Document	Document Title
US09492340B2	Combined siderail and over-bed table A combined siderail/over-bed table unit 42 for a bed 20 has a table position in which at least part 62 of the unit overlies a mattress region 48 of the bed thereby serving as an over-bed table and also has a siderail position allowing the unit to serve as a siderail.
US09492337B2	Substrate comprising one or more human milk oligosaccharides and disposable absorbent article comprising the substrate The present disclosure relates to a substrate that includes one or more human milk oligosaccharides. A disposable absorbent article may include the substrate having one or more human milk oligosaccharides.
US09492336B2	Absorbent article having a composite web with visual signal thereon A composite web comprising a nonwoven layer, wherein the composite web can be incorporated into an absorbent article. A volume of ink is applied to the composite web such that when the composite web is incorporated into the absorbent article, a visual signal is produced. Methods of printing on the composite web are also provided.
US09492325B2	Dressings and methods for treating a tissue site on a patient Dressings, systems, and methods for treating a tissue site on a patient involve allowing liquids from the tissue site or a priming fluid to evaporate and exit the dressing through a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable membrane. The dressing is able to process more liquids than would otherwise be possible without evaporation and potentially to create reduced pressure. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US09492323B2	Method for modifying the refractive index of ocular tissues A method for providing vision correction to a patient. The method includes: (a) measuring the degree of vision correction needed by the patient and determining the location and shape of refractive structures that need to be positioned within the cornea to partially correct a patient's vision; (b) directing and focusing femtosecond laser pulses in the blue spectral region within the cornea at an intensity high enough to change the refractive index of the cornea within a focal region, but not high enough to damage the cornea or to affect cornea tissue outside of the focal region; and (c) scanning the laser pulses across a volume of the cornea or the lens to provide the focal region with refractive structures in the cornea or the lens. Again, the refractive structures are characterized by a change in refractive index, and exhibit little or no scattering loss.
US09492322B2	Imaging surgical target tissue by nonlinear scanning Systems and techniques for laser surgery based on imaging a target tissue by nonlinear scanning are presented. In one implementation, a method for guiding an eye surgery can include the steps of: positioning an eye in relation to an imaging system; creating first scan data by determining a depth of an eye target region at a first set of points along a first arc; creating second scan data by determining a depth of the eye target region at a second set of points along a second arc; determining target region parameters based on the first and second scan data; and adjusting one or more surgical position parameters according to the determined target region parameters.
US09492320B2	Shunt device and method for treating ocular disorders Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.
US09492318B2	Systems and methods for enhanced occlusion removal during ophthalmic surgery A method and apparatus for performing a surgical procedure is provided. The surgical procedure may be a phacoemulsification procedure but other procedures may employ the techniques disclosed. The design includes sensing, within the surgical site, for a material change in fluid flow relative to a predetermined threshold. Upon sensing the fluid flow materially differs from the predetermined threshold, the design temporarily increases aspiration vacuum pressure to the surgical site above a predetermined upper threshold toward a maximum vacuum level. The design applies electrically generated disruptive energy, including but not limited to laser and/or relatively low power ultrasonic energy, to the surgical site from a first point in time measured from when aspiration vacuum pressure is above the predetermined upper threshold to a second point in time where pressure falls below a predetermined lower threshold.
US09492314B2	System for altering and maintaining temperatures of objects A system for altering or maintaining temperatures of objects having a heating/cooling unit having at least one primary fluid line for circulating a heating fluid, a cooling fluid or both through at least one pad in fluid communication with the heating/cooling unit. The heating/cooling unit may accommodate any number of primary fluid lines to correspond to the number of pads utilized or the heating/cooling unit may include at least one flow divider manifold in fluid communication with a primary fluid supply line for channeling a fluid through a plurality of pads.
US09492309B2	Nasal cavity insertion device A nasal cavity insertion device is provided that includes a tubular main body part, at least one elastically deforming part disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular main body part, and a water soluble holding part. The water soluble holding part holds the elastically deforming part in a diameter-reduced state.
US09492306B2	Cervical spine protection apparatus and methods of use The invention is directed to a cervical spine protection apparatus one or more composite bands attached to provide restraint of one or more motions of the cervical spine of a wearer. The apparatus is designed to protect a wearer from incurring cervical spinal injuries, and/or to reduce the severity of cervical spine injuries without substantially compromising the normal functional range of motion of the wearer's cervical spine.
US09492304B2	Orthopedic device for mechanical treatment of hallux valgus An orthopedic device is provided for treatment of Hallux Valgus. The orthopedic device includes a main part (3) in the form of an elastic sleeve, intended to exert a restraining force (F1) locally on the metatarsals (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5), a distal part (5) for encapsulating the big toe, and a connecting band (6) between the main part (3) and the distal part (5), intended to be tensioned in order to exert a lateral force (F2) on the big toe that is directed inwards in relation to the axis Δ of the human body. A pad (4) is secured to the inner wall of the device, creating a localized increased thickness, and arranged to be positioned against the first metatarsal of the big toe. The pad acts as an anchor during the application of the lateral force, in different positions of the foot, thus allowing the tensile force on the connecting band (6) to be adjusted. The combined restraining and lateral forces serve to re-align the joint during walking.
US09492302B2	Apparatus and clutch for using controlled storage and release of mechanical energy to aid locomotion The subject matter described herein includes an apparatus and a clutch for using controlled storage and release of mechanical energy to aid in locomotion. One exemplary apparatus includes a frame including an upper portion configured to mechanically couple to a leg of the subject on a calf side of an ankle joint of the subject and a lower portion pivotally attached to the upper portion configured to mechanically couple to a foot of the subject on a foot side of the ankle joint of the subject. The apparatus include a rotary clutch and an elastic element coupled between the upper and lower portions of the frame to control periods of energy storage and release by the elastic element.
US09492296B2	Stent devices made of a lattice with smooth shape cells improving stent fatigue life A method for generating a lattice cell shape for a stent comprising generating a unit cell model representing a stent cell to be made of a given material, the unit cell model comprising elements each comprising points defining a G2-continuous curve, setting a weighting factor to a same value for each one of the points, the weighting factor representing a contribution of a corresponding one of the points to a curvature of an optimal curve, determining a curvature of the G2-continuous curve as a function of the weighting factors having the same value, and structurally optimizing the unit cell model by iteratively determining a variable value for the weighting factor value using stress-strain characteristics for the given material, determining a new curvature of the G2-continuous curve as a function of the variable value, and minimizing the new curvature, thereby obtaining an optimized curve corresponding to an optimized lattice cell shape.
US09492292B2	Prosthetic socket centering block A prosthetic component centering block (10) for mounting and adjustably centering a socket to a prosthetic leg, and for establishing and maintaining proper flexion and offset there between. The centering block (I0) comprises a solid member defined by an upper surface, lower surface, and surrounding sides. Both the upper surface and lower surface define an elongated geometric shape extending from a front end to a rear end, and the upper surface is inclined front-to-rear at a pre-determined flexion angle Φ relative to said lower surface.
US09492290B2	Tibial prosthesis systems, kits, and methods Systems for determining force balance on a knee joint during a surgical procedure are disclosed. A system can include a tibial prosthesis. The tibial prosthesis can include a bearing component, a base component, and a shim component. The bearing component can have a superior articulating surface and an inferior surface. The bearing component can include a top portion, a bottom portion, a frame disposed between the top portion and the bottom portion, and a plurality of sensors disposed between the frame and the bottom portion. The frame can have a plurality of apertures corresponding in size or shape to the plurality of sensors. The base component can have a superior surface and an inferior surface. The shim component can be configured to be slidable between the inferior surface of the bearing component and the superior surface of the base component in an anterior to posterior direction.
US09492288B2	Expandable fusion device for positioning between adjacent vertebral bodies In some embodiments, system and/or method may include an intervertebral implant for a human spine including an upper body, a lower body, first and second expansion members, and an expansion mechanism. A superior surface of the upper body may function to engage a first vertebra of the human spine. An inferior surface of the lower body may function to engage a second vertebra of the human spine. The first expansion member may include at least a first angled portion positionable, during use, between the upper body and the lower body. The second expansion member may include at least a second angled portion positionable, during use, between the upper body and the lower body. An expansion mechanism may convey, during use, the first and second angled portions in opposing directions increasing a separation distance between the upper body and the lower body.
US09492287B2	Expandable fusion device and method of installation thereof The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.
US09492280B2	Multiple-cam, posterior-stabilized knee prosthesis A total knee replacement system includes a tibial component having a tibial post with a posterior portion, and a femoral component with medial and lateral condylar protrusions forming separated bearing surfaces configured to articulate with the tibial component. In one disclosed embodiment the posterior portion of the tibial post has a concave surface in the sagittal plane and a convex surface in the transverse plane, and the femoral component includes an intercondylar femoral cam mechanism configured to articulate with the posterior surface of the tibial post. The femoral cam mechanism may include an intercondylar bridging structure with distinct bars or interconnected structural elements providing convex and concave distal surfaces in the sagittal plane, and a concave surface in the transverse plane to facilitate rotation of the femoral component relative to the tibial component in the transverse plane.
US09492276B2	Methods and apparatus for controlling the internal circumference of an anatomic orifice or lumen An implantable device is provided for controlling at least one of shape and size of an anatomical structure or lumen. An implantable device has an adjustable member configured to adjust the dimensions of the implantable device. An adjustment tool is configured to actuate the adjustable member and provide for adjustment before, during and after the anatomical structure or lumen resumes near normal to normal physiologic function.
US09492268B2	Tapered tubular implant formed from woven fabric A tubular woven implantable graft having a tapered section is provided. The graft comprises a first diameter and a second diameter and has a generally constant number of warp yarns per inch adjacent both the first diameter and the second diameter. A method for producing an implantable woven graft is also provided. The method includes weaving a first section having a first diameter and a tapered diameter tapering from the first diameter to a second diameter. During weaving of the tapered section a number of warp yarns are dropped from the weave and compressive forces are applied to the fabric to narrow the width of the fabric.
US09492265B2	Integrated embolic protection devices Embolic protection elements are integrated with a catheter or access sheath for any catheter. A catheter with an integrated embolic protection element comprises a catheter shaft, an embolic filter slidably mounted on a distal portion of the shaft, a proximal stop for limiting the proximal movement of the embolic filter, and a distal stop for limiting the distal movement of the embolic filter. The filter comprises a porous mesh material defining a collection chamber for captured emboli and has a collapsed and a deployed configuration. The filter may be collapsed by an access sheath used with the catheter. An access sheath may comprise a tubular main body and an embolic filter mounted on the distal portion of the tubular main body. The embolic filter may evert into the central lumen of the sheath or may be constrained on the exterior of the sheath with a larger diameter outer tube.
US09492264B2	Embolic protection device for protecting the cerebral vasculature Single filter and multi-filter endolumenal methods and systems for filtering fluids within the body. In some embodiments a blood filtering system captures and removes particulates dislodged or generated during a surgical procedure and circulating in a patient's vasculature. In some embodiments a filter system protects the cerebral vasculature during a cardiac valve repair or replacement procedure.
US09492261B2	Hernia repair device and method A hernia repair device includes a mesh configured to extend across a tissue defect and a plurality of filaments coupled to the mesh. The filaments are coupled to the mesh in proximity of an outer periphery thereof and extend from a central portion of the mesh. Each filament includes a plurality of barbs disposed along at least a portion of the length thereof. Each filament further includes a needle disposed at a free end thereof.
US09492259B2	Expandable implant system Various embodiments of a sling implant system are provided. Embodiments of the implants can include one or more collapsibility and expandability features or portions adapted to improve introduction and deployment of the implant within the patient. The implants can be folded, collapsed or otherwise reduced in size or construct to fit within a delivery tool or catheter for later expandability upon deployment of the implant.
US09492258B2	Portable system for assisting body movement The present invention provides a differential pressure body suit with external support against body suit migration. In its preferred embodiment, such body suit may comprise a close-fitting, multi-layered suit sealed against a mammal's skin to contain the differential pressure, or a looser-fitting suit that bends at the mammal's joints with minimal force. External support means include either fixed or movable mechanical supports attached to the body suit, extraordinary air pressure levels for making the body suit rigid, or exoskeletons attached to the body suit. A cyclic control system can turn the differential pressure condition within the body suit on and off on a selective basis to accommodate the movement of the legs of the mammal. The pressurization reduces the weight of the body to greater or lesser extents, and offloads the weight to the ground through the external support means.
US09492242B2	Cleaning or care device for medical or dental instruments A cleaning or care device for the cleaning or care of medical or dental instruments, having a cleaning or care chamber in which at least two connections for the instruments to be cleaned are provided, and a supply device for supplying the at least two connections with a cleaning or care agent. The at least two connections and the supply device can be moved relative to one another in such a way that one of the connections can be connected to the supply device and supplied with a cleaning or care agent, while another of the connections is not connected to the supply device and cannot be supplied with a cleaning or care agent. A corresponding method for the cleaning or care of medical or dental instruments with such a cleaning or care device is also described.
US09492239B2	Devices for interfacing between manipulators and surgical tools A device, system and method for interfacing between an end effector of a manipulator and a surgical tool. Embodiments may include an upper tool holder element and a lower tool holder element. Embodiments may also include a drape between the end effector and the manipulator. Embodiments may also include two force sensors and a coupling arranged in a force sensor system for use with an end effector that includes a tool roll driver.
US09492234B2	Motive device for use in magnetically-sensitive environments A motive device for use in magnetically sensitive environments includes a front supporting plate, a rear supporting plate, and at least one guiding rail extending longitudinally between the front and rear supporting plates and supported thereby. At least one module is supported by the guiding rail, is located longitudinally between the front and rear supporting plates, and is configured to provide at least one of translational and rotational motions to a moved structure extending from the at least one module longitudinally toward and beyond the front supporting plate. The translational motion is guided by motion of the module between the front and rear supporting plates longitudinally along the at least one guiding rail. The module provides the at least one of translational and rotational motions to the moved structure entirely pneumatically. The structures comprising the motive device are all made entirely from non-ferromagnetic materials.
US09492233B2	Apparatus with two-piece end-effectors for robotic surgical tools In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic surgical tool having opposing jaws, the working element of the robotic surgical tool is made of a different material from the drive element of the robotic surgical tool. The two elements may be manufactured independently and assembled together at a later stage. The material comprising each element may thus have properties more appropriate to the function each element plays in the robotic surgical tool. For example, the metal selected to comprise the blade of a surgical scissor may be corrosion resistant and capable of being sharpened to a high degree.
US09492216B2	Handle for an ablation device A handle for an ablation device, the handle comprising a positioning control handle part adapted to be coupled to a positioning catheter of the ablation device and adapted to position the positioning catheter in an object, and an ablation control handle part adapted to be coupled to an ablation catheter of the ablation device and adapted to ablate material of the object using the ablation catheter, wherein the positioning control handle part and the ablation control handle part are adapted to be separable from one another.
US09492209B2	Extension device for a bone anchor, in particular for minimally invasive surgery An extension device for a bone anchor is provided, where the bone anchor includes an anchoring section for anchoring to a bone and a receiving part connected to the anchoring section. The receiving part includes a central axis and a channel for receiving a rod, where sidewalls of the channel form two free legs. The extension device includes a first sleeve with a first sleeve axis that is coaxial with the central axis, where the first sleeve is configured to be detachably coupled to the receiving part. The extension device includes a second sleeve with a second sleeve axis, where the second sleeve is positioned within the first sleeve. The first sleeve is configured to be coupled to the receiving part to inhibit translational movement of the first sleeve relative to the receiving part along the central axis. The second sleeve is configured to be coupled to the receiving part to hinder or inhibit rotational movement of the second sleeve relative to the receiving part and the second sleeve is connected to the first sleeve through a coupling member that is configured to advance in the first sleeve together with the second sleeve in an axial direction.
US09492207B2	Vertebral attachment device A vertebral attachment system and method for retaining a spinal vertebra (25) on a rod (2) employ a device (1) including a body (3) for attachment to the rod, a flexible strip (4) for linking the vertebra to the attachment body and a means (5) for adjustably locking the flexible strip on the attachment body. The attachment body (3) is made of a single part having a U-shaped cross-section, for passing the rod between the bottom wall (10) of the U and the adjustable locking means. The adjustable locking means (5) consists of a linking part (18) connecting the opposite ends of the two arms (6, 7) of the U, arranged such as to compress the rod against the wall. The arms (6, 7) each include a recess (14) opposite thereof, located on the bottom side of the U, for passing the two ends of the strip between the bottom and the rod in order to form a loop for attachment to a vertebra.
US09492206B2	Interspinous ligament transverse connector An interspinous cross connector system configured and designed to be implanted through the interspinous ligament by a rod that can puncture through the ligament while leaving the ligament intact. The cross connector system includes a first and second elongate rod and a third elongate rod connecting the first and second elongate rods using a cross connection assembly. The cross connection assembly includes a one-piece L-shaped connecting body comprising a receptacle facing outwards towards the first rod and away from the second rod and a clamp, and a set screw selectively positioned to securely hold the connecting body to the first rod. The connecting body is disposed substantially between the first and second elongate rods. The clamp allows the connecting body to slidingly engage with the third rod.
US09492205B2	Rod connector with swivel collet The present invention generally relates to a rod connector for adding a pedicle rod to an existing spinal fusion construct. Specifically, this invention relates to an open rod connector that has a swiveling rod collet that allows for a pedicle rod to be rotated into the desired alignment.
US09492201B2	Apparatus, systems and methods for achieving anterior lumbar interbody fusion Assemblies of one or more implant structures make possible the achievement of diverse interventions involving the fusion and/or stabilization of lumbar and sacral vertebra in a non-invasive manner, with minimal incision, and without the necessitating the removing the intervertebral disc. The representative lumbar spine interventions, which can be performed on adults or children, include, but are not limited to, lumbar interbody fusion; translaminar lumbar fusion; lumbar facet fusion; trans-iliac lumbar fusion; and the stabilization of a spondylolisthesis.
US09492198B2	Clamp for external fixation A device for detachably clamping fastening elements in a surgical fixing or repositioning device. The device may a rod with a longitudinal axis. A first and second pair of clamping jaws may be operably associated with the rod. Each pair of clamping jaws may have a side surface as well as an inner clamping jaw and an outer clamping jaw, which may have indentations forming a channel. The channels may be opened towards the side surface of the clamping jaws. A fastening means may be positioned in the channels by pushing the fastening means into the openings in the side surface in a direction which may be at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rod. An elastic element may be positioned between the inner and outer clamping jaws of at least one pair of clamping jaws so as to resist movement of the inner and outer clamping jaws with respect to each other as a fastening means is inserted therebetween. A clamping element may engage the rod and may be used to fix the orientation of the clamping jaws and fastening means with respect to each other.
US09492194B2	Method and apparatus for minimally invasive insertion of intervertebral implants A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.
US09492189B2	Apparatus for endoscopic procedures An electromechanical surgical device is provided and includes an end effector configured to perform at least one function; and a shaft assembly. The end effector includes a rotatable drive screw having a coupling member at a proximal end thereof; and a flexible drive cable rotatably supported therein and extending therefrom, wherein the flexible drive cable receives rotational forces and transmits said rotational forces to the drive screw to actuate the end effector. The shaft assembly includes a proximal neck housing supported at a distal end of the outer tube; and a distal neck housing pivotally connected to the proximal neck housing, wherein a distal end of the distal neck housing is configured and adapted for operative connection with the end effector. In use, when the end effector is connected to the shaft assembly, the flexible drive cable extends through the proximal neck housing and the distal neck housing.
US09492171B2	Atraumatic wound care and closure system An article useful for atraumatic care and/or closure of wounds, as well as for repairing torn or ripped fabric is provided. The article comprises a substrate having opposing first and second major surfaces, a plurality of raised anchoring members disposed across the first major surface, and an optional adhesive pre-mounted adjacent the second major surface. A separate adhesive could also be used to mount the article to the desired underlying surface to be repaired. The substrate is a flexible and conformal continuous web that can be cut into pieces to custom fit the wound or fabric opening. Using the anchoring members and a thread, the pieces can be drawn together to correspondingly draw the tissue or fabric on either side(s) of the opening together, thereby closing the opening without piercing or suturing/sewing together the underlying tissue or fabric. Methods for the atraumatic care and/or closure of wounds, as well as for repairing torn or ripped fabric are also provided, including kits to facilitate the same.
US09492162B2	Automatically reloading suture passer devices and methods Suture passers and methods of use. Described herein are suture passers preloaded with suture, including cartridges that couple to a suture passer to form a loaded suture passer; the suture passer may be operated to pass one or more lengths of suture without having to be manually reloaded. In particular, described herein are preloaded and automatically reloading apparatuses typically.
US09492157B2	Bone anchor apparatus and method A device and method is provided for a new and improved device for attaching tendon to bone wherein the intramedullary bone anchor, comprising a top section, a bottom section, a center section, a first end having a top inner portion and a top outer portion, a second end having a top inner portion and a top outer portion, and at least two holes extending from the top section through the bottom section, wherein the first end and second end are tapered and have seating geometry. The bone anchor is generally crescent-shaped or cylindrical.
US09492153B2	Wound protector In one embodiment, the wound protector has an annularly collapsible proximal ring and a flexible sleeve extends between the proximal ring and distal ring. After positioning of the distal ring in a wound, the proximal ring is expanded to draw the sleeve taut between the rings 11, 12 and is drawn tight against the wound.In a second embodiment, the wound protector has a flexible sleeve secured between a distal ring and proximal ring of fixed diameters. In addition, an expansion member is disposed within a loop of the flexible sleeve about the proximal ring. After positioning of the distal ring in a wound, movement of the expansion member into an extended diametric state expands the loop in the sleeve diametrically while drawing the rings towards each other.
US09492150B2	Apparatus and methods for sealing vascular punctures An apparatus for sealing a passage through tissue communicating with a blood vessel includes a bioabsorbable plug member coupled to the distal end of a carrier member. The plug member includes a lumen extending therethrough that communicates with a lumen extending through the carrier member. A sealing member is disposed in the plug member lumen for sealing the lumen. A guide member is slidable into the lumen such that edges of a groove extending between proximal and distal portions of the guide member engage a wall of the lumen to define a bleed back lumen. The guide member is inserted into the passage until the distal portion enters the vessel. The plug member is advanced over the guide member until the plug member enters the vessel, whereupon blood enters the bleed back lumen to identify the location of the vessel relative to the plug member.
US09492148B2	Apparatus and methods for sealing vascular punctures An apparatus for sealing a passage through tissue includes a bioabsorbable body disposed on a distal end of a handle device. The plug member includes a helical thread on its outer surface and the plug member and handle device include cooperating lumens communicating with a distal port. A sealing member is disposed within the plug member lumen. An obturator is inserted through the lumens until its distal tip extends beyond the plug member, the distal tip including a bleed back port. The plug member is threaded into a passage towards a blood vessel until the bleed back indicator identifies the location of the vessel with respect to the plug member. The plug member is released from the handle device, the handle device and obturator are withdrawn, and the sealing member seals the lumen. The plug member is left within the passage to seal the passage until the tissue heals.
US09492147B2	Treatment method A treatment method on tissues in a body cavity includes: a first step of forming a hole for communicating first body tissue with second body tissue while both are in close contact with each other; and a second step of endoscopically inserting a treatment device into the second body tissue through the hole.
US09492144B1	Multi-level pulser and related apparatus and methods Apparatus and methods are provided directed to a device, including at least one ultrasonic transducer, a multi-level pulser coupled to the at least one ultrasonic transducer; the multi-level pulser including a plurality of input terminals configured to receive respective input voltages, an output terminal configured to provide an output voltage, and a signal path between a first input terminal and the output terminal including a first transistor having a first conductivity type coupled to a first diode and, in parallel, a second transistor having a second conductivity type coupled to a second diode.
US09492142B2	Ultrasonic diagnostic device In an ultrasonic diagnostic device S according to the present invention, a reference signal generation unit 30 generates a reference signal to be used in correlation processing based on a direct reception signal obtained by receiving a first ultrasonic signal prior to being transmitted to a subject. Consequently, the ultrasonic diagnostic device S configured in this manner is able to generate a more suitable reference signal.
US09492140B2	Devices, systems, and methods for forward looking imaging Devices, systems, and methods for forward looking imaging are provided. A system for imaging a vessel of a patient comprises an elongated sheath having a proximal and a distal end. The sheath includes a flexible body with a first lumen in communication with a distal opening at the distal end. The system further comprises an imaging core disposed within the first lumen. The imaging core includes a transducer subassembly sized to extend within the first lumen. The transducer subassembly is adapted to transmit a beam, distally of the elongated sheath, through the distal opening.
US09492138B2	Mobile front-end system for comprehensive cardiac diagnosis A stethoscope front-end recorder device (also referred to as Sleeve) for the chest piece of a stethoscope, which is easily installed and removed. The Sleeve is attached to the chest piece of a stethoscope for comprehensive diagnosis of heart issues. The Sleeve contains sensors for acquiring biosensor parameters such as electrocardiogram, body temperature, heartbeat, heart rhythm, heart rate variability, heart rate turbulence, heart sounds, respiration, cardiac index and blood flow. The Sleeve has Bluetooth interface communicating with a mobile device with software component, interfacing with a back-end server with the capability to capture, analyze and save patient information.
US09492137B2	Portable radiographic imaging apparatus and system A portable X-ray imaging apparatus includes an electronic cassette for imaging of an X-ray image and transmitting the X-ray image wirelessly. An image receiving unit communicates with the electronic cassette and receives the X-ray image wirelessly. A passive monitoring device receives ambient electromagnetic waves to measure communication environment by passive monitoring. An active monitoring device performs data communication between the electronic cassette and the image receiving unit to measure the communication environment by active monitoring. Furthermore, an evaluation device detects a cause of a communication failure by considering a result of the passive monitoring and a result of the active monitoring. The evaluation device detects that the cause of the communication failure is a blocking object blocking radio waves or a relative position between the electronic cassette and the image receiving unit according to the results of the passive and active monitoring.
US09492134B2	Radiation imaging apparatus, and control method and program of the apparatus An energy control unit continuously adjusts energy of radiations in one shot emitted by an X-ray irradiation unit. An X-ray detection unit generates a plurality of image data pieces in one shot by detecting the radiations whose energy is continuously adjusted and transmitted through a subject. An image classification unit classifies the plurality of image data pieces generated by the X-ray detection unit into image data generated by the radiations of a high energy side and image data generated by the radiations of a low energy side. An image subtraction unit performs weighting and subtraction on the image data generated by the radiations of the high energy side and the image data generated by the radiations of the low energy side.
US09492126B2	Radiological imaging system A radiological imaging system for obtaining images of at least a portion of the internal anatomy of a patient is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the radiological imaging system includes a bed extending along a main direction and including a support surface substantially concave to permit the bed to contain at least a portion of the patient. The radiological imaging system further includes a source suitable to emit radiation, and a detector suitable to receive the radiation. Also, the radiological imaging system may include a load-bearing structure suitable to support the bed, the source and the detector.
US09492120B2	Workstation for monitoring and improving health and productivity of employees Provided are embodiments of systems, computer medium and computer-implemented methods for sensing health characteristics of a user using a chair pad including a set of health sensors integrated therewith and including temperature sensors, body position sensors, and body fat sensors. A method for sensing health characteristics of a user including receiving, from the temperature sensors, temperature data corresponding to a sensed body temperature of the user, receiving, from the body position sensors, body position data corresponding to a sensed body position of the user, receiving, from the body fat sensors, body fat data corresponding to a sensed body fat of the user, and transmitting, to a computer workstation, health data corresponding to the temperature data, the body position data, and the body fat data for use in determining the body temperature, the body position, and the body fat of the user.
US09492115B2	Sensored prosthetic component and method A prosthetic component suitable for long-term implantation is provided. The prosthetic component includes electronic circuitry and sensors to measure a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The prosthetic component comprises a first structure having at least one support surface, a second structure having at least one feature configured to couple to bone. The electronic circuitry and sensors are hermetically sealed within the prosthetic component. Sensors can be used to monitor synovial fluid in proximity to the joint to determine joint health. The prosthetic component can include a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, and an optical sensor. The temperature, pH, color, and turbidity of the synovial fluid can be correlated to a variety of joint conditions. Measurements over time can be analyzed for trends. The temperature, pH, color, and tubidity can be calibrated for the patient. The measurements are compared against this patient reference.
US09492112B2	Analyte sensors comprising high-boiling point solvents Generally, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to analyte determining methods and devices (e.g., electrochemical analyte monitoring systems) that have improved uniformity of distribution of the sensing layer by inclusion of a high-boiling point solvent, where the sensing layer is disposed proximate to a working electrode of in vivo and/or in vitro analyte sensors, e.g., continuous and/or automatic in vivo monitoring using analyte sensors and/or test strips. Also provided are systems and methods of using the, for example electrochemical, analyte sensors in analyte monitoring.
US09492101B2	Estimation of incoherent motion parameters from diffusion-weighted MRI data Some aspects provide a method of determining a set of parameter estimates for an incoherent motion model from diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance data of a portion of a biological body. The method comprises determining a first set of parameter estimates for a plurality of voxels associated with one or more images based, at least in part, on the diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance data, determining a second set of parameter estimates by stochastically perturbing the first set of parameter estimates, determining a third set of parameter estimates based, at least in part, on the first set of parameter estimates and the second set of parameter estimates, and determining whether at least one criterion associated with the third set of parameter estimates is satisfied.
US09492100B2	Magnetic resonance imaging for detecting cardiac diseases The invention provides magnetic resonance imaging methods for detecting cardiac diseases including myocardial fibrosis. Specifically, the invention provides a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pulse sequence that could be used to perform magnetization transfer (MT) or chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) in the heart.
US09492092B2	Method for continuously monitoring a patient using a body-worn device and associated system for alarms/alerts The invention provides a body-worn monitor that measures a patient's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) while simultaneously characterizing their activity state (e.g. resting, walking, convulsing, falling). The body-worn monitor processes this information to minimize corruption of the vital signs by motion-related artifacts. A software framework generates alarms/alerts based on threshold values that are either preset or determined in real time. The framework additionally includes a series of ‘heuristic’ rules that take the patient's activity state and motion into account, and process the vital signs accordingly. These rules, for example, indicate that a walking patient is likely breathing and has a regular heart rate, even if their motion-corrupted vital signs suggest otherwise.
US09492077B2	Optimized device for swept source optical coherence domain reflectometry and tomography Optimized device for swept source optical coherence domain reflectometry and tomography. In the coherence-optical device, light, with the aid of an interferometer, is used for distance-measuring and imaging purposes on reflecting and scattering areas of the human eye. The optimized device according to the invention consists of includes a tunable light source, matched to the sought-after measurement region ZOCT, with a resonator length LR, an interferometric measurement arrangement, a data capturing unit for capturing the light portions scattered back from the sample and a data processing unit. Here the resonator length LR of the tunable light source is matched not only to the sought-after measurement region ZOCT, but also to the entire interferometric measurement arrangement such that disturbance points present in the interferometric measurement arrangement cannot create disturbance signals in the sought-after measurement region ZOCT.
US09492076B2	Dual focusing optical coherence imaging system The present invention relates to a dual focusing optical coherence imaging system. The dual focusing optical coherence imaging system includes: a light source unit for generating broadband light; a main optical distributor for distributing the light generated from the light source to allow the light to be propagated; an interference unit including first and second interference parts for forming interference signals with respect to different focused areas of an object to be detected using the light distributed from the optical distributor, and a common sample arm commonly connected to the first and second interference parts; an optical switch connected to the first and second interference parts to select at least one of the interference signals transmitted from the first and second interference parts; and a detection unit for converting the interference signal selected by the optical switch according to a preset mode into an electrical signal.
US09492074B1	Computerized refraction and astigmatism determination The present disclosure relates generally to a system and method for determining the refractive error of a patient, more particularly determining the patient's refractive error by using a computerized screen, and providing the patient with a prescription for the patient's preferred type of corrective lenses. The system and method do not require the trip or expense of a doctor visit, and are optimized for convenience and cost effectiveness. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for determining a corrective lenses prescription of a patient. The method includes, separately, for each eye of the patient, determining an astigmatism prescription for the patient via a computerized screen and without the use of a refractor lens assembly, including testing for a cylinder component and an axis component at the same time by presenting at least one diagram to the patient via the computerized screen and enabling the patient to select at least one input per diagram corresponding to a cylinder measurement and an axis measurement for the corrective lenses prescription for the patient.
US09492073B2	Binocular viewing assembly for a surgical visualization system A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.
US09492071B2	In-joint sensor for a surgical fluid management pump system An in-joint pump and control device comprising a pump and an in-joint sensor. The pump is configured to convey fluid to a body joint surgical site. The pump has an algorithm associated therewith to make calculations and to assist in controlling the operation of the pump. The in-joint sensor is operatively associated with the pump by at least a communication member. The in-joint sensor comprises a sheath, an integration member attached to the sheath, a pressure sensor connected to the integration member, and a temperature sensor adjacent the sheath. The pressure sensor is adapted to provide pressure information to the pump via the communication member. The temperature sensor is also adapted to provide temperature information to the pump via the communication member.
US09492070B2	System and method for inhibiting injury to a patient during laparoscopic surgery This group of inventions provides means and methods for preventing the damaging portions of surgical tools, such as laparoscopic devices, from adversely contacting tissues and organs that are not in the desired field of surgery. As such, the present disclosure pertains to any form of a warning or positioning device or methods, including those that are facilitated via software that are adapted and arranged for use in tracking portions of surgical instruments during laparoscopic surgery or other medical procedures. Such systems include those that are adapted and arranged to provide a warning to the surgeon or other medical personnel regarding the positional status of an instrument, and those that are adapted and arranged for disabling or attenuating the portions of those instruments that might be dangerous to a patient when a dangerous portion of the instrument is near or outside the desired, or denominated, field of surgery. Data relating to the position and orientation of the instrument and of the position of a safe zone within which the instrument can be kept safely is optionally (preferably) stored throughout a medical procedure for later playback for training purposes or for ensuring that a patient was not injured during a medical procedure.
US09492059B2	Endoscope apparatus, information storage device, and image processing method The endoscope apparatus includes an image acquisition section (image composition processing section) that acquires a captured image in a zoom observation state in time series, the zoom observation state being an observation state in which a magnification of an optical system is higher than that in a normal observation state, a defocus amount information extraction section (texture extraction section) that extracts defocus amount information from the captured image in the zoom observation state, and a defocus amount correction section (texture correction amount calculation section, texture correction section, and blending section) that corrects the captured image based on the extracted defocus amount information.
