Document	Document Title
US09988215B2	System and method for delivering proppant to a blender A system for conveying proppant includes a conveyor assembly having a conveyor belt that receives proppant from one or more containers having proppant stored therein. The system also includes a conveyor auxiliary unit connected to an end of the conveyor assembly having one or more joints to enable expansion and collapse of the conveyor belt from the conveyor assembly. The system further includes a proppant chute to direct the proppant from the conveyor belt into a blending hopper, the proppant chute being positioned at a higher elevation than an inlet of the blending hopper.
US09988214B2	Radius conveyor with magnetic bearing A radius conveyor comprising a sideflexing conveyor belt and a touchless magnetic bearing at the inside of a turn. The conveyor belt has electrically conductive elements in a side edge. An array of permanent magnets along the conveyor's side rail at the inside of the turn produces a permanent magnetic field. As the conveyor belt is driven through the turn, the permanent magnet field induces currents in the electrically conductive material. The currents produce reaction magnetic fields opposed to the permanent magnetic field that result in a radially outward force pushing the conveyor belt away from frictional contact with the side rail. Alternatively, permanent magnets in the side edge of the belt and electrically conductive elements in the conveyor's side rail likewise provide a magnetic bearing.
US09988199B2	Methods and apparatus for manufacturing fiber-based microwavable food containers Methods and apparatus for manufacturing a microwavable food container include: forming a wire mesh over a mold comprising a mirror image of the microwavable food container; immersing the wire mesh in a fiber-based slurry bath; drawing a vacuum across the wire mesh to cause fiber particles to accumulate at the wire mesh surface; and removing the wire mesh including the accumulated fiber particles from the slurry bath; wherein the slurry comprises a moisture barrier, an oil barrier, and a vapor barrier.
US09988197B2	Package system for packaging and administering controlled dosages of chemical agents A package system is disclosed for dispensing controlled amounts of a chemical agent. The package system includes an outer package that is generally gas and liquid impermeable. The outer package contains an inner package made from a degradable material, such as a material that is water degradable. The inner package contains a measured amount of a chemical agent. The chemical agent may be difficult to handle and may have corrosive properties, may be an oxidizer, or the like. The package system facilitates dispensing the chemical agent into a particular environment. In one embodiment, the package system is designed to hold a chemical agent for treating recreational water sources, such as swimming pools.
US09988191B2	Lockable enclosure system A lockable sealable enclosure system with a lockable lid openable, and re-lockable, through use of a locking tool. The enclosure system comprises a bottom container, which can optionally support a transparent film to provide water-resistance to the container, secured by a cover. The cover is provided with securing members which lockingly engage the bottom container. A lock release tool comprises latching members for engagement with the securing members, and a cam and cam followers which operate on the latching members are operably able to pull the securing members outwards to release the locked engagement. The enclosure system can include a shock and water resistant wireless pager enclosure.
US09988183B2	Tire-wheel transport structure A tire-wheel transport pallet having engaging parts engaging the lower circumferential edge section of the rims of a plurality of tire wheels, and a mounting surface on which the tire wheels lying sideways are arranged; a partition plate prevents a horizontal positional shift, and interposed between an upper and a lower level of the tire wheels, which are stacked on the mounting surface in a plurality of levels; a lid covering the uppermost level of the tire wheels, and having, on its bottom surface, a plurality of wheel-position-determining concavities engaging the upper circumferential edge section of the rims of the tire wheels. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the pallet has a plurality of legs projecting downward, and the top surface of the lid has a plurality of leg-position-determining concavities corresponding to the plurality of legs on the pallet, so to stack a plurality of units.
US09988174B2	Delamination resistant glass containers Embodiments of glass containers resistant to delamination and methods for forming the same are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a delamination resistant glass container may include a glass article having a body extending between an interior surface and an exterior surface. The body defines an interior volume. The body may include an interior region extending from 10 nm below the interior surface of the body into a thickness of the body. The interior region has a persistent layer homogeneity such that the body is resistant to delamination.
US09988173B2	Method of robot assisted automated decal application on complex three dimensional surfaces The present Invention discloses two robot assisted automated methods for application of decals on complex 3 dimensional surfaces without wrinkle and bubble. The method includes loading of objects having 3D surfaces on an object holding fixture manually from a conveyor belt, picking up a first application fixture automatically by a robot, peeling off the liner disposed on the decal manually and placing the decal on the first application fixture which holds the decal by suction, positioning the decal with exposed adhesive accurately on a first 3D surface of the object and switching off the suction automatically leaving the decal placed on the 3D surface of the object, placing the first application fixture back and picking up a second application fixture automatically by the robot for squeegee application, applying the second application fixture to complete the squeegee application by pressurizing the decal. The first application fixture is configured to be programmed to hold decals of different shape and size and the second application fixture is configured to be programmed to identify the 3D direction of squeezing pad motion within each region of such decals to eliminate the bubbles without wrinkling. The second method uses a mechatronic pick and place mechanism for picking up a decal from the decal stack and placing of the decal on the 3D surface of the object automatically.
US09988171B2	Collared wrap dispenser A dispenser includes a rotating member including a first end and a second end, the rotating member having an inner surface and defining an axis of rotation that extends from the first end to the second end; a holding member having an inner surface, an outer holding surface, and a collar at a first end of the holding member, the inner surface enclosing an engaging portion of the rotating member; and a cap attached to the first end of the rotating member and holding the holding member, the collar of the holding member positioned at least partially directly between an end surface at the first end of the rotating member and a stop surface of the cap.
US09988165B2	Packaging system and method utilizing intelligent conveyor systems A packaging system and method for receiving articles from a first location, such as a product delivery system, transporting the articles to a second location for unloading the articles such that they are placed in a desired orientation and number of columns, rows, and stacks.
US09988163B2	Fiber strap packing machine A fiber strap packing machine includes a main body. One side of the main body is provided with a fastening device, a cutting device, and a strap pressing device. The fastening device includes a power unit, a tension adjustment unit, and a strap rolling unit. The power unit is connected with the tension adjustment unit and the strap rolling unit. When the strap rolling unit is tightened by a fiber strap, the power of the power unit will be transmitted to the tension adjustment unit through the fastening device. The tension adjustment unit stops the power to be transmitted to the strap rolling unit so as to automatically adjust the tightness of the fiber strap and prevent the tightening device from being damaged by the external force and the power.
US09988153B2	RAF bit for surge detection A ram air fan (RAF) assembly is provided and includes a ram air inlet, a heat exchanger disposed in the ram air inlet, an RAF disposed in the ram air inlet to drive airflow through the heat exchanger, a sensor disposed in the ram air inlet proximate to the RAF and a controller. The controller is operably coupled to the RAF and the sensor and is configured to drive rotations of the RAF to achieve a target RAF rotational speed in accordance with a determination that a reading generated by the sensor is indicative of a surge event.
US09988148B2	Vehicle with asymmetric nacelle configuration A vehicle is provided and includes a wing having opposite surfaces and opposite sides and first and second engines disposed to drive wing movement and being respectively supported asymmetrically on the opposite surfaces and at the opposite sides of the wing.
US09988143B2	Landing gear deployment systems and methods Some embodiments provide apparatuses configured to deploy a landing gear of an aircraft, comprising: a landing gear coupler configured to couple with the landing gear; a release link configured to cooperate the landing gear coupler with a drive shaft that is configured to drive the landing gear between a stowed position and a deployed position; an override driver cooperated with the landing gear coupler; wherein the release link is configured to releasably maintain a relative position of landing gear coupler relative to the drive shaft, and the release link is configured to disengage a coupling between the drive shaft and the landing gear coupler such that the landing gear coupler is configured to move independent of the drive shaft; and wherein the override driver is configured to drive the landing gear coupler to the deployed position.
US09988142B2	Wing for an aircraft, and an aircraft comprising such a wing A wing for an aircraft, including a main wing and a wing tip device, a front blade and a rear blade of the wing tip device extending from an attachment end, a front blade leading edge extending in front of a rear blade leading edge and a front blade trailing edge extending in front of a rear blade trailing edge, in a chord direction, and at a front blade tip the front blade extending under a different dihedral angle than the rear blade at a rear blade tip. The front blade leading and trailing edges, as well as the rear blade leading and trailing edges have a tangent-continuous developing. The front blade leading edge extends tangent-continuously with the wing leading edge. The rear blade trailing edge extends tangent-continuously with the wing trailing edge. The front blade trailing edge extends behind the rear blade leading edge, in the chord direction.
US09988135B2	System for controlling an electrical power system A system for limiting power to a plurality of on-line consumers includes an operating characteristic sensor associated with each of a plurality of prime movers and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a maximum torque capability of each of the plurality of prime movers, determine the available electrical power response of each of the plurality of generators, determine a total available electrical power response, and determine a total maximum power demand. The controller then compares the total available electrical power response to the total maximum power demand, and upon the total maximum power demand exceeding the total available electrical power response, limits power to the plurality of on-line consumers to no more than the total available electrical power response.
US09988133B2	Integral pedal drive for watercraft A dual drive system for providing motive power to a watercraft has a frame configured for connecting to the watercraft and a drive assembly connected to the frame. The drive assembly has a manual drive mechanism configured for receiving mechanical input from a user, a motor drive mechanism configured for receiving mechanical input from a motor, a driveshaft having a first end in selective engagement with one of the manual drive mechanism and the motor drive mechanism and a second end in engagement with a propeller, and a drive selector for selectively engaging the manual drive mechanism or the motor drive mechanism with the driveshaft based on a position of the drive selector between first and second positions. In the first position, the drive selector engages the manual drive mechanism with a driveshaft. In the second position, the drive selector engages the motor drive mechanism with the driveshaft.
US09988132B1	Combination apparatus made of sacrificial anode material removably affixed to a shaft of a propeller of an engine of a water craft, the apparatus including removable and replaceable cutting blades The present invention is a combination apparatus having a body with two separate mating arms made of sacrificial anode material and a pair of oppositely disposed removable cutting blades made of material such as stainless steel. A respective cutting blade extends through an interior of a respective mating arm and extends outwardly from an exterior surface of a respective mating arm with cutting teeth of each respective cutting blade aligned with a slope of the exterior surface of a respective mating arm.
US09988131B2	Canister type thruster and installation method thereof Disclosed are a canister type thruster for implementing smooth upward/downward movement and improving productivity and an installation method thereof. The canister type thruster includes a guide module for guiding upward/downward movement of a canister. The guide module includes: a guide unit that is installed on an inner surface of a trunk so as to support a rack installed on an outer surface of the canister in parallel with a lifting direction to guide the upward/downward movement of the canister, a sliding pad that relieves an impact or a friction applied to the guide unit; and a support protrusion that is provided between the guide unit and the sliding pad to support the sliding pad.
US09988123B2	Suspension and steering assembly A suspension and steering assembly is provided for a vehicle. The assembly comprises a steering means mounted on a vehicle frame; a steering mechanism comprising an upper link connected to the steering means; and a steering stem having a top section connected to a lower link of the steering mechanism; a steering tube having an upper and a lower portion; an upper control arm having a first extremity connected to a middle section of the frame, and a second extremity connected to the upper portion of the steering tube; a lower control arm having a first extremity connected to a lower section of the frame, and a second extremity connected to the lower portion of the steering tube; the steering stem mounted inside the steering tube; and a wheel fork having a lower section for receiving a wheel of the vehicle and an upper section connected to the steering stem.
US09988122B2	Bicycle frame A bicycle frame (100) includes: a front triangle (110); a rear frame (130) articulated to the front triangle (110); a body (21) associated to the front triangle (110) and mobile with respect thereto; and a bottom bracket (22) rotatably associated to the body (21) about a first rotation axis (B). The rear frame (130) is articulated to the body (21) about a second rotation axis (C) parallel to the first rotation axis (B).
US09988103B1	Tailgate assembly and method for accessing a cargo box of a pickup truck hitched to a trailer A method is provided for lowering a tailgate of a motor vehicle when that motor vehicle is hitched to a trailer having a component that interferes with the lowering of the tailgate. The method comprises the steps of displacing a section of the tailgate to form a clearance opening in the tailgate, folding the tailgate into a lowered position and accommodating the component of the trailer in the clearance opening when the tailgate is folded and lowered. Various tailgate assemblies for performing the method are also disclosed.
US09988101B2	Decorative assembly for an automobile and a method of manufacturing same A decorative assembly (20) includes a translucent part (26) overlaying a portion of a chromed visible surface (24) of a base part (22) to define a first visible portion (28) of the chromed visible surface (24) not covered by the plastic layer and a second visible portion (30) of the chromed visible surface (24) covered by but visible through the translucent part (26) for allowing the chromed visible surface (24) to be freely exposed along the first visible portion (28) and for allowing light to pass through the translucent part (26) and reflect off the second visible portion (30) of said chromed visible surface (24). At least one of the second visible portion (30) of the chromed visible surface (24) or the translucent part (26) includes a three-dimensional texture (32) to redirect the light reflected off the second visible portion (30) of the chromed visible surface (24).
US09988099B2	Hard rock mined ore truck body A truck body designed for transporting hard rock mined ore. The truck body includes a body floor having a first material forming a floor structure and a liner structure including a second material covering at least a portion of the floor structure. The second material has a hardness that is greater than a hardness of the first material and prevents wear of the truck body floor by the hard rock ore. The truck body includes a front wall and two opposing body sidewalls that taper outwardly from front to rear of the truck body such that a width between the body sidewalls at a rear of the truck body is at least 10% greater than a width at the front of the truck body. The outward tapering of the body sidewalls promotes movement of the load away from the body sidewalls as the load is released from the truck body.
US09988093B2	Exoskeleton vehicle upper body structure A vehicle body exoskeleton includes a plurality of nodes each defining a receptacle. A plurality of tubes have first and second end portions smaller than and tapering inwardly from a main portion. Each end portion is received in one of the receptacles. An adhesive is applied to the end portions filling a gap defined between the receptacles and the end portions to bond the tubes to the receptacles.
US09988092B2	All-terrain vehicle with an arcuate structural frame An All-Terrain Vehicle with a frame comprising an arcuate shape or an elevated portion with an apex. In one embodiment, the arcuate shape or elevated portion with an apex is located between a rear axis and a front axis such that there is additional clearance over a typical non arcuate frame or a flat frame for a given ride height. The frame may also provide for additional structural strength. The frame may also include the ability to attach periphery accessories such as an engine cage, a passenger cage, trailing arms, power train and transmission.
US09988089B2	Vehicle body front structure There is provided a vehicle body front structure in which left and right frame side mounting members for connecting the rear ends of left and right bumper beam extensions are provided at the front ends. The left and right front side frames are formed from left and right side inner panels and left and right side outer panels. The left and right side outer panels are formed from left and right rear outer panels and left and right front outer panels. The left and right front outer panels are formed from left and right side plates, left and right upper plates, and left and right lower plates. At least one of the set of the left and right upper plates and the set of the left and right lower plates is formed by members different from the left and right side plates.
US09988084B2	Controls for vehicles Disclosed devices, systems, and methods allow an operator to maintain the speed of a vehicle's propulsion devices at selected speeds, and allow the operator to make adjustments to the selected speeds during or prior to operation of the vehicle. Disclosed embodiments can comprise adjustable limiters that are coupled to the control portion of the vehicle adjacent to or on the speed control levers. This allows the operator to hold the levers against a new limiting surface to keep the vehicle moving at a speed that is less than full speed with minimal aberration and less effort needed by the operator. The device can be adjustable to a range of positions corresponding to different speeds. The devices can also be selectively pivoted or moved out of the way of the speed control levers at any time to allow the levers to have their full range of motion.
US09988081B2	Steering system A steering system is provided which more appropriately alleviates driver's discomfort in the wrists. A steering ECU has an estimated grip angle calculating circuit, a deviation calculating circuit, an automatic steering torque command value calculating circuit, and a grip angle command value calculating circuit. The estimated grip angle calculating circuit calculates an estimated grip angle based on a steering angle. The deviation calculating circuit calculates a deviation based on the steering angle, a steering angle deviation, and the estimated grip angle. The grip angle command value calculating circuit calculates a grip angle command value that is a sum of a grip angle and the deviation.
US09988067B1	Snow bike and a front suspension for a snow bike A front fork assembly of a snow bike is disclosed having left and right legs, each having an upper leg portion and a lower leg portion. The left leg upper and lower leg portions are linearly movable relative to each other. A right leg has an upper leg portion and a lower leg portion, the right leg upper and lower leg portions are linearly movable relative to each other. A ski mount has a lower end for coupling to a ski and an upper end for coupling to the left and right leg. A linear force element is coupled to the left and right legs with a first end adjacent the first ends of the forks and seconds ends coupled to the ski, the linear force element has a different linear force characteristic than the left and right legs.
US09988066B2	Snow raft having a plurality of adjustable speed control studs A snow raft comprises a plurality of adjustable speed control studs to control the speed of the raft wherein adjustments are made by way of threading and unthreading the studs located within threaded sockets.
US09988063B2	Stabilizing system for use with a reel cart and method for fabricating the same Embodiments of the disclosure enable a cart to be stabilized. A stabilizing mechanism includes a body having a first surface and a second surface that define an elongated nook configured to receive a first rod member. A coupling device is coupled to the body at a third surface such that the coupling device is substantially parallel to the first and/or second surfaces. The coupling device defines an elongated channel configured to receive a second rod member. A wheel assembly is coupled to the body at a fourth surface and includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a plurality of wheels rotatable about an axis of rotation. A first wheel is coupled to the first end portion, and a second wheel is coupled to the second end portion. Aspects of the disclosure provide for utilizing the cart to move a load across various terrains efficiently and effectively.
US09988060B2	Vehicle for a rail A vehicle configured to be moved along a rail includes rollers which in use engage the rail such that each roller has a contact area with which the roller is in contact with the rail. The contact areas of the rollers are positioned to define a beam with a longitudinal beam axis, a rectangular form in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal beam axis and a first beam side, a second beam side, a third beam side and a fourth beam side, in which the first and third beam side extend perpendicular to the second and fourth beam side, at least two rollers define the first beam side, two rollers define the second beam side, one roller defines the third beam side, and one roller defines the fourth beam side. An assembly includes the vehicle and a rail.
US09988058B2	Method and system for automatically identifying a driver by creating a unique driver profile for a vehicle from driving habits A method and system for automatically creating a unique driver profile for a vehicle from driving habits. A unique driver profile is created with a portable on-board diagnostic series 2 (OBD-2) apparatus and/or linked and/or standalone network device (e.g., smart phone, tablet, wearable device, etc.). The unique driver profile is created from the accepted plural signals including time and geo-location data based on driving habits of the driver. The unique driver profile information is recorded on the apparatus and/or network device, downloaded at a later time or sent in real-time to check and verify an identity of the driver. The unique driver profile helps confirm an identity of the driver of the vehicle based on unique driving habits of the driver.
US09988057B2	Method and device for determining the mass of a motor vehicle, and a motor vehicle with a device of this type A method for determining the mass m of a motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, is based on the principles of power mechanics. In order to determine the vehicle mass in a simple way as accurately as possible while driving, a speed v of the motor vehicle is determined and a drive power PA of the motor vehicle is determined. The mass m of the motor vehicle can then be determined from the speed v and the drive power PA. A device applies such a method, and a motor vehicle includes such a device.
US09988056B2	Systems and methods for controlling sensor-based data acquisition and signal processing in vehicles Systems and methods are provided for dynamically controlling sensor-based data acquisition in vehicles. The disclosed embodiments may receive signals associated with sensors in a vehicle, wherein the signals are associated with sampling rates, and apply bandwidth filters to the signals to create filtered signals. The disclosed embodiments may also detect an occurrence of an event by comparing the filtered signals to one or more event thresholds and transmit event data to a control system when the event thresholds are exceeded. The disclosed embodiments also may dynamically adjust signals, sampling rates, bandwidth filters, a generated event score, and the event thresholds based on changes to a set of control variables. The control variables may depend on signals associated with a set of sensors in a vehicle or on boundary conditions and signals associated to an external system.
US09988051B2	System and method of controlling vehicle driving A system and method of controlling vehicle driving is provided to mitigate a delay in vehicle acceleration when a sailing mode is released. The method includes when a sailing mode is operated, disengaged a clutch and adjusting an engine speed to correspond to a rotational speed of the clutch. Additionally, the clutch is engaged based on whether the sailing mode is released.
US09988048B1	Lane detection systems and methods A lane detection method includes: identifying locations of a lane line included in a first image captured using a first camera capturing images beside the vehicle, the first camera being mounted to a mirror that is movable; based on the locations of the lane line, determining a first linear equation corresponding to the lane line; determining a distance to the lane line based on the first linear equation; identifying locations of the lane line included in a second image captured using a second camera capturing images in front of the vehicle; based on the locations of the lane line, determining a second linear equation corresponding to the lane line; based on the first and second linear equations, determining an angle between first and second lines corresponding to the first and second linear equations, respectively; and determining a corrected distance to the lane line based on the distance and the angle.
US09988042B2	Hybrid vehicle When an output of a braking force to a driving shaft is needed, and a needed braking force can be output by regenerative drive of the second motor, the engine self-sustainably operates, the regenerative drive of the second motor is performed to cause the second motor to output the needed braking force to the driving shaft. When the needed braking force cannot be output by the regenerative drive of the second motor, the needed braking force is output to the driving shaft by the regenerative drive of the second motor and motoring of the engine that performs fuel cut using the first motor. When a filter regeneration condition is established, an allowable input electric power is set to be lower than that of when the filter regeneration condition is not established.
US09988035B2	Electrically controlled brake system in a vehicle and method thereof Disclosed herein is an electrically controlled brake system. The electrically controlled brake system includes a motor and a pump, a master cylinder, a reservoir that is coupled to an upper portion of the master cylinder and in which a brake fluid is stored, an accumulator in which a brake fluid pumped from the reservoir is stored by the motor and the pump, a hydraulic path that connects the accumulator and each of wheel cylinders, an apply valve and a release valve that are provided on the hydraulic path and control a hydraulic pressure transferred from the accumulator to each of the wheel cylinders, a pedal simulator including a simulation chamber connected to the master cylinder and configured to store a brake fluid flowing from the master cylinder to provide a reaction force of a brake pedal, and a simulation valve provided at an inlet of the simulation chamber, a backup path that is connected to the hydraulic path and connects the master cylinder and each of the wheel cylinders, a cut valve that is provided on the backup path and blocks the backup path, a first pressure sensor that is provided on the backup path and detects a pressure of the pedal simulator, a second pressure sensor that is provided on the hydraulic path and detects a pressure of the hydraulic path and an electronic control unit (ECU) that determines whether a mechanical leak failure of the cut valve occurs using a correlation between the pressure of the pedal simulator detected by the first pressure sensor and the pressure of the hydraulic path detected by the second pressure sensor.
US09988027B2	Brake system and vehicle A brake system includes a brake activator which controls, when a slipping condition is detected at a central rear wheel based on a signal detected by a central rear detector, the operating condition of a central rear brake based on the signal detected by the central rear detector so as to reduce a braking force on the central rear wheel lower than a braking force which is obtained as a result of operation of an input member. In this state, when an operation quantity of the input member increases as a result of operation of the input member, changing the operating conditions of both a right front brake and a left front brake, the brake activator increases the braking forces in both a right front wheel and a left front wheel according to an operation quantity of the input member.
US09988025B2	Method for ascertaining a pressure-volume characteristic of a braking system of a vehicle, and evaluation and/or control apparatus for at least one braking system component of a braking system of a vehicle A method for ascertaining a pressure-volume characteristic of a vehicle braking system includes determining at least a first pressure-volume value pair of a first pressure occurring in the braking system during a pressure rise and of a first volume displaced in order to produce the first pressure, deriving a second pressure-volume value pair for a second pressure higher than the first pressure or for a second volume greater than the first volume in consideration at least of the first pressure-volume value pair and an indication in a predefined characteristic curve of a volume difference between a first volume associated with the first pressure and a second volume associated with the second pressure, or of a pressure difference between a first pressure associated with the first volume and a second pressure associated with the second volume.
US09988024B2	Retarder integrated braking system and method A machine includes: an axle having wheels mounted to it; a brake system configured to provide service braking to the wheels; a brake pedal operatively connected to the brake system to provide a braking power to the wheels in proportion to the position of the brake pedal; a pedal sensor operatively connected to the brake pedal to sense the position of the brake pedal; a retarder system configured to selectively slow the wheels down; a speed sensor operatively connected to the machine to detect a speed associated with the machine; a controller operatively connected to the speed sensor, brake pedal position sensor, and retarder system wherein the controller is configured to operate the retarder system based on signals received from the speed sensor and brake pedal position sensor. A method for providing an indication to an operator may also be included.
US09988021B1	Trailer jack plunger pin release system A lever system for actuating a plunger pin on a trailer jack includes a lever which selectively actuates a plunger pin of the trailer jack. In one configuration an attachment member for attaching the lever to the plunger pin and an engagement member which limits the movement of the lower end of the lever toward the trailer jack. In another configuration, a lever attachment member is used to hold the lever to the jack, and a pin engagement member engages the pin to move it into an open position when the upper end of the lever is moved toward the jack.
US09988016B1	Authentication of mobile devices for vehicle communication Methods and apparatus are disclosed for authentication of mobile devices for vehicle communication. An example mobile device for vehicle communication authentication a communication module to receive a signal from a vehicle, memory including an application for accessing digital keys, and key accessor. The example key accessor is to activate, in response to determining the application is inactive, the application utilizing the signal. The example key accessor also is to access a key via the application and send, via the communication module, the key to the vehicle.
US09988010B2	Spacer fabric having hinge function A spacer fabric may include a hinge layer, a top layer, and an intermediate layer. The hinge layer may include a first tensile strength and at least one perforation. The top layer may include a second tensile strength. The intermediate layer may include a third tensile strength, and may be arranged between the hinge layer and the top layer. The first tensile strength may be higher than the second tensile strength, and the first tensile strength may be higher than the third tensile strength.
US09988008B2	Moveable internal shock-absorbing energy dissipation padding in an autonomous vehicle Described herein is utilization of nontransparent Shock-Absorbing Energy Dissipation Padding (SAEDP) in an autonomous on-road vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a side window located at eye level of an occupant who sits in the vehicle. The side window enables the occupant to see the outside environment. A motor is configured to move the SAEDP over a sliding mechanism between first and second states. A processor is configured to command the motor to move the SAEDP from the first state to the second state responsive to an indication that a probability of an imminent collision reaches a threshold. In the first state, the SAEDP does not block the occupant's eye level view to the outside environment, and in the second state, the SAEDP blocks the occupant's eye level view to the outside environment in order to protect the occupant's head against hitting the side window during collision.
US09988006B2	Front part structure of vehicle A front part structure of a vehicle is provided, that includes a bumper fascia disposed at a front part of the vehicle and having an upper end portion opposing a leading edge of a hood, a shroud disposed rearward from the bumper fascia, and configured to lead cooling air to a given device, a coupling member provided with a first portion coupled to the shroud and a second portion that is a portion located forward of the first portion and below the upper end portion of the bumper fascia, and an impact absorbing member provided with a support part that supports the upper end portion and intervenes between the upper end portion of the bumper fascia and the second portion of the coupling member, and a fixed part that is disposed below the support part and is fixed to the second portion.
US09988000B2	Badge assembly for being connected to an airbag cover, airbag cover, airbag module and vehicle steering wheel comprising such badge assembly The invention relates to a badge assembly for being connected to an airbag cover composing a badge (10) and a retaining plate (20) adapted to be clip-connected to each other, wherein the badge comprises positioning pins (17) which are adapted to be tightly connected to positioning seats (23) of the retaining element. The invention excels by the fact that the badge (10) includes a decoration element (12) and a carrier element (13) being tightly connected to each other, wherein the carrier element (13) comprises the positioning pins (17). The invention further relates to an airbag cover, an airbag module and a vehicle steering wheel comprising said badge assembly as well as a manufacturing method.
US09987994B2	Rooftop bike rack system A bicycle rack system has wheel trays spaced apart along a first edge of a roof of a vehicle, a support arm extensible and retractable in length, supported by a pivot mechanism near a second edge of the roof of the vehicle, the support arm extensible to a maximum length substantially greater than the width of the roof, and a specific length substantially less than the width of the roof, and a capture mechanism on a free end of the support arm, adapted to capture a part of the bicycle to be carried in the bike rack.
US09987979B2	Vehicle lighting system A vehicle lighting system includes a first detection unit that detects a moving body around a host vehicle, a first determination unit that determines whether the moving body is a target to which an alert should be sent, a projection unit that can project a first pattern, which indicates first information on the host vehicle, in a predetermined range around the target, a second determination unit that determines whether another vehicle is projecting a second pattern, which indicates second information on the other vehicle, and a control unit that controls the projection unit such that the first pattern is projected at the predetermined range around the target and the first pattern does not overlap with the second pattern or such that the first pattern is not projected, when the other vehicle is projecting the second pattern.
US09987972B2	High extraction force ball socket A ball socket for connection with a ball stud resists accidental pull-out of the ball stud. The ball socket achieves relatively low insertion force but relatively high pull-out force resistance.
US09987968B2	Quick release hook device for trailers A hook device for securing or releasing a deck panel used in a cargo section of a trailer, the hook device including: a guide bracket configured with at least first and second sides, the guide bracket including a groove formed on the first side and extending to the second side; and a hook configured to operate within the groove to secure or release the deck panel, the hook configured to secure the deck panel in a stored position when the hook is on the first side of the guide bracket and to release the deck panel in a work position when the hook is on the second side of the guide bracket.
US09987966B2	Method and system for securing heavy loads The current invention concerns a method and device for securing cargo load in a container. In an embodiment of the current invention, such method comprises: providing a wall securement device comprising two or more apertures allowing the passage of securing means such as straps, which wall securement device is attached to an inner rigid structure of the wall; and lashing the cargo load with securing means by use of the wall securement device, whereby the wall securement device is located at the corner post of said container. In a second aspect, the current invention provides for a wall securement device for securing loads, wherein the securement device may include a slope-hook edge portion.
US09987951B2	Lock for vehicle seat foundation A restraint for a vehicle includes a vehicle seat, a foundation, and a lock system. The foundation is configured to interconnect the vehicle seat to the floor to permit movement of the vehicle seat relative to the floor along a predetermined path. The lock system is configured to selectively block movement of the vehicle seat relative to the floor along the predetermined path.
US09987950B2	Vehicle seat electrical connector bracket assembly A vehicle seat bracket assembly is provided that includes a bracket connected to a vehicle seat structure and including one or more retention features. The vehicle seat bracket assembly also includes an electrical connector module receivably connected to the bracket via the one or more retention features. The vehicle seat bracket assembly further includes one or more electrical control modules connected to the electrical connector module.
US09987949B2	Seating structure including a presence sensor A seating structure includes a base, a seat, a backrest connected to the seat, and an electronic circuit supported by the base. The seat or the backrest includes a carrier and a suspension material secured to the carrier and spanning across an opening formed by the carrier. The suspension material includes a plurality of electrostatic discharge fibers. The electronic circuit is coupled to the electrostatic discharge fibers. The electronic circuit includes an electronic processor and a sensor. The sensor is configured to generate an output signal indicative of an electrical parameter of one of the electrostatic discharge fibers. The electronic processor is configured to apply a drive signal to one of the plurality of electrostatic discharge fibers, receive the output signal from the sensor, and determine a state of the seating structure based on the output signal from the sensor.
US09987948B2	Conductor line, current collector, and conductor line system A conductor line for supplying an electric load movable on the conductor line in the longitudinal direction of the conductor line, includes at least one conductor strand which runs in the longitudinal direction and has an electrically conductive profiled conductor section for contacting a sliding contact of a current collector of the load and at least one elongated slotted waveguide, which runs in the longitudinal direction, with a longitudinal slot for receiving an antenna which can be moved together with the load. A related current collector and a conductor line system are also provided. The aim is to allow a compact and material-saving design with good fault-tolerant transmission. This is achieved by a conductor line in which the longitudinal slot is tilted by an angle which does not equal 90° about the longitudinal direction with respect to a movement plane on which the current collector can be moved, by a current collector in which the antenna or a part thereof is completely or partly tilted by an angle which also does not equal 90° about the longitudinal direction with respect to the movement plane, and by a conductor line system including such a conductor line and current collector.
US09987937B1	Autonomous two-layer predictive controller for bidirectional inductive power transfer in EV applications A two layer predictive controller for bidirectional inductive power transfer can include: a first layer controller generating a mutual inductance and a reference active power; and a second layer controller receiving the mutual inductance and the reference active power, and generating a primary phase shift, a secondary phase shift, and a differential phase shift; the primary phase shift configured to manage a magnitude of an output voltage of a primary inverter; the secondary phase shift configured to manage a magnitude of an output voltage of a secondary inverter; and the differential phase shift being a phase difference between the output voltage of the primary inverter and the output voltage of the secondary inverter.
US09987931B2	Method of disconnecting secondary battery and electric power supply system A method of disconnecting a secondary battery which disconnects the secondary battery from an electric power supply path in an electric power supply system performs shutting off a flow of a current to a secondary battery side through a converter after it is detected that there is an abnormality in the secondary battery, and when it is determined that the voltage of the power storage unit is equal to or less than the voltage of the secondary battery by the predetermined value, maintaining a connection of the secondary battery to the electric power supply path and when it is determined that the voltage of the power storage unit is greater than the voltage of the secondary battery by the predetermined value, operating a relay to disconnect the secondary battery from the electric power supply path.
US09987929B2	Air compressor control method and system for fuel cell vehicle An air compressor control method for a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The method includes sensing variation information of a rotation speed of an air compressor motor and sensing a state of charge (SOC) of a high voltage battery by the fuel cell controller when the rotation speed of the air compressor motor is reduced. An allowable current from regenerative braking of an air compressor is derived using current consumption of an electric or electronic sub-assembly for a fuel cell vehicle in response to determining that the SOC exceeds a predetermined level of the SOC. The air compressor motor is then operated based on the allowable current from regenerative braking by an air compressor controller.
