US09919668B2

A vehicle energy absorption structure includes an energy absorption member made of fiber reinforced resin. At least part, in a thickness direction, of that wall extending in a load input direction of the energy absorption member is provided with a plurality of discontinuous portions discontinued from each other in the load input direction, the plurality of discontinuous portions being arranged along the load input direction.
US09919667B2

A bumper includes a carrier having a wall extending along a longitudinal axis, and a first leg and a second leg extending away from the wall in a first direction. A plurality of fins are movably attached to the carrier between the first leg and the second leg, and are spaced from each other the longitudinal axis. The fins may be moved to a deployed position to reinforce the bumper to improve low-speed damageability of the bumper, and may be moved to an inactive position, which may allow a fascia to more easily deform relative to the deployed position to provide energy absorption for pedestrian impacts.
US09919665B2

A device and method for monitoring a timer, in particular a device for operating a passenger protection arrangement for a vehicle, the timer being configured for generating a periodic clock signal. The device includes a monitoring arrangement to monitor a pulse duration of the clock signal and consequently the pulse duration of the clock signal is monitored.
US09919662B2

A cable includes a plurality of electric wires, a paper tape wound around the plurality of electric wires, and an outer covering that covers a periphery of the paper tape and comprises a urethane-based resin. An air resistance of the paper tape as measured by Gurley tester method is not less than 5.0 sec/100 cc.
US09919661B2

A harness protector is disposed on a side sill of a vehicle body to hold a harness routed along the side sill in a vehicle front-rear direction. The harness protector includes a housing disposed on an interior side of the side sill in a vehicle width direction and into which the harness is inserted, a fastening portion disposed above the side sill and to which a floor carpet covering the side sill and the housing is fastened, and a coupler that couples the housing and the fastening portion to each other.
US09919641B2

A pickup-truck box includes a bed and a sidewall connected to a longitudinal side of the bed. The sidewall includes an inner panel, an outer panel, and a top rail. The top rail defines a stake-pocket hole and extends between the panels to define a sidewall interior. A stake-pocket bracket includes a tubular body defining an opening. The bracket is disposed within the sidewall interior with a first side of the tubular body secured to the inner panel at a location that vertical aligns the opening with the hole to receive an object within the opening.
US09919639B1

The lightweight camper or trailer is a light weight shelter is adapted for use as an outdoor shelter. The lightweight camper or trailer is adapted to be portable. The lightweight camper or trailer comprises a plurality of surfaces. The each of the plurality of surfaces combine to create a protected space. Each of the plurality of surfaces is held in position through the use of a lightweight frame. The lightweight camper or trailer is made of materials light enough that the lightweight camper or trailer can be moved manually. In another potential embodiment, the lightweight camper or trailer is mounted on a commercially available trailer for transport. In an alternate potential embodiment, the plurality of surfaces is built such that the protected space will float on a body of water. The lightweight camper or trailer comprises a plurality of surfaces and a frame.
US09919633B2

A cooling and heating cup holder includes a holder body having a container shape, formed of a thermally conductive material, having a substantially uniform thickness, and having a contact portion pressed from an inner side to integrally protrude outward from one side surface thereof and having a contact surface forming a predetermined plane; a Peltier element including an operation surface and a heat radiating portion having an opposite row opposite to the operation surface and installed such that the operation surface is directly attached to the contact surface at an outer side of the holder body to transfer heat to the contact surface; and an air conditioner including a heat radiating duct in which the heat radiating portion of the Peltier element is buried and a blowing fan for blowing out air at one side of the heat radiating duct.
US09919628B2

A motor vehicle seat fitting (10) includes a first fitting part (11) and a relatively rotatable second fitting part (12), which are connected to each other via a gear unit or can be locked. A third fitting part (74) is mounted on a bearing ring (71) in a pivotal manner about an axis (A) relative to the first fitting part. The bearing ring is fixed to the first fitting part. The third fitting part (74) can be locked with the first fitting part or a component rigidly connected thereto. A pawl (80) is mounted on the third fitting part in a first hinge point (D1). The bearing ring (71) has multiple run-on cams (71a) which interact with multiple elevations (74a) of the third fitting part. A free clearance, in the radial direction between the bearing ring (71) and the third fitting part, is minimized when the pawl (80) is locked.
US09919627B2

A vehicle seat locking unit (10) includes a lock housing having a receptacle opening (19) for receiving a locking bolt (12). A rotary latch (20) is mounted to swivel around a bearing bolt (51) and has a hook aperture (21) for locking together with the locking bolt. The bearing bolt is aligned in an axial direction and the receptacle opening is delimited by a locking bolt stop element (61), located in the hook aperture, which axially protrudes into the lock housing. In a locked state the locking bolt extends in the axial direction. A first contact region (71), between the locking bolt and the stop element, and a second contact region (72), between the locking bolt and the rotary latch, partially overlap in the axial direction, or the first contact region lies completely within the second contact region in the axial direction. A vehicle seat (1) includes such locking unit.
US09919624B2

A track assembly includes an upper track that includes an interface member having a first end and a second end, a plurality of wheel assemblies, an anchor, and one or more locking blocks disposed on a side of the interface member. Embodiments of the system include a lower track with a first side and a second side, wherein a flat portion is disposed near a top of each of the first side and the second side. In embodiments, flat portions may extend along a longitudinal axis associated with the lower track. A plurality of gaps may be disposed on the flat portions, and the gaps may be configured to receive a locking block and an anchor. The anchor may be configured to guide the upper track as the upper track travels along the longitudinal axis associated with the lower track.
US09919623B2

A rail and carrier system for a removable seat of a motor vehicle includes two lower rails fixedly attached laterally along a floor of the motor vehicle. a first upper rail is nested with and laterally slidable within the first lower rail, and a second upper rail is nested with and laterally slidable within the second lower rail. First and second cross brackets are laterally spaced apart and arranged perpendicular to the first and second upper rails are connected to the first and second upper rails. A cover is connected to and extends between the first and second cross brackets. A spring-loaded lock holds the first upper rail in place with the first lower rail, and a towel bar releases the lock, enabling the first and second upper rails to slide within the first and second lower rails.
US09919620B2

A removable seat for a motor vehicle includes two hook fasteners for removably attaching the seat to front strikers that are rotatable about a lateral axis through the front strikers. A bar extends between the first hook fastener and the second hook fastener that is parallel to the lateral axis. The bar contacts the cover to prevent further rotation when the seat is rotated about the lateral axis to prevent over-rotation of the seat.
US09919616B2

A control system for a bicycle comprises a movement-information obtaining device, an actuator, an actuation controller, and a mode controller. The movement-information obtaining device is configured to obtain movement information indicating a movement of at least part of a first bicycle portion and configured to wirelessly output the movement information. The actuator is configured to actuate at least a second bicycle portion. The actuation controller has a wake mode to control the actuator based on an input signal and a sleep mode to be suspended under an electrical power consumption lower than an electrical power consumption in the wake mode. The mode controller is configured to wirelessly receive the movement information and configured to switch the actuation controller from the sleep mode to the wake mode based on the movement information.
US09919614B2

A passenger transportation system having at least one rail extending along a path; at least one trolley movable along the rail; an actuating device having a linear electric motor, in turn having at least one slide fitted to the trolley, and a linear stator extending at least partly along the path, and having an elongated body, and a quantity of power windings embedded in the elongated body; and a quantity of sensors configured to control the position of the trolley, the sensors being fitted to the elongated body and so positioned as to minimize noise generated by the power windings on the sensors.
US09919613B2

A battery temperature regulating device is provided with a low temperature heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange with the air conditioning system, a battery temperature regulating unit configured to allow heat exchange with the low temperature heat exchanger so as to regulate the temperature of the battery to approach a target temperature, and a control unit configured to control the battery temperature regulating unit. In the case where the charging is performed from the power supply external to the vehicle, the control unit determines whether or not it is necessary to accumulate heat in the battery, and in the case where it is determined that the heat accumulation is necessary, the control unit sets the target temperature of the battery during charging higher than that in the case where it is determined that the heat accumulation is unnecessary.
US09919589B1

A detachable vehicle roof is described herein. Various embodiments may include overhead covers, hinges, and a frame. The overhead covers may cover a vehicle passenger compartment. The hinges may connect the overhead covers to the frame. The frame may be detachable from a vehicle chassis. The frame may include a rear support bar, cross-bars, and a front support bar. The cross-bars may connect the front support bar to the rear support bar. The front support bar may form a contour of an edge of a vehicle windshield. The front support bar may form a contour of an edge of a vehicle chassis. The contour may have a bend corresponding to a position on the chassis where the windshield mounts to the chassis. A buffer zone may be provided between the front support bar and the windshield, and/or between the front support bar and the chassis.
US09919587B2

A vehicle is provided including a cabin, a conduit arranged to conduct a flow of air from outside the vehicle to the cabin, and a filter unit arranged to filter at least a portion of the flow of air before it enters the cabin. Further, an ionizing unit is arranged in the conduit upstream of the filter unit as seen in the direction of the flow of air so as to charge particles present in the flow of air and transmit at least a major part of the charged particles towards the filter unit. The at least one collector electrode has a tube-like shape arranged to conduct at least a portion of the flow of air, and the at least one emitter electrode is arranged at a central axis of the tube-like shaped collector electrode, whereby a more uniform ionization field is provided.
US09919579B2

An air conditioning system for a driver's seat may include an eva-core and a blower; ducts extended to supply cold air blown by the blower to respective parts of a driver's seat; a thermoelectric element cooperatively controlled with an air conditioner of a vehicle, in which coolant water passes through a heat absorbing surface, so that the coolant water cooled by heat exchange is supplied to the driver's seat through a duct after air supplied by the blower is cooled in a heat exchange unit, and a heat emitting surface is in contact with a radiator to emit heat and generate cold air; and a distributor configured to selectively supply the cold air generated by the thermoelectric element to the respective parts of the driver's seat through the ducts.
US09919572B2

The invention relates to a twist-axle that includes a cross-beam member and two trailing arms, each trailing arm rigidly secured to the cross-beam member in one of two connection regions of the cross-beam member or formed integrally with and extending from one of the two connection regions. The cross-beam member is formed from a tubular blank and has a torsionally elastic central portion and two torsionally stiff connection regions. The cross-beam member has a wall thickness that varies longitudinally along the length of the cross-beam member from the torsionally elastic central portion to each of the torsionally stiff connection regions.
US09919564B2

A pneumatic tire includes at least three circumferential main grooves extending in the tire circumferential direction, and a plurality of land portions partitioned by the circumferential main grooves. The belt layer is formed by laminating a pair of cross belts having a belt angle, as an absolute value, of not less than 10° and not more than 45° and mutually opposite signs, and a circumferential reinforcing layer having a belt angle within a range of ±5° with respect to a tire circumferential direction. Also, when viewed as a cross-section from the tire meridian direction, when the wear end surface of the circumferential main grooves is drawn, the distance Dcc on the tire equatorial plane from the circumferential reinforcing layer to the wear end surface and the distance De from the end portion of the circumferential reinforcing layer to the wear end surface have a relationship such that De/Dcc≤0.94.
US09919561B2

Provided is an adhesive composition that provides excellent adhesion between a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer in which an elastomer component is dispersed in the thermoplastic resin and a tire by a combination of general-purpose materials, without using any special polymer. The adhesive composition comprises 100 parts by weight of a base polymer and 20 to 50 parts by weight of a resol-type phenolic resin-based resin crosslinking agent, wherein 100 parts by weight of the base polymer comprises 80 to 99 parts by weight of a thermoplastic elastomer and 1 to 20 parts by weight of a halogenated rubber. The resol-type phenolic resin-based resin crosslinking agent is preferably an alkylphenol-formaldehyde resin. Examples of the thermoplastic elastomer can include styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, and examples of the halogenated rubber can include chloroprene rubber and chlorosulfonated polyethylene.
US09919554B2

A hybrid wheel including a functional rim, a center disc, and a wheel face insert, wherein the wheel rim and the center disc are made of a specified material, and wherein the wheel face insert is made of a dissimilar material. The wheel face insert can be secured to the center disc by at least one of screws, pins, rivets, or structural adhesive, and/or the wheel face insert can be secured to the functional rim by at least one of screws, pins, rivets, or structural adhesive.
US09919549B2

A calculable 3D color printing method is used for generating, on a 3D object surface, a user-specified color texture pattern, including: performing modeling and simulated calculation with respect to a motion and a deformation of a PVA film in a traditional water transfer printing process to obtain a mapping function between each of pixels on the PVA film and points on an object surface; and calculating, by using the mapping function, a texture pattern to print on the PVA film. This disclosure further includes a set of mechanical devices and a 3D vision system for realizing precise and controllable water transfer printing which precisely prints a user-specified texture pattern onto an object surface. This disclosure further includes a multiple water transfer printing method, including: partitioning a complex object surface into a plurality of regions, and separately coloring each region, until eventually completing coloring of the entire object surface.
US09919545B2

A printer is configured such that a low position face is formed in an upper portion of a frame that forms a skeleton of an apparatus body thereof, and a panel unit that provides a user with a function of operating the printer and a function of displaying various items is disposed in a state of being embedded in the low position face. This configuration enables the height-direction size (the z-axis direction size) of the printer to be suppressed to a size smaller than the size resulting from independently adding the height-direction size of the frame to the height-direction size of the panel unit.
US09919543B2

The apparatus includes a cleaning section that includes a cleaning material for cleaning a transportation belt, which transports a recording target medium, by contact with the transportation belt. The cleaning section is capable of switching between a contact state, in which the cleaning material is in contact with the transportation belt, and a non-contact state, in which the cleaning material is not in contact with the transportation belt. The cleaning section is capable of performing renewal operation. The renewal operation is operation of renewing a contact region of the cleaning material, that is, a region of contact with the transportation belt, from a region that has already been used to a region that has not been used yet.
US09919542B2

A cutting device includes a cutting blade, a receiving block, a motor, a cutting blade movement mechanism, and a receiving block movement mechanism. The cutting blade includes a blade portion. The receiving block includes a contact surface including a first contact surface and a second contact surface. The motor is configured to rotate. The cutting blade movement mechanism supports the cutting blade and is configured to move the cutting blade between a separated position and a contact position in concert with a rotation of the motor. The receiving block movement mechanism is configured to move the receiving block from a first opposed position to a second opposed position in concert with the rotation of the motor.
US09919540B1

A media processing device includes a cavity configured to receive a supply of media; a media exit; a fixed media guide configured to guide the media along a media feed path from the cavity to the media exit; a platen roller configured to move the media along the media feed path from the supply toward the media exit; and a movable media guide extending laterally across the media feed path at a position between the platen roller and the cavity. The movable media guide is biased toward the media feed path and is configured to apply a force to the media. The movable media guide is convexly curved toward the media feed path.
US09919526B2

A method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head includes a transferring step of transferring a dry film supported by a supporting member to a substrate having a hole, and a peeling step of peeling the supporting member off the dry film on the substrate. In the peeling step, the dry film is in contact with a wall surface defining the hole in the substrate.
US09919523B2

A piezoelectric device includes an actuator substrate that includes a plurality of piezoelectric element rows having a plurality of piezoelectric elements, and a wiring substrate that is disposed so as to face the actuator substrate. The piezoelectric element rows include a plurality of individual electrodes disposed for each of the piezoelectric elements, and a common electrodes common to the plurality of piezoelectric elements. The wiring substrate includes a core portion disposed on a surface on the actuator substrate side, an individual wiring portion that partially covers the core portion, a common wiring portion that partially covers the core portion, and an auxiliary wiring disposed in a groove portion disposed on a first principal surface on the side opposite to the actuator substrate or on a second principal surface on the actuator substrate side. The auxiliary wiring is electrically connected to the common wiring portion. The individual electrode and the common electrode are respectively electrically connected to the individual wiring portion and the common wiring portion.
US09919522B2

A MEMS device includes a first substrate and a second substrate that is disposed laminated on the first substrate and has a piezoelectric element on the first substrate side, in which the first substrate and the second substrate are substantially the same size, and in planar view, an end of the first substrate and an end of the second substrate are disposed at substantially the same position.
US09919521B2

A liquid ejection head includes a liquid ejection substrate and a liquid reservoir. The liquid ejection substrate includes a plurality of liquid ejection sections. The liquid ejection sections include pressure chambers configured to hold liquid and ejection ports communicating with the pressure chambers. The pressure chambers each include a pressure unit configured to apply pressure to the liquid in each of the pressure chambers. The pressed liquid is ejected through the ejection ports. The liquid reservoir is in contact with a back of the liquid ejection substrate opposite to the ejection ports. The liquid reservoir is partitioned into at least one common liquid channel and a first common liquid chamber. The common liquid channel communicates with one of inlets and outlets of the plurality of pressure chambers. The first common liquid chamber communicates with another of the inlets and the outlets.
US09919518B2

A printing element substrate includes a plurality of printing elements, a first transistor forming an electrical pathway common to the plurality of printing elements, and a plurality of second transistors for driving the plurality of printing elements independently of each other. An electrical pathway is formed between a first power node and a second power node in the order of the first transistor, one of the plurality of printing elements, and one of the plurality of second transistors. The electrical pathway connecting each of the plurality of printing elements and the first transistor includes a plurality of electrical paths.
US09919512B2

The invention provides a method of marking an item with naturally-derived or synthetic non-natural polymeric marker molecules, such as a DNA or Peptide marker in conjunction with optional visible or rapid scan reporters for authenticating or tracking, in which the method includes providing an item for marking, and applying a medium including a DNA marker to the item. The invention further provides methods for stably binding and immobilizing activated deoxyribonucleic acid onto objects and substrates. The method includes exposing the deoxyribonucleic acid to alkaline conditions, and contacting the deoxyribonucleic acid to the object or substrate. Also provided are methods for increasing the recoverability of taggants from an object. The methods include the steps of incorporating a taggant into a solution; mixing the solution including the taggant with a perturbant to form a first perturbant taggant solution; mixing the first perturbant taggant solution with a polymer to form a second perturbant taggant polymer solution; and applying the second perturbant taggant polymer solution to at least a portion of the object to form a taggant-coated object. The invention also provides a method of marking an item with a DNA marker for authenticating or tracking, in which the method includes providing a medium including a DNA marker, and molding the medium including the DNA marker to provide all or part of the item. The DNA marker encodes information unique to the item and/or the model of the item as desired.
US09919510B2

A nozzle deposits a filament of viscous, molten glass onto a print bed, while the print bed rotates about a vertical axis and translates in x, y, and z directions. The deposition is computer controlled, such that the resulting deposited filament forms a desired glass object that is solid after it anneals. One or more motors rotate the print bed such that the direction of deposition of the molten glass is constant relative to the nozzle, even though the print bed is translating in different directions relative to the nozzle. Keeping the direction of deposition constant relative to the nozzle tends to prevent the extruded filament of molten glass from experiencing large, changing, tensile and shear forces that would otherwise occur and that would otherwise damage the filament.
US09919509B2

A peeling device for peeling off a substrate to be processed and a support substrate from an overlapped substrate, the overlapped substrate being formed by bonding the substrate to be processed and the support substrate by an adhesive, which includes: a first holding unit configured to heat the substrate to be processed and configured to hold the substrate to be processed; a second holding unit configured to heat the support substrate and configured to hold the support substrate; a moving mechanism configured to horizontally move at least one of the first holding unit and the second holding unit relative to each other; and an inert gas supply mechanism configured to supply an inert gas onto a bonding surface of the substrate to be processed or a bonding surface of the support substrate.
US09919506B2

The invention relates to a floor covering adhesive composition, based on an aqueous, emulsifier-stabilized polymer dispersion of vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer, containing A) tackifying resin, B) one or more fillers, and C) a vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer in the form of an emulsifier-stabilized aqueous dispersion, characterized in that the vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer is obtained by radical-initiated emulsion polymerization in an aqueous medium, of a) 60 to 89.9% by weight of vinyl acetate, b) 10 to 36% by weight of ethylene, c) 0 to 2% by weight of one or more monomers selected from the group of vinyl esters of carboxylic acids having 8 to 12 C atoms and acrylic acid alkyl esters having a C1 to C8 alkyl radical, d) 0.1 to 5% by weight of one or more ethylenically unsaturated auxiliary monomers having a carboxylic acid group, amide group, nitrile group or sulfonic acid (salt) group, wherein the percentages stated in % by weight are each in relation to the total weight of the comonomers and add up to 100% by weight, and the polymerization is carried out in the presence of one or more emulsifiers.
US09919504B2

A device for welding the bottom flange of a stiffener on the side of a skin. The stiffener and the skin are made of a composite comprising a thermoplastic polymer matrix. The device comprises a punch, an anvil and a press to make a clamping between the punch and the anvil. The punch comprises a part forming a pressure table with a cross-section width less than or equal to the width of the stiffener bottom flange and a heating element with width less than the width of the pressure table. The anvil comprises a cooling component and has a cross-section width smaller than the width of the skin. A method for implementing the device.
US09919499B2

Frame supported panels with an increased load carrying capacity derived from inducing newly discovered conditions on panels made from weaker, lighter and thinner materials. The fixed/continuous/dropped condition can increase a panel's load capacity many times based on the panel's interaction with frame members. This enables foam panels, for example, to be used in structural applications. It also enables polyurethane foam with any cladding to provide a comprehensive, structural building panel that provides a finished exterior, continuous and cavity insulation, an air, moisture and vapor barrier and increased uplift resistance while eliminating condensation and thermal expansion/contraction.
US09919495B2

A fiber-metal laminate of mutually bonded fiber-reinforced composite layers and metal sheets comprises a combination of a fiber-reinforced composite layer and an adjacent metal sheet, in which combination the properties satisfy the following relations:Elam*Ecomp/(Emetal*tmetal2) has a value between a lower bound given by a*(Vf−c)(b/(Vf-c)) with b=0.36 and c=0.3  (1a) and zero when Vf≦0.3,  (1b) and an upper bound given by a*(Vf−c)(b/(Vf-c)) with b=0.88 and c=0  (1c) 0.10≦Vf<0.54  (2) 0
US09919491B2

Multilayer articles having reinforced structural properties are prepared by rotational molding of external and internal skin layers prepared from polyethylene resin and an intermediate layer prepared from foamed polyethylene. The composition of the external layer is fed as a dry blend into a mold, and the mold is placed in a pre-heated oven and rotated. The composition of the intermediate layer is fed as a dry blend into the mold, and the mold is placed in a pre-heated oven and rotated. The composition of the internal layer is fed as a dry blend into the mold, and the mold is placed in a pre-heated oven and rotated.
US09919490B2

The present disclosure provides a slipsheet and/or divider sheet and method for making the same, and method for moving and storing containers with use of the slipsheets or divider sheets. The sheets have an imprint or an embossing that provides a raised planar surface. The raised planar surface preferably comprises a plurality of ridges, crowns or crests, which are preferably arranged in a pattern throughout an upper surface of the sheet. To make the sheet, a die can be etched to have protuberances or bumps, and the die is preferably pressed into a sheet of pliable thermoplastic material. The sheet thus made has a plurality of indentation formed by the protuberances or bumps on the die, and the sheet has a planar outer surface comprising a plurality of ridges, crowns and crests between the indentations.
US09919481B2

A structural member that contains a solid lineal profile that is formed from a plurality of consolidated ribbons is provided. Each of the ribbons includes unidirectionally aligned continuous fibers embedded within a thermoplastic polymer matrix. The continuous fiber ribbons are laminated together during pultrusion to form an integral solid profile having very high tensile strength properties. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the present inventors have discovered that careful control over certain aspects of the pultrusion process can allow such high strength profiles to be readily formed without adversely impacting the pultrusion apparatus.
US09919477B2

A method and system for embedding a database in a 3D object uses a 3D dimensional printing device and a computer-readable memory that stores a build sequence comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, will cause the 3D printing device to form a three-dimensional object with an embedded data structure by depositing layers of build material and by including, in one or more of the layers, physical representations that represent a data structure.
US09919474B2

A system and methods for solid freeform fabrication of an object is disclosed. The system comprises a solid freeform fabrication apparatus having a plurality of dispensing heads, a building material supply apparatus configured to supply a plurality of building materials to the fabrication apparatus, and a control unit configured for controlling the fabrication apparatus and the supply apparatus based on an operation mode selected from a plurality of predetermined operation modes.
US09919472B1

Embodiments are directed to methods of producing devices using modified multi-layer, multi-material electrochemical fabrication processes and/or using a laser cutting processes wherein individual layers or layer groups are formed and then stacked and bonded to produce prototypes or production parts. The methods can reduce the cost and lead time of prototyping when compared with previous multi-layer, multi-material electrochemical fabrication processes and can also reduce the lead time of production quantities, by allowing multiple layers of a multilayer device to be formed simultaneously, e.g. in parallel on the same wafer. Additionally, these methods may be used to extend the maximum height to which parts may practically be made. Finally, the methods allow geometries that are impossible, impractical or difficult to release (e.g. microfluidic devices such as pumps or parts with long, narrow channels) to be fabricated in multiple pieces and then joined after full or partial release.
US09919470B2

The present invention is directed to a method of preparing an actuator capable of being repeatedly and reversibly shifted between two freestanding shapes (A, B) under stress-free conditions upon varying a temperature between a temperature Tlow and a temperature Tsep. The method comprising the steps: (a) providing an actuator consisting of or comprising a covalently or physically cross-linked polymer network, the polymer comprising a first phase having a thermodynamic phase transition extending in a temperature range from Ttrans,onset to Ttrans,offset, and an elastic phase having a glass transition temperature Tg, with Tg
US09919463B2

An RTM molding device and an RTM molding method which enable resin impregnation of even large members and thick members without causing non-impregnated regions or fiber wrinkle, and yield a molded body having superior toughness and excellent precision. In the RTM molding device, a surface molding layer, which is disposed between a fiber-reinforced base material and a molding die, has a plurality of through-holes formed therein, and has sufficient rigidity that the thickness does not substantially change under the pressure inside the cavity when the inside of the cavity is placed under reduced pressure, and a resin diffusion portion, which is located on the side of the surface molding layer opposite the fiber-reinforced base material, and comprises a resin flow path formed so as to connect with the plurality of through-holes of the surface molding layer, are provided on at least one surface of the fiber-reinforced base material.
US09919461B2

The use of thermoplastic polymers for the preparation of injection-molded articles and the resulting articles are described. Also described, is the use of a lubricated polyamide, obtained by means of the addition of at least one lubricant during the polyamide polymerization method, for the preparation of injection-molded articles.
US09919456B2

The invention provides a method for producing ophthalmic lenses, preferably contact lenses, more preferably silicone hydrogel contact lenses. This method involves applying a coat of catanionic vesicles onto the molding surfaces of a mold. By having a coat of catanionic vesicles on the molding surfaces of a mold, mold separation force and lens defects generated during mold opening and de-molding process can be substantially reduced.
US09919453B2

A method for drilling an ophthalmic lens (10) includes the following steps: —memorizing the desired shape and dimensions of a drill hole (701; 702; 703) to be drilled in the ophthalmic lens (10) and the position of the opening of this drill hole on one of the faces (11, 12) of the ophthalmic lens; —positioning a drilling tool (80) facing the memorized position of the hole to be drilled; —determining a control setpoint for the transverse movement and axial advance of the drilling tool; and —drilling the ophthalmic lens according to the control setpoint. The control setpoint for the transverse movement and axial advance of the drilling tool forces the point of this drilling tool, on at least one drilling run, to follow a helical or pseudohelical trajectory depending on the desired shape and dimensions of the drill hole. An associated drilling device is also described.
US09919449B2

The invention relates to a method for drying, modelling and/or thermally modifying wooden parts, comprising the steps of: a) arranging the wooden parts in a bath; b) filling the bath with a liquid, for instance paraffin or (linseed) oil, wherein the wooden parts are sealed from the ambient air by the liquid; c) the liquid being heated for some time, preferably between 100° C. and 300° C., for the purpose of drying, modelling and/or thermally modifying the wooden parts; d) removing the wooden parts from the bath. The invention also relates to a device for performing the method according to the invention for drying, modelling and/or thermally modifying wooden parts, comprising:—a bath adapted to receive the wooden parts, which bath is intended to receive a liquid such as paraffin or (linseed) oil—heating means for heating the liquid. Finally, the invention relates to a covering and rack as parts of the device according to the invention.
US09919444B2

A system for generating a repair patch for a damaged area of a composite structure may include a scanning module, a repair patch model generator and a cutting tool. The scanning module may be deployed at the location of the damaged composite structure. The scanning module may be configured to scan the damaged area to generate scanned data indicative of a shape, size and/or contours of the damaged area. The repair patch model generator may include processing circuitry configured to obtain the scanned data, obtain parent ply information of the damaged composite structure, and generating a patch model of a repair patch including size and shape definition for each of a plurality of plies based on the scanned data and the parent ply information. The cutting tool may be configured to receive cutting files based on the patch model to generate a plurality of cut plies that combine to form the repair patch.
US09919432B1

The paver moving tool (10) includes a suction head (12), a shaft (24) secured to the suction head (12), a lift-handle (30) secured to a top end (28) of the shaft (24), and one of a first and a second rechargeable vacuum power pack (34, 50) operably coupled in fluid communication with the suction head (12) for selectively applying a vacuum force through the suction head (12) to an adjacent paver (20). The rechargeable vacuum power packs (34, 50) are supported on either the shaft (24), the lift handle (30) or on a backpack (53) on an operator of the self-powered paver moving tool (10) while the operator is using the tool (10).
US09919430B1

The disclosure provides an apparatus, system and method for providing an end effector. The end effector may be capable of accommodating semiconductor wafers of varying sizes, and may include: a wafer support; a bearing arm capable of interfacing with at least one robotic element, and at least partially bearing the wafer support at one end thereof; a plurality of support pads on the wafer support for physically interfacing with a one of the semiconductor wafers; and a low friction moving clamp driven bi-directionally along a plane at least partially provided by the bearing arm, wherein the low friction moving clamp retractably applies force to a proximal edge of the semiconductor wafer.
US09919428B2

An automated machining head with vision and procedure includes a pressure foot provided with side windows with the capacity to open and close, encasing the machining tool, associated with a vertical movement device provided with mechanical locking, vision equipment connected to a computer and a communications module. The main advantage is endowing an anthropomorphic robot, originally designed for the car industry and with relatively low accuracy, with a notably higher machining accuracy, equivalent to equipment of a much greater accuracy or to parallel kinematic-type robots, also compensating, in real-time and in a continuous manner, for off-centring and loss of perpendicularity by the pressure foot, which are common in conventional heads and are a source of errors and inaccuracy.
US09919427B1