US09492058B2	Implement washing apparatus and method An implement washing apparatus is disclosed. A portable, rigid housing defines at least a first basin and a second basin. The first basin has an open top and closed side walls and bottom for containing liquid to soak the implement. The second basin has side walls that include a plurality of bristles in an arrangement directed generally inwardly to a center of the second basin to scrub the implement.
US09492046B2	Vacuum cleaner tool A tool for a vacuum cleaner comprising a duct for attachment to a wand, hose or the like of the vacuum cleaner, a nozzle and one of more dirt-sweeping elements. The dirt-sweeping elements are secured to a base of the nozzle and are arranged into at least two chevrons oriented in opposite directions towards the sides of the nozzle. At least two suction openings are then provided in the base of the nozzle, each suction opening being located within a chevron.
US09492045B2	Filter assembly for a surface cleaning apparatus A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, a cyclone positioned in the air flow passage and having a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet and having a cyclone axis, a suction motor positioned in the air flow passage and having a motor axis, and a filter assembly downstream of the cyclone air outlet and upstream of the suction motor, the filter assembly comprising a longitudinally extending filter axis that may be generally parallel to the cyclone axis, spaced apart longitudinally extending upstream and downstream air flow passages and a longitudinally extending filter media therebetween some. In some embodiments, at least a portion of one of the upstream and downstream air flow passages is positioned interior the filter media.
US09492044B2	Glass wiping device and control method thereof A glass wiping device and a control method thereof are provided. The glass wiping device comprising a driver mechanism (110) and a follower mechanism (120); the driver mechanism (110) and the follower mechanism (120) are respectively provided with a first magnet unit and a second magnet unit; the magnetic force between the first magnet unit and the second magnet unit enables the driver mechanisms (110) and the follower mechanism (120) to be correspondingly adsorbed on the inside and outside of the glass, and the follower mechanism (120) can follow the driver mechanism (110); the driver mechanism (110) or the follower mechanism (120) is provided with a pressure induction unit and a pressure indicating device (121) thereon; the pressure induction unit comprises a pressure sensor (41) and a controller (42); the pressure sensor (41) is used to sense the pressure of the driver mechanism (110) and the follower mechanism (120) against the glass; after receiving a pressure signal transmitted by the pressure sensor (41), the controller (42) controls the pressure indicating device (121) to display a relevant state. The control method comprising the following steps: a), placing the driver mechanism (110) or the follower mechanism (120) on one side of the glass; b) placing the follower mechanism (120) or the driver mechanism (10) at a corresponding position on the other side of the glass; and c) the controller (42) controls the pressure indicating device (121) to display the relevant state after receiving the pressure signal transmitted by the pressure sensor (41).
US09492037B2	Hybrid enclosure system A hybrid enclosure, comprising a flexible, lightweight cover coupled within a rigid frame and at least one rigid stile that functions to confine a space, with minimal structural encroachment into potential ingress and egress area of the space when fully open.
US09492035B2	Catering box with active climate control for transporting delicate food items A catering box with active climate control is configured to transport “delicate” foods, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, and hamburgers, without inducing substantial sogginess in the bread of those food items. The catering box includes a heat mass configured to retain heat generated by a hot plate and to then radiate that heat, during transport, after the hot plate has been disconnected from a power source. In addition, the catering box includes an exhaust fan that actively controls internal specific humidity levels in order to prevent moisture from settling within the bread of stored food items. A microcontroller within the catering box monitors temperature and absolute humidity levels, computes the current specific humidity level, and then selectively engages or disengages the exhaust fan in response. With his approach, the catering box may limit the degree to which humidity settles within the bread of delicate food items stored within.
US09492031B2	Versatile outdoor oven and grill An apparatus for outdoor cooking comprising: a tray configured to receive a fuel source; a substantially rectangular prism oven chamber comprising: an insulated bottom plate; four insulated side walls coupled to the insulated bottom plate; an opening opposite the insulated bottom plate; an access panel formed from a portion of one of the insulated side walls; one or more magnets configured to keep closed the access panel; a grilling cover removably mounted to the tray, wherein the grilling cover comprises: a back wall; two side walls coupled to the back wall; and a lid hinged to the back wall; four legs coupled to each corner of the rectangular prism oven chamber; and four wheels coupled to the four legs; wherein the tray is removably mounted to the opening of the rectangular prism oven chamber. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09492025B1	Clothes hanging device A clothes hanging device comprises a frame, a pivoting member, and a hanging hook. The frame has a plurality of racks connected around with one another. A connection rod is arranged between every two relative racks. The pivoting member is arranged on the connection rod. A ball groove and a cutting groove are arranged at the pivoting member and the cutting groove is communicated with the ball groove. The hanging hook has an assembling portion, a hook portion, and a shaft portion. The assembling portion is pivoted in the ball groove. The shaft portion is deflected partially and hooked in the cutting groove due to the assembling portion being pivoted at the ball groove. Therefore, it may be quickly ventilated, easy to circulate the air, and shorten the natural air-dried time of the hanging clothes.
US09492024B2	Stackable container system The present invention is directed to a stackable container system. The stackable container system can comprise a beverage container, a beverage container lid, a plurality of smaller containers, and a plurality of smaller container lids. The smaller containers and smaller container lids are configured to allow any of the smaller container lids to be used on any of the smaller containers. The bottom of the beverage container and the bottom of each smaller container is also configured to allow the beverage container or smaller container to be interlocked with the top of any of the smaller container lids. In addition to storing beverage ingredients, the stackable container system can also be used to store other edible and inedible ingredients.
US09492021B2	Hangar for hair weave extensions The invention provides a storage apparatus, configured expressly for storing hair extensions comprising a free standing hanger, divided into sections to accommodate hanging the hair extensions placed on either one to three rows of hanging arms, with each arm featuring a series of spring loaded clip fasteners, on which the individual hair extensions may be hung, wherein one or more of these hanging arms feature heavy duty suction cups for use in securing.
US09492019B2	Baby support A baby support for supporting a baby positioned on a front torso of a supporting person. The baby support includes an elongated soft body that extends across a back torso of the supporting person and the baby. The baby support also includes fastening ends that overlap and secure to support the baby on the front torso of the supporting adult. The baby support may be configured to stretch to generate an elastic force to pull the back torso of the baby towards the back torso of the supporting person.
US09492010B2	Mounting system for sink A mounting system for securing a sink to a countertop supported by a cabinet is provided. The mounting system includes a receiving structure configured to be supported under a rim of the sink, a bracket having a first portion configured to engage a portion of the cabinet and a second portion configured to engage a bottom of a basin of the sink, a linking member extending between the receiving structure and the bracket, a first connector configured to engage a first end of the linking member and retain the linking member relative to the receiving structure, and a second connector configured to engage a second end of the linking member and secure the bracket against the cabinet and the bottom of the basin of the sink.
US09492005B2	Implement having a reaction and delivery system A reaction and delivery implement that includes a handle configured for user manipulation, a head having a plurality of agent housing regions, the first agent housing region housing a first agent and the second agent housing region housing a second agent, the first and second agents being different. The head is configured to facilitate both prevention of intermixing of the first and second agents in a storage position as well as reaction of the first and second agents through intermixing in a delivery position so as to produce and apply a third agent to a contacted surface when in the delivery position. The reaction and delivery implement may be an oral care implement such as a toothbrush. The implement may also be motorized and may be used with a wide array of reactions.
US09492000B2	Nail polish container A nail polish container is disclosed. The nail polish container includes a housing with a recessed portion and a nail-like component. The nail-like component is shaped and sized to substantially resemble a human nail, and the nail-like component is configured to moveably attached to the housing, such that the nail-like component is moveable between a retracted state in which the nail-like component is substantially accommodated within the recessed portion and an extended state in which at least a portion of the nail-like component protrudes away from the recessed portion. The nail polish container can allow user to apply the nail treatment to the nail-like component and positions the treated nail-like component in close proximity to the user's actual nail to simulate the visual appearance of the user's own nail if it had been treated.
US09491999B2	Mist generator device A mist generator device includes a mist generation unit that generates mist from a liquid. A mist flow passage is connected to the mist generation unit. The mist from the mist generation unit flows through the mist flow passage. A tubular mist nozzle releases the mist, which is supplied from the mist generation through the mist flow passage, out of the mist generator device. The mist nozzle includes a mist entrance, a mist exit, and an inner constriction located at an inner side of the mist nozzle. The inner constriction includes a step that decreases an inner diameter of the mist nozzle from the mist entrance toward the mist exit.
US09491997B2	Drum assembly, cosmetic device with drum assembly, and battery compartment for cosmetic device A cosmetic device is provided. The cosmetic device includes a housing; a drum assembly rotatably coupled to the housing, the drum assembly including an abrasive outer surface and a deformable portion disposed below the abrasive outer surface; and a drive system configured to rotate the drum assembly relative to the housing.
US09491993B2	Ring protection device Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a ring protection device. The ring protection device can have a shell layer to at least partially encase a ring. The ring protection device can have a shell layer containing a housing segment. The segments of the shell layer can be connected to other segments via a hinge mechanism. The shell segments and hinge mechanism can be configured to encase a ring and protect it from damage. The shell layer can be connected to a sealing layer to aid the ring protection functionality. The hinge mechanism can be opened and closed to insert and remove a ring into the ring protection device.
US09491989B2	Shoelace and method for fastening a shoe using same A shoelace device is disclosed having an elongated flexible section engaged on one end to an anchor. The elongated flexible section is configured for traversing apertures formed on opposite facings of a shoe. The anchor is sized with at least one dimension larger than the apertures to form a stop for preventing passage of the first end through an aperture. The anchor has a first fastening surface configured for removably joining in a first engagement to second fastening surface located on the flexible section when the second fastening surface comes into contact is the fastening surface. A second engagement of strap portions can be achieved using combination hook and loop fabric as the second fastening surface.
US09491975B2	Garments for female patients A garment is adapted for use by female patients. A frontal portion of the garment covers at least a portion of the frontal trunk and frontal lower limbs of the female patient when the garment is worn. A left rear portion, in turn, is attached to a leftmost edge of the frontal portion and covers at least a portion of the rear trunk and rear lower limbs of the female patient. A right rear portion is attached to a rightmost edge of the frontal portion and overlaps the left rear portion. In order to secure the garment, a left belt attached to a leftmost edge of the left rear portion passes through a belt hole located proximate to the interface of the frontal portion and the right rear portion as well as a right belt loop, while a right belt attached to a rightmost edge of the right rear portion passes through a left belt loop.
US09491974B2	Heating elements formed from a sheet of a material and inputs and methods for the production of atomizers The present disclosure relates to an input for production of atomizers and atomizers formed from a sheet of a material, and which may be employed in an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The input may include a carrier and heating elements coupled thereto. The heating elements may include first and second ends and interconnected alternating loops disposed therebetween. The heating elements may be oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the carrier, or perpendicular thereto. The heating elements may be coupled to a liquid transport element by bending the interconnected loops at least partially around the liquid transport element. The ends of the heating element may be coupled to heater terminals. A related method for forming atomizers is also provided.
US09491973B2	Method of air humidification and injection delivery The invention is a method of air humidification and injection delivery that humidifies air to a specific selected relative humidity and injects the humidified air into a container to establish the specific selected relative humidity throughout the container. The method includes the facilitation of ambient supply air into a liquid medium for humidification to a specific selected relative humidity. The resulting humidified air is released from the liquid medium and routed for injection into the container. The injected humidified air infiltrates the container and sustains the selected relative humidity throughout the container. Contents of the container are thus maintained at the selected relative humidity.
US09491966B2	Dihydroxybenzoate polymers and uses thereof The present invention is directed to polyphenolic polymers formed from dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) derivatives or from resorcinol derivatives, monomers which form such polymers, blends of the polymers with drugs and/or additional polymers, as well as medical devices formed from, coated with, impregnated by or coverings made with any of the foregoing polymers (with or without drugs) or blends (with or without drugs).
US09491963B2	Sweetness enhancers, compositions thereof, and methods for use Disclosed herein are sweetener compositions comprising at least one sweetener and at least one sweetness enhancer chosen from terpenes (such as sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, and triterpenes), flavonoids, amino acids, proteins, polyols, other known natural sweeteners (such as cinnamaldehydes, selligueians, hematoxylins), secodammarane glycosides, and analogues thereof, wherein the at least one sweetness enhancer is present in the composition in an amount at or below the sweetness detection threshold level of the sweetness ehancer, and the at least one sweetener and the at least one sweetness enhancer are different. Also disclosed herein are methods for enhancing sweetness of a composition, comprising combining at least one sweetener and at least one sweetness enhancer chosen from terpenes (such as sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, and triterpenes), flavonoids, amino acids, proteins, polyols, other known natural sweeteners (such as cinnamaldehydes, selligueians, hematoxylins), secodammarane glycosides, and analogues thereof, wherein the at least one sweetness enhancer is present in the composition in an amount at or below the sweetness detection threshold level of the at least one sweetness enhancer, and the at least one sweetener and the at least one sweetness enhancer are different.
US09491961B2	Salt product A method of preparing a salt product comprises the steps of: (i) providing a mixture which comprises salt dissolved in a solvent, said mixture further containing an organic material that is solid under ambient temperature conditions; and (ii) atomizing said mixture and evaporating said solvent to produce a salt product comprised of particles of salt incorporating said organic material. The organic material may be a polymer such as a carbohydrate (e.g. maltodextrin or Gum Arabic). Novel salt products are disclosed which comprise hollow particles having a shell formed for individual crystallites of salt. The salt product is useful as a seasoning for food and may be used in lower amounts than conventional salt to provide the same taste. Particular advantages are obtained in the baking of bread.
US09491958B2	Process for the manufacture of a product from a plant material The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a product from a plant material including the steps of providing a disrupted plant material including <10% (w/w) starch and <10% (w/w) oil/lipids; adjusting the pH of the disrupted plant material to a value of pH 3.5 or below to provide an acidic suspension; heating the acidic suspension to a temperature in the range of about 50° C. to about 80° C.; isolating the product from the heated, acidic suspension. The product may be a protein product or a non-protein product. In particular, the process of the invention provides a protein product with reduced contents of non-protein components of negative nutritional value.
US09491953B2	Anti-microbial application equipment with controls A control system for monitoring an antimicrobial application system may include a controller having a monitoring program including an operations unit and an interface unit. The operations unit may include a sensor module operatively coupled to a plurality of sensors positioned to detect operation data associated with the application system in real-time. An adjustment module may adjust the operation of the application system. An analysis module may analyze real-time operation data and initiate a specified response when the analysis indicates that a trigger event has occurred. The response may include issuing a notification to a notification device or initiating the adjustment module to perform a control operation to modify the operation of the antimicrobial application system. A remote monitoring center may control multiple and remote application systems. Mobile devices and a control panel may be operable to interface with operations of the antimicrobial application system via the control system.
US09491949B2	Method for raising plants and composition used therefor To provide a method for raising plants that have great vitality and that are strongly resistant to pests and can successfully compete against weeds. The invention provides a method for raising plants with enhanced immunity and biological activity to external and internal stresses. The present invention is characterized by the following: the method includes a step of applying to the target plants a plant immunopotentiating composition containing an immunostimulatory substance produced by the cytolysis that accompanies spore formation in aerobic endospore-forming bacteria; the immunostimulatory substance is obtained by culturing the aerobic endospore-forming bacteria, causing the bacteria to form endospores by placing the resulting culture liquid in starvation conditions, and then removing impurities including the bacterial cells that are formed into endospores from the culture liquid; and the aerobic endospore-forming bacteria belong to the MRE symbiotic bacteria group.
US09491946B2	Ag loaded silica nanoparticle/nanogel formulation, methods of making, and methods of use Embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to compositions including a silver/silica nanocomposite, methods of making a silver/silica nanocomposite, methods of using a silver/silica nanocomposite, and the like.
US09491937B2	Insecticide sprayer and rotary spray head assembly A fluid sprayer includes a fluid storage module having at least one fluid tank, and a dispersion module having a rotary spray head assembly in fluid communication with the tank to receive fluid therefrom. The rotary spray head assembly further atomizes the fluid, and the dispersion module further includes a blower assembly positioned upstream of the rotary spray head assembly for dispersing the atomized fluid from the rotary spray head assembly into the surroundings of the fluid sprayer. The fluid storage module is detachably coupled to the dispersion module to effect reconfiguration of the fluid sprayer between a first configuration in which the fluid storage module and the dispersion module are positioned in a side-by-side manner, and a second configuration in which the fluid storage module and the dispersion module are positioned in-line with each other.
US09491935B2	Animal models of neurological disorders The present invention relates to the field of neurological disorders and more particularly to the field of neuropsychiatric disorders. The invention provides non-human, transgenic animal models for brain disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, compulsive disorders, addictive disorders and the like. The animals also have applications in the field of GABA neurotransmission and other disorders in which GABA-dependent gene regulation has a role.
US09491934B2	Regulation of endogenous gene expression in cells using zinc finger proteins The present invention provides methods for modulating expression of endogenous cellular genes using recombinant zinc finger proteins.
US09491931B2	Animal harness device and method A dog-training method includes a device having a left connector, a right connector, a back strap, a girth strap, and a chest strap. The chest strap at a first end couples to the right connector and a left second end passes through a center portion of the left connector and ends in a left-leash coupler which is larger than the center portion of the left connector so that the left-leash coupler cannot pass through the center portion of the left connector. The chest strap further includes a right free-moving strap coupled to the left connector with a right second end passing through a center portion of the right connector and terminating in a right-leash coupler that is configured larger than the center portion of the right connector so that the right-leash coupler cannot pass through the center portion of the right connector.
US09491930B2	Light projecting pet toy A laser pet toy including a light source with a focused beam of light of a predetermined shape and programmable random travel across an opaque surface such as a floor or wall to create an engaging image for a pet to play with the image for entertainment or exercise.
US09491925B2	Valve block for a backflushing and teat dip applicator system A system for cleaning a dairy animal milker unit and applying dip to a dairy animal, the system includes a main control, an air supply, a water supply, a backflush fluid supply, a dip supply, a stall control for receiving the air, water, backflush fluid and dip supplies, and a safety valve that is adjacent to a downstream portion of the milker unit to control backflush and dip fluids being fed to the milker unit.
US09491918B2	Sweet corn hybrid SV1321SD and parents thereof The invention provides seed and plants of sweet corn hybrid SV1321SD and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of sweet corn hybrid SV1321SD and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a sweet corn plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another sweet corn plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the parts of such plants.
US09491914B2	Moisture sensing watering system A moisture sensing watering system comprising a central pivot, a water conveyance system, a plurality of wheels, a first at least one moisture sensor coupled with a first wheel, a second at least one moisture sensor coupled with a second wheel, a moisture information converter, and a moisture content provider. The first moisture sensor pierces the ground during each rotation of the first wheel and performs a first moisture sensing as a part of the piercing of the ground. The second moisture sensor pierces the ground during each rotation of the second wheel and performs a second moisture sensing as a part of the second moisture sensor piercing the ground. The moisture information converter receives the moisture sensing information and converts the moisture sensing information into a signal. The moisture content provider provides the signal in a user accessible format.
US09491912B2	Automated wide-ranging anti-hail protection method and a network The present invention relates to hail warning and prevention.An automated method of wide-ranging anti-hail protection including reception of sky proper radiothermal emission in M sites, its comparison with corresponding thresholds, generation command signals to detonate combustible gas and to direct shock waves upwardly to the sky, generation and transmission alert signals, reception of transmitted alert signals in each M sites, comparison with proper code-signals of that site and setting alert operational mode of sonic generator.An automated network of anti-hail protection including M hail preventing sonic set in M sites of anti-hail protection area any of which comprises an antenna, a radiometric receiver, a controlled compensation device, a controlled multi-channel threshold system, a warner a transmitter, a receiver, a code-signal comparison device, a first controlling switcher, a controlled single-channel thresholder and a second controlling switcher.It is enhanced operation efficiency and is automated exploitation of an anti-hail protection network.
US09491908B2	Tractor mounted cotton harvester A tractor mounted cotton harvester carries at least one mechanized cotton picking unit removably supported beside at least one side of the tractor in a forward facing orientation, outwardly of the tractor wheels. A cotton receptacle is removably mounted to a hitch of the tractor and is lowerable for unloading. The cotton receptacle can include cotton compacting apparatus. At least one duct connects the at least one picking unit with the cotton receptacle, and a fan provides an air flow through the duct or ducts. The fan can be hydraulic, electric or mechanical powered.
US09491907B2	Handle control arrangement of a walk-behind lawn mower A walk-behind lawn mower comprising a body with an engine driving a cutting blade, and a handle assembly which is pivotably connected to the body. The lawn mower furthermore comprises a handle control arrangement for controlling pivotal movement of the handle assembly relative to the body, between a working position and a pivoted position. The handle control arrangement comprises a locking member, selectively displaceable between an open state in which the locking member allows pivotal movement of the handle assembly from the working position to the pivoted position, and a locked state in which the locking member inhibits pivotal movement of the handle assembly from the working position to the pivoted position. The handle control arrangement also comprises an actuating member operatively connected to the locking member and controlling the state of the locking member. The actuating member is also arranged to control activation and deactivation of a device arranged to inhibit rotation of the cutting blade of the walk-behind lawn mower.
US09491901B2	Direct drive seed metering device A direct drive seed metering device for sowing machines operated by vacuum or high pressure and driven by a coaxial electric motor with a seed metering disc for capturing seeds from a reservoir and laying the seed in a controlled manner in a furrow in the soil. The coaxial electrical motor couples directly and coaxially to the metering disc without the need for intermediate transmission elements, redactors, gears or timing belts, and the coaxial electrical motor is a toroidal electric motor with a perforated hollow rotor shaft which fluidly captures the seed with a vacuum or high pressure generating device.
US09491899B1	Processor for rhizomes and the like A method and apparatus for processing harvested miscanthus or other rhizomes to condition them for replanting to grow new miscanthus plants are disclosed. Bulk quantities of clusters of rhizomes are supplied to a first inclined ramp conveyor, the clusters of rhizomes are caught on a mechanism that pushes the clusters of rhizomes to a location where the clusters of rhizomes encounter obstructers that cooperate with the mechanism to cut and reduce the size of the clusters. The reduced size clusters are vibrated to loosen and separate soil from the reduced size cluster of rhizomes, washed to wash dirt from the clusters, and collected for supply to a planter.
US09497889B2	Heat dissipation for substrate assemblies Various embodiments described herein include systems, methods and/or devices used to dissipate heat generated by electronic components in an electronic system (e.g., a memory system that includes closely spaced memory modules). In one aspect, an electronic system includes a substrate, at least one electronic component, and a heat sink. The at least one electronic component is mechanically coupled to the substrate and thermally coupled to a ground plane of the substrate, such that heat generated by the at least one electronic component is dissipated at least partially to the ground plane of the substrate. The heat sink is mechanically coupled to an edge of the substrate, and thermally coupled to the ground plane of the substrate to at least partially dissipate the heat generated by the at least one electronic component. In some embodiments, the heat sink further includes an attachment structure, a tab and a plurality of heat dissipaters.
US09497888B2	Thermal transfer structure(s) and attachment mechanism(s) facilitating cooling of electronics card(s) Cooling apparatuses and coolant-cooled electronic assemblies are provided which include a thermal transfer structure configured to couple to one or more sides of an electronics card having one or more electronic components to be cooled. The thermal transfer structure includes a thermal spreader and at least one coolant-carrying channel associated with the thermal spreader to facilitate removal of heat from the thermal spreader to coolant flowing through the coolant-carrying channel(s). The cooling apparatus further includes a coolant manifold structure disposed adjacent to a socket of the electronic system within which the electronics card operatively docks, and a fluidic and mechanical attachment mechanism which facilitates selective, fluidic and mechanical coupling or decoupling the thermal transfer structure and coolant manifold structure, the attachment mechanism facilitating the flow of coolant between the coolant manifold structure and the coolant-carrying channel(s) of the thermal transfer structure.
US09497879B2	Surrounding-buckle type mobile hard drive rack A hard drive rack includes a frame. The frame includes a plurality of plates surrounding to form an accommodating space and at least one insertion opening. The plates include a bottom plate, a cover plate, and a supporting plate. The latch arm of the actuator assembly includes a first buckle part and is pivotally connected to the frame. The buckle arm includes a pivotal end and a hooking end, the buckle arm connects to the bottom plate through the pivotal end and is able to pivotally rotate. The hooking end is formed with a second buckle part which is selectively blocked by the first buckle part to encircle the insertion opening.
US09497878B2	Retaining mechanism and electronic device having the retaining mechanism A retaining mechanism for holding a circuit board and a related electronic device include a supporter, a first fixing component, a second fixing component and a third fixing component. The first fixing component is disposed on a supporting wall of the supporter, to buckle an edge of the circuit board and to constrain a movement of the circuit board in a first direction. The second fixing component is disposed on another supporting wall of the supporter, to contact against another edge of the circuit board and to constrain a movement of the circuit board in a second direction. The third fixing component is disposed on a base of the supporter. A holding portion and a hooking unit of the third fixing component respectively holds a bottom of the circuit board and inserts into an opening on the circuit board, to prevent the circuit board and the holding portion from separation.
US09497874B2	Electronic device An electronic device includes: an enclosure that has an opening formed therein; a switch disposed in the enclosure opposite the opening; a key top member disposed inside the opening; and a water sealing member that has a wall part which extends such that a height direction of the wall part coincides with an opening direction of the opening and which seals an inner surface of the opening, an arm part which extends from the wall part to the inner side of the opening and supports the key top member, and a wall part reinforcer provided in the wall part.
US09497867B2	Thin display device A thin display device includes a display unit and an outer casing accommodating a device component constituting a display unit together with the display unit. Upper corner regions and lower corner regions of the outer casing are held by upper corner shock-absorbing members and lower corner shock-absorbing members disposed separately at upper corners and lower corners of a packing box when the thin display device is accommodated in the packing box. The device component is accommodated in a peripheral portion in the outer casing. A center of gravity of the device component is positioned within a region of the outer casing where the upper corner shock-absorbing member holds the outer casing and a region of the outer casing where the lower shock-absorbing member holds the outer casing.
US09497857B2	Insulating sheet, circuit board, and process for production of insulating sheet An object of the present invention is to provide an insulating sheet superior in heat dissipation efficiency, heat resistance, insulation efficiency and moldability. Provided is a sheet-shaped insulating sheet of a resin composition containing an epoxy resin, a curing agent and an inorganic filler, wherein one or both of the epoxy resin and the curing agent have a naphthalene structure, the inorganic filler contains hexagonal boron nitride, and the inorganic filler is contained in an amount of 70 to 85 vol % in the entire resin composition. It is possible to increase the filling efficiency of an inorganic filler in the insulating sheet by using an epoxy resin and/or a curing agent having a naphthalene structure, which are favorably compatible with the hexagonal boron nitride contained in the inorganic filler.
US09497842B2	System and method for generating extreme ultraviolet light A system includes a chamber, a laser beam apparatus configured to generate a laser beam to be introduced into the chamber, a laser controller for the laser beam apparatus to control at least a beam intensity and an output timing of the laser beam, and a target supply unit configured to supply a target material into the chamber, the target material being irradiated with the laser beam for generating extreme ultraviolet light.
US09497837B2	Electrostatic protection device An electrostatic protection device with an improved durability with repeated use and an excellent discharging property is provided. The electrostatic protection device 100 comprising an insulating laminate 11, a pair of discharge electrodes 12 and 13 inside the insulating laminate 11 and a discharge triggered part 14 disposed between these discharge electrodes and at the periphery of the end portion of the discharge electrode is configured by disposing glass-containing insulating layers 15 and 16 on the surfaces of the discharge electrodes. The flow of conductive inorganic materials in the discharge electrodes towards the discharge triggered part caused by the discharging process can be inhibited by arranging the insulating layer containing glass on the surfaces of the discharge electrodes.
US09497836B2	Lighting system for illuminating an environment and a method of starting an installation of a program on a programmable controller A lighting system (100) for illuminating an environment and a method of starting the installation of a program on a programmable controller of a lighting module are provided. The lighting system (100) comprises a particular lighting module (110), a neighboring lighting module (120) and an installation decision generator (112). A portion of the environment is illuminated by both lighting modules (110, 120). Both lighting modules (110, 120) have a programmable controller (114, 124) and may receive a program via a network interface for installation on the programmable controller (114, 124). The installation decision generator (112) decides whether the installation of the program on the particular lighting module (110) may start, based on operational information as to whether the light emission capabilities of the neighboring lighting module (120) enable illumination of the portion of the environment to be sufficiently close to a desired illumination of the portion.
US09497835B2	Method for the relative activation of a luminaire, control unit and lighting system For the relative activation of a luminaire, actuation of an actuating element, particularly of a pushbutton, is detected. During actuation of the actuating element, the following steps are performed cyclically: ascertainment of a target control point (P_1, P_2) that corresponds to one of a plurality of sampling points (61, 62) encountered sequentially during the actuation; generation of a control command (71, 72) on the basis of the target control point (P_1, P_2); and issuing of the control command (71, 72) in order to reach a sampling point (61, 62) corresponding to the target control point (P_1, P_2) at a predefined change-over time (68). During continued actuation of the actuating element, a predefined period of time (68) is allowed to pass after a control command (71) is issued before a further control command (72) is issued in order to reach another sampling point (62) that corresponds to a further target control point (P_2).
US09497826B2	Light-emitting diode arrangement and light-emitting means, in particular with such a light-emitting diode arrangement A light-emitting diode arrangement includes a piezoelectric transformer having at least one output connection position, and a high-voltage light-emitting diode including a high-voltage light-emitting diode chip including at least two active regions connected in series with one another, wherein the high-voltage light-emitting diode is electrically connected to the output connection position of the piezo transformer.
US09497825B2	Electro-luminescent wire The invention describes an electro-luminescent wire comprising at least two conductors, having substantially longitudinal extensions, parallel to each other and insulated electrically, the conductors being supplied electrically to generate an electromagnetic field therebetween. A luminescent gelatinous substance covers at least one of the conductors and a transparent plastic film encloses the luminescent gelatinous substance and the conductors; the luminescent gelatinous substance emits light in presence of an electromagnetic field generated by the conductors.
US09497823B2	Light bulb and florescent tube replacement using FIPEL panels A lighting device formed of a FIPEL panel driven by electrical connection. For example, a frequency generator can create a frequency that creates a light output having any frequency in the spectrum. The light emitting panel can be flexible, and can be coded along a curved surface, such as the inner surface of a light bulb.
US09497820B2	Calibration method for LED lighting systems A method of operating a lighting fixture comprising a plurality of discrete illumination sources of distinguishably different color coordinates comprises determining target color coordinates and luminous flux at which to operate the lighting fixture, determining input electrical power values for each of the plurality of discrete illumination sources that substantially produce the target color coordinates and luminous flux by referencing a calibration data lookup table having calibration data based on measurements of the plurality of discrete illumination sources, determining a color mixing zone defined by three distinguishably different color coordinates of the plurality of discrete illumination sources within which the target color coordinates lie according to the calibration data, determining luminous flux ratios for each of the plurality of discrete illumination sources having one of the three distinguishably different color coordinates defining the color mixing zone that substantially produces the target color coordinates, and determining input electrical power levels for each of the plurality of discrete illumination sources that generate the determined luminous flux ratios.
US09497818B2	Apparatus for controlling light module Apparatuses for controlling light modules (5) comprise first circuits (1) for detecting first control information transported via first signals and second circuits (2) for converting first control information into second control information. The second control information is transported via second signals. The first and second control information define light settings of the light modules (5) and have different representations. The first control information may be phase-cut information or first data. The second control information may be a parameter of the second signal or second data. The apparatus may further comprise a third circuit (3) for converting power from the first signals into third signals destined for power inputs (51) of the light modules (5). The second signals may be destined for control inputs (52) of the light modules (5). This way, a control of a light module (5) has been separated from powering the light module (5). Many more control options have become possible.
US09497817B2	Load control device for a light-emitting diode light source A load control device for controlling the intensity of a lighting load, such as a light-emitting diode (LED) light source, may include a power converter circuit operable to receive a rectified AC voltage and to generate a DC bus voltage, a load regulation circuit operable to receive the bus voltage and to control the magnitude of a load current conducted through the lighting load, and a control circuit operatively coupled to the load regulation circuit for pulse width modulating or pulse frequency modulating the load current to control the intensity of the lighting load to a target intensity. The control circuit may control the intensity of the lighting load by pulse width modulating the load current when the target intensity is above a predetermined threshold and control the intensity of the lighting load by pulse frequency modulating the load current when the target intensity is below the predetermined threshold.
US09497807B2	Dimmer circuit for electronic loads In one embodiment, a dimmer circuit is coupled to an electronic load and receives an alternating current (AC) signal. A phase control circuit turns the dimmer circuit on for a first portion of the AC signal to turn on the electronic load. The dimmer circuit turns off during a second portion of the AC signal to turn off the electronic load. A switch is coupled to the phase control circuit. The switch is controlled to couple the phase control circuit to ground when the dimmer circuit is off where the switch is part of a power supply supplying power to the electronic load.
US09497798B2	Radio node, a user equipment and methods for managing a transmission A radio network node, a user equipment and methods therein for managing a transmission from the user equipment to the radio network node are disclosed. In one embodiment, the radio network node adapts a transport format relating to the transmission based on information indicating at least one mode switching point of a radio transmitter. The radio transmitter is comprised in the user equipment. In another embodiment, the user equipment adapts the transmission based on the information indicating at least one mode switching point of the radio transmitter comprised in the user equipment.
US09497794B2	Modification of identifier data to identify intermediate devices A method provides data communication to a vehicle. The method comprises a first data packet from a device associated with said vehicle at an intermediate device, said first data packet comprising a first identifier identifying said vehicle, modifying said first identifier to identify said intermediate device and forwarding said modified first data packet from said intermediate device to a further device. A communications session between said device associated with said further device is established, and a session identifier is associated with the communications session, and said first data packet comprises said session identifier and said modified data packet comprises said session identifier.
US09497789B1	Methods, apparatus, and device for wirelessly connecting a plurality of devices for communication in a network The present disclosure describes methods and apparatus for wirelessly connecting a plurality of devices for communication in a network. A wireless transceiver device can attempt to wirelessly connect to another wireless transceiver device using a first technique or a second technique. At various times while performing the first technique and the second technique, one or both of the wireless transceiver devices can listen for packets for the different techniques concurrently. In response to receiving a particular type of packet used by the second technique, the wireless transceiver device interrupts the first technique to perform the second technique to connect to another wireless transceiver device (from which the particular type of packet was received). The wireless transceiver device can then proceed with again attempting to wirelessly connect to another wireless transceiver device using the first technique.