US09987925B1	Display device for vehicles A display device for vehicles is provided. The display device includes: a base, a connecting assembly and a display module. The connecting assembly is disposed on the base by a hinge. The hinge has a pivot of which the center is defined as a central axis. A connecting groove is disposed on the back side of the display module, such that the display module can be connected to the base when the connecting assembly is slidingly inserted into the connecting groove. The connecting assembly can slide in the opposite direction to be removed from the connecting groove of the display module.
US09987921B2	Siphoning-off guard A siphoning-off guard for a motor vehicle tank system that includes a filler pipe head, a tube and a motor vehicle tank, the motor vehicle tank system contains components which form an end region, the siphoning-off guard being fastened to the end region on the outside surface of the component.
US09987909B2	Convertible vehicle having a wind deflector A convertible vehicle having a displaceable top and a top storage space, which can be closed using a storage space cover, as well as a wind deflector, which is displaceable between a retracted stowage position and at least one erected function position and can have an inner frame on which a wind deflector function element is spanned. The wind deflector can have an outer frame, to which the inner frame is pivotably mounted and which is pivotably mounted to the storage space cover.
US09987906B2	Systems and methods for powering a transport refrigeration system Systems and methods are directed to providing power to a transport refrigeration system (TRS) using an undersized main power source in combination with a secondary power source. The systems and methods allow the undersized main power source to be used with a TRS that requires a power more than a maximum threshold power of the undersized main power source to operate at a full cooling capacity. The secondary power supplements the undersized main power to allow the TRS to operate at the full cooling capacity. Optionally, a tertiary power source can supplement the undersized main power source, or the undersized main and secondary power sources to run the TRS.
US09987901B2	Heat-pump-type air-conditioning device A heat-pump-type air-conditioning device includes an electric compressor, a condenser, a coolant discharge pipe and a muffler. The electric compressor is disposed in a motor compartment of an electric vehicle, while the condenser is disposed in a passenger compartment. The coolant discharge pipe links the electric compressor and the condenser for channeling coolant from the electric compressor to the condenser. The muffler is provided at a position partway along the coolant discharge pipe for suppressing pulsation in the coolant discharged from the electric compressor. The muffler is disposed at a position higher up in the vehicle than the than a coolant discharge port of the electric compressor. A coolant inflow port of the muffler is set at a position higher up in the vehicle than the than a coolant outflow port of the muffler.
US09987898B2	Predictive suspension control for a vehicle using a stereo camera sensor Embodiments of the invention address the area of predictive suspension control system for a vehicle, particularly a two-wheel vehicle such as a motor cycle or a scooter. The system includes a stereo sensor unit which for generating image data, a computing unit which extracts a relevant image portion from the image data based on future vehicle path data, and calculates road unevenness on a future vehicle path of the vehicle based on the generated image data. A suspension control unit generates an adaptation signal for adapting the suspension based on the calculated road unevenness. The computing unit adapts a search direction of a stereo algorithm or a correlation area of the stereo algorithm based on a lean angle of the vehicle to generate the three-dimensional partial image data from the relevant image portion, and fits a road model to the three-dimensional partial image data to calculate the road unevenness.
US09987897B2	Device for adjusting the height of a vehicle body The invention relates to a device for adjusting the height of a vehicle body, having two components, which can be moved longitudinally relative to each other, and a movement thread, which is arranged between these components. The movement thread includes a partial thread which is designed as a spindle paired with a first component and a partial thread which is designed as a spindle nut paired with the other component. The partial threads are designed to be axially movable relative to each other by a rotational drive. The device also includes a locking device which bridges the movement thread in at least three longitudinal positions and which comprises an axially fixed locking ring that is arranged on the spindle in a rotatable manner and has locking cams distributed over the circumference and a shifting gate that is rigidly connected to the spindle nut in an axial manner, receives the locking cams, and includes locking stops, which are arranged at end positions of the at least three longitudinal positions and are distributed over the circumference, and switching ramps, which lie axially opposite the locking stops, are provided with slopes that decrease in the circumferential direction, and are arranged over the circumference. A movement of the locking cams towards the locking stops and towards the switching ramps in the shifting gate is provided by an axial movement of the spindle relative to the spindle nut, this displacement depending on a rotational direction of the rotational drive, and a selection of the locking stops is carried out by rotating the locking ring by the rotated locking cams resting against switching stops provided between the switching ramps. In order to shorten the switching paths and the switching times of the locking device, at least one switching ramp arranged between two locking stops is expanded relative to the remaining switching ramps in a direction of the locking stops.
US09987881B2	Steel wire with high drawability having a carbon level by mass of between 0.05% inclusive and 0.4% exclusive The steel wire of diameter d expressed in mm has a completely ferritic, pearlitic or ferritic-pearlitic microstructure and a weight content of carbon C such that 0.05%≤C<0.4%, a weight content of chromium Cr such that Cr<12% and a maximum tensile strength R, expressed in MPa, such that R≥175+930.C−600.In(d) and R≥1500 MPa.
US09987876B1	Multi-tiered expandable filing assembly A multi-tiered expandable filing assembly provides at least three modular trays arranged in stacked tiers and supported from two side by a pair of lateral frames. The modular trays receive, store, sort, and organize files, documents, and mail. The modular trays comprise a panel, a peripheral region, and at least one protrusion extending from the periphery. The protrusion extends from the sides of the panel and are configured to couple with the concave humps that form in the support bars of the lateral frames. The modular trays are arranged into three tiers and expanded to additional tiers of trays through constructive arrangement with the lateral frames. The lateral frames comprise a pair of legs, a top bar forming a top convex hump, and a bottom bar forming a bottom convex hump. The top and bottom convex humps from multiple assemblies can be stacked to further expand the assembly.
US09987861B2	Drying device, computer readable medium storing drying program, drying method and image forming apparatus A drying device includes: a plurality of laser elements that emit laser beams with controllable intensity and respectively emit the laser beams such that the emitted laser beams partially overlap one another; and a controller that controls the intensity of the laser beams emitted from the plurality of laser elements so as to obtain intensity corresponding to drying intensity set as intensity for drying liquid droplets in a case where at least a part of an image region formed by the liquid droplets ejected in accordance with image information is included in an irradiation region of the laser beams emitted from the plurality of laser elements.
US09987858B2	Print zone heating In one example, a print zone heater includes a structure defining a plenum, a heating element, a fan to move air over the heating element into the plenum, and a conduit from the plenum to carry heated air into the print zone.
US09987856B2	Image recording apparatus and image recording method An image recording apparatus includes: a laser irradiation device including a plurality of laser output sections arranged side by side in a certain direction and configured to irradiate positions different from one another in the certain direction with laser light output from the plurality of laser output sections, the image recording apparatus being configured to irradiate a recording target moving relatively to the laser irradiation device in a relative movement direction different from the certain direction, with laser light to heat the recording target, and record a visible image on the recording target; and an image correction unit configured to adjust an irradiation condition of the laser light output from the plurality of laser output sections and correct distortion of an image recorded on a recording surface of the recording target based on a shape of the recording surface.
US09987853B2	Liquid circulation device, liquid discharge device and liquid discharge method A liquid circulation device comprises a liquid chamber connected with a liquid discharge section that discharges liquid, a circulation section which circulates the liquid in a flow path containing the liquid chamber and the liquid discharge section, a liquid supply section, a pressure adjustment section and a control section that, according to fluctuation velocity of the pressure, replenishes the liquid through the liquid supply section if the detected pressure is equal to or smaller than a predetermined pressure value or lower than the predetermined pressure value and the pressure fluctuation velocity is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed or faster than the predetermined speed and adjusts the pressure of the liquid discharge section through the pressure adjustment section and the pressure fluctuation velocity is slower than the predetermined speed or equal to or smaller than the predetermined speed.
US09987845B2	Printhead assembly module In one example, a printhead assembly module includes an upstream row of printheads and a downstream row of printheads. The upstream and downstream rows of printheads are offset from one another such that a printhead in the upstream row extends past the downstream row at one end of the module and a printhead in the downstream row extends past the upstream row at the other end of the module.
US09987843B2	Liquid discharge head, liquid discharge device, and liquid discharge apparatus A liquid discharge head includes a nozzle plate, a substrate, a diaphragm, and a piezoelectric element. The nozzle plate includes a nozzle from which liquid is discharged. The substrate is disposed on the nozzle plate and includes a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle. The diaphragm is disposed on a first side of the substrate opposite a second side of the substrate on which the nozzle plate is disposed, the diaphragm constituting one wall of the pressure chamber. The piezoelectric element is disposed on the diaphragm to deform the diaphragm to discharge liquid in the pressure chamber from the nozzle. The piezoelectric element includes a first electrode, a piezoelectric film, and a second electrode. The first electrode is disposed on the diaphragm. The piezoelectric film is disposed on the first electrode.
US09987840B2	Screen cleaning apparatus and method A screen cleaning apparatus (2) and method, wherein: a screen cleaning head (3) is operative to contact a surface of a printing screen (PS), the screen cleaning head (3) includes a screen contact element (17) over which a cleaning sheet (7) is in use disposed, the screen contact element (17) comprises a first section (17a), which is configured to support one of a dry section or a wet section of the cleaning sheet (7) thereabove, a second, vacuum section (17b), at which a vacuum is provided to draw a vacuum therethrough, and a third section (17c), which is configured to support the other of a wet section or a dry section of the cleaning sheet thereabove; and a support (11) to which the cleaning head (3) is supported and which is movable over the surface of the printing screen (PS) to provide for cleaning of the same.
US09987831B2	Method for the fabrication of a preform, preform and container A method for fabricating a preform (100) by providing a plurality of preform segments (101-103) which each define a portion of a preform (100), positioning said preform segments (101-103) in continuous contact with each other along at least one edge of said preform segments (101-103) such that said plurality of preform segments (101-103) define a cavity (107), and bonding each of said preform segments (101-103) to at least one other preform segment such that said plurality of preform segments (101-103) forms a continuous whole.
US09987826B2	Display device having adhesion layer between curved window panel and curved display panel A display device includes a window panel having a first radius of curvature, a display panel and an adhesion layer. The display panel defines a first portion having a second radius of curvature, and a second portion which extends from an end of the first portion and has a third radius of curvature different from the second radius of curvature. In a line normal to the upper surface of the display panel, a first distance between a first point at the upper surface of the first portion of the display panel and a first crossing point at an upper surface of the window panel, is different from a second distance between a second point at the upper surface of the second portion of the display panel and a second crossing point at the upper surface of the window panel.
US09987825B2	Joined body and method for manufacturing the same A joined body 20 includes a first member 21, a second member 22, and a joint portion 30 which is formed from an oxide ceramic containing a Fe3O4 phase in which a solute component capable of forming a spinel-type oxide with Fe is solid-dissolved and which joins the first member 21 and the second member 22.
US09987820B2	Multilayer structures containing biopolymers The invention relates to a multi-layer structure in which one or more layers contain an acrylic polymer, and one or more layers contain biopolymers. The acrylic polymer and biopolymer could be in different layers of the structure, or in the same layer of the structure. The combination of acrylic polymer and biopolymer in the same multi-layer structure provides improved properties, such as improved adhesion, improved mechanical properties, and improvements in the ease of manufacturing. An inner layer containing a biopolymer gains significantly improved UV resistance, abrasion resistance, and surface appearance, when covered with an outer acrylic layer. The multi-layer structure may be in the form of a sheet, a film, a tube or pipe, or a profile, and could used by itself or as a cap-layer over another substrate.
US09987811B2	Mould insert comprising a high-contrast texture Lining element intended to be inserted into a mold for molding and vulcanizing a tire tread, the lining element comprising a body and inserts inserted into this body, at least some of the inserts comprising a pattern comprising a plurality of recessed or projecting elements, the pattern being formed as an integral part of the inserts.
US09987810B2	Process for producing mono-rotomoulded articles prepared from blends comprising polyethylene The present invention discloses a single layer rotomolded article prepared from a blend of polyethylene, functionalized polyolefin and one or more resins selected from polyetherester or saturated polyester or polycarbonate or polyamide.
US09987803B2	Method and system for fabricating a product using a digital fabrication unit A method for producing a product using a digital fabrication unit, in which a service for producing the product is started via a communication network via a communication device connected to the communication network, and the product is manufactured using the digital fabrication unit based on data describing production of the product made available to the fabrication unit.
US09987802B2	Method for adjusting printing head usage amount of 3D printer and control device A method for adjusting a printing head usage amount of a 3D printer and a control device are provided. The method is adapted to control the control device of the 3D printer. The method includes following steps. At least one printing head of the 3D printer is divided into a plurality of sections. An accumulated printing point number of each of the sections is obtained. At least one specific section used for printing a 3D object is selected from the sections according to the accumulated printing point number of each of the sections. The method for adjusting the printing head usage amount of the 3D printer and the control device can avoid excessively high usage amount of some nozzles.
US09987798B2	Method and apparatus for continuous composite three-dimensional printing A method and apparatus for the additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects are disclosed. Two or more materials are extruded simultaneously as a composite, with at least one material in liquid form and at least one material in a solid continuous strand completely encased within the liquid material. A means of curing the liquid material after extrusion hardens the composite. A part is constructed using a series of extruded composite paths. The strand material within the composite contains specific chemical, mechanical, or electrical characteristics that instill the object with enhanced capabilities not possible with only one material.
US09987787B2	Two stage system and method for molding containers A method and system for hydraulic blow molding a container from a preform 24. A molding medium is injected into the preform from a nozzle 12 during a first molding stage. In the first molding stage, the molding medium is injected so as to be specifically directed at a closed end of the preform 24. During the first molding stage, the preform is axially stretched in response to the force exerted on the preform by the molding medium. The molding medium is also injected into the preform during a second molding stage, where the molding medium is injected at a flow rate greater than a flow rate during the first molding stage. During the second molding stage, the preform is radially expanded into the shape of the container.
US09987785B2	Applying flowable materials to synthetic substrates Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for applying activatable melt flowable materials to substrates made from synthetic materials. The methods are concerned with formation of appropriate flowable materials, control over the manner in which the flowable materials are applied, treatment of the substrates prior to application of the flowable materials and the selection of the optimum combination of materials for the substrates and the flowable materials. The methods may be particularly suited for applying flowable materials to surfaces to produce components found in automotive, aerospace including trucks, busses and tractors and marine vehicles.
US09987779B2	Integral locator pin for a plastic component A locator pin is provided for a plastic component. The locator includes a main rib, a first secondary rib intersecting the main rib at a first intersection and a second secondary rib intersecting the main rib at a second intersection. The first and second intersections are offset from each other. A plastic component incorporating the locator pin, a plastic component assembly incorporating that plastic component and a method of reducing sink marks in an injection molded plastic component are also provided.
US09987764B2	Tube insertion tool Tube insertion devices are configured to allow a user to manually insert a hollow tube into a receiving bore, e.g., a pen tube into the bore of a blank. In some implementations, the devices include (a) a pair of elongated arms, each arm comprising a gripping portion and an insertion portions, each of the insertion portions terminating in a distal tip, and (b) a connecting portion joining the arms such that the arms pivot about the connecting portion in a plane defined by the arms when the gripping portions are pressed together by a user. Each of the insertion portions preferably includes a relatively wider proximal portion and a relatively narrower distal tube-carrying portion, the change in width between the proximal portion and the distal portion defining a stop surface.
US09987755B2	Eletroadhesive gripping system with smart brake and metering A system utilizes electroadhesive surfaces for braking and metering objects in an automated environment. An electroadhesive surface can include electrodes that are configured to induce an electrostatic attraction with nearby objects upon application of voltage to the electrodes. The systems described utilize various configurations of electroadhesive surfaces, sensors, controllers and programmable processors to create smart braking, capturing and metering systems for improved automated material handling.
US09987752B2	Systems and methods for automatic detection of spills Systems and methods for automatic detection of spills are disclosed. In some exemplary implementations, a robot can have a spill detector comprising at least one optical imaging device configured to capture at least one image of a scene containing a spill while the robot moves between locations. The robot can process the at least one image by segmentation. Once the spill has been identified, the robot can then generate an alert indicative at least in part of a recognition of the spill.
US09987745B1	Execution of robotic tasks The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for robust robotic task execution. An example method includes obtaining a task-level goal for a robot associated with one or more sub-goals, where accomplishment of the one or more sub-goals accomplishes the task-level goal. Carrying out an operation in pursuance of a given sub-goal may involve controlling at least one actuator of the robot. The method also includes determining one or more parameters indicative of a state of a system that includes the robot and an environment proximate to the robot. The method further includes selecting a particular sub-goal based on at least one of the one or more parameters. Additionally, the method includes selecting at least one controller based on at least one of the one or more parameters and the selected sub-goal. Further, the method includes causing the robot to operate in accordance with the at least one selected controller.
US09987739B2	Apparatus for sliding auxiliary handle An apparatus is provided for mounting to a work tool shaft to facilitate and reduce stress in the use of the tool. The apparatus includes a mounting portion adapted for receiving the work tool shaft and a handle mounted to the mounting portion. The handle includes an elongated portion offset from the work tool shaft and adapted for gripping by a user of the tool. The handle elongated portion is disposed, at least in part, intermediate the mounting portion and the work tool head and is substantially in line with the tool shaft. The mounting portion is adapted so that it can slide along the work tool shaft when no leverage is exerted on the handle and can firmly hold the work tool shaft when leverage is exerted on the handle. An adjustment assembly is provided for adjusting the sliding resistance of the mounting portion on the work tool shaft. A brake is adapted to hold the mounting portion in a fixed position along the length of the work tool shaft when leverage is applied to the handle and to allow the mounting portion to move along the length of the work tool shaft when the leverage is removed.
US09987738B2	Hand-held power tool having a torque clutch In a hand-held power tool having a transmission and a torque clutch, which has a torque limiting coupling associated with the transmission and with which a limiting transfer element is associated, to which at least one spring element is axially applied in the direction of the torque limiting coupling, a torque level of the torque clutch being settable via a user-operable operating element at least within predefined limits, the torque limiting coupling has at least one roller-shaped latch member.
US09987735B2	Nail set A nail set includes an elongated body having a longitudinal axis and a pivot axis. The nail set also includes a tool member supported by the elongated body at the pivot axis. The tool member includes a first end portion having a first punch tool and a second end portion having a second punch tool that is different than the first punch tool. The tool member is selectively rotatable about the pivot axis. The nail set further includes a locking member supported by the elongated body and is movable between a first position, where the locking member engages the tool member to inhibit rotation of the tool member about the pivot axis, and a second position, where the tool member is rotatable relative to the elongated body about the pivot axis.
US09987731B2	Bleeder fitting structure A bleeder fitting structure includes a rigid first fitting member for rotating the bleeder and an elastic second fitting member connectable with the bleeder to form a flow passage. A deformation space with a certain size is defined between the first and second fitting members, whereby when the second fitting member is connected with the connection ends of different bleeders with different sizes, the second fitting member is deformed to different extents. Therefore, the second fitting member can be tightly fitted with the connection ends of different bleeders with a larger range of size to ensure that the fluid can flow through the flow passage without leakage.
US09987728B2	Abrasive articles including an abrasive performance enhancing composition The present invention relates generally to fixed abrasive articles comprising: abrasive particles; a binder composition; and an abrasive performance enhancing composition, wherein the abrasive particles are disposed on or in the binder composition, and wherein the abrasive performance enhancing composition is disposed overlying the abrasive particles or binder composition or both. The abrasive performance enhancing composition comprises a mixture comprising a lubricant and an anti-wear agent. In particular embodiments the abrasive performance enhancing composition further comprises a fixative material.
US09987723B2	Grinding machine with adjustable work bench A grinding machine includes a support and a board which is connected to the connection portion of the support. The board has a first opening and a second opening. A transportation device is connected across over the first and second openings. A grinding device has a driving portion and a grinding portion which is connected to the driving portion. The driving portion is connected to the support so that the grinding portion is located above the transportation device. An angle adjustment device is connected between the board and the transportation device so as to adjust inclination of the transportation device so as to grind a larger area of an object.
US09987721B2	Double-side polishing method A double-side polishing method of polishing both surfaces of a wafer by holding the wafer with a carrier including a holding hole configured to hold the wafer and a ring-shaped resin insert disposed along an internal circumference of the holding hole, the resin insert having an inner circumferential surface configured to contact a peripheral portion of the wafer, interposing the carrier between upper and lower turn tables to which polishing pads are attached, polishing both the surfaces of the wafer while maintaining planarity of the inner circumferential surface at or below 100 μm and verticalness of the inner circumferential surface at or below 5°. The method can inhibit the degradation of the flatness of the polished wafer, such as particularly an outer circumferential sag, due to variation in shape of the inner circumferential surface of the resin insert of a carrier.
US09987715B2	System for identifying and duplicating master keys A system for duplicating a master key includes a mechanism for receiving and positioning a master key. The master key defines a major key axis and an intermediate key axis along which a key blade variably extends, and a minor key axis along a key thickness. Optical path components direct a light beam along the minor key axis. The light beam impinges upon the key blade. A portion of the light beam traverses the key blade. A detector receives the portion of the light beam that traverses the key blade. An apparatus imparts relative motion along the major key axis between the light beam and the master key. The light beam scans along the major key axis of the master key. A processor receives a signal from the detector as the beam scans along the major key axis and generates information usable for defining the machining of a duplicate key.
US09987711B2	Welding tool coupling having at least one magnet system and at least one short-circuit device, welding tool, and welding device The invention relates to a welding tool coupling, in particular a hose-assembly interface or a welding torch handle, for connecting a welding tool (3), in particular a welding torch neck, to a supply line of a welding device, comprising a coupling device (2) for detachably coupling the welding tool (3) by means of a magnetic retaining force that can be switched on and off. According to the invention the coupling device (2) has at least one magnet system (10) and at least one short-circuit device, which can be moved in relation to each other between a switch-on position and a switch-off position in such a way that the magnetic flux generated by the magnet system (10) exits from the coupling device (2) in the switch-on position in such a way that the magnetic retaining force is generated and is at least partially short-circuited in the coupling device (2) by means of the short-circuit device in the switch-off position in such a way that the magnetic retaining force disappears. The invention further relates to a welding tool (3) for coupling to such a welding tool coupling, and a welding device having such a welding tool coupling.
US09987710B2	Solder paste A solder paste whereby metal does not flow out of a joint during a second or subsequent reflow heating stage. The solder paste excels in terms of temporal stability and exhibits high joint strength at room temperature and at high temperatures. The solder paste comprises a powdered metal component and a flux component, the powdered metal component comprising: 10-70 mass % of a powdered intermetallic compound comprising copper and tin and 30-90 mass % of a solder powder including tin as a main component. Neither the powdered intermetallic compound nor the solder powder contains a copper-only phase, inhibiting the elution of copper ions into the flux.
US09987708B2	Automated weld repair of combustor liners Aspects of the disclosure are directed to repairing or restoring a liner associated with a combustor of an aircraft engine. The liner is at least partially stripped of at least one detail. An automated welding operation is applied to the liner. A coating of the liner on a cold side of the liner is retained on the liner during the welding operation.
US09987706B2	Method for producing a stainless steel diffusion-bonded product A method for producing a stainless steel diffusion-bonded product provides a stainless steel material diffusion-bonded product having excellent reliability of the bonded portion by using a direct method, which includes directly contacting stainless steel materials with each other to unify the materials together by diffusion bonding. At least one of the stainless steel materials to be contacted is dual-phase steel having an austenite transformation starting temperature Ac1 point of 650 to 950° C. during the temperature elevation and having an austenite+ferrite dual-phase temperature region in the range of 880° C. or higher. Diffusion bonding is advanced under conditions such that the contact surface pressure is in the range of 1.0 MPa or less and the heating temperature is in the range of from 880 to 1,080° C. while being accompanied by the movement of grain boundary caused when the ferrite phase in the dual-phase steel undergoes transformation to an austenite phase.
US09987701B2	Hybrid pulsed-short circuit welding regime Welding power is generated by first generating two different current waveforms, and comparing the waveform values for control intervals to select which waveform provides the greater current. The waveforms are for different transfer modes, such as one for a pulsed arc portion, and another for a short-circuit transfer mode or for short-circuit clearing. The waveforms may be programmed by settings in a state machine. A balance or relative prioritization in the comparison may be influenced by user inputs. The resulting hybrid process has aspects of both spray transfer and short-circuit transfer modes.
US09987681B2	Method of replacing a nozzle assembly for a molten metal holding and pouring box with dual pouring nozzles A molten metal holding and pouring box with a rectangular-shaped upper section and a pyramidal-shaped lower section provides a relatively constant flow of molten metal being poured from the box through each of two bottom nozzles into two separate foundry molds at the same time. The two bottom nozzles are contained in a unitary dual nozzle assembly that facilitates replacement as required by wear, or a change in location of the sprue cups in the two separate foundry molds being filled with molten metal.
US09987680B2	Impact casting methods and devices A method of removing voids from a casting is disclosed including the steps of introducing molten metal into a die, providing an impact surface and dropping the die containing the molten metal at least once from a predetermined height to strike the impact surface. A device for removing voids from a casting includes a base, a drive means operably coupled to at least one cam, and a guide configured to receive a die, wherein the at least one cam is positioned on the base to contact a die placed on the guide, and wherein rotation of the at least one cam is operable to raise and subsequently release the die to strike a surface of the base, and wherein the guide maintains the die in a stable orientation relative to a horizontal axis of the base.
US09987672B2	Hydraulic tube expander and method of use A hydraulic tube expander includes expanding jaws engageable with an interior surface of a tube to expand the tube; a source of hydraulic fluid, a valve located between the source and the expanding jaws and a single-action release actuator operatively coupled to the valve. The valve is moveable between open and closed positions. In the closed position, hydraulic fluid can pass from the source to the expanding jaws and in the open position the hydraulic fluid can pass from the expanding jaws to the source. The actuator is movable between first and second positions. In the first position the valve is in the closed position. Movement of the actuator in a direction from the first position toward the second position moves the valve into the open position.
US09987670B2	Method and device for producing tapering pipe sections on ground screw foundations A method of reshaping a cylindrical pipe to a ground screw foundation for attaching an object to the ground includes a drawing unit and a working tool having a plurality of press roll disks or press roll disk segments. The press roll disks or press roll disk segments are disposed radially around a longitudinal axis of a holder for the cylindrical pipe, and pivotably around shafts extending at a fixed distance to the longitudinal axis transversely and tangentially relative to the longitudinal axis. A cylindrical pipe is inserted into a holder. The cylindrical pipe or the working tool with the drawing unit is drawn such that a relative movement between the pipe and the working tool is created.
US09987663B2	Ultrasonic sensor An ultrasonic sensor includes a substrate on which an opening portion is formed; a vibration plate that is provided on the substrate so as to block the opening portion; and a piezoelectric element including a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode that are stacked on an opposite side of the opening portion of the vibration plate, in which when a direction in which the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer, and the second electrode are stacked is set to be a Z direction, and a portion that is completely overlapped by the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer, and the second electrode in the Z direction is set to be an active portion, the plural active portions are provided so as to face the one opening portion, and a suppressing portion (column portion) that suppresses vibrations of the vibration plate is provided between the adjacent active portions.
US09987652B2	Adhesive feeding device An adhesive feeding device includes an adhesive dripping unit and a magnetic field control unit. The adhesive dripping unit is configured to accommodate an adhesive mixture having magnetic properties and comprises an adhesive outgoing end. The magnetic field control unit is provided above one end of the adhesive dripping unit opposite to the adhesive outgoing end, and is configured to control the adhesive mixture to flow out from the adhesive outgoing end without a firing pin.
US09987641B2	Dosing dispensers and methods for using the same A dosing dispenser system and a dosing dispenser include a slidable control configured to allow a user to select a desired mixing ratio for a product contained in a container attached to the dosing dispenser with a transport medium, such as water, flowing through the dosing dispenser.
US09987639B2	Irrigation nozzle assembly and method A long throw Pop-Up Irrigation Nozzle assembly has no oscillating or rotating parts and includes a cylindrical body having a fluid inlet and a sidewall defining at least one fluidic circuit configured to generate a selected spray pattern when irrigation fluid flows through the body. In order to throw long distance, droplet velocity, droplet size and droplet initial aim angle determine the throw to provide a low precipitation rate (“PR”) for fluidic sprays. The nozzle assembly and method of the present invention achieve a PR of 1 in/hr or less and good spray distribution with a scheduling coefficient (“SC”) of about 1.5 without utilizing any moving components to provide a significantly more cost effective nozzle assembly, as compared to prior art rotator nozzles.
US09987632B2	Microfluidic methods for passive separation of cells and particles A method of separating a plurality of particles (14) from a portion of fluid, comprising directing the plurality of particles (14) into a microchannel (12). A first portion (16) of particles (14) is focused into an equilibrium position in the microchannel (12). The focused first portion (16) is directed into a first outlet (18) aligned with the equilibrium position. A portion of the fluid is directed into one or more outlets (20, 22). A microfluidic device (10) for separating a plurality of particles (14) from a portion of fluid, comprising a microchannel (12) having a first aspect ratio and a length L, thereby focusing the particles (14) directed therein into an equilibrium position in the microchannel, wherein at least a first portion (16) of the particles (14) focuses at distance X from a beginning of the microchannel (12). A first outlet (18) disposed after distance X and aligned with the equilibrium position to receive at least the first portion (16) of the particles (14) after the first portion (16) focuses into an equilibrium position in the microchannel (12). At least a second outlet (20) for receiving a second portion of the particles (14) before the second portion focuses into an equilibrium position.
US09987625B2	Desulfurization agent The present disclosure is directed to a desulphurization agent for removing sulphurous species from a diluent or process stream, and a use of such agent. In some examples, the agent may include a compound of manganese, pore forming particles and a compound of copper. The agent may be introduced into or mixed with the diluent or process stream to effectuate removal of sulphurous species from the diluent or process stream.
US09987621B2	Transparent photocatalyst coating Photocatalyst compositions and elements exhibiting desired photocatalytic activity levels and transparency.
US09987595B2	Header for filtration membrane and filtration membrane module comprising the same Disclosed is a header which can prevent a fixing layer for fixing the filtration membrane in the header from being detached from the header and a filtration membrane module comprising the same. A filtration membrane module of the present invention comprises a filtration membrane, a header comprising a case having an opening at an upper part thereof and a partition dividing an inner space of the case into a first space for insertion of the filtration membrane and a second space for fixing the filtration membrane, and a fixing layer. The filtration membrane is potted in the fixing layer which, together with the case, forms a filtrate collecting space in the first space. The partition has a through-hole. The fixing layer exists in at least a portion of the first space, in the second space, and in the through-hole of the partition as well.
US09987592B2	Systems and methods for abating waste methane A system for abating waste methane includes a catalytic combustor device configured to catalytically combust waste-associated methane emissions generated by waste in a waste container, where the catalytic combustion is based on a reaction of the methane emissions and a catalyst of the catalytic combustor device in the presence of heat. The system further includes a combustion sensor configured to generate combustion data based on the catalytic combustion, a transmitter, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to control operation of the catalytic combustor device, determine an amount of methane abated by the catalytic combustor device, where the amount of methane abated is based on the combustion data, and report, via the transmitter, the amount of methane abated by the catalytic combustor device.
US09987591B2	Method for removing sulphur dioxide from gas streams, using titanium dioxide as catalyst The present invention relates to a method for removing sulphur dioxide from gaseous effluent, wherein a mixture of gaseous outlet gasses or gaseous effluent includes sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide, and wherein, to perform a catalytic reduction, a catalyst is used to catalyze a reaction between carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide to produce carbon dioxide and sulphur.
US09987587B2	Method and device for the treatment of a gas stream, in particular for the treatment of a natural gas stream A method for the treatment of a gas stream, wherein before the combustion of the gas stream, hydrogen sulfide is separated out of the gas stream in a first absorber by an absorption medium, the treated gas stream purified of hydrogen sulfide is burnt in a combustion apparatus, the carbon dioxide contained in the exhaust gas of the burnt gas stream after combustion is separated in a second absorber by an absorption medium, and the separated hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide are separated in at least one desorber from the absorption medium for the regeneration of the latter. The same absorption medium separates the hydrogen sulfide out of the gas stream and the carbon dioxide out of the exhaust gas. A corresponding device for the treatment of a gas stream has a first absorber and a second absorber flow-connected to one another for the exchange of absorption medium.
US09987580B2	Mating interface between air intake housing and air filter Mating interfaces between an air intake housing and an air filter are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an air filter assembly having a mating interface for coupling an air intake housing to the air filter may include an air filter having an exterior, an interior, and outlet; and a mating interface coupled to a circumference of the outlet of the air filter. The mating interface may include an opening for receiving an end of an air tube that is in communication with the interior of the air filter; and a groove in a surface of the mating interface for press-fit receiving a first opening an air filter housing that surrounds the air filter.
US09987573B2	Internally fed drum filter for treating waste water comprising an inlet distribution arrangement An internally fed drum filter for treating waste water, includes an inlet distribution arrangement for distributing waste water entering the drum filter via an inlet duct, characterized in that the inlet distribution arrangement includes an adjustable flow deflection member arranged near the outflow opening of the inlet duct, downstream thereof, for adjusting the flow characteristics of waste water entering the drum filter via the inlet duct.
US09987561B2	System and method for multi-client control of a common avatar A system for multi-client control of a common avatar is provided herein. The system includes, for example, a cloud game engine and a cooperative play engine associated with the cloud game engine and configured to multicast a video stream from the cloud game engine to multiple players, combine separate response streams from the multiple players into a joint response stream based on avatar functions contained therein and provide the joint response stream to the cloud game engine.
US09987550B2	Lottery tickets, systems, and methods Unique lottery tickets and/or systems for providing and/or participating in a lottery. In other embodiments, methods of administering and/or participating in a lottery. In at least one embodiment, a lottery integrated with a television or web broadcast, website, or other broadcast or publication.
US09987541B2	Method and apparatus for a user-configurable athletic training apparatus An athletic training system includes one or more panels that present a rigid front surface covered by a translucent material behind which is an illumination or light source and a pressure sensor that can detect and measure the pressure caused by impact of a ball (i.e. a soccer ball). A control device communicates with and controls the panels according to a selected exercise regimen that is designed to develop particular skills for an athletic or sporting endeavor by commanding the panel or panels to illuminate (i.e. turn on its light source). While illuminated, the panel actively monitors its pressure sensor for an indication of an impact, and upon detecting an impact, reports the detection of the impact to the control device, and turns off its illumination. The process of turning panels on and off and detecting impact can be used to construct various regimens for training and developing skills.
