| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09688434B2 |
System for compounding and packaging ready to reconstitute ophthalmic drug powders to a solution or to a suspension for administration to an eye of patient
A system and method for mixing compounds is disclosed. Accordingly to one embodiment a transfer device is provided that allows for diluent from a syringe to be introduced into a container having a first compound (e.g., powder) in a sterile manner. In second and third embodiments, systems are shown for combining and mixing first and second compounds contained in first and second containers in a sterile manner. Various dropper tips for dispensing the mixed compounds are disclosed. |
| US09688430B2 |
Equipment for continuously feeding boxes or containers stacked in a flat tubular configuration to a packaging machine which also operates continuously
Equipment for feeding containers to a packaging machine comprising a magazine containing stacked containers. The equipment comprising a carousel device for collecting and inserting the containers into a conveyor. The magazine is positioned with its lower end slightly above that of the conveyor and suitably upstream thereof, in that a carousel device, rotating about a horizontal axis orthogonal to the direction of continuous advance of the upper run of the conveyor of the packaging machine, is located under the magazine and upstream of the conveyor, in that this carousel device comprises a plurality of suction cup units positioned in a way determined by interaction with cams, and in that the units are designed to grip the container and draw it from the base of the store by gripping the base wall by means of which these units subsequently deposit the container in a dynamic way on to the conveyor. |
| US09688421B1 |
Aircraft component regime recognition
According to one embodiment, a method of assessing health of two or more components includes receiving, from an aircraft, a plurality of flight measurements, the aircraft comprising a first component and a second component. At least two flight regimes that the aircraft operated in at the same time are identified. The at least two flight regimes comprise a first flight regime and a second flight regime. One of the first flight regime and the second flight regime is assigned to the first component based on where the first flight regime and the second regime are located within a prioritized list of flight regimes associated with the first component. One of the first flight regime and the second flight regime is assigned to the second component based on where the first flight regime and the second regime are located within a prioritized list of flight regimes associated with the second component. |
| US09688419B2 |
Composite tubes for a fluid transport system
A method and apparatus for reducing an intensity of an electrical discharge that occurs within a fluid transport system in an aerospace vehicle. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a transport member. The transport member is configured for use in the fluid transport system. The transport member includes a material configured to reduce voltages and currents, induced in response to an electromagnetic event, along the transport member. |
| US09688416B2 |
System and method for isolating attitude failures in aircraft
Systems and methods for isolating attitude failures are provided. In one embodiment, an attitude integrity and display system comprises a display system comprising a primary system displaying a first attitude solution and a standby system displaying a second attitude solution; an attitude integrity system generating an attitude integrity (AI) solution calculated from measurements from an attitude solution data source, the AI solution comprising an aircraft roll and pitch, the data source providing data independent from any data generated by inertial sensor flight instruments and not displayed on either the primary or the standby systems; and an attitude monitor that compares the first solution against the second solution. When the first solution deviates from the second solution by more than a threshold, the monitor identifies on the display system which of either the first or the second solution is failed based on which has a greater deviation from the AI solution. |
| US09688414B2 |
Intelligent integrated control system and method
Control systems and methods for a propulsion system are disclosed in which the propulsion control system is integrated to intelligently control propulsion and minimize transient effects from the power demands of other subsystems. |
| US09688413B2 |
Ground proximity control for aircraft engines
A system and method are provided for controlling the power setting of an aircraft engine when the current height-above-terrain (HAT) value Hc is less then a predetermined minimum H(min). The system includes a ground proximity unit (GPU) for measuring Hc, one or more sensors coupled to the engine for detecting an out-of-range operating condition of the engine, an engine control unit (ECU) coupled to the GPU and the one or more sensors and the engine, for controlling operation of the engine in response to Hc, H(min) and the engine operating values. When the one or more sensors detects an out-of-range operating condition normally curable by reducing the engine power setting, the ECU is prevented from automatically reducing the power setting of the engine if Hc |
| US09688409B2 |
Storage unit for aircraft passenger seat
A storage unit (100) has a storage box (110) and a base frame (130) which is removably mounted to the storage box. A hinge (160) is provided to a hinge mounting section (140) of the base frame (130) and supports a lid (150) so that the lid can be opened and closed. The hinge (160) is composed of two inner arms (170) and outer arms (180). A rotation shaft of the hinge is guarded by the inner arms (170) and outer arms (180), so that objects and fingers are prevented from being caught. |
| US09688405B2 |
Lightweight weapons platform
A mounting system is provided including a center platform having a plurality of mounting lugs for mounting the center platform transversely extending at least partially through an aircraft cabin with a first end and second end of the center platform adjacent a respective first and second side opening of the aircraft cabin. A first support pylon may be removably coupleable to the first end of the center platform to extend outwardly from a first side of the aircraft. A second support pylon may be removably coupleable to the second end of the center platform to extend outwardly form a second side of the aircraft. A modular floor component may be removably coupleable relative to a longitudinal side of the center platform to provide a substantially planar load surface including a top portion of the modular floor component and a top surface of the center platform. |
| US09688403B2 |
Method for adaptive mission execution on an unmanned aerial vehicle
A method for adaptive mission execution by an unmanned aerial vehicle includes receiving a set of pre-calculated mission parameters corresponding to an initial UAV mission; collecting UAV operation data during flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle; calculating a set of modified mission parameters from the set of pre-calculated mission parameters and the UAV operation data, the set of modified mission parameters corresponding to a modified UAV mission; and executing the modified UAV mission on the unmanned aerial vehicle. |
| US09688394B2 |
Roller-based drive systems with compliance for accommodating non-conjugate meshing
A gearbox for driving a sprocket includes a gear train and an output shaft assembly positioned between the gear train and a power output end of the gearbox. The output shaft assembly includes, a first shaft segment extending to the power output a second shaft segment coupled to the gear train and a torsion spring interposed between the first shaft segment and the second shaft segment. Upon non-conjugate meshing of the sprocket, the torsion spring expands and contracts so that the angular velocity of the second shaft segment differs from the angular velocity of the first shaft segment. |
| US09688393B2 |
Aircraft auxiliary drive wheel taxi system
An auxiliary drive wheel taxi system for driving an aircraft autonomously without reliance on engine operation during ground travel is designed for installation in an aircraft location other than on nose or main landing gear components. The auxiliary drive wheel taxi system may be mounted in an integral housing located internally or externally on an aircraft's body at a selected location relative to main or nose landing gears and includes one or more auxiliary drive wheels mounted on an extensible strut adapted to extend from and retract into the housing. An electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic non-engine drive means controllable to provide torque required to rotate the drive wheel and drive the aircraft at desired taxi speeds may be mounted in a selected location to drive the auxiliary drive wheel. The manually or automatically controllable auxiliary taxi system is operable only to drive the aircraft during taxi. |
| US09688390B2 |
Landing gear assembly
A landing gear assembly 10 having first and second parts 12b, 14b movably mounted with respect to one another. The landing gear assembly includes a critical space 32. A spring assembly 26 is arranged to bias the first and second parts to move relative to one another. A spring support 30 is provided to inhibit a broken portion of the spring assembly entering or contacting the critical space following a spring failure. |
| US09688379B2 |
Actuation device for opening an emergency exit flap of a cockpit door
An actuation device for opening an emergency exit flap of a cockpit door is provided. The actuation device comprises a support structure, at least two securing elements, an actuation element and a deflection mechanism. The support structure is configured so as to be fastened to the emergency exit flap. The securing elements are integrated into the support structure and are configured so as to fasten the actuation device, and thus the emergency exit flap, to the cockpit door. The actuation element is connected to the support structure. Therein, the deflection mechanism connects the securing elements to the actuation element in such a way that a force which is exerted on the actuation element is diverted in such a way that the securing elements are released from the cockpit door. |
| US09688378B2 |
Drain mast and associated method
A drain mast or discharging fluids from an aircraft and associated method are provided. This drain mast includes a fairing including a base including an upstream section intended to be attached on an outer surface of the aircraft and a downstream section. The drain mast also includes a discharge nozzle including a discharge end opening onto the outside of the fairing, the discharge nozzle protruding from the downstream section in a first direction with respect to the base, the base and the discharge nozzle defining a tubular through-cavity, extending from the upstream section as far as the discharge end. The fairing also includes a profiled section for guiding air, protruding from the downstream section, in a direction opposite to the first direction, and configured for orienting an incident mass of air on the profiled section towards the discharge end. |
| US09688376B2 |
Ballast water treatment system for ship
Provided are a system and a method for treating ballast water for a ship, the system including a rotary filtration apparatus including a filter that is cylindrically formed so as to surround an axis, that is rotatable around the axis, and that has a pleated shape that is folded in a cylinder radial direction; and an electric motor for rotating the filter. A distance between the cleaning nozzle and a recess of the filter is 120 mm or less. The system and the method are configured to perform a steady-state operation that satisfies the following conditions a to d: a) a rotation speed of the filter during a filtering operation is in the range of 20 to 100 rpm, b) a flow speed of cleaning water ejected from the cleaning nozzle is 250 m/min or more, c) a flow rate of filtered water per unit area of the filter is 5.1 m/h or less, and d) a flow rate of discharged water discharged from the discharge channel is 5% of the flow rate of filtered water or more. |
| US09688370B1 |
Inflator for inflatable clothing and inflatable clothing thereof
An inflator includes a cover hingedly formed on an inflatable clothing, an air-port seat formed under the cover having an air port formed through the air-port seat, and a self-restoring check valve hingedly formed under the air-port seat for normally elastically closing the air port as subjected to air pressure in the inflatable clothing, whereby upon opening of the cover, air can be blown into the inflatable clothing through the air port and to open the check valve to inflate the clothing for keeping warm or buoyant for the clothing wearer. |
| US09688368B2 |
Pontoon shields
The present disclosure relates to pontoon shields. The pontoon shields disclosed herein may, for example, protect pontoons from damage and/or enhance the aesthetic appearance of pontoons. The shields may be fashioned from one or more segments of resilient material configured to attach along a longitudinal aspect of a pontoon. The shields may be fashioned from a single segment, or from one or more segments configured to mate with one another. The shields may be attached to a pontoon, for example, via an adhesive, weld, and/or one or more brackets, or other mechanical means. |
| US09688365B2 |
Fin plug for water craft
A fin plug (10) for installation in a water craft, said fin plug (10) including: a first open cavity (20) adapted to receive a base portion (15) of a water craft fin (50); and, a resilient biasing rod (30) and a protruding member (35) cooperating with the biasing rod, said protruding member being adapted to abut the base portion (15) of said fin (50) when received in said first open cavity (20); wherein said biasing rod and protruding member are adapted to apply a force to the base portion of said fin to inhibit removal of said fin from said first open cavity. |
| US09688354B2 |
Snowmobile
A snowmobile has a structure that reduces and minimizes adverse affects of snow on a throttle motor. The snowmobile includes a snowmobile body including an engine room therein, an engine which is disposed inside the engine room, a throttle valve arranged to adjust intake air supplied to the engine, a throttle motor arranged to drive the throttle valve and disposed ahead of the engine, and an air box arranged to pass the intake air through toward the engine, disposed ahead of the engine and including a portion located ahead of the throttle motor. |
| US09688346B2 |
Variable height infinitely adjustable fork adaptable to various wheel sizes
A variable height, infinitely adjustable front fork system that can adapt to various wheel sizes. On traditional front bicycle fork system, to change the tire size require a change in the fork, and to change the height of the fork relative to the frame that hold the front fork would require again a change to the fork. This new fork system addresses these two concerns. With a push of a button, or simple manipulation of a handle, the height of the fork relative to the frame can be made via a telescopic fork blade design. To accommodate different tire sizes, a user simply re-positions a pair of clamp-on wheel dropouts along a lower half of the telescopic blades. |
| US09688345B2 |
Suspension device
A suspension device includes a main body, and a stroke locking mechanism that locks expansion/contraction of the main body. The stroke locking mechanism includes: a tube member coupled to one of a vehicle body and a vehicle wheel; a partition wall body fixed inside the tube member so as to divide an interior of the tube member into a first chamber and a second chamber; a flow passage that connects the first chamber to the second chamber; a valve that cuts off the flow passage during stroke locking; and a shaft member coupled to the other of the vehicle body and the vehicle wheel and inserted into the first chamber to be capable of advancing and retreating. The first chamber is filled with a working fluid, and the working fluid is stored in the second chamber so as to form a reservoir portion. |
| US09688344B2 |
Suspension system for the front wheel of single-track two-wheeled vehicles namely motorcycles and bicycles
A linkage front wheel suspension system for two-wheeled vehicles comprising of a control arm hinged with the body of the vehicle, fork member, and steering member. An upper ball joint connects said steering member to the body of the vehicle and a lower ball joint connects the outer end of said control arm with said fork member. Fork member extends upwards and rearwards from said lower ball joint to hinge with said steering member. Steering member extends upwards and forwards from this pivot point to said upper ball joint. A method of steering control connects with said steering member. Means of springing/dampening connects with at least one of the said steering/suspension members. Said suspension system can utilize a lighter design of main frame, provide superior road-holding and can have reduced compression when front wheel braking. |
| US09688342B2 |
Mobile vehicle
In a mobile vehicle 1 having a vehicle body 2, a front wheel 3f, and a rear wheel 3r, the steering control wheel 3f can be steered by a steering actuator 8 about a steering axis Csf which is tilted backward. The steering actuator 8 is controlled by a control device 15. The height a, from a ground surface 110, of the intersection point Ef of the steering axis Csf of the steering control wheel 3f and a virtual straight line connecting the ground contact point of the steering control wheel 3f and the center of axle of the steering control wheel 3f in a basic posture state of the mobile vehicle 1 is set to satisfy a prescribed condition. |
| US09688339B2 |
Vehicle provided with leaning-capable vehicle-body frame and two front wheels
A vehicle includes a restrictor that prevents movement of a brake controlling operation transmission member and is provided at an upper portion of at least one of an upper cross portion, a right side portion, and a left side portion. The brake controlling operation transmission member includes a leaning-associated deforming portion that is located between a brake controller and the restrictor to deform in response to the leaning of a body frame and a wheel-turning-associated deforming portion at least a portion of which is located between the leaning-associated deforming portion and a brake device to deform in response to the turning of a right front wheel and a left front wheel. |
| US09688336B2 |
Protective detachable cabin for electric scooter
A cabin specifically designed for people disabled with different dexterities: The cabin has several universal manufacturing systems comprising a chassis consisting of pipes being covered by a system of individual panels of transparent flexible vinyl, the panels being individually attached around the pipes of the frame with different and distinct fastening systems, and the system has two sliding door panels of transparent flexible vinyl comprising a magnet closure system, two different systems of distinct elements of the scooter having welded perforated adapters on top of their elements fixed to the scooter, two different systems of narrow slats installed on scooter floor, two different systems forming the rear lower part of the scooter, and the system of supported pipes of chassis is fixed to the roof system, the removable panels from the supporter pipes of chassis being system for converting cabin roof to canopy. |
| US09688332B2 |
Headlamp assembly for a saddle-type vehicle
A headlamp assembly for a saddle-type vehicle includes left and right light-emitting portions arranged on left and right sides, respectively, of a housing. Each of the light-emitting portions includes a light source and a concave reflector, disposed proximate the light source for reflecting light forwardly. Each reflector has an inclined surface configured such that the rear surfaces of the reflectors extend in directions separating from each other as the reflectors extend rearwardly. A driver for driving the light sources of the left and right light-emitting portions is arranged behind and in between the left and right reflectors. |
| US09688331B1 |
Bicycle adjustable seat post assembly
A bicycle seat post assembly includes first and second tubes, which are telescopically arranged, a fluid chamber, which includes a compressible fluid to generate a force to expand the first and second tubes relative to each other, and a positioning structure. The positioning structure includes a support member on one of the first tube and the second tube, a positioning member that pivots about an axis between a first position and a second position, a control unit, which is connected to the positioning member to move the positioning member between the first position and the second position, and a position maintaining member, which is provided on the other of the first tube and the second tube. The position maintaining member includes an engaging portion that engages with the positioning member to maintain a positional relationship between the first and second tubes. |
| US09688330B2 |
Bicycle saddle
There is provided a bicycle saddle, having two identical portions (30, 31) arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bicycle saddle. A channel (15), open from top to bottom, is provided along the longitudinal axis of the bicycle saddle. The front of the saddle is curved downwardly in an aquiline shape. The two identical portions (30, 31) from the rear ends thereof up to extensions (9, 10) that laterally delimit the central channel (15) are provided with substantially flat areas (1, 2) on which the gluteal muscles of the user are intended to be positioned during use of the saddle. The substantially flat areas (1, 2) are substantially parallel to the ground on which the wheels of the bicycle rest. |
| US09688326B2 |
Robotic device for navigating inclined surfaces
A drive unit for driving a robot along an inclined surface is disclosed. An endless tread engages a pair of wheels to define a planar bottom surface of the endless tread. A vacuum motor pulls air through holes in the endless tread when the holes are aligned with a vacuum opening. |
| US09688325B2 |
Undercarriage assembly and track links for assembly
An undercarriage assembly for a mobile machine includes a continuous track having a plurality of mated track links that can translate with respect to the machine. Each track link may include a shoe portion and a body portion. The body portion includes a plurality of projecting pin lugs each having a pin bore to receive a bin and link adjacent track links together. The pin lugs can include a pair of sprocket lugs for making rolling contact with a sprocket, a pair of roller lugs for making rolling contact with a plurality of rollers, and a side lug having a protruding shoulder to assist in aligning the plurality of rollers. |
| US09688323B2 |
Track system for an all-wheel drive vehicle
The track system includes a plurality of track assemblies, each having track; a frame structure to mount the track to the vehicle; and inner wheels in contact with an inner surface of the track. The track assembly also includes two drive gears disposed externally to the track and configured to frictionally engaged an outer surface of a corresponding one of the tires. The drive gears are drivingly connected with the track for transmitting power thereto. Each one of the drive gears has a rotation axis, a plurality of elongated traction bars extending substantially parallel and circumferentially to the rotation axis, and open ends. The elongated traction bars are spaced-apart from one another and define channels therebetween allowing granular and liquid materials to flow inwardly towards the rotation axis, and outwardly of the drive gears through the apertured ends. |
| US09688318B1 |
Axle suspension mounting system
An auxiliary axle or lift axle is pivotally mounted to the frame of a vehicle for selectively providing additional flotation for the vehicle. A pair of frame brackets are secured to the frame members of the vehicle and have horizontally disposed mounting plates adjacent to the lower ends thereof. A bracket member extends downwardly from one end of the mounting plate and has a pair of spaced-apart slots formed therein. A bracket member also extends downwardly from the other end of the frame bracket and has a pair of spaced-apart first and second slots formed therein. The hanger brackets are adjustably secured to the bracket members to permit the axle assembly to be mounted on frame members having varying distances therebetween and having varying frame thicknesses. The novel method of securing the hanger brackets to the frame brackets is also disclosed. |
| US09688313B2 |
Vehicle hood structure
A vehicle hood structure, which includes an outer panel that forms an outer surface of a vehicle, an inner panel that is disposed below the outer panel and fixedly attached to the outer panel and that has a plurality of beam portions extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, having a hat-shaped section opening downward, and being separated from each other in a lateral direction of the vehicle, and which covers a front part of the vehicle, the vehicle hood structure including: a reinforcing member that is disposed below the inner panel so as to extend in the lateral direction of the vehicle and to have clearance between the reinforcing member and the beam portions, that has a convex shape curved upward in the lateral direction of the vehicle, and that is fixedly fastened at its both ends in the lateral direction of the vehicle to the inner panel. |
| US09688305B2 |
Tiltable motorcycles with two front steering wheels
Motorcycles are provided which include a frame, two front steering wheels, a steering pipe rotatably connected to the frame and rigidly connected to two supporting assemblies, one for each front steering wheel and a steering group consisting of two pairs of transversal arms—upper front, lower front, upper rear and lower rear—arranged inverted at the opposite sides of a central steering pipe and laterally connected through two lateral posts. On each of the supporting assemblies the fixed portions of two telescopic elements may be constrained. Each pair of telescopic elements may be cantilever-mounted with respect to the steering wheel. |
| US09688294B2 |
Systems and methods for cold movement detection
A system includes a motion switch module, an energy storage module, a resistive module, and an interface. The motion switch module includes at least one motion activated switch that is movable between an open and a closed position responsive to movement of an axle to which the motion switch module is coupled. The energy storage module includes at least one energy storage element that discharges a stored charge responsive to a motion of the corresponding at least one motion activated switch from the open to the closed position. The resistive module includes least one resistive element that dissipates energy discharged by the corresponding at least one energy storage module. The interface is configured to provide information regarding a change in charge state of the at least one energy storage element, wherein the change in charge state corresponds to a movement of the vehicle. |
| US09688292B2 |
Railcar bogie
A railcar bogie includes: a bogie frame including a cross beam and plate springs, the plate springs supporting both respective car width direction end portions of the cross beam and extending in a car longitudinal direction; axles extending in a car width direction; bearings provided at both respective car width direction sides of each of the axles; axle boxes accommodating the respective bearings and supporting the plate springs from below; and rubbing plates provided on an upper surface of the bogie frame to slidingly contact respective rubbed plates provided on a lower surface of a bolster. In a plan view, each of the rubbing plates is arranged within a region where the cross beam and the plate spring intersect with each other and is arranged on a center line of the plate spring, the center line extending in the car longitudinal direction. |
| US09688280B2 |
Traction control device
In order to provide a traction control device capable of preventing an initial slip at a start, the traction control device includes a drive power source outputting drive power to a drive wheel of a vehicle; a vehicle speed sensor detecting the wheel speed of a non-drive wheel of the vehicle; and target restricted speed generating means for generating a target restricted speed for the vehicle by determining the state of a road surface from target drive torque of the vehicle, the wheel speed of the non-drive wheel, and a signal indicating the extent of operation of an accelerator by a driver. The target restricted speed generated by the target restricted speed generating means is switched stepwise in a speed region where the speed of the drive wheel is not detected in correspondence with a control mode that is classified according to the slipperiness of a road surface. |
| US09688273B2 |
Methods of improving performance of automotive intersection turn assist features
A system and method for warning a vehicle driver of a potential collision when turning left or right at or near an intersection, where the system and method provide additional analysis to limit false positive and false negative warnings based on specialized circumstances. The method includes determining if the host vehicle is likely to turn at or near the intersection, and obtaining speed, velocity and position data of the host vehicle and any relevant remote vehicles. The method determines a predicted path of the host vehicle and the remote vehicles based on the speed, velocity and position data, and issues a warning to a driver of the host vehicle if the host vehicle and one of the remote vehicles may collide based on the predicted paths. If the host vehicle is in a specialized circumstance, the method provides additional collision analysis to reduce false positive warnings and/or false negative warnings. |
| US09688271B2 |
Occupant based vehicle control
A vehicle includes an occupant monitoring system and a processing circuit coupled to the occupant monitoring system. The occupant monitoring system is configured to acquire occupant data regarding an occupant of the vehicle. The processing circuit is configured to receive the occupant data; determine a vehicle operation command based on the occupant data, the vehicle operation command configured to affect operation of the vehicle while the vehicle is in a robotic driving mode; and provide the vehicle operation command to a vehicle system. |
| US09688270B2 |
Vehicle fuel maintenance systems and methods
A method comprises on board a hybrid vehicle and executed by a vehicle controller on board the hybrid vehicle, determining a pH based on a pH sensor positioned in a fuel system; and in response to a first condition comprising the pH being less than a first threshold pH, disabling an electric motor and propelling the hybrid vehicle with an engine. In this way, a risk of engine degradation due to fuel degradation can be reduced. |
| US09688268B2 |
Method for controlling an electric machine in a vehicle with an engine disconnect clutch
A method of controlling a vehicle, in which the vehicle includes an engine, a traction motor, and a clutch configured to selectively couple the engine to the motor, includes commanding the traction motor to provide an incremental torque. The motor is commanded to provide the incremental torque in response to the clutch being in a slipping condition. The magnitude of the commanded incremental torque is in response to the lesser of first and second torques. The first torque corresponds to an engine torque, and the second torque corresponds to a clutch torque capacity. |
| US09688262B1 |
Air monitoring system
A controller for monitoring an air system in a vehicle comprises an input for receiving at least one pressure signal indicative of air pressure in an air system; and a processor having control logic. The control logic is capable of determining a volume of the air system at a first time based on the at least one air pressure signal and a vehicle factor; determining the volume of the air system at a second time based on the at least one air pressure signal and the vehicle factor; determining the difference between the volume at the first time and the volume at the second time; and transmitting an alert in response to a difference between the volume at the first time and volume at the second time. The control logic is also capable of changing the compressor operation in response to the alert. |
| US09688261B2 |
Spring brake actuator with a caging bolt bearing joining a pressure plate and actuator tube
A pneumatic brake actuator has a housing and a divider that divides the housing into a spring chamber containing a spring and a pressure chamber. The divider has an opening that receives an end of an actuator tube. A bearing that is positioned within the opening in the divider is joined to both the divider and the actuator tube. A caging bolt has a first end positioned within the actuator tube and extends from the first end through openings in the hearing and housing to a second end positioned outside of the housing. The connection between the bearing, divider and actuator tube contains the spring within the housing in the event that the housing and/or divider fails. The divider can be a piston or a diaphragm and pressure plate. The bearing can be joined to either of the divider and actuator tube with threads and/or by welding. |
| US09688257B2 |
Electronic transmission range selection subsystem in a hydraulic control system for an automatic transmission
A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, a park servo connected to a park mechanism, the park servo having a park side, an out-of-park side, and a biasing member disposed on the park side. A first valve assembly includes a first inlet port in fluid communication with the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, a first outlet port, and a first valve for selectively allowing fluid communication between the first inlet port and the first outlet port. A second valve assembly includes a second inlet port in direct fluid communication downstream of the first valve assembly, a second outlet port in direct fluid communication with the out-of-park side of the park servo, and a second valve moveable between an out-of-park position and a park position. |
| US09688256B2 |
Hydraulic block for a hydraulic unit
A hydraulic block for a hydraulic unit is configured to control the brake pressure in a slip-controlled vehicle brake system. Multiple pressure sensors are received in receptors that are defined by the hydraulic block and that are configured to place each of the pressure sensors in hydraulic contact with a respective brake circuit. The pressure sensors are configured to detect wheel brake pressures in the corresponding brake circuits. The hydraulic contact between the pressure sensors and the brake circuits is enabled by a common duct that includes a shut-off element configured to block a pressure medium connection between the brake circuits. |
| US09688254B2 |
Stop control system for vehicle
A stop control system for a vehicle is provided, which is capable of stably performing cranking for restarting an internal combustion engine and positively preventing the vehicle from moving by properly increasing a braking force of the vehicle, during an idle stop. In the stop control system for a vehicle according to the present invention, the engine 3 is cranked by the starter motor 6 using the power supplied from the battery 7, when restart conditions are satisfied (step 8 in FIG. 5). Further, the stop control system includes a hydraulic pump 55 driven by the power supplied from the battery 7, for increasing the braking force of the vehicle V. During a stop of the vehicle V, it is determined whether or not the braking force of the vehicle V needs to be increased (FIG. 6), and the hydraulic pump 55 is controlled according to a determination result. Further, in a case where it is determined that the braking force of the vehicle V needs to be increased, the operation of the hydraulic pump 55 is inhibited for a predetermined time period during cranking (steps 36, 37, 41 in FIG. 8). |
| US09688252B2 |
Battery swapping system and techniques
A method of exchanging an electrical energy storage system (EESS) in an electric vehicle includes: positioning an electric vehicle in x and y directions on an EESS exchange station; after positioning, raising the electric vehicle to a predetermined height using a first lift; after raising the electric vehicle, raising an EESS lift toward the electric vehicle until the EESS lift is correctly positioned relative to a first EESS; after raising the EESS lift, removing fasteners that secure a first EESS to the electric vehicle; placing an EESS conveyor underneath the EESS lift; after placing the EESS conveyor, lowering the first EESS onto the EESS conveyor using the EESS lift; after lowering the first EESS, removing the first EESS and instead placing a second EESS underneath the electric vehicle; after placing the second EESS underneath the electric vehicle, raising the second EESS toward the electric vehicle using the EESS lift until the second EESS is correctly positioned relative to the electric vehicle; after raising the second EESS, fastening the second EESS onto the electric vehicle; and after fastening the second EESS, lowering the electric vehicle using the vehicle lift. |
| US09688249B2 |
Apparatus of detecting position of rotating member and system of operating wiper
An apparatus of detecting a position of a rotating member includes a cam plate connected to the rotating member. The cam plate includes a plurality of segments that are spaced apart from each other. The plurality of segments are disposed in an annular shape. A fixed ring is disposed between the cam plate and the worm wheel. A first contact point is in contact with an interior portion of any one of the segments and maintaining a fixed state. A second contact point is formed at an external circumferential portion of any one of the segments and is in contact with the fixed ring. |
| US09688244B2 |
Autonomous vehicle theft prevention
A destination request may specify a destination location for an autonomous vehicle identified by a vehicle identifier. The request may be for uniqueness of a timestamp of the destination request. An encrypted payload of the request may be decrypted to identify the destination location using a long key associated with the vehicle identifier and indexed to a key offset determined using the timestamp. A driving command may be sent to the autonomous vehicle specifying the destination location. |
| US09688241B2 |
Pretensioner of seat belt for vehicle
A pretensioner apparatus of a seat belt may include a movement tube, a piston movably disposed inside the movement tube, a gas generator fluid-connected to the movement tube and generating a gas upon crash of the vehicle so as to inject the gas into the movement tube to move the piston in a predetermined direction, a linkage unit, a worm connected to the piston through the linkage unit, and a worm wheel engaged with the worm, wherein the worm rotates according to movement of the piston via the linkage unit when the piston moves in the predetermined direction by the gas generated by the gas generator, and wherein the worm wheel fixed to a spool rotates together with the worm to rotate the spool and a seat belt webbing connected to the spool is wound around the spool while the worm rotates according to the movement of the piston. |
| US09688230B2 |
Vehicle seat incorporating side airbag
A vehicle seat incorporating a side airbag includes a seat cushion and a seat back, if an impact is detected at that side of the seat back, the inflator is activated, generating high-pressure gas, the gas gushes in the airbag, inflating the airbag, and the airbag so inflated tears up the sewn part of the seat back, which are positioned at the front part of the vehicle wall side of the seat back, and develops to the side and front of the occupant, isolating the occupant from the vehicle wall and protecting the occupant; and the airbag is secured to the inner side of the side frame on the vehicle wall side, an expansion restriction plate is provided on the inner side of the airbag, and the airbag is sandwiched between the side frame on the vehicle wall side and the expansion restriction plate. |
| US09688227B2 |
Vehicle bumper assembly
A vehicle bumper assembly having an outer surface and is a bumper having an opening and a lighting optical assembly engaging the opening is provided. The lighting optical assembly has a front wall, defining part of the outer surface, and a rear shell, which supports the front wall and comprises at least one connecting portion fixed to the bumper. The bumper assembly has an additional coupling element, which has an end fixed to the bumper and a supporting portion set behind the rear shell and is set astride of the rear shell. The material, shape, and dimensions of the additional coupling element are such as to render it elastically deformable in the event of impact at a relatively low speed. |
| US09688220B2 |
Vehicle apparatus control from rear seat
Methods and systems are provided for implementing door engagement detection for a vehicle. A sensor is configured to detect information indicative of a dependent individual occupying a rear seat of the vehicle. The processor is coupled to the sensor, and is configured to prevent control of the apparatus from the rear seat when the information is detected. |
| US09688218B2 |
Frame molding for vehicle door
A frame molding for a vehicle door includes a first molding portion which is connected to a sash molding attached to a door sash, a second molding portion which is connected to a belt molding, which is attached to an upper edge of a door panel, and a corner portion at which the first molding portion and the second molding portion meet. The frame molding includes, at the corner portion, a corner engaging portion which is engaged with the door panel to restrict at least upward movement of the corner portion. This makes it possible to improve the stability of support for the frame molding. |
| US09688217B2 |
Manufacture of interior trim for a motor vehicle
A method of providing interior trim for a motor vehicle comprising forming a first interior trim article providing a first interior trim level, wherein the first article comprises a first article decorative covering overlying a first article cushion member and a first article substrate; and forming a second interior trim article having a base structure comprising the first interior trim article; wherein the second interior trim article provides a second interior trim level different from the first interior trim level; wherein the second interior trim article comprises a second article decorative covering and a second article cushion member overlying the base structure; wherein the first article decorative covering includes an elongated channel; wherein the second article decorative covering comprises a plurality of decorative covering segments joined at a joining seam; and wherein the joining seam is located in the elongated channel. |
| US09688212B2 |
Modular trailer-hitch utility system
A reconfigurable utility system that is mountable to a standard trailer hitch. The utility system has small basic units that can be temporarily combined to make members and connections. The connections can be fixed or pivoting. The members can be oriented both parallel and orthogonal (although not necessarily intersecting) to the hitch. The utility system is constructed from durable materials such as steel, aluminum, polycarbonate, polypropylene, or high-density polyethylene (“HDPE”). The utility system components can have a square cross-sectional mating area, so that it is most easily integrated with a standard trailer hitch. |
| US09688208B2 |
Storage bin double track system
A sliding storage compartment assembly for a motor vehicle includes a storage bin slidably received in a storage bin holder by a dual track assembly defined by opposed sets of rails and opposed sets of cooperating tracks. Each of the opposed sets of rails and opposed sets of cooperating tracks are vertically and laterally offset one from another. Each of the opposed sets of rails and each of the opposed sets of cooperating tracks may be vertically offset one from another in a vehicle z-axis direction and laterally offset from one another in a vehicle x-axis direction. The opposed sets of cooperating tracks may be disposed on opposed side walls of the storage bin holder and the opposed sets of rails may be disposed on opposed side walls of the storage bin, or vice-versa. Console assemblies including the sliding storage compartment assembly are described. |
| US09688204B2 |
Ladder of working vehicle
A ladder in a multi-step structure includes: first front and rear connecting members that are connected to a vehicle body and between a wheel and an end of the vehicle body and that are juxtaposed with a predetermined space; a first step board that is connected between respective lower ends of the first front and rear connecting members; second front and rear connecting members, respective upper ends of which are connected to both ends of the first step board; and a second step board that is connected between respective lower ends of the second front and rear connecting members. In the first front and rear connecting members, one near the wheel is fixed to the vehicle body and the other near the end of the vehicle body is connected in a pivotally movable manner to the vehicle body and is foldable. |
| US09688202B2 |
Radio frequency identification enabled mirrors
A radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled mirror includes a mirror comprising a reflective layer. The reflective layer comprises at least one layer of a metallic material. At least one portion of the reflective layer is removed to form a booster antenna from a remaining portion of the reflective layer. A dielectric coating is applied to the mirror where the reflective layer was removed. The RFID-enabled mirror further includes an RFID chip coupled to the booster antenna. |
| US09688201B2 |
Exterior mirror system for a vehicle
An exterior mirror system for a vehicle includes exterior rearview mirror assemblies mounted at respective sides of the vehicle. The mirror assemblies include a light module and a camera. The cameras are part of a multi-camera vision system that includes a display device that is operable to display images for viewing by the vehicle driver. The indicator of the light module includes a signal light that is configured to provide light that is observable to another driver of another vehicle who is (i) approaching the vehicle from its rear and/or (ii) overtaking the vehicle in the side lane adjacent to the side of the vehicle at which mirror assembly is mounted. Actuation of the signal light provides (i) light forwardly of the vehicle so that drivers of other vehicles approaching the vehicle may observe the actuated signal light and/or (ii) light laterally with respect to the vehicle. |
