US09580294B2
A system for verifying a container of a material before the material is transferred to a process. The system includes a conduit that extends through a mouth of the container. The conduit is supported by an arm that moves between a first position in which the conduit extends through the mouth, and a second position in which the conduit is removed and moved away from the mouth. A reading device extracts information about the container from an information storage element. A computer program receives input regarding the extracted information, receives input regarding the process, and determining whether the container is correct for the process. The program prevents the arm from moving to the first position, and only if the container is determined to be correct does the program allow the arm to move to the first position so that the material can be transferred.
US09580291B2
A beverage dispenser (11) is disclosed for use in combination with a water cooler, wherein the water cooler comprises a water bottle (1) and a cooler housing (2) comprising an outlet (3, 4) for dispensing water, and wherein the beverage dispenser is intended to be positioned between the cooler housing and the water bottle. The beverage dispenser comprises: a dispensing station (19), a conduit (13) for supply of water from the water cooler to the dispensing station, a connector (22) for attachment to a container (12) comprising concentrate, a conduit (23) for supply of concentrate from the container to the dispensing station, and a passage (120) to allow the water bottle (1) to remain in fluid communication with the outlet (3,4) of the cooler housing (2) when the dispenser (11) is positioned between the cooler housing and the water bottle.
US09580286B2
A receptacle for storing, pressurizing, and dispensing packaged beverages. The receptacle includes an airtight chamber with a removable lid, wherein the joint between the lid and the chamber is also airtight. A gas valve allows for the inflow and outflow of gas, and a tap port and tap stem allow the beverage to be dispensed without breaking the seal of the chamber. A pressure relief valve allows for more rapid depressurization. The chamber can be used at high and low pressures, such as a partial vacuum, to prevent oxidation of a number of open beverages, such as beers, wines, and sodas. A pressure gauge port coupled with an optional pressure gauge allows a user to verify the appropriate pressure for the type of beverage being preserved. The gas valve may be disposed on a base of the receptacle, as may the pressure relief and/or the pressure gauge port.
US09580283B2
A ballast system for heavy equipment including a ballast weight configured to be removably mounted, proximate to an end of a portion of the horizontal structure of the heavy equipment, at least one actuator mounted on the horizontal structure of the heavy equipment, operable between a first position and a second position, and oriented to actuate horizontally along at least a portion of the horizontal structure, at least one tension member that connects the ballast weight to the actuator and is configured to move the ballast weight vertically in response to the at least one actuator actuating along at least a portion of the horizontal structure; and a locking mechanism configured to removably attach the ballast weight to the end portion of the horizontal structure.
US09580281B2
A clamp assembly provides an attachment point for securely gripping pipe or other tubular goods including, without limitation, a section of coiled tubing. The clamp assembly beneficially includes a pad-eye member for attaching the clamp assembly (and any attached tubing) to a hook of a crane or other lifting mechanism. The clamp assembly also prevents partially unspooled coiled tubing from re-winding through a winding guide of a spool, thereby maintaining a distal outer end of the coiled tubing in an easily accessible location.
US09580277B2
An elevator in which hoisting ropes pass under first and second diverting pulleys, in which a suspension device crosses a line between guide rails. The first and second diverting pulleys may be mounted on the suspension device such that the first and second diverting pulleys may be on a first side and a second side, respectively, in which the sides being opposite, of the line between the guide rails. A frame of the elevator car may be mounted on the suspension device which is supported by a first suspension point and a second suspension point. The first suspension point and the second suspension point may be at a horizontal distance from each other and on opposite sides of each other, and that the first and second suspension points may be on a line between the guide rails or on a line parallel with the guide rails.
US09580275B2
An elevator system includes a safety device by which a rotation and/or translation of a fixed bearing part of a rotary bearing of a deflection roller, which is associated with a counterweight, can be detected. An alarm signal is generated by the safety device when the position of the bearing part deviates from a predeterminable value.
US09580273B2
The invention relates to a safety arrangement and also a testing apparatus for testing the operation of an extreme limit switch in a conveying system, which can be removed from service on the basis of a signal to be received from the extreme limit switch. The testing apparatus comprises a microprocessor and a memory, in which is recorded a testing program to be run with the microprocessor, which testing program comprises instructions for preventing removal of the conveying system from service occurring on the basis of a signal from an extreme limit switch as well as for testing the operation of the extreme limit switch when removal of the conveying system from service has been prevented.
US09580272B2
A visitor can receive guidance (e.g., movement directions) through a portable electronic device. The visitor can read an information-containing tag with the electronic device to input location information into the device. With the electronic device, the visitor can then select one or more destinations. The device then provides directions to the visitor for the one or more destinations.
US09580265B2
An image recording apparatus, including a tray configured to support a sheet; a chassis defining a first conveyer path, in which the sheet on the tray is conveyed in a first conveying direction, and a second conveyer path, through which the sheet is conveyed in a second conveying direction through a branch point to be inverted to reenter the first conveyer path through a merging point; a base member integrally formed of resin and including a guiding section to define a form of a part of the second conveyer path; a recording unit to record an image on the sheet conveyed in the first conveyer path; a drive shaft supported by the base member; and a return-conveyer roller disposed in the second conveyer path and configured to convey the sheet to be guided on the guiding section in the second conveying direction by rotation of the drive shaft, is provided.
US09580250B2
A cargo management system is provided comprising a cargo shuttle having a slide bushing opposite a top surface, a drive pulley; and a sweeping belt coupled to the drive pulley. Also disclosed is a slide bushing supported cargo shuttle comprising a housing, a bushing slide plate extendable from the housing, a top surface; a drive pulley; and a sweeping belt coupled to the drive pulley. An interior surface of the sweeping belt is configured to interface with an outer diameter surface of the drive pulley and an outer surface of the sweeping belt comprises raised surfaces.
US09580247B2
To allow a travelling vehicle to travel more smoothly, a host controller of a travelling vehicle system includes a first determination part which determines whether or not a second track selected by a first travelling vehicle is the same as a second track selected by a second travelling vehicle, and an entry permission issuing part that issues an entry permission into a switching track to the second vehicle after checking passage of the first vehicle through the switching track when the second track selected by the first vehicle is different from the second track selected by the second vehicle, and issues the entry permission into the switching track to the second vehicle regardless of receipt or non-receipt of the passage report from the first vehicle when the second track selected by the first vehicle is the same as the second track selected by the second vehicle.
US09580245B2
Inventory systems may include one or more sensors capable of detecting spatial positioning of inventory holders and associated inventory items. Data can be received from a sensor, a boundary corresponding to a face of the inventory holder can be determined from the data, and items projecting across the boundary can be determined as items protruding from the inventory holder.
US09580243B2
A locking device for a container having a hinged lid, comprises a base unit adapted to be fixed to the container and a pivotable unit mounted to the base unit and pivotally movable between open and closed positions. The base unit includes a locking mechanism comprising a casing, a rotatable shaft, a blocking member fixed to the shaft and disposed in the casing, and a rolling member. The pivotable unit is mounted to the shaft of the base unit. The rolling member is provided to move within the casing between a blocking position wherein the rolling member blocks movement of the pivotable unit relative to the casing to prevent unauthorized opening of the lid, and a release position wherein the rolling member moves away from the blocking member to permit the movement of the blocking member relative to the casing thereby permitting opening of the lid.
US09580238B2
A storage tank defines a square hopper bottom converging to a bottom discharge located at one corner. The tank sits on a base frame defined by four vertical retractable legs with one leg at the discharge recessed inwardly from the corner. A discharge conveyor is mounted at the discharge for rotation about an upstanding axis at the discharge opening unimpeded by the recessed leg to move the conveyor from a retracted position along a side of the frame to an extended position at a selected angle outwardly from the frame. A horizontal platform and ladder is located at one side of the tank with the ladder being movable to a stored position parallel to the platform and both the ladder and the platform are movable to a stored position along the side of the tank.
US09580235B2
A capsule suited to contain in its inside a mass of powdered coffee for preparing an infusion of coffee. The capsule comprises a container closed by a lid. The container is provided with a filter of the coffee/hot water infusion. The capsule is characterized in that the mass of powdered coffee is located in an annular space surrounding a central chimney. The infusion water, during at least one of its intermediate steps, converges from the annular space towards the central chimney passing first through a vertical filter.
US09580230B2
Embodiments of the disclosure include earplug dispensers that may comprise a rotating cam assembly operable to dispense one or more earplug to a user when a knob is rotated by the user. In some embodiments, the cam assembly may comprise and upper cam layer and a lower cam layer attached via clips to the rotating knob. Upon rotation of the knob, the upper cam layer may cause the earplugs to fall through one or more cavities to the lower cam layer. The lower cam layer may comprise a pushing structure operable to move the earplugs, upon rotation of the knob, within the lower cam layer to fall down through an opening in the dispenser. In some embodiments, the earplugs may fall through an opening in the rotating knob.
US09580215B2
A product includes a use indicator carried inside a container so that, upon removal of a closure from the container or upon removal of flowable product from within the container, a coloration of the product changes irreversibly to indicate to a user that the package has been used.
US09580210B2
A dispensing system includes a container within which a material is contained. The dispensing system includes a nozzle, attached to the container, having a first portion and a second portion. The dispensing system includes a magnet attached to the first portion and a compliance system attached to the second portion. The compliance system includes a transmitter and a magnet sensor, coupled to the transmitter, for detecting a presence of the magnet when the first portion with respect to the second portion is in a closed position, and for detecting a non-presence of the magnet when the first portion with respect to the second portion is in an opened position. The transmitter transmits a wireless compliance signal indicative of the magnet sensor detecting at least one of the presence or the non-presence of the magnet.
US09580209B2
A storage component including a cover and an easel coupled to the cover. The easel includes a first portion and a second portion pivotally coupled together, wherein the easel is movable between a substantially flat configuration wherein the first and second portions are generally flat and coplanar, and a propped configuration wherein the first and second portions are arranged in a non-coplanar configuration and the first portion is oriented at an angle relative to the cover. The first portion of the easel in the propped configuration is configured to support an item thereon for display.
US09580207B2
A pour-out member or, for example, a container has a pour-out port 1a through which a viscous fluid is discharged, wherein a hydrophobic layer of fine hydrophobic inorganic particles 20 is selectively formed on an upper end surface of a base member forming the pour-out port 1a. The hydrophobic layer formed on the pour-out port 1a of the pour-out member is not removed or broken through the repetitive use, and stably exhibits a function of preventing the liquid from creeping over extended periods of time.
US09580206B2
This invention relates to a base for a plastic bottle, especially for beverages under pressure, comprising an annular heel (6) which preferably is integral with the side wall (2) of the bottle, and a concave section (7) that is surrounded by, and integral with, the heel (6), wherein the concave section (7) comprises reinforcing elements arranged in a star pattern and increasing its rigidity, wherein the reinforcing elements are formed by convex areas (9) of the concave section (7) and the concave section (7) including the convex area (9) have essentially the same wall thickness.
US09580202B2
A foldable box template includes first, second, third, fourth, and fifth segments. Each of the segments has a length, a width, and one or more flaps. The first segment is positioned at a first end of the template and the fifth segment is positioned at a second, opposing end of the template. The sum of the lengths of the first segment and the fifth segment is generally equal to the length of the third segment. As a result, the first and fifth segments form a seam on a sidewall of a box formed from the box template. In some cases, the seam formed by the first and fifth segments is offset from seams formed in top and bottom surfaces of the box. The seam formed by the first and fifth segments is offset from a corner of the box.
US09580186B1
A helicopter stall warning method includes receiving an airspeed of the helicopter, determining a stall airspeed based on multiple factors associated with the helicopter, the multiple factors comprising ambient temperature near the helicopter, the helicopter's altitude, and the helicopter's gross weight, determining a stall warning threshold derived from the stall airspeed, and providing a tactile warning through a collective helicopter control when the helicopter's airspeed meets or exceeds the stall warning threshold.
US09580185B2
A system for managing thermal transfer in an aircraft includes a fuel stabilization unit, a fuel-air heat exchanger, and a turbine. The fuel-air heat exchanger is located downstream from the fuel stabilization unit. The fuel-air heat exchanger places deoxygenized fuel in a heat exchange relationship with compressor bleed air to produce heated deoxygenized fuel and cooled bleed air. The turbine is operationally connected to the engine compressor and receives cooled bleed air from the fuel-air heat exchanger.
US09580182B2
A method of regulating the NR speed at which the rotor of a rotorcraft is driven in rotation. On detecting that the rotorcraft is flying under icing conditions in a previously identified critical temperature domain (Dct), the NR speed is either decreased in the situation where the ambient outside air temperature (OAT) lies in a low temperature icing range (Ptb) of the critical temperature domain (Dct), or else it is increased in the situation where the ambient outside air temperature (OAT) lies within a high temperature icing range (Pth) of the critical temperature domain (Dct).
US09580176B2
An aircraft region comprising a main aisle extending along a longitudinal axis of an aircraft cabin, a door aisle extending along a transverse axis of the aircraft cabin substantially perpendicularly to the main aisle and an aircraft monument arranged in the door aisle and comprising at least one flight attendant seat facing a section of the main aisle adjoining the door aisle.
US09580174B2
The present invention concerns a seating unit (1), in particular for aircrafts' economy class, comprising a substantially rigid fixed shell (4), a support structure (9), a backrest (2) and a seat (3), all contained within said shell (4), said seating unit (1) being characterized in that said backrest (2) and said seat (3) make a movement, substantially within said shell (4), between a retracted position, that is with said backrest (2) in a substantially vertical position and said seat (3) in a substantially horizontal position, and a slightly extended position, that is with said backrest (2) in a substantially slanted position and said seat (3) in a substantially slanted position, inclined downward.
US09580166B2
A folding wing comprises a fixed section, a folding section, and a latch system for latching the folding section to the fixed section. The latch system includes a plurality of latch pins, and a corresponding plurality of non-backdriveable mechanical actuators for extending the latch pins to engage the folding section.
US09580161B1
Aspects of the disclosure relate to fabricating balloon envelopes for high-altitude balloons. One or more segments of reinforcing tape are applied to gore segments of the balloon envelope. The segments are arranged in a ring to circumscribe an upper portion of the balloon envelope, and may be affixed by a pressure sensitive adhesive. Should a catastrophic failure of the balloon envelope occur, the reinforcing tape acts as a ripstop to prevent a tear from extending upward toward the apex of the balloon envelope. Tendons secured to the apex and to a base of the balloon envelope are configured to keep the top film of the envelope in a parachute configuration in the event of a catastrophic failure. The reinforcing tape is positioned above an equator of the balloon envelope, for instance approximately ⅓ of the distance down from the apex to the base of the envelope.
US09580158B2
The present invention concerns a Magnus rotor comprising a carrier arranged in the interior of the Magnus rotor, a rotor which in operation of the Magnus rotor rotates about the carrier, a bearing which carries the rotor on the carrier and a heating device provided for producing heated air in the interior of the carrier. The carrier has at least one opening at its outside, which connects the internal space in the carrier to the intermediate space between the carrier and the rotor in such a way that air can pass through between those two spaces.
US09580149B2
An expandable and contractible safety barrier for a boat includes a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion. The first barrier portion includes a first outside hinge portion. The second barrier portion includes a second outside hinge portion. The first barrier portion is pivotally connected to the second barrier portion by a middle hinge. The middle hinge is locate on an end of the first barrier portion opposite the first outside hinge portion and on an end of the second barrier portion opposite the second outside hinge portion. A latching device that removably attaches the first barrier portion to a fixed barrier includes a pin about which the first outside hinge portion pivots.
US09580133B2
The present invention is directed to a Shock Absorbing Grip Assembly that has been designed to give a controlled floating action to the grip that can be adjusted by varying the different cushioning isolator mechanisms within the grip, or by varying the number of tuning washers. The Shock Absorbing Grip Assembly is comprised of one or more grip end clamps; one or more cavities in said grip end clamps; a grip sleeve having one or more protruding engagement members; one or more elastomeric isolator inserts housed within each of said one or more cavities in said grip end clamps, wherein said one or more protruding engagement members mates within said cavities housing said elastomeric isolator inserts; and an outer elastomer grip; whereby said grip sleeve is free floating and has torsional, rotational, linear and axial shock absorbing capacity. The isolator inserts may be elastomer inserts of varying durometer material.
US09580115B2
The invention relates to a vehicle seat or a vehicle cab with a suspension system comprising an upper closing part and a lower closing part which is deflectable in relation to the upper closing part, which closing parts are connected to each other in a resilient manner by means of a suspension element, and with a damping system for damping vibrations acting on at least one of the two closing parts, wherein the damping system and a distance levelling system for adjusting a distance between the upper closing part and the lower closing part have a common fluid actuator element controlled by compression and tension stages.
US09580113B2
The invention relates to a motor vehicle bodywork component comprising a first panel and a second panel having a second coefficient of linear thermal expansion greater than the first coefficient of linear thermal expansion of the first panel, the component further including a connection part having a third coefficient of linear thermal expansion that is less than the first and that is fastened to the first panel.
US09580112B2
There is disclosed a work vehicle having an openable/closable hood for covering an engine and a radiator mounted on a vehicle body frame, an air cleaner having an intake pipe and an elastic body for closing a gap present around the intake pipe. The elastic body includes a radiator side first elastic portion, a hood side second elastic portion and an engaging portion for engaging and retaining the second elastic portion to the first elastic portion. Under a closed state of the hood, the engaging portion maintains the second elastic portion under the engaged state, and the elastic body maintains the intake pipe at a predetermined position and closes the gap.
US09580107B1
A modular hybrid cross-car beam assembly includes a base tube having opposed first and second free ends. Multiple assemblies are individually connected to the base tube, each of the assemblies having multiple metal plates coupled together by an overmolding of a polymeric material and each of the assemblies having at least one metal flange lacking the overmolding of the polymeric material. First and second end attachment portions are each connected to one of the base tube first or second free ends. The metal flange of each of the assemblies and the first and second end attachment portions are connected to the base tube using fasteners, the modular hybrid cross-car beam assembly having no welded connections.
US09580106B2
A vehicle includes a body structure and a frame rail assembly. The frame rail assembly extends forward from the bulkhead along a longitudinal centerline. The frame rail assembly includes a frame rail defining a rail axis and a reinforcing member. The frame rail defines a longitudinally extending seam and the frame rail extends forward from the bulkhead along the longitudinal centerline. The frame rail further defines an end portion. The reinforcing member is secured to the frame rail at the end portion to increase a stiffness of the frame rail at the end portion. The reinforcing member is configured to limit a stress at the seam, transverse to the rail axis, resulting from a load applied to the end portion of the frame rail and laterally offset from the longitudinal centerline.
US09580104B2
Terrain-based machines are provided comprising a translational chassis movement indicator, a terrain-based implement, an implement inclinometer, and an implement state estimator. The translational chassis movement indicator provides a measurement indicative of movement of the machine chassis in one or more translational degrees of freedom. The implement inclinometer comprises (i) an implement accelerometer, which provides a measurement indicative of acceleration of the terrain-based implement in one or more translational or rotational degrees of freedom and (ii) an implement angular rate sensor, which provides a measurement of a rate at which the terrain-based implement is rotating in one or more degrees of rotational freedom. The implement state estimator generates an implement state estimate that is based at least partially on (i) implement position signals from an implement angular rate sensor and an implement accelerometer, and (ii) signals from the translational chassis movement indicator and the implement inclinometer.
US09580103B2
The rollover prevention apparatus defines an adaptive steering range limiting device comprising a control unit and a pair of opposing unidirectional brake assemblies mounted to a steering column position detection disc. The rollover prevention apparatus prevents the steering wheel of the vehicle from being turned beyond the threshold of vehicle rollover, but otherwise does not restrict the rotational range of motion of the steering wheel of a vehicle.
US09580099B2
A method of forming a heating element for use with a steering wheel includes (i) forming a first heating part of a heating element which is coated in a longitudinal direction of the rim along an inner diameter portion of the rim by continuously connecting loops having the same shape, (ii) forming a second heating part of the heating element which is coated in the longitudinal direction of the rim along an outer diameter portion of the rim by continuously connecting loops having the same shape, (iii) forming a third heating part of the heating element which is coated in the longitudinal direction of the rim by continuously connecting loops having the same shape between the first heating part and the second heating part; and (iv) adjusting an electrical resistance of the heating element according to a coating width or thickness of the conductive paste.
US09580094B2
A system and a control system for selectively preventing movement of a locomotive is disclosed. The control system may comprise a plurality of access control devices for the locomotive, with each access control device including a status indicator, and being configured to activate or deactivate the status indicator based on user input received by any of the plurality of access control devices. Each access control device may also be configured to transmit status data indicative of a status of the locomotive to a locomotive controller, with the status either being a blue flag status or a ready status, wherein at least one of the access control devices is a mobile device not mounted to the locomotive.
US09580091B2
A system includes a first communication module and a second communication module. The first communication module is configured to be disposed onboard a first vehicle of a vehicle consist, and the second communication module is configured to be disposed onboard a second vehicle of the vehicle consist. The first and second communication modules are communicatively coupled by first and second communication paths. The first and second communication modules are configured to communicate first information over the first communication path and second information over the second communication path. At least a portion of the first information includes a first command corresponding to a first operation of at least one of the first or second vehicles. At least a portion of the second information includes a second command corresponding to the first operation.
US09580089B2
Lightweight yokes are provided. According to some embodiments, the basic overall appearance of the yoke may be maintained, but the actual material of which it is constructed is changed. According to other embodiments, the yoke is provided with an improved lightweight construction, and, yet other embodiments the yoke may be provided with an improved construction and formed from a preferred material. Yokes may be constructed from cast austempered ductile iron; whereas cast iron has a density, 0.26 lbs/in^3, which is approximately 8% less than steel, 0.283 lbs/in^3, thereby allowing for a reduction in weight over steel. A suitable austempering process is used to produce the austempered metal yoke. Yokes have improved configurations which may require less metal to produce the yoke. Both, the lightweight material and improvements in configuration of the yoke structure may combine to provide a lighter weight yoke.
US09580080B1
An autonomy controller for a vehicle. The autonomy controller detects a user input to enable an autonomous driving mode for the vehicle. In response to the user input, the autonomy controller determines a condition of one or more control interfaces configured to control respective vehicle operations. The autonomy controller may then selectively enable the autonomous driving mode based at least in part on the condition of each of the one or more control interfaces. For example, the autonomy controller may enable the autonomous driving mode only if each of the one or more control interfaces is in a ready condition.
US09580073B1
A method and system for an advanced vehicle driver assistance system activation display includes displaying on a vehicle display a two-dimensional image representing a vehicle driver assistance system and detecting activation of automatic vehicle control by the vehicle driver assistance system. Further, the method and system include displaying a transition on the vehicle display of the two-dimensional image to a three-dimensional image. The three-dimensional image simulates the automatic vehicle control in real-time.
US09580071B2
A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, an electric power storage device, an electric motor, a shutter, and an electronic control unit. The shutter is configured to introduce air into an engine compartment of the hybrid vehicle from outside the hybrid vehicle during traveling of the hybrid vehicle in a state where the shutter is open. The electronic control unit is configured to control the internal combustion engine, the electric motor and the shutter. The electronic control unit is configured to control the hybrid vehicle such that starting of the internal combustion engine is more suppressed in a case where the shutter is in a malfunctioning state than in a case where the shutter is not in the malfunctioning state. The malfunctioning state is a state where an opening degree of the shutter does not reach a predetermined opening degree.
US09580063B2
An apparatus controls a motor equipped in a hybrid vehicle. In this apparatus, a basic torque command value of the motor is calculated so as to reduce a deviation between a target rotation speed and an actual rotation speed of the motor. A torque correction value for the motor is calculated based on a variation of the target rotation speed which is obtained per unit time and a value of inertia of a power train rotated integrally with the rotation shaft of the motor. Further, a torque command value finally supplied to the motor is calculated by correcting the basic torque command value with use of the torque correction value.
US09580060B2
A power transmitting apparatus comprising a clutch housing, an input member connected to an engine and mounted thereon, driving-side clutch discs, a clutch member connected to an output member, driven-side clutch discs arranged between the driving-side clutch discs, a pressure member for press-contacting the driving-side clutch discs and the driven-side clutch discs together and for releasing the press-contacting force on them, and a starter, such as a kick-starter, able to apply a rotational force to the output member to start the engine, the power transmitting apparatus adapted to transmit or cut off driving power of the engine inputted to the input member to or from the output member. The power transmitting apparatus can comprise a press-contact assisting cam of an inverse-driving side for increasing the press-contacting force on the driving-side clutch discs and the driven-side clutch discs when rotational force is applied to the output member by the kick starter.
US09580059B2
A hybrid module includes a housing, an input intended for rotationally coupling to an internal combustion engine, an output intended for rotationally coupling to an input of a gearbox, an electric machine arranged in the housing and having a stator and a rotor arranged within the stator radially, a separation clutch and a torsional vibration damper. The separation clutch and the torsional vibration damper are arranged within the rotor in both the radial and axial directions.
US09580050B2
A multi-purpose tool for cleaning automobile windshields and windows comprising a telescoping body having a first and a second end, an ice scraper and a snow brush member attached to the telescoping body at the first end, a scrubbing member and a squeegee attached to the body at the second end, a detachable flashlight and a spray unit with a detachable spray bottle removably attached to the telescoping body, wherein the telescoping body extends intermediate the first end and the second end.
US09580049B2
Flat wiper blade for windscreen wiper modules, having a wiper blade body, which presents at least one wiping rubber (12) forming at least one wiping lip (12.1), presents at least one spring rail (11) in addition to at least one retaining strip (10) on which the wiping rubber (12) is held and which (retaining strip (10)) possesses at least one profile section designed as a hollow profile, in which at least a partial length of the spring rail (11) is accommodated, wherein at least one heating foil (19) is arranged over at least a partial length together with the at least one spring rail (11) in the profile section (10.1) of the retaining strip (10).
US09580045B2
Method and apparatus for an electronic override of the brake shift interlock in a motor vehicle can provide for the vehicle to be manually pushed while it is parked without keys. A timed window is initiated upon detection of a parked state of the vehicle with its transmission in a park position and ignition key removable or removed. Selection of an out-of-park position is inhibited. The invention monitors activation of the brake pedal during the timed window. Override of the brake shift interlock is enabled while the brake pedal is activated during the timed window, thereby allowing selection of an out-of-park shifter position. The timed window ends after a predetermined time or event (e.g., after the driver's door is opened) to inhibit any further shifter movement from the park position until the next ignition key-cycle.
US09580041B1
The present invention is an improved safety harness for animals riding in a motor vehicle, wherein the harness prevents or greatly reduces the chance of the animal's lower quarters from being forced under the animal's head and shoulders, reduces the amount of rotational movement, reduces the side to side movement, reduces the chance for the dog to be forced off the car seat and reduces the amount of head excursion during a vehicle crash or a sudden stop.
US09580039B2
An airbag can include a first cushion portion that defines a first inflatable chamber and a second cushion portion that is connected to the first cushion portion and defines a second inflatable chamber. The first inflatable chamber can receive inflation gas from an inflator to expand the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion can receive inflation gas from the first inflatable chamber to expand the second cushion portion. A unidirectional valve permits inflation gas to flow from the first inflatable chamber to the second inflatable chamber and restricts backflow of inflation gas from the second inflatable chamber to the first inflatable chamber.
US09580036B2
An apparatus for fixing a curtain air bag cushion to a pillar of a vehicle includes a cushion bracket configured to be attached to the pillar. The cushion bracket has a fixing portion provided with a bolt hole, a support portion provided with a cover hole, and locking grooves between the fixing portion and the support portion. A cushion tab cover is configured to pass through the cover hole. A cushion band has a cover end coupled to the cushion tab cover and a hole end provided with a band hole. The band hole is configured to receive the first side of the cushion bracket such that the hole end of the cushion band is seated in the locking grooves.
US09580035B2
A vehicle seat has an airbag module arranged in a seat bottom cushion. The seat bottom cushion is covered by a cover and comprises at least a first, relatively softer, “comfort” foam element adjacent to the cover and a second, relatively harder or firmer, “protective” foam element. The airbag module is positioned within a cavity defined in and by the second foam element so that it is at least partially surrounded by the harder second foam to protect the airbag module from downward forces applied to the seat bottom.
US09580034B2
The present invention provides a steering wheel. Among respective hooks of a module, the hooks being adapted to engage with wires which are disposed in respective opening portions of a steering wheel main body, an adjustment rib which is provided so as to be protrusive to an outer circumferential face of one side hook comes into contact with an inside face of one side opening portion, and restrains a position of such one side hook in such one side opening portion. An adjustment pin which is protrusively provided at a position different from that of the adjustment rib on the outer circumferential face of such one side hook elastically comes into contact with the inside face of such one side opening portion by the adjustment rib coming into contact with the inside face of such one side opening portion.
US09580032B1
An impact absorption device configured for use in a vehicle includes a barrier and a base capable of removably securing a barrier at a right angle. The barrier is composed of an impact reducing material. The base is configured to rest beneath a vehicle safety seat or safety seat cradle. The barrier is capable of vertical adjustment relative to the base.
US09580023B2
A fastening arrangement of a sensor element, in particular a camera, on a fastening element of a motor vehicle involves holding the sensor element on a holding element of the fastening element by means of a force generated by a spring region of a spring element and orientated in one direction. The spring element has a second spring region connected at least indirectly to the first spring region and running at angle to the first spring region, which the sensor element adjoins in a second direction that runs at an angle to the first direction.
US09580022B2
A separating or holding net has a net mesh part, spaced fixation formations, and an elastic woven fabric strip extending along an edge of the net mesh part that extends between the fixation formations and having openings engaged in the fixation formations.
US09580010B2
A vehicle approach notification apparatus includes a first sounding signal generation portion that generates a first sounding signal based on a first sound source data; a second sounding signal generation portion that generates a second sounding signal based on a second sound source data; and a combination portion that combines the first sounding signal with the second sounding signal to generate a notice sound signal. The first sounding signal generation portion changes a frequency and an output level of the first sounding signal depending on a speed of the vehicle. The second sounding signal generation portion changes an output level of the second sounding signal depending on the speed of the vehicle while holding a frequency of the second sounding signal to be constant.