US09497783B2	Method, apparatus and system for transmitting information A method for transmitting information includes: by a NodeB, receiving information reported by a User Equipment (UE) through an Enhanced Dedicated Channel (E-DCH) transmission channel, and determining the UE corresponding to the received information according to UE ID information carried in the received information. A system and NodeB for transmitting information are also provided. Therefore, when random access data is transmitted between the UE and the NodeB, the NodeB can determine the UE from which the data is received, thus ensuring practicability of the transmission solution that uses High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) to implement random access.
US09497777B2	Indicating E-DCH resources for E-RACH In UMTS WCDMA a new RACH-based uplink is being discussed. The request for uplink transmission resource is made using a mechanism based on the conventional RACH. The main difference from the conventional RACH is that the data transmission uses a high-speed uplink packet data channel, known as Enhanced Dedicated Channel (E-DCH), instead of a single short message associated directly with the RACH preamble. One proposed scheme for indicating the E-DCH resources to be used creates a link between the values of each of a group of multiple signatures sent on the AICH (to acknowledge the E-RACH access) and a specific set of E-DCH parameters defined in a table. We propose to signal the set of resources to be used independently from acknowledging the E-RACH access. One possible method is to transmit information in the unused portion of the AICH (corresponding to 1024 chips every slot) indicating the resource set.
US09497770B2	Scheduling communication in a wireless communication system Interference potential may be determined between user equipment (UE) based on distance between the UEs and location information. Half duplex communication on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) resources may be scheduled based on the determined interference potential.
US09497767B2	Wireless communication apparatus, wireless communication method, and computer-readable recording medium A mobile terminal measures a first wireless quality that is a wireless quality of a first communication network, and measures a second wireless quality that is a wireless quality of a second communication network. The mobile terminal then determines a ratio between the number of first sockets used for the first communication network and the number of second sockets used for the second communication network, based on the first wireless quality or the second wireless quality. The mobile terminal then generates the first sockets and the second sockets at the determined ratio and transmits data by using each of the generated sockets.
US09497759B2	Method and apparatus for allocation of discontinuous uplink resource A method for a communication apparatus to transmit an uplink signal in a wireless communication system. The communication apparatus receives a control channel signal including resource allocation information for two or more non-consecutive resource block sets. Each resource block set includes a single resource block group (RBG) or at least two consecutive RBGs. The communication apparatus transmits the uplink signal in accordance with the control channel signal for data transmission. The resource allocation information uses a combinatorial index corresponding to at least four indices to indicate the two or more non-consecutive resource block sets.
US09497752B2	Method for forming resource block for search region in distribution-type downlink control channel in wireless communication system, and apparatus therefor The present invention relates to a method for a terminal to receive an enhanced physical downlink control channel (EPDCCH) from a based station in a wireless communication system. More particularly, the method includes the steps of: defining a first number of enhanced resource element groups (EREGs) for each resource block for the EPDCCH; monitoring EPDCCH candidates consisting of one or more enhanced control channel elements (ECCEs) in resource blocks so as to receive the EPDCCH, wherein each of the one or more ECCEs consists of a second number of EREGs included in different resource blocks, and the indexes of the resource blocks including the second number of EREGs are determined on the basis of a specific value obtained by dividing the number of resource blocks by the second number.
US09497751B2	Methods to enhance neighbor PDCCH decoding by exploiting correlation of RNTIS Network identifiers used for control information are typically correlated in time. This correlation in time may be leveraged to reduce the control space searched, and thus the number of blind decodes performed by a UE during blind decoding of neighbor cell control information. An apparatus that exploits this correlation in time decodes a control channel transmitted by a neighbor cell to obtain a current network identifier used to perform an operation on the control channel transmission, compares the current network identifier with a set of network identifiers obtained from previously decoded control channels transmitted from the neighbor cell, and determines if the decoded control channel is valid based at least in part on the comparison. The set of network identifiers may be a list of network identifiers, or a range of network identifiers. The set of network identifiers may further include aggregation level information and frequency of occurrence information.
US09497750B2	Method and apparatus for transmitting control signaling The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for transmitting control signaling. The method includes: determining that a physical downlink shared channel PDSCH transmission scheme for a non-backward compatible component carrier is a user equipment-specific reference signal UE RS-based non-precoding matrix indicator Non-PMI feedback transmission scheme or a UE RS-based up to 8 layer transmission scheme; and sending downlink control information DCI to a UE, where the DCI is used to indicate the determined PDSCH transmission scheme. The apparatus includes a determining module and a first sending module. The method and apparatus in embodiments of the present invention can expand application scenarios of the non-backward compatible component carrier, increase spectrum utilization of the system, and avoid a system capacity decrease problem caused by limitations on the application scenarios of the non-backward compatible component carrier.
US09497749B2	Method for transmitting and receiving control information of a mobile communication system Disclosed is a method for transmitting and receiving control information. The method for transmitting control information according to the present invention, in a mobile communication system in which a control channel region and a data channel region are separated from each other, comprises the steps of: determining a control channel resource for transmitting control information by means of the data channel region; and transmitting the control information using the determined control channel resource. According to the present invention, a capacity for control information, which increases for multiple user multiple-input multiple-out (MIMOs) in a heterogeneous network environment, for heterogeneous network interference control using carrier aggregation, for frequent use of a multicast-broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN) subframe, and for a CoMP transmission control, may be satisfied. Further, an adaptive resource allocation based on a requested capacity for control information may be enabled, and the efficient utilization of resources may also be enabled.
US09497739B2	Method and apparatus for mitigating interference in a wireless communication system supporting heterogeneous networks A method and apparatus for mitigating interference in a wireless communication system supporting heterogeneous networks are disclosed. When the wireless communication system includes a first network and a second network, the method includes generating information indicating whether each of uplink component carriers is used for transmission of control information in the first network, and transmitting the information to a UE. A component carrier used for transmission of control information in the first network is different from a component carrier used for transmission of control information in the second network.
US09497738B2	Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving signals for device-to-device communication in wireless communication system The present invention relates to a method for transmitting and receiving signals in a wireless communication system, where a second terminal transmits and receives a signal to and from a first terminal for device-to-device communication. The method includes the steps of: receiving a first signal from a first terminal; measuring a channel using the first signal and transmitting channel state information to a third terminal; and receiving control information from the third terminal in response to the transmission of the channel state information, wherein the channel state information pertains to a communication link between the first and second terminals.
US09497736B2	Transmitting device, receiving device, transmitting method, and receiving method In a transmitting device, each of the plurality of mapping candidates that make up the search space is configured from the same number of control channel elements as an aggregation level value, the control channel elements are obtained by dividing each physical resource block into a predetermined number, and the quantity of resource elements contained in each of the predetermined number of control channel elements in each physical resource block adopts at least two types of values. A search space setting unit (102) sets a search space of which the aggregation level value is 2 or more so that, between a plurality of mapping candidates, variation in the total quantity of resource elements contained in the control channel elements that make up the mapping candidates is as small as possible.
US09497733B2	Single-frequency network (SFN) operation for machine-type communications (MTC) coverage enhancements Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communications and, more particularly, to techniques for single-frequency network (SFN) operation for machine-type communications (MTC) coverage enhancements. A method is provided for wireless communications by a user equipment (UE). The method generally includes detecting a synchronization signal transmitted from at least one of a plurality of transmission points, wherein each of the plurality of transmission points transmits a synchronization signal at a different offset time relative to a subframe boundary in a synchronized network, determining a subframe occurring a fixed time after detecting the synchronization signal to monitor for system information transmitted from at least one of the plurality of transmission points, and monitoring for a system information block during the determined subframe.
US09497731B2	Mobile communication system, control station, base station, communication method and program A mobile communication system according to the present invention is a mobile communication system including base stations each of which forms a cell and transmits MBMS data to a mobile station existing in the cell, and control stations each of which controls the base station connected thereto, wherein the control stations include at least a control station and a second control station that determines a frequency and timing for transmitting the MBMS data in the cell and instructs the first control station of the determined frequency and timing, and wherein each of the first and second control stations establishes time synchronization with another control station and instructs the connected base station to set the cell to the frequency determined by the second control station and transmits the MBMS data to the connected base station in accordance with the transmission timing determined by the second control station.
US09497724B2	Enhancement for power down sequence When a cellular telephone is powered down, it sends a power-down message to a network it was previously registered with. If the network does not send, or if the cellular telephone does not receive, an acknowledgement of the power-down message from the network, a status bit referred to as a flag is set (or reset) in a non-volatile memory device in the cellular telephone. The power-down sequence is concluded by the cellular telephone and, the cellular telephone is shut off or put into a reduced power consumption state. When the telephone is turned back on, i.e., returned to its previous state, the flag is evaluated or “tested” to see if it was set (or reset) during the course of powering down. The status or value of the flag when the phone is powered up is then used by the cellular telephone to determine whether it should make a network access request to a network the telephone was registered to, during the power-up operation in order to cause that cellular network to update its database regarding the whereabouts of the powered-up cellular telephone.
US09497722B2	Distributed co-operating nodes using time reversal Methods and systems for coherent distributed communication techniques using time reversal are disclosed. In one aspect, cooperating nodes of a cluster can move relative to each other and relative to an intended receiver of the nodes' data transmissions. The nodes are synchronized to a common time reference, and data for transmission from the cluster is distributed to the nodes. The intended receiver sends a sounding signal to the nodes. Each node receives the sounding signal, obtains the channel response between the intended receiver and itself, and time-reverses the channel response. Each node then convolves its time-reversed channel response with the data to obtain the node's convolved data. Each node waits a predetermined time following the time reference signal, as determined based on the common time reference. At the expiration of the predetermined time period, the nodes simultaneously transmit their convolved data.
US09497721B2	Uplink frequency control method and apparatus using the same Provided are an uplink frequency control method and a terminal apparatus using the same. The uplink frequency control method includes measuring a frequency offset with respect to a downlink, deriving a frequency offset component with respect to an uplink through the measured frequency offset, and correcting an uplink frequency offset using the derived frequency offset component. Therefore, by controlling an uplink frequency through a simple operation in a terminal, baseband design of a base station can be simplified, and uplink SNR performance can be improved.
US09497717B2	Out-of-band acknowledgement of wireless communication Power consumption in a receiving device is avoided by receiving packets from a transmitting device in a first band of frequencies (such as around 60 GHz) and providing acknowledgments in a second band of frequencies that is different than the first band of frequencies (such as around 5 GHz). These out-of-band acknowledgments may allow the receiving device to avoid transmissions in the first band of frequencies and the associated power consumption. Moreover, the transmissions by the transmitting device in the first band of frequencies and the second band of frequencies may be synchronized so that packets are transmitted in the first band of frequencies when transmission in the second band of frequencies is enabled. In these ways, this communication technique may improve the performance of the transmitting device and the receiving device.
US09497711B2	Terminal, base station, and communication method Provided is a terminal with which it is possible, in a heterogeneous cell network, to transmit a Periodic-Sounding Reference Signal (P-SRS) at a transmission bandwidth and power density necessary for carrying out both a process of selection of a transceiving participating base station and a process of frequency scheduling of a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). A terminal (300) comprises a receiving unit (301) which receives control information which includes information which denotes a P-SRS transmission parameter, and a transmission unit (303) which, using a transmission parameter which is included in the received control information, transmits a first P-SRS provided with a first bandwidth and a first power density at a first period, and transmits a second P-SRS provided with a second bandwidth which is narrower than the first bandwidth and second power density which is higher than the first power density at a second period.
US09497708B2	Power setting One example method of operation of a basestation in a mobile communications network is disclosed. The basestation may operate on a carrier channel and may be a member of a group of such basestations within the network. The method comprises establishing the presence of an adjacent basestation outside the group, which basestation operates on a carrier channel at least partially overlapping the carrier channel of the basestation and determining a degree of association between the basestation and the adjacent basestation with reference to other group members. The method further comprises setting at least one of a maximum downlink power for transmissions from the basestation and a maximum uplink power for transmissions from user equipment devices attached to the basestation, based on the degree of association between the basestation and the adjacent basestation. Also disclosed is a basestation operating in accordance with such a method.
US09497699B2	Dedicated channel for fast initial link setup in a wireless network An access point may advertise (e.g., broadcast) identifying information (e.g., a neighbor report and access point capability information) on a dedicated channel in a wireless network. The identifying information may include information about neighboring access points in the wireless network. The neighboring access points may operate on the dedicated channel, a different primary operating channel, or a combination thereof. A station entering the wireless network may scan the dedicated channel to detect the identifying information from the access point to aid relatively quick discovery of the neighboring access points without scanning multiple channels.
US09497695B2	Operation method for searching for cell in wireless communication system and device supporting same Provided is an operation method for sensing a cell which is performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system. The operation method comprises: obtaining wireless fingerprint information from a network; obtaining an intra-frequency measurement result by performing an intra-frequency measurement; evaluating a correlation on the basis of the wireless fingerprint information and the intra-frequency measurement result; and determining whether or not to search for a cell on the basis of the evaluation result on the correlation.
US09497692B2	Measurement configuration In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus, comprising: a receiver configured to receive a first message, the first message comprising an indication of a determination that a user equipment is in physical proximity of a first cell, at least one processor configured to determine whether the first cell is available to the user equipment, and the at least one processor being configured to, responsive to a determination the first cell is available to the user equipment, cause a second message to be transmitted to the user equipment, the second message comprising an instruction for the user equipment to perform at least one measurement to discover the first cell.
US09497690B2	Access method between a terminal and a base station in a wireless communication system and apparatus thereof The present description relates to a method in which a terminal accesses a base station in a wireless communication system and to a terminal thereof. The method includes broadcasting, to at least one base station, an advertisement message containing identification information for advertising existence of the terminal; receiving, from the base station, an inviting message which allows access to the base station; and performing an access procedure with the base station in accordance with the received inviting message. The present description further relates to a method in which a base station accesses a terminal in a wireless communication system, the method including receiving an advertisement message which is broadcasted by the terminal and contains identification information for advertising existence of the terminal; transmitting, to the terminal, an inviting message which allows access to the base station; and performing an access procedure with the terminal in accordance with the inviting message.
US09497676B2	User equipment and measurement method A user equipment 10 according to the present invention is provided with a RSSI measuring unit 107 that, with regard to a predetermined sub-frame, is configured to measure a radio quality of a serving cell and a neighboring cell for all OFDM symbols within the predetermined sub-frame and that, with regard to sub-frames other than the predetermined sub-frame, is configured to measure the radio quality of the serving cell and the neighboring cell for OFDM symbols containing a reference signal within the sub-frames.
US09497672B2	Method for performing handover in wireless access system for supporting communication between devices and apparatus for supporting same The present invention provides a ceaseless communication method between devices in a wireless access system for supporting communication between the devices, a method for switching the communication to a cellular network, and an apparatus for supporting the same. A method for performing a handover to the cellular network in the wireless access system for supporting the direct communication between the devices according to one embodiment of the present invention, includes the steps of: detecting the generation of a handover condition to the cellular network in a first device for performing the direction communication between the devices; transmitting a message for requesting a bandwidth for the cellular network to a base station; receiving a bandwidth response message including the bandwidth allocation information for the bandwidth allocated to the first device as a response to a bandwidth request from the base station; and enabling the first device to transmit data through the base station and the cellular network on the basis of the bandwidth allocation information for the bandwidth.
US09497668B2	PS to CS handover indicator The present invention relates to a solution for handling handover of connections for a user equipment from a packet switch network to a circuit switched network. This is provided as a method implemented in a node and system. The method is provided in a telecommunications network connecting user equipment, i.e. UE, communicating wirelessly with the network. The method comprising steps of detecting that handover is required from a packet switched, i.e. PS, based network to a circuit switched, i.e. CS, based network, initiating in a source mobility management node a single radio voice call continuity, i.e. SVRCC, initiating a PC to CS handover for non-voice components with information about voice related parameters and a PS to CS handover indicator, executing hand over, sending an update request to a serving gateway, i.e. SGW, from a target mobility management node with non-voice related parameters and the PS to CS handover indicator, forwarding the update request from the SGW to a packet data network gateway, i.e. PGW, receiving the update request in the PGW, detecting the PS to CS handover indicator, and handling in the PGW the PS to CS handover indicator.
US09497663B2	Coordinated priority scheme for small data packet transmission The invention is directed to transmitting a data packet from a first station to an access point or another station. An exemplary method comprises receiving, at a first station, a beacon from the access point or another station; receiving, at the first station, information associated with an opportunity window from the access point or another station; and transmitting, during the opportunity window, a data packet from the first station to the access point or another station.
US09497662B2	Methods and devices for reducing signaling overhead A method for reducing signaling overhead in user equipment (UE) connected to a base station is provided. The method includes: when the UE sends Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer messages to the base station, the UE compresses RRC layer messages and sends the compressed RRC layer messages to the base station; and when the UE receives the compressed RRC layer messages from the base station, the UE decompresses the compressed RRC layer messages received from the base station.
US09497657B2	Trusted WLAN connectivity to 3GPP evolved packet core Systems, devices, and configurations to implement trusted connections within wireless networks and associated devices and systems are generally disclosed herein. In some examples, a wireless local area network (WLAN) may be attached to a 3GPP evolved packet core (EPC) as a trusted access network, without use of an evolved packet data gateway (ePDG) and overhead from related tunneling and encryption. Information to create the trusted attachment between a mobile device and a WLAN may be exchanged using Access Network Query Protocol (ANQP) extensions defined by IEEE standard 802.11u-2011, or using other protocols or standards such as DHCP or EAP. A trusted WLAN container with defined data structure fields may be transferred in the ANQP elements to exchange information used in the establishment and operation of the trusted attachment.
US09497645B2	Method and apparatus for selecting reference signal tones for decoding a channel Methods and apparatuses are provided that include selecting reference signal (RS) or other tones to utilize in estimating a channel for decoding one or more channels. Where the RS tones are interfered by other base stations, interference cancelation can be performed over the RS tones. Since interference can vary over the tones, interference cancelation can yield RS tones of varying quality. Thus, a quality of each of the RS tones can be determined, and at least a subset of the RS tones can be selected for estimating a channel. Additionally or alternatively, the RS tones can be weighted or otherwise classified for performing channel estimation using the RS tones.
US09497640B2	Concentric cells in a wireless communication system Aspects described herein relate to a base station for providing air-to-ground wireless communication over various altitudes. The base station includes a first antenna array comprising one or more antennas configured to form a first cell coverage area extending substantially from a horizon up to a first elevation angle away from the first antenna array to a predetermined distance from the first antenna array. The base station further includes a second antenna array configured at an uptilt elevation angle to form a second cell coverage area extending at least from the first elevation angle to a second elevation away from the second antenna array, wherein the first cell coverage area and the second cell coverage area are concentric to define the ATG cell at least to the predetermined distance and up to a predetermined elevation.
US09497630B2	Enhanced manageability in wireless data communication systems A cellular network system comprises a device identifier comparator and a connection enable indicator. A device identifier comparator for comparing a received device identifier with one of a plurality of stored device identifiers, wherein the one of the stored plurality of stored device identifiers is associated with a stored subscriber identifier. A connection enable indicator for indicating whether a connection from a cellular device associated with the received device identifier to a data network associated with the cellular network system should be enabled.
US09497625B2	Method for negotiating security capability when terminal moves Methods of security negotiation for idle state mobility from a first network to a long term evolution (LTE) network are disclosed. In one embodiment, a service general packet radio service (GPRS) support node (SGSN) of the first network transmits an authentication vector-related key to a mobility management entity (MME). A user equipment (UE) sends its security capabilities including non-access stratum (NAS) security capabilities to the MME. The MME selects a NAS security algorithm, in accordance with the NAS security capabilities of the UE, and sends a message that indicates the selected NAS security algorithm to the UE. The MME also derives, in accordance with the selected NAS security algorithm, a NAS protection key from an authentication vector-related key so as to security communication between the UE and the LTE network.
US09497616B2	Methods and apparatus in a telecommunications network A method in a switching node of a circuit-switched telecommunications network comprises the steps of receiving from a packet-switched telecommunications network a request to establish a call towards a mobile station of the circuit-switched telecommunications network, and sending a request message to a location register for an instruction comprising one or more parameters for allowing the continuation of the establishment of the call to the mobile station. Upon receiving the one or more parameters from the location register, at least one of the one or more parameters is used to establish the call towards the mobile station. Furthermore, at least one of the one or more parameters is sent to the packet-switched telecommunications network. The at least one or more parameters sent to the packet-switched telecommunications network relates to the location of the mobile station. Therefore, entities within a packet-switched telecommunications network (e.g. an IMS network) that handle the terminating call for a call that is delivered to circuit-switched telecommunications network access (e.g. GSM), receive location information related to the connected party, i.e. the party (mobile terminal) receiving the call. This information is received transparently in SIP signalling.
US09497610B2	System and method for accountability by interlinking electronic identities for access control and tracking of personnel during an incident or at an emergency scene An incident management system includes some form of portable machine-readable data and a collector unit and optionally a manager unit for receiving the machine-readable data where one or all of the portable machine-readable data, the collector unit or the manager unit is provided in the form of a cell-enabled device. The portable machine-readable data may include identification information of a person or a resource/asset. By providing the portable machine-readable data in the form of cell-enabled devices each having a GPS unit, the location of the responders to the incident may be tracked in real time.
US09497590B1	Management of moving objects A system comprising a plurality of first subsystems respectively operable to manage a plurality of first regions in a geographic space; and a plurality of second subsystems respectively operable to manage a plurality of second regions in the geographic space, wherein the plurality of first regions and the plurality of second regions are arranged such that at least one of the first regions covers a border of one or more of the second regions and at least of the second regions covers a border of one or more of the first regions.
US09497580B1	Using application context to facilitate pairing with a peripheral device A method is provided for pairing a computing device with a peripheral device. The method includes identifying an application that is running on a computing device, and accessing a list of applications, wherein the list of applications identifies a context description associated with each application. The method further includes identifying accessible peripheral devices and a peripheral device type of each accessible peripheral device, and accessing a list of peripheral device types, wherein the list of peripheral device types identifies a context description associated with each peripheral device type. Still further, the method includes selecting a first one of the accessible peripheral devices having an identified peripheral device type that is, according to the list of peripheral device types, associated with a context description that is, according to the list of applications, associated with the identified application. The method then automatically pairs the computing device with the first accessible peripheral device.
US09497567B2	Selection of M2M devices by external triggering Techniques for facilitating the activation or establishing of a data session between an M2M device and a service provider external to the wireless communications network serving the M2M device are disclosed. In an example method, a trigger message is received from the service provider, the trigger message including an external identifier for the wireless device. An internal network identifier for the wireless device and an associated data network identifier are identified, based on the external identifier. The internal network identifier and the data network identifier are then forwarded towards the wireless device, for use by the wireless device in activating or selecting a data session. The data network identifier may include an APN, or an NSAPI, or both, in some embodiments. The disclosed techniques are particularly useful in the context of wireless devices having subscriptions to more than one M2M service provider.
US09497563B2	Mobile device activation A computer-implemented method includes displaying within a web browser executing on a computing device an offer to activate a data communication service for the computing device to communicate over a cellular network. A communication link is establish, through the web browser, between the computing device and a data plan web portal configured to receive information from a user of the computing device, where the information is used to activate the data communication service. An encrypted message including a unique identifier of the computing device is transmitted from the computing device, through the web browser, to the data plan web portal. A message including instructions to execute a process on the computing device to activate the data communication service for the computing device to communicate over the cellular network is received, through the web browser, at the computing device.
US09497560B2	Audio reproducing apparatus and method An audio reproducing apparatus includes: an obtainment unit configured to obtain a stereo audio signal including an L channel signal and an R channel signal; and a control unit configured to (i) generate a first audio signal for a speaker disposed at an upper position in a listening space and a second audio signal for a speaker disposed at a lower position in the listening space, using the L channel signal and the R channel signal and (ii) determine a gain coefficient corresponding to a degree of correlation between the L channel signal and the R channel signal and multiply by the determined gain coefficient at least one of the first audio signal and the second audio signal, to approximate a ratio between energy of sound reproduced from the first audio signal and energy of sound reproduced from the second audio signal to a predetermined value.
US09497557B2	RFID-equipped hearing aid retainer This invention provides an RFID-equipped retainer for hearing aids. In one embodiment, the retainer consists of a hollow string or tube. Located at one end of the retainer is a clasp that can attach to a hearing aid, and at the other end is a clip or similar fastener for optionally attaching the retainer to the clothing of the wearer. Also provided are the designs for passive and battery-assisted-passive, ultra high frequency, far-field RFID tags that can be embedded within this retainer. The tags consist of an RFID microchip with an impedance matching circuit mounted on a substrate and an antenna connected to the microchip. In another embodiment, the retainer consists of an RFID tag enclosed in a package or case that sits behind the wearer's ear and is physically connected to the hearing aid in the ear. The RFID microchip can be optionally programmed with an identification number that can be associated with information about the hearing aid to which it is attached. The identification number of the microchip can be read by an RFID reader at a distance of up to 10 feet or more. Also provided is an RFID system intended to be used in conjunction with the RFID-equipped hearing aid retainers to facilitate loss prevention, detection, tracking and identification of hearing aids.
US09497554B2	Flex-based connector for hearing aid Described herein is a multi-pin flex-based electrical plug and socket that can be incorporated into a hearing aid and be used to serve two purposes depending on the orientation with which the plug is inserted into the socket. For example, the plug may be inserted into the socket in a first orientation (e.g., right-side up) for programming the hearing aid and inserted in a second orientation (e.g., upside down) for inputting a DAI signal. In an alternate embodiment, the plug and socket forms a both-ways-okay connector such that the plug can be inserted in a either a first orientation or a second orientation (e.g., either right-side up or upside down) and still function.
US09497553B2	Hearing aid using wireless test modes as diagnostic tool Various system embodiments comprise a plurality of devices configured to wirelessly communicate with each other. The plurality of devices includes a battery-operated hearing aid configured to communicate with another device using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) wireless communication technology. A BLE tester is configured to test the hearing aid for the performance of BLE wireless communication via a wireless link. One embodiment uses a wireless test mode as a diagnostic tool for analyzing the wireless communication environment, such as when the communication with the hearing aid is interfered in a noisy environment.
US09497550B2	Vibration device, sound generator, speaker system, and electronic device The vibration device includes a vibration body, an exciter, and a load member. The exciter causes the vibration body to vibrate. The load member is attached to a part of the vibration body. The load member is not contacted to the exciter. The load member is configured to reduce an amplitude of the part of the vibration body where the load member is attached.
US09497544B2	Systems and methods for surround sound echo reduction A method for echo reduction by an electronic device is described. The method includes nulling at least one speaker. The method also includes mixing a set of runtime audio signals based on a set of acoustic paths to determine a reference signal. The method also includes receiving at least one composite audio signal that is based on the set of runtime audio signals. The method further includes reducing echo in the at least one composite audio signal based on the reference signal.
US09497540B2	System and method for reducing rub and buzz distortion An audio driver with reduced rub and buzz distortion that includes a digital processing module. A digital to audio converter (DAC) operable to receive a digital audio signal supplied by the digital processing module. One or more analog driver stages operable to receive an analog audio signal supplied by the DAC. A peak amplitude compressor.
US09497535B1	System with wireless acoustic speakers Apparatus comprises adapter and speaker system. Adapter is configured to plug into port of personal digital audio player. Speaker system is in communication with adapter, and comprises multiple acoustic transducers, programmable processor circuit, and wireless communication circuit. In first operational mode, processor circuit receives, via adapter, and processes digital audio content from personal digital audio player into which adapter is plugged, and the multiple acoustic transducers output the received audio content from the personal digital audio player. In second operational mode, wireless communication circuit receives digital audio content from a remote digital audio source over a wireless network, processor circuit processes the digital audio content received from remote digital audio source, and the multiple acoustic transducers output the audio content received from the remote digital audio source.
US09497522B2	Flexible smart sleeve systems and methods for pluggable transceivers A flexible smart sleeve system for a pluggable transceiver includes a pluggable sleeve configured to selectively engage a pluggable transceiver; a smart enclosure configured to selectively engage a host device, wherein the host device is configured for the pluggable transceiver; and a flexible cable connecting the pluggable sleeve to the smart enclosure. A network with a flexible smart sleeve system for a pluggable transceiver includes a network switch; a customer premises switch comprising a host cage configured for the pluggable transceiver; and a flexible smart sleeve system configured to engage the host cage and to engage the pluggable transceiver, wherein the flexible smart sleeve system is configured to provide Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) to the network switch.
US09497514B2	DTCP converter for HLS A method for DTCP to HLS conversion is provided that starts with a standard DTCP Protected Content Packet (PCP) structure. The PCP payload data is chunked at defined chunk boundaries. Each chunk is then appended with a pad to be compatible with HLS. An HLS playlist is then provided using the PCP header with identification of the chunks and a keytag. The chunk is encrypted with a DTCP key calculated by the DTCP standard using: (a) copy control bits; (b) a nonce, and (c) an exchange key ID. Relevant PCP header fields are provided in the keytag for the HLS playlist, including the value of the copy control bits, the nonce and the exchange key ID, supporting the transaction that enables calculation of the DTCP content key to enable later decryption of the chunks.
US09497513B2	Apparatus and method for use in providing dynamic bit rate encoding An apparatus, system and method for use in for use in dynamically adjusting an encoder bit rate according to a determined available bandwidth for wirelessly communicating source data. A method detects a first available bandwidth, determines a first encoder bit rate according to the available bandwidth, encodes a signal at the first encoder bit rate, detects a change in the available bandwidth such that there is a second available bandwidth, determines a second encoder bit rate according to the second available bandwidth, and encodes the signal at the second encoder bit rate. Encoding the signal at the second encoder bit rate can include encoding a subsequent frame of the signal. The method can further wirelessly communicate the signal encoded at the first encoder bit rate in real-time and wirelessly communicate the signal encoded at the second encoder bit rate in real-time.
US09497508B2	User controlled multi-device media-on-demand system A method for providing configurable access to media in a media-on-demand system also can include delivering the media to a first client device in a format compatible with the first client device; interrupting the delivery of the media; recording a bookmark specifying a position in the media where the interruption occurred; and resuming delivery of the media to a second client device, the resumed delivery beginning at a position in the media specified by the recorded bookmark. The method further can include identifying device properties for each of the first and second client devices; delivering the media to the first client device in a format compatible with the identified device properties for the first client device; and, delivering the media to the second client device in a format compatible with the identified device properties for the second client device.
US09497498B2	System and method for live streaming of content Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed towards systems and methods for generating and streaming live content. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for recording and encoding content on a single system prior to transmitting the encoded content to a content delivery network (CDN) via a network for consumption by remote end users. Further embodiments of the present invention are configured to allow for the provision of multiple encoded content streams, wherein the content streams are provided to users based on subscription type, with certain subscription types receiving varying content types (e.g., advertisements, premium content) based on the subscription type.
US09497477B1	Method and apparatus for encoding image, and method and apparatus for decoding image The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for encoding and decoding video. A video decoding method comprises reconstructing a residual value by entropy-decoding received bitstream and dequantizing and inverse-transforming residual value information, generating a final prediction unit by performing inter prediction on a prediction unit which is partitioned from a coding unit into at least two prediction units by asymmetric motion partitioning (AMP), the two partitioned prediction units comprising a first partitioned prediction unit and a second partitioned prediction unit, and reconstructing a picture by adding the final prediction unit to the residual values.
US09497466B2	Buffering apparatus for buffering multi-partition video/image bitstream and related method thereof An exemplary buffering apparatus for buffering a multi-partition video/image bitstream which transmits a plurality of compressed frames each having a plurality of partitions includes a first bitstream buffer and a second bitstream buffer. The first bitstream buffer is arranged to buffer data of a first partition of the partitions of a specific compressed frame. The second bitstream buffer is arranged to buffer data of a second partition of the partitions of the specific compressed frame.
US09497461B2	Method and apparatus for encoding frequency transformed block using frequency mask table, and method and apparatus for encoding/decoding video using same A video encoding/decoding apparatus including a video encoder for generating a prediction block, generating a residual block by subtracting the prediction block from the current block. The video encoder is for generating a frequency-transformed block by transforming and quantizing the residual block, generating a masked frequency-transformed block by masking the frequency-transformed block by using one or more frequency mask tables. The video encoder is for encoding information about a frequency mask table used for masking the masked frequency-transformed block. The apparatus includes a video decoder for extracting a masked quantized frequency coefficient string recorded in the bitstream. The video decoder is for generating a quantized frequency coefficient string by zero setting all quantized frequency coefficients at positions of no records in the bitstream from a masked quantized frequency coefficient string. The video decoder is for generating a quantized frequency-transformed block by inversely scanning the generated quantized frequency coefficient string.
US09497459B2	Method and apparatus for detecting frame types Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and an apparatus for detecting frame types. The method includes: detecting play time of each frame; and if the play time of a current frame is less than the maximum play time of received frames, determining the current frame as a bi-directional predicted frame, B-frame. In the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present invention, the frame types are determined according to a coding sequence of various frames and comparison between data amounts of various frames received earlier and later, without decoding a payload. Therefore the impact of a reduction factor is eliminated and the frame types can be detected more accurately.
US09497457B1	Repacking of panoramic video based on standard image formats A method encoding panoramic video is enclosed. The method comprises: determining repacking parameters for repacking input panoramic video into corresponding encoded panoramic frames without down-scaling; performing a repacking operation to repack the input panoramic video into the encoded panoramic frames.
US09497454B2	Method and device for encoding/decoding image using feature vectors of surrounding blocks A video encoding apparatus, a decoding apparatus and method thereof by using feature vectors of at least one neighboring block are provided. In the video encoding apparatus, the decoding apparatus and the method, the feature vector is extracted from pixels of at least one neighboring block, and an optimal prediction mode represented by the feature vector is extracted with reference to a preset feature vector distribution of image blocks. The extracted optimal prediction mode is decided as a most probable mode (MPM) or an intra mode of a current block, and the current block is intra-predicted and encoded or decoded by using pixels of the at least one neighboring block adjacent to the current block.
US09497449B2	Monitor and a method for representing autostereoscopically perceivable pictures A monitor for representing autostereoscopically, three-dimensionally perceivable pictures includes a matrix screen with a multitude of subpixels which are arranged in lines and columns and which may be changed in their illumination intensity and may be put together into a multitude of picture points, a control device for activating the subpixels in dependence on picture information of at least two stereoscopic fields, in a manner such that the picture points are divided in at least two subgroups for reproducing in each case one of the fields, and a barrier raster, with which light coming from the picture points of each of the subgroups may be led into in each case one of several observation zones which lie in a laterally displaced manner, said one of several observation zones being assigned to this subgroup by way of this.