| US09688182B2 |
Vehicle lamp
A vehicle lamp includes a lamp housing having an opening and a cover attached to the lamp housing and closing the opening to form a lamp chamber, and a lamp unit disposed in an interior of the lamp chamber and including a light source having a plurality of planar light emitting bodies. An outer peripheral portion of each of the planar light emitting bodies is a non-light emitting region, and a portion inside the non-light emitting region of each of the planar light emitting bodies is a light emitting region. At least a portion of the non-light emitting region is formed to be transparent. The transparent portion of the non-light emitting region of the planar light emitting bodies and an outer end portion of the light emitting region of other planar light emitting bodies are superimposed to each other in a thickness direction of the planar light emitting bodies. |
| US09688179B2 |
Golf cart vending service unit
Disclosed is a vending service unit that couples to a golf cart vehicle to form a golf cart with food and retail service features. The vending service unit includes modules that allow hot and cold food and beverages to be stored and sold, and other retail items such as tobacco, golf supplies, and ice to be displayed and sold from the golf cart with food and retail service features. The vending service unit includes removable concession modules that a vendor can easily and quickly replace and/or interchange. The disclosed vending service unit includes drawers that allow different types of beverage to be stored and sold. The drawers are individually insulated and can be individually heated or chilled for different food temperatures and types. The vending service unit includes a counter surface that can be used to set items upon and upon which to conduct business. |
| US09688177B2 |
Extendable and retractable edge guide
A retractable guide for loading and unloading snowmobiles, ATVs and other equipment from a trailer or truck bed includes a first portion that is movable relative to a second portion that is fixedly attached to the truck or trailer bed such that the first portion pivotally moves relative to the second portion. The first portion is of a sufficient length such that when the first portion guide is in an extended position a distal edge of the first portion contacts the ground surface to provide a ramp for loading and unloading the ATV, snowmobile or other equipment. The ramp provides a smooth transition from the ground to the bed of the truck or trailer. Once the ATV, snowmobile or other equipment is loaded onto the bed of the trailer or truck, the first portion of the guide is pivotally positioned into a stowed position such that an end gate or other retaining wall can be positioned into a secured vertical position with the ATV, snowmobile or other equipment being positioned on the bed of the trailer or truck. |
| US09688172B2 |
Foldable head rest assembly
The invention relates to a foldable head rest assembly (1) for a vehicle comprising a bracket (3), an armature (5) for carrying a head rest, a locking mechanism (33) and a release mechanism, wherein the armature comprises a first arm, which is mounted to the bracket by an armature shaft (17) and pivotable with respect to the bracket about a first axis (18) between an upright position and a folded position, wherein the first axis is defined by the armature shaft, wherein the locking mechanism (33) prevents pivoting of the armature from the upright position to the folded position and wherein the release mechanism (49) can move the locking mechanism from a locked position to an unlocked position, characterized in that an abutment surface (34) of the first arm abuts a locking shaft (31) in the upright position, the locking shaft extending along a second axis that extends parallel to and spaced apart from the first axis, and the release mechanism is mounted to the locking shaft (31) and pivotable about the second axis (32). |
| US09688171B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat includes an armrest having a body provided with a recessed portion recessed toward a widthwise inward direction of the seat in such a manner as to surround a shaft member, and a hook member attached to a distal end of the shaft member and fitted in the recessed portion. The hook member includes a presser portion for pressing a skin layer of the armrest with the skin layer gripped between the presser portion and the body of the armrest, a baggage engagement portion extending from the presser portion in a widthwise outward direction of the seat for hooking engagement with the baggage, and a flange portion located at a distal end of the baggage engagement portion and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of the shaft member for preventing the baggage from displacing off the hook member. |
| US09688167B2 |
Child safety seat
A child safety seat includes a seat shell having one side provided with an elongated slot, an anchor strap portion restrictedly held with the seat shell, and a storage pocket provided on the side of the seat shell. The slot communicates with a first opening near a front of the seat shell, and a second opening near a rear of the seat shell. The anchor strap portion is connected with a fastener that is operable to attach with an anchor structure provided in a vehicle, the anchor strap portion being movable along the slot between a first position adjacent to the first opening, and a second position adjacent to the second opening. The storage pocket is sized to receive the fastener and the anchor strap portion for storage, the storage pocket being adjacent to the elongated slot and located between the first and second openings. |
| US09688166B2 |
Rotatable anchors providing enhanced child restraint system interface accessibility
A system and method for articulating a vehicle child restraint anchor to which a child restraint seat (CRS) is attachable is disclosed, wherein one or more anchors individually or jointly articulate between at least a first and a second position about a pivotal axis, that axis and related hardware generally contained within a vehicle seat assembly or attached to a vehicle floor, package tray or alternative load bearing support structure located behind or above a vehicle seat such as a roof. One or more anchor positions may be fixable. The system may be operated manually or semi-automatically, incorporate springs and interlocks, and may be sensor or motor/solenoid-driven. Articulated anchor positions may include a position of enhanced visibility and accessibility to simplify consumer CRS to child restraint anchor connectivity or disengagement compared to alternative positions of generally limited anchor accessibility, partial or total concealment, stowed, alternative or secondary anchorage use positions. |
| US09688165B2 |
Seat assembly for a vehicle
A seat assembly for a vehicle, in particular a public transport vehicle such as a bus or train, comprises a transversely positioned bench seat in front of which there is a wheelchair space. In front of the transversely positioned bench seat in the travel direction of the vehicle is arranged a barrier device comprising at least one barrier element and a rotation axis, about which the barrier element can be moved between a tilted-down position extending in front of the transversely positioned bench seat and a tilted-up position which leaves the wheelchair space free. |
| US09688162B2 |
Modular seat control switch system
Some embodiments relate to a modular vehicle seat control system including a plurality of control units direct mounted to one or more other control system units through a bus system. The modular construction obviates the need for additional wiring, and enables a manufacturer to install one or more of the control units in any suitable arrangement by engaging the control units through rigidly mounted bus connectors. Suitable control units can comprise manually actuated components for controlling any of a wide variety of vehicle seat functions. |
| US09688158B2 |
Power driving system
A power driving system for an electric vehicle with a motor includes plural battery boxes, a first DC bus, a second DC bus and a power converter. The first DC bus is electrically connected with the battery boxes for selectively receiving electric energy from the battery boxes. The second DC bus is electrically connected with the battery boxes for selectively receiving electric energy from the battery boxes. The power converter is connected between first DC bus and the second DC bus. After the power driving system is changed from a steady state power mode to a driving voltage switching mode, a driving voltage switching process is performed. By the power converter, a voltage of one of the first DC bus and the second DC bus in a steady state is used to adjust a voltage of the other of the first DC bus and the second DC bus. |
| US09688157B2 |
Providing vehicles with electric energy by magnetic induction
An arrangement for providing a vehicle with electric energy, wherein the arrangement includes a generating device for inducing an alternating electric current by magnetic induction in a corresponding receiving device, wherein the arrangement comprises a base to which the generating device is attached, the base defines a vehicle location an elevated region sideways of the vehicle location, wherein an upper surface of the elevated region is elevated compared to an upper surface of the base under the vehicle location, an elongated profile includes an electrically conducting material and/or a magnetizable material, wherein the elongated profile is attached to the elevated region and extends along an extension of the generating device in a longitudinal direction of the arrangement and wherein an elevated profile extends upwards towards a level of the upper surface of the elevated region and also extends towards the vehicle location. |
| US09688156B2 |
Method and system for communication between a vehicle and a charging station for unlocking mechanical charging cable coupling
A method for communicating between an electric vehicle and a charging station for electrically charging at least one energy storage device of the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle is connected to the charging station during the charging process by a lockable mechanical coupling between a terminal of charging cable connected to the vehicle and a terminal of the charging station. Charging current is fed from the charging station through the charging cable. Information is transferred in the course of the charging process based on a communication between the electric vehicle and the charging station. The information includes a signal transmitted from the electric vehicle to the charging station for locking and/or unlocking the mechanical coupling. The signal triggers the locking and/or unlocking of the mechanical coupling between the terminal of the charging cable and the terminal at the charging station. |
| US09688150B2 |
System and method for controlling environmentally-friendly vehicle
A system and method for controlling an environmentally-friendly vehicle perform a safety function by blocking a high voltage output of a high voltage battery at the time of a rear-lateral side collision of the environmentally-friendly vehicle. The high voltage blocking function is smoothly performed at the time of the rear-lateral side collision accident by determining a rear-lateral side collision of the environmentally-friendly vehicle using a blind spot detection sensor, a lane change alert sensor, or a rear cross traffic alert sensor, along with a yaw rate sensor that detects a yaw rate, and turning off a relay of the high voltage battery at a moment when the rear-lateral side collision is determined. |
| US09688148B2 |
Device for controlling different functions of a motor vehicle
A device for controlling a plurality of different functions of a motor vehicle has an operator control element with which in each case one of the plurality of different functions can be actuated, and a touch-sensitive field which has a plurality of sections, each of which is at least temporarily assigned one of the different functions and which are provided with symbols corresponding to the respective function. A function can be selected by selecting one of the sections. In each case the function which was selected from the touch-sensitive field can be actuated the operator control element. A display device, in which the respectively selected function can be displayed a symbol, is provided on the operator control element or in the direct vicinity of the operator control element. |
| US09688141B2 |
Clutch control device for four-wheel drive vehicle
A clutch control device is provided for a four-wheel drive vehicle. The clutch control device is able to suppress the elevation of the temperature of the oil supplied to a friction clutch during two-wheel drive travel when the friction clutch is released. The clutch control device includes a dog clutch and an electronic control coupling. The friction clutch is housed in a coupling case. When the dog clutch and the friction clutch are released, a two-wheel drive mode is selected. The coupling case has a passage opening that is closed to retain lubrication oil in an oil chamber with respect to a clutch chamber that houses the friction clutch. When oil stirring conditions are met thereafter, the passage opening is opened and the lubrication oil is allowed to flow into the clutch chamber from the oil chamber. |
| US09688140B2 |
Drive force distribution device for automobile
A drive force distribution device for an automobile is provided in which a hydraulic clutch includes an annular oil groove opposing a clutch piston in an inner wall face of a clutch oil chamber, and a hydraulic oil supply port and a hydraulic oil discharge port communicating with the oil groove. Since when the hydraulic oil supply port of the oil groove is a starting end and the hydraulic oil discharge port of the oil groove is a finishing end, a cross-sectional area of a longer oil groove section of the annular oil groove is set to be larger than a cross-sectional area of a shorter oil groove section, the flow path resistance of the oil groove sect of the respective hydraulic clutches made to be uniform. This enables smooth operation, improvement of the engagement responsiveness and uniformization of the engagement responsiveness of the hydraulic clutches to be achieved. |
| US09688139B1 |
Compact drive apparatus
A hydrostatic transaxle with a bypass mechanism is disclosed, the transaxle having a center section engaged to a housing, an axial piston pump disposed on the center section and driven by an input shaft, and an axial piston motor disposed on the center section having a cylinder block engaged to a motor output shaft. The pump is controlled by a swash plate having a pair of openings through which the input shaft and a bypass actuation rod pass. The bypass actuation rod has a cam formed on a first end that engages a block lift member. When the bypass actuation rod is rotated, the cam causes the block lift member to engage and lift the cylinder block of the axial piston motor off of the center section. A brake mechanism using brake puck disposed in a pocket formed in the center section is also disclosed. |
| US09688138B2 |
Strap guide and tank mounting fixture
A system for enabling securing devices configured to hold fuels, such as gas cylinders, to frames is provided. The system includes an isolator fastened to the device configured to hold fuel and a strap that is attached to the frame. The isolator includes barriers on either side that prevent longitudinal slipping of the strap and ridges disposed between the barriers, which create cushioning between the strap and the device configured to hold fuel. |
| US09688137B2 |
Lid device for charging port
A charging lid device includes a lid that opens and closes a concave portion accommodating a charging inlet provided on a vehicle, and a support arm supporting the lid so that the lid is movable between a fully closing position and a fully opening position for closing and opening the concave portion. The support arm includes first and second swinging arms. One end side of the first swinging arm is attached inside the concave portion so as to swing. One end side of the second swinging arm is connected to the first swinging arm so as to swing and the other end side of the second swinging arm is attached to the lid so as to swing. The lid is arranged at a position displaced from the concave portion and along a surface of the vehicle when the lid is in the fully opening position. |
| US09688135B2 |
Fuel vapor transfer system
A fuel cap includes a filler-neck closure adapted to mate with a filler neck to close a mouth opening into a fuel-conducting passageway formed in the filler neck. The filler-neck closure includes a vacuum-relief valve and a handle arranged to overlie the filler-neck closure and gripped by a user during removal of the fuel cap from the filler neck. |
| US09688132B2 |
Hybrid vehicle
A hybrid vehicle uses a first motor, a second motor and an engine as driving force sources and includes a gear transmission mechanism and an oil supply mechanism. The gear transmission mechanism transmits torque, output from the first motor, to a drive shaft side. The oil supply mechanism is driven by power other than power of the engine to supply oil to the gear transmission mechanism. When the hybrid vehicle is caused to travel by using the torque output from at least the first motor in a state where operation of the engine is stopped, and when an estimated amount of oil that is supplied from the oil supply mechanism to the gear transmission mechanism is smaller than or equal to a predetermined amount, an electronic control unit limits an operation state of the first motor such that load on the gear transmission mechanism decreases. |
| US09688129B2 |
Vehicle windshield cover and method therefor
A window shield cover for a vehicle has a cover member shaped to be place on top of and cover an exterior of a windshield of the vehicle. A first attachment strip is removably attached to the cover member. The first attachment strip extends past a first edge and a second edge of the cover member. A second attachment strip is removably attached to the cover member. The second attachment strip extends past the first edge and the second edge of the cover member. An element collector covers a front surface of the cover member. |
| US09688128B2 |
Sealing arrangement for a motor vehicle window pane
A sealing arrangement for a vehicle window is described. The sealing arrangement includes a retaining rail having a latching channel that is formed by a guide rail and a spring leg having a latch hook, the retaining rail being affixed to a window pane. The sealing arrangement further includes a cover having a guide channel that is formed by a positioning stop and by a latching rail having a locking element. The guide rail is arranged in the guide channel and the latching rail is arranged in the latching channel. |
| US09688120B2 |
Curtain buckle device
A curtain buckle device has a buckle unit and a buckle stick. The buckle unit is mounted on a crank and has a buckle tube portion, a buckle hole formed through the buckle tube portion, multiple slits formed in an end of the buckle tube portion at interval, and a buckle claw formed on an inner surface of the buckle tube portion. The buckle stick is inserted into the buckle tube portion and has a stick body inserted into the buckle hole, a fixing end connected with an end of the stick body and mounted on the base, and a buckle groove annularly formed in an outer surface of the stick body. The buckle groove is engaged with the claw bodies. Therefore, the curtain buckle device is provided for a car curtain to use. |
| US09688119B2 |
Apparatus and method for regenerating odor absorbent in a motor vehicle HVAC system
An apparatus is provided for regenerating an odor absorbent in a motor vehicle HVAC system. That apparatus includes a regeneration blower assembly that is connected between a heater plenum and a fresh air inlet duct of the HVAC system. Air is drawn from the passenger cabin of the motor vehicle through the heater plenum where that air is warmed. The warmed air is directed through the odor absorbent to remove odors and regenerate the odor absorbent. The warm air and the odors entrained therein is discharged through a fresh air inlet of the HVAC system. |
| US09688106B2 |
Noise-reducing device intended to be inserted into a groove in the tread of a tire and tire comprising a device of this type
Noise-reducing device intended to be added to a groove of the tread of a tire comprising an elastic sole preferably extending in a given longitudinal direction, wherein the said sole on one of its faces comprises one or several flexible walls the planes of which run substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sole. |
| US09688096B2 |
Disk wheel
In a disk wheel, a metal insert member is embedded in a resinous bolt-fastening part having a bolt hole. The insert member includes: an opposing surface which is opposed to a resin member of the bolt-fastening part; a bonding area a bonded to the resin member within the opposing surface; and a non-bonding area within the opposing surface. The non-bonding area is not bonded to the resin member, but extends from the bonding area so as to receive a load generated when the resin member deforms. It is thereby possible to provide a technique to effectively suppress the influence of residual stress remained after molding of the resin member of the bolt-fastening part, and to ensure the strength required for the bolt-fastening part. |
| US09688094B2 |
Method for cutting substrate
A method for cutting a substrate includes: radiating, as part of a first laser radiating process, a laser towards a surface of the substrate to form a first groove in a substrate. Radiating the laser towards the surface includes radiating, in sequence, the laser towards a first outer point (FOP), a second outer point (SOP), a first intermediate point (FIP), a second intermediate point (SIP), and a first cut point (FCP) of the surface, each of the points being spaced apart from one another by one or more distances. The FCP corresponds to a cut line of the substrate. The FOP and the SOP are respectively disposed at lateral sides of the FCP. The FIP is disposed between the FCP and the FOP. The SIP is disposed between the FCP and the SOP. The same kind and intensity of laser is radiated towards each of the points. |
| US09688093B2 |
Enclosing-sealing device and image formation system having the same
An enclosing-sealing device for preparing a sealed matter by sealing an envelope with a content enclosed in the envelope includes a content formation unit, an envelope formation unit, a content delivery unit, a seal unit, a delivery timing determiner, and a delivery controller. The content delivery unit delivers the content delivered from the content formation unit to the envelope formation unit such that the content is enclosed in a sheet of envelope paper while being folded. The seal unit seals the envelope delivered from the envelope formation unit with the content enclosed in the envelope. The delivery timing determiner determines a delivery timing of the content by the content delivery unit based on inputted information about at least one of the content and the envelope. The delivery controller controls the content delivery unit to deliver the content to the envelope formation unit in accordance with the determined delivery timing. |
| US09688086B2 |
Printing apparatus
The printing apparatus includes a ribbon laid between spools, and DC motors for rotating these spools. A CPU drives the motor without tension, calculates the rotation velocity of the motor based on the rotation amount of the motor, applies the calculated rotation velocity and supplies current in driving the motor, by calculating a drive current for providing the DC motor with a same rotation velocity as a rotation velocity of a reference DC motor based on a difference between a rotation speed of the DC motor in driving the DC motor at a predetermined supply current in a state in which the ribbon is broken, or the ribbon is separated from the supply spool, and a rotational speed of the reference DC motor in driving the reference DC motor at the predetermined supply current, and controls the motor driver to supply the calculated drive current. |
| US09688084B2 |
Digital printing apparatus
A digital printing apparatus including a sheet supply device, printing cylinder, inkjet nozzle portion, sheet delivery device, and conveyance devices. The sheet supply device supplies sheets one by one at a predetermined period. The printing cylinder includes at least one gripper device that grips and holds the sheet, and conveys the sheet while one edge of the sheet supplied from the sheet supply device is held by the plurality of gripper devices. The inkjet nozzle portion discharges ink droplets onto the sheet. The conveyance devices include a plurality of gripper devices including one reversing gripper device that grips and holds the other edge of the sheet, and conveys the sheet printed on one surface, which is received from the printing cylinder in a double-sided printing mode. The sheet is turned by reversing the obverse/reverse surface of the sheet by the reversing gripper device in the process of conveyance. |
| US09688082B2 |
Recording device and control method therefor
A recording device and control method execute a printhead retraction operation at an appropriate speed when a paper jam occurs, make removing jammed paper easy, and prevent problems from pieces of paper left inside the recording device. The printer 1 retracts the head carriage 59 to the home position HP or away position AP when a paper jam occurs. The retraction distance is calculated, and a retraction speed determined based on a speed control table 100. If the retraction speed is low, there is little chance of pulling on the jammed paper P and making removal of the jammed paper P difficult. If the retraction distance is long, changing retraction speed to a high speed during the retraction operation shortens time of the retraction operation. Therefore, there is little chance of the user tearing the jammed paper P, and little chance of problems caused by pieces of paper left inside. |
| US09688077B1 |
Ink jet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment includes an ink jet head, a diaphragm-type first pump, a diaphragm-type second pump and a control device. The inkjet head ejects ink to an image receiving medium. The first pump supplies ink introduced from an ink storage section to the ink jet head. The second pump sucks ink that is not discharged from the ink jet head and discharges the sucked ink to a discharge chamber adjacent to a discharge section of the first pump at the upstream part of an ink supply path connected with the ink jet head. The control device drives the first pump and the second pump with same-phase driving voltage waveforms to make discharge timing of the first pump matching with that of the second pump. |
| US09688071B2 |
Head array and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A line head array includes an array base, a bendable thin sheet-shaped plate, and a plurality of heads. The array base has a plurality of inclined surfaces. The bendable thin sheet-shaped plate has a bend and is positioned and mounted on the array base in a bent state. The heads are alternately arranged in a staggered manner on and secured to both sides of the bend of the sheet-shaped plate. |
| US09688067B2 |
Element substrate, printhead, and printing apparatus
An element substrate capable of suppressing occurrence of electromagnetic noise upon driving printing elements on an element substrate with long wiring lengths, preventing an operation error, and printing a high-quality image is provided. In the element substrate, plural element substrates each including printing elements are arrayed in an arrayed direction of the printing elements. Each element substrate including a wiring for supplying a driving power to drive the printing elements, and a ground wiring from the printing elements is configured as follows. Each element substrate includes a delay circuit for delaying a heat enable signal to drive the printing elements and supplying it to each printing element, and a switchover circuit for switching over, in accordance with a control signal, a delay sequence when supplying the heat enable signal to each printing element. |
| US09688065B2 |
Transfer film, transfer method and inkjet recording apparatus
The present invention addresses the problem of forming, using a sublimation ink, an image that is free of outline blurring on a transfer medium even when the thickness of an ink fixation layer is increased. In order to solve this problem, a transfer film 10 is provided with a base material film 11, a transfer binder layer 12, a sublimation ink layer 13, and a mask layer 14 which is provided in a region where sublimation ink is not transferred to media 100, the transfer binder layer 12 being configured from a material which is permeated by sublimation of the sublimation ink. |
| US09688063B2 |
Method for forming an article having a decorative surface
The invention refers to a method for forming an article having a decorative surface comprising:a) screen printing an ink composition comprising a curable composition onto at least one major surface of a thermoformable polymeric sheet;b) curing said curable composition to obtain a printed sheet having on at least one major surface an ink comprising a cured composition; andc) thermoforming the printed sheet to obtain a decorated article,wherein said curable composition comprises a polyisocyanate and a component comprising isocyanate reactive groups and wherein said ink composition contains a solvent or solvent blend in which said curable composition is soluble or miscible. |
| US09688062B2 |
Substrate peeling apparatus and method of fabricating device using the same
A method of fabricating a device includes providing a process substrate on a carrier substrate, where the process substrate has a rectangular shape with a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides, providing a device on the process substrate, and continuously peeling the process substrate from the carrier substrate along a curve passing through a starting point which is one of vertices the process substrate, where the curve substantially perpendicularly passes through one of the short sides spaced apart from the starting point. |
| US09688053B2 |
Devices formed with techniques for bonding substrates using an intermediate layer
A method includes depositing a thin film on a first surface of a first substrate and moving a second surface of a second substrate into contact with the thin film such that the thin film is located between the first and second surfaces. The method further includes generating electromagnetic (EM) radiation of a first wavelength, the first wavelength selected such that the thin film absorbs EM radiation at the first wavelength. Additionally, the method includes directing the EM radiation through one of the first and second substrates and onto a region of the thin film until the first and second substrates are fused in the region. |
| US09688048B2 |
Film-coated vacuum insulated panel
The invention relates to a film-coated vacuum insulation panel comprising at least one inner core, at least one outer film which encloses the inner core, an inner film situated between the inner core and the outer film, and from which the outer film is raised at least in areas, preferably on all sides, by means of a shell material, the inner film and/or outer film being designed as an air-tight barrier film, wherein a) at least the inner film includes at least one ply made of an ethene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, preferably metallized, in particular having a permeation value of 0.003 cm3/(m2*d) or less under standard conditions (23° C., 50% external relative humidity), and b) wherein the shell material includes a drying agent which is present with a surface density of at least 100 g/m2 relative to the base area of the vacuum insulation panel, and whose water vapor adsorption isotherm θH2O=θH2O(PH2O)|T=23° C. at a temperature of T=23° C. can be minimized, at least at low pressures pH2O below the saturation vapor pressure pH2O,sat at temperature T=23° C. and an atmospheric total pressure p=patm: pH2O |
| US09688041B2 |
Drive device for a bending press
A drive device for a bending press, in particular a press brake, with a press frame includes a stationary press beam and has a press beam which can be displaced relative to the press beam by a beam adjusting device formed by a closed hydraulic system including a hydraulic pump with a controllable drive motor, at least one control valve and at least one hydraulic linear actuator. The linear actuator includes a first piston arrangement with a first piston dividing a cylinder chamber into a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber and, in another cylinder chamber, a second piston arrangement with another piston and at least one other pressure chamber. The first piston arrangement and the second piston arrangement are coupled with one another. |
| US09688037B2 |
Tyre layer application assembly and method
A tire layer application assembly and a method for applying a tire layer around a substantially circular circumferential surface of an object. The assembly is provided with a drive which, during application, is coupled to the object for driving the object in a driven rotation about a concentric axis of rotation with respect to the circumferential surface, wherein the assembly includes a tracking device which, during application, is arranged to be fixed to a part of the tire layer that is applied to the circumferential surface, wherein the tracking device is rotatable in a tracking rotation about the axis of rotation of the object, independent of the driven rotation of the object about the same axis of rotation. |
| US09688026B2 |
Heating platform and 3D printing apparatus
A heating platform including a substrate, a heating plate, a conducting plate and a temperature sensing element is provided. The substrate has a first surface for forming a three dimensional (3D) object and an opposite second surface. The heating plate is attached to the second surface of the substrate to heat the substrate. The conducting plate is attached to the heating plate, and the heating plate is coved between the substrate and the conducting plate, wherein the area of the conducting plate is smaller than the area of the substrate, and an end of the conducting plate extends to the outer of the heating plate. The temperature sensing element is disposed at the end of the conducting plate extending to the outer of the heating plate to sense the temperature of the substrate through the conducting plate. A 3D printing apparatus including the heating platform aforementioned is also provided. |
| US09688022B2 |
Color or multi-material three-dimensional (3D) printing
A three-dimensional (3D) continuous color printer includes one or more cartridges each with a building material stored therein, a mixer coupled to each cartridge, and a single printhead coupled to a mixer output, wherein the building material stored in the cartridge is transported to the mixer and the single print head to form a continuous color object. |
| US09688020B2 |
Method and system for reuse of materials in additive manufacturing systems
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for reusing surplus material generated by an Additive Manufacturing system in the process of manufacturing a 3-dimensional (3D) object. Surplus material removed from deposited layers and purged material used for printing head maintenance are transferred to back to the printing system to be deposited within subsequent layers. The reusable material may be deposited within the boundaries of a cross section of the 3-dimensional object to become part of 3D object or outside the boundaries of a cross section of the 3-dimensional object as part of the support construction, which is removed from the finished product. According to embodiments of the invention, a portion of the waste material for disposal may be deposited and cured layer by layer to form a waste block, concurrently with printing the layers of the 3D dimensional object. The fully cured waste block may be then disposed of in a safe manner. |
| US09688017B2 |
Vibration welders with high frequency vibration, position motion control, and delayed weld motion
A vibration welding system and method having an operating vibration frequency of 260 Hz or higher. A pressing action between two workpieces is effected by directly controlling, with a control system and a sensor, the relative positions of the workpieces during some or all of the weld cycle, or by controlling the speed between the workpieces during some phase of the weld cycle and controlling the force between the workpieces during other phases. An external control device can be coupled to a control system, to produce an input signal to adjust the speed of relative motion between the workpieces, the force therebetween, or both speed and force based on the input signal. A positive force can be initially applied between the workpieces, and the weld is started by initiating lateral vibrations while the relative position between the workpieces in the pressing direction is maintained, a control variable is monitored, and the second workpiece is moved relative to the first only after the monitored variable satisfies a condition. |
| US09688013B2 |
Method for the stretch-blowing of a container, comprising a retraction of the stretch rod during a boxing operation
A method of manufacturing a container from a blank in a stretch blowing assembly equipped with a mold provided with a wall and a mold bottom axially movable between an extended position and a retracted position and a stretch unit having a rod axially movable with respect to the wall and a device for controlling the movement of the rod. The method involves a stretch blowing phase; a boxing phase during which the mold bottom, initially in the extended position, is moved towards its retracted position, the boxing phase having a retraction operation including controlling a movement of the rod in synchronization with the movement of the mold bottom, or releasing the rod to allow the free axial movement thereof. |
| US09688005B2 |
Method of making a hybrid composite instrument panel
A method of forming a vehicular instrument panel includes the steps: melting a first composite comprising carbon fibers and nylon resin; melting a second composite comprising glass fibers and nylon resin; injecting the melted composites into an instrument panel mold such that the carbon and glass fibers are each substantially concentrated within respective driver-side and passenger-side portions of the mold; and cooling the melted composites to form an instrument panel. The method may also include the step: forming a boundary region between the first and second melted composites in the mold such that the carbon and glass fibers in the mold are substantially mixed within the boundary region. |
| US09688004B2 |
Methods for making oxidation resistant polymeric material
The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein. |
| US09687990B2 |
Method for producing slit separator, method for producing separator roll, and method for slitting separator
A good-quality slit separator having a small amount of fuzziness at a slit part thereof is to be obtained. The present invention includes: a step (S101) of conveying an original sheet (S); and a step (S102) of slitting the original sheet (S) by causing a slitting blade (72) to cut into the original sheet (S) such that a d tangent plane angle (θ3) in a tangent plane, on which a slitting position is in contact with the original sheet (S), is in a range of not less than 3° to not more than 35°. |
| US09687989B2 |
Shaving device
A shaving device comprising a head assembly including a support member having at least one support member magnet and a blade cartridge having at least one face with at least one razor blade and configured to be rotatably coupled to the support member about a pivot axis. The blade cartridge includes at least one blade cartridge magnet having a pole aligned with a pole of the support member magnet to generate a magnetic force that urges the blade cartridge about the pivot axis towards an initial starting position (ISP), wherein the blade cartridge is further configured to rotate about the pivot axis away from the ISP upon application of an external force sufficient to overcome the magnetic force between the support member magnet and the blade cartridge magnet. |
| US09687987B2 |
Folding knife with replaceable blade
A knife is provided that includes a replaceable blade element. The knife employs a blade carrier that is fixedly interconnected to or foldable with respect to a handle. The blade carrier selectively receives the replaceable blade element that is locked into the blade carrier by way of a hook and movable pin combination. The replaceable blade element is designed to be inserted within the blade carrier quickly, easily, and safely. |
| US09687985B2 |
Robot hand having workpiece positioning function, robot system, and method of positioning and gripping workpiece
The robot hand of the present invention comprises: a first abutting part which projects from a main body part in Z-direction, and has a first abutting surface against which a first surface of the workpiece abuts; second and third abutting parts which extend from the main body part, and against which the second and third surfaces of the workpiece abut respectively; and a suction member which is attached to the main body part so as to hold by suction the first surface. The suction member is deformable into an elongated shape where the suction surface is located in front of the first abutting surface in Z-direction, and into a contracted shape where the suction surface is located in back of the first abutting surface in Z-direction. |
| US09687981B2 |
Locomotion system for robotic snake
A serpentine body includes a first portion, a first wheel coupled to the first portion, a second portion, a second wheel coupled to the second portion, and at least one sensor coupled to the first portion and/or the second portion. The first wheel is rotatable in a first direction. The second wheel is rotatable in a second direction opposite the first direction when the first wheel rotates in the first direction. |
| US09687980B2 |
Tool storage device
The tool storage device includes a base plate, a storage unit, and a coupling unit. The base plate has at least three main plate portions, a hanging plate portion space apart from an endmost one of the main plate portions, a plurality of bendable plate portions, and opposite front and rear surfaces. Each of the front and rear surfaces extend across the hanging plate portion and the main plate portions. The storage unit has a plurality of spaced-apart first storage portions mounted on the front surface and disposed at the main plate portions. The coupling unit has an engaging hole formed in the hanging plate portion, and an engaging block mounted on the rear surface and fittingly engageable with the engaging hole. |
| US09687975B2 |
Fastener driving tool and method for operating a fastener driving tool
A fastener driving tool and method for driving fasteners into a substrate is disclosed. The tool includes a working piston that is capable of being moved abruptly translationally by igniting an ignitable mixture in a combustion chamber so as to drive a fastener, such as a stud or a nail. The volume of the combustion chamber is adjustable. In order to further improve the operation and/or energy efficiency of the fastener driving tool, the fastener driving tool also includes a control device which is connected in a control relationship to an adjusting device for adjusting the combustion chamber volume and to a metering valve device for metering fuel gas. |
| US09687973B2 |
Screw releasing device with guiding function
A screw releasing device with a guiding function includes a first housing, a control mechanism, and a guiding hole, the first housing defines a first receiving groove, the control mechanism is received in the first receiving groove, and includes a first cam, a second cam, and a third cam, the third cam includes a serrated member, the guiding hole receives a number of screws, and defines a first opening, when the first cam is not driven, the serrated member extends to the guiding hole via the first opening, so that the serrated member is at a supporting location and supports a bottommost screw, when the first cam is driven, the first cam drives the third cam to be not limited by the second cam and rotate, thus the serrated member is rotated to release the bottommost screw. |
| US09687968B2 |
Anti-slip wrench-type tool
A wrench-type tool that utilizes a plurality of engagement features to efficiently transfer torque to a fastener in order to rotate said fastener. The wrench-type tool includes a wrench-type torque-tool body. The wrench-type torque-tool body is the physical structure used to apply a torque force onto the fastener and includes a plurality of internal sidewalls and a plurality of engagement teeth. The plurality of internal sidewalls is radially distributed about a pivot axis of the wrench-type torque-tool body. Each of the plurality of engagement teeth is adjacently connected to a corresponding sidewall from the plurality of internals sidewalls in order to directly engage the sidewalls of the fastener. To increase the total contact surface with the fastener, a prismatic altitude for each of the plurality of engagement teeth is aligned parallel to the pivot axis. Furthermore, each of the plurality of engagement teeth is oriented towards the pivot axis. |
| US09687961B2 |
Grinding tool and method of manufacturing the same
A grinding tool includes a substrate having a surface provided with a plurality of openings, and a plurality of grinding studs. Each of the grinding studs includes a stud portion and an abrasive particle attached to each other, the stud portions being respectively attached into the openings, and the abrasive particles protruding outward from the surface, each of the abrasive particles having a pattern cut across a tip thereof to define multiple apexes adjacent to one another. In some embodiments, methods of fabricating a grinding tool are also described. |
| US09687960B2 |
Polishing pad cleaning systems employing fluid outlets oriented to direct fluid under spray bodies and towards inlet ports, and related methods
Polishing pad cleaning systems employing fluid outlets orientated to direct fluid under spray bodies and towards inlet ports, and related methods are disclosed. A polishing pad in combination with slurry contacts a substrate to planarize a surface of the substrate and remove substrate defects while creating debris. A spray system removes the debris from the polishing pad to prevent substrate damage and improve efficiency. By directing fluid under a spray body to the polishing pad and towards an inlet port, the debris may be entrained in the fluid and directed to an inner plenum of the spray body. The fluid-entrained debris is subsequently removed from the inner plenum through an outlet port. In this manner, the debris removal may reduce substrate defects, improve facility cleanliness, and improve pad efficiency. |
