Document Document Title
US09572843B2 Combination bacteriolytic therapy for the treatment of tumors
Current approaches for treating cancer are limited, in part, by the inability of drugs to affect the poorly vascularized regions of tumors. We have found that spores of anaerobic bacteria in combination with agents which interact with microtubules can cause the destruction of both the vascular and avascular compartments of tumors. Two classes of microtubule inhibitors were found to exert markedly different effects. Some agents that inhibited microtubule synthesis, such as vinorelbine, caused rapid, massive hemorrhagic necrosis when used in combination with spores. In contrast, agents that stabilized microtubules, such as the taxane, docetaxel, resulted in slow tumor regressions that killed most neoplastic cells. Remaining cells in the poorly perfused regions of tumors could be eradicated by sporulated bacteria. Mechanistic studies showed that the microtubule destabilizers, but not the microtubule stabilizers, radically reduced blood flow to tumors, thereby enlarging the hypoxic niche in which spores could germinate. A single intravenous injection of spores plus selected microtubule-interacting agents was able to cause regressions of several tumors in the absence of excessive toxicity.
US09572842B2 Probiotic recolonisation therapy
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of chronic diseases associated with the presence of abnormal or an abnormal distribution of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian host, which compositions comprise viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Clostridia. The compositions further comprise one or more additional viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Bacteroides, Eubacteria, Fusobacteria, Propionibacteria, Lactobacilli, anaerobic cocci, Ruminococcus, E. coli, Gemmiger, Desulfomonas, Peptostreptococcus, and fungi. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions suitable for the treatment of the same chronic diseases comprising viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Escherichia coli, at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic Bacteroides and at least one strain of viable non-pathogenic or attenuated pathogenic microorganism.
US09572835B2 Induced activation in dendritic cells
The present invention is directed to a composition and method which to treat diseases and to enhance a regulated immune response. More particularly, the present invention is drawn to compositions that are based on dendritic cells modified to express an inducible form of a co-stimulatory polypeptide.
US09572821B2 Pharmaceutical compositions for preventing and treating eye pathologies
The present invention relates to pharmacology, medicine, ophthalmology, and, in particular, concerns a class of chemical compounds of structure (I) and also their solvates, isomers or prodrugs applicable when incorporated into pharmaceutical compositions also containing pharmaceutically acceptable carrier which can be useful for prophylaxis and treatment of different eye pathologies such as cataract and macular dystrophy.
US09572815B2 Methods and compositions of p27KIP1 transcriptional modulators
In one aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising agents that activate the expression of Atoh1, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, or polymorphs thereof; and agents that inhibit the expression of p27Kip1, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, or polymorphs thereof, which are useful for inducing the formation of cochlear hair cells; and methods of treating hearing impairments or disorders using the compositions. In one aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising β-catenin; and agents that activate the expression of Atoh1, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, or polymorphs thereof. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
US09572812B2 Compositions and methods involving polymer, solvent, and high viscosity liquid carrier material
Compositions may include a pharmaceutical active agent, a high viscosity liquid carrier material (HVLCM), a lactic acid-based polymer, and an organic solvent. Related compositions and methods are also disclosed.
US09572809B2 Combination therapy to treat Mycobacterium diseases
The present invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein X and R are as defined herein. The compounds of formula (I) are useful as gyrase and/or topoisomerase IV inhibitors for treating bacterial infections. The compounds of formula (I) either possess a broad range of anti-bacterial activity and advantageous toxicological properties or are prodrugs of compounds having said activity.
US09572806B2 Elution-stabilized preparation
The invention provides a solid preparation which does not undergo the delay of elution of the active ingredient even after long-term storage. The solid preparation independently contains a teneligliptin-containing part containing teneligliptin or a salt thereof, or a solvate of teneligliptin or the salt thereof, in an amount 1.5- to 10-fold larger than that desired for the solid preparation.
US09572795B2 Drug delivery system and method of treatment of vascular diseases using photodynamic therapy
This invention relates to photodynamic therapy (PDT) of vulnerable plaque using two pluralities of nanoparticles, one plurality comprising a PDT agent that is sensitive to blue-green light wherein the nanoparticles are capable of penetrating only into the fibrous cap of the vulnerable plaque and one plurality comprising a PDT agent that is sensitive to red light wherein the nanoparticles are capable of penetrating into the core of the vulnerable plaque.
US09572784B2 Compositions comprising statins, biguanides and further agents for reducing cardiometabolic risk
Compositions and methods comprising at least one biguanide compound and at least one statin combined with at least one additional active agent in fixed dose combinations are provided for reducing cardiometabolic risk, and for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, wherein the biguanide compound is formulated for delayed release.
US09572779B2 Encased tamper resistant controlled release dosage forms
In certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to a solid controlled release dosage form comprising: a core comprising a first portion of an opioid analgesic dispersed in a first matrix material; and a shell encasing the core and comprising a second portion of the opioid analgesic dispersed in a second matrix material; wherein the amount of opioid analgesic released from the dosage form is proportional within 20% to elapsed time from 8 to 24 hours, as measured by an in-vitro dissolution in a USP Apparatus 1 (basket) at 100 rpm in 900 ml simulated gastric fluid without enzymes (SGF) at 37 C.
US09572776B2 Vectors including an anionic macromolecule and a cationic lipid for delivering small nucleic acids
The invention relates to a composition including (1) an anionic macromolecule except nucleic acids, (2) a cationic lip, and (3) a nucleic acid having a size lower than or equal to 200 nucleotides, such as an interference RNA, and to the use thereof in gene therapy.
US09572773B2 Layered drug delivery device
The layered drug delivery devices of the present invention have an outer side and an inner side. The device includes, in order from the outer side to the inner side, a first layer and a second layer. The first layer wherein the first layer is water insoluble, water swellable, and water permeable. The second layer includes a therapeutic amount of a water soluble drug and a water soluble mucoadhesive film. The second layer is disposed such that water passing through said first layer solubilizes the drug. The said solubilized drug then can permeate through a mucosal membrane when the inner side is in contact with the mucosal membrane. The drug delivery device is in sheet form.
US09572765B2 Composition for preventing hair loss or promoting hair restoration, comprising soy extract
Disclosed is a composition for preventing hair loss or promoting hair restoration and for enhancing hair health, the composition comprising an active ingredient in the form of soy extract extracted using a C1 to C5 alcohol at a concentration of between 1% and 70% (v/v).
US09572760B2 Uses of compounds and mixtures from Antrodia cinnamomea mycelia
The present invention relates to novel uses of compounds from Antrodia cinnamomea mycelia and mixtures comprising the compounds. The novel uses comprise whitening skin, combating skin ageing, reducing scar formation, inducing or enhancing liver regeneration, or treating fibrosis or a fibrosis-associated disorder in a subject in need thereof. The compounds have the formula and preferably are selected from 3-isobutyl-4-[4-(3-methyl-2-butenyloxy)phenyl]furan-2,5-dione, 3-isobutyl-4-[4-(3-methyl-2-butenyloxy)phenyl]-1H-pyrrol-2,5-dione, 3-isobutyl-4-[4-(3-methyl-2-butenyloxy)phenyl]-1H-pyrrol-1-ol-2,5-dione, 3R*,4S*-1-hydroxy-3-isobutyl-4-[4-(3-methyl-2-butenyloxy)phenyl]pyrrolidine-2,5-dione, and 3R*,4R*-1-hydroxy-3-isobutyl-4-[4-(3-methyl-2-butenyloxy)phenyl]pyrrolidine-2,5-dione.
US09572755B2 Bath salt composition
The present invention is directed to a granulated composition comprising a salt encapsulated by a composition that comprises at least one wax.
US09572747B2 Inductive coupling
The coupling includes drive and driven hubs. The drive hub is mounted to a rotating element and has a surface presenting away therefrom. In the absence of externalities, a magnetic field is produced wherein, if depicted graphically, concentrations of field lines extend from two or more North pole domains defined in the surface to two or more South pole domains defined in the surface, the domains being spaced apart and encircling the rotation axis in alternating relation. The driven hub is disposed in spaced, frontwardly adjacent relation to the drive hub, is fixed to the rotatable element and is at least substantially constrained against movement but for rotation with the rotatable element. The driven hub includes: a rotor body of a non-magnetic, electrically-conductive material having relatively low magnetic permeability; and a flux ring of material having a relatively high magnetically permeability arranged in spaced relation to the body.
US09572746B2 Analgesic implant device and system
Techniques associated with an implant system for imparting vibratory massage to tissue within a body is disclosed. In some examples, a device includes a case having an engaging surface configured to conform to a surface of a bladder, a passage extending from an opening on the case to another opening on the case, the passage configured to receive a securing member, a vibration generator coupled to the case and configured to generate a vibration, and a power receiver coupled to the case, the power receiver having a receiving coil and configured to receive electrical energy from a remote source.
US09572738B2 Face-down therapeutic system for improved posture and spine alignment
Certain embodiments provide a face-down therapeutic system for improved posture and spine alignment. The system includes a face-piece including at least one cushion operable to receive a face of a user. The face-piece is adapted to be positioned on a flat surface. The system also includes two padded shoulder pieces, where each of the shoulder pieces is operable to receive a shoulder of the user. The shoulder pieces are adapted to be positioned on the flat surface. The system includes a padded pelvic-piece operable to receive a pelvis of the user. The pelvic-piece is adapted to be positioned on the flat surface.
US09572735B2 Bed systems and method
A bed is provided. The bed may include a lift system which raises and lowers a support deck of the bed. The lift system may include multiple individually actuatable lift systems. The bed may include an expandable support deck. The bed may include a powered caster braking system.
US09572728B2 Disposable absorbent article with varied distribution of absorbent particulate polymer material and method of making same
A disposable absorbent article comprising an absorbent core located in a chassis and comprising absorbent particulate polymer material having a basis weight that varies across the absorbent core. Methods for making such an absorbent core and corresponding disposable absorbent article are also disclosed.
US09572720B2 Reduced noise pneumatic compression garment
A reduced noise pneumatic compression garment includes a flexible member having a bladder that can conform to a limb of the human body. A port in fluid communication with the bladder has an air flow path through which pressurized air is delivered to the bladder to inflate the bladder. A porous insert is located within the flow path of the port between the air inlet and the air outlet for reducing noise from air flow through the port into the inflatable chamber. A method of quietly inflating a pneumatic compression garment is also disclosed.
US09572709B2 Feminine cooling pad
A feminine cooling pad configured for cooling a vulva and/or adjacent region. The cooling pad may include a non-adhesive outer liquid permeable layer configured to be oriented toward the pubic area during use. A liquid absorbent layer forming or adjacent to the outer layer absorbs bodily fluids or discharges during use. A cooling layer adjacent to the liquid absorbent layer provides cooling for at least about 15 minutes when the cooling pad is placed adjacent to the pubic area of a woman. An optional adhesive layer adjacent to the cooling layer can adhere the feminine cooling pad to an undergarment or clothing during use and maintain the cooling pad in a desired orientation. A feminine heating pad may include a microwavable material that becomes warm or hot when placed in a microwave oven. A feminine cooling pad can operate as a heating pad when heated instead of cooled.
US09572707B2 Multi-layered adhesive appliance
A body waste collecting device comprising an adhesive composite that fastens a collecting bag to the skin is disclosed. The adhesive composite is highly moisture resistant while still being water absorbing. The adhesive composite comprises at least three layers, a backing layer, a moisture absorbing layer and a thin layer of vapor permeable, low-absorbing adhesive layer.
US09572701B2 Anti-reflux or anti-obesity prosthesis
A prosthesis (14) that is useful as an anti-reflux device or an anti-obesity device within a gastro-intestinal tract of a living organism, such as a human, comprises an elastic portion including a helical elastic spring (15) embedded in a biocompatible material.
US09572698B2 Ballstent device and methods of use
What is disclosed are medical devices comprising a rounded, thin-walled, expandable metal structure (“ballstent”) and a flexible, elongated delivery device (“delivery catheter”) and systems and methods of use for treating saccular vascular aneurysms with the medical devices. Ballstents comprised of gold, platinum, or silver that can be compressed, positioned in the lumen of an aneurysm, and expanded to conform to the shape of the aneurysm are disclosed. The external surface of ballstents can be configured to promote local thrombosis and to promote the growth of tissue into and around the wall of the ballstent in order to seal the aneurysm and fix the ballstent in place in the aneurysm. The wall of the ballstent can also be configured to release drugs or pharmacologically active molecules, such as those that promote thrombosis, cell proliferation, extracellular matrix deposition, and tissue growth.
US09572686B2 Cartilage repair system with flexible trephine
A system for repairing cartilage includes a trephine having a passage extending along a longitudinal axis of the trephine. The trephine has a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end includes a cutting member operable to cut a cartilage plug from a donor site. The passage is operable to receive the cartilage plug. Also, the trephine is flexible to selectively move between a first position in which the longitudinal axis is substantially linear and a second position in which the longitudinal axis is nonlinear. Moreover, the system includes a guide tool that is removably coupled to the trephine. The guide tool is operable to selectively move the trephine between the first and second positions. In addition, the system includes an ejector tool that ejects the cartilage plug from the passage toward a defect site.
US09572685B2 Instrument for implanting implant device
An instrument for attachment to and insertion of an implant device is provided. The instrument has a handle and a pair of retaining posts extending longitudinally from a distal end of the handle. Each of the pair of retaining posts have an end dimensioned to engaged a respective threaded bore of the implant device. Also, a post drive mounted to the handle and mechanically connected to each of the retaining posts so as to engage the retaining posts simultaneously is provided.
US09572684B2 Interbody insertion tool and method
An interbody insertion tool and cage for use during an interbody spinal fusion procedure is disclosed. In one aspect, the tool comprises a rod centrally located within the tool that has the ability to remain attached to the cage to aid in: coupling the tool to the cage, release of the tool from the cage, alignment of additional hardware, and insertion of materials within the hollow of the cage.
US09572683B2 Acetabular orthopaedic surgical instrument and method of using same
A method of reproducing a central axis of a femoral neck prior to resection during an implantation process includes the step of attaching a frame to the acetabulum of a patient, wherein the frame includes first and second movable arms and a lockable swivel bearing. The method further includes the steps of orienting and locking the swivel bearing in position and utilizing the position of the swivel bearing to position acetabular instrumentation to match a planned acetabular implant orientation.
US09572676B2 Adjustable multi-volume balloon for spinal interventions
An inflatable balloon for diagnostics and treatment of diseased discs or fractured bones. The balloon is a multi-volume balloon comprised of a plurality of adjustable and expandable single volumes. Further disclosed are methods of forming, expanding, and implanting the multi-volume balloon for proper placement and stabilization of the diseased discs or fractured bones. Still further disclosed are kits for aligning and stabilizing a bone, disc, or spinal motion segment.
US09572674B2 Prosthesis
A prosthesis for implantation in an animal or human subject, said prosthesis comprising a first component for attaching to a radius bone in use and a s second component for attaching to an ulna bone in use, the prosthesis further comprising a linkage for linking the first and second components substantially rigidly with respect to one another in use. Preferably the prosthesis is configured to allow the linkage to move relative to the first and/or second components and be retained substantially rigidly at a selected position in normal use, such that the first and second components can be retained substantially rigidly relative to one another in normal use.
US09572649B2 Implantable prosthesis for repairing or reinforcing an anatomical defect
An implantable prosthesis for repairing or reinforcing a tissue or muscle wall defect is provided. The implantable prosthesis includes a first biocompatible structure having a tether attached thereto for maintaining stable deployment of the implantable prosthesis through an abdominal wall; a rigid reinforcement member positioned adjacent a bottom side of the first biocompatible structure, the rigid reinforcement member including an inner circumferential ring, a plurality of spoke elements, a plurality of openings, and a plurality of guide members molded thereon; a mesh structure positioned adjacent a bottom surface of the rigid reinforcement member, the mesh structure overlapping the inner circumferential ring of the rigid reinforcement member; a second biocompatible structure and an anti-adhesion barrier having a collagen coating positioned on a bottom surface of the second biocompatible structure.
US09572644B2 Tray
The present invention relates apparatus for holding material to be dispensed in a surgical setting, and in particular that: (a) allows for small portions of material to be dispensed efficiently, (b) resists evaporation of volatile agents in the material being dispensed, (c) reduces exposure of the material to light and actinic radiation during intermittent use, and (d) supports autoclaving in order to fulfill sterilization standards in surgical setting.
US09572639B2 Intra-osseous implant
The invention relates to an intra-osseous implant for placement in bone of a human or animal body comprising at least one intra-osseous part intended for placement in said bone tissue having an apical side and a cervical side and composed of a body friendly material, which part is provided on its circumferential surface with a thread running in the direction of the apical end; and a support part present at said cervical side of said at least one intra-osseous part intended for supporting a prosthetic element. The invention aims to provide a medical intra-osseous implant and especially a dental intra-osseous implant, which allows an accurate implant position at a desired depth into bone tissue, providing without losing a high degree of primary implant stability. To this end according to the invention the intra-osseous part is provided with one or more grooves extending in longitudinal direction and interrupting the screw thread into multiple interrupted screw thread parts, said multiple interrupted screw thread parts serving as retention elements allowing the placement of the implant in longitudinal direction into said bone tissue but preventing the removal of the implant in opposite longitudinal direction out of said bone. The invention can also be describes as an intra-osseous implant with along its circumferential surface several rows of retention elements situated in a longitudinal formation. At the same time these retention elements are situated in a screw thread configuration.
US09572633B2 Instrument holder
An instrument holder includes a substantially tubular base body which includes a grip portion and an instrument holding portion. The base body includes a through recess extending over an entire length thereof, and the instrument holding portion includes a front-sided insertion opening designed for insertion of an instrument.
US09572620B2 System and method for treating arrhythmias in the heart using information obtained from heart wall motion
A system and method for treating an arrhythmia in a heart are provided. The system includes an electronic control unit configured to monitor movement of one or more position sensor over a period of time. The position sensors may, for example, comprise electrodes or coils configured to generate induced voltages and currents in the presence of electromagnetic fields. The positions sensors are in contact with portions of heart tissue and changes in position are representative of motion of that tissue. The electronic control unit is further configured to generate an indicator, responsive to the movements of the sensors over the period of time, of a characteristic of the heart affected by delivery of ablation energy to heart tissue. In this manner, the effectiveness and safety of cardiac tissue ablation for treatment of the arrhythmia can be assessed and a post-ablation therapy regimen determined.
US09572617B1 Torque limiting surgical screw driver
Described herein are devices and methods for limiting the torque applied to surgical screw during a surgical procedure in which a surgical screw is passed into a vertebra, such as, for example, a spinal fusion procedure. A surgical screw driver is configured to prevent an excessive amount of torque from being delivered to the vertebrae through a surgical screw. When an excessive amount of torque is delivered to the handle of a surgical screw driver, it is prevented from being transmitted to the surgical screw and is thus not delivered to the vertebrae. Excessive force in the form of excessive torque transmitted to a vertebrae may cause a fracture along with possible mispositioning or displacement of a surgical screw.
US09572613B2 Bone treatment systems and methods
Systems and methods for treating bone, such as vertebral compression fractures are disclosed. A method includes controllably applying energy to a bone cement volume outside of a patient's body to selectively accelerate the polymerization rate of the bone fill material volume prior to introduction into a bone. The method further includes sequentially introducing a plurality of cement carrying structures with the accelerated polymerization rate bone cement volume into the bone. A system for use in the method includes at least one elongated cement-carrying structure sized to carry a bone cement volume therein and an energy source operatively coupleable to the cement-carrying structure. The energy source applies energy to the bone cement volume to selectively accelerate a polymerization rate thereof. An elongated injector insertable into the bone has a passageway that removably receives the elongated cement-carrying structure to allow delivery of the accelerated polymerization rate bone cement into the bone.
US09572609B2 Method of using a volar bone plate on a fracture
A volar fixation system includes a plate intended to be positioned against the volar side of the radial bone. The plate includes threaded holes for receiving fasteners which lock relative to the plate.
US09572606B2 Lockable intramedullary fixation device
An orthopedic device can include an intramedullary nail with a longitudinal bore, first and second bone fasteners with sleeves and a cannulated movable member received within the longitudinal bore. The movable member defines first and second guiding bores for receiving respectively the first and second fasteners. Each of the first and second guiding bores includes a pair of opposing deformable elongated strips. Each pair of strips can engage the sleeve of a corresponding bone fastener.
US09572604B2 Instrument kit for spinal osteosynthesis
A surgical kit for fastening vertebrae via the posterior approach or via the posterolateral approach, comprising: at least one vertebral or pedicle screw, and a fitting tube co-operating with the screw; the fitting tube having two rigid branches, each of the two branches having, on the inside face of its proximal end, at least one shoulder; the kit further comprising a retractable securing insert for securing together the branches; wherein the screw head has at least two longitudinal extensions, extending in the distal direction, each of said extensions being configured to enable said screw head to be inserted into a space of complementary shape formed between the inside surface of the proximal end of one of the rigid branches and the outside surface of the proximal end of said retractable insert, when the retractable insert is fully engaged in the fitting tube.
US09572593B2 Dermal micro-organs, methods and apparatuses for producing and using the same
Embodiments of the present invention provide Dermal Micro-organs (DMOs), methods and apparatuses for harvesting the same. Some embodiments of the invention provide a DMO including a plurality of dermal components, which substantially retain the micro-architecture and three dimensional structure of the dermal tissue from which they are derived. An apparatus for harvesting the DMO may include, according to some exemplary embodiments, a support configuration to support a skin-related tissue structure from which the DMO is to be harvested, and a cutting tool able to separate the DMO to from the skin-related tissue structure. Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a genetically modified dermal micro-organ expressing at least one recombinant gene product. Some embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for implanting a genetically modified DMO.
US09572591B2 Endoscopic snare device
A tissue removal tool for use with an endoscope. The tool includes a loop formed by a piece of wire. The loop is movable between an open position and a closed position. The shape of the loop is defined in the open position by a proximal portion and a distal portion. The piece of wire may have a cross-sectional height in the proximal portion unequal to a cross-sectional height in the distal portion.
US09572572B2 Circular stapler mechanical lockout
A surgical stapling device is disclosed including a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. The anvil assembly is translatable relative to the cartridge assembly between a spaced position, where the anvil assembly is spaced from the cartridge assembly, and an approximated position, where the anvil assembly is in close cooperative alignment with the cartridge assembly for clamping tissue disposed therebetween. A lockout sleeve is slidably supported on the cartridge assembly and translatable relative to the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly between a first position and a second position. The lockout sleeve is configured to engage the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly when the lockout sleeve is in the second position to inhibit translation of the anvil assembly relative to the cartridge assembly from the spaced position to the approximated position.
US09572566B2 Surgical suturing apparatus and method
An implant manipulator may have a distal end that retains an implant, a proximal end, and an intermediate portion between the ends. The intermediate portion may have a cross-sectional shape that extends along a nonlinear pathway. The intermediate portion may have a selectively bendable portion in which the cross-sectional shape varies to facilitate bending when desired. The implant manipulator may be a needle for a suture passer, with a suture capture feature at the distal end. The suture capture feature may have first and second members that flex apart to permit entry of the suture into a suture capture hole wherein the suture is retained until released. A suture passer may receive the needle in a bore shaped to change the cross-sectional shape to facilitate or restrict bending of the needle, as needed.
US09572565B2 Low profile tissue anchors, tissue anchor systems, and methods for their delivery and use
Tissue anchors include a flat, broad, and large contact surface for engagement with a portion of tissue. Several embodiments of composite tissue anchors include a support element and an overlay element. Tissue anchor assemblies include two or more tissue anchors, a connector, and a cinching mechanism. In some embodiments, the tissue anchors included in the tissue anchor assemblies are of different types, sizes, and/or shapes.
US09572559B2 Port site closure
A closure device for port site closure is provided. The closure device includes an end effector having a top surface and a bottom surface. A stem extends upwardly from a midsection of the top surface of the end effector. The stem has a free end, a distal end, and a middle portion therebetween. An attachment member extends from the distal end of the stem and is fixedly attached to the top surface of the end effector. The attachment member has a width smaller than a width of the distal end. At least one notch is defined by a gap between the distal end of the stem and the top surface of the end effector.
US09572551B2 Biopsy trocar
A biopsy trocar (1) is provided for performing bone marrow biopsies. The trocar comprises a biopsy needle (2) having a cannula (4), and a mandrel (3) having a shaft (6), the shaft (6) being suitable for sliding in the biopsy needle (2). The cannula (4) has, at its distal end, at least one internal rib (12, 21) forming a helix portion on the internal wall of the cannula (4), and the shaft (6) has a helical groove (16, 26) that is able to cooperate with the internal rib (12, 21), the internal rib (12, 21) being suitable for retaining a sample of marrow in the needle (2).
US09572547B2 Ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus and method for presenting items for inspection
An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus according to the present invention includes: a storing section storing a plurality of items for inspection including ultrasonic imaging or measurement of an imaged ultrasonogram and an order thereof; a controlling section calculating, regarding an item set for inspection constituted of a next item for inspection which is an item for inspection subsequent to a current item for inspection which is currently being implemented out of the plurality of items for inspection, an implementation frequency at which the item set for inspection is implemented, for each next item for inspection; a displaying section displaying a candidate for the next item for inspection on the basis of the implementation frequency; and an inputting section inputting the next item for inspection from the candidate for the next item for inspection.
US09572542B2 Estimating pharmacokinetic parameters in imaging
A method of estimating a parameter of physiological significance in the central nervous system (CNS) is provided. The method comprises (a) providing one or more images of the brain or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in a subject to whom a dose of a contrast agent (CA) has been administered; (b) determining, using a computer equipped with image processing software, the concentration or relative concentration of the agent in a region or regions of interest in the brain or CSF, thereby generating concentration data; (c) describing the time-based behavior of concentrations of CA within the brain or CSF using a pharmacokinetic model that is based on a set of pharmacokinetic model parameters; and (d) fitting, using computer code, the pharmacokinetic model to the concentration data, varying one or more parameters, wherein the best fit estimates a parameter of physiological significance in the CNS.
US09572532B2 Button sensor
A hermetically sealed electronic closure device, or button, includes a self-renewing power source, a sensor for measuring a metric, a memory storing information, a data processing circuit for controlling operations of the device, and a transceiver for sending and receiving information. The device is a standard part of a clothing item that is inconspicuous to a wearer of the clothing item.
US09572526B2 Apparatus and method for transporting a vessel to and from a PECVD processing station
Methods for processing a vessel, for example to provide a gas barrier or lubricity, are disclosed. First and second PECVD or other vessel processing stations or devices and a vessel holder comprising a vessel port are provided. An opening of the vessel can be seated on the vessel port. The interior surface of the seated vessel can be processed via the vessel port by the first and second processing stations or devices. Vessel barrier, lubricity and hydrophobic coatings and coated vessels, for example syringes and medical sample collection tubes are disclosed. A vessel processing system and vessel inspection apparatus and methods are also disclosed.
US09572523B2 Polymer membranes for continuous analyte sensors
Devices and methods are described for providing continuous measurement of an analyte concentration. In some embodiments, the device has a sensing mechanism and a sensing membrane that includes at least one surface-active group-containing polymer and that is located over the sensing mechanism. The sensing membrane may have a bioprotective layer configured to substantially block the effect and/or influence of non-constant noise-causing species.
US09572519B2 Method and apparatus for invasive device tracking using organ timing signal generated from MPS sensors
Apparatus for generating an organ timing signal relating to an inspected organ within the body of a patient, including a medical positioning system, and a processor The medical positioning system includes at least one reference electromagnetic transducer placed at a reference location, at least one inner electromagnetic transducer attached to a surgical tool inserted in a blood vessel in the vicinity of the inspected organ, and a medical positioning system processor coupled with the transducers. The medical positioning system processor generates medical positioning system data sets, each of which includes a collection of three-dimensional position coordinate readings demonstrating the motion trajectory of the surgical tool over time, the processor generating the organ timing signal from the data sets by detecting and identifying periodic motion frequencies in the data sets, and filtering the periodic motion frequencies from the data sets.
US09572518B2 System and method for detecting valid breaths from a capnometry signal
Based on a capnometry signal, one or more breathing parameters of a subject are determined that require valid breaths by the subject to be distinguished from anatomical events that cause the CO2 content of gas at or near the airway of the subject to fluctuate. To improve the accuracy of one or more of these determinations, gas at or near the airway of the subject is diluted.
US09572517B2 Baby monitoring mat based on fiber optic sensor
A Baby Monitoring Mat is provided having a top mesh layer, a bottom mesh layer, two flexible sheets, and an optical cable. The optical cable can be routed between the top mesh layer and the bottom mesh layer. The flexible sheets are also between the top mesh layer and the bottom mesh layer forming a sensing area. A light source is provided for feeding light from one side of the optical cable to a photodiode for detecting light attenuation at the other end of the optical cable. A processor receives signals from the light source and photodiode and the signals are processed to determine movements and breath counts. The signals are generated based on the light attenuation changes along the optical fiber cable detected by photodiode. A method for monitoring baby on a mat is also provided.
US09572515B1 Contoured quadrature coil arrangement
An apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging includes a magnet, a patient support, and a contoured quadrature coil. The contoured quadrature coil includes a ring coil and an angled butterfly coil. The angled butterfly coil may have a front outer section, an inner section, and a back outer section. The front outer section and the back outer section may be oriented diagonally from the plane of the ring coil such that a portion of the front outer section and/or the back outer section are disposed above the plane of the ring coil and a portion of the front outer section and/or the back outer section are disposed below the plane of the ring coil. Thus, the planes of the front and back outer sections may be angled with respect to each other, and the inner section may be substantially pyramidal and disposed along or below the plane of the ring coil.
US09572509B2 Systems and methods for activating transducers
Transducer-based systems and methods may be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected elements. Transducer activation characteristics, such as initiation time, activation duration, activation sequence, and energy delivery characteristics, can vary based on numerous factors. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers. Activation requests for a set of transducers can be denied if it is determined that a transducer in the set of transducers is unacceptable for activation.
US09572497B2 Quantitative multi-spectral opto-acoustic tomography (MSOT) of tissue biomarkers
A method of multi-spectral opto-acoustic tomography (MSOT) imaging of a target tissue including a target tissue biomarker includes illuminating the target tissue with an illumination device emitting at least one pulsed illumination pattern at several illumination wavelengths, detecting pressure signals from the target tissue biomarker with a detector device, wherein the pressure signals being produced in the target tissue are in response to the illumination, and reconstructing a quantitative tomographic image of a distribution of the target tissue biomarker in the target tissue, wherein the pressure signals are analyzed using a photon propagation model which depends on an illuminating light fluence in the target tissue and on the illumination wavelengths, at least one spectral processing scheme, and an inversion scheme providing the tomographic image.
US09572494B2 Method and apparatus for multi-spectral imaging and analysis of skin lesions and biological tissues
A multispectral nevoscope that uses specific wavelengths in the visible and infrared spectrum of electromagnetic radiation to transilluminate a skin-lesion or a biological tissue or specimen for imaging and maps multispectral 2-dimensional images into 3-dimensional virtual space for providing 3-D distributions of pre-defined parameters representing the characteristic properties (such as melanin, hemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin, etc.) of a skin lesion. Methods are disclosed for analyzing and using the characteristic distributions of specific parameters for detection and management of skin-cancers, or characterization of a biological tissue or specimen.
US09572493B2 Method for displaying signal values of a combined magnetic resonance positron emission tomography device and a correspondingly embodied magnetic resonance positron emission tomography device
A method, a computer program product and a computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for displaying signal values of a combined magnetic resonance positron emission tomography device. In at least one embodiment, the spatial correspondence of signal values, which result from a magnetic resonance measurement, and of signal values, which result from a positron emission tomography measurement, are used and the corresponding signal values are arranged in matrix form and displayed graphically as a multi-dimensional scatter plot.
US09572492B2 Occlusion-crossing devices, imaging, and atherectomy devices
A catheter device for crossing occlusions includes an elongate body, a central lumen extending within the elongate body from the proximal end to the distal end, a rotatable tip at the distal end of the elongate body, and an OCT imaging sensor. The rotatable tip is configured to rotate relative to the elongate body. The OCT imaging sensor includes an optical fiber coupled with the rotatable tip and configured to rotate therewith. A distal end of the elongate body includes one or more markers configured to occlude the OCT imaging sensor as it rotates. A fixed jog in the elongate body proximal to the distal end of the catheter positions the distal end of the catheter at an angle relative to the region of the catheter proximal to the fixed jog and is aligned with the one or more markers on the elongate body.
US09572491B2 Vital signal measurement device, and vital sign signal measurement system
A vital signal measurement system including a plurality of terminals aims to facilitate synchronization of each terminal with respect to other terminals. Each of the plurality of terminals (102) is provided with a first vital signal sensor (201) for measuring a vital signal, a first memory (205) for storing a first data which is based on the vital signal, and a first radio communication unit (206) for communicating with other terminals by radio. The first data is applied with a sequence number corresponding to the first data and the number indicates an order in which the first data is acquired. A first terminal (102b) included in the plurality of terminals performs resetting of the sequence number triggered by the synchronous signal which is received by the first radio communication unit.
US09572490B2 Method and system for measuring intraocular scattering
The present invention relates to a method for measuring ocular scattering, comprising the steps of: sequentially projecting images from an extensive light source, corresponding to different visual angles, onto the retina; recording the output light in a camera or detector once it has passed through the eye twice; calculating the intensity at the center of each recorded image; calculating the PSF for each angle from the previous intensities; and calculating the average of the value of the PSF between the angles. The invention also relates to a system for carrying out said method. The invention can be used to measure the intensity of the scattered light in an objective manner.