US09497448B2	Image processing method of transparent display apparatus and apparatus thereof There are provided an image processing method. Perspective is calculated from an image, the image is divided into a plurality of objects in consideration of the perspective, and processing levels of the plurality of objects are assigned. A light shielding rate of a transparent display apparatus is calculated based on the processing levels. Further, image processing is performed on the objects on the basis of the processing levels, so that it is possible to improve a stereoscopic effect being felt while using the transparent display apparatus. Furthermore, a shielding rate of light entering from the rear side of the transparent display apparatus is effectively adjusted, and the image is processed to improve the visibility of the image.
US09497440B2	Burst-mode time-of-flight imaging An imager includes an emitter, an array of pixel elements, and driver logic. The emitter releases bursts of light pulses with pauses between bursts. Each element of the array has a finger gate biasable to attract charge to the surface, a reading node to collect the charge, and a transfer gate to admit such charge to the reading node and to deter such charge from being absorbed into the finger gate. The driver logic biases the finger gates with the modulated light pulses such that the finger gates of adjacent first and second elements cycle with unequal phase into and out of a charge-attracting state. To reduce the effects of ambient light on the imager, the driver logic is configured to bias the transfer gates so that the charge is admitted to the reading node only during the bursts and is prevented from reaching the reading node during the pauses.
US09497437B2	Digital refocusing method A digital refocusing method includes: a plurality of images corresponding to multiple views in a scene are obtained, the images include a central view image and at least one non-central view image; a pixel shift or a pixel index shift is performed to the non-central view image; a line scan along a pre-determined linear path is performed to the central view image and the non-central view images to obtain corresponding pixels of the central view image and corresponding pixels of the non-central view images; view interpolation based on the disparities defined in a disparity map is performed, target pixels corresponded to a novel view image are obtained from the corresponding pixels of the central view image and the corresponding pixels of the non-central view according to a target disparity; and a refocused novel view image is obtained by averaging and compositing the target pixels of novel views.
US09497433B2	Imaging device with color adjustment function, imaging method using the same, and non-transitory storage medium in which imaging program is stored An imaging device includes an imaging section, a main subject detecting section, a main subject color determining section, a background color setting section, an exposure control section, and a photography control section. The imaging section images a subject. The main subject detecting section detects a region of a main subject in image data. The main subject color determining section determines a color of the region of the main subject. The background color setting section sets a color of a region that becomes a background of the region of the main subject. The exposure control section sets an exposure setting value in accordance with the color of the region that becomes the background. The photography control section controls main imaging in accordance with the exposure setting value.
US09497413B2	Filtering video for video telephony and video conferencing In an approach to video filtering, a computer receives a first video frame of a presenter from a video feed that includes an audio feed. The computer receives a second video frame. The computer determines whether a difference between the first video frame and the second video frame exceeds a pre-defined threshold. In response to determining the difference between the first video frame and the second video frame exceeds the pre-defined threshold, the computer determines whether the difference between the first video frame and the second video frame is expected. In response to determining the difference between the first video frame and the second video frame is expected, the computer discards video data associated with the difference between the first video frame and the second video frame. The computer creates a third video frame, based, at least in part, on non-discarded video data.
US09497412B1	Video conference audio/video verification In one embodiment, a method implemented on a video conference participant device includes: receiving video conference data for a video conference session, performing at least one of the following diagnostic tests: verifying receipt of a presenter image from a presenter video conference device where the presenter video conference device is in use by a participant of the video conference meeting, the participant designated as a presenter for said video conference meeting, verifying receipt of shared desktop content from the presenter video conference device, or verifying receipt of audio data from the presenter video conference device; and transmitting results of said performing to said presenter video conference device.
US09497411B2	Establishing a connection for a video call A system and method for conducting a video call between an originating device and a terminating device by establishing a peer-to-peer (P2P) connection between the devices. The originating and terminating devices exchange candidate information through a P2P server, except that the candidate information for the terminating device is altered before arriving at the originating device. The altering includes changing the IP address and corresponding port for each candidate. The originating device uses the altered candidate information to derive new candidate pairs that are sent to the terminating device, which uses the new candidate pairs to also derive a second candidate list. If the candidate pairs match, a P2P connection is established between the devices.
US09497408B2	Method and apparatus for cooperative recording A method, system, and article of manufacture that allows amateur camera operators to share video and audio with other amateur camera operators at the same event over a cooperative, ad hoc network. One embodiment of the present invention comprises forming an ad hoc network comprising a plurality of recording devices, and communicating audiovisual signals between the plurality of recording devices in the ad hoc network. In some embodiments, this method may further comprise transmitting a replay request to the plurality of recording devices and receiving an audiovisual signal corresponding to the replay request, transmitting a push request to the plurality of recording devices, and/or transmitting a message to at least one of the plurality of recording devices.
US09497404B2	Information processing apparatus, method, and program The invention relates to an auto zapping function corresponding to user' taste. A block receives a particular channel and disassembles the received channel into intervals (chapters) of predetermined length. The block calculates scores of chapters, based on a result of comparison of EPG information of a program from an EPG acquiring part, symbol information from a symbol information managing part, viewing history from a viewing history managing part, and news information from WWW news site and the like in an RSS acquiring part, etc. with meta information obtained from the chapters, viewer responsiveness obtained from the chapters, etc., and provides a result of calculation and starting time and ending time of the chapters to a chapter selecting part. The chapter selecting part selects chapters to be most highly recommended to a user, based on scores, which are provided from the block, for chapters of a program being broadcasted in each channel. The selected chapters are sequentially reproduced. The present invention is applied to a television receiver.
US09497401B2	Solid-state imaging element, method of driving the same, and camera system A solid-state imaging element including pixel signal read lines, and a pixel signal reading unit for reading pixel signals from a pixel unit via the pixel signal read line. The pixel unit includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix form, each pixel including a photoelectric conversion element. In the pixel unit, a shared pixel in which an output node is shared among a plurality of pixels is formed, and a pixel signal of each pixel in the shared pixel is capable of being selectively output from the shared output node to a corresponding one of the pixel signal read lines. The pixel signal reading unit sets a bias voltage for a load element which is connected to the pixel signal read line and in which current dependent on a bias voltage flows in the load element, to a voltage causing a current value to be higher than current upon a reference bias voltage when there is no difference between added charge amounts, when addition of pixel signals of the respective pixels in the shared pixel is driven.
US09497394B2	Thermal imaging device, thermal imaging method and thermal imaging control system A thermal imaging device includes an optical module gathering infrared radiation of a circuit board and correspondingly providing infrared light, a photo sensor converting the infrared light into a first electrical signal, a processor, and a thermal imaging control system having one or more programs stored in a storage and executed by the processor. The system includes an image processing unit converting the first electrical signal into a thermal image signal, a comparing unit comparing the thermal image signal with circuit diagram of the circuit board to determine at least one abnormal temperature element, and a display control unit controlling a screen to display a thermal image of the circuit board together with a label comprising at least one name of the at least one abnormal temperature element on the screen.
US09497379B2	Variable-illumination fourier ptychographic imaging devices, systems, and methods Certain aspects pertain to Fourier ptychographic imaging systems, devices, and methods such as, for example, high NA Fourier ptychographic imaging systems and reflective-mode NA Fourier ptychographic imaging systems.
US09497377B2	Digital camera A digital camera includes a communicator that communicates with other digital camera, a receiver that receives a camera information of another digital camera and an imaging device that forms a digital image of an object. The digital camera further includes a processor that creates a digital image data from the digital image based upon the camera information.
US09497374B2	Focus detection device A focus detection device includes: an image sensor that generates a first image signal string and a second image signal string in correspondence to a pair of images formed with a pair of light fluxes passing through an optical system; an image shift amount detection unit that generates a plurality of synthetic image signals each by adding together a first image signal and a second image signal, the first image signal and the second image signal corresponding to each other, each time the first image signal string and the second image signal string are shifted relative to each other by a predetermined extent, and detects an image shift amount indicating an extent of relative image shift between the pair of images based upon an evaluation value for the plurality of synthetic image signals; and a defocus amount calculation unit that calculates a defocus amount based upon the image shift amount.
US09497371B2	Automatic image-capturing apparatus, automatic image-capturing control method, image display system, image display method, display control apparatus, and display control method An automatic image-capturing apparatus including an image-capturing unit configured to capture an image of a subject so as to obtain captured image data; an automatic captured-image obtaining unit configured to automatically obtain the captured image data obtained by the image-capturing unit without being based on an operation of a user; an inclination detection unit configured to detect an inclination in at least one of a pan direction and a tilt direction; and a control unit configured to control the obtaining operation performed by the automatic captured-image obtaining unit on the basis of information on the inclination in the pan direction or in the tilt direction, the inclination being detected by the inclination detection unit.
US09497363B2	Photographic apparatus and manufacturing method thereof A photographic apparatus includes a photoelectric conversion element, an electrochromic element, and an image processor. The electrochromic element is disposed on a main path by which light travels to the photoelectric conversion element. The image processor is electrically connected to the electrochromic element for adjusting a transmittance of the electrochromic element.
US09497358B2	Video latency reduction Aspects of the present disclosure relate to video capture. In particular, aspects of the present related to systems and methods for reducing latency in the capture of video frames. Various implementations of the present disclosure may add extra pixels to a video frame so that visible pixels within each frame may be transferred faster through a video interface. In particular, adding extra pixels to a frame may cause an increase in a pixel clock that is generated based on the total number of pixels within each frame. As a result of the corresponding decrease in the time needed to transfer visible pixels in each frame, latency due to delay in a video capture process may be reduced.
US09497339B2	Information processing system, information processing method and recording medium storing an information processing program An information processing system includes a computer programmed to execute a process. The process includes receiving operation information indicating an operating state of a device at a predetermined time interval from the device through a network. The received operation information is stored in a first storing part. With respect to the device from which the operation information indicating that the operating state is abnormal is received, elimination information indicating elimination of the abnormality is received in asynchronization with the predetermined time interval. When the elimination information is received within a period from a reception of the operation information indicating that the operating state is abnormal and until a subsequent reception of the operation information, information is added to the first storing part, which indicates that the abnormality indicated by the operation information lasts from the reception of the operation information to the reception of the elimination information.
US09497336B2	Display program and display apparatus A wireless communication device may have a processing unit for executing a first program and a communication interface configured to communicate with an external apparatus such as an image forming apparatus by way of a short-range communication protocol. The wireless communication device may determine whether a prescribed condition is satisfied under a condition that a specific display screen has been displayed on the wireless communication device by a second program different from the first program. The specific display screen may be displayed based on the wireless communication device being in communication with the external apparatus using a short-range communication protocol. The wireless communication device may display a message regarding communication between the wireless communication device and the external apparatus using the short-range communication protocol in response to determining that the prescribed condition is satisfied.
US09497329B2	Method and system for supporting shared local trunking An approach is described for providing shared trunking between a telephony gateway and an end office switch. The telephony gateway processes a packetized voice call, and interfaces a shared trunk to an end office switch (e.g., Class 5 switch) configured to switch calls over a circuit-switched telephone network. The trunk utilizes out-of-band signaling (e.g., Primary Rate Interface (PRI) signaling) in support of call establishment or teardown of the packetized voice call.
US09497323B2	System and method for call distribution A computer-implemented method for distributing phone calls includes the steps of receiving or initiating a telephone call from or with a caller associated with caller identification information, generating masked caller identification information by masking a portion of the caller identification information, transmitting the masked caller identification information to a plurality of potential call-buyers, determining a call-buyer of the plurality of potential call-buyers to receive the incoming phone call, and storing the caller identification information with the masked caller identification information. A system and computer-readable medium are also disclosed.
US09497310B2	Method for controlling mobile phone to be mute through flip and mobile phone A method for controlling a mobile phone to be mute through flip, and a mobile phone are provided. The method comprises, when a mobile phone receives a call, detecting a situational pattern of the mobile phone. If the situational pattern is a ringing pattern, the method includes controlling a front-facing camera to acquire image data every preset time and if the current image data is representative of an all-black image and image data acquired in the previous time is not representative of an all-black image, switching the situational pattern of the mobile phone into a mute pattern and controlling the front-facing camera to stop acquiring image data. By means of the present invention, a user can conveniently and quickly switch a situational pattern of a mobile phone into a mute pattern by simply flipping over the user's mobile phone.
US09497304B1	Method and apparatus for voice recognition unit simulation A call calculator and method thereof used to automate testing of a voice self service platform. The call calculator may have functional logic to calculate an estimated call load. The type of load may be least one of cyclic, peak, burst, choppy, and sustained. The call calculator may use a set of input parameters of an algorithm to calculate the estimated call load, wherein the algorithm may be based on an integral calculus model.
US09497302B1	Co-mold features on a chassis shell of a mobile device A mobile device can include a unibody component (e.g. chassis shell) with at least a co-mold feature that isolates a contiguous portion of the unibody component from an outer portion of the unibody component. For example, the outer portion and the contiguous portion can be made of an electrically conductive material. The co-mold feature can be made of non-conductive material that electrically isolates the contiguous portion from the outer portion. The co-mold feature can be made by co-molding a resin material in a channel cut into a piece of metal and later exposing the cured resin material on two sides.
US09497294B2	Method of using a unique packet identifier to identify structure of a packet and an apparatus thereof Embodiments of the apparatus for modifying packet headers relate to a packet generalization scheme that maintains information across protocol layers of packets. The packet generalization scheme uses a protocol table that includes layer information for all possible protocol layer combinations. The protocol layer combinations in the protocol table are manually configured through software. Each protocol layer combination in the protocol table is uniquely identified by a PktID. A rewrite engine of a network device receives the PktID for a packet and uses that unique identifier as key to the protocol table to access information for each protocol layer of the packet that the rewrite engine requires during modification of the packet. The packet generalization scheme eliminates the need for a parser engine of the network device to pass parsed data to the rewrite engine, which is resource intensive.
US09497289B2	System and method for social message classification based on influence A method for prioritizing processing of interactions at a contact center, the method including: identifying an interaction to be prioritized for processing; identifying a person associated with the interaction; identifying an influence level of the person associated with the interaction; and prioritizing the interaction for processing based on the influence level of the person associated with the interaction.
US09497288B2	Subscriber based priority of messages in a publisher-subscriber domain Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and computer system for prioritizing messages based on subscriber preferences. In an embodiment of the invention, an application server computer determines that a subscriber is subscribed to at least one topic space. The application server computer receives one or more topic priority preferences from the subscriber, and a plurality of messages from the at least one topic space. The application server computer prioritizes the plurality of messages based on the received topic priority preference, and sends the prioritized plurality of messages to the subscriber.
US09497281B2	Systems and methods to cache packet steering decisions for a cluster of load balancers The present disclosure is directed towards methods and systems for caching packet steering sessions for steering data packets between intermediary devices of a cluster of intermediary devices intermediary to a client and a plurality of servers. A first intermediary device receives a first data packet and determines, from a hash of a tuple of the first packet, a second intermediary device to which to steer the first packet. The first device stores, to a session for storing packet steering information, the identity of the second device and the tuple. The first device receives a second packet having a corresponding tuple that matches the tuple of the first packet and determines, based on a lookup for the session using the tuple of the second packet, that the second device is the intermediary device to which to steer the second packet. The first device steers the second packet to the second device.
US09497254B2	Communication method, communication apparatus and electronic device The present invention discloses a communication method, a communication apparatus, and an electronic device. The communication method is used in a hybrid architecture system comprising a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal comprising a first hardware system, the second terminal comprising a second hardware system, there being a first data channel and a second data channel between the first hardware system and the second hardware system, the communication method comprising: obtaining data to be transmitted which are to be transmitted from the first hardware system to the second hardware system; obtaining a channel selection parameter; selecting at least one data channel from the first data channel and the second data channel according to the channel selection parameter; and transmitting the data to be transmitted from the first hardware system to the second hardware system via the selected at least one data channel. The present invention improves flexibility of data transmission.
US09497251B2	Serving of web pages according to web site launch times In one embodiment, a request identifying a first Uniform Resource Locator (URL) may be received. It may be ascertained whether a launch time associated with the first URL has been attained. An Edge Side Includes (ESI) response may be automatically provided according to a result of the ascertaining, wherein the ESI response includes instructions to fetch a web page associated with the first URL from an origin server.
US09497247B2	Transferring session state information between two or more web-based applications of a server system In certain embodiments, a method for transferring session state information between web applications comprises receiving control of a first session from a first web application via a second session with the first web application. The first session comprises interaction between a browser and a first web application and is associated with session state information for the first session. The method further comprises receiving from the first web application via the second session at least a portion of the session state information for the first session. The method further comprises storing, in a first message queue using a first message service, at least a portion of the session state information for the first session received from the first application, a first message key being generated for the stored session state information for the first session and stored in association with the stored session state information for the first session.
US09497236B2	System and method for integrating VoIp client for audio conferencing Aspects of the present disclosure disclose system, apparatus and methods for providing an integrated web conferencing. In various aspects, the disclosure is directed to integrating a VoIP client for audio conferencing with a web client. In particular, the system provides for integrating a web portion of a web conference with an audio portion of the web conference. More specifically, the system, apparatus and methods provide for connecting a VoIP client to an audio conferencing portion of the system to facilitate communications between client and server.
US09497231B2	Real-time placeshifting of media content to paired devices Methods, devices, and systems are provided for placeshifting a media program. An exemplary method involves a media device storing identification information for a client device coupled to a network and receiving a request to transfer a media program available for presentation on a primary display device in a first format via the media device. In response to the request, a peer-to-peer communication session with the client device over the network is established using the identification information and an encoded content stream corresponding to the media program is transferred to the client device via the peer-to-peer communication session.
US09497223B2	System and method for configuring a computer system according to security policies Method and system for configuration of a computer system according to security policies. The configuration of an employee's personal computer system according to the security policies of the corporate network provides for security of access to the corporate network. Configuration change instructions are generated according to the security policy and applied to the configuration of the computer system. The configuration system includes at least one computer system used to access a corporate network, a policy application module configured to determine configuration parameters of the computer system and to pass the configuration data to an instruction forming module. The computer system is configured according to the selected security policy by execution of at least one configuration change instruction. The configuration system also includes a database of security policies.
US09497212B2	Detecting malicious resources in a network based upon active client reputation monitoring Systems and methods for detecting malicious resources by analyzing communication between multiple resources coupled to a network are provided. According to one embodiment, a method is performed for client reputation monitoring. A monitoring unit within a network observes activities relating to multiple monitored devices within the network. For each observed activity, the monitoring unit assigns a score to the observed activity based upon a policy of multiple polices established within the monitoring unit. For each of the monitored devices, the monitoring unit maintains a current reputation score for the monitored device based upon the score and a historical score associated with the monitored device. The monitoring unit classifies one of the monitored devices as potentially being a malicious resource based upon its current reputation score.
US09497210B2	Stateless attestation system A method includes assessing a trustworthiness level of a user computer by communication between the user computer and a first server. A record indicating the trustworthiness level is sent from the first server to the user computer, for storage by the user computer. A request is sent from the user computer to a second server, different from the first server, for a service to be provided to the user computer by the second server. The record is provided from the user computer to the second server by communicating between the user computer and the second server. At the second server, the trustworthiness level is extracted from the record, and the requested service is conditionally allowed to be provided to the user computer depending on the extracted trustworthiness level.
US09497202B1	Controlling privacy in a face recognition application Embodiments of the present invention may involve a method, system, and computer program product for controlling privacy in a face recognition application. A computer may receive an input including a face recognition query and a digital image of a face. The computer may identify a target user associated with a facial signature in a first database based at least in part on a statistical correlation between a detected facial signature and one or more facial signatures in the first database. The computer may extract a profile of the target user from a second database. The profile of the target user may include one or more privacy preferences. The computer may generate a customized profile of the target user. The customized profile may omit one or more elements of the profile of the target user based on the one or more privacy preferences and/or a current context.
US09497200B2	Managing limited network access configuration A system, a method, and a computer program product for managing network configuration by a controller. A request to connect a device to a network is received. The network is accessed by the device by a port. The controller determines the device to be authorized to connect to the network. The controller configures the port in response to determining the device as an authorized device to connect to the network. The controller configures the port according to a first set of parameters. The first set of parameters regulate communication of the device on the network. After configuring the port, the controller monitors a set of communications. The controller monitors the set of communications for an error. By monitoring the set of communications, the controller determines whether the port meets network specifications.
US09497198B2	Systems and methods for application based interception of SSL/VPN traffic A method for allowing or denying, by an appliance, access to a resource by an application on a client via a virtual private network connection includes basing the decision to allow or deny access on identification of the application. The appliance intercepts a request from an application on a client on a first network to access via a virtual private network connection a resource on a second network. The appliance identifies the application and associates with the intercepted request an authorization policy based on the identity of the application. The appliance determines, using the authorization policy and the identity of the application, to either allow or deny access by the application to the resource.
US09497197B2	Systems and methods for secure resource access and network communication Systems and methods for secure resource access and network communication are provided. A plurality of policies are received on a client device, each policy comprising a respective resource and a respective permission for a respective action that can be performed by a user of the client device in regards to the resource. A first application, which is configured to store data in an encrypted repository on the client device, receives a request to open a resource. The first application determines that one of the policies prohibits access by the resource to the encrypted repository and, based thereon, selects a different second application to open the resource that does not have access to the encrypted repository. The second application then opens the resource.
US09497195B2	System, method of disclosing information, and apparatus A system includes a first device configured to provide a first service usable by a first user, a second device configured to provide a second service usable by a second user, and a third device configured to include a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to receive a first instruction from the first user, the first instruction for disclosing information about the first service to the second user, transmit authentication information to the second user based on the reception of the first instruction, and disclose information collected from the first service to the second user when receiving an access using the authentication information from the second user.
US09497194B2	Protection of resources downloaded to portable devices from enterprise systems Protection of resources hosted on enterprise systems. In an embodiment, an enterprise system receives a request from a portable device to download a resource, and in response formulates multiple security actions and associated conditions for the requested resource. The enterprise system sends the requested resource, the security actions and the conditions to the portable device. The portable device determines whether each condition is satisfied and performs the security actions associated with the conditions determined to have been satisfied. Due to the ability to send multiple security actions and associated conditions, better control in protection and retention of downloaded resources is obtained.
US09497190B2	Information processing apparatus, method of controlling the same, storage medium and information processing system An information processing apparatus holds a first script for acquiring authentication information stored in an external apparatus, and acquires authentication information as a result of causing the first script to execute in an execution step in a case where a second script is included in the received screen information, and displays an input screen in a state in which the authentication information acquired is set.
US09497184B2	User impersonation/delegation in a token-based authentication system A “trusted service” establishes a trust relationship with an identity provider and interacts with the identity provider over a trusted connection. The trusted service acquires a token from the identity provider for a given user (or set of users) without having to present the user's credentials. The trusted service then uses this token (e.g., directly, by invoking an API, by acquiring another token, or the like) to access and obtain a cloud service on a user's behalf even in the user's absence. This approach enables background services to perform operations within a hosted session (e.g., via OAuth-based APIs) without presenting user credentials or even having the user present.
US09497178B2	Generating challenge response sets utilizing semantic web technology Embodiments of the present invention relate to generating challenge response sets utilizing semantic web technology. In response to detecting an authentication session for a user, a computing device generates a first challenge question that is semantically related to a second challenge question previously responded to by the user, wherein the authentication session seeks to validate an identification of the user. The computing device determines whether a response to the challenge question by the user is valid. In response to determining that the response to the challenge question by the user was valid, the computing device generates a third challenge question or a notification that the response to the challenge question validates the identification of the user.
US09497176B2	Communication system, user equipment and communication node Disclosed is a technique to enable a user equipment at a remote place to perform local IP access to a locally-accessible network with simpler procedure and such a configuration while achieving the efficiency of costs and facility. According to the technique, a network (LIA-PDN 161) capable of dealing with a local IP access by a user equipment (UE 101) is placed on a core network 141. When the UE establishes a PDN connection with the LIA-PDN, the UE simultaneously transmits information concerning the LIA domain network 111 as well, to which the UE wants a local IP access. On the basis of this information, the LIA-PDN establishes a PDN connection with the LIA domain network, and the LIA-PDN transfers a packet, whereby the UE can access the LIA domain network via these PDN connections.
US09497169B2	Method and system for selective protection of data exchanged between user equipment and network A method and system for providing selective protection of data exchanged between user equipment (UE) and network is disclosed. The selective protection is applied to a packet, a bearer or an access point name for secure exchange of data between the UE and the network. The network decides to apply selective protection based on configuration of network, configuration of UE, load in the network, battery power availability of UE, type of application running on UE. Further, the UE can request for selective protection based on the type of application running on UE and the battery level availability of the UE. The selective protection is either enabled or disabled dynamically by the network. Further, various mechanisms for applying selective protection for each bearer, each packet and each Access Point Name (APN) are disclosed. Additionally, the method for identifying a secured and a non secured bearer has also been disclosed.
US09497166B2	Firewall interface configuration to enable bi-directional VoIP traversal communications Methods and systems for an intelligent network protection gateway (NPG) and network architecture are provided. According to one embodiment, a firewall provides network-layer protection to internal hosts against unauthorized access by hosts of an external network by performing network address translation (NAT) processing of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. The firewall also provides application-layer protection on behalf of the internal hosts and supports Voice over IP (VoIP) services by actively processing signaling protocols associated with VoIP sessions. An external VoIP interface of the firewall receives incoming VoIP packets having associated therewith an indication regarding a VoIP port of external interface. The packets are directed to an appropriate internal host by the firewall performing port address forwarding based on a mapping of VoIP ports to private addresses of the internal hosts.
US09497165B2	Virtual firewall load balancer According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for load balancing between a virtual component within a virtual environment and a Host Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS) is provided. The method may include receiving a trusted connection table from the HIPS, wherein the trusted connection table contains a plurality of trusted connection information. The method may also include receiving a network packet from a virtual switch, wherein the network packet has a plurality of connection information. The method may then include determining if the plurality of connection information matches the plurality of trusted connection information. The method may further include sending the network packet to a destination based on determining that the plurality of connection information matches the plurality of trusted connection information. The method may include sending the network packet to the HIPS based on determining that the plurality of connection information does not match the plurality of trusted connection information.
US09497164B2	System and method of redirecting internet protocol traffic for network based parental controls A method of redirecting traffic on a network includes receiving a subscriber request to use a parental control service, assigning to the subscriber's access device an Internet protocol (IP) address from a block of addresses reserved for the service, receiving a transaction, determining that the transaction is from an address in the block, and redirecting the transaction to a parental control device on the network. A network-based parental control system includes an access device for an account that uses a parental control service, a dynamic host configuration protocol server that assigns to the access device an IP address from a block of addresses reserved for the parental control service, a parental control policy device, and a router that receives a transaction from the access device, determines that the transaction is from an address in the block, and redirects the transaction to the parental control policy device.
US09497157B2	Secure electronic mail system An e-mail system is disclosed that overcomes many deficiencies of, but is backward compatible with, existing e-mail systems. Embodiments of the system may include various features, including but not limited to: (1) secure transfer of e-mail messages, without the need for users to replace existing e-mail clients or to change e-mail addresses; (2) tracking of all actions performed in connection with an e-mail transmission; (3) the ability for a recipient to view information about an e-mail message, optionally including information about how other addressees have responded to it, before deciding whether to retrieve the e-mail message; (4) the aggregation of entire e-mail conversations into a single threaded view; (5) the ability to include both private and public messages in a single e-mail communication; (6) sender control over downstream actions performed in connection with an e-mail message; (7) flexible control over cryptographic methods used to encrypt emails messages for storage.
US09497156B2	Suggested out of network communication recipients Disclosed in some examples are methods, systems and machine readable medium for recommending an out-of-network communication by determining a set of potential recommended members of a social networking service based upon one or more recommendation criteria. In some examples the recommendation criteria may include: a profile similarity to a previous target of an out-of-network communication, a degree of correspondence between an interest and intent of the sending member, and a likelihood of response.
US09497153B2	Associating a segment of an electronic message with one or more segment addressees Methods and apparatus related to associating a segment of an electronic message with one or more segment addressees. One or more message addressees of an electronic message may be identified, the one or more message addressees identifying at least one recipient of the electronic message. A segment of the electronic message may be identified via one or more processors. One or more segment addressees may be determined from the at least one recipient, the one or more segment addressees identifying an addressee for the identified segment. One or more aspects of the segment may be associated with the one or more segment addressees. An indication pertaining to the one or more aspects of the segment may be provided to the one or more segment addressees.
US09497152B2	Managing team mailbox integrating email repository and content management store services A communication application creates a team mailbox integrating messages from an email repository and documents from a content management store (CMS). The application enables an administrator to define and manage members of the team mailbox with varying privilege status for accessing the team mailbox. Content such as aggregated messages and associated documents are displayed through a unified view to standardize ease of access. The members are enabled to receive messages sent to the team mailbox by others. Policies inherited from email repository, CMS, and/or third party policy providers are enforced within the team mailbox.
US09497151B2	Optimization framework for in-memory storage of policy session data The present disclosure provides for an optimization framework that optimizes the amount of information persisted in a policy session using rule introspection. In one embodiment, the optimization framework receives a message, where the message includes an attribute, and the attribute includes an attribute name and an attribute value. The optimization framework consults a mapping table to determine persistence behavior associated with the attribute name. The optimization framework persists the attribute in a rule field cache, according to the persistence behavior. In one embodiment, the persistence behavior includes a persistence type, a persistence mode, and/or custom persistence logic, which specify how the attribute should be persisted. In one embodiment, the optimization framework also provides for performing rule introspection and rule evaluation of decision rules.
US09497150B2	System and method for managing electronic conversations A system provides a conversation construct for the routing of external communications to a party within an entity. Internal interactions of individuals in the entity may be associated by a server system with the conversation construct. Messages may be associated with interactions that may have as participants less than all participants of a conversation construct. An interaction may be a backchannel interaction and exclude one or more participants of a parent interaction. Interactions may be grouped into sequences that likewise may have a limited set of participants. A sequence may have a state associated therewith used by the entity to track progress in achieving an objective. A conversation construct and the sequences and interactions thereof may be presented in an interface to a user that includes those portions of the conversation construct for which the user is a participant.
US09497147B2	Systems and methods for supporting downloadable applications on a portable client device Systems, methods, and computer readable storage mediums for providing message services from a server are described. In some embodiments, a server stores an attachment associated with a communication. The server sends the communication to a client device, with a representation of the attachment type that includes an indication of the attachment's native file type. The server receives a request from the client device to view the attachment in the client device. The server retrieves the attachment in response to the request and transcodes the attachment from the attachment's native file type to a viewable file type configured to display in the client device. The viewable file type is determined by the server based on metadata received from the client device. The server transmits at least a portion of the attachment in the viewable file type to the client device for display. Other embodiments are also described.
US09497140B2	Autonomous multi-node network configuration and self-awareness through establishment of a switch port group An approach for autonomous multi-node network configuration and self-awareness is provided. In the approach, a network switch receives a configuration of a switch port group. The switch port group comprises ports configured for a cloud cluster, the cloud cluster comprises nodes, and respective ones of the nodes are connected to respective ones of the ports. In the approach, the network switch receives from one of the nodes a request for information of the switch port group, and sends to the one of the nodes the information of the switch port group. In the approach, the information of the switch port group is stored by the one of the nodes, used by the one of the nodes to assign IP and VLAN addresses to the nodes in the cloud cluster, and used by the one of the nodes to establish a topology of the cloud cluster.
US09497138B2	Managing capacity in a data center by suspending tenants A tenant comprising one or more users receives services from a cloud computing system (“CCS”). The CCS determines when a tenant is not using any services, and if so, the CCS initiates a tenant suspension process. The tenant suspension process involves suspending various asynchronous computing processes for the tenant, which execute otherwise execute even if no users of the tenant are currently accessing the CCS. After a period of non-use of the CCS, the tenant is suspended. The tenant is returned to an active state automatically when a user of the tenant logs-on to receive services.
US09497136B1	Method and system for providing usage metrics to manage utilzation of cloud computing resources A management console application provides a dashboard which centralizes data from and access to one or more other applications. In a specific implementation, the dashboard displays resource utilization and tracking data generated by a first application, an application execution map generated by a second application that identifies the resources on which a third application is executing, or both.
US09497126B2	Communication device and communication method A communication device includes a packet-length table, a transmitter, a receiver, and a table update unit. The packet-length table stores, in association with an identifier of a network, a length of a packet to be transmitted to a device belonging to the network. The transmitter obtains a length of a packet associated with a network to which a destination device belongs, and transmits a packet whose length is equal to or less than the obtained length of a packet. The receiver receives a message when a length of the packet transmitted to the destination device is greater than a length of a packet that is able to be transmitted to a network included in a route leading to the destination device. The message indicates a maximum packet length. The table update unit updates a packet length associated with a network including the destination device to the maximum packet length.
US09497124B1	Systems and methods for load balancing multicast traffic A computer-implemented method for load balancing multicast traffic may include (1) identifying a plurality of switches that include at least a first switch that is connected to a second switch by a first path and a second path, (2) calculating a plurality of multicast distribution trees for distributing multicast traffic among the plurality of switches that includes (i) a first tree that includes the first path and whose root is different than the root of a second tree and (ii) the second tree that includes the second path, (3) receiving a plurality of multicast packets ingress to the plurality of switches at the first switch, and (4) using at least two of the plurality of multicast distribution trees to transmit the plurality of multicast packets from the first switch to the second switch. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US09497123B2	Method and system for load balancing in a software-defined networking (SDN) system upon server reconfiguration In one embodiment, a method for load balancing in a software-define networking (SDN) system includes, upon receiving a packet, determining whether a matching entry for the packet in a server distribution table contains both a current and new server selection. If the matching entry contains both, it is determined whether there is a matching entry for the packet in a transient flow table, where the transient flow table maintains server selections when at least one of the plurality of servers is reconfigured. Upon determining that there is no matching entry for the packet in the transient flow table, the method determines whether the packet is a first packet of a traffic flow. If the packet is the first packet of a traffic flow, the packet is forwarded according to the new server selection of the matching entry in the server distribution table, and the transient flow table is updated.
US09497117B2	Lookup front end packet output processor A packet processor provides for rule matching of packets in a network architecture. The packet processor includes a lookup cluster complex having a number of lookup engines and respective on-chip memory units. The on-chip memory stores rules for matching against packet data. A lookup front-end receives lookup requests from a host, and processes these lookup requests to generate key requests for forwarding to the lookup engines. As a result of the rule matching, the lookup engine returns a response message indicating whether a match is found. The lookup front-end further processes the response message and provides a corresponding response to the host.
US09497113B2	Splitting and sharing routing information among several routers acting as a single border router Routers split and share routing information among several routers within a group of routers acting as a single border router in an Internet protocol (IP) network, each router comprising a routing table. A router of the group selects routes in the routing table of the router; requests other routers of the group to replace, in their routing tables, each selected route with the router as next hop; associates parts of-non selected routes, each one with another router of the group; and removes and replaces, in the routing table, each-non selected route associated with a router of the group by the associated router as next hop.