An example method includes receiving, from a sensor, an image of an environment, where the environment includes a robotic device. The method also includes determining, based on the received image of the environment, a pose of the robotic device relative to the sensor. The method further includes determining, based on the pose of the robotic device relative to the sensor, respective positions of a plurality of trajectory points for the robotic device relative to the sensor. The method additionally includes providing for display of the image of the environment and an overlaid plurality of virtual trajectory points corresponding to the plurality of trajectory points, where the plurality of virtual trajectory points are positioned in the image based on the determined respective positions of the plurality of trajectory points for the robotic device relative to the sensor.
US09919426B2

The present invention provides a method for controlling a robotic device, comprising the steps of, receiving at a computing device at least one command arranged to effect an operation on the robotic device, reviewing the command to determine whether the command is suitable for execution, wherein the command is provided to the device only if the command is suitable for execution.
US09919423B2

A positioning device is adapted for positioning a tool at a setpoint position on a flat substrate in an X-Y plane, the tool exerting a process force in its axial direction perpendicularly onto the substrate. The tool includes a multicomponent force sensor to measure unwanted process-force components in the lateral direction. The setpoint position of the tool is correctable by the positioning device such that the lateral process-force components are minimized.
US09919421B2

A dummy tool is used to teach a robot the path the robot will follow to perform work on a workpiece to eliminate the possibility of damaging an actual tool during the training. The dummy tool provides the robot programmer an indication of potential collisions between the tool and the workpiece and other objects in the work cell when path is being taught. The dummy tool can have a detachable input/output device with a graphic user interface (GUI) that can communicate wirelessly with the robot controller. The dummy tool can also have a moveable camera attached thereto to track the relationship of the tool to objects in the work area.
US09919418B2

A piezoelectric driving device includes a vibrating plate, a first piezoelectric vibrating body which is disposed on the first surface of the vibrating plate; a second piezoelectric vibrating body which is disposed on the second surface of the vibrating plate; and a protrusion which is provided on the vibrating plate and comes into contact with a body to be driven, wherein the first piezoelectric vibrating body and the second piezoelectric vibrating body have asymmetry that the first piezoelectric vibrating body and the second piezoelectric vibrating body are asymmetrical to each other with respect to the vibrating plate.
US09919412B2

A handle for actuating a removable instrument formed by a rod extended by an active area, said rod extending in a longitudinal direction OX, said rod having at least one means for mechanically coupling with said handle, characterized in that said handle has a transverse insertion slot, symmetrical relative to a plane YOZ, wherein the axis OY is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis OX, said slot opening onto a surface of the handle and having a section corresponding to the section of the coupling area of said rod, in order to allow said coupling area to be inserted by way of a movement in a direction OY, until it butts against the bottom of said slot, said bottom extending in a plane parallel to the plane XOZ, wherein XOZ designates a plane perpendicular to the axis OY.
US09919407B2

A flexible abrasive (10) with a preset shape corresponding to the shape of the operating head of a machine tool such as a sanding machine and comprising a first support (16) made from a woven or non-woven material where a lower surface can be fixed to a backing plate or a pad of the operating head. The abrasive surface is made from at least two strips (20-23) applied side by side and parallel to each other and where the second support (11) of each strip (20-23) is separately fixed on the first support (16), and where the abrasive surface (18) is shaped so that it can be applied to the backing plate or pad of the operating head.
US09919402B2

A practical method of polishing a wafer that can reduce wafer loss due to dummy polishing, and stabilize the LPD count in production wafers at a low level, is provided. In the method of polishing a wafer according to the present disclosure, a wafer 104 is brought into contact with a polishing cloth 112 provided on the surface of a polishing plate 110, and the wafer 104 and the polishing plate 110 are rotated, thereby performing several rounds of a polishing process on the surface of the wafer 104 using the same polishing cloth 112. At this time, the contact angle of the polishing cloth is measured, and based on the measured value thereof, the timing for a switchover from an initial polishing (or a dummy polishing) mode to a production polishing mode is determined.
US09919377B2

A welding power source configured to receive an input power includes a plurality of components and supervising circuitry configurable in a plurality of modes. The plurality of components include power conversion circuitry and background power supply. The supervising circuitry is configured to distribute the input power to the plurality of components based at least in part on a mode of the plurality of modes. The plurality of modes include a welding mode configured to distribute the input power to the power conversion circuitry and to the background power supply. The plurality of modes also include a monitoring mode configured to distribute the input power to the background power supply, and to not distribute the input power to the power conversion circuitry.
US09919368B2

A method and an apparatus for forming a profile groove in an elongated key blank having a key blade with opposite side surfaces. The profile groove is formed in a surface of the key blank by a punching or a broaching tool with at least one tooth. The punching or broaching tool is forced and guided longitudinally in parallel to the key blank so as to cut out the material of the key blank into the desired profile shape, corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the at least one tooth. At the same time, the opposite side surfaces portions of the key blank are clamped or held firmly between opposite holding surfaces of a fixture, causing a firm abutment and retaining action on the longitudinal side surface portions of the key blank located adjacent to and all along the profile groove being formed.
US09919366B2

A cutting insert having a first coupling structure, a tool holder having a complementary second coupling structure with a seat for a milling tool system, and a milling tool system having a cutting insert and a holder are all described. The first coupling structure has a circular cylindrical element with a cylinder abutment surface, the circular cylindrical element projecting axially from a bottom surface of a central body and being arranged concentrically with respect to a central axis, A perpendicular abutment surface is arranged perpendicular to the central axis, and at least two ribs project axially from the bottom surface. Each rib has a contact area with a normal direction at least essentially perpendicular to the central axis for opposing a torque about the central axis.
US09919362B2

The procedure for the mechanical alloying of metals comprises grinding at least a metal inside a grinding mill together with at least a control agent to obtain a powdered ground product, wherein: —the metal is selected from the list comprising: titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten; and—the control agent is selected from the list comprising: magnesium, calcium and rare earths.
US09919356B2

A punch-riveting die comprises a basic body, which has a recess for forming an underside of a punch-rivet joint, the recess having a base and an annular wall. In a central region of the base, the die includes an annular radial-flow inhibiting device, which inhibiting device limits a radial material flow out of the inner region of the annular radial-flow inhibiting device.
US09919351B2

A method for producing a pot-shaped component from a flat blank. The method comprises the following steps: a) shaping the flat blank in at least one deep-drawing step to form a pot-shaped raw component having a substantially flat bottom area and a circumferential frame, and b) shaping the pot-shaped raw component in a tool having a conically tapered die that applies shear to the circumferential surface of the frame in the axial direction against the conically tapered die. In step b), the bottom area is clamped between an ejector and a hold-down mechanism and the conically tapered die surrounds the bottom area of the raw component radially on the outside and extends in a diameter-reducing manner in a tool stroke.
US09919345B1

As fruit (preferably apples) are harvested, the fruit is placed on a conveyor that conveys the fruit to a fruit singulating section. In the singulating section, the fruit is directed into slots in a lane formed by two cooperating helical drives. The helical drives rotate the fruit and convey the fruit into an imaging chamber where a camera acquires an image of the fruit. The fruit image is evaluated by a processor in communication with the camera. The fruit is then directed into a rotary sorter which sorts the fruit based on the image evaluation by the processor.
US09919333B2

A high pressure nozzle manipulator includes a wheeled chassis, a pair of parallel manipulator elevator rails supported by an elevator rail rotator fastened to the chassis, a horizontal extensible arm rail disposed between and carried by the manipulator elevator rails, a rotary actuator fastened to a distal end of the horizontal extensible arm rail, and a linear actuator fastened between the first rotary actuator and a hinged nozzle support bracket. This bracket holds a high pressure cleaning nozzle. The linear actuator is configured to rotate the nozzle and the bracket through an arc. The elevator rail rotator is configured to rotate the elevator rails through an arc of about 180 degrees about a horizontal axis. The rotary wrist actuator is configured to rotate the hinged nozzle support bracket about a horizontal axis through the extensible arm rail.
US09919329B2

A dispenser system including a first dispenser module having a medium chamber fillable with medium, a first discharge head actuable for discharging medium from the medium chamber, a refilling opening, and a second dispenser module coupleable to the first dispenser module for refilling the latter. The second dispenser module has a storage container for medium, and a second discharge head. In the decoupled state of the dispenser modules, the second discharge head is actuable for discharging the medium out of the storage container and has a discharge opening. The second discharge head has a ventilation system for equalizing the pressure in the storage container when the medium is discharged. The dispenser system has an air pump system. In the coupled state of the dispenser modules, the air pump system is fluidly coupled to the ventilation system and conveys air via the ventilation system into the storage container.
US09919321B2

A centrifuge able to discharge moisture through a separate moisture outlet by separating moisture from oil when spraying oil through a nozzle of a rotor, thereby removing moisture from oil without using a separate skimmer, and a purifier system including the same. The centrifuge includes a casing, a shat, a stand tube and a rotor. The casing has an oil inlet, an oil outlet, a moisture outlet and an air inlet. Moisture separated from oil sprayed through a nozzle of the rotor is discharged along with air out of the casing through the moisture outlet. An amount of air identical to the amount of the air discharged through the moisture outlet is introduced into the casing through the air inlet.
US09919319B2

A method for improving the rheological properties of mineral slurry comprising adding a copolymeric dispersing agent to the slurry to disperse silicate minerals. Also disclosed is a method for flotating mineral slurry.
US09919317B2

The present invention relates to a process for the extraction of analyte compounds from a sample comprising one or more analytes in a donor phase into an acceptor phase, comprising the steps of: a) providing an electrically conductive donor phase comprising the compounds in a first electrically conductive solvent or solvent blend, and an electrode arranged in electrically conductive contact with the donor phase, b) providing an electrically conductive acceptor phase in electrically conductive contact with a second electrode; and c) providing an insulator phase in fluid communication with at least one of the donor phase and the acceptor phase, wherein the insulator phase is immiscible with the donor phase and/or the acceptor phase, and d) (d) applying an electrical field between the first and the second electrode.
US09919316B2

A method of creating a zone of high-gradient magnetic field in a Kittel open domain structure is disclosed. The method is based on a magnetic system of an open domain structure type and is embodied in the form of two substantially rectangular constant magnets which are mated by the side faces thereof, whose magnetic field polarities are oppositely directed and the magnetic anisotropy is greater than the magnetic induction of the materials thereof. The magnets are mounted on a common base comprising a plate which is made of a non-retentive material and mates with the lower faces of the magnets, thin plates which are made of a non-retentive material, are placed on the top faces of the magnets and forms a gap arranged above the top edges of the magnets mated faces. A nonmagnetic substrate for separated material is located above the gap.
US09919314B2

Systems and methods for air cooling a microfluidic device using confinement channels to isolate cooling air from exposed liquids are disclosed. The systems and methods may also thermally condition the cooling airflow for improved robustness of the microfluidic device. In one embodiment, the air cooling system includes a split-level cooling manifold including an inlet duct that directs cooling air to a microfluidic device and an outlet duct that directs air heated by the microfluidic device away from the microfluidic device. The temperature of cooling air may be measured. The cooling air may be preheated to a temperature that is higher than an expected ambient temperature. The temperature of the cooling air after being heated by a microfluidic device may be measured.
US09919303B2

The present invention relates to a method for removing an organic compound from an aqueous solution, comprising the steps of providing the aqueous solution which contains the organic compound, and a hydrophobic organic solution, where the latter comprises a liquid hydrophobic cation exchanger, contacting the aqueous solution and the hydrophobic organic solution, and separating off the hydrophobic organic solution from the aqueous solution, wherein the liquid hydrophobic cation exchanger is a saturated alkanoic acid having at least one alkyl substituent, where the organic compound is an organic compound having at least one positive charge and a neutral or positive total charge.
US09919301B2

An object of the invention of the present application is to provide a photocatalyst-carrying structure provided with a carrier and a photocatalyst layer carried on the carrier with an adhesive layer there between, wherein the adhesive layer for carrying the photocatalyst does not contain a volatile organic compound as solvent. An aqueous silicone-modified resin is preferably used for the adhesive layer, and the aqueous silicone-modified resin is preferably a resin obtained by emulsion polymerization of a monomer in the presence of an emulsifier in an aqueous medium, and is further modified with silicone using a compound having a silicone structure.
US09919298B2

A catalyst composition comprises an inert hydrocarbon solvent, having dissolved therein a titanate of the formula Ti(OR)4 wherein each R is the same or different, and is a hydrocarbon residue, and an organic aluminum compound, wherein a molar ratio of the organic aluminum compound and any alkene present in the catalyst composition is greater than one.
US09919297B2

The present invention provides a novel high-silica zeolite having a high molar ration of a tetravalent element (Y) to a trivalent element (X) in terms of oxide.A zeolite, comprising at least a trivalent element X and a tetravalent element Y, wherein a molar ratio n=YO2/X2O3 in terms of oxide is 9.5 or more, and the zeolite comprises an RHO-type structure, or comprising at least a trivalent element X and a tetravalent element Y, wherein a molar ratio n=YO2/X2O3 in terms of oxide is 9.5 or more, and a characteristic X-ray diffraction pattern. This zeolite is produced by hydrothermal synthesis of a zeolite from an aqueous gel that is prepared by adding a mixed solution comprising a crown ether, an alkali, and water to a solution containing an aluminum atom material, and by then dropwise adding a liquid containing a silicon atom material.
US09919292B2

According to one embodiment, a photocatalyst body satisfies at least one condition described below, (1) a ratio of an absorption intensity at a wave number of 3450 cm−1 to a peak intensity of an absorption at about 1037 cm−1 being 2.5 or less in an analysis of a surface of the body, (2) a ratio of a maximum peak intensity of an absorption in a wave number range of not less than 1500 cm−1 and not more than 1700 cm−1 to a peak intensity of an absorption at about 1037 cm−1 being 0.7 or less in the analysis and (3) the photocatalyst body having no absorption peak in a wave number range of not less than 5000 cm−1 and not more than 5400 cm−1 or a ratio of a maximum peak intensity of an absorption to an absorption intensity at 5250 cm−1 being 1.7 or less in the analysis.
US09919284B2

The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing water-absorbing polymer particles by polymerizing monomers on a continuous conveyor belt, wherein joins of the conveyor belt and/or damage on the conveyor belt surface have been sealed with a sealing composition.
US09919277B2

The invention describes a method for isolating one or more genetic elements encoding a gene product having a desired activity, comprising the steps of: (a) compartmentalising genetic elements into microcapsules; and (b) sorting the genetic elements which express the gene product having the desired activity; wherein at least one step is under microfluidic control. The invention enables the in vitro evolution of nucleic acids and proteins by repeated mutagenesis and iterative applications of the method of the invention.
US09919274B2

Carbon nanotube (CNT) immobilized membranes for harvesting pure water from air include CNTs incorporated into a layer of super-absorbing polymer. The super-absorbing polymer may be cast over a porous substrate. The super-absorbing polymer binds strongly to water and generates water clusters while the CNTs are operable to interrupt the specific water-polymer and water-water interactions to generate more free water which permeates more easily through the membrane. Methods of forming the CNT immobilized membranes are provided. The CNT immobilized membranes disclosed herein exhibit improved water vapor extraction efficiency, water vapor removal and mass transfer coefficient.
US09919272B2

The present invention relates to a separation membrane having both antibiotic and hydrophilic properties for water treatment and a preparation method thereof. In the separation membrane of the present invention, since an organic compound (antimicrobial and/or hydrophilic compound) is chemically conjugated to non-metal inorganic nanoparticles or metal nanoparticles, the nanoparticles are not eluted from the separation membrane even when the separation membrane is used for water treatment for a long period of time, so that the separation membrane may continuously maintain antimicrobial properties and high water permeability, is safe to the human body even when used for the treatment of drinking water, such as water purification, and exhibits characteristics in which stain resistance is also significantly enhanced due to antimicrobial and hydrophilic properties, which have been continuously imparted. Furthermore, high mechanical strength is exhibited by a metal or inorganic nanofiller introduced.
US09919262B2

A process for removing sulfur dioxide from a feed gas stream, which comprises (i) contacting the feed gas stream with an aqueous lean absorbing medium comprising a chemical solvent comprising a regenerable absorbent, a physical solvent, and one or more heat stable salts. The regenerable absorbent is an amine. The ratio of the wt % of the physical solvent over that of the regenerable absorbent is 0.5 to 2.5. The ratio of the wt % of heat stable salts over that of the regenerable absorbent is 0.29 to 0.37. The pH of the lean absorbing medium is 6 or less. With the process SO2 can be selectively removed. When the absorbing medium is stripped, a reduced amount of energy is required as compared to known processes.
US09919248B2

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a filtration device for use in filtration of a liquid, and disclose: a liquid receptacle having an open end and a closed end; a plunger body moveable at least partially within the liquid receptacle along an axis said axis extending between the open and closed ends, said plunger including a filtrate chamber in fluid communication with the liquid receptacle via a fluid filtering path and a filter disposed in the filtering path, and the device further including a slidable seal for inhibiting or preventing fluid flow across the seal during said plunger movement; wherein said seal includes a first skirt depending from the plunger at one end of the first skirt, said first skirt having an outer surface which in use slidably and sealingly abuts the vial, and having, at least in an uncompressed state, a generally annular separation between the skirt and the plunger body, which separation extends generally parallel to the axis. A second skirt, overlapping the first skirt, is disclosed also.
US09919243B2

The gas compression method/system restricts flow of emulsified liquid-gas mixture through many substantially radial capillary tube-passages in a rotating disk by either one-way valves, narrowing the passages, hydraulic impedance and/or reinforcement of coriolis forces in terminal end tail segments of the capillary passages. Compressed gas is released from peripherally collected compressed gas-liquid emulsion (beyond the terminal ends of the tubes) in a arcuate peripheral disc space when the compressed gas bubbles emerge from the peripherally collected emulsion. A compressed gas drain draws off gas from the peripheral space. Liquid drain draws off liquid from the space. In different embodiments, radial outboard flow through the capillaries is effected by various one-way valves which may be a single valve in the passage or multiple valves. Coriolis force in tail segments is enhanced by angular displacement in the direction of rotation. Valves may be used in combination with such tail-end segments.
US09919240B2

Systems and methods are provided for controlling vapor recovery in a pressurized system. A first vessel is configured to receive gas or condensate from a station at a first pressure, the first vessel including a first output for outputting vapor to a liquid cooled compressor. A second vessel is configured to receive condensate from the first vessel, the second vessel being controlled to maintain a second pressure that is lower than the first pressure, the second vessel including a first output for outputting vapor to the first vessel, the second vessel including a second output for outputting condensate to a storage container. A second compressor is configured to maintain the second pressure at the second vessel, and a pumping network is configured to transport liquid from the compressor to the first vessel and the second vessel to increase temperatures at the first vessel and the second vessel.
US09919238B2

The present application relates to a distillation apparatus and a separation method, and according to the distillation apparatus and the separation method of the present application, it is possible to separate a material to be separated during the separation of a mixture of three or more components, for example, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate with high purity, and to achieve an object of saving energy during the separation and purification process of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.
US09919234B1

A toy storage and activity apparatus includes a housing including a left housing portion and a right housing portion forming an interior volume, and a hinged joint connecting the left and right housing portions. The hinged joint enables separation of the housing into an open configuration to provide access to the interior volume. The left and the right housing portions each form one or more magnetic interior compartments within the interior volume. The magnetic interior compartments have magnetic surfaces suitable for attaching a magnetic toy character and other magnetic toy models. The three-dimensional magnetic surfaces further include interior-facing indicia depicting a scene or imagery.
US09919231B1

A cuboid head figure has a head portion. The head portion is a cuboid and has a head front panel, a head rear panel, a head bottom panel, and a head top panel. The head front panel is parallel to the head rear panel. The head bottom panel is parallel to the head top panel. A plurality of magnets are installed in the head portion on an inside surface of the head portion. A slot is formed on the head rear panel and the head bottom panel. The head rear panel is perpendicular to the head bottom panel. A retainer connects to the head portion through the slot. The retainer has a retainer upper section that protrudes into the slot and engages the inside surface of the head portion. The retainer also has retainer side extensions that extend laterally from the retainer upper section.
US09919229B1

An inflatable landing pad has an air mattress capable of sustaining an air pressure, and an air supply tube for supplying air from an inflatable play structure to the air mattress. The air mattress is separated into a plurality of sections by vented baffles. A proximal end of the air supply tube is sealably attached to the air mattress around an aperture for directing air into the air mattress, and the distal end of the air supply tube includes a coupling for connecting to an air supply port of the inflatable play structures. The air mattress is adapted to be positioned adjacent an exit portion of an inflatable play structure.
US09919225B2

An m×l array of randomly selected tokens may be provided as a playing field, and a second n×l array of randomly selected tokens may be provided as a hand. The player may select a cell within the m×l array to replace the token in said cell with a token in a corresponding cell of the n×l array. If the replacement results in a region of adjacent identical tokens in the m×l array, the tokens may be removed and the player's score incremented. If no plays are possible from the player's hand, the player may draw a new hand of randomly selected tokens to replace the tokens and/or blank spaces in the n×l array. Play continues until the player has exhausted a predetermined number of opportunities to draw a new hand.
US09919222B1

An approach to facilitate providing leaderboards based upon in-game events within a game space. The leaderboards based on user progress to achieving one or more administrator defined objectives within the game space, where each objective requires the completion of one or more activities. An objective metric for the first user, indicating the first user's progress toward achieving the objective may be determined, based upon one or more activity metric values for the first user. The activity metric values providing an indication of the first user's progress toward completing activities required to be completed to achieve the objective, as defined by an administrator.
US09919221B2

A method of and system for conducting multiple competitions of skill for a single performance are described herein. User generated competition groups and system generated competition groups allow users to participate in multiple competitions at once based on answering the same questions or making the same selections related to a single event. The users are informed of each competition either via email, text message or when logging into the network via a website. The users select which competitions groups to join. After joining the desired groups, the users then make their selections related to the event which are transmitted to the network where results are tabulated and transmitted back to the users. The results are separated based on each competition group, so that users can continually know where they stand in each separate competition. With multiple competition groups, users are able to have varying success from the same performance in multiple competitions.
US09919220B2

A video game method has steps for receiving, at a network-connected server providing video games, a request from a first player to enter a particular game, determining by software executing on a processor on the network-connected server, from a non-transitory medium, instances of the particular game already in progress, accessing stored information regarding friends of the first player, determining if one or more friends of the first player are engaged in one or more of the games already in progress, and directing the first player to a particular one of the games already in progress wherein one or more friends of the first player are engaged.
US09919218B1

Virtual reality content in an online game may be provided by providing access to users attempting to join a game instance via virtual reality platforms and denying access to users attempting to join the game instance via non-virtual reality platforms. Virtual reality content in an online game may be provided by requiring users playing the online game via virtual reality platforms during a time period to achieve a first objective, and requiring users playing the online game via non-reality platforms during the time period to achieve a second objective. The first objective may require interaction with the virtual reality content and the second object may not require interaction with the virtual reality content. Virtual reality content in an online game may be provided by requiring all users to achieve an objective during a time period. The objective may require interaction with the virtual reality content.
US09919195B2

A short game golf trainer system in three releasably coupled parts: a horizontal base, a vertical support, and a cantilever horizontal top plate. The base has anchoring features, such as holes for receiving spikes, for anchoring the base to a putting green. The support is preferably one piece of molded plastic. The top plate is generally an irregular hexagonal plate and may have an arcuate front side. When assembled, the top plate is cantilevered from the support. The top plate has a viewing port located nearer the front side than the rear, but spaced apart from the front side by more than half of a golf ball diameter. The viewing port has a diameter less than a golf ball diameter. Top plates may be made in different lengths: longer for putting and shorter for chipping and pitching. Supports may be made in different heights: shorter for putting and higher for chipping and pitching.
US09919190B2

A golf club head comprises a body and at least one self-extracting pressed weight assembly. The body comprises a face plate positioned at a forward portion of the golf club head, a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt positioned around a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. The body defines an interior cavity. The weight assembly comprises at least three components and is configured for a press fit engagement with the golf club head. The assembly has a drive portion and a threaded portion.
US09919189B1

An object, such as a soccer ball or a handball, is provided with perforated, interior panels disposed between an interior inflatable bladder and an outer covering which is stitched together from a plurality of individual panels. The stitching process produces raised portions surrounding the interior sides of the outer covering. These raised portions define recesses into which the perforated interior panels are disposed. The recess-filling panels overlie the ridges which are hard and whose hardness is counteracted by these preferably perforated panels. This provides a smooth surface against which the inflatable bladder rests. Additional flexure is also provided by perforating one or more of the layers in the outer covering. With particular reference to handball manufacture the interior panels comprise two layers, the outer one of which contains recesses containing shock absorbing gel type material.
US09919183B1

A physical exercise apparatus and method of using the same targets the balanced development of a user's deltoid, pectoralis or upper pectoralis muscles by providing for a user to perform a target, upper body, weight lifting exercise with a resistance load, such as with a barbell, while the user simultaneously performs a distraction exercise of cycling with the legs. The distraction exercise inhibits the muscles of the lower body from assisting the upper body with the target exercise. The apparatus includes a seat or bench for a user to perform the weight lifting and cycling in one of a seated position, a supine position, and a partially supine position. The apparatus also includes a single or multi-level support for holding the resistance load adjacent the seat or bench, and movable foot pedals that are adjustable to a selected location in a two-dimensional plane at which the user performs cycling.
US09919178B2

An apparatus for exercising a person's calves in two different ways. The apparatus comprising a footrest, a kneerest, and a length of stretchable material for extending between the footrest and the kneerest. The length of stretchable material is flat sided and the footrest has a roller arrangement that allows the length of stretchable material to connect to the footrest such that the flat sides of the length of stretchable material slide over the roller arrangement. The kneerest has an anchor means for the length of stretchable material that allows the length of stretchable material to connect to the kneerest such that the flat sides of the length of stretchable material pass over the anchor means. The footrest, the kneerest, and the length of stretchable material are separable from each other.
US09919175B2

This invention relates to a formulation material and its method useful in forestry firefighting, the formulation material comprising: (a) an anhydride copolymer having a structural formula wherein a functional group X of said formula is at least one alkyl group selected from the family consisting of methyl, ethyl, and propyl groups! and (b) at least 0.1%, by weight, of at least one cross-linking agent for said anhydride copolymer, said agent selected from the group of cross-linking agents consisting of a biopolymer and a tannin, wherein a weight ratio of said anhydride copolymer to said cross-linking agent is at least 2:1, and wherein a total weight of said anhydride copolymer and said cross-linking agent, within the formulation, is at least 25% on an anhydrous basis.
US09919164B2

According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus, includes: a first acquisition unit; a second acquisition unit; and a part-removed image generation unit, wherein the first acquisition unit is adapted to acquire a first radiograph that is a virtual radiograph generated to have a specified part or a predetermined part, among parts included in volume data indicative of a three-dimensional structure of an inside of a body of a patient, being emphasized, the second acquisition unit is adapted to acquire a second radiograph of the inside of the body of the patient, and the part-removed image generation unit is adapted to generate a part-removed image by removing the specified or predetermined part or parts other than the specified or predetermined part from the second radiograph with reference to the first radiograph.
US09919159B2

A programming session for an implantable medical device that includes a posture responsive therapy mode includes at least two phases. In a first phase, a first set of therapy parameter values are modified while the posture responsive therapy mode is deactivated. In the posture responsive therapy mode, the medical device automatically selects one or more therapy parameter values that define therapy delivered to a patient based on a detected posture state. In a second phase, the posture responsive therapy mode is activated and a second set of therapy parameter values are adjusted after observing a patient response to the posture responsive therapy delivered with the first set of therapy parameter values selected during the first phase. The second set of therapy parameter values may, for example, define the patient posture states or the modification profiles with which the medical device adjusts therapy upon detecting a posture state transition.
US09919158B2

An implantable medical device (IMD) determines an effect of the disruptive energy field and adjusts one or more operating parameters of the IMD based on at least the determined effect. In some instances, the IMD may determine an actual effect of the disruptive energy field, such as a temperature change, impedance change, pacing or sensing threshold change, MRI-induced interference one pacing or sensing, or other actual effect. In other instances, the IMD may determine a predicted effect of the disruptive energy field based on one or more characteristics of the exposure. In any case, the IMD adjusts one or more parameters based on at least the determined effect.
US09919148B2

An implantable electrical stimulation lead including a lead body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal length, wherein the distal end of the lead body is formed into a hook or coil shape; a plurality of electrodes disposed along the hook or coil at the distal end of the lead body; a plurality of terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead body; and a plurality of conductors, each conductor electrically coupling at least one of the electrodes to at least one of the terminals. The lead can be used to stimulate, for example, a dorsal root ganglion with the hook-shaped or coil-shaped distal end disposed around a portion of the dorsal root ganglion.
US09919143B2

The assembly is generally tubular and comprises a female connector portion comprising a cannula adapted to receive a male connector, the female connector portion comprising one or more septum units. Each of the septum units comprises slits and flaps. The flaps, when in a closed position, substantially close the cannula. The septum units are positioned adjacent to one another in a “back to back” orientation such that the first septum slits are transverse to the corresponding second septum slits such that the slits of the first septum are supported by flaps of the second septum and slits of the second septum are supported by flaps of the first septum.
US09919142B2

An injection site for medical lines includes a tubular body made of molded plastic material within which an elastic element made of thermoplastic material is overmolded on an enlarged end of the tubular body. The enlarged end delimits an inner annular flange and is formed with at least one radial through-hole through which the elastic element is overmolded in order to rest axially against the inner annular flange and fill the radial through-hole with an appendage.
US09919133B1

The surgical drain anchoring device includes a resilient, flexible pad having an upper surface, an opposing lower surface, a centrally positioned aperture, and a slit extending radially outward from the aperture to the perimeter of the device. A neck member positioned on the upper surface defines a central channel aligned with the aperture, and a tapered member aligned with the aperture extends from the lower surface so that a surgical drain can pass through the neck, the aperture, and the tapered member. An outer ridge member adapted for attachment of an external drainage bag thereto also extends from the upper surface. The external drainage bag includes a primary opening configured to attach onto the outer ridge member and a secondary opening configured to drain fluid from the drainage bag. The device can also include a strap, tie, or clip configured for securing the neck around the surgical drain.
US09919131B2