US09580005B2
A method for setting a characteristic of a light emission of at least one headlight of a vehicle includes reading in topology data which represent a topology of the surroundings of the vehicle. The method also includes ascertaining a visual range difference between a topology-related first visual range which is associated with a first characteristic of the light emission, and a topology-related second visual range which is associated with a second characteristic of the light emission, using the topology data. Finally, the method includes adapting a waiting time period for changing a characteristic of the light emission as a function of the visual range difference.
US09579998B2
A method for selecting and controlling massage functions of a motor vehicle seat having a control system comprising the steps of: switching the system to a selection mode and starting the selection mode; providing a menu list having options for querying the user's requirements during the massage; selection of an option by the user and providing predefined responses to the respective query and selection of the response by the user and if necessary repeating the steps for further queries; and terminating the selection mode and automatically determining suitable massage settings on the basis of the user's selection and controlling the massage actuators in the motor vehicle seat on the basis of determined massage settings to perform the massage function.
US09579997B2
A device for selectively monitoring and reducing a backward displacement of a vehicle seat in the event of an accident, having at least one stop element (4) which arranged on a pair (1) of seat rails and has a stop face (5) which is inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the pair (1) of seat rails, and having at least one stop body (6) which is arranged on the vehicle seat, having a contact face (8) which is arranged in a normal position at a distance from the stop face. In order to make available a device which efficiently reduces a backward displacement movement of a motor vehicle seat in a simple way in the event of an accident of the motor vehicle, there is provision that the stop element (4) and the stop body (6) are embodied and arranged with respect to one another in the mounted state in such a way that in a crash position which occurs in a tail-end impact with a motor vehicle having the vehicle seat, the stop face (5) of the stop element (4) and the contact face (8) of the stop body (6) enter into contact and as a result the backward displacement of the vehicle seat which is caused by the accident is reduced.
US09579996B2
A child restraint includes a juvenile seat and a child-restraint harness coupled to the juvenile seat. The child-restraint harness includes at least two shoulder belts.
US09579994B2
An adjustable seat support permits attaching and adjusting an operator's seat on a vehicle for both forward and rear facing operation. Also disclosed is a method for attaching and adjusting an operator's seat on a vehicle can be selectively positioned for both forward and rear facing operation.
US09579993B2
A seat device includes left and right slide units for supporting a seat body slidably in a front-rear direction; left and right front support legs respectively fixed to front ends of the left and right slide units; left and right rear support legs respectively fixed to rear ends of the left and right slide units; and a reinforcing member extending between the front and rear support legs fixed to one of the left and right slide units. The reinforcing member includes a first wall attached to one side of the front support leg and the one side of the rear support leg; second wall attached to the other side of the front support leg and the other side of the rear support leg, the second wall facing the first wall; and a first connecting portion connecting lower ends of the first and second walls with each other.
US09579985B2
The invention relates to a system for electrically coupling an electrical charging device to the power storage means of a vehicle. The system includes a bar, a protective panel, a flap, a drive means, and a control device for synchronizing the movements of the bar, protective panel, and flap between a stowed position and a position for extending from the ground.
US09579984B1
A control method of a low voltage DC-DC converter for a hybrid vehicle is provided. The method includes determining a vehicle drive mode, determining vehicle driving condition, and determining vehicle condition information including a motor output alteration and a gear mode. Further, an output mode of the low voltage converter is determined based to the drive mode, the driving condition, and the condition information and an output voltage of the low voltage converter is adjusted based on temperature and SOC of a battery in the determined output mode.
US09579970B2
A tank neck unit for a vehicle that includes a tank neck operatively connected to a pressure accumulator system of the vehicle and which is configured for a predetermined maximum pressure which is greater than a permissible operating pressure of the pressure accumulator system. A shut-off valve is arranged in a throughflow path between the tank neck and an outlet region of the tank neck unit, the shut-off valve being configured to prevent an increase in pressure of the pressure accumulator system beyond the permissible operating pressure.
US09579962B2
A battery protection structure has a battery disposed in a vehicle cabin, a vehicle component disposed in the vehicle cabin to be located below the battery, and a protective member disposed between the battery and the vehicle component. The protective member has one end fixed to a vehicle body and another end arranged between the battery and the vehicle component to be thereby cantilevered on the vehicle body. The battery has a battery cell, and a battery case that houses the battery cell and has at least a lower surface facing the protective member. The protective member has a fixation portion formed at the one end and fixed to the vehicle body, and a contact portion formed at the other end and configured to come into contact with the battery case when load is inputted to the protective member.
US09579958B2
A roof apparatus includes: a front member and a rear member which are supported by a guide rail in such a way as to be able to move in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle and as to be engaged with a driving shoe driven to move in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle along the guide rail; a first support bracket, a front end portion of which is supported by the guide rail and is connected to the front member, and which supports a movable panel; and a second support bracket, a front end portion of which is supported by the guide rail, a portion of which is connected to the rear member with the portion being positioned closer to a rear of the vehicle than the front end portion, and which movably supports the first support bracket.
US09579946B2
A trailing arm bush may include a cylindrical outer pipe, an inner pipe inserted to a central portion of the outer pipe at an interval, a first bush rubber unit, a second bush rubber unit and a third bush rubber unit that connect between an inner peripheral surface of the outer pipe and an outer peripheral surface of the inner pipe, respectively, a hollow void part formed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer pipe and the outer peripheral surface of the inner pipe, and a stopper attached to the inner peripheral surface of the outer pipe and disposed among the first bush rubber unit, the second bush rubber unit and the third bush rubber unit.
US09579940B2
A trailer hitch system for equalizing trailer loads and reducing trailer sway. The trailer hitch system may include spring bars that may extend from a hitch head. The spring bars may be attached to the trailer using rigid brackets that reduce swinging of the spring bars. The rigid brackets may include an upward extending portion for attaching to the trailer tongue, and a lateral extending portion for receiving the spring bars thereupon. Pins may be utilized to secure the spring bars on the lateral extending portion of the brackets. The pins may each include a spring loaded clip that is rotatably between an unlocked position and a locked position.
US09579937B2
A tire management system for a truck or trailer having an axle having a first tire mounted thereto, the system having an air pressure supply connected to the tire so as to allow sealed communication of pressurized air between the air pressure supply and the first tire, and a first pilot-operated check valve in sealed fluid communication with the air pressure supply and with the first tire, the first pilot-operated check valve being configured to allow air to flow only from the air pressure supply to the first tire when a pilot of the first pilot check valve is not activated, and to allow air to flow between the first tire and the air pressure supply when the pilot of the first pilot-operated check valve is activated.
US09579934B2
A pneumatic tire has a conductive portion formed by a conductive rubber is provided in the tread rubber formed by a nonconductive rubber. The conductive portion has an outer skin portion and a projection portion. The outer skin portion is formed on a surface of the tread rubber, and extends to an inner side in a tire width direction from a side surface of the tread rubber so as to terminate at a position which goes beyond a contact end. The projection portion spirally extends from a position in an outer side than contact end so as to reach a position in an inner side in the tire width direction than the contact end, and protrudes to an inner side in a tire diametrical direction from the outer skin portion so as to terminate without reaching a bottom surface of the tread rubber.
US09579932B2
[Object] To provide a pneumatic tire 82 which is excellent in durability.[Solution] A tire 2 includes a tread 4, wings 6, sidewalls 8, clinch portions 10, beads 12, a carcass 14, support layers 16, a belt 18, a band 20, an inner liner 22, and chafers 24. Dimples 62 are formed on the sidewall 8 that is at an inner side in a width direction of a vehicle when the tire is mounted on the vehicle. No dimples 62 are formed on the sidewall 8 that is at an outer side in the width direction of the vehicle when the tire is mounted on the vehicle. The ratio (Ha/Hb) of a height Ha at an outer end 52, in a radial direction, of the bead 12 from a base line BL relative to a height Hb at a maximum width position Pmax from the base line is equal to or greater than 0.80 but equal to or less than 1.10.
US09579928B2
The invention relates to a rim for a bicycle wheel comprising an annular body with sidewalls wherein at least one sidewall includes a brake track configured to cooperate with a bicycle brake pad. The brake track includes a groove that extends along a helically shaped path.
US09579924B2
In the method for manufacturing embossing rollers for a device for embossing packaging materials that comprises a set of at least two embossing rollers of which one is driven, and whereby the embossing roller set comprises a male roller having a male surface structure including structural elements and/or logo structures and a female roller having a female surface structure that is associated to the surface structure of the male roller for the common embossing operation with the male roller, the female surface structure is produced independently of a previously produced or physically pre-existing associated male surface structure. Along with a high embossing accuracy, this allows creating a very large variety of embossing structures, on one hand, and using a very large number of the most diverse materials, on the other hand, as well as reducing transverse tensions in the embossed material.
US09579919B2
According to an embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet. A heat source heats the sheet at a control temperature according to a job type. A storage unit includes a job queue that registers jobs in a received order. When a plurality of jobs that differ in the control temperature are registered in the job queue, a controller groups the jobs registered in the job queue into job groups according to the control temperature. The controller also changes an execution order of the job groups in the job queue into the ascending order of the control temperature of the heat source, and executes the jobs registered in the job queue according to the changed order.
US09579912B2
A device for cooling a sheet includes a conveyance path for the sheet between a first unit and a second unit. The conveyance path is formed of guide plates arranged in an opposed manner and through which the sheet is conveyed. A cooling unit cools the sheet which passes through the conveyance path, the cooling unit including at least one fan that supplies cooling air generally along a sheet conveying direction. At least one slit is formed in each of the guide plates. At least one introduction wall extends from one of the guide plates and guides cooling air from the at least one fan through the at least one slit and into the conveyance path.
US09579911B2
A sweep speed is determined for sweeping a printer head of a printer across a print medium for printing a swath of an image on the print medium. A distance by which to advance the print medium is at least partially determined in accordance with the determined sweep speed and the print medium is advanced by the determined distance.
US09579909B2
An image recording device includes a recording unit, a feeding mechanism, a guide member, and a lock portion. The feeding mechanism is configured to feed a first feeding object along a feeding path. The feeding path has a straight path and a curved path. The recording unit faces the straight path. The guide member defines the curved path and is rotatable between an exposed position and a closed position. The lock portion is movable between a locked position at which the guide member is locked in the closed position and an unlocked position at which the lock is released. The guide member has a recess formed therein and the feeding mechanism further feeds a second feeding object to the recess along the straight path. When the second feeding object is disposed in the recess, the lock portion is disposed at the locked position.
US09579904B1
A system for transferring a marking material from a ribbon to a substrate is provided. The ribbon has a marking material and a tie layer. The system includes a ribbon take-up device; a ribbon supply source that supplies the ribbon to the ribbon take-up device such that the ribbon is moved in a process direction; a first laser beam source configured to project a laser beam onto the ribbon to define an edge outline to a pattern of a marking portion of the marking material of the ribbon, the marking portion being a portion of the marking material of the ribbon that is to be transferred to the substrate, the first laser beam source being configured to create a weakening of the edge outline; and a heating unit configured to melt the tie layer of the ribbon at the marking portion, the melting taking place at a location where the ribbon is in contact with the substrate, the heating unit being configured to melt the tie layer such that the marking portion transfers to the substrate.
US09579901B2
An object is to improve a user's convenience. There is provided a control unit for use in a liquid ejecting apparatus using a tank containing a liquid and a storage material attachable to and detachable from the liquid ejecting apparatus, and storing an amount of the liquid in the tank. After the storage material is not mounted on a predetermined place, the control unit receives an answer for a question to ask whether or not the liquid is injected to the tank.
US09579897B1
An image recording apparatus includes: an ink-jet head including an energy applier that causes ejection of ink; a medium supplier that supplies a recording medium; a first sensor provided on a supply path through which the recording medium is to be supplied to the ink-jet head by the medium supplier; and a controller. The controller controls the energy applier to perform first preparatory driving including flushing before the ink-jet head performs image recording. The controller controls the energy applier to perform second preparatory driving including the flushing or ink agitation driving after the first preparatory driving and detection of the recording medium by the first sensor. The controller controls the energy applier to perform the second preparatory driving in accordance with an elapsed time extending from an input of a recording command to the detection of the recording medium by the first sensor.
US09579895B2
A liquid jet head has a head chip which ejects liquid droplets, a nozzle plate in contact with a lower surface of the head chip, a flexible circuit board in contact with the lower surface of the head chip, and a bending member in direct contact with the flexible circuit board and configured to bend the flexible circuit board along a lower corner of the head chip. The nozzle plate and the flexible circuit board contact the lower surface of the head chip in the same plane thereby saving space to enable downsizing of the liquid jet head.
US09579892B2
A liquid droplet ejecting head includes a vibrating plate on which a first terminal group having first and second terminals and a second terminal group having third and fourth terminals are formed, a reservoir forming substrate which has a first wiring forming portion having first and second inclined surfaces and a second wiring forming portion having third and fourth inclined surfaces, a first wiring which is formed on the first inclined surface and is electrically connected to the first terminal, a second wiring which is formed on the second inclined surface and is electrically connected to the second terminal, a third wiring which is formed on the third inclined surface and is electrically connected to the third terminal, and a fourth wiring which is formed on the fourth inclined surface and is electrically connected to the fourth terminal.
US09579890B2
A printhead for a printer has actuating elements for ejecting fluid, and a drive circuit for selectively applying a drive waveform having several slopes, to an actuating element, according to a print signal. A resulting printhead has a lesser sensitivity to changes of slew rate in one slope of the drive waveform than a sensitivity to change in another. The drive circuit has a variable resistance circuit, and a control circuit to control the variable resistance circuit to adjust a slew rate of the slope of lesser sensitivity according to a trim signal. By making the adjustment less sensitive, the trim signal and trim control can have more relaxed tolerances, thus can employ simpler, cheaper circuitry.
US09579880B2
In a screen printing apparatus including: an impression cylinder that receives a sheet from a transfer cylinder located upstream in the sheet transport direction through a sheet gripping device and transports the sheet held in the sheet gripping device; and a rotary screen cylinder that is in contact with the impression cylinder and performs screen printing for the sheet held by the impression cylinder, the transfer cylinder is located above the impression cylinder, and the rotary screen cylinder is located to the side of the impression cylinder so that ink, varnish, or the like accumulates in a squeegee portion including a squeegee shaft, a squeegee, and the like in the rotary screen cylinder.
US09579868B2
Prepregs having a UV curable resin layer located adjacent to a first thermally curable resin layer or sandwiched between first and second thermally curable resin layers wherein the UV curable resin layer is uncured or partially cured as well as methods for preparing laminates using the prepregs wherein the laminate includes at least one UV curable resin encapsulated electrical component.
US09579862B2
A method for manufacturing a vehicle seat component includes a first step of integrating a cushion member and an upholstery member together during molding of the cushion member, and a second step of forming a flow passage through which air passes from a back surface of the cushion member toward the upholstery member.
US09579859B2
The disclosure relates to a molding element of a mold for molding and vulcanizing a tire tread, this tread comprising a tread surface intended to come into contact with the ground when the said tire is running. The molding element includes a rib for molding a groove in the tire tread, the rib being a rounded end.
US09579851B2
Various embodiments related to three dimensional printers, and reinforced filaments, and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, a void free reinforced filament is fed into an conduit nozzle. The reinforced filament includes a core, which may be continuous or semi-continuous, and a matrix material surrounding the core. The reinforced filament is heated to a temperature greater than a melting temperature of the matrix material and less than a melting temperature of the core prior to applying the filament from the conduit nozzle.
US09579850B2
A method and apparatus is presented. The apparatus comprises a parts library, a database, and a parts management system. The parts library is configured to store a plurality of part definition files. The database is configured to store entries identifying a printing of parts using the plurality of part definition files. The parts management system is configured to receive a request for a part definition file in the parts library, identify the part definition file in the plurality of part definition files in the parts library, receive an indication of a printing of a part using the part definition file, and store an entry identifying the printing of the part using the part definition file in the database.
US09579841B2
A blow molding device, having: a mold; a blow nozzle tightly communicating with a mouth tubular part of a preform when the preform fitted in the mold; and a stretch rod, the blow molding device imparting shape to a container by longitudinally stretching the preform by means of the stretch rod and stretching the preform into an expanded shape by means of a pressurized liquid fed, via the blow nozzle, from a pressurized liquid feeding part separately provided, in which the blow nozzle has a support part for supporting the posture of the stretch rod, and a filling head part communicating with the mouth tubular part of the preform, the filling head part having a feed channel formed therein in the axial direction; and the support part and the filling head part are configured to be detachably coupled to each other in the vertical direction.
US09579839B2
A method and apparatus for extrusion of an article is provided. A die assembly can apply flows of thermoplastic material to an array of reinforcing cables to form a composite extrusion. A slider fabric can be bonded to one side of the composite extrusion. After exiting the die assembly, the slider fabric can act to support the extrudate as it passes along an elongate mandrel, which can cause the base of the slider fabric to change shape from a flat profile to the final internal profile of the article. The extruded article can then be cooled to solidify the material. The die can include cooling for the slider fabric and means for promoting penetration of the thermoplastic into reinforcing cables.
US09579835B2
A mold tool has a first mold part with a first side forming a first surface, a nozzle exposed on the first side of the first mold part, and a locating ring mounted to the first mold part. The ring has a body of a metal material and a guard of a material softer than the metal material. The body has a ring shape, a perimeter surface facing radially outward, a central opening concentric with a center axis, a mounting face, and a locating face opposite the mounting face. The guard is connected to the body radially within the perimeter surface and projects axially beyond the locating face. The locating ring surrounds and exposes the nozzle. The locating ring can be mounted to the first mold part. A second mold part can be arranged in proximity to the first mold part and have a locating hole in a second surface. The mold parts can be moved toward one another until the guard contacts the second surface or enters the locating hole. The mold parts can be repositioned relative to one another until the guard and the perimeter surface align with the locating hole and then can be moved further toward one another until the locating ring seats in the locating hole and the first and second surfaces engage one another.
US09579832B2
A method of shortening cycle time required to compression mold shingle or tile is provided, wherein carrier plates are comprised of a surface material and a base, and receive a thermoplastic material, thereon. The roofing material is applied to the carrier plate and the carrier plate is subjected to induction heating, by which its surface material has its temperature raised, without substantially raising the temperature of the carrier plate base, such that the thermoplastic material applied thereto is kept heated in the compression mold. Cooling of the thermoplastic material is by heat transfer from the carrier plate surface material to the carrier plate base, and with both materials having good heat conduction capability. The carrier plate surface material has a high receptivity to being heated by induction heating relative the carrier plate base. The carrier plates are serially delivered through the process, to the compression mold.
US09579827B2
A casting apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a resin overflow container for use in casting processes, comprising: a curing accelerator for a resin in the overflow container. The resin overflow container may include a compartment arranged within the overflow container. The compartment may be adapted to release the curing accelerator after the overflow container has been at least partly filled with resin. The apparatus may also include a mold; and a drain connecting the mold and the overflow container or being part of an overflow container outlet for drawing off resin of the overflow container.
US09579825B2
Methods and systems for imaging and cutting semiconductor wafers and other microelectronic device substrates are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for singulating microelectronic devices from a substrate includes an X-ray imaging system having an X-ray source spaced apart from an X-ray detector. The X-ray source can emit a beam of X-rays through the substrate and onto the X-ray detector, and X-ray detector can generate an X-ray image of at least a portion of the substrate. A method in accordance with another embodiment includes detecting spacing information for irregularly spaced dies of a semiconductor workpiece. The method can further include automatically controlling a process for singulating the dies of the semiconductor workpiece, based at least in part on the spacing information. For example, individual dies can be singulated from a workpiece via non-straight line cuts and/or multiple cutter passes.
US09579823B2
A bag is used to provide an admixture for a hydraulic composition, wherein a wall of the bag includes a layer, the layer including a water-soluble polymer, and wherein an admixture is present in the wall of the bag.
US09579822B2
A slurry distributor for use in a continuous manufacturing process includes an inlet opening and a shaped duct adapted to receive a flow of slurry provided at the inlet opening. The shaped duct has a parabolic guide surface adapted to redirect the flow of slurry. An outlet opening in fluid communication with the shaped duct is adapted to discharge the flow of slurry from the slurry distributor.
US09579821B2
Means for dispensing a powdery coloring substance onto the surface of a mix comprising stone, stone-like, glass or ceramic material. The means comprise at least one dispensing device for containing and dispensing a powdery coloring substance and at least one spreading device. The spreading device comprises at least one moving perforated plate which receives a metered amount of said coloring substance from the dispensing device and distributes it over the surface of the mix.
US09579819B2
An extrudate transport apparatus comprises a free floating roller assembly, wherein the roller assembly controls a rotational pitch of a cylindrical green ceramic extrudate as the green ceramic extrudate moves longitudinally from a first location to a second location within the extrudate transport apparatus. The free floating roller assembly has a predetermined effective weight and comprises a contact roller having a deformable outer surface for frictionally contacting an outer surface of the green ceramic extrudate in motion adjacent thereto, while maintaining a constant contact force upon said green ceramic extrudate.
US09579817B1
A process for staining wood, preferably unfinished wood, and/or wood articles from which the finish has been removed, with a stain (oil or water based) containing a plurality of fluorescent dyes and/or pigment, by treating the wood with a bleach to substantially reduce the contrast between the heartwood and sapwood features of the wood grain thereof to the desired degree, and staining the bleached wood with a stain formulation containing a plurality of fluorescent dye or pigment, wherein each fluorescent dye or pigment are absorbed into the wood and produce a uniquely colored stained wood product. The staining process can be repeated, as desired, to attain the stained wood object having a distinctive wood product, in visible light, and a distinctive wood product having a, fluorescent monochromatic appearance, in the absence of visible light. In each instance the color of the stain shall appear in varying intensity depending upon the uptake thereof in the heartwood or the sapwood.
US09579808B2
A pocket cutter knife with a retractable cutting blade that is operated via a blade control unit. The blade control unit includes a thumb slider switch, a blade carrier, and a tension component that are operably connected to extend and retract a cutting blade that is held by the blade carrier. The pocket cutter may also include a magnet retained within the body shell of the pocket cutter.
US09579805B2
A brake device of a robot arm utilizes a brake disc whose diameter is much larger than a diameter of a ratchet for increasing a contacting area of the brake disc, so as to generate a greater friction force. The brake device further utilizes a combining pin, a combining plate, and a plurality of guiding pins for transferring a rotating torque to the brake device having a larger diameter, so as to extend a moment arm of the friction force and generate a greater moment, which reduces a prepressing force and extends life of the brake device.
US09579803B2
A rotary motor includes a rotor and at least one stator. The rotor has a shaft. The stator has an iron core and a coil wound around the iron core. A cross section of the iron core perpendicular to the shaft has a long axis and a short axis, and the rotor is disposed on an extension line of the long axis.
US09579801B2
Disclosed is a tactile sensing and integrated vision system that surmounts problems of existing systems. The tactile sensing skin can be formed into any shape, size, or form factor, including large areas. Computer-implemented algorithms can detect position-orientation and force-torque at landmark points for a given object set. The result is a modular sensing system that is highly scalable in terms of price, quantity, size and applications. Such skin technology and associated software can comprise a sensing package that integrates tactile and visual data with accompanying software for state estimation, situational awareness, and automatic control of machinery. The addition of tactile data can serve to constrain and/or augment visual pose estimation methods as well as provide pose estimation to visually occluded objects.
US09579793B2
The invention relates to a robot and a method for controlling a robot. The distance between an object and the robot and/or the derivative thereof or a first motion of the object is detected by means of a non-contact distance sensor arranged in or on a robot arm of the robot and/or on or in an end effector fastened on the robot arm. The robot arm is moved based on the first motion detected by means of the distance sensor, a target force or a target torque to be applied by the robot is determined based on the distance detected between the object and the robot, and/or a function of the robot or a parameterization of a function of the robot is triggered based on the first motion detected and/or a target distance between the object and the robot and/or the derivative thereof detected by means of the distance sensor.
US09579787B2
The invention concerns a method of programming an industrial robot, exhibiting the steps of selecting a program command, the assigned rigidity parameter of which is to be verified, changed and/or saved in the program mode; moving the manipulator arm into a test pose, in which the industrial robot is configured and/or arranged to manually touch and/or move the manipulator arm; and the automatic actuation of the manipulator arm by the control device such that the manipulator arm in the test pose exhibits the rigidity corresponding to the assigned rigidity parameter of the selected program command. The invention further concerns an industrial robot, exhibiting a control device designed and/or configured to execute such a method.
US09579777B2
An impact type fastening tool, has a housing, a motor received in the housing, a main switch for controlling ON and OFF operations of the motor, an impact mechanism connected to the motor, and a control device. The control device comprises a current detecting module and a main control module connected to the current detecting module. The main control module can judge whether the impact mechanism performs an impact according to the signal detected by the current detecting module and control the motor to automatically stop in a preset time period after the impact mechanism performs an impact.
US09579771B2
Rotary tools configured to sand components and accommodate complex geometries thereof are provided. The rotary tools may include a rotary head and a shaft. Bristles and an abrasive material may be coupled to the abrasive material. The rotary tools may additionally include outlets configured to receive a flow of coolant to cool the rotary tool. A system configured to convert a flood coolant system to a through spindle coolant system is also provided. The system may include a hollow shaft with inlets and a redirector therein. A flow receptor may include scoops that receive coolant sprayed from a flood coolant system and direct the coolant through the inlets in the hollow shaft. Thereby, the coolant may contact the redirector and be directed downward through the hollow shaft to a rotary tool, such as the rotary tool described above.
US09579769B2
Provided is a polishing composition, which comprises abrasive grains, a water-soluble polymer, an aggregation inhibitor and water. The ratio R1/R2 is 1.3 or less, where R1 represents the average particle diameter of the particles present in the polishing composition and R2 represents the average particle diameter of the abrasive grains when the abrasive grains are dispersed in water at the same concentration as that of the abrasive grains in the polishing composition. The polishing composition can be used mainly for polishing the surface of a silicon substrate.
US09579764B1
Systems and methods for treating concrete, which includes the steps of wetting a surface of concrete with a colloidal silica; cutting the softened surface to provide a cut surface; and polishing the cut surface.
US09579760B2
The invention relates to a machine (10) for machining and/or measuring a workpiece (49). Machine (10) has a machine frame (18), a first transverse member (24) which is rotatably mounted by means of a first round guide (25) about a first rotational axis (D1) on the machine frame (18) and on which a tool unit (11) with a tool (13, 14) is arranged, where the tool (13, 14) is arranged at a distance from the first rotational axis (D1). Machine (10) also has a second transverse member (40) which is rotatably mounted by means of a second round guide (41) about a second rotational axis (D2) on the machine frame (18), and on which a workpiece clamping device (12) is arranged at a distance from the second rotational axis (D2). The two rotational axis (D1, D2) are aligned parallel to one another.
US09579759B2
A method of supporting a workpiece on a fixture, the workpiece having a first surface and an opposite second surface, and an aperture positioned at a center of the first surface and extending from the first surface to the second surface the fixture having a first end, an opposite second end, and a center portion, the center portion comprising a supporting surface, the second end being adapted to be mounted in a lathe, the supporting surface comprising an annular recess, the annular recess accommodating a supporting medium, the second surface of the workpiece being in intimate contact with the supporting medium, the method comprising the steps of: (i) mounting the fixture in the lathe; (ii) locating the aperture on the first end of the fixture; and (iii) securing the workpiece on the fixture, with the second surface of the workpiece being coplanar with the supporting surface of the fixture.
US09579754B2
A method may include thermally joining at least one of a non-round functional component to a shaft and a cam to a camshaft, elastically compressing the functional component during introduction of a round through-opening, and creating a through-opening which is not round when the functional component is unstressed and at least minimizes an asymmetrical deformation of the shaft after the thermal joining of the functional component to the shaft.
US09579753B2
Support device (20) meant to bear in supporting fashion on one or more work pieces in connection with friction stir welding, comprising: A holder unit (30), a first support wheel (40) which can be rotated relative to the holder unit about a first rotational axis (R1), and a second support wheel (50) which can be rotated relative to the holder unit around a second rotational axis (R2) which is parallel to the said first rotational axis, a support body (60) connected with the holder unit which is situated between support wheels and exhibits a support surface (61) turned outward, and an endless flexible metal belt (21), which runs in a loop over the outer peripheral surfaces (41, 51) of the support wheels, and is in sliding contact with the support surface of the support device, wherein the support devices are shaped to provide support as they bear on one or more work pieces with the outer peripheral surfaces of the support wheel, and with the support surface of the support body resting against the work pieces via the metal belt. The invention also provides a backing arrangement comprising such a support device.
US09579751B2
In a stick electrode for electric arc welding having a center alloy wire and an outer cellulose coating which coating includes powdered fluxing agents, alloy powder, cellulose powder and a binder. The improvement involves forming the binder as a solution of sodium silicate and 61-78 percent by weight of the binder. The binder comprises 25-35% of the coating to produce at least about 4% by weight of water in the electrode. Furthermore, the fluxing agent is titanium dioxide with a percentage greater than 12 percent of the coating.
US09579748B2
Substrates and methods to fabricate and use millimeter wave Sievenpiper EBG structures such that the conductive portions are internal to an LTCC package.
US09579745B2
Systems and methods for enhancing performance of a microphone are disclosed. An airflow control system may include a block-shaped structure and an airflow impedance element residing within a cavity of the block-shaped structure. The airflow impedance element may be formed by filling the cavity with a plurality of pre-processed airflow impedance elements and sintering these elements, and may include a plurality of non-linear pathways. The plurality non-linear pathways may both impede airflow therethrough (e.g., when a force exerted by the airflow exceeds a predetermined amount) and pass sound that may match a frequency response of a microphone without substantially affecting the amplitude and frequency characteristics of the sound.
US09579722B1
A method and apparatus for generating transpiration cooling using an oxidized porous HTA layer metallurgically bonded to a substrate having micro-channel architectures. The method and apparatus generates a porous HTA layer by spreading generally spherical HTA powder particles on a substrate, partially sintering under O2 vacuum until the porous HTA layer exhibits a porosity between 20% and 50% and a neck size ratio between 0.1 and 0.5, followed by a controlled oxidation generating an oxidation layer of alumina, chromia, or silica at a thickness of about 20 to about 500 nm. In particular embodiments, the oxidized porous HTA layer and the substrate comprise Ni as a majority element. In other embodiments, the oxidized porous HTA layer and the substrate further comprise Al, and in additional embodiments, the oxidized porous HTA layer and the substrate comprise γ-Ni+γ′-Ni3Al.