US09987538B1	Bottle tossing game and method A tossing game includes an apparatus that includes a vertical support body and a support base attached to a bottom end of the vertical support body for supporting the vertical support body in an vertical orientation. The vertical support body includes a plurality of target platforms that include a target surface that is sized and shaped for supporting the bottle once it has been successfully tossed onto one of the target platforms. The invention further includes a method of playing a game utilizing the tossing game apparatus.
US09987528B2	Metal wood club A golf club head including a cavity including an open end and a terminal end, the terminal end opposite the open end, an elongate weighted insert configured to reside in the cavity, the weighted insert having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the cavity is configured to receive the weighted insert through the open end in both a first orientation where the first end is adjacent the terminal end of the cavity and a second orientation where the second end is adjacent the terminal end of the cavity, a removable weight member configured to be removably affixed to each of the first end and the second end of the weighted insert, wherein the removable weight member is magnetically attracted to each of the first end and the second end of the weighted insert.
US09987525B2	Golf club heads with sole weights and related methods Some embodiments include a golf club head with a tapered sole weight. Other embodiments for related club heads and methods are also disclosed.
US09987523B2	Golf club head A golf club head comprises a sole, a recessed sole port in the sole; and a rotatably adjustable sole piece adapted to be at least partially received within the sole port and comprising a central body having a plurality of contact surfaces adapted to contact the sole port and being offset from each other along a central axis extending through the central body of the sole piece. The sole piece can be positioned at least partially within the sole port at five or more rotational and axial positions with respect to the central axis, wherein at each rotational position, at least one of said contact surfaces of the central body contacts the sole port to set the axial position of the sole piece. The sole port and/or the sole piece can be generally pentagonal in shape.
US09987522B2	Golf ball resin composition and golf ball An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball resin composition excellent in resilience. Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball excellent in rebound resilience and shot feeling. The present invention provides a golf ball resin composition comprising: (A) at least one resin component selected from the group consisting of (a-1) a binary copolymer, (a-2) a binary ionomer resin, (a-3) a ternary copolymer, and (a-4) a ternary ionomer resin, (B) a saturated fatty acid, and (C) an unsaturated fatty acid, wherein a total content of (B) the saturated fatty acid and (C) the unsaturated fatty acid ranges from 100 parts by mass to 200 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of (A) the resin component.
US09987519B2	Exercise device An improved exercise device includes pedals configured to move in counter-rotating circles in a plane inclined toward the horizontal from the vertical at an angle greater than 0° and less than or equal to 90°. The device includes a supporting frame, a pedal mounting assembly attached to the supporting frame at an angle from the vertical, two pedal supports attached to the pedal mounting assembly, each via a pedal crank assembly, at an angle to the vertical, and two pedals, one pedal supported by each pedal support.
US09987510B2	Fire protection sprinkler trigger assembly A sprinkler assembly including a sprinkler frame having a proximal portion, a distal portion and an internal surface defining an internal fluid passageway having an inlet and an outlet extending axially to define a central sprinkler axis of the frame. The distal portion includes a plurality of surfaces to define a pair of chambers disposed about the passageway. The sprinkler assembly includes a seal assembly and a lever assembly having a first configuration to support the seal assembly and a second configuration to release the seal assembly. The lever assembly includes a pair of lever members in which each has lever member h a first end. In the first configuration, the first end forms a frictional engagement within a chamber to support the seal assembly in an unactuated state of the sprinkler frame.
US09987506B2	UAV—or personal flying device—delivered deployable descent device An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or manned/unmanned personal flying device (PFD) may be used to deliver a deployable descent system to an elevated location at which people await rescue, such as people trapped in an upper story of a burning building. The UAV or PFD may be used to deliver the descent system, attach the descent system to the building, and deploy the descent system. After deployment, the descent system may be tensioned to prevent sway and facilitate descent. Standoffs may be installed or integrated into the descent system to provide for adequate handholds for descending individuals. Various equipment and methods used in such systems are described herein.
US09987503B2	Flexible x-ray, detector with optical shape sensing The present invention relates to a sensor device for detecting dose of radiation received at the sensor device, the sensor device comprising a flexible body having a cross-section being comparatively small relative to the length of the device, a cladding at the flexible body, the cladding converting incoming radiation into visible light, and an optical shape sensing device disposed within the flexible body and configured to determine a shape of the flexible instrument relative to a reference, the shape sensing device configured to collect information based on its configuration to map an intraluminal structure during a procedure. The present invention further relates to a radiation therapy system including such a sensor device and a method of operating a radiation therapy system including such a sensor device.
US09987502B1	Radiation therapy treatment planning using regression A method and system are provided. The method includes splitting, by a processor based on radiation beamlet contributions to neighboring voxels, at least one row in a voxel-beamlet matrix and corresponding elements of a target dose vector prior to, and in preparation for, a regression operation. The voxel-beamlet matrix has a row for each of a plurality of voxels in a three-dimensional patient volume and a column for each of a plurality of radiation beamlets. The target dose vector represents a desired energy amount for each of the plurality of voxels in the three-dimensional patient volume. The target dose vector corresponds voxel-by-voxel to rows in the voxel-beamlet matrix. The method further includes performing, by the processor, the regression operation on the voxel-beamlet matrix and target dose vector to obtain beamlet weights. The method also includes determining an actual radiation dosing scheme for a given patient based on the beamlet weights.
US09987501B1	Extracting protobeams for cancer radiation therapy A method and system are provided. The method includes condensing, by a processor, an original voxel-beamlet matrix stored in a memory device into a reduced dataset for proton beam simulation and therapy. The original voxel-beamlet matrix has a row for each of a plurality of voxels in a three-dimensional patient volume and a column for each of a plurality of radiation beamlets. The condensing step includes determining protobeams to be extracted from the original voxel-beamlet matrix. The protobeams are columns (i) selected from the original voxel-beamlet matrix based on comparisons performed between the columns in the original voxel-beamlet matrix or (ii) created by combining at least some of the columns in the original voxel-beamlet matrix, in a matrix condensing process. The condensing step further includes extracting the protobeams from the original voxel-beamlet matrix. The condensing step also includes storing the protobeams as the reduced dataset in the memory device.
US09987497B2	Systems and methods of delivering therapy using an ambulatory medical device An ambulatory medical device capable of delivering therapy to a patient includes at least one response mechanism having a state capable of being activated by one response button; a controller operatively connected with the at least one response mechanism, the controller including at least one processor coupled with a memory; and a therapy manager component executable by the controller and configured to detect a physiological parameter having a value indicative of a health disorder of the patient, notify the patient of impending therapy delivery in response to the detection of the physiological parameter, monitor the state of each at least one response mechanism within at least one predetermined time period, and delay therapy delivery to the patient in response to detection of a change in the state in a single response mechanism of the at least one response mechanism within the at least one predetermined time period.
US09987490B2	Real time cochlear implant insertion status indicator A method of determining insertion status of a cochlear implant electrode array into a cochlea of a patient is provided. The method includes measuring conductivity associated with an electrode in the electrode array. Insertion status of the electrode is determined based, at least in part, on the measured conductivity.
US09987488B1	Detecting and treating disordered breathing Detection and treatment of disordered breathing, with treatment being primarily delivered using electrical stimulation of the diaphragm, either directly or by stimulating appropriate nerves. In some embodiments, the stimulus is applied to still at least one lung upon detection of an apnea-hypopnea of some length or upon the detection of hyperpnea. The stimulation may be initiated during the apnea-hypopnea period or upon detection of a breath of a predetermined intensity near the end of apnea-hypopnea. The stimulation may be initiated in phase with respiration or irrespective of the phase of respiration.
US09987487B2	Swallowable capsule and method for stimulating incretin production within the intestinal tract Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus and methods for stimulating L cells in the intestinal tract to produce incretins for the treatment of conditions including diabetes and obesity. Many embodiments provide a method and apparatus for the treatment of diabetes by electrically stimulating L-cells to secrete incretins to stimulate or otherwise modulate the production of insulin. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable capsule for stimulating L-cells in the intestinal tract as the capsule moves through the tract. The capsule can include two or more electrodes for providing electrical stimulation to L-cells, a power source for powering one or more components of the capsule, a sensor for sensing the location of the capsule in the intestinal tract; a controller and a waveform generator for generating the electrical signals emitted by the electrodes to stimulate the L-cells to secrete incretins such as GLP-1 to stimulate insulin production for glucose regulation of diabetic conditions.
US09987486B2	Method for the treatment of consciousness disorders The present invention provides a method for the treatment of consciousness disorder comprising the steps of positioning at least two electrodes on a patient's head such that the first electrode is positioned on the right supraorbicular cortex and the second electrode is positioned on the left dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex; connecting said electrodes to at least one source of electrical current; delivering direct current to the electrodes, and removing the electrodes from the patient's head after a time T; wherein steps a) to d) represent a treatment session and wherein at least one treatment session is is applied on the patient's head at least 2 days per week.
US09987480B2	Pressure controlled magnetic valve for a catheter A urine control device to be placed intermediate a catheter and a collection bag is provided. The urine control device includes first and second bell shaped housings with a magnetic valve disposed between the first and the second housings. When the pressure from the urine which flows through the present catheter enters the first chamber and exceeds the magnetic attraction in the valve, the valve pivotally opens, permitting the urine to flow through the open valve and into the second chamber. Due to the shape of the chambers, secondary forces create a low pressure zone in the second chamber which helps empty the bladder fully. Once the flow ceases, the magnetic valve pivotally shuts, allowing the urine pressure to build once again. Various sample ports and air entry ports may be provided on the device.
US09987473B2	Skin treatment device and methods A new minimally invasive surgical approach is proposed that contemplates a method and apparatus for tightening lax skin without visible scarring via a device in various surgical procedures such as plastic surgery procedures. In some embodiments, the device is a single use disposable instrument. This approach circumvents surgically related scarring and the clinical variability of electromagnetic heating of the skin and performs small multiple pixilated resections of skin as a minimally invasive alternative to large Plastic surgical resections of skin. This approach can also be employed in areas of the body that are currently off limits to plastic surgery due to the visibility of the surgical scar. In addition, the approach can perform a skin grafting operation by harvesting the transected incisions of skin from a tissue site of a donor onto a skin defect site of a recipient with reduced scarring of the patient's donor site.
US09987472B2	Ocular implant delivery systems Systems and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One system has a delivery instrument, with a non-linear axis, configured to be inserted into an anterior chamber of an eye and moved to a location proximate a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye. The delivery instrument carries an implant that has a distal end sized for insertion into tissue such that aqueous humor drains from the anterior chamber to the physiologic outflow pathway. One method involves inserting a non-linear portion of a delivery device into the anterior chamber to position an implant within the eye. Another method involves using a delivery device with a curved distal portion to implant an implant at a location communicating with the physiologic outflow pathway. The delivery can be through a corneal incision and the implant can comprise a drug.
US09987465B2	Window dressing having force concentrating adhesion elements A dressing includes a cover layer and a plurality of force concentration elements disposed about a perimeter of the cover layer. Each force concentration element is configured to collect and distribute shearing forces applied to the dressing so as to retain the dressing to a patient. When configured as a window dressing, the window dressing can include a top layer defining a window and a backing layer coupled to the top layer and spanning the window. A plurality of adhesive islands can be disposed about a perimeter of the top layer, with each of the adhesive islands having a first adhesion coefficient associated therewith. An adhesive layer can be disposed about the adhesive islands. The adhesive layer can have a second adhesion coefficient associated therewith that is less than the first adhesion coefficient. Window dressings are well suited for catheterization procedures.
US09987462B2	Elongated interventional device with variable stiffness An elongated device includes an optical fiber arranged to allow transmission of light to phase change material arranged long the elongated device, for optically heating the phase change material to change its stiffness from one stiffness value to a different stiffness value. Using distributed tilted or blazed Bragg gratings with light wavelength dependent unique grating periods along the optical fiber, a guide wire or catheter is provided which can be stiffness controlled at selected longitudinal portions. Behavior of the tip of a guide wire or catheter is controlled for optimal navigation. Portions of phase change material arranged inside a tube material can be activated at selected longitudinal parts of the elongated device.
US09987453B2	Humidification arrangement for a respiratory apparatus A humidifying apparatus utilizing a semi-permeable membrane portion within a gas conduit where the direction of gas flow within a central lumen is given by an arrow. The humidification apparatus has a helical configuration for the semi-permeable membrane portion, a structural reinforcing member or members, a water channel and a heating element. The helical configuration of an outer wall may be similar to conventional conduits that are in common use in respiratory apparatus. Thus the humidification apparatus may be readily substituted into existing respiratory device by exchanging the gas conduit.
US09987441B2	Counter A counter containing a first ring member having first indicia and a second ring member having second indicia, each of the first and second ring members being rotatable in increments about a common axis, one or both of the first and second indicia indicating a count; and a drive mechanism for rotating the first ring member and for rotating the second ring member after one or more predetermined degrees of rotation of the first ring member, wherein the drive mechanism contains a pawl-and-teeth mechanism which contains a first and second pawl engageable with a plurality of teeth, and wherein each of the first and second pawls contains a driving engagement face for engaging in a driving engagement with one of the plurality of teeth, and a sliding engagement face for sliding over one of the plurality of teeth.
US09987432B2	Rotation resistant friction adapter for plunger driver of drug delivery device A method and system are disclosed for driving a plunger in a drug reservoir. In some embodiments, a variable friction element interconnects between a pushing shaft and a wall of the reservoir. For example, rotation of a driving element in a first direction relative to the pushing shaft may advance the pushing shaft in the reservoir. The friction element may have increased friction resistance to rotation of the pushing shaft in the first direction in comparison to frictional resistance to advancing the pushing shaft. For example, the increased friction may result from wedging a radial element between the pushing shaft and the wall of the reservoir.
US09987418B2	Mechanical driver A mechanical driver comprising a wedge shaped member operatively coupled to a shape memory alloy such that the shape memory alloy is able to displace the wedge shaped member in an essentially linear direction. The wedge shaped member is in constant contact with a lever arranged so that it can rotate about a fixed pivot point. A piston is arranged such that it is constant contact with the lever at a point between the pivot point of the lever and the contact point between the lever and the wedge shaped member. Return springs are provided to return the piston, lever and wedge shaped member to their respective start positions. Activation of the shape memory alloy displaces the wedge shaped member along its linear direction and this causes the lever to be deflected about its pivot point and the piston to be deflected in an essentially linear direction that is perpendicular to the linear direction of travel of the wedge shaped member.
US09987408B2	Blood purifier package and process for manufacturing the same Objects of the invention are to provide a blood purifier package which shows a less increase in the amounts of extracts from the materials of its blood purifier, particularly of its selective permeable separation membranes, attributed to the deterioration of the same materials with time after exposure to a radioactive ray or an electron ray, and which is therefore highly reliable in safety in use for hemocatharsis, and to provide a process for manufacturing the same. The present invention relates to a blood purifier package obtained by packing a blood purifier which comprises selectively permeable separation membranes as a main component, and this blood purifier package is characterized in that the blood purifier is packed and sealed together with an oxygen scavenger in a packaging material capable of shutting out an external air and a water vapor, under a condition of a relative humidity of above 40% RH at 25° C.
US09987398B2	Pattern transfer device for mass transfer of micro-patterns onto medical devices This invention is directed to a pattern transfer device and assembly for mass-transfer/fabrication of micro-sized features/structures onto the inner diameter (ID) surface of a stent. This new approach is provided by technique of through mask electrical micro-machining. One embodiment discloses an application of electrical micro-machining to the ID of a stent using a customized electrode configured specifically for machining micro-sized features/structures.
US09987397B2	Wear resistant low friction coefficient surfaces for joint and bone replacement materials and devices A metal matrix has a biocompatible solid lubricant in at least a portion of its surface and the solid lubricant functions to protect the interior of the metal matrix and minimize the friction coefficient and related wear induced damage at the articulating surface of the metal device. The lubricated biocompatible metal device is made of materials compatible for in vivo and ex vivo applications in order to minimize wear induced degradation as well as metal ion release. The lubricated biocompatible metal device is suited for use as medical implants.
US09987395B2	Articles including expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes with serpentine fibrils having a discontinuous fluoropolymer layer thereon Articles comprising an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane having serpentine fibrils and having a discontinuous coating of a fluoropolymer thereon are provided. The fluoropolymer may be located at least partially in the pores of the expanded fluoropolymer membrane. In exemplary embodiments, the fluoropolymer is fluorinated ethylene propylene. The application of a tensile force at least partially straightens the serpentine fibrils, thereby elongating the article. The expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane may include a microstructure of substantially only fibrils. The articles can be elongated to a predetermined point at which further elongation is inhibited by a dramatic increase in stiffness. In one embodiment, the articles are used to form a covered stent device that requires little force to distend in the radial direction to a first diameter but is highly resistant to further distension to a second diameter (stop point). A large increase in diameter can advantageously be achieved prior to reaching the stop point.
US09987387B2	Aerosol odor eliminating compositions containing alkylene glycol(s) Aerosol odor eliminating compositions are described which are aqueous based and include at least one alkylene glycol, at least one surfactant wherein one or more of the at least one surfactant has an HLB of about 7 to about 20, compressed gas propellant, at least one fragrance, a buffering system and water. The composition excludes inclusion of a low molecular weight monohydric. The compositions have a volatile organic content (VOC) of less than 5.0% of the total composition based on 100 wt. %, or alternatively, a VOC of less than 0.1% as to the total composition based on 100 wt. % in absence of the wt. % of the active fragrant material of the fragrance. The compositions additionally have a consistent spray rate at multiple pressure ranges.
US09987386B2	Inside plug and suction-type liquid container An inside plug (10) includes: an inside plug body (12) held at an opening; a liquid absorbent wick holding section (17); and a ring (18) which (i) is held by the liquid absorbent wick holding section (17), (ii) is located in an inner space of a container body (2) in a state where the inside plug body (12) is held at the opening, and (iii) is brought closer to a flat surface (15) by gravity in a case where a suction-type liquid container (1) has fallen sideways.
US09987382B2	Radiotracer compositions The present invention relates to improved radiotracer imaging agent compositions, which comprises 18F-labelled biological targeting moieties, wherein impurities which affect imaging in vivo are identified and suppressed. Also provided are radiopharmaceuticals comprising said improved compositions, together with radiofluorinated aldehyde compositions useful in preparing said radiotracer compositions. The invention also includes methods of imaging and/or diagnosis using the radiopharmaceutical compositions described.
US09987380B2	Boron-based dual imaging probes, compositions and methods for rapid aqueous F-18 labeling, and imaging methods using same A composition useful as a PET and/or fluorescence imaging probe a compound a compound of Formula I, including salts, hydrates and solvates thereof: wherein R1-R7 may be independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, alkoxy, nitro, substituted and unsubstituted amino, cycloalkyl, carboxy, carboxylic acids and esters thereof, cyano, haloalkyl, aryl, X is selected from the group consisting of C and N; and A is selected of hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, alkoxy, nitro, substituted and unsubstituted amino, alkyl, cycloalkyl, carboxy, carboxylic acids and esters thereof, cyano, haloalkyl, aryl, including phenyl and aminophenyl, and heteroaryl.
US09987376B2	Delivery system for delivery of a substance into the oral cavity A delivery system for use in the oral cavity, the system comprising a carrier for a bioactive substance. The carrier has a surface comprising oxygen-binding sites (X), and at least one link comprising a pentose group and one or more additional sugar groups, the pentose group being bonded to one of said oxygen binding sites (X) and wherein one or more bioactive molecules (R) are bonded directly to one of the sugar groups of the at least one link or to one or more substituents on one or more sugar groups in the at least one link.
US09987362B2	Hydrogel formulation with mild adhesion The present disclosure relates to methods, compositions, and devices for treatments related to mammary tissue in subjects, including reducing the incidence of mastitis. In particular, the disclosure can relate to creating a physical barrier on a teat surface, in a teat canal, or in a teat cistern for prophylactic treatment of mammary disorders.
US09987359B2	Subcutaneous injection product for cattle for inducing superovulation The present invention provides a subcutaneous injection product for cattle for inducing superovulation characterized by comprising aluminum hydroxide gel and an efficient amount of a gonadotropin, wherein the concentration of the aluminum hydroxide is, in terms of the amount of aluminum, higher than or equal to 0.2 mg/mL and lower than 1.0 mg/mL, which is a subcutaneous injection product that is useful for producing good calves and that can induce superovulation in a cow by a single administration. The present invention also provides a method for producing good calves undergoing steps of subcutaneously injecting the aforementioned injection product into a cow to thereby induce superovulation, inducing estrus in the cow, conducting artificial insemination, and then collecting fertilized eggs.
US09987355B2	Vaccine composition containing synthetic adjuvant Compositions and methods, including vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions for inducing or enhancing an immune response are disclosed based on the discovery of useful immunological adjuvant properties in a synthetic, glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant (GLA) that is provided in substantially homogeneous form. Chemically defined, synthetic GLA offers a consistent vaccine component from lot to lot without the fluctuations in contaminants or activity that compromise natural-product adjuvants. Also provided are vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions that include GLA and one or more of an antigen, a Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist, a co-adjuvant and a carrier such as a pharmaceutical carrier.
US09987349B2	Use of a PCV2 immunogenic composition for lessening clinical symptoms in pigs The present invention relates to the use of an immunogenic composition that comprises a porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) antigen for treatment of several clinical manifestations (diseases). Preferably, the clinical manifestations are associated with a PCV2 infection. Preferably, they include lymphadenopathy, lymphoid depletion and/or multinucleated/giant histiocytes. Moreover, the clinical symptoms include lymphadenopathy in combination with one or a multiple of the following symptoms in pigs: (1) interstitial pneumonia with interlobular edema, (2) cutaneous pallor or icterus, (3) mottled atrophic livers, (4) gastric ulcers, (5) nephritis and (6) reproductive disorders, e.g. abortion, stillbirths, mummies, etc. Furthermore the clinical symptoms include Pia like lesions, normally known to be associated with Lawsonia intracellularis infections.
US09987346B2	Methods and compositions for vaccinating a subject for a sexually transmitted pathogen Purified Chlamydia major outer membrane protein (MOMP) has been observed to induce protection against genital and respiratory challenge in mice. MOMP contains variable domains that are highly immunogenic and elicit cross-serovar neutralizing monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies and T cell responses in animal and human models. Examples herein provide a method for vaccinating a subject against Chlamydia using a composition that is a recombinant Neisseria porin that contains at least one antigenic variable domain of Chlamydia. The variable domains are inserted into the amino acid sequence of the Neisseria porin at a position encoding a surface-exposed loop of the Neisseria porin. The vaccine further contains an adjuvant that induces a Th1 response greater than a Th2 response.
US09987345B2	OMV vaccines The invention is in the field of outer membrane vesicles (OMV) and their uses. More particularly the present invention provides OMV obtained from a bacterium being an ompA mutant and/or a mutant in one or more components of the TolPal complex and presenting a heterologous antigen on its surface. The heterologous antigen is selected from the group consisting of Chlamydia trachomatis CT823, CT681, CT372, CT443, CT043, CT733, CT279, CT601 and CT153 for the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of Chlamydia infection.
US09987343B2	Haemophilus influenzae type IV pili The invention described herein relates to a Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) regulon encoding type IV pili. In particular, the invention relates to type IV pili from nontypeable H. influenzae (NTHi) and from H. influenzae strains a, b, c, e and f. The invention provides isolated H. influenzae pilus polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides as well as polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides involved in the assembly/disassembly of the structure. The invention also relates to uses of these polynucleotides and/or polypeptides including methods for eliciting an immune response to H. influenzae and methods of treating and preventing H. influenzae related pathological conditions.
US09987341B2	PCSK9 vaccine The present invention relates to the provision of novel immunogens comprising an antigenic PCSK9 peptide linked to an immunogenic carrier for the prevention, treatment or alleviation of PCSK9-mediated disorders. The invention further relates to methods for production of these medicaments, immunogenic compositions and pharmaceutical compositing thereof and their use in medicine.
US09987336B2	Attenuating or treating sepsis or septic shock Methods for attenuating or treating, or reducing the mortality of sepsis or septic shock using an ectonucleotidase such as CD39 or CD73 are provided.
US09987335B2	Treatment of short bowel syndrome patients with colon-in-continuity Intestinal absorption is enhanced in short bowel syndrome patients presenting with colon-in-continuity by treatment with a GLP-2 receptor agonist, such as teduglutide.
US09987329B2	Methods for treating peripheral nerve damage VEGF-B, as well as a combination of VEGF-B and VEGF-A, mediates peripheral nerve repair. Methods to treat damage to the peripheral nervous system are described.
US09987324B2	Traditional chinese medicine composition and the use thereof The present invention relates to the technical field of Chinese medicine, in particular to a traditional Chinese medicine composition and the use thereof. The traditional Chinese medicine composition comprises the following ingredients: pear juice, greenish lily bulb juice, fig juice, water chestnut juice, grosvenor momordica fruit, southern almond and northern almond. The traditional Chinese medicine composition has significant promotions on the phlegm-reducing and cough-relieving capabilities of the rats, and on the immune indices of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the rats, exhibiting that the traditional Chinese medicine composition provided in the present invention has good effects of clearing heat and moistening the lungs.
US09987320B2	Traditional chinese medicine composition, and preparation and application thereof A traditional Chinese medicine composition for treating cardiovascular disease, and a preparation thereof, particularly a micro drop pill preparation thereof, and a method for preparing the preparation; the method for preparing the micro drop pill preparation can be used to prepare drop pills, coated drop pills, and drop pill capsules with a high drug loading capacity.
US09987319B2	Essential element management The invention extends the utility of apparatus used to extract medicinal cannabis compounds into an eluate by separating a portion of medicinal cannabis compounds contained within a portion of eluate at a first extraction target level providing enough clean solvent to continue extraction operations. A high efficiency concentrator such as a rotary evaporator or a wiped film evaporator processes eluate from one or more tanks or extraction vessels creating clean solvent when extraction targets are met or when clean solvent is exhausted. This manages eluate concentration levels and limits the quantity of concentrated medicinal cannabis compounds on site at any moment in time. The invention enables a business model for keeping medicinal cannabis compounds within a legal system, and reduces pollution because law enforcement would no longer have to burn large quantities of cannabis plant matter.
US09987318B2	TNF-alpha inhibitor An anti-inflammatory composition for inhibiting the secretion of cytokines, with the composition being based on a decoction of papaya leaves, a method of obtaining such a composition and a method of manufacturing an anti-inflammatory remedy for inhibiting cytokine secretion, having the composition the anti-inflammatory composition as its active principle. The method of obtaining the composition includes the steps of producing a decoction from papaya leaves, filtering the decoction in order to obtain a filtrate and atomizing the filtrate.
US09987312B2	Mixture, dissolving solution and pharmaceutical agent each comprising thermophilic microorganism To provide a mixture, a dissolving solution and a pharmaceutical agent, which contain a thermophilic microorganism to make it possible to regulate a mucous membrane immune system gene cluster and metabolism-related gene clusters of the intestines and the liver. Each of them is prepared by fermentation of an organic material containing a thermophilic microorganism at a temperature of 50° C. or more and 90° C. or less. By being administered to the animal, it regulates at least one of a mucous membrane immune system gene cluster, a metabolism-related gene cluster in the intestines, and a metabolism-related gene cluster in the liver of the animal. The microorganism includes at least one species of the genus Bacillus, Oceanobacillus, Paenibacillus, Anoxybacillus, Lysinibacillus, Methanopyrus, Geogemma, Pyrolobus, Pyrodictium, Hyperthermus, Pyrococcus, Pyrobaculum, Thermococcus, Aeropyrum, Aquifex, Thermotoga, Thermodesulfobacterium, Thermus, Geobacillus, and Thermomyces.
US09987310B2	Cardiac progenitor cells and methods of use therefor Provided are pharmaceutical compositions that include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and isolated post-natal cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) and/or progeny cells thereof that are SSEA3-positive and c-kit-negative. Also provided are methods for preparing cells capable of repairing damaged myocardium, methods for isolating populations of SSEA3-positive/c-kit-negative CPCs from cardiac tissue samples, methods for preparing an isolated cell population enriched in post-natal SSEA3-positive/c-kit-negative CPCs, therapeutic methods for using the presently disclosed cells and populations of cells to treat subjects in need thereof, and cell cultures that contain the presently disclosed cells and populations of cells.
US09987309B2	Direct reprogramming of cells to cardiac myocyte fate A method for promoting conversion of cells into cardiomyocytic tissue is carried out by contacting fibrotic tissue (e.g., scar tissue) with a microRNA oligonucleotide or combination of microRNA oligonucleotides. The methods lead to direct reprogramming of fibroblasts to cardiomyocytes or cardiomyoblasts.
US09987300B2	Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly (I:C)) formulations for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections The present invention concerns a composition comprising micro particles of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly (I:C)) and a carrier polymer selected from starch, alginate, blanose or DPPC (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine) for use in preventing and/or treating viral infections of the upper respiratory tract or the common cold and a device, preferably a nasal delivery system, comprising said composition for use by a patient in need to prevent and/or treat infections or the common cold.
US09987296B2	Compositions including anthocyanin or anthocyanidin for the prevention or treatment of Articular cartilage-associated conditions Methods of treating an arthritic joint of a subject, including administering a pharmaceutical composition by injection into the arthritic joint, wherein the composition includes an anthocyanin or anthocyanidin, glucose, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US09987293B2	Method for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia The present disclosure provides methods for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with medicaments useful for same. The medicaments can be pharmaceutical compositions or kits comprising compounds of formula (I) or a salt, solvate or prodrug thereof. Specific compounds of the invention include 2-methyl-7-hydroxy-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-6-methoxybenzofuran which is also known as BNC105 and disodium 6-methoxy-2-methyl-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)benzofuran-7-yl phosphate which is also known as BNC 105P.
US09987290B2	Methods for the separation and detection of an oxysterol Assay methods for determining purity of a sample of a sterol are provided. These methods include providing an HPLC eluent including a sterol, other compounds related to the sterol and a mobile volatile phase; generating an aerosol of liquid droplets from the HPLC eluent; drying the liquid droplets to obtain residue particles of the sterol; contacting the residue particles of the sterol with an ion stream which applies a size-dependent electrical charge to each of the residue particles to generate an electrical signal and measuring the electrical signal to determine the purity of the sterol in the sample. The sterol can be OXY133 or OXY133 monohydrate.
US09987287B2	Orally disintegrating solid dosage unit containing an estetrol component The present invention provides an orally disintegrating solid pharmaceutical dosage unit having a weight of 50-1,000 mg and containing at least 0.1 mg of an estetrol component selected from estetrol, estetrol esters and combinations thereof. This solid dosage unit consists of: 4-95 wt. % of granules consisting of: 3-80 wt. % of an estetrol component selected from estetrol, estetrol esters and combinations thereof; 20-97 wt. % C4-C12 sugar alcohol; 0-45 wt. % of one or more other pharmaceutically acceptable ingredients; and 5-96 wt. % of one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The solid dosage units of the present invention are particularly suited for sublingual, buccal or sublabial administration of the estetrol component.
US09987282B2	Small molecule inhibitors of influenza A RNA-dependent RNA polymerase Antiviral compositions and methods are contemplated that are especially effective in the treatment and prevention of influenza A viruses. Also presented are cellular assays to identify small molecule compounds having antiviral properties, particularly as it relates to detection of influenza A RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity in a mammalian cell independent of other influenza A components. Preferred assays allow for identification of viral replication inhibitors that do not disrupt normal cellular activity.
US09987278B2	Pharmaceutical composition for treating FLT3 mutation-positive cancer, mutant FLT3 inhibitor and uses thereof Provided are a pharmaceutical composition for treating an FLT3 mutation-positive cancer; a mutant FLT3 inhibitor; and uses thereof. Disclosed are a pharmaceutical composition for treating an FLT3 mutation-positive cancer, containing a compound represented by General Formula [1] or a salt thereof as an active ingredient; a mutant FLT3 inhibitor; an anticancer agent; a method for predicting a therapeutic effect by administration of a pharmaceutical composition containing a compound represented by General Formula [1] or a salt thereof in a subject, including a step of detecting the presence or absence of an FLT3 mutation; a method for selecting a subject to whom a pharmaceutical composition containing a compound represented by General Formula [1] or a salt thereof is applied, including a step of detecting the presence or absence of an FLT3 mutation; and a method for determining whether or not a pharmaceutical composition containing a compound represented by General Formula [1] or a salt thereof is administered to a subject, including a step of detecting the presence or absence of an FLT3 mutation.
US09987274B2	N-acyl-(3-substituted)-(8-substituted)-5,6-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazines as selective NK-3 receptor antagonists A method for treating and/or preventing hot flashes, by administering, to a patient in need thereof, of a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate thereof.
US09987261B2	Substituted diazaspiroalkanes as androgen receptor modulators Described herein, inter alia, are compounds useful for the prevention or treatment of hyperproliferative diseases or disorders.
US09987258B2	Histone deacetylase as a modulator of PDL1 expression and activity Disclosed herein is a method for modulating Program Death Receptor Ligand 1 (PDL1) in a cancer cell, comprising contacting the cell with a composition comprising a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. Also disclosed is a method for treating a tumor in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor and a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a Program Death Receptor Ligand 1 (PDL1) inhibitor, a Programmed Death 1 receptor (PD1) inhibitor, or a combination thereof.
US09987256B2	CFTR corrector for the treatment of genetic disorders affecting striated muscle The present invention relates to the use of CFTR correctors in the treatment of genetic disorders affecting striated muscle selected from sarcoglycanopathies, Brody's disease (BD) and the recessive forms of Cathecolaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT).
US09987249B2	Substituted chroman compounds as calcium sensing receptor modulators The present invention provides calcium sensing receptor modulators (CaSR). In particular, the compounds described herein are useful for treating, managing, and/or lessening the severity of diseases, disorders, syndromes and/or conditions associated with the modulation of calcium sensing receptors (CaSR). The invention also provides herein the pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods for treating, managing, and/or lessening the severity of diseases, disorders, syndromes and/or conditions associated with the modulation of CaSR. The invention also relates to process for the preparation of the compounds of the invention.