A catheter for ablation, mapping, injection, and directional control by an external magnetic system has a catheter body, an intermediate section, and a tip section having a tip electrode with an omnidirectional distal end and a concentric needle port. The tip electrode houses a magnetic device and a position sensor in an integrated configuration that facilitates a path in the tip section for extension and retraction of a component, including an injection needle, with reduced stress and friction. The integrated configuration is an efficient use of space in the tip electrode that allows the tip section to carry both the position sensor and the necessary volume of magnetic or magnetizable material to accomplish magnetic navigation. The catheter also includes a very soft and flexible intermediate section and an even softer and more flexible distal transitional section carrying additional magnetic members to facilitate remote magnetic navigation.
US09919121B2

The ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy interfaces a ventilation device to the patient's airways. The ventilation interface includes a pair of nasal inserts made from flexible, resilient silicone which are oval shaped in cross-section and slightly tapered from a base proximal the ventilation supply to the distal tip end. A bead flange is disposed about the exterior of each insert at the distal end of the insert. A bleed port for release of exhaled air is defined through a conical vent projecting normally to the path of the incoming air flow, and continues through a nipple extending to the exterior of the air conduit. In one embodiment, a pair of nasal inserts are integral with a nasal cannula body, with bleed ports axially aligned with each insert. In another embodiment, each insert is independently connected to a separate, thin-walled, flexible supply line.
US09919120B2

The present invention is relating to various embodiments of a respiratory interface device, such as a mask, that includes a fabric body structured to accommodate one or both of a nasal and oral region of a user's face. The fabric body includes a fabric connecting member extending therefrom structured to receive a coupling device for delivering a gas to the respiratory interface device. In another embodiment, the fabric body includes a non-fabric support element.
US09919110B2

One embodiment is directed to a safety syringe system, comprising: an off-the-shelf syringe assembly comprising a syringe body and a plunger tip; a needle assembly removably coupleable to the distal end of the syringe body such that medicinal fluid may be transferred through a retractable needle coupled to a needle housing comprising the needle assembly upon insertion of the plunger tip relative to the syringe body; and a plunger control assembly coupled to the plunger tip and configured to facilitate manual insertion of the plunger tip relative to the syringe body; wherein upon insertion of the plunger tip to a final insertion state and release of an associated manual insertion load, the plunger tip may be proximally withdrawn, pulling the retractable needle proximally relative to the needle housing to a safe locked and retracted state wherein it is no longer exposed for injection.
US09919098B2

An at least partly implantable system for injecting a substance into a patient's body, in particular a penis erection stimulation system, comprises one or more long, flexibly bendable infusion needles, the tip ends of which are disposed within and implanted along with at least one first housing, in particular adjacent the patient's left and right corpora cavernosa. The respective other end or ends of the infusion needles are disposed and implanted along with at least one second housing remote from the first housing. A reservoir and a pump are also implanted inside the patient's body to supply the infusion needle with infusion liquid. A drive unit also adapted for implantation inside the patient's body is arranged for advancing and retracting the infusion needle such that its tip end penetrates the at least one first housing's outer wall in at least one penetration area, more specifically at least in two different penetration areas either simultaneously or in immediate time succession, thereby injecting the substance into the patient's body.
US09919097B2

A drug delivery device (100), including a body (104, 116) having a reservoir (164, 176) disposed therein for containing a medicament and an injection needle (152) for penetrating the skin of a patient, the needle (152) providing a path for the medicament between the reservoir (164, 176) and the patient. The device (100) also includes a needle cover (114) for selectively covering the injection needle (152), an adhesive (264) for selectively adhering the device to the patient, a release liner (500) for selectively covering a patient side of the adhesive (264), and a connecting means (112, 520, 512, 508, 524) for connecting the needle cover (114) and the release liner (500) such that removal of one of the needle cover (114) and the release liner (500) from the device (100) removes the other one of the needle cover (114) and the release liner (500).
US09919096B2

Some embodiments of an infusion pump system include a pump device with a drive system that is configured to attach with a medicine cartridge in manner that reduces the likelihood of dosage inaccuracies. In one example, the drive system of the pump device can be equipped with a plunger engagement device that is configured to mechanically anchor into a plunger of the medicine cartridge, and then to bias the plunger of the medicine cartridge in a direction toward a piston rod of the drive system.
US09919094B2

A cartridge set including: a plurality of cartridges; a plurality of holders, each of which has an upper end externally fitted to the outer peripheral surface of each of the cartridges, and has a lower end face whose outer diameter is greater than the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge; a supporting plate that has a plurality of through-holes, each of which has an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge and has each of the plurality of cartridges inserted therethrough; a storage box that stores the supporting plate therein; and a lid member that blocks an upper end opening of the storage box.
US09919093B2

An irrigation system, useable e.g. for rectal/anal irrigation, comprising a reservoir for irrigating liquid; a probe (such as a catheter) for arrangement in a user, and having an inflatable retention member (such as a balloon); and tubing providing fluid communication between the reservoir, the control unit and the probe for conducting the irrigation fluid from the reservoir to the probe.
US09919092B2

Blood separation systems and methods are provided for detecting lipids in plasma that has been separated from a plasma-containing fluid, such as blood. Plasma is separated from a fluid in a blood separator, with at least a portion of the separated plasma being removed from the blood separator via a plasma flow path. Blue and/or ultraviolet light is passed through the separated plasma in the blood separator or in the plasma flow path, with at least a portion of the light being received after passing through the separated plasma. A signal is generated based on the amount of light passing through the separated plasma, with the signal being indicative of the lipid content of the separated plasma. Determining the lipid content of the separated plasma involves comparing the difference between the signal and a reference signal that represents receipt of all or a pre-selected amount of the light.
US09919071B2

A sealing member is disclosed for use with a wick of a diffuser, or the like. The sealing member seals a vessel containing a liquid in a fluid chamber. The sealing member may be composed of a malleable material that may also be resistant to a liquid fragrance contained in the vessel. The sealing member may include a body, flaps and an opening for receiving a wick therethrough. The sealing member may form a persistent seal when a wick is inserted therethrough, while at the same time allowing venting to the fluid chamber.
US09919059B2

Nanoparticles for a selective, two stage delivery to tumors have been developed. The nanoparticles are initially sized so that they preferentially accumulate in the tumor tissue as a result of leakage through the defective vascular in the solid tumors. Once in the tumor tissue, the nanoparticles are cleaved hydrolytically and/or by enzymatic cleavage over time to release smaller nanoparticles carrying therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agents into the necrotic interior of the tumors. This provides a simple, elegant and highly effective means of delivery drug selectively not just to tumors generally, but, more importantly, into the poorly vascularized necrotic interiors which drugs are normally unable to penetrate. The nanoparticles have a number of advantages: less toxicity due to selective accumulation only in the tumors; access into the poorly vascularized necrotic interiors of the tumor; and sustained release over a period of time within the tumor.
US09919051B2

The present invention relates to aqueous formulations comprising a compound neutralizing GM-CSF in concentrations of at least about 20 mg/ml, a tonicity modifier and a buffer, wherein the composition is stable. The ingredients of the formulation preferably provide stability to the compound neutralizing GM-CSF in view of long-term storage. In a preferred aspect, the formulation is for use in therapy, preferably for use in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, preferably including allergic and psoriatic disorders, as well as arthritic and asthmatic disorders. Furthermore, a kit comprising the formulation of the invention is provided.
US09919043B2

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods related to mutant viruses, and in particular, mutant influenza viruses. The mutant viruses disclosed herein include a mutant M2 sequence, and are useful in immunogenic compositions, e.g., as vaccines. Also disclosed herein are methods, compositions and cells for propagating the viral mutants, and methods, devices and compositions related to vaccination.
US09919029B2

The present invention relates to methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of bacterial infections. In particular, the present invention relates to a Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist for use in a method for the treatment of a bacterial infection in a subject in need thereof wherein the TLR agonist is administered to the subject in combination with at least one antibiotic.
US09919027B2

A lipid nanoparticle that includes at least one antibiotic from the polymyxin family, a lipid fraction, and one or more surfactants. The lipid nanoparticle is useful in the prevention and/or treatment of respiratory tree infections.
US09919026B2

Provided herein are peptide formulations comprising polymers as stabilizing agents. The peptide formulations can be more stable for prolonged periods of time at temperatures higher than room temperature when formulated with the polymers. The polymers used in the present invention can decrease the degradation of the constituent peptides of the peptide formulations.
US09919018B2

The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for making and using topical compositions comprised of an isotonic, biome-friendly solution containing xylose and/or a Salvia extract. The compositions are useful for, for example, maintaining or enhancing female lower reproductive tract (LRT) homeostasis and physiological function. In particular, topical compositions of this disclosure can be formulated for use as a freshening, menopausal, fertility, and/or perineal composition.
US09919010B2

Biologically low invasive vessels are filled with biological factors that have the activity of mobilizing specific functional cells in the body. The vessels are indwelled in the body. After specific functional cells are mobilized into the vessels, the vessels are removed from the body to collect functional cell populations mobilized to the vessels. Alternatively, the cells are directly collected from the vessels indwelled in the body.
US09919007B2

The present invention is generally directed to an oral pharmaceutical tablet composition comprising a sulfate salt, for example, sodium sulfate, wherein the composition is capable of administration by direct oral ingestion and by disintegration in water prior to oral ingestion. The present invention is further directed to use of such oral pharmaceutical tablet formulations to induce laxation or to treat or prevent constipation.
US09919001B2

The present invention relates to a drug carrier having L-DNA nanocage structure prepared by using L-DNA, the mirror form of natural DNA, as a backbone. The drug carrier of the present invention has very superior cellular uptake efficiency and serum stability, so that it can be applied to deliver various drugs into cells usefully.
US09918999B2

Method for preparing a medical solution, comprising the steps of a) providing a solution comprising one or more acetylated or deacetylated amino sugar/sugars in at least one compartment of a container at a pH from 2.5 to 5.0, and b) terminal sterilization of said at least one compartment and the contents therein, is disclosed, as well as a solution used for preparing the medical solution, a container containing said solution, and use of said solution for the manufacture of a medicament for peritoneal dialysis.
US09918991B2

The invention includes a method of treating a mammal comprising topically applying an aqueous composition to a target site on the mammal, wherein the aqueous composition comprises: active ingredients comprising i) a cosmetic dye selected from a violet, blue or green dye, or combinations thereof, and ii) an enhancing ingredient, wherein the relative weight percentage of the cosmetic dye to the enhancing ingredient is about 1:2 to about 40:1, wherein the cosmetic dye interacts with keratinous material thereby i) substantially staining the target site and ii) inhibiting the active ingredients from significantly leaching from the target site.
US09918990B2

The present invention relates to compounds represented by the general Formula I which are inhibitors of BET proteins such as BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRD-t and are useful in the treatment of diseases such as cancer.
US09918989B2

The present disclosure provides methods for treating or preventing malaria by administration of a protein kinase inhibitor and optionally one or both of a further protein kinase inhibitor and an antimalarial drug to a mammalian subject infected with or at risk of exposure to Plasmodium sp. In some aspects, the therapeutic and prophylactic regimens of the present disclosure are effective in reducing parasite development in mosquitoes feeding on recipients of the regimens. Additionally, the present disclosure provides methods for screening candidate antimalarial agents.
US09918971B2

Aerosol formulations of granisetron useful for pulmonary delivery are provided. The formulations are useful in the reduction, elimination or prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Also provided are novel methods to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), radiation-induced nausea and vomiting (RINV), and post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) using the inhalation formulations.
US09918969B2

The invention relates to substituted oxopyridine derivatives and to processes for their preparation, and also to their use for preparing medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, in particular cardiovascular disorders, preferably thrombotic or thromboembolic disorders, and oedemas, and also ophthalmic disorders.
US09918966B2

Compositions and pharmaceutical compositions including one or more selenium-containing COX-2 inhibitors are provided according to aspects of the present invention. Methods of treating a subject having or suspected of having cancer are provided according to aspects of the present invention which include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition including a selenium-containing COX-2 inhibitor.
US09918958B2

The invention provides a method for treating hypoxia in a normal subject, comprising administering 5-HMF to the subject.
US09918954B2

In various embodiments, the present invention provides methods of reducing the risk of a cardiovascular event in a subject on statin therapy and, in particular, a method of reducing the risk of a cardiovascular event in a subject on statin therapy having a fasting baseline triglyceride level of about 135 mg/dL to about 500 mg/dL, and administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising about 1 g to about 4 g of eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester or a derivative thereof.
US09918941B2

Method for producing enteric microcapsules without coating, containing diclofenac or one of the salts thereof with satisfactory anti-inflammatory activity and low gastric aggressiveness; and a pharmaceutical composition containing them. The method comprises a) preparing a mixture in water-ethanol with an alginate salt, adding diclofenac or one of the salts thereof previously diluted with a surfactant and sodium bicarbonate; b) adding the previous solution to a solution with a calcium salt; c) resuspending the microcapsules obtained and isolated in an aqueous solution of the alginate salt; and d) isolating, drying and sieving through 1000 and 250 micron meshes the microcapsules obtained; and selecting the fraction comprised between both meshes. The pharmaceutical composition can be an oral composition, tablets, chewable tablets, or a powder for suspension in water.
US09918935B2

[Problem] To provide a physiologically active peptide-loaded stable composition for injection into living bodies.[Solution] A composition containing a triblock copolymer represented by formula (I), a polyanionic polymer and a physiologically active peptide: CNR-PEG-CNR  (I) in the formula, CNR moieties are each independently a polymer segment containing a repeating unit that contains, as a part of a pendant group, a cyclic nitroxide radical bonded to a main polymer chain via a linking group that contains at least one amino group, and PEG is a segment that contains poly(ethylene glycol).
US09918931B2

A method for providing a customized skin care product to a customer and skin care kit are disclosed. The method includes obtaining information from a customer regarding current skin conditions, analyzing the information to identify a plurality of target skin conditions in response to the current skin conditions, correlating booster compositions to the target skin conditions, the booster compositions including active ingredients corresponding to the target skin conditions, and assembling a skin care kit, the skin care kit including a base oil composition and a plurality of booster compositions having actives corresponding to the target skin conditions. The base oil composition and plurality of boosters are mixable to obtain a treatment composition at any point in time prior to application to skin.
US09918926B2

Provided is a mouth rinse composition comprising a phosphate/acrylate co-polymer and an orally acceptable carrier and methods of using the same.
US09918921B2

The present invention relates to a method of shaping a fibrous material and treatment compositions therefor. The method comprises providing a treatment composition comprising an active agent and a photocatalyst, applying the treatment composition to the fibrous material to form a treated fibrous material, mechanically shaping the treated fibrous material, and exposing the treated fibrous material to electromagnetic radiation. The treatment composition comprises an active agent, wherein the active agent comprises a sugar; and a photocatalyst.
US09918918B2

The present invention provides tooth-whitening compositions comprising a bleaching agent and a basic amino acid, together with devices for application thereof, and methods of use therefor.
US09918912B2

Disclosed is a water-in-silicone emulsion comprising a discontinuous water phase, a continuous silicone phase, and a silicone polyglucoside containing emulsifier, wherein the discontinuous water phase does not include a salt.
US09918911B2

A meta-stable composition, a product including the meta-stable composition, and a method of protecting a keratinous substrate from UV radiation by applying the product are provided. The meta-stable cosmetic composition includes at least one water-in-oil emulsifier having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of less than 6, at least one non-ionic oil-in-water emulsifier having an HLB of greater than 9, at least one ionic surfactant, and at least one skin care active ingredient. The weight ratio of the at least one non-ionic oil-in-water emulsifier to the at least one water-in-oil emulsifier is about 0.02 to about 2.0. The meta-stable cosmetic composition converts from an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion to a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion upon rubbing.
US09918910B2

A method for the oxidative dyeing of keratinic fibers includes the following steps: applying a cosmetic agent (M1) to the keratinic fibers, allowing agent (M1) to act on the keratinic fibers for a time period of 30 seconds to 40 minutes at a temperature of at least 25° C., applying a cosmetic agent (M2) to the keratinic fibers treated with cosmetic agent (M1), allowing cosmetic agents (M1) and (M2) to act on the keratinic fibers for a time period of 1 to 70 minutes, and rinsing out of cosmetic agents (M1) and (M2). Cosmetic agent (M1) includes at least one oxidation dye precursor of the developer type (M1-1), at least one oxidation dye precursor of the coupler type (M1-2), at least one direct dye (M1-3), and at least one surfactant (M1-4). Cosmetic agent (M2) includes at least one oxidation dye precursor (M2-1) and at least one oxidizing agent (M2-2).
US09918908B2

Dental adhesives and their uses, for instance an adhesive containing at least one first component A and at least one second component B, characterized in that said at least one first component A comprises a methyl methacrylate, a copolymer of methyl methacrylate dissolved in excess methyl methacrylate, at least one polyfunctional (meth)acrylate and a peroxide-based free-radical initiator, wherein said copolymer of methyl methacrylate is present in an amount of 30-50 parts by weight dissolved in a solution of 65-85 parts by weight of monomeric methyl methacrylate and 3-15 parts by weight of the polyfunctional (meth)acrylate, especially the triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), mixed with a solution of 0.5 to 3 parts by weight of said peroxide-based free-radical initiator, especially dibenzoyl peroxide, in 70-90 parts by weight of monomeric methyl methacrylate, and said at least one second component B comprises methyl methacrylate and a tertiary amine.
US09918900B2

A method for blow-fill-seal (BFS) packaging of a product and a BFS package. The method forms a BFS package with a twist-off top, container body and information panel in a main mold. The container is filled via a fill opening located distal to the twist-off top and the fill opening is sealed with a base portion. This provides a container having a twist-off top that is more reliably secured to the container body. A plurality of containers may be attached to a single information panel. The BFS packaging system may employ a quick change insert to reduce lost production time when changing products or lots. The package includes an information panel integrally formed with a plurality of twist-off tops, each of which is removably attached to a container body whereby each container body can be removed from the package without removing the remaining container bodies from the information panel.
US09918899B2

A drawer assembly is disclosed that includes a removable container ad a receiving tray. The container has a housing having at least one shaped surface and at least one horizontal alignment element coupled to and projecting from the housing. The receiving tray has a base having a redirection feature and at least one horizontal alignment hole in the base that is configured to accept the horizontal alignment element. The container and receiving tray are configured such that downward motion of the container with the shaped surface of the housing in contact with the redirection feature of the base induces a lateral motion of the container according to the engagement of the shaped surface and the redirection feature that causes the horizontal alignment element to slide into the horizontal alignment hole.
US09918891B1

The invention provides a container for a funerary box. Embodiments include a tray, a jacket, retaining straps, and detachable lift handles. The tray is configured to retain fluids and also cooperate with the jacket and retaining straps to fully protect and conceal the funerary box. Preferred materials selections for the tray and jacket result in a relatively lightweight container. In embodiments of the invention, the container is configured such that the lift handles can be disposed in alternative locations on the container to facilitate handling.
US09918888B2

A locking mechanism (100) includes one or more casters (102,103,104,105) coupled to a frame (101). A lift mechanism (106,107) is distally extendable from the frame to elevate the casters. A pivoting bar (108) is pivotable relative to the frame to distally extend the lift mechanism from the frame. A foot pedal (113) is pivotable relative to the pivoting bar between a closed position and an angularly displaced open position. When in the angularly displaced open position, the foot pedal can extend distally from the pivoting bar.
US09918887B1

A medical toilet bed system including a bed frame defining a bed frame aperture and a cover coupled to the bed frame and operable to translate from an open position exposing the bed frame aperture and a closed position substantially sealing the bed frame aperture. The medical toilet bed system also includes a medical toilet configured to be disposed underneath the bed frame having a toilet seat defining a toilet seat aperture configured to substantially align with the bed frame aperture, a toilet bowl coupled to the toilet seat, and an expandable lifting member coupled to the toilet bowl. The medical toilet bed system also includes an elongated medical toilet railing disposed a distance below the bed frame and above a ground surface for receiving the medical toilet thereon.
US09918886B2

A seat assist device is described. The seat assist device includes a base, a lift platform having a front portion and a rear portion, with the front portion of the lift platform being pivotally connected with the base. A lifting arm is connected with the rear portion of the lift platform. The lifting arm extends from the lift platform to project beyond the front potion of the lift platform, with the lifting arm terminating in handles for grasping by a user. A lift bar is pivotally connected between the base and the lifting arm, whereby a user sitting upon the seat assist device can press downward on the handles to cause the rear portion of the lift platform to rise and, in doing so, assist the user in rising from a seated position.
US09918885B2

A scooter lift having a wireless remote control that only signals the lift to raise or lower a platform when the remote control is positioned behind the automobile. The remote control only transmit signals if it has a clear line of sight with a transmitter eye located on the back of the control box for the scooter lift. An accelerometer prevents lowering of the platform when it detects motion.
US09918884B2

In one example, a sensor system of a patient monitoring system includes a voiding sensor that includes an electrical circuit configured to be transitioned from a first impedance state to a second impedance state in response to a voiding event in an absorbent region of an absorbent article worn by a patient. The sensor system also includes one or more processors configured to: determine, based on whether the impedance state of the electrical circuit is open or closed, that the voiding event has occurred; and generate, based at least in part on the occurrence of the voiding event, patient status data of the patient. The sensor system also includes a communication module configured to wirelessly transmit, via a relay module, the patient status data to a remote monitoring device that is distinct from the relay module.
US09918882B2

A tampon applicator includes an outer tube for containing at least a part of an absorber therein, a first inner tube and a second inner tube. The second inner tube is telescopically received within the first inner tube. The first inner tube and the second inner tube are connectable to each other during use to push out the absorber from the outer tube. At least a part of the first inner tube and at least a part of the second inner tube overlap with each other in an overlap region outside the outer tube. A color difference between the outer tube and the overlap region is higher than a color difference between the overlap region and the second inner tube.
US09918881B2

A method of folding a pant-like disposable absorbent garment includes providing a garment defining first and second waist side regions, a waist center region positioned therebetween, and a crotch region longitudinally below the waist center region. In particular embodiments, the method further includes folding the garment along a transversely extending fold line so as to bring the crotch region into superposed relation with the waist center region; providing a trough having a floor and first and second side walls; placing the waist center region in the trough; and, while the garment is in the trough, folding the garment along longitudinally extending first and second fold lines so as to position the first and second waist side regions, respectively, over the waist center region. The first and second fold lines are adjacent the first and second side walls, respectively.
US09918873B2

A laser system is calibrated with a tomography system capable of measuring locations of structure within an optically transmissive material such as a tissue of an eye. Alternatively or in combination, the tomography system can be used to track the location of the eye and adjust the treatment in response to one or more of the location or an orientation of the eye. In many embodiments, in situ calibration and tracking of an optically transmissive tissue structure such as an eye can be provided. The optically transmissive material may comprise one or more optically transmissive structures of the eye, or a non-ocular optically transmissive material such as a calibration gel in a container or an optically transmissive material of a machined part.
US09918870B2

A method of treating snoring and/or OSA in a subject in need of such treatment. The method includes crosslinking proteins of the subject's soft palate tissue or pharynx tissue. The crosslinking can occur by contacting the soft palate or pharynx tissue with a crosslinking reagent. In addition, the crosslinking can occur without heating, contracting or denaturing of the tissue, or any combination thereof.
US09918868B2

A bodily support assembly includes a bag that may insertably receive each of pair of forearms of a user. A first strap is attached to the bag and a first coupler is attached to the first strap. A second strap is attached to the bag and the second strap may be extended around a neck of a user. A second coupler is attached to the second strap and the second coupler is complementary with respect to the first coupler. Thus, the first coupler and the second coupler retain the first strap and the second strap around the user's neck thereby facilitating the bag to support the user's forearms.
US09918864B2

A brace is provided for treating humeral fractures. The brace is secured to a patient's humerus and forearm. The brace utilizes a hinge system which enables the portion of the brace secured to the patient's forearm to rotate in a plurality of planes relative to the portion of the brace secured to the patient's humerus. The hinge system allows the brace to be adjusted to the most advantageous position for the patient. Once the brace has been adjusted to the most advantageous position, the hinge system can be locked so that the brace remains in that position.
US09918860B2

Stent delivery systems and methods for making and using stent delivery systems are disclosed. An example stent delivery system may include a guide member having a proximal portion and a distal portion. A stent may be disposed about the distal portion of the guide member. The stent may have a wall having an opening formed therein. A pusher member may be disposed about the guide member and positioned proximal of the stent. A holding filament may be disposed at the opening and may extend to the proximal portion of the guide member. The holding filament may be configured to releasably secure the position of the stent relative to the pusher member. The holding filament may be releasable from the stent independently of movement of the guide member.
US09918859B2

A vascular intervention device delivery system includes a thumbwheel rotatably mounted in a handle. A termination assembly is mechanically connected to the handle. A catheter extends through the termination assembly and has a proximal end attached to the handle, and a distal carrier segment for mounting a vascular intervention device. A retractable sheath is movable from a first position covering the distal carrier segment to a second position refracted proximally to uncover the distal carrier segment. A pull extends between the thumbwheel and the retractable sheath, and through the termination assembly. A stability sheath that receives the pull and the inner catheter has a proximal end that terminates in the termination assembly.
US09918852B2

A system and method for spinal fusion comprising a spinal fusion implant of non-bone construction releasably coupled to an insertion instrument dimensioned to introduce the spinal fusion implant into any of a variety of spinal target sites, in particular into the thoracic region of the spine.
US09918846B2

A system and method of implanting a distal wrist implant relative to a host bone is presented. A distal radial component having a body including a first connection portion couplable to a stem is coupled to a second prosthetic coupled to a medial surface of the body. The second prosthetic replaces at least a portion of the sigmoid notch.
US09918841B2

A device for measuring an internal dimension of a native cardiac valve annulus includes an elongated support member having a proximal portion and a distal portion. A measuring portion is coupled to the distal portion, and an indicator is coupled to the proximal portion of the support member. The measuring portion is biased towards a deployed configuration such that when deployed it applies an outwardly directed radial force to the native valve annulus.
US09918839B2

A device is intended to be attached to or interconnected with a medical implant, and intended to be attached to or interconnected with a catheter. The catheter is intended for implanting the implant. A catheter is suited for receiving at least one such device and a method provides a delivery implement with an implant detachably disposed in the device.
US09918836B2

Packaging for prosthetic heart valves including an assembly for securely retaining a heart valve within a jar and facilitating retrieval therefrom. The assembly includes a packaging sleeve that fits closely within the jar and has a clip structure for securing a valve holder. Contrary to previous designs, in one embodiment the valve holder is directed downward into the jar, and the valve is retained with an inflow end upward. The valve may have flexible leaflets, and a leaflet parting member on the end of the shaft extends through the leaflets and couples with the valve holder. The assembly of the packaging sleeve, valve, and holder can then be removed from the jar and a valve delivery tube connected with the holder, or to the leaflet parting member. The packaging sleeve may be bifurcated into two halves connected at a living hinge to facilitate removal from around the valve/holder subassembly.
US09918835B2

A medical device for treating a heart valve insufficiency, with an endoprosthesis which can be introduced into a patient's body and expanded to secure a heart valve prosthesis in the patient's aorta. In an embodiment, the endoprosthesis has a plurality of positioning arches configured to be positioned with respect to a patient's aorta and a plurality of retaining arches to support a heart valve prosthesis. The endoprosthesis includes a first collapsed mode during the process of introducing it into the patient's body and a second expanded mode when it is implanted.
US09918834B2

A cardiac valve with a support frame having a first end member and a second end member opposing the first end member in a substantially fixed distance relationship, and a cover extending over the support frame to allow for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.
US09918830B2

An intraocular lens comprises a flexible optic and at least one haptic connected to the optic. The at least one haptic comprises a rigid structure.
US09918827B2

A construct is disclosed that may be used to repair or replace a natural ligament. The construct may be formed of materials for biocompatibility and/or resorbtion. The construct may be provided or connected to a soft anchor for connection to a bone portion.
US09918825B2

An endovascular stent-graft is provided that includes a structural member, which includes structural stent elements, at least a portion of which define a stent body when the stent-graft assumes a radially-expanded state; and a fluid flow guide. When the stent-graft assumes the radially-expanded state, (a) a first subset of the structural stent elements are configured to cause the stent body and the fluid flow guide to define a bulge that extends radially outward and has a greatest cross-sectional area that is equal to at least 120% of a cross-sectional area of a narrowest portion of the stent-graft rostral to the bulge, and (b) a second subset of the structural stent elements are not configured to cause the fluid flow guide to define the bulge. The structural stent elements of the first subset at least partially overlap the structural stent elements of the second subset lengthwise along the stent body.
US09918820B2

Various embodiments of a mesh or implant systems are provided. The implants can include one or more anchors, arms and the like. The anchors can include hingeable or patterned finger extension to facilitate tissue penetration and retention. Various tensioning and adjustment mechanisms, devices and methods are further provided for the implant systems.
US09918816B2

Apparatus and methods are provided for treating urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and other pelvic defects or dysfunctions, in both males and females, using one or more lateral implants to reinforce the supportive tissue of the urethra. The implants are configured to engage and pull (e.g., pull up) pelvic tissue to cause the lateral sub-urethral tissue, such as the endopelvic fascia, to tighten and provide slack reduction for improved support. As such, certain embodiments of the implants can be utilized to eliminate the need for mesh or other supportive structures under the urethra that is common with other incontinence slings.
US09918813B2

Polymeric shells which fit over natural teeth to change the perceived color of the teeth, and optionally to provide orthodontic support. The shells are prepared by thermoforming selected polymeric sheets which contain optical additives; the optical additives cause the combination of the shell and the teeth to have a desired appearance. The shell preferably has transparency of greater than 75%, particularly greater than 85%.
US09918809B2

An insert for a dental prosthesis screwed onto an implant, in particular of the type having a superstructure and an implant to be integrated in the bone, which are reciprocally joined by a screw. The insert is composed of an element made of a damping material interposed between the coupling surface of the superstructure and the implant. With an insert according to the invention, a dental prosthesis screwed onto an implant is obtained, which reproduces the natural anchoring state of the tooth to the bone, so that the stress peaks on the superstructure are damped before being discharged onto the implant and consequently also onto the bone. An insert according to the invention also offers the advantage of sealing the contact area between the superstructure and the implant, thus preventing dangerous bacterial infiltrations.
US09918807B2

