Document Document Title
US09150256B2 Vehicle hood structure
A vehicle hood structure capable of improving impact absorption ability prior to a secondary impact when an impacting body impacts the hood. Front end portions of beads of a wave shaped section are arranged in a line in hood plan view. A front wall section is provided further to the hood front side than the wave shaped section and is formed inclined towards the hood bottom side on progression towards the hood front and running substantially along the vehicle width direction. The wave shaped section and the front wall section are connected together by a ledge section formed running substantially along the hood width direction.
US09150255B2 Load bearing panel assembly
A panel assembly includes at least one reinforcing assembly made of a high strength material having a low yield to tensile strength ratio for energy absorption and reduced weight and profile. The panel assembly may be light-weight with a low profile to minimize protrusion into an opening or compartment enclosed by the panel. The panel assembly may be a floor panel assembly for a vehicle floor. The reinforcing assembly may traverse the panel such that the reinforcing assembly extends laterally, e.g., cross-vehicle, relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle body. A method of making the panel assembly may include forming the reinforcing assembly by joining a plurality of metal channel members in a nested arrangement with a plurality of welds to provide a structural assembly with good bending resistance loads imposed on the panel assembly including knee loads. The channel members may be made of a dual phase steel.
US09150251B2 Motor vehicle provided with a release system to uncouple a cross member in the engine compartment in the event of a front crash
A motor vehicle has two upper struts, which project forward from a passenger compartment and are arranged above two lower struts, which extend along respective substantially rectilinear axes inclined from the bottom upwards, going forward; the lower struts have respective intermediate portions with such a variation in cross section to define a preferential bending zone; the rear ends of the lower struts are fixed to a cross member connected to the upper struts by means of two connection members, which are substantially vertical and have respective breakable zones designed so as to break when a given load threshold is exceeded; the motor vehicle also has a powertrain connected to the cross member and to the upper struts by means of supports which are distinct from the connection members and are breakable in the event of a front crash.
US09150247B2 Adjustable ride height, vehicle, system and kit
Disclosed herein is a panhard linkage system that includes a straight axle extending between a first wheel and a second wheel of a vehicle, the straight axle including a length that is adaptable for sliding movement of an attached sliding joint. The system includes a first panhard link pivotally attached to and extending between a first panhard location that is on or connected directly to a frame of the vehicle and a second panhard location that is on or connected directly to the straight axle by way of the sliding joint. The system further includes a second panhard link pivotally attached to and extending between a third panhard location that is on or connected directly to a middle of the first panhard link located between the first and second panhard locations and a fourth panhard location that is on or connected directly to the straight axle. Further disclosed is a vehicle including the panhard linkage system, and a kit for providing the panhard linkage system to the vehicle.
US09150245B2 Methods and systems for controlling steering systems of vehicles
Methods and systems are provided for controlling a steering system of a vehicle is provided. A detection unit is configured to obtain one or more of the following values: a compass heading, a global positioning system (GPS) heading, a yaw velocity, and a difference in tire angular velocities. A processor is coupled to the detection unit, and is configured to determine whether a vehicle is on a straight line path using one or more of the compass heading, the GPS heading, the yaw velocity, and the difference in tire angular velocities, activate the steering system if it is determined that the vehicle is on a straight line path, and disable the feature of the steering system if it is determined that the vehicle is not on a straight line path.
US09150238B2 System and method for automatically adjusting a steering tilt position
A system and method for detecting the position of the head and/or eye of a driver of an automobile and automatically adjusting the position of the steering wheel based on the head and/or eye position in order to provide the driver with an optimized view of the instrumentation panel and road. The system and method utilizes the vehicle parameters, driver parameters, and various settings to determine the proper position of the steering wheel including the height, proximity to driver, and tilt angle of the steering wheel. The system may also adjust the height and/or length of the steering column in order to adjust and provide the proper position of the steering wheel.
US09150237B2 Lightweight steering column of fibre composite material
The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle comprising a steering spindle, which is mounted rotatably about its axis in a steering spindle bearing unit, a holding part, which is designed to connect the steering spindle bearing unit directly or indirectly to the body of the motor vehicle, wherein at least one of the components of the steering column is at least partially formed from a material that contains reinforcing fibers, wherein the reinforcing fibers are arranged along paths on a wall surface and, by means of multiple holding fibers, which run at an angle that is greater than 0° in relation to the paths of the reinforcing fibers and enclose the reinforcing fibers, are fixed on the wall surface.
US09150235B2 Insulated cooler with pole receiving channel
The present invention relates to an insulated cooler that is configured for the reception of an umbrella therein. The cooler comprises upper and lower surfaces that house two internal compartments and a central section separating the compartments. The central section comprises a central channel that extends from the upper section to the lower section of the cooler, whereby the central channel is configured to receive an umbrella pole therethrough. Moreover, the doors of the cooler surface comprise half-moon cutouts that enable the doors of the cooler to open and close without becoming obstructed by an umbrella secured within the central channel. The insulated cooler enables users to easily transport food and beverages across sand or gravel using attached wheels, and eliminates the problem of an umbrella blowing away.
US09150229B2 Systems and method for controlling warnings at vehicle crossings
A method includes receiving an absolute time associated with movement of a vehicle system, modifying the absolute time into a relative time, and controlling one or more warning devices using the relative time. A system includes a crossing module configured to receive an absolute time associated with movement of a vehicle system. The crossing module is configured to modify the absolute time into a relative time and to control one or more warning devices using the relative time.
US09150228B2 Track circuit providing enhanced broken rail detection
A railroad track circuit providing for the positive detection of broken rails despite the presence of factors that would otherwise preclude such detection is disclosed. These factors include sneak paths arising from the presence of negative return cross-bonding as applied between parallel tracks in electrified territory. Broken rail detection is ensured through the provision of two track relays, or devices that function as track relays, uniquely arranged so as to render the track circuit immune from these factors.
US09150221B2 Vehicle controller, control method for vehicle and control system for vehicle
An ECU of a vehicle control device selects a system-mounted vehicle traveling ahead of a system-mounted vehicle as a cooperating vehicle and controls the inter-vehicle distance between the selected system-mounted vehicle and the system-mounted vehicle, or the like to control the traffic volume of a road in the vicinity of the system-mounted vehicles, such that traffic jams can be prevented effectively as compared with a case where the system-mounted vehicle performs travel control independently. Furthermore, the ECU determines whether or not to select the system-mounted vehicle as a cooperating vehicle based on the relative speed of the system-mounted vehicle and the system-mounted vehicle a regardless of whether or not the system-mounted vehicle that is selected as the cooperating vehicle is traveling in the same lane as the system-mounted vehicle, such that it is possible to select the cooperating system-mounted vehicle without being influenced by the accuracy of recognizing the lane in which the system-mounted vehicle travels.
US09150220B2 Systems and methods for mimicking a leading vehicle
Systems and methods use cameras to provide autonomous navigation features. In one implementation, a driver assist navigation system is provided for a primary vehicle. The system may include at least one image capture device configured to acquire a plurality of images of an area in a vicinity of the primary vehicle; a data interface; and at least one processing device. The at least one processing device may be configured to: locate in the plurality of images a leading vehicle; determine, based on the plurality of images, at least one action taken by the leading vehicle; and cause the primary vehicle to mimic the at least one action of the leading vehicle.
US09150218B2 Hybrid vehicle
A mechanism and the like configured to reduce a shock involved in the connection of the engine is made no longer necessary for a hybrid vehicle, and an increase in the number of parts of the hybrid vehicle is inhibited. A clutch is connected between an electric motor and an engine in a case where a difference between a current engine speed and a target engine speed is not greater than a first predetermined value. The absolute value of a difference between the current engine speed and a moving average value of the engine speed at intervals of a predetermined length of time is not greater than a second predetermined value which is used for a settling judgment. The engine speed shows a predetermined inclination representing a decreasing trend.
US09150213B2 Gear shifting control system of vehicle continuously-variable transmission
A gear shifting control system for a vehicle includes an engine, a continuously-variable transmission, and an electronic control unit. The vehicle includes driving wheels. The engine includes an electronic throttle valve controlling a torque of the engine. The continuously-variable transmission is disposed in a power transmission path between the engine and the driving wheels. The electronic control unit is configured to i) decrease the torque of the engine by decreasing a throttle opening of the electronic throttle valve when the continuously-variable transmission upshifts, and ii) output a gear shifting start command for starting the upshifting of the continuously-variable transmission with a delay relative to a decrease start command for starting the decrease of the throttle opening of the electronic throttle valve when the continuously-variable transmission upshifts.
US09150212B2 Transmission for outdoor power equipment
An engine includes a throttle, a drive shaft, a driven shaft, a continuously variable transmission coupling the drive and driven shafts and providing a mechanical advantage therebetween, and a governor that operates the throttle as a function of rotational speed of the driven shaft. The transmission includes a first wheel coupled to the drive shaft, a second wheel coupled to the driven shaft, and a belt coupling the first and second wheels, wherein a working diameter of the second wheel changes as a function of torque acting on the driven shaft, thereby automatically changing the mechanical advantage in response to torque experienced by the driven shaft, and wherein a working diameter of the first wheel changes a function of tension in the belt.
US09150205B1 Hydraulic brake system for mechanically braked motor vehicles
An hydraulic based system for mechanically braked motor vehicles of the type that move brake rods with two ends, the distal end mechanically coupled to a motor vehicle braking device at the wheel of the motor vehicle and the proximal end mechanically coupled to a mechanical brake system structure of the motor vehicle. The system includes a hydraulic cylinder inserted into or at an end of each of the brake rods, to translate motion of the mechanical brake system structure to hydraulic force that then moves the distal portion of the brake rod located between the cylinder and the braking device, and a hydraulic fluid distribution system fluidly interconnecting all of the cylinders.
US09150194B2 Method for controlling a reversible belt tensioner of a safety belt in a motor vehicle
A method for controlling a reversible belt tensioner of a safety belt in a motor vehicle includes detecting a time profile of at least one state variable and/or at least one variable relating to the surroundings of the motor vehicle, identifying a predetermined driving maneuver and/or a value characterizing the attentiveness of a driver from the time profile of the at least one detected state variable and/or variable relating to the surroundings, and controlling the reversible belt tensioner based on the identified driving maneuver or on the basis of the value characterizing the attentiveness of the driver.
US09150191B2 Through anchor
In a through anchor, a side face on a piece side of a groove portion is configured by a piece side inclined face, with the piece side inclined face being inclined in a direction such that an angle formed between the piece side inclined face and a slide face of the piece is an obtuse angle. During molding of a molded portion, an apex portion of a rib of a mold is disposed on or abuts the piece side inclined face of the piece. Movement of the piece in a length direction thereof is accordingly suppressed by the rib of the mold. The molded portion can accordingly be molded with the piece in a well-positioned state by injecting a resin material for the molded portion into the mold in this state.
US09150189B1 Airbag systems with side venting
Airbag assemblies and active vents for airbag assemblies are disclosed. An airbag assembly may include an airbag cushion, an active vent having an aperture and a patch configured to plug the aperture, a depth-delimiting tether, a cross tether, and a control tether. The control tether may be coupled to the patch and the depth-delimiting tether. The depth-delimiting tether and the control tether may be drawn taut as the airbag cushion expands during deployment to draw the patch toward the aperture from a first position that allows unobstructed venting to a second position that obstructs venting through the aperture. The depth-delimiting tether and the control tether can be in or transition to a slack state due to occupant impact with the airbag cushion. These tethers may also be in a slack state during the early stage of deployment.
US09150186B1 Passenger airbag with secondary chamber
A vehicle airbag comprises a primary chamber, a secondary chamber affixed to the primary chamber, and a passage between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber. The primary chamber is configured to contact at least two reaction surfaces, and the secondary chamber is configured to contact one and only one of the at least two reaction surfaces, when the airbag is inflated upon detection of an impact.
US09150185B2 Side airbag apparatus
An inflation portion of an airbag main body is divided into a first inflation chamber, a second inflation chamber in front of and adjacent to the first inflation chamber with a vertical partition in between, and a third inflation chamber below the first inflation chamber with a lateral partition in between. The vertical partition has a pressure regulator valve. Before the first inflation chamber restrains an occupant, the pressure regulator valve restricts flow of inflation gas from the first inflation chamber to the second inflation chamber. When the first inflation chamber restrains the occupant, the pressure regulator valve opens in response to a change in the tensed state of the vertical partition due to the applied external force generated by the restraint, thereby cancelling the restraint. The lateral partition has a check valve, which restricts flow of inflation gas from the third inflation chamber to the first inflation chamber.
US09150170B2 Circuit system for redistribution of electrical energy in a vehicle
A circuit system for a vehicle electrical system, including a base vehicle electrical system having an energy store, a vehicle power supply system having an additional energy store, and a DC/DC converter. The energy store and the additional energy store are connected in series, and the DC/DC converter is provided for coupling between the base vehicle electrical system and the vehicle power supply system. A method for operating a vehicle electrical system is also described.
US09150168B2 Sliding door wire harness routing structure
A wire harness (5) to be bridged between a slide door (3) and a vehicle body (BO) is inserted into a harness guide (6). The harness guide (6) is coupled by a multitude of stepped links (10). Each link (10) is composed of a first coupling portion (11) and a second coupling portion (12) connected to the first coupling portion (11) via a step. Coupling pins (23) projecting in a vertical direction on the second coupling portions (12) are rotatably inserted into insertion holes (14) in the first coupling portions (11) of adjacent stepped links (10), whereby the entire harness guide (6) has a uniform inclination and the wire harness (5) inside is also arranged in a similar inclined posture. Thus, if the harness guide (6) is curved when opening or closing the slide door (3), the wire harness (5) also is curved, but simultaneously twisted, relieving stress.
US09150160B2 Vehicle article systems and methods
A vehicle article may have cross bars that may be nestably secured together on a trunk lid of a vehicle when not in use, and yet quickly and easily attached to elements mounted in roof ditches on the roof of the vehicle when needed for use. In another embodiment the vehicle article carrier includes a pair of pivotally secured support rails that are supported from frame or body structure of the vehicle below and adjacent the rear bumper of the vehicle. The support rails may be pivoted into stowed positions when not needed to hide them from view, and then quickly and easily pivoted out when needed for use. Attachments such as a cargo box or a bicycle carrier may be easily secured to the support rails.
US09150146B2 Light control apparatus and method for vehicle
A light control apparatus for a vehicle may include: an operation unit configured to receive a selection for an auto-light function; a control unit configured to determine whether or not a light operation condition is satisfied based on position information provided from a GPS module and plural pieces of information for operating a light unit, received through a wireless communication module, and output a light operating signal according to the determination result, when the auto-light function is selected through the operation unit; and a light control unit configured to operate a light unit according to the light operating signal provided from the control unit.
US09150145B2 Vehicle headlight assembly with self-adjusting fasteners
A headlight assembly according to the present disclosure includes a brace, a headlamp, and a plurality of self-adjusting fasteners. The self-adjusting fasteners are configured to adjust during mounting of the headlamp to the brace to compensate for irregular spacing between the headlamp and the brace caused by manufacturing variations.
US09150141B2 Coupling device with the option of moving longitudinally
A coupling device (1) comprises an attachment (6) capable of varying between an attachment configuration and a release configuration, said coupling device (1) being characterized in that it further comprises a support member (7) designed to vary between an in-use configuration in which it supports the weight of said coupling device (1) while allowing it to move, and secondly a rest position in which it does not support the weight of said coupling device (1), the attachment (6) and the support member (7) being designed to vary between their respective configurations independently of each other.
US09150137B2 Apparatus and method for a collapsible arched ramp
An apparatus and method for a collapsible arched ramp includes an arched vertically extending middle ramp section, two arched vertically extending outer ramp sections, and two arched vertically extending connecting ramp sections. The connecting ramp sections connect the outer ramp sections to opposing vertical sides of the middle ramp section so that the outer ramp sections are substantially parallel and laterally spaced apart with the middle ramp section. The arches of the outer ramp sections arch in a same direction of the arch of the middle ramp section and arch in the opposite direction of the middle ramp section. When collapsing the ramp, the direction of the arched sections line up, allowing for a compact assembly that may be easily carried and stored. The method of extending and collapsing the ramp allows for a ramp that is rapidly and efficiently assembled.
US09150136B2 Radio-controlled cargo truck ramp load assist system
A cargo truck ramp load assist system comprises a hand truck engagement device disposed in a longitudinal slot in a cargo truck ramp, a first actuator coupled to the hook operable to effect displacement of the hand truck engagement device along the longitudinal slot in the ramp, a remote controller coupled to a hand truck and equipped with a first radio transceiver, a second radio transceiver coupled to the first actuator operable to receive directional/speed control signals from the remote controller, and the hand truck engagement device operable to engage the hand truck and the first actuator effecting displacement of the hand truck engagement device up and down the ramp in response to the directional/speed control signals to facilitate the hand truck going up and down the ramp.
US09150128B2 Vehicle seat cushion frame
A vehicle seat cushion frame includes longitudinal frame members, lateral frame members and a panel. A framework of a seat cushion is formed by connecting front and rear sides of the longitudinal frame members, arranged at both right and left sides, with the lateral frame members. The panel is fixed to the both longitudinal frame members so as to cover a space between front end portions of the both longitudinal frame members, including the front-side lateral frame member, from above. The front-side lateral frame member has connecting portions, at which the front-side lateral frame member is connected to the longitudinal frame members. A portion of the front-side lateral frame member, which is between the connecting portions, is thinner than the connecting portions.
US09150123B2 Device and method for adapting a sitting position
A method and device adapt a sitting position of a vehicle occupant in a vehicle with at least one driver assistance system that includes at least one optical sensor unit, and with a vehicle seat with a drive unit for adjusting the sitting position. At least one physical parameter of a vehicle occupant and/or a hazardous situation is sensed by the optical sensor unit, and on the basis of the sensed physical parameter automatic setting and/or pre-setting of the sitting position of the vehicle seat are/is carried out.
US09150118B2 Vehicle driving system and vehicle driving system control method
A motor controller obtains: a first motor target rotation number, a first motor actual rotation number of a first motor, a second motor target rotation number, and a second motor actual rotation number of a second motor; determines a first rotation number difference between the first motor target rotation number and the first motor actual rotation number of the first motor, and a second rotation number difference between the second motor target rotation number and the second motor actual rotation number of the second motor, determines first and second rotation control torques based on a smaller one of the first rotation number difference and the second rotation number difference; and determines a first motor torque of the first motor and a second motor torque of the second motor based on the first and second rotation control torques.
US09150113B2 Vehicle configured to be charged using an external power source
A vehicle externally chargeable includes a power storage device, an AC/DC converter, an inlet, a first power line, at least one connector inserted in the first power line, and a second power line. To the inlet, a charging cable can be connected to transfer electric power from an external power source. The first power line is connected to the inlet and the AC/DC converter. The second power line is branched from a path that is located on the first power line and that connects the connector and the AC/DC converter to each other.
US09150112B2 Power supply system for electric powered vehicle and method for controlling the same
First and second system main relays are connected between a first power storage device and a second power storage device, respectively, and a first power line. First and second relays for charging are connected between first and second power storage devices, respectively, and a second power line. A control device selectively forms any of a first power feed path formed by connecting each of the first and second power storage devices to the first power line, and a second power feed path formed by connecting, to the first power line, one of the first and second power storage devices connected in parallel when the first and second relays are turned ON, thereby ensuring a power feed path to the load.
US09150105B2 Vehicle dashboard provided with a housing for supporting a portable electronic device
A vehicle dashboard has a fixed structure and a casing defining a pocket having a substantially rectangular perimeter, which is defined by an upper edge, a lower edge and two side edges so as to house a portable electronic device having a screen which remains visible through a window defined by a front frame of the casing; at one of the aforesaid edges, the casing has an opening which is used to insert/remove the portable electronic device along a sliding direction and is closed by a closing element.
US09150099B2 Relief valve device
In a relief valve device, a positive-pressure relief valve opens a first valve port when pressure in a pressure chamber increases to a pressure that is equal to or higher than positive-pressure side valve-opening pressure. A negative-pressure relief valve opens a second valve port when pressure in the pressure chamber decreases to a pressure that is equal to or lower than negative-pressure side valve-opening pressure. When the positive-pressure relief valve is closed, a positive valve-opening pressure adjustment unit adjusts a set load of a positive-pressure spring according to an amount of an adjustment screw screwed in the pedestal plate. When the negative-pressure relief valve is closed, a negative valve-opening pressure adjustment unit adjusts a set load of the negative-pressure spring via the valve plate through forward or backward movement of the pedestal plate relative to a housing main body.
US09150094B2 Radiator core support
A vehicle radiator core support, includes: a support main body including upper and lower support portions, and paired side support portions connecting right and left ends of the upper and lower support portions; and a center brace connecting intermediate parts of the upper and lower support portions. At least the lower support portion and the center brace are integrally formed. A lower-side connection portion is disposed where the lower support portion connects to the center brace, and a lower-side connection portion cross section has a U-shape opening toward a front or rear of the vehicle. A lower-side adjacent portion is disposed at a part of the lower support portion adjacent to the lower-side connection portion, such that a partition wall is between the lower-side connection and adjacent portions, and a lower-side adjacent portion cross section has a U-shape opening opposite to that of the lower-side connection portion.
US09150083B2 Systems and methods to automatically reduce an amount of light interacting with a vehicle display
A method for controlling an intensity of light entering a vehicle is provided. The method includes determining an operational status of a display device in the path of the light entering the vehicle, and receiving, by a computing device, an intensity of light present in the vehicle using at least one light sensor. The method also includes comparing the intensity of light with a predefined intensity threshold, and activating a light damping mechanism when the measured light intensity exceeds the predefined intensity threshold and when the operational status of the display device is active, wherein the light damping mechanism facilitates at least one of reducing the intensity of light interacting with the display device and reducing light from the display device reflecting off a window.
US09150080B2 Cooling system of battery
A cooling system of a battery which efficiently cools a high voltage battery which is mounted in an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle so as to maintain battery performance by using a refrigeration cycle of an air-conditioning system, which is provided with an electric compressor, outside heat exchanger, inside heat exchanger, and a control device. A refrigerant path of the air-conditioning system for running refrigerant is provided with a branch path having a heat exchanger which bypasses the inside heat exchanger, a medium path connected to the heat exchanger runs another refrigerant for cooling the battery, control valves are provided which adjust the amounts of the refrigerant which flows to the refrigerant path and the branch path, and, when the control valves run the refrigerant to both the refrigerant path and the branch path, the control device increases the speed of the electric compressor.
US09150079B2 Coupled torsion beam axle type suspension system
A coupled torsion beam axle type suspension system may includes trailing arms respectively coupled to opposite ends of a torsion beam, and vehicle body-engaging units, each provided in a front end portion of a respective trailing arm and engaging the respective trailing arm to a vehicle body. Each vehicle body-engaging unit may include a trailing arm bush, a mounting link, a rotation mounting bush, an upper mounting bush, an adapter, and a stay.
US09150074B2 Control apparatus for vehicle
A control apparatus for a vehicle according to the present invention is configured to control a friction brake by calculating a brake attitude control amount outputted from the friction brake such that the acceleration detected by the vertical acceleration sensor becomes an acceleration corresponding to a target sprung state, and to control a damping force variable shock absorber by calculating a damping force control amount of the damping force variable shock absorber such that the stroke speed detected by the stroke sensor becomes a stroke speed corresponding to the target sprung state and/or a target unsprung state.
US09150055B2 Motorcycle tyre
A tire for motorcycles includes a tread band in which a tread pattern is formed which includes a series of transverse grooves disposed at least laterally of the equatorial plane. The tread pattern on the whole defines a low sea/land ratio on the tread band. The series of transverse grooves includes a plurality of main recesses having an overall length at least equal to one fourth of a lateral extension of the tread band. The main recesses define with the equatorial plane, an angle less than or equal to 65°, substantially over the entire length thereof.
US09150041B2 Multi-stroke screen printing method and apparatus
A screen printing apparatus is described. The apparatus has a plurality of radial arms each having a printing head associated therewith. A target area is in alignment with at least one of the printing heads wherein a design is applied to a target article at the target area by the printing head. A means for providing relative movement between the target area and the printing head provides multiple passes between a squeegee associated with the printing head and the target area. A means for providing a pressure between the squeegee and the target area is regulated such that a first pressure between the squeegee and the target area on a first stroke is not equal to a second pressure between the squeegee and the target area on a subsequent second stroke.
US09150020B2 Liquid droplet discharge apparatus
A liquid droplet discharge apparatus that discharges liquid droplets finely and stably and includes a liquid droplet discharge unit and a voltage applying unit that is connected to the liquid droplet discharge unit, the liquid droplet discharge unit includes a nozzle and a tube that surrounds the nozzle, and the nozzle and the tube are coated with metal.
US09150019B2 Liquid ejection head body and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid ejection head body includes a substrate and a channel forming member arranged on the substrate. The channel forming member has a liquid ejection port for ejecting liquid and a liquid channel communicating with the liquid ejection port, while the substrate has an ejection energy generating element for generating energy for ejecting liquid at a first surface side and a liquid supply port for supplying liquid to the liquid channel in the inside. A conductive layer for electrically connecting the first surface side and a second surface side disposed opposite to the first surface side is arranged along the lateral surface of the liquid supply port.
US09150018B2 Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid includes a flow path member that includes a plurality of pressure chambers through which the liquid flows, pressure generation elements that include active parts arranged at positions corresponding to the pressure chambers and a common electrode for generating a common potential to the respective pressure chambers, and a conductive member that is electrically connected to the common electrode on the flow path member at the side to which the pressure generation elements are fixed and lowers resistance of the common electrode.
US09150015B2 Image producing apparatus and image producing method
A control signal is generated, so that if dots, which are formed in a transverse direction across a recording medium, are classified into plural groups depending on a plurality of timings, then preceding dots, which belong to a group having an earliest timing, are formed in a pale color. A head drive circuit controls a recording head based on the generated control signal.
US09150013B2 Inkjet recording apparatus
In an inkjet recording apparatus, when one set of image data is divided in the sub scanning direction into A bands, and nozzles are divided in the main scanning direction into groups each comprising A nozzles, a selector associates, within each of the group, the nozzles in the first to Ath columns with the first to Ath bands with no overlap, and, for a nozzle that is to discharge ink for one pixel or less within one set of image data, makes the nozzle perform preparatory discharge in the band associated with the nozzle by selecting, out of different ink discharge drive waveforms, a first drive waveform (1) corresponding to the minimum gradation.
US09150012B2 Control device for printing apparatus, control method, and storage medium
Raggedness of thin lines or edges is suppressed to improve straightness. For each of the pixels forming image data, each pixel in the image data is assigned to a printing element for outputting a pixel value of the pixel. A control unit controls printing of the image data by driving the plurality of printing elements by time-division driving in which a different driving timing is set to each printing element according to assignment. The control unit drives the printing elements such that the printing elements included in a printing element array are associated with a plurality of different driving timings and further a plurality of printing element arrays have different orders of driving timings for the respective printing elements in an arrangement direction. Distribution information assigns to the pixel a printing element driven at a reference driving timing or a driving timing close to the reference driving timing.
US09150010B1 Stepped voltage drive for driving capacitive loads
A system and method for charging heavy capacitive loads may comprise an n-stage stacked charging circuit wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and wherein the n-stage stacked charging circuit may comprise n−1 capacitors and a voltage supply, each sequentially electrically connected to the capacitive load in an order through a respective first through nth switch during a respective first through nth charging time period; the n−1th capacitors each sequentially electrically connected to the capacitive load in reverse order during a first through n−1th discharging time period through the respective n−1th through first switches. The system and method may comprise an n+1th switch electrically connecting the capacitive load to ground during an nth discharging period. The capacitive load may comprise a piezoelectric element, which may comprise an inkjet printer head inkjet actuator.
US09150006B2 Lamination process optimization utilizing neopentyl glycol-modified polyesters
Thermoplastic articles made from polyesters modified by neopentyl glycol laminate more quickly than cyclohexanedimethanol-modified versions yet retain the properties that make modified polyesters the material of choice in this market—water-like color and clarity, high impact strength, low lamination temperature and low flammability. For situations where a faster cycle time is not needed, articles laminated with neopentyl glycol-modified polyesters can alternatively be manufactured at lower temperatures.
US09150005B2 Low water-vapor permeable composite film and packaging structure
Provided is a low water-vapor permeable composite film, which includes a 3-layered co-extruded biaxial-oriented film formed of polyester films or polypropylene films including a first layer, a second layer and a third layer stacked in sequence. The first layer further includes an anti-block agent. An alternate structure including a plurality of organic protection layers and a plurality of inorganic layers are formed on the 3-layered co-extruded biaxial-oriented film. The plurality of organic protection layers and the plurality of inorganic layers are stacked alternately. The inorganic layers are formed by atom layer deposition.
US09150003B2 Coated article with low-E coating having absorbing layers for low film side reflectance and low visible transmission
Absorbing layers of a low-emissivity (low-E) coating are designed to cause the coating to have a reduced film side reflectance which is advantageous for aesthetic purposes. In certain embodiments, the absorbing layers are metallic or substantially metallic (e.g., NiCr or NiCrNx) and are each provided between first and second nitride layers (e.g., silicon nitride based layers) in order to reduce or prevent oxidation of the absorbing layers during optional heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering, heat bending, and/or heat strengthening). Coated articles according to certain example embodiments of this invention may be used in the context of insulating glass (IG) window units, other types of windows, etc.
US09150002B2 Electroless surface treatment plated layers of printed circuit board and method for preparing the same
An electroless surface treatment plated layer of a printed circuit board, a method for preparing the same, and printed circuit board including the same. The electroless surface treatment plated layer includes: electroless nickel (Ni) plated coating/palladium (Pd) plated coating/gold (Au) plated coating, wherein the electroless nickel, palladium, and gold plated coatings have thicknesses of 0.02 to 1 μm, 0.01 to 0.3 μm, and 0.01 to 0.5 μm, respectively. In the electroless surface treatment plated layer of the printed circuit board, a thickness of the nickel plated coating is specially minimized to 0.02 to 1 μm, thereby making it possible to form an optimized electroless Ni/Pd/Au surface treatment plated layer.
US09149998B2 Attaching window assembly using optical welding
The specification and drawings present a new apparatus and method for joining a window assembly (e.g., a glass window assembly) in electronic devices using optical/laser welding. A window assembly, transparent to an optical beam, may comprise an optical window such as glass window with a laminated layer (e.g., made of plastic) glued to a backside of the optical window and a back print ink layer between portions of the optical window and of the laminated layer. This window assembly may be attached to a frame such as a plastic frame, non-transparent to the optical beam, having at least one boundary with the laminated plastic layer of the window assembly using a welding joint at the at least one boundary made by the optical beam propagating transparently (with negligible optical absorption) through the window assembly and absorbed by the plastic frame.
US09149995B2 Molding element comprising cutting means for molding and vulcanizing a tire tread
A molding element for molding and vulcanizing a tire tread. This tread comprises a tread surface intended to come into contact with the ground when this tire is running. This molding element comprises a molding surface intended to mold part of the tire tread surface and a blade of length L and of height Hc intended to mold a sipe or a groove in the tread, the blade comprising a rounded end extending along the length of the blade in a direction of extension X. The molding element comprises two cutting means positioned on either side of the blade at a certain distance from this blade. Each cutting means comprises, at one end, an alternation of peaks and troughs extending in this direction of extension X. The distance of these peaks in relation to the molding surface is greater than or equal to the height Hc of the blade.
US09149994B2 Systems for molding non-pneumatic tires
A system for molding a non-pneumatic tire includes a lower mold portion including a lower backing plate, a plurality of lower projections extending from the lower backing plate, and a plurality of lower sleeves configured to at least partially cover the lower projections. The system further includes at least one lower retention plate configured to be positioned proximate the lower backing plate and retain the lower sleeves on the lower projections. The system also includes an upper mold portion configured to be associated with the lower mold portion. The system further includes an upper backing plate, a plurality of upper projections extending from the upper backing plate, and a plurality of upper sleeves configured to at least partially cover the upper projections. The system also includes at least one upper retention plate configured to be positioned proximate the upper backing plate and retain the upper sleeves on the upper projections.
US09149990B2 Apparatus for the forming of a lay-up of fibre composite material
An apparatus for the forming of a lay-up of fiber composite material, in particular in the aerospace sector is provided. In this case, the apparatus has at least one forming tool, which has a surface contour corresponding to a desired geometry of the lay-up after the forming, and a tool carrier, to which the at least one forming tool is releasably fastened. From a further viewpoint, the invention makes available an apparatus with a modular structure, it then being possible for any desired forming tools to be combined with the tool carrier according to requirements. This leads in particular to less laborious handling, since it obviates the need for handling of the comparatively large tool carrier.
US09149988B2 Three dimensional printing
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 drag the filament from the conduit nozzle.
US09149978B1 Imprinting method with embossing foil free to expand for nano-imprinting of recording media
An imprinting method is described. The imprinting method including clamping a portion of an embossing foil to a first die of a die press with a spring tensioned clamp, receiving a magnetic recording disk in the die press, and pressing the embossing foil against the magnetic recording disk to emboss a side of the magnetic recording disk with a discrete track recording pattern.
US09149976B2 Label for in-mold forming and resin container with the label
A label for in-mold forming which comprises a thermoplastic resin film base layer (I), a heat-sealable resin layer (II), and an antistatic layer (III), wherein the heat-sealable resin layer (II) comprises a heat-sealable resin including a copolymer of propylene and α-olefin having 4-20 carbon atoms and has a degree of non-crystallinity of 60-90% as determined with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) at temperatures less than 90° C., the antistatic layer (III) comprises an antistatic agent in an amount of 0.001 to 1 g per unit area (m2) and the surface of the layer has a wettability index (JIS-K-6768) of 32-54 mN/m, and the label has a porosity higher than 10% and not higher than 70% and has an opacity (JIS-P-8138) higher than 20% and not higher than 100%; and a labeled container with the label.