US09987247B2	Drugs for treating diseases of cervical and/or lumbar vertebrae The present invention relates to a benzbromarone or different pharmaceutically acceptable crystals thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable solvates, salts, esters, ethers or clathrates thereof, or use of a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the above in preparation of drugs, application thereof being for preparation of drugs for treating and preventing vertebrae cervicales diseases or lumbar disk herniation (LDH) in human.
US09987236B2	Transdermal absorption sheet, and manufacturing method for the same A transdermal absorption sheet and a manufacturing method for the transdermal absorption sheet includes a laminating step of forming a multilayer film with a viscosity difference by forming, on a support, a lower layer containing a first transdermal absorption material and an upper layer containing a drug and a second transdermal absorption material and having a lower viscosity than the lower layer, a filling step of filling needle-like recessed portions corresponding to inverted needle-like protruding portions with a solution of the transdermal absorption material by pressing a mold in which the needle-like recessed portions are arranged in a two-dimensional array, against a surface of the multilayer film supported by the support to allow the multilayer film to flow, a solidifying step of solidifying the multilayer film with the mold pressed against the surface of the multilayer film, and a peeling-off step of peeling the solidified multilayer film from the mold.
US09987221B2	Injectable hydrogel compositions In accordance with one aspect of the invention, injectable compositions are provided, which contain temperature-sensitive hydrogel particles. The hydrogel particles may be provided in dry form, or they may be provided in hydrated form in an aqueous fluid. The temperature-sensitive hydrogel particles may have an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) below normal body temperature, they may have a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) above normal body temperature, or they may have a LCST that changes from below normal body temperature to above normal body temperature after injection into a subject.
US09987220B2	Pad for herbal medicine in which release of medicinal ingredient can be controlled, and manufacturing method thereof A method for manufacturing a pad for herbal medicine in which the release of medicinal ingredients can be controlled, which comprises: separating two or more medicinal herbal ingredients prescribed or prepared according to pharmacological effects on the basis of the weight ratio of each medicinal ingredient to total weight of the medicinal ingredients; grinding the medicinal ingredients separated on the basis of weight ratio, wherein fine particles are ground to different sizes according to the setting of release duration; preparing herbal medicine by mixing the ground medicinal ingredients together, and then mixing the ingredients with a binding agent; and adhering the herbal medicine to a base sheet. The pad for herbal medicine manufactured according to the method allows for persistent permeation of medical ingredients through the skin with different release rate for each medicinal ingredient, thus maximizing the efficacy of the medicinal ingredient layer and the effect of treating disease.
US09987211B2	Sunless tanning compounds and compositions The invention provides sunless tanning compositions comprising a compounds of formula (I): or a salt thereof as described herein as well as methods for tanning mammalian skin by contacting the skin with the compounds of formula (I) or compositions comprising compounds of formula (I).
US09987191B2	Device and method for auditory stimulation A device and method for desynchronizing a patient's neuronal brain activity in which the neuron population is firing in a pathologically synchronized manner. The device includes a stimulation unit that generates an acoustic stimulation signal that includes both a first tone and a second tone. The first tone is provided to shift the phase of the neuronal brain activity of a first subpopulation of the neuron population relative to the phase of the neuronal brain activity of a second subpopulation of the neuron population when the first tone is acoustically received by the patient. Further, the second tone is provided to shift the phase of the neuronal brain activity of the second subpopulation relative to the phase of the neuronal brain activity of the first subpopulation when the second tone is acoustically received by the patient. As a result, the acoustic stimulation signal desynchronizes the stimulated neuron population.
US09987190B2	Shared cybernetics using gestures A vibrator sex toy is provided with touch-based sensors for an ergonomic in-situ method of controlling the operation and intensity of the vibrator. The vibrator sex toy has an internal end, an external end and a middle staging section. The staging section includes a control circuit and batteries. The internal end includes electric vibrator motors connected to the control circuit by wires.The external end includes ergonomically placed touch sensors that behave like variable resistors. The touch sensors respond to natural human gestures such as grasping, stretching, compressing and bending the external end of the sex toy with changes in resistance. The touch sensors are connected to the control circuit by wires and act as potentiometers in the control path of the vibrator motors. The user is able to vary the sensations from the motors intuitively and in-situ by manipulating the external end or applying it to a partner.
US09987189B2	Mobility assistance device A mobility assistance device is provided. The device has an elongate post having an upper end and a lower end with the lower end adapted for contact with the ground and the upper end being secured to a forearm support. The forearm support is generally horizontal and is comprised of a platform and a cuff, wherein the platform and the cuff are engagable with a user's forearm, with the cuff being linearly disposed about a longitudinal axis of the platform to hold the user's forearm so that the arm remains in contact with the platform. An upper arm support extends upwardly from the upper end of the vertical elongate post to engage the upper arm of the user.
US09987188B1	Method and system for body weight support A body weight support (BWS) system is disclosed. The BWS system includes a harness coupled to a plurality of cables, wherein the harness is worn by a subject, an actuator for each of the plurality of cables, each actuator configured to place a tension on a corresponding cable in response to an electrical signal, at least one force sensor configured to provide an electrical signal corresponding to forces applied to the harness, at least one motion sensor configured to provide an electrical signal corresponding to changes in acceleration of the subject, and a controller configured to control the plurality of actuators.
US09987185B1	Transducer devices, apparatus, systems and methods of operation Transducers, tools, devices, apparatus, systems and methods for rejuvenation and aging treatments. The invention can convert an input alternating current into a positive higher frequency output to energize a crystal pack or a plurality of crystals. The rejuvenation transducer includes an input power source to supply a lower frequency input current, a pulse generator to produce a positive higher frequency electrical output pulse from the lower frequency input current, a crystal pack coupled to receive the positive higher frequency electrical output pulse from the pulse generator and produce a gigahertz output and the crystal pack modulates the signal, and a light emitting diode in the current path to indicate an energized state of the rejuvenation transducer. Treatments with the transducers show telomere lengths being lengthened causing a rejuvenation effect.
US09987175B2	Product line of absorbent article A product line of absorbent articles includes a first absorbent article for a male wearer within a first size range. The first absorbent article has an outer cover, a body facing material in opposed relationship with the outer cover, and an absorbent body disposed between the body facing material and the outer cover for absorbing liquid that passes through the body facing material. The body facing material defines a male urine handling feature with a plurality of projections adapted to handle urine released by the male wearer. A second absorbent article for a female wearer is sized within the first size range. The second absorbent article includes an outer cover, a body facing material in opposed relationship with the outer cover, and an absorbent body disposed between the body facing material and the outer cover for absorbing liquid that passes through the body facing material. The body facing material defines a female urine handling feature with a plurality of projections adapted to handle urine released by the female wearer. At least a portion of the projections of the female urine handling feature has a different configuration than the projections of the male handling feature.
US09987174B2	Absorbent article comprising more than one stacked absorbent pad An absorbent article including at least two stacked absorbent pads which are releasably attached to each other, one being a first, user facing, absorbent pad and another being a second, garment facing, absorbent pad. The absorbent pads each have a liquid permeable topsheet; a backsheet; a first and second end region and a central region in the longitudinal direction; first and second lateral margins; and first and second transverse margins. The first and second absorbent pads are releasably attached to each other by joints along at least part of the respective first and second lateral margins in at least one of said end regions. The first and second absorbent pads are furthermore unattached from each other in an unattached region along at least a part of the transverse margins in the end region including the joints along the lateral margins. The first absorbent pad has a greater width, at least between the joints along the lateral margins in the end region, than the second absorbent pad.
US09987173B1	Male diaper with sealable front opening A male diaper permits a user to urinate without removing the diaper from a lower body region of the user and includes a main body member disposed around the lower body region of the user and having a front portion with a crotch region having a front flap and a rear flap separated to create an opening to permit the user's reproductive organ to pass therethrough, and an exterior flap detachably coupled to the front portion of the main body member by a fastener. The exterior flap is designed to attach to the main body member to a closed position to seal the opening. The exterior flap is designed to detach from the main body member to an open position to permit the reproductive organ of the user to extend through the opening and into a surrounding environment, thereby enabling the user to urinate.
US09987170B2	Wound dressing including a biocelulose layer having a bacteria-adsorbing design A wound dressing including at least one layer made of microbially produced cellulose formed into a biocellulose layer, wherein the wound dressing is configured to adsorb bacteria and wherein the thickness of the bio-cellulose layer is between 0.08 and 1.5 mm, as well as a method for producing such a wound dressing.
US09987169B2	Three-dimensional attachment apparatus for hearing protection devices An ornamental attachment apparatus is provided for attaching to and ornamenting hearing protection devices. The ornamental attachment apparatus includes an ornamental portion having ornamental feature, and a receiving portion for receiving and attaching to a post portion of a hearing protection device. The receiving portion may include a cavity including an attachment element for retaining the post portion therein. In some embodiments, the ornamental attachment apparatus includes an attachment element with a tapered shape for insertion into a recess on a custom hearing protection device. The ornamental portion may include a sensor, a peripheral device and an electronic component for controlling the peripheral device. The electronic component may be configured to control the peripheral device responsive to an electronic signal received from the sensor.
US09987164B2	Systems and method for treating eye diseases using retrograde blood flow A method, device, or system for treating eye disorders or conditions, comprising restoring or increasing blood flow or blood flow rate in an artery that supplies blood to or in the eye, thereby increasing the amount of nutrient(s) that reaches the eye or a portion thereof. The invention also includes methods, devices, or systems for treating eye disorders or conditions which use reverse flow or retrograde flow structures and systems during the treatment of the eye disease.
US09987156B2	Endoprothesis delivery system An endoprosthesis delivery system includes a wire holder on a distal section of an elongated shaft with a plurality of wires extending distally from the wire holder and, in a secured position, terminating in a distal receiver attached to the elongated shaft distal to the wire holder. A single wire attached to the wire holder and extending proximally along the delivery system to a point easily accessible by the operator may be pulled proximally to move the wires out of the distal receiver and release the endoprosthesis.
US09987155B1	Implantable medical devices and related delivery systems The present disclosure describes medical devices comprising implantable expandable implants, such as stent-grafts. Such devices can comprise a constraining line. The constraining line can surround the proximal end of the expandable implant, and assist in positioning and deployment of the expandable implant within the body of the patient.
US09987147B2	System for selecting modular implant components A method for selecting modular neck components for hip implants based on independent variables associated with physical characteristics of the implant, including leg length, offset, and anteversion. During surgery, the surgeon may be confronted with a need to change a preoperatively-chosen modular neck. For example, the surgeon may desire a change in at least one of the variables, e.g., leg length, offset, and/or anteversion. The present method allows the surgeon to quickly and easily select a different modular neck based on an evaluation of one of the variables without requiring reevaluation of the other variables. The method may include preoperative planning in which a template including a grid coordinate system is used.
US09987141B2	Intervertebral fusion implant The present invention provides an intervertebral implant for implantation in a treated area of an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies of a spine. The implant includes a spacer portion having an inferior and superior surface, wherein the inferior and superior surfaces each have a contact area capable of engaging with anatomy in the treated area, and the inferior and superior surfaces define a through-hole extending through the spacer body. The present invention further provides screw holes extending from a side portion to the inferior and superior surfaces of the spacer portion and a plate portion coupled to the spacer portion through a coupling means, wherein the plate portion contains screws holes for receiving screws. A screw back out prevention mechanism adapted on the plate portion and prevents the back out of screws from the screw holes.
US09987129B2	Heart valve prosthesis with integrated electronic circuit for measuring intravalvular electrical impedance, and system for monitoring functionality of the prosthesis A heart valve prosthesis of any type, with internal microelectronic circuit for monitoring the movement of the valve leaflets or of the movable opening and closing elements of said heart valve prosthesis, and external electronic system for telemetric monitoring of such a sensorized heart valve prosthesis, characterized in that said heart valve prosthesis comprises two or more electrodes set in the annular base body of the prosthesis itself, and comprises an internal microelectronic circuit, which is connected to electric power supply means, is equipped with means for generating, between said electrodes, an electrical field, the field lines of which are oriented so as to interfere with the opening and closing movement of the movable elements of said heart valve prosthesis or of the natural leaflets of the heart valve on which said prosthesis will be mounted, and is equipped with or connected to means for detecting the variations of said electrical field produced by the cyclic movement of opening or closing of said leaflets or of said movable elements, which will be expressed as variations of intravalvular electrical impedance and characterized in that it comprises, implanted, a transceiver unit with corresponding antenna for telemetric transmission of the data correlated to said variations of intravalvular electrical impedance, to an external unit that processes the collected data and uses them at least for purposes of diagnosis and prevention.
US09987127B2	Toric lens with decreased sensitivity to cylinder power and rotation and method of using the same A method, system and apparatus for vision correction are disclosed. The method, system and apparatus include a toric intraocular element for correcting astigmatism and having a cylinder power, and a depth of focus extender coupled to the toric intraocular element, the depth of focus extender extending a depth of focus. The extended depth of focus may reduce sensitivity of the toric intraocular element to at least one of rotation and selected cylinder power.
US09987124B2	Corneal implant storage and delivery devices Corneal implant applicator devices and methods of using. In some embodiments they include an implant applicator and an implant support, wherein the implant applicator and implant support are disposed relative to one another to form an implant nest that is adapted to house a corneal implant; wherein the applicator has a greater affinity for the corneal implant than the support.
US09987122B2	Iliac branch device and method An iliac branch device includes an iliac septum limb configured to be deployed in the common iliac artery. The iliac septum limb includes a graft material, a proximal end, and a septum. The graft material defines a common iliac lumen extending between the proximal end and the septum, the graft material and the septum defining an internal iliac lumen and an external iliac lumen. The iliac branch device including the iliac septum limb has several modes of adjustability. In addition, the iliac branch device has a relatively small cross-sectional area allowing the iliac branch device to treat relatively small iliac aneurysms in short common iliac arteries. This allows the iliac aneurysms to be treated at very early stages of the disease.
US09987114B2	Combination three-dimensional surgical implant The present disclosure provides a compound three-dimensional surgical implant and methods of forming and using the same. The compound three-dimensional surgical implant includes a grip-type knit mesh defining pores and including a plurality of spiked naps extending from a surface the grip-type knit mesh, a prosthetic knit mesh defining principal cells and peripheral cells being layered on the grip-type knit mesh such that at least a portion of the spiked naps grip at least a portion of the cells of the prosthetic knit mesh. The grip-type knit mesh and the prosthetic knit mesh are folded together into a predetermined three-dimensional structure such that at least a portion of the spiked naps grip at least a portion of the pores of the grip-type knit mesh to hold the three-dimensional structure of the surgical implant.
US09987111B1	Occlusal canting identifying tool The occlusal canting identifying tool includes a frame having an elongated horizontal portion and a pair of parallel side arms movably attached to the horizontal portion at opposite ends thereof. The tool further includes a vertical arm centrally positioned on the front of the horizontal portion and a measuring assembly positioned on the rear of the horizontal portion. The measuring assembly includes a protractor rotatably attached to the rear of the horizontal portion, the protractor being configured to rotate on a horizontal axis in relation to the horizontal portion, and a bite plate connected to the protractor, the bite plate being adjustable forward and backward in relation to the protractor. The patient is instructed to bite on the bite plate, and if occlusal canting is present, the degree of canting is quantified by rotation of the protractor.
US09987106B2	Orthodontic self-ligating bracket Provided is an orthodontic self-ligating bracket in which the second wing formed on the bracket body is formed to be lower than the height of the first wing, and when pushing the wire to the slot to mount the wire to the slot by installing the wire coupling device on the top surface of the second wing, while the plate tip is pushed rearward by the force for pushing the wire, the slop inlet is open, and when the wire is mounted on the slot and the pushing force disappears, the plate tip closes the slot inlet, thereby remarkably shortening the wire mounting time and allowing very convenient wire mounting.
US09987105B2	Self ligating orthodontic bracket having a rotatable member The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to a self ligating orthodontic bracket having a rotatable member for securing an archwire within a slot of the bracket. Embodiments of the orthodontic bracket disclosed herein include a bracket body containing the archwire slot as well as tie wings for attaching various orthodontic devices (e.g., elastomeric bands) to the bracket. The rotatable member is rotatable in a first direction (e.g., counter clockwise) relative to a body of the bracket for securing or locking the archwire within the slot, and for rotating in an opposite direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) relative to the bracket body for unsecuring or unlocking the archwire so that it is substantially unrestrained from exiting the slot.
US09987103B1	Orthodontic protection device An orthodontic protection device including: a protective layer shaped sized to fit over the facial surface of at least one tooth of a human and any orthodontic appliances affixed to the facial surfaces of the at least one tooth, wherein the protective layer includes a moldable material; and an adhesive layer including at least one hygroscopic polymeric material on a facial surface of the protective layer.
US09987100B2	Systems and methods for grounding or isolating a dental hand piece An electrically safe treatment system for use in treating a patient includes two or more sections coupled with a joint that permits any one section to rotate relative to another coupled section. At least one of the sections includes an electrical component. An electrical contact associated with the joint is designed to maintain an electrical connection between a pair of sections throughout an angular range of motion of one of the sections relative to the other, coupled section. The electrical contact can also maintain a total resistance of a series connection including the two sections and the contact below a specified threshold. Alternatively, one or more insulator joints may be employed to meet safety requirements.
US09987093B2	Single-marker navigation A medical data processing method for determining the spatial relationship of a first medical device relative to a second medical device, the method being constituted to be executed by a computer and comprising the following steps: d) acquiring first medical device position data comprising first medical device position information describing the position of the first medical device, wherein the first medical device position data is acquired based on reading, from a marker device having for example a fixed spatial relationship relative to the first medical device, the first medical device position information or information which allows access to the first medical device position information; e) acquiring second medical device position data comprising second medical position information describing the position of the second medical device; f) determining, based on the first medical device position data and the second medical device position data, relative position data comprising relative position information describing the spatial relationship of the second medical device relative to the first medical device.
US09987081B1	Systems, devices, and methods for signal generation Systems, devices, and methods for electroporation ablation therapy are disclosed, with the system including a pulse waveform signal generator for medical ablation therapy that may be coupled to an ablation device including at least one electrode for ablation pulse delivery to tissue. The signal generator may generate and deliver voltage pulses to the ablation device in the form of a pulse waveform in a predetermined sequence where the signal generator may independently configure a set of electrodes of an ablation device. The signal generator may further perform active monitoring of a set of electrode channels and discharge excess energy using the set of electrode channels.
US09987079B2	Surgical instrument with fiber bragg grating A surgical instrument includes an end effector including first and second jaw members movable relative to one another between a first, spaced-apart position and a second position proximate tissue. In the second position, the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A first optical fiber is disposed within the first jaw member and is configured to provide a first signal, and a second optical fiber is disposed within the first jaw member and is configured to provide a second signal. A controller is coupled to the first and second fibers and is configured to determine the temperature and the strain of the first jaw member as a function of the first and second signals, respectively.
US09987066B2	Bone anchor driver and methods Methods and devices are provided for using a bone anchor driver for driving inner and outer set closure mechanisms or set screws into a bone anchor assembly. In one embodiment, a bone anchor driver is provided that includes an outer shaft configured to engage an outer set screw coupled to a bone anchor assembly, an inner shaft disposed within the outer shaft and configured to engage an inner set screw coupled to the bone anchor assembly, and a torque limiting mechanism configured to automatically switch between a first position in which it is disengaged from the inner shaft and is engaged with the outer shaft, and a second position in which it is disengaged from the outer shaft and is engaged with the inner shaft.
US09987060B2	Bone anchor locking device A bone anchor locking device for receiving a bone anchor having a shank and an enlarged head, the device has a bone anchor, a dome and a conical split washer. The receiving portion has a base extending radially outward and inwardly to a wall. The dome has a center aperture sized to pass a bone anchor. The split washer has an inner conical surface sloped to slide and expand against at least a portion of the base on insertion of a bone anchor to allow a maximum diameter of a head of a bone anchor to pass and thereafter the split washer retracts overlying the maximum diameter of the head to prevent a bone anchor from backing out.
US09987059B2	Cervical plate with screw lock retention clip A cervical plate having improved mounting screws that employ a retention clip for automatically engaging the head portion of the screw during insertion into countersunk apertures. The arrangement prevents the mounting screws from migrating out of the bone material during use.
US09987057B2	Orthopedic anchor assembly An orthopedic assembly may include an orthopedic device, an anchor, and a locking mechanism. The orthopedic device can be a plate member having an aperture that is configured to receive the anchor. The anchor can include a head, neck and shank portion. The head portion can include a plurality of arms separated by grooves that are capable of splaying. The assembly is configured such that when the locking mechanism is inserted into the head portion, this causes expansion of the arms of the head. This expansion locks and secures the anchor to the orthopedic device. Various instruments are provided that can deliver the locking mechanism to the anchor, and can provide impact to lock functionality.
US09987055B2	Method and apparatus for augmenting bone An expandable implant system is configured to increase the height of a target bone, for instance that has been subjected to a compression fracture. The expandable implant system includes an implant assembly that can be inserted into the target bone, and subsequently expanded so as to increase the height of the target bone. The expandable implant system further includes an and insertion assembly that is configured to create an insertion channel into the target bone, such that the implant assembly can be inserted in a collapsed configuration into the target bone along the insertion channel, and subsequently expanded.
US09987054B2	Spinal fixation tool set and method A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Each end guide tool includes a laterally extending, rigid, rod holding structure located near a bottom surface thereof. Intermediate guide tools having pass-through slots are utilized to guide the rod to the bone screws at intermediate locations. For bone screw implantation, the end guide tools and intermediate guide tools are assembled with a driver. The driver is coaxial with the respective guide tool and rotatingly mateable thereto. The driver includes a stem and a nut-type fastener, the stem receivable in the guide tool. The fastener allows for rotation of the bone screw without rotating the attached guide tool. For reducing a rod into the bone screw, a rod pusher is deployed that is coaxial with a respective guide tool and includes an outer sleeve that abuts the rod as the sleeve is translated along the guide tool and toward the bone screw. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the bone screws and the rod in the patient.
US09987037B2	Debridement apparatus using linear lorentz-force motors A debridement device having a controllable Lorentz-force actuator is disclosed. The debridement device includes a nozzle delivering a jet of debridement substance to a tissue and the jet is driven by the Lorentz-force actuator. The device may have a suction port for removing the debridement substance. A second Lorentz-force actuator can be used for each of the jet and suction. The first and second Lorentz-force actuators for the jet and suction can also be configured to provide for continuous jet injection and continuous suction. The device may include a second nozzle delivering a second jet of debridement substance to the region of tissue and the first and second jets may intersect and dissipate into a mist upon intersection to dissipate the kinetic energy of the jets. The Lorentz-force actuator may drive a reciprocating piston pump providing continuous pressure to the nozzles.
US09987026B2	Medical instrument A medical instrument is disclosed for crushing a thrombus present in a pulmonary artery of a living body by an ultrasonic vibration. The medical instrument includes an elongated main body section capable of being inserted into an airway of the living body, and an ultrasonic oscillation section which can be inserted into the living body by the main body section and which oscillates the ultrasonic vibration inside the living body. By the medical instrument, a thrombus present in a pulmonary artery can be rapidly crushed, whereby a therapeutic effect on pulmonary embolism can be obtained.
US09987025B2	Increased axial load carrying sheathed irrigating balloon catheter A sheathed tubular semi-rigid balloon catheter for performing probing, irrigation, dilation, suction and potential intubation of the nasolacrimal system or paranasal sinus system to treat for stenosis or obstruction. The catheter includes a sheathed tubular probe portion through which a tracer fluid can be injected and through which suctioning of blood or other material can be conducted. The sheath portion of the device can have a distal segment that is inflated in order to dilate parts the nasolacrimal or paranasal sinus system. The high axial load accommodating catheter tool includes a more secure and inexpensively manufactured bond between the metallic semi-rigid tube of the probe portion and the plastic hand-manipulable, multi-connector hub using an enlarged bonding collar.
US09987023B2	Orthopaedic cutting tool having a chemically etched metal insert and method of manufacturing An orthopedic surgical instrument comprising an orthopedic cutting tool includes a metallic cutting insert configured to remove portions of a patient's bone and a body molded to the cutting insert. The cutting insert includes a plurality of chemically etched holes, and the body is molded to the cutting insert such that each of the plurality of chemically etched holes is at least partially filled by a portion of the body. The cutting insert may include a plurality of cutting teeth configured to remove portions of the patient's bone. A method of manufacturing an orthopedic surgical instrument is also disclosed.
US09987022B2	Patient-matched instrumentation and methods A patient-matched cutting block including a surface or point contact features adapted to at least partially conform to or reference a patient specific anatomy. The cutting block having guide slots configured for guiding the movement of cutting tools relative to the patient specific anatomy or features configured to mate to and guide standard cutting guides relative to patient specific anatomy in order to form plateau and eminence resections of the patient specific anatomy.
US09987021B2	Tool and method for digital acquisition of a tibial mechanical axis A method for determining a mechanical axis of a tibia using a tibial digitizer is disclosed. The method includes: determining an upper reference point on a tibial plateau corresponding to an entry point of the mechanical axis; fastening an upper mounting end of the tibial digitizer to the tibial plateau at the upper reference point; and fastening a lower mounting end of the tibial digitizer to medial and lateral malleoli of the ankle, by inwardly displacing opposed caliper arms of a self-centering malleoli engaging mechanism toward each other in a common plane until the caliper arms abut the malleoli. A lower reference point located at a midpoint between the medial and lateral malleoli is then determined by identifying a corresponding midpoint between the caliper arms when they are clamped onto the medial and lateral malleoli.
US09987006B2	Shroud retention arrangement for sterilizable surgical instruments A surgical instrument comprises a shaft, an end effector extending distally from the shaft, and a housing extending proximally from the shaft. The housing comprises a first shroud portion, a second shroud portion, a working assembly nested in the first shroud portion, wherein the working assembly is detachable from the first shroud portion, wherein the second shroud portion is removably couplable to the first shroud portion to permit the working assembly to be detached from the first shroud portion, and at least one securing member movable to secure the working assembly to the first shroud portion.
US09986996B2	Device for supporting an endoscopic tool A device for supporting an endoscopic tool is disclosed comprising attachment means for attaching the device to an endoscope, a first guide tube having a distal open end and configured for accepting the endoscopic tool through it, first and second projecting members extending distally of the attachment means and being spaced apart when the device is attached to the endoscope to define a working space between them. The attachment means comprise first and second clamping members and at least one cable linking the clamping members. The cable is remotely actuatable for moving the clamping members relative to each other to adjust a spacing between them, accepting an endoscope. The cable allows for securing the clamping members to the endoscope. The first projecting member is attached to the first clamping member such that it has a fixed or at least one fixable position relative to the first clamping member, and the second projecting member is attached to the second clamping member. The first guide tube is slidable relative to the first clamping member, and the distal end of the first guide tube is pivotally attached to a distal end of the first projecting member so as to enable the distal end of the first guide tube to be pivoted to an orientation transverse to the first projecting member.
US09986993B2	Adjustable tether and epicardial pad system for prosthetic heart valve Apparatus and methods are described herein for repositioning a tether attached to a prosthetic heart valve. In some embodiments, a method includes inserting a distal end portion of a snare device through an incision at a first location in a ventricular wall of a heart and within the left ventricle of the heart. A tether extending from a prosthetic mitral valve, through the left ventricle and out an incision at a second location on the ventricular wall of the heart is snared with the snare device. The tether is pulled with the snare device such that a proximal end of the tether is moved back through the incision at the second location on the ventricular wall and into the left ventricle. The snare device is pulled proximally such that the tether is pulled proximally through the incision at the first location in the ventricular wall of the heart.
US09986988B2	Surgical retractor A surgical retractor and configured to minimize tearing of the gloves without compromising the ability to grip tissue. The surgical retractor has a handle, a blade, and a plurality of retraction elements. The retraction elements may be fixed to the blade but arranged in a specific configuration that minimizes tearing of the gloves without compromising the ability to grip tissue. The retraction elements may also be made deployable by having a deployed configuration in which the retraction elements are exposed, and a stowed configuration it which the retraction elements are hidden.
US09986981B2	Endoscopic ultrasound-guided notched biopsy needle A notched tissue-collection needle configured similarly to a fine-needle-aspiration needle is provided with a cutting edge disposed in the notch and configured to excise tissue into the notch for collection. A stylet may be provided through a lumen of the needle during introduction into a patient body. The needle may be provided with echogenicity-enhancing features.
US09986978B2	Simple sample stool collection, containment, and specimen disbursement system A stool collection, containment, and specimen disbursement system for facilitating easier stool collection while protecting the samples from bio-contamination and providing easier functionality for patients, diagnostic centers, and labs.
US09986977B2	Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and method of operating the same Provided are an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a method of operating the same. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a first ultrasonic transceiver that transmits an ultrasonic signal and receives a first echo signal that is reflected, through a deactivated probe from among a plurality of probes; a gel detector that determines whether gel is applied on the deactivated probe based on the received first echo signal; and a controller that activates the deactivated probe when it is determined that the gel is applied on the deactivated probe.
US09986971B2	Ring laser for use with imaging probe as a safe margin indicator A surgical imaging apparatus is disclosed, and includes an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion and including at least one ultrasonic transducer. The surgical imaging apparatus also includes at least one light source being operatively coupled with the elongate body and configured to move relative to the elongate body. The at least one light source is configured to project light onto a tissue surface. The light is dimensioned to illuminate a section of tissue corresponding to a tissue margin.
US09986969B2	Ultrasound imaging system memory architecture A multiple aperture ultrasound imaging system may be configured to store raw, un-beamformed echo data. Stored echo data may be retrieved and re-beamformed using modified parameters in order to enhance the image or to reveal information that was not visible or not discernible in an original image. Raw echo data may also be transmitted over a network and beamformed by a remote device that is not physically proximate to the probe performing imaging. Such systems may allow physicians or other practitioners to manipulate echo data as though they were imaging the patient directly, even without the patient being present. Many unique diagnostic opportunities are made possible by such systems and methods.
US09986960B2	Robotic system for SPECT imaging A robotic arm, movable in three rotational degrees of freedom has a base end and a distal end supporting SPECT imaging detectors. A patient support assembly is movable in a linear degree of freedom. A controller causes the robotic arm to move the SPECT imaging detectors, in three dimensions, around the patient's body to obtain SPECT images. The control causes the patient support assembly to move along the linear degree of freedom, maintaining alignment of the patient's body with the SPECT imaging detectors.
US09986958B2	Medical examination and/or treatment apparatus A medical examination and/or treatment apparatus includes a robot with a multiaxially movable arm, a C-arm mounted on the multiaxially movable arm, a cable strand for supplying the C-arm, and a device for guiding the cable strand in a movement of the C-arm. The device for guiding the cable strand is arranged at or on the robot or a component of the robot.
US09986957B2	Radiation detector and computed tomography apparatus using the same The radiation detector includes image pixels that each includes a counting pixel, to restore an image. The counting pixel includes a radiation absorption layer, which converts incident photons into an electrical signal, and a photon processor that counts a number of the photons, based on the electrical signal.
US09986953B2	Production method for radiation detection unit According to a method for producing a radiation detection unit, in a first step, a side portion of a first radiation detection module and a first protrusion are abutted. In a second step, a second radiation detection module is arranged within a region from which the first protrusion has been removed, and a side portion of the second radiation detection module and a second protrusion are abutted, after the first step. In a third step, each of the mounting portion of the first radiation detection module and the mounting portion of the second radiation detection module is arranged opposing a frame while spaced apart from the frame, and each of the first radiation detection module and the second radiation detection module is mounted on the frame.
US09986943B2	Safety needle blood sampling devices and related methods Blood collection assemblies with safety features are disclosed. The assemblies have a housing for receiving a vacutainer, which has a septum that penetrates a sharp needle tip. The disclosed assemblies further have a shield for covering the other end of the needle following use to prevent accidental contact with the distal needle tip. The shield is spring loaded so that the spring force moves the shield over the needle. The shield can be secured or held in an initial position and allowed to move to cover the needle upon actuation or activation of an activator unit.
US09986937B2	Modular growth chart assembly A modular growth chart assembly includes a growth chart module, one or more picture frame modules removably attached to a first side of the growth chart module, and at least one decorative frame module removably attached to the a second side of the growth chart module opposite of the first side. The growth chart module extends along a vertical height from a bottom end to a top end. The growth chart module includes hash marks disposed along its vertical height for measuring height, for example, of a child. Photos of the child can be implemented with the picture frame modules for adapting the growth chart assembly to a particular user or child. With the modular growth chart assembly, a user may substitute the decorative frame module to adapt the growth chart assembly along with a child's changing preference or interest.
US09986933B2	Neurophysiological-based control system integrity verification Methods and apparatus for verifying operability of a neurophysiological-based control system include generating a test stimulus that will result in a predetermined neurophysiological response in a user. Neurophysiological brain activity signals obtained from the user in response to the test stimulus are processed to generate a test neurophysiological response. The test neurophysiological response and a predetermined neurophysiological response are compared to determine if the neurophysiological-based control system is operating properly.
US09986928B2	Noninvasive cardiac therapy evaluation Systems, methods, and interfaces are described herein for assisting a user in noninvasive evaluation of patients for cardiac therapy and noninvasive evaluation of cardiac therapy being delivered. The systems, methods, and interfaces may provide graphical representations of cardiac electrical activation times about one or more portions of human anatomy and one or more cardiac health metrics.
US09986924B2	Implantable biomedical devices on bioresorbable substrates Provided herein are implantable biomedical devices and methods of administering implantable biomedical devices, making implantable biomedical devices, and using implantable biomedical devices to actuate a target tissue or sense a parameter associated with the target tissue in a biological environment.
US09986920B2	Blood pressure information measurement device cuff and blood pressure information measurement device provided therewith In a blood pressure information measurement device cuff, a first flexion point and a second flexion point at which a curvature radius changes are provided in a curler, and a straight line-shaped connection portion is provided between the first flexion point and the second flexion point so as to be located inside a curve formed by extending a first curved portion and a second curved portion that are located at the ends of the curler at the first flexion point and the second flexion point, according to the respective curvatures. Through this, it is possible to provide a blood pressure information measurement device cuff, and a blood pressure information measurement device provided with such a cuff, that can reduce error in a blood pressure measurement by reducing errors in changes in the volume of a fluid bladder.