Devices, systems, and methods for adjusting a prescription of a plurality of orthodontic brackets are disclosed herein. The devices include an orthodontic prescription-defining device that includes a plurality of contacting structures and a plurality of prescription-defining engagement structures. The systems include the orthodontic prescription-defining device and a plurality of orthodontic brackets. The methods include unlocking each of a plurality of orthodontic brackets, operatively contacting a plurality of contacting structures of an orthodontic prescription-defining device with a plurality of intra-oral reference points, urging each of a plurality of archwire slots to a respective preselected orientation, and locking each of the plurality of orthodontic brackets in the preselected orientation.
US09918806B2

Milling strategies for machining dental ceramic materials are provided that reduce milling time while maintaining strength, accuracy and marginal integrity.
US09918802B2

A system for illuminating a surgical site includes a surgical tool having a tubular shaped body with an outer wall that extends from a proximal end to a distal end of the tubular shaped body. An opening extends through the outer wall. The system includes an illumination device coupled with the surgical tool for providing light inside the tubular shaped body. The illumination device includes a proximal end having a housing with a power source, a distal end including a distal tip, an LED disposed inside the distal tip, and a flexible power line extending between the housing and the distal tip for interconnecting the LED with the power source. The distal tip is inserted into the opening extending through the outer wall of the tubular shaped body for providing light inside the tubular shaped body.
US09918799B2

The present invention provides a device and method for measuring tissue deformation during an invasive medical procedure. A device is provided comprising a flexible fiber having a proximal end and a distal end; at least one sensor embedded in the flexible fiber; a rigid mount having a transverse opening for the flexible fiber; a mechanism for inserting the flexible fiber into a tissue; a detector for receiving information from the sensor; and a tracking system for receiving information from the detector to calculate the sensor location.
US09918796B2

A bone depth gauge having a distal handle to which a tip is releasably connected. The tip is formed by photochemical machining to produce a tip and hook on the distal end with an approximate hexagonal cross section. The manufacturing costs of the tip are low enough to provide it in a one use package. A tubular element is releasably telescoped over the tip and handle to enable determination of the depth of a hole formed in a bone.
US09918794B2

An ablation device and methods for use thereof including a support structure adapted to support an ablation structure within an alimentary tract of a patient are provided. The support structure includes a longitudinal support with a longitudinal axis and a rotational support. The rotational support is adapted to permit at least part of the ablation structure to rotate with respect to the longitudinal support's longitudinal axis.
US09918788B2

Methods, devices, and systems for predicting, diagnosing, and preventing adverse events during an ablation procedure are described. A method for providing ablation energy includes receiving a first signal based on biological activity of a tissue of a patient. The method further includes analyzing the first signal to yield a first data set, establishing a threshold parameter according to the first data set, and providing ablation energy for the ablation of a biological site.
US09918784B2

A forceps includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. One or both of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members is configured to conduct energy between the jaw members and through tissue grasped therebetween to treat tissue. An insulative tubular member is movable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position, wherein the insulative tubular member is positioned proximally of the end effector assembly, and an extended position, wherein the insulative tubular member is disposed about the end effector assembly. A monopolar member is configured to apply energy to tissue to treat tissue when the insulative tubular member is disposed in the extended position.
US09918783B2

An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly has a pair of opposing jaw members. One or more of the jaw members includes a support base, an electrical jaw lead, and a sealing plate coupled to the electrical jaw lead. The sealing plate has a stainless steel layer and one or more piezo electric sensors. The jaw member also includes an insulative plate disposed between the support base and the sealing plate.
US09918775B2

The disclosed electrosurgical systems and methods accurately determine the power actually applied to a load by using equalizers to calibrate the power measurements. The electrosurgical systems include an electrosurgical generator and an electrosurgical instrument coupled to the electrosurgical generator through an electrosurgical cable. The electrosurgical generator includes an electrical energy source, voltage and current detectors, equalizers that estimate the voltage and current applied to a load, and a power calculation unit that calculates estimated power based upon the estimated voltage and current. The methods of calibrating an electrosurgical generator involve applying a resistive element across output terminals of the electrosurgical generator, applying a test signal to the resistive element, measuring the magnitude and phase angle of voltage and current components of the test signal within the electrosurgical generator, estimating the magnitude and phase angle of the voltage and current at the resistive element using equalizers, and determining gain correction factors and minimum phase angles for the equalizers.
US09918774B2

A medical device is provided that includes a hand piece, a heating power supply, and a therapy power supply. The hand piece includes a first electrode including a heater. The heating power supply selectively provides heating power to the heater. The therapy power supply selectively provides therapeutic power to the first electrode. The medical device is changeable between operating a first electrosurgical configuration and a second electrosurgical configuration. In the first electrosurgical configuration, the heating power supply provides the heating power to the heater to heat the first electrode and the therapy power supply provides the therapeutic power to the first electrode.
US09918771B2

A device and system for removing polyps is provided and includes a tubular member having proximal and distal ends, a snare portion operably extending from within the distal end of the tubular member, the snare portion including a cutting member for severing the sealed tissue. The polyp removal device may further include a handle portion operatively extending from within the proximal end of the tubular member. The handle portion may be configured for operable engagement by a user and the cutting member may extend between distal ends of the first and second electrodes.
US09918769B2

This disclosure details surgical instrumentation and related techniques for performing bone reconstruction surgeries. The surgical instrumentation may be used to size and shape a graft, such as an allograft. The appropriately sized and shaped graft is subsequently used to reconstruct damaged bone. A surgical instrumentation set is used to prepare the graft. The surgical instrumentation set includes a graft workstation, a plurality of sizing blocks and a plurality of cutting blocks.
US09918766B2

Devices and method discussed for device for delivering a pressurized substance to an opening in bone within a vertebral column, useful to provide access to structures in the vertebral so that a substance, such as bone cement can be delivered through a lumen or portal or for providing access to the opening in bone by a separate instrument.
US09918758B2

A modular bone plate is provided including at least a first and a second member each having a top surface and a bottom surface, the first member comprising a male connection portion with a single hole extending from the top surface to the bottom surface and the second member comprising a female connection portion with a single hole extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, wherein the male connection portion is insertable into the female connection portion such that the holes overlap and wherein an anchor or a plug member is insertable into the holes when they overlap.
US09918756B2

An orthopaedic implant includes a body being elongated in a longitudinal direction and having an outer wall, one or more openings through the outer wall, and a cannulation disposed along a length of the body and defined by the outer wall, the cannulation being non-uniform along the longitudinal direction, wherein the cannulation is configured such that a moment of inertia of the implant is substantially uniform along the longitudinal direction.
US09918752B2

A spinal implant system comprises a first instrument extending between a first end including an outer surface and a second end configured for engaging a first implant. The first instrument defines a passageway. A second instrument is configured for disposal within the passageway, and extending between a first end including an inner surface and a second end configured for engaging a second implant. The inner surface is engageable with the outer surface to fix the second instrument in a selected orientation relative to the first instrument. The second end of the first instrument is disposable between an expanded orientation and a non expanded orientation to engage the first implant and the second end of the second instrument is translatable relative to the first end of the second instrument to dispose the second implant with the first implant. Methods of use are disclosed.
US09918748B2

A rod connector for joining a first rod and a second rod includes bore holes that are offset and/or non-parallel to each other. The rod connector provides an offset or non-parallel connection between the rods that allows for the rods to match the contour of a patient's body without requiring bending of the rods. The rod connector may include a first bore hole for receiving the first spinal rod and a second bore hole for receiving the second spinal rod that is adjustable relative to the first bore hole to adjust the position and/or orientation of the second spinal rod relative to the first spinal rod. The rod connector may comprise a first housing component defining the first bore hole and a second housing component that is movable relative to the first housing component and defining the second bore hole.
US09918744B2

A dynamic fixation device is provided that allows the vertebrae to which it is attached to move in flexion within the normal physiological limits of motion, while also providing structural support that limits the amount of translation motion beyond normal physiological limits. The present invention includes a flexible portion and two ends that are adapted for connection to pedicle screws. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the normal axis of rotation of the vertebrae is substantially duplicated by the dynamic fixation device. The flexible portion of the dynamic fixation device can include a geometric shape and/or a hinge portion.
US09918733B2

A method and apparatus for disrupting material at a tissue site is described. A contact layer may be selected for use on the tissue site and positioned adjacent to the tissue site. The contact layer may include walls defining a plurality of through-holes. A sealing member may be positioned over the contact layer and sealed to tissue surrounding the tissue site to form a sealed space enclosing the contact layer. A negative-pressure source may be fluidly coupled to the sealed space. The negative-pressure source may supply negative pressure to the sealed space and the contact layer to draw tissue into the through-holes to form nodules. The negative pressure may be vented from the sealed space to release the nodules.
US09918732B2

Some embodiments are directed to medical devices, and methods for making and using the medical devices. An exemplary medical device includes a first elongate member, a second elongate member, and a coupler. The coupler may be configured to removably couple the first elongate member to the second elongate member.
US09918725B2

A low profile patient specific cutting block for a knee includes a plurality of bone interfacing portions and a cutting slot. The plurality of bone interfacing portions are configured to overlie portions of an end of a bone. The bone interfacing portions each have a surface that is generally a negative of the portion of the bone that the respective bone interfacing portion overlies. The bone interfacing portions are angularly offset from each other such that a first of the bone interfacing portions overlies an anterior portion of the bone, and a second of the bone interfacing portions overlies a portion of bone generally perpendicular to the anterior portion of bone. The cutting slot is oriented in a fixed position relative to the bone interfacing portions such that the cutting slot directs a cutting tool at a fixed angle and at a fixed depth relative to the bone interfacing portions.
US09918720B2

Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature with some embodiments configured for delivery with a microcatheter for treatment of the cerebral vasculature of a patient. Some embodiments may include a permeable shell and inner structure configured to occlude blood flow therethrough.
US09918719B2

Veins and other blood vessels may be reshaped by introducing an implant through the vessel walls with anchors positioned on opposite sides of the wall. The anchors typically include an elongate body having coils or other anchors formed therein. The implants may be delivered percutaneously using a cannula which can hold the anchor externally or internally. The methods and devices are useful in treating a dorsal vein to reduce blood flow in patients suffering from erectile dysfunction.
US09918718B2

An embolic device deployment system includes a catheter having a first lumen and proximal and distal ends. A notch is disposed in the first lumen, forming a second lumen. An embolic device has a retaining ring at the proximal end. An engagement member includes a distal loop extending through the retaining ring, and a proximal loop extending into the first lumen. An elongated detachment member can be disposed through the loops and have a detachment member bump disposed between the loops. When the detachment member is disposed within the distal loop and the distal loop is disposed within the retaining ring, the embolic device is engaged. When the detachment member is pulled proximally, the detachment member is withdrawn from the distal loop, and the detachment member bump contacts the proximal loop. These acts assist in the disengagement of the distal loop from the retaining ring to release the embolic device.
US09918710B2

A length or strand of resilient material is formed into a continuous ring having multiple tissue-engaging portions for engaging and spreading eyeball tissue segments apart. The strand is formed with elongated straight sides joined by corner portions which are enlarged in directions transverse to the length dimension of each adjacent side. The corner portions constitute the tissue-engaging portions and have top and bottom sections and a connecting section that forms a gap for receiving the tissue. Each side of the ring extends from a bottom section of one corner to a top section of an adjacent corner. When the ring is deployed, the tissue is captured in the gaps at the corners of the ring and also is engaged along each side as that side transitions from a position situated below the tissue to a position situated above the issue.
US09918707B2

Disclosed is an occlusion device having an angle variable flat disk, comprising a single-layer disk (4), a plug (6) and a waist (5) connecting the single-layer disk (4) and the plug (6). The single-layer disk (4) is braided from elastic strands and comprises a plurality of radially-arranged support rods (40). Grids braided from elastic strands are provided on the surface of the plug (6). The waist (5) comprises at least one connecting strand. An annular interlocking structure is provided in the center of the single-layer disk (4). The plurality of support rods (40) are connected into a flat integral body via the annular interlocking structure. The connecting strand of the waist (5) is connected to the annular interlocking structure and the grids of the plug (6). The occlusion device has the features of a flat single-layer disk and a flexible waist structure at the same time, and the single-layer disk has the function of adaptive regulation of morphology and is able to effectively adapt to different physiological structures while reducing complications.
US09918703B2

A needle tube includes: a tubular main body section; a distal opening section; a needle tip; a side hole disposed closer to the proximal end side of the main body than the tip; a side hole inner circumferential edge extending around the longitudinal axis of the main body where the side hole and the inner circumferential surface intersect; a side hole outer circumferential edge extending around the longitudinal axis of the main body where the side hole and the outer circumferential surface intersect; and an engaged surface formed between the side hole inner circumferential edge and the side hole outer circumferential edge to be directed toward the proximal end of the main body section and configured to lock biological tissue entering from the distal opening section, wherein the side hole forms an opening area smaller than that of the distal opening.
US09918683B2

A method of making a device having a component with a planar surface bonded to a supporting frame with openings therein by an adhesive layer cured by actinic rays, wherein part of the adhesive layer lies in the shadow of opaque portions of the supporting frame, involves bringing the component and supporting frame together with a layer of adhesive applied between them. The part of the adhesive layer in the shadow of the opaque portions is cured by directing actinic rays obliquely through the openings so that they are reflected internally into the part of the adhesive layer in the shadow of the opaque portions.
US09918681B2

The invention comprises a virtual window system that creates a visual coherency between the image of the patient and his or her anatomy and the patient by aligning the image of the patient anatomy on the display to the patient and presenting the image to the user that feels as if the user is looking directly into the patient through the display. The invention is designed to also display medical devices, such as a minimally invasive tool. The system substantially unifies the coordinate systems of the patient, the medical device, the display, and the physician's hands. The invention creates a visual coherency between the motion of the medical device in the image and the motion of the physician's hands manipulating the device. This invention also creates a visual coherency between the motion of the image in the display and of that display.
US09918678B2

A physiological monitoring system features a Floormat and Handheld Sensor connected by a cable. A user stands on the Floormat and grips the Handheld Sensor. These components measure time-dependent physiological waveforms from a user over a conduction pathway extending from the user's hand or wrist to their feet. The Handheld Sensor and Floormat use a combination of electrodes that inject current into the user's body and collect bioelectric signals that, with processing, yield ECG, impedance, and bioreactance waveforms. Simultaneously, the Handheld Sensor measures photoplethysmogram waveforms with red and infrared radiation and pressure waveforms from the user's fingers and wrist, while the Floormat measures signals from load cells to determine ‘force’ waveforms to determine the user's weight, and ballistocardiogram waveforms to determine parameters related to cardiac contractility. Processing these waveforms with algorithms running on a microprocessor yield the vital sign, hemodynamic, and biometric parameters.
US09918675B2

An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface. Conductive electrodes are formed on the endotracheal tube. The conductive electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least wireless sensor is formed on the endotracheal tube, and is configured to wirelessly transmit information to a processing apparatus.
US09918674B2

The disclosure provides a wireless biometric monitoring system that may be capable of acquiring, compiling, analyzing, and transmitting biometric data in near real time/real time. The system may utilize either the most up-to-date Bluetooth protocol (currently Bluetooth Smart) or a similar wireless protocol. The system may further integrate through this wireless protocol with peripheral devices to expand the measurement capacity of the system.In embodiments, the system may be capable of monitoring multiple biometric responses including, but not limited to: skin temperature, core temperature, respirations, heart rate, predicted tidal volume, chest wall movement, abdominal movement in conjunction with inspiration, abdominal movement in conjunction with expiration, HRR (heart rate reserve), HRV (heart rate variability), body position relevant to perpendicular, shoulder position relevant to hip position, general body posture, up time, down time, and malfunctions.
US09918670B2

A method includes receiving heartbeat data of a patient and receiving activity data of the patient. The activity data includes one or more activity values that are related to an activity level of the patient and that are measured independently of the heartbeat data. The method further includes determining a value of a weighting factor based on the activity data. The method also includes determining modified heartbeat data by applying the weighting factor to at least a portion of the heartbeat data. The method also includes detecting a seizure event based on the modified heartbeat data.
US09918668B2

Systems and methods for processing sensor analyte data are disclosed, including initiating calibration, updating calibration, evaluating clinical acceptability of reference and sensor analyte data, and evaluating the quality of sensor calibration. The sensor can be calibrated using a calibration set of one or more matched sensor and reference analyte data pairs. Reference data resulting from benchtop testing an analyte sensor prior to its insertion can be used to provide initial calibration of the sensor data. Reference data from a short term continuous analyte sensor implanted in a user can be used to initially calibrate or update sensor data from a long term continuous analyte sensor.
US09918657B2

A method for determining the 3D location and orientation of a fiducial reference comprises disposing the fiducial reference so as to render a part of the fiducial reference observable by a tracker; obtaining from the tracker scan data of the part of the fiducial reference that is observable by the tracker; obtaining predetermined geometric information about location points on the fiducial reference, the geometric information containing three-dimensional coordinates of the location points relative to the structure of the fiducial reference; identifying within the scan data at least three location points having coordinates in the predetermined geometric information; and determining from the scan data and the coordinates of the three identified location points in the predetermined geometric information the 3D location and orientation of the fiducial reference.
US09918655B2

The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) for measuring the internal pressure of an examination object, in particular the internal pressure of a blood vessel, by use of a magnetic pressure measurement device (60, 70) introduced into the examination object, which apparatus comprises: —magnetic field generating means comprising magnetic field signal generator units (130) and magnetic field coils (136a, 136b, 136c) for generating a magnetic field for influencing the magnetization of the magnetic pressure measurement device (60, 70), receiving means comprising at least one signal receiving unit (140) and at least one receiving coil (148) for acquiring detection signals, which detection signals depend on the changes in magnetization of the magnetic pressure measurement device (60, 70) caused by the magnetic field and on the changes of the physical properties of the magnetic pressure measurement device caused by the internal pressure of the examination object, and evaluation means (153) for evaluating the detection signals of the magnetic pressure measurement device (60, 70) for determining the internal pressure of the examination object.
US09918645B2

A method and an apparatus are provided for measuring a change in blood pressure caused by respiration control. A number of respirations per minute is measured based on a heart rate when a respiration exercise begins. Respiration of a subject is induced until the number of respirations per minute reaches a predetermined number of respirations per minute. A pulse transit time is calculated during the respiration exercise, a blood pressure value associated with the pulse transit time is calculated, and the blood pressure value is outputted.
US09918642B2

The invention relates to a pressure measuring device (1) for measuring pressure in a biological system, comprising a flexibly or resiliently designed measuring cell holder (3), wherein, in the measuring cell holder (3), there are at least two FBG sensors (4) which are arranged at a distance from one another. The measuring cell holder (3) can comprise a plurality of layers (5, 6) into which the FBG sensors (4) can be integrated.
US09918640B2

An imaging device for medical imaging includes a light source device arranged to illuminate a sample under investigation with illumination light, a detector device arranged to collect a plurality of images including at least two sample light images backscattered by the sample in different spectral ranges, and at least one marker light image originating from at least one marker substance in the sample, and a processor device adapted to process the at least two sample light images and create at least one correction component, the processor device further adapted to correct the marker light image using the at least one correction component.
US09918639B2

A method for acquiring cine images using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes selecting an asymmetric radial sampling scheme providing an asymmetric view of k-space corresponding to a desired image resolution. Radial k-space data is acquired using the asymmetric radial sampling scheme, wherein slice-orientation of the radial k-space data is continuously modified while acquiring the radial k-space data. A plurality of cine images are reconstructed from the radial k-space data using a compressed-sensing method.
US09918636B2

A system for signalling danger warnings arising from exposure of a subject to atmospheric pollutants, includes means for detecting environmental information in the proximity of the subject, and at least one personal mobile terminal. Sensor means are associated to the subject and configured for detecting one or more physiological parameters of the subject and supplying them to the personal mobile terminal. The system includes means for detecting the position of the subject and a data-processing module. The mobile terminal is configured for sending to the module local-detection data. The terminal is configured for receiving from the module danger warnings arising from exposure to pollutants calculated in the module and displaying to the subject the danger warnings or issuing alarms as a function of the values of the aforesaid danger warnings.
US09918629B2

A fundus imaging system includes: an image sensor array, where the image sensor array includes monochrome photodiodes and global shutter control, an illumination unit with one or more light-emitting diodes that have one or more dies, a computing system including a processor and memory, one or more lenses, one or more reflective mirrors, and a display. In an example method of use, a clinician positions a patient, initiates a focal adjustment, initiates a retinal imaging process, and the same or a different clinician views the image. In some embodiments, the imaging system is configured to analyze the image and identify detected physical attributes in the image relating to the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
US09918620B2

According to an embodiment, there is provided an optical transmission element comprising: a fiber including a core made of a first glass and a cladding made of a second glass and covering an outer periphery of the core; and a covering layer covering an outer periphery of the cladding and including a plurality of nonionic surfactant molecules wherein each of the nonionic surfactant molecules is hydrogen-bonded to the cladding.
US09918619B2

A highly corrected relay system for medical endoscopes or the like is provided. The system includes a plurality of bonded lenses that are selected to provide color correction from the blue region of the spectrum through to the near infrared region of the spectrum. The system allows co-located visible and near infrared images to be resolved on a single detector.
US09918618B2

The present invention provides improved medical devices equipped with a visualization device for intubation, ventilation, drug delivery, feeding and continuous remote monitoring of a patient. The present invention also provides methods for rapid and accurate placement of a medical device in a patient and continuous real time monitoring, including a remote monitoring, of the patient after the placement.
US09918616B2

A medical device includes a long shaft member, a curved portion configured to be curved, a support member that is configured to be deformed along a curved shape of the curved portion, a guide member that extends from a distal end of the curved portion, and a linear member that includes a connection portion connected to the guide member, the linear member being inserted into the support member, and that pulls the guide member in accordance with a change of the curved shape. A central axis of the guide member is positioned apart from the central axis of the support member. The linear member which protrudes from the support member is inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the guide member and is connected to the connection portion.
US09918609B2

A dishwasher with a tub and a recirculation pump, which includes a housing defining a chamber and having an inlet fluidly coupled to the tub and an outlet fluidly coupled to the tub, an impeller rotatably mounted within the chamber and expelling liquid from the chamber through the outlet, and a filter fluidly disposed between the inlet and the outlet and operably coupled to the impeller for co-rotation.
US09918606B2

A bare floor cleaner has a base and a handle pivotally connected to the base. The handle is movable between a dry mode position and a wet mode position. A fluid delivery system of the bare floor cleaner includes a source of cleaning fluid and a fluid distributor in fluid communication with the source of cleaning fluid for dispensing cleaning fluid onto a surface to be cleaned. A recovery system of the bare floor cleaner includes a disabling mechanism for disabling the recovery system when the fluid distributor is dispensing cleaning fluid onto the surface to be cleaned.
US09918604B2

A deep cleaner for delivering cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned and removing the cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned includes a pivotal brush carriage assembly comprising a pair of support legs, a rotatable brushroll extending between the first and second support legs, a brush motor, and a belt operably coupling the rotatable brushroll to the brush motor, wherein the belt is provided within one of the support legs.
US09918600B2

A self-propelled electric vacuum cleaner includes: a vacuum cleaner main body; a running section for causing the vacuum cleaner main body to run on a floor; a suction section for suctioning dust; a side brush for sweeping the dust on the floor, to the suction section; a floor detection sensor for detecting whether or not there is the floor; and a control section for controlling and driving the running section, the suction section and the side brush in response to an output of the floor detection sensor, in which the side brush includes a rotating shaft coaxially having a through-hole, and a plurality of brush bundles radially spread from one end of the rotating shaft, wherein the floor detection sensor includes an optical sensor provided adjacent to the other end of the rotating shaft to detect whether or not there is an object, through the through-hole.
US09918599B1

A toilet seat includes a lid, a splash guard, and a seat. The splash guard is affixed to a perimeter edge of the seat in a sealed manner. The splash guard is composed of flexible members including a plurality of flat sections being connected by fan-fold pleat sections. The splash guard lays flat for normal seated use, or may be deployed upward to form a vertical barrier to contain and direct any liquids into the toilet bowl. In a preferred embodiment, the splash guard and seat are horseshoe-shaped.
US09918597B2

A hygienic sheet material dispenser includes a housing with a dispensing opening, a compartment for a sheet material product, a first sensor arranged to assume an active mode in which it scans for the presence of a user, a dispensing motor arranged to drive a driving mechanism, a second sensor for sensing when a piece of said product has been removed, and a microcontroller connected to the first sensor, the second sensor and the dispensing motor, said dispenser also being configured to be switched to a passive mode. The dispenser is arranged to switch to the passive mode after a first predetermined period of time has elapsed in the active mode without detection of a user; wherein, upon entering the passive mode, a length of said product is fed from the dispenser out of the dispensing opening and the first sensor and the microcontroller are substantially deactivated; and wherein the dispenser is arranged to switch back to the active mode when the second sensor senses that said product has been removed.
US09918576B1

An eyeglass holder is removably affixed to vertical and horizontal support surfaces. Such an eyeglass holder includes a rigid container suitably sized and shaped for removably receiving an existing eyeglass therein. The container has an exterior surface provided with a curvilinear outer region and a linear outer region contiguously mated with the curvilinear outer region. Notably, a portable fastener is removably affixed to the linear outer region of the exterior surface of the container.
US09918573B2

The invention is a beverage garnish holder for placement on the rim of a beverage glass and comprises: a bispherical cradle for supporting the beverage garnish; a rim incurvation configured to engage the beverage glass rim; a transition neck connecting the rim incurvation to the bispherical cradle; and a depending tab configured to extend from the rim incurvation into the beverage glass.
US09918567B2

The disclosure provides for a display rack system. The display rack system includes a support mechanism having first and second ends. The support mechanism may be configured to be attached to a surface at the first and second ends. The display rack system may also include a track mounted onto the support mechanism. The display rack system may also include a plurality of cardholders attached to the track. Each of the first plurality of cardholders may be configured to independently slide laterally relative to the track.
US09918566B2

A display case door assembly for a temperature-controlled storage device includes a vacuum panel, a hinge rail, and a lighting element. The vacuum panel includes a first vacuum pane, a second vacuum pane, and an evacuated gap between the first and second vacuum panes. The evacuated gap provides thermal insulation for the vacuum panel. The hinge rail is coupled to an edge of the vacuum panel and configured to rotate along with the vacuum panel between an open position and a closed position. The lighting element is coupled to at least one of the edge rail and the vacuum panel and configured to emit light toward an interior of the temperature-controlled storage device when the hinge rail and vacuum panel are in at least the closed position.
US09918560B2

By taking into account the difficulty in smoothly bending along the shape of, for example, a care bed, there is provided a three-dimensional net-like structure made from polyester having a swelling ratio dependent on a shear rate such as to be 1.10 to 1.38 at a shear rate of 60.8 sec−1 and 1.17 to 1.43 at a shear rate of 608 sec−1 and having an MFR of 3 to 35 g/10 min and a density of 1.01 to 1.60 g/cm3 and configured to have a spring structure of filaments randomly brought into contact with and tangled with one another, have a three-dimensional striped sparse-dense configuration in a lateral direction relative to an extrusion direction. The swelling ratio is shown as D2/D1 against shear rate when a molten thermoplastic resin is extruded to filaments from a capillary having a tube inner diameter D1 of 1.0 mm and a length of 10 mm and D2 denotes a diameter of cross section of the filaments extruded and cooled down.
US09918558B2

A foam mattress is provided having a body facing surface comprising a first foam layer on a first spring layer formed of a plurality of individual pocketed spring coils. A second foam layer formed of a reticulated foam supports the first spring layer. The foam mattress further having a bottom layer of conventional foam. The foam mattress is surrounded by a foam casing that has at least one vent formed in the casing. The first spring layer causes air to flow from the second foam layer through the vents.
US09918555B2

An adjustable bed is provided. The adjustable bed can include an outer support perimeter that provides structural support to various components of the adjustable bed. The outer support perimeter can include a plurality of panels, where two panels can be coupled together by a panel connecting member which can be received inside a void of both panels. The panel connecting member can be secured to the two panels using one or more fasteners in such a manner that the fasteners are not visible on the outside surface of the outer support perimeter. The adjustable bed can include a storage compartment positioned beneath a foot segment of a mattress support member. The storage compartment can be accessed by pivoting the foot segment of the mattress support member up and away from the adjustable bed.
US09918554B2

The present disclosure relates to a functional chair for human body correction and therapeutic efficacy promotion by applying heat, including: a main body which includes a sitting plate and a waist plate; a heating means to transfer the heat to a human body by using a ceramic heating element installed in the sitting plate and the waist plate; and a control unit which maintains the temperature of the heating means at a pre-established value and displays an operating status. The present disclosure provides immunity increase and health promotion by keeping a skeletal structure and organs balanced by allowing a user to keep a correct posture when they are sitting on the functional chair and by applying heat to a structure including the sitting and waist plates as a Korean traditional floor heating system, which has no influence of electromagnetic waves, does, provides convenience of portability and performs therapeutic effects for various body parts including the vertebral column, calves, feet, etc.
US09918548B2

A multitier collapsible stand provides enhanced lateral stability while supporting an object, such as a television, on multiple tiers, and also presents an aesthetic décor that enhances the appearance of the object. The stand utilizes a collapsible support frame that supports multiple tiers of support panels in a tiered relationship. The support frame also collapses for enhanced portability and stowage. The support frame comprises three arms that are traversed by a pair of cross bars for enhanced structural integrity. A rear panel positions coplanar to the arms. Left and right lateral members hingedly join the arms to the rear panel. The lateral members carry multiple support panels. A hinge enables hinged articulation between arms, lateral members, and the rear panel for collapsing the stand. A buckle hinge allows for hinged articulation and separation between arms, lateral members, and the rear panel for collapsibility. An attachable vertical stand supports a television.
US09918547B2

A refrigerated food preparation table that includes a food item storage pan with a lid that is allowed to fully close and is held in a partially open position and in a fully open position and hinge brackets or apparatuses for holding a lid in a partially opened position and a fully opened position that include a slot, a surface, and an indentation that each engage pins on the lid. In various embodiments, the slot receives one such pin, the surface guides another pin on the lid as the lid is opened from a fully closed position to the partially opened position, the indentation receives the second pin when the lid is in the partially opened position, and the slot contains the first pin and the second pin when the lid is fully open. The food preparation table can be used to prepare pizza, for example.
US09918544B2