US09497111B2	Communications method and system for communications of network accessing equipment A method for communication link for an access network device. The access network device comprises: a node server, an access switch, and a terminal. The method comprises: the node server requesting for a protocol packet on the basis of a service initiated by the source terminal; acquiring a piece of communication link information of the current service, and the communication link information comprises a piece of communication port information for the node server and the access switch involved in the current service; on the basis of the communication port information for the node server, the node server setting up within an internal data packet address table the port directed by the data packet of the current service; on the basis of the communication port information for the access switch, transmitting to the corresponding accessing switch a port configuration command; on the basis of the port configuration command, the accessing switch setting up the port directed by the data packet of the current service within an internal data packet address table. By means of the present invention, the stability of a transmission channel is ensured, thereby avoiding delays for multimedia services.
US09497109B2	Switching mesh with user-configurable paths One embodiment disclosed relates to a method of configuring a traffic-associated path through a switching mesh. A source switch receives a request to associate a type of traffic to a specified path. The source switch is located at the beginning of the path. A path tag is allocated to the path. The path through the mesh is built, and the association between the type of traffic and the allocated path tag is programmed. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US09497102B2	Systems and methods for machine to machine device control and triggering Systems and methods for control and triggering of machine to machine (M2M) devices (e.g., smart meters). More specifically how to allow an M2M service provider (e.g., utility company) to use an operator's network to communicate with the M2M device connected with a UE/GW associated with the operator's network. The M2M service provider may receive identification of the UE/GW, but not for the M2M device. By transmitting an identifier for the M2M device along with an identifier for the UE/GW, the network operator may define establish and maintain a communication path specific to M2M devices. Similar techniques may be incorporated to allow the M2M service provider to locate and trigger the M2M device.
US09497098B2	Event-monitoring in a system for automatically obtaining and managing physical layer information using a reliable packet-based communication protocol One exemplary embodiment is directed to a system comprising a plurality of connector assemblies. Each of the connector assemblies is configured to read information stored on or in physical communication media that is connected to the ports of the respective connector assembly. The system further comprises an aggregation point communicatively coupled to the plurality of connector assemblies. The aggregation point is configured to automatically discover the connector assemblies and cause each of the connector assemblies to send to the aggregation point at least some of the information read from the physical communication media that is connected to the ports of the respective connector assemblies. The aggregation point is configured to store at least some of the information sent by the connector assemblies to the aggregation point. A reliable packet-based communication protocol is used by the aggregation point to monitor events occurring at at least one connector assembly.
US09497096B2	Dynamic control over tracing of messages received by a message broker A method, system and computer program product for dynamically controlling a tracing of messages. A header (referred to herein as the “trace header”) is placed in a message by a sending application, where the trace header includes a structure for storing fields of data for defining tracing operations. Once the message with the trace header is received by a message broker after being sent by the sending application, the message broker will analyze the fields of the trace header and perform the appropriate tracing operation in response to the information provided in the trace header. Through the use of the trace header, the tracing overhead can be minimized as well as a faster diagnosis of the problem (e.g., errors while processing the messages through a message flow of the message broker) can be provided since less data will be needed to be analyzed.
US09497090B2	Methods and apparatus to determine an adjustment factor for media impressions Examples to determine media impressions are disclosed. An example method includes determining an exposure of first media, wherein the exposure occurs after a cookie identifier is received at a computing device, wherein the cookie identifier is received from a database proprietor, determining a first panelist identifier associated with the exposure based on the cookie identifier, determining a second panelist identifier associated with the exposure based on a determination of a user identity by a panelist meter associated with the computing device, determining an adjustment factor by comparing the first panelist identifier and the second panelist identifier, determining a number of impressions of second media from data logged by the database proprietor, the data logged in response to requests transmitted to the database proprietor in response to clients accessing the second media, and applying the adjustment factor to the number of impressions to determine an adjusted number of impressions.
US09497082B2	Rules engine evaluation for policy decisions Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method performed by a network policy node. The method may include: translating a policy into a plurality of rule objects, the policy including an applicability condition and one or more action rules; generating a selection rule table based on the applicability condition of one or more policies; generating an action rule table from the one or more action rules of an applicable policy, an action rule including an action condition and an action path; determining a set of applicable policies by evaluating the selection rule table using a rules engine; and selecting an action path by evaluating the action rule table using the rules engine. Various exemplary embodiments relate to a network policy node including a scanner that generates rules objects and rule tables based on one or more policies, a context information storage, and a rules engine that evaluates rule tables.
US09497079B2	Method and system for establishing, by an upgrading acceleration node, a bypass link to another acceleration node Performing operations on nodes of distributed computer networks. A request to upgrade a first acceleration node in a computer network is identified. A second acceleration node that is linked to the first acceleration node is identified. A bypass link to the second acceleration node from the first acceleration node is established. The bypass link is configured to transmit new connections received for handling by the first acceleration node to the second acceleration node for handling by the second acceleration node during upgrading of the first acceleration node. Upon establishing the bypass link, the first acceleration node is upgraded in response to identifying the request.
US09497057B2	Method for performing channel sounding in wireless LAN system and apparatus The present invention relates to a method for performing channel sounding by means of an access point (AP) in a wireless LAN system. The method includes the steps of transmitting a null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame to notify that an NDP is to be transmitted, transmitting the NDP, and receiving a feedback frame from a station (STA). The NDP includes a signal field. The signal field of the NDP is transmitted through two orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols. One of the two OFDM symbols is a repeated OFDM symbol signifying that the other is repeated.
US09497053B2	Upstream pilot structure in point to multipoint orthogonal frequency division multiplexing communication system A central access network unit comprising a processor configured to assign a plurality of upstream training blocks from an upstream OFDM symbol to a plurality of downstream network units, wherein the OFDM symbol comprises a plurality of pilot subcarriers equally spaced across an upstream RF spectrum in a pre-determined time interval, and wherein each upstream training block comprises a different subset of the pilot subcarriers that are non-consecutive and situated across the upstream RF spectrum, and generate one or more messages comprising assignments of the upstream training blocks, and a transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to transmit the messages to the plurality of downstream network units via a network, wherein the messages instruct at least one of the plurality of downstream network units to transmit a modulated pre-determined sequence at the pilot subcarriers corresponding to the upstream training block assigned to the downstream network unit.
US09497047B2	Methods and apparatus for sounding channel operation in millimeter wave communication systems A method includes configuring a first sounding channel to be an uplink sounding slot. The uplink sounding slot has at least one OFDM symbol in an uplink sub-frame in order to carry UL-SRSs corresponding to at least one transmit beam of a first set of transmit beams in a first sounding channel set of sub-bands. The first sounding channel set of sub-bands includes sub-bands that cover a first data bandwidth. The method includes transmitting, to an MS, a first UL sounding configuration message that sets a sounding sub-band bitmap value to a maximum specifiable value and indicates UL-SRS placement in the first sounding channel set of sub-bands. The method includes, receiving through the first sounding channel set of sub-bands from the MS, the UL-SRSs corresponding to at least the one transmit beam of the first set of transmit beams for channel estimation over the first data bandwidth.
US09497043B2	Home base station system and data access processing method thereof A home base station system and method for managing data caching. The home base station system includes: a plurality of home base stations used to provide wireless communication to at least one mobile terminal, wherein the plurality of home base stations are connected to a wide area network via a local area network, and wherein the plurality of home base stations are interconnected via a local area network; and a server, wherein the server is connected to the plurality of home base stations via the local area network, and wherein the server is used to manage caching of data in a home base station system.
US09497040B1	Using virtual networking devices and routing information to initiate external actions Techniques are described for providing managed virtual computer networks that have a configured logical network topology with virtual networking devices, such as by a network-accessible configurable network service, with corresponding networking functionality provided for communications between multiple computing nodes of the virtual computer network by emulating functionality that would be provided by the virtual networking devices if they were physically present. In some situations, the networking functionality provided for a managed computer network of a client includes receiving routing communications directed to the virtual networking devices, and using included routing information to identify and initiate external actions whose effects are not related to how network communications between computing nodes of the managed computer network are configured to be routed or otherwise forwarded through the managed computer network, such as external actions that affect devices that are not part of the managed computer network, or other types of external actions.
US09497031B2	Method for building green network Provided is a technique for building a green architecture for achieving efficient power saving in a Layer-2 network, the technique having: a packet collection process (S01) for collecting all broadcast packets communicated within the network and extracting packet information; a MAC-IP history generation process (S02) for generating MIPT with the latest timestamp from the packet information; an access analysis process (S03) for counting, on the basis of information about the MIPT, the number of packets per category of {SMAC, DMAC} in each time slot having a certain interval, and generating a MAcT; an L2 switch port analysis process (S04) for generating an MDMAcT on the basis of information about the MAcT; a green architecture building process (S05) for generating a GMDMAcT in which a port connection configuration of the MDMAcT has been updated; and a visualization process (S06) for displaying information about the GMDMAcT.
US09497021B2	Device for generating a message authentication code for authenticating a message Device for generating a message authentication code for authenticating a message, wherein the message is divided in blocks (M) with a specified block length, the device comprising a generating unit for generating the message authentication code based on a message by using a block cipher algorithm, and an encrypting unit for performing an exclusive disjunction on the last block with a first key (K1, K2) and for performing an exclusive disjunction on the first and/or the last block additionally with a second key (K3, K4) for generating the message authentication code.
US09497010B2	Method and apparatus for allocating a control channel resource of a relay node in a backhaul subframe A method and apparatus for configuring a control channel between a first transceiver and a second transceiver in a communication system are provided. The method includes generating, by the first transceiver, a signaling message including information for the control channel; transmitting, by the first transceiver, the signaling message including information for the control channel to the second transceiver; generating, by the first transceiver, the control channel based on the information for the control channel; and transmitting, by the first transceiver, the generated control channel to the second transceiver, wherein the information for the control channel includes resource assignment information, reference signal information, and information related to at least one of a localized type and a distributed type.
US09497002B2	3D MIMO CSI feedback based on virtual elevation ports Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for a user equipment (UE) to efficiently provide feedback regarding preferred beams to a base station (BS) that transmits with different beams from different elevations. The techniques generally involve the BS transmitting first reference signals transmitted, using a plurality of elevation beams. The UE selects at least one preferred elevation beam based on the first reference signals and feeds this back to the BS. The BS transmits second reference signals using the preferred elevation beam and a plurality of azimuthal ports. The UE provides a second stage channel feedback to the base station, based on the second reference signals.
US09496999B2	Method and apparatus for resource allocation in multi-carrier wireless system A method and apparatus for resource allocation in a multi-carrier wireless communication system enables transmission using smaller resource units and achieves efficient transmission of data channels with very low data rates, scheduling a greater number of user equipments without additional control channel overhead while maintaining compatibility with the resource allocation scheme of legacy user equipments. Thus, one cell controls a larger number of user equipments. In addition, as multiple user equipments are scheduled using a single control channel, resource efficiency is increased.
US09496998B2	Method, apparatus and system for uplink data transmission The embodiments of the present invention provide a method, apparatus, and system. The method comprises: sending, by a centralized processing node, control information containing address information of a service ERRU and the transmission mode of ERRUs to the ERRUs in a COMP set; receiving the compressed uplink COMP frequency domain data sent by the service ERRU according to the transmission mode, wherein the compressed uplink COMP frequency domain data are data obtained by the service ERRU by compressing the original uplink COMP frequency domain data sent by the non-service ERRUs and the original uplink COMP frequency domain data of the service ERRU, and receiving the original uplink COMP frequency domain data sent by at least one ERRU according to the transmission mode. In the present invention, the data are compressed to reduce the uplink transmission flow between the ERRUs in the COMP set and the centralized processing node.
US09496997B2	Method and apparatus for measuring channel in wireless communication system A method and apparatus for performing channel measurement in a wireless communication system are disclosed. A method for performing channel measurement by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system supporting carrier aggregation (CA) and coordinated Multi-point transmission and reception (CoMP) includes: receiving information on a channel state information—reference signal (CSI-RS) resource set (hereinafter referred to as CRMS (CoMP resource management set)) for measuring CSI-RS—based received power from serving evolved NodeB (eNB); measuring a received power for the CSI-RS resources contained in the CRMS; and transmitting the measured received power to the serving eNB, wherein the CRMS is independently configured for each of the plurality of component carriers (CCs) capable of being aggregated in the carrier aggregation (CA).
US09496990B2	Method of remapping hybrid automatic repeat request timeline in time division duplex uplink-downlink reconfiguration A method of remapping Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) timeline in Time Division Duplex (TDD) uplink-downlink (UL-DL) reconfiguration, for a communication device in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method includes being reconfigured from a first TDD UL-DL configuration in a first radio frame to a second TDD UL-DL configuration in a second radio frame, determining a TDD UL-DL reference configuration according to UL subframe allocations of the first and second TDD UL-DL configurations in the first radio frame, and performing HARQ processes of the first TDD UL-DL configuration according to a HARQ timeline of the TDD UL-DL reference configuration during the first and second radio frames.
US09496988B2	Apparatus and method for switching between single user and multi-user MIMO operation in a wireless network A base station for use in a wireless network, wherein the base station transmits in a downlink to a plurality of subscriber stations using a plurality of antennas according to a multiple input, multiple-output (MIMO) protocol. During a first downlink subframe, the base station operates in single-user MIMO mode in which the base station transmits a first data subpacket to a first subscriber station using a first antenna and transmits a second data subpacket to the first subscriber station using a second antenna. During a second downlink subframe following the first downlink subframe, the base station operates in multi-user MIMO mode in which the base station transmits a third data subpacket to the first subscriber station using the first antenna and transmits a fourth data subpacket to a second subscriber station using the second antenna.
US09496987B2	Method for redelivering a subset of messages in a packet to a receiver application A process, a computer program product, and a computer system for redelivering a subset of messages in a packet to a receiver application are provided. The present invention enables the partially received packet to be delivered to the application layer (LLM) and allow LLM to decide whether it has to request for full packet retransmission or partial retransmission of the packet. The present invention allows the LLM of the receiver to generate a PNACK (partial negative-acknowledgement) based on the subset of the messages consumed from within the partial packet. The present invention allows the LLM of the transmitter to process the PNACK, to regenerate a new packet from the original packet to contain only a subset of the messages, and to send this new packet to the receiver who has generated the PNACK.
US09496984B2	Method and arrangement in a wireless communication system Method and arrangement in a mobile terminal for predicting future data communication performance of transmissions between a base station and the mobile terminal. The base station and the mobile terminal are comprised in a wireless communication system. The method comprises receiving information from the base station, concerning the relation between distribution characteristics and the performance of established data communications via the base station, comparing the own distribution characteristics of the mobile terminal with the received information, determining the own predicted data communication performance based on the made comparison between the own distribution characteristics and the received information, and displaying the determined own predicted data communication performance on a display of the mobile terminal. Also, a method and arrangement in a base station for assisting a mobile terminal in predicting future data communication performance of transmissions is comprised.
US09496983B2	System and method for using ad hoc networks in cooperation with service provider networks Systems and methods for using ad hoc networks in cooperation with service provider networks. Multi-network devices communicate with each other as peers in an ad hoc network while each accessing a service provider network. The multi-network devices may each receive the same real-time multimedia stream, be it broadcast or unicast, while sharing stream parity information. The peers may take corrective action to maintain uninterrupted playback of the real-time multimedia stream with no or minimal loss in perceived quality. The peers may further cooperate to facilitate bandwidth and power optimization, fast channel switching, and real-time mobile traffic and network analysis, displays and alerts.
US09496981B2	System and method of masking electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions of a circuit A system is provided for securing information residing on a circuit (e.g., processor). In particular, a system and method is provided for masking electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions emitting from a circuit using a random noise generator in combination with a low noise amplifier and antenna. The random number generator matches a frequency of a circuit to be protected, and generates a random signal to be superimposed on data. The low noise amplifier receives the random signal from the random number generator, and an antenna receives the random signal from the low noise amplifier and transmits the random signal to mask the data of the circuit to be protected.
US09496980B2	Method for detecting wavelength usage conflicts in an optical network A method of adding a transceiver including a transmitter and a receiver to an optical network. The transceiver is controlled to enable the receiver while maintaining the transmitter in a disabled state. The receiver detects a presence of an optical signal at a first wavelength. If an optical signal at the first wavelength is not present, the transmitter is enabled. Responsive to detection that an optical signal at the first wavelength is present: a feature of the optical signal, and a match condition between the detected feature and a predetermined feature are detected. The transmitter is enabled responsive to detection of the match condition.
US09496971B2	Techniques for determining actual and/or near states of proximity between mobile devices Techniques are provided that may be implemented in various methods, apparatuses and articles of manufacture for use by one or more electronic devices to support proximity services for a mobile device. In an example implementation, a computing device may determine whether a first mobile device and a second mobile device are each operatively provisioned to make use of a common proximity service, use a first procedure to determine whether a state of near proximity exists between at least two mobile devices, use a second procedure to determine whether a state of proximity exists between the at least two mobile devices, and initiate notification of a user and/or an application of at least one of the mobile devices in response to one or more of such determinations.
US09496970B2	Method and apparatus of handling in-device co-existence interference in a multi-radio environment A method and apparatus of handling in-device co-existence interference in a multi-radio environment are provided. The method includes measuring an adjacent band interference value indicating an amount of adjacent band interference in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) band associated with an LTE radio entity prior to switching the LTE radio entity to an active state from an inactive state, comparing the adjacent band interference value with a predetermined threshold value, and reporting in-device co-existence interference in the LTE band to an evolved Node B (eNB) according to an outcome of the comparing of the adjacent band interference value with the predetermined threshold value.
US09496961B2	External cavity laser based wavelength division multiplexing superchannel transceivers A technique relates to a superchannel. Laser cavities include a first laser cavity, a next laser cavity, through a last laser cavity. Modulators include a first modulator, a next modulator, through a last modulator, each having a direct input, an add port, and an output. A concatenated arrangement of the laser cavities is configured to form the superchannel, which includes the last laser cavity coupled to the direct input of the last modulator, and the output of the last modulator coupled to the add port of the next modulator. The arrangement includes the next laser cavity coupled to direct input of the next modulator, and the output of the next modulator coupled to add port of first modulator, along with the first laser cavity coupled to direct input of the first modulator, and the output of first modulator coupled to input of a multiplexer, thus forming the superchannel into multiplexer.
US09496960B2	Pluggable optical transceivers with integrated electronic dispersion compensation Integrated performance monitoring (PM); optical layer operations, administration, maintenance, and provisioning (OAM&P); alarming; amplification, and the like is described in optical transceivers, such as multi-source agreement (MSA)-defined modules. A pluggable optical transceiver defined by an MSA agreement can include advanced integrated functions for carrier-grade operation which preserves the existing MSA specifications allowing the pluggable optical transceiver to operate with any compliant MSA host device with advanced features and functionality, such as Forward Error Correction (FEC), framing, and OAM&P directly on the pluggable optical transceiver. The advanced integrated can be implemented by the pluggable optical transceiver separate and independent from the host device.
US09496956B2	System and method for providing active RF shielding A system and method for removing radio frequency emissions from an electronic device. The system comprises collectors for collection of the radio frequency signals, combiners for combining the signals to produce a combined signal, fiber optic transmitter for up-converting the combined radio frequency signals to an optical wave length signal, optical fiber for directing the optical signal, and a termination device for terminating the optical signal.
US09496950B2	Apparatus for transmitting and receiving control information for repeater and method thereof Disclosed are an apparatus for transmitting and receiving control information for a relay node and a method thereof. The relay node for receiving control information in a wireless communication system comprises: a receiving module for receiving through higher layer signaling from a base station the information on a resource block (RB) which the relay node should search to receive the control information; a processor for detecting the control information from the first RB by blind-decoding at least one received RB which should be searched; and a receiving module for receiving through the first RB from the base station the control information detected by the processor.
US09496946B2	Multiple return link A system and method for improving efficiency of satellite communications is described. In one embodiment, multiple return links are associated with a single forward link to reduce communications costs.
US09496939B2	Adaptive transmission mode switching A node (28) of a radio access network (20) communicates over a radio interface (32) with a wireless terminal (30). The node (28) comprises a transmitter (34) and a controller (40). The transmitter (34) selectively operates in plural multiple input multiple output (MIMO) modes for downlink transmission over the radio interface (32). The controller (40) uses both a terminal speed value and a throughput value to make a determination when to switch between the plural multiple input multiple output (MIMO) modes for communicating with the wireless terminal. The plural MIMO modes comprise a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode open loop MIMO operates with cyclical diversity delay. In the second mode open loop MIMO operates without cyclical diversity delay. Although operating in open loop MIMO, advantages such as those of closed loop MIMO are realized.
US09496938B2	Configurable spatial channel information feedback in wireless communication system A method for configurable spatial channel information feedback in wireless communication systems is disclosed including receiving, at the wireless communication device, transmission from a plurality of antennas, receiving an indication of a feedback mode for feeding back spatial channel information that is based on correlations among at least some of the plurality of antennas, decomposing a correlation matrix representative of the correlations among at least some of the plurality of antennas into at least two Kronecker components, and feeding back parameters representative of the Kronecker components according to the feedback mode indicated.
US09496935B1	Apparatus and method of blind detection of precoding matrix index of interference in wireless communication system An apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive a signal; a serving signal cancellation function block connected to the receiver and configured to remove a serving signal from the received signal to provide a residual signal; a blind detection of interference rank function block connected to the serving signal cancellation function block and configured to determine a rank of the residual signal, wherein the rank is one of a first rank and a second rank; and a precoding matrix index determination function block connected to the blind detection of interference rank function block and configured to determine a precoding matrix index based on the rank.
US09496930B2	Methods and apparatus for overlapping MIMO physical sectors A system is provided comprising a single wireless cell configured to operate in a packet-switched cellular network, the single wireless cell including: a first transmission point with a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) capability; a second transmission point with a MIMO capability; and third circuitry in communication with first circuitry of the first transmission point and second circuitry of the second transmission point. The single wireless cell is configured such that the first transmission point cooperates with the second transmission point in connection with a first transmission to a MIMO-capable portable wireless device, for improving the first transmission. The single wireless cell is further configured for: receiving first information from the first MIMO-capable portable wireless device; receiving second information from the first MIMO-capable portable wireless device; altering at least one aspect of the first transmission; and transmitting data in connection with the first transmission to the first MIMO-capable portable wireless device.
US09496925B2	Method, apparatus, and computer program product for remote wireless powering and control of an electronic device Example method, apparatus, and computer program product embodiments are disclosed to enable remote wireless powering and control of an electronic device. Example embodiments of the invention include a method comprising the steps of detecting received power in a wireless power receiver of a device; determining to turn on the device in response to detecting the power; and sending information through a control interface to cause an information processing operation to be performed.
US09496916B2	Semiconductor device, receiver, transmitter, transceiver and communication system A semiconductor device, includes a clock and data recovery unit to which a receive signal is inputted and which extracts, based on an operation clock signal, a clock signal and a data signal from the receive signal, a frequency error adjusting unit which generates a frequency error signal indicating a frequency error between the clock signal extracted from the receive signal and the operation clock signal, an operation clock generation unit which controls, based on the frequency error signal, a frequency of the operation clock signal, and a Spread Spectrum Clock Generator (SSCG) unit which varies the frequency of the operation clock signal by the SSCG unit based on the frequency error signal.
US09496915B2	Use of orthogonal or near orthogonal codes in reverse link An apparatus and method for use with a shared access communication channel is disclosed. A wireless network device receives signals and recovers data from a first plurality of subscriber units and a second plurality of subscriber units in a time interval. Received signals from the first plurality of subscriber units are distinguishable by having unique pseudo noise (PN) sequence with respect to others of the first plurality of subscriber units. Received signals the second plurality of subscriber units are distinguishable by a unique orthogonal sequence with respect to others of the second plurality of subscriber units. Received signals are distinguished between the first and second plurality of subscriber units based on detection of an orthogonal sequence present only in the received signals from the second plurality of subscriber units.
US09496913B2	Systems and methods related to improved isolation between transmit and receive radio-frequency signals Disclosed are systems and methods for improving isolation between transmit and receive radio-frequency (RF) signals. In some embodiments, a system can be implemented for isolating RF signals during Tx and Rx operations. The system can include a Tx path and an Rx path, with the Tx path having a filter. In some embodiments, the Tx path can include a power amplifier having a plurality of interstages and an output stage, and the filter can be implemented at one of the interstages and before the output stage. The system can further include first and second antennas connected respectively to the Tx and Rx paths. The Tx path, the Rx path, and/or the first and second antennas can be configured to yield a desired level of isolation between the RF signal in the Tx and Tx paths.
US09496902B2	Apparatus and methods for reconfigurable directional couplers in an RF transceiver with selectable phase shifters Provided herein are apparatus and methods for reconfigurable directional couplers in an RF transceiver. Reconfigurable directional couplers can be reconfigured and designed to provide high directivity using configurable capacitors to effect a mutual coupling and using lumped components or delay lines to effect a phase shift. Depending on the embodiment, the reconfigurable directional coupler can include capacitors, inductors, and switching components. The coupler can be designed for multi-band operation with an adjustable coupling factor conducive to semiconductor process integration. The coupler can have variable phase shifters to achieve a desired level of directivity in the coupler.
US09496900B2	Signal acquisition in a multimode environment A transmitter comprises a symbol mapper operable to map a frame of bits to a frame of symbols, where the symbols correspond to a determined modulation scheme, and circuitry operable to convert the frame of symbols to a physical layer signal and transmit the physical layer signal onto a communication medium. The circuitry is operable to process the physical layer signal such that a first portion of the physical layer signal is a first type of signal (e.g., a linear signal and/or non-ISC signal) and a second portion of the physical layer signal is a second type of signal (e.g., nonlinear signal and/or ISC signal). The first portion of the physical layer signal may comprise a header, a preamble, and/or a payload of the frame. The second portion of the physical layer signal may comprise a header, a preamble, and/or a payload of the frame.
US09496898B2	Architecture for interfacing between digital and radio subsystems An architecture defining functional and technical perimeters to be complied with between two subsystems termed “baseband” and “radio frequency,” and to a generic physical interconnection pattern between baseband and radio frequency, which, under nominal operation, does not require physical signals specific to the design of one or other of the baseband and radio frequency subsystems, and which is not associated with a particular physical implementation solution. The architecture uses an exchange protocol which travels over the generic interface, meeting the real-time constraints of the transmission systems and using a time stamped messaging system.
US09496896B2	Low density parity check encoder having length of 64800 and code rate of 5/15, and low density parity check encoding method using the same A low density parity check (LDPC) encoder, an LDPC decoder, and an LDPC encoding method are disclosed. The LDPC encoder includes first memory, second memory, and a processor. The first memory stores an LDPC codeword having a length of 64800 and a code rate of 5/15. The second memory is initialized to 0. The processor generates the LDPC codeword corresponding to information bits by performing accumulation with respect to the second memory using a sequence corresponding to a parity check matrix (PCM).
US09496892B2	Apparatus for reducing data volumes Apparatus for reducing the volumes occupied by data, comprising: (1) a source systems data profiler and extractor subsystem, (2) a stage 1 data reduction subsystem (2), (3) a stage 2 data reduction persistent homology machine (3), (4) a stage 3 data reduction holographic producer (4). The apparatus uses information density holography to reduce the data volumes and may be used in many applications including cybernetic control in spacecraft, autonomous vehicles and manufacturing plant robotics.
US09496879B1	Multiphase clock data recovery for a 3-phase interface Methods, apparatus, and systems for data communication over a multi-wire, multi-phase interface are disclosed. A method of data communication includes configuring a clock recovery circuit to provide a first clock signal that includes a pulse for each symbol transmitted on the interface, where symbols are transmitted on the interface at a first frequency, adjusting a loop delay of the clock recovery circuit to modify the first clock to have a second frequency that is no more than half the first frequency, where the clock recovery circuit generates a pulse in the first clock signal for a first of an integer number of symbols and suppresses pulse generation for other symbols in the integer number of symbols, configuring a clock generation circuit to provide a second clock signal, and capturing symbols from the interface using the first clock signal and the second clock signal.
US09496878B2	Phase-locked loop and integrated circuit chip including the same, and test system including the integrated circuit chip A phase-locked loop includes a phase detection unit configured to compare the phase of a feedback clock with the phase of an input clock, a clock generation unit configured to adjust the frequency of a first clock based on a result of the comparison of the phase detection unit, a first division unit configured to generate an output clock by dividing the first clock at a first division ratio in test mode and generate the output clock by dividing the first clock at a second division ratio that is lower than the first division ratio in normal mode, and a second division unit configured to generate the feedback clock by dividing the output clock.
US09496874B2	Receiver circuit and signal receiving method thereof Provided is a receiver circuit which receives an input signal. A first restriction circuit provides a first reference voltage or an input signal higher than the first reference voltage to a first node. A second restriction circuit provides a second reference voltage or the input signal lower than the second reference voltage to a second node. A first PMOS transistor pulls up an output node based on a voltage of the first node, and a first NMOS transistor pulls down the output node based on a voltage of the second node. A second PMOS transistor is connected between the output node and the first PMOS transistor, and a second NMOS transistor is connected between the output node and the first NMOS transistor. At least one compensation resistor is connected between a power supply voltage and the first PMOS transistor or between the first NMOS transistor and a ground.
US09496873B2	Fast low power level shifters In one embodiment, a method for increasing speed of a differential input pair. The method comprises applying a first boost current to a first input of the differential input pair during a transition of a first signal applied to the first input; storing the first boost current; ending the application of the first boost current in response to the stored first boost current exceeding a first threshold; applying a second boost current to a second input of the differential input pair during a transition of a second signal applied to the second input; storing the second boost current; and ending the application of the second boost current in response to the stored second boost current exceeding a second threshold.
US09496869B2	Slave station An object of the present invention is to provide a slave station that may not deteriorate even when a switch is placed in a vertical direction and that may replace only the worn switch with new one in low costs thereby having user-friendliness. The slave station according to the present invention comprises the switch. The switch comprising a flexible cylindrical member bendable in any directions and the flexible cylindrical member being detachably attached to a housing composed of a body, a rigid rod member attached to a free end of the flexible cylindrical member, a flexible rod member extending from a base end of the rigid rod member toward the base end of the flexible cylindrical member through the inside of the flexible cylindrical member, and a guiding member comprising a insertion opening for inserting and holding the flexible rod member, the guiding member allowing movement in a direction to the shaft line of the flexible cylindrical member. A detecting portion element is formed at the end of the flexible rod member protruded from the opening of the guiding member. The detecting portion element comprises an electrostatic substance and a magnetic metal substance. The detecting portion element comprises a reflective surface on the end surface or a side surface of the flexible rod member.
US09496867B2	Integrated hall-controlled switch devices Embodiments relate to Hall-controlled switch devices. In an embodiment, a Hall switch and a load switch are integrated in a single integrated circuit device. Embodiments can provide load switching and optional simultaneous logic signaling, for example to update a microcontroller or electronic control unit (ECU), while reducing space and complexity and thereby cost.
US09496862B2	Circuit arrangement for actuating a semiconductor switching element A switching arrangement for triggering a semiconductor switching element with a first electrode, a second electrode and a control electrode includes: a pulse generator for generating a control voltage input signal; a bias voltage capacitor; a first electrical resistor electrically connected in series with the bias voltage capacitor between first and second terminals of the pulse generator, wherein the control electrode is electrically connected to the bias voltage capacitor and the first electrical resistor, and the first electrode is electrically connected to the pulse generator and the first electrical resistor; and an additional capacitor connected in series to the pulse generator, the first electrical resistor, and the bias voltage capacitor.
US09496857B2	Method and apparatus for driving half bridge connected semiconductor power switches with a stable and extremely short interlock delay combined with a switching transition speed increase and a driving power consumption reduction A driving circuit for driving half bridge connected electrically controlled power switches with a near zero interlock delay time between on-states of the power switches, wherein the driving circuit is configured to receive an input signal and to generate: —a first drive signal being adapted to switch a first power switch between the on and off state, —a second drive signal being adapted to switch a second power switch between the on and off state, wherein the signal curve of the first drive signal generated in response to a rising and falling edge of said input signal is mirrored with respect to the signal curve of the second drive signal along a time axis of a mirroring voltage value within a transition time, wherein the mirroring voltage value is adjusted such to be within the cutoff region of the power switches.
US09496850B2	Alias-free subband processing A digital signal is processed by splitting it into at least two frequency subbands and the two subband signals are downsampled. A filter is applied in at least one of the subband signals. At least one of the phase and magnitude of the subband filtered signals is matched in the transition frequency band between the two subbands.
US09496841B2	Recording level adjustment using a distance to a sound source An apparatus including a recording system for recording at least sound, the recording system including a microphone; a distance input adapted to have an initial distance between a source of the sound and the apparatus entered into the apparatus; and a controller connected to the microphone. The controller is configured to determine a suggested distance for a better sound recording by the recording system based, at least partially, on the initial distance input into the distance input.
US09496839B2	Audio processing apparatus, reproduction apparatus, audio processing method and program The disclosed apparatus extracts particular instrument sounds included in music in real time during music reproduction. The audio processing section 12 has an attack decision section 42 that decides attack positions of the bass drum sounds in audio signals, a bass drum sounds decision section 43 that decides sound periods of the bass drum in the audio signals, and a bass drum sounds extraction section 44 that extracts bass drum sounds using a time varying type filter for the attack positions and an adaptive type filter for the sound periods.
US09496838B2	Envelope tracking amplifier for a transmitter having a voltage mapping linearly related to the square of the amplitude of the baseband signal An envelope tracking amplifier for a transmitter has a voltage mapping linearly related to the square of the amplitude of the baseband signal.
US09496833B2	Apparatus and methods for multi-channel autozero and chopper amplifiers Apparatus and methods for multi-channel autozero and chopper amplifiers are provided herein. In certain configurations, an amplifier includes at least three channels that operate using multiple phases, including at least a non-inverting chop phase, an inverting chop phase, and an autozero phase. The amplifier further includes an autozero and chopping timing control circuit, which at least partially interleaves or staggers timing of the channels' phases. For example, in certain configurations, when one or more of the channels are being autozeroed at a certain time instance, at least some of the remaining channels operate in the non-inverting chop phase or the inverting chop phase.