US09986912B2	Viewing and processing multispectral images Multispectral images, including ultraviolet light and its interactions with ultraviolet light-interactive compounds, can be captured, processed, and represented to a user. Ultraviolet-light related information can be conveniently provided to a user to allow the user to have awareness of UV characteristics and the user's risk to UV exposure.
US09986910B2	Intuitive techniques and apparatus for ophthalmic imaging Apparatus and techniques can include using one or more of a portable or fixed optical system to obtain images of a desired anatomical target, such as the fundus region of a human eye. The optical system can include one or more of a laser-based focusing target, a laser-based fixation target, or a removable or adjustable alignment assembly. Such an alignment assembly can provide or allow user alignment based on using anatomical landmarks other than the fundus being imaged. One or more of the apparatus or techniques can be implemented in an optical assembly included as a portion hand-held fundus camera, such as including or using a consumer or commercial digital camera to capture an image.
US09986909B2	Image processing apparatus and image processing system for displaying information about ocular blood flow An image processing apparatus includes an identification unit configured to identify a retinal blood vessel based on a retinal image, a measurement unit configured to measure blood flow information for the blood vessel based on the retinal image, and a display control unit configured to display the measured blood flow information by at least one selected from a depth of the identified blood vessel, a size of the identified blood vessel, and a combination of both.
US09986906B2	Wavefront generation for ophthalmic applications Embodiments of this invention relate to the generation of wavefronts for measurements, diagnostics, and treatment planning for ophthalmic applications. In some embodiments, a wavefront generator generates light having a uniform wavefront, which is focusable on the retina of an emmetropic eye by the normal function of the emmetropic eye. In some embodiments, the wavefront generator can generate light having a custom wavefront which is not focusable on the retina of the emmetropic eye. In some embodiments, the wavefront generator can receive information relating to an optical aberration of the eye, generate a custom wavefront, and project light having this custom wavefront, which in combination with the optical aberration of the eye is focusable on the retina.
US09986905B2	Predicting retinal degeneration based on three-dimensional modeling of oxygen concentration In some example implementations, there is provided a method for predicting retinal degeneration in multiple eye diseases. The method may include receiving three-dimensional data representative of a plurality of layers of a retina of a subject under test; determining, from the received data, oxygen concentration at one or more of the plurality of layers; detecting, based on the determined oxygen concentration, a region of at least one a high oxygen concentration in the retina or a low oxygen concentration in the retina; and comparing the detected region to reference data to determine whether the retina including the detected region suffers from or will suffer from at least one of a retinal disease or a degeneration of the retina. Related apparatus are also disclosed.
US09986902B2	Laryngoscope, laryngoscope arm and laryngoscope system A laryngoscope and system are provided, the laryngoscope comprising a handle, an arm, a camera harness comprising a deployable camera, and a light. The arm comprises a first canal adapted to receive the camera upon deployment and a second canal adapted to transmit light from the handle into an oral cavity. The handle comprises a remote ejection element. The laryngoscope system comprises a handle capable of direct wireless communication with a display unit.
US09986898B2	Apparatus and method for controlling movement of a capsule endoscope in digestive tract of a human body A system for controlling movement of a capsule endoscope in a human GI track is disclosed. The system comprises a magnetic dipole for placement in human GI track, an external magnet in a sphere shape generating dipole magnetic field and applying external translational and or rotational magnetic field force to the capsule endoscope, and a control system for moving the external magnet to manipulate the object along the variable axis in a desired direction of movement.
US09986893B2	Method and apparatus for manipulating the side wall of a body lumen or body cavity so as to provide increased visualization of the same and/or increased access to the same, and/or for stabilizing instruments relative to the same Apparatus comprising: a sleeve adapted to be slid over the exterior of an endoscope; a proximal balloon secured to the sleeve; an inflation/deflation tube carried by the sleeve and in fluid communication with the interior of the proximal balloon; a push tube slidably mounted to the sleeve; and a distal balloon secured to the distal end of the push tube, the interior of the distal balloon being in fluid communication with the push tube, wherein the distal balloon is capable of assuming a deflated condition and an inflated condition, and further wherein when the distal balloon is in its deflated condition, an axial opening extends therethrough, the axial opening being sized to receive the endoscope therein, and when the distal balloon is in its inflated condition, the axial opening is closed down.
US09986890B2	Endoscope system, operation method for endoscope system, and program for balancing conflicting effects in endoscopic imaging The present technology relates to an endoscope system in which resolution and an S/N ratio are adjusted to be well-balanced depending on an imaging condition, and further capable of changing a processing load depending on the imaging condition, a method for operating the endoscope system, and a program.From an image signal in a body cavity imaged by an endoscope apparatus, a low frequency image including a low frequency component and a high frequency image including a high frequency component are extracted. The low frequency image is reduced by a predetermined reduction ratio, and, after image quality improvement processing is performed, is enlarged by an enlargement ratio corresponding to the reduction ratio. At that time, based on condition information indicating an imaging state, when brightness at the time of imaging is sufficient and the high frequency component does not include noise components a lot, the low frequency image and the high frequency image are added to be output as an output image. In addition, based on the condition information, when the brightness at the time of imaging is not sufficient and the high frequency component includes the noise components a lot, only the low frequency image is output as the output image. The present technology can be applied to the endoscope system.
US09986883B2	Method of using high velocity water to remove puddling in a dishwasher A method of washing dishes in an automated dishwasher utilizing a high velocity sprayer and high velocity spray phase for forcibly spraying water from concavities on washed dishes or utensils in which liquid can puddle in the cavities of the dishes or utensils during previous washing or rinsing cycles.
US09986877B2	Hand dryer A hand dryer for drying a user's hands by means of an airflow discharged through an air outlet on the hand dryer. The airflow is generated by a motor-driven fan unit. The fan unit is supported by resilient support member in contact with the fan unit, the support member having a vertex, which vertex makes said contact with the fan unit.
US09986870B2	Device for providing liquid for a beverage machine and use thereof The invention relates to a device (100) for providing liquid for a beverage machine (110), comprising a water tank (10) having at least one water inlet (11) which can be connected in a controllable manner to a water connection in order to fill the water tank (10), a control device (30) for controlling the water inlet (11) that can be connected in a controllable manner, and at least one filling level sensor (41, 42) for generating a signal which indicates at least whether or not a first filling level of liquid inside the water tank (10) has been reached or exceeded. In order to achieve easier cleaning, in particular descaling of the device (100), the at least one filling level sensor (41, 42) can be or is connected to the control device (30) to transmit the signal and the control device (30) is designed to control the water inlet (11) according to the signal of the at least one filling level sensor (41, 42) and according to at least one operating mode, wherein the operating mode is either a filling mode or an emptying mode. Furthermore, a controllable drainage device (44) for draining liquid from the water tank (10) is present.
US09986838B1	Head support apparatus A head support apparatus for supporting a head of a person. The head support apparatus includes a tube and a rod configured to slidably and lockably couple to the tube. A cup and pad are coupled to an upper end of the rod. In use, a lower end of the tube bears on a support. A person's chin is rested on the pad whereby the weight of the person's head is supported by the head support apparatus.
US09986837B2	Chair assembly with extended surface A seating unit (10) combines lounge seating with work space. A chair portion (20) has a sitting surface with an extended wing (25) and an optional sliding desk (40, 140) as a work surface. The extended wing (25) provides a place to rest personal belongings within easy reach while the user sits or works in the seating unit (10). An optional ottoman (50) may be used as a conventional ottoman or as a seating location on its own. The ottoman (50) has a slidable tray that can provide additional work surface or space to rest additional personal items while the user sits or rests in the unit. Several chair portions (20) may be supported together in a row with extended wings (25) and/or slidable desks on the ends.
US09986833B1	Modular cinema lounge chair A modular cinema lounge chair including a seat member, a back and headrest support member that is adapted to be rockably and/or controllably and lockably displaceable between an upright/retracted position and a reclined/extended position, a left arm, a right arm, a floor-engaging frame sub-assembly, a left side, a right side, a front side or optional leg rest that is controllably and lockably displaceable between a lowered/retracted position and a raised/extended position via a hydraulic cylinder or electric motor, and a back side, wherein the frame sub-assembly includes a clean, simplified, and extremely sturdy structure which is adapted to accommodate the wear and tear associated with high volume use in today's cinemas, theaters, and auditoriums.
US09986830B2	Slide rail assembly for chassis system A slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail, a releasing member and a limiting member. The second rail is movable relative to the first rail. The releasing member is mounted on the second rail. The limiting member is arranged to be corresponding to the releasing member. The limiting member is configured to be in a free status and a limiting status. When the limiting member is in the free status, the releasing member is configured to be operatively moved from a first position to a second position. When the limiting member is in the limiting status, the releasing member is not able to be operatively moved from the first position to the second position.
US09986824B2	Mobile storage systems A mobile storage system includes a cabinet convertible between an open configuration for storing items and a folded configuration for transportation of the cabinet. The cabinet includes rear, left, right, top, and bottom walls that cooperate to form an Interior storage space having a front opening. The cabinet further includes a pair of wheels and a handle so that the cabinet can be moved as a cart. One or more drawers can be removably connected to and supported by drawer slides within the cabinet so that the drawers are movable into and out of the Interior storage space through the front opening. The drawers can be configured to be used as drawers for long term storage when located within the cabinet and as suitcases for travelling storage when removed from the cabinet.
US09986822B2	Method and apparatus for cooling an airline galley cart using a skin heat exchanger A system for cooling a thermally insulated galley cart in an aircraft incorporates a skin heat exchanger configured to transfer heat to an aircraft skin. A cooling system is in communication with the skin heat exchanger and is configured to be removably coupled with a thermally insulated galley cart.
US09986821B2	Ergonomic keyboard and peripheral positioning system A keyboard and keyboard and peripheral position system, which may be used with adjustable-height desks.
US09986818B2	Implement and dispenser system A system comprising an implement and dispenser containing a fluid detachably coupled to the implement. In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a reservoir containing a fluid and an actuator for dispensing the fluid from the dispenser; and the dispenser is alterable between: (i) a storage state in which the dispenser is detachably coupled to the implement and a mechanical interference between a portion of the actuator and a portion of the implement prohibits actuation of the actuator; and (ii) an application state in which a user can actuate the actuator to dispense the fluid from the dispenser.
US09986817B1	Precision brush A precision paint brush formed from an arcuate ferrule attached to a handle and carrying a number of filaments oriented into a complementary arch shape for accurate and efficient administration of liquids such as paint is provided. By creating an apex within the application surface as formed by the arched filaments, the brush produces a more focused application surface area, particularly useful in situations such as painting a wall in close proximity to the ceiling, as pressure by the user into the substrate compels the filaments to spread out without exceeding the defined apex area.
US09986792B2	Snap button and physiological signal detecting belt thereof for improving electric conductivity A snap button includes a male retaining member and a female retaining member. The male retaining member includes a base, a hollow cylinder, and at least one protrusion portion. The hollow cylinder is disposed on the base, the at least one protrusion portion is disposed on the base and at a periphery of the hollow cylinder. The female retaining member includes a main body which has a hollow tube body. The hollow cylinder is housed through the hollow tube body.
US09986786B2	Shoe sole and footwear constituted thereof A new design of shoe sole that includes both a base portion and a base support portion, wherein the base support portion is a base support portion attached underneath to the center area of the base portion. The current design further includes an expansion portion that extends downwardly from the outside rim of the base portion, wherein the expansion portion is elastic, and the bottom surface of the base support portion is higher than the bottom surface of the expansion portion. Footwear made of this type of sole first touch a support surface (ground) with the expansion portion, which forms a first contact region. Further because the expansion portion is located at the outward rim of the base portion, it is easier for the expansion portion to extend to all directions when pressed.
US09986782B2	System for matching footwear with an article of clothing or other objects A method for substantially matching a color or pattern of article of clothing or other object so that substantially the same color or pattern can be displayed on a flexible footwear display. The other object may include a user eye, hair or other human body part. The method includes the use of a detector used to determine color or pattern values that match the color or pattern of the clothing or other object. The color or pattern values used to be displayed on the footwear can be determined automatically or by the user. The flexible footwear display may occupy 25% to 100% of the outer surface of the footwear, have a pixel count of 50 to 2,000,000 pixels or a color depth in the range of 8-bits to 48-bits.
US09986779B2	Locking linear for helmet A helmet can comprise an outer shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer shell comprises an integrally formed locking mechanism. The helmet can also comprise a locking liner formed of a foam material and disposed within the outer shell adjacent the inner surface of the outer shell. The locking liner can further comprise at least one side piece sized to fit between a lower edge of the outer shell and top portion of the outer shell, a top piece disposed at the top portion of the outer shell and comprising a central opening, and a rotatable foam locking piece sized to fit within the central opening and comprising a tab that is sized to mateably couple with the integrally formed locking mechanism of the outer shell to releasably couple the locking liner to the outer shell.
US09986772B2	Disposable padded tape Disclosed herein are devices for preventing or treating an injury to an individual. Also provided are devices and methods for alleviating pain or discomfort caused by equipment or other padding or articles of clothing or uniform. The device can include a disposable padded tape having a plurality of force absorbing zones. It can also include an adhesive layer for attaching the device to a body contacting surface.
US09986769B1	Atomizer for an electronic cigarette Disclosed is an atomizer that comprises a transparent, elongated e-liquid cartridge enclosed in a transparent, elongated outer cylinder that creates a well-defined smoke-flowing interlayer or pathway that leads from an atomization tube mounted on the distal end of the outer cylinder to a cigarette holder disposed at its proximal end. The atomization tube contains a heating coil in a porcelain cup in contact with an e-liquid rope or wick extruding from an e-liquid guiding head that seals the e-liquid cartridge at its distal end. Mounted on the atomization tube are two conductive members that connect with the heating coil and with an appropriate battery assembly containing an air-flow sensor that provides an electric charge when a smoker inhales. A smoker's inhalation also creates negative pressure within the interlayer pathway and the cartridge causing e-liquid to permeate the wick for vaporization. The resulting vapor or smoke travels to the cigarette holder and smoker via the interlayer. The cartridge is sealed at its proximal end by a sealing plug which is reinforced by a cap on the outer cylinder. The cap has smoke vents which communicate with the smoke-flowing interlayer. The separate smoke-flowing interlayer preserves the purity of the vapor, eliminates leaking, and allows the smoker better control of consumption through its transparency.
US09986768B2	Multi-part electrically heated aerosol-generating system A multi-part aerosol-generating assembly system has a mouth end and a distal end, and includes a first part having a housing and a power supply disposed in the housing. The system also includes a second part releasably connectable with the first part. The second part includes a heating element and a liquid transfer element. The heating element is operably coupled to the power supply when the second part is connected with the first part. The system further includes a third part releasably connectable with the second part. The third part includes a reservoir containing a liquid aerosol generating substrate. The liquid aerosol generating substrate is in fluid communication with the liquid transfer element when the third part is connected with the second part. The system further includes a cover disposable over the third part. The cover is releasably securable in a position relative to the third part.
US09986763B2	Electronic cigarette An electronic cigarette includes a power rod, an atomizer, and a connecting structure. The connecting structure includes a first connecting member and a second connecting member. The first connecting member includes a rotary buckle device, the rotary buckle device defines a butt-jointed slot and includes at least one buckle-jointed portion extending into the butt-jointed slot; the second connecting member defines a groove and a guide surface. In assembly, the buckle-jointed portion is aligned with the guide surface, the rotary buckle device is sheathed on the second connecting member and axially moved to the groove, the rotary buckle device is rotated to buckle the buckle-jointed portion with the groove. The connection mode is simple and novelty, can improve the production efficiency and facilitate users to change the atomizer, and meets users' personalized needs.
US09986755B2	Moulding A system for molding three-dimensional products from a mass of one or more food starting materials which are suitable for consumption, in particular human consumption, has a production device having a frame, a mold member provided with at least one mold cavity, the frame supporting the mold member, mass feed means for feeding the mass to the one or more mold cavities of the mold member. The system also has at least one cleaning device for cleaning one or more parts of the production device which come into contact with the mass. The mold member is removable from the frame. The system has a storage device for storing a plurality of mold members, which may be provided with an identification, has recognition means for recognizing the identification of a mold member, and may have a memory for storing at least one history of a mold member.
US09986754B2	Antioxidant-enriched composition comprising fermented blueberry juice, a fermented concentrate of blueberry juice, or an extract of fermented blueberry juice Bacterial strains are provided that can be isolated from the microflora of lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium), and that are capable of increasing the antioxidant content of their growth medium. The bacteria can be used, for example, to increase the antioxidant content of various foodstuffs, as probiotics or as additives to animal feed. Antioxidant-enriched compositions produced by fermentation processes utilizing the bacteria are also provided. The antioxidant-enriched compositions can be used in the preparation of cosmetics and nutritional supplements. The antioxidant-enriched compositions also have therapeutic applications.
US09986752B2	Base medicinal liquid formulation for supporting the specific homeostatic acid-base balance of living tissue This invention is a concentrated alkali buffer+minerals additive within a range of concentrated alkali buffer+mineral formulations to be added to municipal tap waters, commercial non-carbonated bottled waters or natural spring waters. The additive increases the pH value of these consumable drinking waters and delivers the essential and indispensable minerals of the concentrated alkali buffer+minerals formulations in order to influence alterations in the anion gap and for blood pH balancing in the alkaline range when bicarbonate production is diminished or endogenous acid production (EAP) is overwhelming and the body is using minerals sacrificed from physiologically essential repositories in order to compensate for pH swings caused by EAP or other factors.
US09986736B2	Herbicide compositions and methods for controlling growth of plants of the buckthorn family Herbicide compositions and methods of controlling growth of plants of the Buckthorn family (e.g. Rhamnaceae) are described herein. The herbicide compositions comprise a herbicidally effective amount of N-hydroxy-1,4-naphthalenedione or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, wherein N is in the range of 2-5.
US09986732B1	Dual seat assembly for a hunting tree stand A collapsible hunting tree stand includes a dual seat arrangement, so that the seat may be positioned in a normal seating position, or where the seat may be in an elevated seating/leaning position.
US09986729B2	Trap for rodents 1. A trap for rodents, including in particular rats, said trap comprising: a housing; and a trapping chamber in which a passage extends from the side(s) of the housing. The trap further comprises two electric poles, of which the one electric pole is disposed outside the trapping chamber and a reservoir. The trap is moreover configured with a transport mechanism for the transport of the trapping chamber with rodent between a lower position in which the rodent is able to run into the trapping chamber and an upper position in which the trapping chamber is able to discharge a destroyed rodent into the reservoir. The trapping chamber and the electric poles comprise means to the effect that the electric poles can be caused to be situated close to each other within the trapping chamber.
US09986722B2	Animal model of Krabbe's disease The present invention relates to an animal model for infantile globoid cell leucodystrophy, and use of said animal model for screening and/or validation of agents which may be useful as a medicament for treatment of globoid cell leukodystrophy.
US09986716B1	Animal monitoring device and method An animal monitoring device and method comprising an animal cage and associated electronics slab is described. The device is suitable for use in a modular vivarium implemented in one or two racks adjacent to walls in a holding pod. There is a one-to-one relationship between fixed slabs and removable cages. A single camera provides range of functions: its field of view includes the entire area of the cage accessible to an animal; it may observe water level in a water bottle; it may observe food level in a food tray; it may view activity on an exercise device; it may read the rear of cage card. The shape of the food tray is specialized to meet these requirements. An inner-cage frame holds elements in fixed locations within the cage. The cage is free of electronic penetrations. Supply and return air for the cage passes through the slab.
US09986714B2	Low density coated animal litter compositions Animal litter compositions having relatively low densities are described herein. Methods of manufacturing such litter compositions are also described.
US09986701B2	Cotton variety ST 4946GLB2 The cotton variety ST 4946GLB2 is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and cotton lint as well as to hybrid cotton plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety ST 4946GLB2 with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of ST 4946GLB2 and to plants of ST 4946GLB2 reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from ST 4946GLB2.
US09986690B2	Device and method for tracking and marking baled forage material with sensed moisture content A device and method for tracking and marking bailed forage material is provided. The moisture content of forage material entering the intake of a processing machine is measured prior to the forage material being transferred to a baling chamber of the machine. As the forage material passes through the machine, the locations of discrete portions or flakes of the forage material are linearly tracked so that each portion may receive pre-selected markings indicative of measured parameters of each portion. A plurality of sensor stations is incorporated within the machine to track the locations of the portions of material. After the forage material is baled, a marking station generates markings applied to each bale which corresponds to the observed parameters for the corresponding discrete portions. Observed parameters may include moisture content for each flake, an amount and type of conditioning inoculant applied to each flake, among others. Multiple markings can be applied to each bale to indicate moisture content for selected portions of the bale since moisture content may differ between flakes in the bale.
US09986688B2	Air deflector for return pan of harvester cleaning shoe A crop harvester is operable to separate grain from severed crop material and broadly includes a threshing rotor, cleaning shoe, and separator pan. The separator pan is interposed between the threshing rotor and the cleaning shoe. The separator pan includes a floor and an air deflector. The floor is configured to urge separated grain on the floor forwardly while allowing a rearward air stream between the floor and rotor to carry material other than grain rearwardly. The air deflector is positioned relative to the floor to direct the rearward air stream above the floor and thereby permit forward grain movement along the pan.
US09986679B2	Alginate coating for sett treatment Disclosed are methods of treating setts comprising (a) applying a coating of an alginate optionally containing one or more crop protection agents and/or one or more nutrients, and (b) crosslinking the alginate with a divalent metal ion. Also disclosed are compositions used in the disclosed methods of treating setts.
US09986677B2	System and method of an agricultural machine to optimise working capacity A method and a system in an agricultural machine for the coordination of agricultural machines when refilling substance intended to be disseminated over an agricultural field by generating coordination data indicative of an optimum refill location, comprising a level sensor arranged for generating level data, said level data indicating a volume of a substance in a substance reservoir; a position sensor for generating and storing position data and storing or reading a preplanned route; a communication device arranged for transmitting and receiving data; characterized by: a coordination device generating coordination data, based on said level data, said preplanned route and said position data; and transmitting said generated coordination data via the communication device to a refill vehicle.
US09986674B2	Tillage electro-hydraulic design and layout on raise and lower system on a front fold machine An agricultural tillage implement has a main frame section, a left wing section, and a right wing section. Lift wheels and gauge wheels are actuated by hydraulic cylinders supplied by a hydraulic system. Solenoid valves connect groups of hydraulic cylinders to each other and to bypass circuits. The solenoid valves and the bypass circuits function to selectively allow coordinated control and individual control of the lift wheels and gauge wheels. The hydraulic system has at least one hydraulic flow divider and combiner dividing hydraulic flow and pressure between at least one left hydraulic circuit and at least one right hydraulic circuit. The at least one hydraulic flow divider and combiner functions to coordinate the motion of the left rear lift wheels and gauge wheels, and the right rear lift wheels and gauge wheels, and may be overridden by bypass valves.
US09992917B2	3-D printing method for producing tungsten-based shielding parts A method of manufacturing an electromagnetic shield for electromagnetic radiation shielding. The electromagnetic shield is formed via the additive fabrication of a compound comprised of at least 90 percent tungsten by weight or alternatively 40 to 60 percent tungsten by volume.
US09992912B1	Heat dissipating device combined structure The present invention provides a heat dissipating device combined structure, which consists of a heat sink and a clasp member. At least one expanded portion extends from the heat sink, and a side extends from each of the two sides of a base of the clasp member to form a conduit. The heat sink and a circuit board are disposed inside the conduit, and at least one ledge portion is formed on the sides. Moreover, a slanting portion extends from and is provided on air foils configured on the sides, and the ends of the slanting portions respectively clasp the expanded portions. Accordingly, the circuit board is mounted on the ledge portions, and electronic components on the circuit board are attached to the bottom portion of the aforementioned heat sink.
US09992903B1	Modular rack-mountable IT device A 1U rack-mountable computing device includes a storage component configured to include one or more storage devices. A second component is configured to be releasably coupleable to the storage component. A coupling system is configured to releasably couple the storage component to the second component.
US09992897B2	Display device A display device is disclosed. In one aspect, the display device includes a first display unit including a first display area, a first left pad area outside a first left end portion of the first display area, and a first right pad area outside a first right end portion of the first display area. The first right end portion is opposite to the first left end portion. The first display unit is bent at a first portion between the first display area and the first left pad area and bent at a second portion between the first display area and the first right pad area. The first display area is bent such that the first left and right end portions are adjacent to each other, and the first left and right pad areas are located inside the first display unit. The display device also includes a first printed circuit board corresponding to both the first left and right pad areas.
US09992893B2	Electronic device including waterproof structure An electronic device including a waterproof structure is provided. The electronic device includes a housing that includes a first face, a second face that faces in a direction substantially opposite to the first face, and a side surface that at least partially encloses a space between the first face and the second face, a middle plate arranged between the first face and the second face inside the housing to be substantially parallel to the first face, extending from the side surface, and including at least one opening, a printed circuit board arranged between the middle plate and the second face, a display arranged between the middle plate and the first face, and including a face directed toward the second face, and a seal member configured to hermetically seal the at least one opening of the middle plate, and arranged between the face of the display and the middle plate.
US09992888B2	Flexible display electronic device A portable electronic device is provided. The portable electronic device includes a first housing including a first surface and a second surface a second housing including a third surface and a fourth surface, and a hinge. The hinge includes a hinge shaft, a sliding device including a portion configured to slide to an inside or an outside of the second housing to be introduced, or slide from the inside or the outside of the second housing in a specific direction to be extracted in correspondence to a hinge operation of the second housing, and a multi-bar disposed between the first surface and the fourth surface and including multi-bar units to be spread or bent in correspondence to a hinge operation of the second housing.
US09992886B2	Waterproof type control apparatus A circuit board is sealed and housed in a casing including a base and a cover, a connector housing including a partition wall is mounted on the circuit board, and an electrical connection between the interior and the exterior of the casing is established. A water-repellent filter is fixed to an inner surface of the partition wall, an outer surface portion of the water-repellent filter is opened to atmosphere via the breath ventilation hole, and an atmospheric opening surface thereof is formed such that the atmospheric opening surface being wetted directly with water is avoided by a poured water blocking wall and water barrier walls. A position where the poured water blocking wall is provided is changed by an insert mold in response to the direction of the mounting surface of the base.
US09992884B2	Phone and tablet case A case for a portable electronic device includes a substantially hollow housing formed of a first section and a second section. The first section is dimensioned and configured to tightly retain the portable electronic device. A hinged connector secures a first portion of the first section to a first portion of the second section and allows access to the portable electronic device when the second section is in an open position. One or more locking mechanisms removably connect a second portion of the first section to a second portion of the second section and prevents access to the portable electronic device when the second section is in a closed and locked position. A locating device is disposed within or attached to the first section.
US09992880B2	Rigid-bend printed circuit board fabrication A printed circuit board (PCB) has multiple layers, where select portions of one or more conductive layers, referred to as core circuitry, form a semi-flexible PCB portion that is protected by an exposed prepreg layer. The semi-flexible PCB portion having an exposed prepreg layer is formed using a dummy core process that leaves the exposed prepreg layer smooth and undamaged. The core circuitry is part of a core structure. The semi-flexible PCB portion is an extension of the remaining adjacent multiple layer PCB. The remaining portion of the multiple layer PCB is rigid. The core structure is common to both the semi-flexible PCB portion and the remaining rigid PCB portion.
US09992875B2	Coated electrical assembly The present invention relates to an electrical assembly which has a conformal coating, wherein said conformal coating is obtainable by a method which comprises: (a) plasma polymerization of a compound of formula (I) and a fluorohydrocarbon, wherein the molar ratio of the compound of formula (I) to the fluorohydrocarbon is from 5:95 to 50:50, and deposition of the resulting polymer onto at least one surface of the electrical assembly: wherein: R1 represents C1-C3 alkyl or C2-C3 alkenyl; R2 represents hydrogen, C1-C3 alkyl or C2-C3 alkenyl; R3 represents hydrogen, C1-C3 alkyl or C2-C3 alkenyl; R4 represents hydrogen, C1-C3 alkyl or C2-C3 alkenyl; R5 represents hydrogen, C1-C3 alkyl or C2-C3 alkenyl; and R6 represents hydrogen, C1-C3 alkyl or C2-C3 alkenyl, and (b) plasma polymerization of a compound of formula (I) and deposition of the resulting polymer onto the polymer formed in step (a).
US09992873B2	Method of manufacturing a package substrate A circuit board includes a dielectric layer, a first circuit layer, a second circuit layer and at least an electrically conductive pole. The dielectric layer includes a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The first circuit layer is located at the first side of the dielectric layer, and includes a plurality of spaced first circuit patterns embedded into the dielectric layer. The second circuit layer is located at the second side of the dielectric layer, and includes a plurality of spaced second circuit patterns located outsides the dielectric layer. The electrically conductive pole electrically couples the first circuit layer to the second circuit layer. Each of the first circuit patterns has an extension direction from the first side toward the second side, and has widths thereof gradually decreasing along the extension direction. A method for manufacturing the circuit board is also provided.
US09992865B2	Circuit board and assembly thereof A circuit board and an assembly including the circuit board are provided. The circuit board includes a first insulation layer, a first conductive pattern disposed on the first insulation layer, an insulation film disposed on the first conductive pattern, and a second conductive pattern disposed on the insulation film. The insulation film includes an insulation thin film contacting the first conductive pattern, and a function film disposed on the insulation thin film and contacting the second conductive pattern.
US09992864B2	Composition for forming conductive pattern, method for forming conductive pattern using the same, and resin components having conductive pattern thereon The present invention relates to a composition for forming a conductive pattern capable of forming a fine conductive pattern reducing degradation of mechanical physical properties and having excellent adhesion strength, on a polymeric resin product or resin layer, a method for forming a conductive pattern using the same, and a resin component having the conductive pattern. The composition for forming a conductive pattern includes: a polycarbonate-based resin; and particles of a non-conductive metal compound including a first metal and a second metal and having a spinel structure, wherein the particles have a particle diameter of 0.1 to 6 μm; wherein a metal nuclei including the first metal, the second metal, or an ion thereof is formed from the particles of the non-conductive metal compound by electromagnetic wave irradiation. The non-conductive metal compound may have an average specific surface area of about 0.5 to 10 m2/g, preferably about 0.5 to 8 m2/g, more preferably about 0.7 to about 3 m2/g.
US09992856B2	Solution for EUV power increment at wafer level The present disclosure relates to a photolithography radiation source having an angled primary laser, and an associated method of formation. In some embodiments, the photolithography radiation source has a fuel droplet generator that provides fuel droplets to a source vessel along a first trajectory. A primary laser is configured to generate a primary laser beam along a second trajectory that intersects the first trajectory. The primary laser beam is configured to ignite a plasma from the plurality of fuel droplets that emits radiation. A collector mirror is configured to focus the radiation to an exit aperture of the source vessel. The primary laser beam does not intersect the exit aperture.
US09992849B1	Overvoltage detection in a dimmer A dimmer circuit configured for detecting an overvoltage event comprising a controller, a plurality of dimming transistors, a current sensor, and an overvoltage protection device coupled across at least one of the plurality of dimming transistors. The dimmer circuit generates a transistor drive signal to drive the plurality of dimming transistors at a reverse phase dimming mode and provides a dimmed hot output signal to a load. After driving at least one of the dimming transistors to turn off, the dimmer circuit receives from the current sensor a detected current level (I) of the dimmed hot output signal at a turn off time threshold (Tth) and compares the detected current level (I) to a current threshold (Ith). The dimmer circuit detects an overvoltage event when the detected current level (I) is above the current threshold (Ith) because this indicates that the overvoltage protection has tripped.
US09992845B2	LED driver circuit and light apparatus having the same in A light-emitting diode (LED) driver circuit and a light apparatus including the LED driver circuit are provided. The light apparatus includes an LED array, an input unit, a rectifier, and a control circuit. The LED array includes LED devices connected to one another in series. The input unit receives an alternating current (AC) power source. The rectifier circuit full-wave rectifies the received AC power source signal and supplies the full-wave rectified AC power source signal to the LED array. The control circuit selectively lights the LED devices according to a voltage level of the full-wave rectified AC power source signal. The control circuit includes switching elements and comparators. The switching elements selectively force nodes between the LED devices to be grounded. The comparators turn-on one of the switching elements according to the voltage level of the full-wave rectified AC power source signal.
US09992844B2	Power supply circuit and electroluminescent display device including the same A power supply circuit has a first voltage converter and a second voltage converter. The first voltage converter generates a first power supply voltage having a first voltage level based on an input voltage. The first power supply voltage drives a first power node of a display in a first mode. The second voltage converter generates a second power supply voltage having a second voltage level based on the input voltage. The second power node is driven by the second power supply voltage in the first mode and is driven by a ground voltage in a second mode.
US09992842B2	Illumination system and method for developing target visual perception of an object An illumination system that includes a light source device and an algorithm unit is provided. The light source includes a color temperature adjustable light source. The algorithm unit is coupled to the light source device and outputs a control signal to the light source device according to a reflection spectrum of an object, a visual color matching function, a visual preference correction function, or a combination of the above. The light source device outputs an illumination beam according to the control signal, so as to develop target visual perception of the object while the object is being irradiated by the illumination beam. A method for developing target visual perception of an object is also provided.
US09992833B1	Multi-stage LED driver with current proportional to rectified input voltage and low distortion A system for driving a multi-stage LED with low distortion and with current proportional to rectified input voltage is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes LED groups connected in series to form an LED string having a first node, a last node, and intermediate nodes. The apparatus also includes current cells having inputs coupled to the nodes and outputs coupled to an output resistor. Each current cell selectively regulates current to flow between its respective input and the output resistor. The apparatus also includes a feedback circuit that generates a plurality of feedback voltages from a voltage level at the output resistor. When a selected current cell is enabled by a selected feedback voltage to regulate a selected current level from its respective input to the output resistor, upstream current cells are disabled by their respective feedback voltages.