US09572489B2 Ophthalmologic imaging apparatus, ophthalmologic imaging method, and program
A fundus camera, which does not take time for adjustment of illumination light amount and focusing even if brightness of the fundus is different for each eye to be inspected, includes an illumination unit for illuminating the fundus of the eye to be inspected, a photometry unit for performing photometry of reflection light from the fundus illuminated by the illumination unit, an illumination light amount control unit for controlling a light amount of the illumination unit, a focus detection area determining unit for determining a focus detection area with respect to a fundus image taken by an image pickup unit, and a focus detection unit for detecting a focus position in the area determined by the focus detection area determining unit. The photometry unit calculates a photometry value of the focus detection area, and the illumination light amount is controlled based on the photometry value.
US09572485B2 Method and apparatus for the detection of impaired dark adaptation
The present method describes a new method for the measurement of dark adaptation. The dark adaptation status of subjects may then be used to identify those subjects who are at risk of developing and/or who are currently suffering from a variety of disease states having their clinical manifestations in impaired dark adaptation. The disease states include, but are not limited to, age related macular degeneration, vitamin A deficiency, Sorsby's Fundus Dystrophy, late autosomal dominant retinal degeneration, retinal impairment related to diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. An apparatus for administering the test method described is also provided.
US09572471B2 Nonwoven antimicrobial scrub pad
An abrasive article comprising a nonwoven substrate material impregnated with a first and second formulation. The first and second formulations have broad spectrum antimicrobial effectiveness against one or more microbial organisms. The first and second formulations include the same or different polymer compositions, which include one or more antimicrobial agents and abrasive particles uniformly dispersed in the polymer compositions.
US09572470B2 Cable-actuated lift system
A lift device is provided which allows a surface-contacting feature to articulate. The device raises and lowers a squeegee regardless of its lateral location. An actuator arm is provided on one end of a pivot arm channel such that when the actuator arm fully extends it disengages from the one end of the pivot arm channel. An actuator cable remains in tension such that it may be raised or lowered regardless of whether the surface-contacting feature's lateral position.
US09572460B2 Towel dispenser
A paper towel dispenser assembly including a support frame that receives a continuous length of pleated paper toweling. The paper towel dispenser assembly further including a sensor that actuates dispensing of an end of the continuous length of pleated paper toweling and a cutter that cuts a discrete towel from the end of the continuous length of pleated paper toweling.
US09572458B2 Multifunctional food processing tool for use with a food processing device
In a food processing device, an adjustable food processing tool includes a central hub having a fixed blade and an articulating blade extending outwardly therefrom. The articulating blade is adjustable relative to a pitch of the blade between substantially vertical and horizontal positions. An external adjustment assembly is disposed on a base unit of the food processing device for adjusting the pitch of the articulating blade, wherein the pitch of the articulating blade can be adjusted while a food processing procedure is being conducted. The adjustable food processing tool is configurable between a chopping configuration and a stir configuration, thereby providing for a single food processing tool that can be used for a multitude of food processing functions.
US09572441B1 Inertia/gravity dispensing device
A shaker device has a flow gate operated by gravity or by inertial force applied to the flow gate. The bottom of the gate has a plurality of spikes that fit within a plurality of openings in a cap. The flow gate may be a separate device to attach to a container or be attachable to a conventional shaker cap through which fluent material would fall. The flow gate slides upon one or more posts to prevent rotation thereon and misalignment. In a non-pouring position, the spikes prevent debris from entering in the shaker.
US09572430B2 Item of seating furniture
An item of seating furniture, including a base, a seating unit, a backrest unit having a back contact surface, and a headrest unit with a head contact surface. The headrest unit is movable between a storage position and an operating position. The headrest unit is arranged in the storage position in such that the head contact surface is fully behind the back contact surface and below the top edge thereof. The headrest unit is pivotable about a headrest rotation axis along a nonlinear movement path, or is movable along a linear movement path opposite the base. The backrest unit is movable along a second movement path deviating from the movement path of the headrest unit, wherein the movement of the backrest unit is coupled to the movement of the headrest unit via a movement mechanism of the headrest unit.
US09572429B2 Household appliance having improved height profile adjustable feet
The present invention relates to a household appliance (1) having a pair of front feet (3) and rear feet (4), each couple of front feet (3) and rear feet (4) being mechanically couplable by an extension shaft (6) being secured within said household appliance (1), said rear feet (4) of said household appliance (1) being formed as individual foot mechanisms (2) having a coupling end (11) introducible into an installation slot (8), the latter being directly exposed to the outside on rear surface of said household appliance (1) whereby a mutually interengaging mechanical relationship is provided between said household appliance (1) and said foot mechanism (2) so that said rear feet (4) of said household appliance (1) are individually removable and externally height adjustable.
US09572422B2 Height adjustable desk system and method
In an example, a lift mechanism can comprise: a first leg assembly, the first leg assembly including: a first member; and a second member moveable relative to the first member along a first longitudinal axis; a second leg assembly, the second leg assembly including: a third member; and a fourth member moveable relative to the third member along a second longitudinal axis; and a synchronization assembly connecting the first and second leg assemblies, the synchronization assembly configured to balance movement between the first and second leg assemblies, the synchronization assembly including a wheel assembly, the wheel assembly connected to a first tension member and a second tension member, the first tension member connected to at least one of the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly and the second tension member connected at least one of the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly.
US09572412B2 Hair shaping process using fatty substances, non-silicone polymers or surfactants
The invention relates to a cosmetic process for treating keratin fibers, preferably the hair, comprising at least the steps consisting in: a) applying to said keratin fibers a composition containing at least one substance chosen from fatty substances, non-silicone polymers and surfactants, b) applying a mechanical tension to said keratin fibers, and c) exposing said keratin fibers under mechanical tension to microwaves, at a pressure ranging from 50 000 to 250 000 Pa, in the presence of at least one solvent in vapor form on contact with the keratin fibers and without there being complete drying of the keratin fibers throughout the entire exposure to the microwaves, the solvent(s) in vapor form being entirely generated by evaporating at least one compound present, before emission of the microwaves, on contact with the keratin fibers, step a) taking place prior to step c).
US09572411B2 Luggage article with external frame having rods joined together by corner pieces
A luggage article may include at least one panel attached to other walls to form the luggage article. The at least one panel may be framed by rods and/or a coil spring member connected to corner pieces to form a peripheral frame that extends around and is attached to and supports the periphery of a lamina to thereby form a framed panel that is attached to the other walls to form the luggage article. The configuration of the rods, coil spring member and the corner pieces may result in reduced weight and improved memory and elasticity comparative to conventional frames, and may offer an improvement and alternative to conventional luggage frames.
US09572410B2 Mechanical closure having a locking device
The invention relates to a lock device, having a first connecting module and a second connecting module. The first connecting module can here be arranged in a closing direction on the second connecting module and is mechanically catch-lockingly engaged in a closing position with the second connecting module, and the first connecting module can be detached from the second connecting module by a movement of the first connecting module or of a part of the first connecting module in an opening direction, which differs from the closing direction. Here, a locking device (7; 9, 9a-f) is provided to prevent a movement of the first connecting module (1) or of the part (1a) of the first connecting module (1) in the opening direction (Y), when the first connecting module (1) and the second connecting module (2) are positioned in the closing position, wherein the locking device (7, 9, 9a-f; 100, 101, 102; 206, 207) can be unlocked to move the first connecting module (1) or the part (1a) of the first connecting module (1) in the opening direction (Y).
US09572404B2 Shoe with composite upper and foam element and method of making same
A bonded mesh composite panel can be used to form a three-dimensional upper shell that includes extensions used for double-lasting and/or to otherwise provide a shelf to support foam padding. The foam padding may be, e.g., a foam midsole. The extensions of the upper shell may be located in a lower portion of the shell and may be bonded to the foam midsole in a heel, midfoot and/or forefoot regions.
US09572397B2 Heated insole with removable assembly
A heated insole for a shoe has an insole body, a heating element, and a removable assembly. The insole body has a recess, and the heating element delivers heat to at least a portion of the insole body. The removable assembly is removable from and insertable into the recess of the insole body, and includes a battery and a control circuit that is configured to control heating of the heating element.
US09572396B2 Athletic shoe
An athletic shoe configured to efficiently attenuate dorsal, anterior, posterior, lateral, medial and plantar loading forces. The shoe toebox or forefoot upper includes a cutout region through what is generally inelastic outer shoe material, across which a panel of increased stretchability extends in juxtaposition with a key shoe-foot impact or pressure engagement area. The stretchable panel forms with the cutout a porous damping ventilating passageway into which a portion of the foot can enter and pass externally of an at-rest outer peripheral surface of the shoe material surrounding the cutout. Key shoe-foot impact or pressure areas include impact areas engaged by toes of a foot sliding forward within the shoe, and pressure areas engaged by bunions and bunionettes moving outward against the sides of the shoe. Upon removal of pressure by the moving foot portion, the stretchable panel retracts, and restores the cutout region back toward its initial configuration.
US09572394B2 Foot-support structures for articles of footwear
Foot-supporting elements for articles of footwear or other products may include: (a) a first diagonally-oriented plate that extends from a lateral heel location of an article of footwear to a medial forefoot location of the article of footwear; and (b) a second diagonally-oriented plate that extends from a medial heel location of the article of footwear to a lateral forefoot location of the article of footwear. These foot-supporting elements may be utilized in foot-receiving devices that may include: (a) a foot-covering member (such as an upper); and (b) a foot-supporting element engaged with the foot-covering member.
US09572388B2 Helmet mount
A helmet mount for electronics is provided. The helmet mount includes a clamping bracket for affixing to a helmet chin guard. In addition, the helmet mount includes an adjustable arm, swivel bracket and electronic device. A first end of the arm is rotatably attached to the clamp bracket, and a second end of the arm is rotatably attached to the slider bracket. Meanwhile, the electronic device is attached to the slider bracket that allows it to slide in an arcuate manner. Preferably, the clamp bracket includes a first clamping member and second clamping member which are both movable and rotatable relative to one another.
US09572385B2 Bowtie construction
A self-mounting bowtie has a pair of wings extending outwardly from a central wrapping band. A first magnetic element located at the wrapping band. A second magnetic element for magnetic attraction to the first magnetic element is provided to be positioned adjacent the central wrapping band with a layer of an article at a location at which the bowtie is to be attached being sandwiched between the central wrapping band and second magnetic element. The bowtie is thus magnetically retained at the desired location. The second magnetic element may be located on a fabric flap extending from the central wrapping element. Rare earth magnets, which provide a strong magnetic attraction despise a small size, are preferably used in the construction.
US09572383B2 Cycling glove
A glove particularly useful for cycling includes a plurality of finger elements a thumb element a dorsal side panel and a palmar side panel. The finger elements cover the fingers the thumb elements cover a thumb the dorsal side panel covers a back or dorsal side of the hand and the palmar side panel covers a palm of the hand. Shock absorbing pads are provided on the palmar side of the glove to extend along opposed sides of the ulnar nerve when in a use condition. Moreover one of the ulnar protective pads is placed generally between the ulnar and the median nerves and thereby off loads the stress on the ulnar nerve in the wrist area of the wearer when a wearer is gripping objects such as the handle bars of a bicycle or the like.
US09572382B2 Rapidly removable gloves and related methods
Disclosed is a modified set of gloves, system, and method of glove removal and retention that is particularly well suited for, but not limited to, tactical situations (i.e. fast-roping) and action sports environments. In one embodiment, the glove(s) feature at least one catch between at least two fingers of the glove(s). Preferably, the catch defines a mechanism for rapidly removing and retaining the glove(s). Further disclosed is a system for removing the glove(s) featuring a garment with an attached anchor, such as a carabineer or a hook. In a preferred embodiment, the anchor is positioned in the sternum area of the vest and glove wearer. Operably, a user moves the gloved hand(s) down and over the anchor to place the catch on the anchor so that the continued movement of the user's hands rapidly removes and stores the glove(s) via the anchor.
US09572379B2 Swimsuit with enhanced buttock portion
A swimsuit having a swimsuit bottom having a rear portion, a front portion, a pair of leg openings and a waist band for encasing the lower portion of a wearer's torso. The swimsuit bottom is form-fitting and made of elastic material of stretchable, resilient synthetic or synthetic blend fabric. The swimsuit bottom has a pair of pockets formed in the interior of the swimsuit bottom of the buttock area of the rear portion sized to accommodate a pair of pads designed for insertion into each of the pockets for enhancing the buttock of the wearer. The pads may be of different sizes and shapes to accommodate different body sizes and shapes in order to provide the desired enhancement. Decorative adornment such as ruffles or lacy trim is added on the swimsuit bottom to hide the pads.
US09572373B2 Electronic cigarette
An electronic cigarette is provided, which includes: a housing having a chimney formed therein; a liquid reservoir for storing liquid in the housing; and an atomizer assembly received in the housing. The atomizer assembly includes a heating tube capable of absorbing liquid. The heating tube defines a plurality of micropores on a wall thereof; an inner surface of the heating tube is in contact with the air in the chimney.
US09572370B2 Method and device for dynamically treading fruit
Dynamic crusher for treading fruit, particularly grapes, with a treading chamber having, when considering the direction of the path followed by the fruit in the crusher, an upstream fruit-introduction opening, a downstream discharge opening for discharging the must that results from the treading, a rotary ejector that allows kinetic energy to be imparted to the fruit introduced into the treading chamber, and allows the fruit to be cast against a fixed fruit-bursting wall, wherein the rotary ejector is mounted such that it can rotate about a vertical axis and a fixed fruit-bursting wall is positioned around the rotary ejector or facing the peripheral edge thereof against which fruit is cast, rotation of which allows the fruit to be cast, under the effect of centrifugal force, against the fixed fruit-bursting wall, causing the fruit to burst. A method for dynamically treading fruit using such a crusher is also disclosed.
US09572367B2 Tunnel
A tunnel 2 for the in-line anti-bacterial treatment of plucked poultry carcasses (or other animal carcasses) with a liquid cryogen or a cold gas at a temperature of less than 0° C. has an entrance 18 and an exit 20 for the poultry carcasses. A monorail conveyor 22 extends from the entrance 18 to the exit 20 and passes thorough the tunnel 2. Poultry suspension shackles 24 are able to pass along the conveyor 22. Thus, poultry carcasses are able to be conveyed through the tunnel 2. The conveyor 22 may follow a path which reverses direction at least once.
US09572361B2 System for automating cooking steps
A cooking system for automating cooking steps of a recipe on a stove comprising a stove including a plurality of cooking elements; power controller for controlling the operation of each one of the cooking elements; and computer system in communication with the power controller, said computer system including a processor, computer readable data storage, and a visual display unit. The processor causes the computer system to perform the steps of: for each automated step of said recipe, generates a control signal for actuating at least one of the cooking elements and sends said control signal to the power controller; and for each manual or user step of said recipe, generates data representing user readable instructions for performing the user step and displays said data on the visual display unit. The power controller is adapted to actuate the cooking elements in accordance with each control signal received from the computer system.
US09572354B2 Direct current meat carcass electrical stimulation assembly
An assembly according to the invention includes two pairs of relays, such as SSR semiconductor relays. The relays of each pair operate with the opposite direct current potentials. Direct current with the voltage of 220 V to 400 V as well as control lines are connected to the clamps of the controlled relays. The operation of the relays is controlled by means of a controller, such as a PLC programmable controller. The relays are connected to the first electrode clamp, and the other relays to the second electrode clamp. The assembly operates in such a way that the PLC controller activates the relays from the line, which simultaneously activate the flow of the direct current with the voltage of 220 V to 400 V and mutually opposite polarity. As a result of this, a difference of potentials appears on the electrode clamps.
US09572352B2 Filled dough producing method
Filled dough producing method is disclosed for making a food product, such as baozi, a traditional Chinese food, by folding and constricting close a circular dough wrapper around a filling in an apparatus including a pocket assembly made of pliable fabric layer with an upper surface and lower surface, a flexible frustro-conical member connected to the lower surface of the pliable fabric layer, and draw strings for making a pouch, wherein the frustro-conical member is configured to be alternately inverted from a first rigid position to a second rigid position.
US09572351B2 Automatic bread maker, ingredient box and bread making method
A method of making bread uses an automatic bread maker and an ingredient box. The method includes: put the bread ingredient with flour and baking powder according to proper formula into the accommodating room of the ingredient box and packaged; then place the ingredient box faced down in the hanging rack above the baking pan inside the automatic bread maker, operate the bread maker to make the sawtooth blade of the hanging rack pierced the film of the ingredient box and the bread ingredient inside fell down into the baking pan, then water the baking pan; close the housing of the automatic bread maker and turn on the baking pan, the bread ingredient is processed with working dough of mixing, stirring and kneading; get the baking pan out, and remove the bread of baked and shaped.
US09572350B2 Baking plate for baking ovens
A baking plate for a baking oven for producing baked products such as soft waffles, crispy wafers, pancakes and the like. The baking plate has a carrier plate and one or more baking inserts disposed thereon, which are configured for receiving the batter to be baked. The baking inserts are formed from sintered ceramic that are very sturdy and tough and have low thermal expansion.
US09572346B2 Octanoic, nonanoic and decanoic fatty acids with a pyrethroid adulticide
The invention relates to an octanoic, nonanoic and decanoic (C8, 9, 10) fatty acids mixture with a pyrethroid. The invention also relates to methods of using the octanoic, nonanoic and decanoic (C8, 9, 10) fatty acids and pyrethroid mixture to achieve superior arthropod control.
US09572337B2 Mite propagation inhibition sheet
A mite propagation inhibiting sheet has a sheet layer, an adhesive layer, and an unwoven fabric layer wherein mites are allowed to invade from a surface of the unwoven fabric layer to which an adhesive is not adhered, thereby forming a colony and the mites are trapped by an adhesive of the adhesive layer when the mites invade deep in the unwoven fabric layer by instinct, and further, a method of manufacturing a mite propagation inhibiting sheet, and a method of inhibiting the propagation of mites.
US09572335B2 Video recording system and methods
A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to receive a first notification that a first cast has been made. The computer-executable instructions may further include instructions, which cause the computer to receive data regarding a video input. The computer-executable instructions may further include instructions, which cause the computer to receive a second notification that a second cast has been made. The computer-executable instructions may further include instructions, which cause the computer to delete a portion of the data regarding the video input that is associated with the first cast in response to receiving the second notification.
US09572333B1 Trigger happy comfort grip
A resiliently flexible grip for fishing rods has a hollow tubular main body and includes a retaining band that wraps around the fishing rod, which keeps the flexible grip fixed to a trigger of a fishing rod. The main body conforms to any shape of the trigger and compresses uniformly to provide a custom fit on the trigger. The grip, during use, compresses and conforms to the individual user's finger and hands providing comfort while fishing.
US09572329B2 Antimicrobial containing fish hook and method of using and manufacturing same
A fishing hook is plated with, coated with, or contains an antimicrobial substance to treat the impalement wound of a fish caused by the hook. Specifically the hook includes at least one shank; at least one bend that extends from the shank; at least one point defined by a free end of the bend, wherein the fish hook contains a substance whose purpose is to minimize infection and to treat the puncture wound of a fish that is caught. The substance optionally acts to sterilize the hook to reduce the entrance of microbes into the wound when the puncture occurs. The substance may also contain an anti-inflammatory or a pain reliever to reduce the suffering of the fish or of others accidentally injured by the hook.
US09572322B2 Cheese container, cheese block and method of branding cheese
A container is disclosed that is used to from a block of cheese having a brand marking. The container has dividers located on an internal side of a sidewall of the container. The block of cheese may be divided into slices of cheese where a slice of cheese has a brand marking.
US09572315B2 ALS inhibitor herbicide tolerant B. napus mutants
The present invention relates to an ALS inhibitor herbicide tolerant B. napus plant, progeny and parts thereof comprising a non-transgenic mutation of an endogenous acetolactate synthase I gene and a non-transgenic mutation of an endogenous acetolactate synthase III gene.
US09572301B2 Switch-free multi-cutting mode shearing tool
A switch-free multi-cutting mode shearing tool includes a shearer including a first handle and a second handle pivotally connected together, a cutter blade pivoted to the first handle, a link pivoted to the second handle, and a pushing element mounted at the second handle. The cutter blade has a cutting edge protruding over a front end of the first handle, an actuation portion projecting between the first and second handles, an elongated slot located in the actuation portion and a plurality of engagement grooves inside the elongated slot. The link has a pin located at a movable end thereof and inserted into and movable along the elongated slot and selectively engageable into one of the engagement grooves, such that when the first and second handles are closed toward each other, the pushing element is forced to touch and push the actuation portion of the cutter blade.
US09578794B2 Apparatus and method for detaching a component from a mounting surface
Disclosed is an apparatus for detaching a component from a mounting surface to which the component is attached by an adhesive. The apparatus includes a right-angled hook, a curved hook, a connecting body and an adjusting member. On one side of the component, the right-angled hook protrudes into a first space between the component and the mounting surface. On another side of the component, the curved hook protrudes into a second space between the component and the mounting surface. The connecting body connects the right-angled hook and the curved hook. In response to a thermal process, the adhesion of the adhesive is reduced, and an adjustment of the adjusting member allows the curved hook to provide a shear force in order to detach the component from the mounting surface. A method for detaching a component from a mounting surface is also disclosed.
US09578774B2 Electronic component unit
An electronic component unit includes a housing which accommodates an electronic component therein, which includes a bottom surface in a vertical direction and a side wall surface, and to which a connection portion with electric wire is provided on the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the housing includes an inclined surface. One side of the inclined surface disposed on a side of the side wall surface is positioned at a lower position in the vertical direction than the other side of the inclined surface disposed on a side of the connection portion.
US09578769B2 Components of an electronic device and methods for their assembly
Various components of an electronic device housing and methods for their assembly are disclosed. The housing can be formed by assembling and connecting two or more different sections together. The sections of the housing may be coupled together using one or more coupling members. The coupling members may be formed using a two-shot molding process in which the first shot forms a structural portion of the coupling members, and the second shot forms cosmetic portions of the coupling members.
US09578761B2 Electronic control unit and protective case
An electronic control unit includes a plate-shaped control board, a long pillar-shaped battery pack, a fixing frame that includes a juxtaposing and mounting part, to which the control board and the battery pack are fixed, and a housing that includes an opening portion and a back side holding portion to accommodate the control board and the battery pack. The juxtaposing and mounting part is inserted into the opening portion. The fixing frame is fixed to the opening portion. The back side holding portion holds the juxtaposing and mounting part at an inner back side of the housing opposed to the opening portion. The back side holding portion includes a protruding portion protruding toward the opening portion at a position away from a bottom surface of the housing on the inner back side of the housing. The juxtaposing and mounting part includes a tip portion in a direction of the insertion of the juxtaposing and mounting part into the housing. The tip portion has a curved shape that is urged from its upper side by a lower surface of the protruding portion and that is urged from its lower side by the bottom surface of the housing on the inner back side of the housing.
US09578752B2 Method of forming conductive pattern and substrate having conductive pattern manufactured by the same method
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a board that includes a conductive pattern, which comprises the steps of 1) discharging a conductive inorganic composition that includes a conductive inorganic metal particle on a substrate; 2) discharging a conductive organic composition that includes a conductive organic metal complex on the conductive inorganic composition; and 3) sintering the conductive inorganic composition and the conductive organic composition, and a board that includes a conductive pattern manufactured by using the same. A board that includes a conductive pattern according to the present invention may have high conductivity even though it is sintered at a lower sintering temperature than a board that includes a conductive pattern formed by using only an organic material or only an inorganic material.
US09578751B2 Method for producing a resin substrate having a metal film pattern formed thereon
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for using a metal ion solution of low concentration to efficiently form a metal film pattern of excellent accuracy and reliable adhesion on a resin substrate. A resin substrate having a metal film pattern formed thereon is produced by a method that includes the following steps (a) to (e): (a) a step for pattern-printing of a latent image agent (2) onto the surface of a resin substrate (1) ; (b) a step for bringing the area imprinted with the latent image agent (2) into contact with a solution containing metal ions, and forming a metal salt (3); (c) a step for bringing the metal salt (3) into contact with an acidic treatment liquid containing a reducing agent, and reducing the metal salt; (d) a step for forming an electroless nickel plating film (5) on the area imprinted with the latent image agent; and (e) a step for precipitating an electroless copper plating (6) onto the surface of the nickel plating film (5).
US09578740B2 Copper clad laminate, printed circuit board, and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed herein are a copper clad laminate, a printed circuit board, and a method of manufacturing the same. The copper clad laminate includes: an insulating layer having one surface and the other surface; and first and second copper foil layers having one surface, which is a smooth surface, and the other surface, which is a rough surface having a roughness larger than that of the smooth surface, respectively, wherein one surface of the insulating layer contacts the rough surface of the first copper foil layer and the other surface of the insulating layer contacts the smooth surface of the second copper foil layer.
US09578736B2 Patterned metallization handle layer for controlled spalling
A handle substrate having at least one metallization region is provided on a stressor layer that is located above a base substrate such that the at least one metallization region is in contact with a surface of the stressor layer. An upper portion of the base substrate is spalled, i.e., removed, to provide a structure comprising, from bottom to top, a spalled material portion of the base substrate, the stressor layer and the handle substrate containing the at least one metallization region in contact with the surface of the stressor layer.
US09578724B1 Illumination device and method for avoiding flicker
An illumination device comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a method for controlling the illumination device while avoiding flicker in the LED output is provided herein. According to one embodiment, the method may include driving the plurality of LEDs substantially continuously with drive currents configured to produce illumination, periodically turning the plurality of LEDs off for short durations of time during a first period to take measurements or communicate optical data, and increasing the drive currents supplied to the plurality of LEDs by a small amount when the LEDs are on during the first period to compensate for lack of illumination when the LEDs are periodically turned off during the first period.
US09578722B2 Methods for selecting and controlling devices
A method of selecting and controlling devices based on wireless communication technology. The wireless controller sends a probe message to one or more devices; each device receives the probe message, obtains information in respect of its relative position with respect to the wireless controller, determines a response time to respond according to a first predefined rule, based on its relative position information: detects response signals from other devices before expiration of the response time; decides whether to send or not to send its response signal according to a second predefined rule and the detecting procedure of response signals from other devices; the wireless controller receives response signals sent by the devices after the comparison of the relative position information of each device with respect to the wireless controller, and selects the target devices from the devices. Embodiments of the present invention reduce the complexity, delay and energy consumption of the selection for wireless devices, and are especially applicable for wireless lighting systems.
US09578719B2 Method and device for correcting color shift of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel, and display device
A method and device for correcting a color shift of an OLED display panel, and a display device are disclosed. The method includes: performing an ageing treatment on the monochromatic luminescent devices in the OLED display panel; performing a luminescent lifetime attenuation test on the monochromatic luminescent devices after the ageing treatment respectively, and obtaining corresponding luminescent lifetime attenuation rates of the monochromatic luminescent devices; and performing an ageing treatment on the monochromatic luminescent device with rapidest luminescent lifetime attenuation rate again when differences between the luminescent lifetime attenuation rates of the monochromatic luminescent devices are greater than a preset threshold, until differences between the luminescent lifetime attenuation rates of the monochromatic luminescent devices are less than the preset threshold. The method effectively corrects the color shift phenomenon of display images of an OLED display product after long-term use.
US09578718B2 Method for manufacturing light-emitting element and deposition apparatus
In order to provide a highly reliable organic EL element, a first step in which a deposition material is heated and vaporized in a deposition chamber in which the pressure is reduced and a second step in which a layer included in an EL layer is deposited in the deposition chamber are performed while exhaustion is performed and the partial pressure of water in the deposition chamber is measured with a mass spectrometer. Alternatively, the deposition chamber in the deposition apparatus includes a deposition material chamber and is connected to an exhaust mechanism. The deposition material chamber is separated from the deposition chamber by a sluice valve, includes a deposition material holding portion including a heating mechanism, and is connected to a mass spectrometer and an exhaust mechanism.
US09578706B1 Self-adjusting power supply circuit of silicon controlled dimming in LED lighting
A self-adjusting power supply circuit of silicon controlled dimming in LED lighting, having a first resistor, a second resistor, a third resistor, a first diode, a second diode, a third diode, a fourth diode, a comparator, a first invertor, a second invertor, a first field effect transistor, a second field effect transistor, a third field effect transistor, a fourth field effect transistor, a switch transistor, a fifth field effect transistor, and a parasitic capacitor; the first resistor and the first diode are connected in series; the fourth diode is connected in parallel with the first resistor and the first diode; the second resistor and the third resistor are connected in series; two pins of the first invertor are connected respectively with the comparator and the second invertor; the first field effect transistor is connected in series with the second field effect transistor and the second diode; the third field effect transistor is connected in series with the fourth field effect transistor; the third diode is connected in parallel with the fifth field effect transistor; the fifth field effect transistor is connected in parallel with the parasitic capacitor; the fifth field effect transistor is connected in series with the switch transistor.
US09578700B2 Controllable-load circuit for use with a load control device
A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load is operable to conduct enough current through a thyristor of a connected dimmer switch to exceed rated latching and holding currents of the thyristor. The load control device comprises a controllable-load circuit operable to conduct a controllable-load current through the thyristor of the dimmer switch. The load control device disables the controllable-load circuit when the phase-control voltage received from the dimmer switch is a reverse phase-control waveform. When the phase-control voltage received from the dimmer switch is a forward phase-control waveform, the load control device is operable to decrease the magnitude of the controllable-load current so as to conduct only enough current as is required in order to exceed rated latching and holding currents of the thyristor.
US09578696B2 Combination solar/low-voltage lighting apparatus
A lighting apparatus includes a housing, a plurality of lighting elements coupled to the housing, wherein a first subset of the plurality of lighting elements is powered by a solar power source and a second subset of the plurality of lighting elements is powered by a low-voltage electrical power source, and a switch for selectively switching between operation of the first subset and the second subset.
US09578693B2 Transverse flux induction heating device
The transverse flux induction heating device allows an alternating magnetic field to intersect the sheet face of a conductive sheet which is conveyed in one direction, thereby inductively heating the conductive sheet. The transverse flux induction heating device includes a heating coil disposed such that a coil face faces the sheet face of the conductive sheet; a core around which the heating coil is coiled; and a shielding plate formed of a conductor and disposed between the core and a side end portion in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the conductive sheet, wherein the shielding plate has a protruded portion, and the side surface of the protruded portion represents a closed loop when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the coil face.
US09578692B2 Power converter with tank circuit and over-voltage protection
In one implementation, a power converter with over-voltage protection includes a power switch coupled to a power supply through a tank circuit, and a control circuit coupled to a gate of the power switch. The control circuit is configured to turn the power switch OFF based on a current from the tank circuit, thereby providing the over-voltage protection to the power converter. In one implementation, the power converter is a class-E power converter. In one implementation, the control circuit is configured to sense the current from the tank circuit based on a voltage drop across a sense resistor coupled to the power switch.
US09578690B2 Heater for an automotive vehicle and method of forming same
There is disclosed a heater for an automotive vehicle or other article of manufacture. The heater typically includes a first conductive medium and a second conductive medium disposed upon a carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the first conductive medium includes a first section and a second section that are electrically connected by a second conductive medium. The second conductive medium preferably exhibits a positive thermal coefficient.
US09578677B2 Method and apparatus for management of cellular connections
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus configured to receive a location update reject message and to determine whether a radio resource connection release message is issued in connection with the location update reject message. The apparatus is further configured to, responsive to a determination that a radio resource connection release message is issued in connection with the location update reject message, initiate an attach procedure using a new radio resource connection, and responsive to a determination that no radio resource connection release message is issued in connection with the location update reject message, to initiate an attach procedure using an existing radio resource connection.
US09578673B2 Method of changing UE mobility state in RRC connected mode
In a wireless communication system, a user equipment is configured to establish an RRC link with a cell when operating in a first mobility state or a second mobility state of an RRC connected mode. When all currently running application programs only cause background traffic or do not require short data latency, the user equipment is configured to maintain in or switch to the first mobility state having a lower monitoring frequency. When any of the currently running applications involves user interaction or requires short data latency, the user equipment is configured to maintain in or switch to the second mobility state having a higher monitoring frequency.
US09578670B2 Method for matching multiple devices, device for enabling matching thereof and server system
The present invention relates to a method for matching multiple devices, and a device and a server system for enabling the matching thereof. According to one aspect of the invention, provided is a matching method comprising: determining, from a perspective of a first device, characteristic information on a motion of the first device; determining, from a perspective of a second device, characteristic information on at least one of the motion of the first device, an input to the second device according to the motion of the first device, an operation on the second device according to the motion of the first device, and a location change of the first device caused by the motion of the first device; and matching the first device and the second device based on the characteristic information determined from the perspective of the first device and the characteristic information determined from the perspective of the second device.
US09578667B2 User equipment, base station, and method of enabling usage of resources for a device-to-device discovery
A user equipment receives information on allocated resources for a device-to-device discovery. An enabler signaling is performed in which the user equipment is operative to determine whether a message received at a wireless interface enables the user equipment to use the allocated resources.
US09578666B2 User terminal for D2D communication using uplink radio resource
A mobile communication system according to embodiment comprises: a user terminal that performs D2D communication that is direct device to device communication; and a base station that performs cellular communication with the user terminal. The D2D communication is performed by using a part of uplink radio resources of the cellular communication. The base station transmits, to the user terminal, a timing advance value that is used for adjustment of a transmission timing in an uplink of the cellular communication. The timing advance value is commonly applied to the adjustment of the transmission timing in the uplink, and adjustment of a transmission timing in the D2D communication.
US09578662B2 Gateway and control device, and communication controlling methods for the same
In order to implement handover to a femto cell without making any modification to UEs, a gateway (50) relays traffic between a core network (60, 70) and a plurality of base stations (20_1-20_4) that are respectively incorporated into the core network (60, 70) through a public network. The gateway (50) generates an RRC Connection Release message for prompting establishment of a new RRC connection, when it is notified from the core network (60, 70) that a mobile station (10) is handed over to any one of the plurality of base stations (20_1-20_4). Then, the gateway (50) causes the core network (60, 70) to instruct a control device (40), which has established an RRC connection to the mobile station (10), to transfer the RRC Connection Release message to the mobile station (10).