US09579720B2
An injection mold for rotary-type gravity casting and a gravity casting method using the same are provided. The injection mold includes a molten metal-supply chamber that is selectively coupled to a die. The molten metal-supply chamber is also configured to, during gravity casting along with rotation, supply a pure molten metal into the die while collecting impurities contained in the molten metal and preventing the ingress of the impurities into the die.
US09579718B2
Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention fabricate objects including amorphous metals using techniques akin to additive manufacturing. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating an object that includes an amorphous metal includes: applying a first layer of molten metallic alloy to a surface; cooling the first layer of molten metallic alloy such that it solidifies and thereby forms a first layer including amorphous metal; subsequently applying at least one layer of molten metallic alloy onto a layer including amorphous metal; cooling each subsequently applied layer of molten metallic alloy such that it solidifies and thereby forms a layer including amorphous metal prior to the application of any adjacent layer of molten metallic alloy; where the aggregate of the solidified layers including amorphous metal forms a desired shape in the object to be fabricated; and removing at least the first layer including amorphous metal from the surface.
US09579716B2
An production apparatus of a semi-solidified metal has a vessel and a cooling device. The vessel into which a liquid-state metal material M is poured has a hollow member which is opened in up and down directions, and a bottom member which can close the lower opening of the hollow member and can be separated from the hollow member. The cooling device can cool the bottom member more than the hollow member.
US09579710B2
A self-furring welded wire mesh for reinforcing generally planar concrete and stucco structures is formed of a matrix of longitudinally and transversely extending wires disposed about a first common plane and welded together at their intersections. A selected plurality of the longitudinally extending wires each define a plurality of generally V-shaped spacing furrs therein extending generally perpendicular to the first plane with the bottoms of the furrs being disposed in a second plane spaced from the first plane a distance substantially equal to one-half of the predetermined thickness of the concrete panel. The spacing furrs in the selected longitudinally extending wires are located so as to be longitudinally and transversely staggered along the mesh. The spacing furrs are formed by pushing portions of the selected longitudinal wire perpendicular to the axis of the wires while holding an upstream portion thereof in a fixed disposition so as to form these without damaging or thinning the wires along the spacing furrs.
US09579708B2
Expansion head for expansion tools for hollow workpieces, particularly for the ends of plastic pipes and metal-plastic composite pipes, comprising a union cap with a radially inwardly oriented guide flange, and a set of sector-shaped expandable jaws, each of which is individually received in the union cap in a radially movable manner by an inner flange sector that overlaps with the guide flange, the set of sector-shaped expandable jaws being movable between a closed state and an expansion state, and an approximately cylindrical lateral surface being embodied in the closed state by the outer wall of the expandable jaws, wherein the outer wall has at least one recess and/or raised area extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the expandable jaws.
US09579707B2
A work processing apparatus upwardly turns a wrist of a vertical articulated robot to retract a hand that is holding a work to a position where the hand and work do not interfere with a press brake. In this state, an engaging projection arranged at a front end of an upper arm or at the wrist is inserted into an engaging hole of a lower die of the press brake and the vertical articulated robot is operated to move the lower die along a groove of a die holder.
US09579702B2
A roller for forming heat transfer elements may include a central shaft and a plurality of roller elements. The plurality of roller elements may be stacked on the central shaft. Each roller element defines an outer periphery, which is configured to include a geometrical characteristic thereacross. The stacked roller elements, either stacked on the central shaft or stacked without using the central shaft, configures the roller with a circumferential surface corresponding to the geometrical characteristic of the stacked roller elements, to form the heat transfer elements corresponding to the circumferential surface.
US09579701B2
A steel having a predetermined composition is hot-rolled so as to form a steel strip, the steel strip is subjected to first cold-rolling, the steel strip is subjected to intermediate annealing, the steel strip is subjected to second cold-rolling, and the steel strip is subjected to finish annealing. A finish temperature in the hot-rolling is 900° C. or less, annealing is not performed between the hot-rolling and the first cold-rolling, and a rolling reduction in the second cold-rolling is not less than 40% nor more than 85%.
US09579698B2
Reversibly switchable (transformable) surface layer changeable from (super)hydrophobic to (super)hydrophilic surface states are described. Methods of decontamination of surfaces exposed to contaminate are provided. The reversibly switchable properties of the surface layer can be controlled by an external stimulus.
US09579693B2
Disclosed are a method and a system (1) for arranging a plurality of articles moved in at least one mass flow (M1, M2). Articles designed identically in respect of an allocation feature (A, B, C) are fed to a separate buffer station (P1, P2, P3) from the at least one mass flow (M1, M2) and stored in the buffer station (P1, P2, P3). A specified compilation (Z1, Z2) of articles is then formed wherein stored articles are removed from one or more of the buffer stations (P1, P2, P3) in consideration of the specified compilation (Z1, Z2) and forwarded and/or guided to a handling station (10) in a defined sequence and/or arrangement.
US09579690B2
Apparatus including: a face including a first surface electrode and a second insulated surface electrode; and a controller configured to apply a time varying potential difference between the first surface electrode and the second insulated surface electrode and configured to control at least the time variation in the potential difference.
US09579687B2
A multistage syringe includes a first barrel, a second barrel, a second barrel seal assembly, and a plunger assembly. The first barrel includes a first barrel channel and the second barrel includes a second barrel channel. The first barrel couples to the second barrel such that the first barrel channel aligns with the second barrel channel along a central axis. The plunger assembly includes a plunger coupled to a plunger handle. The plunger slidably couples with the first barrel channel along the central axis and the second barrel seal assembly slidably couples with the second barrel channel along the central axis. The plunger and the second barrel seal assembly cooperate to maintain a seal as the plunger transitions between a distal end of the multistage syringe and a proximal end of the multistage syringe.
US09579678B2
Systems and methods related to dispensing fluid and controlling a dispensing operation. The system includes a fluid dispenser including an inlet and an outlet, the dispenser being operable to start and stop the flow of the fluid from the outlet onto a substrate. A fluid supply reservoir adapted to hold the fluid, and having an outlet coupled in fluid communication with the inlet of the fluid dispenser to establish a flow path for the fluid between the fluid supply reservoir and the outlet of the fluid dispenser. The fluid supply reservoir further includes a pneumatic input coupled to an air flow path adapted to receive pressurized air for forcing the fluid from the outlet of the reservoir. An electronic air mass flow meter device is operatively coupled to the air flow path to produce electrical output signals proportional to the mass flow rate of the air flowing through the pneumatic input. Components and methods are provided to accurately determine the volume of the fluid in the reservoir, and to set the stroke length of a valve used in the system.
US09579677B2
In order to prevent the buildup of residual damaged microcapsules within a dispenser, the dispensers described herein are customized to allow for a flushing of the components of the mixture in order to remove any residual microcapsules that have come into contact with the volatile solvent.
US09579672B2
A dispenser device for dispensing a fluid or powder composition, including a dispenser outlet, an air expeller, and a reservoir containing a dose of a composition. The reservoir includes an air inlet connected to the air expeller, and a composition outlet connected to the dispenser outlet. The air inlet includes a composition retainer member for retaining the composition in the reservoir until the composition is dispensed, and the composition outlet being closed by a closure element that is force fitted in the composition outlet of the reservoir. The device includes a mechanical opening system that co-operates with the closure element so as to expel it mechanically from its closed position while the device is actuated. The closure element is an element that is not spherical, including a rounded portion, in particular a hemi-spherical portion, that faces towards the inside of the reservoir in the closed position.
US09579669B2
The present disclosure introduces a nozzle apparatus and method. In one embodiment, a spray nozzle apparatus is described. The spray nozzle apparatus includes a plurality of flow channels formed by the combination of a: sprayhead, a major element, and a minor element. The sprayhead may have a plurality of holes. The major element is retained within the sprayhead by a nozzle nut and spring, allowing a first annular gap to form between the sprayhead and the major element. The minor element is retained within the major element by a second nozzle nut and second spring, allowing a second annular gap to form between the major element and the minor element. The minor element may have an axial hole. Other embodiments also are described.
US09579668B2
A spray nozzle assembly (10) comprising a cap (30) which houses an inner assembly of nozzle inserts (40). The cap (30) is threadably engaged by complementary threads (31, 21) to a nozzle body (20). The nozzle body (20) and the cap (30) are therefore able to be mated in a controllable axially compressive relationship in which the threadable connection enables a large amount of finely controlled axial tensile or compressive force to be applied in either moving the cap (30) and nozzle body towards each other or away. It should be noted, however, that seat (70) restrict the extent of axial travel of the screwable parts (20, 30, 40) relative to and towards each other. This facility enables strong unwanted adhesive forces of glue-like or set flowable material to be broken so that the cap (30), insert assembly (40) and nozzle body (20) can be moved apart for servicing.
US09579662B2
A particle charging method and apparatus are provided. An ion source is applied to a particle laden flow. The flow is introduced into a container in a laminar manner. The container has at least a first section, a second section and a third section. The first section includes wetted walls at a first temperature. A second section adjacent to the first section has wetted walls at a second temperature T2 greater than the first temperature T1. A third section adjacent to the second section has dry walls provided at a temperature T3 equal to or greater than T2. Additional water removal and temperature conditioning sections may be provided.
US09579661B2
Nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus for measuring properties of a fluid stream flowing within a pipeline has one or more magnet systems for applying magnetic field to the fluid stream and also has means for inducing and observing magnetic resonance within the fluid stream as it passes through a said magnetic field. The apparatus may also include a polarizing magnetic field upstream of the magnetic field in which resonance is observed. The fluid stream may be hydrocarbon from an underground reservoir. In order to guard against accumulation of magnetisable iron debris particles entrained in the fluid flow, the apparatus comprises one or more upstream traps having a magnetic field to attract and hold solid magnetizable material and an exit path for the removal of the solid magnetizable material so that it does not continue towards any polarizing field and the field where resonance is observed.
US09579657B2
This disclosure provides a thermocycler system for performing polymerase chain reaction. The thermocycler system can comprise a plurality of bus bars, a microplate, a clamp and a current application device in electrical communication with the bus bars. The clamp is suitable for forming a low resistance electrical connection between the microplate and an individual bus bar of the plurality of bus bars. In some instances, the clamp includes a spring-loaded pivot and a ram. Operation of the clamp forces the microplate into contact with the bus bar, or vice versa, to provide an electrical contact between the microplate and the bus bar. The microplate can comprise a substrate having a metallic material for heating samples, and a barrier layer disposed adjacent to the substrate.
US09579651B2
A biological fluid sample analysis cartridge is provided. The cartridge includes a housing, a fluid module, and an analysis chamber. The fluid module includes a sample acquisition port and an initial channel, and is connected to the housing. The initial channel is sized to draw fluid sample by capillary force, and is in fluid communication with the acquisition port. The initial channel is fixedly positioned relative to the acquisition port such that at least a portion of a fluid sample disposed within the acquisition port will draw into the initial channel. The analysis chamber is connected to the housing, and is in fluid communication with the initial channel.
US09579648B2
The present invention is a cuvette assembly for use in optically measuring at least one characteristic of particles within a plurality of liquid samples. The cuvette assembly comprises a main body having internal walls and external walls, and a plurality of cuvettes within the main body at least partially being defined by the internal walls. Each of the plurality of cuvettes has a liquid-input chamber for receiving a respective one of the plurality of liquid samples, a filter, and an optical chamber for receiving a respective filtered liquid sample caused by passing the respective one of the plurality of liquid samples through the filter. Each of the optical chambers includes an entry window for allowing transmission of an input light beam through the filtered liquid sample and an exit window for transmitting a forward scatter signal caused by the particles within the filtered liquid sample.
US09579646B2
An automated multi-function processing head for a laboratory work station having a table for supporting microtiter plates, other fluid receptacles, a movable arm, and a dual tip dispensing head affixed for reciprocal movement along the arm. The workstation combines into a single programmable system the capabilities for automation of a wide range of bioanalytical procedures including sample pipetting, serial dilution, reagent additions, mixing, reaction timing and washing of reaction vessels. The work station is adapted to transfer, dispense and aspirate liquid from one location to another automatically in accordance with user programmed instructions. Fluid is dispensed and aspirated using a dual tip dispensing head having two sets of tip couplers actuated by one drive system. The two sets of tip couplers allow the use of different sizes of pipette tips and tips at different pitches or distances between the centerlines. Integral to the dual tip dispensing head are two arrays of tip couplers that are used to pick up disposable pipette tips, which are automatically picked up by the head and ejected by a tip ejector mechanism. One motor coupled to an actuator is used to control the multiple functions including; tip coupling, fluid aspiration, fluid dispensing, and tip ejection for both arrays of pipette channels. The work station is designed for interactive connection with a remote computer.
US09579631B2
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of nanocrystalline metal oxide particles comprising the steps of a) the introduction of a starting compound into a reaction chamber by means of a carrier fluid, b) the subjecting of the starting compound in a treatment zone to a pulsating thermal treatment, c) the forming of nanocrystalline metal oxide particles, d) the removal of the nanocrystalline metal oxide particles obtained in steps b) and c) from the reactor, wherein the starting compound is introduced into the reaction chamber in the form of a solution, slurry, suspension or in solid aggregate state. Further, the present compound relates to a catalyst material, obtainable by the process according to the invention, in particular a catalyst material for use in the preparation of methanol from carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
US09579627B2
A novel microporous carbon molecular sieve may be used as the basis for carbon adsorbent pellets that have discrete areas of carbonized binder and of carbonized precursor, macropores having an average pore diameter greater than or equal to 1 micrometer and a total macroporosity of at least 30 percent, both as measured by mercury porosimetry, and micropores that are capable of selectively admitting a C2-C3 alkene and excluding a C2-C3 alkane, and a total microporosity ranging from 10 percent to 30 percent. The pellets may be prepared by pyrolyzing a pellet structure comprising a carbon forming, non-melting binder and a non-porous gel type sulfonated polystyrene precursor at a temperature ranging from 500° C. to 1000° C., under an inert atmosphere and other conditions suitable to form the described pellets. The pellets are particularly useful in pressure swing and temperature swing adsorption processes to separate C2-C3 alkane/alkene mixtures.
US09579625B2
A fluid processing assembly includes a lumen for receiving at least one inlet stream and dispensing a primary product stream, and an energizing device for supplying energy to an energizable portion of the lumen. A primary product collection assembly is in fluid communication with the lumen for receiving the primary product stream. The energizable portion is positioned exterior to the primary product collection assembly. A pressurized gas source is downstream of the lumen. The pressurized gas source supplies pressurized gas to the primary product collection assembly for pressurizing at least a portion of the primary product collection assembly and the lumen.
US09579622B2
The present invention provides microfabricated substrates and methods of conducting reactions within these substrates. The reactions occur in plugs transported in the flow of a carrier-fluid.
US09579604B2
Close-coupled catalysts (CCC) for TWC applications are disclosed. The novel CCCs are implemented using light-weighted ceramic substrates in which a thin coating employing a low loading of Iron (Fe)-activated Rhodium (Rh) material composition, with Iron loadings and an OSM of Ceria-Zirconia, are deposited onto the substrates. Different CCC samples are produced to determine and/or verify improved light-off (LO) and NOX conversion of the CCCs. Other CCC samples produced are a CCC including a standard (non-activated) Rh thin coating and a heavily loaded CCC with a single coating of Pd/Rh material composition. The CCC samples are aged under dyno-aging using the multi-mode aging cycle and their performance tested using a car engine with ports on the exhaust to measure the emissions, according to the testing protocol in the Environmental Protection Agency Federal Test Procedure 75. During testing, the thin coatings of Fe-activated Rh exhibit improved light-off and NOx conversion efficiency.
US09579591B1
A liquid filter assembly comprising a filter subassembly is inserted within an elongated tubular filter body, enclosed by a pair of end caps. The filter subassembly includes a plurality of filtration discs placed onto a tubular core and inner support member. A disc aperture is provided concentrically through each filtration disc. An outer filter support member and a central filter support member support each filtration disc. The outer filter support member engages with an interior of the elongated body and an end wall engages with the disc perimeter. The central filter support member engages with an exterior of the inner support member and an end wall engages with the peripheral edge about the filtration disc aperture. Fluid passes through the first end cap orifice, continuing through the inner support member, transferring flow through the filtration discs, returning through the inner support member, and exiting the opposite end cap orifice.
US09579587B1
An inflatable toy sword includes a handle having a proximal end and a distal end, a fan disposed in the handle for directing air toward the distal end of the handle, a power source disposed in the handle for providing power to operate the fan, and a switch coupled with the fan for selectively activating the fan. An inflatable blade has a proximal end with an opening. The proximal end of the inflatable blade is connected to the distal end of the handle. The toy sword may also generate light and sound.
US09579576B2
Apparatus and methods are provided to implement a technique for managing the response of a digital entity in a simulation to reflect its interaction with one or more players over time, such as managing a non-player character's responses to player characters in an online computer game. In the system, a computer system tracks the interaction of the digital entity with other entities and the occurrence or status of internal and external events to control how the digital entity reacts to current events and interactions.
US09579570B2
Device linking is described. In one or more implementations, data is maintained at a network service that describes characteristics of a plurality of devices that are associated with a user account of the network service. A communication is formed to be received by one of the plurality of devices that includes a portion of the data that pertains to another one of the plurality of devices and that is suitable by the receiving device to discover the other one of the plurality of devices to initiate a local network connection between the devices.
US09579569B2
A method, implemented as computer code being executed by one or more processors, in which computer game graphics for a casual, social game are shown on a display of a computing device and in which one or more of the processors are programmed such that: in the game, a player is automatically allocated lives, is only permitted to play a game if it has one or more lives left, and loses one or more lives if it fails a level; and in which a player can see which of their friends on the social network are playing, or have played, the game and the level they have reached; and in which the processor enables players who are friends on the social network to collaborate, including by sending a message to their friends, or a subset of their friends, transferring in-game assistance.
US09579558B2
A ridable kart having a front portion rotatably coupled to a rear portion. The front portion includes an inner surface that is adjacent to an outer cover portion and the two surfaces move relative to one another. The outer cover portion includes window portions or openings through which a portion of the inner surface is visible. The inner surface includes a visual feature that is visible through the window portions and the visual features moves relative to the window portions when the front portion rotates relative to the rear portion.
US09579555B2
An exercise machine rail system for improved exerciser mounting and dismounting, improved functional ergonomics, and reduced risk of exerciser injury when using an exercise machine. The exercise machine rail system generally includes either two rails in close relationship which are linked together via connectors or a singular rail. Bias members are disclosed as either extending along either outer side of the rails, internally to the rail, or underneath the rail. Due to the narrow nature of the rails used by the present invention, an exerciser is able to mount and dismount the exercise machine easily and efficiently.
US09579551B2
A shaft lock for interconnection of an elongate tubular lacrosse handle and a plastic lacrosse head. The shaft lock comprises an elastomeric insert compression-fitted inside the handle. The insert has a compressible body portion which, in an uncompressed form generally conforms to the interior walls of the handle and is defined by a plurality of co-planar ribs that span the interior walls of the handle. A hard screw-anchor is embedded within the elastomer insert, and the insert is anchored inside the handle by at least one screw threaded through the handle into the screw-anchor from top-to-bottom, the screw(s) engaging the screw anchor and compressing it against the elastomeric insert. The threaded engagement of the screw(s) through the wall of the handle and into the screw-anchor compresses the elastomeric insert, maintaining a constant tension against the screw(s) and against the interior walls of the handle. This avoids loosening and/or dislodgement as a result of impact or vibration, and resists the threads of the screw from stripping either the handle wall(s) or the insert as a result of torque or other stress.
US09579546B2
Golf balls having a very high positive gradient multilayer core are provided. The multilayer core includes an outer core layer and a very soft, low compression inner core layer. The inner core layer is formed from an unfoamed composition and has a center hardness that is at least 40 Shore C points less than the outer surface hardness of the outer core layer.
US09579545B2
A rock climbing anchor and related methods are described. The climbing anchor comprises a body and a base member or skeleton. The body allows for traditional lead climbing protection to be placed and secured. The body can be molded around the skeleton. The skeleton serves to support the body against large forces generated by a falling climber, and to act as a secondary safety measure against a fall. Various scenarios or arrangements can be provided or created on a climbing wall to train a climber or give a climber a variety of experiences.
US09579544B2
An exercise machine includes a desk connected to a frame of the exercise machine. The desk has a first control module on a first side of the desk. The exercise machine also has a second control module located off of a first side of the desk.
US09579532B2
Provided among other things is a breach or contamination indicating elastomeric article for indicating a breach or contamination by a selected chemical or group of chemicals, the article having an exterior and interior and comprising: (a) an interior elastomeric layer selected to resist permeation by the selected chemical(s), which interior layer is colored; and (b) a contiguous or dis-contiguous indicating layer comprising solid particles of hydrophobic dye effective to provide enhanced color on contacting hexane, cyclohexane, xylene, ethyl ether, butyl acetate, MIBK, methanol, acetonitrile and acetic acid; wherein the distribution of the indicating layer provides for a visually noticeable color change against the background of the colored interior elastomeric layer upon a breach or contamination event by a selected chemical.
US09579530B2
A quint configuration fire apparatus includes a chassis, a pump and a water tank coupled to the chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, a single rear axle coupled to a rear end of the chassis, and a ladder assembly having an end that is coupled to the chassis. The ladder assembly includes a first section, a second section, a third section, and a fourth section, a pad slidably coupling the first section to the second section, the pad defining a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface, and a resilient member coupling the pad to a bracket. The first engagement surface is spaced an offset distance from the second engagement surface. The bracket is positioned to support the pad such that the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface contact the second section and transfer loading along the ladder assembly.
US09579528B2
The present invention relates to the field of perfumery and concerns the use as perfuming ingredient of ketones of formula wherein n represents 0, 1 or 2, m represents 0, 1 or 2, the dotted lines represent only single bonds or one double bond and two single bonds, R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group, said R1 group being located at any of the position of the cyclic moiety, R2 represents a C1-C3 O-alkyl or O-alkenyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted ethylene or cyclopropyl group. Said compounds are useful to impart a clean and natural fruity, pineapple odor type. The present invention concerns also the compositions or articles containing said compounds (I) as well as some of said compounds (I).
US09579525B2
The invention comprises a multi-axis charged particle irradiation method and apparatus. The multi-axis controls includes separate or independent control of one or more of horizontal position, vertical position, energy control, and intensity control of the charged particle irradiation beam. Optionally, the charged particle beam is additionally controlled in terms of timing. Timing is coordinated with patient respiration and/or patient rotational positioning. Combined, the system allows multi-axis and multi-field charged particle irradiation of tumors yielding precise and accurate irradiation dosages to a tumor with distribution of harmful proximal distal energy about the tumor.
US09579524B2
A flexible, multi-lumen brachytherapy device includes a plurality of loose lumens extend through a hub towards a single point of attachment at a distal rigid section. Because the lumens are attached at only a single distal location, the lumens are free to move axially and rotatably, thereby increasing the overall flexibility of the device to thereby decrease intermittent device movement while increasing patient comfort. A novel keyed stylet can be selectively inserted to increase the rigidity of the device as needed. The ability to dynamically modify the rigidity of the brachytherapy device provides a comprehensive brachytherapy solution that satisfies concerns of the patient, the surgeon and the radiologists.
US09579517B2
An implantable medical device includes a low-power circuit, a high-power circuit, and a dual-cell power source. The power source is coupled to a transformer having first and second primary windings, each of which is selectively coupled to the power source and a plurality of secondary windings that are magnetically coupled to the first and second primary windings. The plurality of secondary windings are interlaced along a length of each of the secondary windings. Each of the plurality of secondary transformer windings is coupled to a capacitor, and the capacitors are all connected in a series configuration. The low power circuit is coupled to the power source and issues a control signal to control the delivery of charge from the power source to the plurality of capacitors through the first and second transformers.
US09579509B2
Subject matter such as a method or apparatus can include an implantable antenna assembly, comprising a dielectric shell including first and second substantially parallel outer face portions, and a third outer face portion extending between the first and second portions, a spiral conductor extending along the first, second, and third portions on a surface of the dielectric shell. The dielectric shell and spiral conductor can be configured to be mechanically attached to a dielectric compartment, such as configured to be coupled to a housing of an implantable medical device. In an example, the implantable antenna assembly is configured to be electrically coupled to an implantable telemetry circuit configured to wirelessly transfer information electromagnetically using the implantable telemetry antenna, such as included as a portion of an implantable medical device.
US09579507B2
A system for decreasing the blood flow of a targeted organ in case of bleeding or a medical requirement includes an integrated electrostimulator and a subsystem.
US09579501B2
Various embodiments concern implanting a lead to directly stimulate the bundle of His. Various embodiments can include introducing a curve of an outer guide catheter into the right ventricle, extending a curve of an inner guide catheter from a lumen of the outer guide catheter, extending a fixation element on a distal tip of an anchor wire from a lumen the inner guide catheter, and anchoring the anchor wire to target tissue within the right ventricle, the target tissue along the septal wall and proximate the tricuspid valve and the bundle of His. A distal tip of an implantable lead with a lumen can then be advanced over the anchor wire to the target tissue as the anchor wire guides the distal tip of the lead to the target tissue.
US09579498B2
Luer connector including a primary Luer male connector, having a secondary female section extending from a top distal part of the primary Luer male connector back towards a proximal part thereof, the primary Luer male connector including a first inner fluid flow channel extending from a proximal end thereof to the secondary female section, the primary Luer male connector being configured to mate with a primary Luer female connector having a secondary male section including a second inner fluid flow channel.
US09579493B2
The invention relates to a device for applying a needle array (1) to biological tissue (2), comprising a needle array holder (6) carrying the needle array (1), a pre-tensioning geometry (3) and an actuating element (4), wherein the actuating element (4) is so configured that, during its actuation, in a first step it transfers the pre-tensioning geometry (3) into a pre-tensioning position on the biological tissue (2) while pre-tensioning the biological tissue, and in a second step it transfers the needle array (1) into an application position on the biological tissue (2), while in this respect the pre-tensioning geometry (3) is held in the pre-tensioning position by the actuating element (4).
US09579491B2
A coating apparatus for coating the balloon portion of a balloon catheter is described. The coating apparatus includes a rotatable member in which the catheter portion of the balloon catheter is mounted and fixed, and which causes rotation of the balloon catheter. The apparatus also includes a support member in which the distal tip of the catheter is inserted and free to rotate; and a spray nozzle directing sprayed material on the balloon surface. The inventive configuration of the coating apparatus allows the balloon catheter to be rotated along its axis with insubstantial or no wobble, which significantly improves the quality of the coating applied to the surface of the balloon.
US09579483B2
A catheter assembly for assessing contact between the catheter assembly and tissue is disclosed. The assembly includes a catheter shaft and a pressure sensitive conductive composite member whose electrical resistance varies with pressure applied to the catheter assembly. The assembly also includes at least one measurement terminal to permit the measurement of changes in the electrical characteristics of the pressure sensitive conductive composite member. The assembly may optionally include a measurement device to measure resistance, impedance and/or other electrical characteristics. The assembly may utilize a reference electrode secured to the patient's tissue, which permits the measurement device to measure changes between the reference electrode and the at least one measurement terminal. Optionally, the assembly may include a conductive outer layer. Also disclosed are sensor assemblies, contact sensor, methods of contact sensing, and methods of manufacturing relating to the use of pressure sensitive conductive composites.
US09579479B2
A respiration moistener (1) has an inlet (3), into which incoming gas (2) to be moistened can be fed. Vapor (21) is mixed with the incoming gas (2) in a mixing chamber (4). Moistened outgoing gas (5) flows out of an outlet (6). In cases in which the temperature of the incoming gas (2) becomes so high that the temperature of the outgoing gas (5) is above a desired value, the internal desired value is adjusted. The outgoing gas (5) can then cool to the desired value on its way through the inspiration tube (7).
US09579474B2
A dose counter for counting doses of medicament dispensed by or remaining in a metered-dose inhaler. The dose counter includes: a rotatably mounted gear wheel having a circular arrangement of ratchet teeth; a display coupled to the gear wheel, the display having a visible array of dose counting indicia indexable in response to rotary motion of the gear wheel; and an actuator mechanism having a driver for rotatably driving the gear wheel in response to the dispensation of a medicament dose, the driver being arranged to engage the ratchet teeth of the gear wheel. The actuator mechanism includes a pivotally mounted lever having an input portion. The lever is arranged to amplify a linear stroke at the input portion such that a linear stroke of the driver exceeds the linear input stroke. By amplifying the stroke, the risk of undercounting due to insufficient stroke length may be reduced.
US09579461B2
A drug delivery device (100) includes a body (102, 116) having a reservoir (160) disposed therein for containing a medicament and an injection needle (152) for penetrating the skin of a patient, the needle (152) providing a path for the medicament between the reservoir (160) and the patient. The device (100) also includes a plunger (144) movable within the body (102, 116) for causing the medicament to be expelled from the reservoir (160), and a biasing means (140) for biasing the plunger (144) toward the reservoir (160), wherein in a pre-activated position, the biasing means (140) telescopes within itself, and upon activation, provides a force to the plunger (144) for expelling the medicament from the reservoir (160). The biasing means (140) is preferably provided in the form of a conical spring having a variable pitch.
US09579460B2
An injection device operable to deliver a dose of medicament from a syringe or cartridge includes a temperature-sensitive arrangement for inhibiting operation thereof under predetermined temperature conditions. This may include a thermally responsive element that adopts a position in which operation of the device is inhibited when a temperature level is passed.
US09579454B2
A medical device system includes at least one controllable patient-worn or patient-carried medical device, and a plurality of controller devices that are capable of independently controlling features or functions of the patient medical device. Control commands and other data is wirelessly communicated among the patient medical device and the multiple controller devices. A number of techniques, protocols, and other measures are provided to coordinate wireless communication between the various devices in a medical device system. These control command coordination processes address situations where conflicting, redundant, or concurrent control commands might be independently issued by the multiple controller devices.
US09579451B2
A device for administering a cannula (14), having a basic element (10),the cannula (14), a tip (16) of which protrudes beyond the basic element (10) in a ready to use position of the device, a traction element (12), which is movable with respect to the basic element (10), and a releasable pretensioning device (36, 38, 40) for pretensioning the traction element (12) with respect to the basic element (10) in the ready to use position of the device, wherein the traction element (12) interacts with the cannula (14) so that, when the pretensioning device (36, 38, 40) of the traction element (12) is released, the tip (16) of the cannula (14) retracts into the basic element (10).