US09992832B2	Light brightness and color temperature control unit A light control unit that includes a housing sized and shaped as a standard electrical dimmer switch that can reside in an a standard electrical Handy Box and at least one integrated circuit that comprises a brightness dimming control adapted to reduce and increase brightness of one or more light sources, for example a series of light sources, electronically connected to the at least one integrated circuit and a correlated color temperature (CCT) control adapted to change color temperature of light emitted from the one or more light sources.
US09992831B1	Backlight device and control method thereof A backlight device includes a number of light emitting strings, a number of switch units, a first control unit and a second control unit. Each of the light emitting strings includes a number of light emitting units connected in series. The light emitting strings are configured to be driven by electric power to emit light. One of the switch units serves as a reference switch unit. The first control unit is configured to adjust a voltage level of the control terminal of the reference switch unit according to a voltage level of the reference node. The second control unit is configured to instruct the first control unit to set the voltage levels of the control terminal of each of the switch units and the electric power according to pre-calibration data corresponding to the illumination type of the backlight device.
US09992824B2	Time estimation for energy application in an RF energy transfer device An apparatus configured to apply electromagnetic energy to an object may include an energy application zone adapted to receive at least a portion of an object and a source configured to supply RF energy to the energy application zone. The apparatus may also include at least one processor configured to: cause the source to supply RF energy to the energy application zone; determine a value indicative of a rate of energy absorption by a load, including at least a portion of the object, during a first period of time; and determine, based on the value indicative of the rate of energy absorption by the load, an estimated amount of time to obtain a desired characteristic in at least a portion of the object.
US09992820B2	Vehicle glass removal system and method A vehicle glass removal system and method using a heating element and thermoplastic adhesive is disclosed, whereby a resistance heating element is deployed along the bond line between a vehicle glass member and its supporting vehicle frame. The system accepts user input and activates the heating element, causing the adhesive along the bond line to weaken, thereby reducing or completely eliminating the need for a cutting operation when separating the glass from the frame. Two embodiments are contemplated for the deployment of the heating element: embedded within the perimeter of the glass member, or preferably deployed along the vehicle window frame. The system includes safety precautions that prevent the heating element from operating while the vehicle is in operation, including authenticated access and communication with the vehicle electrical system to recognize the state of the vehicle.
US09992819B2	Method and system for hybrid automatic repeat request using multiple receiver-coordinated transmitters A method and a receiving device, the method receiving an indication of pending data from an access network, the pending data including a sequence number for every unit of the pending data; and sending transmission instructions to a first transmitter within the access network, the transmission instructions including a range of sequence numbers desired by the receiving device and an error correction and coding scheme to be used by the first transmitter. Further, a receiving device having a processor; and a communications subsystem, wherein the processor and communications subsystem cooperate to receive a first stream from a first transmitter; receive a second stream from a second transmitter; and soft combine the first stream and the second stream at the receiving device.
US09992813B2	Method and apparatus for keep-alive signalling Various methods for determining network entity timeout values to improve keep-alive signaling are provided. One example method may comprise providing for transmission of a request for a timeout value associated with a keep-alive timer. The method of this example embodiment may further comprise receiving a response to the request, wherein the response comprises an indication of the timeout value of the keep-alive timer. Additionally, the method may further comprise determining an expiration time of the keep-alive timer based at least in part on the timeout value. The example method may further comprise providing for transmission of a keep-alive data packet prior to the determined expiration time. Similar and related example methods, example apparatuses, and example computer program products are also provided.
US09992808B2	Devices and methods for establishing an ad hoc peer-to-peer network A node is operable to communicate in an ad hoc peer-to-peer network using a predefined communication protocol. The node includes a local area wireless communication circuit and one or more processors. The one or more processors can cause the local area wireless communication circuit to broadcast a local name of an electronic device using a discovery protocol of the predefined communication protocol. Upon receiving one or more responses from one or more remote devices, the one or more processors can change the local name to a new local name including at least one communication protocol parameter, and can cause the local area wireless communication circuit to rebroadcast the new local name using the discovery protocol to communicate the at least one communication protocol parameter to the one or more remote devices. This can continue until an ad hoc peer-to-peer network is established.
US09992805B2	Apparatus for displaying images and driving method thereof, mobile terminal and driving method thereof A mobile terminal is communicable with an image display apparatus connected to a nearby access point and includes: an interface configured to receive, from the access point, a signal including information on a current connection channel, by which the image display apparatus is currently connected to the access point, to transmit a request for connection with the image display apparatus by a same channel as the current connection channel, and to receive a response on the request; an information checker configured to check information on the current connection channel from the received signal; and a controller configured to request for connection with the image display apparatus by the same channel based on the checked information, to connect to the image display apparatus according to an approving result of the response on the request, and to control the image display apparatus in response to being connected.
US09992800B2	Techniques for performing a random access procedure in an unlicensed spectrum Techniques are described for wireless communication. One method includes transmitting a sequence of deterministic variations of random access data on at least one interlace of non-contiguous frequency resources allocated to a physical random access channel (PRACH) in an unlicensed spectrum, beginning at a first time; repeating the transmitting of the sequence of deterministic variations of random access data at least once, beginning at a second time; generating at least one modification of the sequence of deterministic variations of random access data, in which the at least one modification is generated according to a modification sequence; and transmitting on the at least one interlace, beginning at a third time, the at least one modification of the sequence of deterministic variations of random access data.
US09992795B1	WAP supporting complementary subnets in a WLAN A wireless access point (WAP) including: antennas, shared and discrete components forming transmit and receive chains coupled to the antenna for orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) WLAN communications with wireless stations. The station set identifier identifies any legacy stations that do not support multi-user (MU) MIMO concurrent downlinks from the WAP, and a number of WLAN subnets for concurrent downlinks communications thereto. The subnet controller generates the WLAN subnets each having a discrete beacon channel together with a discrete medium access control (MAC) for collision sense multiple access (CSMA) uplinks from associated stations to the WAP, and concurrent downlinks from the WAP including concurrent downlinks to legacy stations associated with different subnets; thereby enabling concurrent downlink communications with said legacy stations despite their lack of support for MU-MIMO.
US09992789B1	Sounding method and wireless communication system A sounding method utilized for a wireless communication system is disclosed. The sounding method comprises classifying a plurality of stations of the wireless communication system into a plurality of groups, and determining a plurality of initial sounding instants and a plurality of sounding periods corresponding to the plurality of groups; and performing sounding to at least one or all of the plurality of groups in a group by group fashion according to the plurality of initial sounding instants and the plurality of sounding periods.
US09992788B2	Reducing interference between network nodes It is presented a method for reducing interference between network nodes of a cellular network, the method being performed in an aggressor network node, being a network node risking to interfere with transmissions to a first wireless device by a victim network node. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a transmission avoidance request from the victim network node, the transmission avoidance request comprising a reference to at least one risk resource unit intended to be used for transmissions by the victim network node to the first wireless device; determining whether to avoid user data transmissions to a second wireless device using the at least one risk resource unit; and when it is determined to avoid user data transmissions using the at least one risk resource unit, avoiding user data transmission using the at least one risk resource unit.
US09992772B2	Beacon frames that can be used for beamforming training A network interface device generates a packet that includes a beacon frame for transmission in a superframe. The beacon frame is used to announce the presence of a network and also is formatted as a beamforming training (BFT) frame to permit other communication devices to perform beamforming training with the packet. The beacon frame is generated to include (i) a frame control field, (ii) a duration field, (iii) a timestamp field, (iv) information indicative of a time of a subsequent association beamforming training (A-BFT) time slot, and (v) beamforming training information, which includes a countdown field. The network interface device transmits the packet during a beacon timeslot of the superframe, which is separate from an association beamforming training (A-BFT) timeslot of the superframe.
US09992771B2	Wireless base station device using coordinated HARQ communication system, wireless terminal device, wireless communication system, and wireless communication method A wireless communication system, includes a first wireless base station; a second wireless base station that performs a coordinated transmission; and a wireless terminal, wherein the wireless terminal includes a reception control unit that identifies a physical downlink channel transmitted from any of the first and second wireless base station according to one or more reference signals; a data reception unit that is capable of receiving data transmitted by the first wireless base station using a resource indicated by a first control channel and receiving data coordinately transmitted by the second wireless base station using a resource indicated by the received first control channel, a control channel transmission unit that transmits a second control channel and the reception control unit further controls Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) process for data coordinately transmitted by the first wireless base station and the second wireless base station based on the first control channel.
US09992767B2	Data transmission method and device Provided are a data transmission method and device, which relate to the field of communications. The method includes: when data is transmitted between an REC and one or more REs, arranging extended control words of the one or more REs in a plurality of superframes, wherein connotations of the extended control words at a same position in different superframes are different, and sending the plurality of superframes to an opposite end. By arranging extended control words of one or more REs in a plurality of superframes and different connotations of the extended control words at the same position in different superframes, the solution solves the problem that the requirements cannot be satisfied due to the limited number of control words in the protocol, and has the beneficial effect of increasing control words in the protocol.
US09992755B2	Method for power headroom reporting and device therefor The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and a device for transmitting a power headroom reporting in the wireless communication system, the method comprising: generating a PHR MAC CE (Power Headroom Reporting MAC Control Element) for activated cells comprising a first cell and a second cell; and transmitting a power headroom reporting through the generated PHR MAC CE to a network in a subframe, wherein the generated PHR MAC CE includes a value of Type 2 PH (Power Headroom) information for the first cell followed by a value of a Type 2 PH information for the second cell, and the Type 2 PH information for the second cell followed by a value of Type 1 PH information for the first cell.
US09992753B2	System and method for adjusting a power transmission level for a communication device A system, method and device for adjusting a communication parameter for a network communicating with a communication device are provided. The method comprises: monitoring for a condition relating to a first network that has been in communication with the communication device; and determining whether an adjustment is to be implemented on a communication parameter of a second communication network that has been in communication with the communication device based on the condition and if so, implementing the adjustment to the communication parameter for the second communication network.
US09992748B2	Initial ranging transmission power A communication device (device) includes a communication interface and a processor, among other possible circuitries, components, elements, etc. to support communications with other device(s) and to generate and process signals for such communications. The device receives a ranging instruction signal, which includes an initial power and at least one power step, from another device. The device processes the ranging instruction generates a first ranging signal based on the initial power. The device then transmits the first ranging signal to the another device. When a ranging response to the first ranging signal is received from the another device, the device determines that the device is successfully ranged to the another device. Alternatively, when no ranging response is received, the device generates a second ranging signal based on the initial power and the at least one power step and transmit the second ranging signal to the another device.
US09992747B2	Resource allocation in a communication system Methods and corresponding systems for determining a transmit power in a wireless device include receiving, in the wireless device, a cell-wide power control parameter related to a target receive power at a serving base station. Thereafter, a transmit power is calculated in response to the cell-wide power control parameter and an implicit mobile-specific power control parameter. The wireless device then transmits using the transmit power. The cell-wide power control parameter can be a cell target signal to interference-plus-noise ratio, or a fractional power control exponent. The implicit mobile-specific power control parameter can be a modulation and coding level previously used by the wireless device, or a downlink SINR level measured by the wireless device.
US09992743B2	Wireless device, gateway apparatus, and wireless communication system A wireless device that performs an operation based on setting information includes a wireless communicator configured to perform wireless communication over a wireless network, a near field communicator comprising a memory storing the setting information and configured to perform transmission and reception of the setting information stored in the memory by near field communication, and a controller configured to control at least the wireless communicator.
US09992736B2	Methods, wireless device, and a network node for receiving and transmitting system information in a wireless communications network A method performed by a wireless device (121) for receiving system information from a network node (110) in a wireless communications network (100) is provided. The wireless device first receives a first system information indicating one or more Public Land Mobile Networks, PLMNs, supported on a frequency carrier by the network node (110). Then, the wireless device determines if the one or more PLMNs indicated in the first system information exclude all PLMN(s) supported by the wireless device (121). When the one or more PLMNs indicated in the first system information does not exclude all PLMN(s) supported by the wireless device (121), then the wireless device receives a second system information comprising the one or more PLMNs supported on the frequency carrier by the network node (110). A wireless device (121) for receiving system information is also provided. Further, a network node and a method therein for transmitting system information are also provided.
US09992732B2	Operation of machine-type communication devices The invention relates to operating a Machine-Type Communication (MTC) device for communication with a cellular radio network. A transmission is made from the MTC device to the cellular radio network to register the MTC device with the cellular radio network. The transmission includes a message from the MTC device to the cellular radio network, identifying the MTC device as an MTC device to the cellular radio network. Also, the MTC device has an associated HPLMN. An instruction is received at the MTC device from the network not to make a transmission from the MTC device for accessing the network. The instruction specifies a criteria for the MTC device's HPLMN or preferred list of networks. The MTC Device compares the criteria with the HPLMN associated with the MTC device and avoids making a transmission to access the network for a period of time based on the result comparing step.
US09992730B2	Method and apparatus for determining warning alert list contents for assignment of cells to tracking area identifiers A example method includes receiving, at a cell broadcast center (CBC) an alert request providing information for distribution to at least one user equipment, identifying a broadcast area based on the alert request, one or more cells within the broadcast area, determining a warning area list (WAL) for a message and transmitting the message with the WAL. The WAL may be a list of one or more Tracking Area Identity (TAIs) or a list of cell identifiers depending on various conditions.
US09992729B2	Systems and methods for wirelessly modifying detection characteristics of portable devices A computer-implemented method for modifying operation of a portable processing device configured to scan for wireless signals under a first scan rate. As wireless signals are received in the portable processing device, characteristics of the wireless signals are analyzed, and if the characteristics match one or more characteristics, the operation of the portable processing device is modified. Under one exemplary embodiment, the first scan rate is modified to a second scan rate, where the second scan rate being different from the first. Under another exemplary embodiment, monitoring capabilities in the portable processing device are activated or modified to collect research data on media data. The characteristics may include identification information or messages/commands that are transmitted wirelessly.
US09992723B2	Techniques for handling data stall in WLAN Aspects of the present disclosure describe various techniques for handling data stall in wireless local area networks (WLANs). These techniques include, for example, a method in which wireless communications are switched at a wireless station from a first network device associated with a first radio access technology (RAT) (e.g., WLAN technology) to a second network device associated with a second RAT (e.g., wireless wide area network (WWAN) technology). The wireless station may then monitor network devices associated with the first RAT, including the first network device. The wireless station may filter results from the monitoring based at least in part on one or more threshold value and identify, based on the filtered results, one of the network devices as suitable for the wireless communications. The wireless communications may then be switched at the wireless station from the second network device to the one network device identified as suitable for the wireless communications.
US09992722B2	Reconfigurable multi-mode and multi-bands radio architecture and transceiver A transceiver with a spectrum sensing unit configured to detect, within a plurality of millimeter wave bands, one or more channels with tolerably low interference for selection. The transceiver has a transmitter configured to modulate a transmit signal to an output transmit signal using a transmit carrier frequency compatible with a transmit channel selected from the one or more channels, and using a transmit duplexing operating mode compatible with a transmit millimeter wave of the plurality of millimeter wave bands that correspond to the transmit channel. The transceiver has a receiver configured to demodulate a receive signal from an input receive signal using a receive carrier frequency compatible with a receive channel selected from the one or more channels, and using a receive duplexing operating mode compatible with a receive millimeter wave of the plurality of millimeter wave bands that correspond to the receive channel. The transceiver has a duplexer configured to route the output transmit signal from the transmitter based on the transmit duplexing operating mode and the transmit millimeter wave band, and the input receive signal to the receiver based on the receive duplexing operating mode and the receive millimeter wave band.
US09992715B2	In-device coexistence interference report control method and apparatus of network in mobile communication system An in-device coexistence interference report control method of a network for terminal to inform the network of interference among heterogeneous radio communication modules coexisting in the terminal is provided. The method includes determining, at a terminal when a terminal capability enquiry message is received from a base station, whether the base station supports an In-Device Coexistence (IDC) interference report, transmitting, when the IDC interference report is supported, a terminal capacity information message to the base station, receiving a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection reconfiguration message including information on whether terminal's IDC interference indicator transmission is permitted from the base station; and transmitting an RRC connection reconfiguration complete message to the base station in response to the RRC connection reconfiguration message. The in-device coexistence interference indication control method is advantageous in preventing the UE from transmitting useless in-device coexistence interference indication messages, resulting in reduction of unnecessary signaling.
US09992712B2	Delivery of handover command A delta configuration is transmitted to a UE requesting a handover wherein the delta configuration details changes that are required for the current UE configuration in order to execute the handover. The handover is initiated via a measurement report transmitted to a currently serving source eNode B from the UE. The measurement report can comprise one or more of current radio conditions, current UE configuration or a preferred target eNode B if the handover is a inter eNode B handover. In a inter eNB handover, the current UE configuration is forwarded to the preferred target eNode B by the source eNode B. The target eNode B generates the delta configuration and transmits it to the source eNode B in a transparent container which is subsequently forwarded to the UE.
US09992711B2	Method and apparatus for performing dual connectivity in heterogeneous network The present invention provides a method for performing dual connectivity operation in a heterogeneous network.In the method, a first eNB transmits a first message to a second eNB for the dual connectivity operation, and receives a response for the first message from the second eNB.The response includes E-RAB (E-UTRAN Radio Access Bearer) related information.
US09992708B2	Micro to macro IP connection handover Disclosed are a system and method for moving a connection from a localized network, e.g., a personal area network (“PAN”), to a different or larger network, e.g., a wide area network (“WAN”). In one aspect, wherein two devices are in communication on a PAN, each device uses the PAN to query the IPv6 WAN prefix assigned to each other device to which it is communicating on the PAN. The querying device then creates a globally routable IPv6 address for the desired communication and uses it to continue the connection after the device detects that the PAN is out of range. In an embodiment, one of the endpoint devices may determine that it has changed its IPv6 prefix and may transmit the new prefix to the other device through an out-of-band method such as the Short Message Service.
US09992700B2	Uplink control channel power control for primary and secondary cells A wireless device receives a message comprising a transmit power control (TPC) radio network temporary identifier (RNTI), a primary TPC index for a primary PUCCH and a secondary TPC index for a secondary PUCCH. The wireless device searches a common search space of a primary cell for a downlink control information (DCI) associated with the TPC RNTI. The DCI comprises an array of TPC commands and the secondary TPC index determines a TPC command in the array. The wireless device adjusts uplink signal transmission power of the secondary PUCCH according to the TPC command.
US09992698B2	Communication control method A communication control method is used in a mobile communication system that supports MDT (minimization of drive test). The communication control method has: a step (A) wherein a user terminal, which has established a connection with abase station, location information indicating the location of the user terminal to the base station based on an instruction from the base station; and a step (B) wherein the base station receiving the location information from the user terminal measures the throughput of communication with the user terminal.
US09992696B2	Method of estimating BER values in a wireless communication system There is provided a method of estimating a bit error rate in a transport channel of a wireless communication system. The method comprises the receiving a signal from a remote transmitter of the wireless communication system via a physical channel, the signal comprising data and noise forming a plurality of soft bits. The method further comprises the counting, during a period of time, a number of erroneous bits being those soft bits which have an amplitude below −2A or above +2A with A being the average amplitude of the soft bits received. Next, the number of erroneous bits is divided by a number of total bits received during said period of time in order to obtain the bit error rate. This method provides a way to estimate the BER value without knowing the exact shape of the noise distribution. In an embodiment a selection is made between two estimation algorithms.
US09992690B2	Placed wireless instruments for predicting quality of service A system determines wireless network performance. A wireless instrument is configured to send, receive and measure received wireless signals in a monitored area. A master controller connected with the wireless instrument forms a distributed wireless network testing solution. The master controller is configured to send and receive wireless signals with the wireless instrument, measure received wireless signals and perform an analysis of the wireless signals to determine a radio frequency environment performance of the distributed wireless network based on the wireless signals.
US09992685B2	Medical body area network (MBAN) with key-based control of spectrum usage A medical body area network (MBAN) system comprises network nodes intercommunicating via short range wireless communication. A primary user database contains information pertaining to usage of a restricted spectrum by primary users wherein the MBAN systems are secondary users of the restricted spectrum. An electronic key generation engine comprises a digital processing device configured to generate an electronic key (E-key) indicative of whether the MBAN system is allowed to use the restricted spectrum based on content of the primary users database. An MBAN application server is configured to distribute the E-key to the MBAN system. The MBAN system includes a spectrum control sub-module comprising a digital processor configured to select an operating channel or frequency for the short range wireless communication based at least in part on whether the E-key authorizes the MBAN system to use the restricted spectrum.
US09992683B2	Secure communications with wearable devices Various embodiments described herein include systems and methods directed towards allowing a wearable device with one or more sensors to communicate with a third-party network or device. The wearable device's software may include user interfaces wherein a user may select a data set from a particular sensor and allocate a security level associated with that sensor's data and with a particular third-party network. Different security levels may be correlated to different protections, such as encryption or password-protection of data, or ensuring that an agreement has been signed, or ensuring that the third party is identified in a database before transmission. Before sending any sensor data or receiving any third party data, the wearable device may check this user-allocated security level, executes any required security precautions, and allows or denies the data transfer accordingly. Security levels may also govern receipt of data by the wearable device from the third party.
US09992679B1	Integrated authentication codes for user devices and communication networks User Equipment (UE) transfers a session request having a calling party identifier and a digital signature for the calling party identifier. An originating network receives the session request and digitally verifies the calling party digital signature for the calling party identifier. The originating network transfers the session request having the calling party identifier, a user code indicating that the calling party identifier was digitally verified by the originating network, and an originating network digital signature for the originating network. A tandem network receives the session request having the originating network digital signature and digitally verifies the originating network digital signature. The tandem network transfers the communication session request having the calling party identifier and a user/network code indicating that the calling party identifier was digitally verified by the originating communication network and that the originating network was digitally verified by the tandem communication network.
US09992678B2	Network locking or card locking method and device for a mobile terminal, terminal, SIM card, storage media A method and device for network/card locking of a mobile terminal, a terminal, a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card and a storage medium are provided. The method for card locking of a mobile terminal includes that: encrypted data sent by a mobile terminal is received; it is authenticated, according to the encrypted data, whether the mobile terminal can initialize a SIM card, and an authentication result is obtained; and the authentication result indicating whether the mobile terminal can initialize the SIM card is returned to the mobile terminal.
US09992675B2	Changing IMS supplementary service data in an IMS network A method of authenticating a request to change IMS supplementary service data stored at an application server within an IMS network. The method comprises sending from a user equipment to the application server a request for current IMS supplementary service data, on receipt by the user equipment of a response containing the IMS supplementary data in an XML configuration document, and an indication that an access code is required to change the supplementary service data. The method further comprises constructing an amended XML configuration document, incorporating the amended XML document into an Extensible Mark-up Language, XML, Configuration Access Protocol, XCAP, message, incorporating an access code into the XCAP message at a location external to the XML document, and transmitting the XCAP message from the user equipment to the application server.
US09992674B2	Automated device access A method of unlocking a locked device includes receiving a device identifier over a wireless communication protocol, determining if the device identifier is associated with a list of trusted devices, transmitting a request to generate an acoustic signal over the wireless communication protocol based on the determination, receiving the acoustic signal as an audio sound generated external to the locked device, estimating a distance between a source of the audio sound and the locked device, and unlocking the locked device based on the estimation.
US09992656B2	Apparatus for transmitting broadcast signals, apparatus for receiving broadcast signals, method for transmitting broadcast signals and method for receiving broadcast signals A method and an apparatus for transmitting broadcast signals thereof are disclosed. The method for transmitting broadcast signals includes encoding data of PLPs (Physical Layer Pips); building at least one signal frame by mapping the encoded data of the PLPs; and modulating data in the built signal frame by OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) method and transmitting the broadcast signals having the modulated data.
US09992651B2	System and method for sharing message/content using location information A system and method for sharing a message and/or content using location information. The system for sharing a message and/or content includes at least one upload terminal that generates and transmits post metadata including a message/content prepared for uploading, location of the upload terminal, and location for uploading the prepared message/content thereto; a download terminal that transmits a connection message including current location, and downloads message/content posted within a predetermined distance from the current location to display the posted message/content; and a server that verifies the post metadata by receiving the prepared message/content and the post metadata corresponding to the prepared message/content from the upload terminal, stores a result of verification, searches for the prepared message/content to be provided to the download terminal when the connection message including the location is received from the download terminal, and provides information on the searched message/content and post location to the download terminal.
US09992639B1	Semantically-enabled controlled sharing of objects in a distributed messaging platform A method including receiving a request for a visual object pertaining to a body portion of a first user from a second user is provided. The method includes sending a request to a messaging platform for a history of prior requests by the second user for any visual objects pertaining to at least one body portion of a body of another user. The method further includes displaying to the first user a modified history of any prior requests for visual objects by the second user that were flagged by any of the group of users as belonging to a community-specific category of requests for visual objects pertaining to body portions of respective bodies of other users. The method further includes sending a selected message from a set of pre-configured messages to the messaging platform for transmission of the selected message to the second user.
US09992624B2	Systems, devices and methods for accurately tracking workers and assets Various examples of methods, systems, apparatus and devices are provided for accurately tracking of workers and assets. Aspects of the present disclosure include tracking the location and other information for workers and assets in locations where knowledge about such workers and assets is desirable. The disclosed worker and/or asset tracking is particularly suitable for locations where the structural components are added, modified or moved during a monitoring period. Such structural components can block all or part of GPS, WiFi and RFID signals, or where it may be otherwise impractical to utilize other forms of signal generation.
US09992615B2	Method and apparatus for controlling a device using Bluetooth technology Disclosed is a method for connecting, by a first device, with a second device using Bluetooth communication. The method includes transmitting a request message to request user information for identifying a user of the second device to the second device, receiving a response message including the user information from the second device, registering the second device to a first authority policy or a second authority policy based on the user information, and establishing a Bluetooth connection with the second device registered to the first authority policy or the second authority policy. The first authority policy indicates a first control authority for controlling an operation of the first device, the second authority policy indicates a second control authority for controlling an operation of the first device, the first control authority indicates a control authority capable of controlling an operation of the first device within a limited range, the second control authority indicates a control authority capable of controlling all of operations of the first device.
US09992609B2	Method and system for MTC event management There is provided a method and system for management of Machine Type Communication (MTC) events. The system and method enables the detection of a state of the MTC event, correlating the state of MTC event with a Virtual Network Function (VNF) state of a VNF configured to mitigate the MTC event and transitioning the VNF to the VNF state which correlates with the MTC state. In this manner, the VNF can be in a configured and active state in advance of the MTC event reaching a critical state, thereby enabling mitigation of the MTC event prior to reaching the critical state.
US09992606B2	Segmented network mobile device provisioning system Disclosed is a personal device container system. The personal device container system typically includes a processor, a memory, and an access management module stored in the memory. The personal device container system is typically configured to establish network communication between a personal computing device and a provisioning system that validates the identity of the personal computing device and provides a certificate to the personal computing device. Thereafter, the personal computing device requests access to a secured network segment and provides the certificate to the personal device container system. The personal device container system then authenticates the personal computing device's certificate before allowing the personal computing device to communicate with the secured network segment. User credentials associated with a user are authenticated before user-specific content associated with the user is provided to the personal computing device. Accordingly, a user-specific experience may be provided to different users of the personal computing device.
US09992604B2	Error model-based multi-zone sound reproduction method and device An error model-based multi-zone sound reproduction method includes arranging a speaker array, and setting control points for a bright zone and a dark zone. The bright zone is a zone requiring the generation of an independent sound source. The dark zone is a zone not requiring the generation of an independent sound source. The method further includes conducting probability distribution modeling on the speaker frequency response errors. The method further includes, according to the error distribution model, respectively listing expected average sound energy expressions of the bright zone and the dark zone and a frequency response consistency constraint expression of the bright zone. The method further includes calculating a time-domain impulse response filter signal of each channel according to the time-domain sound energy contrast control criterion of the frequency response consistency constraint.
US09992601B2	Binaural multi-channel decoder in the context of non-energy-conserving up-mix rules A multi-channel decoder for generating a binaural signal from a downmix signal using upmix rule information on an energy-error introducing upmix rule for calculating a gain factor based on the upmix rule information and characteristics of head related transfer function based filters corresponding to upmix channels. The one or more gain factors are used by a filter processor for filtering the downmix signal so that an energy corrected binaural signal having a left binaural channel and a right binaural channel is obtained.
US09992593B2	Acoustic characterization based on sensor profiling A system, method, and computer-readable medium for an audio processing system which compensates for environment parameters to enhance audio inputs and outputs of an information handling system. More specifically, in certain embodiments, the audio processing system accounts for environmental characteristics including some or all of shape, size, materials, occupant, quantity, location and occlusions.
US09992588B2	Enhanced comfort earbud An earbud that uniformly conforms to the ear canal and maintains a constant and comfortable radial pressure on the ear canal regardless of size. The earbud is designed to extrude distally when placed inside a small canal and yet still conforms to the canal while maintaining the aforementioned comfortable radial pressure. A wax bridge may be added to provide an added layer of wax protection to the earbud.
US09992585B1	Hearing assistance system incorporating directional microphone customization A hearing assistance system comprises a left ear device and a right ear device respectively configured to be worn by a wearer. One or more microphones are provided at each of the left and right ear devices. One or more positional sensors are configured to determine a three-dimensional position of the hearing assistance system in response to the wearer looking at a sound source in space. A user interface is configured to receive an input directly from the wearer. A memory is configured to store the three-dimensional position of the hearing assistance system in response to the received input. A processor is configured to adjust a directional polar pattern of the one or more microphones provided at one or both of the left and right ear devices in response to the stored three-dimensional position.
US09992575B2	Portable speaker and assembly thereof A speaker assembly comprises two separate and symmetrical speakers combining together in a reversed manner. Each speaker includes a base surface for seating said speaker and a sound emission surface provided at one front side thereof for an emission of sound derived from the speaker. Wherein each speaker defines a mating surface which the sound emission surface is located at and said two speakers can be secured to each other snugly into an integral unit by jointing two mating surfaces thereof via a magnetic force.
US09992555B2	Signaling random access points for streaming video data This disclosure describes techniques relevant to HTTP streaming of media data. According to these techniques, a server device may signal an open decoding refresh (ODR) random access point (RAP) for a movie segmentation of a movie representation. At least one frame of the media segmentation following the ODR RAP frame in decoding order may not be correctly decoded, and wherein each frame of the media segmentation following the ODR RAP frame in display order can be correctly decoded without relying on content of frames prior to the ODR RAP in display order. According to the techniques of this disclosure, a client device may communicate a request to a server device for the streaming of media data based on signaling of the ODR RAP. Also according to the techniques of this disclosure, a client device may commence decoding and/or playback of the movie representation based on signaling of the ODR RAP.
US09992552B2	Data communications Embodiments herein provide systems and methods for sending broadband data to end-users over a DTTV broadcast transmission. Systems and methods for receiving such data are also described. A wireless overlay system is set up by an Internet Service Provider/Communications Provider (ISP/CP) 11 by means of receiving from end-user equipment 27 data requests over a DSL uplink together with identification of at least one DTTV transmitter 21 23. The ISP/CP 11 provides an overlay controller 26 which causes routing of the requested data over a selected DTTV transmitter 21. At the end-user equipment, the requested data can be received from the DTTV broadcast and extracted for output.
US09992550B2	Transmission method, reception method, transmission apparatus, and reception apparatus A transmission method includes generating one or more frames for content transfer using IP (Internet Protocol) packets, and transmitting the one or more generated frames by broadcast. Each of the one or more frames contains a plurality of second transfer units, each of the plurality of second transfer units contains one or more first transfer units, and each of the one or more first transfer units contains at least one of the IP packets. An object IP packet of the IP packets which is stored in a first transfer unit positioned at a head in the one or more frames contains reference clock information that indicates time for reproduction of the content in data structure different from data structure of an MMT (MPEG Media Transport) packet, and header compression processing on the object IP packet is omitted.
US09992548B1	Audio scheduling and recording systems and methods A content distribution system generates first metadata for an audio stream, generates second metadata indicative of audio content to be included in the audio stream within a predetermined period in the future relative to present time, generates an output stream including the audio stream, the first metadata, and the second metadata, and broadcasts the output stream to user devices. A user device receives the output stream, determines the audio content to be included within the predetermined period in the future based on the second metadata, determines when target pieces of audio content are scheduled to be included in the output stream during the predetermined period in the future, tunes to the output stream when the target pieces of audio are included in the output stream, and stores the target pieces of audio in memory of the user device.
US09992547B2	Method for adjusting backlight brightness of television and box for adjusting backlight brightness of television Provided are a method for adjusting backlight brightness of a television by a box and a box for adjusting backlight brightness of a television. The box includes a user interface controlling module and a command transmitting module. The method includes: triggering the user interface controlling module in response to a signal input from the outside; and the command transmitting module transmitting an adjusting command to the television. The method and the box according to embodiments of the present disclosure can adjust the backlight brightness of a television by interaction between a box and the television based on the user's need.
US09992543B2	Systems and methods for transmitting media associated with a measure of quality based on level of game play in an interactive video gaming environment Systems and methods for incorporating online user generated media content (e.g., videos) into an interactive video gaming environment are provided. Media assets that are associated with different measures of quality generated by users are stored on a remote server. A player action is received by the remote server. A determination is made as to which one of the plurality of levels of the interactive video gaming environment corresponds to the action. One of the videos associated with one of the measures of quality is selected based on the determination of the level corresponding to the action. The selected video is transmitted to the player.
US09992539B2	Identifying viewing characteristics of an audience of a content channel Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying viewing characteristics of an audience of a content channel. In one implementation, a processing device receives an identification of a channel of interest, the channel of interest having associated videos, receives data for a plurality of watch sessions where multiple videos are watched during the watch sessions, identifies at least two watch sessions of the plurality of watch sessions, each identified watch session having a watched video that is associated with the channel of interest, and identifies a most watched channel in the at least two identified watch sessions, the most watched channel being a channel that is most watched by viewers of the channel of interest but that is not the same as the channel of interest.