US09578657B2 Wireless communication method and device
The present invention discloses a wireless communication method carried out by a wireless transmitter capable of offering an unintended wireless device a chance of starting or proceeding with a transmission procedure during a transmission duration of the wireless transmitter. An embodiment of said wireless communication method comprises the following steps: preparing a packet carrying an indication of a clear channel assessment (CCA) threshold level for an unintended wireless device to decide whether to execute a transmission procedure; and transmitting the packet to an intended wireless device under a protocol by which the unintended wireless device is expected to abide.
US09578645B2 Reducing congestion in wireless communication networks
In a method for controlling network congestion, a parameter to bar access from specific user equipment is adjusted. The adjusted parameter in a specific system information block which is different from a System Information Block Type2 is transmitted. The method may be performed by a base station.
US09578639B2 Methods and nodes in a wireless communication system
Methods and nodes, for assignment of uplink control channel resources for providing HARQ feedback for data transmitted on a downlink data channel associated with a downlink control channel. The downlink control channel comprises at least a set of downlink control channel resources, which is configurable over a subset of available time frequency resources. The method comprises dividing the set of downlink control channel resources into at least two subsets of references, comprising indices to the respective downlink control channel resources. Also, the method comprises defining, for each such subset of references, an associated subset of references comprising indices to unique uplink control channel resources. Furthermore, the method comprises associating each element in the subset of references with a subframe and an element in the subset of references. Additionally, the method further comprises transmitting data on the downlink data channel associated with the downlink control channel.
US09578626B2 Systems and methods for sharing context information in a neighbor aware network
Systems and methods share context information on a neighbor aware network. A method for communicating data in a wireless communications network is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a device, a first message from a station, decoding the message to determine service information, the service information identifying a service provided by the station, generating a second message, wherein the second message is generated to indicate the service provided by the station and service information of the device, and transmitting, by the device, the second message to a remote station.
US09578625B2 Method and apparatus for allocating resources in wireless communication system
A method and an apparatus for allocating resources in a wireless communication system are provided. The method is characterized by dividing a system bandwidth into a multiple of a resource block group (RBG) to form subbands and transmitting allocation information for indicating allocated subbands among the subbands and resource allocation within the subbands.
US09578624B2 Method for transmitting information in a broadcast system
A method of allocating control information in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes: allocating essential control information of a first system to a first sub-frame in a frame including a plurality of sub-frames each of which comprises a plurality of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols; and allocating essential control information of a second system to an nth sub-frame in a fixed position from the first sub-frame (where n is an integer satisfying n>1). Accordingly, in a frame supporting heterogeneous systems, essential control information can be fixedly allocated to a specific position while maintaining the number of system switching points, at which switching occurs between the systems, to one even if a radio resource allocation amount changes between the systems, and thus the essential control information that must be received by all user equipments can be effectively provided without the increase of overhead.
US09578611B2 Radio communication device, radio communication method, and radio communication system
The invention operates as a base station and preferably suppresses interference between cells in a downlink to a terminal in a range expansion area, under a radio communication environment in which cells in different sizes are layered. PDCCH parts which are respectively used by a Macro eNodeB and a Pico eNodeB are separated by a search space so that all information in the PDCCH can be protected from losing due to interference. Since a user equipment can maintain a control signal in the PDSCH part, a signal in the PDSCH can be output from an eNodeB and this improves the throughput.
US09578610B2 System and method for uplink timing synchronization in conjunction with discontinuous reception
Systems and methods for controlling sounding reference signal transmission are provided; a user equipment starts transmitting the sounding reference signal in anticipation of uplink data transmission, and then discontinues transmitting the sounding reference signal after completion of uplink data transmission.
US09578584B1 Controlling tune-away of user equipment devices
A method for controlling tune-away of a UE from its serving base station during handover, where the UE is configured to tune away from its serving base station at scheduled tune-away times, is disclosed herein. The method includes, between a first scheduled tune-away time and a next, second scheduled tune-away time, (a) determining that the UE has threshold weak signal strength from the serving base station, and (b) responsive to determining that the UE has threshold weak signal strength from the serving base station, determining a remaining battery energy level of the UE. The method further includes, based at least in part on the determined remaining battery energy level of the UE, causing the UE to tune away from the serving base station before the second scheduled tune-away time to scan for target coverage.
US09578577B2 Methods and apparatuses in communication systems
A method in a legacy access node for selecting a suitable RAN, of a plurality of RANs for a LTE UE, capable of both PS and CS sessions in a global communication network. The method comprises connecting the UE to a legacy RAN via a radio interface module and then establishing a PS session with the connected UE. The bandwidth that the UE currently is consuming is monitored and compared with a predefined bandwidth threshold. If the consumed bandwidth exceeds the predefined bandwidth threshold an attempt will be made to trigger transferring of the UE from the current legacy RAN to the LTE RAN. A corresponding method is disclosed in a eNodeB where the attempt to trigger transferring of the UE from the LTE RAN to the legacy RAN is made if the consumed bandwidth falls below the predefined threshold. Related legacy access nodes and eNodeBs perform the methods.
US09578565B1 Dynamic hysteresis offset manipulation for wireless communication device handovers
A source macro base station exchanges user data with a wireless communication device using an enhanced Radio Frequency (RF) service and receives RF measurement data from the wireless communication device. The RF measurement data is processed using a hysteresis parameter to detect a pico handover event to a target pico base station, and in response, determine if the target pico base station supports the enhanced RF service, and if the target pico base station does not support the enhanced RF service, the hysteresis parameter is modified to inhibit a pico handover to the target pico base station. The RF measurement data is processed to detect a macro handover event to a target macro base station, and in response, the hysteresis parameter is modified to drive a macro handover to the target macro base station if the target macro base station supports the enhanced RF service.
US09578564B2 Method and apparatus at the physical and link layer for mobile communications
In a cellular telecommunications network, a mobile communication system to offload data traffic from base stations to small-node devices, includes a radio base station, a plurality of small-node devices, a macro-base-station-to-the-small-node-device (BS2D) communication section configured to receive a first control-plane message from the radio base station over a BS2D communication link, a small-node-device-to-user-equipment (D2UE) communication section configured to transmit user-plane data to a user equipment over a wireless D2UE communication link established responsive to the first control-plane message, and a center small-node device. The center small-node device includes a buffer section, a backhaul communication section configured to receive the user-plane traffic data from a server over a backhaul link, and is configured to manage D2UE connections between the plurality of small-node devices and the mobile station, buffer data to be transmitted in downlink and uplink for the plurality of small-node devices, and conduct a link adaptation for the D2UE connections.
US09578559B2 Method for performing handover, user equipment, base station, and radio communication system
According to embodiments, a base station includes a radio communication unit configured to establish communication with a mobile communication terminal using a plurality of component carriers. The base station further includes a control unit configured to transmit a command to the mobile communication terminal to reduce the plurality of component carriers to one prior to handover of communication between the mobile communication terminal and the base station to another base station.
US09578554B2 Methods and apparatus for improving a call fallback user experience
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques for improving a circuit-switched fallback (CSFB) user experience. In aspects, methods and systems for autonomously returning a user equipment (UE) from a 2G (2nd generation)/3G (3rd generation) network to an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network are provided. The UE may store a flag to note whether a current circuit switched (CS) call in the 2G/3G network is a result of a CSFB. The UE, in response to detecting a termination of the current CS call in the 2G/3G network and determining that the terminated call was a CSFB call (e.g., from the status of the flag), may trigger a mobility mechanism to autonomously return the UE to the LTE network.
US09578550B2 Method and apparatus for device-to-device communication
A method of controlling device-to-device communications between user equipment, including using a network control element, which is common to a plurality of networks, including controlling any of the following functions: network access control functions, connection set-up, resource allocation, mode switching, handover, security and/or charging. Also a method of controlling handovers or connections in a device-to-device communications between a first and a second user equipment wherein the control is performed, at least in part, said first or second user equipments. Alternatively the user equipment may send reports a handover/connection is initiated/controlled based on said report.
US09578548B2 System and method for configuring multiple IP connections
In one embodiment, a method of configuring multiple per user access connections includes receiving, by an access gateway (AG) from an access point (AP), a first extensible authentication protocol (EAP) message including a first capability of a user equipment (UE) and transmitting, by the AG to an authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) server, a second EAP message including the first capability of the UE and indication second capability of the AG. The method also includes receiving, by the AG from the AAA server, and an AAA message including a negotiated connection capability version and AAA message parameters and transmitting, by AG to the AP, a third EAP message including the negotiated connection capability version.
US09578541B2 Proximity based sub-pooling of network devices in mobile wireless networks
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining message transfer delays based on transport layer control information associated with network traffic of a backhaul network coupled between a number of core network nodes of a wireless network and a wireless access node of the wireless network. The message transfer delays are representative of the network traffic between the core network nodes and the wireless access node. Weighting factors are assigned to the core network nodes based on the message transfer delays. The weighting factors are exposed to a scheduler that identifies a first group of core network nodes and a second group of core network nodes based on the weighting factors. The wireless access node preferentially establishes communications via the first group of core network nodes. The wireless access node establishes communications via the second group, responsive to an inability to establish communications via any core network nodes the first group. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09578540B1 Low latency wireless messaging
Technology for wireless transmission of messages to remote receiving devices is disclosed. The technology includes receiving a message for transmission, determining transmission parameters for transmission of the message, and transmitting the message to a remote receiving device according to the determined transmission parameters. The technology may also include encoding the message to effect message latency and may be employed for message transmission via the ionosphere or other atmospheric layer at frequencies in the Medium Frequency (MF), High Frequency (HF), or Very High Frequency (VHF) spectrum. Further, the disclosed technology may be employed for message transmission to effect low latency financial transaction execution, such as high speed high frequency trading.
US09578535B2 Other cell interference estimation
The disclosure relates to a method and a node for estimating other cell interference in a radio network node (300) providing an own cell serving at least one radio device in a radio network. The method comprises measuring a load utilization, relating to the load utilized by said at least one radio device. The method also comprises estimating a load utilization probability based at least on the measured load utilization, a previously estimated load utilization probability and a previously estimated interference-and-noise sum. The method also comprises estimating an interference-and-noise sum based at least on the measured load utilization, a measured received total wideband power (RTWP) the estimated load utilization probability and the previously estimated interference-and-noise sum. The method also comprises checking whether the estimated load utilization probability and/or estimated interference-and-noise sum and/or any algorithm value derived from any of the estimates, is within a predefined range.
US09578529B1 Cellular data testing system
A device may receive preferences related to performing cellular data testing in a cellular network. The preferences may identify one or more target network addresses. The device may receive location information identifying a testing location. The device may configure a component of the device to set a location of the device based on the location information. The device may perform a cellular data test by transmitting network traffic to the one or more target network addresses via a gateway associated with the testing location. The device may determine a result of the cellular data testing based on transmitting the network traffic. The device may selectively provide a notification based on the result.
US09578522B2 Cross correlation nulling for interference resolution
Systems and methods generate corrected channel transfer functions by cross-correlation nulling. In an example system, a first receiver node (which may be a wireless base station) receives first expected reference signal information associated with an interfering transmitter node (which may be a wireless user equipment) and creates a correction matrix based on the first expected reference signal information associated with the interfering transmitter node and on second expected reference signal information associated with an intended transmitter node. The correction matrix can then be applied to an estimated channel transfer function associated with a received transmission from the intended transmitter node to generate a corrected channel transfer function associated with the received transmission from the intended transmitter node. The first receiver node can use the corrected channel transfer function in decoding received transmissions including, for example, use in performing interference resolution.
US09578515B2 Methods and apparatuses for frequency spectrum sharing
Techniques are provided for frequency spectrum sharing that allows secondary operators to access a frequency band of a primary operator without interfering with the primary operator's use of the band, while ensuring service continuity for devices of the secondary operators. For example, there is provided a method that may involve identifying an outage on a first channel of a plurality of channels of a spectrum, wherein each of the plurality of channels is allocated to one of a plurality of operators. The method may involve migrating all mobile stations in communication over the first channel of the plurality of channels to at least one other channel of the plurality of channels during the outage.
US09578514B2 Method, apparatus, and computer program product for enablement
Method, apparatus, and computer program product embodiments of the invention are disclosed for enablement employable, for example, in operation in TV white spaces. In an example embodiment of the invention, a method, comprises: receiving, at a master white space device, slave white space device enablement information, wherein said slave white space enablement information corresponds to a further master white space device enablement grant; performing decision, at the master white space device, with respect to one or more of: employment, in connection with the master white space device, of the further master white space device enablement grant; need for additional information; and need for database query; and determining to dispatch, from the master white space device, an indication regarding the decision.
US09578510B2 System and method for wireless handheld device security in a data center environment
A data center includes an access controller with a short range wireless communication controller, and an access point with a long range wireless communication controller. The access point is coupled to the access controller via a secure link. The access controller, receives a security credential from a mobile device via the short range wireless communication controller, authenticates the mobile device, receives access information for the mobile device via the short range wireless communication controller in response to authenticating the mobile device, and provides the access information to the access point via the secure link. The access point uses the access information to connect to the mobile device via the long range wireless communication controller.
US09578508B2 Method and apparatus for wireless device countermeasures against malicious infrastructure
System, apparatus, and methods are provided for protecting against malicious infrastructure in a wireless communication network. A system determines a trust metric for an access point and decides to avoid communication with the access point based on the trust metric for the access point. The trust metric may, for example, be a numeric value such as a probability of trustworthiness or a categorization of trustworthiness. The system may determine the trust metric by receiving a list of access points and their corresponding trust metrics and matching a potential access point to its listed trust metric. The system may try to avoid using an untrustworthy access point's services unless it deems the services important enough to risk the communication.
US09578507B2 Managing hidden security features in user equipment
A device determines whether a PTT application is authenticated to access a first API and a second API, and prevents the PTT application from accessing the first and second APIs when the PTT application is not authenticated. The device permits the PTT application to access the first and second APIs when the PTT application is authenticated, and modifies, via the first API, a timer that dictates when the device checks for traffic received from a network. The device establishes, via the second API, a data connection with the network, and determines, based on the data connection, a QoS framework for the network. The device utilizes the PTT application and the timer to establish a PTT session with another device via the network, and prioritizes, based on the QoS framework, PTT traffic provided in the PTT session with the other device.
US09578506B2 Method and arrangement for providing a wireless mesh network
The invention relates to a method for providing a wireless local network, wherein stationary communication devices and mobile communication devices are connected in the manner of a mesh as the sub-network, which is particularly connected to an infrastructure network and configured to exchange authentication messages with at least one communication device, which is particularly disposed in the infrastructure network and provides an authentication function. During an attempt to establish a first link by a first communication device connected to a communication device providing the authentication function to a second communication device connected to the communication device providing the authentication function, an authenticator role to be assigned as part of an authentication process is associated with the first and second communication devices, wherein at least one property correlating with the connection is analyzed for meeting a criterion. The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising means for carrying out the method.
US09578501B2 Communications method
The present application relates to a method of providing connectivity to a vehicle. The method comprises, at a first device aboard the vehicle, establishing at least one first connection with at least one first network, the at least one first connection allowing communication with a second device remote from the first device, transmitting via the at least one first connection an allocation request to the second device, receiving via the at least one first connection an allocation response from the second device, the allocation response indicating a first authentication device from a plurality of authentication devices remote from the first device, and establishing a second connection with a network and authenticating the first device on the network using the first authentication device.
US09578499B2 Authenticating user sessions based on information obtained from mobile devices
An online system determines whether a request for creating a session with the online system is suspicious. The online system associates a user account with a mobile key of a mobile device and geographical locations of the mobile device. The mobile key comprises unique identifier of the mobile device that is permanently stored on the mobile device. Upon receiving a request to create a session for the user account, the online system compares information associated with the user request with information describing the mobile device. For example, information associated with the user request can be a location determined by mapping internet protocol addresses obtained from the request. The online system determines whether the request is suspicious based on the comparison. If the online system determines that the request is suspicious, the online system may require enhanced authentication before granting the request.
US09578498B2 Facilitating authentication of access terminal identity
Methods and apparatuses are provided for facilitating authentication of access terminal identities and for recording a usage relationship between a valid access terminal identity and a user identity. An access terminal and a validation server are both provisioned with corresponding validation keys. The access terminal may determine that a user identity is not recorded for use with the access terminal, and may send a report message to report a usage relationship between the access terminal identity and the user identity, where the report message is signed with a signature based on the validation key. The validation server authenticates the signature using the validation key in the validation server. The validation server may record the usage relationship between the authenticated access terminal identity and the user identity in a database, which database records may be employed to determine whether an access terminal requesting network access is authorized or unauthorized.
US09578497B2 Application programming interface for enhanced wireless local area network router
A gateway router supports a plurality of API calls initiated by application programs of client devices of a LAN and/or by network devices of a WAN. The gateway router is positioned at a boundary between the LAN and the WAN. The gateway router may take the form of a wireless local area network (WLAN) router that communicates with the client devices via the WLAN. API calls initiated by application programs operating at the client devices may be received by an operating system of the gateway router via the LAN. The gateway router is configured to perform functions corresponding to the respective API calls.
US09578487B2 Method and system for dynamic determination of potential access points for propagating client information
A method includes determining a subset, of a set of access points, that a client device is likely to roam to from a first access point in the set of access points; transmitting to each of the subset of access points, without transmitting to a second access point in the set of access points that is not included in the subset, information associated with the client device; wherein the information associated with the client device is used by the client device or by the third access point during (a) an association process for the client device associating with the third access point or (b) an authentication process for the authentication of the client device by the third access point.
US09578486B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting mobility related information
A method and apparatus for transmitting mobility-related information in a wireless communication system is provided. A user equipment (UE) receives a configuration for transmission of mobility-related information from a network during connection establishment, and transmits the mobility-related information to the network based on the configuration of the transmission of the mobility-related information.
US09578485B2 Method for reporting mobility state information in wireless communication system, and apparatus for supporting same
Provided is a method for a terminal to report mobility state information in a wireless communication system. The method comprises estimating a mobility state, grouping the estimated mobility state in order to calculate a mobility group state, and reporting mobility state information relating to the mobility group state to a network.
US09578484B2 Apparatuses, systems, and methods for differentiation of payload size for D2D discovery
Wireless mobile devices or user equipments (UEs) may communicate directly with other UEs, e.g., using device-to-device (“D2D”) direct discovery and communication. D2D direct discovery and communication may be used, for example, when UEs communicate with each other while within direct wireless range of each other. Different service types for D2D direct discovery and communication sessions, such as public safety (PS) services, non-PS services, etc., may utilize different data characteristics for the discovery message (e.g., data types and data structures). Data associated with the at least one data frame of a D2D direct discovery transmission can be configured to indicate these different data characteristics.
US09578482B2 Communication apparatus and method of controlling the same
This invention relates to a communication apparatus capable of facilitating a connection with a device in a network by using a discovery protocol for discovering a device in a network. After selecting a device based on pieces of device information transmitted from devices in the network in response to a search command to search devices in the network, the communication apparatus transmits a notification signal to notify devices in the network of the presence of the communication apparatus. If a connection request received from a device which has received the notification signal is one transmitted from the selected device, the communication apparatus transmits a response representing that connection is accepted for the connection request.
US09578481B2 Mobile device pairing
Systems and methods for pairing electronic devices are provided. In an example embodiment, geolocation data for a first device and a second device is received. Based on determining the first device is within a predetermined distance of the second device using the geolocation data, gesture data of the first device and second device is accessed. An association between the first device and the second device is identified based on the gesture data. A communicative coupling is initiated between the first device and the second device in response to identifying the association.
US09578470B2 Priority talkgroups
In one implementation, a communication device comprising one or more processors is configured to participate in a plurality of talkgroups. The one or more processors are configured to receive a communication transmitted from a satellite constellation indicating that a first priority talkgroup has been assigned for the communication device and to receive one or more signal transmitted from the satellite constellation via a control channel indicating that the first priority talkgroup is active, in response to which the one or more processors may determine that the first priority talkgroup has been assigned for the communication device and that the first priority talkgroup is active. Consequently, the one or more processors may set the communication device to the first priority talkgroup such that the communication device starts receiving communications via the first priority talkgroup.
US09578464B2 Determining location of a device in a MIMO network using multipath component evaluation
The invention is directed to systems, methods and computer program products for determining a location of a device on a massive MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) network. The device transmits a signal comprising several multipath components (MPCs) either omnidirectionally or with limited directivity. The method comprising identifying, by a base station, that receives MPCs, an MPC with a figure of merit, based on a time delay and an angular spread, better than that of other MPCs; determining, by the base station, an angle of arrival (AoA) of the MPC is different from the AoAs of the other MPCs; and determining, by the base station, a location of the device based on the time delay and the AoA.
US09578462B2 System and method for geography-based correlation of cellular and WLAN identifiers
Methods and systems for tracking mobile communication terminals based on their identifiers. The disclosed techniques identify cellular terminals and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) terminals that are likely to be carried by the same individual, or cellular and WLAN identifiers that belong to the same multi-mode terminal. A correlation system is connected to a cellular network and to a WLAN. The system receives location coordinates of cellular identifiers used by mobile terminals in the cellular network, and location coordinates of WLAN identifiers used by mobile terminals in the WLAN. Based on the location coordinates, the system is able to construct routes that are traversed by the terminals having the various cellular and WLAN identifiers. The system attempts to find correlations in time and space between the routes.
US09578459B2 Hybrid positioning techniques based on RTT and TOA/TDOA
Example methods, apparatuses, or articles of manufacture are disclosed herein that may be utilized, in whole or in part, to facilitate or support one or more operations or techniques for hybrid RTT and TOA positioning, such as for use in or with a mobile communication device, for example.
US09578456B2 System and method for determining whether a device is located within a geo-fence
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for comparing multi-dimensional datasets are provided. A multi-dimensional dataset comparison includes receiving a plurality of datasets, each including a plurality of coordinates, wherein a subset of coordinates defines a geo-fence. For a coordinate within a geo-fence of one of the plurality of datasets, determining analogous coordinates in each of the other datasets, the analogous coordinates defining a coordinate input set, and performing in parallel an operation on the coordinate input set to determine whether an entry is present at a coordinate of the coordinate input set.
US09578452B2 Method and apparatus for obtaining location information using smart card
A method and mobile terminal for communicating with a smart card. The method includes transmitting, to the smart card, terminal profile information; receiving, from the smart card, a geographical location request for acquiring a current geographical location based on the terminal profile information; and transmitting, to the smart card, a terminal response indicating whether the geographical location request has been successfully processed. The mobile terminal processes only one of multiple geographical location requests based on a receiving order, when the multiple geographical location requests are received from the smart card. When the geographical location request has not been successfully processed, the terminal response includes one of reason information among: first reason information indicating that acquiring the current geographical location is beyond capabilities of the mobile terminal, and second reason information indicating that the mobile terminal is currently unable to acquire the current geographical location.
US09578450B2 Short-range communication device with sender and receiver
The invention relates to a process to check the pairing of a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) transmitter with a BLE receiver, comprising the following steps: Transmitting to the BLE transmitter of a function for generating a sequence of data packets, each data packet generated in accordance with the function having at least one identification value, one major value, and/or one minor value, and at least two data packets of the sequence having different identification values, major values, and/or minor values; Sending, at intervals, by the BLE transmitter of the data packets of at least one sequence generated by the BLE transmitter in accordance with the function; Receiving, by the BLE receiver, of at least part of the sequence of data packets transmitted by the BLE transmitter; Checking, by the BLE receiver, of at least part of the received sequence for whether it correlates and/or agrees with the function; and, if it does correlate and/or agree; Generating by the BLE receiver of a pairing signal for the BLE transmitter.
US09578441B2 Intelligent mobility application profiling tool
Analyzing mobile device applications within a wireless data network and other related aspects are presented herein. More particularly, described herein is a novel Intelligent Mobility Application Profiling Tool (iMAP) and/or other mechanisms, systems and methods for profiling and benchmarking applications associated with mobile devices in a wireless data network. Various systems and methods described herein expose cross-layer interaction associated with a network device in order to profile an application on the network device with respect to energy efficiency, performance, and functionality. As described herein, radio resource control (RRC) analysis can be performed to infer RRC states associated with a given application, identify tail time, etc. Further, analyzers are employed for various layers, including transmission control protocol (TCP) and/or hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), as well as to analyze communication bursts associated with a given application. Analysis results are subsequently utilized to deliver application profiling results to a user.
US09578432B1 Metric and tool to evaluate secondary path design in adaptive noise cancellation systems
The present invention provides a system and method encompassing a new metric and MATLAB tool box that phone makers may use to improve the design of the secondary path, in order to improve ANC performance. The metric measures how invertible the secondary path is and then evaluates ANC performance at a worst case scenario where P(z)=1 and W(z) becomes a complete predictor. The invention can be easily extended to a multi-channel ANC system.
US09578426B2 Method for feedback cancelling in hearing devices and hearing device with a feedback canceller
An analysis filter bank decomposes a microphone signal into sub-band signals, a gain unit applies a frequency-dependent gain to the sub-band signals, and a synthesis filter bank converts the amplified sub-band signals into a signal, which is then output by a receiver. A first adaptive filter of a feedback canceller provides feedback compensation signals adapted to compensate acoustic feedback from the receiver to the microphone, whereby the feedback compensation signals are subtracted from corresponding signals from the sub-band signals. A second adaptive filter of the feedback canceller estimates cross-frequency signal components resulting from aliasing of signal components from one sub-band into one or more neighboring sub-bands caused by non-ideal sub-band signal decomposition in the analysis filter bank with overlapping sub-bands. Thereby, the first adaptive filter is adapted in dependence of the estimated cross-frequency signal components.
US09578425B2 Electric switching device
An electric switching device for an implantable hearing aid is disclosed. The device automatically, directly or indirectly activates the power consumption for an implantable hearing aid when an outer sound processor is installed on the patient and turns off/reduces the power consumption when the sound processor is removed.
US09578418B2 System and method for controlling output of multiple audio output devices
Multiple audio output devices are individually triggered to generate an acoustic identification signal. A controller device can perform a comparison of the acoustic identification signal from each of the multiple audio output devices. The output from one or multiple audio output devices is controlled based on the comparison.
US09578417B2 Systems and methods for detection of load impedance of a transducer device coupled to an audio device
In accordance with systems and methods of the present disclosure, an audio device may include an electrical terminal, an audio circuit, and a transducer load detection circuit. The electrical terminal may couple a transducer device to the audio device. The audio circuit may generate an analog audio signal, wherein the analog audio signal is coupled to the electrical terminal. The transducer load detection circuit may detect a load impedance of the transducer device when the transducer device is coupled to the audio device from characteristics measured at the electrical terminal.
US09578416B2 Control of a loudspeaker output
A control signal is generated for mechanical loudspeaker protection, or for other signal pre-processing functions. The procedure contains the following steps: perform a non-linearity analysis based on current and voltage measurements; use the results of the non-linearity analysis, and the voltage and current measurements to control audio processing for the loudspeaker thereby to implement loudspeaker protection and/or acoustic signal processing.
US09578414B2 Active noise-reduction apparatus
According to one embodiment, an active noise-reduction apparatus includes following units. The reference signal generation unit generates different reference signals based on target sound generated from a sound source. The filter processing unit generates first control signals by filtering the reference signals using first digital filters. The averaging unit generates a second control signal by averaging the first control signals. The control speaker outputs the second control signal as control sound. The error microphone detects a synthetic sound pressure of the target sound and the control sound to generate an error signal. The filter update unit updates the first digital filters so that the error signal is minimized.
US09578413B2 Audio processing system and audio processing method
An audio processing system, includes: an audio collector that collects audio in a non-directivity state using audio collection elements; an operator receives an input of one or more designation directions for audio emphasis for switching from the non-directivity state to a directivity state; an emphasis processor that generates audio data in the directivity state obtained by performing an emphasis process on the audio data in the designation direction from the audio collector using audio data collected by the audio collector according to the input of the designation direction; a volume adjustor that adjusts volume of the audio data in a directivity state; and an audio output that outputs the audio in a non-directivity state collected by the audio collector or the audio in a directivity state after the volume has been adjusted by the volume adjustor.
US09578411B2 Electronic device having noise removal function
An electronic device having a noise removal function is provided. The electronic device includes an ear jack interface configured to operatively connect with an earphone, a key recognition unit selectively connected to a microphone contact terminal of the ear jack interface, the key recognition unit being configured to recognize a key input of the earphone, and a switching circuit configured to electrically connect or interrupt the key recognition unit to or from the microphone contact terminal according to a key input of the earphone.
US09578407B2 Multi-mode audio device and monitoring system
A multi-mode audio device includes speakers and a sound output control configured to control a maximum level of sound emitted by the speakers. The sound output control comprises a control interface configured to receive selection of an operative mode of the multi-mode audio device from among a managed mode and a normal mode. An access control communicatively coupled to the sound output control is configured to require an authentication to switch from the managed mode to the normal mode. A mode indicator communicatively coupled to the sound output control and configured to provide a visual indication of the operative mode. Optionally, a monitoring system communicatively coupled to the sound output control is configured to capture one or more data regarding usage of the multi-mode audio device and to generate a report regarding the one or more data regarding usage of the multi-mode audio device.
US09578399B2 Remote sensor access and queuing
An application generates instructions to a wearable device to remotely activate a sensor in the wearable device and to receive sensor data from the sensor. A query related to a physical object is received. Instructions to wearable devices are generated to remotely activate at least one sensor of the wearable devices in response to the query. Sensor data is received from at least one of the wearable devices in response to that wearable device being within a range of the physical object.
US09578398B2 Wireless sensor device and method for wirelessly communicating a sensed physical parameter
A wireless vibration sensor suitable for connection to a distributed industrial control system arranged with a wireless network for communication of process data or control information. The wireless vibration sensor includes at least one sensor, a wireless radio transmitter, and a base part for mounting it firmly on equipment or a structure. The wireless sensor is arranged with a battery and a power storage device. A method for powering up the wireless sensor during active cycles is also described.
US09578386B2 Methods and apparatus to provide messages to television users
Methods and apparatus to provide messages to consumer electronics devices are disclosed. In response to a request from a consumer electronics device for messaging information stored with at least one of a first message provider or a second message provider, determining, with a processor of a mediation system, an identifier associated with the consumer electronics device. Querying, with the processor, a database at the mediation system to determine first and second account identifiers associated with the identifier of the consumer electronics device. When the request is for the messaging information stored with the first message provider, sending, with the processor, a first command to cause the first message provider to forward the messaging information associated with the first message account identifier to the mediation system. When the request is for the messaging information stored with the second message provider, sending, with the processor, a second command to cause the second message provider to forward the messaging information associated with the second message account identifier to the mediation system. Sending, with the processor, the messaging information received from at least one of the first message provider or the second message provider to the consumer electronics device.
US09578374B1 DVR playlist provisioning system
A system is provided for the provision of DVR playlists. DVR playlists allow for consumers to manage the availability, arrangement, and type of content to be provided from a DVR such that content items are intelligently added, arranged, played back, and deleted via the DVR playlist. Aspects of the system allow playlists to be created by the system, by the consumer, and in co-operation between the system and the consumer. Content items may also be provisioned, such that a DVR playlist limits playback, while still providing variety and consumer choice. Aspects of the system allow for various seed attributes to affect which content items are automatically chosen to comprise the DVR playlist. Content items may be shared amongst user accounts under a subscriber account so that space on a DVR is more efficiently provisioned.
US09578363B2 Content access
Techniques are described to provide content access. In an implementation, a determination is made at a client that a high-definition channel has content that matches content provided by a standard-definition channel. Access is provided to the content via the high-definition channel and access is restricted to the content via the standard-definition channel up the client is capable of outputting the content and high definition.
US09578356B1 Live video matching method and system
A live video matching system provides a matching service between a video demander and a video provider. An orchestration module of the system dynamically adjusts live services provided by SDN edge devices according to network available resources. An SDN edge device of the system dynamically converts and integrates multiple video streams to generate a virtual channel based on results of matching within multiple requests for videos and provides live video channels for interested users.
US09578349B2 Image decoding apparatus adaptively determining a scan pattern according to an intra prediction mode
Provided is an image decoding apparatus that receives an intra prediction mode and one-dimensional (1D) quantized coefficients, restores a quantized transform block by inversely scanning the 1D quantized coefficients, inversely quantizes the quantized transform block using a quantization step size to generate a transform block, inversely transforms the transform block to generate a residual block, and generates a prediction block according to the intra prediction mode. When a size of the transform block is 8×8, the quantized transform block is divided into a plurality of sub-blocks, and the plurality of sub-blocks and coefficients of each sub-block are scanned using a same scan pattern determined according to the intra prediction mode. When the intra prediction mode is a horizontal mode, the scan pattern is a vertical scan.
US09578348B2 Method for inducing a merge candidate block and device using same
The present invention relates to a method for inducing a merge candidate block and a device using same. An image decoding method involves decoding motion estimation region (MER) related information; determining whether or not a predicted target block and a spatial merge candidate block are included in the same MER; and determining the spatial merge candidate block to be an unavailable merge candidate block when the predicted target block and the spatial merge candidate block are included in the same MER. Accordingly, by parallely performing the method for inducing a merge candidate, parallel processing is enabled and the computation amount and implementation complexity are reduced.
US09578320B1 Methods and apparatus for defect correction in image sensor outputs
Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with correcting defects in an image sensor output are described. According to one embodiment, an imaging device includes image sensor array logic, calibrated noise logic, and defect logic. The image sensor array logic is configured to generate an image array of output pixels in a Bayer pattern. The calibrated noise logic is configured to generate a noise estimate for each pixel. The defect logic is configured to detect a potential defect in a pixel-under-test of the image array of output pixels based on the noise estimate.
