to install, secure, and route cabling during installation, upgrades, service or repair, even when the distribution panel has already been mounted to a rack. The distribution includes a front tray, and a front tray movably coupled to the frame configured to be moved in a forward direction and a rear tray movably coupled to the tray and configured to be moved in a rear direction. The front and rear trays are configured to receive and secure a cable and to provide access to the cable by moving in the forward or rear directions. The front tray may move in the rear direction with the rear tray.
US09559495B1
An optical amplifier includes a plurality of photon amplifying regions. Each photon amplifying region includes a bottom electrode, an insulating layer formed over the bottom electrode, and having a through hole to the bottom electrode, a semiconductor layer and a top electrode formed over the semiconductor layer, wherein the top and bottom electrodes electrically contact the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer is formed over the insulating layer and in the through hole, and has a semiconductor active region in the through hole. The semiconductor active region has a direct electronic band gap with a conduction band edge, and is embedded within a photonic crystal having an electromagnetic band gap having photon energies overlapping the energy of the conduction band edge of the electronic band gap such that spontaneous emission of photons in the semiconductor active region is suppressed.
US09559493B2
A power monitoring device includes: a silicon support layer being attached to a PCB board; a glass layer disposed above the silicon support layer; at least one sensing element disposed on the glass layer; and at least one metal pad disposed on the glass layer. The sensing element is suspended over a laser element that is attached to the PCB board and configured for sensing light directed thereto that is emitted by the laser element. A cavity is defined in the silicon support layer and configured for accommodating the laser element. A transmitter that includes the power monitoring device is also provided.
US09559492B2
Laser systems with reduced apparent speckle are provided. The laser systems emit laser light having different mode structures that change within a time period of an integration period of an imaging system used to observe a field of view that is at least in part illuminated by the laser systems.
US09559482B2
The present invention relates to a microresonator, in particular a full polymer microresonator, a method for producing the microresonator, and the use of the microresonator as a microlaser and/or molecular sensor.
US09559481B2
A large aperture uniform-amplification laser module including a longer, larger diameter crystal bar is disclosed. The laser module includes a ring-shaped pump bar structure, a crystal bar, a glass sleeve, and a structural component. The pump bar structure includes pump blocks composed of a bar, a cooling heat sink, and a cooling pipe. The bar is connected with the heat sink, and a cooling water channel is provided inside of the cooling heat sink. Heat sinks are provided with outlet pipes and an inlet pipes to communicate with water channels, which are connected in series through the cooling pipes to form a ring shape. The bar is close to a center axis of the ring-shaped pump bar structure. The crystal bar is provided in the glass sleeve. A plurality of the ring-shaped pump bar structures are sleeved on the glass sleeve along the length of the glass sleeve.
US09559480B2
A method, system and apparatus for making an interconnection between power cables and signal cables. A single electrical interface in mid- or backplane applications is introduced to accommodate a wide range of board thickness variations while maintaining a desired interface relationship, using a connector plug bushing, a male connector having a sliding fit with the bushing, a first coaxial connector plug, a female connector plug with a housing width sized to provide a sliding fit within the connector plug bushing inner opening, and a second coaxial connector plug in the free end of the female connector plug for connection to the power and signal cables. A constant impedance connector is used with the interconnection of the RF signal and power cables.
US09559478B2
A crimp tool for concurrently crimping and trimming includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member pivotally coupled to the first and second jaw members moveable between a crimp position and a release position. The crimp tool also includes a first crimp die coupled to the first jaw member and having a first recessed surface and a second crimp die coupled to the second jaw member and having a second recessed surface, the first and second recessed surfaces being complementary to each other and forming a crimping opening in the crimp position to receive a connector having a conductor received therein. The crimp tool includes cutting members that are spaced apart relative to the respective jaw members to trim an exposed inner conductor of the conductor when substantially abutting one another in the crimp position, and may be adjustable depending on the desired protrusion of the inner conductor.
US09559476B2
A communication adapter that includes an RJ45 jack with a plurality of plug interface contacts and an ARJ45 plug including a plurality of plug contacts. The plug interface contacts are in electrical communication with the plug contacts. The RJ45 jack and the ARJ45 plug are connected by a housing.
US09559466B2
Patch cords include a communications cable that has first through eighth conductors that are arranged as four twisted pairs and a plug attached thereto. The plug includes a housing that receives the cable, first through eighth plug contacts, and a printed circuit board that includes first through eighth conductive paths that connect the first through eighth conductors to the respective first through eighth plug contacts. The plug further includes a first crosstalk injection circuit between the second conductive path and the sixth conductive path and a second crosstalk injection circuit between the first conductive path and the sixth conductive path.
US09559463B2
Automated tightener for a wet mateable connection assembly includes a first and a second watertight case, the automated tightener bearing a fixing assembly and including a first and a second sliding portion arranged in a parallel lay, connected together by a push/pull actuator substantially orthogonal thereto, each sliding portion being provided with operable engagers.
US09559456B2
Electrical connection systems (100) for electronic devices (102) are disclosed. In one embodiment, a male electrical connector (104) includes a male housing portion (138) and at least a first magnet (134a) carried by the male housing portion (138). The first magnet (134a) includes a curved contact surface (1200) configured to abut with a female electrical receptacle (106). At least a first resilient electrical contact (136a) is carried by the male housing portion (138) for making an electrical connection with the female electrical receptacle (106). The first magnet (134a) and the first resilient electrical contact (136a) are disposed in a parallel configuration along a transverse axis of the male housing portion (138).
US09559449B2
A printed wiring board (1) includes: a base substrate (3); a plurality of pads (15a, 17a) for electrical connection that are disposed at one surface side of the base substrate (3) and at a connection end portion (13) to be connected with another electronic component (50); wirings (9, 11) that are connected with the pads (15a, 17a); and engageable parts (28, 29) that are formed at side edge parts of the connection end portion (13) and are to be engaged with engagement parts (58) of the other electronic component (50) in the direction of disconnection. The flexible printed wiring board (1) further includes: reinforcement layers (31, 32) that are disposed at the one surface side of the base substrate (3) and at a frontward side with respect to the engageable parts (28, 29) when viewed in the direction of connection with the other electronic component and that are formed integrally with the pads (15a); and insulating layers (34, 35) that cover the reinforcement layers (31, 32).
US09559445B2
Techniques for manufacturing an add-in card are described. An example of an add-in card in accordance with the described techniques includes a circuit board with contact fingers formed on an outer surface of the circuit board. Each of the contact fingers is configured to make electrical contact with a pin when inserted into a receptacle. The gap between the contact fingers is greater than or equal to a width of the pin. The add-in card also includes a protection mechanism to prevent the pin from being captured between the contact fingers if the add-in card is misaligned when inserted or removed.