| US09687953B2 |
Chamber components with polished internal apertures
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for polishing internal surfaces of apertures in semiconductor processing chamber components. A method includes providing a ceramic article having at least one aperture, the ceramic article being a component for a semiconductor processing chamber. The method further includes polishing the at least one aperture based on flowing an abrasive media through the at least one aperture of the ceramic article, the abrasive media including a polymer base and a plurality of abrasive particles. |
| US09687947B2 |
Hand-held power tool device
A hand-held power tool device includes at least one spindle unit, which is provided in particular for transmitting a drive motion of a drive unit to a tool receptacle, and a locking unit, which is provided in particular for locking the at least one spindle unit in at least one locking state, and which has at least one spindle lock element, which includes at least one entrainment element, and which is provided for at least partially transmitting the drive motion of the drive unit to the at least one spindle unit in at least one operating state. The spindle lock element has at least one clamping surface, which is situated at least partially offset from the at least one entrainment element at least in an axial direction. |
| US09687944B2 |
Tag feeder
Disclosed is a method and a tag feeder for feeding tags in a feeding direction to a dispensing position within a clipping machine. The tag feeder is provided with a feeding mechanism with at least one pusher means for transporting a chain of tags. The pusher means is reversible movable parallel to the feeding direction between a first and second position wherein, in the first position, the pusher means is in a minimum displacement to the dispensing position, and wherein, in the second position, the pusher means are in a maximum displacement to the dispensing position. The feeding mechanism comprises at least one cutting tool for cutting-off the foremost tag of the chain of tags, viewed in the feeding direction, in the first position and at least one clamping device for clamping the chain of tags when the foremost tag is arranged in the first position. |
| US09687940B2 |
Methods and compositions for brazing, and earth-boring tools formed from such methods and compositions
A method includes disposing a braze material between a first body and a second body. The braze material includes a first composition and a second composition. The second composition has a melting point higher than the first composition. The method also includes heating the braze material to a brazing temperature between the melting points of the first and second materials and maintaining the braze material at the brazing temperature for a period of time to transform a transient liquid phase to a solid phase, forming a bond between the first body and the second body. A braze material for securing solid bodies includes a first composition and a second composition. The first composition includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of indium, tin, zinc, and magnesium. An earth-boring tool includes a first body, a second body, and a braze material bonding the second body to the first body. |
| US09687933B2 |
Cutting head
A cutting head for a cutting machine, the cutting head having a holder arranged to support a cutting device, the holder being secured to an arm assembly that is adapted to be mounted to the cutting machine, a first servo motor to drive the arm assembly to effect rotational movement or swivel of the torch holder and a second servo motor to drive the arm assembly to effect tilt of the holder about a vertical axis whereby, in use, as the holder tilts and swivels to impart a bevel cut to a work piece the tip of the cutting device is held stationary. |
| US09687926B2 |
Trailing edge machining of a workpiece
A method of securing an workpiece for machining the trailing edge. The workpiece has a platform from which extends an airfoil, the airfoil including a leading edge and a trailing edge, and a pressure side and a suction side. A fixture with at least one locating datum that relates to the platform and at least one locating datum that relates to the leading edge is provided. The fixture does not contact the trailing edge of the workpiece. The workpiece is positioned so that the platform is against the related locating datum and the leading edge is against the related locating datum. The workpiece is secured within the fixture, and the trailing edge of the workpiece is machined. |
| US09687924B2 |
Knockdown band saw guide seat
A knockdown band saw guide seat includes multiple separate components. The components can be assembled and connected with each other as building blocks. Accordingly, the relative positions between the assembled components can be respectively adjusted. In addition, the variety, number and position of the assembled components can be changed in accordance with practical requirement to provide necessary function for the operation. |
| US09687914B2 |
Drilling tool with a flexible spindle feeding
A drilling tool includes a spindle, a housing at least partly housing the spindle, a feed gear drivingly connected to a motor and threaded around the spindle to feed the spindle in an axial direction of the spindle by mutual rotation between the feed gear and spindle during a drilling process, and a micro peck unit which includes an undulated cam profile and a follower arranged to bear against the cam profile, and which produces an oscillating movement of the feed gear and the spindle upon rotation of the feed gear during a drilling process. The micro peck unit further includes interposable rolling elements arranged to be re-positioned into a gap between two circular contact surfaces in order to separate the cam profile from the follower, such that no oscillating movement is produced by the unit when the interposable rolling elements are positioned inside the gap between the contact surfaces. |
| US09687913B1 |
I. D. collet
An I.D. collet has a housing with a hollow bore and an undercut portion; a taper screw slidable into and out of the hollow bore of the housing and having a conical head; a spindle having a hollow bore in alignment with the hollow bore of the housing for receiving the conical head of the taper screw into and out of the hollow bore of the spindle such that the conical head enlarges the diameter of the spindle; and a draw nut assembly threadably connected to the taper screw and having tangs abutting the undercut portion of the housing when the spindle reaches a preset location in the hollow bore of the spindle to prevent further enlargement of the spindle when the tangs come into contact with the undercut portion of the housing. |
| US09687911B2 |
Method for manufacturing three-dimensional shaped object
A manufacturing method of a three-dimensional shaped object is capable of suitably forming a solidified layer by subsequent formation of a powder layer. The manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is performed by repetition of a powder-layer forming and a solidified-layer forming, the repetition including forming a solidified layer by irradiating a predetermined portion of a powder layer with a light beam, thereby allowing a sintering of the powder in the predetermined portion or a melting and subsequent solidification thereof; and forming another solidified layer by newly forming a powder layer on the resulting solidified layer, followed by the irradiation of a predetermined portion of the powder layer with the light beam, wherein a light-beam condition for an irradiation path with an unirradiated portion on both adjacent sides thereof is different from that for another irradiation path with an irradiated portion at an adjacent region. |
| US09687905B2 |
Sinuous spring for a furniture item
A sinuous spring for a furniture item includes various elements. For instance, a sinuous spring might include bars that are both parallel and non-parallel. The parallel bars might be positioned in a middle segment, and the non-parallel bars might be positioned in opposing end spring segments. A sinuous spring might be fabricated using various devices and methods, such as a wire-fabricating apparatus including a wire-forming mechanism and a length-adjusting mechanism. The wire-forming mechanism includes one or more sets of wire-forming dies that receive a continuously fed wire and that form the wire into a wire-shape configuration (e.g., sinuous-shape configuration). The length-adjusting mechanism includes a set of grooved wheels that receive the formed wire in the grooves and rotate to stretch or compress the formed wire. |
| US09687900B2 |
Method for working steel sheet, and apparatus for working steel sheet
Provided is a technique capable of inexpensively working a steel sheet. A method for working a workpiece with an apparatus for working a workpiece, includes: a drawing step for performing drawing with a drawing device having an upper die and a lower die; and a cutting step for cutting the drawn workpiece with a cutting device having nibblers. The nibbler has a cylindrical case, a punch housed in the case, which reciprocates in a top-bottom direction to punch the workpiece, and a die arranged below the case, the die having a die hole into which the punch enters, and an ejecting hole communicating with the die hole, through which a scrap is ejected. The nibbler trims the workpiece fed between the case and the die. |
| US09687896B2 |
Sheet metal brake press
One embodiment of a brake press for bending and forming sheet metal is disclosed. The brake press includes a movable frame including an upper cross member and a lower cross member and a stationary press positioned between the upper and lower cross members. A punch edge secured to the upper cross member moves towards and away from a die positioned on the stationary press to bend a sheet metal workpiece into a desired configuration, In some embodiments, a hydraulic control assembly provides precise and accurate control of the brake press. |
| US09687894B2 |
Descaling device for the interior of tubes and descaling process
The descaling device (100) of the interior of a tube (1) comprises a supporting structure (9), a conveyor (2) for conveying the tube (1) with an inclinable stretch to arrange the tube in an inclined position by an angle with respect to the horizontal plane, a lance (3) with nozzles (4) to spray a fluid inside the tube (1) to carry out the operation of descaling the inner surface. The lance (3) is fixed to guides (7) above the conveyor (2) in an inclined position with respect to the horizontal plane, and may axially slide within the tube (1) during the descaling operation by spraying water into the tube. |
| US09687883B2 |
Material handling apparatus for delivering or retrieving items
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area. |
| US09687880B2 |
Dedusting apparatus having actuator controlled inlet deflectors to provide adjustable product flow regulation
A dedusting apparatus is provided with movable inlet deflectors that are positionally controlled by actuators to vary the rate of flow of particulate material over the wash decks. The inlet deflectors are formed with a fixed member that extends between the front and rear walls of the dedusting apparatus and extends downwardly from the top wall to terminate in a spaced relationship to the surface of the wash decks. A movable member is operatively coupled to an actuator to overlie the fixed member and be movable to be adjacent the surface of the wash deck to terminate flow of material past the deflectors. Particulate material can accumulate above the wash decks and between the deflectors to fill the volume to the inlet opening to permit a full loading of flow over the full width of the wash decks when the deflectors are raised by the actuators. |
| US09687879B2 |
Screen lining
A screen lining having an adapter strip for fastening a screen mat or two screen mats arranged adjacent to each other to a supporting substructure in such a way that the screen mat or screen mats can be replaced. The adapter strip has projections on the side of the adapter strip facing away from the screen mats, which projections are integrally formed on the adapter strip in order to be inserted into openings on the substructure and have a bearing region on the side of the projections facing the screen mats, in which bearing region at least one hollow for the form-fitting fastening of the screen mats is arranged. The adapter strip has integrated deflecting blades, the top sides of which are angled downward with respect to a plane defined by the screen mats. |
| US09687876B2 |
Method of repairing and/or protecting a surface in a reactor
A method of forming a heterogeneous protective layer on a surface of a component in a reactor is useful for repair and/or protection. The reactor may be used for production of polycrystalline silicon or a reactant thereof. The heterogeneous protective layer comprises silicon, and may comprise silicon carbide (SiC) and/or silicon nitride (Si3N4). The method comprises providing a polymeric composition for forming the heterogeneous protective layer. The polymeric composition may comprise a polycarbosilane and/or a polysilazane. The method further comprises providing the component. The surface of the component comprises carbon, such as graphite, carbon fiber reinforced carbon, or a combination thereof. The method further comprises applying the polymeric composition on the surface to form a pre-cured coating layer. The method further comprises heating the pre-cured coating layer to form the heterogeneous protective layer. The surface of the component is present within the reactor during heating of the pre-cured coating layer. |
| US09687872B2 |
Systems and methods for dispensing a fluid
A fluid dispensing system may include a first die portion having a first face defining a first edge and a second die portion spaced from the first die portion and having a second face facing the first face and defining a second edge, wherein the first edge and the second edge define a fluid outlet opening. The fluid dispensing system may also include a fluid inlet for introducing fluid to a region between the first face and the second face, and a cavity in flow communication with the fluid inlet, wherein the cavity opens to the region between the first face and the second face. The fluid dispensing system may further include a shim disposed between the first die portion and the second die portion to maintain the spaced positioning of the first and second die portions, wherein the shim defines a plurality of channels bounded by the first and second faces and extending from the cavity in a direction toward the fluid outlet. |
| US09687871B2 |
Process for manufacturing elastic roller, and coating apparatus
Provided that a process for manufacturing an elastic roller having a mandrel and a coating film. The process comprise a first step of forming a coating film on an outer peripheral surface of a first mandrel, and a second step of forming a coating film on an outer peripheral surface of a second mandrel. The process further comprises a cleaning step between the steps. The cleaning step comprising: making a cleaning member arranged coaxially with the central axis of a circular coating head, in a downstream side in a moving direction of the first mandrel with respect to the circular coating head, making the cleaning member relatively approach the circular coating head; bringing a surface to be cleaned into contact with the cleaning member; rotating the cleaning member while the surface comes in contact with the cleaning member; and inserting the cleaning member into the center hole. |
| US09687860B2 |
Quick connect showerhead
A showerhead assembly includes an adapter having a tube extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being supported by a shower arm. A fluid connector includes a ball having an outlet, a stem having an inlet, and a fluid passageway extending along a longitudinal axis between the inlet and the outlet. A spray engine is fluidly coupled to the ball of the fluid connector. A retainer body is supported by the stem of the fluid connector and includes a radially inwardly facing engagement surface. A collet is operably coupled to the retainer body and is configured to be concentrically received intermediate the adapter and retainer body. The collet includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers supporting radially extending teeth configured to engage the adapter. |
| US09687858B2 |
Separator disk package with separator disks having labyrinth-like flow channel
A separator disk package for a rotatable drum of a centrifuge for processing of a fluid product in continuous operation is disclosed. The separator disk package includes axially stacked conical separator disks, where, between adjacent separator disks, disk gaps are respectively formed. On one or more of the axially adjacent separator disks are one or more labyrinth-like flow channels, in which, during operation, a direction of flow of a through-flowing product, which is to be clarified of solids, changes on two or more occasions through respectively at least 120°. |
| US09687852B2 |
Support for biocontainer bag
Supports for biocontainer bags and systems, and methods of using the supports and systems, are disclosed. |
| US09687847B1 |
Microfluidic platforms for optical biosensing
In one embodiment, a microfluidic platform for optical biosensing, the platform including an optical substrate, a layer provided on the substrate, and a channel formed within the layer through which fluid can flow, the channel including a constriction that is adapted to trap a microsphere suspended in the fluid when the fluid flows through the channel. |
| US09687846B2 |
Enhanced microfluidic valves for media diagnostics
The invention provides a micro-fluidic device that includes a pre-loaded sample that begins to flow only when a sample is provided in the device. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a micro-fluidic device including at least two paper flow path layers providing fluid flow in substantially parallel planar directions, and at least one valve positioned between the at least two paper flow paths, wherein the at least one valve for providing flow in a direction that is orthogonal to the substantially planar directions. |
| US09687845B2 |
Self-loading microfluidic device and methods of use
Microfluidic devices and methods for conducting chemical assays and biological assays using microfluidic devices are disclosed. The microfluidic devices do not require external connections, tethers, tubing, valves and actuators. The microfluidic devices are useful in methods for analyzing a wide variety of chemical and biological assays such as, for example, molecule-molecule interactions, enzyme-substrate interactions, molecule identification, minimum inhibitory concentrations, therapeutically effective amounts, and toxic amounts. |
| US09687836B2 |
Nickel form for preparation of catalytic nickel-ligand complexes
A novel nickel particulate form is provided that efficiently forms a zero-valent nickel complex with a phosphorus-containing ligands in an organic liquid to form a hydrocyanation catalyst. Particles in the nickel particulate form comprise nickel crystallites. For example, the nickel particulate form can have a BET Specific Surface Area of at least about 1 m2/gm; an average crystallite size less than about 20-25 nm, the nickel particulate form can have at least 10% of the crystallites in the nickel form can have can have a diameter (C10) of less than about 10 nm, and/or there are on average at least about 1015 surface crystallites per gram nickel. A ratio of BET SSA to C50 for the nickel particulate form can be at least about 0.1×109 m/gm and preferably at least about 0.4×109 m/gm. Methods of preparation and use are also provided. |
| US09687830B2 |
Highly active, selective, accessible, and robust zeolitic Sn-baeyer-villiger oxidation catalyst
Provided is a process of conducting a Baeyer-Villiger oxidation which comprises contacting a ketone and an oxidant in the presence of an Sn-DZ-1 catalyst to thereby oxidize the ketone to an ester. The Sn-DZ-1 catalyst comprises Sn heteroatoms on the external surface of the zeolitic material lattice framework, and B heteroatoms, or silanols created from boron hydrolysis, throughout the remainder of the lattice framework. |
| US09687812B1 |
Method for making carbonaceous sponge-like sorbent
The method for making a carbonaceous sponge-like sorbent includes mixing a volume of carbon-rich fly ash with a binder. The carbon-rich fly ash may be air dried prior to mixing with the binder. For example, the volume of fly ash can be placed in a hopper and a binder can be added to the volume of fly ash by spraying or the like. The binder can be a polyvinyl acetate emulsion. The binder and the volume of fly ash can be mixed in the hopper by a mechanical stirrer or the like to form a carbonaceous mixture. A conveyer can transfer the carbonaceous mixture from the hopper to the press for pressing the carbonaceous mixture into a block of carbonaceous sponge-like sorbent. The produced block of carbonaceous sponge-like sorbent can then be transferred to a dryer for drying and curing the binder therein. |
| US09687806B2 |
Fluidized bed reactor system
A fluidized bed reactor system with one or more fluidized bed reactors for carrying out chemical or physical reactions, at least one reactor thereof being a rapidly fluidized reactor to be operated as a circulating fluidized bed and having, at the upper end, a fluid outlet, a particle separator, and a particle line connected thereto for the purpose of feeding back separated fluidized bed particles into the same or a further reactor, wherein, at least one rapidly fluidized reactor has one or more flow control devices producing reaction zones that are separate from one another, and in order to control the flow conditions into the reaction zones, one or more of these flow control devices are specifically adjustable from outside of the system. |
| US09687799B2 |
Transportable mixing system for biological and pharmaceutical materials
A mixing system and mixing arrangement are provided. The mixing system includes a rigid container including an integral support plate; a mixing assembly supported on the integral support plate, the mixing assembly including a pliable enclosure containing a fluid and a mixing device, a portion of the mixing device extending from the pliable enclosure and adapted to be detachably coupled to a drive mechanism; and a first plate detachably secured to the rigid container. The pliable enclosure is in compression between the first plate and the integral support plate. The mixing arrangement includes a docking station including a drive cradle and a drive mechanism, a rigid container removably positioned within the drive cradle, a mixing assembly positioned within the rigid container, and a first plate configured to be detachably secured to the rigid container. |
| US09687797B2 |
Kneading device
A kneading device uniformly kneads materials to be kneaded while efficiently and quickly kneading the materials to be kneaded. A kneading device includes a kneading chamber accommodating materials to be kneaded and a pair of rotors. The pair of rotors is rotated in the kneading chamber and kneads the materials to be kneaded by a plurality of kneading blades. The plurality of kneading blades in each rotor is composed only of inclined blades inclined to the same direction in a rotational direction of the rotor with respect to an axial direction of the rotor when the rotor is developed into a planar state. The rotor has bent blades which are bent at bent portions to change tilt angles with respect to the axial direction of the rotor in the plurality of kneading blades. |
| US09687793B2 |
Organic polymer thin membrane, and method for producing same
Provided is a technique for fabricating a novel thin membrane with a starting material such as a biocompatible compound that is not easily processible into a membrane, particularly a technique for fabricating a novel thin membrane of a composition that is gradually polymerized from a membrane surface into the membrane in the cross sectional direction of the membrane, and having, for example, different structures on the front and back of the membrane. The technique includes the steps of preparing a solution of a starting material compound; forming a thin membrane of the solution on a base material surface; and forming the organic polymer thin membrane through a polymerization reaction caused by irradiating the exposed surface of the thin membrane with a plasma or an electron beam. |
| US09687790B2 |
Vertical pressurized immersion membrane filtration system
A vertical pressurized immersion membrane filtration system includes at least one pressure vessel/tank and at least one layer of membrane modules sealed therein. Every layer has at least two parallel membrane modules, with space left between the membrane module and the pressure vessel/tank. The upper and lower ends of every membrane module have plates and the upper and lower membrane modules are hermetically connected. The plates separate the space in the pressure vessel/tank into two sealed end compartments and a middle compartment. The membrane module includes interior membrane fibers and an outer perforated supporting cylinder surrounding the membrane fibers. The pressure vessel/tank has end and middle water inlets/outlets. The pressure vessel/tanks are parallel. The multiple membrane modules work simultaneously, effectively increasing filtration efficiency. The filtration system can work in multiple operation modes, improving applicability thereof. |
| US09687778B1 |
Systems and methods for drying a compressed gas
Systems, equipment and methods suitable for drying a gas, for example a compressed gas, that utilize a drying cycle during which the gas flows through one or more dryer tanks and a desiccant material therein adsorbs a liquid entrained in the compressed gas to produce a dried compressed gas. A regeneration cycle is employed during which a purge gas flows through a purge gas dryer tank. During one or more phases of the regeneration cycle, a desiccant material within the purge gas dryer tank is employed to adsorb water vapor entrained in the purge gas to produce a dried purge gas, which is then directed through the dryer tank as part of the regeneration cycle performed on the desiccant materials within the dryer tanks. |
| US09687776B2 |
Apparatus and method for recovery of target gas
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for recovery of target gas, which may increase a target gas concentration in a recovered gas by using a single gas separation membrane module and a plurality of gas storage tanks. The apparatus for recovery of target gas includes a gas separation membrane module configured to perform an enrichment process n times (n is a natural number) so that an injected gas is separated into a permeated gas and a recovered gas in each enrichment process, and (n+1) number of gas storage tanks, wherein in an nth enrichment process, gas stored in an nth gas storage tank is supplied to the gas separation membrane module and separated into an nth permeated gas and an nth recovered gas, the nth permeated gas is stored in a (n−1)th gas storage tank, and the nth recovered gas is stored in a (n+1)th gas storage tank. |
| US09687772B2 |
Inorganic-organic hybrid nanoporous material with nitrogen selective adsorptivity and method for separating nitrogen-containing gas mixture using the same
The present invention relates to a nitrogen adsorbent having nitrogen selective adsorptivity by including an organic-inorganic hybrid nanoporous material having a coordinatively unsaturated metal site with density of 0.2 mmol/g to 10 mmol/g in a skeleton, surface or pore; and use thereof, such as a device separating nitrogen from a gas mixture containing nitrogen and methane, a pressure swing adsorption separation device and a temperature swing adsorption separation device for separating nitrogen provided, a method for separating nitrogen and methane from a gas mixture containing nitrogen and methane, a device for separating nitrogen, oxygen or argon, a method for separating nitrogen, oxygen or argon from a gas mixture containing nitrogen, oxygen or argon, and a method for preparing nitrogen or high purity inert gas all separated from a gas mixture containing nitrogen and inert gas. |
| US09687768B2 |
Filter device
A filter device has a filter housing and a plate-shaped filter element that is arranged in the filter housing. The filter element has oppositely positioned lateral surfaces that form an inflow side for a fluid to be filtered and an outflow side for the clean fluid. A first clean fluid outflow opening is introduced into the filter housing for discharging the clean fluid. An outflow pipe passes through the filter element for discharging the clean fluid through a second clean fluid outflow opening provided at the outflow pipe. The first clean fluid outflow opening is arranged at a spacing relative to the outflow pipe. |
| US09687765B2 |
Process and apparatus for minimizing attrition of catalyst particles
An improved process and an improved apparatus for minimizing attrition of catalyst particles, especially propane dehydrogenation catalyst particles, entrained in a combined flow of such particles and an entraining gas in a catalyst recovery means during separation of such particles from the entraining gas, by use of a pre-treatment step in which the combined flow is at a rate between 7.6 and 15.2 meters per second are provided. |
| US09687760B2 |
Separation devices, systems and methods for separation of particulates from liquid
A system for separating a heavy fraction from a liquid includes an upper section in fluid connection with-an inlet, an impeller within the upper section and a flow restrictor positioned below the impeller having a diameter less than the diameter of a a lower section housing to form a gap between the flow restrictor and the lower section housing. An inlet of a conduit is positioned radially inward from an interior wall of the lower section housing and below the flow restrictor. The conduit includes an outlet outside of the lower section. The lower section is generally cylindrical from the top of the gap to a baffle positioned below the flow restrictor, which defines a settling section. The lower section further includes a slurry outlet in operative communication with the settling section. |
| US09687757B2 |
High efficiency phase splitter
A phase splitter for separating a multiphase fluid into a relatively light phase and a relatively heavy phase includes a separator tube which comprises a fluid inlet through which the multiphase fluid enters the apparatus, a heavy phase outlet through which the heavy phase exits the apparatus and an inner diameter surface which defines a flow bore that extends between the fluid inlet and the heavy phase outlet. A swirl element positioned in the flow bore downstream of the fluid inlet causes the multiphase fluid to rotate and separate the heavy phase from the light phase. The light phase forms an elongated core which extends axially through the flow bore radially inwardly of the heavy phase from proximate the swirl element toward the heavy phase outlet. A core stabilizer is positioned in the flow bore between the swirl element and the heavy phase outlet and engages the distal end of the light phase core to thereby inhibit the light phase from exiting the apparatus through the heavy phase outlet. |
| US09687754B2 |
Apparatus for extracting oil from oil-bearing plants
A system for extracting oil from oil-bearing plant parts has an extraction vessel supported by an upright stand, a separator vessel mounted below the extraction vessel, and an expansion filter vessel mounted downstream from the separator vessel. A source of hydrocarbon solvent supplies liquid gas to the top of the extraction vessel, while a recycling pump connected to the separator vessel facilitates transport of the solvent through the plant material in the extraction vessel. The solvent is recovered and re-circulated, while extracted oil is removed from the separator. A computer-based temperature control assembly having a cooling device and a jacketed injection coil regulates temperature of the solvent delivered to the extraction assembly. A thermal jacket is mounted on each of the separator vessel and the expansion filter vessel, with the thermal jackets supplying heat and cold to the interior of the separator vessel and the expansion filter vessel and helping evaporate and condense the solvent. |
| US09687753B2 |
Multi-refrigerator high speed cryopump
A refrigerator system or cryopump includes a first refrigerator having at least first and second stages, and a second refrigerator. A thermal coupling between the first stage of the first refrigerator and a cold end of the second refrigerator is restricted to maintain a temperature difference between the cold end of the second refrigerator and the first stage of the first refrigerator. The refrigerator system or cryopump also includes a radiation shield in thermal contact with the cold end of the second refrigerator, and a condensing surface, spaced from and surrounded by the radiation shield, and in thermal contact with a second stage, e.g., coldest stage, of the first refrigerator. The restricted thermal coupling can be configured to balance the cooling load on the two refrigerators. |
| US09687752B2 |
Kit for sculpturing three-dimensional objects and a method of using the same
A sculpting kit is provided that allows individuals with a means to sculpt a three-dimensional object. Components which form the armature of the three-dimensional object may be adfixed to a planar surface as two-dimensional elements. The sculptured object may be prepared by using the kit to lay down successive layers of structures in a pre-arranged fashion. |
| US09687750B2 |
Pivoting disc launching toy
A disc launching toy is disclosed comprising a main body and arms connected to the body. When one or both of the arms are pulled outwardly from the body, the body pivots upward. A disc launcher aperture is located at the bottom side of the body, such that when one or more of the arms are pulled outwardly from the body and the body pivots upward, the aperture swings up towards a generally horizontal presentation. Once the aperture reaches a substantially horizontal orientation, continued pulling of the arms causes the disc launcher to fire a disc, such that both the pivoting of the body and the launching of a disc result from a single, substantially continuous movement. |
| US09687744B2 |
Method for providing battle game, server device, and computer-readable recording medium
Low-proficiency players' motivation to participate in a battle game is enhanced. A server device calculates a difference ΔP1 in a parameter between two characters belonging to the same group and successive in attack order, and performs presentation processing of increasing the effect of successive attacks by the two characters according to the difference ΔP1 in the parameter. The parameter serves as an indicator for developing the battle game, and indicates, for example, the degree of proficiency in the battle game. |
| US09687737B2 |
Methods and systems for dynamically adjusting update rates in multi-player network gaming
In a server-implemented video game, a method for providing updates to a remote client regarding a plurality of objects located in a virtual space of the video game. The method comprises operations of receiving an update locus from the remote client, the update locus indicating a client-specified position within the virtual space of the video game; determining a distance of each of the plurality of objects from the update locus; determining an update rate for each of the plurality of objects based upon their determined distances; and sending updates regarding each of the plurality of objects to the remote client according to the determined update rates. |
| US09687736B2 |
Method and apparatus for creative story telling games
This invention is a novel method of gameplay and game apparatus for playing for at least one player. The method of play elicits creativity by having players tell stories using their interpretation of abstract imagery. In one embodiment the game uses playing cards with abstract drawings. The game components may take other forms, such as a board game, or the game may be played in different media, such as electronic games, video games, computer games, and interactive network games. One aspect of novelty here is the use of abstract drawings, which the players can interpret in many different ways to expand the story. The context of the story, and possible side constraints, will prime the player's mind to see different things in each card. In this game of creativity and storytelling, players create and add to a story based on the abstract images. Testing has shown that this method of gameplay can improve players' perception of their creative ability. Various embodiments offer multiple methods of play and scoring, each adaption designed to engage different size of groups. Other embodiments adapt the method and apparatus for ideation and problem-solving. |
| US09687730B2 |
Gaming device with independent gesture-sensitive areas
A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a processor coupled to a memory storing instructions and to a near field sensor. Execution of the instructions can cause the processor to perform operations including defining a zone corresponding to a portion of an accessory comprising the sensor, detecting a gesture of an object in the zone by sensing the object with the sensor, determining that the gesture is a new gesture not previously associated with the zone and not previously associated with a gaming action controlling presentations produced by a gaming application, associating the gesture with the zone and with the gaming action, subsequently detecting the gesture in the zone, obtaining the gaming action associated with the gesture, and transmitting the gaming action to the gaming application. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09687725B1 |
Binding assembly for sport board having angled connector receptacles
Described herein include various embodiments of a binding assembly that assist with coupling a user's foot to a sport board. A foothold or binding upper that captures a user's foot can be coupled to a part of the binding assembly thereby enabling the binding assembly to secure the user's foot to the sport board. The binding assembly can include a chassis that has at least two connector receptacle that each allow an attachment feature (e.g., mounting screw) to extend therethrough and secure the binding assembly to the sport board. Each of the connector receptacles can be angled such that a longitudinal of the connector receptacle is positioned at an angle relative to a top surface of the sport board. |
| US09687711B2 |
Hitter training device
A hitter training device is described that is easily transportable, is not bulky, and does not require complex assembly and disassembly. The hitter training device also readily facilitates hitter training for right-handed hitters, for left-handed hitters, or for switch hitters. The device includes a support, a cord, a ball, and a clamp. The support has a first end, a second end, and a mid-section, and the first and second ends are axially offset from the mid-section. The cord is coupled to the support between opposing portions of the support that are axially offset from the mid-section, and has a length such that, when it is coupled to the support, the cord is not taut. The ball is mounted on the cord. The clamp is coupled to the support and is configured to temporarily mount the support, in a releasable manner, to a structure. |
| US09687710B2 |
Football training device
A football training device in which an elongated strap is attached to a football. The strap is elastic and has a handgrip formed at its other end. In practice, a ball runner carries the football while a trainer pulls on the strap in an effort to simulate a fumble thus improving the manner in which the ball carrier carries the ball. |
| US09687702B1 |
Golf club head with structural columns
A golf club head having multiple structural columns is disclosed herein. A body comprises a face section, a sole section, and a crown or return section, and defines a hollow interior. Each of the structural columns extends from the crown or return section to the sole section within the hollow interior to reduce stresses placed on the face section during impact with a golf ball. The structural columns are all located within 1 inch of a rear surface of the face section measured along a plane normal to the center of the face, and are spaced a distance of 0.500 to 2.00 inch from one another within the hollow interior. |
| US09687694B2 |
Wearable muscle strength training detector device
A wearable muscle strength training detector device includes a sensor, a sensitivity adjustor, a data storage device, an identification code recognition unit, a display device, and a data input/output port. The sensitivity adjustor allows for adjustment to a desired sensitivity according to a selected body portion of the user. A wireless transceiver makes instantaneous transmission of muscle strength training data to a display device or transmission of the dynamic exercise signal from a data storage device to a central monitor and control unit. A plurality of peripheral detector devices are further provided to work with different types of muscle strength training device and is wearable on corresponding portions of the user to be wirelessly connected to a wearable muscle strength training detector device and displayed. |
| US09687692B1 |
Universal resistance training device for a treadmill
A universal resistance training device for a treadmill for exercising and strengthening the arms and upper torso while working out on a treadmill. The universal resistance training device for a treadmill includes a telescoping support assembly; a bracket assembly pivotably attached to the telescoping support assembly and adapted to detachably engage opposed handholds of a treadmill; a telescoping arm rotatably and securely mounted about the telescoping support assembly; and a resistance support member in communication with the telescoping arm. |
| US09687691B1 |
Strength training apparatuses
A strength training apparatus comprises a frame and press arm that is connected to a resistance arm at a pivot point so that the press arm is pivotable with respect to the resistance arm and so that the press arm and resistance arm are pivotable together with respect to the frame. A locking device is configured to retain the press arm in first and second fixed angular pivot positions with respect to the resistance arm. A resistance device is configured to resist pivoting movement of the press arm together with the resistance arm with respect to the frame. A biasing device is configured to bias the press arm with respect to the resistance arm so as to remove any slop in the locking device that otherwise would be caused by gravity, and so that an initial movement of the press arm is resisted by the resistance device. |
| US09687685B1 |
Device for generating compressed air foam for use in fire suppression
A device for generating compressed air foam for use in fire suppression, the device may be attached to standard pressurized sources of water used for fighting fires. The device comprises a water chamber adjacent to an air chamber with a partition there between. A water impeller resides at least partially within the water chamber and an air impeller resides at least partially within the air chamber. The pressurized source of water drives the water impeller, which in turn is connected to drive the air impeller. The air impeller sucks air into the air chamber and compresses the air. The air then passes through a nozzle in the partition to aerate the source of water containing foam solutes to form compressed air foam. The compressed air foam exits the device with a velocity to coat a fire to be extinguished. |
| US09687684B2 |
Safety line anchor
An anchor arrangement for a safety line system is for use with a bracket to secure to a structure for mounting the safety line. The anchor arrangement includes at least one of a resilient biasing mechanism and a tension indicator. The resilient biasing mechanism acts between the bracket and a reaction member provided as part of the anchor arrangement. The tension indicator can be a part of the bracket aligned adjacent an indicia zone on the anchor arrangement. The tension indicator can also include an indicator element which can be fixed to the anchor arrangement and extend through a slot or aperture in the bracket. The indicator element can also be separate from the bracket and moveable with respect to the bracket. |
| US09687683B2 |
Bracket fixing for a safety line
A bracket fixing for securing a safety line to a structure, has a safety line receiving portion and a fixing portion connected to the safety line receiving portion, the fixing portion having a captive mechanical fixing, arranged to engage with and secure the bracket to the structure. |
| US09687680B2 |
Accelerated particle irradiation equipment
Accelerated particle irradiation equipment is installed in a building having a multi-story structure. The accelerated particle irradiation equipment includes a particle accelerator and an irradiation device. The particle accelerator generates accelerated particles. The irradiation device performs irradiation of the accelerated particles generated by the particle accelerator, and is installed on at least one of the floor above and the floor below the floor on which the particle accelerator is installed. |
| US09687678B2 |
Methods and apparatus for the planning and delivery of radiation treatments
Systems for planning delivery of radiation dose to a target region within a subject comprise a processor configured to: initialize a first plurality of control points located on a trajectory, the trajectory comprising relative movement between a radiation source and the subject, wherein initializing the first plurality of control points comprises assigning, to each the first plurality of control points, one or more axis positions which specify a position of the radiation source relative to the subject; specify a second plurality of control points along the trajectory, the second plurality of control points comprising a larger number of control points than the first plurality of control points; and iteratively optimize a simulated dose distribution over the second plurality of control points to thereby determine a radiation delivery plan by assigning each of the second plurality of control points optimized values for one or more radiation delivery parameters. |
| US09687677B2 |
Methods and apparatus for the planning and delivery of radiation treatments