US09149963B2 Injection molding machine with anti-vibration structure for electric power panel
An electric power panel used in an injection molding machine is formed of a box-like member mounted with an electrical component. An electric power panel mounting member secured to a bottom portion of the electric power panel is attached to a floorboard by means of a vibration absorber. The electric power panel mounting member has a width greater than a width of the box-like member in a depth direction, and the vibration absorber is disposed on either end portion of the electric power panel mounting member outside the box-like member.
US09149955B2 Process for recycling immiscibles in PET film
Described are methods for recycling biaxially oriented thermoplastic crystallizable films, such as polyester terephthalate (PET) films, that have been coated with various polymers or waxes that are immiscible in the primary molten thermoplastic. The resultant processed recycle can be used to make new biaxially oriented thermoplastic films while avoiding process instability and optical defects in the finished film associated with immiscible polymeric and/or wax coatings.
US09149949B2 Cutting mechanism
There is disclosed a cutting mechanism 22 for severing elongate fiber reinforcement material 14 in composite material lay-up equipment 10, the cutting mechanism 22 comprising a cutting element 60 and a counteracting element 76 which cooperate to sever fiber reinforcement material 14 extending through the nip between them, the cutting element 60 being mounted on an elongate arm 44 which is pivotable about a pivot axis A spaced from the nip, to displace the cutting element 60 relatively to the counteracting element 76 to perform a cutting stroke, the mechanism 22 further comprising guide means 52 arranged to guide the fiber reinforcement material 14 through the nip in a feed direction transverse to the pivot axis A, and an actuation device 84 for driving the elongate arm 44 in a cutting stroke, the actuation device 84 acting on the elongate arm 44 at a position away from the cutting element 60. There is also provided composite material lay-up equipment 10 comprising the cutting mechanism 22.
US09149948B2 Machine for automatically cutting and sorting boxes and remants
The machine of the invention includes a cutting device, a first conveyor, a second conveyor, a first moving arm and a second moving arm. The cutting device includes a platform, a lower mold on the platform and an upper mold correspondingly over the lower mold. The first conveyor is disposed near one side of the platform for conveying boxes to be cut. The second conveyor is disposed near the other side of the platform for conveying cut boxes and remnants. The first moving arm includes a first transmission and a first robot hand driven thereby for moving the boxes to be cut to a position between the lower mold and the upper mold. The second moving arm includes a second transmission and a second robot hand driven thereby for moving the cut boxes and remnants to the second conveyor.
US09149947B2 Device and method for forming a spiral shaped opening in a stent
An apparatus includes a drive and a blade. The drive is configured to be operatively coupled to a tubular member. The drive is configured to move the tubular member from a first location with respect to the blade to a second location with respect to the blade. The blade is configured to rotate about an outer surface of the tubular member and to cut the tubular member as the drive moves the tubular member from the first location to the second location.
US09149943B2 System and method for hair clipping and removal
A system for clipping and removing hair clippings from a clipped site is disclosed. The system includes a suction member having an integrated blade member, a hose member in communication with the suction member, and a vacuum source connected to the hose member. This device is particularly useful for use in clipping and removing the hair clippings from shaved surgical patients in a manner that prevents the hair clippings from falling into the patient's surroundings.
US09149942B2 Shaving apparatus
A shaving apparatus has at least one shaving head with at least one cutter, a trimmer, and a drive structure including a motor for driving the cutter or cutters and the trimmer. The trimmer is disengageable from the drive structure. At least a portion of the drive structure may be rotated in reverse directions between a first sense of rotation and a second, opposite, sense of rotation. A unidirectional clutch is arranged between the portion of the drive structure of which the sense of rotation is reversible and the cutter or cutters. When the sense of rotation is reversed from the sense of rotation in which the cutter or cutters is driven, the trimmer may be driven without driving the cutter or cutters.
US09149940B2 Side blade lock and release mechanism for use with a knife
A knife is provided. The knife comprises a handle and a blade configured to pivot with respect to the handle between an open position wherein a cutting edge of the blade is exposed and a closed position wherein the cutting edge of the blade is disposed within the handle, the blade including an abutting surface. The knife may further comprise a locking assembly configured to releasably lock the blade in the open position, the locking assembly comprising a biased, rotatable member having a canted surface for engaging a corresponding surface on the blade, wherein the canted surface and the corresponding surface are configured to secure the blade relative to the handle in the open position.
US09149935B2 Handling device and method for operating a handling device
A handling device, which is in particular a robot, has a receiving device for receiving different instruments. To this end, the receiving device and the different instruments have mutually compatible connecting elements. In order to ensure error-free connection of the correctly selected instrument to the receiving device, the instruments have changeable indicator devices. The indicator devices are changed with the aid of a control device, for example on the basis of a schedule.
US09149918B2 L-shaped torsional wrench
An L-shaped torsional wrench is provided. The wrench includes a shell body, an elastic member, an L-shaped rod and a handle. A pushing member is assembled in the shell body and is movable between a first position and a second position along the shell body. The elastic member is compressed by the pushing member when the pushing member is located in the first position for compressing the elastic member. The pushing member is noncompressed by the elastic member when the pushing member is located in the second position so that the elastic member recovers from said compression for slowing the fatigue of the elastic member, extending the durability of the elastic member and keeping the torsional accuracy of the wrench.
US09149907B2 Through coolant adaptor for use on hollow spindle machine tools
An adaptor and a connection device are provided. The adaptor and the connection device fix a tool to an arbor of a hollow spindle machine. The adaptor has an inlet opening at a first part of the adaptor, the inlet opening being connectable to the central passage way of the arbor. The adaptor has an outlet opening at a second part of the adaptor, the second part radially protruding over the first part and being adapted for holding the tool. The adaptor has a connection device for fixing the adaptor to the arbor and a fluid distribution passage way connecting the inlet opening with the outlet opening so that the coolant is supplied to the tool via the outlet opening of the adaptor.
US09149902B2 Slug retention groove forming machine and method
A portable and transportable die cavity modifying machine having a base carrying a carriage adjustable along one axis, e.g., a generally horizontal axis, and a machining head adjustable along another axis, e.g., a generally vertical axis, for modifying a die cavity of a stamping die in a manner that prevents blank or slug pulling during stamping press operation. The machine includes a grinder that can be pneumatically powered having a grinding bit used to precisely machine a slug retention groove in a die cavity defining surface (sidewall) of a die cavity formed in a stamping die. The machine has an angularly adjustable head carrying the grinder enabling adjustment of the angle of the groove relative to die cavity defining surface enabling the groove to be angled relative to the direction of a punch entering the die cavity during stamping.
US09149900B2 Machine tool
According to the machine tool according to the present invention, a top-bottom guide is attached to a back surface of a base frame. By being guided by this top-bottom guide, the lifter moves in the top-bottom direction with respect to the base frame. A drive source which drives rotation of a top-bottom feed screw which extends parallel to the top-bottom guide is attached to a back surface of the base frame. This drive source is coupled with a bottom end of the top-bottom feed screw. As a result, compared to when the drive source is coupled with a top end of the top-bottom feed screw, the center of gravity of the machine tool can be set to a lower position. In this way, a machine tool can be increased in stability.
US09149898B2 Piston assembling apparatus and piston assembling method
A piston assembling apparatus includes a piston holding means including a guide tube portion which contains the piston and guides the piston into the cylinder bore. A guide tube support portion supports the guide tube portion to be displaceable in a radial direction thereof. A moving means moves at least one of the piston holding means and the cylinder block so as to locate them at an insertion preparation position where the guide tube portion and the cylinder bore are coaxial with each other. A pressing means presses the piston contained in the guide tube portion toward the cylinder block to insert the piston into the cylinder bore in a state in which the piston holding means and the cylinder block are located at the insertion preparation position, and the guide tube portion is supported by the guide tube support portion to be displaceable in the radial direction thereof.
US09149895B2 Non-plain carbon steel header for a heat exchanger
A heat exchanger, such as an air-to-air after-cooler assembly, having reduced and/or eliminated leakage at the tube/header joint is provided. The assembly comprises a series of tubular members formed from a first metal, each of the tubular members including an end portion and a header formed from a second metal, wherein the first metal and the second metal have similar coefficients of thermal expansions. The header includes a plurality of openings extending therethrough and each of the end portions of the tubular members is mechanically secured within corresponding openings within the header to form an after-cooler assembly. A method for forming the air-to-air after-cooler assembly is also provided.
US09149893B2 Deformation processing apparatus and method for correcting surface runout
The clutch hub includes a sheet-metal hub member which has an axial member projected from the center of its plate surface, and also includes an annular armature which is fixed to an outer peripheral portion of the axial member. First mounting the axial member of the clutch hub downward on a support member and thereby elastically supporting the end surface of the armature by the support member; holding the axial member of the clutch hub using a chuck; locating a fixing member just under a portion of a maximum runout portion of an inner hub; contacting a cylindrical end surface of a pressing member with an upper surface of the inner hub using pressure; and plastically deforming the inner hub by a pressing force of the pressing member using the locating portion of the fixing member as a fulcrum, which thereby corrects an inclination of the axial member.
US09149889B2 Orientating a laser cutting beam
A method for orientating a focused laser cutting beam eccentrically relative to the nozzle axis of a cutting gas nozzle and a laser processing machine for performing the same, the method including: arranging a redirecting mirror in a beam path of the laser cutting beam upstream of the cutting gas nozzle, the mirror being rotated about a direction which is coaxial with the nozzle axis and/or about a direction which is perpendicular relative to the nozzle axis and which corresponds to the beam incidence direction of the laser beam on the redirecting mirror. The cutting gas nozzle and the redirecting mirror are arranged in a second structural unit of a laser processing head, for rotation about the direction corresponding to the beam incidence direction relative to a first structural unit.
US09149888B2 Machine for joining the ends of steel strips which machine is suited to the induction heat treatment of joining welds
A joining machine for joining ends of successive strips in a strip treatment installation includes a device welding a first end of a strip to a second end of another strip, a first pair of symmetrical clamping jaws including a first upper and a first lower clamping jaw gripping the first end of a strip, a second pair of symmetrical clamping jaws including a second upper and a second lower clamping jaw gripping the second end of a strip, the clamping jaws holding and positioning the first end facing the second end for welding the ends together. At least two clamping jaws of the two pairs each include a part for contacting one of the ends to be welded to another end. The part has a geometry and at least one constituent material reducing a strength of eddy currents likely to be created in the clamping jaw by electromagnetic induction.
US09149882B1 Thermal carrier
A method and system for a preheating step of a wave soldering process. A bottom side preheater is positioned underneath a PCB and a thermal carrier is positioned adjacent the PCB. A top side heater may also be used. The PCB includes one or more through holes, and an electronic component having one or more pins is mounted on the PCB so that each pin is positioned in a corresponding through hole. The bottom side preheater directs heat to the bottom surface of the PCB, thereby heating the bottom surface via heat convection. The thermal carrier directs heated air laterally across the top surface of the PCB to increase a heat transfer at the top surface without increasing the temperature of the electronic component, thereby reducing a temperature differential between the top and bottom surfaces.
US09149881B2 Damage-repairing method of transition piece and transition piece
A damage-repairing method of a transition piece in an embodiment includes; an oxide removing step of removing an oxide on an outer surface 20b of an inner duct 20 of a transition piece 10 having damage; a repair material placing step of placing a brazing repair material 80 on the outer surface 20b of the inner duct 20 so as to cover the damage; and a diffusion brazing step of diffusion heat treating the inner duct 20 to repair the damage formed in the outer surface 20b. The damage-repairing method of the transition piece includes: a pressurized heat treating step of, under high pressure, heat treating the inner duct 20; a surface finishing step of scraping off the brazing repair material 80 projecting from the outer surface 20b; and a non-pressurized heat treating step of solution heat treating and aging heat treating the inner duct 20 under non-pressure.
US09149877B1 Interaction between a key duplication housing and a key blank carrier
A key duplication system may include a housing, a key blank receiving aperture, a cutter and a clamp adjacent to the receiving aperture, wherein the key blank is guided to a predetermined position in relation to the cutter through engagement of a carrier with the housing. A method of aligning a key blank blade with a key blank carrier in relation to a cutter may include guiding a key blade into a cutting position through contact with a key blade receiving aperture, securing at least a portion of the carrier with a clamp, cutting a key bit pattern into the key blank blade and releasing the key blank.
US09149875B2 Device for clamping a workpiece holder to a collet chuck that can be fixed to a machine tool
Device for clamping a workpiece holder on a collect chuck that can be fixed to a machine tool, having clamping elements distributed around the circumference of the collet chuck. The clamping elements can be adjusted radially to the axis of the collect chuck from a release to a clamping position and can be pressed against a circumferential surface of the workpiece holder positioned relative to the collet chuck in the clamping position. The clamping elements are designed as rollers having axes aligned nearly tangentially to the collet chuck circumference. A determinable surface pressure thus results in the clamping position as the rollers mutually contact the workpiece holder, a clamping mandrel of the collet chuck, and the collect chuck part. The surface pressure is thereby reduced and the collet chuck can also be used in the range of greater tensile forces.
US09149872B2 Tool attachment
In a tool attachment, for fastening to an handheld machine tool equipped with a tool holding fixture, having an output shaft and a base body, which forms an inner cavity and on whose outer circumference an axially displaceable locking sleeve is situated, for releasing at least one associated locking element against a spring force of a spring element, which has a clamping ring, in the inner cavity, a anti-rotation locking unit is configured for the rotationally locked fastening of the base body to a fastening unit associated with the handheld machine tool, the anti-rotation locking unit and the fastening unit having complementary geometric forms, which are configured to engage with each other for the detachable rotationally locked fastening of the base body on the fastening unit; and the at least one associated locking element being situated in the vicinity of the anti-rotation locking unit.
US09149867B2 Low-carbon steel slab producing method
A low-carbon steel slab producing method includes: adding Ti to a molten steel decarbonized to have a carbon concentration of 0.05 mass % or less, and subsequently adding at least one of La and Ce to adjust a constitution, and producing a smelted molten steel; and pouring the smelted molten steel into a casting mold via a tundish; wherein at least one of La and Ce in a total amount of 0.2 to 1.2 times an increased amount of oxygen in the smelted molten steel during contained in the tundish is added to the smelted molten steel in the tundish, so as to obtain a steel slab having inclusions which contain oxides of Ti and at least one of La and Ce as chief components, and so as to make a composition of each of the inclusions have a mass ratio of 0.1 to 0.7, in terms of (La2O3+Ce2O3)÷TiOn (n=1˜2).
US09149864B2 Rivet setter
A rivet setter which can efficiently and smoothly perform the rivet setting operation even when setting rivets each having a shank of its length smaller than a diameter of its head. The rivet setter can be configured to set a rivet sequentially fed one by one from a rivet supplying means by inserting the rivet into apertures formed at predetermined positions on workpieces. The rivet setter can comprise delivery paths for delivering the rivet one by one by forcing the rivet to be slid down to a settable position. The rivet setter can include notches formed on the bottom surfaces of the delivery paths along the rivet delivery direction and extending to the settable position for supporting the head of the rivet in the course of delivery of the rivet on the delivery paths and for hanging the shank of the rivet downward.
US09149858B2 Connector assembly for establishing an electrical connection with wires
A connector assembly for connecting a first pair of wires associated with a DC power source to a second pair of wires associated with a DC powered device. The connector assembly includes a run portion having insulation piercing contacts for electrically engaging the first pair of wires. A tap portion of the connector assembly may also include insulation piercing contacts for electrically engaging the second pair of wires. The run portion and the tap portion may be provided in separate housing assemblies that are releasably engageable or may be provided in an integrated housing assembly.
US09149854B2 Stamping apparatus
The present disclosure provides stamping apparatus for stamping a blank. The stamping apparatus includes a first die and a blank-holding ram. The first die includes a forming cavity and a depression positioned outboard of the forming cavity. The depression is defined by a first corner proximate the forming cavity and a second corner distal the forming cavity in the outboard direction from the first corner and the forming cavity. The blank-holding ram includes a bead configured to engage a portion of the blank into the depression when the blank is positioned between the first die and the blank-holding ram. The bead includes a third corner proximate the forming cavity and a fourth corner surface distal the forming cavity in the outboard direction from the third corner. The first corner of the depression includes a radii of curvature greater than a radii of curvature of the second corner of the depression and the radii of curvature of the third and fourth corners of the bead.
US09149852B2 Panel crimping machine with control system for controlling timing between crimping rollers with an adjustable separation
A panel crimping apparatus comprises a frame, a first crimping roller supported by the frame, the first crimping roller comprising a first shaft, a plurality of first crimping blades, and a first drive gear attached to the first shaft, and a second crimping roller supported by the frame, the second crimping roller comprising a second shaft, a plurality of second crimping blades, and a second drive gear attached to the second shaft. A distance between the first and second shafts of the first and second crimping rollers is adjustable. The apparatus comprises various links, gears and a control linkage configured to maintain timing between the first and second crimping rollers during driving of the first and second crimping rollers over an adjustable range of distance therebetween.
US09149851B2 Metallic molded sheet and heat shielding cover
The present invention relates to a metallic molded sheet including a metallic sheet having first ridges continuously formed along a first direction and second ridges continuously formed along a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction, in which the metallic molded sheet has cross-sectional shapes along the first direction and the second direction, each having an identical thickness and continuing sinusoidally, and the metallic molded sheet has a planar shape being a corrugated surface in which ridge lines of first waveforms along the first direction and ridge lines of second waveforms along the second direction perpendicularly intersect each other.
US09149850B2 Roll former for steel plate and roll bending method for steel plate using same
A roll former for steel plate (3) which enables edge corner deformation of steel plate edges (4) to be avoided, that is, a roll former for steel plate comprised of a top roll (1) and a bottom roll (2), the roll former for steel plate characterized by forming convex curved parts (5) having a bending direction opposite to a bending direction of the steel plate (3) in regions of the bottom roll (2), which forms the outer side of the steel plate (3), which contact the steel plate edges (4).
US09149845B2 Microbial fuel cell for in-situ treatment of sediment simultaneous with electricity generation and method of using the same
A method for in-situ treatment of sediment simultaneous with microbial electricity generation is provided, comprising steps of constructing a microbial fuel cell, placing the microbial fuel cell in the sediment, forming a cell circuit, and cultivating microorganisms to generate electrical power. The method overcomes shortcomings found in the prior art and uses organics in the sediment as fuels to in-situ treat the sediment with simultaneous electricity generation. A device for implementing the method is also provided, which can be expanded in different directions as needed and is easy to maintain during long-term operation. The device has many advantages including compact structure, easy operation, low cost, high output power density, significant reduction in sediment COD, no influence on water flow, and environment-friendly.
US09149839B2 Sealing system for pre-tensioned composite screens
A shaker screen including a sealing element and a composite frame, wherein the sealing element is attached to a basal perimeter of the composite is disclosed. Furthermore, a method of forming a shaker screen including forming a sealing element, forming a composite frame, and attaching the sealing element to the composite frame, wherein the sealing element is disposed along at least one surface of a basal perimeter of the composite frame is disclosed. Also, a shaker screen attachment including a sealing element, a composite frame, and a wedge is disclosed. The shaker screen attachment further includes wherein the sealing element is attached to a basal perimeter of the composite frame, and wherein the wedge is disposed between the composite frame and a shaker basket such that the sealing element compresses against the shaker basket.
US09149838B2 Multilayer acoustic impedance converter for ultrasonic transducers
An impedance conversion layer useful for medical imaging ultrasonic transducers comprises a low impedance polymer layer and a high impedance metal layer. These layers are combined with corresponding thicknesses adapted to provide a function of converting from a specific high impedance to specific low impedance, wherein the polymer layer is at the high impedance side and the metal layer is at the low impedance side. The effective acoustic impedance of the polymer and metal layer combination may be adapted to configure an impedance converter in the same way as a quarter wavelength impedance converter, converting from low impedance to high impedance (metal to polymer) or from a high impedance to low impedance (polymer to metal). This structure may be used for front matching with the propagation medium and back matching with an absorber for ultrasonic transducers.
US09149836B2 Compositions and methods for modulation of nanostructure energy levels
Ligand compositions for use in preparing discrete coated nanostructures are provided, as well as the coated nanostructures themselves and devices incorporating same. Methods for post-deposition shell formation on a nanostructure, for reversibly modifying nanostructures, and for manipulating the electronic properties of nanostructures are also provided. The ligands and coated nanostructures of the present invention are particularly useful for close packed nanostructure compositions, which can have improved quantum confinement and/or reduced cross-talk between nanostructures. Ligands of the present invention are also useful for manipulating the electronic properties of nanostructure compositions (e.g., by modulating energy levels, creating internal bias fields, reducing charge transfer or leakage, etc.).
US09149833B2 Metal nanoparticle decorated carbon nanotubes and methods of preparation and use
Methods of forming metal nanoparticle decorated carbon nanotubes are provided. The methods include mixing a metal precursor with a plurality of carbon nanotubes to form a metal precursor-carbon nanotubes mixture. The methods also include exposing the metal precursor-carbon nanotubes mixture to electromagnetic radiation to deposit metal nanoparticles on a major surface of the carbon nanotubes.
US09149831B2 Stent holding fixtures
Disclosed are stent holding devices having a support mandrel and one or more stent retaining fixtures disposed on the mandrel. The retaining fixture may include a character identifier to facilitate tracking a stent mounted on the holding device. The retaining fixture may include a conical protrusion and a conical recess to allow any number of retaining fixtures to engage each other and be stacked on the mandrel. The retaining fixture may include a tubular member having a spiral cut that enables the diameter of the tubular member to be adjusted to allow for a frictional fit on the mandrel. The retaining fixture may have a Z-shaped or T-shaped structure configured to retain a stent. The stent retaining fixture may also have a filament for retaining a stent.
US09149827B2 Pop-up irrigation sprinkler with shock absorbing riser retraction springs
An irrigation sprinkler includes an outer case, a riser telescopically extensible from the outer case, and a nozzle at an upper end of the riser. A coil spring surrounds the riser and normally holds the riser in a lower retracted position within the outer case. The coil spring is dimensioned and configured to permit extension of the riser to a raised upper position when pressurized water is introduced into the outer case. A shock absorber is positioned between a lower end of the riser and a rigid structure in the lower end of case for lessening the forces otherwise exerted on the riser during rapid retraction of the riser.
US09149824B2 Multi-component pressure tank assembly for spray coating systems
A system includes a pressure vessel configured to receive a pneumatic flow, and to supply pressurized fluid to a spray coating device. The system also includes a first chamber disposed within the pressure vessel, and configured to store a first fluid, and a second chamber disposed within the pressure vessel, and configured to store a second fluid. Furthermore, the system includes a lid removably coupled to the pressure vessel. The system also includes a first fluid pathway extending through the lid, and configured to deliver the first fluid to the first chamber while the lid is coupled to the pressure vessel. In addition, the system includes a second fluid pathway extending through the lid, and configured to deliver the second fluid to the second chamber while the lid is coupled to the pressure vessel.
US09149819B1 Lawn sprinkler
An improved adjustable lawn sprinkler is provided having a counterbalanced nozzle assembly having a nozzle. The nozzle assembly is connected to a rotating mechanism allowing the nozzle to freely rotate. The lawn sprinkler has a guide member for supporting barrier supporters which support barriers to form a user defined shape which corresponds to the irrigation area. The guide member is attached to support structures. The nozzle assembly is in fluid communication with a water transfer member which is in fluid communication with a water inlet member which is further in fluid communication with a fluid source. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US09149818B1 Attic sprinkler
A fire protection sprinkler including a sprinkler frame including a body defining a passage therethrough with an inlet opening and an outlet opening, a pair of frame arms extend from the body and support a deflector boss having a pair of concave arcuate sidewalls that join to form a pointed edge proximal the outlet opening. The arcuate sidewalls taper laterally away from a reference plane in a distal direction from the outlet opening.
US09149813B2 Methods and devices for separating particles in a liquid flow
Methods and devices for the separation of particles (20, 21, 22) in a compartment (30) of a fluidic microsystem (100) are described, in which the movement of a liquid (10) in which particles (20, 21, 22) are suspended with a predetermined direction of flow through the compartment (30), and the generation of a deflecting potential in which at least a part of the particles (20, 21, 22) is moved relative to the liquid in a direction of deflection are envisaged, whereby further at least one focusing potential is generated, so that at least a part of the particles is moved opposite to the direction of deflection relative to the liquid by dielectrophoresis under the effect of high-frequency electrical fields, and guiding of particles with different electrical, magnetic or geometric properties into different flow areas (11, 12) in the liquid takes place.
US09149812B2 Tramp material indication
A method for detecting tramp material in an inertia cone crusher having an outer crushing shell and an inner crushing shell is provided. The inner crushing shell is supported on a crushing head. The crushing head is rotatably connected to an unbalance bushing. The unbalance bushing has an unbalance weight for tilting the unbalance bushing when it is rotated, such that the crushing head will gyrate about a gyration axis, the inner crushing shell thereby approaching the outer crushing shell for crushing material in the crushing chamber formed therebetween. The method includes the steps of measuring at least one of a position and a motion of the crushing head; obtaining, based on the measurement, a gyration value; comparing the gyration value with a gyration reference value; and determining, based on the comparison, whether to issue a tramp material warning signal indicating the presence of tramp material in the crusher.
US09149810B2 Device for comminuting or grinding
A device (1) for comminuting or grinding including a container (2) for receiving the material to be ground and a tool (5) which rotates in the container (2) during processing, and a drive for said tool (5). The container (2) having the tool (5) can be detachably coupled to the drive, which is to say that the container (2) having the tool (5) does not have to be cleaned after a grinding operation but can be replaced by a new such container (2). For this purpose, the tool (5) located in the container (2) can be rotated loosely when in the position of being detached or uncoupled from the drive or before a corresponding coupling operation and, when in the working position, is rotationally fixedly connected to the drive and centered by the coupling.
US09149800B2 Method for producing ruthenium catalyst and method for producing alkyl group—or alkenyl group-substituted compound using ruthenium catalyst
This invention relates to a method for producing a ruthenium catalyst in which ruthenium supported on at least one metal oxide is pretreated with an aldehyde compound, a phosphorus compound, and a lower alcohol compound, and a method for producing alkyl- or alkenyl-substituted compound using the ruthenium catalyst.
US09149791B2 Water-soluble carbohydrate polyethers
The present invention relates to novel carbohydrate polyether compositions that are soluble in aqueous media and particularly to carbohydrate polyether compositions exhibiting reverse thermogelation properties in aqueous media. Also, since the carbohydrate polyethers of the present invention can be conveniently controlled with respect to functionality, molecular weight, polydispersity index, microstructure and tertiary structure, they can be customized for use in a variety of applications.
US09149786B2 Iodine adsorbent and column for water treatment using iodine adsorbent
An iodine adsorbent of an embodiment includes: a carrier modified with a functional group represented by a formula (1); and a silver ion supported on the carrier, where R1 is a polyol group.
US09149784B2 Removal of atmospheric pollutants from gas, related apparatus, processes and uses thereof
Methods related generally to the removal of atmospheric pollutants from the gas phase, are provided, as well as related apparatus, processes and uses thereof. A single-stage air scrubbing apparatus is provided that includes at least one reaction vessel, at least one introduction duct, and a turbulence component, wherein a residence time is sufficient to allow the conversion of at least one atmospheric pollution compound to at least one other compound, molecule or atom. In some embodiments, the at least one atmospheric pollution compound comprises nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide or a combination thereof. Additionally, methods of removing atmospheric pollution compounds from a waste gas stream are disclosed that include introducing a waste gas stream and at least one additional gas stream, mist stream, liquid stream or combination thereof into a single-stage air scrubbing apparatus at a flow rate sufficient to allow for conversion of the at least one atmospheric pollution compound.
US09149777B2 Combined field assisted sintering techniques and HTHP sintering techniques for forming polycrystalline diamond compacts and earth-boring tools
Methods of forming polycrystalline diamond compacts include employing field assisted sintering techniques with high temperature and high pressure sintering techniques. For example, a particle mixture that includes diamond particles may be sintered by subjecting the particle mixture to a high temperature and high pressure sintering cycle, and pulsing direct electrical current through the particle mixture during at least a portion of the high temperature and high pressure sintering cycle. The polycrystalline diamond compacts may be used to form cutting elements for earth-boring tools. Sintering systems are configured to perform such sintering processes.
US09149776B2 Systems and methods for liquid fuel modeling
A system includes a model-based control unit configured to receive a lower heating value for a liquid fuel having a composition. The processor is configured to determine a specific gravity, a hydrocarbon ratio, or both, for the liquid fuel based, at least in part, on the lower heating value of the liquid fuel. The processor is configured to compare the hydrocarbon ratio, the specific gravity, and/or the lower heating value of the liquid fuel to a collection of hydrocarbon ratios, specific gravities, and/or lower heating values for a plurality of mixtures of methane and ethylene. The processor is configured to identify a mixture of methane and ethylene from the collection that best matches the hydrocarbon ratio, the specific gravity, and/or the lower heating value of the liquid fuel and configured to use the identified mixture of methane and ethylene as a model for the composition of the liquid fuel.
US09149774B2 Selective hydrogen adding equipment for living organism applicable fluid
A selective hydrogen adding equipment is provided by which living organism applicable hydrogen-contained fluid is obtained without changing properties of the living organism applicable fluid. Living organism applicable hydrogen-contained fluid is obtained through storing a hydrogen generating system, which contains a hydrogen generating agent as an essential component, in a hydrogen bubble forming implement which has a gas/liquid separating section including a gas-permeable film or an open-close type valve, causing the hydrogen generating system and a generating-purpose water to react in the hydrogen bubble forming implement, and supplying hydrogen gas generated in the hydrogen bubble forming implement into living organism applicable fluid via the gas/liquid separating section.
US09149773B2 Feed nozzle assembly
A feed nozzle assembly for co-currently introducing gas and liquid into a reactor vessel which feed nozzle assembly comprises (a) an inner tube defining a gas conduit and an outer tube arranged around the inner tube, wherein the outer surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube define an annular liquid conduit, and wherein each of the tubes have an inlet end and an opposite outlet end; (b) a first nozzle attached to the outlet end of the inner tube; (c) a second nozzle attached to the outlet end of the outer tube and arranged downstream of the first nozzle, wherein the inner tube contains purging orifices.
US09149772B2 Enhancing flux of a microporous hollow fiber membrane
The present invention includes a system and method for improving oil recovery from a liquid source of oil, comprising: a membrane contactor in contact with a liquid source of oil; a heating/cooling device connected to at least one of the liquid source of oil or a collection fluid; and a membrane contactor system having one or more membrane contactors having a first and a second surface, wherein at least one of the first or second surfaces coalesce one or more oils from the liquid source of oil allowing the coalesced oil to be collected on the opposite surface of the membrane, wherein a temperature differential between the liquid source of oil and the collection fluid enhances the oil recovery at the membrane contactor from the liquid source of oil.
US09149759B2 Air treatment process for dilute phase injection of dry alkaline materials
The present disclosure is directed to the introduction of an additive to a contaminated gas stream. An additive introduction system uses a compressor and carbon dioxide separator to provide a treated carrier gas for introduction of an alkaline additive to a contaminated gas stream.
US09149753B2 Filter member
A filter member is movable between a first position and a second position when passage of air through the filter member is obstructed.
US09149748B2 Multi-layered filter media
Fiber webs that may be used as filter media are provided. In some embodiments, the filter media may include multiple layers. Each layer may be designed to have separate functions in the filter media. For example, a first layer may be provided for improving dust holding capacity, a second layer for improving efficiency, and a third layer for providing support and strength to the media. By designing the layers to have separate functions, each layer may be optimized to enhance its function without negatively impacting the performance of another layer of the media.
US09149741B2 Mobile fluid treatment system and associated apparatus
A mobile fluid treatment system and portable fluid treatment apparatus are described. The portable apparatus is configured to be placed within a mobile tank of fluid for separating solids from the fluid and includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a number of adjustable attachment members that can removably secure the apparatus to the side walls of the tank, thus allowing the apparatus to be moved from one tank to another. Furthermore, the lower portion of the apparatus can include a flexible hopper that funnels solids separated from the fluid toward a sediment outlet. The flexibility of the hopper allows the apparatus to fit in different sizes of tanks and further facilitates the break-up and removal of sediment from the apparatus, such as through vibration of the hopper due to the action of a sediment withdrawal pump.
US09149732B2 Self-contained solar powered mobile art
A mobile or stabile has rotatable elements comprising a solar cell, a beam, and an electric motor. The solar cell is electrically connected to the electric motor in the same rotatable element. The rotatable elements are linked by attaching the rotating shaft of the electric motor of one rotatable element to the beam of the rotatable element above. Each rotatable element produces its own movement. When a solar cell receives light it powers the connected electric motor to rotate its rotatable element.
US09149729B2 Doll with recording function
Embodiments of the invention relate to a huggable or soft sculpture doll with an audio playback and recording unit. The shape of a doll may be a human or animal shape in a soft sculpture, or the like. The audio playback and recording unit may be activated by at least one remote button. The audio playback and recording unit may contain a microphone or other audio input device and a speaker or other audio output device. The audio playback and recording unit and power supply may be enclosed within the soft sculpture with sufficient cushioning that the presence of such relatively hard objects is not easily felt while the soft sculpture is hugged or squeezed.
US09149724B2 Network game system without dynamic obstructions and processing method thereof
Processing methods are provided for network game systems without dynamic obstructions. In an exemplary method, when a non-player-controlled character (NPC) role selects a user role as a target of a short-range interaction on a game map, a rotation angle C=N×a can be determined, N being a total number of all NPC roles having the short-range interaction with the user role before the selecting, and “a” being a reference angle. Next, a destination point of the NPC role can be calculated by rotating the NPC role by C from a current point and around the user role. When there is a static obstruction at the destination point, the destination point can be re-calculated by adding a specified angle to the current C. When there is no static obstruction, the NPC role can be moved to the destination point.