US09579448B2
A medical device for the treatment and irrigation of a sinus opening is described. The device allows for single-handed operation to access, dilate and irrigate a sinus opening. The device includes a sinus guide catheter, a guiding element, a balloon dilation catheter, a balloon catheter movement mechanism and a guiding element movement mechanism. A method for treating a sinus opening and irrigating a sinus is also described.
US09579446B2
The present invention provides a filter for separating particles and/or catalyzer for particle reaction in a fluid. The device comprising array of passageways fabricated on a die wherein the passageway size is controlled by actuators. The passageway size is monitored and the actuators controlling the passageway size are activated conditionally upon the passageway size monitoring. Using movable actuators the passageway can achieve passageway size that is less then the fabrication minimal resolution. Proper locating, setting and/or activation of the actuators create passageways that can perform filtration of particles, trapping of particles and catalyzing particles reaction.
US09579443B2
A peritoneal dialysis system includes a base peritoneal dialysis system and a peritoneal dialysis fluid exchange system that operates independently of the base system. The base system includes a first cassette including a first patient line configured to be connected to a patient, and a PD cycler. The PD cycler receives the first cassette, and includes a pump that cooperates with the first cassette to deliver dialysate to and drain dialysate from a peritoneal cavity of the patient via the first patient line. The peritoneal dialysis fluid exchange system includes a second cassette including a second patient line configured to be connected to the patient and a fluid exchange device that receives the second cassette. The fluid exchange device includes a data exchange interface operable to transfer patient treatment data from the peritoneal dialysis fluid exchange system to the base peritoneal dialysis system.
US09579432B2
A blood pump with an integrated flow sensor is provided. The blood pump may include an implantable pump for pumping blood having a housing, a flow path extending within the housing and at least one movable element within the housing for impelling blood along the flow path and a sensor for measuring the flow rate of blood through the pump. According to one embodiment, the sensor may be mounted to the housing of the pump. In accordance with a further embodiment, the housing may have an exterior surface defining a cavity, and the sensor may be located within the cavity.
US09579429B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a surgical cassette with compliant clamping zones to provide more uniform loading. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a surgical cassette includes a clamping portion that is configured to deform to conform to non-uniform load profile applied to the cassette. The clamping portion can include ribs that are sized and made of a suitable material such that the ribs will deflect predictably in the elastic region and flow plastically when the material yield point is exceeded. The use of ribs creates discrete small load areas that will deflect and distort predictably and non-catastrophically at high loads. This allows for the absorption of accumulated tolerances between the clamping mechanism and cassette (e.g., the non-parallelism between the clamping mechanism and cassette) while still providing a distributed load on the cassette.
US09579428B1
A surgical waste collection unit with a receiver for removably holding a manifold to which suction lines are connected. The receiver is mounted to the waste collection unit to be at an acute angle relative to the horizontal. The receiver is further configured to allow the manifold to be rotated in the receiver. This means the manifold can be rotated from a first position in which the manifold outlet opening is aligned with the conduit through which waste is flowed from the receiver and a second position in which the manifold outlet opening is elevated relative to the first position.
US09579427B2
Various embodiments for a composite endovascular device (and variations thereof) that include an inner polymer structure and an outer thin-film shape memory structure. The inner polymer structure extends from a distal end to a proximal end along a longitudinal axis. The outer thin-film shape-memory structure has an inner thin-film surface coupled to the outer surface of the inner polymer structure from the distal end to the proximal end with a retrieval member at the proximal end to allow for the prosthesis to be retrieved after placement in a body vessel. The inner polymeric structure can be blended with a suitable bio-active agent or the agent can be loaded into the pores. The device can be permanent or temporary by virtue of being retrievable.
US09579426B2
This invention relates to an elastomeric article with improved lubricity and donnablity and reduced stickiness/tackiness. According to the methods of the invention, the internal surface of the elastomeric article is coated with a polyisoprene coating. The coating of the invention is formed from synthetic polyisoprene rubber that may or may not contain minor amounts of other components. The coating is preferably directly bonded to the underlying elastomeric article.
US09579422B2
The subject invention concerns non-degradable three dimensional porous collagen scaffolds and coatings. These scaffolds can be prepared around sensors for implantation into a body. A specific embodiment of the invention concerns implantable glucose sensors. Sensors comprising a collagen scaffold of the invention have improved biocompatibility by minimizing tissue reactions while stimulating angiogenesis. The subject invention also concerns methods for preparing collagen scaffolds of the invention. The subject invention also concerns sensors that have a collagen scaffold of the invention around the exterior of the sensor.
US09579416B2
This invention includes malleable, biodegradable, fibrous compositions for application to a tissue site in order to promote or facilitate new tissue growth. One aspect of this invention is a fibrous component that provides unique mechanical and physical properties. The invention may be created by providing a vessel containing a slurry, said slurry comprising a plurality of natural or synthetic polymer fibers and at least one suspension fluid, wherein the polymer fibers are substantially evenly dispersed and randomly oriented throughout the volume of the suspension fluid; applying a force, e.g., centrifugal, to said vessel containing said slurry, whereupon said force serves to cause said polymer fibers to migrate through the suspension fluid and amass at a furthest extent of the vessel, forming a polymer material, with said polymer material comprising polymer fibers of sufficient length and sufficiently viscous, interlaced, or interlocked to retard dissociation of said polymer fibers.
US09579414B2
Disclosed are medical devices, e.g., surgical sutures, surgical staples, surgical pads, surgical meshes, surgical scaffolds etc., and methods of use at a wound in a patient to facilitate the rapid healing of the tissue at the situs of the wound with minimal fibrous tissue formation. The devices are arranged to be brought into engagement with tissue adjacent the wound to close the Wound and include a core formed of a piezo-electric material and an outer layer covering the core. The outer layer is platelet derived growth factors. The methods of use of the devices also include applying a local molecular energy production agent to the wound and irradiating the wound with a pulsed infra-red laser beam.
US09579411B2
A wound dressing comprising: a water-absorbent fabric comprising at least about 10 wt. % of hydrogel-forming absorbent fibers based on the dry weight of the fabric; and an adhesion-resistant, water-permeable wound contacting surface textile layer that is substantially continuously bonded to at least one surface of said fabric. The surface textile layer may be formed by surface treatment of the fabric, or by bonding a suitable textile web to the surface of the fabric.
US09579409B2
The invention relates to a therapeutic composition including a complex having the following formula (1), including a rare-earth radioisotope in ionic form, said complex being solubilized in an organic lipophilic phase: [M(L)3] in which: M denotes the rare-earth radioisotope in ionic form, and L denotes a tropolone ligand or a ligand derived from tropolone.
US09579407B2
The present invention provides radiolabeled compounds useful as radiotracers for quantitative imaging of PDE10A in mammals. The compound of the present invention is represented by the formula (I): wherein each symbols are as defined in the specification.
US09579401B2
The invention is directed to a staining composition and to the use of the staining composition in staining ocular tissue. In a first aspect, the invention provides a staining composition comprising a vital dye and a density increasing compound chosen from the group consisting of water soluble polymers and small inert molecules.
US09579400B2
The present invention provides a nanocarrier having an interior and an exterior, the nanocarrier comprising at least one conjugate, wherein each conjugate includes a polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer. Each conjugate also includes at least two amphiphilic compounds having both a hydrophilic face and a hydrophobic face. In addition, each conjugate includes an oligomer, wherein at least 2 of the amphiphilic compounds are covalently attached to the oligomer which is covalently attached to the PEG. The nanocarrier is such that each conjugate self-assembles in an aqueous solvent to form the nanocarrier such that a hydrophobic pocket is formed in the interior of the nanocarrier by the orientation of the hydrophobic face of each amphiphilic compound towards each other, and wherein the PEG of each conjugate self-assembles on the exterior of the nanocarrier.
US09579398B2
The present invention relates to the pharmaceutical use of FAM19A5 involved in regulating gliogenesis, and more specifically, to the use of FAM19A5 in the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of central nervous system injuries, degenerative brain diseases, or central nervous system diseases, FAM19A5 being spread in the neural stem cells in vertebrates and regulating gliogenesis.
US09579395B2
A cell-penetrating peptide characterized in that it comprises an amino acid sequence X3X4X1X2X5X4X1X2X6X7X1X8X9X10X11X12X13 (SEQ ID No: 11), wherein X1 is F or W, X2 is F, W or Y, X3 is beta-A or S, X4 is K, R or L, X5 is E, R or S, X6 is R. T or S, X7 is E, R or S, X8 is none, F or W, X9 is P or R, X10 is R or L, X11 is K, W or R, X12 is R or F and X13 is R or K.
US09579393B2
The present invention relates to a compound which is a polysaccharide derivative of EPO, or of an EPO like protein, wherein the polysaccharide is anionic and comprises between 2 and 200 saccharide units. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the novel compounds, and methods for making the novel compounds.
US09579388B2
A system for alleviating the appearance of scar tissue, said system comprising a combination of two compounds; a first compound having properties that perform skin regeneration; and a second compound having properties that provide a physical barrier adapted to protect scar tissue by insulating it from ambient air while maintaining and protecting said first compound that is combined therewith.
US09579387B2
A drug delivery system is presented to increase the bioavailability of biopharmaceutic class II, III, or IV active agents.
US09579385B2
Compositions and methods related to ophthalmic use of polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft copolymers and therapeutic uses are described herein.
US09579382B2
The present disclosure relates to the use of a recombinant LAG-3 or derivatives thereof in order to boost a monocyte-mediated immune response, in particular to elicit an increase in the number of monocytes in blood. This finds use in the development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of an infectious disease or cancer.
US09579379B1
An adjuvant composition which comprises an anionic macromolecule component particularly an ionic polysaccharide such as DEAE-dextran, and a saponin component, particularly an immunostimulating complex component. Immunogenic compositions comprising an immunogen and this adjuvant composition are also disclosed together with methods of use thereof.
US09579376B2
The invention provides HSV antigens that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection, including epitopes confirmed to be recognized by T-cells derived from herpetic lesions. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigens or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection.
US09579374B2
Certain embodiments of the present invention include a method for rapidly designing pharmaceutical preparations for preventing viral infection that have adapted to growth in various culturing systems but maintain antigenic similarity to the original virus. The method may include serial passaging a plurality of instances of a targeted virus strain from an infected first animal in respective droplets in second animal cells, in parallel synthesizing antibodies that neutralize the targeted virus strain in a third animal, and selecting the second animal cell-adapted viral lineages that are neutralized by the antibodies to identify second animal cell-adapted viral lineages having antigenic similarity to the targeted virus strain.
US09579358B2
Compositions useful for the prevention and/or treatment of Alzheimer's disease are disclosed. The composition comprises carrier particles each linked to a plurality of peptide constructs comprising a peptide binding sequence capable of binding to an amyloid protein and a transit amino acid sequence linked to said binding sequence. The binding sequence may be retroinverted D-peptide mimetic of an L-peptide binding sequence and the transit sequence may be a D-peptide mimetic of an L-peptide transit sequence (e.g. TAT) The preferred peptide construct comprises the sequence rGffvlkGrrrrqrrkkrGy. The preferred carrier particles are liposomes.
US09579353B2
The invention provides a method and composition for ameliorating or reducing the symptoms, signs, and markers and for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease or gastritis in a mammal in need thereof, said method comprising administering effective amounts of a pharmaceutically acceptable composition containing at least one probiotic microorganism strain comprising Pediococcus for a time sufficient to ameliorate, reduce or treat at least one symptom, sign, or marker of irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease or gastritis.
US09579341B2
The invention provides a composition containing hyaluronic acid (HA) or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof preserved with a cationic preservative and related methods. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutically-acceptable salt is sodium hyaluronate. In another embodiment, the cationic preservative includes benzalkonium.
US09579339B2
A method of treating cancer is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an agent which induces a dissociation of the 26S proteasomal complex into a 20S component and a 19S component to thereby inhibit 26S proteasomal activity, wherein the pharmaceutical agent is devoid of a chemotherapeutic agent.
US09579333B2
A process is provided for protecting a primate host from a self-replicating infection by an immunodeficiency retrovirus. Protection is achieved by administering to the primate host a combination of a pharmaceutically effective amount of a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor and a pharmaceutically effective amount of a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor prior to exposure to the immunodeficiency retrovirus. The administration is effective if provided in a single dose within 24 hours of the exposure. A regime of regular daily doses is also effective in providing protection against an immunodeficiency retrovirus becoming self-replicating after infecting a primate host. A process for controlling retrovirus transmission within a population includes the administration to a subpopulation at high risk for contracting an immunodeficiency retroviral infection the detailed combination prior to sexual exposure to a source of immunodeficiency retrovirus so as to preclude the immunodeficiency retrovirus from becoming self-replicating in a member of the subpopulation.
US09579332B2
The invention is related to phosphorus substituted anti-viral inhibitory compounds, compositions containing such compounds, and therapeutic methods that include the administration of such compounds, as well as to processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.
US09579329B2
The present invention relates to a new use of tetrahydroxylated estrogens such as estetrol (1,3,5(10)-estratrien-3, 15α, 16α, 17β-tetrol), namely in a method of emergency contraception. The method of emergency contraception according to the invention comprises the oral administration of estetrol in a single dose within 120 hours of sexual intercourse.
US09579322B2
The present invention provides methods for treating a neurological disorder.
US09579320B2
The present invention is directed to compounds of formula I-V and tautomers thereof or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, and prodrugs thereof which are inhibitors of syk kinase. The present invention is also directed to intermediates used in making such compounds, the preparation of such a compound, pharmaceutical compositions containing such a compound, methods of inhibition syk kinase activity, methods of inhibition the platelet aggregation, and methods to prevent or treat a number of conditions mediated at least in part by syk kinase activity, such as undesired thrombosis and Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
US09579316B2
The present invention is directed to crystalline addition salts of (i) 8-hydroxyquinolin-2(1H)-one derivatives and (ii) a dicarboxylic acid or a sulfimide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof.
US09579307B2
The present invention relates to novel amide derivatives of N-urea substituted amino acids, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals as modulators of the N-formyl peptide receptor like-1 (FPRL-1) receptor.
US09579304B2
Disclosed are compounds having enhanced potency in the modulation of NMDA receptor activity. Such compounds are contemplated for use in the treatment of conditions such as depression and related disorders. Orally available formulations and other pharmaceutically acceptable delivery forms of the compounds, including intravenous formulations, are also disclosed.
US09579299B2
The present invention is directed to CNS pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use. The pharmaceutical compositions comprise a CNS active agent and preferably at least two vagal neuromodulators, one of which is a mechanoreceptor stimulator. The vagal neuromodulators are preferably in an amount sufficient to reduce a somnolence side-effect of the CNS active agent without changing its therapeutic efficacy/activity. The invention further encompasses a method of reducing CNS active agent side-effects. The method typically comprises oral administration of at least one CNS active agent to a patient at the conventionally accepted dose; and administration of at least two vagal neuromodulators to the patient so that at least one neuromodulator is administered or released from dosage form after the CNS active agent is administered and/or released.
US09579296B2
The invention provides transdermal delivery systems, medical kits, and methods for using the transdermal delivery systems and kits for medical applications, such as delivery of contraceptive agents to control fertility.
US09579290B2
The present invention provides a banding composition for hard capsules using hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) as a base comprising (1) low viscosity HPMC; (2) a component selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, 1-propanol, acetone and/or ethyl acetate; (3) a surfactant; and (4) water; and a method for banding hard capsules using hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose as a base by using the banding composition described.
US09579286B2
The present invention relates to co-extruded pharmaceutical compositions and dosage forms comprising an adverse agent, such as an opioid antagonist, which can be sequestered. The pharmaceutical compositions and dosage forms diversion of a dosage form containing an active pharmaceutical agent, such as an opioid. The present invention also relates to methods of treating a patient with such a dosage form, as well as kits containing such a dosage form with instructions for using the dosage form to treat a patient. The present invention further relates to a process for the preparation of such pharmaceutical compositions and dosage forms comprising co-extrusion of a core comprising an adverse agent and a sheath.
US09579285B2
The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a powdery pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutical excipient and a pharmaceutical component, the method comprising the step of extruding a mixture of the pharmaceutical excipient and the pharmaceutical component in an extruder at a temperature profile allowing a liquid melt of the mixture to congeal in the extruder and to exit the extruder in form of a powder.
US09579282B2
The present invention relates to a functional complex particle prepared by filling a nucleic acid hydrogel inside a liposome and a method of producing the same. The present invention may have an effect of increasing an expression of protein factors included in the particle by incorporating an X-shaped nucleic acid monomer in the nucleic acid hydrogel. Accordingly, when the core-shell particle is prepared using the method according to an embodiment of the present invention, an effect of facilitating an introduction of a genome into the nucleic acid hydrogel may be obtained, and thereby the core-shell particle may be used as a protein production platform copying a cell nucleus.
US09579279B2
A cosmetic composition is disclosed for applying to skin. The composition includes a liquid and dispersed in the liquid: any amount or form of fucoidan, any amount or form of beta glucan; and any amount of a marine extract. When the cosmetic composition is applied to the skin, the appearance of the skin is improved.
US09579277B2
The present invention is related to an aqueous conditioning composition for hair comprising at least one alkyl ester/amido alkyl amine or alkyl ester/amido alkyl quaternary amine and an aqueous emulsion of divinyldimethicone/dimethicone copolymer. In particular, a conditioning composition for hair comprising at least one compound according to general structure R1-A-R2—B wherein R1 is a saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched alkyl group with 8 to 24 C atoms, R2 is a straight or branched alkyl group with 1 to 4 C atoms, A is a group selected from O, and B is selected from wherein R3 and R4 are the same or different is H or an alkyl with 1 to 4 C atoms, hydroxyl alkyl with 1 to 4 C atoms and di hydroxyl alkyl with 2 to 4 C atoms, R5, and R6 are the same or different, an alkyl with 1 to 4 C atoms, hydroxyl alkyl with 1 to 4 C atoms and di hydroxyl alkyl with 2 to 4 C atoms, R7 is an alkyl with 1 to 4 C atoms, hydroxyl alkyl with 1 to 4 C atoms or di hydroxyl alkyl with 2 to 4 C atoms and —R2-A-R1 wherein R1, A and R2 have the above meaning and X is chloride, bromide, methosulfate and an aqueous emulsion of divinyldimethicone/dimethicone copolymer with an internal phase viscosity of more than 1×108 mm2/s measured at 0.01 Hz and at approximately 25° C.
US09579274B2
A formulation for a stable ascorbic acid composition which, in a simplified form, is comprised of ascorbic acid in solution with a hygroscopic compound (i.e., a substance with the ability to attract water molecules from the surrounding environment through either absorption or adsorption). Also disclosed herein are methods for the production of such compounds and methods of using such compounds in the prevention, inhibition and treatment of striae gravidarum, radiation dermatitis, rhytids, lentigoes, dyschromia, sun-damage induced hyperpigmentation, cellulite, scars and purpura, among other skin diseases or conditions.
US09579261B2
Disclosed is a method for preparing a liposome formulation. In the disclosed method, a lipid fraction is dissolved in an organic solvent. The solution including a bioactive component and the lipid fraction, together with a carrier, is put in a reaction vessel, and a supercritical fluid is introduced thereto, so as to prepare particles coated with the bioactive component-lipid. The supercritical fluid is discharged by compression to obtain proliposome particles, and then the proliposome particles are hydrated by an aqueous solution including water so as to form a liposome solution. Preferably, the formulation may include one or more bioactive components. As required, the liposome formulation may be further processed by methods such as particle size reduction, removal of organic solvent, and freeze-drying. The preparation method can be easily carried out at a laboratory scale. Furthermore, the same method can be employed in liposome formulation preparation in mass production, or at a commercial scale.
US09579257B2
A syringe fill system is described, which is useful for filling syringes for dental anesthetic applications. The system incorporates capability for “push-pull”, “pull-push”, “push-push”, and “pull-pull” modes of operation, for loading syringes with compositions comprising multiple fluid components. A syringe fillable by such syringe fill systems is described, providing haptic and audible feedback to a user, to aid in administering precise amounts of therapeutic compositions. Also disclosed are cassette assemblies for use in such syringe fill systems. Such cassette assemblies may be formed of plastic and elastomeric materials of construction, as disposable or single-use components of the syringe fill system.
US09579249B2
A safety walker provides a strap that actuates to allow a person to enter into the safety walker and then raise the strap between their legs. The strap prevents ground level falls. The safety strap is actuated by a strap actuator that may pivot about a pivot attached to the movable support frame. The strap actuator may be locked into a secure position with the strap in an elevated position by a latch. The strap actuator may be coupled to a handle actuator by one or more linkages, or the strap actuator and handle actuator may be a one-piece rigid member that rotates about a single pivot on the moveable frame. A coupling member may extend between a left and right strap actuator proximal to the back end of the strap actuators and the safety strap may be attached to the coupling member.
US09579230B1
An orthotic device for correcting an abnormality in a newborn baby's neck includes a three element rigid or semi-rigid support member. The support member includes three elements, each in the shape of a frustum of a cone with one element stacked on top of another. The first or bottom element has a larger open base and a smaller upper portion and flares outwardly from top to bottom from vertical by about 20°. The middle element flares outwardly from bottom to top by about 20° and is superimposed on the first element. However, the second element is rotatably fixed to the first element and is rotatable in about one mm increments. The upper element flares outwardly from vertical by about 45°. A method for correcting an abnormality in a newborn's neck in one mm increments per day using the aforementioned device is also disclosed.
US09579225B2
A method of crimping a stent on a balloon of a catheter assembly is provided. A polymeric stent is disposed over a balloon in an inflated configuration. The stent is crimped over the inflated balloon to a reduced crimped configuration so that the stent is secured onto the balloon. The balloon wall membrane is wedged or pinched between the strut elements of the stent for increasing the retention of the stent on the balloon.
US09579224B2
Methods and devices for treating a vessel for use in a medical procedure are disclosed. A vein or other vessel can be modified in situ, prior to harvesting. Subsequently, at least a portion of the vessel is removed, and subsequently implanted to treat a patient, typically in a bypass procedure in which the vessel portion fluidly connects a source of oxygenated blood to an occluded artery.
US09579214B1
An intervertebral stabilization implant and an intervertebral stabilizer insertion tool are disclosed. The implant is inserted between the posterior peripheral regions of two vertebral bodies, and has elements allowing the insertion tool to position the implant and remove the implant if necessary, and a portion to receive bone-growth inducing material after the implant is in place. The insertion tool has elements for positioning the implant, and for controlling the depth of the implant.
US09579212B2
Fibrocartilage implants characterized by circumferential fiber networks embedded in arcuate or torroidal scaffolds with orthogonal fiber networks embedded therein to prevent separation of the circumferential fiber networks. The fiber networks convert axial compressive forces on the scaffolds to tensile loads on the circumferential fibers. Artificial knee meniscus and vertebral disc implants are disclosed, as well as articular disc implants for joints such as the temporomandibular joint and wrist. Methods for implanting the fibrocartilage devices are also disclosed.
US09579211B2
The present invention relates to an expandable implant for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, and gear member positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.
US09579209B2
A tibial insert includes a base and a post extending from the base along a longitudinal axis. The post has a medial surface, a lateral surface, and a height along the longitudinal axis. The medial surface has a medial section, and the lateral surface has a lateral section oriented substantially parallel to the medial section. The medial section and the lateral section each have a width in a substantially anterior-posterior direction that is sufficient to enable varus/valgus constraint over a flexion/extension range from extension to about 90 to 120 degrees of flexion when the tibial insert is mated with a femoral component.
US09579206B2
Hard-tissue implants are provided that include a bulk implant, a face, pillars, and slots. The pillars are for implantation into a hard tissue. The slots are to be occupied by the hard tissue. The hard-tissue implant has a Young's modulus of elasticity of at least 10 GPa, has a ratio of the sum of (i) the volumes of the slots to (ii) the sum of the volumes of the pillars and the volumes of the slots of 0.40:1 to 0.90:1, does not comprise any part that is hollow, and does not comprise any non-pillar part extending to or beyond the distal ends of any of the pillars. Methods of making and using hard-tissue implants are also provided.
US09579205B2
A polymeric liner for joint implants includes at least one friction reducing member and at least one body member. The friction reducing member is made of a polymeric matrix which contains a polymeric material and at least one nanotube nanoparticle having a volume concentration of between 5%-99% v/v (volume per volume). The body member is formed of at least a polymeric material. The friction reducing member and the body member are conjoined preferably by compression molding or any other method of coupling such as mold injection, 3D printing, adhesion or any other suitable method can be applied. A method produces the polymeric.
US09579201B2
Devices and methods for controlling blood perfusion pressure. In an exemplary device for controlling blood perfusion pressure within a vessel of the present disclosure, the device comprises an elongated body having a lumen, a proximal end configured for placement in a first area having a first blood pressure, and a distal end configured for placement in a second area having a second blood pressure, partial occluder positioned within the lumen of the elongated body between the proximal end and the distal end, the partial occluder configured so not to fully occlude a blood vessel, wherein the partial occluder is configured to equalize the first blood pressure at the first area with the second blood pressure at the second area.
US09579197B2
A valve retainer is connected to an elongate delivery member. The valve retainer is configured to releasably secure a prosthesis (e.g., a heart valve prosthesis) to the delivery member during delivery to a target site in a body (e.g., a native valve annulus). The valve retainer includes a rotational identifier that identifies the rotational orientation of the valve retainer when the valve retainer is positioned proximate to the target site. A heart valve prosthesis can include a commissural post that has a predetermined rotational position relative to the rotational identifier, such that the heart valve prosthesis can be rotationally aligned with the native commissures of the native valve by rotating the delivery member and the valve retainer until the commissural post is aligned with a native valve commissure and the rotational identifier is visible.
US09579196B2
Prosthetic heart valve devices for percutaneous replacement of native heart valves and associated systems and method are disclosed herein. A prosthetic heart valve device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an expandable support having an outer surface and configured for placement between leaflets of the native valve. The device can also include a plurality of asymmetrically arranged arms coupled to the expandable support and configured to receive the leaflets of the native valve between the arms and the outer surface. In some embodiments, the arms can include tip portions for engaging a subannular surface of the native valve.
US09579190B2
Implanting device for intrastromal prosthesis that introduces segment (ring) onto inside of intrastromal tunnel in a patient's cornea. Device includes a ring holder having clamp to support segment to be inserted and a cylinder base having hollow cylindrical shape and first and second cylinder ends. Rotatable impeller tip device, including an impeller tip arm and impeller tip, is joined to first cylinder end and over ring holder, a protective element arranged to protect clamp that is positionable over rotatable impeller tip device, and a block cover, arranged on second cylinder end. A rod, projecting from block cover and into cylinder base has a free end with a recess that separates a first wall configured to concurrently move clamp and impeller tip arm in a first direction and a second wall configured to move clamp relative to impeller tip arm in a second direction opposite first direction.
US09579183B2
Disclosed are tissue graft compositions made of materials having different densities, methods of making, and methods of treatment for restoring tissues in a patient.
US09579180B2
A method of treating pelvic prolapse is presented herein. Vaginal support device contains flat superior and inferior surfaces to facilitate affixing of mesh to vagina. Vaginal support device may be used as part of a system in conjunction with a manipulation device to support the vaginal walls. Mesh retention system may also include a holding device and retention mechanism such as a catheter or shaft and corresponding catheter balloon to hold mesh in place.
US09579177B2
Dental and medical devices with a light source and antimicrobial solution include an antimicrobial solution; a fiber optic cable that exposes the antimicrobial solution to light of a predetermined wavelength; and a solution holding apparatus that retains the lighted antimicrobial solution against the tissue. A method for antimicrobial treatment of a user includes retaining an antimicrobial solution in a solution holding apparatus; purposefully selecting a wavelength of light that reacts with the antimicrobial solution; providing the selected wavelength of light from an LED or laser or other appropriate light source; utilizing a fiber optic cable to expose the antimicrobial solution to the light; and utilizing the solution holding apparatus to hold the lighted antimicrobial solution against the user.
US09579176B2
Devices and methods for keeping an internal cavity of an implant or specifically an internal cavity provided in a fixture constituting an implant in a clean state by a simple operation without injuring the gingiva around the fixture is provided. A brush for cleaning the inside of an implant provided with a twisted brush part in which helical brush bristles are formed around the wire rod by arranging a large number of resin fibers in parallel in a direction perpendicular to a wire rod and then, by twisting the wire rod, an intermediate columnar part to which the twisted brush part is fixed, and a main columnar part to which the intermediate columnar part is fixed, where a length in a major axis direction of the intermediate columnar part is within a range of 0.8 to 2.0, assuming that a length in a major axis direction of the twisted brush part is 1.
US09579173B2
A device for directing a liquid onto a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity, the device including a handle, a neck, and a head, where the head includes a cleaning component including a chamber for maintaining the liquid proximate the surfaces, where the chamber is defined by front and rear sealing membranes, inner side walls and a base inner wall, and where the inner side walls each include a plurality of openings, the device further including a first manifold and a second manifold, a first port and a second port for conveying liquid; and means for providing an effective seal of the device within the oral cavity.
US09579165B2
A corner protector for use with a surgical tray includes a base, at least one side extending from the base, and at least one aperture extending through the base. The at least one aperture allows a medium to pass therethrough. The corner protector further includes at least one stud extending from a major surface of the corner protector such that when the corner protector is positioned against a surgical tray, a channel is created between the corner protector and the surgical tray.
US09579163B2
Robotic platform for mini-invasive surgery comprising robotic arms (4a, 4b) suitable to be placed in the body of a patient, introduced through a single access port, which are an extension of external robotic manipulators (19). The continuity between external (1) and internal (4a, 4b) robotic arms is guaranteed by means of a trans-abdominal magnetic connection (6) between the internal robotic arm integral with the external one. The trans-abdominal magnetic coupling not only guarantees a stable anchoring, but most of all it transfers degrees of freedom to the internal robotic arms, inducing the motion of internal magnets by means of the automatized motion of external magnets. It is also possible to reposition the internal robotic arms without requiring having to additionally perform incisions on the abdomen. Using the external robotic arms allows translating the internal ones on the entire abdomen thus providing a working space not bound to the point of insertion and theoretically unlimited.