US09578318B2 Imaging structure emitter calibration
In embodiments of imaging structure emitter calibration, an imaging unit includes an emitter structure that direct emits light, and optics direct the light along a light path in the imaging unit to illuminate a projection surface. A reflective panel reflects a portion of the light to illuminate a light sensor. An imaging application receives the sensor data from the light sensor, where the sensor data corresponds to emitted light output from the emitter structure. The imaging application can then initiate a calibration input to the emitter structure to adjust the emitted light output from the emitter structure.
US09578316B2 Methods and apparatuses for viewing three dimensional images
Systems and methods for viewing stereoscopic television are described. The methods generate stereoscopic views from 3D content; synchronize with external view ware (e.g., shuttered glasses) to include shutter information and viewing geometry; sequence 3D content for multiple viewers at multiple perspective views; and output to a display component for viewing.
US09578315B2 Method and system for judging in a 3D imaging environment
A method for judging in a 3D environment includes: receiving a first image and a second image of a displayed 3D image, the first image being captured without the aid of 3D glasses, the second image being captured with the 3D glasses arranged in front of an image capturing unit; processing each of the first and second images so as to obtain a respective one of a processed first image and a processed second image; and determining whether a number of enclosed areas contained in the processed first image is equal to a predetermined value, and whether a number of enclosed areas contained in the processed second image is equal to another predetermined value. The 3D environment is normal when results of determinations are affirmative.
US09578312B2 Method of integrating binocular stereo video scenes with maintaining time consistency
A method of integrating binocular stereo video scenes with maintaining time consistency includes: propagating and extracting a contour of moving object of stereo video A; integrating and deformating of parallax between moving object and dynamic scene with time consistency; color blending of moving object and dynamic scene with time consistency where a method of median coordinate fusion is utilized. The method is simple and effective to utilize a small quantity of user interactions to successfully extract moving objects from stereo video which are same in time and as consistent as possible between left view and right view to develop multiple constraint conditions to guide the integration and deformation of parallax of moving object and dynamic scene and allow moving object to conform to the rules of perspective of dynamic scene. Moreover, the deformation result of moving object is smooth and consistent and can avoid effectively the occurrence of “dithering” phenomenon.
US09578311B2 Time of flight depth camera
A method for operating a time of flight (TOF) depth camera is provided. The method includes, using an image processing module, interpolating an updated timing delay calibration for each of a plurality of pixel sensors based at least on an updated set of modulation frequency and duty cycle calibration combinations received by the image processing module, the plurality of pixel sensors coupled to a timing clock, and receiving light generated by a light source and reflected in a 3-dimensional environment, the updated set of modulation frequency and duty cycle calibration combinations replacing the corresponding factory-preloaded timing delay calibrations. The method further includes applying the updated timing delay calibrations to pixel data corresponding to each of the plurality of the pixel sensors to generate a depth map of the 3-dimensional environment.
US09578307B2 Smart necklace with stereo vision and onboard processing
A wearable neck device for providing environmental awareness to a user, the wearable neck device includes a flexible tube. A first stereo pair of cameras is encased in a left portion of the flexible tube and a second stereo pair of cameras is encased in a right portion of the flexible tube. A vibration motor within the flexible tube provides haptic and audio feedback to the user. A processor in the flexible tube recognizes objects from the first stereo pair of cameras and the second stereo pair of cameras. The vibration motor provides haptic and audio feedback of the items or points of interest to the user.
US09578304B2 Method and apparatus for processing and receiving digital broadcast signal for 3-dimensional subtitle
The disclosed method for processing a digital broadcast signal including a 3-dimensional, 3D, content comprises encoding 3D video data for the 3D content, the 3D video data including a left picture for a left view and a right picture for a right view for a 3D image, generating signaling data including a subtitle segment having information for signaling 3D subtitles for the 3D content, and transmitting the digital broadcast signal including the encoded 3D video data and generated signaling data.
US09578303B2 Image processing system, image processing apparatus, and image processing method for displaying a scale on a stereoscopic display device
According to one embodiment, an image processing system includes an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires a rendering condition used for generating a parallax image group from volume data. The determination unit sets corresponding information for causing a space coordinate of a stereoscopic image viewed stereoscopically by referring to a stereoscopic display device that displays the parallax image group to correspond to a space coordinate of a captured site in the volume data based on the rendering condition and a display size and determines a scale for converting a length in a space of the stereoscopic image into a length in a space of the captured site based on the corresponding information. The output unit performs output control such that the scale is displayed.
US09578299B2 Stereoscopic conversion for shader based graphics content
The example techniques of this disclosure are directed to generating a stereoscopic view from an application designed to generate a mono view. For example, the techniques may modify source code of a vertex shader to cause the modified vertex shader, when executed, to generate graphics content for the images of the stereoscopic view. As another example, the techniques may modify a command that defines a viewport for the mono view to commands that define the viewports for the images of the stereoscopic view.
US09578295B1 Calibration feature masking in overlap regions to improve mark detectability
A method of displaying an image using at least a first projector and a second projector includes projecting a calibration pattern using the first projector, the calibration pattern being embedded in a first portion of an image projected by the first projector. The method determines a contribution of the second projector to projecting a second portion of the image to an overlap area, the overlap area having a contribution from the first and second projectors, wherein the contribution is an intensity of a color channel. The determined contribution of the second projector to the overlap area is modified to allow the calibration pattern of the first projector to be detectable to a capture device, the modification having a pattern corresponding to the calibration pattern. The image is then displayed using the first projector and the modified contribution of the second projector.
US09578285B1 Facilitating presentations during video conferences
Implementations generally relate to facilitating presentations in video conferences. In some implementations, a method includes enabling a presenting user to provide a document to a network system. The method further includes enabling the document to be rendered on one or more devices of one or more respective viewing users, where the one or more devices are local to the one or more viewing users. The method further includes enabling the presenting user to navigate the document during a presentation.
US09578280B2 Progressive displaying terminal and video playing method and image processing apparatus thereof
A progressive displaying terminal and a video playing method and an image processing apparatus thereof are provided. The video playing method includes: extracting an odd field and an even field of each frame of an interlaced video, where the interlaced video has an initial resolution higher than a screen resolution of a progressive displaying terminal, and scaling the odd field and the even field of each frame respectively and then playing the odd field and the even field of each frame. In this way, the present disclosure eliminates the need of de-interlacing when playing an interlaced video on a progressive displaying terminal, so the hardware configuration requirements and the cost are reduced and a good picture quality is ensured during playing of the video.
US09578277B2 Method and device for storing video images
The present disclosure provides a method and device for storing a video image. The method includes the follows. For each frame of image collected, a confidence value is generated after passing M frames of image each time, in which M is a positive integer. A target encoding frame rate may be determined based on the confidence value latest generated, after passing N frames of image each time. The N frames of image may be encoded and recorded, based on the target encoding frame rate determined, in which N is a positive integer. By adopting the technical solutions of the present disclosure, adaptive capability and availability of system may be improved.
US09578274B2 News production system with integrated display
An example news production system includes a scheduling system, a composite display, and a camera. The scheduling system accesses a news program schedule that specifies a sequence of actions to be performed by the news production system. The scheduling system reads entries from the news program schedule, identifies actions associated with each, and sends signals to cause the actions to be performed. The news production system may cause the composite display to render video content in accordance with a specified layout. A camera can capture video of a field of view that includes at least a portion of the composite display while the specified video content is rendered thereon. The news production system may also cause an output video stream to be based, at least in part, on the captured video.
US09578271B2 Integrated user interface for internet-enabled TV
A user interface (UI) for an Internet enabled TV lists content genre such as photos, music, and video, and for each genre a sub-list of content is provided regardless of the source of the content, i.e., regardless of whether the content in the particular genre is stored locally or is sourced from the Internet.
US09578261B1 Portable security surveillance device
A multifunctional portable surveillance device having a strap and a first and second end modules disposed on the opposite ends of the strap. A first electronic device resides within the first end module, and the second electronic device resides within the second end module. The strap is configured to straddle an object, whereby the first and the second electronic devices are positioned on the opposite sides of the object. The surveillance device has a control unit. The device further includes a sensor configured to detect a predefined event. A network of connectors resides within the strap, the connectors configured to carry electric signals between the first electronic device, the second electronic device, the sensor, and the control unit. Responsive to detecting a predefined event through a sensor, the control unit actuates the first electronic device, the second electronic device, or both.
US09578259B2 Systems and methods for reducing motion blur in images or video in ultra low light with array cameras
Systems and methods for reducing motion blur in images or video in ultra low light with array cameras in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for synthesizing an image from multiple images captured using an array camera includes capturing image data using active cameras within an array camera, where the active cameras are configured to capture image data and the image data includes pixel brightness values that form alternate view images captured from different viewpoints, determining sets of corresponding pixels in the alternate view images where each pixel in a set of corresponding pixels is chosen from a different alternate view image, summing the pixel brightness values for corresponding pixels to create pixel brightness sums for pixel locations in an output image, and synthesizing an output image from the viewpoint of the output image using the pixel brightness sums.
US09578252B2 Methods and apparatus for capturing images using optical chains and/or for using captured images
Methods and apparatus relating to image capture of image portions using optical chains with non-parallel optical axis are described. In some embodiments different portions of a scene area of interest captured by different optical chains operating in parallel are combined. The use of multiple optical chains in parallel facilitates generation of an image with a higher overall pixel count than would be possible using a single sensor of one of the optical chains and/or with more light capture than would be captured using a single one of the optical chains.
US09578251B2 Imaging apparatus and control method for the same
A digital camera includes a zoom function for supporting a user when performing a frame assist, and includes an operation switch for instructing startup and completion of the zoom function on an operation unit. A system control unit stores a zoom position in a memory and varies the zoom position in a wide angle position according to a preset zoom-out drive amount when an instruction to startup the zoom function is given by the operation switch. Then, when the instruction to end the zoom function is given by the operation switch, the system control unit executes a zoom-in operation by returning to the zoom position that is stored in the memory.
US09578249B2 Apparatus and method for image capture using image stored in camera
An apparatus and a method thereof are provided, the apparatus including a first memory; a second memory; an image sensor; and a controller configured to obtain, using the image sensor, a plurality of images including a first image and a second image corresponding to at least one object in a first resolution, each of the first image and the second image corresponding to a different time from each other; store, in the first memory, the first image at least temporarily; display, via a display operatively coupled with the controller, the second image in a second resolution; and store, in the second memory, the first image stored in the first memory, in response to an input received in relation with the second image as displayed via the display.
US09578243B2 Photographing apparatus and photographing control method
A photographing apparatus includes a movable-member driver configured to move a movable member in a direction that is different from an optical axis of a photographing optical system, wherein the movable member includes at least one of an optical element, constituting at least one part of the photographing optical system, and an image sensor; a movable-member drive controller configured to drive the movable member to move in a circular path of a predetermined diameter via the movable-member driver; and a processor configured to select a drive diameter D of the circular path by which the drive controller drives the movable member within a range of the following condition (1): d*π/(2*21/2)≦D≦d*π/2  (1), wherein d designates a pixel interval of the image sensor.
US09578242B2 Camera module
A camera module including a lens unit configured to move in a direction of an optical axis and a direction perpendicular with respect to the optical axis; a housing unit accommodating the lens unit; and a shock absorbing member disposed between the housing unit and the lens unit to reduce impacts and noise generated when the housing unit and the lens unit collide.
US09578237B2 Array cameras incorporating optics with modulation transfer functions greater than sensor Nyquist frequency for capture of images used in super-resolution processing
A variety of optical arrangements and methods of modifying or enhancing the optical characteristics and functionality of these optical arrangements are provided. The optical arrangements being specifically designed to operate with camera arrays that incorporate an imaging device that is formed of a plurality of imagers that each include a plurality of pixels. The plurality of imagers include a first imager having a first imaging characteristics and a second imager having a second imaging characteristics. The images generated by the plurality of imagers are processed to obtain an enhanced image compared to images captured by the imagers. In many optical arrangements the MTF characteristics of the optics allow for contrast at spatial frequencies that are at least as great as the desired resolution of the high resolution images synthesized by the array camera, and significantly greater than the Nyquist frequency of the pixel pitch of the pixels on the focal plane, which in some cases may be 1.5, 2 or 3 times the Nyquist frequency.
US09578227B2 Determining a polar error signal of a focus position of an autofocus imaging system
An autofocus imaging system for a microscope system includes a tilted autofocus image sensor that images an oblique cross-section of a slide. The autofocus imaging system focuses multiple sequential overlapping images, which have been taken by the tilted autofocus image sensor, by making a comparison of the multiple sequential overlapping images. An axial position of a tissue layer on the slide can be determined from a polar error signal resulting from this comparison.
US09578226B2 Photometric registration from arbitrary geometry for augmented reality
Photometric registration from an arbitrary geometry for augmented reality is performed using video frames of an environment captured by a camera. A surface reconstruction of the environment is generated. A pose is determined for the camera with respect to the environment, e.g., using model based tracking using the surface reconstruction. Illumination data for the environment is determined from a video frame. Estimated lighting conditions for the environment are generated based on the surface reconstruction and the illumination data. For example, the surface reconstruction may be used to compute the possible radiance transfer, which may be compressed, e.g., using spherical harmonic basis functions, and used in the lighting conditions estimation. A virtual object may then be rendered based on the lighting conditions. Differential rendering may be used with lighting solutions from the surface reconstruction of the environment and a second surface reconstruction of the environment combined with the virtual object.
US09578223B2 System and method for capturing images with multiple image sensing elements
Methods, devices, and computer program products for CMOS visible image sensors incorporating multiple image sensing elements with different integration times to extend dynamic range are disclosed herein. In one aspect, a method of taking an image using a CMOS visible image sensor that includes at least one first light sensing element with a first well capacity and at least one second light sensing element with a second well capacity, where the second well capacity is greater than the first well capacity is disclosed. The method includes determining a first integration time for each of the at least one first light sensing elements. The method further includes determining a second integration time for each of the at least one second light sensing elements, where the second integration time is different than the first integration time.
US09578208B2 Image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus accurately compensates a flare component. An image forming apparatus reads images in a first reading condition and a second reading condition in which flare less occurs, and includes: a reflectance assignment unit for assigning a reflectance to the first image in accordance with the distance between the first image and the second image; a color information arithmetic unit for obtaining color information about the first image read in the second reading condition; a flare component derivation unit for deriving a flare component of the second image based on the reflectance and the color information; and a flare component removing unit for removing a flare component of the second image read in the first reading condition, based on the second image read in the first reading condition and the flare component derived by the flare component derivation unit.
US09578207B1 Systems and methods for selectively screening image data
Various embodiments are directed to methods, systems, and devices for improving the quality of image data for printing by a printer having relatively low resolution capabilities. Image data may be scanned, captured or otherwise received. The image data may be received in bands, chunks, blocks, portions, regions, or its entirety. An edge detector is subsequently employed to detect a location of edges in a region of the received image data. For image data pixels that are located in or close to a detected edge, a first screen is applied to modify these pixels to compensate for printing at or near the detected edge. Otherwise, a second image screen is applied to modify pixels for printing that are not close to a detected edge. The first screen may be an error diffusion screen or a threshold screen. The second screen may be a halftone screen.
US09578202B2 Communication apparatus and method of controlling communication apparatus
A communication apparatus is connected to an external apparatus in a connection mode selected from a plurality of connection modes including a first connection mode in which an external apparatus is connected in accordance with a predetermined operation on the communication apparatus and a second connection mode in which an external apparatus is connected in accordance with an operation whose operation amount is smaller than the predetermined operation. The communication apparatus has a plurality of operation modes to select at least one of contents saved in a recording medium. When connecting the external apparatus in the second connection mode, an operation mode in which the contents are selected based on the operation on the external apparatus is selected out of the plurality of operation modes.
US09578196B2 Control device, image forming apparatus, and control method for processing interruption information
A control device includes a second sub-controller to which second devices are connected, a first sub-controller to which first devices are connected, a master controller that controls the first and second sub-controllers, and so on. The second sub-controller includes a second interruption information memory that stores second interruption information output from the second devices, and a second interruption controller that transmits an interruption signal upon storing of the second interruption information in the second interruption information memory, and reads and transmits the second interruption information. The first sub-controller includes a first interruption information memory that stores first interruption information output from the first devices, and the second interruption information transmitted from the second sub-controller, and a first interruption controller that transmits the interruption signal received from the second sub-controller, and reads and transmits the first interruption information and the second interruption information stored in the first interruption information memory.
US09578192B2 Image forming apparatus including a plurality of devices driven by power
An image forming apparatus comprising a plurality of devices driven by power and configured to be operated in: 1) a standby mode in which the image forming apparatus stands by a start of an image formation; or 2) a power saving mode in which power supply to a part of the plurality of devices is stopped so that the power consumption of the image forming apparatus in the power saving mode is reduced compared with that of the image forming apparatus in the standby mode. The image forming apparatus further including a door which is opened when consumable material is supplied, and a door opened/closed sensor configured to detect the door opening or door closing.
US09578185B2 Mobile terminal and method of controlling therefor
The present invention relates to a mobile terminal enabling a user to more conveniently use the terminal and a method of controlling therefor. According to at least one of embodiments of the present invention, in case of transceiving an image using a wearable device of a glasses form, it may easily target an external device, which becomes a target with which the image is transceived.
US09578184B2 Image forming apparatus and method for controlling image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a detection portion that detects an earthquake, a plurality of job execution portions that each execute a job, an output portion that outputs information, and a control portion that, upon the detection portion detecting the occurrence of an earthquake, switches a mode of the image forming apparatus to an emergency mode, after a lapse of a prescribed wait time since the switching to the emergency mode, executes a self-diagnosis process for checking whether or not the job execution portions operate properly, and based on a result thereof, makes an output portion output information indicating an executable job and a non-executable job.
US09578182B2 Mobile device and service management
A wireless end-user device, comprising one or more modems enabling the wireless end-user device to communicate with a network system over a wireless access network, a touch-screen user interface, and one or more processors configured to execute one or more instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to detect a user input through the touch-screen user interface, the user input comprising a request to remove the wireless end-user device from an existing device group account, the existing device group account being associated with one or more devices including the wireless end-user device, and send a message to the network system over the wireless access network, the message conveying the request to remove the wireless end-user device from the existing device group account.
US09578181B2 Digital security network system and method
A monitoring device 100 comprises a control unit 101 including a positional information acquisition section 101A that tracks an existing position of the communication terminal 120 and acquires positional information of the communication terminal 120 and a jurisdiction retaining section 101B that retains a jurisdictional district to receive an emergency telephone call where a building under security exists, an input/output unit 102 that detects an emergency situation based on a sensor output from the input/output device 110, and an alarm sending unit 103 that reports an e-mail transmission or an image via the telephone line 130. The control unit 101, when having detected an emergency situation, performs control to specify a communication terminal 120 that exists in the police jurisdictional district or fire jurisdictional district with reference to the jurisdiction retaining section 101B, and to report preferentially to the specified communication terminal 120. Accordingly, reporting preferentially to a mobile phone within a jurisdictional district where a building under security exists allows promptly reporting when an emergency call is made from the mobile phone.
US09578177B2 Establishing telephone communications with secondary devices
A method, system, and apparatus, including a program encoded on computer-readable medium, for providing ring notifications in parallel to a primary incoming call are disclosed. An example method can include receiving, at a server system, a notification of a primary incoming call directed to a subscriber telephone number associated with a user device, notifying, by the server system, one or more secondary destinations of the primary incoming call based on the notification, sending, from the server system, an instruction to perform one or more operations to trigger forwarding of the primary incoming call to a telephone number associated with the server system, wherein the instruction is only sent after notifying the one or more secondary destinations of the primary incoming call, receiving the forwarded incoming call at the server system, and connecting, by the server system, the forwarded incoming call to a particular secondary destination.
US09578175B2 Communication device for establishing automated call back using queues
A communication device is provided for enabling a user to establish an automated call back from a communication system, such as a call center, for example. A software device application enables the communication device to communicate with the call center through the exchange of data. The communication device includes a display screen for displaying controls for allowing the user to interact with the communication system. The controls allow the user to request a list of providers from which to select a provider or company to contact. The communication device further provides controls for allowing the user to select a queue to join from a list of queues associated with the selected provider. An embodiment may also communicate contextual data between a communication device and a communication system, including information associated with the user of the communication device and information used to assist, instruct, or solve a user's problem.
US09578163B2 Electronic device and method thereof for calling phone number
The present disclosure disclose an electronic device and a method thereof for calling a phone number, and the method includes: judging whether a component of a gravitational acceleration of the electronic device in a preset direction is more than or equal to a first threshold after a program installed on the electronic device is started; detecting an object in front of the electronic device at a distance from the electronic device, which is less than or equal to a second threshold when the component of the gravitational acceleration of the electronic device in the preset direction is more than or equal to the first threshold; and calling the phone number automatically when there is an object in front of the electronic device at a distance from the electronic device, which is less than or equal to the second threshold.
US09578157B1 Method and system for resuming content playback after content playback at an in-vehicle infotainment system
A system and method for resuming content playback after content playback in an in-vehicle infotainment system includes a mobile device and the in-vehicle infotainment system in communication with the mobile device. The in-vehicle infotainment system displays content and communicates a content position signal to the mobile device. When the mobile device and the in-vehicle infotainment system disconnect, the mobile device displays a screen display in response to disconnecting. The screen display corresponds to resuming future playback. The mobile device communicates a resume future playback signal indicative of resuming future playback to a set top box. The resume future playback signal comprising a content identifier, the content position identifier and a user identifier. The set top box displays content at the set top box based on the content identifier, the content position identifier and the user identifier.
US09578156B2 Method and apparatus for operating an electronic device
An electronic device comprising: a communication interface; a memory; and at least one processor coupled to the memory and the communication interface, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: detect a change of state of the electronic device; transmit to a secondary electronic device a first information item associated with the change of state of the electronic device; receive a second information item from the secondary electronic device in response to the first information item; and perform an operation based on the secondary information item.
US09578155B2 Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes a terminal body having a front surface and a rear surface, a display module disposed on the front surface and configured to display visual information, and a rear input unit disposed on the rear surface and configured to sense an input of a control command, wherein the rear input unit includes a button member externally exposed from the rear surface, a first sensing unit disposed to overlap the button member and configured to sense a push input applied onto the button member, and a second sensing unit disposed to overlap the button member and configured to sense a touch input applied onto the button member.
US09578154B2 Mobile communication terminal and method
It is presented a method for providing a user interface of a mobile communication terminal including a motion sensitive sensor, a keypad and a display, the mobile communication terminal being capable of being in at least an active mode and a key-lock mode, the method including: detecting, using the motion sensitive sensor, a first user input indicating a desire to switch modes; when the mobile communication terminal is in the active mode, as a response to the first user input, switching the mobile communication terminal to the key-lock mode; and when the mobile communication terminal is in the key-lock mode, as a response to the first user input, switching the mobile communication terminal to the active mode. Corresponding apparatuses and computer program products are also presented.
US09578150B2 Cover-leafing leather casing of cellular phone and smart phone using the same
A cover-leafing leather casing of cellular phone and a smart phone using the same are described. The cover-leafing leather casing of cellular phone comprises a leather cover for buckling to a touch panel of the smart phone. The leather cover is connected to a first magnet of a rear shell body of the smart phone by way of a magnetic induction connecting portion, and the magnetic induction connecting portion comprises a second magnet which is mutually attracted to the first magnet. The present invention employs the cover-leafing leather casing to be easily disassembled and to be conveniently cleaned.
US09578146B2 Electronic assembly and electronic apparatus
An electronic assembly including a housing, a circuit board, and a battery module is provided. The housing has an accommodating space and at least a portion of the housing is curved surface. The circuit board is disposed in the accommodating space. The battery module is disposed in the accommodating space and stacked on the circuit board, wherein at least a portion of the battery module is located between the housing and the circuit board, and at least a portion of the battery module is bent and corresponded to the curved surface of the housing. An electronic apparatus including the electronic assembly aforementioned is also provided.
US09578145B2 Coupling frame and methods for making the same
A coupling frame to provide structural support and electrical functionality includes a plurality of conductive frames spaced from each other and having predetermined gaps. A plurality of conductive sheets are electrically connected to the different places of the inside surface of the conductive frames and an insulating frame fills in the predetermined gaps. Each conductive frame and the insulating frame are annular structures. The insulating frame extends inwardly to partially cover the plurality of conductive sheets. A method for making the coupling frame is also provided.
US09578138B2 Sip session management for fax communication
A communication apparatus that accurately measure a time period T0 required for line connection in IPFAX, and optimizes the timing with which a T.38 CNG command is sent out. An AT command that is a dial request is converted into a SIP command that is a session-establishment request, and the SIP command is sent. When there is a provisional response or a session-establishment response to the sent SIP command, a T0 timer which clocks the time period T0 is caused to start counting.
US09578136B2 Distributed transcoding apparatus and method using multiple servers
An embodiment provides a distributed transcoding method using a plurality of servers. The method includes receiving a request for a first video file from a first terminal. The method also includes segmenting the video file based on a play time of at least portion of the video file and a performance rate of a plurality of second servers. The method also includes transmitting the segmented video file to the plurality of second servers, which includes transmitting the segmented video file of a greater size to the second server having a higher performance among the plurality of second servers and transmitting the segmented video file having a smaller size to the server having a lower performance among the plurality of second servers. The method also includes receiving a transcoded video file from the plurality of second servers. The method also includes transmitting the transcoded video files to the first terminal.
US09578134B2 Mobile hub devices and docking stations for controlled delivery of digital multimedia data
Mobile hub devices and docking stations facilitate controlled delivery of digital multimedia data from a content service provider. A mobile hub device includes a transceiver configured to receive and transmit digital multimedia data over a plurality of communication links. The mobile hub device includes a processor for identifying content providers which permit the mobile hub device to download multimedia data hosted by the content providers. The processor schedules delivery of the multimedia data from the content providers to the mobile hub device.
US09578133B2 System and method for analyzing user experience of a software application across disparate devices
A system for providing a consistent user experience of an application across disparate mobile devices comprises a computing device including a display analysis application, and one or more mobile devices including a display analysis application is provided. In one example, a mobile device comprises a memory storing a version of an operating system, a display analysis patch, and a patched application. A consistency module of the mobile device is configured to access the application with the display analysis patch, obtain one or more display parameters of the mobile device via the application with the display analysis patch, and transmit the obtained one or more display parameters to a computing device.
US09578132B2 Zero copy data transfers without modifying host side protocol stack parameters
Mechanisms are provided for instigating the sending of an acknowledgement response from a host system. A buffer of a data processing system is monitored to determine if there is a data transfer pending in the buffer. In response to a determination that there are no data transfers pending in the buffer, a determination is made as to whether there is an outstanding data transfer, on a corresponding network connection with the host system, for which an acknowledgement response has not been received from the host system. In response to a determination that there is an outstanding data transfer for which an acknowledgement response has not been received, an acknowledgement instigation message is sent to the host system to instigate the host system sending an acknowledgement response for the outstanding data transfer.
US09578129B2 System and method for instantaneously deploying packetized alert data
One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method for instantaneously deploying packetized alert data in a one to many configuration or a many to many configuration where the data to be received by each recipient can be customized in a way that leaves a publisher with optimum control over the content or revenue generated from each deployment.
US09578128B2 Systems and methods for message delivery to mobile devices supporting multiple users
The disclosed technology covers messaging systems and methods, and computer program products embodying such systems and methods. A computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium with instructions executable by one or more processors to perform a method. The method may include receiving, at a message server configured to receive a plurality of messages for a plurality of computing devices, a first message intended for a first user profile. The first user profile and one or more other user profiles may exist on a single computing device. The method may also include receiving a first status update from the first computing device indicating that the first user profile is stopped or non-active, and postponing delivery of the first message to the first computing device, based on the first user profile being stopped or non-active. These and other aspects of messaging systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed herein.
US09578126B1 System and method for automatically discovering wide area network optimized routes and devices
A system, medium and method of automatically discovering a wide area network optimized route is disclosed. A client request is received at a second optimization device to access a server. The second optimization device is of a second local area network with respect to a wide area network (WAN) and is configured to communicate with the server. A probe request is received at the second optimization device from a first optimization device of a first local area network. The probe request establishes an optimization route with the first optimization device. A probe response is sent to the first optimization device, wherein the probe response provides identifying information of the second optimization device. A paired relationship is established, wherein configuration information of the first and second optimization devices are exchanged. An optimization route based on the configuration information is exchanged between the paired first and second optimization devices.
US09578121B2 Apparatus and method for controlling heating, cooling, and refrigeration sensor systems utilizing the wireless cloud
A system for controlling one or more structural appliances, such heating, cooling, and ventilation sensor systems utilizing cloud computing architecture, includes at least one intelligent controller, a local intelligent gateway in communication with the intelligent controller, and a cloud computing network in communication with the local intelligent gateway. A local device is operative to communicate through the cloud computing network to the intelligent controller.
US09578120B1 Messaging with key-value persistence
Techniques are described for providing a messaging service that employs a distributed key-value store for message persistence. On receiving a message to be enqueued for subsequent delivery, a message identifier is generated and employed as a key to store the message in the key-value store. The message identifier may be generated based on an available location in a message tracking data structure. In some cases, the message tracking data structure may be an append tree data structure that is substantially self-balancing as an increasing number of messages are tracked using the append tree data structure. The message tracking data structure may be further employed to determine a message identifier for a message to be vended from the key-value store.
US09578118B2 Detecting content and user response to content
A first set of data including a first tracking identifier for a first webpage component and a destination address for the first webpage component is accessed. A second set of data that includes an address for retrieving a second webpage component, is accessed. The address includes a second tracking identifier. Whether the second tracking identifier is the same as the first tracking identifier is determined. The second webpage component is associated with the destination address when the second tracking identifier is the same as the first tracking identifier.
US09578115B2 Indoor location server provision and discovery
Systems and methods are presented for discovering a local location server associated with a local provider based on a relationship between the local provider and another regional/global provider. A mobile device discovers the local provider and queries a home location server which returns the address of a regional/global location server associated with the regional/global provider. A mobile device then queries the regional/global location server to discover the local location server and may then access the local location server to obtain location services. The method may be employed with the OMA SUPL location solution wherein the home location server may be an H-SLP and the local and regional/global location servers may be D-SLPs.
US09578113B2 Method and apparatus for transferring remote session data
Examples of systems and methods are provided for communication and for forwarding display data and cursor type related to a remote session between a client device and a remote server. The system may facilitate establishing the remote session with the remote server. After the client device is connected to a remote session, it is determined if the style of the client device's cursor should be changed. The RDP client of the remote server creates the changed cursor based on bitmap details. The change cursor may be a 1-bit or 32-bit cursor. When the remote session is disconnected, the default cursor for the client device is re-instated at the client device.
US09578111B2 Enabling different client contexts to share session information
The problem of sharing session information across client contexts is addressed by binding initial session information to a persistent, short-lived and one-time use temporary identifier. This identifier is persisted on a client side (e.g., through a cookie jar) that is shared among the different client contexts that can share the original session. This temporary identifier, in turn, allows one or more other sessions to use the original session information by acting as an index into that session information, which is stored on the server side. Preferably, this temporary identifier contains a unique identifier (ID) that is generated as a sufficiently-complex random number. A mapping back to the real session identifier is maintained on the server side for this short-lived ID.
US09578104B2 Resumption of play for a content-delivery session
Multimedia content may be delivered to content consumer devices via a content-delivery network. Encrypted content and cryptography keys for decrypting the content may be distributed from a data center to various nodes of the content-delivery network, each node acting as a semi-independent content-delivery system. Each content-delivery system is capable of delivering received content to end-users and implementing a key-management scheme to facilitate secure content-delivery and usage tracking, even when the content-delivery system is disconnected from the data center. Further, each content-delivery system may generate an authorization-token that can be transmitted to other systems in the content-delivery network, enabling the other systems to quickly determine that a request to resume a previous content-delivery session has already been authorized.
US09578102B2 Peer-to-peer data storage
A determination is made of users that form a group within a social network in which the users communicate with each other over a network with electronic devices in a client-server architecture. The users in the group within the social network form a peer-to-peer (P2P) storage group within a P2P storage network. In the P2P storage network, users are peers that act as a client and a server for each other.
US09578093B1 Geographic space management
Geographic space may be managed by a system including a plurality of subsystems operable to respectively perform data processing, the data processing relating to traffic, of a plurality of regions, the plurality of regions obtained by dividing a geographic space including routes on which mobile objects move, and one or more servers collectively operable to obtain statistic information of at least one subsystem among the plurality of subsystems, the statistic information relating to a processing load of the at least one subsystem, and divide the geographic space into the plurality of regions based on the statistic information.
US09578089B2 Remote invocation mechanism for logging
One or more events occurring within a client-side web application are logged at a remote server using a script-based invocation mechanism. The mechanism comprises a client-side script, and associated server-side code. Upon occurrence of an event to be logged, a script object is created on the client and used to pass logged data to the server, which then issues a response to destroy the script object. In this manner, the script object is created and persists in the client only as long as it is needed to log the event.
US09578079B2 Distribution control system, distribution system, distribution control method, and computer-readable storage medium
A distribution control system that is connected to one or more communication terminals that output image (sound) data and transmits the image (sound) data to the terminals. The system includes a browser management unit configured to start up a browser appropriate for the terminals; a browser configured to generate the image (sound) data by rendering content data; a transmitter configured to transmit the image (sound) data to the communication terminals; and a receiver configured to receive sensor information detected by a sensor included in the terminals. The browser is configured to process the received sensor information by a first processor that is installed in the browser as standard or a second processor that processes the sensor information that is unable to be processed by the first processor. The transmitter is configured to transmit the image (sound) data processed by the browser in accordance with the sensor information to the terminals.