US09149723B2 Random selection method, server, client and distributed system
The embodiments of the present invention provide a random selection method, server, client and distributed system. The random selection method includes: generating, by a server, a plurality of objects for an online game, and ordering randomly the plurality of objects; transmitting display information to a plurality of clients, so as to make the ordered plurality of objects displayed on a display screen of each client in a manner of content being unknown, so that each user randomly select from the ordered plurality of objects; and designating, by the server, a user-selected object for the user according to feedback from the client. In this invention, the user may participate in the process of random selection, and random ordering by the system and the random selection by the user are combined, thereby the fairness of the random dealing is ensured.
US09149722B2 Video compression system and method for reducing the effects of packet loss over a communication channel
A system and method are described below for reducing the effects of packet loss in a video communication system. For example, one embodiment of a computer-implemented method comprises: logically subdividing each of a sequence of images of a video stream into a plurality of tiles, each of the tiles having a defined position within each of the sequence of images; and packing the tiles into a plurality of data packets to maximize the number of tiles which are aligned with boundaries of each of the data packets; and transmitting the data packets containing the tiles over a communication channel from a server to a client.
US09149719B2 Device and method for generating a representation of a subject's attention level
A device and method for generating a representation of a subject's attention level. The device measures brain signals from the subject; extracts temporal features from the brain signals; classifies the extracted temporal features using a classifier to give a score X1; extracts spectral-spatial features from the brain signals; selects spectral-spatial features containing discriminative information between concentration and non-concentration states from the set of extracted spectral-spatial features; classifies the selected spectral-spatial features using a classifier to give a score X2; combines the scores X1 and X2 to give a single score; and presents the score to the subject.
US09149710B2 Toe unit for alpine touring binding
An apparatus is provided for holding a footwear toe to a snow travel aid. The apparatus comprises jaws that grasp the toe while permitting pivotal movement of the footwear about the toe in forward and rearward directions and is for use with a heel holder that provides for lateral release. The apparatus comprises one or more resilient elements for biasing the jaws whereby the jaws are biased towards a closed position throughout the operational range of motion of the jaws. Also provided is an apparatus which comprises jaws that grasp the toe while permitting pivotal movement of footwear about the toe, wherein the apparatus is adapted for generally horizontal, forward and rearward translation relative to a longitudinal axis of the snow travel aid, selectively by a user. Also provided is an apparatus comprising jaws that grasp the toe while permitting pivotal movement of footwear about the toe, and a lock for inhibiting opening of the jaws, the lock comprising one or more resilient elements which provide resilience while inhibiting opening of the jaws.
US09149693B2 Golf club and golf club head structures
A golf club head has a body defining a ball striking face. The body further has a first leg extending away from the ball striking face and a second leg extending away from the ball striking face wherein a void is defined between the first leg and the second leg. The body further defines a crown that extends over the void.
US09149691B2 Multi-layer core golf ball
Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a center and an outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard intermediate core layer. The Shore C hardness of the outer surface of the center is preferably less than the Shore C hardness of the geometric center of the center.
US09149681B2 Tongue press oral exerciser
A therapeutic apparatus for strengthening the tongue. The device is a water-filled unit comprised of clear tube with two bulbs on each end. The exerciser is activated in the mouth by pressing the pressurized bulb with the tongue against the hard palate. A floating indicator in the tube offers visual feedback and elevates as the tube is compressed. The device is adjustable in difficulty. The presenting invention is simple in design and operation. It has limited moving or articulating parts, requires no customization, is non-electrical, can be operated with one hand and is inexpensive to manufacture. The Tongue Press Oral Exerciser is an affordable means of strengthening swallowing and speech intelligibility.
US09149677B2 Removably mounted exercise station
A removably mounted exercise station includes an elongated anchoring member disposed on a first surface of an external stationary object, such as a door. The anchoring member has a plurality of apertures and rails formed between the apertures. A securing strap wraps around a second surface of the external stationary object to secure the exercise station onto the external stationary object. A resistance band connects to one of the rails to provide resistance during an exercise routine. A clamp allows for quick connect and disconnect of the resistance band to the rails.
US09149673B2 Removal of organic dyes and organic pollutants by titanium peroxide gel
The one step process of removal of chromophore/dye/organic pollutant from a solution comprising a polymer free titanium oxide gel i.e. high zeta potential is disclosed. The concentration of the chromophores is removed up to 95-100%.
US09149672B2 Encapsulated fire extinguishing agents
The encapsulated fire extinguishing agents include a sealed outer shell containing at least one fire extinguishing agent therein. The shell is formed of material that melts when exposed to extreme heat, as in a fire. One embodiment has a single outer shell with a single fire retardant agent therein. Other embodiments may have a second shell within the outer shell, each shell defining an interior volume containing a separate fire extinguishing agent. The agents may combine to form a more effective fire extinguishing agent when the two shells melt. The shells may be formed to melt at different temperatures. Another embodiment includes an outer shell filled with a large number of smaller capsules, each of the smaller capsules filled with a fire extinguishing agent. The smaller capsules may each contain identical agents, or two or more different agents from one another.
US09149670B1 Lanyard interlock assembly
A machine operator safety system for selectively providing hydraulic power to a boom assembly of an aerial device upon attaching a lanyard. The machine operator safety system comprises a set of upper boom controls within the utility platform, a lanyard anchor housing with a lanyard anchor therein, an actuator for selectively positioning the lanyard anchor housing in either a first position or a second position, and a hydraulic valve. When the lanyard anchor housing is in the first position, which conceals the lanyard anchor, the hydraulic valve blocks the flow of hydraulic power to the set of upper boom controls. When the lanyard anchor housing is in the second position, which exposes the lanyard anchor for attachment of the lanyard, the hydraulic valve directs the flow of hydraulic power to the set of upper boom controls.
US09149658B2 Systems and methods for ultrasound treatment
Various embodiments provide a method for an extended field of view treatment. The method can include the steps of imaging a region; targeting a region with directed ultrasound energy; monitoring the region; moving the imaging, treatment, and monitoring region while spatially correlating to one or more prior regions via imaging and/or position sensing; continuing the extended field of view treatment; and, achieving an ultrasound induced biological effect in the extended field of view treatment region.
US09149657B2 Water phantom and measurement system
A measurement system for use in radiation therapy, for example for measuring radiation sources, in particular for a water phantom. The water phantom has a water container and a measurement system, on which at least one holder for a radiation detector is arranged. The holder can be moved within the water container along at least one movement axis, with a control unit being present, which accepts and executes commands for controlling the movement axis. A virtual coordinate system which is aligned to the water surface is defined so that the movement device does not have to be aligned with great complexity. A conversion unit transfers control commands from the virtual coordinate system into the real coordinate system of the movement device so movements of the holder are always parallel and/or perpendicular to the water surface.
US09149655B2 Controlling a process of monitoring the position of a patient during a radiation treatment
The invention is directed to a method for controlling a process of monitoring the position of at least a part of a patient's body (1) during a radiation treatment, the method comprising the following steps: a) providing an energy value which is dependent on the radiation energy applied to the patient's body (1); b) controlling the time at which the monitoring process is performed, in accordance with the energy value.
US09149652B2 Method for transporting radiation, applicator as well as radiation therapy device
Among other things, a method for transporting radiation to a body region is described, wherein, in a first step, a canal is formed up to the body region to be irradiated and wherein, in a second step, an applicator (10) which is fitted to the diameter of the canal is introduced into the canal in order to guide a probe tip. Advantageously, applicator (10) is formed for use with a radiation therapy device for producing a defined radiation dose for irradiating a body region, whereby applicator (10) has a base body (11) with a foot region (12) for the uptake of at least one component of a radiation therapy device (30), a cylindrical guide region (13) connecting thereto for the uptake of a probe tip of a radiation therapy device, whereby a transition region (14) is formed between the foot region (12) and the guide region (13), as well as a head region (15), which is formed at the distal end (21) of base body (11). The method can be utilized especially for the treatment of tumors in the vertebral column.
US09149645B2 Methods and devices implementing dual criteria for arrhythmia detection
Methods and devices providing multiple criteria for use in arrhythmia identification. Based on inputs including defined rules or parameters, one of a more conservative or more aggressive set of arrhythmia identification parameters can be selected. One or the other of the selectable sets of arrhythmia identification parameters may also be adaptive or modifiable during the use of the system, for example, in response to identified nonsustained episodes, the more conservative set of arrhythmia identification parameters can be modified to become still more conservative. Such modification of arrhythmia identification criteria allows reduced time to therapy when indicated, while allowing more deliberate decisions in other circumstances.
US09149639B2 Systems for using a pulmonary artery electrode
According to some method embodiments, a left pulmonary artery electrode is positioned in a left pulmonary artery, and the left pulmonary artery electrode is used to sense atrial activity, or capture cardiac tissue, or deliver neural stimulation. According to some method embodiments, a right pulmonary artery electrode is positioned in a right pulmonary artery and a left pulmonary artery electrode is positioned in a left pulmonary artery, the right pulmonary artery electrode is used to sense atrial activity, or capture cardiac tissue, or deliver neural stimulation, and the left pulmonary artery electrode is used to sense atrial activity, or capture cardiac tissue, or deliver neural stimulation.
US09149637B2 Adaptive confirmation of treatable arrhythmia in implantable cardiac stimulus devices
Methods and devices for adjusting therapy delivery decisions in an implantable cardiac stimulus device by observing cardiac activity following an initial identification of a treatable condition. In some examples, cardiac activity that appears benign is quantified and a therapy confirmation threshold is adjusted according to how much apparently benign cardiac activity is seen after an initial identification of a treatable condition. In other examples, a new threshold is applied following the initial identification of treatable condition, removing historical data preceding the initial identification from subsequent therapy delivery decisions.
US09149636B2 System and method for mapping arbitrary electric fields to pre-existing lead electrodes
A system for a neurostimulator coupled to electrodes, and a method of providing therapy to a patient using the electrodes implanted within the patient. A target multipole relative to the electrodes is defined. The target multipole is emulated by defining an initial electrical current distribution for the electrodes, such that a first set of active electrodes respectively has electrical current values of a first polarity. Each of the electrical current values of the first polarity is compared to a first threshold value, and at least one of the electrodes in the first active electrode set is zeroed-out based on the comparison. The electrical current value of each of the zeroed-out electrode(s) is redistributed to remaining ones of the electrodes to define a new electrical current distribution for the electrodes. Electrical current is conveyed to the electrodes in accordance with the new electrical current distribution, thereby providing the therapy.
US09149624B2 Disinfecting male luer connector caps
A system and method for disinfecting an exposed portion of a female luer connector is disclosed. A male luer connector coupled to a male luer connector cap is provided where the male luer connector cap has a chamber containing a disinfectant and a sealing member for sealing the disinfectant in the chamber. The chamber is at least partly opened and the disinfectant exposed by movement of the sealing member. An exposed surface of a female luer connector is caused to come in contact with the disinfecting fluid in the chamber prior to the female luer connector mating with the male luer connector.
US09149623B1 Adapters
The present disclosure provides adapters configured to interconnect a device connector of a medical device and a tube connector, the adapter having a first end with a female Luer connector and a second end having a primary Luer male connector, with a secondary female section.
US09149621B2 Collet lock
A locking apparatus for connecting a catheter to a stem. The locking apparatus comprises a collet sleeve, which includes an annular wall defining a center channel and a plurality of resilient prongs protruding inwardly into a portion of the center channel. The locking apparatus also comprises a lockable insert, which includes an annular wall defining a center channel. The center channel of the lockable insert is coaxial with the center channel of the collet sleeve. The lockable insert is configured to be placed at a first locking position in which the annular wall of the lockable insert asserts no or minimal radial compression against the plurality of the resilient prongs of the collet sleeve, and the lockable insert is further configured to be moved to a second locking position in which the annular wall of the lockable insert radially compresses the plurality of the resilient prongs of the collet sleeve.
US09149613B2 Apparatus and methods for treating intracorporeal fluid accumulation
A fluid management system for the treatment of ascites, pleural effusion or pericardial effusion is provided including an implantable device including a pump, control circuitry, battery and transceiver; a charging and communication system configured to periodically charge the battery and communicate with the implantable device to retrieve performance data; and monitoring and control software, suitable for use with conventional personal computers, for configuring and controlling operation of the implantable device and charging and communication system. The implantable device includes a number of features that provide automated movement of fluid to the bladder with reduced risk of clogging, with no patient involvement other than occasional recharging of the battery of the implantable device. The monitoring and control software is available only to the treating physician, such that the physician interacts with the implantable device via the charging and communication system.
US09149607B2 Bi-directional catheter steering handle
A deflectable sheath for use in medical procedures in the vasculature is described. The sheath includes a handle supporting the sheath. Two pull wires run along opposite sides of the sheath to anchors at the deflectable distal end. The handle includes a rotatable member that moves a threaded slider block in a back and forth translational manner. As that translational movement occurs, force is applied to either one or the other of the pull wires to cause deflection of distal end of the sheath in either and upwardly or a downwardly direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sheath.
US09149602B2 Dual needle delivery system
An apparatus for delivering devices. The apparatus comprises a catheter with an elongated shaft having a first lumen and a second lumen extending therethrough. The apparatus further comprises a distal section with a lumen in communication with a port in a distal end of the catheter and with the first lumen and the second lumen. The first lumen is configured for a first device and the second lumen is configured for a second device to be disposed therein. The apparatus further comprises a proximal adapter coupled to the elongated shaft with a first port in communication with the first lumen and a second port in communication with the second lumen.
US09149598B2 Pressure relief in a respiratory assistance system
A pressure relief device comprising a valve configured to resiliently deform in response to a predetermined pressure; and a sound dampener configured to dampen a sound generated by the valve when the valve resiliently deforms in response to said predetermined pressure.
US09149591B2 Valve assembly for controlling the flow rate of a fluid
In various embodiments, an electronic flow selector of a fluid flow control system may be used to select a flow rate of a fluid. The fluid flow control system may be operated in an electronic mode and a manual mode. When the system is in a manual mode, mechanical backup flow selectors may be used to select the flow rate of a fluid. The mechanical backup flow selectors may include a position detection system to determine the flow rate of a fluid. Flow selectors of the flow control system may be rotationally engaged with the valve shafts of each needle valve, while allowing them to translate axially. The flow selectors may remain axially fixed while the valve shafts are axially translated with respect to the needle valves in a fluid flow control system.
US09149585B2 Multi-needle injection device
A medical device and a method of treating stress urinary incontinence are provided. The device includes a cannula with a plurality of apertures. A plurality of needles is disposed within a lumen of the cannula. A handle includes a housing and a shifter mechanism to translate the plurality of needles from a first position in which the needles are disposed within the lumen of the cannula, to a second position in which a distal portion of each needle extends out of the lumen through respective apertures. The handle also includes a slot including a transversal track defining a potential range of rotational motion of the shifter mechanism with respect to the housing, and a plurality of longitudinal tracks defining a potential range of translational motion of the shifter mechanism with respect to the housing. The shifter mechanism may also rotate the cannula with respect to the handle.
US09149584B2 Hinged shield assembly and related methods
The present hinged shield assembly is configured to shield a needle to prevent needlesticks. The assembly comprises a base including a hinge, a first shield and a second shield. The first shield extends from the base and at least partially surrounds the second shield. The first and second shields are configured to pivot about the hinge. In some embodiments a distal end of the first shield is open. In other embodiments the first and second shields include sidewalls with channels extending therealong. The first and second shields are rotatable with respect to one another such that the channels in each may be aligned. In other embodiments the first and second shields are translatable and rotatable with respect to one another.
US09149581B2 Compact device for rapidly mixing and delivering substances to a patient
Injection devices are disclosed for injections of substances. The disclosed devices separately may hold two separate substances, e.g., solid, liquid or gas substances, in separate compartments which are interrupted so that the separate substances come into contact during the activation of the device. One disclosed device includes a needle for injection and two substances that are mixed with only a few actions by the operator of the device. The device may or may not activate mixing by the removal of a sleeve which triggers compartment interaction through movement of pins, pegs, springs, wires, string, or other mechanisms which allow the materials held in separate chambers to come into contact with each other. Operator error during mixing and checking the dosage of substances to be injected is avoided with the disclosed devices. Also, the needle is maintained in a sterile state because the needle is held internally of the device until the sleeve is removed and the device begins to activate.
US09149580B2 Cartridge holder for a drug delivery device
A cartridge holder for a drug delivery device is presented comprising a housing extending in an axial direction and being adapted to receive a cartridge at least partially filled with a medicament, said cartridge being sealed near a distal end by way of a pierceable seal. At least one bearing element is fixed to the housing, and at least one tensioning member is engaged with the bearing element and with the cartridge in an axial direction for transmitting a distally directed injection force from the cartridge to the housing.
US09149577B2 Body-associated receiver and method
Receivers, which may be external or implantable, are provided. Aspects of receivers of the invention include the presence of one or more of: a high power-low power module; an intermediary module; a power supply module configured to activate and deactivate one or more power supplies to a high power processing block; a serial peripheral interface bus connecting master and slave blocks; and a multi-purpose connector. Receivers of the invention may be configured to receive a conductively transmitted signal. Also provided are systems that include the receivers, as well as methods of using the same. Additionally systems and methods are disclosed for using a receiver for coordinating with dosage delivery systems.
US09149566B2 Coatings and biomedical implants formed from keratin biomaterials
Methods are provided to produce optimal fractionations of charged keratins that have superior biomedical activity. Also provided are medical implants coated with these keratin preparations. Further provided are methods of treating blood coagulation in a patient in need thereof.
US09149565B2 Biodegradable supporting device
A biodegradable in vivo supporting device is disclosed. The in vivo supporting device comprises a biodegradable metal scaffold and a biodegradable polymer coating covering at least a portion of the biodegradable metal scaffold, wherein the biodegradable polymer coating has a degradation rate that is faster than the degradation rate of the biodegradable metal scaffold.
US09149550B2 Air and fabric freshener
The present invention relates to a stable, aqueous freshener composition for the reduction or elimination of malodors in air and on fabrics. The composition comprises from about 0.1% to about 3.0% by weight, hydrogen peroxide as a malodor oxidant; an effective level of undecylenic acid (and/or derivative thereof) as a malodor absorber preblended with a fragrance; a surfactant to solubilize the fragrance/malodor absorber blend; an acid based stabilizer in a range from about 0.008% to about 0.60% by weight; an optional pH buffer; and an aqueous carrier. The composition can be delivered via a spray dispenser for treatment of indoor air and fabrics. The composition has a pH of less than about 6 and does not contain ingredients known to soil, stain or damage fabrics. When applied as a fine mist, the composition delivers effective control of a broad range of malodors, while remaining imperceptible on surfaces when dry.
US09149545B2 Nanoparticle-based imaging agents for X-ray/computed tomography and methods for making same
The present invention is generally directed to core/shell nanoparticles, wherein such core/shell nanoparticles comprise a nanoparticle core and a nanoshell disposed about the nanoparticle core such that, in the aggregate, they form a core/shell nanoparticle that is operable for use as an imaging agent in X-ray/computed tomography (CT). Typically, such core/shell nanoparticle-based X-ray CT imaging agents further comprise a targeting species for targeting the imaging agent to diseased sites. Included herein are methods for forming such agents, comprising forming an ensemble of core/shell nanoparticles, wherein the mean diameter of the ensemble of core/shell nanoparticles is selected so as to render the nanoparticles in the ensemble substantially clearable by a mammalian kidney.
US09149543B2 Methods and models for rapid, widespread delivery of genetic material to the CNS using non-viral, cationic lipid-mediated vectors
Provided are safe, non-invasive, non-viral delivery methods for providing a nucleic acid into the neuronal and non-neuronal cells of the central nervous system (CNS) of a subject to protect neuronal and non-neuronal cells from ischemic or traumatic injury, wherein the nucleic acid encodes a therapeutic proteins, specifically providing rapid transient expression and widespread distribution for in vitro or in vivo applications. Further provided are methods for the intrathecal delivery to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a neuroprotective gene sequence, e.g., a heat shock protein (HSP), complexed with cationic lipid compositions to achieve such delivery, and the complexes used therein.
US09149538B2 Oligomer conjugates of heteropentacyclic nucleosides
The invention provides small molecule drugs that are chemically modified by covalent attachment of a water-soluble oligomer.
US09149532B2 Pharmaceutical composition
To provide pharmaceutical preparation exhibiting satisfactory dissolution property in a wide pH range.The pharmaceutical composition is characterized by containing (A) N1-(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)-N2-((1S,2R,4S)-4-[(dimethylamino)carbonyl]-2-{[(5-methyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothiazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-2-yl)carbonyl]amino}cyclohexyl)ethanediamide, represented by the following formula (1), a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof, or a hydrate of any of these, and (B) one or more species selected from the group consisting of a sugar alcohol and a water-swelling additive.
US09149531B2 Lipids and compositions for intracellular delivery of biologically active compounds
The present invention provides novel amino-lipids, compositions comprising such amino-lipids and methods of producing them. In addition, lipid nanoparticles comprising the novel amino-lipids and a biologically active compound are provided, as well as methods of production and their use for intracellular drug delivery.
US09149527B2 Furanyl compounds and the use thereof
Provided herein are substituted furanyl compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, methods of their preparation, and methods of their use. The compounds provided herein are useful for the treatment, prevention, and/or amelioration of various disorders, including cancer and proliferative disorders. In one embodiment, the compounds provided herein modulate eIF4E activity. In one embodiment, the compounds provided herein modulate the Hedgehog pathway activity. In one embodiment, the compounds provided herein are used in combination with surgery, radiation therapy, immuno therapy and/or one or more additional anticancer drugs for the treatment, prevention, and/or amelioration of cancer and proliferative disorders.
US09149501B2 Methods of treating depression and other related diseases
The invention relates to methods for treating depression, anxiety, and other related diseases by administering a peptide NMDAR partial agonist.
US09149493B2 Compositions for bowel cleansing and use thereof
The present invention relates to a dry composition for reconstitution in water comprising polyethylene glycol (PEG), optionally sodium sulphate, citric acid, sodium citrate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, simethicone, effective for bowel cleansing, in particular of colon, prior to diagnostic, surgical or therapeutical procedures, in particular colonoscopy.
US09149490B2 Acne treatment composition and methods for using
An acne treatment composition is provided according to the present invention. The acne treatment composition includes an effective amount of an anti-acne component to provide anti-acne properties to skin tissue, an effective amount of a skin bounding polymer component to provide sustained release of the anti-acne component over a prolonged period of time after application of the acne treatment composition to skin tissue, and water. A method of using an acne treatment composition is provided.
US09149489B2 Inhibitors of glycolysis useful in the treatment of brain tumors
Provided herein are methods of treating brain tumors by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the Formulas I or II to a patient in need thereof.
US09149484B2 Compositions and methods for stimulating hair growth
Methods and compositions for stimulating the growth of hair are disclosed wherein said compositions include a cyclopentane heptanoic acid, 2-cycloalkyl or arylalkyl compound represented by the formula I wherein the dashed bonds represent the presence or absence of a double bond which can be in the cis or trans configuration and A, B, Z, X, R1 and R2 are as defined in the specification and a penetration enhancer. Such compositions are used in stimulating hair growth of human or non-human animals.
US09149475B2 Protein kinase C inhibitors and uses thereof
This disclosure concerns compounds which are useful as inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) and are thus useful for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are mediated or sustained through the activity of PKC. This disclosure also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, methods of using these compounds in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, processes for preparing these compounds and intermediates useful in these processes.
US09149473B2 Targeted whole genome amplification method for identification of pathogens
The methods disclosed herein relate to methods and compositions for amplifying nucleic acid sequences, more specifically, from nucleic acid sequences of pathogens by targeted whole genome amplification.
US09149471B2 Therapeutic agent for osteoporosis
To provide an agent for treating osteoporosis, comprising an acyl thiourea compound represented by the following formula (I) or a salt thereof as an active ingredient: wherein, R1 represents an optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl group; R2 represents a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom; and R3 represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or a chlorine atom.
US09149469B2 Pharmaceutical composition and a process thereof
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition having dopaminergic activity and other related pharmaceutical activities comprising trigonelline or its derivative(s) and 4-hydroxyisoleucine or its derivative(s), optionally along with excipients(s); a process of preparing a pharmaceutical composition comprising trigonelline or its derivative(s) and 4-hydroxyisoleucine or its derivative(s), optionally along with excipients(s), wherein the process comprising steps of: (a) extracting a clear solution containing trigonelline and 4-hydroxyisoleucine from plant source; and (b) optionally precipitating derivative(s) of trigonelline and 4-hydroxyisoleucine from the clear solution and obtaining said composition; and an in-vitro method to increase levels of dopamine or to inhibit prolactin by allowing composition comprising trigonelline or its derivative(s) and 4-hydroxyisoleucine or its derivative(s) to bind to cell receptors.
US09149466B2 Method of using dopamine reuptake inhibitors and their analogs for treating autoimmune conditions and delaying or preventing autoimmune related pathologic progressions
Dopamine reuptake inhibitors, and their analogs, are disclosed for treating and delaying the progression of autoimmune diseases.
US09149462B2 Pyrazole compounds acting against allergic, inflammatory and immune disorders
The present invention relates to pyrazole amide derivatives pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and to their use in therapy.
US09149455B2 Methods of treating melanoma
Provided herein are methods for the treatment of melanoma comprising administration of a composition comprising nanoparticles comprising taxane and a carrier protein.
US09149454B2 Use of bethanechol for treatment of xerostomia
Bethanechol is administered topically, for the treatment of xerostomia.
US09149453B2 Microemulsion topical delivery platform
Provided are pharmaceutical carriers based on oil-in-water microemulsions and methods of making same. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a carrier of the invention and a lipophilic active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), as well as methods for making same. The pharmaceutical compositions are particularly suitable for use in formulating lipophilic APIs for topical administration to the eye. Specifically included are pharmaceutical compositions comprising fenofibrate or fenofibric acid as API. Also provided is a method of treating a disease of the posterior segment of the eye. Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound represented by formulated for topical administration to the eye.
US09149449B2 Compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer
The present invention discloses anti-cancer compositions, and associated methods, including an anti-cancer composition comprising: a cellular energy inhibitor having the structure according to formula I wherein X is selected from the group consisting of: a nitro, an imidazole, a halide, sulfonate, a carboxylate, an alkoxide, and amine oxide; and R is selected from the group consisting of: OR′, N(R″)2, C(O)R′″, C1-C6 alkyl, C6-C12 aryl, C1-C6 heteroalkyl, a C6-C12 heteroaryl, H, and an alkali metal; where R′ represents H, alkali metal, C1-C6 alkyl, C6-C12 aryl or C(O)R′″, R″ represents H, C1-C6 alkyl, or C6-C12 aryl, and R′″ represents H, C1-C20 alkyl or C6-C12 aryl. The anti-cancer composition can additionally comprise at least one sugar, which stabilizes the cellular energy inhibitor by substantially preventing the inhibitor from hydrolyzing. Also, the anti-cancer composition can comprise a hexokinase inhibitor. Further, the anti-cancer composition can comprise a biological buffer that is present in an amount sufficient to at least partially deacidify the cellular energy inhibitor and neutralize metabolic by-products of the cellular energy inhibitor.
US09149443B2 Tape preparation
A tape preparation is provided which does not use a backing such as a plastic film, knit or a woven fabric, or a nonwoven fabric, has very high conformability to skin, and is easy to use at the time of application. There is provided a tape preparation 1 that is produced by laminating a drug-containing adhesive layer 4 on the printed ink layer 3 side of a cover film 2 with printing thereon and covering the drug-containing adhesive layer with a release film 5. In this tape preparation, the adhesive strength between the cover film and the printed ink layer is higher than the adhesive strength between the drug-containing adhesive layer and the release film, and the adhesive strength between the printed ink layer and the drug-containing adhesive layer is higher than the adhesive strength between the cover film and the printed ink layer.
US09149438B2 Rapidly disintegrating gelatinous coated tablets
The present invention relates to an improved gelatinous coated dosage form having two end regions coated with gelatinous materials and an exposed circumferential band. Openings are provided in at least the exposed band to reveal the core material. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing such gelatinous coated dosage forms.
US09149437B2 Method for treatment of solid pharmaceutical preparation prior to printing and solid pharmaceutical preparation subjected to treatment prior to printing
The present invention provides a method for treating a solid dosage form to improve the printability and abrasion resistance of a print to be produced on a surface of the solid dosage form, which includes treating the surface of the solid dosage form with a polyethylene glycol-containing aqueous solution before printing; a production method of a solid dosage form with a printed surface, which includes printing on the surface after the aforementioned treatment; and a solid dosage form having a print improved in abrasion resistance on its surface, which can be obtained by the aforementioned production method.
US09149432B2 Lipid vesicle compositions and methods of use
The invention provides delivery systems comprised of stabilized multilamellar vesicles, as well as compositions, methods of synthesis, and methods of use thereof. The stabilized multilamellar vesicles comprise terminal-cysteine-bearing antigens or cysteine-modified antigens, at their surface and/or internally.
US09149431B2 Itraconazole compositions with improved bioavailability
A solid dispersion product comprising itraconazole and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, which satisfies the Formula 0.35>ΔHtr (1) (wherein ΔHtr represents the endotherm (J/g) accompanying a transition at about 240° C.). The solid dispersion product shows an improved bioavailability.
US09149430B2 Compositions comprising carotenoids
A novel composition for delivering carotenoids (e.g. α- and β-carotene, lycopene) and/or other physiologically active ingredients to the colon of humans after ingestion and for producing liquid food compositions insusceptible to polyphenol-protein reactions can be obtained by encapsulating said active ingredients with pectin, in particular with low-methoxylated pectin.
US09149428B2 Processes for making cyclic lipid implants for intraocular use
Biocompatible implants comprising a cyclic lipid therapeutic agent are made using a low temperature melt extrusion process. The implants are suitable for intraocular use to treat an ocular condition.
US09149423B2 Ingestible event markers comprising an ingestible component
Ingestible event markers comprising an identifier and an ingestible component are provided. The ingestible component may vary, where ingestible components of interest include osmotic ingestible components, liquid capsules, tablets, multi-layered ingestible component and multi-compartment ingestible components. In some instances, the identifier is mechanically stably associated with the ingestible component. Also provided are systems that include the ingestible event markers, as well as methods of using the ingestible event markers.
US09149421B1 Liquid adhesive for nail polish
A liquid adhesive for nail polish is a topical composition that is used to facilitate the application and removal of nail polish as well as the creation of intricate nail polish designs. The composition features a quantity of rubber latex, a quantity of water, an antiseptic composition of a quantity of ammonium hydroxide and a quantity of thiram, a preserving composition of a quantity of zinc oxide, an aromatic agent, a coloring agent, and a moisturizing agent. The quantity of rubber latex forms a liquid-impermeable coating on the surface of the user's skin or nail once applied. This allows a dried coating of the present invention to be peeled from the skin or nail along with any nail polish applied over the coating. The composition additionally exhibits antimicrobial and antifungal properties as well as a resistance to decomposition and other unwanted chemical and physical changes.
US09149419B2 Oral care product
An Oral care product is provided which includes a mesoporous calcium silicate biomaterial (MCSB) dispersed in a polymeric material matrix. MCSB is an insoluble composite material of calcium oxide-silica.
US09149415B2 Inflatable retention system for an enteral feeding device
An inflatable retention system for an enteral feeding tube having a base deployed outside the human body and an indwelling retainer which is deployed within a lumen or cavity of the body by insertion through a stoma from outside the body. The retention system includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an external tube diameter, and tube walls defining a feeding lumen and an inflation lumen. The retention system also includes an inflatable balloon located at a distal end of the tube in fluid communication with the inflation lumen, the balloon having thin, flexible walls, a predetermined spheroid shape, and a volume at which a fluid in the balloon is under no pressure such that upon inflation with a fluid to pressurize fluid in the balloon, the balloon assumes a stable spheroid shape and exhibits a substantially linear pressure versus volume curve.
US09149409B2 Back kneading device and chair-type massage apparatus equipped with the back kneading device
The back kneading device mounted in the chair-type massage apparatus comprises: the massage mechanism including paired right-hand and left-hand massage members having the treatment element for massage and the driving section for transmitting massage action to the massage member; the base member for supporting the massage mechanism, with the massage member pointing forward; the vertical movement mechanism for moving the base member in the vertical direction in the backrest; and the protruding-amount varying mechanism for moving the massage member so that protrusion amount of the treatment element in the front-rear direction can be varied.
US09149405B2 Medication storage and dispensing unit having a vial dispenser
A medication storage and dispensing unit is provided which includes a support platform and a vial dispenser supported by the support platform. The vial dispenser may include a chute configured to store a plurality of vials of medication and a gate configured to be alternately positioned in a closed position in which the vials remain within the chute and an open position in which a vial is dispensed from the chute. The medication storage and dispensing unit may be computer controlled so as to include a computing device configured to receive user input regarding dispensation of a vial. The computing device may be further configured to actuate the gate to thereby permit the gate to move to the open position such that the vial is dispensed from the chute.
US09149404B2 Sliding track and pivot mounting system for displays on anesthesia machines
An anesthesia workstation includes a sliding track system attached to the front of the anesthesia workstation for the mounting of one or more displays. The displays are horizontally slidable along the front of the anesthesia workstation along the sliding track. In addition, the sliding track system includes pivot points which enable outward pivoting of the displays up to 90 degrees. Sliding and pivoting of the displays is possible both independently and simultaneously. The sliding track system allows the anesthetist to slide and pivot the displays across the front of the workstation along the length of the track to the most preferable viewing position. Additional storage space is positioned within the anesthesia workstation behind the displays and becomes exposed and accessible when the displays are manipulated via the sliding track system.
US09149400B2 Adjustable mattress and adjustable bed system incorporating the same
An adjustable mattress includes a body portion and an extension portion. The body portion includes a first plurality of spaced-apart fingers extending outwardly from at least one edge thereof. The extension portion includes a second plurality of spaced-apart fingers extending outwardly therefrom. The first plurality of fingers are configured for inter-fit engagement with the second plurality of fingers. The extension portion is movable relative to the body portion to vary a degree of inter-fit engagement of the fingers between a first position, wherein the adjustable mattress defines a first dimension, and a second position, wherein the adjustable mattress defines a second dimension.