US09496828B2	System and method for envelope tracking power supply An envelope tracking power supply has a multiple-output DC/DC converter, having an alternating current generating portion and a full rectifying portion. The alternating current generating portion to receive an input voltage and operate at zero voltage switching. A full rectifying portion includes at least one secondary winding and one voltage doubler output. each having a first transistor, and a second transistor, used as rectifier devices to allow currents to flow bi-directionally and sink and source the currents from and to output capacitors to keep their voltage balance. A switch bank selects a desired voltage from series connected capacitors and connects it to an output filter. The switch bank receives an envelope tracking command from the voltage selector and provides a step voltage to the output. The output voltage is changed at switching speed to track a high bandwidth envelope signal.
US09496826B2	Transimpedance amplifier A TIA converts an input current into a output voltage. The TIA includes a feedback circuit that controls a bypass current to be extracted from the input current. The feedback circuit includes: a filter that passes low frequency components of the output voltage; a voltage shifter which includes a current source and converts an output signal of the filter into a first shift signal with a time constant; a voltage shifter which includes a current source, and converts a first threshold reference into a second shift signal with another time constant; a comparator which generates a control signal to control the bypass circuit by comparing the first shift signal with the second shift signal; and a comparator which controls the time constant by comparing the control signal with a second threshold reference.
US09496820B2	Photovoltaic mounting system and devices Photovoltaic mounting systems having sealant injection system are provided herein. Such sealant injection systems provide directional control and containment of sealant flow providing improved sealing of roof penetrations of a mounted roof anchor. Such systems can include an anchor having a base and mechanical fastener and a sealant injection package, which includes a collapsible sealant injection reservoir and is adapted to provide directionally controlled release and containment of sealant upon tightening of the mechanical fastener into the roof surface. Such systems can include a sealant carrier that fits into an underside cavity of the anchor base and isolates the sealant injection package from anchoring load paths. The carrier can also define a flow path and sealant area in an underside recessed portion defining a cavity between the carrier and roof surface to provide a more uniform consistent sealant flow to form a chemical flashing about any roof penetration.
US09496811B2	Driving device and driving method for motor, cooling device and electronic machine The present disclosure provides a device and a method for driving a motor that demonstrates low noise and/or low vibration. A pulse-modulated control pulse signal S2 is generated by a driving signal generation portion 310 at each phase. A driving voltage VU˜VW, with duty cycle corresponding to the control pulse signal S2 and being inserted with specific idle time is applied to coils LU˜LW at each phase. A current phase detection signal S3 indicating a phase of the current IL flowing through the coil LU is generated by the current phase detection portion 330 at a specific phase (the phase U) corresponding to the control pulse signal S2 according to a pulse width of a terminal voltage VU at one end of the coil LU of the phase U.
US09496802B2	Inverter device An inverter device includes a three-phase inverter, which has switching elements, and a controller, which is programmed to perform two-phase modulation control on switching of the switching elements between an ON state and an OFF state. The controller computes the power factor of a load. The controller determines whether or not the computed power factor is less than a preset threshold value. If the computed power factor is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the controller performs a phase shift to shift the central time point of an ON period or an OFF period for two phases other than a stop phase in the two-phase modulation control by 180 degrees, and if the computed power factor is less than the threshold value, the controller supplies the switching elements with ON and OFF control commands to perform the two-phase modulation control without performing the phase shift.
US09496792B2	Controller with thermal balance and control method thereof for multi-phase switching converters A controller used in a multi-phase switching converter, including: a bias current generator that generates a plurality of bias current signals; a temperature balance modulating circuit that generates a plurality of on time signals based on the plurality of the bias current signals; and a logic circuit that generates a plurality of control signals based on the plurality of on time signals. The plurality of the control signals is used to control a plurality of switching circuits of the multi-phase switching converter.
US09496791B2	Multiphase buck converter with dynamic phase firing Methods, devices, and circuits are disclosed for a multiphase buck converter with dynamic phase firing that moderates phase output current. In one example, a method includes evaluating a current of a first phase output of the multiphase buck converter. The method further includes, in response to the current of the first phase output not being higher than a current threshold, applying one or more pulses from a first duty cycle signal to the first phase output. The method further includes, in response to the current of the first phase output being higher than the current threshold, applying one or more pulses from the first duty cycle signal to a second phase output.
US09496788B2	Multi-phase boost converter with phase self-detection and detecting circuit thereof A multi-phase boost converter with phase self-detection and a detecting circuit thereof are provided. The multi-phase boost converter comprises M switching circuits, a capacitor, a control circuit and a detecting circuit. Each switching circuit has an input end and an output end. N inductors are coupled in parallel between the input ends and an input voltage. The output ends are coupled to an output voltage. The control circuit controls the conduction status of the switching circuits according to a feedback voltage corresponding to the output voltage. The detecting circuit coupled between the input ends and the control circuit detects the conduction status between the input voltage and each of the input ends, for outputting a first control signal. The control circuit controlled by the first control signal selectively controls at least one of the switching circuits. N is a positive integer less than or equal to M.
US09496782B2	Digitally-controlled power factor correction circuits, methods and articles of manufacture A disclosed power supply includes a power factor correction circuit including a switch, an inductor having a first terminal connected to an input voltage, and a second terminal connected to the switch, a storage capacitor and a load, a value of the inductor selected to operate the power factor correction circuit in discontinuous conduction mode, and a controller programmed to operate the switch to increase a power factor of the power supply. The switching frequency of the switch is periodically adjusted to reduce electromagnetic interference.
US09496781B2	Soft start circuit for switching converter and associated soft start method A soft start circuit for a switching converter, the soft start circuit has an internal soft start voltage generating circuit, an amplifier circuit and a buffer circuit, the internal soft start voltage generating circuit provides an internal soft start voltage, the amplifier circuit has a first input terminal receiving the internal soft start voltage, a second input terminal receiving a soft start reference signal and an output terminal, the buffer circuit has an input terminal coupled to the output terminal of the amplifier circuit and an output terminal providing the soft start reference signal. An external soft start capacitor coupled to the output terminal of the amplifier circuit is charged to provide an external soft start voltage, and the soft start reference signal is provided based on the internal soft start voltage and the external soft start voltage.
US09496780B2	Power overload protection using hiccup mode A DC-to-DC converter includes a transformer including a primary transformer coil connected to a power input terminal; a secondary transformer coil connected to a power output terminal; a switching circuit including a first sense circuit that detects a voltage condition of the transformer, the voltage received at the first sense circuit being used to regulate the duty cycle of the switch and to initiate a hiccup mode that dissipates power in the primary and/or secondary windings when the voltage condition detected at the first sense circuit indicates an overload of the transformer; a second sense circuit that detects an over-current condition at the switch and/or primary winding; and a further feedback path connected between the second sense circuit and the first sense circuit that provides a second signal to the first sense circuit to boost the first signal when an overload is detected, and to initiate the hiccup mode.
US09496774B2	Permanent magnet electric motor According to one embodiment, a rotor is configured by a rotor core and magnetic poles. Two or more types of permanent magnets are used such that each product of coercivity and thickness in the magnetization direction becomes different. A stator is located outside the rotor with air gap therebetween and configured by an armature core winding. At least one permanent magnet is magnetized by a magnetic field by a current of the armature winding to change a magnetic flux content thereof irreversibly. A short circuited coil is provided to surround a magnetic path portion of the other permanent magnet excluding the magnet changed irreversibly and a portion adjacent to the other permanent magnet where the magnetic flux leaks. A short-circuit current is generated in the short circuited coil by the magnetic flux generated by conducting a magnetization current to the winding. A magnetic field is generated by the short-circuit current.
US09496769B2	Battery apparatus for supplying power to oppositely-mounted bicycle crank arms A battery apparatus comprises a bicycle crank axle having a first end, a second end, and a hollow portion. The first end of the bicycle crank axle is configured to attach to a first bicycle crank arm, the second end of the bicycle crank axle is configured to attach to a second bicycle crank arm, and a power source is disposed within the hollow portion. The power source is configured to provide operating power to an electrical component disposed in the first bicycle crank arm, and the power source is configured to provide operating power to an electrical component disposed in the second bicycle crank arm. The hollow portion opens through the first end of the bicycle crank axle so that the power source is detachable through the first end of the crank axle.
US09496766B2	Bowl for induction motor and induction motor equipped with said bowl This bowl (10) for an induction motor intended to be housed in the hollow body of a substantially longitudinal actuator for winding/unwinding sheets, screens, blinds or roller shutters, comprises an outer skirt (12) and an inner skirt (13), the outer skirt (12) and the inner skirt (13) defining, between them, a space (14) intended to receive a lead-out of a stator of the induction motor. Moreover, the inner skirt (13) is capable of being deformed in such a way as to restrict the space (14) between the inner skirt (13) and the outer skirt (12) in order to allow the insertion into the inner skirt (13) of means of supporting a rotor assembly.
US09496764B2	Brush holder for an electric motor, and gear mechanism drive unit having a brush holder A brush holder (100) for an electric motor (12a; 12b), having a brush holder main body (20) which has a passage opening (25) for an armature shaft to pass through, having a first receiving region (37) for fastening a printed circuit board (35), on which electrical or electronic components are mounted, to the brush holder main body (20), wherein the first receiving region (37) extends as far as into a region between an outer boundary (23, 24) of the brush holder main body (20) and the passage opening (25), and wherein the first receiving region (37) for the printed circuit board (35) is designed to arrange the printed circuit board (35) on the brush holder main body (20) at least substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the brush holder main body (20), and having components (26, 33) which are arranged on the brush holder main body (20) and which are mechanically and/or electrically connected at least indirectly to the printed circuit board (35).
US09496759B2	Rotor of interior permanent magnet motor, compressor, and refrigerating air-conditioning apparatus A rotor of an interior permanent magnet motor includes a rotor core; permanent magnet insertion holes formed in an outer circumferential portion of the rotor core along a circumferential direction; a permanent-magnet end-portion air gap formed in each of both end portions of each permanent magnet insertion hole; a permanent magnet inserted in each permanent magnet insertion hole; and slits formed in an outer circumferential core portion on an outer side in a radial direction with respect to each permanent magnet insertion hole, wherein a width of a core present between the permanent-magnet end-portion air gap and the slit and a width of a core present between the slits are such that a width of a core gradually increases as the core is closer to a magnet pole center from the interpolar line.
US09496756B2	Methods of assembling stators for use in electrical machines A method of assembling an electrical machine having an axis of rotation is provided. The method includes aligning a plurality of laminations that each includes a slot and coupling a plurality of keys to the plurality of laminations. The method also includes moving the plurality of keys from a first position to a second position to facilitate coupling together the plurality of laminations, and indexing the plurality of keys to facilitate forming at least one planar surface that is positioned orthogonal to the axis of rotation.
US09496751B2	Vehicle power system A vehicle may include an electric machine, a traction battery, and a solar panel array. The vehicle may further include circuitry electrically connected with the battery and array. The circuitry may include at least one switch configured to close when activated by a calibrated maximum holding power to permit energy to flow from the array to the battery.
US09496740B2	Techniques for optimizing power supply output New power output control systems are provided that maintain optimal voltage, current, and other electrical characteristics. In some aspects of the invention, a lagging or deteriorated power supply aspect is at least partially replaced to avoid limitations while the output of a specialized, stronger aspect is altered and addressed to supply the resulting power, voltage, current charge or other gap.
US09496738B2	Method and apparatus for charging a battery using multiple charging sources Embodiments include a modular battery charger having a main charging source and is configured to include at least one additional charging source that can be an auxiliary charging source or an external charging source. The additional charging sources can be added as modules to augment the total charging current that can be provided to a rechargeable battery. The modular battery charger can selectively enable or disable the additional charging sources while controlling the output current of the main charging source to adjust the charging current provided to a rechargeable battery.
US09496729B2	Battery with internal current limiter that is selectively actuated as a function of the device to which the battery is connected A battery including a housing that contains at least one cell, a current limiter and a control circuit. When a device is first connected to the battery, the control circuit actuates the current limiter so that only a current limited voltage is sourced to the device. This current limited signal only supplies sufficient current for energizing a circuit internal to the device. This current limited signal is not able to power the device. The control circuit waits to receive if the powered on device transmits a recognition code. If the recognition code is received, the control circuit sources current to from the cell to the device along a path that bypasses the current limiter. This current, not being current limited is able to power the components internal to the connected device.
US09496725B2	Power control apparatus, method, program, and integrated circuit, and storage battery unit A control apparatus includes: a target value obtaining unit obtaining a total target value of power to be discharged from storage batteries; an SOH obtaining unit obtain information on a state of health for each of the storage batteries; a charge control unit determining how the power of the total target value is divided among and discharged from each of the storage battery. The charge control unit (i) compares the state of health of a first storage battery and the state of health of a second storage battery, and, in the case where the state of health of the second storage battery is higher than the state of health of the first storage battery, (ii) discharges from the second storage battery second power lower than first power which is discharged from the first storage battery.
US09496723B2	Systems and methods for battery balancing A battery system includes multiple battery cells having multiple cell voltages, and a balancing module. The battery module coupled to multiple battery cells and configured to specify a first voltage threshold according to an amount of a charging current supplied to the battery cells in constant current charging mode, and to initiate a balance check of the battery cells if the first voltage threshold is not satisfied by a cell voltage of the plurality of cell voltages.
US09496716B2	Islanding detection apparatus for parallel distributed generation system An islanding detection apparatus minimizes a reduction in power quality and detects islanding when distributed generations are operated in parallel. Also, another islanding detection apparatus for parallel distributed generations synchronizes parallel distributed generations by periodically applying a reactive current at a half cycle. Further, another islanding detection apparatus for parallel distributed generations easily synchronizes parallel distributed generations even when inverters installed in the respective distributed generations are fabricated through different makers.
US09496712B1	Electrostatic discharge protection device with power management An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device to manage leakage current can, in response to a power good (PGOOD) signal, draw the gate terminal of an ESD clamp device to a voltage below ground. The device also drives an inverted copy of the PGOOD signal to a gated inverter, which can inhibit the gated inverter output from drawing the ESD clamp device gate terminal to ground. The ESD protection device also includes the ESD clamp device to, in response to the gate terminal of the ESD clamp device being drawn to a bias voltage less than ground, allow a leakage current to flow through the ESD clamp device that is less than a leakage current allowed to flow in response to the ESD clamp device gate terminal being drawn to ground.
US09496710B2	Rapid shutdown solid state circuit for photovoltaic energy generation systems A solid state circuit for performing rapid shutdown of a photovoltaic power generation system includes a pair of high voltage power transistors connected between a photovoltaic array and a pair of high voltage lines that function to supply power generated by the photovoltaic array to a DC to AC inverter. The solid state circuit further includes a control circuit configured so that when the photovoltaic power generation system operates under normal conditions, the control circuit maintains the pair of high voltage power transistors in the on state so that power produced by the photovoltaic array can be transmitted to the DC to AC inverter through the pair of high voltage lines. The control circuit is further configured so that upon receiving a rapid shutdown command, the control circuit turns off the pair of high voltage power transistors to thereby electrically disconnect the photovoltaic array from the pair of power lines.
US09496708B2	Electric motor drive isolation circuit An isolation circuit is coupled between motor driver half bridge circuits and an electric motor. A motor controller circuit supplies motor drive signals to the motor driver half bridge circuits. The isolation circuit includes transistors coupled in series with the motor windings. Low to medium power diodes are coupled between a reference voltage source and control terminals of the transistors.
US09496697B1	Roof top junction box A roof top junction box to protect wiring systems and a roof top from water leakages. The junction box includes a storage unit and an enclosure. A mounting component is fastened at an internal storage area of the storage unit to secure a terminal component thereon. Threaded screw elements are aligned in at least two of a plurality of screw hole channels utilizing a first sealing gaskets, a plurality of rubber washers and a plurality of press fit flutes. The plurality of threaded screw elements is affixed at a flashing member attached to the roof top. A compression ring and a multithreaded flute are aligned at a bottom conduit port in the storage unit. A conduit is inserted through the bottom conduit port and an opening at the flashing member to connect the conduit with at least one wiring system of a building.
US09496691B2	Universal load control module A universal load control module may include a power supply that operates over a wide voltage range, a microcontroller, and one or more functional control blocks. A functional control block may include a dimmer circuit for controlling a lighting load that provides reverse phase cut mode dimming, forward phase cut mode dimming, and hybrid phase cut mode dimming, as well as thermal protection. One or more universal control modules may be housed in a cabinet that include a cabinet control module. The cabinet may include additional thermal protection measures.
US09496689B2	Frame profile for a rack of a switchgear cabinet, and fastening clip for the frame profile A frame profile for a switchgear cabinet rack has two profile sides perpendicular to one another forming outer sides of the rack, and being in the form of a hollow-profile section. The profile sides transition into one another via transition sections that are perpendicular thereto and a connecting web without formation of an outer edge. The profile sides are adjoined, facing away from the transition sections, by first profile sections which are respectively perpendicular and parallel to the associated profile sides. At least the perpendicular or the parallel first profile sections have a row of fastening receptacles. The perpendicular first profile sections are adjoined by two profile sections which transition into an at least partially rounded contour section, the second profile sections each form with the contour section an undercut of the contour section on the outer side of the profile, and the frame profile encloses a coherent hollow chamber.
US09496680B2	Semiconductor laser device and manufacturing method thereof, and submount manufacturing method A semiconductor laser device can include an insulating single crystal SiC having a first surface, a second surface, and micropipes having openings in the first surface and the second surface. A conductive base can be provided on a side of the first surface of the single crystal SiC, and a semiconductor laser element can be provided on a side of the second surface of the single crystal SiC. An insulating member can be formed in the micropipes.
US09496679B2	Packaging structure for a laser diode The invention relates to a packaging structure for a laser diode, comprising an electrically insulated, heat-conducting board having an electronic circuit thereon; a laser diode chip mounted on the electronic circuit of the electrically insulated, heat-conducting board and having an anode and a cathode, respectively connected to an external soldering pad for external electrical connections; and a heat-conducting base installed on a surface of the electrically insulated, heat-conducting board to conduct the heat generated by the laser diode chip to the heat-conducting base through the electrically insulated, heat-conducting board, wherein the laser diode chip emits the light from an edge of the electrically insulated, heat-conducting board and the area of a faying plane between the electrically insulated, heat-conducting board and the heat-conducting base is adjusted depending on the power requirements of the laser diode, and the area of the faying plane is from 6 to 5,000 mm2.
US09496671B2	Crimping tool for wire end ferrules A scissors-type crimping tool for crimping a female contact onto an electrical conductor, comprising a planar base member having body and first lever portions; an annular crimping die member connected for rotation between die-open and die-crimping positions relative to the base member body portion; a toggle link arrangement connecting a second lever for pivotal movement relative to the base member body portion; and a cascade spring arrangement operable by the toggle arrangement from a non-stressed condition to a stressed caged condition during initial movement of the second lever in the closed direction, and to a stressed condition during further movement of the second lever, thereby to afford processing of different cross-sections of ferrules and conductors in the crimping die, and to apply the force of the stressed cascade spring arrangement to the crimping die member during the final stage of the crimping operation.
US09496668B1	Connection structures for electrical components in an electronic device An electronic device may have a rigid support structure to which electrical components are mounted. The rigid support structure may be an electronic device housing structure such as a housing wall having openings that receive the electrical components. The electrical components may have electrical component connectors. A printed circuit board may be used to convey signals for the electrical components. Connectors may be mounted to the printed circuit board. Lateral shift accommodation structures may be formed between the electrical component connectors and the electrical components or in the vicinity of the connectors on the printed circuit to allow the connectors on the printed circuit to mate with the electrical component connectors of the rigidly mounted electrical components.
US09496663B2	Transmission module assembly A transmission module assembly comprises a cover and an electrical connector received in the cover. The cover includes a body defining a receiving cavity and a mating section extending forwardly from the body. The connector includes an insulating elongated housing and a number of terminals retained in the housing. Each terminal includes an engaging portion extending forwardly beyond the body into the mating section, a tail portion extending upwardly beyond the housing and a connecting portion retained in the housing. There is a gap between the body and the housing for pouring sealant thereinto. A tuber is defined between the housing and the body, and a pair of stoppers positioned at the body abut forwardly against two lateral sides of the housing in an elongated direction, which can prevent the housing from deforming when temperature changes.
US09496662B2	Flippable electrical connector A flappable plug connector and a complementary receptacle connector are provided wherein the plug connector defining a mating tongue, is made with a pair of insert molding housings which are associated with the contacts thereof, commonly sandwiching a paddle card therebetween with a pair of power contacts exposed on two opposite lateral sides to form a sub-assembly. The corresponding receptacle connector defines a receiving cavity to receive the mating tongue of the plug connector. The plug connector defines a V-Bus clip surrounding the mating tongue for power transfer and the receptacle connector includes a pair of deflectable power contacts by two sides of the receiving cavity.
US09496655B1	High-frequency electronic connector A high-frequency electronic connector includes an insulating main body, a terminal module and a metal shielding plate. The insulating main body includes a matching portion and a mounting portion. The terminal module includes signal terminals and grounding terminals. Each of the signal terminals and the grounding terminals has a docking portion, a main body portion, and a trailing portion. The docking portions extend out of the matching portion and are aligned in two opposite rows. The trailing portions extend out of the mounting portion. The main body portions are fixed on the insulating main body. The main body portion of each of the grounding terminals has a notch. The metal shielding plate is disposed at the notches and electrically connected with the grounding terminals. The metal shielding plate is located between the two opposite rows of the signal terminals.
US09496650B1	Connector module A connector module adapted to be connected to a connection interface is provided. The connector module includes a main body, a connection component and at least one protrusion component. The connection component is disposed at the main body. The protrusion component is disposed at the main body. The protrusion component is adapted to receive an external force to move along a first direction, so as to change relative positions of the connection component and the protrusion component such that the connection component is adapted to be plugged into the connection interface along a second direction. The first direction is opposite to the second direction.
US09496642B1	Charging connector having a body with a magnetic member A charging connector includes: a main body defining a contact surface; at least one magnetic unit disposed inside the main body; a circuit board disposed in the main body, wherein the magnetic unit is located adjacent to the contact surface of the main body; and two metal coupling members disposed within the main body for electrically coupled with the circuit board in such a manner that a specific section of the metal coupling members is exposed to an exterior of the contact surface of the main body.
US09496638B1	Connector with high contact density A connector with high contact density includes interior casing, first contact set, exterior casing, second contact set, and conducting element. The interior casing has a plug portion and a first slope. The first contact set is disposed in the first slope of the interior casing, and the first contact set has a plurality of first contact points. A containing space is formed inside the exterior casing, and the containing space is formed with a second slope, a second contact set is disposed in the second slope and has a plurality of second contact points. A conducting element includes an insulating main body and connecting terminals. The connecting terminals are disposed in the insulating main body and exposed to the exterior and interior of the insulating main body. The plug portion inserts into the containing space, so the first contact points contact the second contact points by the connecting terminals.
US09496629B2	Structure of socket contact A structure of a socket contact that can establish connection with high connection reliability just by inserting core wire of a cable is provided. In the structure of a socket contact for connecting a core wire of a cable by insertion thereof, the socket contact includes a terminal contact for establishing electric connection with the core wire, and an elastic contact. The terminal contact has a contact portion for coming into contact with a side part of the core wire, and regulators erected on both sides of the contact portion in a width direction. The elastic contact has a retainer and a pusher for the core wire that are opposite to the contact portion of the terminal contact.
US09496626B2	Insulation displacement connector with joined blade connectors A two-gang insulation displacement connector with enhanced electrically connectivity and a method of making the two-gang insulation displacement connector with the insulation displacement connector having a first gang of wire engaging blades having at least two sets of wire engaging blades, which are laterally spaced from each other, and a second gang of wire engaging blades with at least two sets of wire engaging blades with a base of each set of the wire engaging blades in the first gang having a link connecting to a base of each of a set of wire engaging blades in the second gang so that insertion of an insulation covered wire into wire engaging blades of each of gangs forms multiple electrical connections between the wire engaging blades of each gang of the wire engaging blades. In one embodiment the two-gang connector is located in a cover with the open ends of the wire engaging member extending outward for engagement with a housing having a blade guide so that the bringing the cover into engagement with the housing brings the electrical wires into contact with each other while maintaining the gangs in a spaced condition. The cover may include cross protrusions for engagement with cover engagement channels in the housing for locking the cover to the housing. The housing may include axial rails to maintain the cover in axial alignment as the cover and the housing are brought to a closed condition around a set of wires extending into a set of side ports in the housing.
US09496617B2	Surface wave launched dielectric resonator antenna An apparatus includes a printed circuit board having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The apparatus includes a surface launcher of a dielectric resonator antenna (DRA). The surface launcher is coupled to the first surface of the printed circuit board. A metal structure is coupled to the first surface and configured to direct a portion of a wave of the DRA through the second surface.
US09496614B2	Antenna system using capacitively coupled compound loop antennas with antenna isolation provision An antenna system is provided, including a first antenna, a second antenna, a ground plane, and a resonant isolator coupled to the first and second antennas. Each of the antennas is configured to be a capacitively-coupled compound loop antenna, and the resonant isolator is configured to provide isolation between the two antennas at resonance. The two antennas may be symmetrical or asymmetrical and include a first element that emits a magnetic field and a second element that generates an electrical field that is orthogonal to the magnetic field. The radiating element of the second element may be capacitively coupled to the remainder of the second element. The resonate isolator may be comprised of a single conductive element or two conductive elements that are capacitively coupled.
US09496611B2	System and method for coherent processing of signals of a plurality of phased arrays Systems and methods for utilizing two or more phased arrays to coherently receive and/or transmit waveforms to one or more directions. The method includes applying a first and a second coherent processing to two or more sets of signal portions received or transmitted by corresponding two or more phased arrays. In reception mode, the first coherent processing includes converting the sets of signal portions received into corresponding sets of directional signals, by applying coherent integrations to each set signals portions such that each of the resulting directional signals being indicative of the angular frequencies, amplitudes and phases of the received waveforms. In reception mode, the second coherent processing includes adjusting phases of respectively the sets of the directional signals according to spatial dispositions between their respective phased arrays and the angular frequencies of the directional signals, thereby generating a coherent set of directional signals.
US09496605B2	Transmission device and near field communication device using the same A transmission device for a near field communication (NFC) device includes a matching circuit, a connecting interface with a first width for connecting an operating circuit of the NFC device, a first transmission line electrically connected between an antenna of the NFC device and the matching circuit, and a second transmission line electrically connected between connecting interface and the matching circuit, including an increasing width portion and a constant width portion, wherein a width of the second transmission increases from the first width to a second width within the increasing width portion and keeps the second width within the constant width portion, wherein the second width is greater than and related to the first width.
US09496603B2	Electronic apparatus An electronic apparatus in one embodiment is brought to a tablet state, in which a first housing having antennas and a display unit is placed over a second housing having an electrically conductive member and allows input from the display unit. In the tablet state, a part of one of the antennas is over the electrically conductive member.
US09496601B1	Antenna assembly utilizing space between a battery and a housing A device is provided that includes (a) an antenna that includes at least one conductor, (b) a housing that includes an inner-upper surface and an inner-lower surface separated by a first distance, (c) a battery disposed within the housing, where a base surface of the battery is proximate to the inner-lower surface of the housing, where a first portion of the battery has a height, which is substantially equal to the first distance, and where a second portion of the battery is of lesser height than the first portion of the battery such that space exists between the second portion of the battery and the inner-upper surface of the housing, and (d) where the one conductor is arranged over the second portion of the battery in the space, such that the one conductor and the battery do not contact one another, and where, as arranged, the antenna is capable of a far-field communication.
US09496579B2	Fuel cell limiting the phenomenon of corrosion A fuel cell stack includes first and second membrane electrode assemblies and a metal bipolar plate interposed between the first and second membrane electrode assemblies. The bipolar plate comprises first and second metal sheets facing the first and second membrane electrode assemblies and is securely fastened by welds. There is a gas diffusion layer interposed and compressed between the first membrane electrode assembly and the bipolar plate. In the absence of compression on the gas diffusion layer, regions of the gas diffusion layer surrounding the welds have a thickness smaller by at least 5 μm relative to the average thickness of the gas diffusion layer. This is done so that the contact pressure of the gas diffusion layer with the bipolar plate in the area of the welds is lower than its average contact pressure with the bipolar plate.
US09496577B2	Self-burying sediment energy harvester A self-burying microbial fuel cell can include a housing with conductive elements. An anode and cathode can be integrated into the housing at respective proximal and distal ends. A self-burying means for partially burying the microbial fuel cell in a submerged environment is included, so that the anode is buried but the cathode is exposed to the submerged environment can be included. The self-burying means can include omni-directional vibrating device located within the housing, a plurality of intake ports formed in the housing for a pump within the housing. The pump outputs into a longitudinal fluid conduit that extends through the housing and exits at the distal end of the housing. When the vibrating device activates at the same time as the pump, temporary slurry can be formed at the extreme distal end of the device, and the vibrating action causes the microbial fuel cell to become partially buried.
US09496576B2	Thin solid oxide cell The present invention relates to a thin and in principle unsupported solid oxide cell, comprising at least a porous anode layer, an electrolyte layer and a porous cathode layer, wherein the anode layer and the cathode layer comprise an electrolyte material, at least one metal and a catalyst material, and wherein the overall thickness of the thin reversible cell is about 150 μm or less, and to a method for producing same. The present invention also relates to a thin and in principle unsupported solid oxide cell, comprising at least a porous anode layer, an electrolyte layer and a porous cathode layer, wherein the anode layer and the cathode layer comprise an electrolyte material and a catalyst material, wherein the electrolyte material is doper zirconia, and wherein the overall thickness of the thin reversible cell is about 150 μm or less, and to a method for producing same. The present invention further provides a thin separation membrane, comprising at least a porous anode layer, a membrane layer comprising a mixed conducting material and a porous cathode layer, wherein the anode layer and the cathode layer comprise the mixed conducting material and a catalyst material, and wherein the overall thickness of the thin separation membrane is about 1050 μm or less.
US09496574B2	Fuel cell A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane and catalyst layers joined on both sides of the electrolyte membrane and a pair of separators disposed at both sides of the membrane electrode assembly to respectively form gas flow spaces where two types of power generation gases flow. An electrically conductive porous substrate folded in a corrugated shape is disposed in at least one of the gas flow spaces defined on both sides of the membrane electrode assembly, and a gas flow space in which the electrically conductive porous substrate is disposed is divided into a plurality of gas flow paths substantially parallel to a flow direction of the power generation gases.
US09496568B2	Fuel cell Provided is a fuel cell including: a membrane electrode assembly (30) formed by joining an anode (32) to one surface of an electrolyte membrane (31) and joining a cathode (33) to another surface of the electrolyte membrane (31); a frame body (20) formed integrally with the membrane electrode assembly (30); and a pair of separators (40, 41) holding the membrane electrode assembly (30) and the frame body (20) therebetween. At least one pair of holding pieces (42, 43) holding the membrane electrode assembly (30) therebetween is formed in the pair of separators (40, 41). Positions of holding end portions (42a, 43a) of the pair of holding pieces (42, 43) are shifted from each other in a stacking direction of the fuel cell.
US09496567B2	Method and arrangement for utilizing recirculation for high temperature fuel cell system An arrangement utilizing recirculation for high temperature fuel cell system, each fuel cell including an anode side, a cathode side, and an electrolyte between the anode side and the cathode side, wherein the fuel cell system can perform anode side recirculation flow of reactants. The arrangement can accomplish a recycle ratio of 70% or more for the recirculation flow, feed to the recirculation a feed-in flow, which can include substantially high oxygen content, the feed-in flow being 30% or less of entire flow, perform heat exchanging to provide substantially reduced low temperature conditions in the recirculation flow, perform catalytic partial oxidation in the recirculation flow to produce a substantially high amount of hydrogen for the recirculation flow in fuel cell system start-up or shutdown situations, and exhaust 30% or less of the entire flow from the anode side recirculation.
US09496564B2	Method for fabricating metal electrode from seawater and generating electric power with metal electrode A method for fabricating a metal electrode from seawater and generating electric power with the metal electrode comprises steps: using a seawater treatment apparatus to heat seawater to a first temperature of 100-120° C. to obtain concentrated seawater; guiding the concentrated seawater to a precipitation apparatus, and adding a precipitation agent to the concentrated seawater to obtain a first crystalline material comprising magnesium hydroxide; heating the first crystalline material to a second temperature of 600-1100° C. to obtain a second crystalline material comprising magnesium oxide; transporting the second crystalline material to a separation apparatus, adding a reducing agent to the second crystalline material, heating the second crystalline material to a third temperature of 1200-2400° C. to obtain magnesium metal; and using the metal magnesium as a first electrode, and letting an electrolyte react with the first electrode and a second electrode to form electrochemical reactions and output electric power.
US09496563B2	Slip sheet for fuel cell stack A slip sheet for a fuel cell stack that includes a plurality of spaced fluid channel support protrusions protruding from a main body, at portions which face fluid channel protrusions of a separator plate in such a manner that the spaced fluid channel support protrusions come into contact with the fluid channel protrusions of the separator plate.
US09496561B2	Electrode catalyst, composition for forming gas diffusion electrode, gas diffusion electrode, membrane-electrode assembly, and fuel cell stack Provided is an electrode catalyst that can exhibit sufficient performance, is suitable for mass production, and is suitable for reducing production costs, even when containing a relatively high concentration of chlorine. The electrode catalyst has a core-shell structure including a support; a core part that is formed on the support; and a shell part that is formed so as to cover at least one portion of the surface of the core part. The electrode catalyst concurrently fulfills conditions expressed by the following formulae (1) and (2): (X1/M)≦1.2 . . . (1) (X2/M)≦47.0 . . . (2) (in the formula (1) and the formula (2), M represents an amount of substance (number of atoms) of one or more constituent metal elements of the shell part, X1 represents an amount of substance (number of atoms) of bromine (Br), and X2 represents an amount of substance (number of atoms) of chlorine (Cl)).
US09496559B2	Method for manufacturing solid oxide fuel cell anode with high stability and high efficiency A nanostructured anode of solid oxide fuel cell with high stability and high efficiency and a method for manufacturing the same are revealed. This anode comprising a porous permeable metal substrate, a diffusion barrier layer and a nano-composite film is formed by atmospheric plasma spray. The nano-composite film includes a plurality of metal nanoparticles, a plurality of metal oxide nanoparticles, and a plurality of gas pores that are connected to form nano gas channels. The metal nanoparticles are connected to form a 3-dimensional network that conducts electrons, while the metal oxide nanoparticles are connected to form a 3-dimensional network that conducts oxygen ions. The network formed by metal oxide nanoparticles has certain strength to separate metal nanoparticles and prevent aggregation or agglomeration of the metal nanoparticles. Thus this anode can be applied to a solid oxide fuel cell operating in the intermediate temperatures (600˜800° C.) with high stability and high efficiency.