US09578077B2 Aggressive prefetching
A method is provided for distributing data content in a P2P live streaming network comprising a plurality of peers and a streaming source periodically producing segments representing the data content to be distributed, wherein a group of the peers are assigned to download the data content from the streaming source and to distribute the data content to remaining peers. The method comprises a first peer making requests for a current segment produced by the streaming source, the requests being made at a rate higher than a rate with which the segments are produced by the streaming source. If the first peer is the first to download the current segment, then the current segment has been downloaded, wherein the network peers can download the current segment from the first peer. Otherwise, a second peer downloads the current segment and it announces this to the group on the P2P network.
US09578075B2 Software streaming system and method
A method for streaming software may include downloading blocks associated with a software title until an executable threshold is reached, initiating execution of the software title, and continuing to download blocks of the software title while the software title is executed. Another method for streaming software may include sending to a client data sufficient for the client to build a virtual directory structure for use in executing a software title, streaming a subset of blocks associated with the software title to the client, and streaming additional blocks associated with the software title to the client on demand. A system for streaming software may include a server computer and a client computer. The server computer may include a program database and a streaming engine. In operation the streaming engine may stream an executable streaming application from the program database to the client.
US09578070B2 Method for inserting background audio into voice/video call
A background noise inserter server is described that includes a communication interface for communicating with a network, memory for storing background audio, and a processor coupled to the communication interface and the memory. The processor controls the server to connect to a phone call session in response to a session initiation protocol (SIP) invite from a calling device indicating that the calling device is requesting the background audio in the phone call session with a called device. The processor also controls the server to insert the background audio into the phone call session so that the inserted background audio is mixed with audio from the phone call session transmitted to both the calling device and the called device.
US09578069B1 Cooperative IMS access from a visited domain
Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems, methods, and computer readable media to provide roaming IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) access. In a particular embodiment, a method provides, in a communication interface, attaching a communication device to provide the communication device with access to a broadband access network associated with a visited domain of the communication device. The method further provides, in a proxy call session control element of a broadband services gateway (BSG), registering the communication device to access IMS services on behalf of an IMS core in the visited domain over the broadband access network, conveying Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) signaling between the communication device and the IMS core as a SIP proxy, and establishing a communication session between the communication device and the IMS core.
US09578067B2 Intercepting user equipment and lawful interception method thereof for use in 3GPP direct mode communication
An intercepting user equipment and a lawful interception method thereof are provided. The intercepting user equipment registers to the administrating server for lawful interception, and then receives a positive interception message from the administrating server. The intercepting user equipment receives a signal from user equipment, and determines whether a power measurement of the signal exceeds a threshold. If positive, the intercepting user equipment transmits a power adjustment request to the administrating server so that the administrating server notifies the eNB of transmitting a power adjustment command to the user equipment for adjusting transmitting power. The intercepting user equipment intercepts communication data of the user equipment.
US09578064B2 Automatic tuning of virtual data center resource utilization policies
A computer-implemented process receives a request to utilize one or more virtual data center (VDC) resources at a virtual data center and determines a particular service level applicable to request. Based on the particular service level and mapping information that indicates associations between VDC resource utilization policies and service levels, the process determines a particular VDC resource utilization policy corresponding to the request and causes completion of the request according to the particular VDC resource utilization policy. Another process determines that a resource utilization performance is incompatible with a requested service level and selects a new resource utilization based in part on the resource utilization performance information and mapping information. The process causes data distributed according to a prior resource utilization policy to be distributed according to the new resource utilization policy in one or more resources at a virtual data center.
US09578061B2 System and method for modeling a networking device policy
Implementations of the present disclosure involve a system and/or method for modeling a networking device policy or set of rules and/or transforming a networking device policy model into a set of comprehensible rules for presentation to a manager of the device. In one embodiment, the system and/or method includes converting one or more rules of the firewall device into a string of representative bits, creating a binary decision diagram from the converted rules of the firewall policy, transforming the binary decision diagram into a ternary tree diagram and analyzing the ternary tree diagram to condense the firewall policy into one or more rules comprehensible by a user of the firewall.
US09578059B2 Policy enforcement in a secure data file delivery system
A server interacts with a sender to form a package which can include one or more attached data files to be sent to one or more recipients, and the server applies a policy established by a policy authority of the sender to the package. Since the server both forms the package through interaction with the sender and applies the policy, violations of the policy by the package can be brought to the sender's attention during an interactive session with the sender and before encryption of all or part of the package. As a result, the sender is educated regarding the policy of the sender's policy authority, and the sender can modify the package immediately to comport with the policy. The server delivers the package to intended recipients by sending notification to each recipient and including package identification data, e.g., a URL by which the package can be retrieved.
US09578051B2 Method and system for identifying a threatening network
A method for identifying a threatening network comprises an asymmetric threat signature (AT-SIG) algorithm comprising a network movement before/after algorithm that provides a graphical plot of changes in network transaction activity from before to after a specified time and further comprising one or more of: a network progression algorithm that provides a graphical plot to analyze behavior in small increments of time without specification or emphasis upon a particular time or event; a statistical network anomaly ranking algorithm that provides as output a ranked list of the networks; and an anomaly trend graphs algorithm that analyzes and visualizes the networks' anomaly scores over time. Also disclosed are an AT-SIG system and a software program product.
US09578047B2 Method and system for reflectometry based communication network monitoring, intrusion detection, and message authentication
Systems and methods are provided for monitoring and detecting intrusions and authenticating messages on a communication network of a vehicle. A plurality of signals transmitted over communications network between an electronic control module and a remote electronic module are monitored. Reflectometry feature sets are extracted from the plurality of signals and compared to a repository of predetermined communication network feature sets to generate a mismatch value. The mismatch value is compared to a predetermined threshold range and an authenticated event occurs when the mismatch value is within the predetermined threshold range. When the mismatch value is outside the predetermined threshold range, a flagged event occurs and is recorded.
US09578044B1 Detection of anomalous advertising content
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for detecting anomalous advertising content and taking or directing one or more actions to be taken to mitigate risk associated with anomalous advertising content. The anomalous advertising content indicates a deviation from an expected state of the advertising content. Various measures may be taken to determine whether the anomalous advertising content is reflective of malware.
US09578040B2 Packet receiving method, deep packet inspection device and system
Embodiments of the present invention provide a packet receiving method, a deep packet inspection device and system, which relates to the field of communications. The packet receiving method includes: receiving a service request packet sent by a terminal device, where the packet carries a terminal domain name indicating the terminal device and a server domain name indicating a service server required by the service request; resolving the received server domain name to obtain a service server Internet protocol (IP) address; and discarding the packet if the resolved service server IP address does not belong to the preset service server IP address corresponding to the received terminal domain name in a preset list. Embodiments of the present invention are applied to the processing of the packet.
US09578038B2 Electronic devices having adaptive security profiles and methods for selecting the same
Adaptive security profiles are supported on an electronic device. One or more security profiles may be automatically or selectively applied to the device based on the device's location and one or more geographic zone definitions. The security profiles may be used to determine the level of authentication or number of invalid authentication attempts for a particular feature or application or set of features or applications.
US09578029B2 Diameter signaling for mobile IPv4
The invention consists of a new registration and authentication protocol for between a Mobile Node and a Home Agent. The new protocol uses a novel messaging sequence to request registration, authentication and authorization of the Mobile Node when it is located on a foreign network, and the novel protocol will avoid some of the standard registration and authentication protocol messages in order to eliminate the problems associated with re-transmission errors.
US09578019B2 Method and system for managing an embedded secure element eSE
A method and system for managing an embedded secure element (50) accessible as a slave of the resident applications (App1-3) of a host device of the eSE. The eSE includes an issuer security domain (51), ISD, with which cryptographic keys are associated. The method includes, in an application agent embedded in an OS of the host device: sending (420) the ISD a random value; receiving (435) a cryptogram corresponding to the random value encrypted using a key associated with the ISD; sending (440, 450) the random value and the cryptogram to a first extern entity entered in the application agent. The method includes: sending (455, 4555) the random value and the cryptogram from the first entity to a second external entity; verifying (4556) that the second entity possesses keys associated with the ISD from the cryptogram and the random value.
US09578012B2 Restricted content publishing with search engine registry
A processor-implemented method is provided. The method may include providing a content registry with at least one application program interface (API) to manage a plurality of entries stored in the content registry. The method may also include providing access to the plurality of entries by a pre-authorized search engine to the content registry in response to a search requested by an authorized requester.
US09578006B2 Restricted content publishing with search engine registry
A processor-implemented method is provided. The method may include providing a content registry with at least one application program interface (API) to manage a plurality of entries stored in the content registry. The method may also include providing access to the plurality of entries by a pre-authorized search engine to the content registry in response to a search requested by an authorized requester.
US09578003B2 Determining whether to use a local authentication server
The present disclosure discloses a method and a system for determining whether to use a local authentication server. Specifically, a first network device executing a first authentication server receives a request for authentication from a client device. The first network device determines whether the client device was previously successfully authenticated by a second authentication server executing on a second network device within a particular period of time. If so, the first network device attempts to authenticate the client device using the first authentication server. Otherwise, the first network device declines the request for authentication from the client device.
US09578001B2 Method and network node device for running push-button configuration sessions within heterogeneous network and heterogeneous network
A heterogeneous home network (with possibly multiple hops between devices) uses a push button configuration mechanism that ensures only one single new network node device is registered for a single push button key press event and overlapping Push-Button Configuration sessions within the heterogeneous network are prevented by an enhanced mechanism for running Push Button Configuration sessions based on a Push-Button Configuration handshake procedure triggered and initiated by a virtual or physical Push-Button-Event on a new device, which wants to join the heterogeneous network for a user friendly security bootstrapping, in which multiple network node devices in the heterogeneous network belonging already to the heterogeneous network are involved in registering the new device. The Push-Button Configuration handshake procedure is initiated to get a permission information to join the network or to proceed with the Push-Button Configuration or to get a rejection information not to join the network.
US09577988B2 Data encryption, transport, and storage service for carrier-grade networks
A method, a system, and a non-transitory storage medium for storing user preferences pertaining to a data encryption service that provides on-demand encryption for data in-flight and at rest; receiving data from a user device; determining whether to invoke the data encryption service based on the data and the user preferences; generating a key to encrypt the data based on determining that the data encryption service is to be invoked; generating a first message that includes the data, the key, and data indicating where encrypted data is to be stored; establishing a secure connection with a device; and transmitting the first message to the device via the secure connection.
US09577985B2 Provisioning work environments on personal mobile devices
A virtual business mobile device can be provisioned on a personal mobile device, by binding a mobile application for provisioning the business mobile device to a privileged component of a host operating system of the personal mobile device, wherein the binding enables a software virtualization layer and a management service component of the mobile application to execute in a privileged mode. The mobile application is then able to download a virtual phone image for the business mobile device and security-related policy settings relating to use of the business mobile device from a mobile management server, wherein the software virtualization layer is able to launch a virtual machine for the business mobile device based on the virtual phone image. Once the virtual phone image has been downloaded, the management service component initiates a periodic attempt to establish a connection with the mobile management server to comply with the downloaded security-related policy settings.
US09577984B2 Network initiated alerts to devices using a local connection
Systems and techniques for managing local communication between a network access point and a host device. Upon connection by a host device to an access point, a local connection link is established between the access point and the host device. A network connection may be established between the access point and the host device, with the network connection being able to pass through the host device to enable communication with and beyond an access network to which the access point provides a connection. Local messages may be passed between the access point and the host device over the local connection link, separately from and independent of communication that may occur over the network connection.
US09577981B2 Communication control method, communication node, and mobile node
A technique is disclosed in which an MN (mobile node) 100 notifies, to a CN (correspondent node), home network connection information indicative of whether or not it is currently in connection with a home network which has allocated its own plurality of HoAs (home addresses), an address of each HA (home agent) and an ID of each HA in a state associated with the plurality of HoAs. Based on the information received from the MN, the CN grasps the home network with which the MN is currently in connection and makes an inquiry about the condition of the HA and sets an appropriate HoA, judged on the basis of the grasping result or the inquiry result, as a destination address of a packet to be transmitted to the MN.
US09577975B2 Linking multiple entities associated with media content
In one embodiment, a method includes determining that media content being viewed by a user comprises a plurality of entities, accessing information indicative of the plurality of entities, and querying a social graph of the social-networking system for social content associated with each of the plurality of entities and one or more other users of the social-networking system. The social graph includes user nodes that are each associated with a particular user of the social-networking system. The method further includes providing at least a portion of the queried social content from the social graph for display along with the information on a display device of the user.
US09577966B1 Device independent message distribution platform
An example system for device-independent point to multipoint communication is configured to receive a message addressed to one or more destination users, the message type being, for example, Short Message Service (SMS), Instant Messaging (IM), E-mail, web form input, or Application Program Interface (API) function call. The system also is configured to determine information about the destination users, the information comprising preferred devices and interfaces for receiving messages, the information further including message receiving preferences. The system applies rules to the message based on destination user information to determine the message endpoints, the message endpoints being, for example, Short Message Service (SMS), Instant Messaging (IM), E-mail, web page output, or Application Program Interface (API) function call. The system translates the message based on the destination user information and message endpoints and transmits the message to each endpoint of the message.
US09577963B2 Application for augmenting a message with emotional content
Implementations of this disclosure may assist users to communicate more effectively in online communications over a network such as emails, instant messaging, text messages, and social networking messages. In some implementations, systems and methods of this disclosure enable a message composer to augment a first message with one or more predefined or custom second messages where the second message is intended to convey an unspoken meaning about the first message. In some implementations, systems and methods of this disclosure enable a recipient of the augmented first message to rate the first message on its genuineness and to provide a predefined or custom explanation of the recipient's rating. In some implementations, systems and methods of this disclosure can change an online users' online picture (e.g., profile picture, avatar, etc.) based on ratings of the user's messages by recipients.
US09577961B2 Input/output management in a distributed strict queue
Methods and systems for implementing input/output management in a distributed strict queue are disclosed. A plurality of messages are distributed to a plurality of queue servers based on strict order parameters for the messages. Messages that share a value for the strict order parameter are distributed to the same queue server. The messages are enqueued at the queue servers. Messages that share a value for the strict order parameter are enqueued in a strict order based on the time of receipt at the queue server. One or more queue clients are configured to attempt message processing for the enqueued messages. Network interactions between the queue clients and one or more external components are configured to be routed through a network proxy.
US09577960B2 Universal error-correction circuit with fault-tolerant nature, and decoder and triple modular redundancy circuit that apply it
A universal error-correction circuit with fault-tolerant nature includes an error-correction unit with fault-tolerant nature implemented by a logic gate, where digital input signals of the error-correction unit with fault-tolerant nature are separately I0, I1 . . . , I2k-1, and I2k, digital output signals of the error-correction unit with fault-tolerant nature are separately O0, O1, . . . , Ok-2, and Ok-1, and the digital input signals and the digital output signals belong to a set {0,1}, where k is a positive integer. The error-correction unit with fault-tolerant nature is configured to, when k=1, set O0=I0 if I0=I1, and O0=I2 otherwise; and when k>1, set Ok-1=I2k-1 if Ok-2=I2k-1, and Ok-1=I2k otherwise. Because a logical relationship between input and output is uniquely certain, the error-correction circuit with fault-tolerant nature may be implemented only by a logic gate.
US09577953B2 Determination of a suitable target for an initiator by a control plane processor
A first computational device receives a response generated by a second computational device for a third computational device. A target that is suitable for use by the third computational device is determined. The response is transmitted with an address of the target to the third computational device.
US09577952B2 Secure metering and accounting for cloud services
Managing a service is provided. Information is collected about use of a set of resources by the service. A request is received to verify information regarding a selected portion of a period of time during the use of the set of resources by the service. A description of the use of the set of resources by the service during the selected portion of the period of time is generated using the collected information in response to receiving the request to verify the information regarding the selected portion of the period of time during the use of the set of resources by the service. A response to the request is created using the generated description of the use of the set of resources by the service during the selected portion of the period of time as proof of validity of the information.
US09577933B2 Method and system of providing differentiated services
A method for combining Internet protocols in a Differentiated Services model environment is described. The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and Common Open Policy Service (COPS) are combined together to provide methods of setting up a session and tearing down a session, while maintaining Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) policies. The Open Settlement Policy (OSP) is also combined with SIP and COPS. This combination provides for an interchange of parameters between session setup, teardown, authorization, policy, Quality of Service (QoS), and usage reporting
US09577931B2 Switching system, switching control system, and storage medium
A switch system realizes extension of the number of entries of an open flow table by using tables in a switch as existing resources. Specifically, the switch configures an open flow table by logically combining a plurality of tables, each of which defines processing to a given packet, based on a condition and a processing content defined in each table. The switch refers to the open flow table to determine the processing content to a reception packet. The switch executes the processing of the reception packet based on the determined processing content.
US09577929B2 Virtual machine network controller
Embodiments relate to virtual networks. An aspect includes a method for controlling a virtual network including analyzing header content of packet traffic, where the packet traffic corresponds to one or more virtual machines run on a computer. The method includes performing flow routing of the packet traffic through a virtual network based on the analyzing overlay virtual network identifiers or virtual extensible local area network (VXLAN) identifiers in the header content.
US09577918B2 Increasingly minimal bias routing
A system and algorithm configured to generate diversity at the traffic source so that packets are uniformly distributed over all of the available paths, but to increase the likelihood of taking a minimal path with each hop the packet takes. This is achieved by configuring routing biases so as to prefer non-minimal paths at the injection point, but increasingly prefer minimal paths as the packet proceeds, referred to herein as Increasing Minimal Bias (IMB).
US09577915B2 Rate-limiting samples for ETX computation in computer networks
In one embodiment, a device in a network obtains information regarding a transmission between the device and a neighbor of the device in the network. The device determines whether to use the information regarding the transmission to update an expected transmission count associated with the neighbor based on a rate of samples used to compute expected transmission counts. The device updates the expected transmission count, in response to determining that the information regarding the transmission should be used to update the expected transmission count. The device selects a routing path in the network based in part on the updated expected transmission count associated with the neighbor.
US09577912B2 In-product micro-blogging for design sharing
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for generating a status update message. The method involves defining one or more status update criteria and monitoring user activity in a software application for the one or more status update criteria. The method further involves determining, based on the user activity, that the one or more status update criteria have been met and generating, via a processing unit, a status update message. The status update message includes multimedia content related to a project associated with the software application.
US09577911B1 Distributed computation system incorporating agent network, paths and associated probes
A system and method of distributed computation based upon a novel partitioning of computer networks. In the distributed computing system of the present invention, instructions are disseminated to select agents on a computer network, each of which is a member of at least one “path,” a path being an ordered set of one or more connected agents within the network. The computation is then performed by the agents along the path, and any results then returned. A computation to be performed is broken down into instructions executed on a unique ordered sequence of agents making up a path. This vastly increases the expressive power of a single network to be not only the sum of its parts, but the sum of all possible configurations of those parts on a graph. The basic components of the computing system are agents, probes and paths. The agents are interconnected forming a network and a path is an ordered sequence of agents. Information is exchanged between agents by the sending and receiving of probes between the agents in the network.
US09577908B2 Integrated switch tap arrangement and methods thereof
An integrated switch tap device for managing and monitoring network traffic is provided. The device includes a set of network ports for receiving and outputting the network traffic. The device also includes a first logic arrangement for performing routing functionalities and a first CPU for processing the routing functionalities. The device further includes a set of monitoring ports that is coupled to one or more monitoring devices. The device yet also includes a first tap module, which is configured at least for intercepting at least part of the network traffic flowing through the network device, creating a copy of at least part of the network traffic, and forwarding the copy to at least one of the set of monitoring ports. The device moreover includes a second CPU configured at least for processing tap functionalities associated with the first tap module.
US09577899B2 Network bandwith regulation using traffic scheduling
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for regulating network bandwidth by means of monitoring network traffic, predicting network loads, and scheduling traffic utilizing traffic reporting and bandwidth reservation mechanisms. These systems and methods may reduce network congestion and support more efficient processing by network applications. Traffic reporting may comprise broadcasting control messages to network nodes indicating appropriate times to send and receive messages. Network nodes may use traffic reports (e.g., control messages) to proactively regulate their use of the network. Bandwidth reservation may allow network nodes to do productive processing while waiting to send and receive data, and may decrease mean wait times. Reservations may be implemented in a synchronous or asynchronous manner. In an exemplary embodiment, the reservation mechanism may emulate a traditional stream socket API. Embodiments enabling enhanced TV applications to run more effectively over cable TV out-of-band networks are described.
US09577896B2 Context-based computing framework for obtaining computing resource context information associated with a location
Context-based computing frameworks disclosed herein may determine a location associated with a query from a device, the query requesting context information. Such context-based computing frameworks may also obtain the context information from a context profile associated with the location, the context information identifying a computing resource associated with the location. Such context-based computing frameworks may further send the context information in response to the query, the context information to enable configuration of interaction between the device and the computing resource associated with the location.
US09577895B2 System, method and apparatus for troubleshooting an IP network
The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for troubleshooting one or more communications between a first device and a second device. A monitoring device disposed between the first device and the second device receives a message associated with the communication(s), analyzes the received message and stores the analyzed message whenever the analyzed message satisfies one or more troubleshooting criteria. The one or more troubleshooting criteria may include one or more data element criteria, one or more event-based criteria, one or more time-based criteria, one or more logical operators or a combination thereof. The method can be implemented using a computer program embodied on a computer readable medium having one or more code segments to perform the method steps.
US09577881B2 Method and system for managing quality of service via a broadband gateway
Aspects of a method and system for managing quality of service via a broadband gateway are provided. In this regard, a broadband gateway that supports one or more first QoS protocols may determine, based on communications with a plurality of communication devices, whether each of the plurality of communication devices supports the one or more first QoS protocols. The gateway may communicate a result of the determination to a content provider and/or service provider. In this manner, the content provider and/or service provider may determine whether to utilize one or more second QoS protocols to deliver content to a particular one of said plurality of communication devices based on whether said particular of communication devices based on whether said particular one of said plurality of communication devices supports the one or more first QoS protocols. The gateway may be operable to map between QoS protocols.
US09577878B2 Geographic awareness in a distributed strict queue
Methods and systems for implementing geographic awareness in a distributed strict queue are disclosed. A plurality of queue servers are selected to receive a plurality of messages from a plurality of queue producers. The queue servers are selected from a pool of available queue servers to optimize the performance of a distributed strict queue system. The plurality of messages are distributed to the queue servers based on strict order parameters for the messages. Messages that share a value for the strict order parameter are distributed to the same queue server. The messages are enqueued at the queue servers. Messages that share a value for the strict order parameter are enqueued in a strict order based on the time of receipt at the queue server.
US09577873B2 Method and a system for providing a flexible secondary data path
A method and an apparatus for providing a flexible secondary data path control, said method comprising the steps of: detecting (S1) a primary data path failure of a primary data path between a customer premise site (3) and a central office site (4); initiating (S2) a corresponding secondary data path if a primary data path failure of said primary data path has been detected; initiating (S3) a measurement of data path characteristics of said initiated secondary path or utilizing constantly monitored data path characteristics of paths for an available secondary data path; and determining (S4) services to be provided via said secondary data path depending on the measured data path characteristics of said secondary data path.
US09577865B2 Carrier recovery aided by pilot symbols carrying information
A receiver may comprise: a symbol receiver configured to receive a first modulated symbol at a first resolution and thereafter a second modulated symbol at a second resolution greater than the first resolution; an output path coupled to the symbol receiver and configured to forward the first modulated symbol; a decision device coupled to the symbol receiver and configured to determine a most probable symbol represented by the first modulated symbol; a phase detector coupled to the decision device and configured to compare the first modulated symbol and the most probable symbol to generate a phase error value; and a phase modifier coupled to the decision device and configured to determine a phase correction value based on the phase error value and to adjust the phase of the second modulated symbol based on the phase correction value.
US09577862B2 Method for performing an adaptive modulation and coding scheme in mobile communication system
A method for performing an adaptive modulation and coding scheme in a mobile communication system. Including receiving a signal and selecting a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) level from an MCS subset of an MCS set considering information derived from the signal, by a mobile station. The MCS subset is selected in accordance with a service type related to the mobile station and the MCS subset is configured with one or more MCS levels, the MCS set is represented by 5 bits and the MCS subset is represented by 4 bits to indicate MCS value, respectively, and the 4 bits of the MCS subset is a part of the 5 bits of the MCS set.
US09577858B2 RF chirp receiver synchronization
A radio frequency communication system includes a radio frequency transmitter having a chirp generator operable to transmit a first chirp signal, and transmit a second chirp signal that is circular shifted relative to the first chirp signal. A receiver receives the first chirp signal and the second chirp signal, such that the proportion of phase offset between the first and second chirp signals is proportional to the frequency offset of the received signals. The first and second chirp signals are despread, and the phase difference between the first and second chirp signals is used to determine a frequency offset of the received first and second chirp signals that is proportional to the phase difference between the first and second chirp signals.
US09577852B2 Common-mode suppressor based on differential transmission line
A common-mode suppressor for eliminating common-mode noise in high frequency differential data transmission systems and an associated method includes a long coiled differential transmission line configured to transfer data between a source and a load. The differential transmission line comprises a first conductive wire and a second conductive wire which are inductively and capacitively coupled and are laterally aligned or vertically aligned with each other. Further, the differential transmission line is matched for differential signals and un-matched for common-mode noise.
US09577838B2 Device and method for multicast in wireless local access network
A device and method for multicasting data in a wireless network. The method includes receiving multicast data at a specific node of the wireless network, the multicast data including a multicast acknowledgement request; and determining by the specific node whether or not the specific node is requested to send an acknowledgement to the multicast acknowledgement request. Also, a device and method for multicasting data in a wireless network. The method includes transmitting multicast data, the multicast data including a multicast acknowledgement request, the multicast acknowledgement request including information configured to enable a specific node of the wireless network to determine whether or not the specific node is requested to send an acknowledgement to the multicast acknowledgement request.
US09577837B2 Method and apparatus for discovering communication entity
Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for discovering a communication entity. The apparatus for discovering a communication entity includes a list generation unit for generating a list of connection target Data Readers (DRs), a counter generation unit for generating a counter including information about a number of the connection target DRs, and a discovery message communication unit for establishing communication connections to the connection target DRs based on the list and the counter. The discovery message communication unit includes a transmission unit for transmitting a DR discovery message including data topic information or possible service quality information to each of the connection target DRs, and a reception unit for receiving a Data Writer (DW) discovery message including data topic information or possible service quality information from each of the connection target DRs.
US09577832B2 Generating a hash using S-box nonlinearizing of a remainder input
A processor includes a hash register and a hash generating circuit. The hash generating circuit includes a novel programmable nonlinearizing function circuit as well as a modulo-2 multiplier, a first modulo-2 summer, a modulor-2 divider, and a second modulo-2 summer. The nonlinearizing function circuit receives a hash value from the hash register and performs a programmable nonlinearizing function, thereby generating a modified version of the hash value. In one example, the nonlinearizing function circuit includes a plurality of separately enableable S-box circuits. The multiplier multiplies the input data by a programmable multiplier value, thereby generating a product value. The first summer sums a first portion of the product value with the modified hash value. The divider divides the resulting sum by a fixed divisor value, thereby generating a remainder value. The second summer sums the remainder value and the second portion of the input data, thereby generating a hash result.
US09577829B1 Multi-party computation services
A system and method of performing a multi-party computation by determining a function for use in the multi-party computation, receiving a plurality of input values for the function, evaluating the function based at least in part on the plurality of input values to generate a result wherein the result is not usable to determine an input of the plurality of input values, and providing an output based at least in part on the result.
US09577827B2 Information processing device, information processing method, and program
There is provided an information processing device including a secret key generator that generates a secret key from a random number received from an external device that provides a service, and a given value, a public key generator that generates a public key on the basis of the secret key by using a function identically set in a plurality of the services, a transmitter that transmits the public key to the external device, and an authentication processor that conducts authentication with the external device using the secret key.
US09577824B2 Delivering a content item from a server to a device
Methods and systems for delivering a segmented content item from a server to a first and second device are provided. A first key is used to encrypt the segmented content item into a first plurality of encrypted segments and a second key is used to encrypt the segmented content item into a second plurality of encrypted segments. The first and second keys are different. The first plurality of encrypted segments is delivered to the first device, and the second plurality of encrypted segments is delivered to the second device.
US09577821B2 Function masking apparatus in symmetric cryptographic algorithm for preventing side channel attacks and method thereof
Disclosed is a function masking apparatus in a symmetric cryptographic algorithm for preventing side channel attacks, including: a controller creating lookup tables for one or more internal functions included in a high security and light weight (HIGHT) algorithm, respectively based on a plurality of non-linear functions, a plurality of linear functions, and a plurality of constants which are randomly generated; and a storage unit storing the lookup tables for one or more internal functions included in the generated HIGHT algorithm.
US09577820B2 Elastic gear first-in-first-out buffer with frequency monitor
An elastic gear First-In-First-Out (FIFO) buffer architecture is disclosed. The proposed elastic gear FIFO buffer uses a frequency monitor unit to control clock frequency compensation. By using an independent frequency monitor unit, the data latency and FIFO buffer size are best optimized. An elastic gear FIFO could be utilized in applications where clock compensation and asynchronous data width conversion are desired or required.
US09577815B1 Clock data alignment system for vector signaling code communications link
A communications system receiver is described providing automatic timing adjustment of receive data sampling. A concurrently received clock signal is used as both a reference for generation of internal receiver timing signals, and as an exemplar for adjustment of those timing signals to optimize received data sample timing.
US09577814B2 Method and apparatus for allocating resources in carrier aggregation system
A method and apparatus for allocating resources in a base station (BS) in a carrier aggregation (CA) system is provided. The method and apparatus includes configuring a first cell and a second cell for a first user equipment (UE), identifying at least one second subframes of the first cell, the at least one second subframe being associated with feedback information to be received in a first subframe of the first cell, and at least one third subframes of the second cell, determining whether there is a downlink (DL) data transmission in the at least one third subframe of the second cell, and determining to allocate the other frequency resources, which are other than a frequency resource used for transmission of the feedback information in the first subframe, to a second UE, if there is no DL data transmission in the at least one third subframe of the second cell.
US09577812B2 Method and apparatus for aggregating plurality of cells
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for aggregating a plurality of cells. According to the method, a first cell may determine whether to add one or a plurality of second cells for user equipment. Here, a maximum number of cells are determined depending on a number of cells that belong to the first cell and the one or the plurality of second cells and whose reference configuration has been set as a specific Time Division Duplex (TDD) UL-DL configuration and a number of cells that have been actually set as the specific TDD UL-DL configuration. Also, the first cell may transmit a configuration for adding one or a plurality of second cells to the user equipment based on the determined maximum number of cells.
US09577805B2 Channel-sounding method using a plurality of antennas, and apparatus for same
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for transmitting an SRS in a multi-antenna system. The method comprises the steps of: acquiring specific information for discriminating a first antenna group and a second antenna group from among a plurality of antennas, wherein said first antenna group includes one or more antennas which are set to a turned-on state to perform communication with a base station, and said second antenna group includes one or more other antennas which are set to a turned-off state; transmitting an SRS to the base station if a predetermined condition is satisfied, under the condition that the second antenna group is set to the turned-off state; and setting the second antenna group to a turned-off state after the transmission of the SRS.
US09577803B2 ACK/NAK bit bundling in carrier aggregation scenarios
Techniques are disclosed for ACK/NAK bit bundling in carrier aggregation scenarios. Such measures exemplarily comprise generating a set of acknowledgement bits confirming receipt of payload data of a radio frame in a carrier aggregation mode aggregating a primary and at least one secondary carrier, said radio frame being divided into a plurality of downlink subframes and uplink subframes, each of said downlink subframes comprising at least one codeword per carrier, each of said acknowledgement bits is allocated to one of said codewords of one of said downlink subframes, and applying spatial domain bundling and/or time domain bundling on said set of acknowledgement bits distinctive for each of said primary and said at least one secondary carrier, wherein said spatial domain bundling is an AND operation of all acknowledgement bits allocated to each codeword of one carrier of said primary and said at least one secondary carrier and one downlink subframe.
US09577792B2 Apparatus and method for allocating resource in a mobile communication system
A method for allocating resources in a mobile communication system is provided. The resource allocation method includes determining whether a transmission time of response information indicating presence/absence of an error in received data overlaps a transmission time of channel state information; and when the transmission times overlap each other, allocating, to the response information, a resource block for the channel state information, cyclic shift values in a frequency domain, and orthogonal sequences having orthogonality in a time domain.
US09577791B2 Notification by network element of packet drops
Methods and apparatus for implementing notification by network elements of packet drops. In response to determining a packet is to be dropped, a network element such as a switch or router determines the source of the packet and returns a dropped packet notification message to the source. Upon receipt of notification, networking software or embedded hardware on the source causes the dropped packet to be retransmitted. The notification may also be sent from the network element to the destination computer to inform networking software or embedded logic implemented by the destination computer that the packet was dropped and notification to the source has been sent, thus alleviating the destination from needing to send a Selective ACKnowledge (SACK) message to inform the source the packet was not delivered. (Too narrow)
US09577789B2 Frequency deinterleaving and time deinterleaving circuit, method thereof and receiving circuit of digital television
A receiving circuit for a digital television is provided. The receiving circuit of the digital television, adapted to process a digital television signal to generate transmission data, includes: a front-end circuit, configured to process the digital television signal to generate an interleaved signal; a setting unit, configured to provide a setting value associated with a digital video standard of the digital television signal; a frequency de-interleaving and time de-interleaving circuit, configured to select a frequency de-interleaving scheme and a time de-interleaving scheme corresponding to different digital video standards according to the setting value, and to process the interleaved signal to generate a de-interleaved signal; a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) demapping circuit, configured to demap the de-interleaved signal to generate a demapped signal; and a decoder, configured to decode the demapped signal to generate the transmission data.