US09149394B2 Machine for making absorbent sanitary articles, such as nappies for babies or incontinence pads for adults, sanitary towels or the like
In a machine for making absorbent sanitary articles, such as nappies for babies or incontinence pads for adults, sanitary towels or the like, a plurality of operating stations are equipped with cutting and/or sealing devices for the materials of which the articles consist; all or some of the operating stations each being equipped with at least one laser unit for performing the cutting and/or sealing operation; the laser units all being connected to the same laser source.
US09149391B1 Safety goggles with ventilating fans
The safety goggles with a ventilation fan is an eye protection system intended to improve wearer safety and comfort by preventing fogging. The safety goggles with a ventilation fan comprises safety goggles, a ventilation fan, and a distribution system to direct airflow through the goggles.
US09149382B2 Endoluminal prosthesis having multiple branches or fenestrations and methods of deployment
A system for facilitating deployment of an endoluminal prosthesis may include a main tubular graft body including a proximal end opening, a distal end opening, a lumen, and a sidewall. A branch may extend from the sidewall and may include a first end opening, a second end opening, and a lumen. A fenestration may be disposed in the sidewall and positioned distal of the second end opening of the branch. A wire segment may include a proximal portion positioned proximal of the proximal end opening and a distal portion positioned distal of the distal end opening. The wire segment extend through the fenestration and through the lumen of the branch in a preloaded configuration.
US09149373B2 Method of treating vascular bifurcations
A prosthesis is disclosed for placement across an ostium opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support at one end, a circumferentially extending link at the other end and at least one frond extending axially therebetween. The circumferential link can comprise a catheter securement portion and a frond engagement portion.
US09149372B2 Stent graft adaptor
A stent graft adaptor has an outer graft tube and an inner graft tube with the inner graft tube substantially concentric with and within the outer graft tube. A joining member extends between the inner tube and the outer tube. The joining member can be a continuous fold of graft material extending from a proximal end of the outer tube to a proximal end of the inner tube. The inner tube has at least one self expanding stent on an outer surface thereof and the outer graft tube has at least one self expanding stent on an inner surface. The outer surface of the outer tube provides a sealing surface to engage against the wall of a vessel and the inner tube provides a sealing surface to engage with a corresponding sealing surface of a stent graft deployed through it. The outer sealing surface can include barbs.
US09149363B2 Modular proximal interphalangeal joint
A method for replacing a proximal interphalangeal joint with a modular implant assembly is provided. During a first surgical procedure, a first stem component of the implant assembly having a first articulation component removably attached thereto is implanted in a proximal phalanx bone. A second stem component of the implant assembly having a second articulation component removably attached thereto is implanted in a middle phalanx bone. During a second surgical procedure performed after the first surgical procedure, the first articulation component is removed from the first stem component and the second articulation component is removed from the second stem component. A third articulation component is attached to the first stem component and a fourth articulation component is attached to the second stem component. The second surgical procedure is performed without removing the first stem component from the first bone and without removing the second stem component from the second bone.
US09149360B2 Dynamic annuloplasty ring sizer
A dynamic, adjustable annuloplasty ring sizer can include an adjustable ring replica, which can be adjusted through a range of sizes corresponding to available prosthetic annuloplasty repair ring sizes. Actuation of an adjustment trigger on a handle portion of the ring sizer can displace tension wires that extend through a malleable shaft and through a plurality of articulating segments that form the ring replica. Displacement of the tension wires causes flexion of the joints between adjacent articulating segments, thereby reducing the overall size of the ring replica. Releasing the tension wires can allow an elastic extension wire to act on the ring replica, enlarging the ring replica to its maximum, at-rest size. In this manner, the appropriate size of annuloplasty ring prosthesis can be determined with a single device, without requiring a plurality of static ring sizers that require individual insertion and placement for the conventional trial-and-error sizing methods.
US09149359B2 Three-dimensional annuloplasty ring
An annuloplasty ring having a three-dimensional discontinuous form generally arranged about an axis with two free ends that are axially offset. The ring is particularly suited for repair of the tricuspid valve, and more closely conforms to the annulus shape. The ring is more flexible in bending about radially extending axes than about the central axis. The ring may have an inner structural support covered by a pliable sleeve and/or a fabric tube. The structural support may have a varying cross-section, such as a C-shaped cross-section in a mid-section between two free ends and a rectangular cross-section at the free ends.
US09149338B2 End effector and remote control apparatus
An end effector includes a tip part having a deformation member that is physically changed due to contact with an object, a gauge display part configured to display gauge information according to a physical change of the deformation member, and a connecting rod part connected to the tip part and configured to operate the tip part. A manipulator including an end effector configured to display physical information, which varies according to an object making contact with a tip part, on a gauge display part, an endoscope configured to obtain an image of the tip part of the end effector and an image of the gauge display part, and a control part configured to control transmission of the image obtained by the endoscope, and to control operations of the tip part and the endoscope.
US09149335B2 Contact free and perforation safe endoluminal laser treatment device and method
A device and method for endovascular radiation therapy that prevents unwanted damage to blood vessels during treatment is described. The device is adapted to prevent the emission end of an energy delivery device from coming into contact with the wall of a blood vessel. The device is also adapted to sense the inputted radiation power and prevent irradiation above a preselected power or energy level. Both features serve to prevent radiation, having an overly high intensity or power density, from impacting the vessel wall and causing a puncture.
US09149324B2 Surgical instrument comprising an articulatable end effector
An electrosurgical instrument can comprise a handle, a shaft, and an end effector, wherein the end effector can be rotatably coupled to the shaft by an articulation joint. The instrument can further comprise a drive member and the articulation joint can comprise flexible support members which can be configured to support the drive member. The instrument can further comprise supply wires electrically coupled to electrodes in the end effector and a wire tensioning device configured to prevent the supply wires from accumulating slack within the articulation joint. The drive member can comprise a plurality of flexible layers wherein some of the layers can be comprised of an electrically insulative material and other layers can be comprised of an electrically conductive material which is in electrical communication with a cutting member in the end effector and/or electrodes positioned within the end effector.
US09149320B2 Isolation of pulmonary vein
The present invention advantageously provides a method and system for the improved isolation and corresponding treatment of tissue targeted for cryogenic or other thermal therapy to increase the thermal efficacy and thermal efficiency of the treatment. In particular, the present invention provides methods and systems for improved thermal treatment of target tissue, such as a pulmonary vein and/or regions of the left atrium by reducing the resistive forces and/or increased thermal energy experienced from blood flow exiting the pulmonary vein into the left atrium during treatment.
US09149315B2 Anti-splay apparatus
An anti-splay apparatus having a bridge and frangible connection points for use with mechanical fasteners having a shank portion and a receiving member with opposing arms is provided. The bridge may take a number of forms including a ring, a notched ring, a tube, or a notched tube and the connection points join the opposing arms of the receiving member with the bridge. Also provided is the anti-splay apparatus also having tabs connected between frangible connection points.
US09149312B2 Clavicle fixation
A substantially rigid plate is secured to a medial portion of a clavicle relative to a fracture in the clavicle. The plate is positioned so that it extends at least partially over a distal portion of the clavicle relative to the fracture. The plate has surfaces that define a first opening through which a suture can pass. A hole is formed in the clavicle. A washer may be positioned at a side of the plate opposite the clavicle. Alternatively, the plate may include suture holes or edge features for securing a suture. A suture is secured to the washer, to at least one suture hole or to at least one edge feature, and extends through the first opening, through the hole in the clavicle and is secured to the coracoid process.
US09149309B2 Systems and methods for sketching designs in context
A method, a system, and a computer program product for graphically representing physical objects in a contextual setting are disclosed. A first data for a predetermined location, at least one distance measurement between at least two location points at the predetermined location, and at least one image of at least one portion of the predetermined location can be received. Based on the receiving and information obtained from at least one publicly available resource, a spatial representation of the predetermined location configured to include at least one existing feature can be generated. Spatial representation of the predetermined location includes a detailed representation of the at least one portion of the predetermined location having the at least one existing feature.
US09149305B2 Spinous process fixation plate and minimally invasive method for placement
The invention is directed to a laterally inserted spinous process plating device and a method for installing the device using a minimally invasive procedure. The device includes a partially threaded bolt as well as a contralateral and ipsilateral fixation plates, a deployment nut, a lag nut and a locking nut. Each fixation plate includes a pair of wing portions that are pivotally connected to one another to facilitate installation. The each of the fixation plates includes anchoring elements.
US09149304B2 Methods and systems for constraint of spinous processes with attachment
Spinal implants for limiting flexion of the spine are implanted between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process or sacrum. The implants include upper straps which are placed over the upper spinous process, while the lower portions of the implant are attached to the adjacent vertebra or sacrum. The attachments may be fixed, for example using screws or other anchors, or may be non-fixed, for example by placing a loop strap through a hole in the spinous process or sacrum.
US09149302B2 Apparatus and devices for percutaneously extending an existing spinal construct
Apparatus and devices for percutaneously extending an existing spinal construct ipsilaterally with an additional spinal construct in a patient are disclosed. The additional spinal construct comprises a rod connector that includes an elongate additional rod integrally attached thereto. The additional rod is placed through an access port in a first orientation generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the access port and rotated to a different second orientation generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the access port. During such rotation the additional rod is moved subcutaneously beneath the skin of the patient from the existing spinal rod to an additional bone engaging implant. In another arrangement, the extension of an existing spinal construct in a minimally invasive procedure comprises a rod connector having an offset support for receiving an additional spinal rod that may be placed laterally interiorly or exteriorly of the existing spinal construct.
US09149301B2 Transconnector for coupling first and second spinal fixation elements
Transconnector devices and methods of use are provided. A transconnector device has the capability of connecting to elongate spinal fixation elements having various cross-sectional dimensions. The transconnector device is adjustable in three degrees of freedom and is curved to ensure that it maintains a minimum distance posterior of the dura when it is fixed to elongate spinal fixation elements.
US09149298B2 Anchorage arrangement for a connecting rod for the stabilization of the spine
Plastic rod anchorage for the surgical treatment of the spine where the plastic rod (1) has at least two plane-parallel surfaces (1a) in order to uniformly clamp the rod (1) on its entire circumference.
US09149285B2 Oval tibia guide
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.
US09149280B2 Portable pneumatic abdominal aortic tourniquet with supplemental tensioning means
A portable pneumatic abdominal aortic tourniquet for occlusion of the abdominal descending aorta to restrict blood supply to a non-compressible arterial hemorrhage in or below the inguinal region is presented. The tourniquet includes an adjustable waist strap for securing it around the abdomen of a patient and a windlass rod connected to the waist strap to selectively tighten the strap as needed to tightly secure it to patient. A directed air bladder is mounted to the waist strap having a generally “V” shaped construction and is expanded for exerting directed pressure against the abdomen. Upon inflation of the air bladder and adjustment of the windlass, occlusion or restriction of blood flow through the abdominal descending aorta will occur which will achieve cessation of hemorrhage in or below the inguinal area or achieve other therapeutic effects like elevated blood pressure to enhance CPR or blood flow control to the lower extremities.
US09149274B2 Articulating endoscopic accessory channel
Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device. In one embodiment, methods and devices are provided for moving an end effector on a distal end of a surgical fastening device. Movement can include rotational movement of the end effector about an axis of the shaft, articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft, and actuation of an end effector, e.g., closing, firing, and/or cutting. In other embodiments, a single cable actuator is provided and is movable between a first position, in which it is effective to rotate an end effector without actuating (i.e., closing and firing) the end effector, and a second position, in which it is effective to actuate the end effector without rotating the end effector. In other aspects, methods and devices are provided for moving a flexible neck formed on a distal end of an accessory channel for use with an endoscope. Movement of the flexible neck can be used to control positioning of a tool extending through the flexible neck.
US09149266B2 Deforming anchor device
An anchor that secures to a connector as part of an anchor assembly is disclosed. The proximal anchor includes deformable structure for engaging a connector.
US09149265B2 Hinged tissue support device
A tissue support device is provided for managing access through tissue. The tissue support device engages the tissue proximate an opening in the tissue and biases the tissue support device to bring the engaged tissue together.
US09149263B2 Tubular patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure device with catch system
The present invention provides a device for occluding an anatomical aperture, such as an atrial septal defect (ASD) or a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The occluder includes two sides connected by a central tube. The occluder is formed from a tube, which is cut to produce struts in each side. Upon the application of force, the struts deform into loops. The loops may be of various shapes, sizes, and configurations, and, in at least some embodiments, the loops have rounded peripheries. In some embodiments, at least one of the sides includes a tissue scaffold. The occluder further includes a catch system that maintains its deployed state in vivo. When the occluder is deployed in vivo, the two sides are disposed on opposite sides of the septal tissue surrounding the aperture and the catch system is deployed so that the occluder exerts a compressive force on the septal tissue and closes the aperture.
US09149251B2 Hinged reusable endocavity needle guide
A reusable needle guide suitable for an ultrasonic probe to be use for an endocavity examination of a patient is disclosed. The needle guide basically comprises at least a first and second guide members and a mounting (e.g., clamp) assembly. The clamp assembly serves to releasably mount the needle guide on the probe. The first guide member has a first passageway-forming surface. The second guide member has a second passageway-forming surface. The guide members are connected together to enable them to be pivoted from a closed orientation to an open orientation and vice versa. The first and second passageway-forming surfaces form an elongated passageway to guide a needle therethrough when in the closed orientation. The first and second passageway-forming surfaces are disposed at an angle to each other when they are in the open orientation, whereupon the first and second passageway-forming surfaces can be readily cleaned.
US09149250B2 Ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and image-information management apparatus
According to one embodiment, an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes an image memory, an output-information creating unit, and a control unit. The image memory associates and stores an ultrasound image and a first image that is set in accordance with a schematic image representing a portion imaged onto the ultrasound image and a positional image indicating a scanning position with ultrasound when creating the ultrasound image. The output-information creating unit creates a second image based on a shape of the first image stored by the image memory. The output-information creating unit then creates an image that image information extracted from the ultrasound image associated with the first image is superimposed onto the created second image, as output information. The control unit performs control of outputting the output information created by the output-information creating unit to an external device.
US09149248B2 Method for generating transverse elastic waves, and method and apparatus for acquiring images using transverse elastic waves
The present invention relates to a method for generating transverse elastic waves, a method and apparatus for acquiring images using the transverse elastic waves. The present disclosure provides a technique for generating transverse elastic waves by focusing the ultrasonic waves respectively on a number of focal points which are virtually present in a viscoelastic medium and also become wave sources of the transverse elastic waves, and controlling the generated transverse elastic waves to have peak positions with their overlapping points residing and translating in two line segments extending in parallel or at an acute angle to facilitate increasing elastic deformations of the viscoelastic medium to an appropriate level, and thus acquiring images with improved accuracy in the viscoelastic medium.
US09149231B2 Alcohol-drinking detecting system and computer program
Determination about presence/absence of alcohol in the body is made accurately.A frequency dynamic information processing means 610 which obtains a tendency of time-series fluctuation regarding a frequency of a pulse wave of a back portion of a person detected by an air pack and an alcohol-drinking determining means 650 which determines an alcohol-drinking state when a tendency of a time-series fluctuation regarding the frequency obtained by the frequency dynamic information processing means 610 is separated from a tendency of time-series fluctuation regarding the frequency at a non-drinking state are provided. Since determination about whether or not a person is in an alcohol-drinking state is made according to comparison with time-series fluctuation regarding the frequency at a non-drinking time, where the determination is made using not only frequency analysis of the frequency of a pulse wave changing according to the physical condition of the person but also the time-series fluctuation thereof, determination about presence/absence of alcohol drinking can be made more accurately as compared with the conventional method.
US09149229B1 Electrode patch and wireless physiological measurement system and method
The present invention is related, in general, to a wireless electrode patch and/or a wireless system for measuring the physiological condition of a subject, more particularly to an electrode patch for ECG monitoring, and a method of sensing, analyzing and/or transmitting or relaying a physiological signal. The wireless system and/or wireless electrode patch of the present invention is preferably lightweight and compact. The wireless electrode patch preferably additionally provides a low-power system for extended battery life and use. The wireless electrode patch and/or wireless system still further preferably allows for good and reliable measurement of physiological signals from the subject. The wireless electrode patch is still preferably simple enough to apply as a single patch, but versatile enough to be reconfigured as more than one patch.
US09149225B2 Methods for determining the relative spatial change in subsurface resistivities across frequencies in tissue
Non-invasive devices and systems to determine tissue wetness/hydration based on relative changes in subsurface resistivities in tissue below an electrode array applied to a human body across different frequencies. For example, these a sensor including arrays of current-injecting and voltage-sensing electrodes may be placed on a subject's back to determine lung wetness. Systems and methods for determining tissue water content, systems and methods for determining lung wetness, sensors for determining relative changes in subsurface resistivities across frequencies and systems and methods to determine which arrays of electrodes in a sensor to use to determine relative changes in subsurface resistivities across frequencies are all described.
US09149219B2 Systems and methods for replacing signal artifacts in a glucose sensor data stream
Systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating transient non-glucose related signal noise due to non-glucose rate limiting phenomenon such as ischemia, pH changes, temperatures changes, and the like. The system monitors a data stream from a glucose sensor and detects signal artifacts that have higher amplitude than electronic or diffusion-related system noise. The system replaces some or the entire data stream continually or intermittently including signal estimation methods that particularly address transient signal artifacts. The system is also capable of detecting the severity of the signal artifacts and selectively applying one or more signal estimation algorithm factors responsive to the severity of the signal artifacts, which includes selectively applying distinct sets of parameters to a signal estimation algorithm or selectively applying distinct signal estimation algorithms.
US09149215B2 Portable analytical device
A portable analytical device is provided for analysis of a component of a body fluid. A measuring facility within the device may carry out the analysis on a test element inserted therein. The test element may contain a reagent that reacts with a liquid sample of the body fluid when the test element is contacted thereby to produce a change that is characteristic of the analysis. A processor may process measuring values determined by the measuring facility to yield analytical measuring data taking into account calibration values. A standardized, wire-based computer interface may be provided on the analytical device via which the analytical device can be operated by a computer, the analytical measuring data can be transmitted from the analytical device to the computer, the analytical device can be supplied with electrical power by the computer, and the analytical device can provide software to be read-out by the computer.
US09149202B2 Device, method, and program for adjustment of hearing aid
An adjustment device for a hearing aid includes: an audio extraction section for, through an acoustic process of a collected audio signal, utilizing information of a phoneme or syllable contained in the audio signal to output time information, the time information identifying a point of uttering the phoneme or syllable; an electroencephalogram measurement section for measuring an electroencephalogram signal of a user; a determination section for determining a difficulty of hearing of the phoneme or syllable by relying on an event-related potential in the electroencephalogram signal based on the identified point of uttering the phoneme or syllable as a starting point; a phoneme identification section for, when a plurality of phonemes or syllables are determined as difficult to hear, identifying a chronologically preceding phoneme or syllable among them to be difficult to hear; and a gain adjustment section for, with respect to the phoneme or syllable identified by the phoneme identification section, determining a gain adjustment method based on a type of the phoneme or syllable, and adjusting a gain for the phoneme or syllable in accordance with the determined gain adjustment method.
US09149194B2 Electronic sphygmomanometer
In a sphygmomanometer for measuring blood pressure according to a volume compensation method, an upper arm V0 equivalent cuff pressure representing a cuff pressure in a state where an inner pressure and an outer pressure of an artery of an upper arm are in equilibrium is specified based on a cuff pressure signal of the upper arm. For example, the upper arm V0 equivalent cuff pressure is detected as an average blood pressure obtained from the cuff pressure signal of the upper arm. After a control target value and an initial cuff pressure in the volume compensation are detected, a difference between the initial cuff pressure and the upper arm V0 equivalent cuff pressure is calculated as a correction value, and the blood pressure value in the volume compensation method is corrected with the calculated correction value.
US09149193B2 Devices for fixing a sensor in a lumen
Apparatus for positioning at least one sensor in a body lumen, the apparatus including a fixation element, a sensor, and a connecting element that connects the sensor to the fixation element, the connecting element extending at least partially into the lumen so that the sensor is located radially inward from a wall of the lumen.
US09149191B2 Systems and methods for minimally-invasive optical-acoustic imaging
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) directs light to a photoacoustic transducer material that provides ultrasonic imaging energy. Returned ultrasound is sensed by an FBG sensor. A responsive signal is optically communicated to the proximal end of the guidewire, and processed to develop a 2D or 3D image. In one example, the guidewire outer diameter is small enough such that an intravascular catheter can be passed over the guidewire. Techniques for improving ultrasound reception include using a high compliance material, resonating the ultrasound sensing transducer, using an attenuation-reducing coating and/or thickness, and/or using optical wavelength discrimination. Techniques for improving the ultrasound generating transducer include using a blazed FBG, designing the photoacoustic material thickness to enhance optical absorption. Techniques for distinguishing plaque or vulnerable plaque may be used to enhance the displayed image.
US09149186B2 Configuration of cables for monitoring systems
A physical configuration of cables connecting a monitoring apparatus to a human patient, where said patient and his immediate surroundings define a potentially infectious contaminated zone. The configuration provides for the monitor and main trunk cable to lie outside of the contamination zone, and one or more serial cables connect to the trunk cable and enter the contamination zone to provide contact with the patient. This physical configuration prevents contamination of the monitor and trunk cable, so they may be reused on successive patients, while lightweight and inexpensive serial cables contacting the patient and his contamination zone may be disposable. Examples of monitoring various physiological variables are provided to exemplify the universal concept of such physical configuration. Adaptation for wireless transmission is also described.
US09149173B2 Medical device for use in endoscopic procedure
Endoscopes and methods for making and using endoscopes. An example endoscope includes a handle portion and a shaft portion. The shaft portion may include one or more channels. A catheter and/or wire locking member may be coupled to a channel.
US09149172B2 System and apparatus for anchoring and operation of in-vivo medical devices
In-vivo medical devices, systems and methods of operating such devices include a permanent magnetic assembly interacting with external magnetic fields for magnetically maneuvering said device to a desired location along a patient's GI tract, and anchoring said devices to the desired location for a period of time. The in-vivo medical device includes illumination sources, an optical system, and an image sensor for imaging the GI tract and thus assisting in locating the desired location. Some in-vivo medical devices include a concave window, which enables better imaging of small areas along the tissue. Furthermore, in-vivo devices with a concave window enable carrying operating tools without damaging the tissue of the GI tract, since prior to operation, the tools protrude from the concave window but remain behind the ends of the edges of the concave window.
US09149163B2 Toilet
A toilet, wherein: the toilet has an aperture (110), which, in use, would be located in an upper part of the toilet; the toilet comprising or adapted to receive a dispensing means arranged beneath the aperture for dispensing a tube (12) of collection bag material in a downward direction; wherein the toilet is adapted such that, in operation, while the tube is moved downward, the toilet creates a divide in the tube by pressing the sides of the tube together.
US09149159B1 Flex-i-board
A significantly improved plastic or wood cutting-chopping board which has four legs, each dimensioned and shaped such that when board surface is impacted by a cleaver or mallet, each of the legs can depress through three stages of compression-resistance independently and each to a degree determined by the point of impact of the cleaver on the board relative to the legs. The impact of the cleaver or mallet is dissipated in the compression of the legs resulting in significantly less vibration being transmitted to the countertop or tabletop and consequently significantly less noise, in relation to the conventional, stationary cutting-chopping board. The board, upon impact, will depress to the level where the upward force of the compressed legs on the board equals the downward impact force of the cleaver or mallet on the board. The legs or compressible support members can be variously sized and shaped as attachable support members to the board or can be a continuous extension of the board's cutting-chopping area, sized and shaped so as to provide the compression-resistance to the impact force exerted, on the board, by the action of the cleaver or mallet.
US09149156B2 Food processor
Food processing assemblies for rotating two processing tools inside a container at two different speeds and/or directions and methods for using such a processing assembly are disclosed. The two processing tools are vertically spaced along the longitudinal axis of the processing assembly. A motor drives the first processing tool and a transmission system, and the transmission system drives the second processing tool. The transmission system outputs a rotation speed and/or direction is different from that of the motor to drive the second processing tool. The transmission system may be located between the two processing tools within the food-containing volume of the container.
US09149152B2 Ergonomic dispenser interface
A machine (1) for preparing a beverage has: a beverage preparation module for processing one or more beverage ingredients and for dispensing a beverage resulting therefrom; a unit for controlling such processing in accordance with a parameter set to a value stored in the unit; and a user-interface (20) connected to the control unit for acquiring the value from a user and storing the value in the control unit. The user-interface has a first user-selector (21) associated with a first value for the parameter and a second user-selector (22) associated with a second value for the parameter. The first and second user-selectors (21, 22) each comprises a user-actuation adjustment direction (211, 221) for shifting on user-actuation in the adjustment direction the value associated with the user-selector to a user-selected adjusted value selected from a range of values associated with the user-selector. Furthermore, each of the user-selectors comprises a user-actuation initiation direction (212, 222) for initiating on user-actuation in the initiation direction: the control unit to store the user-selected adjusted value as the stored value; and/or the processing in accordance with the parameter set to the user-selected adjusted value as said stored value.
US09149150B2 Beverage brewing system
A beverage cartridge system is adapted to brew a beverage through a brewer having a holder adapted to receive the cartridge system. The holder may have a deep well with one or more needles therewithin to pierce through the bottom of the cartridge system when inserted into the well. The cartridge system may include a short cup and a tall cup, where the tall cup is taller than the short cup to pack more beverage grind. The cartridge system may include a filter within an outer cup. The bottom of the filter may be deep enough to be juxtaposed to the bottom of the cup. The filter may be formed from a material that is substantially resistant to piercing by the needle within the holder such that when the outlet needle pierces through the bottom of the cup, the outlet needle raises the filter at a point of contact, and the filter substantially resists the outlet needle from piercing through the filter during a brewing process.
US09149149B2 Beverage brewing system
A beverage cartridge system is adapted to brew a beverage through a brewer having a holder adapted to receive the cartridge system. The holder may have a deep well with one or more needles therewithin to pierce through the bottom of the cartridge system when inserted into the well. The cartridge system may include a short cup and a tall cup, where the tall cup is taller than the short cup to pack more beverage grind. The cartridge system may include a filter within an outer cup. The bottom of the filter may be deep enough to be juxtaposed to the bottom of the cup. The filter may be formed from a material that is substantially resistant to piercing by the needle within the holder such that when the outlet needle pierces through the bottom of the cup, the outlet needle raises the filter at a point of contact, and the filter substantially resists the outlet needle from piercing through the filter during a brewing process.
US09149146B2 Fine filter structure
The present invention is to provide a fine filter structure including two filter units, wherein the first filter unit comprises an upper frame, a coarse screen laid over top side of the upper frame, and a post having a top end formed with at least one through hole, a bottom end fixedly provided on top side of the coarse screen, and a channel in communication with each through hole and bottom side of the coarse screen; and the second filter unit comprises a lower frame and a fine screen laid over top side of the lower frame and having more mesh openings per unit area than the coarse screen. The top side of the lower frame can be connected with the bottom side of the upper frame so as not only to form a single unit but also to form a re-filtration space between the coarse screen and fine screen.
US09149141B2 Holder for dental and similar accessories
Holders for maintaining personal items such as dental and hygienic products are disclosed. The holders include a series of sections, particularly, holding sections having different geometrical structures related to the different items intended to be hold. In this manner, they may be assembled at the convenience of the user and its holding units may be increased or decreased as well as selected based upon the particular structure of the holding units at the will of the users. The holder may be self-standing when using a disclosed base or alternatively, it may be secured to a commonly used toothbrush supporting base or even be supported via a suction cup over a given surface.
US09149139B1 Insulated floating beverage holder with weighted bottom
This device holds a beverage afloat in an upright position in the water at all times while the beverage is being consumed. This is accomplished by placing a flotation ring around the outer surface of the beverage holder and a weight at the bottom for stability. The device additionally provides a piercing rod for prying open a tab on an aluminum can or puncturing an aluminum can, a bottle opener for opening a different type of beverage and a lanyard and lanyard ring as well as a pouch for litter.
US09149130B2 Illuminating device for showcase
An illuminating device includes an aluminum extrusion profile fixed on a back panel of a showcase, and a lamp device. A face panel of the showcase is secured to an end of the aluminum extrusion profile away from the back panel. In the middle of the aluminum extrusion profile defines a sliding slot extending horizontally. The face panel defines an elongated slot corresponding to the sliding slot. The lamp device includes a lamp and a conductive head. A conductive structure is secured to the sliding slot for allowing the conductive head to be plugged therein and conduct the conductive head. The conductive head can slide along the sliding slot to be located at any desired position to illuminate objects on the showcase. A ratchet connecting mechanism is arranged on the sliding slot and configured to mount and remove the conductive head.
US09149118B2 Device and system for controlling the movement of a furniture part, mounting fixture for said device and piece of furniture
A mounting fixture for attaching at least one device for controlling the movement of a furniture part which is received on a stationary furniture part so as to be movable in a driven manner. According to the invention, a fastening mechanism is provided, with elongate profiles which extend separately from each other with a clearance in between them and to which the device for controlling the movement can be attached.
US09149113B2 Piece of furniture
A piece of furniture (1) has a first piece (4) attached to second and third pieces (2) being perpendicular to the first piece (4) and where two opposing edges (5) of the first piece (4) are attached to one of the second and third pieces (2) each. The edges (5) of the first piece (4) are received in a groove (10) of each of the second and third pieces (2), that the first piece (1) is perpendicular to the second and third pieces (2) and that the second and third pieces (2) are placed parallel to each other. The mounting of a back of a cupboard is made in that two opposing vertical edges of the back is received in a vertical groove each at the edge of two side pieces, which two side pieces are arranged at the two opposing vertical edges of the back.
US09149105B2 Hair drier
A hair dryer comprises a housing (1), a fan assembly, a heating element, and a handle (2). The fan assembly and the heating element are located in the housing (1). The handle (2) and the housing (1) are in rotational connection. An upper portion of the handle (2) is U-shaped. A rotating shaft is located at the end of the U-shaped upper portion. The U-shaped upper portion is provided with a hair brush at a position corresponding to the air inlet of the housing (1). The housing (1) can swing left and right on the handle (2). When the housing (1) is swung, the hair brush can clean the dust at the air inlet of the housing (1), making the hair dryer both simple and sanitary.
US09149104B2 Nozzle for hair dryer
A hair dryer includes a main dryer unit having a dryer outlet and a nozzle which is mounted on the main dryer unit. The nozzle includes a nozzle body and a rotational body. The nozzle body has a first end portion, a second end portion, and an engagement structure provided on the first end portion and is arranged for connecting to the air outlet of the hair dryer. The rotational body has an air-flowing channel longitudinally extended along an axis of the rotational body, an outer rotational surface, and a plurality of through air outlets provided on the outer rotational surface and is communicated with the air-flowing channel, wherein the rotational body is mounted at the second end portion of the nozzle body for allowing hair to be curled on the rotational surface and dried by air blowing out of the air outlets.
US09149101B2 Hair styling device with grip-tip
A hair styling device comprises a handle, a heatable elongated member having a longitudinal axis, a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portion of the elongated member is connected to the handle. The device has a hair retention slot at the distal portion of the elongated sized to receive and retain a section of a user's hair. Also described is an attachment for a hair styling device providing such a hair retention slot and a method of using the device and the attachment.
US09149100B2 Case for a portable electronic device
A case for a portable electronic device and a keyboard includes a first cover portion, an engagement member secured to the first cover portion and configured to support the portable electronic device, a second cover portion configured to support the keyboard, and a spine portion connecting the first cover portion to the second cover portion. The spine portion allows movement of the first cover portion relative to the second cover portion so that the case is positionable in a closed position and in an operating position. The case also includes a rigid spine component coupled to the second cover portion adjacent the spine portion. The rigid spine component includes a groove configured to receive a portion of at least one of the engagement member and the portable electronic device when the case is in the operating position.
US09149098B2 Foldable articulated arm
It is described a foldable articulated arm comprising a first rod-shaped element, a second rod-shaped element and a third rod-shaped element foldable one another and at least three stretching element of the rod-shaped elements, arranged to form a system of four-bar linkages, further comprising a plurality of joint elements of the rod-shaped elements and the stretching elements and having, at the opposite ends, a retaining mechanism for a respective combining with a tube and an umbrella sheet, wherein the rod-shaped elements, the joint elements, the stretching elements and the retaining mechanism are all made integral in a single piece of plastic material constituting the foldable articulated arm.
US09149094B2 Adapter for ornamental accessory
An accessory adapter for mounting an ornamental piece with two opposing edges. The adapter has a body with two spaced members forming a cavity therebetween for receiving one of the edges. The body also has an exterior surface configured to be fixed to an anchoring portion for mounting the adapter on a human body or object. A movable member is rotatably mounted on the body and rotatable to engage the other edge of the two opposing edges to releasably secure the adapter to the ornamental piece.
US09149085B2 Brim for attaching to headgear
A portable brim can be securely attached to and operate with various helmets such as bicycle, skateboarding, snow sport, mountain/rock climbing, equestrian, and paddlesport helmets as well as hard hats used in construction, utility maintenance, material moving, dock loading, and airport baggage handling, to give the wearer shade and protection from the sun. The brim apparatus includes a center section having a size for fitting about a circumference of the sports helmet and a visor outwardly or radially extending from the center section. In one brim apparatus the center section features a stop surface that opposes an upper surface of the visor when the apparatus is affixed to the headgear such that the visor is prohibited from flipping upwards or sliding down or coming off during use.
US09149082B2 Hitch for cycling skirt and method of using same
A hitch for lifting the hem of a skirted garment, or garment set comprising a skirt and hitch. The hitch comprises a strip of flexible fabric with coacting fastening means affixed near each end of its length, securing the hitch in a loop when fastened. The fastening means may comprise a button and buttonhole, a snap, a hook-and-loop fastening system, or other fastening means. The garment set can include a hitch featuring a button and buttonhole, and a skirt that comprises a waistband and a second button, the second button affixed to the waistband. One method of removably securing in a raised position a portion of a skirt comprises passing a garment hitch under the hemline of the skirt; passing the garment hitch through the band of the garment; and fastening the garment hitch to itself, thereby forming a secured loop whereby the hitch circumscribes the portion of the skirt.