Methods for planning delivery of radiation dose to a target region within a subject comprise: initializing a first plurality of control points located on a trajectory, the trajectory comprising relative movement between a radiation source and the subject, wherein initializing the first plurality of control points comprises assigning, to each the first plurality of control points, one or more axis positions which specify a position of the radiation source relative to the subject; specifying a second plurality of control points along the trajectory, the second plurality of control points comprising a larger number of control points than the first plurality of control points; and iteratively optimizing a stimulated dose distribution over the second plurality of control points to thereby determine a radiation delivery plan by assigning each of the second plurality of control points optimized values for one or more radiation delivery parameters. |
| US09687676B2 |
Methods and apparatus for the planning and delivery of radiation treatments
Systems for planning delivery of radiation dose to a target region within a subject comprise a processor configured to: iteratively optimize a simulated dose distribution relative to a set of one or more optimization goals comprising a desired dose distribution in the subject over a first plurality of control points located on a trajectory, the trajectory comprising relative movement between a treatment radiation source and the subject; reach one or more initial termination conditions, and after reaching the one or more initial termination conditions: specify a second plurality of control points along the trajectory, the second plurality of control points comprising a larger number control points than the first plurality of control points; and iteratively optimize a simulated dose distribution relative to the set of one or more optimization goals over the second plurality of control points to thereby determine a radiation delivery plan. |
| US09687671B2 |
Optical sensor and method for identifying the presence of skin and the pigmentation of skin
Apparatus and methods are provided to control a device, such as a light emitting dermatologic or cosmetic treatment device, and ensure that the device is in contact with skin while also determining the pigmentation level of skin. One or more light sources contact the skin and one or more detectors measure spectral remission from the skin. The obtained remission measurements are compared with known skin spectral remission values, and calibration allows measurements of absolute remission to be converted to fractional remission values. Skin pigmentation levels are compared to known base-line levels to determine and control appropriate treatment parameters. A temperature sensor allows correction for temperature variations. The apparatus may or may not be incorporated into the treatment device. |
| US09687669B2 |
Wearable light therapy apparatus
Optical light guides which transmit light exteriorly of their length are coupled to one or more lasers at ends. The optical light guides are mounted on various carriers or as part of an optical bandage to provide therapeutic light to a portion of a human body. The lasers may be activated at various times in a 24-hour period, while the optical light guides are worn by a user. |
| US09687662B2 |
Hermetically sealed feedthrough with co-fired filled via and conductive insert for an active implantable medical device
A hermetically sealed feedthrough for attachment to an active implantable medical device includes a dielectric substrate configured to be hermetically sealed to a ferrule or an AIMD housing. A via hole is disposed through the dielectric substrate from a body fluid side to a device side. A conductive fill is disposed within the via hole forming a filled via electrically conductive between the body fluid side and the device side. A conductive insert is at least partially disposed within the conductive fill. Then, the conductive fill and the conductive insert are co-fired with the dielectric substrate to form a hermetically sealed and electrically conductive pathway through the dielectric substrate between the body fluid side and the device side. |
| US09687659B2 |
Conductive intra-body communication for implantable medical devices
An implantable medical device including a data communication interface connected to a pulse generator. The pulse generator generates and delivers forward current pulses and reverse current pulses, wherein a polarity of the reverse current pulses is opposite to the polarity of the forward current pulses. Generates pulses representing binary digits, wherein a first kind of digits (1 or 0) is represented by a current pulse, and a second kind of digit respective of the other type of binary digits (0 or 1) is represented by a pause between current pulses. The data communication interface together with the pulse generator deliver current pulses with strictly alternating polarity such that every other current pulse is a reverse current pulse of opposite polarity compared to an immediately preceding forward current pulse. Thus, every string of current pulse is both, charge balancing and information encoding. |
| US09687657B2 |
Pacemaker signal detecting method, pacemaker signal detecting system and electrocardial detecting device
The present invention provides a pacemaker signal detecting method, a pacemaker signal detecting system, and an electrocardial detecting device. The pacemaker signal detecting system pre-processes an original pacemaker signal separated from a pacemaker electrocardial signal, calculates a number of basic morphological features based on the pre-processed original pacemaker signal, confirms an authenticity of a pacemaker signal according to the calculated basic morphological features, and records positions of the true pacemaker signal has been confirmed. The basic morphological features include a width, a slew rate, and amplitude of the pacemaker signal. The electrocardial detecting device of the present invention can detect the pacemaker signal more precisely and output the electrocardial signal marked with the pacemaker signal. |
| US09687652B2 |
Stimulation patterns for treating dry eye
Described herein are electrical stimulation patterns and methods of use thereof for treating dry eye disease, tired eye, or other forms of ocular discomfort. The methods generally include applying patterned stimulation to an anatomical structure located in an ocular region or a nasal region to increase tear production. |
| US09687651B2 |
Systems and methods for measuring electrode impedance during a normal operation of a cochlear implant system
An exemplary sound processor may include a stimulation management facility that 1) receives an audio signal presented to the patient during a normal operation of the cochlear implant system, and 2) directs a cochlear implant of the cochlear implant system to generate and apply an electrical stimulation pulse representative of the audio signal by way of an electrode included in a plurality of electrodes coupled to the cochlear implant. The sound processor may further include an impedance management facility that determines an impedance of the electrode by directing the cochlear implant to measure a voltage level associated with the electrode while the electrical stimulation pulse is being applied by way of the electrode. Corresponding systems and methods are also described. |
| US09687649B2 |
Neurological stimulation lead anchors and associated systems and methods
A spinal cord lead anchor comprising a longitudinally extending sleeve having an aperture sized and positioned to receive a spinal cord lead. A retainer is disposed around the sleeve and is operative to compress at least a portion of the sleeve against a spinal cord lead extending through the sleeve. A cover extends around the retainer and includes at least one opening formed through the cover to facilitate engaging the retainer with a tool. |
| US09687648B2 |
Systems and methods for positioning an intraneural electrode array in an auditory nerve
An exemplary system may include an intracochlear electrode array configured to be inserted into a cochlea of a patient, an intraneural probe comprising an intraneural electrode contact and configured to be inserted into an auditory nerve of the patient, and a computing system. The computing system may be configured to identify an optimal insertion path for an intraneural electrode array into the auditory nerve of the patient by 1) repeatedly stimulating the intraneural electrode contact of the intraneural probe while the intraneural probe is advanced into the auditory nerve along a probe insertion path, 2) using the intracochlear electrode array to record a plurality of evoked responses that occur in response to the repeated stimulation of the intraneural electrode contact, and 3) determining, based on the plurality of evoked responses, whether the probe insertion path is the optimal insertion path for the intraneural electrode array. |
| US09687646B2 |
Peritoneal dialysis connection system and method for using ultraviolet light emitting diodes
Peritoneal dialysis systems and methods are provided by the present disclosure. In a general embodiment, a peritoneal dialysis system includes a peritoneal dialysis fluid supply, a supply line in fluid communication with the peritoneal dialysis fluid supply, the supply line terminating at a supply connector, a patient connector in fluid communication with a patient's indwelling catheter, and a device configured to be placed around at least one of the supply connector and the patient connector during a connection of the supply connector and the patient connector, the device including an ultraviolet (“UV”) transmissive material to allow UV energy to be directed inwardly through the device towards a mating surface of the at least one of the supply connector and the patient connector during the connection of the supply connector and the patient connector. |
| US09687639B1 |
Medical treatment
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with organism medical treatment are described. In one embodiment, a system can comprise a collection component configured to receive a medical control instruction. The medical control instruction can be based, at least in part, on an organism medical information set for an organism. The system can further comprise a regulation component configured to control administration of a treatment to the organism. The regulation component can control the administration of the treatment to the organism based, at least in part, on the medical control instruction. |
| US09687638B2 |
Swallowable medication capsule
The invention relates to a swallowable medication capsule capable 200 of dispensing fluid medicine stored in a medication compartment 211 through a valveless exit hole 207. A vent hole 206 enables ventilation of an actuator cavity 212 which houses an actuator used for displacing a surface 205 which separates the medication cavity 211 and the actuator cavity 212. By locating the vent and exit holes close to each other so that contact with contracting parts of the gastrointestinal tract and the exterior surface 221 is not able to prohibit a pressure passageway between the vent and exit holes, creation of a pressure difference of pressures in the medication and actuator cavity is prohibited. |
| US09687634B2 |
Catheter with skived tubular member
An elongate shaft of a medical catheter including a thermoset polymeric tubular member including a skived distal portion. The skived distal portion includes a distally extending trough having a convex surface and a concave surface. A thermoplastic tubular sleeve may be positioned over at least a portion of the skived distal portion of the thermoset polymeric tubular member. In some instances, the thermoplastic tubular sleeve includes a crescent-shaped tubular portion defining a crescent-shaped lumen. The trough of the skived distal portion may extend through the crescent-shaped lumen. The thermoplastic tubular sleeve is thermally bonded to the inner and outer tubular members of a distal section of the elongate shaft at a guidewire port joint. |
| US09687632B2 |
Catheter
A catheter comprising an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve surrounding the inner sleeve, the inner and the outer sleeves being longitudinally displaceable relative to one another to enable the catheter to move from an open state to a closed state, each sleeve having a distal portion and a proximal portion, the catheter further comprising a retainer which is open in the open state, and closed in the closed state, the catheter further comprising a lock mechanism comprising lock formed in a lock portion of the catheter for locking the catheter in the open state, and a releaser for releasing the lock, the releaser being adapted to remove at least a part of the lock portion from the catheter. |
| US09687629B1 |
Automatic gel applying container for an intermittent urinary catheter
A rigid package or container for a catheter having catheter tube with a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being provided with a catheter outlet which may be used as a funnel or a connector. A main body is provided for holding the catheter, and a cap closes off the main body. A gel receptacle is positioned inside the main body, the gel receptacle being provided with a cavity for holding an amount of a lubricating agent. The gel receptacle includes a distal opening at a distal end thereof, and a proximal opening at a proximal end thereof, with the catheter tube extending therethrough. The gel receptacle is configured such that as the catheter is withdrawn therethrough a leading tip of the catheter is displaced so as to be immersed in the lubricating agent, thus automatically coating the leading tip. |
| US09687621B2 |
Dual lumen endobronchial tube device
The present invention is a dual lumen endobronchial tube provided with a flexible wall dividing a cylindrical main tube into two lumens, where the outside wall of the main tube is reinforced, preferably by metal wire but alternately by a sufficiently rigid polymer ribbing which will achieve a desired reduction necessary outside wall thickness. The achievement of a reduction in necessary wall thickness enables sufficient hydraulic cross sectional area so that each lumen is capable independently of providing adequate ventilation to a patient even while a ventilation lumen is partly occluded when the insertion end of a bronchoscope or tube is inserted into the adjacent lumen to examine or treat the other lung. |
| US09687607B2 |
Detent mechanism
The invention relates to a detent mechanism for controlling translation between two components in a longitudinal direction (P, D), the detent mechanism comprising at least one clip on one of the components arranged to be in a ramped engagement with a recess in the other one of the components in an initial state in such a manner that translation between the components is constrained and that application of a translative force between the components in one longitudinal direction (P, D) with the clip engaged with the recess deflects the clip out of the recess when a predetermined value of the translative force, at least depending on the resilience of the clip, is overcome so as to allow translation between the components. |
| US09687604B2 |
Dosing device for an infusion system and method thereof
A dosing device for an infusion system comprises a dosing unit having a variable volume and at least one opening in fluid connection with the variable volume, through which opening the variable volume can be filled with a substance or the substance can be dispensed from the variable volume. The dosing device is operable in a first state for filling the substance from a supply conduit, in a second state for preventing filling and dispensing, or in a third state for dispensing through a dispensing conduit. No direct fluid connection exists between the supply conduit and the dispensing conduit at any time. Methods for dosing a substance with the dosing device. |
| US09687600B2 |
Infusion preparation
An object of the present invention is to provide an infusion preparation in which the Maillard reaction between an amino acid and a reducing sugar does not occur during storage and the size of fat particles in the fat emulsion does not increase during storage, and in which various types of vitamins can be incorporated in a stable manner, in spite of the fact that it is a two-chamber infusion preparation. Furthermore, even if only one of the infusions (of the infusion preparation) is administered, the patient is unlikely to develop hyperkalemia, vascular pain, or phlebitis. The present invention provides an infusion preparation containing two chambers separated by a partition that can be communicably opened, wherein a first chamber contains a first-chamber infusion containing a sugar and a fat emulsion, a second chamber contains a second-chamber infusion containing an amino acid and an electrolyte, the first-chamber infusion is substantially free of potassium, and has a relative osmotic pressure of 2.0 to 3.0, the second-chamber infusion has a potassium concentration of 40 mEq/L or less and a relative osmotic pressure of 2.5 to 3.5, and a mixture of the first- and second-chamber infusions has a potassium concentration of 16 mEq/L or more as measured upon communicably opening the partition. |
| US09687594B2 |
Method of treating with poly(L-lactide) stent with tunable degradation rate
Methods of treating with a biodegradable polymeric stent made from poly(L-lactide) and a low concentration of L-lactide monomer is disclosed. The concentration of L-lactide is adjusted to provide a degradation behavior that is suitable for different treatment applications including coronary, peripheral, and nasal. |
| US09687588B2 |
Placental tissue grafts produced by chemical dehydration/freeze-drying and methods for making and using the same
Described herein are placental tissue grafts produced by chemical dehydration followed by freeze-drying the placental tissue to produce the tissue graft. The tissue grafts retain their biological properties preferably at the same level as the placental tissues before they are processed. The placental tissue grafts have numerous medical applications. Methods for making the tissue graft compositions are also described herein. |
| US09687584B1 |
In-situ cross-linkable polymeric compositions and methods thereof
A biocompatible polymeric composition for cross-linking in-situ in a wound is disclosed comprising 1) one or more polyanionic polymers such as alginates or hyaluronates, able to be cross-linked the surface of the wound and 2) one or more polycationic polymers such as chitosan or DEAE-Dextran, that assists in the solidification process as well as speeds up hemostasis without the need for applying pressure. The biocompatible polymeric composition may further comprise a cross-linking agent such as aqueous calcium chloride. The invention encompasses an initial polymeric composition, the solidified matrix cross-linked and integrated at the wound site, including the methods of using, applying, and cross-linking the composition. |
| US09687581B2 |
Wound dressings for the controlled release of therapeutic agents
A wound dressing material for controlled activation of a wound healing therapeutic compound in the presence of a protease enzyme in a wound fluid, the material comprising: a medically acceptable polymer; a wound healing therapeutic agent; an inhibitor of the protease enzyme; and a linker group which is cleavable by the protease enzyme, wherein the activities of both the wound healing therapeutic agent and the inhibitor are increased by contacting the wound dressing material with a would fluid containing the protease enzyme. For example, the enzyme may be a matrix metalloproteinase, the therapeutic agent may be a reactive oxygen scavenger, and the inhibitor may be a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP). |
| US09687578B2 |
Sterilant challenge device
Sterilant challenge device for use in steam sterilizers are described, including devices suitable for determining the efficacy of the non-condensable gas removal stage of a sterilization cycle and/or the quality of steam sterilant in relation to its content of non-condensable gas(es) are disclosed. Sterilant challenge devices having a metal tube having a defining a free space which is open at one end for the entry of sterilant and closed at the other end and at least one thermal load located around the tube are also described. |
| US09687572B2 |
PSMA-targeted dendrimers
A dendrimer conjugate according to Formula (I), or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or solvate thereof: and complexes of Formula I conjugates with metals radionuclides of elements such as rhenium, technetium, yttrium, lutetium and others to provide a complex for imaging tissues or for the radiotherapeutic treatment of cancer tissue. Such complexes are specific to PSMA protein and can therefore be used in imaging or treating cancer of the prostate and other tissue where the protein is expressed. |
| US09687567B2 |
Charged-balanced imaging agents
The present invention relates to compositions for and methods of optically imaging tissues or cells using imaging agents having desirable in vivo properties that result in improved signal-to-background ratio. |
| US09687560B2 |
Skin-permeating peptide
The present invention relates to a skin-permeating peptide, and more particularly, the present invention relates to an isolated peptide capable of permeating the skin to deliver a drug to the skin, to an isolated polynucleotide coding the peptide, to a composition for transdermal delivery comprising the peptide, and to a peptide/cargo composite comprising the peptide and cargo. |
| US09687554B2 |
Finasteride and minoxidil polymeric nanoparticle its process of preparation, aqueous suspension containing the same, pharmaceutical composition, and its use
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for topical application for the treatment of alopecia, said composition comprising polymeric nanoparticles, preferably nanocapsules containing two active ingredients, finasteride and minoxidil, additives and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The invention further includes a process for the preparation of polymeric nanoparticles, preferably nanocapsules of finasteride and minoxidil, a composition suitable for topical application for the treatment of alopecia, as well as the use of said nanocapsules for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition. |
| US09687553B2 |
Polymeric nanocarriers with linear dual response mechanism
Nanocarriers are synthesized with polymers that respond to lower pH and/or ROS by being degraded. The compositions may be utilized to selectively deliver payloads within patients by responding to lower pH and/or ROS at localities within the patient. The present invention also features methods of synthesizing nanocarriers that are degraded by lower pH and/or ROS. |
| US09687550B2 |
Compositions for nucleic acid delivery
The present invention is based, in part, upon the discovery of charged lipids that provide advantages when used in lipid particles for the in vivo delivery of a therapeutic agent. As such, described herein are compounds useful for delivering a nucleic acid to a cell. |
| US09687549B2 |
Topical pharmaceutical gel composition of diclofenac sodium
A topical pharmaceutical gel compositions of diclofenac sodium, is provided. The topical gel composition contains at least about 10% w/w diclofenac sodium and is suitable for twice daily application. |
| US09687547B2 |
T20 constructs for anti-HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) therapy and/or vaccines
The present invention concerns methods and compositions for treatment of HIV infection using a T20 expression vector, such as that shown in SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:3. The T20 expression vector may be used in a variety of therapeutic applications, such as ex vivo transfection of dendritic cells to induce a host immune response to HIV, localized transfection in vivo in a gene therapy approach to provide longer term delivery of T20, or in vitro production of T20 peptide. The T20 may be secreted into the circulation to act as a fusion inhibitor of HIV infection, or may induce an endogenous immune response to HIV or HIV-infected cells. Alternatively, a DDD peptide may be incorporated in a fusion protein comprising T20 or another antigenic protein or peptide to enhance the immune response to the protein or peptide. |
| US09687534B2 |
Pharmaceutical preparation for the treatment of the symptoms of addiction and method of diagnosing same
A therapeutic agent for the treatment of the symptoms of addiction and the method for preparing the therapeutic agent is disclosed. The therapeutic agent is a stable pharmaceutical preparation containing, but not limited to, digestive/pancreatic enzymes. The therapeutic agent may be manufactured by a variety of encapsulation technologies. Delivery of the therapeutic agent may be made orally, through injection, by adherence of a medicated patch or other method. Further, a method of using of a biomarker, the presence of chymotrypsin in the gastrointestinal tract to determine the presence of symptoms of addiction, and the likelihood of relapsing into addiction is disclosed. |
| US09687529B2 |
Method of controlling coagulation
The present invention relates, in general, to methods of controlling coagulation, and in particular, to methods of effecting neutralizable rapid onset anticoagulation, and to compounds and compositions suitable for use in such methods. |
| US09687523B2 |
Compositions and methods for the treatment of sjörgren's syndrome
This invention provides a method of inducing a lacrimal acinar cell in a tissue to degrade a secretory vesicle and its content protein or proteins from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) by contacting the cells with an effective amount of an agent that induces autophagy. Also provided is a method for treating a mammal suffering from defective trans-Golgi network-secretory vesicle (TGN-SV) sorting by administering to the mammal an effective amount of an agent that induces autophagy in the tissue having the defective TGN-SV. |
| US09687520B2 |
Memory or learning improvement using peptide and other compositions
The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for topical or transdermal delivery, including treatment and prevention of learning and memory disorders, and enhancement of learning or memory. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide, peptides, or both. The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other vesicles containing nitric oxide and/or peptide. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like. |
| US09687519B2 |
Methods and compositions for the prevention or treatment of barth syndrome
The disclosure provides methods of preventing or treating Barth Syndrome in a mammalian subject, reducing risk factors associated with Barth Syndrome, and/or reducing the likelihood or severity of Barth Syndrome. The methods comprise administering to the subject an effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide to increase expression of TAZ1 in subjects in need thereof. |
| US09687518B2 |
Medicament for treating muscle and skeletal diseases
The present invention concerns the field of therapy of muscle, joint and/or skeletal diseases. In particular, the invention relates to a composition comprising a first solution comprising preparations of Aconitum napellus, Arnica montana, radix, Bellis perennis, Belladonna, Calendula officinalis, Chamomilla, Echinacea, Echinacea purpurea, Hamamelis virginiana, Hepar sulfuris calcareum, Hypericum perforatum, Mercuris solubilis, Millefolium, and Symphytum officinale, and a second solution comprising preparations of Arnica montana, radix, Dulcamara, Rhus toxicodendron, Sanguinaria Canadensis, and Sulphur. Further provided is a method of treating and/or preventing the progression of a disease comprising administering to a subject in need of a treatment a therapeutically effective amount of the said composition or said first and said second solution. The invention also contemplates a kit comprising said first and said second solution. |
| US09687511B2 |
Acellular biologic composition and method of manufacture
A biological composition has a mixture of mechanically selected allogeneic biologic material derived from bone marrow. The mixture has non-whole cellular components including vesicular components and active and inactive components of biological activity, cell fragments, cellular excretions, cellular derivatives, and extracellular components. The mixture including non-whole cell fractions including one or more of exosomes, transcriptosomes, proteasomes, membrane rafts, lipid rafts. The mixture is compatible with biologic function. |
| US09687504B2 |
Brain and neural treatments comprising peptides and other compositions
The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for treatment of subjects in need of muscle growth, muscle repair, improved muscular and neuromuscular control, and treatments for neuromuscular and neurological disorders, including brain disorders. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides. The nitric oxide and/or peptides may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other vesicles containing nitric oxide and/or peptide. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin, e.g., onto a location where muscle growth, muscle repair, or improved muscular and neuromuscular control is desired, or on another suitable portion of the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like. |
| US09687498B1 |
Composition for preventing or treating muscle wasting-related disease and use thereof
Provided is a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating a muscle wasting-related disease of a subject, the composition including one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of isotretinoin, vismodegib, and lincomycin, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers, derivatives, or solvates thereof, or combinations thereof, and a method of preventing or treating a muscle wasting-related disease using the same. |
| US09687496B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition comprising 3-beta-hydroxy-5-alpha-pregnan-20-one with improved storage and solubility properties
It is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising 3-beta-hydroxy-5-alpha-pregnan-20-one, at least one sterol or an ester thereof and a mixture of acylglycerols with a solid fat content of less than 25% at 25° C. and 0% at 37° C. In addition it is provided a method for preparing the pharmaceutical composition. |
| US09687493B2 |
Use of NK-1 receptor antagonists for treating hypomagnesemia, neurogenic inflammation, and cardiac dysfunction associated with EGFR-blocking drugs
The present disclosure provides methods for alleviating or preventing the negative physiological side effects associated with the administration of EGFR blocking therapeutics. The disclosure provides, inter alia, methods for treating or preventing: hypomagnesemia, cardiac dysfunction, and skin lesions, which are induced by EGFR blocking drugs, by administering an NK-1 receptor antagonist. |
| US09687486B2 |
Methods of treating atherosclerosis or myeloproliferative neoplasms by administering a lyn kinase activator
This invention provides a method of treating a subject suffering from atherosclerosis or a myeloproliferative neoplasm which comprises administering to the subject an amount of a Lyn kinase activator effective to activate Lyn kinase so as to thereby treat the subject. |
| US09687483B2 |
Treatment of cerebral cavernous malformations and cerebral aneurysms with Rho kinase inhibitors
Provided are methods of treating a cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) and methods of treating cerebral aneurysm in a mammal with certain Rho kinase inhibitors. |
| US09687476B2 |
Bisaryl-bonded aryltriazolones and use thereof
The present application relates to novel bisaryl-linked 5-aryl-1,2,4-triazolone derivatives, to processes for preparing them, to their use alone or in combinations for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases and also to their use for the production of medicaments for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases, more particularly for the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disorders. |
| US09687474B2 |
Patch
In a patch comprising a support layer and an adhesive agent layer, the adhesive agent layer comprises asenapine and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, isopropyl palmitate, and an adhesive base agent. |
| US09687470B2 |
Compounds for use in the treatment of filariasis
A method for the prevention of filariasis includes administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the general formula (1) or at least one of racemates, enantiomers, diastereomers, solvates, hydrates, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and esters of general formula (1), wherein, R is selected from the group comprising n-propyl, n-butyl, and at least one of structural elements (2a), (2b), (3a), (3b), (4), (5), (6a), (6b), (7a), and (7b): |
| US09687460B2 |
Autoimmune-induced glutamatergic receptor dysfunction methods and treatments
This invention provides a method of enhancing NMDAR-mediated neurotransmission in a disease associated with NMDAR antibody production, said method comprising administering an NMDAR agonist, an alanine-serine-cysteine transporter inhibitor, a D-amino acid oxidase inhibitor, a glycine transport inhibitor or a combination thereof to said subject. This invention also provides a method of mitigating the severity of, mitigating the pathogenesis of, lowering the incidence of or treating a disease associated with NMDAR antibody production, said method comprising administering an agent, which is an NMDAR agonist, an alanine-serine-cysteine transporter inhibitor, a D-amino acid oxidase inhibitor, a glycine transport inhibitor or a combination thereof to said subject. |
| US09687454B2 |
Sublingual and buccal film compositions
The present invention relates to products and methods for treatment of narcotic dependence in a user. The invention more particularly relates to self-supporting dosage forms which provide an active agent for treating narcotic dependence while providing sufficient buccal adhesion of the dosage form. |
| US09687451B2 |
Controlled release matrix pharmaceutical dosage formulation
A compressed tablet of a pharmaceutical compound which contains uncoated pellets containing a pharmaceutical compound, where the uncoated pellets are dispersed in a matrix containing the pellets and a swellable polymer. |
| US09687445B2 |
Oral film containing opiate enteric-release beads
A control release and abuse-resistant opiate drug delivery oral wafer or edible oral film dosage to treat pain and substance abuse is provided. The drug delivery oral wafer or edible oral film dosage includes a controlled release layer containing enteric-release beads dispersed in a polymer matrix. The enteric-release beads are formed from a therapeutic amount of an opioid agonist and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a sub-therapeutic amount of opioid antagonist and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof coated or encapsulated in an enteric-release polymer. The controlled release polymer matrix dissolves or disintegrates following administration or consumption of the oral wafer or edible oral film, releasing the enteric-release beads to be swallowed, with subsequent absorption of the active ingredients within the patient's intestines. |
| US09687444B2 |
Veterinary active agent application
The present invention, as described above and as further defined by the claims, provides methods of administering an active agent via adhesion of a film to a mucous membrane in the oral cavity of a mammal, as well as and ODF formed therefore. An active agent may be ingested as the ODF dissolves resulting in systemic treatment of the mammal. In additional embodiments, an ODF may provide topical administration of an active agent. |
| US09687442B2 |
Topical skin formulations
The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions useful for application to skin and hair comprising hydrolyzed algae extract, saccharide isomerate, and a dermatologically acceptable vehicle wherein the composition or method is capable of moisturizing and/or improving the appearance and/or condition of skin and/or hair. |
| US09687434B2 |
Cosmetic use of steviol, of a steviol glycoside derivative or of one of their isomers to stimulate, restore or regulate the metabolism of the cells of the skin and semimucus membranes
The present invention relates to the cosmetic use by external topical route of steviol, of a steviol glycoside derivative or of one of their isomers to stimulate, restore or regulate the metabolism of the cells of the skin. |
| US09687424B2 |
Polyurea capsules prepared with aliphatic isocyanates and amines
Polyurea capsules that encapsulate active materials in polymeric walls resulting from the polymerization of an aliphatic polyisocyanate and a cross-linking agent such as a diamine, amphoteric amine or guanidine amine/salt are provided as are consumer products containing said polyurea capsules and for methods for producing such capsules. |
| US09687399B2 |
Fail-safe release mechanism for use with patient positioning support apparati
A fail-safe release mechanism for use with patient positioning support apparati having a base structure and a patient support structure, to prevent collapse of the patient support during disconnection of the patient support structure from the base structure. |
| US09687395B2 |
Repositionable moisture management material that creates a barrier to skin-on-skin contact
An article of clothing can be used to reduce or prevent the occurrence of prolonged skin-on-skin contact, rashes, irritation, intertrigo, infections, discomfort, or chaffing. Such an article of clothing has a moisture management material made up of at least an outer layer, an inner layer, and a tab. The moisture management material is attached to a portion of the article of clothing via a tab of the moisture management material. The moisture management material may be of various shapes and sizes and preferably fits within a prescribed area of the article of clothing. The moisture management material may be variably positioned within the article of clothing to provide differing results such as additional support and/or moisture absorbing or moisture moving where necessary. Preferably the article of clothing is a brassiere but may be a shirt, diaper, pants, socks, panties, or other undergarments. |
| US09687390B2 |
Product turner and placer
An apparatus is disclosed for severing a continuous web into discrete pieces, and re-orienting the discrete pieces by turning and placing the discrete pieces onto a moving conveyor for further processing as desired. |
| US09687386B2 |
Cooling medical pad
A medical pad has multiple layers. A first layer is for containing a first thermal-exchange fluid circulatable therethrough, with the medical pad being operable for thermal exchange between the first thermal-exchange fluid and a patient through a first side of the first layer. A second layer of the medical pad is interconnected to a second side of the first layer, opposite to the first side of the first layer. The second layer encloses a second thermal-exchange fluid that may have a freezing point of 0° C. or less. The medical pad is operable for thermal exchange between the second thermal-exchange fluid and the patient. |
| US09687380B1 |
Cervical collar brace kit, collar blanks, methods of forming a model of a patient, and methods of forming collar blanks
A kit for modeling a patient's neck area and creating a neck brace that is sized specifically for an individual patient. Combinations of components are chosen to build the model according to the actual measurements of the patient. A front and back blank are molded to correspond to the model, typically by heat molding. Once cooled, the blanks are removed from the model and Velcro®, padding, and a Velcro® strap are added to form a custom cervical collar brace. The front and back blanks can be formed on preformed blank molds, or can involve a method of forming blank molds upon which front or back blanks or both can be formed. The method can involve applying a material, such as low density polyethylene, to the blank mold and conforming the material to the mold. The blank can then be cut from the material, typically along an outline or contours. |
| US09687375B2 |
Magnetic satiety-inducing system
A minimally invasive system and method for providing weight loss by inducing the feeling of satiety whereby an intragastric device is inserted into the gastric lumen via the esophagus and an external magnetic device is used as needed to magnetically attract the intragastric device towards the inner wall of the stomach and impart tactile stimulation sufficient to induce the feeling of satiety. |
| US09687373B2 |
Systems and methods for securing and releasing a portion of a stent
The present embodiments provide systems and methods for deploying at least a portion of a stent, comprising a retaining member having a main body. At least one slot is formed into the main body. The at least one slot comprises a circumferentially enclosed segment and an axial opening. A portion of a stent is restrained from moving radially outward when disposed within the circumferentially enclosed segment, and the portion of the stent is self-expandable radially outward when aligned with the axial opening. |
| US09687369B2 |
Stent device delivery system with an outer sheath polymeric reinforcement layer
A stent device delivery system and method of making. The stent device delivery system includes a stent device and an outer sheath overlaying the stent device in a radially compact, delivery configuration of the stent device. The outer sheath may include a first layer of polymeric material and a reinforcement layer of polymeric material that are laminated together. |
| US09687366B2 |
Endoleak mitigator for aneurysm stent-graft
Described are various embodiments of an improved endoprosthesis with a device to mitigate or even eliminate Type I endoleaks in AAA stent-graft. |
| US09687365B2 |
Dorsi-plantar prosthetic ankle module
An ankle module for a prosthetic foot can have an adapter portion pivotally coupled to a base portion. The base portion can be coupled to the prosthetic foot. The adapter portion can have a coupling member that removably couples the prosthetic foot to a prosthetic pylon or socket. The adapter portion can also have cylinders housing pistons slidably displaceable within the cylinders. An actuator is selectively actuatable to place the cylinders in fluid communication, allowing a fluid to flow between the cylinders as an angular position of the adapter portion is adjusted relative to the base portion, thereby adjusting the dorsi-plantar position between the adapter portion and the base portion of the ankle module. The actuator can be selectively actuatable to fluidly isolate the cylinders from each other so that the angular position of the adapter portion relative to the base portion remains substantially fixed. |
| US09687359B2 |
Expandable intervertebral device, and systems and methods for inserting same
An expandable interbody device for implantation within an intervertebral space is provided, together with methods and tools for use therewith. The interbody devices include a leading first and trailing second bearing member configured to expand laterally via connecting portions disposed at the trailing end of the first being member and at least the leading end of the second bearing member. In some forms, the connecting portions have an arcuate configuration. The insertion tool is configured expand the interbody device by holding the first bearing member while shifting the second bearing member. |
| US09687358B2 |
Method of manufacturing a composite interbody device
A method of manufacturing a composite interbody device includes assembling superior and inferior endplates, this including forming or layering micro-porous titanium on opposing sides of a solid titanium sheet. A first of the opposing sides provides a micro-porous bone interface layer and a second of the opposing sides provides a micro-porous core interface side. The solid titanium sheet therebetween forms a central barrier layer. The inferior and superior endplates are placed in a mold, on each side of a core cavity, with the core interface sides facing the core cavity and the bone interface sides facing away from the cavity. Molten plastic is injection-molded into the core cavity to form a plastic core between the endplates, the molten plastic extruding into pores of the microporous core interface sides. The plastic is set to bond the core with the endplates. |
| US09687357B2 |
Vertebral body replacement
The present invention involves a system and methods for assembling and implanting a vertebral body implant. The vertebral body implant includes, but is not necessarily limited to, an expandable core body and endplates that can be attached at both ends. Endplates of various shapes, sizes and angles are attachable to the expandable core in a plurality of positions so that a suitable vertebral body implant can be implanted between vertebrae from an anterior, anterior-lateral, lateral, posterior or posterior-lateral approach. |
| US09687354B2 |
Posterior intervertebral disc inserter and expansion techniques
Insertion and expansion devices for use in inserting motion discs, and associated methods of use. |
| US09687343B2 |
Transcatheter valve prosthesis
A system for implanting a heart valve includes a radially self-expandable tubular body having an inflow end and an outflow end and a preformed groove disposed at an outer surface of the tubular body between the inflow end and the outflow end. The preformed groove extends at least partially around the tubular body, and has a circumferential opening facing radially outward of the tubular body. A valve is disposed within and attached to the tubular body, and a trapping member is configured to be moved into the preformed groove and form at least a partial loop around the preformed groove. An insertion member is configured to push the trapping member into the preformed groove. Additionally, a coupling member can provide a releasable attachment between the trapping member and the insertion member. |
| US09687340B2 |
Protective cap for an insertion device and other insertion device features
A protective cap having finger grips, a window, and port. The protective cap may also have one or more clips (or snaps), one or more relief slots, and/or one or more guides. Protective cap 200 may also have a fill indicator and/or a material relief. An insertion system having a handpiece, a pushrod assembly, a cartridge, and a cap with a window and a port. The cap is configured and dimensioned to couple with the distal end of the cartridge. The insertion system may also have a pushrod with a plunger having a marker configured and dimensioned to indicate axially translation of the pushrod assembly within the handpiece. |
| US09687335B2 |
Method and instruments for treating GERD
The invention relates surgical abdominal methods of treating a reflux disease in a patient by implanting a movement restriction device that, when implanted in a patient, restricts the movement of the stomach notch in relation to the diaphragm muscle preventing the cardia to slide up through the diaphragm hiatus opening. Also disclosed is a laparoscopic instrument for providing a movement restriction device to be invaginated in the stomach fundus wall of a human patient to treat reflux disease. |
| US09687324B2 |
System and method for designing post and core