The present invention relates to a brush unit (3) and to an associated rotary brush tool. The brush unit (3) is equipped with a brush holder (10, 11), which can be driven in rotation, and with an annular brush (4, 5) with a bristle-covered rim (8) with outwardly protruding bristles (5). Furthermore, a stop means (14) which dips into the rotating bristle-covered rim (8) is provided. According to the invention, the stop means (14) simultaneously acts as an abrasive body (14) for the bristles (5). In this case, a distinction is made between both functions (stopper function and abrasive function) according to a direction of rotation (R) of the annular brush (4, 5) and/or a setting position of the stop means (14) as compared to the bristle-covered rim (8).
US09918543B2

A toothbrush including a handle portion, a head portion, a plurality of bristles coupled to the head portion, and a neck portion. The neck portion is curved such that the neck portion is angled in a direction away from an axis the handle portion extends upon and is then angled in a direction towards the axis.
US09918536B2

An extension handle includes a handle portion having a first handle rod slidable relative to an item of luggage, a ring-shaped grip attached to the handle rod, at least one engagement latch in the handle rod that fixes the handle rod relative to the luggage item, a push-button in the grip, a motion transfer ring in an interior space of the ring-shaped grip and coupled to the push-button such that the motion transfer ring is configured to move linearly when the push-button is depressed, a motion transfer rod passing through an opening connecting the grip interior to a handle interior, contacting the motion transfer ring so it moves into the handle when the intermediate member moves toward the handle portion, at least one actuator in the handle portion that slides in the direction of the engagement latch when motion the transfer rod extends into the handle portion, disengaging the latch.
US09918535B2

A handle includes a first handle rod having a distal end and a proximal end, a second handle rod having a distal end and a proximal end, the second handle rod coupled to the first handle rod and disposed parallel to the first handle rod, a grip coupled to the distal end of the first handle rod and to the distal end of the second handle rod, and a pocket disposed between the first handle rod and the second handle rod.
US09918526B2

A male touch fastener strip includes an elongated base and a field of male fastener elements each having a stem extending from a broad face of the base and a head for engaging fibers. The fastener element stems and broad face of the base together form a unitary mass of resin, such as a resin containing a magnetically attractable substance. Wings extend from respective longitudinal edges of the base and define discrete corrugations extending in a series along the fastener strip and forming corresponding undulations in the rear face of the strip along its longitudinal edges. The corrugated wings can also support a foam gasket.
US09918522B2

A ratchet belt system including a belt having a notch strip extending along a portion of the length thereof. The notch strip is formed of a plurality of adjacent notches, each being configured to engage a ratcheting tab of an associated buckle. In an embodiment, the tab is coupled to a release lever that is oriented toward a receptacle portion of the buckle for ergonomically improving the release mechanics. In another embodiment the belt comprises a first notch strip about a first surface of the belt and a second notch strip about a second surface of the belt opposite of the first surface. Other improvements include accessories configured to engage with the ratchet belt system for display and storage thereof.
US09918517B2

The present invention relates to a footwear article, such as a boot, having a knob, hook, platform or other extension protruding on an upper portion thereof. The knob, hook, platform or other extension may be utilized for engaging with a cart, dolly or other movable object for moving the same by moving the wearer's foot. Methods of using the same are further provided.
US09918516B1

A shoe tying system is provided enabling those who have difficulty reaching their shoe laces to tighten and loosen their laces by coiling and uncoiling to/from a rotatable drum using a specially configured key that can be positioned at the end of a cane, rod, or the like and used to manipulate the rotatable drum as desired.
US09918515B2

The present invention is footwear having a convex shaped outsole with opposing wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of the front sole section and the back sole section which provide rotation of the front sole section and the back sole section in opposite directions when weight is applied. The present invention is also footwear convex shaped in the longitudinal direction with a split sole having opposing wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of the front sole section and the back sole section that provide rotation of the front sole section and the back sole section in opposite directions when weight is applied. The invention further includes footwear having at least one pair of wedges on the outsole which provide footwear having improved arch support. The invention is also footwear with a flexible, elastic, member between the front sole section and the back sole section of the sole.
US09918513B2

This disclosure relates in certain embodiments to protective footwear comprising a flexible strap that can be wrapped around a bare foot in order to provide protection and traction to the ball and heel of the foot. The footwear can provide protection from rough or hot surfaces, for example swimming pool decks or hot sand at the beach. The footwear can also provide traction for the user on wet or slippery surfaces. The footwear is designed to minimally cover the foot, giving the user a “barefoot” feeling, while still providing protection and traction to the pressure points (e.g., ball and heel) of the foot. The footwear can be securely fastened to the user's foot such that it does not fall off during routine physical activity (e.g., swimming, walking, etc.).
US09918511B2

An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the article of footwear are disclosed. The footwear may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper incorporates a textile element with edges that are joined together to define at least a portion of a void for receiving a foot. The textile element may have a first area with a first property and a second area with a second property. Various warp or weft knitting processes, including flat knitting, may be utilized to form the textile element.
US09918507B2

A protective helmet includes a primary inner shell, a first outer impact shell, and a second outer impact shell. The primary inner shell is configured to be worn on a user's head and the primary inner shell comprises a crown portion and a rear portion. The first outer impact shell is located above the crown portion and the second outer impact shell is located above the rear portion. Each of the first and second outer impact shells has a first end and a second end. The first end is hingedly secured to the primary inner shell and the second end is coupled to the primary inner shell by at least one shock absorber. The at least one first shock absorber is configured to resist rotational movement of the first and second outer impact shells toward the crown and rear portions of the primary inner shell.
US09918506B2

A helmet safety system for enhancing visibility of a helmet in a hazardous area includes a helmet that may be worn in a hazardous area. A lighting unit is removably coupled to the helmet. The lighting unit may emit light thereby enhancing visibility of the helmet in the hazardous area.
US09918499B2

An adjustable support brassiere comprises traditional bra elements—a bra band with closure; left and right breast cups; and respective shoulder straps. Adjustability may comprise left and right inner support cups having inner ends pivotally attached, respectively, to the left and right breast cups, and a respective support strap having a bottom end attached at a distal (outer) end of each inner support cup, with a top end of each support strap fixedly secured to a clamp member. Each of the left and right clamp members may be releasably secured to a infinite number of positions of the shoulder strap, to cause individual lifting and reconfiguring of the left and right inner support cups to produce a desired amount of lifting to each of the woman's breasts. Adjustments may be made by a woman throughout the day to alter her appearance as desired.
US09918498B2

An electronic cigarette is provided. The electronic cigarette includes: an electronic cigarette body. The electronic cigarette body is provided with a smoking end, a cigarette liquid container, an atomizing assembly and a battery rod assembly. The atomizing assembly includes a liquid guiding mechanism and an atomizing core. The atomizing core is provided with a first limiting part and a second limiting part, a first clamping part and a second clamping part are arranged at two positions on the electronic cigarette body corresponding to the first limiting part and the second liming part on the atomizing core, respectively.
US09918492B2

Methods of modifying the tobacco-specific nitrosamine content of a tobacco material are described herein. One exemplary method comprises contacting a tobacco material with a composition comprising salt, sugar, enzyme, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, or a combination thereof to reduce the total bacterial content; curing the tobacco material; and fermenting the tobacco material in the presence of one or more microorganisms. The method can provide a fermented tobacco material having a tobacco-specific nitrosamine content that is reduced relative to a fermented tobacco material that has not been subjected to the disclosed method steps. In certain embodiments, the tobacco-specific nitrosamine content of the fermented tobacco material is no more than that of the cured tobacco material. Tobacco-containing products including such treated tobacco materials are also provided.
US09918478B2

This invention is about a water soluble antimicrobial polyacrylate silver salt. The molecular chain of the polyacrylate silver salt comprises sodium carboxylic group (—COONa) and silver carboxylic group (—COOAg). It is synthesized by dissolving an polyacrylate polymer comprising sodium carboxylic group (—COONa) in water and then exchanging the sodium carboxylic group of the polyacrylate polymer to silver carboxylic group (—COOAg) using silver salt in aqueous solution. Ultrafiltration membrane is used to remove the sodium salt generated from the metal ion exchanging procedure. An aqueous solution of water soluble antimicrobial polyacrylate silver salt with very few impurity is obtained. The water soluble antimicrobial polyacrylate silver salt is then obtain-ned from the aqueous solution. The molar ratio of —COOAg to —COONa of thus obtained water soluble antimicrobial polyacrylate silver salt can be as high as 66/34.
US09918477B2

Disclosed is an antimicrobial solution comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of (a) hypochlorous acid, (b) a divalent cation, (c) phosphate anion, and (d) water, as well as a process for its production. Also disclosed is a method of treating or preventing infection associated with abdominal surgery on a mammal, comprising use of the antimicrobial solution.
US09918470B2

The present invention relates to pesticidal mixtures comprising a component A and a component B, wherein component A is a compound of formula (I) wherein B1, B2, B3, X1, X2, X3, X4, Y1, Y2, Y3, R5, R7, and R8 are as defined in claim 1 and component B is an insecticide. The present invention also relates to methods of using said mixtures for the control of plant pests.
US09918469B2

To provide a technology for controlling weeds and the like. A herbicidal composition comprising at least one compound selected from Group A, and dicamba N,N-bis-(3-aminopropyl)methylamine salt has a weed control effect:Group A:a group consisting of flumioxazin, sulfentrazone, saflufenacil, oxyfluorfen, fomesafen and a compound represented by the formula (I):
US09918468B2

Compositions and methods for controlling volunteer crop weeds in a crop by applying to weeds a herbicidally effective amount of a synergistic herbicidal composition that includes bromoxynil and a protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitor are disclosed.
US09918459B2

A fishing pole heating assembly includes a fishing pole that has a handle portion and a rod portion. The fishing pole includes a reel coupled to the handle portion and a plurality of eyelets coupled to the rod portion. The eyelets are spaced apart from each other and extend along the rod portion. A heating apparatus is coupled to the fishing rod and the heating apparatus heats the eyelets.
US09918451B2

Livestock feeders can include a one-piece or multi-piece designs. A livestock feeder can include a pan, a hood, and a base. The livestock feeder is suitable for providing feedstuffs such as nutritional supplements to a livestock animal on a free-choice basis. The livestock feeder can be durable, portable, non-corrosive and is designed to minimize spillage of feedstuffs and resist tipping over. The livestock feeder can be constructed from a molded polyethylene material.
US09918450B2

A space divider of a milking parlor arrangement for at least one milking parlor for milking milk-producing animals, wherein the space divider is arranged approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis of the animal to be milked, has an arm device having a milking cluster, which can be adjusted from a parking position to a working position and back. The arm device is arranged with the milking cluster in the parking position in the space divider and can be adjusted into the working position laterally to the animal to be milked between the front and rear legs thereof. The space divider is designed in such a way that no additional space is required between adjacent animals, so that many animals can be milked in a milking parlor arrangement while the smallest possible amount of space is required.
US09918449B2

The invention relates to a device for stimulating an udder during milking, made up of a housing with a first connection (350, 351) and a second connection (352, 353), which housing can be grasped by a hand. The first connection connects the housing to a pulsator and the second connection connects the housing to a teat cup. A throttle valve (305, 306) is interposed between the first connection and the second connection. A control device (309) is housed in the housing and is adapted to bring the throttle valve, after a defined duration, from a partially open to an open position.
US09918447B1

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH600926. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH600926, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH600926 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH600926.
US09918442B2

The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid DR8261PB and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid DR8261PB and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
US09918441B2

A potato cultivar designated V11 is disclosed. The invention relates to the tubers of potato cultivar V11, to the seeds of potato cultivar V11, to the plants of potato V11, to the plant parts of potato cultivar V11, to food products produced from potato cultivar V11, and to methods for producing a potato plant produced by crossing potato cultivar V11 with itself or with another potato variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a potato plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic potato plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to potato cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from potato variety V11, to methods for producing other potato cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from potato cultivar V11 and to the potato plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid potato tubers, seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing potato cultivar V11 with another potato cultivar.
US09918436B2

Provided is an expandable, modular tower planter having an internal vertical composting capability, and a method of assembling and using the same. Provided in various example embodiments is a modular composting garden container system comprising a base and a plurality of stackable rings forming a tower upon the base, including an optional base ring specially sized, shaped, and positioned to connect the tower to the base. A plurality of perforated, stackable tube sections are provided that are removably assembled into a compost tube assembly of selectable height and mounted within the interior of the tower and above the base. A plurality of holding struts are sized, shaped, and positioned to removably connect the compost tube assembly with the tower and to securely locate the compost tube assembly relative to the tower. Means are provided for recovering nutrient-rich drainage and selective recovery of compost material for reintroduction into the system.
US09918434B2

A boundary wall for framing beds, hotbeds, boundaries in gardens and green areas that includes construction elements configured for connection to each other. Each construction element includes a base body with projecting end sections having connection elements configured to support coupling elements. The connection elements also receive by form-fit at least one reinforcing coupling element which thereby connect the construction elements to each other and/or with other construction elements.
US09918433B2

A crop harvesting system for continuous round baling includes a first and second bale chamber, a conveyor system and optionally a wrapping system. At least one conveyor system can facilitate movement of a bale from a first bale chamber to a second bale chamber. The crop harvesting system can be integrated into an agricultural harvester such as a baler or combine.
US09924611B2

A connector assembly for securing multiple rails in a computer rack system, the rack system having at least four racks positioned on separate corners to form a front, rear and two sides of a rack frame, and wherein each rack has a plurality of rack openings. The connector assembly comprising two pair of front and rear connectors, each pair being secured to the rack frame against one of the sides defined thereby, and wherein each pair of front and rear connectors are configured to secure thereto a plurality of rails. In addition, each connector, of the front and rear connectors, includes a base plate extending from a top to a bottom, and the base plate of each connector being configured to secure to a plurality of rails.
US09924596B2

The structural body related to the present disclosure includes a substrate having insulation properties arranged with a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface, a through hole passing through the first surface and the second surface of the substrate, and a through electrode including a conductive material arranged within the through hole, the through electrode conducting the first surface and the second surface of the substrate and including a projection part exposed from the second surface to the outside of the through hole, wherein at least a part of the through hole is gradually increasing in size approaching the second surface in a thickness direction of the substrate, and forming a depression part keeping a gap between the through hole and the through electrode.
US09924595B2

In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a substrate having a first side and a second side, the second side being on an opposite side of the substrate from the first side, where the substrate has a first location on the first side at which an semiconductor package is to be coupled; and a cable coupled to the substrate on the second side of the substrate at a second location on the second side, the second location being at least partially below the first location.
US09924594B2

A printed circuit board (PCB) has a first, structured metalization arranged on its top side and at least one second metalization arranged below the first metalization in a vertical direction, parallel to the first metalization and insulated therefrom. Also on the PCB top side is a bare semiconductor chip having contact electrodes connected by bonding wires to corresponding contact pads of the first metalization on the PCB top side. A first portion of the contact electrodes and corresponding contact pads carry high voltage during operation. All high-voltage-carrying contact pads are conductively connected to the second metalization via plated-through holes. An insulation layer completely covers the chip and a delimited region of the PCB around the chip, and all high-voltage-carrying contact pads and the plated-through holes are completely covered by the insulation layer. A second portion of the contact electrodes and corresponding contact pads are under low voltages during operation.
US09924592B2

Aiming at providing a three-dimensional laminated circuit board which can be confirmed, in an easy and exact manner, to be an authentic product having been manufactured and packaged honestly; and at providing an electronic device, an information processing system, and an information network system using the same, disclosed is a three-dimensional laminated circuit board that includes a substrate, interconnects, and an authentication pattern; the interconnects being provided in the thickness direction of the substrate; wherein the authentication pattern is provided on the substrate, and is characterized by material, shape, layout, structure or size discriminable from those of the interconnects and the substrate.
US09924591B2

Tamper-respondent assemblies and methods of fabrication are provided which include a tamper-respondent electronic circuit structure. The tamper-respondent electronic circuit structure includes a tamper-respondent sensor. The tamper-respondent sensor includes, for instance, at least one flexible layer having opposite first and second sides, and circuit lines forming at least one resistive network. The circuit lines are disposed on at least one of the first or second side of the at least one flexible layer, and have a line width Wl≦200 μm, as well as a line-to-line spacing width Ws≦200 μm. In certain enhanced embodiments, the tamper-respondent sensor includes multiple flexible layers, with a first flexible layer having first circuit lines, and a second flexible layer having second circuit lines, where the first and second circuit lines may have different line widths, different line-to-line spacings, and/or be formed of different materials.
US09924578B2

A light system for a stadium, the light system comprising: at least one sensor configured to determine light intensity values for multiple locations within the stadium; at least one electronically controllable luminaire configured to generate light directed towards at least one location of the multiple locations within the stadium based on a received control parameter; a controller configured to receive the light intensity values from the at least one sensor, further configured to determine a light intensity difference based on the light intensity values from the multiple locations within the stadium, and configured to select the at least one electronically controllable luminaire and generate the control parameter for the least one electronically controllable luminaire based on the light intensity difference to attempt to reduce the light intensity difference.
US09924577B2

Disclosed is a method of determining depreciation of a lumen output of an LED. More particularly, disclosed is a method of determining depreciation of a lumen output of an LED comprising monitoring, by a processing device, an operating characteristic of an AC power source operatively coupled to the LED; determining, by the processing device, whether a lumen output the LED depreciated beyond a specified lumen value based on the monitoring; and causing, by the processing device, an indicator to provide notification to a user based on determining the lumen output of the LED depreciated beyond the specified lumen value.
US09924571B2

An operating circuit for energizing a lamp (5) comprising at least one light emitting diode (6) has a primary side (11) and a secondary side (12) that is electrically isolated from the primary side. The operating circuit comprises a clocked converter (14) that has a primary coil and a secondary coil (18). The operating circuit further comprises a detection device (20) for determining an output voltage (Vout) of the operating circuit; the detection device (20) comprises an inductor (21) which is located on the primary side (11) of the operating circuit and which is inductively coupled to the secondary coil (18).
US09924570B2

The invention relates to a drive circuit for operating an illuminant, preferably at least one LED, comprising an isolated converter which is clocked on the primary side by a control unit by means of at least one controlled switch unit, said converter supplying a rectifier starting from which the illuminant can be fed, a measurement circuit for indirectly measuring the current on the secondary side of the converter having a transformer with at least one winding on the primary side.
US09924569B2

An LED driving circuit for driving an LED load including N LED strings, where N is a positive integer no less than 2, can include: (i) a power converter having a power switch; (ii) a constant current control circuit that controls a switching operation of the power switch such that the power converter generates a driving current for the LED load; (iii) N control switches respectively coupled in series to the N LED strings; (iv) a PWM signal generator configured to generate N color tuning PWM signals; and (v) a color tuning control circuit configured to output N switching control signals according to the N color tuning PWM signals, to control switching operations of the N control switches, to regulate a ratio of a current through each LED string of the LED load to the driving current, and to regulate the color temperature of the LED load.
US09924561B2

A sensor signal transmission system includes: at least one wireless sensor disposed in an equipment package and configured to sense at least one type of information; a gateway configured to receive the at least one type of information sensed by the at least one wireless sensor in a wireless manner, and convert the received information into at least one communication signal; a controller configured to control the equipment package by collecting the at least one communication signal input from the gateway; and at least one wireless power supply configured to supply power to the at least one wireless sensor in a wireless manner.
US09924559B2

Systems and methods enable alternative network access implemented by a mobile wireless communication device. The method includes receiving information associated with a mobile device, the information comprises location information associated with the mobile device. Based on the information associated with the mobile device, identifying an access point available for providing connectivity services to the mobile device, the access point is not the computing device. Information is provided to the mobile device which is associated with the access point. The information can comprise at least one of usage terms, usage conditions, usage costs, access point characteristics, connection characteristics, access point capacity, and access point security access information.
US09924550B2

A communication network comprises a packet core network and at least one wireless access node, arranged to provide the core network with access to user equipment via a first interface established between the access node and a network element of the core network. The network comprises at least one management entity configured to establish a virtual second interface passing through it and linking the access node and the network element and in which the first interface is encapsulated.
US09924549B2

A communication method performed at an electronic device includes receiving first identification information through an auxiliary device which is connectable with the electronic device, comparing the received first identification information with second identification information stored in the electronic device, and connecting with an external electronic device through local communication based on at least one of the first identification information or the second identification information, if the first identification information and the second identification information are different from each other. An electronic device includes a processor configured to control the display, the memory, or the communication module, and connect with an external electronic device through local communication based on at least one of first identification information received through the auxiliary device or second identification information stored in the memory.
US09924539B2

An access point (AP), station (STA) and method of assigning sub-carriers to full-duplex links are generally described. The STAs transmit full-duplex capability to the AP. In response, after winning channel contention, the AP determines communication information including a bandwidth, transmit power and modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for each STA. The bandwidths are independently set by the AP such that a ratio of an expected transmission time of the amount of downlink data using a unit bandwidth to bandwidth is approximately the same for each STA. The AP transmits the communication information to the STAs in a trigger frame. The AP and STAs communicate using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) during a full-duplex communication session. The uplink and downlink communications terminate at substantially the same time. Acknowledgement packets are exchanged after the full-duplex communication session.
US09924537B2

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a control information indication method and apparatus, and relate to the field of communications technologies. The method includes: sending at least one piece of control information carried in a first serving cell to a user equipment UE, where the control information includes a cell identity (CID), so that the UE parses an information field of the control information to acquire the CID, determines, according to the CID, a serving cell to which data corresponding to the control information belongs, and performs demodulation and decoding on the data in the serving cell by using the control information.
US09924509B2

Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques for configuring an adaptive frame structure for wireless communications systems using unlicensed radio frequency spectrum. A base station (BS) may determine whether another device is transmitting on a channel in the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum or one or more other network conditions pertaining to the channel, determine a frame structure from a plurality of frame structures used for data communications based at least in part on the one or more network conditions, wherein each of the plurality of frame structures has a different frame duration, and communicate with a user equipment (UE) using the determined frame structure. A UE may determine a frame structure from a plurality of frame structures used for data communications, wherein each of the plurality of frame structures has a different frame duration, and communicate with a BS using the determined frame structure.
US09924506B2

There is provided a signalling method for use in an advanced wireless communication network (100) that supports a first duplex mode, a second duplex mode different to the first duplex mode, and carrier aggregation of the first second duplex modes. This method includes configuring a UE (104-106) for data communication with the network (100) through a first access node (101) as a PCell, on the first duplex mode and with a first transmission mode (TM) including one or more transport blocks (TBs). This method also includes configuring the UE (104-106) for data communication with the network (100) through a second access node (103) as a SCell, on the second duplex mode and with a second TM including one or more TBs. The second TM associated with the second access node (103) is configured independently of the first TM associated with the first access node (101).
US09924504B2

A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus configures a first downlink (DL) control channel for a user equipment (UE) being served by the first transmission point, the configuration facilitating decoding of the first DL control channel by at least one UE being served by a second transmission point, and transmits the first DL control channel.
US09924493B1

In wireless communications systems, a client terminal performs cell search procedure to find a suitable cell and camp on it to receive service from the network. In 3GPP LTE wireless communication system, the initial cell search involves the decoding of the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) which may take a long time to decode which affects the time it takes to camp on an appropriate cell. One of the reasons for this is that conventional methods perform PBCH decoding sequentially to find a suitable cell. A method and apparatus are disclosed that perform the PBCH decoding in parallel for multiple cells. This method enables the client terminal to camp on a cell and receive service faster than conventional methods.
US09924490B2

Embodiments of the invention provide a system for scaling multi-core neurosynaptic networks. The system comprises multiple network circuits. Each network circuit comprises a plurality of neurosynaptic core circuits. Each core circuit comprises multiple electronic neurons interconnected with multiple electronic axons via a plurality of electronic synapse devices. An interconnect fabric couples the network circuits. Each network circuit has at least one network interface. Each network interface for each network circuit enables data exchange between the network circuit and another network circuit by tagging each data packet from the network circuit with corresponding routing information.
US09924487B2

The present disclosure relates to a method for concealing location information of a user. The method comprises receiving current location information of a mobile terminal associated with the user from a network server upon initiation of a call by telecom equipment with the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal is registered with the network server. The method further comprises retrieving privacy settings of the mobile terminal predefined in respect to the telecom equipment when the current location information of the mobile terminal is different from location information associated with the network server. The method further comprises routing the call to the network server for announcing pre-stored information in a predefined language to the telecom equipment based on the retrieved privacy settings for concealing the current location information of the user.
US09924485B2

Provided is a communication apparatus 40 including a positioning unit 421 that obtains position information of a local apparatus by measuring a position of the local apparatus based on signals received from satellites via a communication unit 410, a base station detection unit 422 that obtains base station identification information to identify a base station from the signal received from the base station via the communication unit 410, a history information registration unit 430 that registers first history information containing the position information obtained by the positioning unit 421 with a history information storage unit 440 and also registers second history information containing the base station identification information obtained by the base station detection unit 422 with the history information storage unit 440, and a transmission control unit 450 that transmits the first history information registered with the history information storage unit 440 to an information management apparatus 20 via the communication unit and also transmits the second history information registered with the history information storage unit 440 to the information management apparatus 20 via the communication unit 410.
US09924484B2

A network registration method and apparatus, and a mobile terminal are presented. During re-registration with a network, after receiving a channel allocation rejection message sent by the network, a mobile terminal sorts all available frequency channels according to network resource statuses of frequency channels with which network registration failed before and that are in a low priority list. And then the mobile terminal tries to camp on all the available frequency channels according to an order of the sorting to determine a frequency channel to be camped on. The mobile terminal sends a network registration message to register with the frequency channel to be camped on.
US09924473B2

A compensation method, a base station, and a user equipment for uplink power control in a CoMP system are provided. The method includes: a base station determines an adjustment value for an uplink sending power of a UE; the base station sends to the UE indication information and the adjustment value for the uplink sending power of the UE, where the indication information is used for indicating a range of the adjustment value for the uplink sending power of the UE, so that the UE, according to the indication information and the adjustment value for the uplink sending power of the UE, determines the uplink sending power of the UE. Embodiments of the present invention are capable of improving the quality of sending uplink data.
US09924472B2

A wireless communication method including: transmitting first information from a second wireless terminal to a wireless base station, the first information relating to a first wireless quality from a first wireless terminal to the second wireless terminal, the first wireless quality being measured based on a first reference signal transmitted from the first wireless terminal, the wireless base station being configured to determine whether to perform device-to-device communication between the first wireless terminal and the second wireless terminal, and transmitting second information from the first wireless terminal to the wireless base station, the second information relating to a second wireless quality from the second wireless terminal to the first wireless terminal, the second wireless quality being measured based on a second reference signal transmitted from the second wireless terminal.
US09924471B2

Methods and apparatuses are provided for facilitating dynamic measurement power offset adjustments for use in reporting channel quality feedback. A user equipment may generate and send a plurality of channel quality indicator (CQI) values to a base station. The base station determines whether at least some of the received CQI values are outside of an upper or lower threshold value. If at least some of the received CQI values are outside the upper or lower threshold value, the base station can transmit an adjusted measurement power offset to the user equipment. On receipt of the adjusted measurement power offset, the user equipment generates subsequent CQI values using the adjusted measurement power offset.
US09924468B2

A subscriber unit, including an antenna array and an antenna array interface coupled to the antenna array, is described. Wireless transmissions, at least two of which are based on different directional transmissions from a transmitter, are received at the antenna array. Feedback messages are generated using the antenna array interface. The feedback messages are communicated using the antenna array to adjust settings of the transmitter.
US09924465B2

Apparatus and methods for low power sensing of wireless access technologies are disclosed. In particular, a mobile wireless device, such as an access terminal, may utilize a lower power circuitry portion that operates at a lower power than active circuitry, such as a primary transceiver. The lower power circuitry portion includes a configurable searcher that is capable of sensing if signals of one or more various wireless access technologies are present. When the wireless device utilizes sleep or idle modes for power savings, use of the lower power sensing circuitry to sense the presence of wireless access technologies, rather than using an awoken higher power primary transceiver for sensing, affords increased power savings. An added ability of the lower power circuitry to be put into sleep or idles modes achieves even greater power savings.
US09924464B2

A method, system, and computer program product for identifying at least one alternate power source to provide power to a portable device during an upcoming time period of use. The method includes monitoring power parameters associated with at least one battery of the portable device and determining, based on the power parameters, whether the at least one battery that is currently coupled to the portable device is capable of powering the portable device for an entirety of an upcoming time period of use. In response to determining the at least one battery is not capable of powering the portable device for the entirety of the upcoming time period of use, identifying at least one alternate power source that may provide power for use during the upcoming time period of use. The method then includes generating and outputting a power management strategy, which utilizes the at least one alternate power source.
US09924457B2

Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, devices, systems and methods of power management in a wireless network. For example, a first wireless station may be configured to transmit a frame to a second wireless station during a first beacon interval, the frame including an indication that the first wireless station is to switch to a low power mode; switch to the low power mode; operate at an active mode during an awake window in a second beacon interval subsequent to the first beacon interval; and upon receipt of an announcement traffic indication message (ATIM) from the second wireless station during the awake window, transmit an acknowledgement to the second wireless station, and stay at the active mode to communicate data with the second wireless station.
US09924453B2

Disclosed are a method and a device for determining a cell identifier. A method for determining a cell identifier can comprise the steps of: a network control unit generating an Nth neighbor cell list which comprises information about a neighboring cell of a search cell; the network control unit receiving, from a search cell, information about a global cell identifier and a first PCI of an unknown cell; the network control unit determining whether or not the unknown cell is a moving cell on the basis of the global cell identifier; and, if the unknown cell is a moving cell and the first PCI and a second PCI of a neighbor cell that is comprised in the Nth neighbor cell list, the network control unit transmitting to the moving cell a PCI change signal that requests changing of the first PCI.
US09924447B1

A method is disclosed for determining whether a communication or communication session requested by or directed to a user equipment device (UE) is a foreground or background communication, based on context information derived about the communication and in the absence of any direct indication from the UE. If it is determined that the communication is foreground, then no action is taken to limit the communication. If it is determined that the communication is foreground, then an action is taken to limit allocation of at least one network resource need for the communication. As a further aspect, the procedure for context-based determination is then initiated contingent upon the determination that the UE is roaming in a wireless network of a service provider different from a home service provider.
US09924446B2