US09149081B2 Garment waist assembly
A garment is disclosed having multiple wearing options. The garment includes a waistband that defines inner openings and outer openings in the front of the waistband assembly on opposing sides of the front centerline of the garment providing access to the drawstring channel from the inner side and the outer side of the waist assembly, respectively. The drawstring optionally passes through the pair of inner openings or the outer openings to tie in the front of the garment. In this manner, the waist assembly that provides multiple wearing options, including with the drawstring exposed, with the drawstring hidden, and waistband flipped with drawstring and indicia exposed.
US09149077B1 Cell phone glove
A cell phone glove includes a wrist portion, a wrist space in the wrist portion, a cell phone pocket in the wrist portion adjacent to the wrist space, a finger portion disposed in spaced-apart relationship to the wrist portion, a plurality of connecting straps connecting the finger portion to the wrist portion and a hand space between the wrist portion and the finger portion.
US09149073B1 Compression sleeve for retaining electronic devices in an operable format while an individual is wearing the sleeve and engaging in physical activities
A mechanism within the garment for retaining an electronic device such as a smartphone or portable media player so that it can be in an in-use operational condition while an individual is wearing the garment and engaged in physical activity such as walking, running or other exercise. The mechanism is a compression sleeve which contains within it a pocket that extends through the body of the sleeve having a transparent window so that the electronic device can be inserted into the pocket and the screen of the electronic device can be viewed through the transparent window.
US09149071B2 Smoke filters for reducing components in a smoke stream
Smoke filters that reduce the concentration of carbon monoxide and phenols in a smoke stream may include a porous mass section comprising a plurality of active particles, a plurality of binder particles, and an active coating disposed on at least a portion of the active particles and the binder particles, wherein the active particles and the binder particles are bound together at a plurality of contact points; and a filter section. In some instances, a filter may include a porous mass section comprising a plurality of active particles and a plurality of binder particles, wherein the active particles and the binder particles are bound together at a plurality of contact points without an adhesive; and a filter section comprising an active dopant.
US09149066B2 Apparatus for stripping and sorting leaves from agricultural crops
An apparatus for stripping and sorting leaves from stalks of agricultural crops. The apparatus includes a base frame having a first longitudinal member, the first longitudinal member having a first end and a second end, and a second longitudinal member in a parallel spaced-relationship with the first longitudinal member, a plurality of cross members arranged perpendicularly along at least the first longitudinal member, each of the plurality of cross members having a lower stripping member for receiving the stalk of an agricultural crop, a plurality of upper stripping members, each upper stripping member positionable to cooperate with a corresponding lower stripping member to substantially encircle the stalk and stalk gripping assembly for engaging and conveying the stalk along the apparatus in a direction from the first end to the second end of the first longitudinal member.
US09149062B2 Methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of kidney disease
Compositions for preventing or treating kidney disease comprising one or more food ingredients containing relatively low amounts of protein, sodium, and potassium, typically protein in amounts of from about 5% to about 40%, sodium in amounts of from about 0.01% to about 1%, and potassium in amounts of from about 0.01% to about 1%, and methods comprising administering such compositions to patients susceptible to or suffering from kidney disease for the purpose of preventing or treating kidney disease.
US09149059B2 Foodstuff processing
A method of processing food elements of plant tissue having a cellular structure with substantial starch content comprising arranging the food elements in an aqueous liquid and applying acoustic energy with a selected frequency energy and time profile to modify the cellular structure of a surface portion of the food elements by removing components from the cellular structure and establishing a pectin based surface portion surrounding a core portion and adapted to act as a barrier in a high temperature subsequent cooking process, the modified cellular structure providing for a relatively low moisture surface portion to be established and maintained and moisture to be substantially retained in the core portion after subsequent cooking processes.
US09149056B2 Compositions and methods relating to carotenoids
A pet food composition having at least two carotenoids. The carotenoids can include a keto-carotenoid and at least one non-keto-carotenoid. The keto-carotenoid can include astaxanthin. The keto-carotenoid can include astaxanthin ester. The non-keto-carotenoid can include beta-carotene and/or lutein.
US09149051B2 Dairy composition with high-potency sweetener
The present invention relates generally to dairy compositions comprising non-caloric or low-caloric high-potency sweeteners and methods for making and using them. In particular, the present invention relates to different dairy compositions comprising at least one non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic high-potency sweetener, at least one sweet taste improving composition, and a dairy product. The present invention also relates to dairy compositions and methods that can improve the tastes of non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic, high-potency sweeteners by imparting a more sugar-like taste or characteristic. In particular, the dairy compositions and methods provide a more sugar-like temporal profile, including sweetness onset and sweetness linger, and/or a more sugar-like flavor profile.
US09149048B2 Purified lactase
The present invention relates to a lactase solution comprising a lactase solution comprising less than 10 g/kg of poly and oligosaccharides, a process for the production of such a lactase solution from an untreated lactase solution, a sterilized lactase, whereby such lactose is filter sterilized in-line with the milk production process.
US09149047B2 Device for processing fish
The invention relates to an L-shaped supporting body for accommodating a fish and for conveying said fish tail first through a cutting unit having a circular blade pair of a fish processing apparatus, which has a continuously revolving conveyor, wherein the supporting body has a main body for fastening said supporting body to the conveyor and a bearing web, which protrudes beyond a side wall of the main body and which has a supporting edge arranged at the top for accommodating the backbone of the fish to be accommodated, the bearing web having a groove arranged on the underside, which groove is designed as a counter-support for the circular blade pair. In addition, the invention relates to a corresponding apparatus for processing fish.
US09149035B2 Antimicrobial composition
An antiseptic composition suitable for use on skin and wounds comprising a source of an antimicrobial agent and an agent which disrupts biofilms. More, particularly the invention relates to a composition capable of providing effective antimicrobial activity while at the same time avoiding wound and skin irritation and retardation of wound healing.
US09149034B2 Agrochemical formulations comprising co-polymers based on diisocyanates
The present invention comprises formulations comprising at least one pesticide and at least one block copolymer of formula (I) wherein Ra is branched or linear C6-C24 alkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl substituted with C1-C6 alkyl, phenyl, phenyl substituted with C1-C6 alkyl, benzyl, benzyl substituted with C1-C6 alkyl, C4-C6 alkyl substituted with C4-C12 alkoxy or C1-C4 alkyl substituted with di (C1-C4 alkyl) amino; Rb is derived from a diisocyanate and Rc is a compound of formula II (R1)n—X—(CHR2CH2O)w—(CHR3CH2O)χ—(CHR4(CH2)yO)z— (II), in which R1 is hydrogen, or branched or linear, saturated or unsaturated C1-40-alkyl; R2, R3, R4 independently of one another are hydrogen or C1-4-alkyl; w, x, z independently of one another correspond to a value of from 0 to 300; y corresponds to a value of from 1 to 20; X is N or O, where n=1 if X=O, or n=2 if X=N; and the total of w, x and z amounts to at least 1; methods of combating harmful insects and/or phytopathogenic fungi, a method of controlling undesired vegetation and methods of improving the health of plants based on the afore-mentioned formulations.
US09149027B2 Jig body and hook assembly for use with soft plastics
A jig body adapted to at least temporarily mount a soft plastic lure relative thereto is provided. The jig body includes an elongate shank, a line attachment portion relative to a first end of the elongate shank, a hook mounting element along the length of the shank, a soft plastic lure retention portion, and at least one portion of positive or negative buoyancy.
US09149022B2 Systems, methods and computer program products for monitoring the behavior, health, and/or characteristics of an animal
Systems, methods, and computer code products for monitoring the behavior, health, and/or characteristics of an animal are disclosed herein. In one implementation, the animal is positioned inside a waste container placed on a system that is adapted to determine, record and communicate over a network various animal health parameters. These parameters can be processed to determine trends, statistics and changes of animal physiological functions. The results can be used to access animal health conditions and issue warnings, alarms, messages, and other notifications to designated caretakers. These notifications may be displayed using various means such as computers and/or mobile devices. Data retrieval and review capability can provide improved understanding of an animal's health conditions and facilitate early illness detection.
US09149013B2 Irrigation system including a graphical user interface
A system for managing irrigation equipment comprises a first irrigation system for applying water in a first irrigated area, a second irrigation system for applying water in a second irrigated area, a control system for controlling the irrigation systems, and a user interface for enabling a user to configure the control system. The user interface presents a map view of a geographic area including the irrigated areas and includes a first graphical element corresponding to the first irrigation system and a second graphical element corresponding to the second irrigation system. The user interface further presents a first interactive control panel for controlling the first irrigation system concurrently with the map view when the user selects the first graphical element, and presents a second interactive control panel for controlling the second irrigation system concurrently with the map view when the user selects the second graphical element.
US09149009B2 Apparatus and methods for attaching objects to trees
Devices and methods for attaching objects to living trees. Various forms of the devices employ a flexible member and mounting member that are configured to be looped and secured around a tree portion at a beginning of a predetermined time period. The mounting member and flexible member are configured to slide relative to each other to accommodate growth of the tree portion such that the device remains secured to the tree portion for at least the duration of the predetermined period of time without the need for human intervention. In other embodiments, the mounting member is integrally formed with the object or no mounting member is employed.
US09148993B1 Method and composition for agricultural potassium fertigation
An agricultural potassium-fertigation method for emitter-irrigation potassium fertigation feeds a potassium-nutrient feedstock comprised of potassium formate and water to an active emitter-irrigation system continuously, or substantially continuously, at low levels, during the entire time, or substantially the entire time, that irrigation water is sufficiently flowing through the irrigation system during a prolonged term.
US09148991B2 Gate retention for an inductor box of an agricultural implement
An inductor box for an agricultural implement includes an inlet configured to receive agricultural product from a tank. The inductor box also includes a housing having a cavity therein. The cavity is configured to receive the agricultural product from the inlet. The inductor box includes a gate configured to be removably inserted between the inlet and the cavity, to block the agricultural product from entering the cavity while disposed between the inlet and the cavity, and to enable the agricultural product to enter the cavity while removed from being disposed between the inlet and the cavity. The inductor box includes a first guide coupled to the housing and configured to direct the gate away from the inlet. The first guide is disposed between the gate and the inlet while the gate is disposed between the inlet and the cavity.
US09148988B2 Depth control system
A depth control system for a frame mounted to a movement system is provided. The frame is mounted such that the frame can be raised and lowered in relation to the movement system by a height adjustment mechanism. The depth control system includes a depth control arm connected to the movement system, a height adjustment mechanism, and a mechanical stop. The height adjustment mechanism is configured to engage with the depth control arm to adjust the height of the frame. The mechanical stop is configured to engage with the depth control arm to prevent the frame from moving in at least one direction with respect to the movement system and disengage from the depth control arm when the height of the frame is being adjusted.
US09148987B2 Agricultural caddy and trailer assembly
An agricultural caddy assembly and agricultural trailer are provided. The agricultural caddy assembly includes a wheel attachment member, a tractor-tool attachment frame, and a bolster for rotatably connecting the wheel attachment member to the tractor-tool attachment frame. The agricultural trailer includes a tractor hitch, a tool frame, a wheel attachment member, a tractor-tool attachment frame connected to the tractor hitch and the tool frame, and a bolster for rotatably connecting the wheel attachment member to the tractor-tool attachment frame.
US09155227B2 Rotary encoder
A rotary encoder includes a rotary encoding unit attached to a rotary shaft which is rotatably held in a metal casing, a number-of-revolution detection unit supported by the metal casing for detecting a number of revolutions of the rotary encoding unit and producing heat, a cylindrical insulating resin cover having a base end attached to the metal casing for accommodating therein the rotary encoding unit and the number-of-revolution detection unit, a metal lid for blocking an opening of the other end of the insulating resin cover, and a shield cable electrically connected to the number-of-revolution detection unit and drawn out from a cable outlet of the metal lid. A shield of the shield cable is heat-transferably and electrically connected to the metal lid.
US09155226B2 Fan control method
A fan control method includes the steps of: acquiring a control factor; determining whether the control factor is located in a first range or a second range; executing a first dust removing mode if the control factor is located in the first range; executing a second dust removing mode if the control factor is located in the second range; and executing a normal mode if the control factor is not located in the first range and the second range.
US09155225B2 Air heater for an air inlet of an electric system
An air heater arranged in an air pipe of an electronic system of a radar antenna. The electronic system is mounted on a body of an aircraft and the electronic system is enclosed in a housing with at least one air inlet that is adapted to provide outside air for cooling of the electronic system. The air pipe is located between the air inlet and the electronic system.
US09155222B2 Electronic device
An electronic device includes a first housing with a first air inlet and outlet, a heat dissipation assembly, and a filter structure between the first housing and the heat dissipation assembly. The heat dissipation assembly defines a second air inlet and outlet. The first air inlet, the second air inlet, the second air outlet and the first air outlet communicate with each other. The heat dissipation assembly draws air across itself from the two air inlets, and expels the air from the two air outlets. The filter structure covers the second air inlet and defines a plurality of very small holes which function to filter dust out from the incoming air.
US09155210B2 Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a display unit which displays an image, a receiving container which accommodates the display unit, and a top cover which comprises a plurality of sub-covers to cover an edge of the display unit and is coupled to the receiving container. The receiving container comprises a fixing protrusion corresponding to a position that two sub-covers of the sub-covers overlap with each other, and each of the two sub-covers comprises a fixing hole coupled to the fixing protrusion.
US09155192B2 Electronic component package
Disclosed herein is an electronic component package including: a connection member provided on at least one surface of a substrate; an active element coupled to the substrate by the connection member; a molding part covering an exposed surface of the active element; and an additional layer formed on an exposed surface of the molding part to decrease a warpage phenomenon. In the electronic component package, the warpage phenomenon may be decreased as compared with the related art.
US09155188B2 Electromagnetic interference shielding techniques
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for fabricating a printed circuit board (PCB) having electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and also having reduced volume over conventional frame-and-shield approaches. Some embodiments include fabricating the PCB by mounting an integrated circuit to the PCB, outlining an area corresponding to the integrated circuit with a number of grounded vias, selectively applying an insulating layer over the PCB such that at least one of the grounded vias are exposed, and selectively applying a conductive layer over the PCB such that the conductive layer covers at least a portion of the integrated circuit and such that the conductive layer is coupled to the at least one of the grounded vias that are exposed.
US09155183B2 Adjustable slot antenna for control of uniformity in a surface wave plasma source
The present invention provides a surface wave plasma source including an electromagnetic (EM) wave launcher comprising a slot antenna having a plurality of antenna slots configured to couple the EM energy from a first region above the slot antenna to a second region below the slot antenna, and a power coupling system is coupled to the EM wave launcher. A dielectric window is positioned in the second region and has a lower surface including the plasma surface. A slotted gate plate is arranged parallel with the slot antenna and is configured to be movable relative to the slot antenna between variable opacity positions including a first opaque position to prevent the EM energy from passing through the first arrangements of antenna slots, and a first transparent position to allow a full intensity of the EM energy to pass through the first arrangement of antenna slots.
US09155180B1 System and method of simultaneously fueling and mitigating debris for a plasma-based illumination source
The disclosure is directed to a system and method of fueling and mitigating debris for an illumination source. An illumination system may include a plasma-based illumination source. The illumination system may provide illumination along an illumination path emanating from an illumination origin of the illumination source. A gas jet nozzle may be disposed at a selected distance from the illumination origin or proximate to the illumination origin. The gas jet nozzle may be configured to provide fuel gas to fuel the plasma-based illumination source. The gas jet nozzle may be further configured to provide fuel gas in a selected direction substantially opposite to a direction of illumination emanating from the illumination origin to remove at least a portion of debris from the illumination path.
US09155165B2 Lighting fixture for automated grouping
Control of lighting fixtures in a lighting network may be distributed among the lighting fixtures. The lighting fixtures may be broken into groups that are associated with different lighting zones. At least some of the lighting fixtures will have or be associated with one or more sensors. Within the overall lighting network or the various lighting zones, the lighting fixtures may share sensor data from the sensors. Each lighting fixture processes sensor data provided by its own sensor, a remote standalone sensor, or lighting fixture, and processes the sensor data according to the lighting fixture's internal logic to control operation of the lighting fixture. The lighting fixtures may also receive control input from other lighting fixtures, control nodes, light switches, and commissioning tools. The control input is processed along with the sensor data according to the internal logic to enhance control of the lighting fixture.
US09155161B2 Light source device and projection device including the light source device
A light source device includes an LD module having a plurality of small light sources such as LDs, a control device selectively controlling On/Off of a plurality of the LDs, a first optical system collecting light emitted from the LDs into one collected light, and a second optical system emitting the collected light directly or through an optical process as source light. The control device maintains a constant amount of luminescence of the light source by controlling a number of the LDs selectively turned on in order to achieve a simple configuration of the light source device and a proper gradation expression of images.
US09155158B2 Organometallic complex, light-emitting element, display device, electronic device, and lighting device
The organometallic complex, which is a novel substance, is represented by General Formula (G1) or General Formula (G2). In General Formula (G1), R1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and R2 to R10 each represents hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. M represents a Group 9 element or a Group 10 element. When M is a Group 9 element, n is 3, and when M is a Group 10 element, N is 2. In General Formula (G2), R11 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and R12 to R20 each represents hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. M represents a Group 9 element or a Group 10 element. When M is a Group 9 element, n is 3, and when M is a Group 10 element, N is 2.
US09155149B2 Self-adaptive drive circuit and LED lamp with the same
The invention relates to a technical field of light emitting diodes (LEDs), in particular to a self-adaptive drive circuit and an LED lamp with the same. The LED lamp comprises a plurality of series LED lamp strings, and each LED lamp string comprises at least one series LED lamp bead; and the self-adaptive drive circuit comprises a rectifying unit, a current limiting unit, a voltage detection and connectivity control unit and at least one controllable switch unit. According to the self-adaptive drive circuit and the LED lamp with the same, the LEDs can be driven normally in an extremely simple drive mode, which can work without using complex constant current drive circuit and electrolytic capacitor that is life limiting. At the same time, the stroboflash phenomenon is eliminated, the power factor is improved, harmonic distortion is reduced, electromagnetic interference is eliminated, and the cost is reduced.
US09155143B2 LED lighting device and illuminating device
According to one embodiment, an LED lighting device comprises at least one normally-on type switching element, an output generation unit that generates DC output by an on-off operation of the switching element, a semiconductor light emitting element that is lit by the DC output generated by the output generation unit, and a driving control unit that causes the switching element to perform an off operation using a current passed through the semiconductor light emitting element.
US09155141B2 Multi-path constant current driving circuit
A multi-path constant current driving circuit. In the multi-path constant current driving circuit, a current sharing transformer (T31, T32, T33, T3(n−1)) is provided in power supply circuits which are provided with adjacent rectifier and filter units (Z31, Z32, Z33, Z3n). A first winding of the current sharing transformer (T31, T32, T33, T3(n−1)) is connected between a first terminal of a secondary winding of a first power supply circuit and the rectifier and filter unit (Z31, Z32, Z33, Z3n) of the first power supply circuit. A second winding of the current sharing transformer (T31, T32, T33, T3(n−1)) is connected between a first terminal of a secondary winding of a second power supply circuit and the rectifier and filter unit (Z31, Z32, Z33, Z3n) of the second power supply circuit. In-phase current flows through the dotted terminal of the first winding and the synonym terminal of the second winding of the current sharing transformer (T31, T32, T33, T3(n−1)). The current sharing transformer (T31, T32, T33, T3(n−1)) is used for sharing the current between the power supply circuits which are provided with the adjacent rectifier and filter units (Z31, Z32, Z33, Z3n ). The driving circuit is provided with high current sharing efficiency, a small size and a low cost.
US09155126B2 Method and device for processing information given idle-mode signaling reduction
A method for processing information given idle-mode signaling reduction (ISR) is disclosed. A serving gateway receives an information update request containing information of related to a current access network where a user equipment is located if the user equipment moves from another access network to the current access network which the user equipment has been registered. The serving gateway updates relating information of the current access network and keeps relating information of the another access networks unchanged if the information update request includes indication information of idle-mode signaling reduction activation.
US09155124B2 Wireless communication methods, systems, and computer program products
A method, wireless device and computer program product for expanding the coverage of a cellular network. A wireless device (e.g., cellular telephone) is able to communicate with a base station in a cell of the cellular network over a non-cellular interface via another wireless device in a cell through the use of multi-hopping. A wireless device may request permission to communicate with the base station over a non-cellular interface via hopping off another wireless device when its signal strength is below a threshold. Alternatively, a wireless device may receive a request to communicate with the base station over a non-cellular interface via hopping off the wireless device that sent the request when that wireless device has excess capacity in its bandwidth with the base station. By enabling wireless devices to communicate with a base station in such a manner, the effective capacity of the cellular network is expanded and the effective capacity of the cellular network is improved.
US09155119B2 Methods and apparatuses for establishing RRC connection through drift RNC
In a method for establishing a radio resource control connection between a user equipment and a serving radio network controller through a drift radio network controller, the drift network controller receives an indication of a forward access channel capability of the user equipment from the serving radio network controller, and transmits a signaling message to the user equipment according to the forward access channel capability of the user equipment to establish the radio resource control connection.
US09155114B2 Communication relay apparatus, communication relay system, communication relay method, and communication relay program
This invention is directed to acquisition of a communication path for a mobile communication apparatus in a case of occurrence of communications beyond the capacity of a radio base station due to a communication trouble or the like.A communication relay apparatus comprises: a wireless connection unit that connects with a mobile communication apparatus via a wireless communication path; a wired connection unit that connects with a wired communication path; and an authentication unit that permits, based on a first authentication, the connection of the mobile communication apparatus to the wired communication path and that permits, based on the establishment of a second authentication, the said connection if the first authentication is not established and further if information for permitting the said connection has been registered.
US09155113B2 Terminating notification message for terminals in a target network area
Embodiments herein include a method of notifying terminals located in a target network area. The method is executed by a call control node. The call control node is associated with a serving network area, wherein the serving network area at least partially comprises the target network area. In order to provide an efficient, easily accomplishable, and network capacity sparing notification of terminals located in a target network area, the method comprises receiving a result of a scanning of a visitor location register database associated with the call control node for terminals registered for the target network area, and sending a notification message to the terminals located in the target network area based on the received result of the scanning.
US09155103B2 Coexistence manager for controlling operation of multiple radios
Techniques for performing radio coexistence management to control operation of multiple radios to achieve good performance are described. In one design, an entity (e.g., a coexistence manager or a radio controller) may receive inputs from one or more radios among multiple radios operating concurrently. An input from a radio may indicate a planned operating state or planned activity of the radio in an upcoming time interval. The entity may determine controls for at least one radio based on the received inputs and a database of performance versus operating states to mitigate interference caused or observed by each of the at least one radio. The control for a radio may indicate a selected operating state or selected setting for at least one configurable parameter for the radio in the upcoming interval. The entity may send the controls to the at least one radio. Each radio may operate in accordance with its control.
US09155099B2 Base station, radio communications system, control method of base station, radio communications method and control program
[Problems] Because it is not possible to reduce sufficiently the number of base stations that starts uselessly in spite of being in light traffic state, it is not possible to lower interference between adjacent cells and power consumption sufficiently.[Measures] A base station receives a transmission signal from a mobile station to other base station, and starts transmission of a control signal with predetermined power depending on a reception condition of the transmission signal.
US09155097B2 Methods and arrangements for beam refinement in a wireless network
In some embodiments a beamforming method is disclosed. The method can include transmitting a beam having a channel defined by a maximum ratio transmission vector (MRT) and receiving a first response from a receiver, where the first response has first information such as parameters related to the transmitted beam. Using the parameters and the initial MRT, another directional transmission can be made. A similar process can determine a maximum combining ratio for a receiver. Set up communications between the transmitter and the receiver can be reduced by omitting data from transmission that can be acquired by other means such as from memory or calculations. Additional embodiments are also disclosed.
US09155096B2 Communication apparatus and communication method
In the case of setting a transmission weight to a transmitted signal, when there exists a second known signal which is received by a plurality of antennas after a first known signal used for calculation of the transmission weight and is transmitted with a transmission frequency band different from the first known signal, a transmission weight processing unit of a weight processing unit corrects the transmission weight by use of a delay amount of reception timing concerning the second known signal. Then, the transmission weight processing unit sets the corrected transmission weight to a transmitted signal.
US09155090B2 Apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving reference signal in wireless communication system
An apparatus and a method for transmitting and receiving a reference signal in a wireless communication system are provided. The method includes determining a cluster-specific reference signal configuration according a cluster configuration, transmitting information about the cluster-specific reference signal configuration, and transmitting cluster-specific reference signals of at least one cluster according to the cluster-specific reference signal configuration.
US09155088B2 Delivery edge profile aggregation
A system and method for aggregating subscriber information at a delivery edge is disclosed. The method comprises interfacing a user profile aggregation device (UPAD) at a subscriber location with at least one subscriber database in each of a wired network core and a wireless network core. The wired network core and the wireless network core are operated by a Multi-System network Operator. Profile information can be aggregated at the UPAD about the subscriber from at least one database in the wired network core and the wireless network core. The subscriber's aggregated profile information can be communicated to the MSO.
US09155077B2 Methods and apparatus for enabling further enhancements to flexible subframes in LTE heterogeneous networks
A method is provided for communication in a wireless telecommunication network. The method comprises providing, by a network element, one of an uplink grant or a downlink grant to at least one UE that the network element has determined, based on information received from a plurality of UEs, is closer to the network element than is another UE, wherein the uplink grant is scheduled such that the UE transmits to the network element only during at least one flexible subframe, and wherein the downlink grant is scheduled such that the network element transmits to the UE only during at least one flexible subframe. The method further comprises transmitting, by the network element, to at least one UE that the network element has determined, based on information received from a plurality of UEs, is closer to the network element than is another UE, only during at least one flexible subframe.
US09155073B2 Transmitter apparatus, receiver apparatus, transmission method, and reception method
In a terminal (200), a transmission control unit (206) identifies candidate resources on the basis of setting information and determines, on the basis of a trigger signal, a mapping resource, in which a second type of reference signal is mapped, in candidate frequency unit groups constituting the candidate resources. Each of the candidate resources is constituted by a plurality of fundamental subframe groups that are arranged at first intervals. N constituent subframes constituting each of the fundamental subframe groups are arranged at second intervals narrower than the first intervals. Each of the candidate frequency units of each candidate frequency unit group is a frequency unit specified by a predetermined frequency hopping pattern in M frequency units in each constituent subframe.
US09155068B2 Method and apparatus for delivering advertising data
An approach is provided for delivering advertising data. An advertising platform separates advertising data into a heavy component and a light component. The heavy component and the light component are delivered to a user equipment independently of each other by pre-loading and/or downloading the content. A trigger then causes the user equipment to compile the advertising data into an advertisement.
US09155063B2 Method of determining a position in a wireless communication system and apparatus thereof
A method of determining a position in a wireless communication system and apparatus thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes receiving system information including information on a reference cell and at least one neighbor cell from a location server, receiving positioning reference signals (PRSs) from the reference cell and the at least one neighbor cell using the system information, measuring reference signal time difference (RSTD) of each of the at least one neighbor cell for the reference cell, and transmitting the at least one measured RSTD to the location server. And, the RSTD is a relative timing difference between two cells. Moreover, the system information includes at least one cell for obtaining a system frame number (SFN) by the UE, as the reference cell or the at least one neighbor cell.
US09155061B2 Method for positioning mobile station
A method for positioning a Mobile Station (MS) is provided. The method includes transmitting, by a serving base station of a MS, indication information of a Location Based Services (LBS) zone to the MS receiving, by the MS according to the indication information, a reference signal used for positioning the MS in the LBS zone from a base station of a neighboring cell, wherein the LBS zone is multiplexed with a control information field in N downlink subframes, or with the control information field and a data field in the N downlink subframes, and wherein N is larger than or equal to 1. In the case of restraining interference of a serving cell signal to a neighboring cell signal, the requirements of system resource allocation and Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) timing synchronization can also be satisfied.
US09155056B2 Mapping schemes for secondary synchronization signal scrambling
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a transmitter, a receiver and methods of operating a transmitter and a receiver. In one embodiment, the transmitter includes a synchronization unit configured to provide a primary synchronization signal and a secondary synchronization signal having first and second segments. The transmitter also includes a secondary scrambling unit configured to provide a scrambled secondary synchronization signal, wherein scrambling agents for the first and second segments are derived from a primary synchronization sequence of the primary synchronization signal. The secondary scrambling unit is further configured to provide an additional scrambling of one of the first and second segments, wherein a second scrambling agent is derived from the remaining segment of a secondary synchronization sequence of the secondary synchronization signal. The transmitter further includes a transmit unit configured to transmit the primary synchronization signal and the scrambled secondary synchronization signal.
US09155054B2 Apparatus and method for transmitting power headroom information in a multi-carrier system
A method of transmitting a power headroom by a user equipment (UE) in a multi-carrier system. The method includes: receiving power determination information from a base station (BS); determining a maximum transmission power value for each of a plurality of serving cells by using the power determination information and a UE specific parameter; determining a power headroom (PH) for the each of the plurality of serving cells on the basis of the maximum transmission power value for each of a plurality of serving cells; and transmitting control information to the BS, the control information comprising the maximum transmission power value and the PH for the each of the plurality of serving cells, wherein the control information includes information that indicates a specific cell for which the maximum transmission power value and the PH are provided among the plurality of serving cells.
US09155053B2 Methods and apparatuses for power control in wireless communications
Downlink power control commands are mapped to resources used for uplink communications within a wireless communication system. A base station receives communications from UEs and determines the resources used by the UEs for those transmissions on the uplink which are transmitted at non-optimum power levels. Power control messages are formulated wherein the location of the power control commands is mapped to particular resources used by the UEs for their uplink transmissions. This facilitates the base station to dynamically assign resources for the power control commands while permitting the UEs to decode the power control messages to adjust their power accordingly.
US09155051B2 Dynamic congestion control for power-blocking sectors in a radio telecommunication network
A method and congestion controller for controlling congestion in a sector of a cellular telecommunication network that is limited by available downlink transmit power. The network includes a plurality of radio links between a radio base station and User Equipments (UEs) operating in the sector. The controller may first reduce the power of a first subset of the radio links by reducing the packet-switched (PS) downlink target Block Error Rate (BLER) Quality. If the congestion is not resolved within a defined time period, the power of a second subset of the radio links may be reduced by reducing the circuit-switched (CS) DL target BLER Quality. If reducing the PS and CS downlink target BLER Quality does not resolve the congestion, the invention may then implement an existing method of releasing non-guaranteed Air Interface Speech Equivalents (ASEs) and then guaranteed ASEs if required.
US09155030B2 Methods and apparatus for network selection in overlapping network environments
Methods and apparatus for prioritizing network selection for overlapping networks. Overlapping networks include multiple networks with, for instance, different bandwidth limitations. For example, a Wi-Fi Access Point (AP) can broadcast two (2) overlapping networks in the same location: (i) a public network, and (ii) a private network. In one exemplary embodiment, a Wi-Fi client device performs fast scans to quickly locate one or more preferred networks (e.g., the last connected to public network). If the located preferred network is also identified as an overlapping network (e.g., based on location information, etc.), then the client device performs a comprehensive scan to identify all available networks, and applies a prioritization scheme to determine the highest priority network available (e.g., a private network).
US09155029B2 Method and apparatus for scanning for a wireless access point
Techniques for access point acquisition using the location of a mobile device and probabilistic self-learning are described herein. An example of a method of scanning for an access point with a mobile device includes detecting a serving cell, determining a location for the mobile device, determining a maximum coverage area of an access point that is associated with the serving cell, determining whether the location of the mobile device is within the maximum coverage area, and performing a fast rate scan for the access point if the location is within the maximum coverage area.
US09155028B2 Apparatus and method for scanning network in a mobile communication terminal
An apparatus and a method for scanning a network in a mobile communication terminal are provided. The method for scanning a network in a mobile communication terminal includes to configure a PLMN list based on a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card, to store scanned frequency information and corresponding PLMN information into a database by a previous scanning result, to compare the database with the PLMN list and to perform a scanning corresponding to frequency bandwidths included in the database or performing a scanning entire frequency bandwidths according to a result of comparison.
US09155019B2 Combining bandwidth aware routing with channel selection and switching in a multi-hop wireless home network
A method and apparatus are described including selecting a first route between a source node and a destination node using a bandwidth-aware routing protocol, determining if the selected first route satisfies a bandwidth requirement of an application of the source node, initiating a switch to a new channel selected from a back-up channel list if the bandwidth requirement of the application is not satisfied by the selected route, selecting a second route over the new channel using the bandwidth-aware routing protocol, determining if the selected second route over the new channel satisfies the bandwidth requirement of the application of the source node and streaming data from the source node to the destination node if the selected first route satisfies the bandwidth requirement of the application or if the selected second route over the new channel satisfies the bandwidth requirement of the application.
US09155018B2 Detection of early inter-radio access technology (IRAT) handover triggering
A device detects poor coverage associated with a source radio access technology (RAT) with which the device is connected, and connects to a target RAT. The device also measures the source RAT for a time period after connecting to the target RAT, and sends, based on the measurements, one or more measurement reports to the target RAT, where the target RAT forwards the one or more measurement reports to the source RAT. Alternatively, or additionally, the target RAT may detect that the handover was triggered too early and may inform the source RAT or command the UE to return to the source RAT. The device further stops the measuring and the sending when the time period expires. In this way, IRAT handover parameters may be automatically or manually tuned to minimize the number of handovers triggered too early, which may result in a more efficient cell configuration.