US09496551B2	Lithium manganate particles for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, process for producing the same, and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery The present invention relates to lithium manganate particles having a primary particle diameter of not less than 1 μm and an average particle diameter (D50) of not less than 2 μm and not more than 10 μm as measured by a particle size distribution meter, and forming particles having substantially a single phase, which have a composition represented by the following chemical formula: Li1+xMn2−x−yY1yO4+Y2 where Y1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Mg, Fe, Al, Cr and Ti; Y2 is at least one element constituting a sintering aid having a melting point of not higher than 800° C., x and y satisfy 0.03≦x≦0.15 and 0.05≦y≦0.20, respectively, and Y2 is present in an amount of 0.1 to 2.5 mol % based on Mn; the Y1 element being dispersed within the respective particles, and an X-ray diffraction intensity ratio of I(400)/I(111) of the particles being not less than 38% and an X-ray diffraction intensity ratio of I(440)/I(111) thereof being not less than 18%.
US09496541B2	Accumulator device An accumulator device includes: an outer container with mutually overlapped outer films bonded air-tightly to each other at a bonding portion formed along respective outer peripheral edge portions; an electrode unit accommodated inside the outer container and including positive and negative electrode sheets stacked one on another with a separator disposed therebetween, the positive and negative electrode sheets each including a current collector on which an electrode layer is formed; positive and negative electrode terminals provided to protrude from inside the outer container to outside through the bonding portion; and an electrolytic solution injected in the outer container. The positive electrode terminal includes an aluminum terminal substrate and a nickel-plating coating formed on a surface of an outer end portion of the terminal substrate located outside the outer container; an inner edge of the nickel-plating coating is located within the bonding portion.
US09496534B2	Separator, battery, battery pack, electronic apparatus, electric vehicle, electric storage device, and power system A separator includes a substrate layer and a porous surface layer that is provided on at least one major surface of the substrate layer and contains a first particle, a second particle, and a resin material. The surface layer includes a first region configured by the first particle and a second region configured by the second particle and the resin material.
US09496527B2	Vacuum deposition device and method of manufacturing organic EL device The present invention relates to a vacuum deposition device that includes a film forming chamber and a series of discharge circuit which evaporates the film forming materials and discharges the evaporated film forming materials toward a substrate. The discharge circuit is constituted of: evaporating parts, a manifold group; a film forming material discharge part; and a shutter member. In the film forming material discharge part, discharge openings which are communicated with manifold portions are distributed. Flow restrictions are provided in the vicinity of open ends of the discharge openings. Open areas of the flow restrictions differ from each other for the respective manifold portions. Consideration is taken such that the film forming materials which are formed into layers having similar film thicknesses are filled into the evaporating parts belonging to the same group.
US09496521B2	Opal glasses for light extraction Opal glass compositions and devices incorporating opal glass compositions are described herein. The compositions solve problems associated with the use of opal glasses as light-scattering layers in electroluminescent devices, such as organic light-emitting diodes. In particular, embodiments solve the problem of high light absorption within the opal glass layer as well as the problem of an insufficiently high refractive index that results in poor light collection by the layer. Particular devices comprise light-emitting diodes incorporating light scattering layers formed of high-index opal glasses of high light scattering power that exhibit minimal light attenuation through light absorption within the matrix phases of the glasses.
US09496518B2	Organic light-emitting display apparatus and method of manufacturing same An organic light-emitting display apparatus includes a substrate; a display unit which defines an active area on the substrate and includes a thin film transistor and an organic light-emitting device electrically connected to each other; and an encapsulation layer disposed on a top surface and a side surface of the display unit, the encapsulation layer including at least a first inorganic layer, a first organic layer, and a second inorganic layer that are sequentially stacked, and the first organic layer covers the first inorganic layer.
US09496516B2	Organic light-emitting element, light source device and method of manufacturing organic light-emitting element In order to achieve the increased efficiency of an organic light-emitting element, there is a need to reduce the influence of non-radiative recombination of electron-hole pairs except for surface plasmon polariton excitation, to convert most of exciton energy into visible light, and to tremendously improve the luminous efficiency of the organic light-emitting element. An organic light-emitting element according to the present invention includes a reflective electrode, a transparent electrode, and a light-emitting layer placed between the reflective electrode and the transparent electrode, and the organic light-emitting element is configured so that the light-emitting layer contains a host and a first dopant, and for the first dopant, one of the vertical component and horizontal component of the average value for transition dipole moments with respect to a substrate surface is larger than the other of the components.
US09496515B2	Organic light emitting diode Provided is an organic light emitting diode that is highly efficient and has a long lifespan. The organic light emitting diode includes a carbazole-based compound for improving light emission efficiency. In certain embodiments an electron transport layer can include an anthraces-based compound. The organic light emitting diode may be included in a flat display diode including a thin film transistor (TFT).
US09496514B2	Organic light-emitting device and fabrication method for the same, and display device The disclosure provides an organic light-emitting device, a fabrication method thereof, and a display device. The organic light-emitting device comprises an anode layer, a cathode layer, and an organic function layer disposed between the anode layer and the cathode layer. The organic function layer comprises a light-emitting layer. The light-emitting layer comprises a first sub light-emitting layer and a second sub light-emitting layer disposed adjacent to each other, the first sub light-emitting layer is provided on an anode layer side and the second sub light-emitting layer is provided on a cathode layer side. The first sub light-emitting layer and the second sub light-emitting layer have a substantially same energy band difference, and one of the first sub light-emitting layer and the second sub light-emitting layer is capable of absorbing light emitted by the other of the first sub light-emitting layer and the second sub light-emitting layer to achieve stimulated emission.
US09496512B2	Weak light detection using an organic, photosensitive component An organic intermediate layer is used in a photosensitive component for increasing the limit frequency of the component, preferably in the range of low radiation intensities. The photosensitive component is in particular a diode having a photoactive organic semiconductor layer, a first and a second electrode. An organic intermediate layer is arranged between the photoactive semiconductor layer and at least one of the electrodes. The organic intermediate layer is in particular a charge-blocking layer.
US09496504B2	Materials for organic electroluminescent devices The present invention relates to compounds of the formula (1) which are suitable for use in electronic devices, in particular organic electroluminescent devices, and to electronic devices which contain these compounds.
US09496499B2	Organic light-emitting diode with doped layers The invention concerns an organic light-emitting diode comprising a lower electrode (2) and an upper electrode (8), an electroluminescent organic layer (5), and at least one doped organic layer (3; 7) in contact with one of said electrodes. The invention is characterized in that the doping is carried out using an alkaline-earth element or lanthanide, and the diode is heat-treated at temperature preferably not less than 60° C. for more than one hour. The invention enables the lighting performance of the diode to be considerably improved.
US09496498B2	Method of manufacturing organic light emitting diode display A method of manufacturing an organic light-emitting diode display includes disposing a first electrode on a substrate on which a plurality of transistors is disposed, disposing a pixel definition layer on the substrate to cover a part of the first electrode, disposing a solvent layer on the first electrode, disposing an organic layer on the pixel definition layer and the solvent layer, removing the solvent layer and disposing a second electrode on the organic layer.
US09496482B2	Actuator, robot hand, robot, electric component conveying apparatus, electronic component testing apparatus, and printer An actuator includes a vibrating piezoelectric element and a holding section configured to hold the piezoelectric element. The holding section includes a first supporting section arranged on a vibrating surface of the piezoelectric element and arranged on one side of the piezoelectric element and a second supporting section arranged on the other side of the piezoelectric element.
US09496481B2	Controlling device for vibration type actuator A controlling device for a vibration type actuator includes an AC voltage generating unit in which at least one of parameters, namely a frequency, an amplitude, and a phase of an AC voltage for use in applying an excitation force to a vibrating member, is settable; a measuring unit which measures some physical quantities caused by a vibration of the vibrating member; a variation imparting unit which imparts a predetermined variation to at least one of the parameters of the AC voltage; a frequency-response characteristic measuring unit which finds a frequency-response characteristic of at least one predetermined frequency between a first signal according to the variation and a second signal according to the measured physical quantity; and a frequency controlling unit which controls the frequency of the AC voltage according to the frequency-response characteristic.
US09496479B2	Vibrator There is provided a vibrator including: a housing having an internal space; an elastic member including a housing fixed part fixed to the housing, a piezoelectric element mounted part disposed so as to face the housing fixed part, and a weight body installed part disposed adjacent to the housing fixed part; a piezoelectric element fixed to the piezoelectric element mounted part; and a weight body fixed to the weight body installed part, wherein the elastic member has a closed curve shape.
US09496468B2	Curable resin composition, curable resin composition tablet, molded body, semiconductor package, semiconductor component and light emitting diode The present invention aims to provide a curable resin composition which gives a cured product having a low linear expansion coefficient. The curable resin composition of the present invention contains, as essential components, (A) an organic compound having at least two carbon-carbon double bonds reactive with SiH groups per molecule, (B) a compound containing at least two SiH groups per molecule, (C) a hydrosilylation catalyst, (D) a silicone compound having at least one carbon-carbon double bond reactive with a SiH group per molecule, and (E) an inorganic filler.
US09496467B2	Optoelectronic component and method for producing it An optoelectronic component is specified. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the optoelectronic component comprises a housing (20) and a radiation-emitting or radiation-receiving semiconductor chip (10) arranged in the housing (20). Furthermore, the component comprises an optical element (50), which contains a polymer material comprising a silicone. The silicone contains at least 40% by weight of cyclic siloxanes, and at least 40% of the silicon atoms of the cyclic siloxanes are crosslinked with a further silicon atom of the silicon via alkylene and/or alkylarylene groups.
US09496462B2	Optoelectronic semiconductor chip An optoelectronic semiconductor chip includes a number of active elements arranged at a distance from one another. A carrier is arranged transversely of the active elements. The active elements each have a main axis that extends perpendicularly to the carrier and are oriented parallel to one another. A converter material surrounds the active elements on circumferential faces. The converter material includes a conversion substance or a conversion substance and a matrix material. The active elements each have a central core region that is enclosed by at least two layers such that an active layer encloses the core region and a cover layer encloses the active layer. The core region is formed with a first semiconductor material. The active layer includes a light-emitting material. The cover layer is formed with a second semiconductor material and can have a layer thickness between 0.1 nm and 100 n.
US09496460B2	Light emitting device, electrode structure, light emitting device package, and lighting system Provided are a light emitting device, an electrode structure, a light emitting device package, and a lighting system. The light emitting device includes a light emitting structure layer comprising a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, and an active layer. An electrode disposed on a top surface of the first semiconductor layer, a first layer includes a transmittive oxide material between the top surface of the first semiconductor layer and the electrode, and a second layer disposed is disposed between the first layer and the electrode, wherein the first layer is formed in a different material from the second layer, wherein the electrode comprises a lower portion connected to the first semiconductor layer and an upper portion on a top surface of the second layer.
US09496459B2	Semiconductor light emitting element and light emitting device A semiconductor light emitting element includes: an n-type cladding layer containing n-type impurities (Si); a light emitting layer laminated on the n-type cladding layer; and a semiconductor layer containing a p-type cladding layer containing p-type impurities (Mg) and laminated on the light emitting layer. The light emitting layer has a multiple quantum well structure including first to fifth barrier layers and first to fourth well layers, and one well layer is sandwiched by two barrier layers. The thickness of the p-type cladding layer 161 is set at less than 3-times the thickness of each of the first to fourth well layer.
US09496450B2	Method for manufacturing photoelectric conversion device A method for manufacturing a photoelectric conversion device, comprising: a first step of forming a buffer layer on a light absorption layer containing a group I-III-VI compound or a group I-II-IV-VI compound; and a second step of bringing a surface of the buffer layer into contact with a first solution containing sulfide ions or hydrogen sulfide ions.
US09496441B2	Solar cell module support assembly Disclosed herein is a solar cell module support assembly including a solar cell module and a frame supporting the solar cell module, a drive motor and a power transmission unit transmitting power of the drive motor so as to support frame and change disposition angle and disposition direction of the frame, a motion conversion unit to convert rotating motion of the power transmission unit into rotating motion and vertical motion of the frame, first connection support units connecting upper and lower portions of the rear surface of the frame, and second connection support units connecting the first connection support units to the motion conversion unit.
US09496438B2	Sheet for a photovoltaic cell A sheet for a photovoltaic cell is provided. The sheet for a photovoltaic cell has excellent heat resistance, lightfastness, weather resistance, moisture resistance and insulating properties, and may improve light condensing efficiency when applied to a photovoltaic module.
US09496432B2	Method for forming metal silicide layers The present invention is related to a method for forming a metal silicide layer on a textured silicon substrate surface. The method includes providing a metal layer on a textured silicon substrate and performing a pulsed laser annealing step providing at least one UV laser pulse with a laser fluence in the range between 0.1 J/cm2 and 1.5 J/cm2 and with a laser pulse duration in the range between 1 ns and 10 ms. Then, the method includes converting at least part of the metal layer into a metal silicide layer. In addition, the present invention is related to the use of such a method in a process for fabricating a photovoltaic cell, wherein the dielectric layer is a surface passivation layer, or wherein the dielectric layer is an antireflection coating.
US09496423B2	Light converter A light converter for the photovoltaic conversion of light, having a support, a first semiconductor body, and a second semiconductor body. A first surface and a second surface are designed as receiving surfaces for light. An electrically conductive connector having a first arm and a second arm is provided, and the first arm is arranged on the first surface and interconnected with the first surface, and the second arm is arranged below the second rear surface and interconnected with the second rear surface. The second arm is at least partially embedded in a conductive material, the conductive material being arranged between the second rear surface and a second conductive track, and the second conductive track is formed as part of the support.
US09496421B2	Solderable top metal for silicon carbide semiconductor devices A silicon carbide device includes at least one power electrode on a surface thereof, a solderable contract formed on the power electrode, and at least one passivation layer that surrounds the solderable contact but is spaced from the solderable contract, thereby forming a gap.
US09496420B2	Molybdenum barrier metal for SiC Schottky diode and process of manufacture A method for fabricating a diode is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a Schottky contact on an epitaxial layer of silicon carbide (SiC) and annealing the Schottky contact at a temperature in the range of 300° C. to 700° C. The Schottky contact is formed of a layer of molybdenum.
US09496402B2	Metal gate with silicon sidewall spacers A method includes forming an opening in a dielectric to reveal a protruding semiconductor fin, forming a gate dielectric on sidewalls and a top surface of the protruding semiconductor fin, and forming a conductive diffusion barrier layer over the gate dielectric. The conductive diffusion barrier layer extends into the opening. The method further includes forming a silicon layer over the conductive diffusion barrier layer and extending into the opening, and performing a dry etch on the silicon layer to remove horizontal portions and vertical portions of the silicon layer. After the dry etch, a conductive layer is formed over the conductive diffusion barrier layer and extending into the opening.
US09496399B2	FinFET devices with multiple channel lengths A method including patterning a continuous fin having a first segment and a second segment in a semiconductor layer, the first segment is arranged at an angle relative to the second line segment, and forming a first gate and a second gate substantially parallel to each other, the first gate substantially covering sides and a top of a portion of the first segment of the continuous fin, the second gate substantially covering sides and a top of a portion of the second segment of the continuous fin.
US09496391B2	Termination region of a semiconductor device In one general aspect, an apparatus can include a semiconductor region, and a trench defined within the semiconductor region. The trench can have a depth aligned along a vertical axis and have a length aligned along a longitudinal axis orthogonal to the vertical axis. The trench can have a first portion of the length included in a termination region of the semiconductor region and can have a second portion of the length included in an active region of the semiconductor region.
US09496389B2	Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacturing the same A semiconductor device includes at least one gate electrode on a substrate structure, at least one drain region doped with impurities of a first conductivity type, a first well region doped with impurities of the first conductivity type under the at least one drain region, and at least one source region doped with impurities of the first conductivity type. The device also includes a first barrier impurity region and a second barrier impurity region. The first barrier impurity region is doped with impurities of the first conductivity type and electrically insulating upper and lower portions of the substrate structure from each other. The second barrier impurity region is doped with impurities of a second conductivity type. A portion of the second barrier impurity region has an uneven shape and overlaps the at least one drain region.
US09496388B2	Trench MOSFET having reduced gate charge A trench MOSFET device includes a semiconductor layer of a first doping type. MOS transistor cells are in a body region of a second doping type in the semiconductor layer. The transistor cells include a first cell type including a first trench providing a first gate electrode or the first gate electrode is on the semiconductor surface between the first trench and a second trench, and a first source region is formed in the body region. The first gate electrode is electrically isolated from the first source region. A second cell type has a third trench providing a second gate electrode or the second gate electrode is on the semiconductor surface between the third trench and a fourth trench, and a second source region is in the body region. An electrically conductive member directly connects the second gate electrode, first source region and second source region together.
US09496384B2	Semiconductor device The present invention provides a semiconductor device that can achieve both low on-resistance and high withstand voltage, while reducing the device size, improving the manufacturing yield, and reducing the cost. The semiconductor device 1 includes a substrate 5, an epitaxial layer 6 formed on the substrate 5 and formed with a gate trench 11, a gate insulating film 17 formed on the side surface 14 and the bottom surface 15 of the gate trench 11, a gate electrode 20 embedded in the gate trench 11 and opposed to the epitaxial layer 6 with the gate insulating film 17 therebetween, and a source layer 25, a channel layer 26, and a drift layer 27 formed in this order from a first surface to a second surface of the epitaxial layer 6, in which the on-resistance Ron represented by a variable “y” and the withstand voltage Vb represented by a variable “x” functionally satisfy the following relational expression (1): y≦9×10−7x2−0.0004x+0.7001 (1).
US09496379B2	Method and structure for III-V FinFET A method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprises forming a fin in a layer of III-V compound semiconductor material on a silicon-on-insulator substrate; forming a semiconductor extension on the fin, the semiconductor extension comprising a III-V compound semiconductor material that is different from a material forming the fin in the III-V compound semiconductor layer; forming a dummy gate structure and a spacer across and perpendicular to the fin; forming a source/drain layer on a top surface of the substrate adjacent to the dummy gate structure; planarizing the source/drain layer; removing the dummy gate structure to expose a portion of the semiconductor extension on the fin; removing the exposed portion of the semiconductor extension; etching the semiconductor extension to undercut the spacer; and forming a replacement gate structure in place of the removed dummy gate structure and removed exposed portion of the semiconductor extension.
US09496377B2	Self-aligned emitter-base-collector bipolar junction transistors with a single crystal raised extrinsic base Fabrication methods, device structures, and design structures for a bipolar junction transistor. An intrinsic base layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate, an etch stop layer is formed on the intrinsic base layer, and an extrinsic base layer is formed on the etch stop layer. A trench is formed that penetrates through the extrinsic base layer to the etch stop layer. The trench is formed by etching the extrinsic base layer selective to the etch stop layer. The first trench is extended through the etch stop layer to the intrinsic base layer by etching the etch stop layer selective to the intrinsic base layer. After the trench is extended through the etch stop layer, an emitter is formed using the trench.
US09496351B2	Semiconductor chip arrangement A method for processing a semiconductor carrier is provided, the method including: providing a semiconductor carrier including a doped substrate region and a device region disposed over a first side of the doped substrate region, the device region including at least part of one or more electrical devices; and implanting ions into the doped substrate region to form a gettering region in the doped substrate region of the semiconductor carrier.
US09496348B2	Method for doping a GaN-base semiconductor The method for doping a GaN-base semiconductor to fabricate a p-n junction includes a first step consisting in providing a substrate including a GaN-base semiconductor material layer covered by a silicon-base mask. The method includes a second step of performing implantation of impurities in the mask so as to transfer additional dopant impurities of Si type by diffusion from the mask to the semiconductor material layer to form an n-type area adjacent to a p-type area. Configured heat treatment is then performed to activate the dopant impurities and the additional dopant impurities.
US09496346B2	Silicon carbide device and a method for forming a silicon carbide device A silicon carbide device includes a silicon carbide substrate, an inorganic passivation layer structure and a molding material layer. The inorganic passivation layer structure laterally covers at least partly a main surface of the silicon carbide substrate and the molding material layer is arranged adjacent to the inorganic passivation layer structure.
US09496345B2	Semiconductor structure, semiconductor device, and method for producing semiconductor structure The present invention provides a semiconductor structure which includes at least a p-type silicon carbide single crystal layer having an α-type crystal structure, containing aluminum at impurity concentration of 1×1019 cm−3 or higher, and having thickness of 50 μm or greater. Further provided is a method for producing the semiconductor structure of the present invention which method includes at least epitaxial growth step of introducing silicon carbide source and aluminum source and epitaxially growing p-type silicon carbide single crystal layer over a base layer made of silicon carbide single crystal having α-type crystal structure, wherein the epitaxial growth step is performed at temperature conditions of from 1,500° C. to 1,700° C., and pressure conditions of from 5×103 Pa to 25×103 Pa.
US09496333B2	Resurf high voltage diode A trench-isolated RESURF diode structure (100) is provided which includes a substrate (150) in which is formed anode (130, 132) and cathode (131) contact regions separated from one another by a shallow trench isolation region (114, 115), along with a buried cathode extension region (104) formed under a RESURF anode extension region (106, 107) such that the cathode extension region (104) extends beyond the cathode contact (131) to be sandwiched between upper and lower regions (103, 106, 107) of opposite conductivity type.
US09496328B2	Methods of manufacturing capacitors for semiconductor devices A method of manufacturing a capacitor for a semiconductor device includes forming a lower electrode, forming a dielectric layer on the lower electrode, forming a first upper electrode on the dielectric layer, adsorbing an organic silicon source onto a surface of the first upper electrode, and forming a second upper electrode on the first upper electrode onto which the organic silicon source is adsorbed. Related devices and fabrication methods are also discussed.
US09496326B1	High-density integrated circuit via capacitor A capacitor can be fabricated within an integrated circuit (IC) by creating, in a top surface of a dielectric layer of the IC, a recess having at least one side and a bottom, the bottom adjacent to a first conductive structure. A first plate of the capacitor may be formed by depositing a conductive liner onto the at least one side and the bottom of the recess. A conformal dielectric film may be deposited onto the first plate within the recess, and a second plate of the capacitor may be formed by filling a portion of the recess that is not filled by the conformal dielectric film with an electrically conductive material that is electrically insulated, by the conformal dielectric film, from the first plate.
US09496317B2	Method of manufacturing organic light emitting display apparatus A method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display apparatus by utilizing a deposition apparatus for forming an organic layer on a substrate includes: fixing the substrate to a mask assembly for forming a common layer or a mask assembly for forming a pattern layer in a loading unit; when the one or more deposition assemblies are separated from the substrate, forming an intermediate layer by depositing a deposition material discharged from the one or more deposition assemblies in a deposition unit of the deposition apparatus onto the substrate while the substrate is moved relative to the one or more deposition assemblies by a first conveyer unit; and separating the substrate on which the deposition is finished from the mask assembly for forming the common layer or the mask assembly for forming the pattern layer in an unloading unit.
US09496314B1	Shared source line magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) bit cells employing uniform MTJ connection patterns for reduced area Shared source line magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) bit cells employing uniform MTJ connection patterns for reduced area are disclosed. In one aspect, a two (2) transistor, two (2) MTJ (2T2MTJ) bit cell includes a shared source line system having first and second source lines. A uniform MTJ connection pattern results in the first source line disposed in an upper metal layer and electrically coupled to a free layer of a first MTJ, and the second source line disposed in a lower metal layer and electrically coupled to a second access transistor. Middle segments are disposed in middle metal layers to reserve the middle metal layers for strap segments of a strap cell that may be used to electrically couple the first and second source lines. Electrically coupling the first and second source lines using the strap cell allows each MTJ to logically share a single source line.
US09496308B2	Process module for increasing the response of backside illuminated photosensitive imagers and associated methods Backside illuminated photosensitive devices and associated methods are provided. In one aspect, for example, a backside-illuminated photosensitive imager device can include a semiconductor substrate having multiple doped regions forming a least one junction, a textured region coupled to the semiconductor substrate and positioned to interact with electromagnetic radiation where the textured region includes surface features sized and positioned to facilitate tuning to a preselected wavelength of light, and a dielectric region positioned between the textured region and the at least one junction. The dielectric region is positioned to isolate the at least one junction from the textured region, and the semiconductor substrate and the textured region are positioned such that incoming electromagnetic radiation passes through the semiconductor substrate before contacting the textured region. Additionally, the device includes an electrical transfer element coupled to the semiconductor substrate to transfer an electrical signal from the at least one junction.
US09496307B2	Solid-state imaging device, manufacturing method thereof, and electronic apparatus Disclosed herein is a solid-state imaging device including: a laminated semiconductor chip configured to be obtained by bonding two or more semiconductor chip sections to each other and be obtained by bonding at least a first semiconductor chip section in which a pixel array and a multilayer wiring layer are formed and a second semiconductor chip section in which a logic circuit and a multilayer wiring layer are formed to each other in such a manner that the multilayer wiring layers are opposed to each other and are electrically connected to each other; and a light blocking layer configured to be formed by an electrically-conductive film of the same layer as a layer of a connected interconnect of one or both of the first and second semiconductor chip sections near bonding between the first and second semiconductor chip sections. The solid-state imaging device is a back-illuminated solid-state imaging device.
US09496304B2	Image sensor pixel cell with switched deep trench isolation structure A pixel cell includes a photodiode disposed in an epitaxial layer in a first region of semiconductor material to accumulate image charge. A floating diffusion is disposed in a well region disposed in the epitaxial layer in the first region. A transfer transistor is coupled to selectively transfer the image charge from the photodiode to the floating diffusion. A deep trench isolation (DTI) structure disposed in the semiconductor material. The DTI structure isolates the first region of the semiconductor material on one side of the DTI structure from a second region of the semiconductor material on an other side of the DTI structure. The DTI structure includes a doped semiconductor material disposed inside the DTI structure that is selectively coupled to a readout pulse voltage in response to the transfer transistor selectively transferring the image charge from the photodiode to the floating diffusion.
US09496296B1	Optically-tuned electronic components The present disclosure is directed to optically-tuned electronic components including one or more layers of photosensitive semiconductive materials. In some embodiments, an optically-tuned electronic component includes a plurality of device layers have different bandgap characteristics. One or more selected layers can be optically activated (i.e. made substantially conductive) by illuminating at least a portion of each selected layer with illumination having a wavelength shorter than or substantially equal to the activation wavelength of each selected layer. Accordingly, various parameters can be tuned or a circuit can be switched between alternative paths by providing one or more selected wavelengths of illumination.
US09496291B2	Pulse output circuit, shift register and display device A pulse is inputted to TFTs 101 and 104 so that the TFTs would turn ON and then potential of a node α rises. When the potential of the node α reaches (VDD−VthN), the node α became in a floating state. Accordingly, a TFT 105 then turns ON, and potential of an output node rises as a clock signal reaches the level H. On the other hand, potential of a gate electrode of the TFT 105 further rises due to an operation of capacitance 107 as the potential of the output node rises, so that the potential of the output node would be higher than (VDD+VthN). Thus, the potential of the output node rises to VDD without voltage drop caused by a threshold of the TFT 105.
US09496289B2	Thin film transistor array panel and manufacturing method thereof A thin film transistor array panel includes: a substrate; a gate line and a common voltage line electrically separated from each other and elongated parallel with each other on the substrate; a gate insulating layer on the gate line and the common voltage line; a first passivation layer on the gate insulating layer; a common electrode on the first passivation layer; a second passivation layer on the common electrode; and a pixel electrode and a connection member on the second passivation layer and electrically separated from each other. The connection member is elongated in a horizontal direction parallel with the gate line and connects the common voltage line and the common electrode to each other.
US09496280B1	Semiconductor structure having logic region and analog region A method can include epitaxially growing epitaxial growth material within a logic region of a semiconductor structure. A method can include performing simultaneously with the growing epitaxial growth within an analog region of the semiconductor structure. A method can include performing epitaxial growth to form an epitaxial growth formation that defines an electrode of an analog device within an analog region of the semiconductor structure, wherein the performing includes using a first surface and a second surface as seed surfaces.
US09496271B2	3DIC system with a two stable state memory and back-bias region A 3D IC based system, including: a first layer including first transistors; a second layer overlying the first layer, the second layer includes a plurality of second transistors, where the second layer includes at least one through second layer via having a diameter of less than 400 nm, and where at least one of the plurality of second transistors forms a two stable state memory cell including a back-bias region.
US09496261B2	Low power semiconductor transistor structure and method of fabrication thereof A structure and method of fabrication thereof relate to a Deeply Depleted Channel (DDC) design, allowing CMOS based devices to have a reduced σVT compared to conventional bulk CMOS and can allow the threshold voltage VT of FETs having dopants in the channel region to be set much more precisely. The DDC design also can have a strong body effect compared to conventional bulk CMOS transistors, which can allow for significant dynamic control of power consumption in DDC transistors. The semiconductor structure includes an analog device and a digital device each having an epitaxial channel layer where a single gate oxidation layer is on the epitaxial channel layer of NMOS and PMOS transistor elements of the digital device and one of a double and triple gate oxidation layer is on the epitaxial channel layer of NMOS and PMOS transistor elements of the analog device.
US09496253B2	Miniature passive structures, high frequency electrostatic discharge protection networks, and high frequency electrostatic discharge protection schemes According to various embodiments, a miniature passive structure for electrostatic discharge protection and input/output matching for a high frequency integrated circuit may be provided. The structure may include: either a transmission line or an inductor for providing at least one electrostatic discharge path; and a capacitor with a first end connected to the transmission line or inductor and a second end connected to ground.
US09496251B2	Electrostatic discharge protector The present invention provides electrostatic discharge protectors. One aspect of the present invention provides an electrostatic discharge protector includes a substrate, an electrostatic discharge protection circuit disposed on the substrate, and a pickup ring surrounding the electrostatic discharge protection circuit. The pickup ring has a plurality of low resistance zones where a doping layer, a contact and a metal layer are connected in sequence, and the low resistance zones are distributed within the pickup ring separately and unequally.
US09496250B2	Tunable scaling of current gain in bipolar junction transistors Methods for designing and fabricating a bipolar junction transistor. A predetermined size for a device region of the bipolar junction transistor is determined based on a given current gain. A trench isolation layout is determined for a plurality of trench isolation regions to be formed in a substrate to surround the device region. The trench isolation regions are laterally spaced relative to each other in the trench isolation layout in order to set the predetermined size of the device region. An interconnect layout is determined that specifies one or more contacts coupled with a terminal of the bipolar junction transistor. The specification of the one or more contacts in the interconnect layout is unchanged by the determination of the trench isolation layout.
US09496247B2	Integrated camera module and method of making same A camera module and method of making same, includes a substrate of conductive silicon having top and bottom surfaces, a sensor device, and an LED device. The substrate includes a first cavity formed into the bottom surface of the substrate and has an upper surface, an aperture extending from the first cavity upper surface to the top surface of the substrate, and a second cavity formed into the top surface of the substrate and having a lower surface. The sensor device includes at least one photodetector, is disposed at least partially in the first cavity, and is mounted to the first cavity upper surface. The LED device includes at least one light emitting diode, is disposed at least partially in the second cavity, and is mounted to the second cavity lower surface.
US09496243B2	Microelectronic assembly with opposing microelectronic packages each having terminals with signal assignments that mirror each other with respect to a central axis A microelectronic assembly can include a microelectronic package connected with a circuit panel. The package has a microelectronic element having a front face facing away from a substrate of the package, and electrically connected with the substrate through conductive structure extending above the front face. First terminals provided in first and second parallel grids or in first and second individual columns can be configured to carry address information usable to determine an addressable memory location from among all the available addressable memory locations of the memory storage array. The first terminals in the first grid can have signal assignments which are a mirror image of the signal assignments of the first terminals in the second grid.
US09496234B1	Wafer-level chip-scale package structure utilizing conductive polymer An integrated conductive polymer-solder ball structure is provided. The integrated conductive polymer-solder ball structure comprises a sputter seed layer applied to a wafer structure, one or more conductive polymer pad structures applied to the sputtered seed layer at locations on the wafer structure where one or more solder ball structures will be formed, an electroplating layer applied to portions of the one or more conductive polymer pad structures where a photoresist layer has been exposed, and a solder ball formed on each of the electroplating layers thereby forming the one or more solder ball structures.
US09496231B1	Bypass ring to improve noise isolation of coils and inductors An integrated circuit (IC) comprises a plurality of metal layers; a seal ring arranged around a perimeter of the IC and included in at least a portion of the plurality of metal layers; a first coil included in the IC; and a bypass conductor included in at least one metal layer of the plurality of metal layers and having at least a first end and a second end electrically coupled to the seal ring to form a bypass ring around the first coil.
US09496228B2	Integrated circuit and method of manufacturing an integrated circuit In various embodiments, an integrated circuit is provided. The integrated circuit may include a semiconductor chip and an electrically conductive composite material fixed to the semiconductor chip, wherein the electrically conductive composite material may include a metal, and wherein a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) value of the electrically conductive composite material may be lower than the CTE value of the metal.
US09496227B2	Semiconductor-on-insulator with back side support layer In one embodiment, an integrated circuit with a signal-processing region is disclosed. The integrated circuit comprises a silicon-on-insulator die singulated from a silicon-on-insulator wafer. The silicon on insulator die comprises an active layer, an insulator layer, a substrate, and a strengthening layer. The substrate consists of an excavated substrate region, and a support region, the support region is in contact with the insulator layer. The excavated region covers a majority of the signal-processing region of the integrated circuit.
US09496222B2	Semiconductor device including insulating films with different moisture resistances and fabrication method thereof A semiconductor device has a structure including a substrate, a first insulating film formed over a part of a principal plane of the substrate, a conductive portion formed over a surface of the first insulating film, and a second insulating film which covers the principal plane of the substrate, the first insulating film, and the conductive portion and whose moisture resistance is higher than moisture resistance of the first insulating film. The first insulating film is placed between the substrate and the conductive portion to prevent the generation of parasitic capacitance. The first insulating film is covered with the second insulating film whose moisture resistance is higher than the moisture resistance of the first insulating film. The second insulating film prevents the first insulating film from absorbing moisture.
US09496221B2	Method for forming fuse pad and bond pad of integrated circuit The present disclosure relates to a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. A semiconductor device includes a bond pad and a fuse layer. The bond pad includes a coating on an upper surface. A dielectric layer is formed over the bond pad and the fuse layer. A passivation layer is formed over the dielectric layer. An etch is performed to form a bond pad opening and a fuse opening. The etch is performed using only a single mask. The fuse opening defines a fuse window. The upper surface of the bond pad is exposed by substantially removing the coating from the entire upper surface.