A method for receiving a signal by a neighbor awareness networking (NAN) device in a wireless communication system, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises the steps of: receiving a NAN-related frame from an access point (AP); and obtaining information about the AP from information comprised in the NAN-related frame, wherein the information about the AP is comprised in a service ID list attribute or a WLAN infrastructure attribute.
US09924445B2

The present invention provides a capability opening system, a capability opening gateway, a capability opening agent, and a capability opening method of a wireless network. The capability opening system includes the capability opening gateway, a UE, and an application server, where the UE includes an application client and the capability opening agent; and the application client exchanges information of a service with the application server through a first interface, the application server exchanges capability information of the wireless network with the capability opening gateway through a second interface, and the capability opening agent exchanges related radio environment information with the capability opening gateway through a third interface. In embodiments of the present invention, a capability opening agent is added to a UE.
US09924444B2

Method includes: determining, by a Access Point, AP, a duration of a time segment according to the number of sensor stations and a size of uplink data and a data transmission rate of the sensor stations in a network; wherein in the time segment, only sensor stations are allowed to perform access contention; sending, by the AP, a beacon frame, wherein the beacon frame carries information about the time segment.
US09924440B2

If a network having the same SSID as but a different BSSID from those of a network that has been established by a first communication apparatus is detected, the network established by the first communication apparatus is terminated and the first communication apparatus participates in the detected network. This makes it possible for the first communication apparatus and another communication apparatus to participate in the same network.
US09924430B2

Disclosed are a heterogeneous network switching method, device and system, relating to the technique of communication. When a network-side device such as a base station determines that a UE needs to be switched into a non-3GPP network, switch signaling carrying switch indication information is sent to the UE; the switch indication information is used for instructing the UE to switch some of or all of the bearers from a 3GPP network to a non-3GPP network, so that the UE can switch some of all of the bearers from a 3GPP network to a non-3GPP network according to the switch indication information, thus realizing heterogeneous network switching initiated by a network side.
US09924425B2

A first wireless communication device includes first wireless communication circuitry that selectively operates in one of a plurality of bands and first control circuitry that sets a band in which the first wireless communication circuitry operates. The first control circuitry switches bands such that the first wireless communication circuitry operates in all of the plurality of bands within a certain cycle time. A second wireless communication device includes second wireless communication circuitry that selectively operates in one of the plurality of bands and second control circuitry that sets a band in which the second wireless communication circuitry operates. The second control circuitry switches to a different band when the second wireless communication device has been unable to communicate with the first wireless communication device.
US09924424B2

An integrated radio communication system with ordered hierarchical cellular coverage comprises a first system and a second system, the coverage of the second system covered by the coverage of the first system, and a set of dual-mode terminals that can selectively use the first system or the second system. The first and second systems are configured to simultaneously share a common portion Bc of a first band B1 of frequencies respectively on a first uplink and a second uplink, and respectively manage first transmission resources and corresponding second transmission resources. The second radio communication system of lower level N2 is free to manage its second transmission resources without any coordination constraint with respect to the first system of higher level N1, whereas the first system of higher level is configured to not disturb the second system in the common frequency band portion. The first system is configured to transmit data packets on a first uplink random access contention channel and to manage its first resources optimally in terms of transmission capacity of the channel as a function of the measurement of the occupancy of the second radio resources currently used by the second system and of the first resources currently used by the first system.
US09924415B2

A wireless terminal can communicate with two radio access networks (RAN) (304, 306) of different types. The wireless terminal can register simultaneously with a RAN of the first type and a RAN of the second type and can wirelessly connect to a RAN of either the first type or the second type in a connected state. The wireless terminal when registered with both a first RAN and a second RAN and when wirelessly connected to the first RAN in the connected state, receives a mobility signal via the first RAN indicating a RAN of the second type and, in response to receiving the mobility signal and in response to being so registered with the first RAN and second RAN, transmits an access trigger signal (417). The access trigger signal indicates that the wireless terminal is to be connected to the second RAN in the connected state.
US09924412B2

A method of handling buffer status report for a mobile device capable of UL MIMO and/or capable of receiving and/or transmitting on a plurality of component carriers in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method comprises generating at least a buffer size table each including a plurality of indexes according to the maximum uplink data transmission rate, wherein some of the plurality of indexes each is used for indicating a data amount in an uplink buffer of the mobile device for the buffer status report.
US09924405B2

A method for buffer status report (BSR) in dual connectivity for a communication device in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method comprises connecting to at least two base stations including a first base station and a second base station in the wireless communication system, receiving a BSR configuration from the first base station, wherein the BSR configuration indicates a calculation scheme for a BSR, and calculating buffer sizes indicated in a first BSR and a second BSR respectively for the first base station and the second base station according to the calculation scheme in the received BSR configuration, wherein at least a first logical channel of a first logical channel group reported by the first BSR and at least a second logical channel of a second logical channel group reported by the second BSR are mapped to the same split radio bearer.
US09924398B2

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for reducing load by filtering out broadcast messages. In some embodiments, a system may receive a broadcast message at a device at a first time. The system can monitor the device until a second time when a pre-determined number of broadcast messages have been received at the device. Based on a difference between the first time and the second time, the system can determine a filtering time duration. The system can then filter out further broadcast messages received at the device after the second time for a period of time that is equivalent to the filtering time duration.
US09924396B2

A terminal apparatus which performs periodic channel state information reporting to a base station apparatus, the terminal apparatus including a reception unit that receives first information, second information, and index information indicating a value for reporting periodicity of the channel state information, from the base station apparatus, and a transmission control unit that determines the value for reporting periodicity of the channel state information on the basis of the index information, in which the applicable value is based on a certain UL-DL configuration, in which, in a case where the second information is not configured, the certain UL-DL configuration is a UL-DL configuration indicated by the first information, and in which, in a case where the second information is configured, the certain UL-DL configuration is a UL-DL configuration indicated by the second information. Consequently, in a radio communication system which employs dynamic TDD, interference with a downlink signal is avoided, and an uplink control signal is transmitted.
US09924388B2

Method of autonomous detection and positioning method of indoor wireless network faults, the method comprising: building an indoor three-dimensional spatial structural model and an indoor transmitting antenna model of a target building, calculating the signal strength of the indoor transmitting antenna model inside the target building according to a ray-tracing propagation model algorithm to determine key testing positions of the target building, each key test position being associated to an individual transmitting antenna and maximizing the difference between the signal strength generated by its corresponding antenna and that generated by other antennas, deploying mobile phones with an automatic dial testing function at the key testing positions of indoor wireless networks and starting the dial testing mobile phones when the wireless networks are idle, collecting measurement reports reported by the dial testing mobile phones, detecting and locating faults of indoor networks and devices according to the measurement reports.
US09924368B2

Apparatus and methods of wireless communications are described for determining one or more bands (e.g., guard bands in wireless local area networks (WLANs)) in unused portions of an unlicensed spectrum, positioning one or more carriers for cellular communication (e.g., long term evolution (LTE) or LTE advanced communication) in the one or more bands, and performing the cellular communication over the unlicensed spectrum using the one or more carriers. In some non-limiting example aspects, the cellular communication may be in a standalone mode and the one or more carriers may include a primary component carrier (PCC) that is positioned in a Wi-Fi guard band. In these non-limiting example aspects, the apparatus and methods may further include allocating one or more secondary component carriers (SCCs) in Wi-Fi guard bands or in Wi-Fi channels, where the one or more SCCs are opportunistically tuned or turned ON/OFF based on cell loading or backhaul constraints.
US09924365B2

A vehicle safety system and method for controlling usage of mobile devices in a vehicle is disclosed that includes determining mobile device location in the vehicle; determining vehicle movement; determining whether device is being used by the driver based on device location; and monitoring or limiting usage of the device based on whether its being used by the driver while the vehicle is moving. An electronic beacon located in the vehicle can be used in determining device location. The method can include monitoring activation and usage of device functionality; maintaining an enforcement list of functionality to be limited when used by the driver; determining if any functionality on the enforcement list is attempting to activate, and if so limiting or disabling activation of that functionality. The method can include generating a device motion/usage profile for the driver while driving, and scoring the driver based on the device motion/usage profile.
US09924364B2

A user management method of a shared network, where the method includes acquiring user management information from a user access management device, where the user management information includes identification information of a participant operator and invalid user information/valid user information, the invalid user information is used to indicate a user equipment that has been detached from a network of the participant operator but a user context is still retained in the user access management device, and the valid user information is used to indicate a user equipment attached to the network of the participant operator, and updating access user information of the participant operator according to the user management information. In addition, another user management method of a shared network, and a corresponding device and system are further provided.
US09924360B2

Systems and methods for transmitting AT commands indicating whether Evolved Packet System (EPS) Session Management (ESM) information should be transmitted securely are disclosed herein. A Terminal Equipment (TE) may transmit an AT command to a Mobile Termination (MT). The AT command may indicate whether protocol configuration options (PCO) should be ciphered and/or whether an access point name (APN) is provided. In some embodiments, the AT command may be a dedicated command and may only include a parameter and an parameter. Alternatively, or in addition, the AT command may include a parameter, an parameter, and/or additional parameters serving additional functions. Whether the APN is provided may be determined based on whether the parameter is present and includes a non-null value. The AT command may be related to a single packet data network (PDN) connection or may relate to a plurality of PDN connections.
US09924357B2

A method for providing mobile communication provider information and a device for performing the same are disclosed. A terminal having an eUICC receives data, in which mobile communication provider information is capsulized and included, and stores the received data in the eUICC. Therefore, the mobile communication provider information can be transferred by applying the highest security scheme, and duplication of the eUICC due to the exposure of an authentication key by external hacking attacks can be prevented.
US09924351B2

A user equipment (UE) is provided. The UE comprises at least one component that is configured to detect an event of one of the UE changing routing area and the UE changing radio access technology from a long-term evolution (LTE) network to a global system for mobile communications enhanced data rates for GSM evolution radio access network (GERAN) or to a universal mobile telecommunication system terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN) and, responsive to detecting the event, to deactivate one of a packet data protocol (PDP) context and an evolved packet system (EPS) bearer.
US09924349B2

A machine-card dynamic binding method is provided. An SIM card is provided with a first basic file and a second basic file, sets a PIN to be in a blocked status in an initialization process, indicates that an SIM service table supports an additional terminal profile to a terminal, receives a profile download instruction, sends a proactive PROVIDE LOCAL INFORMATION command to the terminal after determining that the terminal supports PROVIDE LOCAL INFORMATION command, receives a terminal response including an IMEI number of the terminal, matches the IMEI number with an IMEI number in the first basic file, determines that a binding check succeeds if matching succeeds, sets a status flag of a binding check success into the second basic file, and sets PIN to be in an unlocked status and a disable status after SIM card initialization is completed. A machine-card dynamic binding device and system are further provided.
US09924347B1

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system that manages utilization of mobile subscriber identity information including enabling reuse of such information by a different communication device and/or re-authorizing use by a communication device that previously was authorized to utilize the information. The reassignment of mobile subscriber identity information can be based on detecting a registration that utilizes a bootstrap mobile subscriber identity information or a registration based on a mobile subscriber identity information that the network has designated not for use by the particular communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09924344B1

A roaming method that enables the home network (HPMN) to use S8 Home Routed (S8HR) model for out-bound roaming while the visited network (VPMN) uses Local Breakout (LBO) model for in-bound roaming. An IMS Roaming Gateway (IR-GW) establishes an IMS bearer between the IR-GW and the home network's Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW). The IR-GW replaces the source IP address on the SIP-Register message with the client IP address assigned to the UE by the HPMN P-GW. Upon receiving a SIP-Response message responsive to successful authentication of the UE with the HPMN, the IR-GW inserts its own IP address into the SIP-Response message and forwards it to the UE. IR-GW performs network address translation (NAT) between the source IP assigned to the UE by the VPMN and the client IP assigned to the UE by the HPMN.
US09924335B2

According to an aspect, a communication device includes: a first communication unit for performing communication using a first communication scheme; a second communication unit for performing communication using a second communication scheme; and a control unit for processing the incoming call based on a status of the second communication unit.
US09924334B1

A message pushing method, terminal equipment and a computer-readable storage medium are provided. The method is applied to a mobile terminal, and includes: a plurality of unread pushed messages are acquired; target audio data are generated according to the plurality of unread pushed messages; and the target audio data are output.
US09924329B2

A method for a multi-media broadcast/multicast service by a base station includes receiving, from a radio network controller (RNC), a command for updating an MBMS notification indicator, the command including notification indicator information and a connection frame number, determining whether a modification period is included in the command, and transmitting a notification indicator starting at a time based on the connection frame number for the modification period if the modification period is included in the command, wherein the notification indicator information is used to generate the notification indicator.
US09924326B2

The present invention is basically related to a system for retrieving movement (location) changes of the subscribers for a period of time. The said system comprises mobile station, network elements, location determination unit, location information database and a query unit.
US09924325B2

There is provided an information processing system including an acquisition section configured to acquire a movement direction and a movement purpose from each one of a plurality of terminal devices; and a guide information issuing section configured to issue a guide information which is generate based on the movement direction and the movement purpose of the a plurality of terminal devices.
US09924317B1

Disclosed are examples of modifying a current state of a mobile station based on the location of the mobile station with respect to a nearby acquaintance. The method may include detecting a presence of a mobile station in a predefined domain area identified by an application, the predefined domain area being associated with at least one acquaintance, and performing a modification to a current state of the mobile station based on a level associated with the at least one acquaintance.
US09924313B1

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for generating and delivering pertinent information to a user based on a user's location. Initially, a specific trigger and location of a device are identified. A specific action to perform is determined based on the location the computing device, a set of rules, and the identified specific trigger. The action is then performed.
US09924310B2

One or more processors generate a graphical user interface, on a client computing node, and communicate with the client computing node via an Internet connection. The processor(s) obtains user data from a client, where the user data includes attributes of the user and privacy selections related to the attributes. The processor(s) utilizes location services in the client computing node to obtain location information from the client computing node indicating a position of the client computing node. The processor(s) determines a geographic segment for the client computing node that represents a pre-defined geographic area that includes the position of the client computing node. The processor(s) displays in the graphical user interface, based on the attributes of the user and the assigned geographic segment, a portion of attributes associated with at least one other user, where the at least one other user is associated with the geographic segment.
US09924308B2

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to determining location of client devices in a distributed antenna system (DAS) based on detecting uplink received power. In this regard, a client device location system is provided in the DAS to configure each remote unit in the DAS to generate a power-regulated UL communications signal based on an assigned power pattern. If a respective power pattern of a reference signal(s) uniquely identifying a client device corresponds to the assigned power pattern of the remote unit that generates the power-regulated UL communications signal, the client device location system reports the location of the remote unit as the location of the client device in the DAS. Hence, it is possible to locate the client device based on the location of the remote unit, thus providing the location of the client device with higher degree of accuracy.
US09924298B2

A method for connecting wireless devices using Bluetooth® low energy can be used to connect wireless computing devices with a medical device in an ambulatory care setting. The wireless computing devices can receive measured vital sign data and transmit the vital sign data to a patient's electronic medical record. The wireless computing devices can be configured to include a user-friendly name and the transmitter power in one or more advertising broadcasts. The medical device can receive advertising broadcasts from one or more wireless computing devices and sort the devices by proximity, last use, number of times used, or alphabetically. After the devices exchange information over Bluetooth® low energy, the devices can connect in Bluetooth® Classic. Systems for implementing the method are also disclosed.
US09924296B2

Techniques are disclosed for controlling, in a network device, multiple radio circuits operating in a same or similar frequency band and in close physical proximity. In some embodiments, the radio circuits operate on the same network protocol. The network device can include a coexistence controller coupled to the network circuits. According to some embodiments, the network circuits are each assigned a priority, and the coexistence controller can control operations between the network circuits by selectively adjusting one or more transmission operating parameters of a respective network circuit based on a plurality of operating criteria, which include each network circuit's priority. Among other benefits, the embodiments disclosed herein can increase wireless network bandwidth and reduce mobile device power consumption by providing coordination among the radio circuits so that the transmitting and receiving operations are performed in a way that they do not interfere with their respective antennas.
US09924290B2

A system and method for providing sound-data indicative of an audible sound to be produced and location-data indicative of a designated spatial location at which the audible sound is to be produced; and utilizing the sound-data and determining frequency content of ultrasound beams to be transmitted by an acoustic transducer system including an arrangement of ultrasound transducer elements for generating said audible sound. The ultrasound beams include primary audio modulated ultrasound beam(s), whose frequency contents includes ultrasonic frequency components selected to produce the audible sound after undergoing non-linear interaction in a non-linear medium, and additional ultrasound beam(s) each including ultrasonic frequency component(s). The location-data is utilized for determining focal points for the ultrasound beams respectively such that focusing the ultrasound beams on the focal points enables generation of a localized sound field with the audible sound in the vicinity of the designated spatial location.
US09924288B2

Systems and techniques for detecting blockage associated with a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microphone of a device are presented. The device includes a MEMS acoustic sensor and a processor. The MEMS acoustic sensor is contained in a cavity within the device. The processor is configured to detect a blockage condition associated with an opening of the cavity that contains the MEMS acoustic sensor.
US09924287B2

A circuit and method for determining an ambient temperature for an electronic device having a loudspeaker are described. An amplifier drives the loudspeaker and first circuitry is configure to determine an overall temperature of the loudspeaker or the amplifier. Second circuitry is configured to determine a change in temperature of the loudspeaker or the amplifier resulting from power dissipated in the loudspeaker or the amplifier. Third circuitry is configured to subtract a signal representative of the change in temperature from a signal representative of the overall temperature and output a signal representative of the ambient temperature for the electronic device.
US09924286B1

A networked speaker system communicates using Li-Fi. The LEDs implementing the Li-Fi may also have modes in which they are used to map the walls of a room in which the speakers are located, detect the locations of speakers in the room, and detect and classify listeners in the room. Based on this, waveform analysis may be applied to input audio to establish equalization and delays that are optimal for the room geometry, speaker locations, and listener locations.
US09924285B2

An adapter apparatus for a headset accessory and a signal transfer method of the headset accessory are provided. The adapter apparatus includes an earphone jack, a connection interface and a device adapter circuit. The earphone jack is suitable for a plug of the headset accessory to plug in. The connection interface is suitable for being electrically connected with a portable device. The device adapter circuit is electrically connected to the earphone jack and the connection interface to receive a headset control signal of the headset accessory and provide a device control signal to the portable device via the connection interface. The device adapter circuit provides the device control signal based on a DC level and a frequency of the headset control signal.
US09924282B2

A system for improving synchronization of an acoustic signal to a video display includes a hearing aid comprising a hearing loss processor configured for signal processing in accordance with a hearing loss of a user of the hearing aid, the hearing aid being configured for receiving a first audio signal for synchronous presentation to the user viewing the video display, the hearing aid being configured for generating a first acoustic signal to be presented to the user of the hearing aid, the first acoustic signal comprising at least a first part being generated in response to the first audio signal. The system also includes a delay unit configured for applying a delay, such that synchronization of the at least first part of the first acoustic signal to the video display is improved.
US09924274B2

An inertial electroacoustic transducer unit has a first exciter and a second exciter, the second exciter is disposed in overturned position on the first exciter. In a first configuration, the bases of the two cups face each other, or in a second configuration the cavities of the two cups face each other. The two exciters are fixed together or to a plane intended to be put into vibration in such manner that the axes of the cylindrical supports of the coils coincide. The ends of the coils of the two exciters are connected in counter-phase in such manner to obtain a consistent movement in the same direction as the magnetic units of the two exciters.
US09924272B2

A method and device for processing an audio output in consideration of the hearing characteristics of a user and the characteristics of an audio device connected to an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a user interface; an audio interface configured to establish a connection to an audio device, a memory, and at least one processor electrically connected to the user interface, the memory, and the audio interface, wherein the at least one processor is configured to acquire at least one of identification information of the audio device and characteristics of the audio device, select audio adaptation information, change an audio signal, at least partially based on the audio adaptation information, and transmit the changed audio signal to the audio device.
US09924271B2

An article of functional headwear is provided. The article of headwear including a material configured for surrounding at least a portion of an individual's head, an audio delivery device movably positioned within the material, and a microprocessor positioned within the material, the microprocessor being coupled to the audio delivery device.
US09924259B2

An earplug-type earphone is disclosed including: an earplug (10) for producing sound and an elastic support (30). The earplug (10) includes a front housing (200) and a rear housing (500) connected in that order. The elastic support (30) is positioned on an outer side of the rear housing (500). When the earplug (10) is inserted in the external auditory canal, the elastic support (30) is pressed and deformed and then applies resilience to the helix, by which the earplug can be stably positioned in the external auditory canal.
US09924253B2

A microphone sensor provides, a receiving space disposed on a cover and a control module and positioned with a sound sensing module in the receiving space. The microphone sensor includes a cover having a receiving groove formed at a lower portion and an air inlet that a sound signal flow in through within a control module coupled to the lower portion of the cover. Furthermore, a sound sensing module is coupled to the control module and positioned at the receiving groove.
US09924248B2

Methods, systems, and apparatus for Passive Optical Network (PON) wavelength bonding are disclosed. In one aspect, a first frame of data to a first optical network unit (ONU) is transmitted by an optical line terminal (OLT) over a first wavelength. While the first frame of data is being transmitted to the first ONU over the first wavelength, a first portion of a second frame of data to a second ONU is transmitted by the OLT over a second wavelength. After transmission of the first frame of data over the first wavelength has completed and while the first portion of the second frame of data is still being transmitted to the second ONU over the second wavelength, a second portion of the second frame of data to the second ONU is transmitted by the OLT over the first wavelength.
US09924236B2

Embodiments are directed towards extracting an informational banner from a first source and combining it with video content from a second source. The informational banner may be a news ticker, a scoreboard, an informational window of a program, etc. The informational banner is selected or identified from the first source using one or more different automated or user-selectable methods. The extracted informational banner is combined with video content from the second source at a display location that is automatically determined or selected by a user. The combined content is then provided to a display device for presentation to the user.
US09924228B2

A system and method is disclosed for processing viewer profiles and program metadata from a number of sources to provide viewing suggestions and recommendations to one or more viewers.
US09924213B2

Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for excluding specific application traffic from customer consumption-based data billing counts. This is useful for excluding traffic from consumption totals where the application traffic has been accounted for using other means, such as through billing as a separate or technically distinct service. In practice, a tablet computer (or other end user device) can run a video application that uses a high-speed data network via a cable modem. This video application may be included as part of a core video package associated with a distinct cable television service. The system then provides accurate consumption billing of customer traffic that is outside of any other managed services by creating separate logical data service flows at a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) for excluding specific traffic counts.
US09924209B2

Disclosed are a system and a method for minimizing signal interference for a broadcasting and communication convergence section within a local area, and an apparatus applied to the same. The system has a construction of mounting a plurality of multi RF (Radio Frequency) channels within a short-range wireless transmitting apparatus located in a local area and minimizing signal interference between mutually adjacent RF channels within the short-range wireless transmitting apparatus in a standard for providing a broadcasting and communication convergence service. Accordingly, it is possible to remove the mutual channel effects affecting a communication signal without signal interference for adjacent channels due to a broadcasting signal and it is not necessary to enhance a filtering characteristic for the adjacent channels of a chipset, which corresponds to a broadcasting and communication convergence standard structure in a local area, so that there is an advantage of reducing network investment costs.
US09924206B2

A digital television (DTV) receiving system includes an information detector, a resampler, a timing recovery unit, and a carrier recovery unit. The information detector detects a known data sequence which is periodically inserted in a digital television (DTV) signal received from a DTV transmitting system. The resampler resamples the DTV signal at a predetermined resampling rate. The timing recovery unit performs timing recovery on the DTV signal by detecting a timing error from the resampled DTV signal using the detected known data sequence. The carrier recovery unit performs carrier recovery on the resampled DTV signal by estimating a frequency offset value of the resampled DTV signal using the detected known data sequence.
US09924205B2

To-be-commented video data is received by a terminal device, and a video sequence number of the to-be-commented video data is determined, which steps further include comprising, by the video data, a first correlation 2-tuple of a global base sequence number and the video sequence number, in which a sequence number of a live voice in the video data is the global base sequence number, and the video sequence number of the video data is determined according to the global base sequence number; and determining a video sequence number of the to-be-commented video data according to the first correlation 2-tuple. The to-be-commented video data is played, a commentary voice is acquired, and a correspondence between a voice sequence number of the commentary voice and the video sequence number is determined. The correspondence between the voice sequence number and the video sequence number is sent to a video playback end.
US09924189B2

An image processing device including a reception section configured to receive an encoded stream set in syntax of the encoded stream in which motion vector (MV) range limit information is encoded in units in which image data have a hierarchical structure and the MV range limit information, the MV range limit information being information about a limit of a value of a vertical direction of an MV for referring to a view different from a view of a current block in an inter-view MV corresponding to the current block, and a decoding section configured to decode the encoded stream received by the reception section using the MV range limit information received by the reception section.
US09924182B2

An inter-layer video decoding method includes searching for a neighboring block candidate which neighbors a current block and has a motion vector in an inter-layer direction, from among spatial and temporal neighboring block candidates; when the neighboring block candidate having the motion vector in the inter-layer direction is found, setting the motion vector in the inter-layer direction of the found neighboring block candidate as a disparity vector of the current block; when the neighboring block candidate having the motion vector in the inter-layer direction is not found, searching for a neighboring block candidate having disparity vector information from among the spatial and temporal neighboring block candidates; and when the neighboring block candidate having the disparity vector information is found, predicting a disparity vector of the current block based on the disparity vector information of the found candidate.
US09924181B2

A method and apparatus for inter-layer prediction for scalable video coding are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention utilize weighted prediction for scalable coding. The weighted prediction is based on the predicted texture data and the inter-layer Intra prediction data derived from BL reconstructed data. The inter-layer Intra prediction data corresponds to the BL reconstructed data or up-sampled BL reconstructed data. The predicted texture data corresponds to spatial Intra prediction data or motion-compensated prediction data based on the second EL video data in the same layer as the current EL picture. Embodiments of the present invention also utilize the reference picture list including an inter-layer reference picture (ILRP) corresponding to BL reconstructed texture frame or up-sampled BL reconstructed texture frame for Inter prediction of EL video data. The motion vector is limited to a range around (0,0) when the ILRP is selected as a reference picture.
US09924180B2

Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for image encoding/decoding that support a plurality of layers. The method for image decoding that supports a plurality of layers includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list, and the information of the first layer includes at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.
US09924165B1

An apparatus includes a memory and a processor. The memory may be configured to store video data. The video data includes a plurality of sections of one or more pictures that can be processed independently. The processor generally includes a hardware pipeline. The hardware pipeline implements a number of stages of a video coding process, such that each stage performs an associated task in a substantially similar time on a different one of said plurality of sections.
US09924164B2

Systems and methods are provided for re-transcoding portions of a digital media file while maintaining key-frame alignment across a set of digital media files having the same content. Instead of re-transcoding the entire set of digital media files if a portion of a single video fails quality, the disclosed systems and methods allow only the failing portion of the video to be re-transcoded.
US09924149B2

A video quality evaluation apparatus for evaluating a video quality that a user experiences for a service in which a 3D video is used, the video quality evaluation apparatus including: a 2D video quality derivation unit configured to derive, from input 3D video data, a left eye video quality that is a quality of a left eye video that is included in the 3D video data and a right eye video quality that is a quality of a right eye video that is included in the 3D video data; and a 3D video quality derivation unit configured to derive a quality of the 3D video from the left eye video quality and the right eye video quality.
US09924148B2

An electronic device and a method for generating a highlight program are provided. The electronic device, for example, includes, but is not limited to a communication device, and a processor communicatively coupled to the communication device, wherein the processor is configured to receive extraction settings, receive game data from the communication device, set an extraction point in the game data based upon the extraction settings, and create a highlight program including media from the game data based upon the extraction point.
US09924144B2

The invention provides a light field illuminating method, device and system. The method includes: determining, based on position and angle of rays emitted from a projector and focal length of a lens, position and angle of projection rays obtained after the emitted rays being transmitted through a lens array; determining, based on position and angle of projection rays and light probe array of sampled scene, brightness value of projection rays; converting, based on brightness transfer function of projector, brightness value of projection rays into pixel value of projection input image, generating projection input image based on pixel value of projected input image; and performing light field illumination on target object with projection input image. A projector and a lens array are adopted to achieve light field illumination, so that pixel-level accurate lighting control can be achieved, and various complicated light field environments can be simulated vividly in practical scenario.
US09924139B2

An intelligent cable storage drum system for use in a pipe inspection system may include a cable storage drum, a video push-cable disposed on the cable storage drum having a proximal end and a distal end for coupling to a camera, and a transceiver module operatively coupled to an output at the distal end of the camera for providing camera output signals to the transceiver module.
US09924134B2

An image rendering unit (IRU) of a device determines the dynamic frame rate capabilities (DFRCs) of a display and an image frame rate of content to be displayed. Preferably, the DFRCs are stored in a storage device deployed within the display itself. Based on the DFRCs and the image frame rate for the content, the IRU determines an updated frame rate and thereafter provides the content to the display at the updated frame rate. Where control of power consumption is desired, selection of a reduced frame rate can effect a power savings. In this manner, the present invention provides flexible control over display frame rates and/or power consumption of the device.
US09924131B1

A method of identifying and scaling a region of interest on a display device is presented. The region of interest is detected based on the rate of change between frames. A size of the display area of the display device and aspect ratio are determined. The detected region of interest is scaled to fit the display area in full screen mode based on the display area and the aspect ratio. The region of interest may be, for example, an active video region. In full screen mode, any static or slow-moving images are hidden.
US09924128B2

A method of tracking digital images includes inputting data identifying a subject of an image into a camera, acquiring an image with the camera, and storing the image and the inputted data, as metadata, in an image file when the image is acquired. The method can be implemented using a scanner, a digital camera, and a data processor. The scanner obtains the identifying data and transmits the data to the camera. The camera obtains digital images and embeds the data into digital image files encoding the digital images. The identifying data has a format different from any of the formats processable by the digital camera. The data processor converts the format of the identifying data to one of the plurality of formats processable by the digital camera loads the converted information into the digital camera as metadata.
US09924118B2

In an image sensor, the effective capacitance of the storage node NS of the pixel, which stores the charges (the electrons) collected by the photosensitive element of the pixel, is modified with the aid of a feedback loop 100 which influences the supply VREFP of the follower transistor T3 connected to the storage node, in such a way that the apparent capacitance of the storage node depends on the gain GL of the loop. By modifying the gain, the capacitance of the storage node and therefore the charge/voltage conversion factor, which is inversely proportional to this capacitance, is modified.
US09924116B2