A system and a computer-implemented method of designing and/or manufacturing a post and core to match a bore of a tooth, said method including the steps of: a) obtaining at least one impression of a set of teeth comprising a bore; b) scanning the impression of the set of teeth comprising the bore; c) providing a three-dimensional scan representation of the impression comprising the bore; d) transforming the three-dimensional scan representation to a three-dimensional positive working model of the set of teeth and the bore; and e) designing a post and core model from the positive working model of the bore. In particular, CAD/CAM design and/or manufacture of post and core. |
| US09687316B1 |
Dental covering removal tool
A device for removing a dental covering having: (a) an engagement portion that is configured to contact a portion of the dental covering along only one of a facial side or a lingual side of the dental covering and receive a prying load applied by an operator; and (b) a load applying portion connected to the engagement portion which is adapted to rest upon an adjacent surface relative to the dental covering and be pivoted upwardly or downwardly by application of the prying load. The device may be a dental covering removal tool which may find particular use in removing dental coverings, such as temporary and permanent crowns. |
| US09687313B2 |
Package for ostomy barrier ring
A package for an ostomy barrier ring is provided. The package includes a first shell, a second shell and a hinge connecting the first and second shells. The first shell includes a first stacking wall having a first interior side and a first exterior side, a first nesting structure formed on the first stacking wall, and a first sidewall extending from and about the first stacking wall. The second shell includes a second stacking wall having a second interior side and a second exterior side, a second nesting structure formed on the second stacking wall, and a second sidewall extending from and about the second stacking wall. The hinge allows the first shell and second shell to rotate relative to one another. A plurality of packages may be stacked with the first nesting structure of one package received in the second nesting structure of an adjacent package. |
| US09687310B2 |
Software center and highly configurable robotic systems for surgery and other uses
Telerobotic, telesurgical, and/or surgical robotic devices, systems, and methods employ surgical robotic linkages that may have more degrees of freedom than an associated surgical end effector n space. A processor can calculate a tool motion that includes pivoting of the tool about an aperture site. Linkages movable along a range of configurations for a given end effector position may be driven toward configurations which inhibit collisions. Refined robotic linkages and method for their use are also provided. |
| US09687307B2 |
Navigation system and method for tracking objects using optical and non-optical sensors
Systems and methods that utilize optical sensors and non-optical sensors to determine the position and/or orientation of objects. A navigation system includes an optical sensor for receiving optical signals from markers and a non-optical sensor, such as a gyroscope, for generating non-optical data. A navigation computer determines positions and/or orientations of objects based on optical and non-optical data. |
| US09687305B2 |
Lighting device
A lighting device for a medical treatment room having a support frame configured to be mounted to a wall or ceiling of the medical treatment room. A first illumination unit on the support frame is configured to provide direct illumination of an operating area and a second illumination unit on the support frame is configured to provide indirect illumination of the operating area. The support frame can be articulated for movement of the first and second illumination units. Movement of the support frame is adapted to activate and deactivate the first and second illumination units. Thus, the lighting device includes a control unit configured to switch the first and second illumination units on and/or off when the support frame is moved relative to the operating area. |
| US09687298B2 |
Light emitting device
A light emitting device for use as a hair removal device is provided. The light emitting device has at least one radiation source for electromagnetic radiation providing at least one operating beam during operation of the device, a housing being intransparent for the operating beam having an output opening, at least one radiation source for electromagnetic radiation providing at least one sensing beam during operation of the device, at least one detector for detecting the sensing beam, at least one sensing window having a contact boundary surface, and a controller communicating with the radiation source providing the operating beam and with a detector and being operable to influence operation of the radiation source providing the operating beam responsive to the sensing beam detected at the detector. |
| US09687295B2 |
Methods of manufacturing a pair of jaw members of an end-effector assembly for a surgical instrument
A method of manufacturing a matched pair of opposing jaw members of an end-effector assembly includes assembling a first jaw member having a knife channel, assembling a second jaw member having a knife channel, setting a jaw gap and aligning a first sealing plate of the first jaw member and a second sealing plate of the second jaw member in relation to one another by bringing the first jaw member and the second jaw member into clamped engagement with an alignment spacer. The alignment spacer is configured to engage the knife channel of the first jaw member and the knife channel of the second jaw member. The method also includes coupling the first jaw member to the second jaw member. |
| US09687288B2 |
Apparatus and methods for treating rhinitis
Apparatus and methods for treating conditions such as rhinitis are disclosed herein where a distal end of a probe shaft is introduced through the nasal cavity where the distal end has an end effector with a first configuration having a low-profile which is shaped to manipulate tissue within the nasal cavity. The distal end may be positioned into proximity of a tissue region having a post nasal nerve associated with a middle or inferior nasal turbinate. Once suitably positioned, the distal end may be reconfigured from the first configuration to a second configuration which is shaped to contact and follow the tissue region and the post nasal nerve may then be ablated via the distal end. Ablation may be performed using various mechanisms, such as cryotherapy, and optionally under direct visualization. |
| US09687284B2 |
Locking peg with extended thread
A locking peg includes a head and a shaft. The head is at the proximal end of the locking peg, and a shaft extends distally from the head to a distal end of the locking peg. The shaft has a threaded proximal portion and an unthreaded distal portion. A length of the unthreaded distal portion of the shaft is greater than a length of the threaded proximal portion of the shaft. When the locking peg is inserted into a bone through a bone plate, the threaded proximal portion of the shaft extends into the bone. This extended threading provides additional axial force to help explant the locking peg during removal of the locking peg. |
| US09687282B2 |
Orthopedic plate having threaded holes for locking screws or pegs and non-threaded holes for a variable axis locking mechanism
An orthopedic plate system comprises a plurality of fasteners such as pegs or screws and a plate having two sets of holes for the fasteners. The first set of at least one hole includes internal threads that receive a fastener having a head which includes external threads that mate with the internal threads of the hole to lock the fastener at a fixed angle relative to the plate. The second set of at least one hole is devoid of internal threads and has a concavely rounded internal surface and which receives a convexly rounded external surface of a locking insert, which receives a variable axis fastener. The variable axis fastener causes the locking insert to expand to lock the variable axis fastener at a selected angle relative to the plate. |
| US09687278B2 |
Sleeve for bone fixation device
Disclosed is a bone fixation device of the type useful for connecting two or more bones or bone fragments together or connecting soft tissue or tendon to bone. The device comprises an elongate body having a distal anchor thereon. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device, to accommodate different bone dimensions and permit appropriate tensioning of the fixation device. A sleeve can surround at least a portion of the bone fixation device to promote bone in-growth with or at the bone joint or fracture to facilitate fusion of the bone segment. |
| US09687275B1 |
Method and apparatus for pelvic visceral manipulation by surgical robot
In one embodiment, a pelvic visceral manipulator interface for use by the graspable tip of a robotic surgical system is disclosed. This interface can be used with any robotic pelvic medical procedure that utilizes manipulation of the uterus, vagina and/or colon. In one embodiment an interface aligns a robotic grasper arm with a visceral (uterine or vaginal/colon) manipulator for robotic laparoscopic pelvic surgery or pelvic medical procedure. In another embodiment, a manipulator includes an integrated tip for direct connection with the graspable tip of a robotic surgical system. In another embodiment, a robotic surgical arm includes an integrated tip for direct connection with a manipulator. |
| US09687274B2 |
Magnetic vaginal dilator
Aspects of the present invention are related to magnetic medical devices for the treatment of chronic medical conditions such as Vulvodynia, Vaginismus, Vaginal Stenosis, Vaginal Atrophy, among others. The magnetic medical device in accordance with the present invention is of a generally elongated shape having an ogive top end, a middle portion of an active diameter, and a bottom end of a passive diameter. The magnetic medical device has an array of magnets within, where the magnets generate a negative magnetic field adjacent to an external surface of the magnetic medical device. |
| US09687271B2 |
Uniport having a one-piece body anchor and an elongated surgical instrument passageway for use in single site surgical procedures
One aspect provides a multiple access body uniport for performing single site surgery on a body that comprises a one-piece body anchor defined by a longitudinal length and an uppermost surface and a lowermost surface. The uniport includes at least two surgical instrument passageways located through the one-piece body anchor and terminate at an entrance aperture on the uppermost surface and at an exit aperture on the lowermost surface, and also includes at least a third surgical instrument passageway located through the one-piece body anchor and having an elongated access opening extending across a portion of the uppermost surface and having an exit aperture on the lowermost surface. |
| US09687265B2 |
Method and tools for clearing the epidural space in preparation for medical lead implantation
An epidural space is cleared of fat and scar tissue in preparation for implantation of a medical lead by utilizing a clearing tool. The clearing tool has a flexible body that allows the clearing tool to deflect when entering the epidural space through a window in the vertebral bone and ligaments. The clearing tool is guided into the epidural space and to a target site by a guidewire present in the epidural space. Upon removal of the guidewire and clearing tool, the medical lead is inserted through the window and cleared epidural space until reaching the target site. The clearing tool may include a distal tip with a shape and size that aids in the clearing of the epidural space. The distal tip may be integral to the clearing tool or may be removable so as to allow for different sizes of the distal tip to be installed as needed. |
| US09687263B2 |
Devices and methods for inserting a sinus dilator
Devices that are adapted to insert a sinus dilator into a stenotic opening of a paranasal sinus of a subject using minimally invasive dilator insertion procedures are provided. The devices and methods can be used to treat sinusitis and other nasal and/or sinus disorders. |
| US09687262B2 |
Methods and devices for treating vulnerable plaque
This invention provides methods, devices and kits for treating coronary artery disease, particularly “soft” or vulnerable plaque. The invention is based on the local delivery of crosslinking means to crosslink the collagen covering the plaque and other proteins that may be present at the site to stabilize the plaque and prevent leakage of thrombogenic material into the lumen of the coronary artery. In certain embodiments, catheters are employed to achieve local delivery of a crosslinking agent or ultraviolet light. |
| US09687237B2 |
Staple cartridge including collapsible deck arrangement
A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler can comprise a cartridge deck and a plurality of staples at least partially positioned within the cartridge deck. In various embodiments, the staples can comprise legs which extend upwardly from the deck wherein the deck can further include supports, or guides, which are configured to hold the staple legs in a particular alignment. In at least one such embodiment, the staple legs can extend upwardly from the supports into a tissue thickness compensator. |
| US09687236B2 |
Surgical instrument having a power control circuit
A powered surgical instrument for cutting and fastening tissue comprises an end effector having first and second jaw members that move relatively between open and closed positions. A control circuit comprises a relay, a firing switch having first and second firing switch positions, and a clamp device that can take first and second states. The clamp device takes a second state when the jaw members are in the closed position such that the clamp device activates the relay. Upon activation of the relay, the firing switch is connected to provide power from a power supply to drive a drive system of the instrument when the firing switch is in a second firing switch position. |
| US09687235B2 |
Double-row ratchet locking mechanism with single-bypass (‘arming’) functionality
The present disclosure provides a wound closure device including: (a) a first opposing member and a second opposing member disposed on opposing sides of a central axis, each resiliently moveable between a closed position and open position relative to each other, each of the opposing members having a distal edge; (b) skin penetrating means for anchoring the device; (c) a pressure bar along each distal edge; (d) releasable locking means for biasing or maintaining the device in the closed position; and optionally (e) an accessory component. |
| US09687225B2 |
Suture passer with tissue reinforcement positioner
The present disclosure describes a suture passer device that includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, a suture carrier secured to the handle and extending through the shaft, and a suturing head extending from the shaft and configured to retain tissue. The handle is operable to advance the suture carrier through the suturing head to pass a suture through tissue retained in the suturing head. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the suture passer device includes a quick-connect mechanism releasably connecting the shaft to the handle. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the shaft includes a first shaft and a second shaft pivotally coupled to the first shaft, and the first shaft defines a first channel for receiving the second shaft. Methods of disassembling the suture passer device are also described. |
| US09687224B2 |
Anchor assembly
The present disclosure relates to an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes an anchor defining a cavity and an opening to the cavity and an insertion member configured for arrangement within the anchor cavity. The insertion member includes a body having a proximal end portion and a flat distal end portion, and a head coupled to the proximal end portion of the body. A method of tissue repair and other anchor assemblies are also disclosed. |
| US09687213B2 |
Method and apparatus for real-time and robust strain imaging
A robust algorithm is disclosed for real-time strain imaging. The method can be implemented on conventional medical imaging modalities such as ultrasound, MRI, etc. The pre- and post-deformation images, acquired by an imaging system, are used by the algorithm to produce the strain map. Deformation can be performed by any available means, such as an existing part of the imaging device (as in freehand elastography) or a separate compression fixture. Due to the computational efficiency of the algorithm, any conventional processing platform, including personal computers, tablet PCs, and smart phones can be employed for strain imaging, to construct an ultra-portable strain imaging system. |
| US09687205B2 |
Radiographic apparatus and control method thereof
A radiographic apparatus includes an X-ray source unit, a measurement unit configured to measure either one or both of a force and a torque applied to the X-ray source unit, at least one motor configured to move the X-ray source unit, and a system control unit configured to control the at least one motor to move the X-ray source unit according to a direction and a magnitude of the either one or both of the force and the torque measured by the measurement unit. |
| US09687204B2 |
Method and system for registration of ultrasound and physiological models to X-ray fluoroscopic images
A method and system for registering ultrasound images and physiological models to x-ray fluoroscopy images is disclosed. A fluoroscopic image and an ultrasound image, such as a Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) image, are received. A 2D location of an ultrasound probe is detected in the fluoroscopic image. A 3D pose of the ultrasound probe is estimated based on the detected 2D location of the ultrasound probe in the fluoroscopic image. The ultrasound image is mapped to a 3D coordinate system of a fluoroscopic image acquisition device used to acquire the fluoroscopic image based on the estimated 3D pose of the ultrasound probe. The ultrasound image can then be projected into the fluoroscopic image using a projection matrix associated with the fluoroscopic image. A patient specific physiological model can be detected in the ultrasound image and projected into the fluoroscopic image. |
| US09687195B2 |
Life sign detection and health state assessment system
A wearable platform embodied in a belt or patch provides physiological monitoring of soldiers during field operations or trauma victims at accident sites and makes health state assessments. The platform includes sensors for heart rate, body motion, respiration rate and intensity, and temperature and further contains a microprocessor and short range transmitter. An analog circuit running an algorithm obtains the R-wave period from the EKG signal and produces electrical pulses with the period between pulses corresponding to the R-wave period. A rule based processing engine having an evaluation algorithm is capable of making a medical evaluation of subject condition and determines a confidence level for the evaluation. The rules are subject to variation depending upon the subject population. The information is communicated wirelessly to a local hub for relay to a remote monitor. |
| US09687193B2 |
Sleep apnea avoidance and data collection device
A device for sleep apnea avoidance and data collection may include a sensor configured to sense a pressure and generate a first signal when the pressure exceeds a threshold. A signal generator module may be configured to generate a first stimulating signal in response to the first signal. The sensed pressure may include a pressure exerted on the sensor when a user of the device lies down on the device. The first stimulating signal may be configured to cause the user to change sleeping position, for example, from a first sleeping position that causes snoring to a second sleeping position that stops snoring. |
| US09687191B2 |
Method and device for swallowing impairment detection
A method and an apparatus for swallowing impairment detection acquire dual axis accelerometry data representative of one or more swallowing events executed by a candidate. Upon feature extraction and classification, vibrational data acquired in respect of each swallowing event is classified as indicative of one of normal or possibly impaired swallowing. Computer-readable media comprising statements and instructions for implementation by a processing device are also described in facilitating swallowing impairment detection respective to candidate swallowing events. |
| US09687178B2 |
Micromachined fluid flow regulating device
A micromachined fluid flow regulating device is disclosed comprising a fluid flow channel, at least one flow orifice formed in the channel, defining an inlet portion of the channel upstream of the flow orifice, an outlet portion of the channel downstream of the flow orifice, the fluid having a flow direction from the inlet portion to the outlet portion of the channel. At least one piston is arranged upstream of the flow orifice, movably suspended in the channel by a spring means such that the piston is movable by the fluid in the flow direction of the fluid, towards the flow orifice, to regulate a fluid flow through the flow orifice. The disclosure further relates to the use of a micromachined flow regulating device in a breath analysis device and to a method of fabricating a flow regulating device. |
| US09687174B2 |
Medical device position guidance system with wireless connectivity between a noninvasive and an invasive device
A medical device position guidance system having a noninvasive medical device communicable with an invasive medical device. The system provides outputs useful to assess the position of an invasive medical device in an animal, such as a human. A magnetic field is used to gather information about the position of the invasive device. Radio waves are used to communicate this information between the noninvasive device and the invasive device. |
| US09687168B2 |
Non-invasive deep muscle electromyography
A method and apparatus for conducting electromyography of a deep muscle non-invasively are provided. An array of suitable surface electromyography electrodes is arranged in one or more rings encircling a part of the human body in which a deep muscle being investigated is located. The potential of at least selected electrodes relative to another electrode selected from a common reference electrode (mono-polar) and other electrodes (bi-polar) in the array is recorded and the data is processed in respect of the recorded potentials of at least some of said selected electrodes in order to determine (optionally using approximations or algorithms, or both) the contribution being made by at least the deep muscle being investigated. Typically, this is done mathematically by resolving the electromyography signals into their constituent components using a suitable technique. Preferably, this is integrated with a static muscle imaging device that may use the same electrodes to obtain a static tomogram of the muscles encircled. |
| US09687166B2 |
High resolution cardiac mapping electrode array catheter
Devices, systems, and methods for performing a mapping procedure on body tissue are disclosed. An example mapping device for mapping a tissue surface includes an elongate shaft and an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a plurality of splines and a plurality of electrodes disposed on at least some of the splines. The electrode assembly is capable of moving between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, the electrode assembly may have a generally planar structure. |
| US09687164B2 |
Method and system for signal analyzing and processing module
Embodiments of the invention disclose a method and a system for signal analyzing and a processing module of the system. The signal analyzing system includes a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, and a processing module. The first electrodes transmit a plurality of first input signals. The second electrodes transmit a plurality of second input signals. The processing module generates a body electrical signal according to at least one of the plurality of first input signals and at least one of the plurality of second input signals, generates a first filtered signal corresponding to the plurality of first input signals, generates a second filtered signal corresponding to the plurality of second input signals, and generates a lead signal according to the body electrical signal, the first filtered signal and the second filtered signal. |
| US09687163B2 |
Seizure detection and epileptogenic lesion localization
Epileptogenic source localization methods and systems based on ECoG signals are provided for obtaining spatial and temporal relationships among epileptogenic zones. Seizure detection is based on an Independent Component Analysis (ICA) and temporal and spatial relationships among the detected epileptogenic zones are based on a steepest descent-based source localization method. Embodiments of the invention facilitate the epileptiform activity investigation and seizure dynamics study and further benefit the neurophysiology community in the surgical decision making of neurosurgeons. |
| US09687161B2 |
Systems and methods for maintaining blood pressure monitor calibration
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for maintaining the calibration of non-invasive blood pressure monitoring devices. Phase components of pulse signals detected by the blood pressure monitoring device are compared to stored baseline phase component values. If the difference exceeds a threshold, the blood pressure monitoring device is recalibrated. |
| US09687156B2 |
Needle device with an optical fiber integrated in a movable insert
A needle device includes a hollow shaft, an elongated insert and an operating lever. The hollow shaft has a first distal end portion with a bevel, the elongated insert has a second distal end portion and is movably arranged within the hollow shaft, and the operating lever is shiftable between a first condition and a second condition. Furthermore, the operating lever is interconnected with the elongated insert such that the second distal end portion is located within the hollow shaft and proximally to the bevel when the operating lever is in the first condition, and that the second distal end portion is located outside the hollow shaft and distally to the bevel when the operating lever is in the second condition. |
| US09687151B2 |
Device with simultaneous X-ray and infrared image acquisition and processing system for enhanced breast imaging
The embodiments herein discloses a device with simultaneous X-ray and infrared acquisition and processing systems for an enhance breast imaging. The device has a positioning assembly housed inside a closed chamber and provided with the Infrared and X-ray imaging systems to simultaneously capture an infra red image and an X-ray image of the breast under examination. A patient support table with an opening is provided to enable a patient to lie in a prone position without compressing a breast during imaging. The device is used to correlate anatomical and physiological characteristics and post process analysis of a breast tissue thereby reducing a number of to false positive results. Further the device helps in focusing on a suspected area in a follow-up procedure and aids post processing treatment like targeted biopsy and targeted radiation. |
| US09687149B2 |
Slit lamp microscope
The slit lamp microscope comprises: a supporting base capable of precisely horizontally moving with respect to a frame; a supporting section extended upward from the supporting base; a slit light unit attached to a front end part of the supporting section, the slit light unit accommodating a slit lamp which emits a slit light downward; a mirror unit attached to a vertical middle part of the supporting section, the mirror unit having a reflecting mirror, which reflects the slit light from the slit light unit toward an eye of an examinee; and a microscope unit for observing the eye of the examinee. A slit lamp power cable, which supplies electric power to the slit lamp and which is extended from the supporting base, is provided in a hollow part of the supporting section and connected to the slit lamp in the slit light unit without being exposed outside. |
| US09687148B2 |
Photographing apparatus and photographing method
The present invention provides an ophthalmological apparatus capable of displaying a plurality of fundus tomographic images. A photographing apparatus includes a fundus imaging unit adapted to capture a fundus image of a subject's eye, a scanning unit adapted to scan a desired position of the fundus of the subject's eye to capture tomographic images of the subject's eye, a measuring unit adapted to measure movement amounts of the fundus of the subject's eye by performing pattern matching between a plurality of feature points in the acquired fundus image and feature points in another fundus image newly acquired at a different time, and a control unit adapted to control the scanning unit based on the measured movement amounts. |
| US09687147B2 |
Optical coherence tomography device and control program
An optical coherence tomography device includes an OCT optical system; a processor. The processor executes: an image generation processing of processing first OCT signals, and generating, based on the first OCT signals, a three-dimensional motion contrast image which is obtained by imaging a moving object in the scanning position; a Doppler shift detection processing of detecting Doppler shift in a scanning position specified on the three-dimensional motion contrast image, the plurality of second OCT signals being detected at timings different from the timings when the plurality of first OCT signals are detected; and a velocity obtaining processing of obtaining an absolute velocity of the moving object based on the Doppler shift detected by the Doppler shift detection processing and a three-dimensional structure of the test subject obtained from the three-dimensional motion contrast image generated by the image generation processing. |
| US09687145B2 |
Optical coherence elastography to assess biomechanics and detect progression of ocular and other tissues degenerative diseases
An excitation force (internal or external) and phase-sensitive optical coherence elastography (OCE) system, used in conjunction with a data analyzing algorithm, is capable of measuring and quantifying biomechanical parameters of tissues in situ and in vivo. The method was approbated and demonstrated on an example of the system that combines a pulsed ultrasound system capable of producing an acoustic radiation force on the crystalline lens surface and a phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (OCT) system for measuring the lens displacement caused by the acoustic radiation force. The method allows noninvasive and nondestructive quantification of tissue mechanical properties. The noninvasive measurement method also utilizes phase-stabilized swept source optical coherence elastography (PhS-SSOCE) to distinguish between tissue stiffness, such as that attributable to disease, and effects on measured stiffness that result from external factors, such as pressure applied to the tissue. Preferably, the method is used to detect tissue stiffness and to evaluate the presence of its stiffness even if it is affected by other factors such as intraocular pressure (IOP) in the case of cornea, sclera, or the lens. This noninvasive method can evaluate the biomechanical properties of the tissues in vivo for detecting the onset and progression of degenerative or other diseases (such as keratoconus). |
| US09687139B2 |
Method and a device for controlled dosing of treating compositions in washing machines
The present invention provides a method of dispensing a plurality of treating compositions into a multistage automatic washing machine, as well as a dispensing device comprising an associated reservoir for collection of wash liquor and at least two chambers containing a treating composition. Said chambers are activated in response to an input from a sensor. |
| US09687127B2 |
Self-propelled vacuum cleaner
Provided is a self-propelled vacuum cleaner comprising: a housing that has an net formed on a lower surface and an exhaust port formed at one of left and right sides at a rear part and that can be self-propelled; and a dust-catching part provided between the inlet and the exhaust port through a ventilation path, wherein the dust-catching part includes a dust box disposed at the side of the net and an electrically powered fan disposed at the side of the exhaust port, the dust box and the electrically powered fan being configured to be separable. |
| US09687125B2 |
Sheet product dispenser
A sheet product dispenser includes a housing for accommodating a source of a sheet product and a dispenser opening for dispensing the sheet product. The dispenser opening is provided in a rotatable dispensing member. Rotation of the rotatable dispensing member is restricted to one rotating axis. The dispenser opening is offset from the rotating axis of the rotatable member. Rotation of the rotatable dispensing member results from a lateral force applied by a pulled sheet product strip onto the dispenser opening such that the dispenser opening moves as far as possible into a pulling direction so as to minimize an angle between the pulling direction and a dispensing direction of the dispenser opening. |
| US09687121B2 |
Compact foam at a distance pumps and refill units
Exemplary foam pumps, refill units and foam dispenser systems are disclosed herein. One exemplary refill unit includes a container and a foam pump secured to the container. The foam pump includes an outer housing, an inner housing and a cap. An air pump chamber is formed at least in part by the inner housing. In addition, a liquid pump chamber is formed at least in part by the inner housing. At least a portion of the liquid pump chamber is also formed by the outer housing. An air outlet is located at the bottom of the air pump chamber, which connects to an air outlet passage formed at least in part by the outer housing and the inner housing. Air and liquid dispense tubes are included as well as a mixing chamber located remotely from the foam pump. |
| US09687118B2 |
Carrier body for sanitary surface material, method of adapting such a carrier body to floor dimensions of a sanitary shower facility, and use of the carrier body
The invention relates to a carrier body (1) for sanitary surface material, having a bearing surface for the sanitary surface material, having a floor surface for arranging on an underlying surface, having a through-opening which runs approximately in the vertical direction of the horizontal carrier body, and forms lateral end surfaces, and having a sealing element, which covers over at least one of the surfaces at least in part, wherein the sealing element on the at least one surface is fixed only to a first sub-region (11) and loosely covers over at least a further, second sub-region (12) of the surface. The invention also relates to a method of adapting such a carrier body to the desired floor dimensions of a sanitary shower facility, and to the use of this carrier body for a sanitary cubicle. |
| US09687117B1 |
Medicine cabinet organizer device
A medicine cabinet organizer device includes a housing that is substantially rectangularly box shaped. The housing has a front, which is open. Slits and slots are positioned in a top of the housing. The slits and slots extend from a front edge to proximate to a back edge of the top. Fasteners are coupled to a back of the housing and are configured to couple the housing to a medicine cabinet. Pegs are positioned on opposing sides of the housing and are configured for the user to hang items. Each slit is configured for insertion of a bottom end of a tube such that the tube is retained in a cap down position substantially within the housing. Each slot is configured for insertion of a handle of a toothbrush such that a head of the toothbrush is positioned above the top of the housing. |
| US09687112B2 |
Utensil with grip feature
A utensil for other use in the kitchen or similar venues configured with two side portions and a flexible middle portion formed to bend away from the adjacent side portions. The utensil includes a handle and at least one finger tab extending above and below the middle portion that allow the user to push the middle portion above or below the adjacent side portions and to lock utensil in an open position. The side and middle portions may be configured as a plurality of fork tines or the side and middle portions may be configured as substantially square (rectangular) supports resembling a spatula. Alternatively, the utensil is configured as two separate “L” shaped portions. The combination of the handle, the finger tabs and relatively movable portions allow a user of the utensil to grip food or other items with the utensil. |
| US09687110B2 |
Pancake maker apparatus, methods and systems
A cooking apparatus includes first and second griddles, each having a generally planar cooking surface for cooking food. A first lifting mechanism is configured to elevate the first griddle such that a food item on the cooking surface of the first griddle is predisposed to fall onto the cooking surface of the second griddle. A first wiper is configured to sweep the cooking surface of the first griddle to facilitate detachment of any food item attached to the cooking surface of the first griddle for transfer such food item to the cooking surface of the second griddle. The first and second griddles, first lifting mechanism, and first wiper are interconnected preferably to form a portable, integrated cooking product. These components preferably are enclosed within a housing for presenting a refined consumer product for use in a home kitchen and are arranged so as to define a compact volume and footprint. |
| US09687102B2 |
Curtain hanger
A curtain hanger for hanging a curtain. The curtain hanger can be inserted into a pocket of a curtain. The curtain hanger can include a plurality of teeth or barbs that engage vertical stitches and/or pleats at edges of the pocket to hold the curtain hanger in the pocket. The teeth can be arranged at different widths and/or different angles such that the curtain hanger can be pinched to fit into pockets of different widths. The teeth can also be angled upwardly such that a tugging force on the curtain spreads the teeth apart and forces them into stronger engagement with the vertical stitches and/or pleats at the edges of the pocket. |
| US09687096B2 |
Container
Container for drinking glasses includes a foot, in particular for sparkling wine glasses, and a base body. The base body includes a bottom and first and second side walls extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom, retaining means for retaining the feet of the drinking glasses is associated with at least one side wall, and the retaining means is embodied and arranged such that in a transport position the drinking glasses are supported by the bottom and extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container, and the bottom includes at least one folding line extending in the longitudinal direction of the bottom and the bottom is foldable along the at least one folding line such that in a presentation position the drinking glasses have a substantially upright position and are supported by the side walls. |
| US09687076B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus including a display unit and a support device is provided. The support device is connected to the display unit to support the display unit on a flat surface with a supporting angle. The support device includes a support bracket, a pivot unit and a constant force spring. The support bracket has a pivot hole. The pivot unit is pivotally connected to the pivot hole of the support bracket and connected to the display unit. The constant force spring has a spring body coupled with the pivot unit. When the supporting angle changes in a predetermined range, an end portion of the spring body is movably connected to the support bracket. |
| US09687069B2 |
Multi-head artist and make-up brush
A make-up brush system includes a mandrel having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a gripping surface for engagement with a hand of a make-up artist and the second end being shaped and dimensioned for selective engagement with a plurality of make-up brushes. A plurality of make-up brushes is provided. Each of the plurality of make-up brushes includes a first end and a second end, the first end including a functional component of the make-up brush and the second end including a coupling member shaped and dimensioned for selective engagement with the second end of the mandrel. The system also includes a case both supporting and sanitizing the various components of the present invention. The case includes a tray supporting the plurality of make-up brushes in accessible positions within the case. |
| US09687058B2 |
Hand held appliance
Disclosed is a hand held appliance comprising a handle having an inner wall and an outer wall extending along and around the inner wall wherein the inner wall comprises a plurality of perforations extending at least partially along the inner wall. Perforations of the outer wall are spaced from the perforations of the inner wall. The inner wall and/or outer wall may comprise a plurality of perforations extending at least partially around the inner wall. The outer wall may comprise a plurality of perforations extending at least partially along the outer wall. The handle may comprise a first end and a second end. The inner wall may have a first end and a second end and the inner wall may extend from the first end of the handle towards the second end of the handle. Also disclosed is a hairdryer. |
| US09687055B2 |
Carrier
There is provided a carrier. The carrier comprises an inner lining arranged in the carrier, the lining providing a cavity in which items are carried in the carrier. The carrier includes an illumination system having light transmitting fibers in or at the lining for illumination of the cavity, a light source for feeding lighting to said fibers or otherwise providing illumination in the cavity, a switch for controlling operation of light source, a power source for providing power to illumination system, and a capacitor for controlling duration of illumination of light source. |
| US09687050B2 |
Zipper head assembly structure for decreasing frictional resistance and sliding member thereof
A zipper head assembly structure for decreasing frictional resistance includes a sliding member and a pulling member. The sliding member has a first sliding portion, a second sliding portion, and a connection portion connected between the first and the second sliding portions. The pulling member has an end portion movably mated with a retaining body of the first sliding portion. The first sliding portion has a first inner surface and a first outer surface opposite to the first inner surface, the first sliding portion has a plurality of first sliding blocks disposed on the first inner surface thereof and separated from each other. The second sliding portion has a second inner surface and a second outer surface opposite to the second inner surface, and the second sliding portion has a plurality of second sliding blocks disposed on the second inner surface thereof and separated from each other. |
| US09687044B2 |
Footwear with sole structure incorporating lobed fluid-filled chamber with protruding end wall portions
A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a fluid-filled chamber component having a central portion, a plurality of lobes extending outward from the central portion, and a plurality of channels formed between the plurality of lobes. The structure also includes a midsole component inter-fitted with the plurality of lobes of the fluid-filled chamber and having a plurality of projections extending through the plurality of channels of the fluid-filled chamber component. The midsole component forms a portion of a peripheral side surface of the sole structure. At least a first lobe of the plurality of lobes has an exposed distal end wall and includes a projecting portion that extends further outward from the central portion of the fluid-filled chamber component than the portion of the peripheral side surface of the sole structure formed by the midsole component. The exposed distal end wall also includes a faceted surface. |
| US09687041B2 |
Composite shoe sole, footwear constituted thereof and method for producing the same
A water-vapor permeable shoe-sole combination (15) with an upper side (5) having at least on through hole (31) extending through the thickness of the shoe-sole combination, a barrier unit (35) with an upper side forming at least part of the upper side (50) of the shoe-sole combination, made of a water-vapor permeable barrier material (33) that forms a barrier against penetration of foreign bodies, by means of which the at least one through hole (31) is closed in a water-vapor permeable manner, a reinforcement device (25) formed for mechanical reinforcement of the shoe-sole combination (105), constructed with at least one reinforcement web (37) arranged on at least one surface of the barrier material (33) and at least partially crossing the at least one through hole (31), and at least one walking-sole part (117) arranged beneath the barrier unit (35). |
| US09687032B2 |
Surgical gown and method of manufacturing the surgical gown
Surgical gown and method of manufacturing the surgical gown. In a first embodiment, the surgical gown requires only one operating room person to assist a surgeon in donning the gown. A shoulder flap extends from a rear torso portion, over a shoulder portion and to a front torso portion of the gown. With assistance of only one other person, the surgeon rotates to enclose himself within the surgical gown, secure the flap to the front of the gown and tie waist tie strings. A second embodiment gown is self-donning. The second embodiment comprises a pole to which the flap and one waist tie string are removably attached. The surgeon rotates to enclose himself within the gown, removes the flap and waist tie string from the pole, attaches the flap to the gown and ties the waist tie strings to complete the gowning procedure. |
| US09687031B2 |
Stability enhanced shorts with stitching
Form-fitting athletic garments may provide different elasticity and therefore different amounts of support along different directions. A relatively elastic textile may be used to form a form-fitting compressive garment such as shorts, shirts, leggings, bodysuits, socks, and the like. Stitch lines may be formed in the relatively elastic textile extending in a desired direction using thread(s) and/or stitch construction techniques to provide reduced elasticity along the direction of a stitch line. One or more stitch lines may be formed in a textile to provide enhanced support along the direction of the stitch line(s). An interior textile layer may be adhered the relatively elastic textile layer to contact the wearer's skin and to protect the wearer's skin from stitch lines. An interior textile layer may extend over all or part of the relatively textile layer. |