US09155013B2 Cell range expansion elasticity control
In some aspects, a method for carrying out load balancing between cells in a heterogeneous network includes measuring loads within macro clusters in the network. The method additionally includes identifying one or more macro clusters experiencing unbalanced load conditions, and sending balancing indicators to one or more cells in the identified macro cluster(s). In other aspects, a method for carrying out load balancing in a heterogeneous network includes reporting cell loads within a macro cluster, and monitoring for balancing indicators. The method further includes responding to a balancing indicator by iteratively adjusting a value of an individual cell offset for a cell until one or more conditions is satisfied. Example conditions include accomplishment of handover, to or from the cell, of one or more low mobility User Equipment (UE), and making a determination that the value of the individual cell offset has reached a threshold prohibiting further adjustment.
US09155007B2 Method and apparatus for RRC connection reestablishment in wireless communication system
A method of reestablishing a RRC connection by the mobile terminal in a RRC_CONNECTED state is disclosed, where the method includes selecting a target cell based on cell quality values measured by using signals from a candidate cell set, determining a cell type of the target cell, and transmitting a RRC connection reestablishment request message to the target cell, when the target cell is a first type cell providing with both a emergency service and a normal service.
US09154985B2 Mechanism for facilitating dynamic and segment-based monitoring of cellular network performance in an on-demand services environment
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for facilitating dynamic and segment-based monitoring of cellular network performance. In one embodiment and by way of example, a method includes dividing a cellular network path of a cellular network into a plurality of network segments, and monitoring performance of the cellular network at a first network segment of the plurality of network segments. The first network segment is associated with a first segment point includes a first computing device. The method may further includes generating first metrics based on first monitoring data relating to the first network segment, and forwarding the first metrics to a second segment point coupled with the first segment point over the first network segment. The second segment point includes a second computing device.
US09154983B2 Systems and methods for detecting or signaling the presence of bursty interference on wireless networks
Systems, methods, and devices detect and managing the presence of bursty interference on a wireless communication system. A method of detecting the presence of bursty interference on a wireless network includes receiving, at a wireless device, a message from a transmitting device. The method further includes determining whether the message includes errors caused by bursty interference. The method further includes suspending a channel tracking when bursty interference is detected. The method may further include reporting bursty interference to the transmitting device when bursty interference is detected.
US09154978B2 Coverage adjustment in E-UTRA networks
Embodiments of systems and techniques for coverage adjustment in evolved universal terrain radio access networks (E-UTRANs) are described. In some embodiments, a network management (NM) apparatus may receive data representative of first and second radio link failure (RLF) reports including information related to respective disconnections of first and second user equipment (UEs) from an E-UTRAN. The NM apparatus may identify a hole in a coverage area of the E-UTRAN based at least in part on the first and second RLF reports, and may perform an automated coverage and capacity optimization (CCO) action to reconfigure cell resources of the E-UTRAN based on the identified hole. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09154970B1 Hidden wireless user estimation based on wireless network usage data
A data processing system estimates hidden (off-net) wireless network users based on wireless communication network usage. The system processes wireless network usage data to estimate a first amount of frequent off-net users at a location in a time period based on past frequent on-net users who were at the location in past time periods at a rate above a frequent user threshold. The system processes the first amount and the wireless network usage data to estimate a second amount of infrequent off-net users at the location in the time period. The system process the first amount of the frequent off-net users and the second amount of the infrequent off-net users to estimate a total amount of off-net users at the location in the time period.
US09154959B2 Systems and methods for securing near field communications
Systems and methods to secure near field communications (NFC) are disclosed. An NFC polling device may detect a change in voltage when attempting to communicate with another NFC device and based at least in part on the magnitude of the change in voltage if there is an attempted hacking and/or snooping event. The NFC polling device may further identify the number of modulation voltage levels detected and determine if there is an attempted hacking event based on the number of modulation voltage levels detected.
US09154957B2 System, method and apparatus for pairing SIM or UICC cards with authorized wireless devices
A wireless device and a process of authorizing a wireless device are disclosed. The process includes storing a list of authorized terminals within a memory accessible by a wireless device. The process further includes comparing the list of authorized terminals in the memory to at least one of terminal profile data and an IMEI of the wireless device and allowing network access if at least one of the terminal profile data and the IMEI are found on the list of authorized terminals and limiting network access if at least one of the terminal profile data and the IMEI are not found on the list of authorized terminals.
US09154951B2 Communication system having access control as well as method for granting access in a communication system
A communication system includes a first wireless communication device for providing communication access for a mobile computer device in a first communication area. The first wireless communication device comprises an access control system for granting access based on authentication information known by the mobile computer device. A second communication device provides the authentication information for the mobile computer device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for granting access, executable by the communication system mentioned above, as well as to a maintenance system and/or an aircraft having such communication system.
US09154948B2 Method and system for user authentication
Method and system for user authentication using one or more unique ID's associated with one or more electronic devices connected in a communication network, more specifically in short range radio communication network. the method comprising the steps of polling and detection of a short range wireless electronic device within a short range radio communication network, establishing a connection between such short range wireless electronic device with a centralized server, authenticating the short range wireless device ID, requesting further the user to feed a pre-determined authentication code, verifying the fed authentication code with corresponding entries in the database of the central server, establishing an encrypted channel if authentication code found in such database, receiving a user authentication certificate from the wireless electronic device.
US09154940B2 Method and apparatus of providing messaging service and callback feature to mobile stations
Disclosed are an apparatus and method of performing automated administrative operations on a mobile device. One example method may include determining via a hosted server that an action needs to be performed by a mobile device under management. The method may further include generating a message via the hosted server, the message includes the action, and transmitting the message to the mobile device under management, and receiving a result message from the mobile device under management responsive to the transmitted message, the result message indicating that the action has been satisfied.
US09154938B2 Over-the-air pre-paid wireless system and method
A processor executes instructions to provide over the air prepaid calling services at a local wireless system. The processor receives an access request from a wireless device; determines the local wireless system is not a home wireless system of the wireless device; determines at the local wireless system alone that the wireless device does not have a valid profile in the wireless system; allocates an identity for local service in the local wireless system to create a temporary profile associated with the wireless device; sets an expiration timer for expiration of the temporary profile; sends an update to a visitor location register (VLR) of the local wireless system to add the wireless device to the VLR, based on the temporary profile; and sends information on the temporary profile in a message to a user of the wireless device announcing the allocated identity.
US09154937B2 System for permitting control of the purging of a node B by the serving radio network controller
A system and method which permit the RNC to control purging of data buffered in the Node B. The RNC monitors for a triggering event, which initiates the purging process. The RNC then informs the Node B of the need to purge data by transmitting a purge command, which prompts the Node B to delete at least a portion of buffered data. The purge command can include instructions for the Node B to purge all data for a particular UE, data in one or several user priority transmission queues or in one or more logical channels in the Node B, depending upon the particular data purge triggering event realized in the RNC.
US09154932B2 Method for establishment of an emergency call
The present invention relates to a method in a communication device for establishment of an emergency call, the communication device configured to communicate within communication networks by communication modems; the method comprising the steps of: sending an Emergency Call Establishment Request (ECER) to modems (M1, M2, . . . , MN) of the communication device upon receiving an emergency call initiation signal; receiving at least one ECER feedback signal from each modem, the ECER feedback signal indicating at least one of a latency and a signal quality for a communication link associated with each modem; and selecting one modem Mn among the modems (M1, M2, . . . , MN) for an emergency call based on the ECER feedback signals from the modems (M1, M2, . . . , MN). Furthermore, the invention also relates to a corresponding communication device, a computer program, and a computer program product thereof.
US09154924B2 Group communication
In order to facilitate group communication using characteristics of a pre-arranged group but not involving all members of the pre-arranged group, a parameter indicating that the group communication is not intended to all members of the pre-arranged group is added by an inviting group member sending a request to a group server, and the group server, in response to the parameter, is configured to not to invite all members to the group communication.
US09154918B2 Estimating location based on social media
A method for processing a first and second message groups submitted by a user includes executing a learning operation and an estimating operation. The learning operation includes extracting a first location message having a specifiable location from the first message group, extracting a first expression message including a specific expression from the first message group; and associating the location and the expression on the basis of the date and time submitted with each message, and for generating learning data. The estimating operation includes extracting a second expression message including a predetermined expression from the second message group, accepting input of a specified date and time for estimating a location; associating the expressions with each other on the basis of the specified date and time; and estimating a location at the specified date and time using coordination filtering on the basis of the learning data and the input data.
US09154917B2 Method and apparatus for geotagging
Methods and apparatuses for performing geotagging referencing in both indoor and outdoor environments are presented. In some embodiments, a mobile device may record a digital media object comprising at least one digitally recorded event of a surrounding environment of the mobile device. The mobile device may obtain at least one geotagging datum, the at least one geotagging datum comprising at least one timing measurement from at least one reference source. The mobile device may determine a location of the digital media object using the at least one geotagging datum. The mobile device may then label the digital media object with the location of the digital media object.
US09154903B2 Mobile communications device providing near field communication (NFC) card issuance features and related methods
A communications system may include a provisioning terminal comprising a first near field communications (NFC) device, where the provisioning terminal is capable of communicating with a provisioning server. The system may further include a mobile communications device comprising a second NFC device, a processor capable of providing a mobile wallet interface, a memory, and a memory controller coupled with the second NFC device, the memory, and the processor. The memory controller may be capable of receiving an applet and associated mobile wallet interface data from the provisioning server via the provisioning terminal based upon NFC communication between the first NFC device and the second NFC device, storing the applet and the associated mobile wallet interface data in the memory, and sending the mobile wallet interface data from the memory to the processor for the mobile wallet interface.
US09154901B2 System and method for disabling and enabling mobile device functional components
A computer-implemented method for controlling activity of a mobile device corresponding to a first user is provided. The method includes enabling an application to receive an indication of permitted usage from a second user. An indication of permitted usage of the mobile device is received via the application from the second user. Instructions are transmitted to the mobile communication device to disable or enable at least one functional component of the mobile device responsive to the indication of permitted usage. Further provided is a computing system including at least one memory configured to perform a procedure for controlling activity of a mobile device.
US09154890B2 Wireless data transmission with predictive transmission adjustment
The present disclosure provides a method wherein preceding and succeeding data elements of a data element to be sent next are analyzed in order to set a signal pattern which can be correctly recovered on the receiving side in spite of intersymbol interference. More particularly, depending on the transmission characteristics of the transmission path, the content of a window within the data stream to be sent wirelessly is examined in order to determine an energy content with which a data symbol has to be sent so that the data can be recovered securely.
US09154885B2 Sound generator, sound generation device, and electronic apparatus
Provided are a sound generator including a frame body, a vibration body provided to the frame body in a state where a tensile force is applied to the vibration body, and a piezoelectric vibration element provided to the vibration body. In the sound generator, when a first direction and a second direction are directions along a main surface of the vibration body and intersect with each other, the tensile force in the first direction and the tensile force in the second direction are different from each other. A sound generation device and an electronic apparatus including the sound generator are also provided.
US09154865B2 Acoustic device
One embodiment of the invention discloses an acoustic device having a housing and a speaker unit accommodated in the housing. The speaker unit forms a front volume and a back volume together with the housing. The housing includes an extra volume communicating with the back volume and a sound channel communicated with the front volume. The extra volume is isolated from the sound channel. The invention provides an acoustic device with enlarged back volume for improving low frequency sound quality.
US09154860B2 Optical interconnection assembly for spine-and-leaf network scale out
An optical interconnection assembly for a spine-and-leaf network is disclosed. The optical interconnection assembly has spine MF components and leaf MF components. The spine MF components are optically connected to spine MF components of spine switches via spine patch cords. The leaf MF components are optically connected to leaf MF components of leaf switches via leaf patch cords. An array of duplex fiber optic cables serves to optically connect every spine MF component to every leaf MF component so that every spine switch is optically connected to every leaf switch. The optical interconnection assembly facilitates network scale out without the multifiber connections having to be broken up into multiple duplex connections using duplex fiber optic cables.
US09154846B2 Coordinated multi-media playback
A request is received for playback of a package of media files, the package of media files including at least a first set of media files of a first type and a second set of media files of a second type. The first set of media files and the second set of media files are retrieved via a network. The package of media files is provided to a media playback device such that at least some of the first set of media files are played generally simultaneously as at least some of the second set of media files.
US09154841B2 Method and system for detecting and resolving conflicts in an automatic content recognition based system
A device that handles operations for automatic content recognition detects utilizing the automatic content recognition (ACR) operations, a conflict when a first overlay and a second overlay are concurrently presented on a channel on the device. The device may modify the presentation of the first overlay and/or the second overlay for the channel based on the detection. The device utilizes the ACR operations to determine an identity of the channel based on a unique identifier such as a channel logo. The device utilizes the ACR operations to determine a location where the first overlay and/or the second overlay is presented based on the channel identity and may relocate the first overlay and/or the second overlay from the determined location to a new location. If the conflict is detected, the device may be resize, defer or cancel presentation of one of the first overlay and/or the second overlay for the channel.
US09154840B2 Reception apparatus, reception method, transmission apparatus, and transmission method
Enable appropriate caching of application programs executed in coordination with AV content. The cache memory temporarily stores a coordinated application that is executed in coordination with received AV content. When a plurality of coordinated applications are stored in the cache memory, a control block controls the cache memory according to the priority of the coordinated applications which corresponds to a predetermined frequency specified for each of them in advance. The present technology is applicable to, for example, television receivers that receive digital television broadcast signals.
US09154839B2 Operation sound guide apparatus and operation sound guide method
Information about a base position at which a cursor operation has been started is stored in a storage section (212). When an operation of moving the cursor is accepted from a remote controller (217), the information about the base position of the cursor is acquired from the storage section (212), and is compared with information about the position to which the cursor has been moved, whereby it is determined that the cursor has returned to the base position. In this case, an operation sound generation section (216) acquires an operation sound different from the normal one from an operation sound ROM (215), and a sound signal superimposing section (207) superimposes the different operation sound onto a sound signal which is to be outputted from a speaker (211). Thus, a user can easily recognize that the cursor has returned to the base position.
US09154836B2 Resource conservation for packet television services
The present invention controls delivery of television content to conserve network resources based on whether the television content is being viewed on a television monitor. A television gateway may monitor a viewer's interactions with the television gateway to determine whether the television content is being viewed at the associated television monitor, or detect whether the television monitor is on or off. Upon determining that the viewer is not viewing the television content, various actions can be taken to conserve network resources.
US09154835B2 Methods and apparatus for DVR and network storage of locally recorded content
Methods and apparatus for expanding the storage capacity of one or more DVRs in a household by attaching them to a shared network storage device are described. Recorded content is encrypted in at least some embodiments on a per customer basis rather than on a per DVR basis allowing content to be moved between devices at a customer premise and played back by any of the devices at the customer premise where the content was recorded. Network congestion delays are avoided by allowing a user to specify when content is to be locally available at a DVR and moving the content prior to the specified time, if necessary, to the local storage device in the DVR. DVRs can access, decrypt and display content stored on the network storage device that was recorded by another DVR in the same household.
US09154830B2 Method and system for providing programs in a preview format during channel changes via a gateway
A gateway (e.g., a broadband gateway), which enables communication with a plurality of devices and handles at least one physical layer connection to at least one corresponding network access service provider, may be operable to receive one or more programs in preview formats from one or more program sources. Each of the one or more programs may be specified in a list. The programs specified in the list may be from different program sources. The broadband gateway may process the received one or more programs in the preview formats for presentation to one or more of the plurality of devices. The processed one or more programs in the preview formats may be communicated by the broadband gateway to the one or more of the plurality of devices, via a programming guide, for program preview by one or more users during program selections from the list.
US09154815B2 Method and system for securing multimedia data streamed over a network
There is provided a method of securing multimedia data for streaming over a network comprising receiving the multimedia data from a server, transforming the multimedia data into secure multimedia data using a security key associated with the multimedia data, storing the security key associated with the multimedia data, streaming the secure multimedia data to the destination server. The method further comprises receiving decoding solution requests associated with the multimedia data from one or more multimedia players for playing the multimedia data and transmitting the security key associated with the multimedia data to each of the multimedia players.
US09154814B2 Method and apparatus for converting two-dimensional video content for insertion into three-dimensional video content
A method and apparatus is provided that converts video content from a first format type into a second format type so that the video content can be viewed with other video content that has the second video format type. The method includes determining a first format of a first stream of video content (702) and determining a second format of a second stream of video content (704, 706). The method also includes converting (806, 808) the format of the second stream of video content into the format of the first stream and combining (812) the first stream of video content with the converted second stream of video content to form. In order to display the first and second video content streams the method decodes the combined first and converted second stream of video content using the first format.
US09154810B2 In-home distribution residential gateway and/or set top box
A multimedia residential gateway device for providing video services to multiple televisions within a home. The device receives incoming video content from a DSL, DOCSIS, or Ethernet data stream and outputs selected content to individual televisions, with the content for each television being transmitted over an ATSC or NTSC channel associated with each television. This eliminates the need for multiple set top boxes in a high-definition offering. Radio frequency handheld remotes for each television are provided which communicate directly with the gateway device. The device may also be provided as a multi-television set top box, wherein the device receives Ethernet data streams from a customer's existing residential gateway.
US09154809B2 Encoding/decoding method and device for high-resolution moving images
Disclosed is a high-resolution video encoding/decoding method and apparatus. The video encoding method includes: predicting a current block to generate a predicted block, subtracting the predicted block from the current block to generate a residual block, determining a transform and quantization type according to the block type of the current block; transforming and quantizing the residual block according to the determined transform and quantization type; and encoding the transformed and quantized residual block. According to the video encoding/decoding method and apparatus, not only the encoding efficiency can be improved because it enables an encoding using a high correlation between temporally/spatially adjacent pixels appearing in a video, but the compression efficiency can also be improved by reducing block distortion.
US09154808B2 Method and apparatus for INTRA prediction for RRU
There are provided encoders, decoders and corresponding encoding and decoding methods. A reduced resolution update based video encoder for encoding video data divisible into macroblocks includes a memory device, a downsampler, INTRA coding means, an encoder, a decoder, and an upsampler. The memory device is for storing reduced resolution neighboring pixels. The downsampler is for downsampling a full resolution macroblock to obtain a reduced resolution macroblock. The INTRA coding means is for performing INTRA prediction for the reduced resolution macroblock using the stored reduced resolution neighboring pixels. The encoder is for encoding residual data for the reduced resolution macroblock. The decoder is for decoding the residual data for the reduced resolution macroblock to form a reconstructed low resolution INTRA coded macroblock. The upsampler is for upsampling the reconstructed low resolution INTRA coded macroblock to form a full resolution INTRA coded macroblock. The memory device is further for storing a right column and a bottom row of the reconstructed low resolution INTRA coded macroblock.
US09154803B2 Method and apparatus for intra prediction within display screen
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for intra prediction. The intra prediction method for a decoder, according to the present invention, comprises the steps of entropy-decoding a received bitstream, generating reference pixels to be used in the intra prediction of a prediction unit; generating a prediction block from the reference pixels on the basis of a prediction mode for the prediction unit and reconstructing an image from the prediction block and a residual block, which is obtained as a result of entropy encoding, wherein the reference pixels and/or the prediction block pixels are predicted on the basis of a base pixel, and the predicted pixel value can be the sum of the pixel value of the base pixel and the difference between the pixel values of the base pixel and the generated pixel.
US09154802B2 Emergable watermark superimposing method, emergable watermark superimposing apparatus, and emergable watermark superimposing system
In an emergable watermark superimposing method for superimposing a superimposition image on either a cover still image or a still image formed from a cover moving image, when an image after the superimposition image is superimposed thereon is converted, or a screen which displays thereon the image after the superimposition image is superimposed is photographed, the superimposition image is superimposed so as to be more emphasized.
US09154800B2 Method and apparatus for a memory efficient approach for decoding progressive joint photographic experts group (JPEG) images
A computer implemented method and apparatus for a memory efficient approach for decoding progressive JPEG images. The method comprises (a) accessing a progressive JPEG image, wherein the progressive JPEG image comprises a plurality of compressed scans and wherein each scan in the plurality of scans comprises a plurality of compressed rows of image data; (b) decompressing not more than half of the compressed rows of each scan in the plurality of scans into a memory buffer; (c) copying a remaining plurality of compressed rows of each scan in the plurality of scans into a plurality of small memory buffers; (d) decoding, in place, the decompressed rows in the memory buffer; and (e) repeating steps (b)-(d) until a predefined number of rows are remaining in the plurality of small memory buffers, at which time the remaining rows are decompressed and decoded.
US09154798B2 Methods and apparatus for efficient video encoding and decoding of intra prediction mode
Methods and apparatus are provided for efficient video encoding and decoding of intra prediction mode. An apparatus includes a video encoder for encoding picture data for at least a block in a picture by determining a spatial pattern for a decoded intra prediction mode residue used to reconstruct the picture at the video encoder. The decoded intra prediction mode residue is obtained by inverse quantizing and inverse transforming a transformed and quantized difference between an original version of the block and at least one reference block. The spatial pattern is used to determine an intra prediction mode for encoding the block.
US09154797B2 Systems and methods for encoding and decoding
Systems and methods for encoding and decoding are disclosed. The systems and methods include multimedia decoder instantiation systems and multimedia processing engines which are capable of being upgraded or reconfigured to support a new or previously-unsupported compression format, without the need for platform-specific software or hardware upgrades.
US09154791B2 Low-resolution video coding content extraction from high resolution
A low complexity method for directly decoding low-resolution video frames from compressed high-resolution video content that were encoded using predictive coding toques, such as the H264 video coding standard, is disclosed. The decoding resolution is inversely proportional to the decoding complexity. Thus, a smaller decoding resolution yields higher computation and power savings. Low-frequency coefficients of 2 Dimensional transformed predictions are added to low-frequency coefficients of a transformed residual error. Low-frequency coefficients of the reconstructed data are then inversely transformed, having a smaller size transform. Further computational and power savings are obtained by reconstructing only those referenced pixels necessary for accurate decoding of proceeding Intra blocks.
US09154790B2 Methods for encoding/decoding of video using common merging candidate set of asymmetric partitions
The present invention provides video encoding and decoding methods using block merging, which can be applied to a high resolution video of more than HD (High Definition) resolution. A video encoding method includes partitioning a current block into a first and a second prediction unit by using asymmetric partitioning, constructing a list of common merging candidate blocks including a predetermined number of common merging candidate blocks selected from adjacent blocks of the current block, selecting at least one candidate block from among the list of common merging candidate blocks and sending information of the selected candidate block to a decoder for each of the first and the second prediction unit.
US09154788B2 Image coding method and image decoding method
An image coding method includes obtaining image format information, determining a subsampling method for a luminance signal, storing the subsampling method in a memory, obtaining the subsampling method from the memory, performing subsampling on a luminance signal of a surrounding pixel, calculating a parameter of the linear model using (i) the luminance signal that is subsampled and (ii) chrominance of the surrounding pixel, performing subsampling on the luminance signal of the current block to be coded, and calculating prediction chrominance of the current block to be coded using (i) the parameter of the linear model and (ii) the luminance signal that is subsampled.
US09154785B2 Sub-bitstream applicability to nested SEI messages in video coding
A device determines, based at least in part on a syntax element in a scalable nesting supplemental enhancement information (SEI) message encapsulated by an SEI Network Abstraction Layer (NAL) unit, whether a nested SEI message encapsulated by the scalable nesting SEI message is applicable to a default sub-bitstream. The default sub-bitstream is an operation point representation of an operation point defined by a layer identifier specified in a NAL unit header of the SEI NAL unit and a temporal identifier specified in the NAL unit header. When the nested SEI message is applicable to the default sub-bitstream, the device uses the nested SEI message in an operation on the default sub-bitstream.
US09154784B2 Apparatus for encoding and decoding image using adaptive DCT coefficient scanning based on pixel similarity and method therefor
The present invention discloses an encoding apparatus using a Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) scanning, which includes a mode selection means for selecting an optimal mode for intra prediction; an intra prediction means for performing intra prediction onto video inputted based on the mode selected in the mode selection means; a DCT and quantization means for performing DCT and quantization onto residual coefficients of a block outputted from the intra prediction means; and an entropy encoding means for performing entropy encoding onto DCT coefficients acquired from the DCT and quantization by using a scanning mode decided based on pixel similarity of the residual coefficients.
US09154771B2 Apparatus for capturing stereoscopic image
An apparatus for capturing a stereoscopic image maintains the image quality of partial image data by appropriately cutting out the partial image data from image data generated by an imaging unit. The apparatus includes imaging units which generate right-eye image data and left-eye image data having binocular parallax for making a viewer sense a stereoscopic image; an information storage unit which stores, when image center points of the right-eye and left-eye image data image data are origins, position information indicating positions of right and left correction points obtained by moving marks projected on the right-eye and left-eye image data by a differential vector, respectively; and a cutout control unit which, based on the position information, cuts out pieces of partial image data having the same size from the right-eye and left-eye image data.
US09154770B2 Three-dimensional imaging device, image processing device, image processing method, and program
A 3D image capture device includes: a light transmitting section 2 with m transmitting areas (where m is an integer and m≧2) that have different spectral transmittance characteristics; and an image sensor 1 which is arranged to receive light rays that have been transmitted through the m transmitting areas and in which unit elements are arranged. Each unit element includes n photosensitive cells (where n is an integer and n≧m) and n transmitting filters with mutually different spectral transmittance characteristics which are arranged so as to face the n photosensitive cells. The image capture device further includes an image processing section which modifies an n×m matrix that is defined by the respective spectral transmittance characteristics of the m transmitting areas and the n transmitting filters by changing the angle between at least two out of m column vectors of the n×m matrix and which generates multi-viewpoint images using the modified n×m matrix.
US09154767B2 Data broadcast display device, data broadcast display method, and data broadcast display program
A data broadcast display device guarantees stereoscopic perception by the user of a displayed 3D data broadcast image, while alleviating the discomfort a user experiences due to a delay in display. The data broadcast display device includes a reception unit that receives object data for generating the left-view and right-view objects, a display data generation unit that generates the left-view and right-view objects using the received object data while providing notification upon completion of the generation of each object, and a display control unit that determines, at predetermined time intervals, whether the notification has been received for both the left-view and right-view objects, includes both the left-view and right-view objects in a data broadcast image for display when determining affirmatively, and includes neither the left-view nor the right-view object in the data broadcast image for display when determining negatively.
US09154759B2 Apparatus and method for white balance compensation of pixel data
An image processing apparatus and an image processing method are provided. The image processing apparatus includes a sample unit, an amplifier, an analog to digital converter, and a white balance unit. The sample unit is for sampling a pixel to obtain a pixel voltage. The amplifier is for amplifying the pixel voltage according to an analog gain. The analog to digital converter is for converting the amplified pixel voltage into digital pixel data, the digital pixel data including a number of first sub-pixel data which are corresponding to different colors. The white balance unit is for obtaining a number of second of sub-pixel data from white balance compensating the first sub-pixel data. The first sub-pixel data are white balance compensated respectively according to the analog gain and a number of white balance gains which are corresponding to different sub-pixels.
US09154757B2 Imaging device
An imaging device is provided with a lens distortion correction function that requires less circuit scale and does not degrade image resolution.The imaging device having the lens distortion correction function is provided which includes a same-color interpolation unit that generates a lens distortion-corrected interpolation signal by using a same-color pixel in an image signal from an imaging element, a luminance signal generation unit that generates a luminance signal from the image signal from the imaging element, a first luminance signal generation unit and a second luminance signal generation unit that use the luminance signal generated by the luminance signal generation unit to generate a lens distortion-corrected interpolation signal, a lens distortion characteristics table data unit that holds information of coordinates after lens distortion characteristics correction in a memory, a coordinate/interpolation coefficient setting unit that individually generates interpolation coefficients for correcting lens distortion for each of the same-color interpolation unit, the first luminance interpolation unit, and the second luminance interpolation unit on the basis of information from the lens distortion characteristics table data unit, and a correction unit that outputs a lens distortion-corrected interpolation signal by correcting the signal from the same-color interpolation unit on the basis of a ratio between the interpolation signal generated by the first luminance interpolation unit and the interpolation signal generated by the second luminance interpolation unit.
US09154749B2 Power saving techniques for wireless delivery of video
Methods for removing redundancies in a video stream based on efficient pre-transmission detection of static portions of the video stream. In one embodiment supporting wireless transmission of a video stream having a series of video frames, a mathematical operation (such as a hash function, summing operation or CRC) is performed on (1) a (reconstructed) data block(s) of a video frame in order to generate a first check value and (2) a co-located data block(s) of a second, sequential video frame in order to generate a second check value. The first and second check values are compared to detect static video content in the video stream. When static video content in a video stream is detected, the static nature of the content is indicated in the compressed bit stream and the amount of wirelessly transmitted data corresponding to the static portions of the video stream may be reduced.
US09154745B2 Endscope apparatus and program
An endoscope apparatus includes an image acquisition section that acquires images in time series, a coefficient calculation section that calculates a correction coefficient for correcting blurring in a depth direction that is a direction along an optical axis of an imaging section, and a depth-direction blurring correction section that performs a depth-direction blurring correction process that corrects blurring in the depth direction on the images acquired in time series based on the correction coefficient.
US09154743B2 System and method for optical inspection of off-line industrial gas turbines and other power generation machinery while in turning gear mode
Internal components of gas and steam turbines are inspected with an optical camera inspection system that is capable of automatically and/or manually positioning the camera field of view (FOV) to an area of interest within the turbine along a pre-designated navigation path and capturing images with or without human intervention. Camera positioning and image capture can be initiated automatically or after receipt of operator permission. The inspection system includes an articulated multi-axis inspection scope with an optical camera that is inserted through a combustor nozzle access port, combustor and transition, so that the camera FOV captures the leading edge of Row 1 rotating turbine blades while the rotor is spinning at up to 1000 RPM. An illumination system strobe light and the camera image capture are synchronized with the blade rotation speed so that images of multiple or all blades may be obtained from a single inspection scope insertion point.
US09154740B2 System and method for real time video streaming from a mobile device or other sources through a server to a designated group and to enable responses from those recipients
A system and method for real time video streaming from a device through a website to a designated group for security, personal, entertainment or commercial applications and to enable responses from those recipients comprises a server operable to bi-directionally communicate with the device and other devices, which are operable to bi-directionally communicate with the server and a module on the server operable to receive notice of an upstream from the device and authenticate a log-in of the device, e.g., a user, transmit content of the upstream to the website, transmit the notice of the upstream to either Designated Recipient Groups or pre-determined recipients, display the content of the upstream on the website, in response to requests, enable placement of information such as advertising and publicity in the content, and enable responses to the content, such as communicating with the user, posting comments, conducting electronic commerce, making appointments and making reservations.
US09154736B1 Video conferencing with a mobile platform
Video conferencing for mobile platforms is provided by logging a first mobile platform into a conference server, which finds a first peer-to-peer station on a network to connect with the first mobile platform. The first peer-to-peer station is a nearest available peer-to-peer station on the network to the first mobile platform. The first peer-to-peer station on the network is connected to the first mobile platform. First communication data is received at the first peer-to-peer station directly from the first mobile platform. The first communication data is sent directly from the first peer-to-peer station to a second peer-to-peer station through a peer-to-peer connection in the network. The first communication data is sent directly from the second peer-to-peer station to a second mobile platform connected to the second peer-to-peer station. The second peer-to-peer station is a nearest available peer-to-peer station on the network to the second mobile platform.
US09154733B2 External roundtrip latency measurement for a communication system
An external capability for measuring roundtrip latency in a conferencing system is provided. The external capability for measuring roundtrip latency in a communication system may include functions of generating a content event, detecting the content event in a received content stream including the content event, determine a first time associated with generation of the content event and a second time associated with detection of the content event, and computing a roundtrip latency based on a difference between the second time and the first time. The content event may be a visual event or an aural event. These functions may be implemented using one or more modules or elements. A computing device may be used to generate and detect the content event and to compute the roundtrip latency. Various other arrangements of modules or elements may be used to provide the functions.
US09154722B1 Video playback with split-screen action bar functionality
A method for video playback includes displaying a video on a screen, detecting a split-screen request, pausing the video and displaying a split-screen including a static upper section, a static lower section and a middle section including at least one active icon. In an example embodiment, the middle section includes an action bar including a number of active icons providing actions such as playing a new video in a new window, hyperlinking to a website, interacting with social media, etc. In a further example embodiment, the display of the split-screen involves capturing a static image of a screen of the video that was paused and animating a split of the static image to display the action bar in the middle section of the split-screen.
US09154714B2 Solid-state image pickup device and control method thereof
An image sensor controls the gain of a pixel signal on a pixel-by-pixel basis and extends a dynamic range while maintaining a S/N ratio at a favorable level. A column unit in an image sensor is independently detects a level of each pixel signal and independently sets a gain for level of the signal. A photoelectric converting region unit has pixels arranged two-dimensionally with a vertical signal line for each pixel column to output each pixel signal. The column unit is on an output side of the vertical signal line. The column unit for each pixel column has a pixel signal level detecting circuit, a programmable gain control, a sample and hold (S/H) circuit. Gain correction is performed according to a result of a detected level of the pixel signal.
US09154713B2 Repartitioned digital pixel
An imaging system includes an array of pixel cells and a plurality of digital memory elements disposed physically separate from and coupled to the array of pixel cells. Each of the pixel cells includes a photodetector, an electrical storage device coupled to the photodetector, and quantization circuitry coupled to the electrical storage device. The photodetector is configured to generate a photo-current in response to light impinging thereon. The electrical storage device is configured to accumulate an electrical charge from the photo-current. The quantization circuitry is configured to convert the electrical charge into an analog quantization event signal. Each of the digital memory elements is in electrical communication with at least one of the pixel cells and is configured to store a digital value in response to receiving the analog quantization event signal from the at least one of the pixel cells.
US09154711B2 Infrared thermal imaging system and method
Systems and methods for configuring an infrared thermal imaging system using a video interface of an electronic device, such as a microcontroller, for example, for sending commands and control information. In one example a an infrared thermal imaging system includes a focal plane array (FPA) of infrared detectors, the FPA being configured to generate an output signal in response to infrared radiation impinging thereupon, read out integrated circuitry (ROIC) operatively coupled to the FPA, and a microcontroller having at least one video display interface operatively coupled to the ROIC, the microcontroller being configured to send data to the ROIC via the at least one video display interface, the data including command data.