A method and an imaging system for adaptive shutter control wherein an imaging system can be configured to actuate a calibration element at various times and develop an offset correction or Non-Uniformity Correction (NUC). The system control processing units may acquire information derived from calibration data, regular imaging data or external data, which may be correlated with how fast the NUC is changing over time. How often calibration element is actuated may be adaptively determined from the correlating information and the actuation times may be adaptively controlled to optimally actuate as needed. In some embodiments the calibration element may be a shutter and calibration activation may include closing the shutter and providing a flat field image for calibration purposes.
US09924115B2

A scanner and method for using the same are disclosed. The scanner includes a stage, a MIR light source, an imaging system, and a controller. The stage is adapted to hold a specimen to be imaged and to move the specimen in a first direction and in a second direction that is orthogonal to the lateral direction. The imaging system forms an image plane of the specimen when the stage is positioned at a second direction distance, z, from a known point in the imaging system. The imaging system forms a plurality of different image planes of the specimen at the illumination wavelength. Each of the plurality of image planes is characterized by a different value of z, the controller determining a value of z for each of a plurality of points on the specimen at which the point on the specimen is in focus.
US09924113B2

An apparatus includes a plurality of imaging pixels configured to acquire a radiation image, a plurality of detection pixels each including a detection conversion element and a detection switch element, a drive unit configured to drive the detection switch element of each of the plurality of detection pixels, a plurality of detection regions in each of which the plurality of detection pixels are arranged, a control unit configured to control the drive unit to drive the plurality of detection pixels arranged in each of the plurality of detection regions at respective different timing, and an acquisition unit configured to acquire an amount of incidence of radiation rays on each of the plurality of detection regions based on a value obtained by summing or averaging signals read out from the plurality of detection pixels.
US09924110B2

An electronic apparatus, storage medium, and method are disclosed. An electronic apparatus includes a display and at least one processor. The display comprises a first display mode in which a plurality of images are displayed alongside each other. The at least one processor determines importance of an image. The at least one processor determines a display size of each of the plurality of images. The at least one processor increases the display size of an image as the importance of the image is higher.
US09924104B2

This invention provides a technology that allows the acquisition of background differentials using images acquired by a camera, the viewpoint of which moves. First, said camera acquires a background image, i.e. an image that does not contain a target object. Using information on the line-of-sight direction and viewpoint position of the camera, position information for pixels in the background image is transformed to polar-coordinate information Next, the camera acquires an object image. Using information on the line-of-sight direction and viewpoint position of the camera, position information for pixels in the object image is transformed to polar-coordinate information. The polar-coordinate information for the pixels in the object image is used to identify a target background, said target background being the part of the background image in an angle region corresponding to the object image. By comparing the object image and the target background, the differential therebetween is extracted.
US09924101B2

The apparatus displays a standard image capturing screen for capturing an image using a first image capturing unit in the case where an operation of a release member has been detected while a standard playback screen for performing playback using a first playback unit is being displayed, and, in the case where an operation of the release member has been detected while a predetermined image capturing screen for capturing an image using a second image capturing unit is not being displayed and a screen of the predetermined application is being displayed, displays the predetermined image capturing screen.
US09924098B2

A rifle scope includes an image sensor configured to capture visual data corresponding to a view area, a display, and a controller coupled to the display and the image sensor. The controller is configured to apply a first stabilization parameter to at least a portion of the visual data to produce a stabilized view, to provide the stabilized view and a reticle to the display, and to apply a second stabilization parameter to stabilize the reticle relative to the stabilized view in response to motion.
US09924096B2

A hall sensor device includes: an amplifier configured to amplify a detection signal of a hall sensor; and a current supplier configured to provide a compensation current to a feedback line of the amplifier according to an offset of the detection signal, to cancel the offset.
US09924095B2

An image capturing device includes an image capturing unit capturing an image at a timing based on a first frame rate and outputs data corresponding to the image after a first period, an image data generation unit generating image data based on the output data and outputting the image data after a second period, a display unit displaying a display image based on the image data after the second period and at a timing based on a second frame rate, and a mode selecting unit selecting a first or second mode. The first mode prioritizes reduction in a display delay time. The second mode prioritizes image quality of the display image over reduction in the display delay time. A total period of the first and second periods is less than or equal to a first vertical synchronization period based on the first frame rate when the first mode is selected.
US09924092B2

Array cameras, and array camera modules incorporating independently aligned lens stacks are disclosed. Processes for manufacturing array camera modules including independently aligned lens stacks can include: forming at least one hole in at least one carrier; mounting the at least one carrier relative to at least one sensor so that light passing through the at least one hole in the at least one carrier is incident on a plurality of focal planes formed by arrays of pixels on the at least one sensor; and independently mounting a plurality of lens barrels to the at least one carrier, so that a lens stack in each lens barrel directs light through the at least one hole in the at least one carrier and focuses the light onto one of the plurality of focal planes.
US09924091B2

First and second images are captured at first and second focal lengths, the second focal length being longer than the first focal length. Element sets are defined with a first element of the first image and a corresponding second element of the second image. Element sets are identified as background if the second element thereof is more in-focus than or as in-focus as the first element. Background elements are subtracted from further analysis. Comparisons are based on relative focus, e.g. whether image elements are more or less in-focus. Measurement of absolute focus is not necessary, nor is measurement of absolute focus change; images need not be in-focus. More than two images, multiple element sets, and/or multiple categories and relative focus relationships also may be used.
US09924088B2

A camera module including a main body having a spherical shape and including a camera; a first arm connected to the main body and including a first motor configured to rotate the main body; a second arm connected to the first arm and including a second motor configured to rotate the first arm; a fixing member connected to the second arm and including a third motor for rotating the second arm; and a controller configured to independently rotate the main body, the first arm and the second arm to allow omnidirectional capturing in a three-dimensional space where the camera is placed.
US09924087B2

An information terminal apparatus includes: a first image pickup section that obtains a first picked-up image; a first communication section that receives a second picked-up image obtained by a second image pickup section according to a first communication standard; a second communication section that performs communication according to a second communication standard different from the first communication standard; and a display control section that displays the first picked-up image during the communication of the second communication section when communication of the first communication section is not established. Cooperative display control with respect to a plurality of picked-up images from a plurality of image pickup sections reduces a waiting time period before the picked-up images are displayed.
US09924086B2

There is provided a display apparatus. A reception unit receives a captured image from an image capturing apparatus. A display unit displays the captured image. A detection unit detects an attitude of the display apparatus. A transmission unit, while the display unit is displaying the captured image, transmits attitude information to the image capturing apparatus in response to an instruction from a user. The attitude information indicates the attitude detected by the detection unit.
US09924084B2

An auto-tracking imaging apparatus according to a preferred aspect of the invention includes: an imaging optical system that is formed of a central optical system, which is a wide-angle optical system disposed on a common optical axis, and an annular optical system which is a telephoto optical system disposed on the common optical axis; a directional sensor that respectively pupil-divides rays incident through the wide-angle and telephoto optical systems so as to selectively receive the rays; a panning/tilting mechanism; an object detection section that detects a tracking target object on the basis of at least a wide-angle image in wide-angle and telephoto images acquired from the directional sensor by an image acquisition section; and a panning/tilting control section that controls the panning/tilting mechanism on the basis of information about a position of the object, which is detected by the object detection section, in the image.
US09924083B1

A system for aligning a camera view and the illumination of a lighting fixture is disclosed. The system includes a camera contained with a housing and a lighting fixture that is pivotedly attached to the housing. An angle adjuster attached to a proximate end of each of the housing and the lighting fixture converts a linear movement to the adjuster into an angular adjustment of the lighting fixture with regard to an optical axis of a camera contained with the housing. In another aspect of the invention, the system of aligning a camera view and light fixture may be attached to a magnification lenswear and a focal point of the magnification lenswear may be aligned with the aligned camera view and the illumination of the lighting fixture.
US09924079B2

A combination mirror and camera for viewing areas that are difficult to see, such as the rear of a user's head. The present invention includes a housing having a digital display on a first side thereof and a mirror on a second side thereof. The housing is disposed on a handle that can be conveniently grasped. A camera is connected to the housing and is adjustably positioned on an elongated, flexible, and adjustable cable. The flexible cable can retain its shape once disposed in a desired position. The housing further includes a recessed channel along the perimeter thereof that can receive the flexible cable and the camera in a stored position. The flexible cable and camera are removable from the recessed channel so as to position the camera in a desired location. The video captured by the camera is displayed on the digital display.
US09924078B2

An image-capturing device contains a housing and a camera accommodated in the housing in particular for continuous image capturing and the generation of corresponding image data. Accordingly, the camera is a thermal-imaging camera for capturing thermal images. At least one part of the housing lying in the field of view of the thermal-imaging camera or a part of the housing embodied as an optical lens is constructed such that the part is at least substantially transparent in the infrared range and nontransparent, in particular opaque, in the optically visible range. According to one particular embodiment, the image-capturing device is configured as a person-counting mechanism.
US09924074B2

Method, system, and graphical user interface for enabling optimal colorant job programming. A graphical user interface displays a plurality of gamut mode selectable features. One or more of the gamut mode selectable features can be selected for image processing of an image. A graphical image can be displayed within the next of the user interface based on image processing of the image, and in response to selection of a gamut mode selectable feature. The resulting displayed graphical image with the user interface can demonstrate to a user the benefit of utilizing additional colorant on the image particular pixels in the graphical image, which can benefit from the additional colorant.
US09924069B2

A method of integrating a radial zoom effect with a complementary radial image transition effect includes integrating the effects such that the two blended radial effects share a common center, and thereby share common displacement paths during the perceived transition. In addition to the visual appeal of the effect, the invention also resolves operational incompatibilities between the practice of commercial photography and the practice of lenticular printing. A lenticular product is formed in accordance with this method.
US09924065B2

A lighting control circuit (1) controls lighting and extinguishing a plurality of light-emitting elements (D11 to D19, D21 to D29, and D31 to D39). The lighting control circuit (1) has: a first scanning circuit (10) that sequentially scans the light-emitting elements by a predetermined first unit number at a time; a second scanning circuit (20) that sequentially scans the light-emitting elements being scanned by the first scanning circuit (10) by a second unit number at a time, which is lower than the first unit number; and a control circuit (30) that controls lighting and extinguishing the individual light-emitting elements being scanned by the first and second scanning circuits (10, 20).
US09924057B2

In order to promote the use of a display panel as an operation panel part, if a communicable terminal device (9) is detected (S1), a CPU (10) requests the terminal device (9) to transmit panel information (S2), and determines, on the basis of the panel information, whether or not the operability of the terminal device (9) is higher than that of an operation panel part (6) (S3). If the operability of the terminal device (9) is higher than that of the operation panel part (6), the CPU (10) displays a terminal device utilization screen on a display panel (61) (S4). If an operation of an image forming device (1) by the terminal device (9) is selected by a user, the CPU (10) generates data for displaying an image of an operation screen based on the display on the display panel (61) and a setting value set by the operation of the operation panel part (6), and transmits the data to the terminal device (9) (S6).
US09924047B2

An MFP receives destination information indicating a folder in a file server from a user and can register the destination information in an address book, and the MFP determines whether a connection with a file server using the destination information can be established after destination information is received but before the destination information is registered in the address book, and notifies a user of a determination result.
US09924037B1

Methods, systems, apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable media are described for a scalable computer-telephony integration system. Various aspects may include storing sets of call agent login information for several call agents within the computer-telephony integration system and across several independent computing systems in a contact center login database. Additionally, various aspects may include generating several contact center service categories and sets of contact information for each contact center service category, which may be stored in a contact center directory database. When an incoming call is received from a customer, various aspects may include obtaining customer call information from the customer and generating a customer call key, which may be stored as a reference to the customer call information in a contact center customer call information database. The call key may be used to reduce an amount of data electronically transferred between call agents during telephone call transfers.
US09924034B1

Systems and methods for managing customer communications over communication channels are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method for managing customer communications over a plurality of communication channels may include (1) at least one of a plurality of computer processors determining contact information for the customer; (2) at least one of the plurality of computer processors determining that the contact information comprises a cellular phone number; (4) at least one of the plurality of computer processors determining that the customer has consented to being contacted on the cellular phone number; and (5) at least one of a plurality of computer processors automatically initiating contact with the customer using the communication channel.
US09924030B1

The present disclosure is directed to a method and system for routing communications. A plurality of communication devices are coupled, via a shared common (interface) communication device, to a communications network. Each such communication device has a device identifier. A user-programmable database associates each of a plurality of user identifiers with a device identifier. A call-routing switch arrangement is coupled to the communication network through a portal communication device having a portal identifier. A user designates a destination user identifier when making a communication. The call-routing switches the call, directing the call to a destination device identifier responsive to the user-programmable database association between the destination user identifier and a device identifier. According to certain aspects, communications are directed to users and are routed to associated equipment, a user identifier serving as a virtual extension number. Users remotely program the database to direct their calls accordingly.
US09924029B2

A service that determines what event has occurred and provide a list of actions that the service can be performed in order to help the user through a hectic time period is disclosed. In one example, one or more modules can identify one or more events and transmitting an indication of the at least one event to a mobile device. Then, one or more modules can receive an indication that a mobile device has selected at least one of the at least one event, and determine at least one action to perform, wherein the at least one action can be associated with the at least one selected event.
US09924028B2

A system for selectively manipulating a mobile device when the mobile device is present within one or more defined zones within an area. The system comprises a control device transmitting a signal, with the signal having a decreasing signal strength as distance from the control device increases. The system additional comprises one or more profiles stored in a memory for determining the one or more defined zones based on one or more values, each value corresponding to a particular signal strength of the signal, and at least one software application executing on the mobile device. The application is configured for accessing the profiles from a memory and receiving, from the mobile device, an indication of the signal received at the mobile device and a signal strength of the received signal, and selectively manipulating the mobile device as a function of the signal strength and the one or more profiles.
US09924027B2

An automotive wearable electronic device arrangement for a motor vehicle includes an indicator device indicating a state of an operating parameter of the vehicle. A wireless communication device is communicatively coupled to the indicator device and detects that a driver is wearing a wearable electronic device. The detecting includes receiving a signal from the wearable electronic device. The wireless communication device transmits a signal to the wearable electronic device instructing the wearable electronic device to cease issuing notifications to the driver. The transmitting is dependent upon a state of an operating parameter indicated by the indicator device.
US09924025B2

An apparatus is capable of sharing information through a presence service in a communication network and capable of providing presence information of a Mobile Station (MS). The apparatus extracts at least one of application information and contents indication information from an application in execution. Presence information is generated that includes at least one of the application information and the contents indication information, and transmitting the presence information to a presence server.
US09924016B2

A content download method, a related device, and a system are provided. The content download method includes: receiving a download request message for content sent by a user equipment; querying a state value corresponding to a user equipment, where the state value corresponding to the user equipment includes a load value of a cell in which the user equipment is located currently and/or a current traffic charging value of the user equipment; and if the state value corresponding to the user equipment is less than a preset threshold, notifying the user equipment to directly download the content from a content providing server.
US09924005B1

A universal mounting device is presented. The device includes a main clamp with a left and right vertical main posts, an inverted v-shaped clamp connecting the top ends of the main posts, and a handle bar connecting the bottom ends of the main posts. A compression spring resides inside a cavity in each main post. A bottom clamp with a v-shaped clamp base and a left and right bottom post is coupled to the main clamp via a pusher. The pusher has a horizontal handle and a vertical leg at opposing ends that couples the main clamp to the base clamp through the springs in the main posts to the bottom posts. Each vertical leg has a lower leg through a cavity in the spring and an upper leg that pushes on the spring. The pusher is secured with a nut coupler at the bottom post.
US09923990B2

User information is provided to web applications by embedding a widget in a web page served to a user's client from a web application server. The widget is a software component that is configured to retrieve user information from a user information web server repository in response to a request by a web application for user information. The widget is also configured to request user permission to retrieve user information from the repository and to request user verification of retrieved information prior to providing the retrieved information to the requesting web application. The user information widget is configured to authenticate a user prior to retrieving user information from the repository. The user information widget authenticates a user by requesting credentials from the user and verifying that the received credentials are valid for the user.
US09923986B2

A master TSM is provided. The master TSM intermediates between entities connected to different TSMs by connecting the TSMs via an interface module which is communicable with a plurality of TSMs. Accordingly, interoperability is possible between entities and clients connected to different TSMs and thus a variety of services can be provided. Therefore, conveniences for all of the entities and clients can be guaranteed from the information processing and service providing aspects.
US09923978B2

A network switch includes a service registration database and a service discovery engine that is coupled to the service registration database. The service discovery engine receives a first service registration over a network from a first service included on a first service device and, in response, stores the first service registration in the service registration database. The service discovery engine then receives a multicast service discovery message over the network from a target device. The service discovery message includes a service identification. The service discovery engine then determines that the service identification is associated with the first service registration stored in the service registration database and, in response, sends a unicast service communication message over the network to the target device. The service communication message includes communication information for the first service. The service registration database may store a plurality of different service registrations for respective different services.
US09923972B2

A control apparatus for controlling data transmission via a network, comprising: a reception unit configured to receive, via the network, a result of detection by a sensor for detecting a state of a device; a management unit configured to manage results of detection by a plurality of sensors for detecting states of a plurality of devices corresponding to a common identification; and a selection unit configured to select, from the plurality of devices, a device which is a destination of data whose destination is the identification, based on the results of detection managed by the management unit.
US09923967B2

A storage control system adapted to operate as a remote copy pair by communicating between a primary and a secondary of the remote copy pair comprises a selector for selecting writes to be placed in a batch based on one or more criteria, a sequence number requester for requesting a sequence number for the batch, and a sequence number granter for granting a sequence number for the batch. The storage control system also comprises a batch transmitter for transmitting the batch to the secondary, a permission receiver for receiving a permission to write the batch from the secondary, and a write component responsive to the permission receiver to write the batch to completion, wherein the secondary is responsive to the completion to grant a further permission to write for a further batch.
US09923953B2

App content, such as an app notification, is displayed on a lock screen or home screen of a mobile device even when the app is closed. In contrast to present app content, the content may be full-screen, engaging, interactive, and media-rich. An app content SDK is inserted into an app and works directly with native app software. The content SDK determines whether the app has permission to display content on, for example, a lock screen. It may also determine whether the app has priority in displaying the content. The content itself is retrieved either from a content server or from the app itself. In either case, the retrieval and display of the content is coordinated and managed by the SDK which may use other constraints, such as date/time, geographic location, and device motion patterns to determine which content should be displayed.
US09923951B2

Methods and systems are provided for placeshifting data. An exemplary method of placeshifting a media program from a source device to a destination device over a network involves obtaining location information associated with the destination device, determining, by a server coupled to the network, one or more recommended media programs available for streaming from the source device in a manner that is influenced by the location information, and providing indication of the one or more recommended media programs to the destination device.
US09923943B2

A service may provide media content metadata describing available media content to reader devices, the service including a zeroth characteristic indicating a count of additional data characteristics of the service and a count of read cycles of the data characteristics to retrieve the metadata. Each of the data characteristics may include an indication of the read cycle of the data characteristic, a data element including a portion of the metadata, and an indication of a data offset of the data element into the media content metadata. Responsive to all subscribed reader devices downloading data from one of the data characteristics, including update data of a next read cycle in the characteristic.
US09923940B2

A first chat controller receives a request to create a group chat session, and creates the session, including determining a first local chat ID for the session. The first chat controller sends the first local chat ID to the server. The server assigns a common chat ID to the session. A second chat controller determines a second local chat ID for the group chat session associated with the second chat controller. The server receives the second local chat ID, receives a request from the second chat controller to control the session, and assigns control of the session to the second chat controller. The server receives a request from a second user to join the group chat session, sends the request to the second chat controller using the second local chat ID. The second chat controller sends an invitation to the second user to join the session.
US09923937B2

Users can participate in various different types of online sessions, such as webinars, massive open online courses (MOOCs), social learning sessions, and so forth. A record of interactions that the user has with an online session is maintained. During the online session, the user may become disengaged from the online session for various reasons, such as the user losing interest in the information being presented, the user becoming sidetracked due to other programs running on his or her computer or phone, and so forth. The techniques discussed herein detect that a user is not engaged in the online session and generate dynamic content to attempt to re-engage the user in the online session. This dynamic content is personalized to the user, and is based on the maintained record of user interactions with the online session.
US09923932B2

A computer-implemented system and method for secure electronic message exchange including coupling a control platform to a workstation of a plurality of workstations via a communications medium, where the control platform includes one or more apparatuses for monitoring, controlling, conversion, and billing, related to messages exchanged between a plurality of local users and a plurality of remote users. The system prevents forwarding or copying of a message sent by a local user of the plurality of local users and received by a remote user of the plurality of remote users, to another party by the control platform. The system and method also provides for authenticating the remote user with the control platform.
US09923930B2

Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for selectively enabling and disabling biometric authentication are presented. In some embodiments, a computing platform may receive, from a device monitoring and management computer system, a device state indicator message comprising device state information associated with a mobile computing device. Subsequently, the computing platform may set a biometric authentication flag for the mobile computing device based on the device state indicator message received from the device monitoring and management computer system. Then, the computing platform may generate an authentication functionality message for the mobile computing device based on the biometric authentication flag set for the mobile computing device, and the authentication functionality message may be configured to selectively enable or disable one or more biometric authentication functions provided by the mobile computing device. Thereafter, the computing platform may send, to the mobile computing device, the authentication functionality message generated for the mobile computing device.
US09923923B1

Cipher suites and/or other parameters for cryptographic protection of communications are dynamically selected to more closely match the intended uses of the sessions. A server selects and/or determines, for a cryptographically protected communications session, a plurality of supported cipher suites that may be used for communications with the server over an established protected communications session. A selected cipher suites may be a cipher suite that are selected from a plurality of acceptable cipher suites provided to the server, either implicitly or explicitly. The selection of a cipher suite may further require that the cipher suite be mutually acceptable to the server and one or more parties participating in the cryptographically protected communications session such as a client.
US09923914B2

Technology for improving and monitoring data communication security is presented herein. The technology monitors a plurality of sources of risky activities, crawls on computer networks to scan the risky activities, visualizes the risky activities, and detects and prevents risky activities.
US09923911B2

In one embodiment, a device in a network maintains information regarding anomaly detection models used in the network and applications associated with traffic analyzed by the anomaly detection models. The device receives an indication of a planned application deployment in the network. The device adjusts an anomaly detection strategy of a particular anomaly detector in the network based on the planned application deployment and on the information regarding anomaly detection models used in the network and the applications associated with the traffic analyzed by the anomaly detection models.
US09923894B2

A system and method for facilitating identification of an attacking computer in a network is provided. A user attempting to login to a network application may be presented with a screen prior to the login which lists preconditions of gaining access to the application. If a user concurs with the preconditions, a security module is downloaded to the user's computer and executed which gathers various configuration settings and transmits the gathered information to a predetermined destination. The security module may also attempt to place a call to a predetermined destination over a modem in the computer to cause registration of caller-ID data when answered at the predetermined destination. Once the security check is completed, login may proceed with the network application. Any data gathered by the security module may be stored for later recall and use to identify the computer in the event of an attack.
US09923887B2

A mobile computing device is operated to receive a trigger at a first instance. The trigger may be associated with a predefined condition or event or action. The mobile computing device may detect the predefined condition or event at a second instance. In response to detecting the predefined condition or event, a notification is activated on the mobile computing device that is based on the trigger.
US09923885B2

Systems and methods are disclosed for authenticating an identity of an online user. One method includes receiving from the user, through a first device, a request to access a web page associated with the user's online account; transmitting to the user an image that contains a unique ID and a URL of an authentication server; and receiving from the user, through the first device, an authentication request containing the unique ID. The method also includes receiving from the user, through a second device, a log-in ID associated with the user and the unique ID; and authenticating the identity of the user to grant the user access, through the first device, to the web page associated with the user's online account.
US09923877B2

An end-to-end secure cloud-hosted collaboration service is provided with a hybrid cloud/on-premise index and search capability. This approach includes on-premise indexing and search handling, while relying on the cloud for persistent storage and search of the index. The on-premise indexer receives a copy of an encrypted message from the cloud-hosted collaboration service. The encrypted message has been encrypted with a conversation key. The indexer receives the conversation key from an on-premise key management service, and decrypts the encrypted message with the conversation key. A set of tokens are extracted from the decrypted message, and subsequently encrypted with a secret key, different than the conversation key, to generate a first set of encrypted tokens. The first set of encrypted tokens is transmitted for storage in a search index on the cloud-hosted collaboration service.
US09923874B2

A packet obfuscation method comprising receiving a data packet having a routing header portion and a payload portion, performing a first obfuscation on the routing header portion to generate an obfuscated routing header portion, performing a second obfuscation on at least the payload portion to generate an obfuscated payload portion, and combining the obfuscated routing header portion and the obfuscated payload portion to form an obfuscated packet. A packet forwarding method comprising obfuscating routing information using a packet obfuscation function, generating a plurality of forwarding rule entries in accordance with the obfuscated routing information, transmitting the plurality of forwarding rule entries to at least one network node in a network, transmitting the packet obfuscation function to at least one network node in the network, and transmitting a de-obfuscation function to at least one network node in the network.
US09923868B2

A system includes a first network with a first computer and a first release computer; a second network with a second computer and a second release computer; a perimeter network with a first data server and a second data server; wherein the first network and the second network connect via a firewall to the perimeter network; the first data server has a storage area accessible to the first computer and a storage area inaccessible to the first computer and the second computer; and the system is configured to carry out the method.
US09923865B1

A technology is described for assigning a logical private network address to a computing instance. An example method may include obtaining a preserved logical private network address associated with a customer account so that the preserved logical private network address may be assigned as a logical private network address to a computing instance located in a computing service environment. The logical private network address may be used for network communications within a physical host containing the computing instance and the logical private network address may translate to a physical private network address used for network communications outside of the physical host and within the computing service environment. A network address record for the computing instance may be identified that associates the logical private network address with the physical private network address, and the network address record may be updated by setting the preserved logical private network address associated with the customer account as the logical private network address.
US09923862B2

A set of similar messages addressed to a user is detected. Redundantly similar portions of the set of similar messages and a progressive set of differences between the set of similar messages are identified. The set of similar messages are consolidated into a single consolidated message. The single consolidated message includes one version of the redundantly similar portions in association with the progressive set of differences in a sequence and the progressive set of differences formatted differently from the redundant similar portions.
US09923860B2

Automatically augmenting online content with contextually relevant comments. Online content and associated comments are received. The comments are classified as chit-chat or informative. For each informative comment, a portion of the online content to which the comment is most relevant is determined, and the comment is associated with a position in the online content that corresponds to the determined portion of the online content. A subset of the informative comments is selected for presentation.
US09923849B2

A method and a system to suggest a content item to be included in a message based on a determined context are provided. A context of a message that user is composing via a composition interface is determined based on one or more properties of the message. One or more inputs to the user composition interface are identified, the one or more inputs indicating at least a portion of intended content of the message. One or more suggested content items are provided for inclusion in the message based on the context of the message and the one or more inputs. A suggested content item of the suggested content items are added in the message based at least in part on the one or more properties of the message.
US09923844B1

A system and methods are provided for conveying connection-oriented communications (e.g., textual messages among multiple users) via a protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). When a device operating a communication application that features a custom application layer protocol for formatting messages for transmission cannot connect to the system hosting the application using a default protocol stack that include the custom application layer protocol, it instead connects using HTTP's chunked mode of transfer encoding. Each outgoing communication is encapsulated in a separate HTTP chunk, and communications to multiple different users may be conveyed via the one connection. Incoming communications (e.g., from the multiple users) are received as separate chunks and are unwrapped or de-encapsulated to retrieve the communication for presentation to a user.
US09923838B2

A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module of a dispersed storage network (DSN) receiving a DSN access request regarding at least one data segment of a data object. The method continues with the processing module performing a scoring function using one or more properties of the DSN access request and one or more properties of DSN memory of the DSN to produce a storage scoring resultant, where the DSN memory includes a plurality of storage units that are logically arranged into a plurality of storage pools. The method continues with the processing module utilizing the storage scoring resultant to identify a set of storage units of the plurality of storage units affiliated with a given storage pool of the plurality of storage pools. The method continues with the processing module sending a set of access requests to the set of storage units regarding the DSN access request.
US09923829B1

A traffic management device (TMD), system, and processor-readable storage medium directed towards automatically configuring an AAA proxy device (also referred to herein as “the proxy”) to load-balance AAA request messages across a plurality of AAA server devices. In one embodiment the proxy receives an AAA handshake message from an AAA client device. The proxy forwards the handshake message to each of the plurality of server devices and, in reply, receives an AAA handshake response message from each of the plurality of server devices. The proxy extracts attributes from each of the handshake response messages and automatically configures itself based on the extracted attributes. The proxy then load-balances, modifies and/or routes subsequently received AAA request messages based on the extracted attributes.
US09923827B2

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a server comprising a memory to store instructions and a controller coupled to the memory, in which the controller, responsive to executing the instructions, performs operations. The operations include detecting a condition requiring a migration of an active transport connection at a source server to a target server without interrupting communications occurring in the active transport connection. The source server is directed to transmit to the target server a migration command with state information from the source server to enable migrating the active transport connection to the target server without interrupting communications occurring in the active transport connection. A message is then received from the source server indicating the source server has received from the target server an acknowledgment that the migrating has been performed. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09923826B2

Systems and methods of the present solution provide a more optimal solution by dynamically and automatically reacting to changing network workload. A system that starts slowly, either by just examining traffic passively or by doing sub-optimal acceleration can learn over time, how many peer WAN optimizers are being serviced by an appliance, how much traffic is coming from each peer WAN optimizers, and the type of traffic being seen. Knowledge from this learning can serve to provide a better or improved baseline for the configuration of an appliance. In some embodiments, based on resources (e.g., CPU, Memory, Disk), the system from this knowledge may determine how many WAN optimization instances should be used and of what size, and how the load should be distributed across the instances of the WAN optimizer.
US09923823B2