US09579161B2
A system for tracking a patient is provided. The system can include a first reference frame coupled to a first portion of an anatomical structure. The system can include a second reference frame, which can be coupled to a second portion of the anatomical structure. The system can also include a first tracking device coupled to the first reference frame and a second tracking device coupled to the second reference frame. The system can also include a tracking system that can track a position of the first tracking device and the second tracking device to ensure that the position of the first reference frame relative to the anatomical structure is substantially the same throughout a surgical procedure.
US09579160B2
The present invention relates to a positioning marker intended to be inserted in tissue. The marker is an elongated object with a longitudinal axis A and with a diameter perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, wherein the diameter is at the most 1.2 mm. The marker further has a predetermined total length LTOT. The marker comprises a plurality of first segments 1 and a plurality of second segments 2, wherein the first and the second segments are arranged alternately after each others. The marker comprises a first material with a density of at least 10 g/cm3, and this material constitute at least 90% by volume of the marker, and a second material that is magnetic and that constitute at the most 10% by volume of the marker.
US09579159B2
A biopsy marking apparatus for placing a radiopaque marker at the location of a percutaneous biopsy. The biopsy marking apparatus comprises an introducer in combination with a radiopaque marker. The introducer ejects the radiopaque marker at the location of the biopsy. The introducer is configured to completely eject the radiopaque marker and prevent it from being subsequently drawn into the introducer as the introducer is removed from the biopsied tissue mass. The radiopaque marker has enhanced radiopaque characteristics and enhanced non-migration characteristics.
US09579153B2
A device and a method for the femtosecond laser surgery of tissue, especially in the vitreous humor of the eye. The device includes an ultrashort pulse laser with pulse widths in the range of approximately 10 fs-1 ps, especially approximately 300 fs, pulse energies in the range of approximately 5 nJ-5 μJ, especially approximately 1-2 μJ and pulse repetition rates of approximately 10 kHz-10 MHz, especially 500 kHz. The laser system is coupled to a scanner system which allows the spatial variation of the focus in three dimensions (x, y and z). In addition to the therapeutic laser/scanner optical system, the device includes a navigation system.
US09579150B2
A surgical ablation system features a source of ablation energy, a handle adapted to operably couple to the source of ablation energy, and an ablation probe adapted to operably couple to the handle. The handle includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, a hub included within the housing having a plenum defined therein, and a proximal feedline in fluid communication at a proximal end thereof with the plenum and joined at a distal end thereof to a first coupling member. The ablation probe includes a probe hypotube shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a second coupling member disposed at a proximal end of the probe hypotube shaft adapted to operably couple with the first coupling member, a distal tip adapted to penetrate tissue. Ablation energy is deliverable by the ablation probe when the source of ablation energy is operably coupled to the handle and the handle is operably coupled to the ablation probe.
US09579148B2
The present invention relates to ablation electrode assemblies. The present invention further relates to an irrigated ablation electrode assembly that includes a recessed portion that can improve fluid flow around the irrigated ablation electrode. The electrode includes an outer body portion having an outer surface, and an inner cavity defined within the outer body portion. The electrode further includes at least one passageway for fluid flow from the inner cavity to the outer surface of the body of the electrode. The passageway further defines an outlet on the external surface of the electrode, therein allowing the fluid to flow on and/or around the electrode surface. The outer surface of the electrode further includes a recessed portion. The outlet of the passageway is disposed at least partially within the recessed portion. The fluid that exits the passageway may flow within the recessed portion to improve irrigation of the electrode.
US09579139B2
Various devices and methods for breaking and retaining surgical reduction tabs are provided. In general, the devices and methods can allow a single surgical instrument to break a plurality of surgical reduction tabs off one or more surgical implants and retain the broken tabs within the instrument. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical instrument can include an opening at a distal end thereof that is configured to receive a surgical reduction tab therein when the tab is connected to a surgical implant. A retention element at least partially disposed within the instrument can be configured to engage the tab received in the opening so as to hold the tab securely within the instrument. With the tab received in the opening and held by the retention element, the surgical instrument can be configured to be manipulated to break the tab off the surgical implant. The broken tab can be retained within the surgical instrument by being held therein by the retention element. The instrument can be repeatedly relocated and repeatedly break off surgical reduction tabs of one or more surgical implants, with each successive tab received in the opening displacing the immediately preceding broken tab from the retention element such that a chamber formed in the instrument can simultaneously hold a plurality of broken tabs within the instrument.
US09579137B2
The present invention relates to minimally invasive graft delivery systems and devices. The systems and devices provide a means to deliver graft material minimally invasively, such as to a spacer within a disc space. A particular system can include a cannula, a syringe and an extrusion tool. The extrusion tool can be used to extrude material from the cannula and syringe, and can have multiple modes of operation to accommodate the extrusion of materials of different viscocities.
US09579136B2
A distraction screw includes a proximal portion secured to a first vertebra, a distal portion secured to a second vertebra and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is coupled to the proximal and distal portions and is positioned in an intervertebral space. The intermediate portion is configured and adapted to enable distraction of the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra.
US09579118B2
An apparatus for operating on tissue includes an end effector having a first jaw, a second jaw, a first blade, and a second blade. The second jaw pivots relative to the first jaw from an open position to a closed position. The first blade moves from a proximal position to a distal position to pivot the second jaw to the closed position. The second blade moves from a proximal position to a distal position when the second jaw is in the open position. The second blade is exposed between the first and second jaws when the second blade is in the distal position.
US09579115B2
The tissue retrieval system deploys a tissue bag at the surgical site. The bag is supported by the system as tissue is placed within the bag and is closed to isolate the collected tissue and allow the bag and collected tissue to be removed from the body. The bag can be reopened and re-closed as desired through use of a guide bead and cord. The bead also facilitates removal of the collected tissue.
US09579111B2
A guide apparatus having a body having a central axis defined therethrough and a first channel and a second channel formed therethrough, a handle coupled to the body, the handle having a locking mechanism configured to prevent movement of the body relative to the handle in a first direction along the central axis of the body, and an arm coupled to the handle, the arm configured to engage at least a portion of a bone.
US09579110B2
Disclosed herein are tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.
US09579107B2
A bone preparation system including a guide body and a plurality of bone locators. The guide body is configured to mate with a patient-specific module having a patient-specific module surface customized based on image data of a specific patient to correspond to the patient's specific bone geometry. The plurality of bone locators are coupled to the guide body and positioned by the patient-specific module surface to define a patient-specific bone engaging surface of the guide corresponding to the patient's specific bone geometry.
US09579102B2
A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.
US09579100B2
An endoscopic stapler is disclosed. The stapler includes a staple member and an anvil member. The staple member may include a staple housing and the staple holder may include one or more staples. The anvil member may be spaced apart from the staple member and may configured to relatively move towards one another. A controller may be fluidly coupled to the staple member through a plurality of conduits. The controller may be configured to (a) direct a pressurized fluid to the staple member through a first conduit of the plurality of conduits to relatively move the staple member and the anvil member towards one another, and (b) direct the pressurize fluid through a second conduit of the plurality of conduits to eject one or more staples from the staple holder.
US09579095B2
A retraction system and method are provided for retracting tissues surrounding a surgical site. In one aspect, a method including engaging slide connections between a guide dilator and a plurality of tissue engaging members and sequentially enlarging an incision using the guide dilator and the plurality of tissue engaging members. In another aspect, a method of inserting a plurality of tissue engaging members into an incision including fixing tip portions of the plurality of tissue engaging members in an insertion configuration, advancing the tip portions into an incision, and restricting movement of the tip portions away from the insertion configuration. A guide dilator system comprising an elongate body, a plurality of tissue engaging members, and slide connections between the elongate body and the tissue engaging members is also provided.
US09579092B2
According to a medical traction device containing a polymer molded article having biocompatibility as a weight for traction of a living tissue to be resected under observation with an endoscope, and a medical traction equipment containing the medical traction device and a grasping member connected to each other, such a medical traction device or traction equipment is provided that in ESD in a digestive tract, a dissected living tissue is efficiently removed from the operative field also in a direction that is different from the moving direction of the endoscope, thereby maintaining the field of view, and the procedures are thus performed safely and rapidly.
US09579091B2
A closure system and methods of use are provided for use in sealing an opening in a body tissue, such as a vascular puncture site. A method of closing the opening in the body tissue can be performed with the closure system having a closure clip. The method can include positioning the closure clip in a first closure clip position adjacent to the opening in the body tissue such that a plurality of spikes of the closure clip are inserted into the tissue at a location outward from a central axis of the opening. Subsequently, the closure clip can be positioned in a second closure clip position such that the plurality of spikes are pulled inward toward the central axis of the opening so as to pull the tissue between the opening and each of the spikes together and close the opening.
US09579079B2
The present invention relates to a device (8) for determining tissue layer boundaries of a body (14), comprising a probe (10) for acquiring (S12) two or more ultrasound images (36) at adjacent positions of a surface (12) of the body (14), a converter (44) for converting (S14) said ultrasound images (36) separately to depth signals (46), wherein a depth signal (46) is obtained by summing intensities of one of said ultrasound images (36) along a line (66) of substantially constant depth in the body (14), a detector (48) for detecting (S16) a set of candidate tissue layer boundaries (50) for an ultrasound image (36) by thresholding the depth signal (46) obtained for said ultrasound image (36), a selection means (52) for selecting (S18) from a set of candidate tissue layer boundaries (50) a nearest candidate tissue layer boundary (54) that is nearest to the surface (12) of the body (14), and a processing means (56) for determining (S20) an actual tissue layer boundary (58) from the nearest candidate tissue layer boundaries (54) obtained for various ultrasound images (36).
US09579078B2
A device images time-wise in parallel using transducer elements of a group. The elements are of a current group and imaging is time-wise sequential by group. The groups may be spatially disposed with respect to each other so as to mutually intermesh element-wise. The imaging may include volumetric imaging. The device may be configured for not collectively using any of the elements to focus, nor to steer, a beam used in the imaging. The device may further be operable to transition between spacing states at least one of which is characterized by a respective minimum, nonzero, degree of intra-group, element-to-element non-adjacency, or may be fixed at a selected spacing state. The transitioning may be automatic, in response to input indicative of blood vessel size and/or depth.
US09579075B2
Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are described for measuring the attenuation of a line integral through an object via a photon counting cell (302) and via an energy integrating cell (304). That is, an imaging apparatus is provided that comprises a radiation source (208) and a detector array (210). The detector array is comprised of both photon counting cells (302) and energy integrating cells (304) arranged such that, during an examination of the object, attenuation of a line integral through the object is measured by at least one photon counting cell and at least one energy integrating cell. In this way, at least two substantially complete views of an object may be acquired, one from measurements yielded from the photon counting cell (and other photon counting cells) and one from measurements yielded from the energy integrating cell (and other energy integrating cells).
US09579073B2
Systems, methods, and computer readable media to automatically tailor image parameter settings used in a dental X-ray imaging system. At least one dentition characteristic and at least one non-dentition characteristic are selected and used to automatically determine at least one X-ray exposure setting for a patient to be imaged. The at least one dentition characteristic, the at least one non-dentition characteristic, and the at least one X-ray exposure setting are used to automatically generate a set of image parameter settings capable of being applied to acquired X-ray image data, being representative of the dentition of the patient.
US09579066B2
Disclosed are a system and method for determining a metric and/or indicator of a reliability of a blood glucose sensor in providing glucose measurements. In one aspect, the metric and/or indicator may be computed based, at least in part, on an observed trend associated with signals generated by the blood glucose sensor.
US09579062B2
Described herein are systems, devices and methods for guiding placement of electrodes, and particularly ECG electrodes on a patient. A picture of the patient's body the patient can be analyzed to determine where on the patient's body to place electrodes according to a predetermined, conventional or standard placement pattern. The methods, devices and systems may then guide a user in positioning or correcting the position of electrodes on the patient. For example, an image of the patient may be provided showing the correct position of the electrodes, which may act as a patient-specific map or guide. The electrode placement positions can correspond to conventional or standard 12-lead ECG electrode positions.
US09579051B1
A sensor probe has a connector and the connector's corresponding receptacle on a console have security mechanisms that ensure that the connector and the receptacle are properly connected and mated. The connector and receptacle can have physical security features that block insertion of the connector into the receptacle if they are not aligned in a proper orientation. The console can also include a software security feature that allows optical measurements from the sensor probe only if the connector of the sensor probe and receptacle on the console are connected properly. An adapter can also be used to convert a conventional receptacle mounted on a console into a receptacle with security features.
US09579040B2
Apparatus are provided for monitoring a condition of a tissue based on a measurement of an electrical property of the tissue. In an example, the electrical property of the tissue is performed using an apparatus disposed above the tissue, where the apparatus includes at least two conductive structures, each having a non-linear configuration, where the at least two conductive structures are disposed substantially parallel to each other. In another example, the electrical property of the tissue is performed using an apparatus disposed above the tissue, where the apparatus includes at least one inductor structure.
US09579035B2
The invention relates to detection of epileptiform activity. In order to accomplish a mechanism with improved specificity to epileptiform activity and with the capability to detect specific type of epileptic patterns, brain wave signal data obtained from a subject is decomposed into at least one predetermined subband, each subband being indicative of a specific type of epileptiform activity. The subband-specific output data obtained represents a time series of a quantitative characteristic of the brain wave signal data. At least one measure is determined for any one or more of the at least one predetermined subband, the at least one measure belonging to a measure set comprising a first measure indicative of the entropy of the subband-specific output data and a second measure indicative of a normalized form of k:th order central moment of the subband-specific output data, where k is an integer higher than three. The presence of a specific type of epileptiform activity may be detected based on the at least one measure of the respective subband.
US09579031B2
A device for measuring electromyographic signals 2 is adapted to receive, through multiple channels “C”, electromyographic signals “EMG” sensed by a plurality of electrodes 3 arranged on a patient “P”. The device 2 includes: a conditioning circuit 21; a conversion circuit 22; a transmission circuit 23 to transmit the digitalized signals to a central control unit 1; an external casing 20 to enclose the circuits (21, 22, 23). The conditioning circuit 21 can be assembled modularly by establishing a cascade connection of one or more conditioning circuits 21. The conversion circuit 22 can be assembled modularly by connecting in parallel one or more conversion circuits 22 to vary the number of channels “C” through which electromyographic signals “EMG” are received. The conditioning circuits 21 and the conversion circuits 22 overlap at least partially to limit the dimensions of the external casing 20, ensuring wearability on the patient “P”.
US09579028B2
A system for detecting abnormalities or inconsistencies and a method to utilize the same are provided. In particular, a computer system may be adapted to detect the abnormality or inconsistency within at least a portion of a subject by generating internal impedance data which indicates that an impedance change within the portion of the subject has occurred. For example, the impedance change may be associated with a change in at least one characteristic of a blood vessel within the subject (such as a change in a fluid flow rate within at least a portion of the subject), a change in a fluid volume within at least a portion of the subject, etc. The impedance change also may be associated with the presence of a foreign object within the portion of the subject. In an exemplary embodiment, it is possible to detect the abnormality or inconsistency within the subject by generating a continuous, real time internal impedance map indicating the impedance change within the subject. Alternatively, the abnormality or inconsistency may be detected within the subject by generating a plurality of static internal impedance maps which indicate that the impedance change within the subject has occurred.
US09579026B2
An imaging guidewire can include one or more optical fibers communicating light along the guidewire. At or near its distal end, one or more blazed or other Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) can direct light to a photoacoustic transducer material that provides ultrasonic imaging energy. Returned ultrasound can be sensed by an FBG sensor. A responsive signal can be optically communicated to the proximal end of the guidewire, and processed such as to develop a 2D or 3D image. In an example, the guidewire outer diameter can be small enough such that an intravascular catheter can be passed over the guidewire. To minimize the size of the guidewire, an ultrasound-to-acoustic transducer that is relatively insensitive to the polarization of the optical sensing signal can be used. The ultrasound-to-optical transducer can be manufactured so that it is relatively insensitive to the polarization of the optical sensing signal.
US09579023B2
A method for obtaining physiological data from a medical sensor device includes detecting a proximity of the medical sensor device by an electronic computing device. After the proximity is detected, a message is received from the medical sensor device. A determination is made as to whether the received message includes configuration information for a wireless communication link. When the received message includes the configuration information for the wireless communication link, the wireless communication link is used to receive physiological data from the medical sensor device and the received physiological data is processed at the electronic computing device. When the received message does not include configuration information for the wireless communication link, a determination is made as to whether the received message includes physiological data. When the received message includes the physiological data, the physiological data is processed at the electronic computing device.
US09579020B2
An adherent device comprises an adhesive patch with at least two electrodes and an accelerometer. The accelerometer can be used to determine an orientation of the at least two measurement electrodes on a patient. By determining the orientation of the electrodes of the patch on the patient, physiologic measurements with the at least two electrodes can be adjusted and/or corrected in response to the orientation of the patch on the patient. The adherent patch and/or electrodes can be replaced with a second adherent patch and/or electrodes, and the orientation of the second adherent patch and/or electrodes can be determined with the accelerometer or a second accelerometer. The determined orientation of the second patch and/or electrodes on the patient can be used to correct measurements made with the second adherent patch and/or electrodes.
US09579015B2
Apparatus, systems and techniques for capturing, processing and generating digital ophthalmic images using conventional ophthalmic lenses. Certain embodiments processor implemented gesture-based control methods that provide for an eye care specialist to use a gesture-based imaging trigger to capture images of selected ocular structures through a traditional ophthalmic lens.
US09579012B2
Systems, methods, and devices for facilitating insertion of an endotracheal tube and/or for verifying the position of the endotracheal tube within an airway of a patient with respect to an anatomical landmark of a patient are disclosed. Systems, methods, and devices for facilitating removal of debris from the distal airways of a patient under direct visualization are also disclosed.
US09579005B2
The present inventions are directed to portable cleaning apparatuses adapted for use on mobile cleaning carts useable, for example, for cleaning hospital rooms. Each apparatus comprises a pre-filter module, a vacuum source module, and a secondary filter module, releasably securable to one another, the entire apparatus being configured provide high efficiency cleaning at low noise levels.
US09578997B2
In preferred embodiments, a vacuum sealed clothing and diaper change kit is provided which may comprise a clothing article, a diaper, and optionally a changing aid together utilizing a folding and vacuum sealing processes as to reduce the total size of the contents and provide hygienic storage and transportation of contents. In further preferred embodiments, a kit may comprise an outer casing.
US09578993B2
In accordance with one embodiment, a method is disclosed including cutting an opening in a sidewall of a bathtub and providing an overlay to cover the bathtub. The overlay can include an assistance feature such a tread, door, or capsule.
US09578988B2
The present invention provides a grill pan comprising a main body, plural ribs parallel disposed on the main body, characterizes in that each rib comprises multiple integral segments and is respectively disposed axially on said main body and one end of each segment forms a crest portion along the radial direction and the other end of each segment forms a trough portion along the radial direction and connects to the crest portion of adjacent segment. It forms a new appearance and acquires a pleasing aesthetic effect by applying such structure, at same time, the food will be effectively prevented from slipping on the rib when it is grilled by the grill pan, so the grill degree of the grilled food is more uniform and delicious, moreover, the transverse rib marks will be formed by the crest structure by each rib besides the vertical rib marks formed by the original vertical ribs, so the juice will be sealed from the surface of the grilled beef, thus the delicious flavor is kept.
US09578985B2
A beverage producing unit includes an infusion chamber with a first infusion chamber portion forming a receptacle for receiving a beverage preparing product and is configured to be movable between a loading position, where the first infusion chamber portion is arranged under a product-loading hopper, and a brewing position, where the first infusion chamber portion is configured to co-act with a second infusion chamber portion to close the infusion chamber. A scraper is arranged and configured to level a product heap projecting from the receptacle during movement of the first infusion chamber portion from the loading position towards said brewing position. The receptacle has a top edge surrounding a receptacle inlet aperture. The top edge is provided with a projection extending from the top edge and configured to prevent product from falling out of the receptacle when passing under the scraper.
US09578983B2
An object of this invention is to provide a parboiled rice manufacturing apparatus capable of efficiently manufacturing good-quality parboiled rice without increasing the overall size of the apparatus.A parboiled rice manufacturing apparatus according to this invention includes a drum which has a raw material hatch provided at a peripheral surface and is disposed to be rotatable about a horizontal axis, a heating unit which is disposed inside the drum and heats an interior of the drum, an agitation unit which is disposed inside the drum and agitates a raw material charged through the raw material hatch into the drum, a steam supply unit which supplies steam into the drum, a pressure adjustment unit which has a valve allowing communication of the interior of the drum with outside air and allows increase of pressure inside the drum with steam supplied from the steam supply unit by closing the valve at the time of processing of the raw material through the pressurized steam-boiling treatment, a water addition unit which is disposed inside the drum and adds water to the raw material inside the drum, and a drying unit which dries the raw material by reducing the pressure inside the drum.
US09578981B2
An insulated drinking vessel, e.g., a wine glass, and a method of making the same is disclosed. The drinking vessel basically comprises an outer vessel, an inner vessel and a ring. The inner and outer vessels each include a sidewall. The sidewalls are spaced apart. At least one of the outer vessel, the inner vessel and the ring are pre-molded to form an integral structure having a vestige of a molding gate used to mold the integral structure. At least one of the inner and outer vessels and the ring is molded in situ on the integral structure to cause portions thereof to melt and intermingle to form a non-superficial homogenous joint, with the ring forming the rim or lip of the insulated drinking vessel.
US09578961B1
A display includes a shelf having an elongated slot for receiving a power cord of at least one electrically powered consumer product being displayed on the shelf in front of the elongated slot. The elongated slot is defined by a portion of a free edge of a rotatable door that covers a pocket in a closed position and by a back end of a table having an upper surface for supporting the electrically powered consumer products. Remaining portions of the free edge of the rotatable door engage with a lip that protrudes from a front wall of the pocket so that a top side of the rotatable door is in alignment with the upper surface of the table when the rotatable door is in the closed position.
US09578959B2
Laboratory table with front and opposite rear frame parts, has replaceable tabletop elements positionable thereon. In a first variant, the laboratory table further has detent openings at regular distances on the front and/or rear frame parts, defining a modular grid. Each opening can receive a detent bolt of a modular tabletop element, each element having at least two detent bolts for the insertion into one of the detent openings. In a second variant, each tabletop element has at least one detent opening on a front and/or rear side of the tabletop element, for insertion of a detent bolt. The front and/or rear frame part of the laboratory table have detent bolts arranged at a regular distance defining a modular grid, each one of the detent bolts being for insertion into one of the detent openings of the tabletop elements positioned on these front and rear frame parts.
US09578952B1
A convertible ground cover configured to be able to convert into a backpack and revert to a ground cover. The convertible ground cover and backpack may be utilized in a variety of outdoor settings like hunting, camping, or fishing. The convertible ground cover and backpack allows users to quickly convert a ground cover into a backpack using minimal tools and can be performed under various conditions. This eliminates the unnecessary extra weight required in conventional systems of carrying both a backpack and a groundcover. Furthermore, the convertible ground cover and backpack may be easily cleaned during or after use.
US09578951B1
An equipment hanging system mountable with a pole includes a first mountable component, a second mountable component, a pole adapter, and a cord. The first mountable component includes a first mounting portion, a first adapter interface, and a cord-attachment portion. The second mountable component includes a second mounting portion, a second adapter interface, and a cord-guide portion. The pole adapter includes a mountable component interface releasably engageable to the adapter interfaces of the mountable components, a pole interface securely attachable to the pole, and a demounting hook releasably engageable to the mounting portions of the mounting components. The cord includes a first end attached to the cord-attachment portion and a second end extending through the cord-guide portion. The equipment hanging system may also include an equipment bag and an equipment fastener to connect the equipment bag to the cord between the mountable components.
US09578934B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems, methods, and devices for securing a hair retention device hidden (at least partially) from view using a bracelet. Such embodiments include a bracelet having an annular shape. Further, the bracelet includes an annular cavity along a side of the bracelet to retain a hair retention device and an open cavity that allows a user to access the hair retention device.
US09578922B2
A sole construction (110, 310, 410, 510) for supporting at least a portion of a foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction (110, 310, 410, 510) includes a generally horizontal layer (126, 156, 326, 356, 426, 456, 526, 556) of stretchable material, at least one chamber (130, 132, 134, 330, 332, 334, 354, 354′, 430, 432, 434, 454, 454′, 530, 532, 534, 554, 554′) positioned adjacent a first side of the layer (126, 156, 326, 356, 426, 456, 526, 556), and at least one actuator (122, 158, 320, 322, 324, 358, 420, 422, 424, 458, 520, 522, 524, 558) positioned adjacent a second side of the layer (126, 156, 326, 356, 426, 456, 526, 556) vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber (130, 132, 134, 330, 332, 334, 354, 354′, 430, 432, 434, 454, 454′, 530, 532, 534, 554, 554′). The sole (110, 310, 410, 510) when compressed causes the actuator (122, 158, 320, 322, 324, 358, 420, 422, 424, 458, 520, 522, 524, 558) to push against the layer (126, 156, 326, 356, 426, 456, 526, 556) and move the layer (126, 156, 326, 356, 426, 456, 526, 556) at least partially into the corresponding chamber (130, 132, 134, 330, 332, 334, 354, 354′, 430, 432, 434, 454, 454′, 530, 532, 534, 554, 554′).
US09578921B2
A sole structure for an article of footwear is disclosed. The sole structure includes a reinforcing plate and/or a lasting board. The reinforcing plate and/or lasting board includes a first flange portion corresponding to a big toe of a foot and a second flange portion corresponding to a ball region of a foot. The first flange portion and the second flange portion each include a cleat member.
US09578911B2
A reversible locking garment closure includes male and female members each attached to an end of a garment. The male member has a pin at an acute angle and the female member receives the pin in a corresponding angled channel. The acute angle provides resistance to decoupling the male and female members, and allows the closure to function under high tensile stress. The male and female members are coupled via motion in a plane parallel to the front and rear faces of the closure, allowing the closure to be operable when worn in a reverse orientation. In an embodiment, the closure includes a locking mechanism which resiliently resists decoupling of the male and female members.
US09578904B2
An athletic jersey having at least one sleeve with a shoulder panel and sleeve panel, and a back panel having first and second back panel lateral edges mated and joined to the sleeve panel of the sleeve, and a front panel having first and second front panel side edges mated and joined to the shoulder panel of the sleeve as well as a collar edge mated and joined to the shoulder panel. The jersey has side panels mated and joined between the front panel and back panel, such that the side panel comprises a beam element and an arm element extending from the beam element and having a substantially triangular shape extending from the beam element forward about the triceps of the jersey to form the sleeve in combination with the shoulder panel and sleeve panel, substantially eliminating loose fabric about the wearer's underarm.
US09578887B2
The invention relates to low density ready-to-spread frosting compositions and related methods.
US09578883B2
A mechanical insecticide is made by mixing water with at least one type of silane to make a silane solution which is then mixed with uncalcined diatomaceous earth until there is substantial deposition of the silane material on the diatomaceous earth material, to make a silanized diatomaceous earth. The silanized diatomaceous earth can be diluted with water and applied to vertical and overhead surfaces using a sprayer, for the control of insects. The silanized diatomaceous earth can also be dried into a powder for broadcast application, or mixed as a paste for brush/roller/caulk application.
US09578879B1
Compositions and methods for the disinfection of surfaces are provided. The compositions include an alcohol and a peracid. The disinfectant composition is characterized by a pH of no more than about 5. Broad spectrum efficacy is achieved, and synergistic activity is exhibited against bacterial and fungal spores, including Clostridium difficile spores. The compositions and methods are also useful against conformationally altered prions, bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
US09578878B2
The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of an oregano extract containing carvacrol and capyrlic acid blend by screening for inhibition and by conducting a preservative efficacy test, USP 51, in skin creams. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were found for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonsas aeruginosa, Streptococcus sanguinis, Salmonella enterica, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus brasiliensis.
US09578874B2
Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for reducing or inhibiting spray drift and driftable fines.
US09578868B2
An agricultural sprayer assembly includes a wheeled carriage, a chassis, and a spray delivery system. The wheeled carriage has a number of adjustable support legs (e.g., four), each formed of hydraulically coupled and actuated upper and lower leg sections or members. The chassis is supported on the wheeled carriage, at an adjustable clearance height defined by the operational height of the support legs. The spray delivery system includes a spray boom coupled to a boom support, and an actuator coupled to the boom support and the chassis. The actuator is configured to adjust the height of the spray boom with respect to the clearance height of the chassis.
US09578867B2
A system for killing pests in an affected area of a structure comprises a heat pump unit placed within an affected area and a thermostatic control. The heat pump unit is configured to receive a flow of water from a faucet, and generate heated air by transferring heat from the flow of water, the heated air being emitted into the affected area in order to raise the temperature of the affected area to a target temperature greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The thermostatic control is configured to monitor a temperature of a flow of water as it is received by the heat pump, monitor a temperature of air, and automatically cease operation of the heat pump when the temperature of the flow of water is above a predefined limit.
US09578864B2
A fishing tackle organizer, usable alone or with a tackle box system, provides convenient storage and display of fishing tackle. The organizer includes an elongated body having a plurality of sites for securing tackle, and a back surface with means for securing the organizer to a desired structure, such as, for example, in a tackle box, on a boat, a fishing dock or in a garage. Each of the plurality of sites includes a hole in the elongated body and may include either a surface slot extending from the hole or a recessed upper surface to allow tackle to sit securely within the organizer. A door panel may also be provided to close over the body to retain tackle within the holes. The tackle box system is customizable and may include at least one of the disclosed organizers fixed or detachably positioned within a closable container.
US09578849B1
A soybean cultivar designated 55021012 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 55021012, to the plants of soybean cultivar 55021012, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 55021012, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 55021012. 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 55021012. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 55021012, 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 55021012 with another soybean cultivar.
US09578845B1
The present invention is in the field of soybean variety AR1310416 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety AR1310416 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using AR1310416 in a breeding program.
US09578843B1
The present invention is in the field of soybean variety AR1310870 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety AR1310870 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using AR1310870 in a breeding program.
US09578842B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01052083. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01052083. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01052083 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01052083 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09578832B2
The present invention is in the field of soybean variety CE1211339 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety CE1211339 and its progeny, and methods of making CE1211339.