US09154704B2 Radial FPA based electro-optic imager
A radial based approach to electro-optic imagers, rather than the conventional rectilinear approach, would have basic overall system design advantages. Those system design advantages would apply to the components and the entire system implementation and include approaches to objective optical design, focal plane array FPA with fill factor, FPA layout and associated read-out integrated circuit ROIC, support electronics architecture and associated memory requirements, image processing IP algorithms, display layout and format, and eyepiece optics. A radial based approach to EO imagers would yield a device/system with attributes requiring less complicated optical components, with potentially fewer elements, for both the objective and eyepiece lenses. In addition, alternative objective optics could be more easily employed, such as holographic or wave front coded, due to reduced complexity of implementing correction algorithms as a result of referencing the system around its optical axis. The radial readout EO system would have pixel ‘one’ at the center and be ‘read out and displayed’ like the rings of a tree rather than words on a page.
US09154688B2 Solid-state image capture element, image capture device, and focus control method
A solid-state image capture element includes a pixel, which receives light of one of a pair of light beams which pass through iris regions of different locations on a photographic lens, and a pixel which receives light of the other, in a pair of said pixels. The pair of pixels are positioned shifted from one another in a direction which intersects the x-axis which is the phase difference direction. The pair includes a plurality of first pairs and second pairs which respectively have mutually inverse location relations with respect to the pixels and the pixels therein. The first pair and the second pair are alternately positioned in either the phase difference detection direction or the direction which is orthogonal thereto.
US09154686B2 Close focus with GPU
Disclosed are systems and methods for focusing a digital camera to capture a scene. It is first detected that a change in a scene requires the digital camera to be focused or refocused. The camera focus is automatically scanned from a closest settable distance to farther distances until a first closest object in the scene is detected. Once the first closest object in the scene is detected, the camera focus is set at the distance of the first closest object and a finer scan is executed. In an embodiment, a dynamic movement threshold is calculated and used to determine that the change in scene requires the digital camera to be focused or refocused.
US09154671B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
An image processor includes a first acquirer that acquires a matching tap having a target pixel at the center, a second acquirer that acquires plural matching taps each having, at the center, one of pixels in a search area including the pixels surrounding the target pixel, a similarity identifier that identifies, among the matching taps acquired by the second acquirer, a similarity maximizing pixel representing a central pixel of the matching tap having the highest similarity to the matching tap acquired by the first acquirer, and a mixing controller that computes a pixel value of the target pixel by mixing a pixel value obtained by performing a predetermined arithmetic process on pixel values of a prediction tap having the target pixel at the center with a pixel value obtained by performing a predetermined arithmetic process on pixel values of a prediction tap having the similarity maximizing pixel at the center.
US09154665B2 Image processing apparatus and control method thereof
An image processing apparatus reads an image out of a frame buffer by vertically flipping the image, writes the image into an output line buffer by horizontally flipping the image, divides each line, and simultaneously outputs the resulting line segments. Methods for vertical flipping, horizontal flipping, and simultaneous output are changed according to the output settings.
US09154664B2 Receiver image processing apparatus, capable of post-processing, and control method and storage medium therefor
A receiver image processing apparatus capable of easily performing post-processing in line with a print setting. The receiver image processing apparatus includes a printing unit able to print image data on a plurality of types of sheets of different sizes. When an incoming call arrives from a sender image processing apparatus, a determination unit of the apparatus determines whether a setting to perform post-processing on sheets by a post-processing unit has been made by a setting unit. If it is determined that the setting to perform post-processing has been made, a notification unit of the receiver image processing apparatus notifies size information representing a sheet size belonging to a predetermined series, as ability information of the apparatus, to the sender image processing apparatus.
US09154660B2 Image processing apparatus, log management method
An image processing apparatus includes a storage control portion, a setting control portion, and a deletion control portion. The storage control portion stores logs of jobs executed by the image processing apparatus into a storage portion. The setting control portion sets an importance level of each of the logs based on a plurality of target items and weight conditions, wherein the plurality of target items are set in advance with regard to the image processing apparatus, the jobs, or the logs, and the weight conditions are set in advance respectively in correspondence with the target items. The deletion control portion determines an order of automatic deletion of the logs stored in the storage portion, based on the importance level set by the setting control portion.
US09154659B2 Image forming apparatus
In an image forming apparatus, in order to make an engine CPU perform first processing after output of a return request, a main CPU sets a level of a signal line, through which the return request is output, at a first level. In order to make the engine CPU perform second processing, the main CPU sets the level of the signal line at a second level. The engine CPU determines on the basis of the level of the signal line after the output of the return request which processing is to perform, the first processing or the second processing.
US09154657B2 Duplex scanning apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same
A duplex scanning apparatus includes a scan case including a platen glass, a first scanning module disposed inside the scan case, a scanning module moving unit that is disposed inside the scan case perpendicular to the first scanning module and guides a movement of the first scanning module, and an automatic document feeding apparatus disposed on a top side of the scan case to cover the platen glass including a feeding frame in which a document moving route is formed, a scanning module opening formed on an upper side of the document moving route in the feeding frame, a second scanning module disposed in the scanning module opening, and a scanning module adjusting unit formed to rotate the second scanning module by a predetermined angle based on a point of the feeding frame with respect to the scanning module opening.
US09154649B2 Data reader and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A data reader includes a memory board provided to a removable member and a reading member including a reading terminal. The memory board includes a positioning opening, a ground terminal provided to the positioning opening, and a contact terminal. The reading member includes an engagement projection that fits in the positioning opening and is disposed adjacent and parallel to the reading terminal. The engagement projection includes a uniform diameter portion, a tapered portion extending from the uniform diameter portion, and an apparatus-side ground terminal to contact the ground terminal of the memory board when the engagement projection fits in the positioning opening. The apparatus-side ground terminal includes a portion projecting laterally from the uniform diameter portion from an end of the uniform diameter portion toward a reading member base and an extended portion at the end of the uniform diameter portion, covered with the tapered portion.
US09154648B2 Portable hand-held device having quad core image processor
A portable hand-held device is provided having an image sensor for capturing images, and a processor chip for image processing the images captured by the image sensor. The processor chip has an on-chip interface for receiving the captured images and four interconnected processing units configured to process the received images.
US09154643B2 Image forming apparatus and image processing method
According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus which communicates with a first terminal device includes a first display unit which displays display data, a storage unit which stores first ability information relating to a display ability of the first display unit, an operation panel management unit which is provided at the first terminal device, obtains second ability information relating to a display ability of a second display unit which displays display data, and compares the obtained second ability information to the first ability information which is stored in the storage unit; and a control unit which determines whether to display display data as a display target on the first display unit, or on the second display unit.
US09154640B2 Methods and systems for mass link analysis using rule engines
A substantially real-time graph-based rule engine that analyzes connectivities, both direct and indirect relationships, between entities stored in a database as the database is updated (e.g., with CDR or financial transaction data). The rule engine uses pre-defined rules to detect events (i.e., the database updates) that influence the relationship between entities in the database. When the database is updated with events (e.g., CDRs), the real-time rule engine compares the update to any relevant rules. If the real-time based rule engine finds a match between a rule and an update to the database, then the rule engine generates a notification, such as an alert. The alerts may be used to provide notification of, e.g, fraudulent activities.
US09154633B2 Data communication
A telephony user device capable of establishing a communications session for communication of data with respect to at least one other device in a data communications network, the telephony user device being adapted to provide a reconfigurable graphical user interface, establish a telephone call with a service provider, establish a separate communications session, separate from the telephone call, for the transfer of data to/from the at least one other device, on the basis of one or more call party details associated with the telephone call, and reconfigure at least a first part of the graphical user interface according to configuration data determined by the service provider and received in the separate communication session.
US09154629B2 System and method for generating personalized tag recommendations for tagging audio content
Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for generating personalized tag recommendations using speech analytics. The system first analyzes an audio stream to identify topics in the audio stream. Next, the system identifies tags related to the topics to yield identified tags. Based on the identified tags, the system then generates a tag recommendation for tagging the audio stream. The system can also send the tag recommendation to a device associated with a user for presentation to the user.
US09154627B2 Activities assignment optimization for multi-skill contact center
A system and method for setting agent cross skill enablement levels in a contact center. In one embodiment, a series of simulations is performed to determine optimum cross skill enablement levels for various circumstances, e.g., the number of agents, the proficiency of each agent at each of a number of skills, and the rates of incoming interaction requests requiring each of various skills. A lookup table is created which is subsequently used, during configuration of the contact center prior to operation, or in real time during operation, to adjust agent cross skill enablement levels.
US09154623B1 Using a speech analytics system to control recording contact center calls in various contexts
An architecture and process flow for a system that processes event notifications from a speech analytics system for the purpose of controlling the recording of calls in a contact center for various contexts. Based on the regulatory context of the call, call recording may require requesting and receiving consent from the remote party to record the call. A speech analytics system operating in conjunction with an event handler module and a call recording application specific module can facilitate automatically recording the call and minimize agent intervention. The application specific module may provide icons and text on the agent's display to remind or inform the agent of the context and various conditions. The application specific module may also control various recording equipment.
US09154622B2 Visual interactive voice response
An interactive voice response system receives an initial communication initiated by a remote requesting party and addressed to a numbered communications address. Based upon receipt at the interactive voice response system of the initial communication, visual data to provide to the remote requesting party as part of an integrated interactive script is determined. The visual data is provided to the remote requesting party as part of the integrated interactive script. Depending upon a preference of the remote requesting party, individual elements of the interactive script are sent to the remote requesting party iteratively based upon interaction between the remote requesting party and the interactive voice response system, or multiple individual elements of the interactive script are sent together to the remote requesting party, and individually presented to the remote requesting party based upon interaction between the remote requesting party and the interactive voice response system.
US09154614B1 Calling party number selection for outbound calls
A call center maintains various pools of telephone numbers, where each telephone number pool comprises a plurality of telephone numbers in a geographic area. A call originating to a called number uses a calling telephone number that is selected from one of a plurality of telephone number pools based on the area designated by the called number. An index value is used to select the telephone number from the selected telephone number pool. The selected telephone number is used to as a calling telephone number when originating a call to the called party.
US09154611B1 Functional test automation for gesture-based mobile applications
A method for cloud-based functional testing of a mobile application includes running a functional test program on a server. The functional test program provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows a user to select a mobile application and a mobile computing device having a touch-sensitive display screen for receiving user input. The mobile computing device is located remote to the server. The functional test program launches the mobile application on the mobile computing device via a wireless network connection. The server receives precision elements of each gesture-based input on the touch-sensitive display screen, the precision elements being captured and transmitted from the mobile computing device to the server during execution of the mobile application. The precision elements of each gesture-based input are then recorded in a test clip.
US09154602B2 System for data card emulation
An improved system for data card emulation involves a phone that can emulate any one of multiple data cards corresponding to multiple entities. The phone includes a memory for storing bar code information corresponding to data cards of the multiple entities. It provides an interface for identifying an entity and a display for displaying a bar code corresponding to a data card of the entity. The interface may include at least one of a bar code reader or a bar code emulator. The interface may include at least one of a magnetic stripe reader or a magnetic stripe emulator. The interface may be a transceiver such as a pulsed light transceiver.
US09154601B2 Intelligent user interfaces for multiple SIM cards
Various user interfaces and other technologies for interacting with devices that support multiple SIM cards can be implemented. For example, SIM-separated and SIM-aggregated user interface paradigms can be supported. Intelligent selection of an appropriate paradigm can support user preferences, conversation user interfaces, and the like. Other features such as SIM card defaults can help users deal with multiple SIM card scenarios. A consistent, compact user interface for switching SIM cards can be supported. Users can interact with their devices more efficiently and with less frustration. A wide variety of use scenarios are supported.
US09154597B2 No call list deterrent
Novel tools and techniques for deterring unsolicited calls are described for deterring unsolicited telephone calls that include a service provider searching and determining that the originating telephone number is in a no-call list, and based on this determination, prohibiting the call from terminating (i.e., connecting with the destination telephone number). Penalties may also be imposed against callers (e.g., solicitors) for no-call violations.
US09154594B2 High numerical aperture telemicroscopy apparatus
An imaging system consisting of a cell-phone with camera as the detection part of an optical train which includes other components. Optionally, an illumination system to create controlled contrast in the sample. Uses include but are not limited to disease diagnosis, symptom analysis, and post-procedure monitoring, and other applications to humans, animals, and plants.
US09154578B2 Display device with scaling of selected object images
In a communication terminal device, in a case where the arrangement of the windows is changed in a list screen, an overhead screen is initially displayed, in which the list screen is overviewed, and the arrangement of the windows is subsequently changed in the overhead screen, and a magnified screen (original screen) of the overhead screen, in which the arrangement of the windows has been changed, is displayed last, as described in the foregoing. By displaying a magnified image, it is possible to make windows better visible in a small display area of a mobile phone. Also, in a case where a window exists that cannot be displayed in a magnified screen, by displaying an overhead screen, it becomes possible for a user to recognize a fact that a window that cannot be displayed exists in a magnified screen, and also recognize a position of the window.
US09154577B2 Sychronization of configuration file of virtual application distribution chassis
Synchronization of configuration files of a virtual application distribution chassis, includes: processing a configuration command received by a master blade; updating a first configuration file with the configuration command and an updated tag by the master blade; sending a configuration message by the master blade to the slave blades informing of the updated configuration file, the configuration message comprising the updated tag; in response to receiving the configuration message by a given slave blade of the one or more slave blades, comparing the updated tag in the configuration message with a tag in a second configuration file stored at the given slave blade; and in response to determining that the updated tag in the configuration message is more recent than the tag in the second configuration file stored at the given slave blade, sending a request for the updated configuration file to the master blade by the given slave blade.
US09154567B2 Method and system for processing published content on the internet
Disclosed is a method for processing content published on-line so as to identify each item in a unique manner. In some implementations, an RSS feed is received from a publisher and a unique identifier is identified for each item in the feed. Each item then has third party content or advertisements associated with the item based on the unique identifier. The feed is then stored and, when appropriate, updated. The augmented feed, which contains the third party content and the items in the feed, is provided to user devices.
US09154565B2 Methods and apparatus to monitor online activity
An example method to monitor online activity involves comparing first uniform resource locators collected from a first client device of a known panelist with second uniform resource locators collected from second client devices associated with different users; and determining which of the second uniform resource locators correspond to online activity of the known panelist based on ones of the first uniform resource locators matching at least portions of ones of the second uniform resource locators.
US09154560B2 Method and system for building annotation layers based on location aware user context information
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system and method for determining annotations for a map. Location information for mobile devices and contextual information associated with users of mobile devices may be utilized to determine such annotations.
US09154559B1 Methods and apparatus for sharing personal sensor data
A method and apparatus for sharing data regarding conditions sensed at one or more user-selected locations with others over the Internet generally or over Internet-accessed social networking systems using sensors located at user-selected locations and servers which are connected respectively to the Internet for communication with client devices or with social networking systems.
US09154557B2 Automatic proxy registration and discovery in a multi-proxy communication system
One embodiment comprises an apparatus for automatic proxy registration and discovery in a multi-proxy communication system. The apparatus executes a proxy server that is configured to provide optimized connections to remote proxy servers that are communicatively connected to the proxy server over a Wide Area Network (WAN). A file server, which is communicatively connected to the proxy server over a Local Area Network (LAN), is automatically discovered. An association record corresponding to the file server is created, where the association record identifies the file server and the proxy server and indicates that the proxy server is configured to provide the remote proxy servers with optimized connections to the file server. The association record is registered with a centralized database server, where the remote proxy servers are communicatively connected to the centralized database server over the WAN.
US09154551B1 Processing DNS queries to identify pre-processing information
Systems and methods for processing a DNS query to identify and implement pre-processing information by a DNS server component in anticipation of a corresponding content request from a client computing device are provided. The pre-processing information can correspond to identification of content to be preloaded or other actions to be implemented by one or more computing devices in association with an anticipated client content request. Based on identification of the content or future actions, a DNS server component can provide the pre-processing information to one or more computing devices, such as computing devices of a CDN service provider and/or an original content provider, in advance of a corresponding request for content from the client computing device in order to improve performance associated with responding to the client request.
US09154540B2 Smart redirection and loop detection mechanism for live upgrade large-scale web clusters
Handling requests for resources of a web based service. A method includes receiving a request from an external client for a resource. The method further includes determining that the resource is not available in a first version of a web based service. The method further includes providing routing information to a second version of the web based service. The routing information is readable by the second version of the web based service to allow the second version of the web based service to handle the request as a request from the first version and not simply a brand new request from the external client.
US09154535B1 Content delivery system with customizable content
An Internet content delivery system provides information to a number of different users. The system attempts to provide the same information to many different users while also providing the illusion to each of the users that they were receiving the content individually. The system attempts to minimize individualized bandwidth allocation by sending the same information to multiple different users while taking into account individualization requests of the multiple different users. An Internet or a playlist creator is also defined which allows a number of different items to be presented at different times depending on the playlist setting of the playlist.
US09154534B1 Multiple media device infrastructure
Described herein are systems and methods for automatically discovering services available between two or more media devices. These services may be configured to provide content for presentation, present content, and so forth. Once discovered, connections may be established between the media devices. These connections may be used to control or deliver content using the services. The discovery, establishment of the connections, or both may occur automatically without user intervention.
US09154533B2 Intelligent prefetching of recommended-media content
In various embodiments, methods and systems for prefetching recommended-media content based on a prefetch setting of a media platform are provided. A recommended-media record of recommended-media content is received. The recommended-media record is generated based on recommendation metrics of a recommendation profile. The recommended-media record is associated with a media platform. The media platform determines based on a prefetch setting for the media platform how to automatically download the recommended-media content associated with the recommended-media record to the media platform, where a default prefetch setting results in automatically downloading the recommended-media content to the media platform and a customized prefetch setting results in automatically downloading the recommended-media content based on the customized prefetch setting. Upon determining how to download the recommended-media content, the recommended-media content is downloaded based on the prefetch setting of the media platform.
US09154531B2 Systems and methods for enhanced conference session interaction
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for enhancing presenter and participant interaction in a presentation. A system configured to practice the method can receive, from a viewer of an electronic presentation, a submission of a question and a selection of a communication mode for the question. The system can identify a portion of the presentation to which the question is directed, and update the portion of the electronic presentation to incorporate the question based on the communication mode. The electronic presentation can be a slide show, such as a PowerPoint™ presentation. The system can optionally notify a presenter in the electronic presentation that the portion has been updated.
US09154529B2 System to deploy a disaster-proof geographically-distributed call center
A redundant Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) call center system has two data centers each having a first and a second SIP server cooperating as a first SIP-server high availability (HA) pair, a set of SW applications executable at each data center, and a plurality of agent stations each comprising a SIP telephone and a computerized appliance executing a desktop application at each agent station. The HA pairs operate as SIP server peers, the agent SIP phones are configured to maintain simultaneous registration with both SIP server peers, and Agent Desktop applications log in to only one SIP server peer, wherein the SIP Server peers collaborate to deliver calls to individual agent SIP phones via the SIP server peer where the agent is logged in, and wherein, upon failure of either data center agent's desktop applications log in to the other data center, allowing the associated agent to continue working.
US09154527B2 Security key creation
A device may obtain calling security parameters, may communicate the calling security parameters to a network device, and may receive, from the network device, a calling parameters identifier associated with the calling security parameters. The device may communicate the calling parameters identifier to a called device, may receive a called parameters identifier from the called device, and may communicate the called parameters identifier to the network device. The device may receive called security parameters from the network device, may create a security key based on the calling security parameters and the called security parameters, and may communicate with the called device using the security key.
US09154524B2 System and method for exchanging cryptographic protocol capabilities
In some data communication configurations, data received from a sender may need to be viewed or otherwise processed by more than one entity with a corresponding client. For example, a message sent to a corporate email address may be viewed by either or both a mobile device and a desktop device. For the sender to utilize the strongest algorithm or protocol used by the recipient, it would therefore need to know which algorithms or protocols are supported by both the mobile and desktop mail clients. A system and method are provided to enable the mobile device to know about the capabilities of related mail clients associated with the communication address (e.g. email address) and vice versa such that the intersection of the capabilities (i.e. the strongest algorithm or protocol supported by all parties involved) can be chosen and the messages or data cryptographically processed accordingly.
US09154521B2 Anomalous activity detection
The disclosure addresses the detection of anomalous activity. Some embodiments are directed towards a system for receiving an indication relating to a plurality of controls, identification information associated with a responsible account, and instructions from a responsible account associated with the monitoring of thresholds of controls being monitored. The plurality of user account may be organized into groups based upon information relating to the user accounts, and instructions may be applied to the groups to create a dynamic security policy.
US09154516B1 Detecting risky network communications based on evaluation using normal and abnormal behavior profiles
A technique detects riskiness of a communication in a network based on behavior profiling. The technique involves generating a network history baseline (e.g., normal and abnormal behavior profiles) from prior network communications occurring in the network. The technique further involves, for a new network communication, assigning the new network communication a risk score based on a comparison of the new network communication to the network history baseline. The risk score is a numerical measure of behavioral normalcy relative to the prior network communications occurring in the network. The technique further involves providing an output signal having a first value when the risk score is above a predefined risk threshold to indicate that the communication is risky, and a second value which is different than the first value when the risk score is below the predefined risk threshold to indicate that the communication is not risky.
US09154507B2 Automated role and entitlements mining using network observations
A role and entitlements mining system uses network intelligence to facilitate role definition. The system records traffic on a network. The traffic is analyzed to identify the user and application involved. The matched data is then provided to an analytics engine, which analyzes that data to attempt to derive an initial set of one or more roles and the application entitlements for each role. Each role derived by the analytics engine identifies one or more users who are identified as belonging to the role, as well as one or more application entitlements. Preferably, one or more directory services are then interrogated for known group and user relationships to detect whether the roles identified by the analytics engine can be modified or enriched. Evaluation of the known group and user relationships provides a way to identify a more granular set of role definitions. A role-based access control policy is then generated.
US09154497B1 Maintaining accountability of a shared password among multiple users
A network server verifies a requesting user's permission to use a password to access a shared account hosted on a network server. The requesting user may be the person to whom the password was assigned, or in some cases, permission to use the password may have been granted to the requesting user by the person to whom the password is assigned. Provided the requesting user has permission to use the password, the system authenticates the requesting user for access to the shared account, and maintains accountability of the password.
US09154496B2 Proactivation methods and apparatus for password-hardening systems
A password-hardening system comprises at least first and second servers. The first server is configured to store a plurality of sets of passwords for respective users with each such set comprising at least one valid password for the corresponding user and a plurality of chaff passwords for that user. The second server is configured to store at least a portion of valid password indication information indicating for each of the sets which of the passwords in that set is a valid password. The first and second servers are further configured to proactively update the sets of passwords and the valid password indication information in each of a plurality of epochs. The valid password indication information may comprise, for example, valid password index values for respective ones of the users, with the index values being stored as a shared secret across the first and second servers.
US09154486B1 Securing luggage
A lockable piece of luggage that may be unlocked with user credentials from a client device is disclosed.
US09154485B1 Authentication revalidation
A WebSocket connection is established. The WebSocket connection was established with a requester of the connection. The authentication of the requester is configured to expire. A request to revalidate the authentication is provided. An update of the authentication is received. The update of the authentication is received without disconnecting the WebSocket connection.
US09154483B1 Secure device configuration
Described herein are systems and methods for secure configuration provisioning of network credentials to configure a device to join one or more networks. One implementation provides for distribution of network credentials to associated devices without user intervention while maintaining security and avoiding distribution of the network credentials to external devices, such as a third-party server. Devices may be associated by purchase from a common merchant, registration to a common account, and so forth.
US09154476B2 Attaching a sensor to a WSAN
Methods and arrangements in a WSAN Gateway (15), a WSAN Manager (16) and a WSAN sensor for attaching an additional sensor (39) to a WSAN (12) comprising at least one existing WSAN sensor (33). The additional sensor emits an indication of its private identity after insertion in the WSAN, and the indication is received by the existing sensors in the WSAN and forwarded to the WSAN Gateway, after an eligibility check. Thereafter, the WSAN Gateway sends an authentication request to the WSAN Manager, which computes an authentication vector and transmits to the WSAN Gateway for the authentication of the new sensor.
US09154473B1 Electronic communications management system and method
A system and methods that prioritize email based on the use of cryptographic signatures are described. The system can allow email to be received without blocking a subset of the email. When email is received, the system can determine whether the email is received from an approved user who has exchanged public keys with the email recipient and determines whether the email includes one or more cryptographic signatures. Emails with signatures that are successfully verified can be identified as having a higher priority level than emails without the cryptographic signatures. The emails with the higher priority level can be presented to the recipient in a priority inbox. Emails without the signatures can be placed in a different folder, which is not presented to the user by default, but can be presented to the user in response to a request from the user.
US09154471B2 Method and apparatus for unified encrypted messaging
A unified encrypted messaging system transmits messages from a first computer to a second computer by dividing the encrypted message into a plurality of encrypted message fragments. A first portion of the plurality of encrypted message fragments is transmitted via a first protocol and a second portion of the plurality of encrypted message fragments is sent via a second protocol. The first portion may be sent via a first device and the second portion may be sent via a second device where the first device is different from the second device. The dividing the encrypted message may include adding a message identifier and fragment identifier to each of the plurality of encrypted message fragments to facilitate reassembly of the encrypted message upon receipt.
US09154470B2 System and method for processing transactions
Embodiments of the invention include methods, systems, and computer-readable media for processing transactions involving sensitive information, such as a credit card number. Embodiments include a first server authenticating a second server based on a security token and determining whether the security token is expired. Based on the results, the first server may request a transaction token associated with sensitive information. The first server may encrypt the transaction token using a public key of the second server. The first server may send the encrypted transaction token as a parameter to a URL, wherein the URL is configured to cause a browser on a client to send, to the second server, a request for the page and the encrypted transaction token.
US09154469B2 System and method of protecting data on a communication device
A system and method of protecting data on a communication device are provided. Data received when the communication device is in a first operational state is encrypted using a first cryptographic key and algorithm. When the communication device is in a second operational state, received data is encrypted using a second cryptographic key and algorithm. Received data is stored on the communication device in encrypted form.
US09154466B2 Systems and methods for introducing variation in sub-system output signals to prevent device fingerprinting
A computer-implemented method for introducing variation in sub-system output signals to prevent device fingerprinting may include (1) intercepting, on a computing device, an output signal sent from a sub-system device on a computing device to a software component on the computing device, (2) identifying a margin of error for the output signal, (3), creating a modified output signal by introducing variation into the output signal in such a way that (a) the variation does not exceed the margin of error for the output signal and (b) the modified output signal cannot be used to identify the computing device, and (4) sending the modified output signal to the software component. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US09154463B2 Autodiscovery for virtual networks
The present invention facilitates automatic discovery of VPN-related information, which relates to the existence or association of VPNs as supported by provider edge devices in a core network. In particular, the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is used to facilitate the automatic discovery, and the provider edge devices are capable of subsequently and automatically triggering Label Distribution Protocol (LDP) processes to facilitate signaling over LDP sessions within the core network.
US09154458B2 Systems and methods for implementing moving target technology in legacy hardware
Systems (1900) and methods (2300, 2400) for use in a network node (1901-1903). The methods involve: receiving a Data Communication (“DC”) from Data Link Layer Software (“DLLS”); identifying an IDentity Parameter (“IDP”) contained in DC which comprises a False Value (“FV”) specifying false information about the node or DC; obtaining a True Value (“TV”) specifying true information about the node or DC; replacing the FV with the TV to generate a modified DC; and forwarding the modified DC to Network Layer Software (“NLS”). The methods also involve: receiving a Data Unit (“DU”) from NLS comprising a Transport Layer Header (“TLH”) and a Network Layer Header (“NLH”) including TVs specifying true information about the node or FDU; obtaining a FV which specifies false information about the node or FDU; replacing a TV of DU with the FV so as to form a Modified Data Unit (“MDU”); and forwarding MDU to DLLS.
US09154452B2 Methods and apparatuses for adapting buffer capacity at routers
In a method for dynamic buffer adjustment at a line card of router, a current buffer occupancy at the line card is compared with at least a first buffer occupancy threshold, the first buffer occupancy threshold being calculated based on a buffer occupancy threshold parameter and a capacity of at least a first buffer memory at the line card; and an active buffer capacity is adjusted by at least one of activating and deactivating buffer memory blocks at the line card based on the comparing step, the activating including switching on the buffer memory blocks, and the deactivating including causing the buffer memory blocks to enter a sleep state.
US09154448B2 Apparatus and method for switching connection to a communication network
An apparatus includes first and second processors, a common memory, and a switch. The first processor executes an operating system, connects to a communication network and communicates with the communication network. The second processor operates independently of the operating system, connects to the communication network, and communicates with the communication network. The second processor writes, in the common memory, communication setting information being used by the second processor when the switch switches the connection destination from the second processor to the first processor. The first processor acquires the communication setting information, and sets the acquired communication setting information to the first processor. The switch switches the connection destination of the communication network from the second processor to the first processor after the communication setting information has been set to the first processor.
US09154440B2 System and method for identifying multiple paths between network nodes
Aspects of the invention pertain to transmitting packet data across a computer network. The packets may be sent via one or more distinct routes from a source to a destination. Each route may employ multiple routers disposed along the network. Non-colliding routes are determined by transmitting pairs of probe packets along the routes. A first probe packet has a maximal length, and a second probe packet has a minimal length. Depending on the order of arrival of the probe packets, the system determines whether two transport layer ports at the destination device collide. If there is a collision, then the system searches for a set of non-colliding ports. Once the non-colliding ports are determined, application data may be sent as packets along the different routes to those ports.
US09154437B2 Dynamic reshuffling of traffic management scheduler hierarchy
There is provided a network device comprising a physical queue management processor configured to manage attributes of physical queues of data packets. The network device further comprises a scheduling processor which is configured to manage scheduling nodes that establish a scheduling hierarchy among the physical queues in a network, utilizing a bi-directional mapping of the physical queues to logical queues. The network device further comprises a traffic management processor which is configured to modify the bi-directional mapping mentioned above.
US09154435B2 Automatically adjusting bandwidth allocated between different zones in proportion to summation of individual bandwidth caps of users in each of the zones where a first-level zone includes second-level zones not entitled to any guaranteed bandwidth rate
A bandwidth management system includes a plurality of queues respectively corresponding to a plurality of zones. An enqueuing module receives network traffic from one or more incoming network interfaces, determines a belonging zone to which the network traffic belongs, and enqueues the network traffic on a queue corresponding to the belonging zone. A dequeuing module selectively dequeues data from the queues and passes the data to one or more outgoing network interfaces. When dequeuing data from the queues the dequeuing module dequeues an amount of data from a selected queue, and the amount of data dequeued from the selected queue is determined according to user load of a zone to which the selected queue corresponds.
US09154431B2 System and method for managing bitrate on networks
A method and system for managing bitrate of network traffic are provided. The method for managing bitrate of network traffic includes: receiving a packet; retrieving metadata from the packet and associating the packet with at least one traffic aggregate; determining a drop rate for the at least one traffic aggregate based on network flow data; and determining, based on the drop rate and the metadata, to forward or drop the packet. The system includes a packet processing module configured to receive a packet; a deep packet inspection module configured to retrieve metadata from the packet and associate at least on traffic aggregate with the packet; a control module configured to determine a drop rate for the at least one traffic aggregate based on network flow data; and a policy decision module configure to determine whether to forward or drop the packet based on the drop rate and the metadata of the packet.
US09154430B2 Buffer relay management within single user, multiple user, multiple access, and/or MIMO wireless communications
A relay wireless communication device is implemented to perform buffer management and coordination with a source wireless communication device. A relay wireless communication device (generally, a relay) informs a source wireless communication device (source) of the status of memory therein to store messages intended for a destination wireless communication device (destination). For example, the source transmits information to the relay, which buffers information before forwarding it on to the destination. This buffering may be a function of the source having additional information intended for the relay and/or destination. The relay performs appropriate signaling, such as suspend transmission requests and resume transmission requests, to inform other devices in the system of its memory storage status (e.g., such as when having an actual or anticipated overflow). In one implementation, a suspend transmission request may be implemented by setting a particular bit within a communication from the relay to the source.
US09154425B2 Method and apparatus for routing in a single tier switched network
A method and apparatus for more efficient routing of packets in a network is provided. The apparatus may include dynamic routing of packets or portions of packets which avoids congestion and blocking by making local decisions within the network. The apparatus may further include creating and updating routing tables which map switch outputs to available network output ports. Additionally the header of packets entering the network are processed prior to entry or as part of the entry to the network to produce a processed packet. The processed packets or portions of packets preferably include complete route information or a final destination address that enables rapid routing through the network without further processing of the packet header. One or more aspects of the inventions may be implemented in combination with other aspects of the invention to further improve network efficiency.
US09154421B2 Network based data traffic detection and control
A network-based apparatus for imposing a minimum transmit latency on data packets of a prescribed data type on a network includes at least one processor. The processor is operative: (i) to receive a data packet of the prescribed data type; (ii) to determine an elapsed time since an arrival of the received data packet at the apparatus; (iii) when the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the minimum transmit latency, to transmit the data packet; and (iv) when the elapsed time is less than the minimum transmit latency, to wait an amount of time at least equal to a difference between the elapsed time and the minimum transmit latency and then to transmit the data packet. The apparatus further includes memory coupled to the processor, the memory being configurable for storing data utilized by the processor.
US09154416B2 Overlay tunnel in a fabric switch
One embodiment of the present invention provides a switch. The switch includes a tunnel management module, a packet processor, and a forwarding module. The tunnel management module operates the switch as a tunnel gateway capable of terminating an overlay tunnel. During operation, the packet processor, which is coupled to the tunnel management module, identifies in a data packet a virtual Internet Protocol (IP) address associated with a virtual tunnel gateway. This virtual tunnel gateway is associated with the switch and the data packet is associated with the overlay tunnel. The forwarding module determines an output port for an inner packet in the data packet based on a destination address of the inner packet.