| US09687025B2 |
Electronic pipe
An electronic pipe is provided. The electronic pipe includes a first pipe section having an electronic module and a first connector element that communicates with the electronic module. A second pipe section is structured to be removeably attachable to the first pipe section, the second pipe section including a combustible material reservoir having a passageway that communicates with a mouthpiece receiver, with an aperture located on a surface of the second pipe section, the aperture communicating with the combustible material reservoir so that a fluid exterior to the electronic pipe can pass into the aperture, through the combustible material reservoir and into the passageway that communicates with the mouthpiece receiver and a second connector element structured to removeably couple to the first connector element, with both connector elements structured to transmit an electric current from the battery to a heating element located within the combustible material reservoir. |
| US09687021B2 |
Shed for curing and drying of tobacco and development and production of seedlings
This utility model relates to a shed for the air drying and curing of tobacco and the growth and production of seedlings, comprising: (i) a plurality of columns (2) which can be positioned at spaced intervals; (ii) a structure (4) mounted on the said columns; (iii) a removable flexible roof (5) stretched over the said structure (4); (iv) removable flexible side panels (3) extending between the said columns; (v) fixing elements (8) to attach the said side panels (3) and the flexible roof (5). |
| US09687013B2 |
Method for the manufacture of pre-rigor sausage
A method for economically retrieving pre-rigor lean and fat for pork sausage from a butcher hog; barrow (a male pig that has been castrated) or gilt (female pig less than six months old that has never been pregnant), (a pig approximately 285 lbs live weight, 6 months old and ready for market with no abnormalities). Retrieving pre-rigor pork sausage from a butcher hog is not known currently in the industry because the perception is that it is not economically feasible. The process technology as disclosed and claimed herein is a new method for economically retrieving and processing certain sections of a butcher hog for producing ground pork sausage while maintaining the value from the primal cuts. The ground pork sausage from this process has comparable texture, color, consistency and other characteristics as compared to the pork sausage retrieved from the older sows, which are typically utilized in industry. In the present technology as disclosed and claimed herein, the process harvests certain sections from butcher hogs at 1 hour to 1 hour and 45 minutes post mortem. The process harvests certain sections of the butcher hog pre-rigor meat including the picnic, jowl, cheek meat, temple, head back, pate and trace lean. |
| US09687009B2 |
Method to produce a pasta filata cheese
A method of producing a pasta filata cheese product, such as a Mozzarella-type cheese, in a continuous process without emulsifier or pH regulator additives requires preparing a typical pasta filata-type cheese curd and supplying the curd in cut pieces to one end of a processing chamber. The chamber has an agitator which rotates to work, knead, stretch and move the curd through the chamber. At the same time, steam is injected into the curd in the chamber through a plurality of injection nozzles spaced along the length of the chamber to heat and cook the cheese while it is mechanically worked. The cooked product exiting from the chamber is molded to a desired shape. |
| US09687007B2 |
Poultry tenderloin extraction apparatus
A poultry tenderloin extraction apparatus is provided that can achieve higher poultry tenderloin extracting process performance without posing a risk of bone chips mixing in the poultry tenderloin. The poultry tenderloin extraction apparatus includes: a fixing jig configured to move while holding a poultry carcass; a poultry tenderloin extraction body section disposed on each of left and right sides with respect to a conveying direction of the fixing jig; a first moving unit configured to move the poultry tenderloin extraction body section toward the moving fixing jig; and a second moving unit configured to move the poultry tenderloin extraction body section away from the moving fixing jig. The poultry tenderloin extraction body section includes a clamping device including: a clamping lower plate to be inserted under the poultry tenderloin in a width direction relative to a longitudinal direction of the poultry tenderloin of the poultry carcass held by the fixing jig; and a clamping upper plate to be supported above the poultry tenderloin, the clamping device being configured to clamp the poultry tenderloin between the clamping lower plate and the clamping upper plate when the poultry tenderloin extraction body section moves toward the fixing jig. The apparatus is configured to, while the poultry tenderloin is clamped between the clamping lower plate and the clamping upper plate, separate the poultry tenderloin from the poultry carcass by a movement of the fixing jig toward a front side in the conveying direction and a movement of the poultry tenderloin extraction body section away from the fixing jig by the second moving unit. |
| US09687002B2 |
Botanical antimicrobial microemulsions (BAMM)
A method to produce clear, thermodynamically stable Botanical AntiMicrobial Microemulsions (BAMM) made from all edible ingredients is disclosed, as well as their use as highly effective antimicrobial broad spectrum disinfectants/deodorants that are not hazardous to humans or animals. |
| US09686993B2 |
Method for inhibiting mycotoxin production
The present invention provides a method for prominently inhibiting the production in fungi of mycotoxin, which has serious effects on health of humans and other animals, and provides a mycotoxin production inhibitor. Mycotoxin content such as deoxinivalenol (DON) in harvested crops can be reduced without a correlation with the control effects against fungi by spraying a fungicide containing a benzimidazole-type fungicidal compound such as thiophanate-methyl as an active ingredient onto food crops such as wheat, barley, and the like. Concomitant use of the benzimidazole-type fungicidal compound and a sterol biosynthesis inhibitor (SBI agent) such as tebuconazole can further enhance the effect. |
| US09686992B2 |
Pesticidal mixtures including spiroheterocyclic pyrrolidine diones
A pesticidal mixture comprising as active ingredient a mixture of component A and component B, wherein component A is a compound of formula (I) in which Q is i or ii wherein X, Y and Z, m and n, A, G, and R, are as defined as in claim 1, and component B is a compound selected from the insecticides as defined in claim 1. The present invention also relates to methods of using said mixtures for the control of plant pests. |
| US09686989B2 |
Synergistic combination of a flurochloridone compound and zinc pyrithione for dry film protection
A synergistic antimicrobial composition containing flurochloridone and 2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one is provided. Also provided is a method of inhibiting the growth of or controlling the growth of microorganisms in a building material by adding such a synergistic antimicrobial composition. Also provided is a coating composition containing such a synergistic antimicrobial composition, and a dry film made from such a coating composition. |
| US09686984B2 |
Macrocyclic picolinamides as fungicides
This disclosure relates to macrocyclic picolinamides of Formula I and their use as fungicides. |
| US09686983B2 |
Tobacco axillary bud growth inhibitor and method for inhibiting tobacco axillary bud growth
An inhibitor for tobacco axillary bud growth, containing chlorthal-dimethyl and aliphatic alcohol selected from decyl alcohol, 2-ethyl hexanol and geraniol in combination; and a method for inhibiting tobacco axillary bud growth, which includes applying the inhibitor for tobacco axillary bud growth. |
| US09686981B2 |
Couplers for medium-chain fatty acids and disinfecting compositions
A disinfecting shower cleaner composition including a medium-chain fatty acid coupled with a nonionic surfactant providing temperature stable antimicrobial compositions. The invention specifically relates to antimicrobial compositions including fatty acid antimicrobial agents coupled with an ethoxylated amine and methods of using the antimicrobial compositions. |
| US09686971B2 |
Methods for testing anti-thrombotic agents
The invention provides a transgenic non-human animal expressing von Willebrand Factor A1 protein containing at least one mutation selected from the group consisting of: 1263P>S, 1269N>D, 1274K>R, 1287M>R, 1302G>D, 1308H>R, 1313R>W, 1314I>V, 1326R>H, 1329L>I, 1330E>G, 1333A>D, 1344T>A, 1347I>V, 1350T>A, 1370G>S, 1379H>R, 1381T>A, 1385T>M 1391P>Q, 1394A>S, 1397L>F, 1421S>N, 1439L>V, 1442G>S, 1449R>Q, 1466A>P, 1469Q>L, 1472Q>H, 1473V>M, 1475H>Q, 1479S>G, and any combination thereof. |
| US09686968B2 |
Bird feeder with disposable bird seed tray
A bird feeder system includes a tray, a packaging system, and a housing. The tray defines a receptacle configured to hold a consumable, such as bird seed. The packaging system is configured to retain the consumable in the receptacle of the tray. At least part of the packaging system is configured to open to allow access to the consumable in the receptacle. The housing has a tray engagement structure configured to secure the tray to the housing. |
| US09686966B2 |
Methods and apparatus for cleaning or disinfecting a water delivery system
Methods for cleaning or disinfecting water delivery systems, self-cleaning or self-disinfecting water delivery systems, and inserts for use in cleaning or disinfecting water delivery systems utilize cationic steroidal antimicrobial (CSA) molecules to kill microbes and/or break up biofilms within water delivery systems. The methods and systems involve adding CSA molecules to water to form an aqueous CSA composition and passing the aqueous CSA composition through the water delivery system, such as a water storage vessel and/or water delivery line to clean or disinfect the water delivery system. CSA molecules can be added to a water storage vessel, water delivery line, or well, such as by a solid or liquid CSA composition. A CSA-eluting composition may provide CSA molecules to water to form an aqueous CSA composition that passes through or is stored within the water delivery system. CSA molecules provided to agricultural animals in drinking water may improve animal health. |
| US09686961B2 |
Automated system for moving a robotic arm along a rotary milking platform
A system for operating a robotic arm comprises a carriage and a robotic arm. The carriage is mounted on a track adjacent to a rotary milking platform having a substantially circular perimeter and a stall for a dairy livestock. The carriage moves along a substantially straight portion of the track tangent to and outside the perimeter of the rotary milking platform at a rate based at least in part upon a speed of rotation of the rotary milking platform. The carriage moves in a direction corresponding to the direction of rotation of the rotary milking platform and such movement of the carriage is independent of any physical coupling between the carriage and the rotary milking platform. The robotic arm extends between the legs of the dairy livestock. |
| US09686953B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV075088
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV075088. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV075088, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV075088 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV075088 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV075088. |
| US09686952B1 |
Maize inbred PH25VV
A novel maize variety designated PH25VV and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH25VV with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH25VV through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH25VV or a locus conversion of PH25VV with another maize variety. |
| US09686951B1 |
Maize inbred PH25K1
A novel maize variety designated PH25K1 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH25K1 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH25K1 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH25K1 or a locus conversion of PH25K1 with another maize variety. |
| US09686947B2 |
Wheat cultivar HV9W10-0887
The invention relates to the wheat cultivar designated HV9W10-0887. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the wheat cultivar HV9W10-0887. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the wheat cultivar HV9W10-0887 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing wheat plants by crossing the wheat cultivar HV9W10-0887 with itself or another wheat cultivar and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09686939B1 |
Soybean cultivar 41372926
A soybean cultivar designated 41372926 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 41372926, to the plants of soybean cultivar 41372926, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 41372926, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 41372926. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 41372926. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 41372926, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 41372926 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US09686934B1 |
Soybean variety 008G13R2
Disclosed is the seed of a novel soybean variety, designated 008G13R2, a sample of which is deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-123620. Also disclosed are plants, or parts thereof, grown from the seed of the variety, plants having the morphological and physiological characteristics of the 008G13R2 variety, and methods of using the plant or parts thereof in a soybean breeding program. |
| US09686930B1 |
Maize hybrid X13F324
A novel maize variety designated X13F324 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X13F324 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13F324 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13F324, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13F324. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13F324. |
| US09686928B1 |
Maize inbred PHVWJ
A novel maize variety designated PHVWJ and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHVWJ with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHVWJ through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHVWJ or a locus conversion of PHVWJ with another maize variety. |
| US09686917B2 |
Debris screen for combine harvester grain cleaning fan
A combine harvester including a frame, threshing apparatus, a grain cleaning system, and a feederhouse pivotally mounted to the frame on a transverse lift axis. The feederhouse includes a conveyor for conveying cut crop material from a fore opening to an aft opening. The feederhouse is configured to support a cutting header at its forward end. The grain cleaning system includes a transverse cross-flow fan having a debris screen protecting an air inlet channel. The debris screen is pivotally mounted along a first transverse edge to the frame and along a second transverse edge to the underside of the feederhouse. One of the first transverse edge and second transverse edge is slideably mounted to the frame or feederhouse respectively to permit the feederhouse to be raised and lowered around the lift axis. |
| US09686916B2 |
Cleaning shoe MOG discharge system
A cleaning shoe material-other-than-grain (MOG) discharge system of a combine harvester has a thresher rotor assembly configured to produce a stream of thresher rotor MOG and a shoe disposed beneath the thresher rotor assembly configured to produce a stream of shoe MOG. A chopper receives and chops the stream of thresher rotor MOG. Vanes disposed at an outlet of the chopper distribute the chopped thresher rotor MOG. A plate having top and bottom surfaces is adjacent to the plural vanes. A duct is set on the plate, the duct having a first inlet and a first outlet, the first inlet disposed adjacent to an outlet of the shoe to receive the stream of shoe MOG, the first outlet disposed downstream of the outlet of the chopper such that the stream of shoe MOG is received in the stream of chopped thresher rotor MOG. |
| US09686915B1 |
Apparatus for processing crop materials into livestock feed
A system and method for producing a feed product, and the product, are disclosed. A processor apparatus may comprise a housing and at least two generally cylindrical rolls rotatably mounted on the housing, with a gap being formed between the rolls through which the path of the crop materials passes. At least one roll may have alternating longitudinal ridges and grooves forming teeth on the surface of the roll. A rotating assembly may be configured to rotate the rolls with respect to the housing, the rotating assembly being configured to rotate the pair of rolls at different rotational speeds. A method may comprise cutting plants growing in a field, chopping the plants of the crop materials in a manner to produce pieces of the plants that have lengths of approximately 1 inch to approximately 2.5 inches long, and processing the plant pieces between the rolls rotating at a speed differential of at least 10 percent. |
| US09686910B2 |
Trimmer head
A trimmer head that can be attached to trimmer stems of varied length includes a stem attachment point, a lift, a base, a pull and twist mechanism, a plurality of blade posts, and a plurality of resting cavities. The trimmer stem is attached to the stem attachment point. The stem attachment point is positioned in between the lift and the base allowing the trimmer head to receive longer trimmer stems. Trimmer blades or trimmer lines are attached to the plurality of blade posts. The lift and the base are positioned adjacent to each other. Moreover, the plurality of blade posts are oriented towards the base. By using the pull and twist mechanism, the trimmer blades or the trimmer lines are positioned in between the lift and the base. The lift is offset from the base providing a maximum range of motion for the attached trimmer blades or trimmer lines. |
| US09686909B2 |
Battery powered lawn care vehicle with drive efficiency indicator
A riding lawn care vehicle may include a battery power source, an electric drive motor, at least one blade drive motor, a current sensor, and a controller. The electric drive motor may be powered by the battery power source. The electric drive motor may be operably coupled to wheels of the riding lawn care vehicle to provide drive power for the riding lawn care vehicle. The at least one blade drive motor may be powered by the battery power source. The at least one blade drive motor may be operably coupled to at least one cutting blade of the riding lawn care vehicle. The current sensor may be disposed to monitor total current drawn from the battery power source. The controller may receive total current data from the current sensor and provide feedback to an operator of the riding lawn care vehicle based on the total current data. |
| US09686907B2 |
Rotary flow divider assembly for agricultural product distribution system
A rotary flow divider assembly is provided that includes a housing having an inlet passage configured to receive agricultural product, a first outlet passage configured to discharge the agricultural product, and a second outlet passage configured to discharge the agricultural product. The rotary flow divider assembly also includes a rotary valve selectively rotatable between a first position that facilitates flow of the agricultural product from the inlet passage to the first and second outlet passages, a second position that facilitates flow of the agricultural product from the inlet passage to the first outlet passage, and substantially blocks flow of the agricultural product from the inlet passage to the second outlet passage, and a third position that facilitates flow of the agricultural product from the inlet passage to the second outlet passage, and substantially blocks flow of the agricultural product from the inlet passage to the first outlet passage. |
| US09686906B2 |
Seeding machine with seed delivery system
A seeding machine with a seed meter and a seed delivery system for moving seed from a seed meter to a furrow formed in the soil. The delivery system has an endless member moving in a housing about pulleys to move seed from an upper opening in the housing to a lower discharge opening. In one embodiment, a loading wheel at the upper opening to the housing engages seed on a metering disk to move seed into the housing. The metering disk and housing can be arranged in planes parallel to one another. |
| US09686896B2 |
Anti-clog suction tip apparatus and methods
Various forms of anti-clog suction tips apparatus are disclosed. An exemplary anti-clog suction tip apparatus includes a suction tip assembly having a suction tip with a suction opening at a first end thereof for removing debris through suction, a hose attachment portion for attaching the suction tip assembly to a suction source, and an ejection wire channel. The apparatus further includes an ejection wire assembly having an ejection wire extending within the channel and an ejection button integral with or connected to the ejection wire. Applying a force to the ejection button advances the ejection wire through the channel such that an end portion of the ejection wire enters the suction tip and dislodges debris clogging the suction tip. The ejection wire may include an enlarged end portion such as, for example a ball tip. One or more of the components of the apparatus may be single-use and disposable. |
| US09693489B2 |
Cooling flow channel module for power conversion device and power conversion device including the same
Provided are a cooling flow channel module for a power conversion device, in which a structure of a cooling flow channel for cooling a power conversion device including an inverter or an LDC is simplified to facilitate manufacturing and assembling, and a power conversion device including the same. The cooling flow channel module includes an intake flow channel, a discharge flow channel disposed to be parallel to the intake flow channel, and a cooling pipe configured to connect the intake flow channel and the discharge flow channel and cool the heating element disposed thereabove or therebelow, wherein a plurality of cooling pipes are provided and connect a side portion of the intake flow channel and a side portion of the discharge flow channel disposed to be parallel to each other. |
| US09693485B2 |
Cooling system for electronic device storing apparatus and cooling system for electronic device storing building
A cooling system of an electronic device storing apparatus of the present invention comprises: a rack including an electronic device and a plurality of placement shelves to place the electronic device; in the rack, a vaporizer having a refrigerant internally being mounted; outside the rack, a condensing part connected with the vaporizer by a laying pipe being installed; and a refrigerant adjustment means for adjusting a height of a refrigerant surface in the vaporizer. |
| US09693482B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor component on a carrier body that includes a ceramic body and a thermistor sensor structure directly connected to the ceramic body. The thermistor sensor structure is integrated into the carrier body and includes a heat sink, on which the carrier body is mounted. |
| US09693480B2 |
Electronic device with cooling by a liquid metal spreader
An electronic device with cooling of a heat dissipation source, by a liquid metals spreader, the device including at least one heat dissipation source, at least one spreader through which at least one liquid metal circulation channel passes forming a loop routed below a heat dissipation source, at least one heat sink, and at least one electromagnetic pump moving the liquid metal in the at least one channel such that the liquid metal absorbs heat dissipated by a heat dissipation source and transports the absorbed heat to be evacuated by the heat sink. Each spreader includes at least two plates made of an electrical insulating material located on each side of at least one bar made of deformable material. |
| US09693472B2 |
Cable management systems for enclosures
An enclosure for housing electronic equipment includes one or more panels, at least one stud extending from a panel of the one or more panels, and at least one peg removably coupled to the panel via the at least one stud. The at least one stud includes a thread. The at least one peg includes a body portion defining an opening for receiving the at least one stud and a through hole extending therethrough for receiving a cable fastener to secure one or more cables in the enclosure. The body portion includes a thread adjacent the opening corresponding to the thread of the at least one stud for removably coupling the at least one peg to the panel via the at least one stud. Other example enclosures are also disclosed. |
| US09693469B2 |
Electronic module subassemblies
An electronic module subassembly including a substrate. The substrate includes a bottom laminate, a middle laminate coupled to the bottom laminate, and a top laminate coupled to the middle laminate. The middle laminate has a plurality of web areas, each web area defining at least one hole. The defines a planar top surface and a plurality of open areas corresponding to and aligned with the plurality of web areas. First components have a first thickness. At least one first component is in each of the open areas. Second components have a second thickness relatively larger than the first thickness. At least one second component is in each of the open areas. The second components extend into the respective at least one hole of the web areas. Encapsulant fills in the open areas and the web areas. |
| US09693465B2 |
Connection method for connection wire structure of direct light bar
A method for connecting direct light bars includes: providing connection wires, each of which has two ends to each of which a copper ring is mounted; providing light bars, each of which includes a wiring board having a first exposed copper zone that has a hole to serve as a circuit connection contact; providing a circuit board that has a second exposed copper zone including a hole to serve as a circuit connection contact; and positioning the two copper rings of each connection wire on the circuit connection contacts of the first and/or second exposed copper zones to be in alignment with the holes so as to allow the two copper rings to be connected to the holes corresponding thereto to establish circuit connection between the copper rings and the corresponding first and/or second exposed copper zones of the circuit board and the wiring boards of the light bars. |
| US09693463B2 |
Transparent display panel and method of manufacturing the same
A transparent display panel, and a method of manufacturing the transparent display panel are discussed. The transparent display panel according to one embodiment includes a substrate; a driving element formed in a display pixel area on the substrate; a wiring electrode formed in the display pixel area and connected to the driving element; and a transparent wiring electrode formed in a transmissive area on the substrate, the transparent wiring electrode being extended to connect to the wiring electrode in the display pixel area. |
| US09693461B2 |
Magnetic-core three-dimensional (3D) inductors and packaging integration
A 3-dimensional (3-D) magnetic core device includes a substrate, a first magnetic shell formed on the substrate, and a first group of conductive traces embedded in a first insulator layer formed on the first magnetic shell. A magnetic core plane is formed on the first insulator layer, and a second group of conductive traces are embedded in a second insulator layer formed on the magnetic core plane. A second magnetic shell is formed on the second insulator layer, and the first and second group of conductive traces are conductively coupled by using conductive vias. |
| US09693447B2 |
Display panel integrating a driving circuit
A display panel includes a periphery area, an active display area adjacent to the periphery, a driving chip disposed out of the active display area for driving the active display area, and a plurality of wires electrically connecting the driving chip and the active display area. The width of at least one wire at a portion adjacent to the driving chip is smaller than the width of the at least one wire at the other portion adjacent to the active display area. |
| US09693443B2 |
Self-shielding target for isotope production systems
A self-shielding target for isotope production systems is provided. The target includes a body configured to encase a target material and having a passageway for a charged particle beam, and a component within the body, wherein the charged particle beam induces radioactivity in the component. Additionally, at least one portion of the body is formed from a material having a density value greater than a density value of aluminum to shield the component. |
| US09693442B2 |
Plasma generation provision, internal combustion engine and analysis provision
To make it easy to adjust a location of an emission antenna in a plasma generation device that generates plasma by a discharge and enlarges the plasma by an electromagnetic wave. A plasma generation device 30 includes an electromagnetic wave generation device 31, an emission antenna 16, a high voltage generation device 14, and a discharge electrode 15. The emission antenna 16 forms a discharge gap together with the discharge electrode 15 which a high voltage outputted from the high voltage generation device 14 is applied to. The plasma generation device 30 enlarges discharge plasma using the electromagnetic wave emitted from the emission antenna 16 caused by the electromagnetic wave outputted from the electromagnetic wave generation device 31, where the discharge plasma is generated at the discharge gap by an output of a high voltage from the high voltage generation device 14. |
| US09693441B2 |
Method for generating an atmospheric plasma jet and atmospheric plasma minitorch device
A method and a device for generating a plasma in atmospheric-pressure, low-temperature conditions are described herein. The device described for the generation of the plasma comprises a first pair of electrodes, each of which separated by a dielectric layer and externally positioned with respect to a tubular duct where the gas flows, and a second pair of electrodes, also in this case each of which separated by a dielectric layer and externally positioned with respect to said tubular duct where the same gas flows downstream with respect to the first pair with respect to the direction of the flow. A high-frequency excitation is applied to the first pair of electrodes while a Radio-Frequency excitation is applied to the second pair of electrodes. The plasma generated in this manner emerges from the gas flow at the outlet of the transport duct. The high-frequency excitation can be applied in pulse trains and the Radio-Frequency generator is substantially activated in said pulse trains for the purpose of limiting the thermal load on the treated substrate. Chemical precursors and reagents can be added to the plasma as vapors or aerosols by means of a central transport duct coaxial with the tubular duct for the gas. |
| US09693440B1 |
EUV LPP source with improved dose control by tracking dose over specified window
A method and apparatus for controlling a dose of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation generated by a laser produced plasma (LPP) EUV light source. In one embodiment, a running total of the EUV energy generated over a predetermined number of laser pulses is measured; once that number of pulses is exceeded, the energy from the pulse immediately preceding the most recent predetermined number of pulses is dropped from the running total, so that the running total is from the most recent predetermined number of pulses. If the running total of the EUV energy exceeds a target dose, the next pulse is caused to not hit a droplet. This avoids the unwanted side effects of various prior art solutions, such as needing to miss many droplets in a row, or requiring the laser pulses to be shortened or reduced in power as in other prior art solutions. |
| US09693437B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling X-ray imaging systems
Systems and methods for controlling an X-ray imaging system are described. The systems and methods typically include a support arm with a first end and a second end. The first end of the support arm connects to an articulating arm assembly and the second end of the support arm pivotally attaches to an X-ray imaging arm at a pivot joint so that the pivot joint functions as an axis of orbital rotation for the X-ray imaging arm. One or more controls for the X-ray imaging system are disposed on the support arm for the X-ray imaging arm. The controls can therefore remain stationary while the X-ray imaging arm rotates orbitally. The support arm can include a single member or a double member and one or more controls can be disposed on each member of the support arm. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US09693433B2 |
Apparatus and method for schedule based operation of a luminaire
An illumination system verifies controls the operation of a luminaire without the use of any photometric data. The illumination system uses data indicative of a current time, date or latitude to determine one or more aspects of a solar event. Such aspects can include a scheduled, predicted or expected time of occurrence of the scheduled solar event. Responsive to the determination of a scheduled, predicted or expected time of occurrence of the scheduled solar event, a control subsystem can adjust the luminous output of a light source. |
| US09693429B2 |
System and method for controlling power supply
A system for controlling power supply according to the present disclosure includes a controlled device, a waveform control circuitry and a power detection and control circuitry. A supply voltage is provided to the controlled device for supplying power and, at the same time is applied to the waveform control circuitry for changing its waveform so as to generate a control signal. The control signal is then received and analyzed by the power detection and control circuitry to output a control command, which is used to control the controlled device. Based on the system for controlling power supply, there is also provided a method for controlling power supply, which may be implemented by a smart dimming system to realize remote control of lighting-on, lighting-off, dimming and color temperature regulation. |
| US09693427B2 |
RGBW controller
A control system for use in a network. The control system includes an input device coupled to the network to generate an input signal. The control system also includes an RGBW controller having a plurality of input channels and a plurality of output channels, and is coupled to the network. The RGBW receives the input signal at the input channels, determines if the input signal meets a predetermined condition, and generates a series of independent output signals at the plurality of output channels in response to the input signal meeting a predetermined condition. The control system also includes one or more output devices to receive one or more of the independent output signals, and to perform one or more functions in response to receiving one or more of the independent output signals. |
| US09693405B2 |
Devices and systems having AC LED circuits and methods of driving the same
A lighting device and system having at least one circuit, the circuit having at least two LEDs connected in series, parallel or anti-parallel configuration and at least one current limiting diode. The device or system may be driven with AC or DC power and may further include a sensor and polarity switching circuit to utilize all LEDs within the circuit when drive by DC power. |
| US09693403B2 |
Lighting arrangement
The invention describes a low-power load arrangement (1) comprising a low-power load (3); a driver (2) for the low-power load (3); connectors (300) for connecting to an electronic transformer (2) realized for converting a mains power supply (4) to a power supply for a normal-power load (5); and a reverse current generating means (LP, SB) realized to provide a reverse current (Irev_LP, Irev_SB) to sustain self-oscillation during operation of the electronic transformer (2), wherein the direction of current flow of the reverse current (Irev_LP, Irev_SB) is opposite in direction to the output current of the electronic transformer (2). The invention further describes a lighting arrangement (1) comprising an electronic transformer (2) realized for converting a mains power supply (4) to a power supply for a normal-power load; a low-power load (3) connected to the electronic transformer (2), which low-power load (3) comprises a low-power light source (30); and wherein the lighting arrangement (1) comprises a reverse current generating means (LP, SB) realized to provide a reverse current (Irev_LP, Irev_SB) to sustain transformer self-oscillation when the transformer (2) drives the low-power load (3), wherein the direction of current flow of the reverse current (Irev_LP, Irev_SB) is opposite in direction to the output current of the electronic transformer (2). The invention also describes a method of driving a low-power load (3) with an electronic transformer (2) realized for driving a normal-power load (5). |
| US09693395B2 |
Goggle with easily interchangeable lens that is adaptable for heating to prevent fogging
Anti-fog, interchangeable-lens goggle adapted for use with a battery comprising: a body with a flexible posterior portion for engaging a user's face and an anterior portion; a lens having a resistive anti-fog element thereon, the lens adapted for engaging the anterior portion of the body; an engagement mechanism for releasably interconnecting the lens and the body; an interconnection mechanism depending from the body adapted for detachably interconnecting the heating element of the lens and the battery, the interconnection means operable or integral with the engagement mechanism such that interconnecting the heating element of the lens with the battery also reinforces interconnecting of the lens with the semi-rigid anterior portion of the body; and a strap adapted for holding the goggle on a user's head with, or without, a helmet. |
| US09693382B2 |
Access independent signaling and control
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method, network node, and non-transitory machine-readable storage medium including one or more of the following: enabling communication via a first a second access network, wherein the first access network is a first type and the second access network is a second type; communicating with a first control application via at least one of the first access network and the second access network according to a signaling protocol that is used for the communication without regard for which of the first access network and the second access network are used for the communication, wherein the communication effects a change to service provided via at least one data bearer across at least one of the first access network and the second access network, and communicating via the at least one data bearer to exchange non-control application data with at least one other network device. |
| US09693377B2 |
Automatic internet sharing
Methods of tethering first and second devices to enable the second device to tether to and gain access to a packet data network through the first device. The first device is configured to connect to the packet data network through a first interface. The first and second devices are configured to exchange tethering information, such as through Near Field Communication. With the first device connected to the packet data network using a first interface, the devices are tethered together using a second interface. The second device is then able to access the packet data network through the tethering connection with the first device. |
| US09693371B2 |
IoE device transmission signaling and scheduling
In an aspect of the disclosure, a method, a computer program product, and an apparatus are provided. The apparatus may be a first node. The first node determines a data frame based on synchronization information. The data frame has a signaling block and a plurality of data slots. The signaling block is prior to the plurality of data slots. The first node communicates with a second node in the signaling block to reserve a first data slot of the plurality of data slots during which to transmit or to receive a first packet. The first node transmits the first packet to the second node or receives the first packet from the second node during the first data slot. |
| US09693368B2 |
Bandwidth acquisition in contention-based networks
Network nodes acquire bandwidth in contention-based networks for handling video traffic. A request to reserve a channel for transmission of a payload is sent prior to a network node receiving the payload. The payload is a burst of video data that is generated periodically. A network node determines a time period for reserving the channel. The network node determines when to initiate contending for the channel and the time period for transmitting the payload to another network node. A network node determines when a payload is expected to arrive and monitors its back off time period at least a time period prior to receiving a payload. The network node also monitors transmission of the payload and adjusts when to initiate contending for the channel. |
| US09693367B2 |
Contention arbitration using code division multiplexing
Access to a wireless medium is controlled based on contention arbitration. A certain number of wireless devices are allowed to contend for a transmission opportunity. Requests from these wireless devices are processed based on codes contained in the requests. Winning wireless devices are given access to the wireless medium by transmitting a contention arbitration message. In some implementation, codes in the request are selected from an orthogonal or pseudo orthogonal code set. |
| US09693364B2 |
Processing interference due to non-linear products in a wireless network
Interference in a data stream carrying a plurality of uplink signals received in a wireless network is processed, the interference comprising a non-linear product (I3) of at least one downlink signal (C1) of the wireless network. The data stream carrying the plurality of uplink signals and at least a first data stream carrying a plurality of downlink signals is received, and data representing signals received at a first uplink carrier frequency is selected from the data stream carrying the plurality of uplink signals. Data representing signals at at least a first downlink carrier frequency is selected from at least the first data stream carrying the plurality of downlink signals. Interference is detected in the selected data representing signals received at the first uplink carrier frequency by correlation with a synthesized product generated from at least data representing signals at the first downlink carrier frequency. |
| US09693363B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling clear channel assessment threshold
Method and apparatus for controlling CCA threshold of a wireless communication channel is provided. The method includes: obtaining a noisy level of the channel based on the number of first data received by a first terminal in a first period, the first terminal being a STA or AP in a wireless network, and the first data include aggregation frames or non-aggregation frames; and adjusting the CCA threshold the first terminal uses in data transmission in a second period based on the noisy level. The first terminal may adaptively detect the noisy level of the channel, and the CCA threshold may be selected reasonably based on the noisy level, which enables the first terminal to obtain an opportunity of accessing the channel in time when it needs to send data, enhance the first terminal's competition ability of occupying channels, and improve a throughput rate. |
| US09693359B2 |
Scheduling communication resources
In an example embodiment, one or more scheduler of base stations may be configured to schedule physical resource blocks in considering the respective wireless communication channel quality and neighboring co-channel interferences. |
| US09693356B1 |
Smart on-demand internet-of-things connections
A method is performed in a service provider network. The method includes a network device receiving registration records for multiple machine-type communication (MTC) devices, each of the registration records including a connection profile that indicates a level of delay tolerance for connections. The method also includes receiving, by a fixed-location accepter device and via wireless signals, connection requests from the multiple MTC devices, wherein each of the connection requests includes a connection profile indicator. The method further includes the network device receiving an indication of inadequate capacity to accept all the connection requests from the multiple MTC devices; and directing, in response to receiving the indication, a mobile accepter device into a geographic area wherein the mobile accepter device is configured to accept at least a portion of the connection requests, via wireless signals, the portion of the connection requests including connection profile indicators that indicate a tolerance for delay. |
| US09693355B2 |
Methods and systems for profiling network resource usage by a mobile application
An exemplary profiling system builds a two-layer mapping model for a mobile network. The two-layer mapping model establishes a causal relationship between a plurality of application behavior indicators and network resource usage within the mobile network by defining a first mapping relationship between the plurality of application behavior indicators and a plurality of network performance indicators representative of network traffic that passes through the mobile network, and a second mapping relationship between the plurality of network performance indicators and network resource usage within the mobile network. Corresponding systems and methods are also described. |
| US09693354B2 |
Method for transmit and receive power control in mesh systems
A method and apparatus for controlling transmit power in a wireless local area network (WLAN). A station may transmit capability information to another station and may include an indicator that indicates a maximum transmission power for an operational bandwidth that the station supports. The station may receive a signal that has a transmission power based on at least one of the operational bandwidths of the transmitted capability information. |
| US09693351B2 |
Method and apparatus for rate determination in a radio frequency system
Techniques are described for determining rates and other parameters for users associated with a multiple access channel (MAC). In at least one embodiment, a rate determination tool having a GUI interface is provided. |