US09577785B2 Signal jamming suppression
Provided are processes for suppressing jamming signals that may include use of a signal processing circuit. A signal processing circuit can be configured to obtain a jamming signal and a feedback signal, process the jamming signal and the feedback signal to determine a cancellation signal for use in suppressing the jamming signal, and output the cancellation signal to a radio-frequency transmitter. The signal processing circuit may be further configured to obtain a transmission signal, determine a jamming channel from the jamming signal and a feedback channel from the feedback signal, and combine the transmission channel, jamming channel, and feedback channel to determine a transfer function, where the transfer function is configured to determine the cancellation signal.
US09577784B2 System, device, and method for securing voice authentication and end-to-end speech interaction
A method, device, and system for secure end-to-end audio recognition is disclosed. A client device launches an application that connects with a server. The client device and server exchange cryptographic keys and establish a secure connection and a shared cryptographic key. The server transmits an encrypted audio prompt to the client device. The client device decrypts the encrypted audio prompt and stores the decrypted audio prompt in secure memory inaccessible to the operating system using an audio engine of the client device. The audio engine then retrieves the audio and renders it for the user through the speakers of the client device. The client device captures the user's audio response with a microphone and stores the audio response in the secure memory. The stored audio response is encrypted and transmitted to the server.
US09577779B2 System and method for low peak to average power ratio multiple access communications
A method for generating a virtual codebook of low peak to average power ratio (PAPR) sequences includes generating a plurality of low PAPR combination block sequences, with each low PAPR combination block sequence including at least one of a plurality of sparse codebook, and applying time domain hopping to the plurality of low PAPR combination block sequences, thereby producing a virtual codebook. The method also includes storing the virtual codebook.
US09577776B2 Communication system, local area base station apparatus, mobile terminal apparatus and communication method
The present invention is designed to provide a communication system, a local area base station apparatus, a mobile terminal apparatus and a communication method that can provide highly efficient local area radio access. In a communication system in which a mobile terminal apparatus performs radio communication with a wide area base station apparatus that covers a wide area, using a first carrier frequency, and performs radio communication with a local area base station apparatus that covers a local area, using a second carrier frequency, the wide area base station apparatus allocates different frequencies between the uplink and the downlink in the first carrier frequency and communicates with the mobile terminal apparatus, and the local area base station apparatus dynamically switches between the uplink and the downlink in the second carrier frequency on a per time basis based on the communication environment, and communicates with the mobile terminal apparatus.
US09577775B2 Synchronization track reference signal transmission processing, receiving processing method and apparatus
Provided are a synchronization track reference signal transmission processing, receiving processing method and apparatus. According to the transmission processing method, a base station configures, for a new carrier, subframe pattern information used for a synchronization track reference signal (STRS), wherein the subframe pattern information is used for describing at least one subframe for transmitting the STRS in a radio frame; and the base station transmits the configured subframe pattern information to user equipment. By applying the technical solution, the technical problems of being unable to transmit the STRS in a new carrier since there is not technical solution regarding how to transmit the STRS in the related technologies, etc. are solved, thereby achieving the transmission of the STRS in the new carrier.
US09577771B1 Radio frequency time skew calibration systems and methods
Systems and method for improving operation of a radio frequency system are provided. One embodiment provides a radio frequency system that includes an amplifier device with a first data path and a second data path. Additionally, the radio frequency system includes a controller that instructs the radio frequency system to transmit a calibration signal, which includes a first portion that excites the first data path and a second portion that excites the second data path; determines time skew between the first and second data paths based at least in part on phase shift between a first sample of a feedback signal and the first portion, phase shift between a second sample of the feedback signal and the second portion, or both; and instructs the radio frequency system to adjust delay applied on the first data path, the second data path, or both based at least on the time skew.
US09577759B2 Method of monitoring an optoelectronic transceiver with multiple flag values for a respective operating condition
The circuit monitors operation of an optoelectronic transceiver that includes a laser transmitter and a photodiode receiver. The circuit includes analog to digital conversion circuitry configured to convert a first analog signal corresponding to a first operating condition of said optoelectronic transceiver into a first digital value, and convert a second analog signal corresponding to a second operating condition of said optoelectronic transceiver into a second digital value corresponding to a second operating condition. The circuit also includes a memory configured to store the first digital value in a first memory location that is mapped to a predefined and unique first address and to store the second digital value in a second memory location that is mapped to a predefined and unique second address. The circuit includes an interface configured to enable a host external to the optoelectronic transceiver to access the first digital value using the first address and to access the second digital value using the second address.
US09577757B2 Optical transmitter
An optical transmitting unit comprises an integrated optical transmitter module including an LD, a TEC configured to heat or cool the LD, a thermal sensor configured to sense a temperature of the LD, and a package configured to house the LD, the thermal sensor, and the TEC, an MCU, and a temperature detection circuit configured to detect a temperature outside the package. The thermal sensor is thermally coupled with the TEC and is also thermally coupled with the outside of the package, and the MCU defines data output from the temperature detection circuit as an internal temperature when the LD is being energized, and estimates the data of internal temperature on the basis of the temperature detected with the thermal sensor and the data when the LD is not being energized.
US09577753B2 Transimpedance amplifier
A TIA comprises a TIA core that converts a current signal to a voltage signal, a single-to-differential converter that generates a differential voltage signal from the voltage signal, a feedback circuit that generates a control signal from the differential voltage signal, a bypass circuit that generates the current signal by subtracting the bypass current from the input current so that an average value of the current signal is maintained at a predetermined value, and a monitor circuit that generates a monitor current proportional to the bypass current from the control signal.
US09577752B1 Wirelessly powered passive optical power meter
Systems and apparatus for a wirelessly-powered passive optical power meter device. In one aspect, an optical power meter device comprises a power circuit connected to one or more antennas, the circuit including an RF to DC converter that generates a DC power signal that provides a DC power source for the optical power meter from an RF signal received by the one or more antennas, a photodetector that generates a power measurement signal that measures the power of the optical input signal, and a communication circuit that is connected to the one or more antennas, the photodetector, and the power circuit that when powered by the DC power source generates a modulation signal that is responsive to the power measurement signal and that causes the one of the one or more antennas to convey the power measurement signal to a reader device that is transmitting the RF signal.
US09577750B2 Multifunctional micro sensor system
A measurement device relates to a Halios system for measuring an optical transmission path, in which at least one receiver and a compensation transmitter are optically separated from each other by an optical barrier in such a matter that a direct irradiation of said receiver by said compensation transmitter is not possible. Said compensation transmitter and a transmitter are of the same type and/or have at least a common electric optical working point in an optical working point. Said optical barrier has a compensation path, characterized by a compensation window, which attenuates the light of the compensation transmitter before it hits the receiver in such a manner that the compensation transmitter and said transmitter are operated at least in an optical working point by a controller in said identical electro-optical working point.
US09577733B2 Method for installing a backhaul link with multiple antenna patterns
An intelligent backhaul system is disclosed for deployment in the presence of existing radio systems. A backhaul system for co-channel deployment with existing licensed and unlicensed wireless networks, including conventional cellular backhaul radios, Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service, Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service and other FCC 47 C.F.R. §101 licensed microwave networks is disclosed. Processing and network elements to manage and control the deployment and management of backhaul of radios that connect remote edge access networks to core networks in a geographic zone which co-exist with such existing systems or other sources of interference within a radio environment are also disclosed.
US09577730B2 Channel quality index feedback reduction for broadband systems
A system and methodology for exploiting channel correlation in time and/or frequency to reduce CQI feedback in wireless communications systems. By compressing CQI feedback at the receiver to reduce redundancy in CQI feedback information that results from the channel correlation, the average feedback rate is reduced. Redundancy in time may be removed from the CQI feedback by monitoring variations of the CQI information in time at the receiver so that a codebook index for a given reporting instance is communicated to the transmitter only if it differs from the codebook index for the previous reporting instance. Otherwise, no feedback is performed.
US09577719B2 Wireless device and near-field wireless communication method
The data to be supposed to be processed by a microcontroller unit (MCU) of the near-field wireless communication module in a wireless device is processed by a digital signal processor (DSP) of the module instead of the MCU in order to expedite processing of commands.
US09577717B2 Information processing system, information processing apparatus, storage medium having stored therein information processing program, and information processing method
Based on data acquired from a server via a predetermined network, a predetermined content is acquired. Further, based on data acquired from an information storage medium by performing near field communication with the information storage medium, a content that can be used in the same application as an application in which a content that can be acquired from the server via the predetermined network is used, or the same content is acquired.
US09577713B2 Method and system for aligning conductors for capacitive wireless power transmission
A method of aligning a capacitive wireless power transmission system, the method comprises: providing a transmitter device having a capacitive conductor; positioning a receiver device having a capacitive conductor in proximity to the capacitive conductor of the transmitter device; and aligning the capacitive conductors of the transmitter device and the receiver device with one another using a display panel on the receiver device to optimize a transfer of power between the capacitive conductors.
US09577705B2 Network apparatus with multiple communication ports
This disclosure provides a network apparatus with communication ports, each connected to multiple channels, assigned a seed for eliminating the interference among the communication ports, and operable in a master or slave mode, each channel having a communication unit which comprises: an echo canceller, a near-end crosstalk (NEXT) canceller, a decision feedback equalizer, and a control unit configured for controlling the communication ports if the echo canceller and the decision feedback equalizer keep updating their filter coefficients according to the same symbol during a first pre-determined time-interval; wherein when more than two of the communication ports operate in the master mode, the control unit assigns different seeds to the more than two communication ports; and wherein when successive two of the communication ports operate in the slave mode, the control unit stops either the echo canceller or the NEXT canceller from updating their filter coefficients during a second pre-determined time-interval.
US09577701B2 Reconfigurable communication device and method
A communication device includes a transmitter operable to couple to a plurality of transceivers via a plurality of transmission channels, transmit payload data via the plurality of transmission channels, and obtain monitored transmission conditions for one or more transmission channels in the plurality of transmission channels. During operation, the transmitter is further operable to generate reconfiguration request signals resultant from processing the monitored transmission conditions and transmit the reconfiguration request signals on transmission channels in the plurality of transmission channels.
US09577699B2 Dual antenna topology for bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network devices
A method includes determining that an antenna shared between a Bluetooth transceiver and a WLAN transceiver is available to the WLAN transceiver based on an activity signal associated with the Bluetooth transceiver. Access to the shared antenna is provided to the WLAN transceiver based on the determination, and the WLAN transceiver is configured to use diversity in transacting WLAN signals via a plurality of antennas, including the shared antenna. Access to the shared antenna is transferred from the WLAN transceiver to the Bluetooth transceiver based on the activity signal.
US09577698B2 Semiconductor device including spiral shape inductor and horseshoe shape inductor
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of first inductors having a spiral shape and provided in a modulator of a transmitting side, and a plurality of second inductors having a horseshoe shape and provided in an oscillator of a receiving side, the plurality of second inductors being arranged such that an opening of plurality of second inductors is disposed opposite to the plurality of first inductors. The semiconductor device performs a transmission process and a reception process using a radio wave.
US09577695B2 Wireless communication accessory for a mobile device
A wireless communication accessory for a mobile communication device comprising: a casing that conforms, at least partially, to the outer shape of the mobile communication device; a processing circuit housed within the casing and configured to process a first data; and a wireless transmitter coupled to the processing circuit, where the transmitter is configured to transmit the first data. The wireless communication accessory may further comprise a wireless receiver that is configured to receive a second data from an external wireless device. The first data may be associated with any or all of the following: payment card information for processing purchase transactions; public transportation account information for processing travel credits on public transportation systems; and access card information for gaining access into restricted areas.
US09577694B1 Support structure to enable use of tablet computer by persons with limited manual dexterity
A system and method provide a stable support for a portable electronic device such as a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant, a smartphone, or the like. The system includes a support structure that rests on a table, a tray or other platform positioned proximate to a person using the portable electronic device. The support structure has a non-skid base positioned on the platform and has an upper surface positioned at a selected angle with respect to the base. The upper surface includes a recess that receives a configuration frame (or insert). The configuration frame includes an opening to receive and retain the portable electronic device. The configuration frame is rotatable to at least two positions to orient the portable electronic device in at least two orientations (e.g., portrait and landscape) with respect to the person. In certain embodiments, the presentation angle of the upper surface is variable.
US09577687B2 Multiple interferer cancellation for communications systems
An interference cancellation system (ICS) may be used with a communication system to prevent or minimize interference from one or more sources. The ICS may receive radio RF signals comprised of one or more signals of interest (SOI) and multiple interfering signals. The ICS may use a sample of the interfering signals to cancel the interfering signals from the SOI. The multiple interfering signals may be converted into a single optical signal for cancellation. One or more optical cancellation paths may be used for interference cancellation. Each optical cancellation path may include an optical attenuator and/or an optical delay to achieve phase shifts and/or delays for interference cancellation.
US09577677B2 Device and method for transmitting data using convolutional turbo code (CTC) encoder in mobile communication system
A method for transmitting data using a convolutional turbo code (CTC) encoder. Specifically, the method comprises: encoding input data bits, which have been input through two input ports of the CTC encoder; interleaving the input data bits using four CTC interleaver parameters P0, P1, P2 and P3 corresponding to sizes of the input data bits; encoding the interleaved data bits; and selectively transmitting the input data bits, the first encoded bits and the second encoded bits, in accordance with a predetermined coding rate. Here, P0 is a relative prime number to N, which is ½ of the size of each of the input data bits, P2 has a value of N−1, and an absolute value of a difference between P1 and P3 is 1.
US09577671B2 Parity check circuit and memory device including the same
A parity check circuit may include a first signal combination unit for generating first to Nth combination signals by combining first to Nth signals, wherein a Kth (K is a natural number of 2≦K≦N) combination signal of the first to Nth combination signals is obtained by combining the first to Kth signals of the first to Nth signals, a parity check unit for detecting whether an error is present in the first to Nth signals in response to the Nth combination signal, a second signal combination unit for generating first to Nth reconstruction signals by combining the first to Nth combination signals, wherein a Kth reconstruction signal of the first to Nth reconstruction signals is obtained by combining a (K−1)th combination signal and the Kth combination signal of the first to Nth combination signals, and a signal storage unit for storing the first to Nth reconstruction signals.
US09577670B2 Path encoding and decoding
This invention relates to a system, method and computer program product for encoding an input string of binary characters including: a cellular data structure definition including a starting empty cell; one or more path definitions defining paths through the data structure; a character reading and writing engine for writing a binary character to an empty cell with a predefined initial position; a next cell determination engine for determining a next empty cell by methodically checking cells along one of the paths in the data structure until an empty cell is located; a loop facilitator for looping back to the writing next character step and the determining next cell step until there are no more data characters or a next empty cell is not determined; and a serialization deserialization engine for methodically serializing the data structure into a one dimensional binary string of characters representing an encoded string of alphanumeric characters.
US09577669B2 Methods, systems, and computer readable media for optimized message decoding
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for optimized message decoding are disclosed. According to one exemplary method, the method includes receiving a message containing one or more information elements (IEs). The method also includes determining a length associated with the message. The method further includes determining, using the length associated with message, whether the message can be accurately decoded using a mask stored in a memory. The method also includes in response to determining that the message can be accurately decoded using the mask, decoding the message using the mask.
US09577667B2 System and method for arithmetic encoding and decoding
An arithmetic encoder is provided for converting an event sequence comprised of a plurality of events to an information sequence comprised of at least one information piece, and includes a core engine for receiving an event of the event sequence, and a probability estimate from a probability estimator, and generating zero or more pieces of the information sequence responsive to the received event and the probability estimate by bounding the ratio of events to information pieces. An arithmetic encoder is provided that is capable of constraining a number of events in at least one event sequence as a function of the number of generated information pieces in at least one information sequence. An arithmetic decoder is provided for converting an information sequence comprised of at least one information piece to an event sequence comprised of a plurality of events, and includes a core engine for processing at least one information piece of the information sequence from the sequencer responsive to a probability estimate received from a probability estimator to generate at least one event by accounting for a bounded ratio of events to information pieces in the information sequence.
US09577666B2 Method and system
A method includes: setting a first and a second storage regions; first creating a first compression code of a compression target data in a file using a identifier indicating the data in the first storage region when a predetermined first consistency between the compression target data and the data in the first storage region is detected; comparing the compression target data with data in the second storage region when the predetermined first consistency between the compression target data and the data in the first storage region is not detected, the compression target data being moved to the second storage region after the comparing; and storing the compression target data into the first storage region associated with a identifier indicating the data in the first storage region when a predetermined second consistency between the compression target data and the data in the second storage region is detected.
US09577664B2 Efficient processing and detection of balanced codes
Circuits that are matched to balanced codes may recover transmitted information in a noise resilient and power efficient manner. Circuit components for processing a balanced code may include one or more of: matched amplification of the signals representing the balanced code, matched equalization and/or filtering on the signals representing the balanced code, matched non-linear filtering on the signaling representing the balanced code to detect the presence of particular symbols and matched latching of the signals representing the balanced code. Such matched circuits and circuit components may be achieved at least in part by incorporating suitable common circuit nodes and/or a single energy source into circuit topologies.
US09577659B2 Amplifier circuit, ad converter, wireless communication device, and sensor system
An amplifier circuit has a sampling circuit to comprise a sampling capacitor which samples an input voltage and a plurality of switches, a quantizer to quantize an output voltage of the sampling circuit, a DA converter to output an analog signal depending on a quantization signal by the quantizer, and a feedback capacitor to feed the analog signal back to the output voltage of the sampling circuit.
US09577654B2 Analog-digital converter and control method
In an example embodiment, an analog-digital converter includes digital-analog converter, a comparator, and a register. The digital-analog converter is configured to output a differential voltage between a reference voltage and a voltage of an analog signal. The comparator is configured to output a comparison signal corresponding to the differential voltage output by the digital-analog converter. The register is configured to cause the digital-analog converter to generate N pairs of differential voltages (N≧1), to cause the digital-analog converter to generate an (N+1)th pair of differential voltages by causing one of a positive side and a negative side of the digital-analog converter to output an (N+1)th differential voltage and causing the other of the positive side and the negative side to output a differential voltage equal to the Nth differential voltage as an (N+1)th differential voltage, and to output a digital signal corresponding to a comparison signal having a smallest voltage among (N+1) comparison signals.
US09577644B2 Reconfigurable logic architecture
According to one general aspect, an apparatus may include a plurality of stacked integrated circuit dies. The dies may include a memory cell die configured to store data in a random access fashion. The dies may also include a look-up table die comprising a random access memory array that, in turn, includes a reconfigurable look-up table. The reconfigurable look-up table may be configured to perform a logic function. The reconfigurable look-up table may include a plurality of random access memory cells configured to store a look-up table to perform a logic function, and a local row decoder configured to activate one or more rows of memory cells based upon a set of input signals. The look-up table stored in the plurality of memory cells may be configured to be dynamically altered via a memory write operation to the random access memory array.
US09577638B2 Digital signal up-converting apparatus and related digital signal up-converting method
A digital signal up-converting apparatus includes: a clock generating circuit arranged to generate a reference clock signal; an adjusting circuit coupled to the clock generating circuit and arranged to generate a first clock signal and a second clock signal according to the reference clock signal; a baseband circuit coupled to the adjusting circuit for receiving the first clock signal, wherein the baseband circuit further generates a digital output signal according to the first clock signal; and a sampling circuit coupled to the adjusting circuit and the baseband circuit for receiving the second clock signal and the digital output signal, wherein the second clock signal and the digital output signal are non-overlapping; wherein the sampling circuit samples the digital output signal based on the second clock signal and then combines the sampled digital output signal in order to generate a combined digital signal.
US09577634B2 Scalable crossbar apparatus and method for arranging crossbar circuits
Described is an apparatus (e.g., a router) which comprises: multiple ports; and a plurality of crossbar circuits arranged such that at least one crossbar circuit receives all interconnects associated with a data bit of the multiple ports and is operable to re-route signals on those interconnects.
US09577627B2 Semiconductor device
First and second external terminals are connected to high-voltage and low-voltage terminals, respectively, of a direct-current voltage source circuit in which first and second direct-current voltage sources are connected in series. A third external terminal is connected to a connecting point between the first and second direct-current voltage sources. A first switching element is connected between the first and fourth external terminals. A second switching element is connected between the fourth and second external terminals. A first AC switch unit includes third and fourth switching elements connected in inverse series between the third and fourth external terminals. A second AC switch unit includes fifth and sixth switching elements connected in inverse series between the third and fourth external terminals. The first and second AC switch units are connected in parallel. The first and second switching elements and the first and second AC switch units are incorporated in one module.
US09577616B2 Level shifter
An exemplary level shifter includes a clock level shifter configured to generate a level shifted clock signal from an input clock signal; and a switched capacitor logic controller coupled to the clock level shifter. The switched capacitor logic controller is configured to steer the level shifted clock signal based on a data signal and the input clock signal, providing a level shifted version of the data signal.
US09577614B2 Detecting method and device for suppressing interference of low-frequency noise
The invention detects the difference between the maximum signal and the minimum signal at each of a plurality of cycles separately when a sine wave is received. All differences are summed for generating a single detected signal for suppressing the interference of low-frequency noise. No synchronization with the sine wave is necessary and the detection can start at any phase of the sine wave.
US09577612B2 Power converter with split voltage supply
A power converter driver that is supplied with two different voltages.
US09577611B2 Controlling clock input buffers
An integrated circuit may have a clock input pin coupled to a buffer (24). The buffer may supply a clock signal (28) to an integrated circuit chip such as the memory. To conserve power, the buffer is powered down. When ready for use, the buffer is quickly powered back up. In one embodiment, in response to a predetermined number of toggles Of the clock signal, the buffer is automatically powered up.
US09577603B2 Solidly mounted acoustic resonator having multiple lateral features
A solidly mounted resonator (SMR) includes an acoustic resonator on a substrate, the acoustic resonator having multiple acoustic impedance layers having different acoustic impedances, respectively. The SMR further includes a bottom electrode on a top acoustic impedance layer of the plurality of acoustic impedance layers, a piezoelectric layer on the bottom electrode, a top electrode on the piezoelectric layer, and multiple lateral features on a surface of the top electrode. The lateral features include multiple stepped structures.
US09577600B2 Variable load for reflection-type phase shifters
Methods and systems for phase shifting include a hybrid quadrature coupler having an input, an output, and two termination loads. Each termination load includes multiple terminations, each termination having a varactor; and one or more transmission lines separating the terminations. A control module is configured to determine a phase shift and gain to apply to the input and to independently control a capacitance of each varactor such that the output of the hybrid quadrature coupler is shifted by the determined phase shift relative to the input with the determined gain.
US09577598B2 Thin film type common mode filter
Disclosed herein is a thin film type common mode filter including: a base substrate made of an insulating material; a first insulating layer formed on the base substrate; a coil-shaped internal electrode formed on the first insulating layer; a second insulating layer formed on the internal electrode; an external electrode terminal having a vertical section connected to a side surface of the internal electrode and a horizontal section extended from an upper end of the vertical section toward a horizontal direction to thereby form a parallel surface spaced apart from the internal electrode by a predetermined distance; and a ferrite resin layer formed between the horizontal section of the external electrode terminal and the internal electrode.
US09577597B2 LC composite component
Provided is an LC composite component having a multi-layer substrate, a pattern coil, and a chip capacitive element. The multi-layer substrate is configured such that insulating layers are stacked. The pattern coil forms a coiled shape of which the coil axis extends along a stacking direction of the multi-layer substrate, and includes a coil conductor disposed between the insulating layers. The chip capacitive element includes a ceramic body having a relative permittivity higher than that of the insulating layers and counter electrodes. The chip capacitive element is at least partially disposed within the pattern coil.
US09577596B2 System and method for personalization of an audio equalizer
The invention is directed to synthesizing a personalized audio equalization filter based on an individual's hearing profile when listening to audio signals using a preferred electronic means of transduction and production of the audio signals through headphones, earphones, or loudspeakers and is presented in two steps. In the first step, the deviation of the listener's hearing profile, when the preferred listening device is donned, is measured and recorded relative to predetermined equal-loudness contours (e.g., ISO standard equal-loudness contours). The hearing profile is used to compute an equalization filter such that when the audio signal to be reproduced is played through the filter, the equal-loudness contour for a specified phon level is restored. Thus, the invention compensates for deviations of the user's listening device, the user's own hearing profile from a standard hearing profile that represents natural hearing, and other factors. The equalization filter can be adapted to any phon level through adaptation of filter coefficients as a function of the volume of the listening level.
US09577594B2 Method and apparatus for exchanging control functions of volume control units, and terminal
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for exchanging control functions of volume control units, and a terminal, which relate to the field of communications technologies and can make it more convenient for a user to adjust volume. The method includes: obtaining current placement status information of the terminal, where the placement status information is used to indicate a current placement status of the terminal, and at least two volume control units are disposed in the terminal; and exchanging volume control functions of the at least two volume control units when the current placement status of the terminal deviates from a normal placement status of the terminal, where the at least two volume control units include a volume control unit whose volume control function is to control volume to increase and a volume control unit whose volume control function is to control volume to decrease.
US09577591B2 Multistage differential power amplifier having interstage power limiter
A differential power amplifier has at least an input stage and an output stage. A first output stage amplifier is configured to receive a first portion of a differential signal from the input stage at a first output stage input and provide a first amplified signal at a first output stage output. The second output stage amplifier is configured to receive a second portion of the differential signal from the input stage at a second output stage input and provide a second amplified signal at a second output stage output. Power limiter circuitry is connected to the first and/or output stage inputs and is configured to limit a power level of the differential signal prior to being received at the output stage, such that the differential power amplifier and associated filters are not damaged, while the nominal performance of the differential power amplifier at rated power is not significantly affected.
US09577589B2 Nonlinear class AB input stage
A circuit includes a differential input stage amplifier that receives a differential input voltage and generates an output voltage based on a difference in the differential input voltage. A feedback loop provides feedback from an output of the differential input stage amplifier to input tail current of the differential input stage amplifier. The feedback loop enables class AB operation of the differential input stage amplifier. At least one gain reducer is operatively coupled to the feedback loop to reduce the gain of the feedback loop. The gain reducer has a resistance value that varies inversely proportional to loop current in the feedback loop to reduce the gain of the feedback loop as loop current increases.
US09577582B2 Method of reducing power dissipation in a switching amplifier and circuit implementing such method
A method is for reducing power dissipation in a switching amplifier. The method may include comparing a load current with a ripple current and, if the load current is greater than the ripple current, then detecting a first potential value at a first output terminal of the switching amplifier, detecting a second potential value at a second output terminal of the switching amplifier, detecting a third potential value between first and the second terminals of a first capacitor, and coupling the first terminal of the first capacitor to one of the first output terminal and the second output terminal. The second terminal of the first capacitor may be coupled to a reference voltage, the first output terminal, or the second output terminal based upon whether the first potential value or the second potential value is equal to the third potential value.
US09577581B2 Signal amplifier with active power management
A system for amplifying a signal with active power management according to one embodiment includes a first digital to analog converter (DAC) circuit configured to provide a modulated carrier signal; a amplifier circuit coupled to the first DAC, where the amplifier circuit is configured to amplify the modulated carrier signal; an output stage circuit coupled to the amplifier circuit, where the output stage circuit is configured to provide the amplified signal to a network; a second DAC circuit configured to provide a full wave rectified envelope of the modulated carrier signal; and a switching regulator circuit including a voltage reference input coupled to the second DAC circuit, where the switching regulator circuit is configured to provide a supply voltage to the output stage circuit and the supply voltage is modulated in response to the envelope received at the voltage reference input.
US09577578B2 Amplifying device and radio communication device
An amplifying device includes an amplifying element that amplifies a fundamental wave signal, and a short stub that has an electric length one fourth a wavelength of the fundamental wave signal, and is connected to a line on an output side of the amplifying element, the short stub being used as both a bias circuit that supplies a certain bias voltage to the amplifying element and a reflection circuit with respect to a harmonic signal that has a frequency twice a frequency of the fundamental wave signal, wherein the short stub has a pattern width that is larger than a pattern width of the line.
US09577577B2 Power amplifiers, systems, and methods
An apparatus includes a cascode amplifier. The cascode amplifier includes a first transistor and a second transistor. The cascode amplifier is configured to receive a first bias voltage, a second bias voltage, and a signal. The cascode amplifier is also configured to amplify the signal based at least on the first bias voltage and the second bias voltage. The apparatus also includes a first feedback module and a second feedback module. The first feedback module is configured to adjust the first bias voltage based at least on the amplified signal. The second feedback module is configured to adjust the second bias voltage based at least on a voltage distribution across the first transistor and the second transistor. A system and method for maintaining cascode amplifier performance are also provided.
US09577571B2 Solar panel mounting apparatus with enhanced strength
A solar panel mounting apparatus for use in securing a frame with a solar panel stored therein to a roof of a building includes a non-hollow member with a lower cross-sectional profile and enhanced strength. The apparatus includes a rail coupled to the frame and the roof, the rail having a cross-sectional profile comprising an upper cavity, a first side cavity, a second side cavity and a third side cavity, a first set of fasteners coupled to the frame and the upper cavity, and a second set of fasteners coupled to the roof and the first side cavity or the second side cavity. The upper cavity has a substantially pentagonal cross-sectional shape, the first side cavity has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, the second side cavity has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the third side cavity has a substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.
US09577561B2 Method for suppressing a speed fluctuation, a control apparatus and a compressor control system
A method for suppressing a speed fluctuation of a permanent magnet synchronous motor is provided in the present disclosure, including: obtaining a target speed ω_ref, a feedback speed, a fluctuation speed Δω, a q-axis inductance Lq and a permanent magnet flux linkage φf of the permanent magnet synchronous motor; performing a PI adjusting on Δω to obtain a q-axis reference current Iq_ref, and obtaining a q-axis target voltage U*q according to Iq_ref, ω_ref, Δω and φf; performing a PI control on a q-axis actual voltage according to U*q to obtain a q-axis compensation current Iq_add; obtaining a d-axis target voltage U*d according to Iq_ref, Iq_add, ω_ref, Δω and Lq; performing a PI control on a d-axis actual voltage according to U*d to obtain a d-axis compensation current Id_add; superposing Iq_add and Iq_ref to perform a feedforward compensation on a q-axis current and superposing Id_add and the d-axis reference current to perform a feedforward compensation on a d-axis current.
US09577559B2 Apparatus and method for controlling power generation of vehicle
An apparatus for controlling power generation of a vehicle includes an alternator for generating electricity using an engine torque. A controller is configured to calculate a difference between a first duty value and a second duty value and to transmit a control signal based on the difference. The first duty value is an output duty value of the alternator before reaching a predetermined time, and the second duty value is a current output duty value of the alternator. A regulator gradually increases the amount of power generated by the alternator during a delay time based on the control signal received from the controller.
US09577558B2 Power management system having automatic calibration
A power management system having automatic calibration is disclosed. The power management system may have an alternator and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit may be configured to determine a reference voltage based on at least one measured operating condition of the alternator. The reference voltage may correspond to an overloading threshold of the alternator. The electronic control unit may be further configured to monitor a voltage of the alternator and, when the monitored voltage is less than the reference voltage, perform a corrective action to increase a power output of the alternator.
US09577553B2 Drive arrangement the motor-operated adjustment of an adjusting element in a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a drive arrangement for the motor-operated adjustment of an adjusting element in a motor vehicle, wherein the drive arrangement comprises two electrical drives having in each case a drive motor and a control device, wherein in the assembled state the drives act in the same manner on the adjusting element and are embodied in an essentially identical manner apart from deviations that are a result of tolerances, wherein the control device influences the two drive motors by a pulse width modulation voltage (“PWM” voltage). It is proposed that the control device influences the two drive motors by PWM voltages having PWM switching frequencies that vary continuously during the adjustment process in such a manner that the PWM switching frequencies that are allocated to the two drive motors are different from each other at least for periods of time.
US09577547B2 Power conversion device
A power conversion device converts three-phase AC power into DC power by two-arm PWM modulation control and includes a main circuit that is constituted by a plurality of switching elements that are bridge-connected therein; a voltage-command generation unit that generates a voltage command value for the main circuit; a current detection unit that detects at least one of output currents of the main circuit; a power-factor calculation unit that calculates a power factor on the basis of the output current and the voltage command value; a carrier-signal generation unit that generates a carrier signal of a frequency corresponding to the power factor; and a PWM-signal generation unit 6 that compares the voltage command value and the carrier signal to generate a PWM signal that executes switching control on the switching elements.
US09577542B2 Constant on-time (COT) control in isolated converter
The present invention discloses a constant on-time isolated converter comprising a transformer with a primary side and a secondary side. The primary side is connected to an electronic switch and secondary-side is connected to a load and a processor. The processor is connected to a driver on primary side through at least one coupling element and to the electronic switch. The processor receives an output voltage or an output current across the load generating a control signal accordingly. The driver receives the control signal through the coupling element and accordingly changes the ON/OFF state of the electronic switch, regulating the output voltage and the output current via the transformer, where the duration of the ON/OFF state of the electronic switch is determined between the moment control signal changes from negative to positive and the moment it changes from positive to negative to achieve a high-speed load transient response.
US09577539B2 Power supply device and power supply system that have a serial connection terminal, a reverse flow prevention rectifying device and a bypass rectifying device
A power supply device includes a transformer, a rectification smoothing circuit having positive and negative output ends that rectifies and smoothes an induced voltage at a secondary winding of the transformer so as to generate a direct current voltage between positive and negative output terminals, a serial connection terminal to which another power supply device is connectable and is connected to the positive output end, the negative output terminal is connected to the negative output end, the reverse flow prevention rectifying device is connected between the positive output end and the positive output terminal, its forward direction faces toward the positive output terminal, and the bypass rectifying device is connected between the positive output end and the negative output end, its forward direction faces toward the positive output end. Therefore, a plurality of power supply devices are easily connected in series without providing external diodes for each power supply device.