US09154411B2 Pseudowire status maintenance for static pseudowires
In one embodiment, a method includes generating an aggregated pseudowire status message at a first network device in a Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network, transmitting the aggregated pseudowire status message to a second network device on a Label Switched Path (LSP) extending between the first and second network devices in the MPLS network, and establishing at the first network device, an aggregated pseudowire status session with the second network device upon receiving a response to the aggregated pseudowire status message on the LSP. The aggregated pseudowire status message configured to verify a current status of pseudowires on the LSP. An apparatus is also disclosed.
US09154409B2 Method for debugging private VLAN
A method, apparatus and computer program product for debugging private Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) is provided. In a Connectivity Fault Management (CFM) domain wherein a primary Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) includes promiscuous ports and wherein a secondary VLAN includes isolated ports, a determination is made at a first network device whether a CFM packet is received on a primary VLAN or a secondary VLAN. When the CFM packet is received on a secondary VLAN, then the CFM packet is responses to on the primary VLAN.
US09154400B2 Dynamically updating routing information while avoiding deadlocks and preserving packet order after a configuration change
A system for allowing dynamic changing of routing information of a network interconnect while avoiding deadlocks and preserving packet ordering. A network resiliency system detects when an error in the network interconnect occurs and dynamically generates new routing information for the routers that factors in the detected error. The network resiliency system then generates new routing information that factors in the failure. The network resiliency system then directs the network interconnect to enter a quiescent state in which no packets are transiting through the network interconnect. After the network interconnect enters the quiescent state, the network resiliency system directs the loading of the new routing information into the routing tables of the network interconnect and then directs the network interconnect to start injecting request packets into the network interconnect.
US09154394B2 Dynamic latency-based rerouting
A switch creates and dynamically updates a latency map of a network to adjust routing of flows. Further, the network is monitored to detect latency issues and trigger a dynamic adjustment of routing based on the latency map. In this manner, a flow can be routed along a route (i.e., a faster route) that provides less latency than other available routes. The latency map can be generated based on latency probe packets that are issued from and returned to the source switch. By evaluating many such latent probe packets that have traveled along many available routes (e.g., corresponding to various ports of the switch), the switch or associated administrative logic can dynamically adjust the latency map to updated latency information of available routes. Therefore, responsive to a trigger, the source switch can dynamically adjust the routing of a flow based on latency issues discerned from the network.
US09154393B2 Order feed message stream integrity
Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media are provided for improving order feed message stream integrity. Certain embodiments provide a method including sending, by a computing device, a first data message; sending a first stop message; clearing a message stream state; and sending a second data message. The first data message includes data related to an order for a tradeable object, a first sequence number with a value of a predefined initial sequence number, and a first phase number. The second data message includes data related to an order, a second sequence number with a value of the predefined initial sequence number, and a second phase number, wherein the second phase number is different than the first phase number. The message stream state is associated with the order.
US09154390B2 Packet relay apparatus and measurement method for measuring discard number of data packets
A packet relay apparatus includes a first packet processing circuit and a second packet processing circuit. The first packet processing circuit executes, discarding data packets from among data packets, and transferring the rest of the data packets to the second packet processing circuit, counting discard number of the data packets, determining whether or not the discard number is equal to or greater than a threshold and transferring, if the discard number is equal to or greater than the threshold, a discard number information packet including discard number information indicating the discard number to the second packet processing circuit. The second packet processing circuit executes discarding data packets from among the data packets, counting discard number of the data packets and collecting the discard number counted by the second packet processing circuit and the discard number indicated by the discard number information included in the discard number information packet.
US09154388B2 Data delivery
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for support dependent post delivery. In one aspect, a method included generating transmission data for a web page served by a first server and rendered on the client device, the first server belonging to a first domain; determining if the client device supports cross origin resource sharing; in response to a determination that the client device does not support cross origin resource sharing: defining an iFrame for the web page, the iFrame belonging to a second domain of a receiving server, and having a name value derived from the transmission data, receiving iFrame instructions from the receiving server and executing the iFrame instructions in the iFrame, the iFrame instruction causing the client device to: generate an HTTP POST request to the receiving server from the iFrame name value, the first HTTP POST request including the transmission data.
US09154384B2 Sentiment based dynamic network management services
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving data for a customer, the data associated with a customer network, calculating at a network device, a sentiment for the customer based on the data, and modifying network management services for the customer based on the sentiment. An apparatus for sentiment based dynamic network management services is also disclosed.
US09154383B2 System and method to extend the capabilities of a web browser of a web application issue root cause determination techniques
Disclosed is a system and method for extending the web application root cause determination functionality to a web browser. In one aspect, the present invention plots the network topology diagram for the web application by executing network trace commands. In another aspect, the present invention allows user to upload their web application network topology diagram. In another aspect, the present invention allows user to build their web application network topology diagram using UI Devices Toolkit. The present invention collects the information relating to the web application issue from various entities such as network infrastructure devices, servers through ICMP, SNMP, TRAP, SYS/APPLOG, HTTP and Network traffic analysis. In one aspect, the present invention highlights the entity in the web application network topology diagram based on the collected information and provides the experts recommended suggestion for the issue through Internet web search query.
US09154378B2 Architecture for virtualized home IP service delivery
A method implemented by a network element of an Internet service provider to provide network access through a visited network associated with a visited network owner to a device of a visiting user connecting to the visited network. The visited network owner is a customer of the Internet service provider. The network element configures the visited network to provide access to resources of a remote home network to the device of the visiting user. The remote home network is in communication with the visited network over a wide area network. Connecting to a virtual gateway controller of the remote home network to obtain configuration information to establish a connection between the device and the remote home network. Establishing a connection between the device of the visiting user and a second access point. Providing access to the resource of the remote home network through the second access point.
US09154364B1 Monitoring for problems and detecting malware
Detecting a suspicious element in a web page is disclosed. The page is analyzed, such as through static analysis and/or dynamic analysis techniques. A suspicious element in the page is detected. A report that includes a copy of at least a portion of the suspicious element is provided as output.
US09154362B1 Macro grid governance and communication
A governance apparatus and a communication method for communicating within the governance apparatus. The governance apparatus includes a Government and micro grid apparatuses. The Government includes Councils such that a macro grid including an artificial intelligence and the Government is configured to respond to an alert pertaining to an event through use of the artificial intelligence and the Government. Each governmental component of the Government is either an Executive or a Parliament. Each micro grid apparatus is either a simple micro grid apparatus or a complex micro grid apparatus. Each Executive is a unique processor disposed in a unique simple micro grid apparatus. Each Parliament is a unique processor disposed in a unique complex micro grid apparatus. Each unique processor is a Council. The communication method includes communication between Councils in accordance with an enhanced Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) communication stack and an enhanced TCP/IP packet header structure.
US09154361B2 Just-in-time distributed video cache
A video optimizer receives a request to optimize a source file and stream the optimized file. The request may be accompanied by a key uniquely identifying the original source file to be optimized and an optimized version of the source file to stream to the client. The key uniquely identifies the source video file as it exists on an origin server to prevent transmission of modified source video and the optimized version of the source file by optimization parameters to ensure compatibility with the user device. The video optimizer queries a cache database in response to the received request, which contains references keys and locations of optimized source files among local caches in a cluster of video optimizers. The cache database responds indicates whether a matching optimized version of the source file exists in a local cache of a given video optimizer in the cluster.
US09154360B2 Method, system and apparatus for handling terminal capabilities
The present invention relates to telecommunication systems providing multiple services which could require possible adaptations based on the capabilities of the terminal used to access those services.Master databases in the telecommunication system take the responsibility to map between terminal and user identifiers. Applications and services are thus able to query terminal related capability information based on a user identity.In accordance with the invention, a Terminal Capabilities database (TC-DB) is introduced in order to establish a temporary relationship between a user and a terminal operated by such user. When a user attaches to the network, a terminal identifier is sent to the network that forwards that identity to the TC-DB. For retrieval of terminal capabilities the application servers send a request message to the TC-DB by using the user identity as a correlating key.
US09154356B2 Low noise amplifiers for carrier aggregation
Low noise amplifiers (LNAs) supporting carrier aggregation are disclosed. In an exemplary design, an apparatus includes first and second amplifier stages, e.g., for a carrier aggregation (CA) LNA or a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) LNA. The first amplifier stage receives and amplifies an input radio frequency (RF) signal and provides a first output RF signal to a first load circuit when the first amplifier stage is enabled. The input RF signal includes transmissions sent on multiple carriers at different frequencies to a wireless device. The second amplifier stage receives and amplifies the input RF signal and provides a second output RF signal to a second load circuit when the second amplifier stage is enabled. Each amplifier stage may include a gain transistor coupled to a cascode transistor.
US09154352B2 Pre-communication for relay base stations in wireless communication
Providing for wireless communication involving supplemental wireless nodes is described herein. By way of example, prior signaling is employed between a macro base station and a set of associated supplemental nodes to support pending wireless communication with a user terminal. In some aspects, the prior signaling can include control or data traffic transmitted to or received from the user terminal. In addition, the supplemental nodes can synchronize transmission or reception of the control or data traffic transmissions with similar transmission or reception of the macro base station. In some aspects, the supplemental nodes can also replicate pilot signal transmissions on OFDM symbols employed by the macro base station for pilot signals, to give consistent downlink channel for both traffic and pilot signals. Accordingly, the user terminal observes consistent pilot transmissions over various time slots, as well as concurrent traffic transmissions that can generally be decoded with a common reference signal.
US09154350B2 PHY layer options for body area network (BAN) devices
In at least some embodiments, a communication device includes a transceiver with a physical (PHY) layer. The PHY layer is configured for body area network (BAN) operations in a limited multipath environment using M-ary PSK, differential M-ary PSK or rotated differential M-ary PSK. Also, the PHY layer uses a constant symbol rate for BAN packet transmissions.
US09154349B2 Wireless transmitter for high mobility and high throughput and mode control method thereof
A wireless transmitter which performs reconfiguration for high mobility and high throughput includes: an operation mode decision unit configured to decide an operation mode depending on mobility, a required data rate, and wireless link performance; a clock generation unit configured to generate a plurality of clock signals; a selection unit configured to select necessary clock signals among the plurality of clock signals generated by the clock generation unit according to the operation mode decided by the operation mode decision unit; and at least one or more digital modulation units configured to modulate transmitted data by adjusting a signal bandwidth of a frequency domain and a transmission time of a time domain using the clock signals selected by the selection unit.
US09154347B2 Adaptive equalizer
An adaptive equalizer capable of suppressing an increase in circuit scale and an increase in operation clock frequency. An adaptive equalizer (100) performs an adaptive equalization process on a time-region signal in a frequency region. A signal converter (200) has: a first wide-bit memory (201) capable of reading/writing a plurality of sample signals; a first register group (202) comprising a plurality of registers capable of accessing the first wide-bit memory (201); a butterfly computation unit group (204) comprising a plurality of butterfly computation units; and a first connection switching unit (203) for switching the state of connection between the plurality of registers and the plurality of butterfly computation units.
US09154343B2 Uplink signal transmission and reception using optimized rank 3 codebook
A method for transmitting and receiving uplink signals using an optimized rank 3 codebook is disclosed. The optimized rank 3 codebook includes 6 precoding matrix groups, each of which has 1 variable having an amplitude of 1. Preferably, the optimized 4Tx rank 3 codebook has 12 precoding matrix, two precoding matrixes are selected from each the above 6 precoding matrix groups considering chordal distance and the number of precoding matrix.
US09154342B2 Apparatus and method for cancelling in-band interferences
The present document discloses an apparatus and method for cancelling in-band interference in a cellular telecommunication system which using multiple-input multiple-output technique. The method includes: receiving a transmitted signal and obtaining an interfering data stream; calculating a value of a credit; deciding whether the credit is above a predefined threshold; regenerating an interference signal by using the interfering data stream if the credit is above the predefined threshold; subtracting the regenerated interference signal from the received transmitted signal to obtain a target signal; and demodulating and decoding the target signal. By using the apparatus and method, the concerned signal can be regenerated even when there is only small number of error bits while all the other bits are correctly decoded. Also, the target stream would be able to know whether the interfering stream can be regenerated or not, before the decoding.
US09154327B1 User-configured on-demand virtual layer-2 network for infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) on a hybrid cloud network
A virtual network is overlaid upon physical networks. The virtual network is a layer-2 network that appears to expand an organization's LAN using virtual MAC addresses. A VN device driver shim intercepts LAN packets and their virtual MAC and IP addresses and encapsulates them with physical packets that can be routed over the Internet. As new nodes are created, a VN switch table is expanded so that all nodes on the virtual network can reach the new node. A copy of the VN switch table is stored on each node by a virtual network management daemon on the node. A VN configuration controller in a central server updates the VN switch tables. Organizations can expand their virtual network as nodes are created at remote cloud computing providers without action by the staff at the cloud computing provider. Hybrid cloud virtual networks include on-premises physical and virtual-machine nodes, and off-premises guest nodes and instances.
US09154322B2 Method and apparatus using an integrated femtocell and residential gateway device
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method at a residential gateway device that registers at least one mobile phone number with the residential gateway device via a femtocell integrated with the residential gateway device when a mobile device associated with the at least one mobile phone number is within range of the femtocell, registers at least one voice over internet protocol phone number with the residential gateway device, and selectively receives and makes calls using one of a set top box registered with the residential gateway device, the mobile device registered with the femtocell, a voice over internet protocol phone corresponding to the at least one voice over internet protocol phone number. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09154321B2 Configuring a multicast or broadcast wireless network
A wireless network architecture for providing Multicast-Broadcast over a Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) messages is disclosed. A network element may use an interface to communicate with a cluster of network elements. The network element may multicast an MBSFN message to a cluster and may determine when to retransmit the MBSFN message if an acknowledgement message is not received.
US09154320B2 Method and apparatus for sharing TCAP traffic load
The present invention relates to a point code emulation apparatus and method for dividing a Common Channel Signaling System No. 7 (or SS7) signaling network into two or more networks. The point code emulator is adapted to receive TCAP messages from two or more subnets and converts, for the messages crossing over the subnets, the information of the TCAP messages, including originating point code, destination point code, and transaction identifier, (and optionally, calling party number and called party number), and forwards to the other one of the two or more subnets. Correspondence among the two or more subnets may be provisioned by an authorized user of the system, may be learned automatically by the system based on ISUP message correspondences or previous TCAP transactions, or may be automatically discovered by the system broadcasting messages to nodes in the destined one of the two or more subnets.
US09154318B2 Server arbitrated reliable multicast system and a process for accessing the same
A system and a process for a session layer protocol allows a large number of client machines to receive a reliable data stream over inherently unreliable multicast connections in a highly efficient and scalable manner. More specifically, streaming of high-quality video, audio, stock and news tickers, or any other application specific data that requires a reliable data stream is described. The streaming allows for the source to instruct individuals to drop their connection to the stream to prevent noisy individuals from disrupting the operating efficiency of the stream.
US09154317B2 Method and apparatus for providing bridgeless conferencing services
A system and method for making a VoIP-based and other types of group calls includes a user interface adapted for use by a group call administrator via the Internet, a database manager connected to the user interface, and a database connected to the database manager. In one embodiment, the group call administrator identifier and one or more group call invitee identifiers is a telephone number. The server responds to a group call request by initiating a first group call connection and initiating at least one or more second group call connections to join a group call administrator and at least one group call invitee. A method includes using call information from a database to initiate conference call connections and an administrator call connection to facilitate a conference call in which the administrators call connections and the participants connections are joined to allow communications between the participants and the administrator.
US09154312B2 Power save proxy in communication networks
Power save proxy functionality can be implemented to enable power save devices to switch to a power save mode and still receive communications from legacy communication devices. A first communication device determines that a second communication device is in a power save mode. The first communication device designates itself as a power save proxy for the second communication device that is in the power save mode. In response to detecting packets that are transmitted from a legacy communication device to the second communication device, the first communication device transmits a control message to the second communication device to request the second communication device to exit the power save mode, transmits a hold control message to the legacy communication device to request the legacy communication device to temporarily stop transmitting packets to the second communication device, or stores the packets intended for the second communication device.
US09154303B1 Third-party authorization of user credentials
In one implementation, a client device receives a request from a user to output a representation for a credential of the user. In response to receiving the request from the user to output the representation for the credential of the user, the client device obtains data identifying a third-party having authority to grant the user access to the credential of the user. The client device then obtains a representation of a credential associated with the third-party and validates the representation of the credential associated with the third-party. In response to validating the representation of the credential associated with the third-party, the client device outputs the representation for the credential of the user.
US09154296B1 Secure and anonymous distributed authentication
A method performed by a client includes (i) receiving a lease from a tenant including a core including lease terms and an identification of the tenant and a first signature that cryptographically combines the core and a secret code associated with the tenant, the secret code being unknown to the client, (ii) sending a storage request to a central entity for access to remote storage including (a) a body including the core and an object identifier, which identifies an object stored in the remote storage and (b) a second signature that cryptographically combines the body and the first signature, and (iii) receiving a storage response including the object from the remote storage when (I) a computation performed by the central entity of the second signature based on the secret code, the core, and the body matches the second signature and (II) the storage request complies with the lease terms.
US09154275B2 Cross-carrier scheduling method of uplink in carrier aggregation system, and terminal
An uplink cross-carrier scheduling method in a carrier aggregation system is provided. The method includes: receiving information for an uplink component carrier (UL CC) monitoring set from a base station; receiving control information through a downlink component carrier (DL CC) determined on the basis of the information for the UL CC monitoring set; and transmitting an uplink signal to the base station on the basis of the control information.
US09154271B1 Method and apparatus for a physical layer device (PHY) to determine a status of a link in a network
A system including a monitoring module and a controller. The monitoring module is configured to monitor a link. The controller is configured to, in response to the monitoring module determining that the link is up, (i) start a first timer; (ii) indicate that the link is down in response to the monitoring module determining, prior to the first timer expiring, that the link is down; and (iii) indicate that the link is up in response to the monitoring module determining, subsequent to the first time expiring, that the link is up.
US09154270B2 Method and apparatus for performing HARQ in a wireless communication system
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for performing hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) in a wireless communication system. A terminal transmits a plurality of code words on a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) and receives a plurality of acknowledgement/non-acknowledgement (ACK/NACK) signals, which indicates if each of the plurality of code words has been received, on each physical hybrid-ARQ indicator channel (PHICH) corresponding to the respective code words. A downlink resource for which each of the PHICHs is mapped is determined based on the smallest physical resource block (PRB) index (IPRB—RAlowest—index) among PRBs mapped by the PUSCH and on an uplink demodulation reference signal (DMRS) circular shift parameter (nDMRS), and those downlink resources for which PHICHs are mapped respectively do not overlap each other.
US09154263B1 Evaluation of compressed sensing in UWB systems with NBI
A method of mitigating narrow band interference (NBI) in ultra wide band (UWB) systems operating around 10 GHz mitigates multiuser interference from IEEE 802.22 and WiMAX, wherein the multiuser interference interferes with both trained and blind UWB systems, with the trained UWB system using pilot symbol assisted modulation. The method passes a received UWB signal through a band pass filter (BPF), wherein the BPF is located at a UWB receiver and the UWB signal is a Hanning modulated pulse centered at 4 GHz frequency. The method further measures a plurality of test functions, determines a number of active users, notch filters NBI signals, based on the determined number of active users, passes the notch filtered signal through a quadratic programming algorithm, to perform joint decoding, estimates an arrival of a UWB payload, and demodulates the UWB payload, based on the estimated arrival of the UWB payload.
US09154252B2 Methods and systems for noise resilient, pin-efficient and low power communications with sparse signaling codes
In bus communications methods and apparatus, a first set of physical signals representing the information to be conveyed over the bus is provided, and mapped to a codeword of a sparse signaling code, wherein a codeword is representable as a vector of a plurality of components, some of which are quiescent components and some of which are non-quiescent components, wherein the number of quiescent components and non-quiescent components meet a sparseness requirement.
US09154246B2 Content selection based on simulcast data
A computer system receives information snippets from a mobile device. The information snippets are extracted from a simulcast of a data stream of a radio broadcast received on the mobile device. The system identifies content metadata from the information snippets. The content metadata describes one or more features of the radio broadcast. The system selects a radio station from a radio station repository based on attributes of the radio station. One of the selection criteria is that the attributes of the radio station match at least a portion of the content metadata. The system presents a reference to the radio station to the mobile device as a recommendation.
US09154233B2 Frequency modulation signal demodulator and light receiving apparatus
A frequency modulation signal demodulator includes: an optical signal that has a wavelength, a frequency modulation signal being superimposed onto the optical signal; an optical filter that inputs the optical signal and has a central wavelength of a pass band at a wavelength that is shifted from a central wavelength of a spectrum of the optical signal and that is set to allow the pass band to be located at one portion of the spectrum; and an asymmetry optical interferometer that demodulates the frequency modulation signal by splitting light which has passed through the optical filter, delaying different time between split lights, and interfering the split lights.
US09154230B2 Optical signal control method, optical signal control system and optical backplane system
The present invention provides an optical signal control method, an optical signal control system and an optical backplane system, which belongs to the field of optical communications technologies. The method includes: detecting whether a circuit board is pulled out from an optical backplane; if the circuit board is pulled out, querying a transmitting port of another circuit board connected to a slot where the pulled out circuit board is located, transmitting a first control instruction to the transmitting port, and notifying of closing the transmitting port or adjusting output power of the transmitting port to make it below a preset threshold. The optical signal control system includes: a detection module and a control module. The optical backplane system includes the optical signal control system.
US09154229B2 Information processing system, information processing method, client device, and recording medium
Provided is an information processing system that includes a server and a client device. The server stores identification information and associated content in memory, and transmits the identification information, using light that varies over time as a communication medium. The client device continuously senses and decodes the light varying in time into the identification information, transmits the decoded identification information to the server, receives content transmitted from the server in response to the transmission of identification information, and displays received content. A controller included in the client device detects an operation on the displayed content from an input device, and applies control to transmit process details according to the detection to the server. The server additionally executes the process details transmitted from the client device, and updates the content to content that includes the execution results.
US09154222B2 Cooling system control in distributed antenna systems
Power distribution modules in distributed antenna systems include fan monitoring circuits for indicating an alarm condition to head-end equipment. The alarm condition can be used by system operator/owners that a fan is drawing excessive power, thereby detracting from system performance, or indicating that the fan may fail. The alarm condition signal can be returned to the head-end equipment via an uplink communication path between a remote unit powered by the module and the head-end equipment.
US09154221B2 Method, system, and relay apparatus for realizing passive optical network reach extension
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and a system for realizing PON reach extension, and a relay apparatus for realizing this method. The method includes: extracting an overhead in an upstream data stream that is sent by an ONU to an OLT, obtaining a payload in the upstream data stream through de-mapping, and storing it into a buffer; extracting bandwidth authorization information in an downstream data stream that is sent by the OLT to the ONU; and reorganizing a stored payload according to the bandwidth authorization information and inserting a corresponding overhead to generate a new upstream data stream and send it to the OLT.
US09154217B1 Direct conversion remote satellite communications terminal
Methods, apparatuses, computer program products, and computer readable media are disclosed herein. In one aspect, an apparatus can include a transmission line configured to accept a radio frequency signal from an antenna, wherein the antenna is configured to receive the radio frequency signal from a satellite. The apparatus can further include a system on a chip comprising a direct conversion receiver, a digital signal processor configured to process a digital representation of a baseband receive waveform to determine received information, and a wireless networking interface configured to send the received information to a satellite communications indoor unit.
US09154208B2 System and method of wireless fixed access using a multiple antenna array
A new method is disclosed for providing wireless fixed access from an array of service antennas to a population of local terminals. In implementations, a service transceiver station (STS) performs beamform precoding using channel state information (CSI) obtained from transmissions by the local terminals, and the STS performs power allocation using slow fading coefficients which are static over the service antenna positions and over a frequency range spanning at least some carriers used for downlink transmission.
US09154201B2 Adaptation techniques in MIMO
A method of the multiple input multiple output feedback is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the multiple input multiple output feedback method includes a receiver receiving a reference signal from a base station and calculating a signal to interference and noise ratio from the received reference signal. The method further includes determining a modulation and coding scheme based on the signal to interference and noise ratio and a receiver type.
US09154192B2 Method for controlling a modulation index of a near field communication device with aid of dynamic calibration, and associated apparatus
A method for controlling a modulation index of a near field communication (NFC) device includes: in a calibration mode of the NFC device, coupling a receiver of the NFC device to a transmitter of the NFC device to form a probing path between the receiver and the transmitter; and in the calibration mode of the NFC device, adjusting at least one portion of a plurality of modulation parameters corresponding to the modulation index according to probed results of outputs of the transmitter, in order to calibrate the modulation index, for use of transmitting through the transmitter in a normal mode of the NFC device. An associated apparatus is also provided.
US09154190B2 Master mobile wireless communications device with near field communication (NFC) capabilities to send media content to slave mobile wireless communications devices and associated methods
A communications system includes a plurality of slave mobile wireless communications devices each having a first near field communications (NFC) device. The communications system also includes a master mobile wireless communications device having second NFC device, and a processor coupled to the second NFC device. The processor is configured to associate different content items with different respective slave mobile wireless communications devices, based upon NFC communication with the plurality of slave mobile wireless communications devices, and to send the different content items to the different respective slave mobile wireless communications devices.
US09154188B2 RF identification device with near-field-coupled antenna
An embodiment of a RF identification device is formed by a tag and by a reader. The tag is formed by a processing circuit and a first antenna, which has the function both of transmitting and of receiving data. The reader is formed by a control circuit and by a second antenna, which has the function both of transmitting and of receiving data. The processing circuit is formed by a resonance capacitor, a modulator, a rectifier circuit, a charge-pump circuit and a detection circuit. The antenna of the tag and the processing circuit are integrated in a single structure in completely monolithic form. The first antenna has terminals connected to the input of the rectifier circuit, the output of which is connected to the charge-pump circuit. The charge-pump circuit has an output connected to the detection circuit.
US09154187B2 System and method for operating a filter for echo cancellation
Systems and methods for operating a filter for echo cancellation are described. In one embodiment, a method for operating a filter for echo cancellation involves monitoring at least one of a filter coefficient of the filter and an echo cancellation error to generate a monitoring result and, in response to the monitoring result, adjusting at least one of delay elements and filter taps of the filter to vary an impulse response of the filter. Other embodiments are also described.
US09154186B2 Toolstring communication in cable telemetry
Systems and methods for toolstring communication in cable telemetry. The methods involve positioning a cable telemetry system in a wellbore. The cable telemetry system can include a surface modem, a downhole toolstring of downhole tools, a downhole modem operatively coupled to the downhole toolstring, a cable operatively coupling between the surface modem and the downhole modem, and a surface data routing module that polls and trains the cable telemetry system. The methods also involve performing a pre-transmission poll of a rate requirement for the downhole toolstring and a telemetry type for the downhole modem, applying a training phase to establish a transmission link between the surface modem and the downhole modem, configuring data obtained by the downhole toolstring for an uplink via the transmission link, and transmitting the uplink via the transmission link.
US09154181B2 Satellite signal receiving device and electronic device
A satellite signal reception device can reliably execute a satellite signal reception process. The satellite signal reception device has a reception time setting unit 71 that sets a reception time; a timekeeping unit that keeps internal time; and a scheduled reception control unit 72 that executes a time-based reception process that operates the reception unit when the time kept by the timekeeping unit reaches the reception time. By having a scheduled reception control unit 72, the reception process can be executed when the internal time goes to the reception time set by the reception time setting unit 71. The reception process is therefore executed once a day. The satellite signal reception process can therefore be executed reliably without being affected by how the device is used, the season, weather, or other factors.
US09154179B2 Receiver with bypass mode for improved sensitivity
A receiver with bypass mode for improved sensitivity is disclosed. An apparatus is provided that includes a non-bypass signal path coupled to a receiver, the non-bypass signal path comprising a filter, a bypass signal path coupled to the receiver, the bypass signal path configure to bypass the filter, and a switch configured to couple an antenna to the non-bypass signal path during time intervals when signals transmitted by a related local transmitter are transmitted with a signal power that exceeds a threshold, and to couple the antenna to the bypass signal path during other time intervals. In another aspect, the switch is configured to couple the antenna to the non-bypass signal path during time intervals when a jamming signal in a selected frequency range is received with a signal power that exceeds a threshold, and to couple the antenna to the bypass signal path during other time intervals.
US09154169B2 Fractional symbol based phase noise mitigation
Fractional symbol based phase noise mitigation, including methods and systems to determine phase noise trajectory, or indication of phase noise, for each of multiple fractional portions of a frequency domain symbol, and modify the symbol based on the phase noise trajectories of the subsets. Multiple correction hypotheses may be generated for each fractional portion of the symbol based on pre-defined phase noise hypotheses. The correction hypotheses may include frequency domain correction hypotheses. The correction hypotheses for a subset may be evaluated to select one of the phase noise hypotheses as the trajectory for the subset. The evaluation may include applying each correction hypothesis to a corresponding equalized frequency domain symbol to generate corresponding symbol hypotheses, computing a signal quality for each symbol hypothesis, and comparing the signal qualities. Signal qualities may be determined as error vector magnitudes, and may be based on all or a subset of corresponding symbol tones.
US09154163B2 Distributed checksum computation
Data is divided into parts and each part provided to a different processor. Each processor processes the provided data part to produce a partial CRC result. The partial CRC results from each of the different processors are XORed to produce a CRC of the data.
US09154156B2 Ternary line code design for controlled decision feedback equalizer error propagation
A method of line coding is disclosed that limits error propagation in a decision feedback equalizer (DFE) of a receiving device. A communications device receives a set of bits to be transmitted over a channel and divides the set of bits into a plurality of blocks based, at least in part, on a line coding scheme. The device then encodes each of the blocks of bits into a corresponding block of symbols based on the line coding scheme. Specifically, the line coding scheme has a non-uniform coding efficiency, wherein a first bit or a last bit of each block of bits is mapped to a single data symbol. For some embodiments, the line coding scheme may be a ternary line coding scheme that maps a block of 3k+1 bits to a corresponding block of 2k+1 symbols, where k is an integer greater than 1.
US09154150B1 Interleaved multiple-stage capacitor and amplifier sharing in an ADC
An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) utilizing a capacitor array during multiple conversion stages and amplifier sharing across multiple lanes. In various embodiments, the ADC includes N lanes, each of the lanes including a capacitor array. A plurality of switches coupled to each capacitor array selectively redistributes a sampled charge during N clock phases corresponding to N conversion stages, the conversion stages including a sampling stage performed on an analog input signal, at least one quantization stage, and N−2 multiplying digital-to-analog conversion (MDAC) stages for generating residue voltages. The MDAC stages utilize a plurality of N−2 amplifiers shared by the N lanes. In operation, each amplifier may be used in an interleaved manner to support, during a given clock phase, an MDAC stage of one of the lanes of the ADC. Likewise, one or more comparators of a lane may be leveraged to perform multiple quantization stages during the N clock phases.
US09154148B2 Clock signal error correction in a digital-to-analog converter
In an example, there is disclosed herein a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) including a correction circuit for a clock, including a differential clock. Error correction may take place within the DAC core, by means of replica cells that are substantially similar to conversion cells. Rather than contributing their output to the converted signal, the replica cells may be configured to provide a feedback signal to a clock receiver with information for correcting the clock signal. The feedback signal may be operable to correct errors, for example, in duty cycle and crosspoint, as measured at the DAC core.
US09154137B2 Non-intrusive monitoring and control of integrated circuits
A method of monitoring operations of a set of ICs. The method loads a first set of configuration data into a first IC for configuring a group of configurable circuits of the first IC to perform operations of a user design. The method receives a definition of an event based on values of a set of signals in the user design and a set of corresponding actions to take when the event occurs. The set of signals includes at least one signal received from a second IC. The method generates an incremental second set of configuration data based on the definition of the event and the set of corresponding actions. While the first IC is performing the operations of the user design, the method loads the incremental second set of configuration data into the first IC and monitors the signals received from the second IC at the first IC.
US09154125B2 Method of controlling an IGBT and a gate driver
A method is disclosed for controlling an IGBT component and a gate driver. An exemplary method includes producing, with two separate driver circuits, a gate voltage for controlling the IGBT component, the outputs of the driver circuits being connected to free ends of a series connection of resistive components. A location, such as a midpoint between the series connection, forms the gate voltage.
US09154124B2 Electromagnetic radiation dissipating devices
Electromagnetic radiation (“EMR”) dissipating devices. One example embodiment includes an electrical circuit including an EMR source configured to generate an output signal at an operating bit rate. The output signal may include an EMR component. The electrical circuit may also include an EMR dissipating device electrically coupled to the EMR source and configured to have a resonance frequency corresponding to the operating bit rate.
US09154121B2 Pulse width modulation signal generator
An embodiment of pulse width modulated (PWM) signal generator includes a module or modules to calculate an amount of change in a period length and duty ratio of an output signal during a transition period between a first signal waveform and a second signal waveform using a first period parameter, a second period parameter, and a parameter indicating a predetermined number of steps in the transition period. The period parameter and duty parameter of the output signal during the steps of the transition period are based on the calculated amounts of change.
US09154118B1 Pulse delay circuit
A pulse delay circuit includes a pull down element, a first pull up element, a first delay unit, a second delay unit, a second pull up element, and an inverted buffer. The pull down element is connected to an input pulse signal, a node b and a first voltage. The first pull up element is connected to a node c, a second voltage and the node b. The first delay unit has a reset terminal. The first delay unit is connected to the node b and the node c. The second delay unit is connected to the node c and the node d. The second pull up element is connected to the node d, the second voltage and the node c. The inverted buffer is connected to the node c and the reset terminal. Moreover, a delayed pulse signal is outputted from the inverted buffer.