The present invention provides a flow control method and a device. The method includes: obtaining, by a gateway, a data packet of a user; determining N value-added services required by the data packet, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; modifying a first IP address in the data packet to an Mth IP address in an address sequence, where the first IP address is an IP address of a network server, M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, the address sequence is an IP address set allocated by the gateway to the user, and a correspondence exists between an address in the address sequence and a value-added service; sending a modified data packet to a value-added service server corresponding to the Mth IP address.
US09923821B2

A method and apparatus are provided for controlling an internet of things (IoT) device based on a congestion level. An example method includes polling a sensor, writing a measurement to a file, parsing the file to create a message, and checking for a backpressure alert message. If a backpressure alert message is found the message is saved to a cache, and a polling interval is changed.
US09923817B2

A rule indicates that data having particular characteristics be automatically routed to a particular destination. When software on a switching device detects a new data stream, it is analyzed to determine whether it has characteristics specified by the rule. If it does, the packet is encapsulated with a special tag, indicating that the packet should be routed to the new destination. Also, an entry is added to a quick-lookup table in the switching device. The entry indicates that future packets in the data stream that have the same source and destination port and address should also be routed to the new destination.
US09923812B2

In one embodiment, a solution is provided wherein redundant routers are treated as a single emulated switch. When a packet is received at a layer 2 edge switch from a host, the layer 2 edge switch may determine a switch identifier for the emulated switch using a destination anycast hardware address contained in the packet. The anycast hardware address may identify an emulated switch comprising a plurality of routers. Then a header may be added to the packet, the header including the switch identifier. Following that, the packet may be forwarded to another layer 2 switch along a shortest path from the layer 2 edge switch to the emulated switch.
US09923811B2

A system provisions global logical entities that facilitate the operation of logical networks that span two or more datacenters. These global logical entities include global logical switches that provide L2 switching as well as global routers that provide L3 routing among network nodes in multiple datacenters. The global logical entities operate along side local logical entities that are for operating logical networks that are local within a datacenter.
US09923806B2

A network traffic routing apparatus includes a memory and a processor. The processor receives a change to the first production environment and determines a score for deploying the change. The score indicates a probability that the change, when deployed, will conflict with another change from a plurality of scheduled changes. The processor determines an aggregate score by summing the score and a plurality of scores for the plurality of scheduled changes. The processor also determines that the aggregate score is below a threshold and in response to that determination, schedules the deployment of the change. The processor further routes network traffic from the first production environment to the second production environment. The processor deploys the change to the first production environment after the network traffic has been routed to the second production environment, and after the change has been deployed, routes the network traffic back to the first production environment.
US09923803B2

The disclosure relates to a method of routing for an Autonomous System AS in a communication system, in which the AS comprises a plurality of network devices including a first network device and a second network device. The first network device distributes routing information to a forwarding table by calculating a first route from the first network device to the second network device. The first network device receives information of a destination network device of the communication system from the second network device, and forms a second route from the second network device to the destination network device to be stored in the forwarding table using the received information of the destination network device. When the first route fails, the first network device calculates a third route from the first network device to the second network device and updates the routing information in the forwarding table according to the third route.
US09923799B2

Measures for processing data in a packet-switched network. At a first device in the network, a packet transmitted from a second device in the network is received. The received packet comprising an Internet Protocol (IP) address for a third device in the network. On the basis of the IP address for the third device comprised in the received data packet, lookup in an IP routing table of the second device is initiated to obtain a next-hop address for the received packet. The obtained next-hop IP address is determined to be an IP address of a device connected to the first device.
US09923797B2

A method is provided for enforcing quality of service parameters. A gateway receives a request for data usage from a mobile device. The gateway sends, to a controller, inquiry for allowed bit rate. Upon receiving a first bit rate value, the gateway sends, to a charging system, request for quota. In response to receiving the quota, the gateway provides data to the mobile device based on the first bit rate value. The gateway provides data to the mobile device until the quota is exhausted. Once a data usage threshold is reached, the gateway receives, from the controller, a second bit rate value. In response to receiving the second bit rate value, the gateway provides data to the mobile device based on the second bit rate value, until an activation-time is reached. When the activation-time is reached, the gateway resets the allowed bit rate from the second bit rate value to the first bit rate value.
US09923788B2

Method, for use in a telecommunications network, of selecting from a plurality of composite services a composite service to be executed in response to a network event. Each composite service has associated therewith criteria including a Boolean expression determining whether or not the composite service may be executed in response to the network event. The method comprises composing, for the network event, for each composite service an indicator indicating a) whether or not the criteria for that composite service are met by the network event, and b) a measure of conformity of the network event with said criteria. The method further includes selecting the composite service having associated therewith the indicator indicating that the criteria are met, and indicating closest conformity.
US09923786B2

A system and method for performing a service discovery on a distributed computer system includes obtaining information of a service that is provided by a host computer in the distributed computer system and embedding the information into a Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) data frame to be transmitted from the host computer to another component of the distributed computer system.
US09923780B2

A method for assisting communication of a source host upon movement from a first Data center (DC) to a second DC is disclosed. The method includes identifying that the source host has moved from the first DC to the second DC, ensuring that packets identifying a source as the source host in the second DC are copied to a control plane network element, and, for a first destination host identified in a first packet copied to the control plane network element and identified as a host that is not in the second DC, updating an Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)/Neighbor Discovery Protocol (NDP) cache of the source host by sending, to the source host, a first ARP message/unsolicited neighbor advertisement specifying a Media Access Control (MAC) address of an edge router associated with the source host in the second DC as a destination MAC address for the first destination host.
US09923776B1

An electronic workspace may be created from multiple viewer devices. The viewer devices are coordinated so that each exhibits a different visual identification characteristic such as a distinct or unique color. Content can be assigned by way of a user interface in which individual viewer devices are represented by visual icons that exhibit the same visual identification characteristics as the respective viewer devices, so that a user may easily distinguish between the available viewer devices.
US09923770B2

Techniques are described herein that are capable of dynamically activating web applications. For instance, such applications may not be configured on a machine until requests for those applications are received by the machine. For example, upon receipt of such a request, the machine may automatically configure an application that is identified by the request on the machine. The machine may then forward the request to the application for processing. In another example, the machine may run an application-agnostic worker process (AAWP), which configures an application on the machine upon receipt of a request for the application. An AAWP is a worker process that is capable of processing requests for web application(s) that are not previously associated with the AAWP. The AAWP may cause a specified worker process to run on the machine, so that the specified worker process may process the request and/or subsequent requests for the application.
US09923764B2

A wireless configuration network may be provided by a Wi-Fi hotspot active at the wireless access station. The Wi-Fi hotspot may be connected to by a wireless network-capable device, such as a tablet computer, e.g., an Apple iPad, or a Wi-Fi enabled smartphone, e.g., an Android or Apple iOS device. This allows a technician to stand on the ground below the wireless access station but still have access to various configuration features of the wireless access station. The wireless configuration network may also be referred to herein as a “debug SSID” or a “debug access point.”
US09923761B2

A system may determine that a first device is available to transfer traffic via a network and that a second device is available to transfer the traffic via the network. A master mode may be enabled on the first device. The master mode, when enabled on the first device while both the first device and the second device are available to transfer the traffic, may cause the first device to advertise dynamic routing information associated with transferring the traffic. A slave mode may be enabled on the second device. The slave mode, when enabled on the second device, may cause the second device to suppress advertisement of virtual router redundancy protocol routing information associated with transferring the traffic. The system may provide, via the first device and the second device, the traffic via a dynamic network path across the network, and in accordance with the dynamic routing information.
US09923759B2

A method and device for controlling self-loopback of network data are provided. The method includes that: whether a master forwarding link and standby forwarding link of a master node in a network structure both fail or not is determined; and when the master forwarding link and the standby forwarding link of the master node both fail, a forwarding attribute of a standby egress port in a data packet forwarding table of the master node is modified into forwarding through the master forwarding link of the master node.
US09923752B2

A method is provided for demodulation of an analog receive signal carrying information, wherein a number of more than two analog signals is formed from the receive signal in separate channels such that the receive signal is multiplied in each case by a period function, the phase thereof respectively differing in the channels, and wherein the multiple signals are each low-pass filtered.
US09923747B2

The present invention provides a method of transmitting broadcast signals. The method includes, encoding Data Pipe, DP, data according to a code rate, wherein the encoding further includes Low-Density Parity-Check, LDPC, encoding the DP data, Bit interleaving the LDPC encoded DP data, and mapping the bit interleaved DP data onto constellations; building at least one signal frame by mapping the encoded DP data; and modulating data in the built signal frame by an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing, OFDM, method and transmitting the broadcast signals having the modulated data.
US09923746B2

A method and an apparatus for transmitting broadcast signals thereof are disclosed. The apparatus for transmitting broadcast signals, the apparatus comprises an encoder to encode service data, a time interleaver to interleave the encoded service data, a frame builder to build at least one signal frame including the time interleaved service data, wherein the at least one signal frame includes a plurality of OFDM symbols, a modulator to modulate data in the built at least one signal frame by an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex) scheme, and a transmitter to transmit the broadcast signals having the modulated data.
US09923742B2

A wireless communication device (alternatively, device) includes a processor configured to support communications with other wireless communication device(s) and to generate and process signals for such communications. In some examples, the device includes a communication interface and a processor, among other possible circuitries, components, elements, etc. to support communications with other wireless communication device(s) and to generate and process signals for such communications. The device is configured to generate OFDM/A packet(s) that include a signal field (SIG) and a copy of that SIG (e.g., a repeat of the SIG, a repetition of the SIG, a duplicate of the SIG, etc.). In some examples, the copy of the SIG adjacently follows the SIG. Also, in some examples of a OFDM/A packet, the SIG and its copy are based on one communication protocol, standard, and/or recommended practice, and another field therein is based on another communication protocol, standard, and/or recommended practice.
US09923736B2

A method for reporting a channel state for a downlink channel to be transmitted via at least one two-dimensional array antenna element composed of a row antenna array and a column antenna array is disclosed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The method is performed by a terminal, and the method may comprise the steps of: receiving settings for channel state information (CSI) process 1 and CSI process 2, the CSI process 1 and the CSI process 2 each comprising a plurality of CSI-reference signal (RS) settings; selecting one of the CSI process 1 and the CSI process 2 if the CSI process 1 and the CSI process 2 have the same feedback cycle and offset; and estimating the downlink channel and reporting the channel estimation to a serving base station according to one selected from the CSI process 1 and the CSI process 2.
US09923735B2

Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for handling a legacy circuit switched communication. A method may include receiving a service request message at a network node on a packet switched network that does not support circuit switched fallback. The method may additionally include determining that the service request message includes a request for establishment of a communication requiring a circuit switched connection and having a user equipment connected to the packet switched network as an end point of the communication. The method may further include releasing the connection between the user equipment and the packet switched network in response to the determination. Corresponding systems and apparatuses are also provided.
US09923732B2

A method includes encapsulating, by a first virtual switch, a packet from a first virtual machine (VM) into a tunneled packet by appending the packet with a tunnel header that is addressed for a second virtual switch, wherein the packet includes a first destination address for a virtual default gateway. The first virtual switch forwards an inner packet of the encapsulated packet to a second VM. The first virtual switch acts as a virtual default gateway based on replacement of a first destination address for the virtual default gateway with a second destination address for the second VM.
US09923731B1

Methods and systems are provided for migrating loop-breaking protocols in an Ethernet network. The method includes selecting a virtual local area network (VLAN) implementing a multiple spanning tree protocol (MSTP) from a plurality of VLANs operating on the Ethernet network, the MSTP having a spanning tree with a root network element coupled to a first branch of network elements; disabling a virtual network link in the VLAN; migrating a first leaf network element of the first branch in the VLAN by disabling the MSTP and enabling an Ethernet ring protection switching (ERPS) protocol on the first leaf network element; migrating the root network element in the VLAN after the first leaf network element by disabling the MSTP and enabling the ERPS protocol on the root network element; and enabling the virtual network link after migrating the first leaf network element and the root network element.
US09923730B2

A multicast message that is to originate from a source is received. The multicast message comprises an identifier. A plurality of directions in which the multicast message is to fork at the router are stored. A plurality of messages from the directions in which the multicast message is to fork are received. The received messages are to comprise the identifier. The plurality of messages are aggregated into an aggregate message and sent towards the source.
US09923727B2

A respective electronically controlled switch is provided in series with the output of each PD. A control circuit having a timer functionality is further provided, with the electronically controlled switches responsive to the control circuit. Upon detection that a second PD, defined temporally, is provided with operating power, the respective electronically controlled switch is maintained open for a predetermined hold-off time period sufficient to ensure detection by the respective PD control state machine of the completion of startup. After expiration of the predetermined hold-off time period, the respective electronically controlled switch is closed thus enabling normal operation.
US09923726B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems, and computer program products for transferring data in a MapReduce framework. In one embodiment, MapReduce jobs are performed such that data spills are stored by mapper systems in memory and are transferred to reducer systems via one-sided RDMA transfers, which can reduce CPU overhead of mapper systems and the latency of data transfer to reducer systems.
US09923720B2

A network device (110) is provided which is configured to determine a shared cryptographic key of key length (b) bits shared with a second network device (120) from a polynomial and an identity number of the second network device. A reduction algorithm is used to evaluate the polynomial in the identity number of the second network device and reduce module a public modulus and modulo a key modulus. The reduction algorithm comprises an iteration over the terms of the polynomial. In at least the iteration which iteration is associated with a particular term of the polynomial are comprised a first and second multiplication. The first multiplication is between the identity number and a least significant part of the coefficient of the particular term obtained from the representation of the polynomial, the least significant part of the coefficient being formed by the key length least significant bits of the coefficient of the particular term. The second multiplication is between a second multiplication between the identity number and a further part of the coefficient of the particular term obtained from the representation of the polynomial, the further part of the coefficient being formed by bits of the coefficient of the particular term different from the key length least significant bits, the further part and the least significant part together forming strictly fewer bits than in the coefficient of the particular term of the polynomial.
US09923709B2

A method according to an embodiment of the invention includes receiving and transmitting signals over an asymmetric time division duplex (TDD) communication path. Signals are sent over the asymmetric TDD communication path via a first portion of a first frequency band. The first frequency band is adjacent to a second frequency band and to a third frequency band. The first frequency band is different from the second frequency band and from the third frequency band. A synchronous time division duplex (TDD) communication path can be operable in the second frequency band. A frequency division duplex (FDD) communication path can be operable in the third frequency band. Signals are received over the asymmetric TDD communication path via a second portion of the first frequency band that is different from the first portion of the first frequency band.
US09923700B2

A method for sharing spectrum between a primary user and a secondary user includes receiving a signal transmitted by the primary user at a first network equipment of the secondary user, determining a first attenuation coefficient for the first network equipment, estimating interference from the first network equipment at a receiver of the primary user, and adjusting parameters of the first network equipment.
US09923679B2

Embodiments of a high-efficiency Wi-Fi (HEW) station, access point (AP), and method for communication in a wireless network are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the HEW station may perform random access contention with other HEW stations for uplink resources for data transmission to the HEW AP. The HEW station may determine transmission activity during a first portion of a channel sensing period, and may select a sub-channel on which transmission activity is not determined. The HEW station may transmit an announcement signal on the selected sub-channel during a second portion of the channel sensing period. The announcement signal transmission may indicate, to other contending HEW stations, an intention by the HEW station to transmit on the same selected sub-channel during a subsequent access period.
US09923678B2

There is provided a wireless communication system which can improve throughputs in wireless communication by effectively using frequency resources. In the wireless communication system including a plurality of wireless communication stations which may operate as wireless communication terminals or wireless base stations, the wireless communication station includes an access right acquisition means of acquiring an access right upon generating transmitting data; a determination means of determining whether or not different data destined to a plurality of wireless communication stations can be transmitted on different channels according to OFDMA; and a data transmitting means of transmitting data to the receivable wireless communication stations using OFDMA when the determination means determines that different data destined to a plurality of wireless communication stations can be transmitted on different channels.
US09923672B2

A radio transmission apparatus and a radio transmission method for readily controlling retransmission timing presets a frame cycle for retransmission, and transmits only packets for which no acknowledgement of receipt has been received within the frame cycle as a reply from a receiving apparatus to a transmitting apparatus. Thus, timing for retransmission can be readily determined. Also, the retransmission timing is determined based on when a packet is actually transmitted. Therefore, the multiple acknowledgement of receipt can be returned as a combined reply.
US09923664B2

A method for transmitting an input stream of data across a serial link including a serial channel. The method includes segmenting the stream of data into blocks of bits to form input blocks, and for each input block, calculating a measure of burst error probability, forming an output block and a modification signaling bit from the input block, transmitting the output block, and transmitting the modification signaling bit. The forming of the output block and the modification signaling bit from the input block includes, when the measure of burst error probability exceeds a set threshold: modifying the input block to form the output block, and asserting the modification signaling bit.
US09923653B2

A digital tuner in a broadcasting receiving unit outputs audio data at a sample rate of Fs+dr (Hz), and an ASRC rate-converts audio data to audio data at a sample rate of Fs+ds (Hz) and transmits the resulting audio data to an audio processing unit. A DAC in the audio processing unit analog-converts the received audio data at an output rate of Fs+da (Hz) and outputs the resulting audio data to a speaker. The sample rate Fs+ds and the output rate Fs+da are synchronized with a SYNC transmitted from the broadcasting receiving unit to the audio processing unit on a 125 ms cycle. For the sample rate Fs+ds and the output rate Fs+da, a relationship of (da−ds)×0.125<1 is assured.
US09923647B1

A method for enabling confirmation of expected phase shifts of radio frequency (RF) signals emitted from respective elements of an antenna array, such as a phased array antenna used for providing directional RF signal radiation patterns needed for beamforming. As a RF signal transmitted via an antenna element of the antenna array is shifted, e.g., stepped, in phase, the resulting received RF signal is monitored. Following detection of a phase shift, a sample of the received RF signal is captured and stored, e.g., for subsequent analysis, such as comparison with one or more expected signal phase differences to characterize the directivity of the transmitted signal.
US09923646B1

A combination low-pass filter and a method for reducing bandwidth of an input signal comprises filtering an input signal in parallel with a first type of low-pass filter to produce a first filtered signal having the first type of artifacts, and a second low-pass filter to produce a second filtered signal that does not include the first type of artifacts. Responsive to detecting no significant transition in the input signal, the first filtered signal is output. And responsive to detecting a significant transition in the input signal, portions of the first filtered signal are selectively replaced with portions of the second filtered signal by switching outputs from the first filtered signal to the second filtered signal in transition zones occurring immediately before and immediately after the detected transition in the input signal, wherein the transition zones overlap duration of the first type of artifacts caused by the first filter.
US09923645B2

Based on new insights in body coupled communication systems, herein a design tool for designing a body coupled communication apparatus, and products for use in body coupled communication systems are provided herein.
US09923642B2

A light receiving device that receives a light signal includes: a plurality of avalanche photodiodes, in each of which receiving sensitivity is set in accordance with a bias signal that is provided; a plurality of level conversion units provided in association with the avalanche photodiodes, each of the level conversion units being configured to convert a level of a reference voltage for obtaining the bias signal so as to generate the bias signal and being configured to provide the bias signal to corresponding one of the avalanche photodiodes; and a control unit that generates a first control signal corresponding to a temperature of the light receiving device, and controls a level conversion amount of each of the level conversion units by using the first control signal.
US09923639B2

Powering an active/splitter and providing information to ONUs to cause adjustments to ONU operating wavelengths. An ONU may identify the port of a splitter to which the ONU is connected in order to make wavelength adjustments. Various techniques enable the ONU to identify from which port the ONU is receiving signals, such as a splitter that splits signals to ONUs in a cable network and signals to one or more ONUs the port to which it is connected. The splitter may lack electrical power and may perform the signal function by harvesting optical power from optical power provided to the splitter. In this manner, an active splitter may behave passively with respect to powering components in the absence of electrical power.
US09923623B2

A relay station relays communications between a plurality of home base stations and a switching station via communication interfaces. The relay station sets up a switching station side communication interface for each base station group. The switching station side communication interface is a part of a communication interface used by each home base station belonging to the base station group to communicate with the switching station, where the part is between the relay station and the switching station. The base station group includes the home base stations identified by home base station identifiers, each of which has a first data length, having a common upper segment. The upper segment has a second data length shorter than the first data length and being located sequentially from an uppermost position. The second data length is the same as a data length of a macro base station identifier.
US09923616B2

The present invention provides for an improved application of signal strength weightings in a SDMA sectorized cellular network. The improved signal strength weightings application is conducted through the improved selection of weightings from a new codebook subset or by the selection of weightings from a larger codebook subset. In a further embodiment, an antenna beam index or bit map can be used to select the best beam(s) in a SDMA sectorized cellular network. In another embodiment, a field or factor in an uplink or downlink transmission packet can designate which directional transmission beam is best suited for the transmission or when the directional transmission beam should be activated.
US09923607B2

There is provided an input/output apparatus. Among information terminals of an input/output connector provided in an information terminal device, at least one information terminal of information terminals to switch an internal operation of the information terminal device is used also as an antenna input terminal.
US09923606B2

An information reading system performs near field communication with an information storage medium. The information reading system includes: an antenna structure including a plurality of antenna coils, each arranged across at least one of the others and each having a reading area; and a computer processor configured to perform near field communication with the information storage medium in each reading area, thereby reading information from the information storage medium in proximity to the reading area.
US09923599B1

Systems and methods which provide injection-locked circuit configurations for radiating signals in the terahertz frequency range with improved phase noise and signal output power are described. Embodiments of the invention provide an injection-locked terahertz radiator system comprising a half-quadrature voltage controlled oscillator (HQVCO), a plurality of injection-locked frequency quadruplers (ILFQs), and antenna elements. In operation according to embodiments, injection-locking provided by the ILFQs may be utilized to facilitate individual optimization of the output power and the phase noise. Intrinsic-delay compensation and harmonic boosting techniques may be utilized in configurations of the foregoing injection-locked terahertz radiator system to optimize the phase noise of the HQVCO and the output power of the ILFQs, respectively. Embodiments of an injection-locked terahertz radiator system herein are implemented as a fully integrated solution with compact form factor, providing high reliability and low cost.
US09923589B2

A communications apparatus includes a first transceiver, a second transceiver, a first antenna, and a second antenna. The communications apparatus further includes a front end module (FEM) coupled between the first transceiver and the first antenna, and includes an amplifier for amplifying signals received by the first antenna. The FEM directly couples the first antenna to the first transceiver when the second transceiver is transmitting signals using the second antenna, so signals received via the first antenna are not amplified by the amplifier prior to being passed to the first transceiver. Furthermore, the FEM is configured to couple the first antenna to the first transceiver via the amplifier when the second transceiver is not transmitting signals using the second antenna, so signals received via the first antenna are amplified prior to being passed to the first transceiver.
US09923587B2

A mobile wireless communications system may include a mobile wireless communications device that may include a portable housing, a wireless transceiver carried by the portable housing, and a processor carried by the portable housing and coupled to the wireless transceiver. The mobile wireless communications device may also include a near-field communication (NFC) device coupled to the processor. An NFC carrying case may carry and communicate with the mobile wireless communications device. The NFC carrying case may include a base panel to carry the mobile wireless communications device, and a removable cover panel coupled to the base panel. The NFC carrying case may also include pairs of discontinuous NFC circuit segments carried by the removable cover panel and switch assemblies carried by the removable cover panel. Each switch assembly may selectively couple a respective pair of discontinuous NFC circuit segments to establish NFC communication with the NFC device.
US09923582B2

A high-frequency signal predistortion device includes a high-frequency signal estimator, a predistortion estimator, and a predistorter. The high-frequency signal estimator is configured to determine non-linear distortion characteristics of high-frequency signals transmitted by antennas. The predistortion estimator is coupled to the high-frequency signal estimator. The predistortion estimator is configured to determine a predistortion coefficient based on the non-linear distortion characteristics. The predistorter is coupled to the predistortion estimator. The predistorter is configured to distort a base signal of the high-frequency signals based on the predistortion coefficient.
US09923581B2

Systems and methods for enabling a WLAN client to communicate simultaneously over more than one band at a time are described, where each client has at least one radio that is operational in each supported band. Load balancing based on traffic requirements optimizes the use of the multiple bands.
US09923577B1

A system, method and product for providing data compression and decompression. A method is disclosed that includes: utilizing a CPU to perform a matching-bytes search, byte-oriented search result coding, and content analysis on a set of raw data to generate a set of initially compressed data; forwarding the set of initially compressed data from the CPU to a hardware accelerator; utilizing the hardware accelerator to perform search result re-coding, table construction, and encoding to generate a set of further compressed data; and forwarding the set of further compressed data back to the CPU.
US09923576B2

A system, computer-readable media, and methods are disclosed for building a decoding table. The system may include one or more registers configured to store a data value based on an order in which one or more lengths were obtained. The system may also include a programmable priority encoder configured to scan the one or more registers for the data value. Further, the system may include a memory configured to store, based on locations of the data value in the one or more registers, at least one of encoding values or letters.
US09923572B2

A circuit, system, and method for measuring capacitance are described. A current may be received at an input of a conversion circuit. The current may be converted to a voltage signal which may be used to create a negative feedback current to the input of the conversion circuit and which may be demodulated digitally to provide a static digital output representative of a capacitance.
US09923571B2

Ramp analog-digital converters used in matrix image sensors to provide a digital value representative of a level of illumination of a pixel are provided. Two voltage samples are applied to a comparator, a counter is used to count pulses at a frequency F from a starting instant of the ramp until a toggling of the comparator. Two other voltage samples, one of which is added to a linear voltage ramp having an identical starting instant and slope to the first ramp, are applied to a second comparator, a half counting frequency F/2 is applied to the counter from the toggling of one of the comparators, and the content of the counter at the moment of toggling of the other comparator is stored. Two measurements of samples of the same signal or of two different signals are averaged without undergoing a digital conversion for each signal and a digital addition.
US09923570B2

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a differential digital delay line analog-to-digital converter (ADC), comprising differential digital delay lines including series coupled delay cells, wherein a delay time of a first delay line is controlled by a first input of the ADC and a delay time of a second delay line is controlled by a second input of the ADC. The ADC includes a pair of bypass multiplexers coupled at a predefined node location in the series coupled delay cells, latches each coupled with the series coupled delay cells, a converter circuit coupled with the plurality of latches configured to convert data from the latches into an output value of the ADC, and logic circuits configured to select data from the series coupled delay cells to the latches depending on a selected resolution of the differential digital delay line analog-to-digital converter.
US09923567B2

An analog-to-digital converter protection circuit, a method for controlling an analog-to-digital converter protection circuit, and a controller are disclosed. The analog-to-digital converter protection circuit includes: an analog switch, an analog-to-digital converter, a controller, and a series circuit including at least two resistors connected in series. The controller is configured to: when the digital voltage is greater than or equal to a preset voltage threshold, output a control signal to the analog switch, to trigger the analog switch to control to a second sampling end from a first sampling end to serve as the conduction sampling end to conduct to the output end of the analog switch, where an analog voltage sampled by the second sampling end is less than an analog voltage sampled by the first sampling end; and when the digital voltage is less than the preset voltage threshold, output the digital voltage.
US09923564B2

A clock data recovery apparatus includes an oscillator, a sampler circuit, and a frequency control circuit. The oscillator generates a clock signal according to a bias voltage. The sampler circuit samples an input data signal to generate a sampling signal according to the clock signal. The frequency control circuit generates the bias voltage by performing integration calculation, digital-to-analog conversion, and low-pass filtering for the sampling signal.
US09923560B2

Aspects of the disclosure provide a system having a power circuit. The power circuit includes a first switch circuit having at least a first transistor and a second switch circuit having at least a second transistor. Further, the power circuit includes first interconnections configured to couple the first switch circuit to driving nodes, a source node and a drain node of the power circuit, and second interconnection configured to couple the second switch circuit in parallel to the first switch circuit to the driving nodes, the source node and the drain node of the power circuit. A polarity of unbalance in the first interconnections and the second interconnections dominates a polarity of current unbalance in the first switch circuit and the second switch circuit.
US09923547B2

Methods and systems for a distributed transmission line multiplexer for a multi-core multi-mode voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) may comprise a plurality of voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs) arranged adjacent to each other, where each of the plurality of VCOs are operable to generate an output signal at a configurable frequency, an impedance matching circuit comprising a respective driver and impedance matching elements coupled to each of the plurality of VCOs, and an output device coupled to the impedance matching circuit. The impedance matching elements may include capacitors and inductors. Between each adjacent pair of the respective drivers coupled to each of the plurality of VCOs, the impedance matching elements may include two inductors coupled in series between the drivers and a capacitor coupled to ground and to a common node between the two inductors. Impedance values of the capacitors and inductors may be configurable. The impedance matching elements may include a resistor coupled to a bias voltage VDD and to a common node with a capacitor that is coupled to ground, where the common node is coupled to one of the inductors. The output device may include a prescaler that is an integer or fractional frequency-N divider, or a buffer. The respective drivers coupled to each of the plurality of VCOs may be configured to provide a constant output power no matter which of said plurality of VCOs is enabled.
US09923545B2

A compound spring MEMS resonator includes a resonator body constructed using one or more spring unit cells forming a compound spring block and one or more compound spring blocks forming the resonator body. Each compound spring block is anchored at nodal points to ensure a high quality factor. The resonator body further includes masses attached to the open ends of the compound spring block and capacitively coupled to drive/sense electrodes. The dimensions of the spring unit cells, the number of spring unit cells for a compound spring block, the size and weight of the masses, and the length and width of the support beams are selected to realize a desired resonant frequency. Meanwhile, the number of compound spring blocks is selected to tune the desired electrical characteristics, such as impedance, of the MEMS resonator.
US09923544B2

A piezoelectric vibration element includes a piezoelectric substrate including a thin vibration region and a thick section integrated along three sides excluding one side of the vibration region, excitation electrodes respectively arranged on the front and rear surfaces of the vibration region, and lead electrodes. The thick section includes a first thick section and a second thick section arranged to be opposed to each other across the vibration region and a third thick section connected between proximal ends of the first and second thick sections. The second thick section includes an inclined section connected to the one side of the vibration region, a second thick section main body connected to the other side of the inclined section, and at least one slit for stress relaxation.
US09923537B2

A method and apparatus for processing a recording is described. Analogue audio data is recorded and converted into digital audio data. The digital audio data is cached to a preset buffer. The digital audio data is called back from the buffer and is filtered according to a preset peak power threshold and an average power gradient threshold to obtain filtered audio data.