| US09693346B2 |
Method for communicating in a mobile network
A method for communicating between a primary station and at least one secondary station, comprising: configuring the secondary station to search at least one of a plurality of search spaces having a first structure, the first structure consisting of at least a first number of resource sets having a first size, where at least one resource set is for transmitting a message to the secondary station, and changing the search space structure to a second structure different from the first structure in response to a signalling message. |
| US09693345B2 |
Flexible radio link control packet data unit length
According to an example method performed in a High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) environment, a first device generates a High Speed Downlink Shared Channel (HS-DSCH) data frame that includes a plurality of blocks of packet data units. A first block of the plurality of blocks includes packet data units of a first length, and a second block of the plurality of blocks includes packet data units of a different, second length. The first device transfers the HS-DSCH data frame to a second device. The HS-DSCH data frame further includes, for each block of the plurality of blocks, a first information element that indicates a length of the one or more packet data units in the each block, and a second information element that indicates a quantity of packet data units in the each block. |
| US09693343B2 |
Method for processing NDI in random access procedure and a method for transmitting and receiving a signal using the same
A method is provided for transmitting an uplink signal by a user equipment (UE). The UE receives a first uplink grant including a first new data indicator (NDI) from a network, determines whether the first NDI has been toggled by comparing the first NDI to a second NDI, and transmits the uplink signal based on a result of the determining to the network. The second NDI is included in a second uplink grant that was previously received. The second uplink grant was identified by an identifier except for a temporary cell identifier. |
| US09693341B2 |
Physical uplink control channel optimization
Communication systems, such as the long tem evolution (LTE) of the third generation partnership project (3GPP) may benefit from various optimizations, such as optimizations related to smart phone technology. More particularly, diverse data applications may benefit from enhancements such as physical uplink control channel optimization. According to certain embodiments, a method can include configuring, with radio resource control signaling, a physical uplink control channel resource to one or more devices. The method can also include indicating to each device of the one or more devices, which part of the resource to use. |
| US09693338B2 |
Resource selection for device to device discovery or communication
Systems, methods, and instrumentalities are disclosed to manage interference caused by D2D communications. A wireless transmit receive unit (WTRU) may include a processor. The processor may be configured to perform one or more of the following. The processor may determine to send information using a device-to-device transmission via a resource pool from a plurality of resource pools. Each resource pool may be associated with a range of reference signal receive power (RSRP) values. The processor may determine a RSRP measurement of a cell associated with the WTRU. The processor may select a resource pool from the plurality of resource pools based on the RSRP measurement of the cell. The RSRP measurement of the cell may be within the range of RSRP values associated with the selected resource pool. The processor may send the information using the selected resource pool. |
| US09693328B1 |
Device and method for synchronizing data associated with a vehicle test
A synchronization device for synchronizing data associated with a vehicle test is presented. The synchronization device may include signal-generating circuitry configured to generate a signal and provide the signal to at least one output device associated with a vehicle so as to allow a data collection device to receive the signal from the at least one output device. The synchronization device may also include first additional circuitry configured to prevent the data collection device from receiving the signal based on whether a test associated with the vehicle has started. At least one of the providing of the signal to the at least one output device or the preventing of the data collection device from receiving the signal may indicate a start of the test and may allow data collected by the data collection device to be synchronized with other collected data. |
| US09693325B1 |
Method and apparatus for hybrid time synchronization based on broadcast sequencing for wireless ad hoc networks
Synchronizing a plurality of sensors of a wireless sensor network includes initiating, by a first sensor, a flood broadcast of a sequence discovery packet in the wireless sensor network; creating, by the first sensor in response to receiving back the sequence discovery packet, an initial broadcast sequence, wherein the initial broadcast sequence includes a list of sensor identifications, and wherein an adjacent pair of sensor identifications in the initial broadcast sequence correspond to a pair of neighbor sensors, and wherein the pair of neighbor sensors are able to communicate directly with each other; broadcasting, by the first sensor, the initial broadcast sequence, wherein the initial broadcast sequence specifies an initial order for the plurality of sensors to broadcast synchronization information to eliminate collisions in the wireless sensor network; and broadcasting, by the first sensor, a first timestamp, using a location of the first sensor in the initial broadcast sequence. |
| US09693314B2 |
Power consumption detection system and method for electronic device
An electronic device includes a screen, a processor coupled to the screen, and a non-transitory storage device coupled to the processor and configured to store one or more programs executed by the processor, the one or more programs causing the processor to acquire a cumulative time of each signal intensity of a wireless signal received or transmitted by the electronic device and/or a cumulative time of each mobile network service mode provided to the electronic device at a time interval, detect whether the electronic device, in a current mobile network service mode, is power-guzzling according to the cumulative time of each signal intensity and/or the cumulative time of each mobile network service mode, and generate a prompt message when the electronic device is power-guzzling. |
| US09693310B2 |
Apparatus and method for reducing power consumption in portable terminal
An apparatus and method for reducing power consumption of a portable terminal are provided. More particularly, an apparatus and method for reducing power consumption generated in an idle state in order to solve a power consumption problem in a portable terminal are provided. The apparatus includes a state determination unit which is configured independently from an application processor for controlling applications and which wakes up when entering an idle mode to allow the application processor to sleep, and thereafter determines a state of the portable terminal, and if it is determined that the portable terminal escapes from the idle mode, allows the application processor to wake up. |
| US09693307B2 |
Early termination of reception of wireless transmissions
Performing early termination of reception by a mobile station. The mobile station may receive a wireless transmission. The wireless transmission may include a physical layer (PHY) header, a media access control (MAC) header, and data. The mobile station may determine a duration and a destination address from the MAC header. The mobile station may determine if the wireless transmission is intended for the mobile station using the destination address. In response to determining that the wireless transmission is not intended for the mobile station, the mobile station may enter a low power mode prior to completion of the wireless transmission. The length of time of the low power mode may be based on the duration of the first wireless transmission. |
| US09693301B2 |
Base station, radio communications system, base station control method, radio communications method and base station control program
Because it is not possible to sufficiently reduce the number base stations that start uselessly in spite of being in a low traffic state, it is not possible to lower interference between adjacent cells and power consumption sufficiently. A base station starts transmission of a control signal with predetermined power when communication between another base station and a mobile station is started and a first predetermined condition is satisfied. |
| US09693293B2 |
Device-anchor base stations
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing efficient and reliable communication for wireless devices, e.g., Machine Type Communication devices, in a cellular communications network. In one embodiment, a network node of the cellular communications network identifies candidate device-anchor base stations, where the candidate device-anchor base stations are wireless devices that satisfy one or more predefined criteria for serving as a candidate device-anchor base station. The network node then effects selection of a device-anchor base station for a wireless device from the candidate device-anchor base stations such that communication between a serving base station of the wireless device and the wireless device is via the device-anchor base station. In this manner, communication between the wireless device and the serving base station of the wireless device is assisted by the device-anchor base station. |
| US09693290B2 |
Apparatus and method for dynamically allocating radio resource
A method for a terminal to communicate with a network using a plurality of frequency band cells, and the terminal for performing the method are discussed. The method according to one embodiment includes acquiring frequency bands information on which of frequency bands measurement can be performed and on which of the frequency bands measurement cannot be performed. The frequency bands information is acquired from outside of the terminal. The method according to the embodiment further includes performing measurement on the frequency bands on which measurement can be performed based on the frequency bands information; acquiring measurement result information on the plurality of frequency band cells based on the measurement; and communicating data with a network on the plurality of frequency band cells considering the measurement result information. |
| US09693282B2 |
Control method, controller and packet processing method for software-defined network
A controlling method, a controller and a packet processing method for a software-defined network (SDN) are provided. The controlling method includes the following steps: receiving a registration message from a user equipment (UE), wherein the registration message includes a network access status of the UE; selecting a switch of the SDN as an aggregation entity (AE) for the UE according to the network access status; calculating a plurality of routing paths between the UE and the AE, wherein each routing path is coupled to one of a plurality of network interfaces of the UE; and setting flow entries in the AE and each switch in the routing paths for routing packets between the UE and a remote network. |
| US09693268B2 |
Method of handover in mobile communication system
A terminal starts a first timer for detecting an RLF (Radio Link Failure) when signal strength of a serving base station is lower than a reference value. The terminal triggers a handover without a TTT (Time to Trigger) for handover when signal strength of a target base station is greater than the signal strength of the serving base station by a first offset or more while the first timer is running. The terminal transmits a measurement report message regarding the signal strength of the target base station to the serving base station when a handover is triggered. |
| US09693260B2 |
Data transmission system and method
Provided are a data packet transmission system and method, the system includes: an Agent device, a first connecting device, a MAC array, a second connecting device, a PHY array, a third connecting device and an RF array, where the Agent device sends data of a first data frame to the first connecting device, and the first connecting device sends a data packet to a destination MAC device in the MAC array; the destination MAC device sends a second data frame to the second connecting device; the second connecting device sends the data packet to a destination PHY device in the PHY array; the destination PHY device sends a third data frame to the third connecting device; and the third connecting device sends the data packet to a destination RF device in the RF array, and the destination RF device sends the data packet to a user side. |
| US09693256B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring interference in a telecommunications system
A receiving unit or a transmitting unit of a wireless network, and method therefor, for facilitating noise and interference measurements on an air interface. The receiving unit includes: a network interface which obtains information relating to a time-varying layout of a silent resource element (RE) grid; an electronic memory having code in communication with the network interface which stores the information; and a processing unit in communication with the electronic memory that takes a presence of a silent RE grid into account in the reception of a control or a data channel. Information relating to a time-varying layout of a silent resource element (RE) grid is obtained and a presence of a silent RE grid is taken into account in the reception of a control or a data channel. |
| US09693255B2 |
Method and apparatus for reporting traffic and method and apparatus for counting network traffic
Provided are a method and an apparatus for reporting traffic and a method and an apparatus for counting network traffic. The method for reporting the traffic includes: an application acquires network traffic of the application (S102); and the application reports the network traffic (S104). Through the technical solution, the problem that the operator cannot master the traffic demands of application of a user side in different periods so that they cannot carry out operation and management according to the traffic use condition of application of the user side is solved. The operator can master the traffic use condition of application of the user side according to the network traffic reported by the application so as to operate and manage the network traffic according to the traffic use condition of the user, thereby improving the monitoring of the network traffic. |
| US09693253B2 |
Systems and methods for nearby channel measurement
System and method embodiments are provided for nearby channel measurement. The embodiments enable identifying stations that are hidden from one another. In an embodiment, a method in a wireless access point (AP) for identifying channel quality between a first and second group of STAs associated with the AP includes transmitting a first packet to the first group of STAs, wherein the first packet comprises information on measurement time window within which the first group of STAs is to measure a received signal; transmitting scheduling information to the second group of STAs, wherein the scheduling information indicates a time to send a reference packet during the measurement time window; and receiving a measurement report from the first group of STAs after the measurement time window, wherein measurement report includes information on received signal quality at the first group of STAs of a signal transmitted by the second group of STAs. |
| US09693247B2 |
Method and apparatus for communicating to UE an indication of available RS, based on MIMO mode settings
The present solution ensures that the UEs are able to make use of all the available reference signals that can be used in a cell for performing UE measurements, estimations or demodulations. That is achieved by indicating on a downlink common or shared channel, the MIMO mode settings associated with a specific network node. The indicated MIMO mode settings explicitly or implicitly indicate available common reference signals and/or dedicated reference signals to be used for said UE measurements, estimations or demodulations, which implies that measurements, estimations or demodulations can be performed based on said received indication. |
| US09693245B2 |
Method and system for measuring interference signal in carrier signal
Disclosed in the present disclosure are a method and system for measuring interference signals in carrier signals. The method comprises: receiving multiple valid samples of the carrier signals; based on the multiple valid samples of the carrier signals, gaining value of constant part and mean square error of zero mean part in the interference signals through iterative calculation; calculating the total power value of the interference signals. Since considering the constant part in the interference signals, the measurement method is suitable in the case that the interference signals in the carrier signals is non-zero mean value, and the obtained measurement result of the interference signals will be more accurate than the result through the existing method. |
| US09693242B2 |
Communications links assessment
There is provided a method, a communications device, a vehicle and a computer program for adaptation of operation for communication between communications devices. An application is executed by a first communications device. The application involves data communications with a second communications device. A predicted impact on at least one communications link used for the data communications is acquired. The predicted impact is based on information of current link parameters of the at least one communications link. Operation of the first communications device is adapted based on the predicted impact. |
| US09693232B2 |
High security system and method used in radio systems
The present invention relates to a high security system (1) and method (100) which prevents unauthorized (foreign) radios (R) that are not defined in the system from being served by the main communication system (MCS) in professional radio systems and which thus secures the communication of the radios (R) that are registered in the system. |
| US09693225B2 |
Method and apparatus for a dual radio user equipment
A method at a user equipment capable of supporting at least two radio connections, the method including requesting from a remote server, using a first radio connection, a subscriber identity; receiving, at the user equipment, the subscriber identity over the first radio connection; using the subscriber identity to establish a second radio connection; and forcing the first radio connection to remain on a same network as the second radio connection. Further, a method at a user equipment capable of supporting at least two radio connections, the method receiving a subscriber authentication challenge over the second network connection; using the first radio connection to connect to the remote server to obtain an authentication challenge response for the subscriber authentication challenge; and sending the authentication challenge response over the second network connection. |
| US09693224B2 |
Restricting software to authorized wireless environments
An apparatus for restricting execution of software is disclosed. The apparatus includes a telecommunication device configured to communicate with a wireless device (e.g., an RFID device) using a first wireless communication protocol. The telecommunication device is configured to determine whether or not the telecommunication device is located in an authorized wireless environment, based on wireless devices detected by the telecommunication device. The telecommunication device is also configured to execute a program in response to determining that it is located in an authorized wireless environment. Conversely, the telecommunication device is also configured to inhibit execution of the program in response to determining that it is not located in an authorized wireless environment. |
| US09693221B2 |
Method of managing at least one wireless communications interface of a terminal, and a terminal
A method of managing at least one wireless communications interface of a terminal by performing an obtaining step (E10) to obtaining information (CId) representative of the geographical location of the terminal; a searching step (E20) for searching in a database of the terminal at least one identifier of a wireless communications interface of the terminal that is associated with said information. If such an associated identifier is found, an automatic activation step (E50) is performed for activating the wireless communications interface corresponding to the at least one identifier. |
| US09693216B2 |
Uplink detection-based processing method, network device, and terminal
The present application provides an uplink detection-based processing method, a network device, and a terminal. The method includes: acquiring first information; acquiring receive power information that is used by a first access device to receive a radio signal sent by a terminal; and performing processing according to the first information and the receive power information that is used by the first access device to receive the radio signal sent by the terminal. Embodiments of the present application can implement uplink detection-based processing. |
| US09693207B2 |
Unified notification and response system
A unified notification system in which notifications for all of a user's devices and services appear in windows of all of the user's devices. Notifications related to the user's social network friends and public users that the user subscribes to may also appear in the windows of all devices. Events from the user's devices and accounts are sent to a server for aggregation and provisioning back to the user's devices. To this end, a HTTP API may query the server to receive the user's notifications. Notifications that include content can also include metadata. The user can respond to any notification from any device. |
| US09693192B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, information processing program, recording medium storing thereon information processing program
An information processing apparatus acquires posting data which is transmitted via a mobile communication network from a mobile terminal as a transmitter and which includes a keyword indicating a predetermined spot. The information processing apparatus acquires the position information corresponding to the keyword included in the posting data acquired by the first acquiring unit from a storing unit that stores the keyword indicating the predetermined spot and position information indicating a position of the spot in association with each other. The information processing apparatus outputs the acquired position information as information indicating a position at which it is possible to connect to the mobile communication network via which the acquired posting data was transmitted. |
| US09693191B2 |
Prioritization of messages within gallery
In some embodiments, a computer implemented method of processing messages may include providing a dashboard to be displayed to an owner of a brand, the dashboard comprising a message received from a user device, the message comprising an instance of an appearance of a mark or logo of the owner of the brand; receiving a prioritization of the message from the owner of the brand; creating a gallery of messages including the message; and prioritizing the message in the gallery according to the prioritization from the owner of the brand. |
| US09693190B2 |
Campus security in a close proximity notification system
According to an aspect, a method for providing assistance to a user of a mobile device includes receiving a signal from a short-range wireless communication transmitter. The signal includes an identification code, and the receiving is by a mobile device of a user located within the space. The signal is processed on the mobile device and includes: determining whether information associated with the signal is stored on the mobile device; and identifying a retrieval location of the information based on the determining and on the signal. The processing of the signal is performed exclusively by a software application located on the mobile device and independently of any networks. Based on the processing, information that includes an address of a security system is retrieved using the mobile device. The mobile device is monitored for inputs and based on receiving a security request, the security request is transmitted to the security system. |
| US09693186B1 |
Storing interactions based on location
A system comprising a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the system to determine an identification for a user; determine a location of the user; determine a place associated with the location; identify an interaction capable of being performed at the place for the identification; communicate with a service to perform the interaction; and record the interaction with the service in a place history associated with the identification. The disclosure also includes similar methods and computer program products. |
| US09693182B2 |
Image forming apparatus including control on near field communication
An image forming apparatus includes a near field communication portion including a nonvolatile memory and a processing portion, the nonvolatile memory stores information indicating whether or not the output of log information is allowed and when the output of the log information is allowed, the processing portion performs start-up processing while outputting the log information whereas when the output of the log information is not allowed, the processing portion performs the start-up processing without outputting the log information, and a near field communication portion stores the log information output from the processing portion in the nonvolatile memory. |
| US09693181B1 |
Surveillance detection based on an identification of a carried mobile device
A surveillance detection apparatus for detecting an intruder to a restricted space includes a short range radio transceiver and a processor. The short range radio transceiver, which has a predefined limited range, causes the surveillance detection apparatus to send an intrusion signal to the processor in response to the short range radio transceiver receiving a short range radio signal from a communication device that is in the possession of an intruder, who is not pre-authorized by the processor to be within the predefined limited range of the short range radio transceiver, and thus the restricted space. In response to determining that the communication device is not pre-authorized to be within the predefined limited range of the short range radio transceiver, the processor generates an intruder alert. |
| US09693179B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing personal area network identifier (PANID) on network in wireless communication system
A method for creating a personal area network identifier (PAN ID) of a network in a wireless communication system includes creating a first PAN ID; receiving a message including a second PAN ID from a source coordinator; comparing the first PAN ID with the second PAN ID included in the received message; and when the first PAN ID and the second PAN ID are the same according to the comparison result, transmitting an indication message related to a PAN ID conflict to the source coordinator, wherein at least any one of the first PAN ID and the second PAN ID may be created through a hash algorithm and the indication message may include at least any one of a conflicted PAN ID or an error code indicating a conflict. |
| US09693166B2 |
Automated production of acoustic structures
A laser cuts overlapping ribbons of acoustic material into acoustic devices. An automatically controlled manipulator includes an end effector having groups of placement tools for simultaneously placing multiple acoustic devices in a cellular core. The placement tools include mandrels provided with vacuum pickups for picking up and holding the acoustic devices during transport to the core. A vision system aligns the placement tools with the cells of the core. The end effector includes a thermal radiation device for bonding the acoustic devices to the core. |
| US09693163B2 |
Device and method for controlling the polarity of a microphone of a terminal device
A device for controlling the polarity of a microphone of a portable terminal includes: a microphone that includes a current control element that is connected between a first polarity terminal and a second polarity terminal; first and second connection terminals that are connected to the first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal of the microphone; a control unit that detects the level of at least one of the first and second connection terminals and determines whether the polarity of the microphone has been normally connected; a codec that is connected to a first polarity terminal and a second polarity terminal and codes audio signals; and a polarity adjusting unit that is connected between the first and second connection terminals and the first and second polarity terminals of the codec, and switches the outputs of the first and second connection terminals under the control of the control unit in the case of an abnormal connection, so as to be connected to the codec to align polarity. |
| US09693154B2 |
Modular connection assembly for a hearing assistance device
The present subject matter relates to an improved connection assembly for hearing assistance devices. The improved connection assembly provides a connection system that is reliable, straightforward to manufacture, and easy to use. The present connection assembly provides a rapid replacement option for the cable and/or the receiver or other electronics connected to the cable. The present subject matter provides for a connection assembly that can be extended to provide connections for a variety of applications which are not limited to a speaker (receiver) in the ear. Sensors and new configurations of component placement are supported using the present assembly, including, but not limited to telecoils, and GMR or TMR sensors. Various electromagnetic interference issues are addressed. In some examples a shielded set of wires are included. In some examples a twisted pair of wires is included. Various combinations of wires for different applications are supported with the present connector system. |
| US09693140B2 |
Themed ornaments with internet radio receiver
Apparatuses for playing signals received from the internet or other information highway or a stored database on one or more speakers are described. The apparatus has a receiver for receiving information from preselected addresses; a processor for interpreting the signals; and at least one speaker for playing signals from the internet. There is at least one holographic projector connected to the receiver for projecting a holographic image received from the internet. The processor selects images that correspond with the signals played by the speaker. |
| US09693138B2 |
Audio speaker protection system and method
A circuit may include an audio amplifier (314) configured to amplify an input signal (SAUDIO) to generate an output signal (SOUT+, SOUT−) suitable for driving a loud speaker (316). A first circuit (318) may be configured to generate a first analog signal (SI) based on a current level drawn by the loud speaker (316), and a second circuit (320) may be configured to generate a second analog signal (SV) based on a voltage supplied across the loud speaker (316). A third circuit (322, 312) may be configured to generate a third analog signal (RESIDUE) based on the difference between the first and second analog signals, and modify the input signal (SAUDIO) based on the third analog signal. |
| US09693133B2 |
Top port multi-part surface mount silicon condenser microphone
A surface mount package for a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) microphone die is disclosed. The surface mount package features a substrate with metal pads for surface mounting the package to a device's printed circuit board and for making electrical connections between the microphone package and the device's circuit board. The surface mount microphone package has a cover, and the MEMS microphone die is substrate-mounted and acoustically coupled to an acoustic port provided in the surface mount package. The substrate and the cover are joined together to form the MEMS microphone, and the substrate and cover cooperate to form an acoustic chamber for the substrate-mounted MEMS microphone die. |
| US09693130B1 |
Multi-functional earphone device
The multifunctional earphone device is a multifunctional device adapted for use with personal data devices. Specifically, the multifunctional earphone device is a housing that contains a pair of earphones, a control system to remotely control the personal data device, and a power distribution system designed to charge personal data devices. The multifunctional earphone device comprises a housing, a plurality of earphones, a volume control, an audio source control, a charger, a USB cable, a first retractable spool, and a second retractable spool. |
| US09693123B2 |
Optical switch
An optical switch suitable for use in an add/drop of an optical network node having F>1 optical fiber per direction, the F fibers together carrying optical signals comprising up to N independent wavelength channels, is disclosed. The switch includes an Optical Cross-Connect (OXC) having F input ports and N output ports. F optical splitters are connected to the OXC, the input and output ports of the optical splitters defining ports of the OXC. The OXC is controllable to switch optical signals arriving at any of the F switch input ports to the input port of any of the F optical splitters such that each switch input port is switched to an optical splitter having at least as many splitter output ports as the number of independent wavelength channels received at the switch input port. A method for splitting optical signals is also disclosed. |
| US09693122B2 |
Photonic transceiver architecture with loopback functionality
Embodiments describe transceiver architectures to enable ‘loopback’ operation, thereby allowing or on-chip or intra module characterization of the transceiver. This includes but is not limited to tests such as bit error rate (BER) characterization, received power characterization and calibration of filters (MUX, DMUX etc.) present in the transceiver. Embodiments may also describe architectures for superimposing low-speed data on to the signal coming out of a transmitter, which in turn enables low frequency communication between network elements in the external link. |
| US09693120B2 |
System and method for transmitting measurement signals in spatially extensive supply networks
Exemplary systems and methods for monitoring a current state of a spatially extensive supply network having at least one control station that monitors and controls the supply network and a plurality of sensors that transmit measurement values relating to operating behavior to the at least one control station. Current measurement values are measured at positions on the supply network corresponding to each sensor. Each sensor analyzes measured signal variations and signal trends of the measured current values via an evaluating unit. The measurement values of each respective sensor are transmitted to the at least one control station in data packets at a defined time. At each respective sensor, when the analysis detects an abnormal measurement signal variation, a frequency of transmission of the respective sensor and each adjacent sensor is increased, the respective sensor transmitting the measurement values to the at least one control station or to adjacent sensors to which the respective sensor is connected to through a common supply line and which measure an identical or physically similar quantity. |
| US09693116B2 |
System and method for processing image objects in video data
A system, method and computer program product are disclose for processing an object in a video data stream. The method runs on a processor programmed to execute the method and includes but is not limited to receiving input data at the client device for rendering on the client device display a first functional indicator indicating one of a plurality of functions and surrounding a first region of pixel locations representing a first image object in the video data stream; and performing a function indicated by the first functional indicator on meta data for the first image object in the first region of pixel locations. |
| US09693113B2 |
Method of processing non-real time service and broadcast receiver
A method of receiving and processing a Non-Real Time (NRT) service and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein. A method of processing an NRT service in a broadcast receiver includes receiving and processing a signaling information table including detail information of each content in the NRT service and indication information indicating whether the content is available on internet, acquiring internet access information of each file belonging to content available on the internet through File Delivery Table (FDT) of File Delivery over Unidirection Transport (FLUTE) based on the indication information, and downloading files belonging to the content by accessing the internet based on the acquired internet access information. |
| US09693109B1 |
Configurable media processing based on mapping of remote controller buttons
The technology described in this document can be embodied in a method that includes receiving, at an intermediate device disposed between a source device and a destination device, information indicative of a user-selection. The user-selection identifies a particular control element from a plurality of control elements of a controller device. Each of the plurality of control elements is selectable as the particular control element to be associated with the source device. The method also includes mapping a control profile to the particular control element identified by the user-selection, and receiving, from the controller device, information indicative of a user-interaction with the particular control element. Responsive to receiving the information indicative of the user-interaction of the particular control element, the intermediate device processes at least a portion of an output of the source device in accordance with the control profile mapped to the particular control element. |
| US09693107B2 |
User configured social media feeds associated with an interactive program guide
A device may receive an indication associated with media content identified in an interactive program guide (IPG). The device may determine social media feed parameters associated with the IPG. The device may determine, based on the social media feed parameters, that a social media feed is to be displayed along with the media content. The social media feed may be associated with the media content. The device may identify a social media tag associated with the media content. The device may receive social media information associated with the social media tag. The social media information may include information associated with a social media application. The device may provide, for display, the social media feed along with the media content. The social media feed may include the social media information, and may be provided in accordance with the social media feed parameters. |
| US09693106B2 |
Method and system for preordering content in a user device associated with a content processing system
A system and method for preordering content includes a content processing system and a user device in communication with the content processing system. The content processing system receives program guide data for linear channels and receives future available content data at the user device. The future available content data comprises an availability window having an availability start time and an availability end time. The user device stores the program guide data in the user device storing the future available content data in a memory of the user device, forms a future content selection, and stores the future content selection in a queue until the availability window is reached. When within the availability window, the user device communicates a material identification to the content processing system. The content processing system communicates the content corresponding to the material identification to the user device. |
| US09693105B2 |
Digital video recorder state cache
A digital video recorder control database is maintained for a digital video recorder in communication with a plurality of set-top boxes. The database includes program content, associated programming metadata, and a recording schedule. A subset of the digital video recorder control database is pushed from the digital video recorder control database to the plurality of set-top boxes for local caching on the plurality of set-top boxes. The subset includes at least a portion of the recording schedule. |
| US09693095B2 |
Device and method for composing programmes from different sources in baseband
The invention concerns a device for inserting additional video content (inlays, secondary programs) into a main video program. Said device works in baseband within a single encoding box under the control of a common supervisor. The supervisor is configured to pass metadata associated with the images to the coder, said metadata comprising temporal, spatial and dynamic data relating to the planning of the insertion, and analysis data for the image files, which analysis data have been produced prior to the insertion. The coder receives said metadata and is configured to deduce therefrom optimization strategies for the coding that are implemented by line coding and file coding processes that are capable of being carried out simultaneously or sequentially. |
| US09693079B2 |
Control plane architecture for multicast cache-fill
A multicast content delivery system can use both multicast and unicast streams to efficiently use available bandwidth to deliver content. Available multicast content can be identified to gateways serving consumption devices, and the gateways can receive requests for unicast content deliver, but honor the requests with multicast group sessions. |
| US09693073B1 |
Moving picture coding method, moving picture coding apparatus, moving picture decoding method, moving picture decoding apparatus, and moving picture coding and decoding apparatus
A moving picture coding method includes: coding a coding target block using a motion vector; generating motion vector predictors; and coding the motion vector using one of the motion vector predictors generated in the generating of the motion vector predictors. In the generating of the motion vector predictors, a replacement vector which replaces a temporal motion vector predictor is added to the motion vector predictors when it is impossible to obtain the temporal motion vector predictor from a block which is included in a coded picture different from the coding target picture and corresponds to the coding target block. |
| US09693069B2 |
Image coding apparatus
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image coding technique for suppressing degradation in image quality, in which the time and space where intra macroblocks appear are dispersed. A block count determination part determines the number of intra macroblocks to be allocated in each frame. A position determination part arranges the intra macroblocks at random positions in each frame. A coding part performs coding on the basis of the number of intra macroblocks to be allocated in a time direction, which is determined by the block count determination part, and the arrangement of the intra macroblocks in a spatial direction, which is determined by the position determination part, to thereby output compressed image data. |
| US09693066B1 |
Object-based intra-prediction
Object-based intra-prediction decoding may include generating a reconstructed block by decoding an encoded block, which may include identifying a first intra-prediction mode for a first portion of the reconstructed block and identifying a second intra-prediction mode for a second portion of the reconstructed block. Decoding the encoded block may include generating a first portion of a prediction block using the first intra-prediction mode, generating a second portion of the prediction block using the second intra-prediction mode, generating the first portion of the reconstructed block based on the first portion of the prediction block, such that the first portion of the reconstructed block corresponds to a first object represented in the reconstructed block, and generating the second portion of the reconstructed block based on the second portion of the prediction block, such that the second portion of the reconstructed block corresponds to a second object represented in the reconstructed block. |
| US09693065B2 |
Encoding apparatus, encoding method and program
There is provided an encoding apparatus, including an intra-block determination section which determines that a prediction mode of a block is a forced intra-prediction mode, by a frequency based on a priority of each block of an image to be encoded, an encoding section which encodes the block, to which the prediction mode has been determined to be an intra-prediction mode by the intra-block determination section, with the intra-prediction mode, and a transmission section which transmits an encoded result of the image to be encoded obtained by the encoding section, and the prediction mode of the image. |
| US09693061B2 |
Method and apparatus for hierarchical data unit-based video encoding and decoding comprising quantization parameter prediction
A method of decoding a video includes determining an initial value of a quantization parameter (QP) used to perform inverse quantization on coding units included in a slice segment, based on syntax obtained from a bitstream; determining a slice-level initial QP for predicting the QP used to perform inverse quantization on the coding units included in the slice segment, based on the initial value of the QP; and determining a predicted QP of a first quantization group of a parallel-decodable data unit included in the slice segment, based on the slice-level initial QP. |
| US09693056B2 |
Method and apparatus for improved entropy encoding and decoding
Methods and apparatus are provided for improved entropy encoding and decoding. An apparatus includes a video encoder for encoding at least a block in a picture by transforming a residue of the block to obtain transform coefficients, quantizing the transform coefficients to obtain quantized transform coefficients, and entropy coding the quantized transform coefficients. The quantized transform coefficients are encoded using a flag to indicate that a current one of the quantized transform coefficients being processed is a last non-zero coefficient for the block having a value greater than or equal to a specified value. |