US09578820B2
A method of underground watering utilizes a pouch-like container product made by joining a first sheet having SAP particles adhered to a first surface with a second sheet to form a container partially filled with such particles. The application of pressure, for example by passing the product through a roll nip, facilitates joining of the sheets and causes the particles to break through at least the one of the sheets to create an opening whereby free volume is created to permit the particles to expand when in contact with a liquid. The resultant product is used to collect, store, and dispense water-containing liquids into the soil for watering of agricultural plants, trees, and the like. A composite underground watering element is also included in an embodiment of the invention. The inventive products may also be used as a pad, including a propagation pad, to collect, store, and dispense water-containing-liquids into plant vessels to provide watering of plants. Also included are underground watering of athletic fields and golf course greens, erosion control products and plant root balls having a watering collar.
US09578819B2
A Growing apparatus for cleansing air and watering plant, wherein the apparatus includes a modular panel constructed for either vertical or horizontal planting systems, including connecting couplers and end caps for directing water flow from upper to lower channels. Panel consist of 5 channels per section with opposing conical top and bottom set at 45 degree angles (FIG. 9-23) for both channeling water and accepting irrigation nozzle. System can also use a horizontal channel system while the orientation is different but function is the same. Panels stack nesting consecutively on top of each other to make larger systems.
US09578817B2
An irrigation sprinkler includes a main valve mounted in the lower end of an outer housing for controlling the flow of water through an inlet of the outer housing. A pilot valve is operatively coupled to the main valve for turning the main valve ON and OFF. A solenoid is operatively coupled to the pilot valve for opening and closing the pilot valve. A service valve is operatively coupled between the main valve and the pilot valve. The service valve is manually actuable from an AUTO state to allow normal operation of the sprinkler and to an OFF state to allow repair or replacement of the pilot valve or solenoid without having to manually shut OFF a supply valve that is coupled to the inlet of the outer housing through a supply pipe.
US09578814B2
A Christmas tree bag is an apparatus which allows a user to easily carry and transport a Christmas tree and the like on a vehicle roof top while providing protection to a vehicles surface. The apparatus is comprised of a rectangular tarp like configuration that allows the user to enclose a Christmas tree within the tarp. The Christmas tree is placed on the tarp and the side edges are then brought together around the tree. The tree bag is secured around the Christmas tree with the attached straps. The outer surface includes a hand strap affixed for ease of carrying. The Christmas tree bag is then placed on a vehicle roof top and secured.
US09578812B2
There is provided a curb for landscaping having a base portion, a cover portion, a curb front end and a curb rear end. The base portion has a top surface and a flat bottom surface. The cover portion has an outer surface and an inner surface. The base portion and the cover portion have front and rear edges, and these front edges are attached to define the curb front end. The cover portion overlies and extends above the base portion such that the rear edges are spaced apart. The curb rear end has one or more drainage openings above the top surface of the base portion, and the curb front end has one or more drainage outlets adjacent to and above the front edge of the base portion, the drainage outlets being in fluid communication with the drainage openings and permitting water to drain through the curb body.
US09578811B2
A system for controlling the speed of harvested crop as it is discharged from a crop accumulator onto a field comprising a discharge mechanism for imparting a desired rearward travel speed to the harvested crop as it is being discharged from the crop accumulator and a speed measurement device for measuring forward travel speed of the crop accumulator. A processor is in communication with the discharge mechanism and the speed measurement device and is operable to adjust the discharge mechanism for imparting the desired rearward travel speed or the forward travel speed of the crop accumulator, to discharge harvested crop with a rearward travel speed that is substantially equal to the forward travel speed such that the harvested crop has a substantially net zero speed as it contacts the ground.
US09578807B1
A biomass harvesting system for harvesting agricultural plant growth from agricultural fields comprises a power source for providing mechanical and electric power to the system, a biomass accumulator for producing discrete units of accumulated biomass, a windrower for feeding biomass to the accumulator, a biomass quality analyzer for sensing and transmitting a set of quality characteristics of the biomass, a soil chemical analyzer for sensing and transmitting in real time soil chemical characteristics of the agricultural field soil, an active tracking system for identifying individual ones of the discrete units of accumulated biomass, and a central processing unit including a memory module storing an executable instruction set therein. The central processing unit executes the instruction set and integrates the sensed biomass quality characteristics and the sensed optimal quantity of biomass residue to remain on the field to determine a biomass quality index of the discrete units of accumulated biomass.
US09578806B2
An agricultural harvester includes a header with an infeed assembly including a driving element configured to rotate; a cylinder rotationally coupled to the driving element and having a plurality of openings formed therein; and a paddle assembly eccentrically positioned and rotationally held within the cylinder. Each paddle assembly includes a plurality of paddles variably positioned through the openings in the cylinder. Each paddle includes a laterally slidable wing that withdraws into the cylinder when the paddle retracts into the cylinder, and slides outwardly as the paddle extends form the cylinder.
US09578802B2
A seed delivery apparatus and methods in which a seed conveyor delivers seed from a metering device to a furrow in a controlled manner to maintain seed placement accuracy within the furrow.
US09585295B2
A removal apparatus includes a main body, a carrying device, a heating device and a brush device. The carrying device is disposed on the main body, and includes a holding module for holding a circuit board. The heating device is disposed on the main body for heating up the circuit board to melt bonding material that bonds electronic components and a board body of the circuit board. The brush device is disposed on the main body, and includes at least one brush body that is made of heat-resistant material, and that is operable to move relative to a surface of the circuit board to remove the electronic components from the board body after the bonding material are melted.
US09585294B2
Arrangement for electromagnetically screening a connection (1) between an electrical conductor (2) and an electrical coupling element (3) connected to the conductor (2) is proposed. The conductor has an electrically effective screen (4) of a synthetic material containing carbon fibers. The coupling element (3) is also surrounded by an electrically effective screen (5) of a synthetic material containing carbon fibers, which is integrally connected with the screen (4) of the conductor (2) to form an overall shield.
US09585290B2
A rack mountable 10U storage unit includes a plurality of memory modules arranged in multiple rows. The storage unit also has control circuitry. Each of the memory modules have multiple heating zones and a heat spreader coupled to it. The memory modules may have heat spreaders having differing thermal dissipation capacity coupled to them. The storage unit can accommodate up to 120 memory modules due to a unique method of placing the individual memory modules.
US09585281B2
A system and method for provisioning within a system design to allow the storage and IO resources to scale with compute resources are provided.
US09585275B2
Electronic devices may have housings in which components are mounted. Some of the components may be sensitive to moisture. Other components may be insensitive to moisture and may form openings in a device housing that allow moisture to escape from within the housing. Components may be mounted on substrates such as printed circuit board substrates. Moisture repelling layers and moisture attracting layers may be patterned to form channels and other structures that guide moisture away from sensitive components towards insensitive components. Moisture repelling and attracting layers may also be used to limit the lateral spread of a conformal coating layer when coating components.
US09585273B2
A window member includes: a glass member; a display member wherein the glass member has a bottom surface which faces and overlays the display member and a pattern layer provided on a first surface of the glass member and having a fine pattern. The pattern layer is silk-screen printed on the first surface of the glass member to directly contact the surface of the glass member. A method of manufacturing a window member, includes: forming a pattern layer such that the pattern layer contacts a surface of the glass member along a periphery of the glass member. The pattern layer is formed at a location which is offset inward from a periphery of the glass member.
US09585271B2
This invention relates to a solid-state drive housing, a solid-state disk using the same and an assembling process thereof. The present invention is capable of preventing the unauthorized disassembly of the consumer. The solid-state drive housing comprising a upper cover and a basement, where the lower casing has a plurality of first hollows, the upper cover has a second base and a plurality of fastening structures one pieced formed therewith, part of the end of the fastening structures are bent and disposed in the corresponding first hollows so as to secure the second member with the first member. By the novelty assembling process provided by the present invention, the user may secures the upper cover and the lower casing without the screw liked fasteners and completes the assembly in only a few quick steps, meanwhile, the present invention is also capable of preventing the unauthorized disassembly of the consumer.
US09585253B2
A circuit board has a through hole extending from a front surface to a rear surface. A press-fit terminal is press-fitted from the front surface into the through hole and is connected to a land, which is formed on a wall surface of the through hole. A support member supports the rear surface of the circuit board when the press-fit terminal is press-fitted into the through hole. A housing has a bottom portion and an opening, which is on the opposite side of the bottom portion. The circuit board is affixed to the housing to cover both the opening and the support member. The support member is held and interposed between the rear surface and an inner surface of the bottom portion.
US09585250B2
[Problem to be solved] The present invention provides a conductive paste for constrained firing and a ceramic substrate manufactured with the conductive paste, the conductive paste having an excellent plating resistance and a good adherence against a ceramic substrate and a plated film even after plating treatment, wherein a constraining layer after firing can be easily removed without remaining on a surface conductor in a case where co-firing is performed.[Solution] Provided is a conductive paste comprising 60 to 95 mass % of an Ag powder as the content in a paste composition, 0.5 to 5 mass % of a borosilicate based glass powder relative to the Ag powder, the remainder being a platinum group metal additive and an organic vehicle, wherein the platinum group metal additive contains at least two metals of Ru and Rh, and the content of Ru and the content of Rh in the platinum group metal additive are 0.05 to 5 mass % of Ru and 0.001 to 0.1 mass % of Rh respectively in terms of metal components relative to the mass of the Ag powder
US09585249B2
The present disclosure is directed to a circuit board having a first polyimide coverlay, a first imaged metal layer, a first electrically insulating layer, a second imaged metal layer, a polyimide bondply, a third imaged metal layer, a second electrically insulating layer, a forth imaged metal layer and a second polyimide coverlay. The first polyimide coverlay, the polyimide bondply and the second polyimide coverlay are derived from 100 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 20 to 90 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine, and 10 to 80 mole % 4,4′-oxydianiline.
US09585244B2
A connector includes a housing, first and second terminals, and a third terminal. The housing accommodates an end portion of a circuit board, the first and second terminals respectively contact first and second contacts among a plurality of contacts arranged side by side on a first side of the end portion of the circuit board. The third terminal contacts a third contact on a second side of the end portion of the circuit board opposite to the first side, and the third contact is arranged at a position facing the first contact with the circuit board therebetween. A support body of dielectric material supports a position on the second side facing the second contact with the circuit board therebetween.
US09585236B2
A Sn vapor EUV LLP source system for EUV lithography is disclosed. The system generates a Sn vapor column from a supply of Sn liquid. The Sn column has a Sn-atom density of <1019 atoms/cm3 and travels at or near sonic speeds. The system also has a Sn vapor condenser arranged to receive the Sn vapor column and condense the Sn vapor to form recycled Sn liquid. A pulse laser irradiates a section of the Sn vapor column. Each pulse generates an under-dense Sn plasma having an electron density of <1019 electrons/cm3, thereby allowing the under-dense Sn plasma substantially isotropically emit EUV radiation.
US09585220B2
The invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of an LED luminaire (1) which has a plurality of LEDs (5, 6) as light sources. The method has the following steps: evaluation, by a control unit (3) for the LED luminaire (1), of an electrical signal which is produced by a switch, pushbutton or dimming switch (10) which can be operated by a user (11) and is connected to the control unit (3) and supplied with voltage via an interface (23) of the LED luminaire (1), and variation of the color spectrum of the LED luminaire (1) as a function of the evaluated signal.
US09585219B2
Disclosed herein is a light emitting element driving apparatus for controlling a light emitting unit including serially connected light emitting element arrays. The apparatus includes a rectifying unit configured to provide a rectified signal to the light emitting unit according to a result of rectifying an alternating current (AC) signal, a switching unit configured to selectively connect output terminals of the light emitting element arrays to a first node, an amplifying unit configured to amplify each of reference voltages having different levels and a voltage of a second node and to generate first amplified signals controlling the switching unit according to an amplification result, a sensing resistor connected between the second node and an electrical ground, and a current sensing circuit configured to generate mirrored current by mirroring current supplied from the first node and to provide the mirrored current to the second node.
US09585200B2
An induction cooking hob and method for assigning induction coils of the hob, so that each coil corresponds with a unique number or identity. The method includes; setting a load onto the hob, so that the load covers only one of the coils, which is provided for a first unique number or first identity; activating a pot detection device for all coils of hob; identifying the coil covered by the load; assigning the first number or identity to the covered coil; storing the unique number or identity in conjunction with the covered induction coil; setting the load onto a further one of the coils, which is provided for a second unique number or second identity; repeating the steps c) to f) for the further coil and second number or identity; and repeating the steps b) to f) for all other coils and corresponding unique numbers or corresponding identities.
US09585199B2
A structure of hybrid heating equipment according to the present invention is disclosed. The present invention combines a multiple of the thermal sources for heating the interior materials of the container simultaneously, and assures the materials could gain the thermal energy uniformity. Furthermore, the present invention allows users to control the level of the heating simply through adjusting the length of interior heating elements or the flow rate of the incoming gas. In addition, the present invention connect with the tubes of the hot exhaust gas to further lower the influence of the thermal resistance by coordinating the flow of the hot exhaust gas, therefore fully reflect the advantages of the conserving energy and reducing the carbon emissions by reusing the waste heat as the principal source while the electric heating devices as supplement.
US09585188B2
A method of configuring downlink timings and transmitting a random access response message is provided for a random access procedure in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system supporting carrier aggregation. The method for adjusting timing of a terminal in a wireless communication system supporting carrier aggregation of at least one carrier includes transmitting a Random Access Preamble to a base station, and receiving a Random Access Response with a Timing Advance Command (TAC) for commanding uplink timing adjustment from the base station, wherein the Random Access Response comprises information indicating a Timing Advance Group (TAG) to which the TAC is applied.
US09585183B2
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may store computer-readable instructions for a communication apparatus, wherein the computer-readable instructions, when executed by a processor of the communication apparatus, cause the communication apparatus to perform: obtaining first and second radio field intensities from the first external apparatus; calculating a first value indicating a ratio of the first and the second radio field intensities; obtaining third and fourth radio field intensities from the second external apparatus after receiving the third predetermined signal; calculating a second value indicating a ratio of the third and fourth radio field intensities; specifying a relationship between first and second distances by using the first and second values, the first distance being a distance between the communication apparatus and the first external apparatus, and the second distance being a distance between the communication apparatus and the second external apparatus; and outputting target data by using the specified relationship.
US09585181B2
The present invention provides a method for finding a wireless device. The exemplary method comprises: storing a Wi-Fi direct connection profile between the wireless device and an electronic device; enabling the Wi-Fi direct function of the wireless device when a condition is met; and establishing a Wi-Fi direct connection with the wireless device in the electronic device to control the wireless device.
US09585176B2
A method, a computer program product, and an apparatus are provided. The apparatus determines an availability of a wireless wide area network (WWAN) subframe, and utilizes the WWAN subframe for peer-to-peer communication when the WWAN subframe is available. Accordingly, peer mobile terminals or devices may establish direct peer-to-peer links for communicating small amounts of information without affecting the quality of existing WWAN communications. In the wireless wide area network (WWAN) scenario, communication between mobile terminals is facilitated through uplink/downlink channels between the mobile terminals and a base station (i.e., WWAN link). Therefore, for various types of applications, an efficient means of communicating a small amount of information frequently is provided that does not require large amounts of signaling overhead.
US09585168B2
In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, an apparatus is disclosed that includes a network coordinator module configured to coordinate operation in one or more wireless network architecture modes and configured to communicate to a network station which mode of the one or more wireless network architecture modes is active for communication; and a scheduler module that is configured to schedule communication to the network station.
US09585163B2
A method and apparatus for transmitting information on interference for a device-to-device (D2D) connection in a wireless communication system is provided. A first mobile device detects interference on subframes allocated to a connection with a second mobile device, and transmits information on the subframes in which the interference is detected, to either the second mobile device or a network.
US09585161B2
A method executed in a first radio base station located in a first cell is provided for acquiring scheduling information associated with a second radio base station located in a neighboring cell, where the method comprises listening, via an air interface, to scheduling information transmitted, via a downlink control channel, from the second radio base station; decoding the received scheduling information, and providing the decoded scheduling information to an uplink receiver and/or uplink scheduler associated with the radio base station, such that the uplink receiver and/or uplink scheduler will be able to enhance its performance on the basis of the received scheduling information. An arrangement for executing the suggested method is also provided.
US09585142B2
Even when a radio terminal cannot receive contents data from a serving base station, the radio terminal can receive the contents data from other base station. A wireless communication system includes a radio terminal, a serving radio base station to which the radio terminal serves, and a non-serving radio base station to which the radio terminal does not serve. The serving radio base station receives, from the non-serving radio base station, contents-related information concerning contents data to be broadcasted or multicasted by said non-serving radio base station, and transmits the received contents-related information to the radio terminal.
US09585140B2
A wireless communication base station apparatus that allows the number of times of blind decodings at a mobile station to be reduced without increasing the overhead caused by notifying information. In this apparatus, a CCE allocation part allocates allocation information allocated to a PDCCH received from modulation parts to a particular one of a plurality of search spaces that is corresponding to a CCE aggregation size of the PDCCH. A placement part then places the allocation information in one of downstream line resources, reserved for the PDCCH, that is corresponding to the CCE of the particular search space to which the allocation information has been allocated. A radio transmission part then transmits an OFDM symbol, in which the allocation information has been placed, to the mobile station from an antenna.
US09585129B2
The present invention pertains to a method and device for transmitting a control signal, and a method for a terminal to transmit a control signal according to one embodiment of the present invention can comprise: a step for sensing a forced termination in a first subframe during active time; and a step in which if the forced termination is sensed and if, in a second subframe among a pre-set number of subframes after the first subframe, Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) transmission via a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) is set, and if neither one among Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback transmission and Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) transmission is set in the second subframe, the CQI transmission is executed via the PUCCH. The embodiment of the present invention enables power consumption by the terminal to be reduced.
US09585125B2
Methods and apparatuses for a User Equipment (UE) to receive signaling of UE-common Downlink Control Information (DCI) in a set of Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) over a Transmission Time Interval (TTI) are provided. The UE demodulates UE-common DCI using a Reference Signal (RS) that is scrambled by a UE-common scrambling sequence. The UE may assume that RS having a same precoding is transmitted in the set of PRBs over different TTIs. The UE may determine the scrambling sequence implicitly from an identity of a point transmitting the UE-common DCI or explicitly by higher layer signaling. The UE may determine the PRBs of UE-common DCI transmission by broadcast signaling or by higher layer signaling.
US09585124B2
Presented herein are techniques for using uplink transmissions from devices (e.g., wireless tags, clients, etc.) to determine a path loss between neighboring access points. In one example, a wireless controller obtains receive signal strength information of uplink transmissions received at neighboring access points in a wireless network. The wireless controller determines an effective path loss between the neighboring access points based on the receive signal strength information for the uplink transmissions received at the neighboring access points. The wireless controller also performs radio resource management operations in the wireless network using the effective path loss determined based on the uplink transmissions received at the neighboring access points.
US09585122B2
A method of communicating data between a base station and a plurality of terminal devices in a wireless telecommunications system. The method comprises transmitting data from the base station to the plurality of terminal devices in a multicast transmission and transmitting response signals from the terminal devices to the base station to indicate whether the respective terminal devices have successfully received the multicast transmission. The use of a multicast transmission provides an efficient mechanism for communicating the same data to a plurality of terminal device, for example as might be desired in a machine-type communication network. In combination with this, the use of individual response signals, such as ACK/NACK signalling, from the terminal devices allows the base station, or other entity, such as a machine-type communications server, to track which terminal devices have indicated successful receipt of the multicast transmission, and to instigate an appropriate re-transmission protocol accordingly.
US09585113B2
A method and a device perform time-synchronization with an ad hoc network configured by a plurality of nodes. The method includes: transmitting a time-synchronization request frame including an address of one of the plurality of nodes which belong to the ad hoc network to one of the plurality of nodes having a function of receiving the time-synchronization request frame and transmitting a time-synchronization reply frame including time-synchronization information; receiving the time-synchronization reply frame including the time-synchronization information from one of the plurality of nodes which receive the time-synchronization request frame; and performing time-synchronization with one of the plurality of nodes using the time-synchronization information included in the time-synchronization reply frame.
US09585111B2
A method including receiving at a synchronizing node a first reference frame from a first reference node at a first time and storing a first time value representing the first time, and calculating a timing estimator by subtracting a minimum time value, representing the distance from the synchronizing node to the first reference node, from the first time value. The method includes receiving at the synchronizing node a second reference frame at a second time and transmitting from the synchronizing node to the first reference node a short timing contention time frame. The method includes receiving at the synchronizing node from the first reference node an arrival time value representing the time at which the first reference node received the short timing contention frame and calculating a time drift from the first arrival time value and the second time value and adjusting the timing estimator based on the time drift.
US09585106B2
Facilitation of a network assisted device-decided system can increase throughput of D2D devices and the link reliability of macrocells. In a network assisted device-decided system a macrocell can broadcast resource allocation data to D2D devices. The D2D devices can then select channels and adjust transmission power to offload traffic from the macrocell, thus creating a high spectrum efficiency with low power.
US09585102B2
Provided are a method and an apparatus for a User Equipment (UE) for multiplexing at least one uplink channel and an uplink signal and for controlling the transmission power for an uplink channel and an uplink signal. A method of a UE for controlling an uplink transmission power may include setting the uplink maximum transmission power for each of a plurality of cell groups including one or more serving cells; and allocating the transmission power for an uplink channel and an uplink signal based on at least one of: the uplink maximum transmission power, a total sum of the transmission power of one or more uplink channels and an uplink signal transmitted in each of the plurality of cell groups, and the total maximum transmission power of the UE, and the uplink channel includes a PUCCH or a PUSCH, and the uplink signal includes a SRS.
US09585095B2
Methods and devices for enhanced power save protocol are provided. In one aspect, a message to two or more stations is transmitted, the message requesting the two or more stations to transmit power save polls concurrently at a specified time. The power save polls are then received concurrently from each of the stations.
US09585084B2
There are provided measures for dynamic control of network selection. Such measures exemplarily comprise receiving a network list, said network list comprising at least one network discovery element, each of said at least one network discovery elements represents a particular network and comprises at least connection information for connecting to said network and a category assigned to said network, receiving a control signaling comprising at least one desired category, and selecting said network based on said at least one desired category and the category assigned to said network.
US09585083B2
A method for a base station to support network entry of a mobile station in a communication system is provided. The method includes transmitting to the mobile station each of a plurality of transmitted network entry signals over a preferred downlink beam corresponding to the transmitted network entry signal. Each of a plurality of received network entry signals is received from the mobile station over a preferred uplink beam corresponding to the received network entry signal. Each of the transmitted network entry signals comprises the preferred uplink beam corresponding to a subsequently received network entry signal, and each of the received network entry signals comprises the preferred downlink beam corresponding to a subsequently transmitted network entry signal.
US09585077B2
Systems, methods and apparatus facilitating joint channel and routing assignment are provided. In some embodiments, a system includes nodes in a network configured to perform distributed joint channel and routing assignment of traffic through exchange of information with one another. The assignments are iteratively updated based on whether the update will result in an increase in a value of a function associated with throughput for traffic in the network. In some embodiments, the assignments are determined based on random decisions that are adopted if the function is improved utilizing the routing and channel information in the assignment. In some embodiments, the assignments are determined based on traffic prioritization in which destination nodes having a high level of traffic are assigned routes and channels having characteristics amenable to reduction of interference in the network.
US09585076B2
Method in a wireless device for managing handover from a source cell to a target cell. When a first difference of a first quality measurement of a signal from the target cell minus a first quality measurement of a signal from the source cell is above a first threshold for a first time period, the wireless device sends a report to the source network node and receives a message to handover to the target cell. When a second difference of a second quality measurement of a signal from the target cell minus a second quality measurement of a signal from the source cell is above a second threshold value, for a second time period, the wireless device triggers handover to the target cell. When it is not above the second threshold value, for the second time period, it cancels the handover.
US09585072B1
Disclosed are methods and systems to facilitate handover of a UE away from a primary carrier of a base station, despite a primary carrier having a channel quality that is at or above a channel quality threshold of the primary carrier. In particular, a wireless communication system may serve the UE with carrier aggregation service using (i) a first carrier as a primary carrier for the UE and (ii) a second carrier as a secondary carrier for the UE. During the serving, while a channel quality of the primary carrier is at or above a first threshold quality, the system may make a determination that a channel quality of the secondary carrier is below a second threshold quality. In response to at least making the determination, the system may carry out a handover of the UE from the primary carrier of the first base station to another carrier.
US09585064B2
The present disclosure presents a method and an apparatus for network cognizant uplink transmissions during inter radio access technology (IRAT) handovers. For example, the method may include skipping inter radio access technology (IRAT) measurements during one or more dedicated channel (DCH) measurement occasion (DMO) or idle interval gaps of a transmission timing interval (TTI). The method further includes transmitting data on an uplink from a user equipment (UE) to a network entity during the entire duration of the TTI and determining whether the network entity is decoding the data transmitted on the uplink based on a response received from the network entity. As such, network cognizant uplink transmissions during inter radio access technology (IRAT) handovers may be achieved.
US09585063B2
A code division multiple access (CDMA) communication device comprises a medium access controller (MAC) configured to receive data from a plurality of channels. Each channel is associated with a priority and an identifier. The MAC is further configured to multiplex the data of the plurality of channels for transmission over a CDMA channel based on the priority.
US09585059B2
A method of configuring a header compression or decompression algorithm in a packet network. The method comprises the steps of analyzing or receiving packet information associated with packet traffic, and determining a representative header length to consider as the header length for a plurality of packets. The method further comprises using the representative packet header length to configure one or more compression or decompression algorithms used in the network.
US09585058B2
A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving a frame including a partial association ID (PAID) in a wireless LAN (WLAN) system are disclosed. A method for transmitting a frame from a station (STA) to an access point (AP) in a wireless communication system includes: calculating a partial association ID (Partial AID) on the basis of a basic service set ID (BSSID) of the AP; and transmitting the frame including a partial AID field set to a specific value corresponding to the calculation result of the partial AID to the AP. The partial AID is calculated by applying a modulo operation to a specific value obtained by converting values ranging from a 40th bit position to a 48th bit position from among 48 bit positions of the BSSID of the AP into a decimal number.
US09585052B2
A method for determining a traffic bearer for data traffic between a terminal (106) of a mobile network (102) and a content data source (116) of a content data network (104) is described. The method comprises sending (126) a service request for data of the content data source (116) from the terminal (106) to a network gateway (110) of the mobile network (102), and determining (132) an edge entity (108) of the mobile network (102). The edge entity (112) is adapted to forward the data traffic between the content data source (116) and the mobile network (102). The method comprises sending (130) a bearer establishment request to a control node (108) of the mobile network (102) for establishing the traffic bearer (389, 589) to the edge entity (112), and directing (154) the data traffic associated with the content data source (116) to the traffic bearer. Therefore a delivery of data between the content data source (116) of the content data network (104) and the terminal (106) may be enabled, which delivery may deploy few mobile network resources and may cause a high user experience of an end user associated with the terminal (116) requesting the data from the content data source (116).
US09585051B2
A new deployment model enables a seamless migration to LTE (long term evolution)/EPC (Evolved packet core). In addition, an intelligent edge gateway (IEG) supports future distributed architecture and a converged network for service providers. Specifically, the model supports existing data services (e.g. UMTS) and the delivery of LTE services does not affect the existing data services. Moreover, a distributed architecture is employed, such that, local traffic is optimally routed at the edge and backhaul is minimized. The system can also provide support for enhanced Femto cell 3GPP access to a home network.
US09585047B2
This disclosure pertains to a method in a network node, a method in user equipment, a network node and user equipment in a wireless communications network. More particularly, there is provided methods and platforms for network based control of report messages comprising logged measurements in a wireless communications network. In accordance with some example embodiments, a UE (30) that has stored logged data i.e. logged measurements that are bigger than a single transmission packet, i.e. report message, segments the logged measurements and sends only a portion of the logged measurements that fits into a single report message. The UE (30) also indicates to a network node (28) that additional logged measurements exist at the UE buffer (44).
US09585028B2
The present application discloses a method, an apparatus, and a system for minimization of drive tests (MDT), and relates to the field of communications technologies. In a technical solution, by obtaining a mapping relationship between a trace control entity (TCE) address and a TCE identifier, and according to the TCE identifier included in the MDT report reported by the UE, a corresponding TCE address is obtained and the MDT report is sent to a TCE corresponding to the TCE address. Therefore, it is unnecessary to send an actual TCE network address to the user equipment. The technical solution improves security and solves the insecurity problem of the MDT measurement. The technical solution is simple, convenient and easy to implement, and reduces the complexity of network signaling interaction and network processing.
US09585025B2
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques and apparatus for managing transmit power in a television white space (TVWS) network. By managing transmit power as described herein, medium re-use may be improved in such a network, and unfair usage problems may be alleviated. One example method generally includes receiving, from an apparatus, a message with an indication of a highest transmit power used by the apparatus for transmitting data frames; and determining that the apparatus is a dominant interferer based, at least in part, on the highest transmit power. Another example method generally includes receiving, from an apparatus, a control or management message with a first indication of a first transmit power used by the apparatus for transmitting data frames; and determining that the apparatus is a dominant interferer based, at least in part, on the first transmit power.
US09585024B2
A system and method for self-organized inter-cell interference coordination are provided. A method for controller operations includes receiving signal power measurements at a controller, determining an interference level based on the signal power measurements, generating relationship information based on the interference level, and determining frequency reuse modes for communications controllers controlled by the controller based on the relationship information.
US09585023B2
To reduce inter-sector interference for “weak” users and combat a potentially large variation in interference levels observed by “strong” and weak users, system resources (e.g., frequency subbands) available for data transmission in a system are partitioned into multiple (e.g., three) disjoint sets. Each sector in the system is assigned one subband set. Neighboring sectors are assigned different subband sets such that the subband set assigned to each sector is orthogonal to the subband sets assigned to neighboring sectors. Each sector has an assigned subband set and an unassigned subband set, which contains all subbands not in the assigned set. Weak users in each sector (which are typically strong interferers to neighboring sectors) are allocated subbands in the assigned set. Strong users in each sector are allocated subbands in the unassigned set. The weak users in each sector are then orthogonal to strong interferers in neighboring sectors.
US09585020B2
The present application relates to mobile devices and in particular mobile devices which allow installed applications to connect to the Internet. The application addresses the problems associated with limited battery life and network congestion by controlling access to the Internet on each mobile device. The method intercepts requests to transmit IP data from applications and then determines whether they should be granted access.