US09496219B2	Semiconductor package including an antenna formed in a groove within a sealing element A semiconductor package including an antenna formed integrally therewith. The semiconductor package includes: a semiconductor chip; a sealing part sealing the semiconductor chip; a substrate part formed on at least one surface of the sealing part; and an antenna part formed on the sealing part and electrically connected to the semiconductor chip.
US09496218B2	Integrated circuit device having through-silicon-via structure An integrated circuit device including a through-silicon-via (TSV) structure and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. The integrated circuit device may include the TSV structure penetrating through a semiconductor structure. The TSV structure may include a first through electrode unit including impurities of a first concentration and a second through electrode unit including impurities of a second concentration greater than the first concentration.
US09496216B2	Semiconductor package including stacked semiconductor chips and a redistribution layer Semiconductor packages including stacked semiconductor chips are provided. The semiconductor packages may include first semiconductor chips and a second semiconductor chip that are stacked sequentially on a board. The semiconductor packages may also include a wiring layer on the memory chips and the wiring layer may include redistribution patterns and redistribution pads. Each of the memory chips may include a data pad. The data pads of the first semiconductor chips may be electrically connected to the board via the second semiconductor chip, some of redistribution patterns, and some of redistribution pads.
US09496215B2	Transparent substrate having nano pattern and method of manufacturing the same Provided are a transparent substrate having a nano pattern, and a method of manufacturing the same, which enables the nano pattern to be easily formed on the transparent substrate and has the nano pattern applicable to a large sized substrate by forming a resin layer made of transparent material on a transparent substrate; forming at least one or more unit pattern parts composed of a first pattern area and a second pattern area in which a plurality of grid patterns are formed, and a protrusion pattern formed between the first pattern area and the second pattern area, on the resin layer; and forming a nanoscale metal layer on the protrusion pattern.
US09496212B2	Substrate core via structure By now it should be appreciated that there has been provided methods for making a packaged semiconductor device (and the resultant device) including a via layer that includes a top surface and a bottom surface; a plurality of vias within the via layer, wherein the plurality of vias extend from the bottom surface to the top surface; a first via of the plurality of vias extending from the bottom surface to the top surface at a first angle; and a second via of the plurality of vias extending from the bottom surface to the top surface at a second angle.
US09496192B2	Test pattern of semiconductor device A test pattern of a semiconductor device is provided, which includes first and second fins formed to project from a substrate and arranged to be spaced apart from each other, first and second gate structures formed to cross the first and second fins, respectively, a first source region and a first drain region arranged on the first fin on one side and the other side of the first gate structure, a second source region and a second drain region arranged on the second fin on one side and the other side of the second gate structure, a first conductive pattern connected to the first and second drain regions to apply a first voltage to the first and second drain regions and a second conductive pattern connecting the first source region and the second gate structure to each other.
US09496190B2	Feedback of layer thickness timing and clearance timing for polishing control During polishing of a first substrate at a first polishing station, a sequence of measurements by a first in-situ monitoring system is monitored to determining a first time at which the first sequence exhibits a first predefined feature indicating a predetermined thickness of an overlying layer, and during polishing of the first substrate at a second polishing station, a sequence of measurements by a second in-situ monitoring system is monitored to determine a second time indicating clearance of the overlying layer and exposure of the underlying layer. The first time is used to calculate a first adjusted polishing pressure for a second substrate at the first polishing station, and the second time is used to calculate a second adjusted polishing pressure for the second substrate at the second polishing station.
US09496189B2	Stacked semiconductor devices and methods of forming same Stacked semiconductor devices and methods of forming the same are disclosed. First tier workpieces are mounted on a top surface of a semiconductor device to form first tier stacks, the semiconductor device comprising one or more integrated circuit dies, the semiconductor device having one or more test pads per integrated circuit die on the top surface of the semiconductor device. Each of the first tier stacks is electrically tested to identify first known good stacks and first known bad stacks. Second tier workpieces are mounted atop the first known good stacks, thereby forming second tier stacks. Each of the second tier stacks is electrically tested to identify second known good stacks and second known bad stacks. Stacking process further comprises one or more workpiece mounting/testing cycles. The stacking process continues until the stacked semiconductor devices comprise desired number of workpieces.
US09496185B2	Dual channel finFET with relaxed pFET region Fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a strained semiconductor material (SSM) layer disposed on a dielectric layer, forming a first plurality of fins on the SSOI structure, at least one fin of the first plurality of fins is in a nFET region and at least one fin is in a pFET region, etching portions of the dielectric layer under portions of the SSM layer of the at least one fin in the pFET region, filling areas cleared by the etching, forming a second plurality of fins from the at least one fin in the nFET region such that each fin comprises a portion of the SSM layer disposed on the dielectric layer, and forming a third plurality of fins from the at least one fin in the pFET region such that each fin comprises a portion of the SSM layer disposed on a flowable oxide.
US09496184B2	III-V, SiGe, or Ge base lateral bipolar transistor and CMOS hybrid technology In one aspect, a method of fabricating a bipolar transistor device on a wafer includes the following steps. A dummy gate is formed on the wafer, wherein the dummy gate is present over a portion of the wafer that serves as a base of the bipolar transistor. The wafer is doped to form emitter and collector regions on both sides of the dummy gate. A dielectric filler layer is deposited onto the wafer surrounding the dummy gate. The dummy gate is removed selective to the dielectric filler layer, thereby exposing the base. The base is recessed. The base is re-grown from an epitaxial material selected from the group consisting of: SiGe, Ge, and a III-V material. Contacts are formed to the base. Techniques for co-fabricating a bipolar transistor and CMOS FET devices are also provided.
US09496170B2	Interconnect having air gaps and polymer wrapped conductive lines A method includes depositing a first polymer layer over a first dielectric layer, forming a first opening and a second opening using an etching process, wherein the first opening and the second opening are partially through the first polymer layer, filling the first opening and the second opening with a conductive material to form a first metal line and a second metal line, applying a selective thermal curing process to the first polymer layer until portions of the first polymer layer surrounding the first metal line and the second metal line are cured, removing uncured portions of the first polymer layer through a cleaning process and depositing a second dielectric layer to form an air gap between the first metal line and the second metal line.
US09496167B2	Integrated bit-line airgap formation and gate stack post clean Methods of forming flash memory cells are described which incorporate air gaps for improved performance. The methods are useful for so-called “2-d flat cell” flash architectures. 2-d flat cell flash memory involves a reactive ion etch to dig trenches into multi-layers containing high work function and other metal layers. The methods described herein remove the metal oxide debris from the sidewalls of the multi-layer trench and then, without breaking vacuum, selectively remove shallow trench isolation (STI) oxidation which become the air gaps. Both the metal oxide removal and the STI oxidation removal are carried out in the same mainframe with highly selective etch processes using remotely excited fluorine plasma effluents.
US09496166B2	Substrate transferring arm and substrate transferring apparatus including the same A substrate transporting arm and a substrate transporting apparatus to prevent a substrate from sliding and increase a process speed of the substrate, thereby improving productivity. The substrate transporting arm includes a body and a plurality of substrate supporters coupled to the body. Each of the plurality of substrate supporters includes a substrate holder and a substrate supporter pin, and an inner side of the substrate holder includes an inclined portion.
US09496165B1	Method of forming a flexible semiconductor layer and devices on a flexible carrier A method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprises providing a preformed spalled structure comprising a stressor layer stack on a first surface of a semiconductor substrate; forming an interfacial release layer on an exposed second surface of the semiconductor substrate; adhesively bonding the interfacial release layer to a rigid handle substrate using an epoxy; removing at least a portion of the stressor layer stack from the first surface of the semiconductor substrate; processing the semiconductor substrate; and removing the semiconductor substrate from the interfacial release layer to impart flexibility to the semiconductor substrate.
US09496164B2	Cyclic olefin polymer compositions and polysiloxane release layers for use in temporary wafer bonding processes The invention broadly relates to cyclic olefin polymer bonding compositions and release compositions, to be used independently or together, that enable thin wafer handling during microelectronics manufacturing, especially during a full-wafer mechanical debonding process. The release compositions comprise compositions made from siloxane polymers and copolymers blended in a polar solvent, and that are stable at room temperature for longer than one month. The cyclic olefin polymer bonding compositions provide high thermal stability, can be bonded to fully-treated carrier wafers, can be mechanically or laser debonded after high-temperature heat treatment, and are easily removed with an industrially-acceptable solvent. Wafers bonded according to the invention demonstrate lower overall post-grind stack TTV compared to other commercial bonding materials and can survive 200° C. PECVD processing.
US09496158B2	Processing apparatus Provided is a processing apparatus for performing a processing of a substrate to be processed using a high-pressure fluid to prevent the generation of particles and ensure airtightness in the processing container. A sealing member is installed to surround a carrying port of the processing chamber, the carrying port is closed by the cover, and the cover is restricted from retreating by the pressure in the processing chamber by a lock plate, thereby processing the wafer in the processing chamber using the high-pressure fluid. Since the sealing member is pressurized by the internal atmosphere of the processing chamber to be pressed toward the cover during the drying process, a gap between the cover and the processing chamber may be airtightly closed. Since the sealing member does not slide with respect to the processing chamber or the cover, the generation of particles is suppressed.
US09496155B2	Methods of selectively transferring active components A method for selectively transferring active components (22) from a source substrate (20) to a destination substrate (10) includes providing a source substrate with one or more active components located on the source substrate, providing a destination substrate, locating a selectively curable adhesive layer (30) between and adjacent to the destination substrate and the source substrate, selecting one or more active components (22A), selectively curing area(s) (32A) of the adhesive layer corresponding to the selected active components to adhere the selected active components to the destination substrate, and removing the source substrate from the destination substrate leaving the selected active components adhered to the destination substrate in the selected areas.
US09496154B2	Use of underfill tape in microelectronic components, and microelectronic components with cavities coupled to through-substrate vias A microelectronic component (110, 120) has a contact pad (110C, 120C, 920C) recessed in a cavity (410) and covered by underfill tape (130). The cavity has a void (410V) below the underfill tape. A protruding contact pad of another microelectronic component ruptures the underfill tape to enter the cavity and bond to the recessed contact pad. The void helps in rupturing the underfill tape, thus reducing the amount of underfill residue between the two contact pads and improving the contact resistance. Also provided is a microelectronic component having a substrate with a cavity and having a through-substrate via extending into the cavity. Other features are also provided.
US09496129B2	Method for manufacturing a circular wafer by polishing the periphery, including a notch or orientation flat, of a wafer comprising crystal material, by use of polishing tape Provided is a method for producing a circular wafer using a grinding tape to grind the edge of a wafer comprising a crystalline material. A primary grinding step is provided for contacting a grinding body to the peripheral portion of a wafer placed centered on a horizontal stage and rotating the stage, thus grinding the peripheral portion. The radius of the wafer is measured, and a radius is set that is no greater than the measured smallest radius, and the difference Δr between the set radius and the measured wafer radius along the peripheral portion is determined. The portions of the peripheral portion at which Δr is greater than a predetermined value are determined and a secondary grinding step is provided for contacting the peripheral portion and the grinding body, rotating the stage forwards and backwards in a predetermined range of rotational angles, and grinding the peripheral portion.
US09496117B2	Two-dimensional mass resolving slit mechanism for semiconductor processing systems An adjustable mass-resolving slit assembly includes an aperture portion and an actuation portion. The aperture portion includes first and second shield members that define an aperture therebetween for receiving an ion beam during semiconductor processing operations. The actuation portion is coupled to the aperture portion and selectively and independently adjusts the position of the first and second shield members along first and second non-parallel axes. Adjusting the position of the first and second shield members along the first axis adjusts a width of the aperture. Adjusting the position of the first and second shield members along the second axis adjusts a region of the first and second shield members impinged by the ion beam. Methods for using the adjustable mass-resolving slit assembly are also disclosed.
US09496102B2	Protective cover for a tablet computer In certain embodiments, a protective cover for an input device includes a housing having an outer portion and an inner portion, with the inner portion including a first end and a second end, and a plurality of keys disposed in an area at the first end of the inner portion of the housing. A holder can be configured to receive and secure an input device with at least a portion of the holder coupled to the second end of the inner portion of the housing. The housing can be configurable in a plurality of positions including a closed configuration, an open configuration, a first active configuration, and a second active configuration. The protective cover can further include a plurality of magnets coupled to the housing and configured to secure the housing in one or more of the closed, open, and active configurations.
US09496100B2	Switchgear state display device Included are: a movable plate which is coupled to a main shaft of the switchgear and performs motion in accordance with the movement of the main shaft; an ON/OFF display plate in which a display showing the state of the switchgear, such as “ON”/“OFF,” is provided on each of different two faces, and mechanically rotates or performs linear motion and thus displaying the opening/closing state of the contact; and an ON/OFF display plate link which is mechanically connected to the movable plate and the ON/OFF display plate and converts the motion of the movable plate to transfer to the ON/OFF display plate. The display of the ON/OFF display plate is arranged at a tilt toward the upper side or the lower side so as to point at an optional angle.
US09496099B2	Apparatus for microscopic detection of hardness An adjustable stage mount includes a housing having a base defining a hole and an adjustable stage including a ball joint extension that rotatably engages the hole and is rotatably securable about the x-, y-, and z-axes. An adjustable indenter mount includes a housing defining a hole and an adjustable indenter including a ball joint extension that rotatably engages the hole and is rotatably securable about the x-, y-, and z-axes. A collision protection switch includes a first plate having three pairs of electrically conductive spaced apart pins wired to a voltage source in an open circuit, and a second plate having three electrically conductive balls. A spring pulls the first and second plates together causing the three balls to complete the circuit. A sufficient force against the second plate causes a ball to disengage and open the circuit. A two-objective microscope includes two parallel objectives, upper and lower light sources, three half-mirrors, and a camera. The camera and the half-mirrors are configured such that the camera views through either objective depending on which light source is on.
US09496098B1	Control system A pushbutton and an electrical switch can be linked to one another so that movement of the pushbutton, for example by a user depressing the pushbutton, can control the switch. The switch can be in a closed position prior to being depressed and in an open position afterwards, or vice versa. A photodetector can be located on the switch side of the pushbutton. The pushbutton can be formed of a material that transmits light so that light can pass through the pushbutton for receipt by the photodetector. The pushbutton can additionally or alternatively be formed with an opening that is sized to receive an object inserted by a user. Insertion of the object can manipulate a second electrical switch, which may control flow of electricity from a battery, for example.
US09496092B2	Flame-retardant electrolytic capacitor Provided is a flame-retardant electrolytic capacitor which is capable of maintaining flame-retardant effect even after a prolonged period of time. This is an electrolytic capacitor comprising an anode foil that is provided with an oxide film on the surface, a cathode foil, a separator, and an electrolytic solution that contains a solute in a solvent, wherein a phosphoric acid ester amide represented by the following general formula (1) is contained in the electrolytic solution: in which n is 1 or 2, and R1 and R2 each independently represent a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and Rf represents a linear or branched fluoroalkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms).
US09496087B2	Multilayer ceramic capacitor There is provided a multilayer ceramic capacitor in which an increase in conductor resistance at an end of an internal electrode layer is suppressed, and in which a gap between the internal electrode layer and a dielectric layer is reduced. A multilayer ceramic capacitor includes a stacked body including dielectric layers and internal electrode layers alternately laminated; and an external electrode disposed on an end surface of the stacked body and connected to the internal electrode layers, the internal electrode layers each including a connection electrode portion connected to the external electrode, and an internal electrode portion which is connected to the connection electrode portion and extends toward an inner side of the stacked body, a ratio of a material having a melting point higher than that of a conductive material being higher in the connection electrode portion than in the internal electrode portion.
US09496082B2	Coil substrate for wireless charging and electric device using the same There are provided a coil substrate which includes a coil for wireless charging and an antenna and is capable of increasing charging efficiency, and an electronic device including the same. The coil substrate according to embodiments of the invention may include a coil pattern; a dummy part formed around the coil pattern; and at least one penetration part formed in the dummy part or in a central portion of the coil pattern.
US09496080B2	Flexible electromagnetic clamp Embodiments described herein provide a flexible electromagnetic clamp that may be utilized to provide an adjustable clamping force to a wide variety of non-planar surfaces. One embodiment comprises an electromagnetic clamp that includes a pair of electromagnetic members and a current source. The electromagnetic members are disposed on opposing sides of an assembly to be clamped. Each electromagnetic member includes a flexible bladder that includes ferromagnetic filings, an electrical winding wrapped around the bladder, and a flexible sleeve wrapped around the electrical winding and the bladder. The electrical winding generates a magnetic field across the bladder that is based on an applied current. The current source is electrically coupled to each electrical winding and controls a clamping force applied by the electromagnetic members to the assembly based on the applied current.
US09496077B2	Chip resistor, method of producing chip resisitor and chip resistor packaging structure [Object]A method for efficiently manufacturing chip resistors is provided.[Means]The method includes the steps of preparing at least three conductive elongated boards 711 made of an electrically conductive material and a resistive member 702 made of a resistive material, arranging the at least three conductive elongated boards 711 apart from each other along a width direction crossing a longitudinal direction in which one of the at least three conductive elongated boards 711 is elongated, forming a resistor aggregate 703 by bonding the resistive member 702 to the at least three conductive elongated boards 711, and collectively dividing the resistor aggregate 703 into a plurality of chip resistors by punching so that each of the chip resistors includes two electrodes and a resistor portion bonded to the two electrodes.
US09496076B2	Cable grommet fitting apparatus for cable A cable processing machine has cable grommet fitting apparatus 1a, 1b fitting cable grommets 2 onto a cable. The grommet fitting apparatus includes a loose material container 3 for receiving a plurality of loose cable grommets 2, a conveyor separating the cable grommets 2 located in the loose material container and conveying the separated cable grommets 2 to a mounting location. The machine includes a grommet mounter 8 mounting the conveyed cable grommets 2 onto cable. The conveyor includes a continuous, annular conveyor 4, 4a, 4b protruding into the loose material container 3 as well as a grommet receiver 6 receiving and raising the cable grommets 2. Grommet receivers 6 may be arranged on the inside of the conveyor ring.
US09496071B2	Shield wire In a shield wire, a sheet shaped metal foil shield member is provided so as to envelop an inner wire part having a plurality of conductors and insulators. In the shield wire, the inner wire part is enveloped by the metal foil shield member so that the inner wire part is held and an end part of the metal foil shield member is avoided from collapsing or the end is avoided from bounding.
US09496057B2	Fail-safe control rod drive system for nuclear reactor A control rod drive system (CRDS) for use in a nuclear reactor. In one embodiment, the system generally includes a drive rod mechanically coupled to a control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) operable to linearly raise and lower the drive rod along a vertical axis, a rod cluster control assembly (RCCA) comprising a plurality of control rods insertable into a nuclear fuel core, and a drive rod extension (DRE) releasably coupled at opposing ends to the drive rod and RCCA. The CRDM includes an electromagnet which operates to couple the CRDM to DRE. In the event of a power loss or SCRAM, the CRDM may be configured to remotely uncouple the RCCA from the DRE without releasing or dropping the drive rod which remains engaged with the CRDM and in position.
US09496047B2	Memory cell and memory In various embodiments, a memory cell and a memory are provided. The memory cell comprises a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) cell including a reset-set (RS) flip-flop and a Read Only Memory (ROM) cell being connected (or coupled) to the SRAM cell to set logic states of internal latch nodes of the RS flip-flop when the ROM cell is triggered. The size of the memory cells proposed in an embodiment of the invention is much smaller than the sum of the size of ROM cells and the size of SRAM cells with the capacity of the memory cells same as the sum of the capacity of the ROM cells and the capacity of the SRAM cells.
US09496045B2	Sensing of non-volatile memory cell having two complementary memory transistors Voltage is increased on a wordline signal. The wordline signal is applied to a programmed FET and an unprogrammed FET of a memory cell. The programmed FET has a higher threshold voltage than the unprogrammed FET. The programmed FET is connected to a first bitline and the unprogrammed FET is connected to a second bitline. It is determined that the second bitline has reached a threshold voltage. In response to determining the second bitline has reached the threshold voltage, the first bitline is pulled towards ground. A signal is output based on a low voltage of the first bitline and a high voltage of the second bitline.
US09496042B1	Semiconductor device with control of maximum value of current capable of being supplied According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes: a first semiconductor chip including a first via and a second via; and a second semiconductor chip including a third via and a fourth via and being located above the first semiconductor chip. The first semiconductor chip includes: a first detector capable of coupling to the third via through the second and fourth vias; and a first current source configured to control an output current in accordance with a voltage of the third via detected by the first detector.
US09496027B2	Static random access memory device including write assist circuit and writing method thereof A static random access memory device may include a write driver configured to float one of a first bitline and a second bitline connected to a memory cell and apply a write voltage to the other bitline in response to a logic state of a data signal; a write failure detector configured to receive a voltage of the floated bitline and output a write failure signal; and an assist voltage generator configured to generate a write assist voltage in response to the write failure signal. The write driver may additionally provide the write assist voltage to a bitline to which the write voltage is applied.
US09496025B2	Tunable negative bitline write assist and boost attenuation circuit An apparatus and method are provided for implementing write assist with boost attenuation for static random access memory (SRAM) arrays. The apparatus includes a memory array comprising a plurality of SRAM cells. The apparatus further includes a write driver connected to each of a differential pair of bit lines in each of the plurality of SRAM cells of the memory array. The apparatus further includes a write assist attenuation circuit connected to the write driver, the write assist attenuation circuit comprising a clamping device configured to modify a control signal as a function of supply voltage and process to attenuate an amount of boost applied to pull one of the bit lines below ground in an active phase of a write cycle.
US09496017B2	Memory cell with schottky diode Memory cell comprising two conductors, with a serially connected magnetic storage element and a Schottky diode between the two conductors. The Schottky diode provides a unidirectional conductive path between the two conductors and through the element. The Schottky diode is formed between a metal layer in one of the two conductors and a processed junction layer. Methods for process and for operation of the memory cell are also disclosed. The memory cell using the Schottky diode can be designed for high speed operation and with high density of integration. Advantageously, the junction layer can also be used as a hard mask for defining the individual magnetic storage element in the memory cell. The memory cell is particularly useful for magnetic random access memory (MRAM) circuits.
US09496016B2	Memory cell and memory device having the same A memory cell includes a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) capacitor including a gate coupled to a storage node and an electrode coupled to a synchronization control line. The MOS capacitor adds a coupling voltage to the gate based on a change in voltage on the synchronization control line. The coupling voltage may maintain the storage node within a predetermined range.
US09496012B2	Method and apparatus for reference voltage calibration in a single-ended receiver According to at least one example embodiment, a method and corresponding system, or circuit, for calibrating a reference voltage of a single-ended receiver, include applying a clock signal and a reference voltage signal as inputs to the differential amplifier of the single-ended receiver. The differential amplifier provides an output signal, the output signal is processed, and an indication of a duty cycle associated with an output signal of the amplifier is evaluated. Based on the evaluated indication of the duty cycle, a control logic module, or circuit, adjusts a level of the reference voltage signal. The process of evaluating the indication of the duty cycle and adjusting the reference voltage level is repeated for a number of iterations.
US09496010B2	Semiconductor device and memory system including the same A semiconductor device and a memory system including the same are disclosed, which relate to a technology for reducing a toggle current of a global input output (GIO) of a semiconductor device configured to use a data bus inversion (DBI) scheme. The semiconductor device includes:a local input/output (LIO) line driver configured to perform inversion or non-inversion of data of a global input/output (GIO) line according to a control signal, and to output the inversion or non-inversion result to the LIO line; and an inversion processor configured to combine an inversion control signal and mat information, and output the control signal for controlling inversion or non-inversion of data to the LIO line driver.
US09496009B2	Memory with bank-conflict-resolution (BCR) module including cache A memory device includes a block of memory cells and a cache. The block of memory cells is a random access memory with multiple ports. The block of memory cells is partitioned into subunits that have only a single port. The cache is coupled to the block of memory cells adapted to handle a plurality of accesses to a same subunit of memory cells without a conflict such that the memory appears to be a random access memory to said plurality of accesses. A method of operating the memory, and a memory with bank-conflict-resolution (BCR) module including cache are also provided.
US09496007B2	Method and apparatus for generating piece-wise linear regulated supply The disclosure provides a voltage regulator for generating piece-wise linear regulated supply voltage. The voltage regulator includes a first clamp circuit that receives a reference voltage and an analog supply voltage. A second clamp circuit receives the reference voltage. A voltage divider circuit is coupled to the first clamp circuit and the second clamp circuit. The voltage divider circuit receives a peripheral supply voltage and generates a regulated supply voltage.
US09496005B2	Electronic apparatus, display control method and program for displaying an image for selecting a content item to be reproduced An electronic apparatus includes an operation reception unit that receives a switching operation for switching between a list display screen where index images for selecting content items belonging to one or a plurality of groups are disposed on a display surface of a display unit, and a group display screen where the index images are disposed on the display surface, and a display control unit that displays one of the list display screen and the group display screen on the display unit based on the switching operation, moves the index images with content item units from predetermined positions on one screen of the list display screen and the group display screen, displayed at the time of receiving the corresponding switching operation to predetermined positions on the other screen displayed after the corresponding switching operation is received, and displays the index images by animation during the movement.
US09495999B2	Phase error detector and optical disc device A phase error detector includes a sine wave generation circuit that generates a sine wave signal, based on a first input signal of a first period, a cosine wave generation circuit that generates a cosine wave signal, based on the first input signal, a first calculator that calculates a phase difference between the sine wave signal and a second input signal of a second period, a second calculator that calculates a phase difference between the cosine wave signal and the second input signal, and a first selection unit that outputs the phase difference calculated by the first calculator when the phase difference calculated by the second calculator is within a predetermined range, and outputs a predetermined value having a same sign as a sign of the phase difference calculated by the first calculator when the phase difference calculated by the second calculator is out of the predetermined range.
US09495989B2	Laminating magnetic cores for on-chip magnetic devices A laminating structure includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, a first spacer disposed between the first and second magnetic layers and a second spacer disposed on the second magnetic layer.
US09495971B2	Transient detector and method for supporting encoding of an audio signal A transient detector (100) analyzes (110) a given frame n of the input audio signal to determine, based on audio signal characteristics of the given frame n, a transient hangover indicator for a following frame n+1, and signals (120) the determined transient hangover indicator to an associated audio encoder (10) to enable proper encoding of the following frame n+1.
US09495966B2	Speech recognition adaptation systems based on adaptation data The instant application includes computationally-implemented systems and methods that include acquiring indication of a speech-facilitated transaction between a particular party and a target device, receiving adaptation data correlated to the particular party, the receiving facilitated by a particular device associated with the particular party, processing audio data from the particular party at least partly using the received adaptation data correlated to the particular party, and updating the adaptation data based at least in part on a result of the processed audio data, such that the updated adaptation data is configured to be transmitted to the particular device. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text.
US09495958B2	Dialogue system using extended domain and natural language recognition method and computer-readable medium thereof A dialog system uses an extended domain in order to have a dialog with a user using natural language. If a dialog pattern actually input by the user is different from a dialog pattern predicted by an expert, an extended domain generated in real time based on user input is used and an extended domain generated in advance is used to have a dialog with the user.
US09495957B2	Mobile systems and methods of supporting natural language human-machine interactions A mobile system is provided that includes speech-based and non-speech-based interfaces for telematics applications. The mobile system identifies and uses context, prior information, domain knowledge, and user specific profile data to achieve a natural environment for users that submit requests and/or commands in multiple domains. The invention creates, stores and uses extensive personal profile information for each user, thereby improving the reliability of determining the context and presenting the expected results for a particular question or command. The invention may organize domain specific behavior and information into agents, that are distributable or updateable over a wide area network.
US09495955B1	Acoustic model training Features are disclosed for generating acoustic models from an existing corpus of data. Methods for generating the acoustic models can include receiving at least one characteristic of a desired acoustic model, selecting training utterances corresponding to the characteristic from a corpus comprising audio data and corresponding transcription data, and generating an acoustic model based on the selected training utterances.
US09495954B2	System and method of synthetic voice generation and modification Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for generating a synthetic voice. A system configured to practice the method combines a first database of a first text-to-speech voice and a second database of a second text-to-speech voice to generate a combined database, selects from the combined database, based on a policy, voice units of a phonetic category for the synthetic voice to yield selected voice units, and synthesizes speech based on the selected voice units. The system can synthesize speech without parameterizing the first text-to-speech voice and the second text-to-speech voice. A policy can define, for a particular phonetic category, from which text-to-speech voice to select voice units. The combined database can include multiple text-to-speech voices from different speakers. The combined database can include voices of a single speaker speaking in different styles. The combined database can include voices of different languages.
US09495953B2	Dynamic engine harmonic enhancement sound stage A method to produce a dynamic sound stage for engine harmonic enhancement (EHE). Dynamic refers to the ability to position the sound stage at different positions as the engine operates at various RPMs and load. In order to control the sound stage width, a phase difference can be introduced between a first audio channel (e.g., a left audio channel) and second audio channel (e.g., a right audio channel). In the most general case, the phase difference can be introduced per harmonic per RPM. In this approach, the phase difference can be adjusted such that a vehicle occupant will perceive each harmonic signal to have a particular width. This width can be adjusted independently per RPM regions by tuning the per harmonic phase difference.
US09495951B2	Real time audio echo and background noise reduction for a mobile device An audio enhancement system includes a display unit configured to exhibit a waveform corresponding to a microphone signal that is subject to an audio interference. The audio enhancement system also includes an interference reduction unit coupled to the microphone signal and configured to provide a reduction in the audio interference, wherein a reduced audio interference is indicated by the waveform in real time. A microphone signal enhancement method is also provided.
US09495949B2	Acoustic module The invention relates to an acoustic module for influencing, particularly reducing, sound reflections and/or sound transmissions in a space. The module is constructed as a three-dimensional hollow body, comprising at least one sheet material made of thin-walled flexurally elastic material, which is placed under bending stress by at least one additional sheet material so as to form a cavity, in such a manner that said thin-walled flexurally elastic material assumes a curved shape. The module is characterized by particularly good acoustic properties and can be produced economically.
US09495947B2	Synthesized percussion pedal and docking station Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus configured to enable a user to easily change between different midi or audio sequences in any order the user prefers, rather than limiting the user to a pre-determined sequence. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus configured with recording and looping functions. The recording and looping functions may be configured to sync the recorded and looped multi-media content to the percussion sequences. Still consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus may be designed and configured to enable a mobile computing device to be used as, for example, an information display, a control mechanism, a processing unit and memory storage.
US09495945B1	Guitar pad for seated player A guitar pad is designed to support a guitar or similar stringed instrument on the lap of a seated player, and the body portion rests on the pad when it is draped over on one of the player's legs. This facilitates the player maintaining proper posture and positioning when playing the instrument. The guitar pad is formed of a single-thickness piece of a flexible non-adhesive grip material formed of a woven scrim on which beads of a low-slip resin are positioned to alternate with open spaces; and a frame or border affixed onto the edge of the grip material. The frame or border may be formed of a narrow strip or strips of a low-stretch flexible material, e.g., leather or synthetic leather.
US09495942B2	Shoulder support for a musical instrument A shoulder support for a musical instrument is proposed, which includes a holding device, by means of which the shoulder support is fixable or fixed to the musical instrument, at least one arm, which is fixable or fixed to the holding device, and a shoulder abutment element, which is fixable or fixed on the at least one arm and has a pad and a pad holder, the pad holder being movably held on an arm connecting part of the shoulder abutment element by means of a pad holder joint device.
US09495932B2	Display device A substantially rectangular display panel includes a first edge extending in a first major axis direction of the rectangular shape and a second edge extending in a second major axis direction of the rectangular shape, the second direction being different from the first direction. The display panel includes: a plurality of gate lines extending in the first direction; and a gate lines driver including a plurality of main stages sequentially connected to each other and configured for outputting gate signals to the gate lines, where the plurality of stages further includes one or more dummy stages arranged in a row along the second edge and not connected to the plurality of gate lines, and where a layout arrangement of a plurality of thin film transistors included in the main stage is different from a corresponding layout arrangement of corresponding thin film transistors included in the at least one dummy stage.
US09495917B2	Method of controlling display device, display device, and control device for display device There is provided a method of controlling a display device in which a write operation for changing a display state of one pixel is performed by performing a plurality of operations of applying a driving voltage. The method includes determining whether a previous write operation is currently performed for the one pixel in a case where a new write operation is determined to be required and starting the new write operation for the one pixel in a case where the write operation for the one pixel is determined not to be currently performed in the determining of whether a previous write operation is currently performed, and continuing the write operation that is currently performed and starting the new write operation for the one pixel after completion of the previous write operation in a case where the write operation is determined to be currently performed for the one pixel.
US09495914B2	Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus An electro-optical device includes a first pixel circuit provided so as to correspond to a first data line, a second pixel circuit provided so as to correspond to a second data line, a first storage capacitor of which one end is connected to the first data line and the other end is potential-shifted according to a current to be supplied to a light emitting element of the first pixel circuit, a second storage capacitor of which one end is connected to the second data line and the other end is potential-shifted according to a current to be supplied to a light emitting element of the second pixel circuit, and a constant potential line provided between the first storage capacitor and the second storage capacitor in plan view.
US09495901B2	Display unit, drive circuit, driving method, and electronic apparatus A display unit includes: a pixel circuit including a display element, a first transistor having a gate and a source, and a capacitor inserted between the gate and the source, the first transistor supplying a current to the display element; and a drive section driving the pixel circuit, through sequentially performing first and second driving operations, the first driving operation allowing the drive section to apply a pixel voltage to a first terminal and allowing a second terminal to be at a first voltage, the pixel voltage determining luminance of the display element, the first and second terminals being one and the other of the gate and the source of the first transistor, respectively, and the second driving operation allowing the second terminal to be at a second voltage, through applying the pixel voltage to the first terminal and allowing a current to flow through the first transistor.
US09495900B2	Display device When normal driving is switched to intermittent driving simultaneously with switching from a video image to a still image, a flicker may occur due to a response delay caused by dielectric anisotropy of liquid crystal. A display device has a first mode (video image driving) in which driving is performed at a first frame frequency and a second mode (still image driving) in which the driving is performed at a second frame frequency lower than the first frame frequency. When the first mode is switched to the second mode, the display device first performs the driving at a frame frequency higher than the second frame frequency for at least one frame and then, the driving is switched to be performed at the second frame frequency.
US09495891B2	Display device and method of assembling the same A display device and method of assembling the same are disclosed. In one aspect, a display device includes a display panel bent in a first direction and a guide unit for fastening the display panel in a bent state. The guide unit includes a first frame member bent corresponding to curvature of the display panel in the first direction and combined with an edge of the display panel in the first direction, and a second frame member combined with an edge of the display panel in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

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