US09992535B2	Fast processing and encryption method and system for compressed video An encryption method for compressed video is provided. The encryption method includes the steps of confirming a partial bit stream included in a compressed video, and selectively using a lookup table—the lookup table storing encryption information, which is needed for each encryption of a plurality of bit streams, at addresses of patterns respective to the plurality of bit streams—based on a result of the confirmation and encrypting the partial bit stream.
US09992531B2	Methods and systems for presenting information about multiple media assets Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application that presents information about a multiple media assets simultaneously by modifying graphical properties of a progress bar associated with each media asset. For example, based on one or more events in the respective media assets, the media guidance application may modify the dimensions of the progress bars to include textual descriptions, may modify a color, brightness, transparency, etc. of the progress bars, and/or may modify an animation of the progress bars or a graphic associated with the progress bars.
US09992528B2	System and methods thereof for displaying video content A system is configured to display a video clip on a display of a user device. The system receives a request from the user device to display the video clip. The system then queries an advertiser server to identify the video clip. The system fetches the identified video clip. The system then extracts from the fetched video clip its video content. The video content is a plurality of frames. The system then determines a type of the user device. Then, the system determines a number of frames per second for the user device. The system generates a plurality of images from the plurality of frames. The system further generates a timing sequence for displaying each of the plurality of images of the imagized video clip on the display of the user device. The system then sends the imagized video clip and the timing sequence to the user device.
US09992526B2	Integrating social media with recordation of broadcast data Social media and recordation of programs scheduled to be broadcast is provided. Media content, including feedback data, is gathered and associated tags are extracted. A correlation of the extracted tags with digital content is performed to identify a scheduled broadcast that is related to the digital content. A time duration that a digital media content matching the digital content is present in the identified scheduled broadcast is measured. The time duration is compared to a defined value. A recording device identifier is registered with at least one social networking account. The identified schedule broadcast is matched with at least one device identifier based on a comparison of the time duration to a define value and the feedback data. A recording device associated with the matching identifier is automatically set to capture the scheduled broadcast in a data storage medium.
US09992525B1	Method and system for inserting local channel insertion in a multi-terminal system A method and system for providing local content in a local network includes a plurality of terminals and a receiving unit in communication with the plurality of terminals receiving first program guide data and communicating the first program guide data to the plurality of terminals. The system also includes a local video source generating a video signal. The system also includes a local server in communication with the plurality of terminals and the local video source generating second program guide data corresponding to local content and communicating the second program guide data to the plurality of terminals. The plurality of terminals displays a grid guide comprising the first program guide data modified by the second program guide data.
US09992516B2	Image processing device and method The present invention relates to an image processing device and method capable of suppressing deterioration in encoding efficiency.A decoded pixel classifying unit 152 and input pixel classifying unit 153 perform class classification of each of the macroblocks of a decoded image or input image, based on orthogonal transform sizes read out from an orthogonal transform size buffer 151. A 4×4 block coefficient calculating unit 154 and 8×8 block coefficient calculating unit 155 calculate filter coefficients in each orthogonal transform block such that residual is the smallest. A pixel classifying unit 161 of a loop filter 113 performs class classification of each of the macroblocks of the decoded image for each of the orthogonal transform block sizes. A filter unit (4×4) 162 and filter unit (8×8) 163 apply appropriate filter coefficients to their respectively corresponding orthogonal transform blocks, and perform filter processing. The present invention can be applied to, for example, an image processing device.
US09992513B2	Image processing efficient transmission or reception of encoded information The present disclosure relates to an image processing apparatus and a method that enable efficient change of reference relationship of views in multi-view coding. In the present technology, as for inter-view reference images, a used_by_curr flag is also set to an image having a possibility of being referred, in a slice header or syntax of an SPS. Only an image with the used_by_curr flag of 1 is added to a temporal list used in generating a reference list. Therefore, the temporal list (RefPicListTemp0[rldx]) of L0 is generated in an order of a short-term (before) reference image of an index 0, a short-term (after) reference image of an index 1, and inter-view reference images of indexes 2 and 3. The present disclosure can be applied to an image processing apparatus, for example.
US09992511B2	Method for video coding and an apparatus A method and apparatus are provided for encoding and decoding image information. The encoding comprises receiving a block of pixels; creating a set of motion vector prediction candidates for the block of pixels; and examining the set to determine if a motion vector prediction candidate is a temporal motion vector prediction, or a spatial motion vector prediction. If the motion vector prediction candidate is a temporal motion vector prediction, the motion vector prediction candidate is kept in the set. If the motion vector prediction candidate is a spatial motion vector prediction, it is examined whether the set comprises a motion vector prediction candidate corresponding with the spatial motion vector prediction; and if so, the motion vector prediction candidate is removed from the set. Once the set is created, one of the candidates from the set is selected to represent a motion vector prediction for the block of pixels.
US09992509B2	Video decoding apparatus, video decoding method, video encoding apparatus, and video encoding method While maintaining a high degree of freedom in choosing partition sizes and transformation sizes adapted for local characteristics of videos, the amount of metadata is decreased. A video encoding apparatus (10) divides an input video into blocks of a prescribed size and encodes the video block by block. The video encoding apparatus is provided with: a prediction parameter determining portion (102) that decides the block partition structure; a predictive image producing portion (103) that generates predictive images, partition by partition, as prescribed by the partition structure; a transform coefficient producing portion (107) which applies one of the frequency transformations included in a prescribed transformation preset to prediction residuals, i.e. the differences between predictive images and the input video; a transform restriction deriving portion (104) which generates the list of transform candidate, i.e. lists of frequency transformations that can be applied to each partition, on the basis of partition format information; and a variable-length-encoding portion (108) which, on the basis of the list of transform candidate and the transformation preset, performs variable-length encoding on transformation selection flags.
US09992508B2	Image encoding method, image decoding method, image encoding device, image decoding device, and image encoding/decoding device An image encoding method includes: determining whether a current picture is a TSA picture or a trailing picture; and encoding a plurality of pictures according to whether the current picture is the TSA picture or a trailing picture. The determining includes: determining the current picture to be the TSA picture when the current picture does not belong to the highest layer and corresponds to a first field, and determining the current picture to be the trailing picture when the current picture belongs to the highest layer or corresponds to a second field.
US09992507B2	Tracking a reference picture on an electronic device Methods for decoding a video bitstream. One of the methods includes receiving a respective buffer description for each of one or more decoded reference pictures from the video bitstream; wherein the respective buffer descriptions include a poc cycle parameter for one or more long term reference pictures in the one or more decoded reference pictures, and wherein the poc cycle parameter is used to calculate a picture order count (POC) for the decoded long term reference pictures; identifying one or more decoded reference pictures for a current picture from a decoded picture buffer, based on the POC for the decoded long term reference pictures; decoding the current picture using inter-frame prediction based on the identified one or more decoded reference pictures; and buffering the decoded picture in the decoded picture buffer.
US09992503B2	Scalable video coding with enhanced base layer Disclosed is a method comprising: (a) receiving a layer 0 bitstream, the layer 0 bitstream including coding information for the layer 0 bitstream; (b) receiving a layer 1 bitstream, the layer 1 bitstream including coding information for the layer 1 bitstream; and (c) reconstructing the layer 0 bitstream using previously received information for another layer 0 bitstream and previously received information for another layer 1 bitstream.
US09992493B2	Inter-layer reference picture restriction for high level syntax-only scalable video coding In one implementation, an apparatus is provided for encoding or decoding video information. The apparatus comprises a memory unit configured to store reference layer pictures associated with a reference layer, an enhancement layer, or both. The apparatus further comprises a processor operationally coupled to the memory unit. In one embodiment, the processor is configured to restrict usage of at most one reference layer pictures that has been resampled as an inter-layer reference picture, and predict a current picture using inter-layer prediction and the inter-layer reference picture.
US09992484B2	Method for reproducing image information, and autostereoscopic screen A method for reproducing image information on an autostereoscopic screen that has a pixel matrix and an optical grid, wherein pixels are arranged to form rows arranged equidistantly next to one another, and the optical grid has strip-like structures parallel to the rows and arranged equidistantly next to one another. The method includes association of first and second coordinate values with each row, wherein the first coordinate value indicates a location on an axis that is oriented horizontally at the viewing interval in front of the screen and on which the propagation plane of the light exiting the row intersects the axis, and the second coordinate value indicates a position of the respective row or the strip-like structure, through which the light passes, in the lateral direction. For each row, an excerpt from an image is calculated by image synthesis, with the pixels being driven accordingly.
US09992483B2	Imaging architecture for depth camera mode with mode switching An imaging architecture is described for a depth camera mode with mode switching. In one example, an imaging device has a primary camera to capture an image of a scene, a secondary camera to capture an image of the same scene, a third camera to capture an image of a second scene, a processor having a first port coupled to the primary camera to receive images from the primary camera and a second port to receive images, and a multiplexer coupled to the secondary camera and to the third camera to receive the captured images and to alternately couple the secondary camera or the third camera to the second port of the processor.
US09992479B2	Devices and methods for an imaging system with a dual camera architecture An electronic device can include a first image sensor configured to capture a first image of a field of view and a second image sensor configured to capture a second image of the field of view. The electronic device can include a color filter adjacent to the second image sensor such that the field of view is viewable by the second image sensor through the color filter. The first image can have a first pixel resolution. The second image can have a second pixel resolution. The electronic device can include a controller configured to determine a third image based on luminance content of the first image and color content of the second image. The third image can have a third pixel resolution indicative of a spatial resolution of the first image and a spectral resolution of the second image.
US09992478B2	Image processing apparatus, image pickup apparatus, image processing method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for synthesizing images An image processing apparatus includes an image capturing condition acquirer (260) configured to acquire image capturing condition information of a plurality of images having angles of view different from each other, a distance information acquirer (230) configured to acquire distance information of an object included in the plurality of images, an angle of view information acquirer (240) configured to acquire angle of view information, and an image generator (224) configured to generate an image corresponding to the angle of view information from the plurality of images based on the image capturing condition information, the distance information, and the angle of view information, and the distance information is object distance information at each position in an image.
US09992473B2	Digital multi-dimensional image photon platform system and methods of use A systematic approach to producing multi-dimensional photon images on a computer platform having applications to input image(s) from various sources, and applications to coordinate and adjust numerous variables which determine the quality of the image, such as the size of the imported images, the output image size, the resolving power of the viewing screen and the width of the resolving elements, the dots per inch of the output device (or pixels per inch), the desired nearest object, the desired furthest object and the determination of the central or the “key subject”, rules of interphasing, the number of frames or layers, the minimum parallax, and the maximum parallax, and, thus, provide a digital multi-dimensional image without jumping images or fuzzy features or other visual distortions by creating high quality output images both in the form of a printed hardcopy or as a viewed image on an appropriate viewing device.
US09992472B1	Optoelectronic devices for collecting three-dimensional data The disclosure describes optoelectronic devices for collecting three-dimensional data without determining disparity. The approach permits significant flexibility relative to state-of-the-art approaches for collecting three-dimensional data. For example, the illuminations (e.g., patterns) generated by the disclosed devices need not exhibit the same degree of complexity or randomness of illuminations generally required by structured-light approaches. Further, the devices described in the present disclosure exhibit, in some instances, optimal resolution over a wide distance range. An optoelectronic device described herein is operable to generate an illumination comprising a plurality of high-intensity features that exhibit a distance-dependent alteration when imaged by an imager incorporated into the optoelectronic device.
US09992464B1	Method and system for screen correction A method, system, and a computer readable medium for screen correction is provided. The system includes a memory storage unit for storing model content, a screen having screen parameters, an input device for receiving the screen parameters, a correction engine, and a projector. The method involves storing model content on a memory storage unit, receiving screen parameters, generating screen content, and projection at least a portion of the screen content onto the screen. The computer readable medium encoded with codes for directing a processor to carry out the method.
US09992452B2	IPTV system, an application server and a related location agent The present invention relates to an IPTV System for provisioning IPTV services to a subscriber of said IPTV system. The IPTV-system comprises an application server for provisioning IPTV services to the subscriber via a first client device that is associated to the subscriber and the first client device. The application Server is coupled to the first client device over a communications network.The IPTV system further comprises a location determination part that is adapted to determine an actual location of the subscriber and a service provisioning determination part that is adapted to determine alternative means for provisioning the IPTV services to the subscriber based on the location of the subscriber.
US09992445B1	Systems and methods for identifying a video aspect-ratio frame attribute Presently disclosed are systems and method for identifying a video aspect-ratio frame attribute of a current frame. One example embodiment takes the form of a frame-processing device including a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause a set of steps to be carried out, the set of steps including: (i) receiving a frame of video from a video source device; (ii) defining a region of the received frame, wherein the region is associated with a plurality of pixels of the received frame; (iii) using a plurality of luma values associated with the plurality of pixels as a basis to identify the received frame as having a particular video aspect-ratio attribute; and (iv) storing in a memory an indication that the received frame has the identified particular video aspect-ratio frame attribute.
US09992442B2	Decoder, receiver, and electronic device A decoder with reduced power consumption is provided. The decoder includes a first circuit and a second circuit for holding data. The second circuit includes a first transistor, a second transistor, and a third transistor. The first transistor and the second transistor include an oxide semiconductor in a channel formation region. The third transistor includes silicon in a channel formation region. A gate of the second transistor is electrically connected to one of a source and a drain of the first transistor and a gate of the third transistor is electrically connected to one of a source and a drain of the second transistor. The decoder is configured to provide or stop power supply to the semiconductor device depending on a packet ID of a header portion of the data and to perform data storing or restoring of data between the first circuit and the second circuit.
US09992441B2	Displaying multiple videos on sink device using display information of source device Embodiments relate to customizing contents displayed at a sink device by converting received contents from a source device. The source device provides, to the sink device, the contents and display information of the source device. The display information of the source device may indicate spatial arrangements (e.g., locations and sizes) of the contents in the source device. The sink device may map sub-display regions of the source device to sub-display regions of the sink device. Moreover, the sink device generates output images for display in sub-display regions of the sink device according to the mapping. By mapping display regions at the sink device, images can be displayed in different arrangements at the sink device without the source device having any information on the configuration of sub-display regions of the sink device.
US09992434B2	Image pickup circuit An image pickup circuit including a plurality of circuit blocks. Each of the plurality of circuit blocks includes a plurality of comparing elements, a single counter, and a plurality of storage units. Each of the comparing elements compares a pixel signal supplied through a vertical signal line connected to vertically aligned pixels in a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, and a slope signal whose voltage is changed from an initial voltage at a constant slope. The counter counts an elapsed time since a voltage of the slope signal starts to change from the initial voltage. Each of the storage units stores a count value obtained by the counter in accordance with a comparison result of the comparator, the count value corresponding to an elapsed time until the voltage of the slope signal is changed from the initial voltage to a voltage coinciding with the pixel signal.
US09992433B2	Image processing apparatus and control method thereof There are provided an image processing apparatus and a control method thereof. An image processing apparatus includes an image sensor for acquiring a target image, an image processing module for performing focusing on a specific area of the acquired target image and determining a focal surface of the target image on the basis of the performed focusing, and a drive control module for controlling the curvature of the image sensor, based on the determined focal surface.
US09992418B2	Apparatus and method for generating photograph image in electronic device A method for generating a photograph image by using any of the preview images captured by multiple image sensors on the electronic device and displayed in a multi-preview mode on the device is provided. The method includes displaying a first preview image obtained from a first image sensor in a first preview area; displaying a second preview image obtained from a second image sensor in a second preview area; and upon detection of a predetermined first user input in the second preview area, generating a photograph image by using the second preview image.
US09992411B2	Electronic device having a photographing function and photographing method thereof An electronic device with photographing function is provided. The electronic device includes a first image-capturing unit, a second image-capturing unit, a touch display screen and a processing unit. The first image-capturing unit includes a straight photosensitive unit. The second image-capturing unit includes a transverse photosensitive unit. The processing unit is coupled to the first image-capturing unit, the second image-capturing unit and the touch display screen. The processing unit determines, according to the user's operation of the electronic device, to use the straight photosensitive unit of the first image-capturing unit to capture a first image from a pickup target or to use the transverse photosensitive unit of the second image-capturing unit to capture a second image from the pickup target.
US09992407B2	Image context based camera configuration An approach to configuring camera settings to reduce the intrusiveness of image capture on image subjects. A preliminary image is analyzed to determine an image context. The image context is compared to intrusiveness context cues, either known or discovered from analyzing historical images associated with the subjects identified in the preview image. If any intrusiveness context cues are found in the image context then configuration parameters associated with the intrusive context cues are changed to minimize the intrusive nature before the image is captured.
US09992403B2	Method and system for autofocus, corresponding device and computer program product In an embodiment, focusing an image-capture device such as, e.g., a camera including an optical system displaceable in opposite directions (A, B) via a focusing actuator, is controlled by evaluating a scale factor for the images acquired by the device. An accumulated value of the variations of the scale factor over a time interval (e.g., over a number of frames) is produced and the absolute value thereof is compared against a threshold. If the threshold is reached, which may be indicative of a zoom movement resulting in image de-focusing, a refocusing action is activated by displacing the optical system via the focusing actuator in the one or the other of the opposite focusing directions (A or B) as a function of whether the accumulated value exhibits an increase or a decrease (i.e., whether the accumulated value is positive or negative).
US09992397B2	Camera module and molded circuit board assembly and manufacturing method thereof A camera module and its molded circuit board assembly and manufacturing method are disclosed, wherein the molded circuit board assembly includes a circuit board and a molded base integrally formed with the circuit board through a molding process. The molded base forms a light window disposed corresponding to a photosensitive element of the camera module, wherein the light window is configured to have a trapezoidal or to multi-stair trapezoidal shape cross section which has diameters increasing from bottom to top to facilitate demolding, so as to prevent damage to the molded base, and to avoid stray light.
US09992392B2	Camera for vehicular applications A vehicular camera assembly for a vehicle vision system includes front and rear housing members, a lens assembly and a circuit board. An imaging element is disposed on a first side of the circuit board and a plurality of electrical connectors is disposed on a second side of the circuit board. The front housing member includes a lens assembly receiving portion and a circuit board attachment portion. With the circuit board attached at the front housing member and with the lens assembly received at the lens assembly receiving portion, the lens assembly and the imaging element are distanced from one another, and images are focused on the imaging element by the lens assembly. The front housing member and the rear housing member are configured to be attached together. With the front and rear housing members attached together, outer walls of the front and rear housing members enclose the circuit board.
US09992387B2	Video denoising using optical flow In techniques for video denoising using optical flow, image frames of video content include noise that corrupts the video content. A reference frame is selected, and matching patches to an image patch in the reference frame are determined from within the reference frame. A noise estimate is computed for previous and subsequent image frames relative to the reference frame. The noise estimate for an image frame is computed based on optical flow, and is usable to determine a contribution of similar motion patches to denoise the image patch in the reference frame. The similar motion patches from the previous and subsequent image frames that correspond to the image patch in the reference frame are determined based on the optical flow computations. The image patch is denoised based on an average of the matching patches from reference frame and the similar motion patches determined from the previous and subsequent image frames.
US09992386B2	Video-frame data receiver with low frame capture rate The present disclosure relates generally to a video frame data receiver that is capable of image acquisition at low frame rates. Such video frame data receivers may be used to capture images from diagnostic tests or assays in which lower frame capture rates are sufficient including, for example, lateral flow test strips.
US09992385B2	Optical scanner, image display device, and head mounted display An optical scanner includes a movable section, shaft sections configured to support the movable section to be capable of swinging, a supporting section configured to support the shaft sections, a holding section joined to the upper surface of the movable section, a light reflecting section provided in the holding section, a wire provided on the lower surface of the supporting section, and a projecting section provided on the lower surface of the movable section. The supporting section, the movable section, and the shaft sections are formed from the same substrate.
US09992384B2	Correction coefficient calculation unit, image conversion unit, color correction device, display device, correction coefficient calculation method, and program A correction coefficient calculation unit includes: a reference image output unit that generates a reference image; a profile receiving unit that receives image information and printing information, the image information indicating a color characteristic related to an image to be displayed on a display unit, the printing information indicating a color characteristic related to a printing device; and a reference image division unit that creates printing characteristic data that associates the reference image with the reference image that has undergone color conversion based on the printing information and the image information.
US09992379B2	Partial snapshots for creating generalized snapshots Example embodiments relate to partial snapshots for creating generalized snapshots. An example method may include, in response to an event, accessing a user interface screen or view associated with an application. The screen or view includes multiple pixels arranged over an area. The method may include sampling the multiple pixels by capturing a portion of the total pixels included in the screen or view. The sampling may include maintaining a dispersion of the captured pixels over the area of the screen or view and preventing clustering of captured pixels within sub-areas of the area. The method may include transmitting the captured portion as a partial snapshot to a system to create a generalized snapshot from the partial snapshot and other partial snapshots.
US09992365B2	Document detecting device and document detecting method Certain embodiments provide a document detecting device, including: a plate having an upper surface on which a document is placed; an imaging device that includes the upper surface in a photographing visual field range; and a controller that detects any one or more of a position, an angle, and a size of the document on the upper surface according to an image by the imaging device and fixed-size information of the document stored in advance.
US09992361B2	Input device having push-keys, and image forming apparatus having the same A push type key includes a base including a main body, a key portion having an operation surface, first and second elastic portions connecting between the main body and the key portion, and an electrical equipment substrate provided on a back side of the base. The substrate includes an operating portion acted on by the key portion when the key portion moves. The first and second elastic portions have symmetrical configurations with respect to a phantom line passing through a center of the key portion, as seen perpendicularly to the operation surface. The operating portion is disposed at a position closer to the first elastic portion than to the second elastic portion. The base is provided with a third elastic portion connecting the key portion with the main body or with the second elastic portion in a side of the second elastic portion with respect to the phantom line.
US09992360B2	Image processing apparatus, image processing system, information processing method, and storage medium, for supporting document workflows An image processing apparatus includes at least one memory device that stores a set of instructions, and at least one processor that executes the instructions to generate an operation instruction object related to a workflow based a generation instruction for the operation instruction object, display the operation instruction object on a display unit, and perform control to not display the operation instruction object on the display unit based on a received deletion instruction far the operation instruction object.
US09992351B2	Recharging method for virtual identity module, and device Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a recharging method for a virtual identity module, and a device. A first recharge request that is sent by user equipment and carries user account information and recharge information is received; a to-be-recharged virtual identity module and a recharge amount are determined according to the recharge information; a second recharge request is sent to an operations support system of the to-be-recharged virtual identity module, where the second recharge request carries the recharge amount and the user account information, so that the operations support system of the to-be-recharged virtual identity module deducts the recharge amount from an account corresponding to the user account information, and recharges the to-be-recharged virtual identity module. Recharging manners are diversified, and a recharging process is more flexible and convenient.
US09992346B2	Temporary user associations based on call state A system for temporary user association based on call state, comprising: a communication device; a call state engine; and a user association service. The communication device is a network-connected electronic device; the call state engine is a software application operating on the communication device and maintains a state model of the current operation of the communication device; the call state engine sends data to the user association service; and the user association service generates user association information based at least in part on data received from the call state engine.
US09992342B1	System for providing remote expertise Expertise, such as foreign language interpretation, is delivered to requestors by an expertise-provisioning system that brokers requests between the requestors and experts affiliated with virtual call centers.
US09992330B1	Conference functionality between inmates and multiple approved parties in controlled environment A conference call management system and a method for operating the management system in a controlled environment are disclosed. The conference call management system includes a monitored conference device and a conference server. The monitored conference device receives authorization from the conference server to conduct conference calls within the controlled environment. The monitored conference device further receives a conference call application from the conference server that enables the monitored conference device to initiate and establish conference calls through the conference server. The conference call application allows a user of the monitored conference device to select outside parties to add to the conference call.
US09992327B1	Interaction lock mode for mobile devices A user of a mobile device selects data to be shared with other users and engages a lock button installed on the mobile device. As a result of engaging the lock button installed on the mobile device, one or more regions of a display unit installed on the mobile device may be disabled such that the other users cannot access other applications and data stored on the mobile device. If a user attempts to interact with the mobile device after the lock button has been engaged, the user is presented with a PIN input box. Accordingly, a user may input a PIN into the PIN input box that, if correct, causes the one or more regions of the display unit installed on the mobile device to be restored.
US09992324B2	Mobile electronic device, control method, and non-transitory storage medium A mobile electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone) includes a sensor and at least one controller. The controller performs a control base on a detection result that is detected by the sensor. For example, the controller is configured to determine a moving state by aircraft base on the detection result that is detected by the sensor. When the sensor is an atmospheric pressure sensor that is configured to detect atmospheric pressure, the controller is configured to determine the moving state by aircraft by a decrease in the atmospheric pressure, and after a determination of the moving state by aircraft, the at least one controller is further configured to keep the determination of the moving state by aircraft until the atmospheric pressure increases.
US09992322B2	Method of enabling digital music content to be downloaded to and used on a portable wireless computing device The invention enables digital music content to be downloaded to and used on a portable wireless computing device. An application running on the wireless device has been automatically adapted to parameters associated with the wireless device without end-user input (e.g. the application has been configured in dependence on the device OS and firmware, related bugs, screen size, pixel number, security models, connection handling, memory etc. This application enables an end-user to browse and search music content on a remote server using a wireless network; to download music content from that remote server using the wireless network and to playback and manage that downloaded music content. The application also includes a digital rights management system that enables unlimited legal downloads of different music tracks to the device and also enables any of those tracks stored on the device to be played so long as a subscription service has not terminated.
US09992320B2	Simplified control input to a mobile device A method of operating a mobile device includes receiving, from a motion sensor, motion information indicative of mobile device motion, recognizing a motion pattern indicated by the motion information, identifying a particular function corresponding to the motion pattern, and determining whether the particular function comprises a function for remotely controlling a remotely controlled device. Responsive to determining the particular function is a function for remotely controlling a remotely controlled device, a remote control command corresponding to the particular function is wirelessly sent to the remotely controlled device. If the particular function is a function for remotely controlling a remotely controlled device, the particular function is executed via a wireless network.
US09992318B1	Storing messages A computer-implemented method to store messages is disclosed. The method may include obtaining a minimum message length for stored messages. The minimum message length may be greater than zero. The method may further include determining an amount of available storage space allocated for storage of user messages on a computer-readable medium. The method may also include, in response to a communication session not being established between a user of a first communication device and a second communication device and in response to the amount of available storage space being greater than zero but being insufficient to store the minimum message length, not storing a user message and providing an indication that there is no available storage space.
US09992311B2	Correct port identification in a network host connection A mechanism is provided for correct port identification in a network host connection. A registry is created for a network host of a set of ports on the network host and services listening on each port of the set of ports, the registry including registered information capable of identifying each service provided by each port. The registered information is provided in a client connection request to the service. Client information is received from a client requiring identification of a correct port for connection to a service. The registry is searched for a match for the client information with the registered information registered at the registry for a service listening on one or more ports. The client is provided with details of the one or more ports.
US09992304B2	Relocation of applications to optimize resource utilization Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for relocation of applications to optimize resource utilization. A processor executing a relocation management application can receive a request to relocate an application. The processor can identify a utilization associated with the application, identify prospective host resources capable of hosting the application, determine utilizations associated with the prospective host resources, and project prospective host resource utilizations based upon the utilization associated with the application and the utilizations associated with the prospective host resources. The processor can select a prospective host resource from the prospective host resources by selecting a resource that offers a most consistent projected utilization.
US09992301B2	Prioritized throttling in a multiusage environment Prioritization criteria can be applied to assign a priority ranking to server processes executed by a backend server, and a utilization of the backend server by server demands can be quantified. Upon determining that the quantified utilization of the backend server has reached or exceeded one or more determined limits on backend utilization, at least a lowest priority server process can be throttled based on one or more throttling parameters.
US09992299B2	Technologies for network packet cache management Technologies for identifying a cache line of a network packet for eviction from an on-processor cache of a network device communicatively coupled to a network controller. The network device is configured to determine whether a cache line of the cache corresponding to the network packet is to be evicted from the cache based on a determination that the network packet is not needed subsequent to processing the network packet, and provide an indication that the cache line is to be evicted from the cache based on an eviction policy received from the network controller.
US09992296B2	Caching objects identified by dynamic resource identifiers A first server may receive, from a client device, an indication of a request for a content file via a network address; identify that the network address is a dynamic network address; establish a communication session with a second; receive a portion of the content file from the second server; determine an index parameter based on receiving the portion of the content file; determine whether the content file is being stored by the first server based on a cache index and based on the index parameter or based on information associated with the request for the content file; receive a remaining portion of the content file based on determining that the content file is not being stored by the first server; and provide the content file to the client device.
US09992292B2	Wellness support groups for mobile devices A method of managing an online support group to increase the odds that users will attain their wellness goals is disclosed. A request from a user to join a support group is received. A preference of the user with respect to a type of the support group is received. The support group is selected from a plurality of support groups based on the preference of the user and a preference of a member of the support group. Based on an acceptance by the user of an option to join the support group, the plurality of support groups is reorganized.
US09992290B2	Recommendations based on geolocation In one embodiment, a method includes accessing geolocation data indicating a first geolocation of a mobile computing device of a user of a social-networking system. The social-networking system including a graph that includes a number of nodes and edges connecting the nodes. A first node in the graph corresponds to the user. The method also includes identifying one or more second nodes in the graph connected to the first node. Each of the second nodes being associated with a second geolocation. Each of the second nodes being connected to the first node within a pre-determined threshold number of degrees of separation with at least one edge corresponding to the activity socially relevant to the user. Each edge in the graph represents a single degree of separation within the graph. The identifying being based on a determination that the second geolocation is within a pre-determined threshold distance of the first geolocation.
US09992287B2	Token-activated, federated access to social network information In one embodiment, a method includes one or more computing devices of a proxy server, in response to receiving a message from a token reader, generating a federated session token in relation to the message and sending a request for federated access to social-networking information of a first user of a social-networking system, where the request contains the federated session token. The method also includes one or more computing devices of the social-networking system, in response to receiving the request for federated access, validating the request based at least in part on one or more configuration settings associated with the first user and establishing a federated access session with the proxy server. The method also includes one or more computing devices of the proxy server, retrieving, by the federated access session, the social-networking information of the first user from the social-networking system.
US09992281B2	Accountable content stores for information centric networks A set of Content Store nodes of an information-centric network (ICN) can cache data, and can processes an Interest for this data based on a domain assigned to the requested data. During operation, a CS node can receive a Content Object that is to be cached, and processes the Content Object by determining a domain associated with the Content Object. The CS node selects a storage repository associated with the domain, and stores the Content Object in the selected repository. The CS node can also receive an Interest for a piece of content, and processes the Interest by performing a lookup operation for a rule associated with the Interest's name. The rule can include a set of commands for performing a programmatic operation. Then, if the CS node finds a matching rule, the CS node can execute the rule's commands to perform the programmatic operation.
US09992272B2	Enterprise connectivity to the hybrid cloud A cloud computing system retrieves routing entries associated with a particular tenant of the cloud computing system and are a subset of a routing table of the entire cloud computing system. The routing entries are loaded into a networking switch, which is configured to route network packets using the loaded subset of routing entries, using a general-purpose processor rather than a costly dedicated ASIC.
US09992269B1	Distributed complex event processing A complex event query specification may be constructed that a complex event processing engine uses to analyze an event stream for an occurrence of a complex event. Event data stored in a distributed file system are mapped to respective instances of the complex event processing engine in respective distributed event streams. The distributed event streams are analyzed by the independently executing complex event processing engines in accordance with the complex event query specification. The occurrence of the complex event in any of the distributed event streams is indicated at the output of the complex event processing engines.
US09992268B2	Framework for thin-server web applications In various aspects, a framework is provided for building rich, responsive, and mobile-enabled HTML 5 web applications. In one embodiment, the framework is based on a thin server architecture (TSA) that uses REST, SSE, and WebSocket to communicate with the server side. This framework, sometimes referred to herein as ‘Avatar’ is a modular, end-to-end web development framework for building enterprise mobile and desktop applications using JavaScript, HTML5 and a thin-server architecture.
US09992265B2	Method for updating an application program on a wireless terminal in a controlled manner A method for updating an application program on a wireless terminal in a controlled manner is disclosed. When, a server receives an inquiry from a wireless terminal for updating an application program, the server determines whether there is an updated program available for updating the application program based on information included in the inquiry from the wireless terminal. The server also determines whether updating the application program of the wireless terminal which sent the inquiry is permitted or not at the time of receiving the inquiry based on the information included in the inquiry and criteria information stored in the server. When the server determines that updating the application for the wireless terminal is available and is permitted, the server sends information necessary for updating the application program to the wireless terminal. Then, the wireless terminal updates the application program.
US09992252B2	Method and apparatus for adaptively compressing streaming video The present invention is a method and apparatus for adaptively compressing and transmitting streaming video, preferably implemented in hardware as part of a codec, that adaptively applies a variable rate of compression to images in a video stream to optimize the quality attainable for a given transport bandwidth. In one or more embodiments, image frames from the video stream are divided into blocks, and a variable compression ratio compression engine compresses the blocks for transmission over a network. Depending on their compressed sizes, one or more of the compressed blocks are packaged into fixed size data packets for transmission over a network. The data packets are fed into a packet buffer. A packet servo releases packets from the buffer to achieve a desired transport data rate. The amount of compression applied by the compression engine is controlled based on the number of packets in the buffer. In one or more embodiments, a plurality of indexed compression vectors are predefined for the compression engine that provide increasing amounts of compression. In one or more embodiments, the index of the compression vector used by the compression engine is incremented when the buffer level of the packet buffer increases, and decremented when the buffer level decreases. In this manner the compression applied by the compression engine automatically adapts to changing entropy within the images of the video stream to optimize the video quality for a given transport data rate.
US09992246B2	Methods, apparatus, and systems for instantly sharing video content on social media Methods, apparatus, and systems for instantly posting images or video clips to social media websites during recording of video content are provided. A video capture device is provided for recording video content. A social media integration application is associated with the video capture device. The selection of a still image or video clip during recording of video content is enabled via a one-touch process. The selected still image or video clip is then processed by the social media integration application such that the still image or video clip is at least one of directly forwarded to and posted on one or more pre-selected social media websites via a network or forwarded to and posted on the one or more pre-selected social media websites via a web browser interface.