US09585018B2
This disclosure is directed at least partly to routing calls and/or other communications from a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that uses a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) as a transit network. The MVNOs may desire to use the MNO's network as a transit network to complete or terminate calls from users who may be roaming and/or are on other access networks such as Wi-Fi. The MNO may implement logic to determine whether to allow the MNO's network to be used as a transit network based at least in part on conditions such as one or more of agreements with an MVNO, business considerations, and/or other considerations (e.g., network bandwidth, etc.). The logic may enforce the rules by selectively allowing some communications and denying other communications.
US09585016B2
Methods, systems, apparatuses, and/or computer-readable media for providing device management via application modification may be provided. In some embodiments, upon identifying an available wireless network, a determination may be made as to whether the available wireless network comprises an authorized wireless network. In response to determining that the available wireless network comprises the authorized wireless network, a connection may be established with the available wireless network and at least one data communication may be performed via the available wireless network instead of a second network.
US09585011B2
Anonymizing location information of a mobile device by an anonymization provider. The anonymizing provider receives, from the mobile device, location information identifying the location of the mobile device and an anonymity requirement. The anonymization provider selects an obfuscation value indicating an extent of location obfuscation that satisfies the received anonymity requirement. The extent of location obfuscation determines location boundaries within which a generated obfuscated location will reside. The anonymization provider generates an obfuscated location for the mobile device and sends the obfuscated location to the mobile device.
US09585009B2
A method for negating location privacy attacks in cellular networks involves signal processing techniques at the physical identification layer. In particular the methodology involves embedding user's unique tags onto the downlink paging signal waveforms so that the tags are stealthy and robust. The scheme not only improves users' privacy but also saves system bandwidth.
US09585004B2
A mobile data network supports making subscriber data addressable as devices in a mobile data network. Each data chunk is assigned a device address in the mobile data network. The data chunk can then be addressed as a device in the mobile data network. Data chunks corresponding to a subscriber are distributed across multiple devices in the mobile data network. The location of the subscriber's data chunks is tracked by the subscriber's mobile device and also by a tracking table in the mobile data network.
US09585002B2
A tool for contacts management and automated calling. The tool displays, by one or more computer processors, a contact page for adding a contact, wherein the contact page includes at least one conditional flow statement field. The tool program prompts, by one more computer processors, to configure the at least one conditional flow statement field. The tool saves, by one or more computer processors, the contact based on the at least one control flow statement field. The tool initiates, by one or more computer processors, an automated call to the contact based, on the at least one conditional flow statement field. The tool applies, by one or more computer processors, the at least one conditional flow statement field to the automated call to the contact.
US09584999B2
A method and apparatus for supporting Non-Access Stratum (NAS) communication between a User Equipment (UE) and a Mobility Management Entity (MME) efficiently by addressing the signaling problems occurring between the UE and the MME in a situation where it is necessary for a network node to identify the UE and acquire UE information, if there is any, from another network node to which the UE has been attached, are provided. The method for communication between the UE and network based on the NAS protocol messages and operations is implemented with the involvement a UE, an MME, and an old MME or an old Serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Support Node (SGSN) to which the UE has been attached before so as to facilitate discovering a best node using the UE information acquired from the old MME or old SGSN during the communication between the UE and the network, resulting in a reduction of a communication delay between the UE and network and an improvement of communication efficiency.
US09584997B2
This invention is applicable to the field of communications technologies, and provides a device to device (D2D) discovery method and a first D2D user equipment (UE). The method includes: the first D2D UE acquires timing information of the first D2D UE from a Lont Term Evolution (LTE) cellular communications system; receives in a discovery subframe, a device discovery signal from a second D2D UE according to the timing information, wherein the device discovery signal comprises a pilot orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol and a device information OFDM symbol; acquires an arrival time of the device discovery signal by performing a time domain correlation of the pilot OFDM symbol of the device discovery signal and a local pilot sequence, acquires device information of the second D2D UE by parsing the device information OFDM symbol of the device discovery. This invention enables a D2D UE to effectively discover other D2D UEs, improves system efficiency, and saves power of the D2D UE.
US09584996B2
In an embodiment, a UE obtains one or more quorum conditions for communication with a given group from a set of groups to which the UE is registered. The UE searches, over a P2P interface, to identify one or more group members that are registered to the given group and which are proximate to the UE. The UE determines whether the identified one or more group members are sufficient to satisfy at least one of the one or more quorum conditions. The UE selectively triggers a communicative action associated with the given group based on whether the determining determines the at least one quorum condition to be satisfied.
US09584994B2
A method for performing emergency calls includes: camping a first subscription of a mobile communication device on a first cell on a first communication network; camping a second subscription of the mobile communication device on a second cell on a second communication network; determining by the mobile communication device whether one of the first and second subscriptions supports emergency calls; and initiating an emergency call on the determined subscription.
US09584984B2
Access management to femto cell service is provided through access control list(s) (e.g., white list(s), or black list(s)). White list(s) includes a set of subscriber station(s) identifier numbers, codes, or tokens, and also can include additional fields for femto cell access management based on desired complexity. White list(s) can have associated white list profile(s) therewith to establish logic of femto coverage access based on the white list(s). A mechanism for reciprocal addition of access field attributes in access control lists and white list profiles also is provided. The mechanism allows at least in part for a first subscriber to be added to a configured white list of a second subscriber, when the first subscriber configures a new white list, the second subscriber is reciprocally incorporated in the new white list. Such mechanism can be driven and facilitates generation of associations among groups of subscribers that share specific commonalities.
US09584981B2
Method, hardware, device, computer program, and apparatus for positioning mobile devices in unmapped locations based on motion sensor and radio frequency measurements are described. A reference radio signal is received from a transmitter with an unknown absolute position and a reference range measurement is calculated. Mobile device motion sensor data is used to estimate a relative position of the mobile device. A sample radio signal is received from a transmitter with an unknown absolute position and a sample range measurement is calculated. The reference range measurement and the sample range measurement are compared. The estimated motion sensor based position is adjusted according to the result of the comparison.
US09584972B2
An indoor positioning method includes: sending, by a client, a position request instruction to at least three access points; receiving, by the client, a response message sent by each access point in response to the request instruction; sending, by the client, a corresponding measurement report message to each access point, so that each access point obtains a radio signal flight time between itself and the client; and receiving, by the client, a position estimation result from a network side, where the network side performs a comparative calculation on the radio signal flight time received from each access point and a sampling time measured in advance between each access point and each of multiple sampling points, and the position estimation result is an obtained coordinate location of a sampling point whose corresponding sampling time has a minimum time difference from the radio signal flight time received from each access point.
US09584967B1
A mobile computerized apparatus configured to provide membership status in a roadside assistance program after occurrence of a roadside event is disclosed. The apparatus executes instructions that cause/allow the apparatus to receive input related to an electronic membership card, retrieve from a data store membership information associated with the vehicle, and dynamically update the electronic membership card for display on the apparatus.
US09584965B2
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to facilitate proximity detection and location tracking. An example method includes receiving messages collected by a badge in an environment, the messages including signal strength and a timestamp. The example method also includes assigning a location in the environment to the badge based on a first subset of the messages. The example method also includes identifying an asset in a second subset of the messages. The example method also includes updating a current location associated with the asset based on a relative proximity of the asset to the badge, wherein the current location corresponds to a first time and the updated location corresponds to a second time, and wherein a change in location between the current location and the updated location indicates movement of the asset in the environment.
US09584955B2
A method for operating a first electronic device is provided. The method includes receiving data from a second electronic device in short-range radio communication. The method also includes detecting a location of the first electronic device. The method further includes determining an execution method of the received data based on at least one of the location of the electronic device and one or more of communication region information of the short-range radio communication of the second electronic device, signal strength of the short-range radio communication in the communication region, and location information of the electronic device.
US09584947B2
A method of calibrating a sound restitution assembly for a multichannel sound signal, which includes a plurality of loudspeakers. The method includes: obtaining multidirectional impulse responses of the loudspeakers to reproduction of a predetermined audio signal; analyzing the multidirectional impulse responses obtained, in a domain of spatio-temporal representation, over at least one time window encompassing the instants of arrival of the first reflections of the audio signal reproduced to determine a set of characteristics of the first reflections; comparing the amplitude of each of the reflections with a predetermined perceptibility threshold and identifying imperceptible reflections for which the amplitude is below the predetermined threshold; modifying the impulse responses obtained to obtain perceptive impulse responses, by deleting the reflections identified as imperceptible; and determining a filtering matrix on the basis of the perceptive impulse responses for an application of this filtering matrix to the multichannel audio signal before sound restitution.
US09584942B2
A method and apparatus are disclosed to determine individualized head-related transfer function (HRTF) parameters for a user. The technique can include determining HRTF data of a user by using transform data of the user, where the transform data is indicative of a difference, as perceived by the user, between a sound of a direct utterance by the user and a sound of an indirect utterance by the user. The technique may further involve producing an audio effect tailored for the user by processing audio data based on the HRTF data of the user.
US09584939B2
The invention provides an arrangement and a method for measuring the direct sound wrad radiated by an acoustical source under test (e.g. loudspeakers) under the influence of acoustic ambient noise sources Q1 and reflections at acoustical boundaries (e.g. room walls). An acquisition device measures a state variable pt(rm) of the sound field at a plurality of measurement points rm in a scanning range Gm by a sensor and generates a scanned data set pGm,tQ0,Q1. Based on this data set an analyzer determines the coefficients CradQ0 associated with expansion functions which are solutions of the wave equation. An identifier uses the scanned data set pGm,tQ0,Q1 for generating parameter information P for the analyzer which are the basis for separating the direct sound wrad from room reflections wref and other waves wsec scattered at the surface of the source under test. An extrapolator predicts the state variable pradQ0 of the direct sound wrad at any point outside the scanning range Gm by using the coefficients CradQ0 of the wave expansion.
US09584938B2
A method of determining acoustical characteristics of a room or venue using a microphone unit having four omni-directional microphones placed at ends of a tetrahedro-mounting unit which are equidistant to a middle point of a mounting unit. The four microphones detect impulse responses for each of n sound sources. The detected impulse responses are analyzed: (1) by determining a direct-sound-component direction, delay, and frequency response; (2) by determining an early-reflection direction, delay, and frequency response of each m early reflection; and (3) in view of late-reverberation components by determining a delay and frequency responses. Direct-sound-transmission-function filter parameters are calculated based on the determined direct-sound-component direction, delay, and frequency response M early-reflection-transmission-function filters parameters are calculated based on the m determined directions, delays, and frequency responses of the m early-reflection components. Late-reverberation-transmission-function filter parameters are calculated based on the delay and frequency response of the late-reverberation components.
US09584935B2
A multi-zone media system and method for providing multi-zone media. As a non-limiting example, various aspects of this disclosure provide a system and method that flexibly presents media content (e.g., audio content) to a user as the user moves throughout a premises.
US09584931B2
A method of sensing vibrations in the middle ear is presented. The method includes implanting a transducer in the middle ear. The transducer measures vibration, within a predetermined frequency range, of at least one component of the middle ear. The transducer has a resonance frequency within the predetermined frequency range, and further has a limited frequency response in a portion of the frequency range. The implanting includes operatively coupling the implant to the at least one component of the middle ear such that the limited frequency response of the transducer is complimentary to, and compensated by, the frequency characteristics of the at least one component of the middle ear.
US09584928B2
The application relates to a bilateral hearing assistance system comprising first and second hearing assistance devices a processing unit, which in a NORMAL mode of operation processes an input audio signal based on configurable processing parameters and provides a processed electric stimulation signal. The system further includes one or more stimulation units for—in a TEST mode delivers first and second electric TEST stimulation signals to output units of said first and second devices respectively. The application further relates to a method of fitting a bilateral hearing assistance system to a particular user. The disclosure provides a measure allowing an improved fitting of bilaterally implanted Cochlear Implant users. The system further includes an evaluation unit configured to analyze the recorded physiological response of the user and to provide an objective measure of the user's perception of said TEST stimulation signals.
US09584927B2
Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for wireless interference diagnostic hearing assistance device systems. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a method for assessing and mitigating wireless interference for hearing assistance device programmers. The method includes measuring wireless interference over wireless communication channels using a wireless programmer configured to communicate with a hearing assistance device. A graphical display in communication with the wireless programmer is used to assist or direct a user to physically move the wireless programmer or the hearing assistance device to minimize the measured wireless interference. In various embodiments, the measured wireless interference is used to identify a source of the wireless interference, and an identity of the source of the wireless interference is displayed on the graphical display.
US09584924B2
A unidirectional condenser microphone includes a diaphragm, a fixed electrode disposed opposite a back face of the diaphragm and an electrode extraction part for the fixed electrode disposed at a backside of the fixed electrode and having a through hole adapted to capture a sound wave from a rear acoustic terminal into a backside of the diaphragm. The through hole has a horn-shaped opening formed in continuation of the through hole at the rear acoustic terminal side thereof such that an inner diameter of the horn-shaped opening is increased toward the rear acoustic terminal side. The electrode extraction part has a plurality of the through holes formed therein at regular intervals along a concentric circle around an axial center of the electrode extraction part, and all the through holes along the concentric circle have the horn-shaped openings formed therein, respectively.
US09584922B2
A hybrid speaker is provided. The hybrid speaker can include first magnets, second magnets, a yoke that accommodates the first and second magnets, a diaphragm, voice coils fixed at one face of the diaphragm, a frame, and a plate spring resiliently supporting the yoke at the frame. The first magnets can be arranged at predetermined intervals such that south poles or north poles thereof are oriented to the same side. The second magnets can have smaller volumes than the first magnets and be arranged singly or plurally between the first magnets their magnetic poles oriented the opposite those of the first magnets. The voice coils can be disposed so as to cross magnetic circuits between the first magnets and the yoke. The diaphragm can be fixed to the frame at periphery portions of the face at the side of the diaphragm at which the voice coils are fixed.
US09584921B2
An apparatus including a frame; a coil movably connected to the frame; and a magnet system connected to the frame. The magnet system includes at least one magnet and at least one pole piece connected to the at least one magnet. The at least one pole piece include a magnet pot. A cross sectional length of the magnet pot and the frame are substantially the same in at least one cross sectional location.
US09584913B2
Apparatuses for playing signals received from the internet or other information highway on one or more speakers are described. The apparatus has a receiver for receiving information from preselected addresses; a processor for interpreting the signals; and at least one speaker for playing signals from the internet. There is at least one holographic projector connected to the receiver for projecting a holographic image received from the internet. The processor selects images that correspond with the signals played by the speaker.
US09584911B2
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a multichip circuit for processing audio signals having dynamic range enhancement information over two or more integrated circuits may include a host integrated circuit and a client integrated circuit. The host integrated circuit may be configured to determine a dynamic range enhancement gain for a digital audio input signal, process the digital audio input signal in accordance with the dynamic range enhancement gain, and transmit audio data based on the processed digital audio input signal. The client integrated circuit may be coupled to the host integrated circuit and may be configured to receive the audio data and wherein the client integrated circuit is provided with the dynamic range enhancement gain and the client integrated circuit is configured to process the audio data with the dynamic range enhancement gain.
US09584908B2
There is provided a signal processing device s including a noise cancellation process clock generation unit configured to generate a noise cancellation process clock having a predetermined fixed frequency, a noise canceling unit configured to include a noise canceling filter operating based on the noise cancellation process clock and generating a noise canceling signal having a signal property of canceling an external noise component based on an input audio signal including the external noise component picked up by a microphone, and an addition unit superimposing the noise canceling signal generated by the filter on a digital audio signal, and a sampling rate conversion unit configured to rate-convert the input digital audio signal sampled at a clock in asynchrony with the noise cancellation process clock to a signal at a sampling frequency in synchrony with the noise cancellation process clock and to supply the rate-converted signal to the addition unit.
US09584904B2
A loudspeaker system for the reproduction of acoustic waves of music, sound and speech in a substantially circular horizontal plane. The loudspeaker system includes multiple spherical enclosures, each enclosure housing a pair of transducers, each pair of transducers producing acoustic waves of a predetermined frequency range.
US09584900B2
A customization earphone structure and a detachable audio broadcasting module thereof are disclosed in the instant disclosure. The detachable audio broadcasting module includes an amplifier assembly and a detachable sound guiding assembly. The amplifier assembly includes a first outer casing and a plurality of first retaining structures disposed on the first outer casing. The first outer casing has an assembly concave groove. The detachable sound guiding assembly includes a second outer casing corresponding to the assembly concave groove, a sound-guiding component fixed and enclosed inside the second outer casing, and a plurality of second retaining structures disposed on the second outer casing. The detachable sound guiding assembly is received inside the assembly concave groove, the second outer casing is detachably positioned inside the assembly concave groove by respectively matching the second retaining structures and the first retaining structures with each other.
US09584896B1
The ambient noise headphone is a pair of headphones or a pair of earbuds that have an integral external microphone. The external microphone picks up the ambient noise external to the user and mixes this ambient noise with the primary audio source being listened to by the user. The external microphone circuitry has a volume control that allows the user to set the volume level of the ambient noise that is heard. This arrangement allows the user to monitor his external environment by controlling the amount of noise that the user can hear when listening to the pair of headphones or to the pair of earbuds. The ambient noise headphone comprises a pair of headphones, an external microphone, and a mixing circuit.
US09584883B2
Techniques for placing a first fiber channel (FC) switch into maintenance mode in a virtualized computing environment in which each data store is connected to at least one host computing system via at least two FC switches are described. In one embodiment, a first active input/output (I/O) path from a data store to a host computing system via the first FC switch is identified. Further, a path change is initiated from the data store to the host computing system via any other FC switch coupled to the data store and the host computing system.
US09584880B2
In a method for transmitting data from a sensor to a processor via at least one communication medium in a communication network, a sensor value of the sensor is transmitted to the processor, and the processor uses the transmitted sensor value for processing until a new sensor value is transmitted to the processor, which new sensor value is transmitted only if at least one condition for the new sensor value is satisfied.
US09584867B2
A system includes a television that has access to one or more services hosted on provider servers through a network. The television has software that displays both program information and services information in an electronic program guide. Upon selecting of a program information entry in the electronic program guide, the software changes the current channel of the television to the channel associated with the program entry information. Upon selecting of one of the services entries in the electronic program guide, the software presents a browsing menu to the viewer, the browsing menu presenting pages from the provider servers and accepting inputs from the viewer.
US09584863B1
Asynchronous data exchange between an enhance digital signage unit and user guided digital content management system which charges external advertisers with appropriate pricing and payment system based of duration of length of digital data media, distance of digital information content being exposed from a center point of a business entity, time of day, frequency of the digital information content is being repeated in a period of time and number of business agents within a selected distance chosen by the external advertiser. A fraction of the charges are rewarded to business agents that participated in the advertising network. Each digital information content is linked to the internal database of the digital content management system with a unique marketing phrase or short recognizable word combination to assist prospective consumers in referencing to the origin of the product or services ultimately back to the external advertisers.
US09584862B2
Real-time participation within a media presentation is disclosed. A participant overlay may be generated by preprocessing a media presentation to extract a time-variant metadata stream associated with one or more interactive regions depicted in the media presentation. The participant overlay includes simulated physics, which may include boundaries of the interactive regions defined in accordance with content in said media presentation. A participant's interaction with said media presentation through the interactive regions may be captured and combined with the media presentation for display on a display. The interaction may comprise a user action upon one or more elements in the media presentation, a user action expressed in the media presentation through an avatar, or a user action in said media presentation in connection with a game element.
US09584851B2
Disclosed are a social television state synchronization system and method, comprising: a first social television client being set to send a subscription request message to a second social television client; the subscription request message carrying a social television state subscribed by the first social television client; the second social television client being set to, when one or more items in the corresponding subscribed social television state are changed, send a state change notification message to the first social television client according to configuration of the second social television client or according to a service or content provider policy; the first social television client being further set to, according to configuration of the first social television client and the changed social television state carried by the state change notification message, synchronize a current social television state of the first social television client with the changed social television state of the second social television client. By means of the present invention, an objective that users watch a program synchronously and perform social interaction is implemented.
US09584849B2
The present invention relates to a touch user interface of an imaging apparatus such as a smart TV. The present invention relates to a user interface method and to an imaging apparatus, in which various menus required for implementing functions provided by the imaging apparatus such as a remote controller command, content, application, web and a TV channel are structured to be fit to two or more menu search modes and correspond respectively to two or more independent touch regions, so that the whole process, from a menu and search mode selection to a final menu item selection, can be carried out by a single touch movement without viewing a remote controller, and the independent touch regions and dependent touch regions are divided to allow for efficient use of the input sensor of the remote controller, having a narrow touch surface.
US09584848B2
A system controller for operating one or more controllable devices in dependence upon commands received from a mobile device includes a first communication interface for receiving a command from the mobile device and a second communication interface for receiving a message from a controllable device. One or more processors are configured to determine whether the mobile device that sent the command is authorized to operate a target controllable device to which the command pertains, and generate a command identifier for identifying the command, and send an instruction corresponding to the command and including the command identifier to the target controllable device when the mobile device is authorized to operate the target controllable device. The system controller replies to a pending command identified by a particular command identifier with a response indicating transaction complete when the message from the controllable device acknowledges the particular command identifier.
US09584843B2
The various embodiments disclosed herein provide methods, systems, and devices for capturing broadcast streams, analyzing the broadcast streams to obtain information about the media content transmitted in the broadcast streams, obtaining additional information about the media content if available, and assigning a unique event identifier specific to the instance of broadcast of the broadcast stream and/or media segment transmitted in the broadcast stream. In other embodiments, the unique event identifier is broadcasted to broadcast receiving devices. With the unique event identifier, broadcast receiving devices can access the obtained information associated with the media content.
US09584840B2
Media content may include one or more advertisements for a product or a company, and such an advertisement may display a visual object (e.g., a logo) of an advertiser. An advertisement impact machine accesses media content, where the media content includes a frame within which the visual object is depicted. The advertisement impact machine accesses a viewer count that represents a number of viewers of the media content. The advertisement impact machine determines a duration during which the visual object is presented within the media content. The advertisement impact machine determines an impact factor based on the duration and on the viewer count. The impact factor may then be provided by the advertisement impact machine as a numerical score indicating a degree of effectiveness of an advertisement that includes the visual object within the media content.
US09584833B2
Improved methods for coding an ensemble of pulse vectors utilize statistical models (i.e., probability models) for the ensemble of pulse vectors, to more efficiently code each pulse vector of the ensemble. At least one pulse parameter describing the non-zero pulses of a given pulse vector is coded using the statistical models and the number of non-zero pulse positions for the given pulse vector. In some embodiments, the number of non-zero pulse positions are coded using range coding. The total number of unit magnitude pulses may be coded using conditional (state driven) bitwise arithmetic coding. The non-zero pulse position locations may be coded using adaptive arithmetic coding. The non-zero pulse position magnitudes may be coded using probability-based combinatorial coding, and the corresponding sign information may be coded using bitwise arithmetic coding. Such methods are well suited to coding non-independent-identically-distributed signals, such as coding video information.
US09584828B2
Provided is an image encoding apparatus that generates a prediction block according to an intra prediction mode, generates a residual block, transforms the residual block to generate a transform block, quantizes the transform block to generate a quantized transform block, scans the quantized transform block to generate one-dimensional (1D) quantized coefficients, and entropy-codes the 1D quantized coefficients. When a size of the transform block is 8×8, the quantized transform block is divided into a plurality of sub-blocks after quantization of the transform block, the plurality of sub-blocks are scanned using a first scan pattern determined according to the intra prediction mode, and coefficients of each sub-block are scanned using a second scan pattern determined according to the intra prediction mode. The first scan pattern is a scan order applied to the plurality of sub-blocks. The second scan pattern is a scan order applied to the coefficients of each sub-block.
US09584824B2
A motion vector estimation method in video encoding: First, a feature point is detected in a video frame. Next, motion estimation is performed on the feature point to obtain a motion vector of the feature point. Next, the feature point is mapped to a feature image block, and the motion vector of the feature point is used as an initial motion vector of the feature image block. Finally, a distance between each image block and the feature image block is calculated, motion estimation is performed on the image blocks in an ascending order of the distances between the image blocks and the feature image block, and an obtained motion vector of an image block is used as an initial motion vector of an image block that is adjacent to the image block and has not undergone motion estimation, until motion estimation is completed for the image blocks in the entire video frame. The method can make an improvement to a conventional motion estimation method, mitigate influence of local optimization on a search method, and increase the accuracy of a motion vector obtained through motion estimation.
US09584822B2
A three-dimensional (3D) video codec encodes multiple views of a 3D video, each including texture and depth components. The encoders of the codec encode video blocks of their respective views based on a set of prediction parameters, such as quad-tree split flags, prediction modes, partition sizes, motion fields, inter directions, reference indices, luma intra modes, and chroma intra modes. The prediction parameters may be inherited across different views and different ones of the texture and depth components.
US09584816B2
Methods, systems, and computer programs for improving compressed image chroma information. In one aspect of the invention, a resolution for a red color component of a color video image is used that is higher than the resolution for a blue color component of the color video image. Another aspect includes utilizing a lower or higher value of a quantization parameter (QP) for one or more chroma channels as compared to the luminance channel. Another aspect is use of a logarithmic representation of a video image to benefit image coding. Another aspect uses more than two chroma channels to represent a video image.
US09584810B2
A video encoding method includes: determining a size of a current block to be encoded and encoding information for indicating the size of the current block; encoding division information related to dividing the current block into one or more subblocks; predicting a subblock divided from the current block by using an intra prediction mode corresponding to the subblock; generating a residual block by subtracting the predicted block from the subblock; transforming the residual subblock by using a transform size identical to a size of the subblock; and encoding information on transform coefficients of the transformed residual subblock.
US09584808B2
An apparatus configured to code video information includes a memory unit and a processor in communication with the memory unit. The memory unit is configured to store video information associated with a reference layer (RL) and an enhancement layer, the RL comprising an RL picture having an output region that includes a portion of the RL picture. The processor is configured to determine whether a condition indicates that information outside of the output region is available to predict a current block in the enhancement layer. The processor may encode or decode the video information.
US09584807B2
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for motion estimation (ME) of a video in a video system. The method includes estimating an occlusion area by using a pattern map; removing a motion vector which corresponds to the estimated occlusion area from a motion vector field, and outputting remaining motion vectors as first candidate motion vectors; collecting motion vectors which correspond to an area of interest in the input video, detecting a representative motion vector which represents the collected motion vectors, and comparing the first candidate motion vectors with the representative motion vector removing a first candidate motion vector having a difference in a weight value from the representative motion vector which is greater than a first threshold value and outputting the remaining first candidate motion vectors as second candidate motion vectors; and performing a motion estimation operation by using the second candidate motion vectors.
US09584801B2
An image capturing device 100 includes: an image pickup unit 248; a chart storage unit 240; a chart transmission control unit 242; a calibration necessity determination unit 244 that determines whether or not calibration of the parameters of the point image restoration processing is required based on a calibration image that is obtained by imaging a calibration chart displayed on an external display device using the image pickup unit 248; a calibration control unit 246 that controls the execution of the calibration according to the determination regarding whether or not the calibration is required that has been performed by the calibration necessity determination unit 244; and a calibration execution unit 247.
US09584798B2
In a method of managing 3D video stream, 3D video stream is output to a connected display. The connected display displays the 3D video stream after a delay associated with the connected display. A timing offset is determined based on the delay. The timing offset is operable to be used to synchronize shutter operations of at least one shutter glasses with the presentation of the 3D video stream. A shutter control signal based on a frame start indication from the 3D video stream is transmitted. The frame start indication is operable to be used to determine a frame rate of the 3D video stream, and the shutter control signal is operable to be used to maintain synchronization of the shutter operations of the at least one shutter glasses with the presentation of the 3D video stream at the connected display.
US09584797B2
A autostereoscopic display system includes an autostereoscopic display configured to project images representing a left-eye view and a right-eye view of an image, an emitter configured to emit a tracer beam having a directional relationship to that of the projected images, a sensor configured to detect reflections of the tracer beam, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to control an emission of the tracer beam, receive feedback data from the sensor, use the feedback data to determine an impact site on the viewer corresponding to the tracer beam and adjust a direction of the tracer beam based on the impact site.
US09584791B1
Present novel and non-trivial system, device, and method for correcting misaligned images are disclosed. A system may be comprised of a source of first model data, a source of second model data, and an image generator (“IG”). The IG may be configured to perform a method comprised of receiving first model data representative of a first three-dimensional model; determining feature data of one or more first features located in an outside scene; receiving second model data representative of a second three-dimensional model in which one or more second features are located in the outside scene; determining differences data representative of feature differences between at least one first feature and at least one second feature; and applying the differences data to one or more pixel data sets, where such modification may be based upon a comparison between one or more first features and one or more correlating second features.
US09584786B2
A method and system for merging graphics and high dynamic range video data is disclosed. In a video receiver, if needed, video and graphics are translated first into the IPT-PQ color space. A display management process uses metadata to map the input video data and the graphics from their own color volume space into a target blending color volume space by taking into consideration the color volume space of the target display.
US09584785B2
A video composition model that provides a set of application programming interfaces (APIs) to set device contexts, and determine capabilities of graphics hardware from a device driver. After the model determines a configuration, the model determines input video stream states applicable to frame rates, color-spaces and alpha indexing of input video streams, interactive graphics, and background images. The model prepares the input video frames and reference frames, as well as a frame format and input/output frame index information. The input video streams, interactive graphics and background images are processed individually and mixed to generate an output video stream.
US09584784B2
Dual and multi-modulator projector display systems and techniques are disclosed. In one embodiment, a projector display system comprises a light source; a controller, a first modulator, receiving light from the light source and rendering a halftone image of said the input image; a blurring optical system that blurs said halftone image with a Point Spread Function (PSF); and a second modulator receiving the blurred halftone image and rendering a pulse width modulated image which may be projected to form the desired screen image. Systems and techniques for forming a binary halftone image from input image, correcting for misalignment between the first and second modulators and calibrating the projector system—e.g. over time—for continuous image improvement are also disclosed.
US09584778B2
A hybrid and telecom-structured image display and projection system implementing a desired image display and projection solution that is fast, cheap to manufacture, low-power, light-weight, scalable in size and resolution, fast-switching and capable of a broad range of mode characteristics of light for implementing dimensional display and projection, flexible, rigid-flat, or rigid-conformal as needed.