| US09693052B2 |
Method and devices for predictive coding/decoding with directional scanning
A predictive coding system can encode motion vectors by determining a motion vector of a target partition in a frame picture of an encoding target; determining a first motion vector predictor candidate from a motion vector or motion vectors of one or more partitions belonging to a left-neighboring region to the target partition; determining a second motion vector predictor candidate from a motion vector or motion vectors of one or more partitions belonging to an above-neighboring region to the target partition; selecting an optimum motion vector predictor and outputting motion vector predictor indication information to specify the selected optimum motion vector predictor, the optimum motion vector predictor selected based on comparison between one or more motion vector predictor candidates including the first motion vector predictor candidate and the second motion vector predictor candidate, and the motion vector of the target partition; and encoding the motion vector predictor indication information. |
| US09693050B1 |
Automated measurement of mobile device application performance
Methods, systems and apparatuses, including computer program products, are described for determining a performance metric of a mobile computing device application. A test computing device captures a plurality of images displayed on a mobile computing device based on execution of a mobile computing device application. The test computing device determines a first property for first and second images of the plurality of images. A first performance parameter is set based on a difference between the first properties of the first and second images. The test computing device determines a first property for third and fourth images of the plurality of images. A second performance parameter is set based on a difference between the first properties of the third and fourth image. A performance metric is determined based on a difference between the first performance parameter and the second performance parameter. |
| US09693048B2 |
Color display and projection system
A process and apparatus provide high speed multicomponent imagery from high frame rate binary spatial light modulators. The process and apparatus decompose an image frame into a plurality of subframes such that each subframe in the plurality of subframes corresponds to an image component of the image frame. The process and apparatus sequentially illuminate, with a spatially addressable backlight, each of the subframes displayed on a spatial light modulator segment through a lenslet array and at least one optical component onto a diffuser. Further, a process and apparatus provide high speed projection with multiple projectors. The process and apparatus decompose an image frame into a plurality of image components. Further, the process and apparatus associate each of the plurality of image components with each of a plurality of associated projectors. The process and apparatus concurrently projects the plurality of image components from the plurality of associated projectors. |
| US09693033B2 |
Transmitting apparatus, transmitting method, receiving apparatus and receiving method for transmission and reception of image data for stereoscopic display using multiview configuration and container with predetermined format
It is possible to achieve an effective transmission of image data (suppression in the transmission bandwidth and improvement in quality of a reproduced image) in order to cause a stereoscopic image due to a multiview configuration to be observed with the naked eye. Image data of at least a left view and a right view, and image data of an intermediate view located between the left view and the right view, for example, image data of a center view are acquired, among a plurality of views for stereoscopic image display. A container which has a predetermined format and includes a video stream obtained by coding image data of respective views is transmitted. For example, view configuration information regarding image data in the video stream is inserted into a layer of the video stream. |
| US09693032B2 |
Image encoding method, image decoding method, image encoding device, and image decoding device
An image encoding method according to an aspect of the present invention includes: generating, from a plurality of first sub-bitstreams which are obtained by encoding a plurality of images on a per layer basis according to spatial scalable image encoding, a second sub-bitstream including two or more first sub-bitstreams corresponding to two or more layers, the two or more first sub-bitstreams being included in the plurality of first sub-bitstreams; and generating a descriptor including a first field indicating a minimum value for two or more layer identifiers indicating the two or more layers and a second field indicating a maximum value for the two or more layer identifiers. |
| US09693023B2 |
Monitoring apparatus, monitoring system, and monitoring method
A monitoring apparatus according to embodiments of the invention generates and outputs an output moving image obtained by changing an image area of a person detected from an imaged moving image of a monitoring area to a mask image. The monitoring apparatus includes a person image analyzer including a person detector which detects a person from the imaged moving image and acquires area information regarding each person and an attribute determinator which determines attributes for each person detected from the imaged moving image, a mask image setter which sets the mask image by the attribute, and a moving image output controller which generates and outputs the output moving image obtained by changing the image area for each person to the mask image by the attribute, based on the area information and the attribute for each person output from the person image analyzer. |
| US09693019B1 |
Producing and viewing video-based group conversations
A system and method for producing a video-based group conversation for viewing over a network. The system is configured to generate a display at a first user computer which includes a plurality of sections in a single screen display, including at least a preview section configured for displaying an indicator for each of one or more viewers who are viewing the video-based conversation, and a media player section configured for displaying a video signal including at least some of the video feeds. The creator of the video-based group conversation controls which users can participate in the video-based group conversation by enabling video feeds provided by those users to be displayed on the screen and viewable to other users who access the group conversation. |
| US09693017B2 |
Automatic switching between different cameras at a video conference endpoint based on audio
A video conference endpoint includes predefined main and side audio search regions angularly-separated from each other at a microphone array configured to transduce audio received from the search regions. The endpoint includes one or more cameras to capture video in a main field of view (FOV) that encompasses the main audio search region. The endpoint determines if audio originates from any of the main and side audio search regions based on the transduced audio and predetermined audio search criteria. If it is determined that audio originates from the side audio search region, the endpoint automatically switches from capturing video in the main FOV to one or more cameras to capture video in a side FOV that encompasses the side audio search region. |
| US09693011B2 |
Upgraded image streaming to legacy and upgraded displays
A display system and method including (a) at least one input source encoding images to be displayed in a first format with a first resolution and in a second format with a second resolution higher than the first; (b) a first and second display for displaying images with the first and second resolution, respectively; and (c) a shared resource network linking the at least one input source with the first and second displays. The images encoded in the first format with the first resolution are sent over the shard resource network through a first cable. A first part of each image encoded in the second format with the second resolution is sent over the shared resource network through the first cable. A second part of each image encoded in the second format with the second resolution is sent over the shared resource network through a second cable. |
| US09693006B2 |
System and method for optimized appliance control
A device receives a request from a controlling device, such as a remote control, smart phone, or the like, where the request is intended to have one or more target devices perform one or more functional operations. The device responds to the request by applying the optimum methodology to propagate one or more commands to each intended target appliance to cause each intended target appliance to perform the intended one or more functional operations. |
| US09692990B2 |
Infrared tracking system
Embodiment of a lightweight and compact wireless precision position tracking device and a precision position tracking motion capture system are described. Optionally, the wireless precision position tracking device is configured to be worn by a user. The wireless precision position tracking device may be configured to emit optical light from two or more respective markers, where the light from one of the markers is distinguishable from light from another of the markers. |
| US09692988B2 |
Infrared imaging projection
The subject matter disclosed herein involves systems, methods, apparatuses or devices related to infrared imaging or infrared imaging projection. |
| US09692984B2 |
Methods and systems for content processing
Disclosed are technologies are useful in enabling a smart phone to respond to a user's environment, e.g., so it can serve as an intuitive hearing and seeing device. Some of the detailed arrangements involve using radio base station SDR equipment (e.g., at a cell tower) to perform image recognition operations for phones; forecasting service needs from remote processors delegating a remote execution task to a service provider chosen in a competitive process; using nearby processors, e.g., in an automobile, another phone, or set-top box, for remote execution tasks; phones with separable camera and/or illumination components; phone camera illumination using different colors of light; using search tree methods with image frames captured at different focuses; using a phone's microprojector to aid in object identification; correcting lens aberrations by texture mapping captured imagery onto a corrective polygon surface using a phone GPU; etc. A great variety of other features are also detailed. |
| US09692983B2 |
Apparatus, method, and medium for correcting pixel switching pattern
The present invention is a control apparatus for controlling an image capturing sensor, the control apparatus comprising: a generation unit configured to selectively determine an exposure time from at least two or more different exposure times for each pixel constituting image data and to generate exposure time data indicative of an exposure time for each pixel; and a gain adjustment processing unit configured to make a gain adjustment to the image data based on the determined exposure time, wherein the generation unit calculates an output value from acquired image data, determines an exposure time for each pixel based on the calculated output value, calculates an error related to the calculated output value, and diffuses the calculated error to pixels adjacent to a processing-target pixel, thereby turning a pixel switching pattern into a blue noise pattern. |
| US09692982B2 |
System for controlling exposure of camera and method thereof
A system for controlling an exposure of a camera may include: a histogram calculator configured to calculate a histogram from an input image; a virtual histogram generator configured to generate a virtual histogram by differently applying the exposure to the calculated histogram; a histogram hole filter configured to generate a final histogram by filtering a hole generated in the virtual histogram; a histogram uniformity unit configured to perform uniformity of the final histogram; and an optimum exposure setting unit configured to apply an exposure value depending on the uniformized histogram. |
| US09692974B2 |
Apparatus and methods for generating video based on motion simulation of an object
An image creation device includes an acquisition unit that acquires an image to be processed, a region information acquisition unit that acquires region information specifying an object region where an object to be processed is shown in the image to be processed, a setting unit that sets a fixed control point, a vibration control point and a vibration direction based on a shape of the object region by referring to a storage unit storing a shape of the object in association with a fixed control point, a vibration control point and a vibration direction when the object vibrates, a creation unit that creates a video to be displayed with the object vibrating in accordance with the fixed control point, the vibration control point and the vibration direction, and an output unit that outputs the image to be processed where the video is superimposed. |
| US09692963B2 |
Method and electronic apparatus for sharing photographing setting values, and sharing system
A method performed in an electronic apparatus that shares photographing setting values is provided. An image list, including a plurality of images including the photographing setting values, is received from an external device connected to the electronic apparatus via a network. The image list is displayed. An image of a subject is captured based on photographing setting values included in an image selected from the image list. |
| US09692951B2 |
Spring-loaded mounting housing for a camera
A mounting housing for a camera includes a surface contacting member and a sliding member that is slidable within an interior conduit within the surface contacting member. The surface contacting member has a back end that is located behind a mounting surface when the mounting housing is mounted and a front end, connected to the back end, that is located in front of the mounting surface when the mounting housing is mounted. A spring is pivotably coupled to and extends outwardly from the back end, and the spring is pivotable to apply force on to a back side of the mounting surface when the mounting housing is mounted. The sliding member is slidable along the interior conduit between mounted and un-mounted positions. The sliding member is lockable in the mounted position to bias the spring against the mounting surface when the mounting housing is mounted. |
| US09692943B2 |
Method of preparing the rendering with a color output device of at least one object
A method of preparing the rendering with a color output device of at least one object, the method comprising —computing a first output color profile of a first color model, said profile mimicking, for the human eye, a second output color profile of a second color model, said first output color profile being used in a description of said at least one object in a page description language, and the second output color profile being the output device profile, —and converting colors of pixels of the representation of the at least one object obtained by application of a rendering engine to said description, from the first output color profile to the second output color profile. |
| US09692937B1 |
Methods and apparatus for identifying lines in an image and using identified lines
Methods and apparatus for: identifying perimeter lines in an image, e.g., document border lines forming a non-rectangular quadrilateral corresponding to a scanned document, determining document corner points, and correcting the input image based on determined corner points are described. Lines are identified in the input image and a line weight is generated for each identified line. The identified lines are classified into two different groups based on direction, e.g., predominately vertical or predominately horizontal. For each group at least two, and sometimes more, candidate perimeter lines are determined to be kept, based on line weight and line length, and other lines in the group are eliminated. Two best candidate perimeter lines are identified from each group, e.g., based on distance between the remaining lines in the group. Four document corner points are determined based on the remaining lines in the two groups. |
| US09692933B2 |
Image forming apparatus that ensures execution of asynchronous information sharing without using mail server, image forming method and recording medium
An image forming apparatus that executes information sharing among a plurality of image forming apparatuses includes a communication circuit, a set value management circuit, a storage circuit, and a distribution hold list management circuit. The communication circuit ensures communication with another image forming apparatus of the plurality of the image forming apparatuses. The set value management circuit distributes, based on a master authority as an authority for distributing a changed set value to the other image forming apparatus, the changed set value to the other image forming apparatus. The storage circuit, when the distribution fails, stores a distribution hold list that includes a combination of: an identifier of another image forming apparatus where the distribution has failed, and an item name and value of a set value where the distribution has failed. The distribution hold list management circuit manages the stored distribution hold list. |
| US09692931B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing apparatus control method
In executing a job for combining a plurality of images and outputting the combined image, an information processing apparatus stores log information to allow a system administrator to later identify what image has been output while effectively saving the capacity of a storage device to be used. |
| US09692924B2 |
Image forming apparatus, control method of image forming apparatus, and program
An image forming apparatus includes: an accepting unit to accept user operations to transition the apparatus from a standby state to a power save state; a detecting unit to detect objects around the apparatus; and a power control unit to transition the apparatus from the power save state to the standby state according to detection of an object by the detecting unit, and to transition the image forming apparatus from the standby state to the power save state according to user operations accepted at the accepting unit. The power control unit prohibits the apparatus from transitioning from the power save state to the standby state according to the detection of the object, until a user, which performed operations accepted by the accepting unit to transition the apparatus from the standby state to the power save state, thereafter ceases to be detected by the detecting unit. |
| US09692921B2 |
Image reading device
An image reading device includes a housing, a first support member, a reading unit, a movable member, and a flat cable. The housing defines an accommodating space between a bottom surface and a frame member facing the bottom surface. The first support member is supported by the housing and covers the accommodating space. The movable member holds the reading unit disposed in the accommodating space. The flat cable is connected to the reading unit at one end and an electrical part outside the accommodating space at the other end. The housing further includes a support wall protruding from the bottom surface toward the first support member and a cable receiving portion receiving a middle portion of the flat cable. The cable receiving portion is formed at a higher height level than a particular area of the bottom surface located between the support wall and the cable receiving portion. |
| US09692913B2 |
Multi-modem communication using virtual identity modules
Communication apparatus includes an interface to a plurality of wireless modems and bonding circuitry, which is configured to receive multiple virtual identities in the apparatus, to load respective ones of the received virtual identities into one or more of the wireless modems, and to communicate over the air by simultaneously transmitting or receiving a data stream over at least the two or more of the wireless modems. Systems and methods for such communication are provided, as well. |
| US09692912B2 |
Charging information processing method and gateway device
Embodiments of the present invention provide a charging information processing method and a gateway device. The method includes sending, to a gateway forwarding plane, a charging information identification set used for identifying charging information, saving first charging information sent by the gateway forwarding plane, where the first charging information carries a first charging information identification, which is an element in the charging information identification set, receiving second charging information sent by the gateway forwarding plane and saved by the gateway forwarding plane, where the second charging information carries a second charging information identification, which is an element in the charging information identification set, and combining the first charging information and the second charging information according to the first charging information identification and the second charging information identification. In this way, a disaster recovery capability can be effectively improved and charging reliability can be ensured. |
| US09692907B2 |
Device and method for GSM call identifier
A network node for a GSM network, arranged to receive a TDMA frame comprising a plurality of timeslots, each of which comprises payload from one or more calls. The network node extracts payload from calls and to assigns the extracted payload a corresponding identifier identifying the call of the payload. The network node is also arranged to generate a data packet comprising the extracted payload from calls together with their corresponding identifier, and places the corresponding identifier in a header in the data packet. The network node is also arranged to transmit the data packet to another node in the GSM network. |
| US09692903B2 |
Network domain selection
For an incoming session intended for a user element, a domain selection function (DSF) is provided in a multimedia subsystem (MS) to select a circuit-switched subsystem (CS) or MS domain to use when routing the incoming session to the user element. Regardless of the domain in which incoming sessions are originated, the incoming sessions intended for the user element are routed to an S-CSCF in the MS. The S-CSCF directly or indirectly employs the DSF to determine whether to use the MS or the CS for terminating the incoming session. Based on available domain selection criteria, the DSF will select an appropriate domain, such as the MS or CS, to use for routing the incoming session to the user element. The domain selection decision of the DSF is provided to the S-CSCF, which will proceed by routing the incoming session to the user element via the selected domain. |
| US09692886B2 |
Teleconferencing system using synthetic identifiers
In some implementations, a teleconference server can receive a connection request corresponding to a party, determine that the party is a non-self-specified party in a specified teleconference, and determine a party-specific synthetic identifier for the party. In some implementations, a telecommunications network can include terminals and a teleconference server configured to receive one or more connection requests corresponding to respective parties, determine that one or more of the parties are non-self-specified parties, and determine respective party-specific synthetic identifiers for at least some of the non-self-specified parties. In some implementations, a connection request corresponding to a party can be received. The connection request can specify a teleconference. A party-specific synthetic identifier for the party can be determined, e.g., after determining that the party is a non-self-specified party in the specified teleconference. |
| US09692885B2 |
Determining scam risk during a voice call
Examples are disclosed that relate to detecting and providing alerts regarding a possible scam voice call. One example provides a method comprising receiving a voice call, and obtaining, during the voice call, a caller number and a caller voice sample. The method further comprises obtaining, via the caller number and the caller voice sample, a risk determination regarding the risk that the voice call is a scam call, and based upon the risk determination, outputting, during the voice call, an alert regarding the risk that the voice call is a scam call. |
| US09692880B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for inhibiting operation of mobile devices within a zone
Methods, systems, and apparatus for inhibiting a function of a mobile device in a predetermined detection zone are disclosed. A method includes receiving, by a mobile device, a first communication signal when the mobile device is located within a predetermined field of transmission, determining that the first communication signal was transmitted by a first beacon of a plurality of beacons, and inhibiting at least one function of the mobile device upon determining that the first communication signal was transmitted by the first beacon. |
| US09692875B2 |
Grip detection and capacitive gesture system for mobile devices
Apparatus and methods are disclosed related to managing characteristics of a mobile device based upon capacitive detection of materials proximate the mobile device, a capacitive gesture system that can allow the same gestures be used in arbitrary locations within range of a mobile device. One such method includes receiving a first capacitive sensor measurement with a first capacitive sensor of the mobile device. The method further includes determining a value indicative of a material adjacent to the mobile device based on a correspondence between the first capacitive sensor measurement and stored values corresponding to different materials. The method further includes sending instructions to adjust a characteristic of the mobile device based on the determined value indicative of the material adjacent to the mobile device. In certain examples, gesture sensing can be performed using capacitive measurements from the capacitive sensors. |
| US09692869B2 |
Mobile device pairing
Tools (systems, apparatuses, methodologies, computer program products, etc.) for pairing electronic devices including touchscreen-enabled electronic devices, and for facilitating communication between paired electronic devices. |
| US09692868B2 |
Mobile terminal and control method for the mobile terminal
A mobile terminal including a display: a wireless communication unit configured to pair the mobile terminal with a doorlock device; and a controller configured to receive an image captured by the doorlock device, display the received image on the display, and control the doorlock device based on a touch input applied to the displayed image. |
| US09692867B2 |
Event accessory item location
Events may have associated accessories that facilitate participation and/or completion of an event. The accessories may be associated with respective events. A particular event may be detected which may trigger the identification and location of accessories associated with the particular event. The locations of associated items may then be provided. |
| US09692866B2 |
Digital device for copying digital contents by screen overlap and controlling method thereof
The present specification discloses a digital device and controlling method thereof, by which digital contents can be copied by screen overlap. The digital contents display a first screen and a second screen on a first layer and a second layer, respectively. And, the digital content included in the second screen located in a region corresponding to an input window region included in the first screen to an input window of the first screen. As a process so-called ‘COPY and PASTE’, a digital content is copied to a screen-overlapped location on a display. |
| US09692865B2 |
Mobile terminal and menu control method thereof
A mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to provide wireless communication, a display, and a controller configured to, activate a mode for voice recognition in response to a touch input to a soft button displayed on the display or to a hard button on the mobile terminal, receive a first voice input associated with a phone call relating operation of the mobile terminal, display an indicator on the display indicating the voice input is being recognized by the mobile terminal, analyze the context of a voice command in the voice input, execute the call relating operation only if there is a single contact in a phonebook that matches the voice command in the first voice input, if there is no single contact that matches the voice command of the received voice input, display a plurality of candidates that is analyzed based on the voice command, receive a second input according to a plurality of candidates, and execute the call relating operation based on the second input. |
| US09692864B1 |
Attachable cosmetics case for a cellular phone
An attachable cosmetics case for a cellular phone including a substantially rectangular case having a substantially rectangular primary storage compartment and a U-shaped back side having a right wing, a left wing, and an elongated substantially linear middle portion. A top lid is hingedly attached to the case. A cellular phone charging connector plug is medially disposed on a middle portion of the back side of the case. A charging port is disposed on a right side of the case, and a headphone port is disposed on a left side of the case. A plurality of secondary storage compartments and an applicator compartment is disposed within the primary storage compartment of the case. The case is removably attachable to a cellular phone, with the cellular phone charging connector plug disposed within a charging port of the cellular phone. |
| US09692863B2 |
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. |
| US09692847B2 |
Content distribution method and content distribution server
A content distribution method executed by a computer includes referring to a result of comparing information identifying content data stored in a storage unit with information identifying content data stored in one or more other storage units included in one or more other computers; and collecting representative image data of content data not stored in the storage unit from the one or more other storage units included in the one or more other computers storing the content data not stored in the storage unit, starting from one of the one or more other computers having a greatest number of pieces of the content data. |
| US09692845B2 |
Permanent presence for polite block and confirm
The present invention relates to a method and devices for operating a communication network, in particular a presence SIMPLE network applying polite block and confirm for subscribers to presence data. A method for operating a communication system comprising a presence server and a presence document server is provided, the communication system being adapted to communicate with a first client requesting subscription to the presence data of a presentity using a second client, the method comprising the steps of: sending, in case the subscription is to be confirmed or politely blocked, a request for presence data from the presence server to the presence document server; receiving a message comprising presence data of the presentity from the presence document server; and sending a notification message to the first client based on the received presence data of the presentity. |
| US09692842B2 |
Automatically generating web conference recording bookmarks based on user analytics
Arrangements described herein include accessing user data associated with a user participating in a web conference. The user data includes user analytics generated by tracking and analyzing use, by the user, of web based resources unrelated to the web conference. A plurality of topics discussed during the web conference can be identified in real time. For each respective topic that has a high probability of being of interest to the user, at least one bookmark for the web conference can be generated. Data contained in the bookmark artifact can be applied to a recording of the web conference to bookmark in the recording of the web conference each respective topic that has a high probability of being of interest to the user. An association between the recording of the web conference and the user can be created. |
| US09692836B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for device discovery
The present invention provides a method, an apparatus and a system for device discovery. The method includes: acquiring, by a first device, a user identification of a target user, and acquiring, according to the user identification of the target user, broadcast information of a second device which the target user logs in; when broadcast information of another device is monitored through a D2D function, matching, by the first device, the monitored broadcast information with the broadcast information of the second device, and if the match is successful, determining, by the first device, that the second device and the first device are within a preset distance. According to the present invention, the accuracy of discovering a short distance user is improved and, thus, the problem in the prior art that the accuracy of discovering a user in a short distance cannot be guaranteed by using a cell ID is solved. |
| US09692833B2 |
Device and session identification
Technologies are generally described for systems, methods, and devices for implementing device and session identification. In some examples, a processor may receive a first communication from a device. The first communication may include requests to interact with a web page, a session identifier associated with the first communication, and a protocol address associated with the device. The processor may receive a second communication from the device. The second communication may include a device identifier associated with the device, where the device identifier may be different from the internet protocol address, and the session identifier. The processor may link the first communication with the device identifier based on the session identifier. The processor may further analyze the first communication with respect to the device identifier to produce an analyzed first communication. |
| US09692830B2 |
Systems and methods for identifying and characterizing client devices
The teachings herein generally relate to client-server communications and the delivery of content over computer networks to clients, and provide improved methods, systems, and apparatus for identifying and/or characterizing client devices that are requesting content from a server. For example, based on information sent in a client device's request for content, a web server modified in accordance with the teachings hereof can identify a set of characteristics associated with that client device. Such characteristics might include the model name of the client device, the screen dimensions of the client device, information about the particular operating system or browser name/version it is running, content formats it is capable of consuming, and so on. The web server can use this information to modify and customize its response for the given client device. |
| US09692828B2 |
Monitoring system for an avionics platform with three-tier architecture
The invention relates to a monitoring system for an aircraft platform implementing a set of avionics functions using a plurality of heterogeneous hardware and software components, including: an acquisition module for operating parameters of the components, configured to implement a plurality of communication protocols adapted to query each the component; a storage module including a database, configured to collect and store operating parameters acquired by the acquisition module in the database, and; an interface module with a plurality of clients, including a query unit configured to query the database of the storage module and supply one or several of the parameters stored in the database in response to a request made by a client; the acquisition, storage and interface modules being arranged in a three-tier architecture. |
| US09692816B2 |
System and method for global load balancing of requests for content based on membership status of a user with one or more subscription services
The present description is directed towards systems and methods for directing a user request for content over a network to a given content server on the basis of one or more rules. Methods and systems implemented in accordance with the present description comprise receiving a request for content form a user, the request for content including a profile of the user identifying one or more characteristics associated with the user. One or more rules are retrieved for identifying a content server to which a request for content is to be delivered, the one or more rules including at least one of business rules, network rules, and user profile rules. The one or more retrieved rules are applied to the request for content to identify a content server to which the request for content is to be delivered and the request for content is delivered to the identified content server. |
| US09692815B2 |
Distributed, decentralized data aggregation
Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for distributed and/or decentralized data aggregation. A method includes determining a user's electronic credentials for a plurality of third party service providers. A method includes accessing each of a plurality of third party service providers, from a hardware device associated with a user, using the user's electronic credentials, to download data associated with the user from the third party service providers. A method includes aggregating downloaded data from third party service providers and providing one or more communications to a user on a hardware device based on the aggregated downloaded data. |
| US09692812B1 |
System and method for providing access to data objects based on proximity
A system and method for providing access to data objects based on proximity. The system and method allow sharing of data objects by identifying one or more client devices proximate to the sharing device. The user of the sharing device may then select one or more of the identified devices with which to share the data object. Aspects of the invention include the ability to enable a “sharing mode” on the client devices to opt-in and allow communication with other similarly configured devices in the area. Access to the data object may be managed via an access control list present on a remote server, with the remote server hosting the data object. |
| US09692803B2 |
Computer device, system and methods for controlling an exchange of objects between devices
A computer device includes at least one processor in communication with a database storing at least one first object having one or more characteristics and at least one second object having at least one different characteristic to the characteristics of the first object, the at least one processor being configured to control an exchange of the at least one first object or the second object between a first device and a second device, the control comprising the steps of retrieving an identifier associated with the second device, selecting the first object having one or more characteristics or the second object having at least one different characteristic in dependence on the identifier associated with the second device and at least one predetermined rule, and transmit the selected first object or the selected second object to said first device. |
| US09692802B2 |
Method for streaming packet captures from network access devices to a cloud server over HTTP
A system for streaming packet captures over the Internet includes multiple network access devices, each operating as one of a gateway device, a wireless access point, and a network switch, and a management server communicatively coupled to the network access devices over the Internet for managing the network access devices. The management server maintains a persistent hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) connection with each of the network access devices over the Internet. The management server is to generate a bytecode based on a filtering expression for packet captures (PCAPs) representing one or more PCAPs filtering rules, transmit the bytecode to the network access devices without requiring the network access devices to compile the PCAPs filtering rules, receive PCAPs from the network access devices captured by the network access devices based on the PCAPs filtering rules, and merge the PCAPs received from the network access devices into merged PCAPs. |
| US09692801B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling traffic using adaptive streaming in multi-media content transmission system
A method for network operators to control traffic between a server and a client so that client-induced traffic preemption may be prevented is provided. The method includes the processes of an operator determining a network status, the network in which a server is streaming content via a multi-media transmission system, in accordance with a status of the network, determining whether to modify meta data by considering a set of predetermined conditions, and transmitting to a terminal data reflecting the modification decision. |
| US09692795B2 |
Dynamic group and event update method in phone based impromptu meet-up app
This disclosure relates to generating a group of invitees in a wireless communication system. An embodiment of the disclosure receives criteria for an event from an organizer of the event, compares the criteria to contact information of each contact of a plurality of contacts, assigns a recommendation ranking to each contact based on the comparison of the criteria to the contact information for each contact, and displays a subset of the plurality of contacts sorted according to the recommendation ranking. |
| US09692794B2 |
Aggregation of sensor appliances using device registers and wiring brokers
The invention provides for a computer system, comprising a device register for creating and registering one or more device objects. At least one device object of the one or more device objects is configured for communicating with a network connector of a sensor appliance via a network connection. The device object is configured for exposing at least one parameter of the sensor appliance by declaring its capabilities. The computer system further comprises an aggregation model for aggregating the at least one parameter of the at least one device objects; a set of wiring definitions descriptive of raised events created by changes or updates in the at least one parameter; and a wiring broker for updating the aggregation model in accordance with the raised events. |
| US09692792B2 |
Method and system for managing security policies
A system and method of managing security policies in an information technologies (IT) system are provided. In an example, the method includes receiving an input indicating a high-level security policy for the IT system, the received high-level security policy relating to non-functional system attributes for the IT system and received in a format that is not machine-enforceable at an enforcement entity of the IT system. A functional model for the IT system is determined, where the functional model indicates functional system attributes of the IT system. At least one pre-configured rule template is loaded, and at least one machine-enforceable rule is generated in a manner compliant with the received high-level security policy by iteratively filling the at least one pre-configured rule template with functional system attributes indicated by the functional model. After the generating step, the at least one machine-enforceable rule can be distributed (e.g., to an enforcement entity, an Intrusion Detection System (IDS), etc.). In another example, the receiving, determining, loading, generating and distributing steps can be performed at a policy node within an IT system. |
| US09692772B2 |
Detection of malware using time spans and periods of activity for network requests
A method to identify machines infected by malware is provided. The method includes determining whether a universal resource locator in a network request is present in a first cache and determining whether a fully qualified domain name from the uniform resource locator is present in a second cache. The method includes evaluating a parent hostname as to suspiciousness. The method includes indicating the computing device has a likelihood of infection, responsive to one of: the universal resource locator being present in the first cache with a first indication of suspiciousness, the fully qualified domain name being present in the second cache with a second indication of suspiciousness, or the evaluating the parent hostname having a third indication of suspiciousness, wherein at least one method operation is performed by the processor. A system and computer readable media are provided. |
| US09692768B1 |
Sharing confidential graph data using multi-level graph summarization with varying data utility and privacy protection
A first graph comprises multiple nodes and edges. At least one successive summary graph is created, using the original graph as a predecessor. To create a second graph from a first, nodes of the first graph are grouped into a plurality of subsets, and each subset becomes a super-node. For each super-node, the edges of each corresponding node are replaced with one or more super-edges. Each super-edge represents a relationship between a pair of super-nodes. The nodes of the successor graph comprise the super-nodes and the edges of the successor graph comprise the super-edges. The steps are tracked for restoring each omitted edge of each predecessor graph. Based on a determined quantified value for the restoration of each omitted edge of each predecessor graph, customized summary graphs can be created for and presented to specific parties. Determined values can be, for example, monetary or based on trust levels. |
| US09692754B2 |
Ensuring the security of a data transmission
Ensuring the security of a data transmission by verifying an identity of a user, comprising: a prior step of enrolling a terminal of the user, comprising: an association of a authentic identity data item of the user and a data item of a terminal available to the user and communicating via a network, the association being stored with data for contacting the terminal via the network, and a determination of an identity derived from at least said information, stored in the memory of the terminal, in correspondence with a data item specific to the user, for the purposes of a later strong authentication based on both the data item specific to the user and on the derived identity, as well as a current step of verifying the user identity. |