US09577535B2 Power conversion apparatus
A power conversion apparatus includes a switch circuit which drives switching elements based on a control signal, a feedback section which performs feedback control, a signal output section which outputs the control signal based on a controlled variable of the feedback control, an output value detecting section which detects an output value outputted from the switch circuit, and an operation determining unit which has an operation stop determination section which determines whether to stop operation of the switching elements based on a rate of change of the output value, and an operation start determination section which determines whether to start operation of the switching elements based on the controlled variable.
US09577533B2 Control circuit for an interleaved switching power supply
In one embodiment, a control circuit configured for an interleaved switching power supply having first and second voltage conversion circuits, can include: a feedback compensation signal generation circuit that generates a feedback compensation signal; a first power switch control circuit that activates a first on signal when a first voltage signal that represents an inductor current of the first voltage conversion circuit is less than the feedback compensation signal, a first power switch of the first voltage conversion circuit being turned on based on the first on signal, and turned off after a predetermined time; and a second power switch control circuit that activates a second on signal after half of a switching period from a rising edge of the first on signal, and a second power switch control signal to turn on a second power switch of the second voltage conversion circuit based on the second on signal.
US09577530B1 Boost converter with zero voltage switching
A power converter circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes a capacitor connected across first and second output terminals, an inductor configured to receive current from a power source, and a main switch configured to selectively conduct current from the inductor to a ground. The circuit also includes a diode configured to conduct current from the inductor to the capacitor, and a second switch connected in parallel with the diode, where the second switch is configured to selectively conduct current from the capacitor to the inductor.
US09577529B2 Energy harvesting circuit and method
An energy harvesting circuit is based on a switch mode inductive DC-DC converter circuit. The inductor current is sensed and a duration of an on-time is controlled in dependence on the sensed inductor current. A duration of an overall switching period of the converter circuit is controlled in dependence on an on-time set by a first timing control circuit and input and output voltages. This converter circuit enables independent control of the on-time and a full period of a converter cycle. Very rapid switching can be avoided which can give rise to very high energy consumption. The full cycle period can be set to achieve a desired constant value of an input resistance of the DC-DC converter, and thereby maximize power transfer.
US09577525B2 Adaptive dead time control
A dead time detector detects when a dead time occurs in a switching regulator comprising a high-side switch and a low-side switch and generates an output signal based on a duration of the dead time. A first circuit generates a first turn-on signal to turn on the high-side switch and a first turn-off signal to turn off the low-side switch based on the output signal in response to a first edge of a pulse width modulated pulse. A second circuit generates a second turn-on signal to turn on the low-side switch and a second turn-off signal to turn off the high-side switch based on the output signal in response to a second edge of the pulse width modulated pulse. A controller generates drive signals to drive the high-side and low-side switches based on the first and second turn-on and turn-off signals.
US09577516B1 Apparatus for controlled overshoot in a RF generator
A radio-frequency (RF) generator is provided that produces a controlled overshoot. One embodiment includes a RF power amplifier and a direct-current (DC) power supply that includes a primary DC power supply, an auxiliary DC power supply, a half-bridge circuit, and a control circuit. The half-bridge circuit, in a first switching state, electrically connects, in series, the auxiliary DC power supply with the primary DC power supply and, in a second switching state, electrically disconnects the auxiliary DC power supply from the primary DC power supply. The control circuit places the half-bridge circuit in the first switching state for a first period of time and places the half-bridge circuit in the second switching state for a second period of time to produce a controlled overshoot in the power produced by the RF generator throughout the first period of time.
US09577508B2 NMOS LDO PSRR improvement using power supply noise cancellation
Power-supply ripple rejection (PSRR) at high frequencies is improved for an LDO voltage regulator with an NMOS pass transistor (MN1). A ripple voltage (Vripple) present on the input voltage causes a ripple current (Iripple) through parasitic gate-drain capacitance of the pass transistor. A small ripple current (Ifraction) proportional to the ripple current (Iripple) is generated and amplified to generate a cancellation current (Icancel). The cancellation current is drawn from the gate of NMOS pass transistor (MN1) to cancel the ripple current so that no net ripple current flows through the finite output impedance of an error amplifier (2), to thereby achieve the PSRR improvement.
US09577492B2 Marine propulsion device and boat
A marine propulsion device, including an engine including a crankshaft, and a power generator including a rotor configured to be rotated by the crankshaft, and a stator arranged to face the rotor, the stator including a first coil group and a second coil group each configured to generate alternating current (AC), the second coil group being configured to generate more electric power than the first coil group. The marine propulsion device further includes a rectifier configured to rectify the AC generated by the first coil group to thereby obtain a first direct current (DC), and to output the first DC to a first battery, a converting device configured to convert the AC generated by the second coil group into a second DC, and a transformation device configured to transform a voltage of the second DC, and to output the voltage-transformed DC to a second battery.
US09577481B2 Rotor for an electric machine and electric machine including the same
A rotor as disclosed for an electric machine which includes a rotor core having a plurality of rotor sheets stacked in an axial direction, each of the plurality of rotor sheets having a plurality of flux paths made of a material of high permeance, a plurality of flux barriers made of a material of low permeance, a plurality of bridges made of a material of high permeance, each of the plurality of bridges extending across a corresponding flux barrier, and at least one axial magnet located axially adjacent a corresponding bridge and configured to saturate the corresponding bridge, each axial magnet being axially pressed between two elements at least one of which is a bridge corresponding to the axial magnet.
US09577475B2 Electronic device, feed unit, and feed system for reliably informing user of electronic device state during wireless electric power transmission
An electronic device includes: a power receiving section configured to receive electric power transmitted using a magnetic field or an electric field; and a state informing section configured to inform a device state of the electronic device, by using the electric power received by the power receiving section. When an abnormal state is detected as the device state, the state informing section also informs the abnormal state by using the received electric power. A feed unit includes: a power transmission section configured to perform electric power transmission using a magnetic field or an electric field, to a device to be fed; and a control section configured to continue the electric power transmission by the power transmission section, even when an abnormal state in the device to be fed is detected.
US09577471B2 Power system for providing an uninterruptible power supply to an external load
A power system for providing an uninterruptible power supply to an external load has a first motor adapted to be connected to a source of power, a flywheel/generator adapted to supply power to the external load, a standby generator switchably electrically connected to the flywheel/generator, and a second motor drivingly connected to the generator/motor and to the internal combustion engine. The second motor is electrically connected to the power supplied by the flywheel/generator. The first motor is drivingly connected to the flywheel/generator. The flywheel/generator is electrically isolated from the source of power. The standby generator has an internal combustion engine that is driving connected to a generator/motor. The generator/motor is adapted to supply power to the flywheel/generator or the external load upon a change in power supplied by the flywheel/generator or the source of power. The second motor is an AC squirrel cage induction motor.
US09577466B2 Wireless charging system and method for controlling the same
A wireless charging system for a vehicle may include: a power transmitter having a plurality of transmitting coils; and a controller configured to measure a current and a voltage of each of the plurality of transmitting coils and to apply charging power only to a subset of the plurality of transmitting coils based on a magnitude of the measured current and voltage of each of the plurality of transmitting coils.
US09577460B2 Wireless charging device and control method thereof
There are provided a wireless charging device and a control method thereof, the wireless charging device including: a receiving module receiving power from the outside in a magnetic induction scheme or a magnetic resonance scheme to thereby charge a battery; and an input signal determining unit receiving an input signal from the outside and determining characteristics of the input signal, wherein the receiving module includes a reception controlling unit controlling the receiving module to be operated in the magnetic induction scheme or the magnetic resonance scheme according to the characteristics of the input signal received from the input signal determining unit.
US09577459B2 Systems and methods for regulating inductive energy transfer to an implantable system
Systems and methods are provided for regulating the transfer of energy inductively between an implantable device and an external charging system, wherein the energy transfer rate is regulated by varying an operating frequency of an inductive energy transfer circuit of the implantable device responsive a temperature measured within the implantable device.
US09577454B2 Series connected storage interface converter
A method for operating a plurality of energy storage devices includes controlling operation of the plurality of energy storage devices connected in series by independently varying a current and/or bypassing and/or reversing a polarity of at least one of the plurality of energy storage devices without a corresponding change in current, bypass, or reversal of polarity of one or more of the other energy storage devices connected in series.
US09577448B2 Integration of wireless charging unit in a wireless device
Described herein are techniques related to one or more systems, apparatuses, methods, etc. for implementing a wireless charging and a wireless connectivity in a device.
US09577447B2 Short distance wireless power transmitting apparatus which enchances wireless power transmitting capability regardless of a relative arrangment with respect to a wireless power receiving apparatus
Disclosed herein are a coil resonant coupler for short distance wireless power communication and a short distance wireless power transmitting apparatus comprising the same. The coil resonant coupler for short distance wireless power communication comprises a first coil installed perpendicularly to a first axis; a second coil installed perpendicularly to a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; and a third coil installed perpendicularly to a third axis perpendicular to each of the first and second axes. The short distance wireless power transmitting apparatus comprises a primary side core comprising the above-described coil resonant coupler, a position sensing unit which senses a position of the wireless power receiving apparatus to generate position information, and a transmission controlling unit which controls the primary side core based on the position information.
US09577440B2 Inductive power source and charging system
A portable inductive power source, power device, or unit, for use in powering or charging electrical, electronic, battery-operated, mobile, and other devices is disclosed herein. In accordance with an embodiment the system comprises a pad or similar base unit that contains a primary, which creates an alternating magnetic field by means of applying an alternating current to a winding, coil, or any type of current carrying wire. A receiver comprises a means for receiving the energy from the alternating magnetic field from the pad and transferring it to a mobile or other device. In some embodiments the receiver can also comprise electronic components or logic to set the voltage and current to the appropriate levels required by the mobile device, or to communicate information or data to and from the pad. Embodiments may also incorporate efficiency measures that improve the efficiency of power transfer between the charger and receiver.
US09577439B2 Power relaying apparatus, power transmission system and method for manufacturing power relaying apparatus
Disclosed herein is a power relaying apparatus provided between: a power supplying apparatus including a power supplying resonance device and a power supplying power supply section for supplying an AC current to the power supplying resonance device; and a power receiving apparatus having a power receiving resonance device for receiving a power from the power supplying apparatus by adoption of a resonance method, the power relaying apparatus including a power relaying resonance device resonating between the power supplying resonance device and the power receiving resonance device, wherein the power relaying resonance device is fixed at a predetermined position by making use of an insulation member.
US09577435B2 Method and apparatus for managing demand response resources in a power distribution network
In one aspect of the teachings herein, demand responsive loads are selected for involvement in a given DR event using an advantageous approach to selection that is based on using a mathematical network model to evaluate power loss in a power distribution network as a function of different combinations of demand responsive load selections and corresponding load reduction values. The mathematical network model comprises a mathematical representation of the power distribution network as a multi-phase unbalanced distribution network, including mathematical representations of the physical components in the power distribution network and the connecting relationships of those components. As overall power loss in the system is a function of different combinations of demand responsive load selections, the mathematical network model is used to evaluate system power loss under different demand response load selections, in a manner that automatically accommodates mesh networks and other complex network topologies, distributed generation sources, etc.
US09577434B2 Methods and apparatuses for allocating amounts of energy
The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for allocating amounts of energy for prosumers, wherein the prosumers provide minimum and maximum amounts of energy for a future interval of time and the respective amounts of energy from the prosumers are generated in such a manner that, on the one hand, a relative position of the amount of energy within an interval for the particular prosumer, as defined by the minimum amount of energy and the maximum amount of energy, assumes an identical value for all prosumers and, on the other hand, a sum of the amounts of energy from all prosumers produces a value of zero. The invention can be used in the distribution of amounts of energy in a power supply system having conventional energy producers and energy consumers as well as in novel participants in the power supply system which can both consume and provide energy, for example an electric vehicle.
US09577433B2 Energy supply network for an aircraft or spacecraft, method for supplying electrical loads with energy, and aircraft or spacecraft
An energy supply network for an aircraft or spacecraft, comprising at least one energy generating device for generating electrical energy, comprising at least two energy control devices, at least one of which is coupled directly to at least one of the energy generating devices and which are adapted each to provide a controlled supply voltage so as to supply electrical loads located in the aircraft with energy, and comprising a high-voltage direct current transmission device, which couples the at least two energy control devices to one another by means of high-voltage direct current transmission. Further, a method for supplying energy, and an aircraft or spacecraft.
US09577432B2 Advanced energy monitoring and control in a complex system
A system includes a plurality of smart outlets and a backend system in wireless communication with the smart outlets. The smart outlets are configured to provide electrical power from an electrical system to respective power loads, and configured to measure power consumption characteristics thereof the respective power loads. The power consumption characteristics may include real power, apparent power or a combination thereof consumed by the respective power loads. The backend system may be configured to wirelessly receive the power consumption characteristics from the smart outlets for analysis in accordance with a power distribution schedule of the electrical system, and wirelessly transmit a command signal to one or more of the smart outlets in various instances response to the analysis. This command signal may instruct the respective one or more smart outlets to shed or restore power to respective power loads from the electrical system.
US09577430B2 Electronic device and method of controlling power supply therein
Disclosed is an electronic device, which includes an external power supply unit configured to receive power from an external power source and an auxiliary power storage unit configured to be charged upon receiving the power from the external power supply unit and store the power. The electronic device further includes a first switching element connected to the external power supply unit and the auxiliary power storage unit, the first switching element configured to select any one of the external power supply unit and the auxiliary power storage unit as a power source, a power information receiver configured to receive power information including at least one of electric rate information and power demand information, and a controller configured to control the first switching element based on the power information received from the power information receiver.
US09577428B2 Packeted energy delivery system and methods
Methods and apparatus for packetized energy distribution are provided. A data and power delivery network, called a digital grid, is provided to facilitate delivery of power upon request. Energy bits (quanta) serve as a means to deliver energy as well as coding. Voltage pulses of varying time scales are used for coding and current levels help to accurately meet customer's demand. Energy is sent as packets (a combination of energy bits), and specific energy packets are addressed to specific customers permitting accurate monitoring and distribution of electrical energy.
US09577426B2 Switching circuits for extracting power from an electric power source and associated methods
An integrated circuit chip includes a first input port, a first output port, and first and second transistors electrically coupled in series across the first input port. The second transistor is also electrically coupled across the first output port and is adapted to provide a path for current flowing through the first output port when the first transistor is in its non-conductive state. The integrated circuit chip additionally includes first driver circuitry for driving gates of the first and second transistors to cause the transistors to switch between their conductive and non-conductive states. The integrated circuit chip further includes first controller circuitry for controlling the first driver circuitry such that the first and second transistors switch between their conductive and non-conductive states to at least substantially maximize an amount of electric power extracted from an electric power source electrically coupled to the first input port.
US09577425B1 Systems and methods for controlling power switching converters for photovoltaic panels
A photovoltaic (PV) system has a plurality of PV panels that convert solar energy into electrical energy. Each PV panel is coupled to a respective switching power converter. A parameter (e.g., voltage or current) of a combined current signal from each of the switching power converters is sensed, and a controller controls the duty cycle of each switching power converter in order to maximize the sensed parameter. In this regard, the controller adjusts the duty cycles of the power switching converters in groups while the duty cycles of other power switching converters are held constant in order to set the duty cycles for maximum power transfer, thereby accounting for variations in the power output by each PV panel.
US09577421B2 System and method for isolating ground faults in a wind turbine
The present subject matter is directed to a system and method for operating a wind turbine connected to a power grid. The method includes receiving, via a controller, one or more current feedback signals from one or more electric current sensors of the wind turbine. Another step includes determining, via the controller, if a ground fault is occurring in the wind turbine based on the current feedback signals. In response to detecting a ground fault, the method includes tripping one or more electrical components of the wind turbine and electrically de-coupling the wind turbine from the power grid.
US09577420B2 Arc fault circuit interrupter
An arc fault circuit interrupter is disclosed. This arc fault circuit interrupter can include any one or more of three different sensors such as a high frequency sensor, and any one of lower frequency sensors such as a current sensor or a differential sensor. The arc fault circuit interrupter can be configured as an in line arc fault circuit interrupter installed in a wall box. In addition, the arc fault circuit interrupter can include a processor configured to determine any one of a series arc fault, or a parallel arc fault.
US09577410B2 Optical functional integrated unit and method for manufacturing thereof
It is provided that an optical functional integrated unit and a method for manufacturing thereof in which a positive optical device and a passive optical device including a silicon waveguide can be readily integrated. An optical functional integrated unit includes a semiconductor optical amplifier, a photonics device, a mounting board, pedestals and. The pedestals and are provided on the mounting board. The semiconductor optical amplifier is mounted on the pedestal and outputs a light from an active layer. The photonics device is mounted on the pedestal. The photonics device includes silicon waveguide to which the light output from the semiconductor optical amplifier is guided.
US09577409B1 Wavelength stabilized diode laser
A hybrid external cavity laser and a method for configuring the laser having a stabilized wavelength are disclosed. The laser comprises a semiconductor gain section and a volume Bragg grating, wherein a laser emission from the semiconductor gain section is based on a combination of a reflectivity of a front facet of the semiconductor gain section and a reflectivity of the volume Bragg grating and the reflectivity of the semiconductor gain section and the volume Bragg grating are insufficient by themselves to support the laser emission. The hybrid cavity laser further comprises an etalon that provides further wavelength stability.
US09577399B2 Marking apparatus with a plurality of lasers and individually adjustable sets of deflection means
The invention relates to a marking apparatus for marking an object with laser light, comprising a plurality of lasers and a control unit for individually activating each of the lasers to emit a laser beam (90) according to a sign to be marked. A set of deflection means (30) for rearranging the laser beams (90) into a desired array of laser beams (90) is provided, the set of deflection means (30) comprises at least two deflection means (33a-i, 34a-i) per laser beam (90), in particular at least two mapping mirrors (33a-i, 34a-i) or at least one optical waveguide and one lens per laser beam (90a-i), and each deflection means (33a-i, 34a-i) is individually adjustable in its deflection direction and/or individually shiftable.
US09577395B2 Universal socket device
A universal socket device comprises a plurality of sockets arranged in one interface panel, and transformer circuits disposed inside a body. The interface panel is arranged on top of the body, while a male connector is arranged on the lower side of the body adapted to connect to the output power. The male connector includes a plug with 8-shaped cross sections, arranged along the outside wall of the body in parallel. The base of the plug is disposed on a bulge protruding from the body, and a plane is arranged on the outer surface of the bulge, where a groove extends following the same direction of the plug. Due to the male connector structure disposed on the lower side of the body, the center of gravity of the socket device is stabilized, and the socket device is easy to plug and use.
US09577391B2 Coaxial cable continuity device
A jumper sleeve configured to be installed on an outer side of a male F-connector to facilitate easy connection of and maintain ground continuity across the male F-connector and a female F-connector. In one embodiment, a conductive element is installed on an inner surface of the jumper sleeve and conductively engages an outer surface of the male F-connector to maintain ground continuity across the male and female F-connectors.
US09577389B2 Systems and methods for modular shock proof electrical outlets
Systems and methods for providing electrical power from an electrical outlet. In some embodiments, an electrical outlet for providing high voltage power to a device includes power input terminals for connection to a high voltage power source, and at least one power output socket configured to receive a plug configured to receive high voltage power. The outlet may also include a shock-proof circuit connected to the at least one power output socket, a communication circuit configured, and a processor coupled to the communication circuit and the shock-proof circuit, the processor and the shock-proof circuit collectively configured to determine when to provide high voltage power to the at least one power output socket based on a sensed condition, and the processor and the communication circuit collectively configured to communicate information relating to an operation aspect of the electrical outlet with a remote computing device.
US09577384B2 Secured memory card connector
A memory card connector including at least one pin for reading a memory card, at least one parallelepiped-shaped base in which the at least one pin is positioned, and an enclosure extending over the rear of the base and forming a continuous barrier between at least two sides of the base.
US09577374B1 Textile connector for an electronic textile having a snap fastener with contacts
A textile connector for an electronic textile includes a snap fastener having first and second snap segments configured to be snap fastened together such that the electronic textile is mechanically secured therebetween. A first contact is held by the snap fastener. The first contact is configured to be electrically connected to a first conductor of the electronic textile to define a first signal line. A second contact is held by the snap fastener. The second contact is configured to be electrically connected to a second conductor of the electronic textile to define a second signal line. The first and second signal lines transmit different data signals from the electronic textile to an electronic component mounted to the electronic textile.
US09577371B2 Connector with retaining portion having reinforcing portion
Provided is a connector having a locking mechanism that can ensure both the joining strength between a housing and a locking portion and the locking strength and that can cope with pitch narrowing and miniaturization. A plug connector comprises a plug-side housing, plug-side contacts provided to the plug-side housing and adapted to be electrically connected to a receptacle connector, and plug-side locking portions provided to the plug-side housing and adapted to maintain a connected state of the plug connector and the receptacle connector. The plug-side locking portions each comprise a locking plate having a flat plate-like shape and provided so that the normal direction of the plane of the flat plate is oriented in a locking direction with the receptacle connector, and retaining portions provided to the locking plate and formed so as to be integrated with the plug-side housing.
US09577364B2 Cable connector component, board connector component, and electric connector assembly thereof
The invention provides a cable connector component, a board connector component, and an electric connector assembly thereof. The cable connector component includes a connector, a fixed iron shell, and a cable including a plurality of core wires. The connector includes at least one pair of terminal pair, a first insulating body, a first metal shell, a group strip, and a printed circuit board. The terminal pair, the ground strip, and the first metal shell are assembled with the first insulating body. The first metal shell is assembled with the fixed iron shell. The fixed iron shell includes a convex hull which facilitates the cable to insert into the fixed iron shell. The board connector component, includes: a second metal shell including a butting chamber, a terminal group and a second insulting body which are fixed in the second metal shell. The second insulting body includes a base and a clapper disposed at a front end of the base. The clapper includes a first surface and a second surface which are disposed oppositely. A shielding plate is disposed between the first surface and the second surface, and the shielding plate includes a protrusion which is extended out of a side of the base and abuts against the second metal shell. As a result, a new grounding path is formed, which can reduce the electromagnetic interference and strengthen the insulating effect.
US09577363B2 Electrical plug device for connection of a magnet coil and/or of a sensor element
An electrical plug device is configured for the connection of a magnet coil and/or of a sensor element to a contact partner of a counterpiece cooperating with the electrical plug device. The electrical plug device has at least one first portion, which comprises the magnet coil and/or the sensor element and at least one electrical contact element. The magnet coil and/or the sensor element and the at least one electrical contact element of the first portion are non-detachably interconnected. The electrical plug device also has a second portion, which is produced separately from the first portion and is type-specific in relation to the counterpiece. The second portion is joined to the first portion and surrounds the electrical contact element, at least in part.
US09577353B2 Mains power wire connection assembly and connection method
A mains power wire connection assembly (100) using a button to push a first wire and a second wire to move toward the direction of clamping slots, and the inner walls of the clamping slots puncture the first wire and second wires and clamp the same. The button and the insulation body are locked and fixed with respect to each other.
US09577351B2 Spring loaded insulation piercing electrical connector
An electrical connector includes first and second pads. The first pad includes first and second grooves and the second pad includes third fourth grooves. A first insulation displacing contact extends from the first groove to the second groove. A second insulation displacing contact extends from the third groove to the fourth groove. The first and second pads are connected by a mechanical fastener. When the first and second pads are connected the first groove aligns with the third groove and the second groove aligns with the fourth groove.
US09577350B2 Pin and a printed circuit board
A pin and a printed circuit board are provided. The pin includes a pin body and an insertion head. The insertion head is disposed on an end of the pin body and includes a base and a guide post. The shape of the base is a cylinder, the bottom of which is located on the end of the pin body. The shape of the guide post is a prism, which is coaxially connected to the base. The projection of a circumcircle of a cross section of the guide post is overlapped with that of a cross sectional circle of the base along the direction of an axis of the guide post. The advantage of the prevent invention is to decrease the tilt of the pin body after inserted, reduce the solder material between the base and the insertion hole, and improve the welding quality.
US09577341B2 Microcellular communications antenna and associated methods
A radio frequency (RF) communications system includes a local RF communications device and an RF antenna including a conical RF launch structure coupled to the local RF communications device, and an elongate electrical conductor having a proximal end coupled to the conical RF launch structure and a distal end spaced apart from the conical RF launch structure to define an elongate RF coverage pattern. The elongate conductor may be a coaxial cable. At least one remote RF communications device, within the elongate RF coverage pattern, wirelessly communicates with the local RF communications device.
US09577336B2 Inverted-F antenna with a choke notch for wireless electronic devices
A wireless electronic device includes an inverted-F antenna (IFA) having an IFA exciting element, an IFA feed, and a grounding pin. The IFA exciting element is configured to resonate at a resonant frequency when excited by a signal received through the IFA feed. The wireless electronic device includes a choke notch having a length defined based on the resonant frequency of the IFA exciting element. The choke notch is electrically coupled to the IFA exciting element through the grounding pin. A ground patch is electrically coupled between the choke notch and the ground plane.
US09577326B2 Device for decoupling antennas mounted on an aircraft
A high-impedance passive device to radio-electrically decouple two antennas operating at least partially within a common frequency band and arranged on a surface of the carrier structure. A substrate of the device has a flexible dielectric material layer having a predetermined thickness with patches of conductive material arranged on its surface and a layer to attach the device onto the surface of the carrier structure. The patches having predetermined shape and arrangement. The body of the substrate separates the dielectric layer from the surface of the carrier structure. The substrate thickness is determined based on the size, number, and arrangement of the patches, and further it is based on the aerodynamic constraints imposed on the device. The device having an impedance to cause the desired decoupling in the common frequency band.
US09577320B2 Antenna assembly and wireless communication device employing same
An antenna assembly includes an elastic piece, a connecting portion, a first radiating portion, and a second radiating. The connecting portion is coupled to the base board and includes a feeding point and a ground point. The first radiating portion is electrically connected to the feeding point and the elastic piece. The second radiating portion is electrically connected to the ground point and spaced from the first radiating portion. The first radiating portion, the elastic piece, and the second radiating portion are configured to operate at a first frequency band; the first radiating portion and the elastic piece generate a frequency-doubled effect to operate at a second frequency band. A wireless communication device employing the antenna assembly is also provided.
US09577318B2 Electronic device with fingerprint sensor and tunable hybrid antenna
An electronic device may have wireless circuitry and components such as sensors. The electronic device may have a metal housing having first and second planar rear wall portions separated by a gap. Conductive structures may bridge the gap to electrically couple the first and second rear wall portions. The wireless circuitry may include a hybrid slot inverted-F antenna. The antenna may have an inverted-F antenna resonating element formed from peripheral housing structures that are separated from the second rear wall portion by an opening. The opening may form a C-shaped slot antenna resonating element for the antenna. The sensors may include a fingerprint sensor. The fingerprint sensor may be coupled to a button member in a button. The fingerprint sensor and other portions of the button may overlap the second planar rear wall portion to minimize interference with antenna operation.
US09577316B2 Antenna with a combined bandpass/bandstop filter network
An antenna with a combined bandpass/bandstop filter network is provided. The antenna includes: a first radiating arm connectable to an antenna feed, the first radiating arm configured to resonate at a first frequency; a second radiating arm, the second radiating arm and the first radiating arm, when electrically connected, configured to resonate at a second frequency lower than the first frequency; and, a filter network comprising a bandstop filter and a bandpass filter, the filter network filtering an electrical connection between the first radiating arm and the second radiating arm, the filter network configured to: electrically isolate the first radiating arm from the second radiating arm at the first frequency, and electrically connect the first radiating arm and the second radiating arm at the second frequency.
US09577304B2 Attenuation reduction structure for high frequency signal connection pads of circuit board with insertion component
Disclosed is an attenuation reduction structure for high-frequency connection pads of a circuit board with an insertion component. The circuit board includes at least one pair of differential mode signal lines formed thereon. A substrate has upper and lower surfaces respectively provided with at least one pair of upper connection pads and lower connection pads. A first metal layer is formed on the lower surface of the substrate. The first metal layer includes an attenuation reduction grounding pattern structure. The attenuation reduction grounding pattern structure includes a hollow area and at least one protruded portion. The protruded portion extends from the first metal layer in a direction toward the lower connection pads.
US09577303B2 Microwave attenuator module
An attenuator module having a substrate; a attenuator disposed on one surface of the substrate, the attenuator having an input terminal at one end of the attenuator and an output terminal at an opposite end of the attenuator; an electrical conductor disposed on an opposite surface of the substrate; and an electrically conductive via passing from the output terminal through the substrate to the electrical conductor disposed on the opposite surface of the substrate.
US09577289B2 Lithium-ion electrochemical cell, components thereof, and methods of making and using same
An electrochemical cell including at least one nitrogen-containing compound is disclosed. The at least one nitrogen-containing compound may form part of or be included in: an anode structure, a cathode structure, an electrolyte and/or a separator of the electrochemical cell. Also disclosed is a battery including the electrochemical cell.
US09577281B1 Method of making a fuel cell device
Two active cell structures are prepared each comprising anode/electrolyte/cathode layers, each anode and cathode layer having embedded spaced-apart physical structures therein. Two interconnect sublayers are prepared, each comprising a layer of non-conductive material with holes formed therein and a conductor layer formed on one surface. The sublayers are placed together with the conductor layers in contact and with the holes offset to form an interconnect layer, which is then stacked between the two active cell structures. The multi-layer stack is laminated together and the anode layer of one active cell structure and the cathode layer of the other active cell structure fill the adjacent holes in the interconnect layer. The physical structures are pulled out to reveal embedded gas passages, and the multi-layer stack is sintered to form two active cells connected in series by the interconnect layer.
US09577277B2 Liquid drum type fuel cell-metal recovery apparatus
Disclosed herein is a liquid drum type fuel cell-metal recovery apparatus, which can produce power through electrochemical oxidation of coal by continuously receiving coal/metal oxide mixed particles.
US09577268B2 Power storage device and method for manufacturing the same
A power storage device is reduced in weight. A metal sheet serving as a negative electrode current collector is separated and another negative electrode current collector is formed. For example, through the step of forming silicon serving as a negative electrode active material layer over a titanium sheet and then performing heating, the titanium sheet can be separated. Then, another negative electrode current collector with a thickness of more than or equal to 10 nm and less than or equal to 1 μm is formed. Thus, light weight of the power storage device can be achieved.
US09577252B2 Negative active material and negative electrode and lithium battery containing the material, and method of manufacturing the same
In an aspect, a negative active material, a negative electrode and a lithium battery including the negative active material, and a method of manufacturing the negative active material is provided. The negative active material includes a silicon-based active material substrate; a metal oxide nanoparticle disposed on a surface of the silicon-based active material substrate. An initial irreversible capacity of the lithium battery may be decreased and lifespan characteristics may be improved by using the negative active material.
US09577251B2 Active electrode materials and methods for making the same
In an example of a method for making a silicon-based active electrode material, a silicon active material precursor is introduced into a carrier gas. Another active material precursor is introduced into the carrier gas prior to, simultaneously with or subsequent to the silicon active material precursor. The other active material precursor is selected from a tin active material precursor, an aluminum active material precursor, a graphene active material precursor, and combinations thereof. The carrier gas containing the precursors is exposed to plasma vaporization, and a material is formed. The material includes i) an alloy of phase separated silicon and tin and/or aluminum, or ii) a graphene layer having silicon nanoparticles and tin nanoparticles, aluminum nanoparticles, or combinations of tin and aluminum nanoparticles deposited on a surface thereof, or iii) a graphene layer having an alloy of phase separated silicon and tin, aluminum, or tin and aluminum deposited on a surface thereof.
US09577243B2 Use of expanded graphite in lithium/sulphur batteries
The present invention relates to a solid composite for use in the cathode of a lithium-sulphur electric current producing cell wherein the solid composite comprises 1 to 75 wt.-% of expanded graphite, 25 to 99 wt.-% of sulphur, 0 to 50 wt.-% of one or more further conductive agents other than expanded graphite, and 0 to 50 wt.-% one or more binder, based on the total amount of the solid composite, a lithium-sulphur electric current producing cell comprising (i) a cathode comprising the solid composite, (ii) an anode and (iii) an electrolyte interposed between said cathode and said anode, and a process for preparing the solid composite comprising the steps (I) preparing a slurry comprising sulphur, expanded graphite, and optionally further components in a liquid medium by dispersing the sulphur, the expanded graphite, and optionally the further components in the liquid medium; (II) casting the slurry provided in step (I) on a substrate or placing the slurry provided in step (I) into a mold; and (III) removing some or all of the liquid medium from the slurry cast in step (II) to form a solid composite.
US09577240B2 Battery module and bus bar applied to battery module
Disclosed is a battery module capable of ensuring safety in use by breaking a bus bar when an overcurrent flows at the battery module. The battery module includes at least one unit cell, a case for accommodating the unit cell, and a bus bar electrically connected to the unit cell, wherein the bus bar includes a first metal plate, a second metal plate spaced apart from the first metal plate, and a metal bridge configured to connect the first metal plate and the second metal plate and having a lower melting point than the metal plate.
US09577235B2 High temperature melt integrity battery separators via spinning
A method for preparing a high temperature melt integrity separator, the method comprising spinning a polymer by one or more of a mechanical spinning process and an electro-spinning process to produce fine fibers.
US09577226B2 Rechargeable battery with buffer sheet between electrode assembly and battery case
A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly in a battery case, and a buffer sheet between the electrode assembly and the battery case, the buffer sheet contacting the electrode assembly and the battery case.
US09577225B2 Manufacturing method for square battery and square battery
A manufacturing method for a square battery includes: a first process in which an outer terminal and an outer side resin member that separates the outer terminal and an outer surface of a lid body are assembled to the lid body; a second process in which a laser beam is irradiated from the outer surface side of the lid body to weld the lid body to the case body by laser after the first process; and a third process in which the outer side resin member is expanded after the second process.