US09992245B2	Synchronization of contextual templates in a customized web conference presentation In a method for customization of contextual information during a web conference presentation, a computer system executes a presentation program during a conference presentation. The computer system receives a request to access presentation templates based on parameters of a presenter, wherein the presentation templates including parameters identifying one or more of template texture, template font, template name of the presenter or template photo of the presenter of the conference presentation. In addition, the computer system determines an identity of the presenter during the conference presentation and matching the identity of the presenter against the parameter of the presenter. Moreover, the computer system extracts the presentation templates in the repository based on the match. The computer system further applies the extracted presentation template to presentation contents of the presentation program. In one aspect, the extracted presentation template alters visual characteristics of the presentation content based on the applied presentation template.
US09992242B2	Systems and methods for implementing instant social image cobrowsing through the cloud In accordance with disclosed embodiments, there are provided methods, systems, and apparatuses for implementing instant social image cobrowsing through the cloud, including, for example, means for loading an application at the client device, the application displaying a graphical interface at the client device; receiving input at the graphical interface of the client device to initiate an instant share session; generating an action at the client device to request an instant share session; communicating the action from the client device to a remote host organization via a public Internet; receiving, at the client device, a pointer to a dynamically created co-browse site at the host organization responsive to communicating the action from the client device to the remote host organization; following the pointer to the dynamically created co-browse site at the host organization communicably linking the client device with the host organization; and exchanging a video telephony stream between the client device and a remote party through the dynamically created co-browse site. Other related embodiments are disclosed.
US09992239B2	Method and apparatus for an I-CSCF to assign to a user equipment a S-CSCF server in an IMS system A method for assigning to a terminal device (UE) a service server (SS) carried out by an IS, by any of the SSs, and by the UDB in a cooperative/corresponding manner. A “first reallocation (IS/SS/UDB) procedure” and a “second reallocation (IS/SS/UDB) procedure” are correspondingly performed within the IS, the SS and the UDB. The first reallocation procedure allows, via IS/SS/UDB processing and interactions, storing by the UDB, in relationship with at least one of the user identifiers of a UE, a mark indicating that the UE has been assigned to a replacement SS to substitute another SS that has failed. The second reallocation procedure allows, also via IS/SS/UDB processing and interactions, utilization of the mark to trigger a new SS reallocation of the UE to a SS when the UE sends a subsequent registration message.
US09992237B1	Determining feature unavailability Method and apparatus for determining feature unavailability are disclosed. In the method and apparatus a user device attempts to communicate with a second server over a second network path whereby the communication may be blocked. The user device receives data from a first server over a first network path whereby the data indicates that communication using the second network path may be blocked.
US09992233B2	Enhanced firewall and method for securing internet communications A system and method are described for securing a network-connected device from a hacker having access to a network to which the network-connected device is communicatively connected. Such network-connected devices include a variety of electronics that when connected to the Internet are commonly referred to as the Internet of things (“IoT”). The systems and methods described herein include a transparent traffic control (TTC) device that is installed between an IoT device and a communications network to intercept data packets transmitted between the IoT device and the network and to allow or block the data packets based on rules for a group to which the IoT device or a remote destination are assigned.
US09992228B2	Using indications of compromise for reputation based network security Threat detection instrumentation is simplified by providing and updating labels for computing objects in a context-sensitive manner. This may include simple labeling schemes to distinguish between objects, e.g., trusted/untrusted processes or corporate/private data. This may also include more granular labeling schemes such as a three-tiered scheme that identifies a category (e.g., financial, e-mail, game), static threat detection attributes (e.g., signatures, hashes, API calls), and explicit identification (e.g., what a file or process calls itself). By tracking such data for various computing objects and correlating these labels to malware occurrences, rules can be written for distribution to endpoints to facilitate threat detection based on, e.g., interactions of labeled objects, changes to object labels, and so forth. In this manner, threat detection based on complex interactions of computing objects can be characterized in a platform independent manner and pre-processed on endpoints without requiring significant communications overhead with a remote threat management facility.
US09992227B2	Secure remote maintenance and support system, method, network entity and computer program product A remote, secure maintenance and support system, method, network entity and computer program product are provided. The system can include site terminal(s) and/or a site server (collectively “site device(s)”), a data center in communication with the site device(s) over a first secure tunnel, and at least one client terminal in communication with the data center over a second secure tunnel. The site device(s) can be configured to periodically transmit to the data center one or more error messages over the first secure tunnel. The data center can, in turn, be configured to make the error messages accessible to at least one authorized technician operating one of the client terminals. The client terminal can be configured to retrieve at least one of the error messages over the second secure tunnel and to take an action associated with resolving the error message.
US09992223B2	Flow-based anti-replay checking This disclosure describes an approach to detect replay attacks while having multiple cores in a multi-core processor manage an established tunneling session. The tunneling session includes a number of flows. One of the cores is assigned to manage one of the flows, and another core is assigned to manage another of the flows. A replay attack over the tunneling session is inhibited by maintaining a flow-based sequence context at each of the flows, and the flow-based sequence context is maintained by the core that is managing the respective flow.
US09992211B1	Systems and methods for improving the classification accuracy of trustworthiness classifiers The disclosed computer-implemented method for improving the classification accuracy of trustworthiness classifiers may include (1) identifying a set of training data that is available for training trustworthiness classifiers used to classify computing resources as clean or malicious, (2) selecting, based at least in part on a characteristic of a specific organization, a subset of training data from the set of training data that is available for training trustworthiness classifiers, (3) training a trustworthiness classifier for the specific organization using the subset of training data selected based at least in part on the characteristic of the specific organization, and then (4) applying the trustworthiness classifier to at least one computing resource encountered by the specific organization to classify the computing resource as clean or malicious. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US09992202B2	Access control through dynamic grouping Certain aspects and features of the present disclosure relate to providing access control using groups that can be dynamically controlled by group owners, such access control hereinafter referred to as group access control. Group access control can be used to control the transmission of packets on a network layer, or for other access control. A network administrator can provide users with permissions, such as using user roles. Users can then establish groups to share permissions with other users. A group is established by a group owner, who can modify the member list of that group and modify what permissions will be passed on to group members all without the involvement of a network administrator. Members of a group can include users, devices, and network resources. Additionally, data path entities (e.g. routers and access points) can facilitate delivery of packets between group members across multiple logical networks.
US09992192B2	User interface for control of personal information privacy The longstanding problem of providing efficient and rapid online user services while maintaining user privacy is addressed. Disclosed is a system and method for providing unverified users an ability to act upon private records known to them while protecting user privacy by not reflecting private information back to the unverified user. As an unverified user inputs information related to their identity into an interface, the system searches an indexed database which may include both registered users and/or unregistered customers indexed from a single data source or from disparate data sources.
US09992190B2	Multi-party secure authentication system, authentication server, intermediate server, multi-party secure authentication method, and program Even when an intermediate server exists, a plurality of servers simultaneously authenticates a user securely. A user apparatus disperses a password. The user apparatus obtains a ciphertext, which is obtained by encrypting a dispersed value. The intermediate server transmits the ciphertext to an authentication server. The authentication server decrypts the ciphertext to obtain the dispersed value. The authentication server determines a verification value. The authentication server obtains a ciphertext. The intermediate server decrypts the ciphertext to obtain the verification value. The intermediate server verifies whether a sum total of the verification values is equal to 0 or not. The authentication server determines a verification value. The authentication server obtains a ciphertext. The authentication server decrypts the ciphertext to obtain the verification value. The authentication server verifies whether a sum total of the verification values is equal to 0 or not.
US09992187B2	Single sign-on authentication via browser for client application In one embodiment, a method includes initiating at a client application at a client device, a single sign-on authentication with a security device, receiving at the client application, a session identifier and location of a web portal for the single sign-on authentication from the security device, and passing the session identifier and location of the web portal from the client application to a browser installed at the client device, for use by the browser in performing the single sign-on authentication at the client device. An apparatus and logic are also disclosed herein.
US09992186B1	SAML representation for multi-tenancy environments In response to a request received from a client device, the user is authenticated based on user credentials extracted from the request. Upon having successfully authenticated the user, tenants and one or more roles of each of the tenants associated with the user are identified. In one embodiment, an authorization token having information identifying the plurality of tenants and their respective one or more roles of the user is generated. The information of each of the tenants and its respective roles are encrypted with a specific key corresponding to the tenant. The authorization token containing the encrypted tenants and the roles of the user is transmitted to the client device to allow the client device to determine whether the user is allowed to access a requested resource based on the authorization token.
US09992180B2	Systems and methods for protecting communications between nodes Systems and methods for protecting communications between at least two nodes protect the identity of a node requesting information, provide content of communications being sent and/or obscuring a type of communications being sent. Varying degrees of protection options including encryption, intermediate node termination and direct node communications are provided.
US09992179B2	Message encryption system A system includes a plurality of mail encryption gateways and a router. Each mail encryption gateway encrypts email according to an encryption policy of a customer. The router stores a plurality of sender policy framework (SPF) records. The router also receives an email and compares a source IP address of the email with the plurality of SPF records. The router determines that the source IP address corresponds to an SPF record of the plurality of SPF records and in response to that determination, determines that a Simple Mail Transfer Protocol From Field of the email comprises a domain of a cloud provider corresponding to the SPF record. In response to that determination, the router determines that a Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension From Field of the email comprises a domain of a customer and in response to that determination, routes the email to a mail encryption gateway.
US09992149B2	Two-way message service and voice communication Various embodiments support two-way message service and voice communication. In at least some embodiments, temporary numbers from a pool of numbers are automatically assigned to outgoing messages and grouped with the intended recipient's phone number. Recipients can reply to the message by replying to the assigned number and the reply will be sent back to the originator of the message. In at least some embodiments, the pool of numbers includes different types of numbers such as, by way of example and not limitation, shared numbers and dedicated numbers. Further, at least some embodiments can utilize various policies in order to determine how to automatically assign temporary numbers. Such policies can be driven by business rules, regulatory concerns, carrier-based considerations, and the like.
US09992144B2	Re-routing incoming email for a multi-tenant database system A method for processing email for a multi-tenant database system is presented here. The system includes a plurality of data centers and a plurality of instances of a database system core. Each data center implements at least one instance of the database core. The method receives an incoming email at a first local mail transfer agent (MTA) of a first data center, wherein the incoming email is erroneously directed to a first instance of the database system core. The method continues by searching a private domain name service (DNS) database maintained at the first data center, based on an identifier of the first instance and an identifier of the first data center. The method then obtains an identifier associated with a second data center of the plurality of data centers, and routes the incoming email in accordance with the identifier of the second data center.
US09992134B2	Systems and methods to forward packets not passed by criteria-based filters in packet forwarding systems Systems and methods are disclosed to forward packets not passed by criteria-based filters in packet forwarding systems. The disclosed embodiments include one or more Not Passed By Criteria (NPBC) filters that are defined for input ports along with one or more criteria-based filters, such as for example, Pass by Criteria (PBC) filters and/or Deny by Criteria filters (DBC), that forward packets not passed by these criteria-based filters. NPBC filters include, for example, Pass Unmatched PBC filters associated with PBC filters and configured to forward packets not passed by PBC filters and/or Pass Matched DBC filters associated with DBC filters and configured to forward packets not passed by DBC filters. Using one or more NPBC filters within the disclosed embodiments, packet data that is not being passed along to output ports by the criteria-based filters can be easily passed to one or more designated output ports.
US09992129B2	Apparatus and method for communicating over a plurality of communication links A method in a first network entity which is capable of communicating over a plurality of communication links with a second network entity. The first network entity determines a level of transmit traffic transmitted over the plurality of communication links to the second network entity. The first network entity further determines a level of receive traffic received over the plurality of communication links from the second network entity. The first network entity further determines if the level of transmit traffic and/or the level of receive traffic meet one or more requirements for changing a number of active links of the communication links. If so, the first network entity changes the number of active links independently of the second network entity.
US09992123B2	Methods and systems for evaluating voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) call quality A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium provide receiving a plurality of voice call quality values and values for a plurality key performance indicators (KPIs) related to voice over Wi-Fi voice call quality; selecting a subset of the plurality of KPIs based on a correlation between each KPI and the voice call quality value; performing a plurality of discrete regression analyses based on the subsets of the plurality of KPIs and the voice call quality values to generate a plurality of regression results; determining an accuracy for each of the plurality of regression results; assigning weights to each of the plurality of regression results based on the determined accuracies; and combining the plurality of regression results using the assigned weights to generate a final combined estimated VoWiFi voice call quality algorithm that accurately predicts the voice call quality value based on values for the selected subset of the plurality of KPIs.
US09992117B2	Network apparatus, communication system, abnormal traffic detection method, and program A network apparatus includes a memory and one or more processors. The memory stores instructions. The one or more processors are configured to execute the instructions to mark a traffic that exceeds a predetermined rate limit. The one or more processors are also configured to execute the instructions to measure an amount of the marked traffic by using one or more filters to detect information written in a data packet by the one or more processors. The one or more processors are further configured to execute the instructions to output the measured traffic amount in a period determined based on an expected time duration of an abnormal traffic. The abnormal traffic is a detection target of the network apparatus.
US09992114B1	Selective MAC address learning Methods, systems, and apparatus for selective MAC address learning are disclosed. In one aspect, multiple different packets are received by a telecommunications device. The multiple different packets include different source MAC addresses. For each of the multiple different packets, a distribution type is determined. The distribution type is one of a one-to-one distribution type or a one-to-many distribution type. Based on the determined distribution type of the particular packet, a forwarding table of the telecommunications device is selectively updated. When the particular packet has the one-to-many distribution type, a source MAC address that is included in the particular packet is not stored in the forwarding table. When the particular packet has the one-to-one distribution type, the source MAC address that is included in the particular packet is stored in the forwarding table.
US09992108B2	Packet forwarding based on path encoding In general, a capability for forwarding packets based on path encoding is presented. The capability for forwarding a packet based on path encoding may be configured to enable forwarding of a packet along a network path by determining a path encoding label for the network path, associating the path encoding label for the network path with the packet, and forwarding the packet along the network path based on the path encoding label associated with the packet. The network path for a packet may include an ordered sequence of node output interfaces of an ordered sequence of nodes. The path encoding label for the network path includes an ordered sequence of node interface labels corresponding to the ordered sequence of node output interfaces of the nodes of the network path. The nodes of the network path forward the packet along the network path based on the path encoding label.
US09992096B2	Method and apparatus for fast protection switching in multicast The present invention provides a method for fast protection switching in multicast, where the method includes: determining a primary path and a secondary path to a source node, where the secondary path and the primary path have minimum tail coincidence; receiving, by using both the primary path and the secondary path, multicast traffic replicated by an upstream neighboring node, and replicating multicast traffic received by the primary path to a downstream neighboring node; and if the primary path is faulty, replicating multicast traffic received by the secondary path to the downstream neighboring node. In the present invention, primary and secondary paths can have minimum tail coincidence, which overcomes a problem that fault protection switching in a multicast network requires that primary and secondary paths existing from a routing node to a multicast source are completely separate in physical topology.
US09992094B1	Adaptive forwarding tables Disclosed are techniques for implementing a device with memory comprising a data table, the data table configured to store a plurality of elements in buckets, wherein each of the plurality of buckets contains a plurality of elements. The memory can further comprise an indirection table, the indirection table comprising a plurality of bucket reference storage locations and a plurality of hash reference storage locations. The device can include processing logic configured to generate a plurality of hash values using information to be inserted into the data table and locate a hash reference stored in one of the plurality of hash reference storage locations corresponding to one of the plurality of hash values. The processing logic can further locate a bucket of the plurality of buckets corresponding to the one of the plurality of hash values.
US09992093B2	Method and system for detecting slow page load A method and system for detecting slow page load is provided. An example system comprises a page request detector, a session state information detector, a throughput calculator, a response builder, and a communications module. The page request detector may be configured to receive a request for a web page. The session state information detector may be configured to determine that the request does not include session state information. The throughput calculator may be configured to calculate a throughput value associated with the network connection between the client system and the server. The response builder may be configured to build an updated data packet by including, in the data packet, the throughput value and an instruction to store the throughput value on the client as session state information. The communications module may be configured to communicate the updated data packet to the client system.
US09992085B1	Serving related content via a content sharing service A system and method for serving related content via a content sharing service are provided. The system includes a monitoring module to monitor content and shared content being served; an interaction detection module to detect an interaction with the shared content via the content sharing service; a related content analyzer to analyze the monitored shared content, the detected interaction, and based on the analysis, to determine whether additional related content items are added to a related content list; and a related content list generator to generate an updated related content list with the additional related content items and the related content list.
US09992082B2	Classifier based graph rendering for visualization of a telecommunications network topology Systems, methods, and computer program embodiments are disclosed for providing graphical visualization of a telecommunications network topology. In an embodiment, raw graph data may be received that that represents one or more communications paths in the telecommunications network. The raw graph data may contain a plurality of network nodes and connections between the nodes, and each node may be associated with an entity type. A graph classification may then be determined based on the received raw graph data, and the classification may be associated with a plurality of graph rendering rules. The raw graph data may be converted to rendered graph data by determining graphical positions for each of the plurality of network nodes according to the plurality of rendering rules. In an embodiment, the rendered graph data may include the plurality of network nodes, the determined position and associated entity type of each node, and connections between nodes.
US09992081B2	Scalable generation of inter-autonomous system traffic relations In one embodiment, a method includes: obtaining network flow information from devices in a network, where the network flow information from a respective device of the plurality of devices corresponds to one or more data flows that traverse the respective device; and producing network flow sub-files according to specified network flow characteristics that characterize a first key space using the network flow information, where the specified network flow characteristics satisfy one or more performance criteria. The method also includes: generating inter-autonomous system (inter-AS) traffic sub-files by converting the network flow sub-files to a second key space, where each of the inter-AS traffic sub-files includes one or more inter-AS flows that characterize data traffic between at least two external AS's that traverses the network; and generating an inter-AS traffic file based on the plurality of inter-AS-traffic sub-files in order to monitor traffic traversing network.
US09992078B1	System, method, and computer program for deploying disk images in a communication network, based on network topology A system, method, and computer program product are provided for deploying a disk image in a communication network, based on network topology. In use, a disk image to be distributed in association with a communication network is identified, the communication network including a plurality of datacenters. Additionally, one or more of the plurality of datacenters in which to distribute the disk image are identified, based on one or more network topology characteristics associated with the communication network. Further, the disk image is distributed to the identified one or more of the plurality of datacenters. Still yet, a list indicating all of the plurality of datacenters that contain the disk image is sent to the plurality of datacenters.
US09992070B2	Systems and methods for a reconfigurable order-constrained switch network Systems and methods for a reconfigurable order-constrained switch network are provided. In certain implementations, a reconfigurable switch network comprises a plurality of subtrees, wherein a subtree comprises a plurality of ports coupled to a single port, wherein a signal that passes through the single port is directed to a port in the plurality of ports as directed by at least one circulator, wherein at least two subtrees in the plurality of subtrees have a different number of ports in the respective plurality of ports, wherein the plurality of subtrees are combined such that at least one of the plurality of ports from each subtree is shared.
US09992066B2	Data updating method, device for vehicle diagnosing apparatus and vehicle diagnosing apparatus A method for vehicle diagnosing apparatus comprises: providing a diagnosing apparatus terminal which receives the latest data edition information of one or more data packets pushed to the diagnosing apparatus terminal; the diagnosing apparatus terminal comparing the latest data edition information of the data packets with the current data edition information of the data packets respectively so as to determine whether the latest data edition of each data packet is superior to the current data edition of this data packet; if there is any data packet whose latest data edition is superior to the current data edition, the diagnosing apparatus terminal prompting that there is an update for the data edition; the diagnosing apparatus terminal downloading the data packet for which there is an update; and the diagnosing apparatus terminal installing this data packet and replacing the current data edition information with the latest data edition information.
US09992064B1	Network device configuration deployment pipeline The following description is directed to configuring network devices. In one example, at a network device deployment pipeline, a request can be received from a non-integrated configuration tool to configure a network device of a network. The configuration of the network device can be scheduled so that both an integrated configuration tool of the network device deployment pipeline and the non-integrated configuration tool can configure the network.
US09992063B2	Utilizing reallocation via a decentralized, or distributed, agreement protocol (DAP) for storage unit (SU) replacement Based on a system configuration change (e.g., of a Decentralized, or Distributed, Agreement Protocol (DAP)) within a dispersed storage network (DSN) (e.g., from a first to a second system configuration of the DAP), a computing device directs a storage unit to be replaced (SUTBR) to transfer encoded data slices (EDSs) stored therein to a replacement storage unit (RSU). During transfer of the EDSs (e.g., from SUTBR to RSU), the computing device directs the SUTBR to service read and/or write requests for EDS(s) stored therein to operate based on a first system configuration of the DAP. When the EDSs have been successfully transferred from the SUTBR to the RSU, the computing device directs the RSU to service read and/or write requests for the EDS(s) stored therein to operate based on a second system configuration of the DAP.
US09992057B2	Yield tolerance in a neurosynaptic system Embodiments of the invention provide a neurosynaptic network circuit comprising multiple neurosynaptic devices including a plurality of neurosynaptic core circuits for processing one or more data packets. The neurosynaptic devices further include a routing system for routing the data packets between the core circuits. At least one of the neurosynaptic devices is faulty. The routing system is configured for selectively bypassing each faulty neurosynaptic device when processing and routing the data packets.
US09992054B1	Displaying content items based on device status Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for presenting content items. In one aspect, a method includes identifying an opportunity to present a content item at a device and in a manner that precludes a user from accessing content of one or more applications executing on the device. Data relating to a status of each of the one or more applications are identified. A level of urgency for a user to access content of the one or more applications is determined based on the data. A response to the opportunity to present a content item is selected based on the level of urgency for the user to access content of the one or more applications. The response is selected from a first response that causes presentation of the content item and a second response that precludes presentation of the content item.
US09992049B1	Numerically controlled oscillator for fractional burst clock data recovery applications A receiver for processing a data stream includes: a bursty phase detector having a first voltage-controlled oscillator configured to provide a first VCO phase, a signal stream detector configured to provide a data stream phase and a data stream detect signal, and a delay component configured to receive the data stream; a clocking circuit coupled to receive an output of the delay component, the data stream phase, and the data stream detect signal, the clocking circuit configured to provide a second VCO phase at an output of the clocking circuit, wherein the clocking circuit is configured to operate based on a fractional relationship between a reference clock frequency and an output frequency; and a data sample selector with a first input coupled to the output of the delay component, and a second input coupled to the output of the clocking circuit.
US09992036B2	Sound output apparatus and hub for communication network A hub includes a main body including a communication circuitry configured to wirelessly communicate with another device and a cover housing coupled to a top portion of the main body, the cover housing including a sidewall that extends in a vertical direction and a partition extending from an inner surface of the sidewall to divide an inside of the sidewall into upper and lower regions. The hub further includes a display panel positioned in the cover housing, the display panel providing a visual output; and a display Printed Circuit Board (PCB) positioned on the partition, the display panel being positioned on an upper surface of the display PCB. The cover housing further includes a rib protruding upward from the partition, the rib extending through a gap between the display PCB and the sidewall to contact with a periphery of the display panel.
US09992034B2	Component multicast protocol A method includes transmitting, from a first component of an electronic device, a first transaction associated with a first sequence number to a second component of the electronic device based on a multicast protocol. The first transaction is independent of an Internet protocol. The method also includes receiving an acknowledgement message that corresponds to a positive acknowledgment message or a negative acknowledgement message. The method further includes in response to receiving the negative acknowledgement message, retransmitting the first transaction to the second component using the first sequence number based on the multicast protocol.
US09992033B2	Selection of communication channel based on channel selection data Multi-channel communication is affected by system configured to access channel selection data for a participant in a conversation. The channel selection data is analyzed to select a particular secondary communication channel from among a plurality of secondary communication channels associated with the participant. A first message corresponding to the conversation is communicated via the selected secondary communication channel. A second message corresponding to the conversation is received via the selected secondary communication channel. Data representing the conversation is updated using at least a portion of the second message.
US09992030B2	Method and a system for authenticating and identifying the location of a smartphone Disclosed is a system and a method for authenticating the location of a user's smartphone using a central server to a third party. The method and the system is a secure way to calculate the GPS location on a centralized server which is operating the Time and Place Decryption software that has one of its inputs being a Smartphone transmitted encrypted prevailing code string which contains the original GPS coordinated representing the location and the Atomic time at which the encryption took place, as well as a combination of all or some other Knowledge, Ownership or Inheritance identification factors or tokens—FaktokIns. The more FaktokIns that are used in the encryption the harder it is to fake or replicate the GPSTOTP.
US09992022B1	Systems and methods for digital identity management and permission controls within distributed network nodes Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for digital identity management and permission controls within distributed network nodes. A network node may receive a request to generate a new digital identity record for an entity. The network node may retrieve a template based on an entity type; and receive information, reference documents, and biometric information for the new digital identity record. The network node may associate and store the received information to the data fields in the new digital identity record, generate respective one directional cryptographic hashes of the reference documents and the biometric information, and store the hashes in the new digital identity record while storing the reference documents and biometric information in a non-blockchain repository. The network node may generate a digital identity record block for the new digital identity record, encrypt the digital identity record block, and append the encrypted block to the latest valid blockchain.
US09992021B1	System and method for private and point-to-point communication between computing devices A hardware and software bundle that can enable computers and mobile phones to communicate small data packages without relying on the internet or the central cellular network infrastructure. The bundle enables users to send text messages and other data. For example, GPS coordinates, multimedia from the situation, accelerometer and other sensor data can all be sent over a decentralized network, enabling enhanced communication and situation response when the central grid is unavailable.
US09992010B2	System and method for augmenting duplexed replicated computing Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a replicated fault-tolerant computer system. The system includes a triplet of network elements, which each maintain a clock signal, and a clock monitor at each network element for monitoring incoming clock signals. Each network interfaces with a fault containment region (FCR). The system provides the ability to transition from a duplex system to a triplex system if one of the previously offline FCRs can be brought back online. The network elements can determine or receive notification that the previously offline FCR can be brought back online, align their respective clock signals, and synchronize the memory state of the previously offline FCR. The system can then operate in a fault-tolerant, replicated triplex operating mode.
US09992006B2	Transmission diversity and multiplexing for HARQ-ACK signals in communication systems A method and apparatus are described for a User Equipment (UE) to transmit in a control channel ACKnowledgement signals associated with a Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest process (HARQ-ACK signals) in response to receiving Transport Blocks (TBs) transmitted from a base station. The UE conveys the HARQ-ACK information by selecting one resource from multiple resources in the control channel and by selecting a constellation point of the modulation scheme for the HARQ-ACK signal. Transmission diversity is supported using different control channel resources that are already available to the UE without configuring additional resources. Design principles are described to optimally map the HARQ-ACK information to control channel resources and modulation constellation points for a Time Division Duplex (TDD) system and for a Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system.
US09992003B2	Apparatus for transmitting broadcast signals, apparatus for receiving broadcast signals, method for transmitting broadcast signals and method for receiving broadcast signals A method and an apparatus for transmitting broadcast signals thereof are disclosed. The method for transmitting broadcast signals comprises encoding DP (data pipe) data carrying at least one service, mapping the encoded DP data onto constellations, time interleaving the mapped DP data, building at least one signal frame including the time interleaved DP data, modulating data in the built at least one signal frame by an OFDM scheme and transmitting the broadcast signals having the modulated data, wherein the at least one signal frame includes emergency alert information.
US09992000B2	System and method for duplicating preamble information An aspect of the disclosure provides a wireless frame transmission method. Such a method includes duplicating a preamble in the frequency domain to form at least one duplicate preamble, each preamble having multiple fields. The method further includes puncturing at least one of the preamble fields in the preamble with a first puncturing pattern and puncturing corresponding preamble fields in the at least one duplicate preamble with at least one additional puncturing pattern. The method further includes transmitting a frame including the preamble, the at least one duplicate preamble and a payload. In some embodiments the preamble and the duplicate preambles are each at different frequencies.
US09991999B2	Method and apparatus for transmitting uplink A method is provided for uplink transmission in a wireless communication system. A user equipment (UE) determines whether to transmit both a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) and a sounding reference signal (SRS), or drop the SRS and transmit only the PUSCH but dropping the SRS when the UE determines satisfaction of all of at least three conditions including: a first condition specifying that a plurality of timing advance groups (TAGs) including a first TAG and a second TAG are configured, a second condition specifying that at least one symbol of a subframe n which is used to transmit the SRS toward a first cell belonging to the first TAG is overlapped with a subframe n+1 on which the PUSCH is transmitted toward a second cell belonging to the second TAG and a third condition specifying that a total uplink transmission power exceeds a maximum value.
US09991997B2	Mobile communication system, specific base station, and user terminal A LTE system comprises a eNB 200-2 that is a eNB shared by a plurality of network operators, and that performs LTE communication with a UE in a specific frequency band of which primary use is not allowed by the plurality of network operators. The specific eNB 200-2 performs backhaul communication with a eNB 200-1 provided in each mobile LTE network 1 of the plurality of network operators, via an inter-eNB interface 600.
US09991983B2	Method for transmitting/receiving synchronization signal for direct communication between terminals in wireless communication system Disclosed is a method for transmitting, by a terminal, a synchronization signal for direct communication between terminals in a wireless communication system. In detail, the method comprises the steps of: generating a primary synchronization signal and a secondary synchronization signal for the direct communication between terminals; and transmitting the primary synchronization signal and the secondary synchronization signal, wherein the primary synchronization signal is generated on the basis of a synchronization reference cell identifier for the direct communication between terminals.
US09991982B2	Interference cancellation in a cellular communication network A technique for cancelling inter-cell or intra-cell interference in a cellular communication network is described. A method implementation of that technique performed in an interfered terminal comprises receiving a signal, wherein the received signal comprises an interfering signal destined to at least one further terminal different from the interfered terminal. In a next step, control information pertaining to the at least one further terminal is determined and the interfering signal is decoded based on the control information so as to generate decoded information. Then, the interfering signal is re-generated from the decoded information and the control information. Based on the re-generated signal the interfering signal is cancelled from the received signal.
US09991979B2	Method and device for grouping user equipments in proximity services restricted discovery A grouping method based on machine type communication (MTC), used in a communications system, including: broadcasting, by a base station, grouping requests to a plurality of user equipments (UEs) in an area; determining, by the base station, whether there is at least one group leader among the UEs; and receiving, by the base station, a grouping report from the group leader when determining that there is a group leader among the UEs, wherein the grouping report records UE identifiers of the UEs in a group corresponding to the group leader.
US09991965B2	Driver circuit for an electro-absorption or micro-ring modulator and optical transmitter comprising such driver circuit A modulator driver circuit for providing a drive voltage to an electro-absorption modulator, such a Franz-Keldysh modulator, or to a micro-ring modulator, and an optical transmitter including such driver circuit, where said driver circuit includes a differential amplifier and at least one differential branch of the differential amplifier being provided with a voltage offset. This provides for a bias voltage being adjustable within the driver circuit itself. Preferably, the differential amplifier is arranged for supplying drive voltage to two complementary driver outputs providing a reverse bias relative to the modulator. In one embodiment, the differential amplifier includes a cascode in the differential branch not being provided with the voltage offset.
US09991954B2	Method for monitoring wavelength of tunable laser on user end by optical line terminal on local end Disclosed is a method for monitoring the wavelength of a tunable laser device of user by local OLT. The method is applied to a wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network framework. The framework comprises an ONU, a first athermal array waveguide grating, a transmission optical fiber, a second athermal array waveguide grating and the OLT, which are sequentially connected. ONU comprises tunable wavelength optical transmitters. The method comprises: starting handshaking is carried out between the OLT and the ONU; and the OLT carries out wavelength drifting monitoring during operation of the ONU. Wavelength adjustment can be carried out on the multi-channel tunable laser device in an external auxiliary monitoring environment, thus channel wavelengths of the multi-channel tunable laser device can be accurately controlled, and the requirement for calibration accuracy of channels of the tunable laser device at the ONU is greatly reduced.
US09991953B1	Transmitter self-calibration of time delay and frequency response for high baud-rate QAM transceivers A self-calibration procedure for an optical transmitter is provided. During the self-calibration procedure, a phase bias of an optical modulator of the optical transmitter is set so that an in-phase path and a quadrature path of the optical modulator are in phase. Stimulus signals are supplied to the in-phase and quadrature paths of the optical modulator, over a frequency range. Detection, with a photodetector, is made of an optical output of the optical modulator at a plurality of frequency steps over the frequency range. A photodetector converts an optical output of the optical modulator to an electrical signal. First and second measurement values are generated from the electrical signal output from the photodetector. A frequency spectrum and/or time delay is computed from the first and second measurement values for each frequency step value over the frequency range.
US09991942B2	Method and apparatus for channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) Methods and apparatuses for CSI reporting mechanisms are provided. A user equipment (UE) includes a transceiver and a processor operably connected to the transceiver. The transceiver is configured to receive information indicating a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource configuration, uplink-related downlink control information (DCI), and a CSI-RS associated with a selected CSI-RS resource in a same subframe as the uplink-related DCI. The processor configured to determine, in response to a CSI request included in the uplink-related DCI, an aperiodic CSI in reference to the CSI-RS. The transceiver is further configured to report the aperiodic CSI by transmitting the aperiodic CSI on an uplink channel.
US09991938B2	Intra-node channel reciprocity compensation for radio access in MIMO wireless communication systems A wireless cellular base station includes M antennas and one or more processing devices. For each antenna, the antenna transmits a calibration pilot symbol over the air and the other M−1 antennas receive the calibration pilot symbol over the air. The processing devices select one of the M antennas as a reference antenna and for each antenna of the M antennas, the processing devices calculate channel reciprocity calibration coefficients of the antenna with respect to the reference antenna based on the received calibration pilot symbols.
US09991937B2	Card detection device having a magnetic field monitor, system including the device, and method of operating the device A detection device is provided. The detection device includes a transmitter and a detector. The transmitter supplies an induced current to an antenna and to adjust a strength of an induced voltage generated in the antenna by adjusting the induced current. The detector monitors the strength of the induced voltage of the antenna and generates a control signal for controlling the induced current to the antenna based on the monitored strength of the induced voltage of the antenna.

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