US09584768B2
An information processing apparatus includes an image obtaining unit that obtains an image captured by an image capturing apparatus. An index detection unit detects index information from the image. A measurement value obtaining unit obtains a measurement value measured by a sensor. A determination unit determines a suitability of calibration data for the sensor, which includes the index information and the measurement value, based on the index information and the measurement value. A presentation unit presents the suitability.
US09584766B2
Techniques for implementing an integrative interactive space are described. In implementations, video cameras that are positioned to capture video at different locations are synchronized such that aspects of the different locations can be used to generate an integrated interactive space. The integrated interactive space can enable users at the different locations to interact, such as via video interaction, audio interaction, and so on. In at least some embodiments, techniques can be implemented to adjust an image of a participant during a video session such that the participant appears to maintain eye contact with other video session participants at other locations. Techniques can also be implemented to provide a virtual shared space that can enable users to interact with the space, and can also enable users to interact with one another and/or objects that are displayed in the virtual shared space.
US09584761B2
Disclosed is a secondary-stream data accessing method for a videoconference terminal. The method includes: playing secondary-stream data using a playing tool installed in the videoconference terminal, and collecting video data or audio video data of the secondary-stream data; and coding the collected video data or the collected audio video data and sending the coded video data or the coded audio video data to a target videoconference terminal. Further disclosed are a videoconference terminal and a computer storage medium.
US09584757B2
An apparatus and method for effectively implementing a wireless television system may include a communications processor and a transmitter device that combine at least one of a local-area network interface, a wide-area network interface, and one or more television data interfaces for effectively performing a wireless network transmission process. A transmitted stream from the wireless television system may be received via wireless network processing for viewing local-area network data, wide-area network data (such as Internet data), or television data by flexibly utilizing various electronic devices such as a notepad personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a handheld TV remote control device.
US09584754B2
A method and system of providing access to television programs without requiring a user to operate an electronic programming guide or to independently determine information required to access the television program. Optionally, access to the television program may be facilitated by scheduling a recording of the televisions program or providing instructions to facilitate accessing an on-demand showing of the television program.
US09584749B2
The present disclosure relates to an imaging element, a control method, and an imaging apparatus that enable an image of a higher image quality to be obtained.An imaging apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of comparing units that compare analog signals supplied from pixels including photoelectric conversion elements through a vertical signal line with reference signals of ramp waves having different inclinations and output comparison results, a plurality of counters that execute counts until the comparison results are inverted for the different comparing units and output count values as digital data, and a sample-and-hold unit that electrically cuts the vertical signal line and the comparing units and supplies the held analog signals to the comparing units while the comparing units execute the comparisons. The present disclosure can be applied to an imaging element, a control method, and an imaging apparatus.
US09584748B2
A solid-state imaging apparatus includes an imaging section in which a plurality of pixels, each of which has a photoelectric conversion element, are disposed in a matrix; a clock generation section; a reference signal generation section configured to generate a reference signal whose amplitude increases or decreases with the passage of time; a comparison section disposed corresponding to a column in an array of the plurality of pixels; a latch section disposed corresponding to the comparison section and configured to latch logic states of the plurality of phase signals; and a latch control section disposed corresponding to the comparison section, wherein the comparison section includes a differential amplifier, a current output element, and a third transistor, and wherein the comparison section outputs a second comparison signal based on the current output from the current output element after the second timing.
US09584739B2
An image sensor that has one or more pixels within a pixel array. The pixels are arranged within a plurality of rows within the array. Each row of the pixel array can be selected by a row decoder in response to an edge of a control signal. The control signal may be one of a plurality of signals generated by a processor coupled to the image sensor. The processor can control the exposure time of the pixels by varying the control signals. The control signals may also have an embedded narrow pulse that is used to determine the location of a “window” in the pixel array.
US09584736B2
A system and method for automatically repositioning virtual and physical elements in a scene. The system and method being configured to receive a video frame, receive data, including position data, describing a first element to be imaged in the video frame, receive data, including position data, describing a second element to be imaged in the video frame, assign a dynamic status to the first element and automatically reposition at least the first element to create a modified video frame.
US09584734B2
A photographic stage is provided that includes at least one camera, a scanner, and a computer configured to capture a plurality of images from the at least one camera. The computer is also configured to detect a tagged item based on data from the scanner and to identify the tagged item in at least one of the images. A method of using the photographic stage and an apparatus is also provided.
US09584732B2
An image sensor provides a first image with a first exposure and a second image with a second exposure. An exposure controller sets the first exposure in dependence on pixel intensities of at least one of the images. It sets the second exposure in dependence on a factor and the first exposure. The factor is determined in dependence on pixel intensities of at least one of the images.
US09584730B2
The disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods provide for a displacement sensor with a multi-position image sensor. The displacement sensor includes an optical lens. The displacement sensor includes an image sensor configured to view an object through the lens along a plane of focus that is not parallel to an image plane of the image sensor. The displacement sensor includes a laser for illuminating the object by the displacement sensor, wherein the laser is: spaced from the lens at a fixed distance, and configured to project a line of light along the plane of focus of the image sensor. The displacement sensor comprises a first configuration wherein the image sensor is at a first location along an image plane with a first field of view along the plane of focus, and a second configuration at a second location with a different field of view.
US09584727B2
In a photographing apparatus and a photographing control system, an image sensor drive controller drives an image sensor in a direction which is different from the direction of an optical axis of a photographing optical system via an electromagnetic drive system in accordance with a first drive signal, which is generated by a first drive signal generator, and a second drive signal, which is generated by a second drive signal, during a period of exposure of the image sensor, and drives the image sensor in the direction which is different from the direction of the optical axis of the photographing optical system via the electromagnetic drive system in accordance with the first drive signal, which is generated by the first drive signal generator, during the period of signal readout of the image sensor.
US09584726B2
An imaging apparatus having multiple shooting functions includes: an imaging unit that images a subject; two operating units each receives an input of a change signal for instructing a change in shooting parameter of a preset shooting function; a release switch that receives an input of a shooting preparation signal for instructing a shooting preparation operation when pressed halfway; a setting unit that sets at least one or more shooting functions among the multiple shooting functions, to the two operating units; and a control unit that switches over the at least one or more shooting functions of the two operating units, to a limited shooting function capable of conforming to a change in a shooting condition of the subject, when the release switch is being kept pressed halfway even after the release switch is pressed halfway to fix a focal position and/or photometric value with respect to the subject.
US09584720B2
An image capture accelerator performs accelerated processing of image data. In one embodiment, the image capture accelerator includes accelerator circuitry including a pre-processing engine and a compression engine. The pre-processing engine is configured to perform accelerated processing on received image data, and the compression engine is configured to compress processed image data received from the pre-processing engine. In one embodiment, the image capture accelerator further includes a demultiplexer configured to receive image data captured by an image sensor array implemented within, for example, an image sensor chip. The demultiplexer may output the received image data to an image signal processor when the image data is captured by the image sensor array in a standard capture mode, and may output the received image data to the accelerator circuitry when the image data is captured by the image sensor array in an accelerated capture mode.
US09584718B2
A method of switching a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification can include the steps of displaying an image received from a rear side camera of the display device on a touch sensitive display unit positioned at the front side of the display device, setting an area on which a predetermined gesture is to be recognized based on a touch input and if a gesture substantially identical to the predetermined gesture is recognized on the set area in the image received from the rear side camera, capturing an image using the rear side camera.
US09584714B2
An imaging apparatus connectable to a client apparatus via a network includes an imaging optical system, an image sensor, an infrared cut filter (IRCF) driving circuit that inserts and retracts an IRCF into and from an optical path of the imaging optical system, and a communication circuit that receives, from the client apparatus, an automatic insertion and retraction control command for causing the imaging apparatus to automatically control insertion and retraction of the IRCF and additional information about insertion and retraction of the IRCF. The communication circuit transmits, to the client apparatus, operation information indicating which of cases the imaging apparatus uses the additional information received by the communication circuit. The cases include a case where the IRCF is inserted into the optical path, a case where the IRCF is retracted from the optical path, and both the cases where the IRCF is inserted and where the IRCF is retracted.
US09584712B2
According to an aspect of the invention, an image processing apparatus includes: a receiving unit that receives a transfer request, which contains an identifier for identification of an image object, a size of image data obtained by resizing the image object, a transfer starting point of the image data, and a transfer end point of the image data, from an information processing apparatus, a generating unit that generates the image data from the image object based on the transfer request, and a transfer unit that transfers the image data from the transfer starting point to the transfer end point to the information processing apparatus based on the transfer request.
US09584708B2
An imaging apparatus comprises an optical system that includes a plurality of lens groups, each lens group including one or more lenses, at least one of the lens groups being independently movable with respect to the other lens groups and including a focus lens group for focusing the subject and a lens control unit that controls movement of the plurality of lens groups to bring into focus based on a feeding position of the focus lens group.
US09584707B2
To provide an imaging device capable of obtaining high-quality imaging data. The imaging device includes a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit includes a photoelectric conversion element, a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, a fourth transistor, a fifth transistor, a sixth transistor, a seventh transistor, a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a third capacitor. The second circuit includes an eighth transistor. The imaging device can compensate variation in threshold voltage of an amplifier transistor included in the first circuit.
US09584693B2
An image forming apparatus, having a main controller for controlling access to a main memory, and a method of controlling the apparatus, determine whether the main memory is a non-volatile memory or a volatile memory, and store the result of the determination in non-volatile memory, and, erasing data stored in the main memory when transition is made to a power off state or a sleep mode when it is determined that the main memory is a non-volatile memory.
US09584692B2
An image reading apparatus includes a main body and a reading unit. The reading unit includes: a document table; a lower supporting member that supports the document table from below; an upper supporting member that contacts an upper side of the document table and clamps the document table with the lower supporting member; and a reading device. The main body includes an exterior member arranged in a position adjacent to the upper supporting member when the reading unit is in a close position. One of the upper supporting member and the exterior member includes an abutting portion and the other includes an abutted portion so as to configure a positioning mechanism for establishing positioning of a relative position between the upper supporting member and the exterior member in an up-down direction.
US09584688B2
A device administration system includes a device and a first server. The first server transmits restriction information, for restriction on use of a function of the device, and first destination information, indicating a destination of transmission of authentication information for cancel of the restriction, to the device without a request of the device. The device is configured to: upon receiving the transmitted restriction information, restrict the use of the function corresponding to it; upon receiving the transmitted first destination information, store it; accept the authentication information that is input for removal of the restriction; upon accepting the authentication information, transmit the accepted authentication information to a destination indicated by the stored first destination information; and upon receiving permission information from the destination of transmission, cancel the restriction of the use of the function. The permission information permits the use of the function.
US09584686B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet based on image data, a control unit configured to control driving of the image forming unit, and a power supply unit configured to, if a factor for shifting from a power saving state to a standby state is detected, supply power to the image forming unit and the control unit. If a first type of factor is detected as the factor in the power saving state, the power supply unit supplies power to the control unit and the image forming unit, and the control unit restricts the driving of the image forming unit. If an instruction to perform a function of forming an image on a sheet is accepted, the control unit cancels restriction of the driving of the image forming unit.
US09584680B2
A function providing system for providing a function to an image forming apparatus includes a server and a function relaying circuit. The server provides a function for the image forming apparatus. The function relaying circuit is located outside the image forming apparatus, the function relaying circuit providing the function to the image forming apparatus. The function relaying circuit uses the function corresponding to an instruction from the image forming apparatus, and the function relaying circuit transmits a use result of the function to the image forming apparatus.
US09584679B2
A client terminal is provided with a print proxy which converts a request from a standard port monitor into a request to a print server and relays the request. This makes it possible to use an extension function between the client terminal and the print server in a system in which only the standard port monitor operates.
US09584678B2
An image data storing device includes: an image data obtaining unit that obtains image data; a storing unit that stores the image data obtained by the image data obtaining unit into any one of plural storage regions, to each of which a name is assigned; a reception unit that receives the name of the storage region in which the image data is stored from external equipment, the name being obtained by the external equipment that takes the image data from the storage region, and the name being set by a user; and a memory that stores the name received by the reception unit in association with the storage region.
US09584677B2
An image forming apparatus includes a printing section, an operation control section, a post-processing section, and a delay time calculating section. The operation control section is configured to control an operation of the printing section. The post-processing section is configured to perform post-processing of a recording paper sheet subjected to printing by the printing section. The delay time calculating section is configured to calculate a delay time in a printing process to be generated by the post-processing performed by the post-processing section. When the delay time calculated by the delay time calculating section is equal to or longer than a predetermined first time period, the operation control section controls the printing section to perform a printing operation at a predetermined printing speed higher than a normal printing speed.
US09584671B2
Techniques to transform network resource requests to zero rated network requests are described. Some embodiments are particularly directed to techniques transform network resource requests on a cellular network to zero rating by replacing the destination of the request with a zero-rated source for the network resource. In one embodiment, for example, an apparatus may comprise a data store and a network access component. The data store may be operative to store a plurality of zero-rating rewrite rules. The network access component may be operative to receive a network request from an application component on the mobile device, the network request for access to a network resource; compare the network resource to the plurality of zero-rating rewrite rules to identify a zero-rating rewrite rule matching the network resource; transform the network request to a zero-rated network request for the network resource using the identified zero-rating rewrite rule; and perform the zero-rated network request. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09584666B2
Systems and methods for voice mail delivery may include receiving a voicemail by a device of a subscriber, determining if the subscriber is a member of a group of members, and, upon a determination that the subscriber is a member of the group, combining the voice mail message with a second voice mail message received by a member of the group other than the subscriber to generate a combined voice mail message.
US09584665B2
A system and method for optimizing timing of responses to customer communications comprises a contact center and an operations center. The operations center includes a decision module that receives each communication and determines whether a partial response, such as an acknowledgement that the communication was received, is required. If a partial response is required, a response module sends a partial response to the sender that indicates the communication was received and preferably includes an estimate of the time required for a full response to the communication. All received communications are forwarded to a queue to await processing by an agent. The decision module determines whether a partial response is required based on an estimate of the amount of time required for a full response. If the time estimate is less than a predetermined threshold, a partial response is not sent and the communication is forwarded to a queue for processing.
US09584664B1
A system, method, and computer readable medium for routing an agent to a preferred communications platform comprises accessing a server comprising a routing strategy, wherein the routing strategy consists of a site value, a project identification value, a project load value, and an attribute value of the agent, and wherein the site value takes precedent over the project identification value which takes precedent over the project load value which takes precedent over the attribute value of the agent, and routing the agent to the preferred environment based on a result of the routing strategy.
US09584662B2
A method, system and module for automatically validating dialogs associated with a spoken dialog service. The method comprises extracting key data from a dialog call detail record associated with a spoken dialog service, transmitting the key data as a dialog to a state-based representation (such as a finite-state machine) associated with a call-flow for the spoken dialog service and determining whether the dialog associated with the key data is a valid dialog for the call-flow.
US09584649B2
A method and apparatus for a terminal to access a base station in a heterogeneous environment are provided. The terminal acquires RAT (Radio Access Technology) selection criteria based on reference information. Then, the terminal selects, for each service, at least one of multiple transceivers that provide access to the base station according to the RAT selection criteria, and provides the corresponding service by accessing the base station through the selected transceiver.
US09584632B2
This disclosure relates generally to communication network protocols, and more particularly to systems and methods for multi-protocol translation. In one embodiment, a multi-protocol translation method is disclosed, comprising: receiving, at a storage area network switch, a frame formatted according to a first protocol; selecting, using the received frame, a second protocol from a plurality of protocols according to which to convert the received frame; obtaining a protocol format specification data of a second protocol; converting by the storage area network switch, the received frame to a converted frame according to the second protocol based on the protocol format specification data of the second protocol; and providing, by the storage area network switch, the converted frame.
US09584626B2
Performing autocomplete of content is disclosed, including: generating a status lock configured to control sending requests to a server; generating a first suggestion request that includes a user input character; in response to an indication that the status lock is available, acquiring the status lock for the first suggestion request and sending the first suggestion request to the server; and in response to receipt of suggested content corresponding to the character from the server, releasing the status lock.
US09584625B2
In a system and method for a web based system using events and pushed web content to interact with remote users for notifications and data collections operations may be performed including receiving, from a computing device, event data concerning a job being performed by a piece of agricultural equipment wherein the event data includes an identifier associated with the agricultural equipment. A database may be queried to determine a subscriber associated with the identifier. The event data may be transmitted to a network address associated with the subscriber. A response message may be received from the subscriber and forwarded to the computing device. The computing device may connect with the subscriber via a web application address included in the response message.
US09584623B2
An apparatus and method for sharing data between a cloud server and at last one terminal are provided. The method includes displaying, when a data type is selected on a setting menu screen of a cloud service, meta information of real data corresponding to the selected data type, the meta information being downloaded from a server, downloading, when a piece of meta information is selected, the real data corresponding to the selected piece of meta information from the server, and deleting, when the downloaded real data is consumed completely, the consumed real data.
US09584622B2
The invention provides an Access Selection Server (ASS) and a method for the same. The invention also provides a User Equipment (UE). The Access Selection Server (ASS) comprises storing means and software and is adapted for location in a communication network comprising at least one User Equipment (UE) and communication nodes. The ASS is also arranged to store information of all accesses for each UE in the communication network and information of overall load status of the communication network in the storing means by means of collecting information through interactions with the communication nodes, the UE and an Access Selection Server subscriber Data Base (ASS DB). The ASS is further arranged to communicate control messages, based on the stored information, from the ASS to the UE, thereby enabling control of multiple UE-accesses from the ASS.
US09584618B1
A computer system identifies a subset of internet content of interest to a future set of passengers for a particular flight. The computer system compiles the subset of the internet content in advance of the flight and delivers the subset of internet content to a corresponding airport gate. A routing table of individual pages and links in those individual pages is constructed. A computer system with a large data storage element in an aircraft receives the subset of internet content and delivers it to passengers on demand, in flight.
US09584616B2
A distributed system includes a client and a server. The client may comprise a serialization module for serializing data into a first communication format to communicate the data to a server. The server may include a communication format parser for de-serializing the data received into a server-internal communication format. The serialization module may also be adapted for transforming the data into the server-internal communication format for a communication to the server. The client may also be adapted for indicating to the server that the client is capable of sending data in the server-internal communication format, and the server may be able to indicate its readiness to receive such data. The data may be sent either in the first or, alternatively, in the server-internal format.
US09584600B2
A communication method between construction equipment and a management server according to the present disclosure includes: receiving, by a diagnostic device of the construction equipment, state information from a plurality of vehicle control devices; checking, by the diagnostic device, a usable communication method when the received state information needs to be transmitted to a management server; when there is one usable communication method, transmitting, by the diagnostic device, the state information to the management server by using the corresponding communication method; and when there is a plurality of usable communication methods, selecting, by the diagnostic device, a communication method having the lowest fee per unit data, and transmitting the state information to the management server by using the selected communication method.
US09584595B2
In an exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes providing a mapping between a set of two or more IP addresses and a set of two more servers. A weight recommendation for the servers is received, based at least in part on server data related to current states of the servers, where the weight recommendation represents a goal for distributing a plurality of transactions among the servers. The mapping is modified based at least in part on the weight recommendation. A transaction is received, directed toward a first IP address of the two or more IP addresses. The transaction is routed to a first server, of the two or more servers, associated with the first IP address according to the modified mapping.
US09584594B2
A system and method of dynamically provisioning virtualized computational resources in a networked computer architecture includes at least one client device operable to run one or more client applications, at least one server device and a resource controller. Each server device comprises one or more physical processors with local memory. Each server device provides a virtual resource layer through which one or more virtual processing resources can be defined and through which the physical processors of the server device can be assigned to the virtual processing resources. In use, one or more virtual processing resources is assigned to a client application for processing of data processing workloads. The resource controller then monitors the utilization of each virtual processing resource and/or any physical processor assigned to the virtual processing resource. The resource controller can dynamically adjust which, and how many, physical processors are assigned to the virtual processing resource.
US09584583B2
A system and method for facilitating user interface interactions between different computing devices. An example method includes providing a first user option to select a first portion of a first user interface display screen presented on a first computing device; providing a signal based on the selected portion; and using the signal to display one or more items in a second user interface display screen via a second computing device based on the first portion and one or more mapping rules. In a more specific embodiment, the example method further includes providing a second user option to adjust the mapping rules. The first portion includes, for example, a table row or column. The one or more items displayed via the second computing device include, for example, a visualization based on data associated with the first portion.
US09584571B2
Various acquisition streams are delivered, synchronously or asynchronously, to a server. Those streams having local time indicia are synchronized with the global timeline and the various acquisition streams are then stored. Low bit rate streams corresponding to the stored acquisition streams are generated for use in subsequent editing of the acquisition streams. The editing of the acquisition streams entails reviewing the various acquisition streams and selecting portions for replay. The portions selected for replay are identified through metadata which is then stored. The replay or distribution mode begins by editing the global timeline using the metadata generated in the editing mode so as to produce an edited timeline. The various acquisition streams are then rendered or played back according to the edited timeline to produce a distribution stream.
US09584570B2
An apparatus for distributing video content includes one or more video input modules each adapted to receive a video signal from a video source, and a video combiner for receiving the video signals from the one or more video inputs and generating a video packet data stream. The apparatus also includes at least one video output module adapted to transmit the video packet data stream, and a processor coupled to the video combiner and the at least one video output. The processor cooperates with one or both of the video combiner and the at least one video output to transcode at least a portion of the video packet data stream.
US09584562B2
An embodiment of a method and apparatus for provisioning of a communication device includes receiving a registration request from a first communication device. The registration request includes an address associated with the first communication device. The method further includes registering the first communication device in response to receiving the registration request, placing a call request to the first communication device, and establishing a call session with the first communication device. The method further includes prompting a user of the first communication device for a user identifier, and receiving a user identifier from the user of the first communication device. The method still further includes sending one or more configuration parameters associated with the user identifier to the first communication device. The one or more configuration parameters are operable to configure the first communication device.
US09584557B2
A method for preparing streaming media content to be rendered by a media player employs a proxy for the media player. The proxy sends a request over a network to a content server. In response, a rolling manifest file is received by the proxy. The manifest file includes a sequence of media segment URLs indicating an ordering of the media segments that create a representation of a portion of the content stream. The URLs follow a predefined naming convention that allows URLs occurring prior to and subsequent to the URLs included in the manifest file to be predicted. The proxy predicts additional URLs that occur prior to and/or subsequent to the URLs included in the manifest file. The manifest file is modified by inserting the additional media segment URLs into the manifest file. The additional URLs are sequentially located before or after the URLs included in the manifest file.
US09584555B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, receiving a request for a voice call at a mobile switching center server, transmitting a mapping query from the mobile switching center server to a database in response to the request for the voice call, route the request from the mobile switching center server to an internet protocol multimedia subsystem for facilitating establishing the voice call when the mapping query is successful in obtaining an internet protocol address for establishing the voice call with a recipient communication device, and routing the request from the mobile switching center server to a second server for facilitating establishing the voice call without routing the request to the internet protocol multimedia subsystem when the mapping query is not successful in obtaining the internet protocol address. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09584547B2
Web pages and applications commonly consume functionality provided by services to provide users with a rich experience. For example, a backend mapping service may provide access to these services. However, the users and application consuming the services may be anonymous and unverified. Accordingly, a two ticket validation technique is provided to validate service execution requests from anonymous applications. In particular, a user is provided with a client ticket comprising a reputation. The reputation may be adjusted over time based upon how the user consumes services. An application may request access to a service by providing the client ticket and an application ticket for validation. The reputation of the user may be used to determine an access level at which the application may access the service. Users with a high reputation may receive high quality access to the service, while users with a low reputation may receive lower quality access.
US09584544B2
A system and method for providing security in a virtual environment are provided. An example system includes a link module that links a secured logical component to a logical entity including a set of virtual machines. The example system also includes a security module that identifies a set of security policies for one or more communications to the logical entity or one or more communications from the logical entity. The example system further includes a control module that controls, based on the set of security policies, the one or more communications to the logical entity or the one or more communications from the logical entity.
US09584539B2
A method scans a second web page linked to a first web page being displayed by a browser. The method identifies a target link to the second web page. Prior to receiving a user selection of the target link, the method prefetches content from the second web page and loads it into a safe cache before receiving the user selection of the target link. The method scans the prefetched content for a security threat, within the safe cache, which is configured to prevent the prefetched content from altering a memory or storage location external to the safe cache. The method detects user placement of a cursor proximate to the target link and, in response to identifying a security threat, presents a warning to the user, or in response to identifying no threat or the user opting to ignore the warning, causing display of a second window comprising the prefetched content.
US09584537B2
A method for detecting mobile cyber incidents includes: allowing a mobile incident collection server to determine whether new text is received; extracting the text original hash from the received new text by means of the mobile incident collection server; allowing the mobile incident collection server to determine whether attached file exists on the basis of the extracted text original hash; if the attached file exists, extracting the attached file by means of the mobile incident collection server; and storing and managing the APP information of the extracted attached file as mobile cyber incident information in the mobile incident collection server.
US09584536B2
Methods and systems for extracting, processing, displaying, and analyzing events that are associated with one or more threats are provided. According to one embodiment, threat information, including information from one or more of firewall logs and historical threat logs, is maintained in a database. Information regarding threat filtering parameters, including one or more of types of threats to be extracted from the database, parameters of the threats, network-level details of the threats, a time interval of detection of the threats and source-destination details of the threats, is received. Information regarding threats matching the threat filtering parameters are extracted from the database and is presented in a form of an interactive historical graph. Responsive to receiving from a user an indication regarding a selected subset of time in which to zoom into for further details, a list of threats within the selected subset is presented in tabular form.
US09584530B1
A variety of techniques for performing identity verification are disclosed. As one example, a verification request is received from a remote user. The verification request pertains to a cryptographic key. In response to receiving a confirmation from a local user of the local device, a verification process is initiated. A result of the verification process is transmitted to the remote user. As a second example, a verification request can be received at the local device, from a local user of the device. A verification process with respect to the local user is initiated, and a result of the verification process is transmitted to a remote user that is different from the local user.
US09584529B2
A method for obtaining peripheral information method is disclosed herein and includes steps of: receiving a request for obtaining peripheral information, and the request for obtaining peripheral information includes a connection request for access to a third-party website; obtaining the current location information of a mobile terminal according to the connection request; obtaining a link of the third-party website; obtaining the current location information of a mobile terminal according to the connection request; obtaining a link of the third-party website according to domain name information of the third-party website and the current location information of the mobile terminal; making the mobile terminal jump to a page of the third-party website, so as to obtain peripheral information based on the current location of the mobile terminal and the information is provided by the third-party website.
US09584528B2
A database for location or geographic based services is secured by requiring location based requests to include a unique identifier that identifies the location as well as an authorization identifier associated with the location. The authorization identifier is information that is obtained by being physically present at the location, such as information from access points that are at the location or a position fix when present at the location. The authorization identifier may be non-unique but relatively time-invariant, making such information easily crowdsourced, but difficult to obtain unless physically present at the location. For example, the authorization identifier may be an SSID or a Beacon Frame, or a hash thereof from one or more devices at the location or a position fix.
US09584520B2
Apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for synchronizing distributed states amongst a plurality of entities and authenticating devices to access information and/or services provided by a remote server. Synchronization techniques include client devices and remote servers storing buckets of information. The client device sends a subscription request to the remote serve identifying a bucket of information and, when that bucket changes, the remote server sends the change to the client device. Authentication techniques include client devices including unique default credentials that, when presented to a remote server, provide limited access to the server. The client device may obtain assigned credentials that, when presented to the remote server, provide less limited access to the server.
US09584510B2
Aspects of image capture challenge access are described. In one embodiment, an access service of a computing device directs an imaging system to capture an image including facial fiducial features and determine whether the features correspond to an expected set of features. The access service may also issue a request for a response including, for example, a request to tilt or move the computing device, move an individual's face, or contort an individual's facial features. After the request for the response, the access service may capture a response image. The response image may include an adjustment to facial fiducial features. The access service may further determine whether the adjustment to the facial fiducial features corresponds to the request. Depending upon whether the adjustment corresponds to the request, the access service may permit or deny access to features of the computing device.
US09584495B2
A method is disclosed for establishing a secure communication session using composite key cryptography. The method comprises generating a first plurality of secret keys all of which are known only to a first communicating party and each one of which is shared with exactly one of a plurality of stewards, and generating a second plurality of secret keys all of which are known only to a second communicating party and each one of which is shared with exactly one of the plurality of stewards. The first and second communicating parties each send information to the other through different stewards, each communication leg being encrypted using a secret key known only to the respective communicating party and steward. These communications are usable to distribute cryptographic seeds to the communicating parties for use in generating a temporary session key that can be used to encrypt direct communications between the parties.
US09584489B2
Controlling access resource functions. Establishing, by a resource access manager, enrollment information (e) for each of a plurality of users. Encrypting, by the access manager, each received (e) in an authorization data item for the corresponding user. Transmitting, by the access manager, each authorization data item to a corresponding user device. Receiving, by a resource control point, from a user device, a request for access to a function of the resource, the request for access comprising the received authorization data item and verification information (v). Decrypting, by the control point, the received authorization data item to extract (e). Determining, by the control point, a similarity measure between (v) and (e). For a determined similarity measure greater than or equal to a threshold, authorizing, by the control point, the request for access. For a determined similarity measure less than the threshold, denying, by control point, the request for access.
US09584488B2
A streaming one time pad cipher using rotating ports for data encryption uses a One Time Pad (OTP) to establish multiple secure point-to-point connections. This can be used to implement a streaming OTP point-to-point firewall, virtual private network or other communications facility for communicating secure information across one or more insecure networks.
US09584485B2
A network includes encryption devices at customer sites and transport devices provide transport functionality for encrypted data for transmission across networks. A method of controlling access to a first plurality of functions of the encryption devices and access to a second plurality functions of the transport devices is disclosed. The method involves providing a customer with access to at least some of the first plurality of functions and providing a network service provider with access to at least some of the second plurality of functions. The method also involves providing the network service provider with restricted access to a first subset of the first plurality of functions and/or providing the network service provider with restricted access to a second subset of the second plurality of functions. This allows the customer and the service provider to share access to hardware resources such as the encryption devices and the transport devices.