US09577224B2 Organic light emitting device
Provided are an organic light emitting device (OLED) and lighting. The illustrative OLED may minimize light absorption of a reflective electrode layer and evanescent coupling by surface plasmon, and exhibit excellent emitting efficiency.
US09577223B2 Organic light emitting diode with light-scattering layer with nano structure and air gaps
Provided is an organic light emitting diodes (OLED) and method of manufacturing the OLED. The OLED includes: a substrate; a light scattering layer having an uneven shape on the substrate; a transparent electrode film provided directly on and in contact with the light scattering layer; an organic light emitting layer on the transparent electrode film; and an electrode on the organic light emitting layer. The method of manufacturing the OLED includes: disposing a light scattering layer on a substrate; providing a transparent electrode film on the light scattering layer; and transferring the transparent electrode film to be directly on and in contact with the light scattering layer.
US09577222B2 Light-emitting device having multi-thickness transparent conductive layers
To provide a novel light-emitting device with high productivity, the light-emitting device includes a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, and a third light-emitting element. In the first light-emitting element, a first lower electrode, a first transparent conductive layer, a first light-emitting layer, a second light-emitting layer, and an upper electrode are stacked in this order. In the second light-emitting element, a second lower electrode, a second transparent conductive layer, the first light-emitting layer, the second light-emitting layer, and the upper electrode are stacked in this order. In the third light-emitting element, a third lower electrode, a third transparent conductive layer, the second light-emitting layer, and the upper electrode are stacked in this order. The first transparent conductive layer includes a first region. The second transparent conductive layer includes a second region as thick as the third transparent conductive layer. The first region is thicker than the second region.
US09577221B2 Three stack hybrid white OLED for enhanced efficiency and lifetime
OLEDs containing a stacked hybrid architecture including a phosphorescent organic emissive unit and two fluorescent organic emissive units are disclosed. The stacked hybrid architecture includes a plurality of electrodes and a hybrid emissive stacked disposed between at least two of the electrodes. The stack contains at least three emissive units and at least two charge generation layers. At least one of the three emissive units is a phosphorescent organic emissive unit and at least two of the three emissive units are fluorescent organic emissive units. More specifically, the two fluorescent organic emissive units may be blue organic emissive units that emit light from the same or different color regions.
US09577219B2 Light-emitting module, light-emitting device, method of manufacturing the light-emitting module, and method of manufacturing the light-emitting device
A highly reliable light-emitting module including an organic EL element or a light-emitting device using a highly reliable light-emitting module including an organic EL element is provided. Alternatively, a method of manufacturing a highly reliable light-emitting module including an organic EL element, or a method of manufacturing a light-emitting device using a highly reliable light-emitting module including an organic EL element is provided. The light-emitting module has a structure in which a light-emitting element formed over a first substrate and a viscous material layer are sealed in a space between the first substrate and a second substrate which face each other, with a sealing material surrounding the light-emitting element. The viscous material layer is provided between the light-emitting element and the second substrate and includes a non-solid material and a drying agent which reacts with or adsorbs an impurity.
US09577211B2 Organic electronic element and method for manufacturing organic electronic element
Provided are an organic electronic element equipped with a sealing layer having excellent gas barrier properties, transparency and the like, and a method for efficiently manufacturing such an organic electronic element. Disclosed are an organic electronic element including, on a substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode facing each other, with at least one organic functional layer being interposed therebetween, and a method for manufacturing such an organic electronic element, characterized in that a sealing layer is directly provided along the top surface and the lateral surface of the organic electronic element, and the sealing layer is obtained by implanting plasma ions into a coating film containing a silicon compound as a main component.
US09577205B2 Organic light-emitting device
An organic light-emitting device including a first light-emitting region, a second light-emitting region, and a third light-emitting region. The organic light-emitting device includes a substrate; a first electrode layer on the substrate; a hole injection layer on the first electrode layer; a common emission layer on the hole injection layer; a first resonance assistance layer on the common emission layer in the first light-emitting region and a second resonance assistance layer on the common emission layer in the second light-emitting region.
US09577203B2 Organic light-emitting diode display
An organic light-emitting diode display is disclosed. In one aspect, the display includes a substrate including a bending area and a non-bending area and a plurality of thin-film transistors (TFTs) formed in the non-bending area. The display also includes a plurality of first pixel electrodes and a plurality of second pixel electrodes formed over the TFTs and electrically connected to the TFTs, the first pixel electrodes formed in the bending area and the second pixel electrodes formed in the non-bending area.
US09577202B2 Flexible display substrate mother board and method of manufacturing flexible display substrate
A flexible display substrate mother board and a method of manufacturing a flexible display substrate are provided. The method includes: forming a heating pattern layer on a support substrate, wherein the heating pattern layer includes a plurality of regional blocks spaced apart from each other; forming a flexible substrate on the substrate provided with the heating pattern layer, and forming display elements on the flexible substrate; and heating the flexible substrate by utilization of the heating pattern layer, cutting the flexible substrate, stripping the flexible substrate corresponding to the regional block from the support substrate, and forming flexible display substrates. The method can avoid the damage of the display elements on the flexible substrate when the flexible substrate and the support substrate are separated from each other, and avoid uneven separation.
US09577196B2 Optoelectronics integration by transfer process
A method for fabricating an optoelectronic device includes forming an adhesion layer on a substrate, forming a material layer on the adhesion layer and applying release tape to the material layer. The substrate is removed at the adhesion layer by mechanically yielding the adhesion layer. A conductive layer is applied to the material layer on a side opposite the release tape to form a transfer substrate. The transfer substrate is transferred to a target substrate to join the target substrate to the conductive layer of the transfer substrate. The release tape is removed from the material layer to form a top emission optoelectronic device.
US09577191B2 RRAM cell bottom electrode formation
The present disclosure relates to a method of forming a resistive random access memory (RRAM) cell having a reduced leakage current, and an associated apparatus. In some embodiments, the method is performed by forming a bottom electrode over a lower metal interconnect layer using an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process to form at least a top portion of the bottom electrode. A dielectric data storage layer is formed onto the top portion of the bottom electrode in-situ with forming the top portion of the bottom electrode. A top electrode is formed over the dielectric data storage layer, and an upper metal interconnect layer is formed over the top electrode. By forming the top portion of the bottom electrode using an ALD process that is in-situ with the formation of the overlying dielectric data storage layer, leakage current, leakage current distribution and device yield of the RRAM cell are improved.
US09577189B2 Method for forming RRAM cell including V-shaped structure
A method of forming an RRAM cell structure is provided. The method includes forming dummy features over a substrate, and the dummy features have a gap therebetween. The method also includes depositing an oxide layer over the dummy features while forming a first V-shaped valley on the oxide layer. The method further includes partially planarizing the oxide layer while leaving the first V-shaped valley. In addition, the method includes forming a first electrode over the oxide layer while forming a second V-shaped valley on the first electrode. The method further includes forming a resistance variable layer over the first electrode in a conformal manner. The method still includes forming a second electrode over the resistance variable layer.
US09577186B2 Non-volatile resistive oxide memory cells and methods of forming non-volatile resistive oxide memory cells
A method of forming a non-volatile resistive oxide memory cell includes forming a first conductive electrode of the memory cell as part of a substrate. The first conductive electrode has an elevationally outermost surface and opposing laterally outermost edges at the elevationally outermost surface in one planar cross section. Multi-resistive state metal oxide-comprising material is formed over the first conductive electrode. Conductive material is deposited over the multi-resistive state metal oxide-comprising material. A second conductive electrode of the memory cell which comprises the conductive material is received over the multi-resistive state metal oxide-comprising material. The forming thereof includes etching through the conductive material to form opposing laterally outermost conductive edges of said conductive material in the one planar cross section at the conclusion of said etching which are received laterally outward of the opposing laterally outermost edges of the first conductive electrode in the one planar cross section.
US09577184B2 TMR device with novel free layer structure
A TMR sensor that includes a free layer having at least one B-containing (BC) layer made of CoFeB, CoFeBM, CoB, CoBM, or CoBLM, and a plurality of non-B containing (NBC) layers made of CoFe, CoFeM, or CoFeLM is disclosed where L and M are one of Ni, Ta, Ti, W, Zr, Hf, Tb, or Nb. One embodiment is represented by (NBC/BC)n where n≧2. A second embodiment is represented by (NBC/BC)n/NBC where n≧1. In every embodiment, a NBC layer contacts the tunnel barrier and NBC layers each with a thickness from 2 to 8 Angstroms are formed in alternating fashion with one or more BC layers each 10 to 80 Angstroms thick. Total free layer thickness is <100 Angstroms. The free layer configuration described herein enables a significant noise reduction (SNR enhancement) while realizing a high TMR ratio, low magnetostriction, low RA, and low Hc values.
US09577180B2 Electrostatically controlled magnetic logic device
A magnetic logic cell includes a first electrode portion, a magnetic portion arranged on the first electrode, the magnetic portion including an anti-ferromagnetic material or a ferrimagnetic material, a dielectric portion arranged on the magnetic portion, and a second electrode portion arranged on the dielectric portion.
US09577175B1 Efficient polarization independent single photon detector
An apparatus includes a base layer; and a superconducting nanowire disposed on the base layer in a continuous meander pattern and including an amorphous metal-metalloid alloy such that the apparatus is configured to detect single photons, and the continuous meander pattern includes: a plurality of parallel line segments; and a plurality of curved segments, wherein adjacent parallel line segments are joined by a curved segment. A method for making an apparatus for detecting single photons includes forming a base layer; forming a superconducting layer on the base layer; patterning the superconducting layer; and forming a continuous meander pattern from the superconducting layer, the continuous meander pattern includes a plurality of parallel line segments; and a plurality of curved segments, wherein adjacent parallel line segments are joined by a curved segment; and forming a dielectric layer on the continuous meander pattern, the dielectric layer including a dielectric material that is substantially transparent to a predetermined photon wavelength, wherein the apparatus is configured to detect single photons.
US09577168B2 Solid state lighting device with different illumination parameters at different regions of an emitter array
Solid state lighting (SSL) devices and methods of manufacturing such devices. One embodiment of an SSL device comprises a support and an emitter array having a plurality of SSL emitters carried by the support. The emitter array has a central region and a peripheral region outward from the central region. Individual SSL emitters in both the central and the peripheral regions have a primary emission direction along which an intensity of light from the SSL emitters is highest, and the primary emission direction of the SSL emitters in the central region is at least substantially the same direction as the primary emission direction of the SSL emitters in the peripheral region. Additionally, a first coverage area ratio of the SSL emitters in the central region is different than a second coverage area ratio of the SSL emitters in the peripheral region.
US09577161B2 Light emitting device having first and second wavelength converter parts
The light emitting device includes a light emitting element, a wavelength converter, and a light guider. The light emitting element has an element upper surface, an element lower surface, and an element side surface. The wavelength converter has a converter lower surface. The wavelength is provided to be connected to the light emitting element. The converter lower surface has an exposed region that does not face the element upper surface. The light guider guides light from the light emitting element to the wavelength converter. The light guider covers the element side surface and the exposed region. The wavelength converter includes first and second wavelength converter parts. The first wavelength converter part faces the element upper surface and has a first thickness. The second wavelength converter part does not face the element upper surface and has a second thickness thinner than the first thickness.
US09577160B2 Light-emitting device and image display
A light-emitting device includes a light-emitting element emitting blue light, a green phosphor emitting green light when being excited by the blue light, and a red phosphor emitting red light when being excited by the blue light. An emission spectral peak wavelength of the green light emitted by the green phosphor is greater than or equal to 520 nm and less than or equal to 540 nm.
US09577150B2 Light emitting device and light emitting device package
Disclosed are a light emitting device and a light emitting device package. The light emitting device includes a light emitting structure including a first conductive semiconductor layer, an active layer on the first conductive semiconductor layer, and a second conductive semiconductor layer on the active layer, an adhesive layer contacting a top surface of the first conductive semiconductor layer, a first electrode contacting a top surface of the first conductive semiconductor and a top surface of the adhesive layer, and a second electrode contacting the second conductive semiconductor layer, wherein the adhesive layer contacting the first electrode is spaced apart from the second electrode.
US09577147B2 Light emitting device package and manufacturing method thereof
A light emitting device (LED) package and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The LED package includes an LED including a first electrode pad and a second electrode pad disposed on one surface thereof; a bonding insulating pattern layer configured to expose the first electrode pad and the second electrode pad; a substrate including a via hole bored from a first surface to a second surface and a wiring metal layer formed on an inner surface of the via hole to extend to a part of the second surface; and a bonding metal pattern layer bonded to the wiring metal layer exposed through the via hole at the first surface of the substrate and also bonded to the first electrode pad and the second electrode pad.
US09577140B2 Low-cost solar cell metallization over TCO and methods of their fabrication
Methods for fabricating busbar and finger metallization over TCO are disclosed. Rather than using expensive and relatively resistive silver paste, a high conductivity and relatively low cost copper is used. Methods for enabling the use of copper as busbar and fingers over a TCO are disclosed, providing good adhesion while preventing migration of the copper into the TCO. Also, provisions are made for easy soldering contacts to the copper busbars.
US09577139B2 Single-step metal bond and contact formation for solar cells
A method for fabricating a solar cell is disclosed. The method can include forming a dielectric region on a surface of a solar cell structure and forming a first metal layer on the dielectric region. The method can also include forming a second metal layer on the first metal layer and locally heating a particular region of the second metal layer, where heating includes forming a metal bond between the first and second metal layer and forming a contact between the first metal layer and the solar cell structure. The method can include forming an adhesive layer on the first metal layer and forming a second metal layer on the adhesive layer, where the adhesive layer mechanically couples the second metal layer to the first metal layer and allows for an electrical connection between the second metal layer to the first metal layer.
US09577130B2 Thin film solar cell backside contact
Embodiments relate to a thin film solar cell backside contact. A planar substrate is provided and an associated backside of the substrate is modified to form one or more pedestals. The modified substrate is layered with multiple layers of material, including a conducting layer, a reflective layer, and a passivation layer. The layered backside substrate is polished to expose portions of the conducting layer at discrete locations on the backside of the substrate. The exposed portions of the conducting layer maintain direct electrical communication between an absorber layer deposited on the layered backside substrate and the conducting layer.
US09577122B2 Conductive paste-forming electrode, solar cell manufacturing method and solar cell
A conductive paste is provided which can form electrodes in crystalline silicon solar cells at low cost while ensuring that the electrodes exhibit low contact resistance with respect to both p-type and n-type impurity diffusion layers. The conductive paste for forming a solar cell electrode includes a silver powder, a glass frit, an additive particle and an organic vehicle, the glass frit having a glass transition point of 150 to 440° C., the additive particle including an alloy material containing 20 to 98 mass % aluminum, the conductive paste including the additive particle in an amount of 2 to 30 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the silver powder.
US09577118B2 Semiconductor device
The semiconductor device of the present invention includes a first conductivity type semiconductor layer made of a wide bandgap semiconductor and a Schottky electrode formed to come into contact with a surface of the semiconductor layer, and has a threshold voltage Vth of 0.3 V to 0.7 V and a leakage current Jr of 1×10−9 A/cm2 to 1×10−4 A/cm2 in a rated voltage VR.
US09577117B2 Super-junction schottky oxide pin diode having thin P-type layers under the schottky contact
A semiconductor chip, which includes an n-type substrate, over which an n-type epitaxial layer having trenches introduced into the epitaxial layer and filled with p-type semiconductor is situated, the trenches each having a heavily doped p-type region on their upper side, the n+-type substrate being situated in such a manner, that an alternating sequence of n-type regions having a first width and p-type regions having a second width is present; a first metallic layer, which is provided on the front side of the semiconductor chip, forms an ohmic contact with the heavily doped p-type regions and is used as an anode electrode; a second metallic layer, which is provided on the back side of the semiconductor chip, constitutes an ohmic contact and is used as a cathode electrode; a dielectric layer provided, in each instance, between an n-type region and an adjacent p-type region, as well as p-type layers provided between the n-type regions and the first metallic layer.
US09577116B2 Zener diode having an adjustable low breakdown voltage
The present disclosure relates to a Zener diode including a cathode region having a first conductivity type, formed on a surface of a semiconductor substrate having a second conductivity type. The Zener diode includes an anode region having the second conductivity type, formed beneath the cathode region. One or more trench isolations isolate the cathode and anode regions from a remainder of the substrate. A first conducting region is configured to, when subjected to an adequate voltage, generate a first electric field perpendicular to an interface between the cathode and anode regions. A second conducting region is configured to, when subjected to an adequate voltage, generate a second electric field parallel to the interface between the cathode and anode regions.
US09577110B2 Semiconductor device including an oxide semiconductor and the display device including the semiconductor device
A novel semiconductor device including an oxide semiconductor is provided. In particular, a planar semiconductor device including an oxide semiconductor is provided. A semiconductor device including an oxide semiconductor and having large on-state current is provided. The semiconductor device includes an oxide insulating film, an oxide semiconductor film over the oxide insulating film, a source electrode and a drain electrode in contact with the oxide semiconductor film, a gate insulating film between the source electrode and the drain electrode, and a gate electrode overlapping the oxide semiconductor film with the gate insulating film. The oxide semiconductor film includes a first region overlapped with the gate electrode and a second region not overlapped with the gate electrode, the source electrode, and the drain electrode. The first region and the second region have different impurity element concentrations. The gate electrode, the source electrode, and the drain electrode contain the same metal element.
US09577105B2 Thin film transistor and thin film transistor array with semiconductor fragments
A thin film transistor based on carbon nanotubes comprises a source electrode, a drain electrode, a semiconducting layer, an insulating layer and a gate electrode. The drain electrode is spaced apart from the source electrode. The semiconductor layer is electrically connected with the source electrode and the drain electrode. The gate electrode is insulated from the source electrode, the drain electrode, and the semiconductor layer by the insulating layer. The semiconductor layer includes a number of semiconductor fragments, each of the number of semiconductor fragments includes multilayer semiconductor molecular layers, and a quantity of layers of the number of semiconductor molecular layers ranges from about 1 to about 20.
US09577103B2 Liquid crystal display including a variable width spacer element and method for fabricating the same
A liquid crystal display with two insulating substrates. A first insulating substrate has crossing signal lines, a pixel electrode, and a drain electrode electrically connected to the pixel electrode through a contact hole. A spacer is formed on the first signal line of the first insulating substrate, and is wider at a first portion close to the first insulating substrate than at a second portion close to the second insulating substrate, and the drain electrode comprises a first portion and a second portion extending in a different direction with respect to the first portion.
US09577101B2 Source/drain regions for fin field effect transistors and methods of forming same
A method for forming a semiconductor device includes forming a fin extending upwards from a semiconductor substrate and forming a sacrificial layer on sidewalls of a portion of the fin. The method further includes forming a spacer layer over the sacrificial layer and recessing the portion of the fin past a bottom surface of the sacrificial layer. The recessing forms a trench disposed between sidewall portions of the spacer layer. At least a portion of the sacrificial layer is removed, and a source/drain region is formed in the trench.
US09577099B2 Diamond shaped source drain epitaxy with underlying buffer layer
A semiconductor structure includes a fin upon a semiconductor substrate. A clean epitaxial growth surface is provided by forming a buffer layer upon fin sidewalls and an upper surface of the fin. The buffer layer may be epitaxially grown. Diamond shaped epitaxy is grown from the buffer layer sidewalls. In some implementations, the diamond shaped epitaxy may be subsequently merged with surrounding dielectric. A dopant concentration of the surrounding dielectric may be higher than a dopant concentration of the diamond shaped epitaxy.
US09577085B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device may include interlayer insulating layers stacked in a first direction and separated from each other, word lines formed between the interlayer insulating layers, and sacrificial insulating layers formed between the interlayer insulating layers so that the sacrificial insulating layers are arranged at layers where the word lines are formed. The semiconductor device may also include cell contact plugs each including a first pillar portion passing through at least one of the interlayer insulating layers and the sacrificial insulating layers in the first direction, and a first protruding portion protruding from a sidewall of the first pillar portion and contacting a sidewall of one of the word lines, wherein the cell contact plugs have different depths.
US09577083B1 Embedded hydrogen inhibitors for semiconductor field effect transistors
A field effect transistor (FET) device including a substrate and a plurality of semiconductor layers provided on the substrate, where a top semiconductor layer is a heavily doped cap layer and another one of the semiconductor layers directly below the cap layer is a Schottky barrier layer, and where a gate recess is formed through the cap layer and into the Schottky barrier layer. The FET device also includes a gate terminal having a titanium layer, an inhibitor layer provided on the titanium layer and a gold layer provided on the inhibitor layer, where the gate terminal is formed in the recess so that the titanium layer is in contact with the Schottky barrier layer, and where the inhibitor layer is effective for preventing hydrogen gas from being dissociated into hydrogen atoms so as to reduce or prevent hydrogen poisoning of the FET device.
US09577080B2 Power semiconductor device
A power semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate layer of a first conductive type which has a lower part semiconductor layer of a second conductive type and an active region that includes a body region of the second conductive type, a source region of the first conductive type disposed in the body region, and a first doped region of the first conductive type at least a part of which is disposed below the body region. An emitter electrode is electrically connected to the source region, and a groove extends into the substrate layer and includes a shielding electrode electrically connected to the emitter electrode. The groove extends to a deeper depth into the substrate layer than the first doped region. At least a part of a gate is formed above at least a part of the source region and the body region, and is electrically insulated from the shielding electrode.
US09577076B2 Methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices
In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a plasma annealing and supplying a threshold voltage control gas onto a portion of a substrate is performed to form a fixed charge region including a fixed charge at a surface of the substrate. A MOS transistor is formed on the substrate including the fixed charge region. By the above processes, the threshold voltage of the MOS transistor may be easily controlled.
US09577072B2 Termination design for high voltage device
The present disclosure describes a termination structure for a high voltage semiconductor transistor device. The termination structure is composed of at least two termination zones and an electrical disconnection between the body layer and the edge of the device. A first zone is configured to spread the electric field within the device. A second zone is configured to smoothly bring the electric field back up to the top surface of the device. The electrical disconnection prevents the device from short circuiting the edge of the device. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US09577065B2 Back-end transistors with highly doped low-temperature contacts
A back end of line device and method for fabricating a transistor device include a substrate having an insulating layer formed thereon and a channel layer formed on the insulating layer. A gate structure is formed on the channel layer. Dopants are implanted into an upper portion of the channel layer on opposite sides of the gate structure to form shallow source and drain regions using a low temperature implantation process. An epitaxial layer is selectively grown on the shallow source and drain regions to form raised regions above the channel layer and against the gate structure using a low temperature plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process, wherein low temperature is less than about 400 degrees Celsius.
US09577060B2 Piezoresistive resonator with multi-gate transistor
An embodiment includes a first nonplanar transistor including a first fin that includes first source and drain nodes, and a first channel between the first source and drain nodes; a second nonplanar transistor including a second fin that includes second source and drain nodes, and a second channel between the second source and drain nodes; a nonplanar gate on the first fin between the first source and drain nodes and on the second fin between the second source and drain nodes; and first insulation included between the gate and the first fin and second insulation between the gate and the second fin; wherein the gate mechanically resonates at a first frequency when at least one of the gate and the first fin is actuated with alternating current (AC) to produce periodic forces on the gate. Other embodiments are described herein.
US09577054B2 Semiconductor device with varied electrodes
A semiconductor device comprises an element region and a terminal region that surrounds the element region. The semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor region having a first conductivity type and a second semiconductor region having a second conductivity type and provided on the first semiconductor region. A third semiconductor region having the first conductivity type is provided on the second semiconductor region. A first electrode is electrically connected to the first semiconductor region. A second electrode is electrically connected to the third semiconductor region. A third and a fourth electrode are disposed in the element region. A distance from the first electrode to the third electrode is less than a distance from the first electrode to the fourth electrode.
US09577043B2 Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes a buffer layer on a semiconductor substrate including first and second regions, a first channel layer on the buffer layer of the first region, a second channel layer on the buffer layer of the second region, and a spacer layer between the second channel layer and the buffer layer. The buffer layer, the first and second channel layers, and the spacer layer are formed of semiconductor materials including germanium. A germanium concentration difference between the first and second channel layers is greater than a germanium concentration difference between the buffer layer and the second channel layer. The spacer layer has a germanium concentration gradient.
US09577042B1 Semiconductor structure with multilayer III-V heterostructures
The source/drain of a fully III-V semiconductor or Si-based transistor includes a bottom barrier layer that may be lattice matched to the channel, a lower layer of a wide bandgap III-V material and a top layer of a comparatively narrow bandgap III-V material, with a compositionally graded layer between the lower layer and top layer gradually transitioning from the wide bandgap material to the narrow bandgap material.
US09577033B2 Trench gate trench field plate vertical MOSFET
A semiconductor device having a vertical drain extended MOS transistor may be formed by forming deep trench structures to define vertical drift regions of the transistor, so that each vertical drift region is bounded on at least two opposite sides by the deep trench structures. The deep trench structures are spaced so as to form RESURF regions for the drift region. Trench gates are formed in trenches in the substrate over the vertical drift regions. The body regions are located in the substrate over the vertical drift regions.
US09577030B2 Semiconductor structure having a capacitor and metal wiring integrated in a same dielectric layer
Semiconductor structures having capacitors and metal wiring integrated in a same dielectric layer are described. For example, a semiconductor structure includes a plurality of semiconductor devices disposed in or above a substrate. One or more dielectric layers are disposed above the plurality of semiconductor devices. Metal wiring is disposed in each of the dielectric layers. The metal wiring is electrically coupled to one or more of the semiconductor devices. A metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor is disposed in one of the dielectric layers, adjacent to the metal wiring of the at least one of the dielectric layers. The MIM capacitor is electrically coupled to one or more of the semiconductor devices.
US09577028B2 Semiconductor device including a capacitor
A capacitor in a semiconductor device may include a lower electrode, a dielectric layer including a metal oxide and disposed on the lower electrode, a first material layer including aluminum oxide (AlxOy) and disposed on the dielectric layer, a second material layer including titanium oxynitride (TixOyNz) and disposed on the first material layer, and an upper electrode disposed on the second material layer, wherein the first material layer is between the dielectric layer and the second material layer, and the dielectric layer is between the lower electrode and the first material layer.
US09577021B2 Pixel circuit and display device, and a method of manufacturing pixel circuit
The display device including a pixel circuit has a first line, a transistor, a light emitting element, and a second line. The transistor is located between the second line and an electrode of the light emitting element. Either the first line or the second line is wired in a region that overlaps a light emitting region of the light emitting element in a lamination direction of layers. The second line intersects the first line outside of the light emitting region and overlaps a non-light emitting region of the light emitting element.
US09577009B1 RRAM cell with PMOS access transistor
The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip comprising an RRAM cell that is driven by a PMOS transistor, and an associated method of formation. In some embodiments, the integrated chip has a PMOS transistor arranged within a semiconductor substrate. A resistive RRAM cell is arranged within an inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer overlying the semiconductor substrate. The RRAM cell has a first conductive electrode separated from a second conductive electrode by a dielectric data storage layer having a variable resistance. The first conductive electrode is connected to a drain terminal of the PMOS transistor by one or more metal interconnect layers. The use of a PMOS transistor to drive the RRAM cell allows for impact of the body effect to be reduced and therefore allows for a reset operation to be performed at a low power and in a short amount of time.
US09577006B2 Solid-state imaging device and electronic apparatus
A solid-state imaging device includes a layout in which one sharing unit includes an array of photodiodes of 2 pixels by 4×n pixels (where, n is a positive integer), respectively, in horizontal and vertical directions.
US09577003B2 Method of forming an image pickup device having two waveguides and a light-shielding member
A solid-state image pickup device includes a semiconductor substrate in which photoelectric conversion units are arranged. An insulator is disposed on the semiconductor substrate. The insulator has holes associated with the respective photoelectric conversion units. Members are arranged in the respective holes. A light-shielding member is disposed on the opposite side of one of the members from the semiconductor substrate, such that only the associated photoelectric conversion unit is shielded from light. In the solid-state image pickup device, the holes are simultaneously formed and the members are simultaneously formed.
US09576999B2 Backside structure and methods for BSI image sensors
BSI image sensors and methods. In an embodiment, a substrate is provided having a sensor array and a periphery region and having a front side and a back side surface; a bottom anti-reflective coating (BARC) is formed over the back side to a first thickness, over the sensor array region and the periphery region; forming a first dielectric layer over the BARC; a metal shield is formed; selectively removing the metal shield from over the sensor array region; selectively removing the first dielectric layer from over the sensor array region, wherein a portion of the first thickness of the BARC is also removed and a remainder of the first thickness of the BARC remains during the process of selectively removing the first dielectric layer; forming a second dielectric layer over the remainder of the BARC and over the metal shield; and forming a passivation layer over the second dielectric layer.
US09576990B2 Thin film transistor and method of making same
A thin film transistor includes a substrate, a gate electrode formed on the substrate, an electrically insulating layer formed on the substrate and covering the gate electrode, a channel layer made of semiconductor material and formed on the electrically insulating layer, an etch stop pattern formed on the channel layer and defining a first through hole and a second through hole; and a source electrode and a drain electrode formed on the etch stop pattern. The source electrode extends into the first through hole to electrically couple to the channel layer. The drain electrode extends into the second through hole to electrically couple to the channel layer. Both the channel layer and the etch stop pattern are formed by using a single mask and a single photoresist layer.
US09576986B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for preventing a breaking and poor contact, without increasing the number of steps, thereby forming an integrated circuit with high driving performance and reliability. The present invention applies a photo mask or a reticle each of which is provided with a diffraction grating pattern or with an auxiliary pattern formed of a semi-translucent film having a light intensity reducing function to a photolithography step for forming wires in an overlapping portion of wires. And a conductive film to serve as a lower wire of a two-layer structure is formed, and then, a resist pattern is formed so that a first layer of the lower wire and a second layer narrower than the first layer are formed for relieving a steep step.
US09576981B2 Semiconductor device having a gate insulting film with thick portions aligned with a tapered gate electrode
By providing appropriate TFT structures arranged in various circuits of the semiconductor device in response to the functions required by the circuits, it is made possible to improve the operating performances and the reliability of a semiconductor device, reduce power consumption as well as realizing reduced manufacturing cost and increase in yield by lessening the number of processing steps. An LDD region of a TFT is formed to have a concentration gradient of an impurity element for controlling conductivity which becomes higher as the distance from a drain region decreases. In order to form such an LDD region having a concentration gradient of an impurity element, the present invention uses a method in which a gate electrode having a taper portion is provided to thereby dope an ionized impurity element for controlling conductivity accelerated in the electric field so that it penetrates through the gate electrode and a gate insulating film into a semiconductor layer.
US09576966B1 Cobalt-containing conductive layers for control gate electrodes in a memory structure
An alternating stack of insulating layers and sacrificial material layers can be formed over a substrate. Memory stack structures and a backside trench are formed through the alternating stack. Backside recesses are formed by removing the sacrificial material layers from the backside trench selective to the insulating layers. A cobalt-containing material is deposited such that the cobalt-containing material continuously extends at least between a neighboring pair of cobalt-containing material portions in respective backside recesses. An anneal is performed at an elevated temperature to migrate vertically-extending portions of the cobalt-containing material into the backside recesses, thereby forming vertically separated cobalt-containing material portions confined within the backside recesses. Sidewalls of the insulating layers may be rounded or tapered to facilitate migration of the cobalt-containing material.
US09576955B2 Semiconductor device having strained channel layer and method of manufacturing the same
Semiconductor devices are provided. The semiconductor devices include active fins including a buffer layer disposed on a substrate and a channel layer disposed on the buffer layer and having a first second lattice constant higher than a lattice constant of the buffer layer, a gate structure covering the channel layer and intersecting the active fins, sidewall spacers disposed on both sidewalls of the gate structure, and capping layers disposed to contact lower surfaces of the sidewall spacers and having a width substantially the same as a width of the lower surfaces of the sidewall spacers.
US09576947B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device
In a semiconductor integrated circuit device, a plurality of electrode pads for external connection are arranged in a zigzag pattern. Some electrode pads of the electrode pads of the plurality of I/O cells which are closer to a side of the semiconductor chip, each have an end portion closer to the side of the semiconductor chip, the end portion being set at the same position as that of an end portion of the corresponding I/O cell. A power source-side protective circuit and a ground-side protective circuit against discharge of static electricity are provided with the power source-side protective circuit being closer to the scribe region. A distance between a center position of one of the electrode pads and the ground-side protective circuit of the corresponding I/O cell and a distance between a center position of the other one electrode pad and the ground-side protective circuit of the corresponding I/O cell are both short and are substantially equal between each I/O cell.
US09576945B2 Methods and apparatus for increased holding voltage in silicon controlled rectifiers for ESD protection
Methods and apparatus for increased holding voltage SCRs. A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type; a first well of the first conductivity type; a second well of a second conductivity type adjacent to the first well, an intersection of the first well and the second well forming a p-n junction; a first diffused region of the first conductivity type formed at the first well and coupled to a ground terminal; a first diffused region of the second conductivity type formed at the first well; a second diffused region of the first conductivity type formed at the second well and coupled to a pad terminal; a second diffused region of the second conductivity type formed in the second well; and a Schottky junction formed adjacent to the first diffused region of the second conductivity type coupled to a ground terminal. Methods for forming devices are disclosed.
US09576942B1 Integrated circuit assembly that includes stacked dice
An integrated circuit assembly that includes a substrate; a member formed on the substrate; a first die mounted to the substrate within an opening in the member such that there is space between the first die and the member and the member surrounds the first die, and wherein the first die does not extend above an upper surface of the member; an underfill between the first the die and the substrate, wherein the underfill at least partially fills the space between the die and member; and a second die mounted to the first die and the member, wherein the second die is mounted to the member on all sides of the opening.