US09895757B2

A reamer has a basic tool body made of hard metal (12) and a plate-like cutting insert (18) inserted into a recess (28) at the front. The cutting insert (18) is at least partially made of polycrystalline diamond, its cutting edges (20) situated axially offset relative to the cutting edges (30) on the basic tool body (12), thus engaging with the workpiece later.
US09895752B2

An automated key duplication system that includes a system housing, a key identification system, a key cutting system, a key blank storage system, a key blank transfer assembly, and a duplicated key retrieval opening is disclosed. The key identification system may be housed at least partially within the system housing and is configured to identify a master key. The key blank storage system comprises a plurality of rods configured to removably couple to a plurality of key carriers. The key blank transfer assembly is housed within the housing is configured to remove one key carrier of the plurality of key carriers from the key blank storage system with the key retrieving apparatus and transport the one key carrier and the key blank coupled thereto from the key blank storage to the key cutting system. The duplicated key retrieval opening is positioned on the housing to receive the one key blank after the one key blank has been cut.
US09895749B2

To provide a peeling machine being able to easily and swiftly conduct production process and preparation work, excellent in durability, and able to certainly prevent movement of a tool holder to a radial inner side by self weight, a peeling machine is provided with a rotation cylinder 1 to which a work W of round rod is inserted, a tool holder 22 attached to the rotation cylinder 1 as to freely slide along a radial direction R of the rotation cylinder 1, and a pressing member 3 attached to the rotation cylinder 1 as to freely slide along an axial direction X of the rotation cylinder 1; and constructed as that a pressing face 32a of the pressing member 3 and a pressure-receiving face 22a of the tool holder 22 are made sliding with inclination on a longitudinal face parallel to a sliding direction Y of the tool holder 22, and the tool holder 22 is made sliding to a radial inner side Rb on the longitudinal face by sliding the pressing member 3 to an axial outer side Xa; and, a hook member 6, hitching the tool holder 22 as to prevent sliding of the tool holder 22 to the radial inner side Rb by self weight, is attached to the pressing member 3.
US09895744B2

A process in direct chill casting wherein molten metal is introduced into a casting mold and cooled by impingement of a liquid coolant on solidifying metal in a casting pit including a movable platen and an occurrence of a bleed-out or run-out is detected the process including exhausting generated gas from the casting pit; and introducing an inert gas into the casting pit, the inert gas having a density less than a density of air; reducing any flow of the liquid coolant.
US09895742B2

A very low pressure gas or blow forming process for shaping a bulk metallic glass (BMG) in its supercooled liquid state that avoids the frictional stick forces experienced by conventional shaping techniques by engineering the expansion of a pre-shape or parison of BMG material such that substantially all of the lateral strain required to form the final article is accomplished prior to the outer surface of the parison contacting the surface of the shaping apparatus is provided. The capability offered by the inventive shaping process to avoid the frictional forces exerted by the shaping apparatus surface allows for the formation of precision net-shape complex multi-scale parts and components using processing conditions inaccessible by conventional processes.
US09895740B2

A pilot assembly and method has a cylindrical pilot body with a tapered outer end, a grooved inner end, and a central portion with at least one inwardly curved side wall relief, as well as internally mounted reciprocating ejector pins with outer ends that protrude through holes in the outer body end to strip stock from the pilot. A spring has its outer end mounted in the groove in the outer body end, and an inner end attached to the inner body end in a pre-tensed condition. A cap screw has an enlarged head that has at least a portion thereof fit into the pilot sidewall relief, and a threaded shank that anchors the pilot in an associated die member.
US09895732B2

A raw material of aluminum base alloy is extruded and formed by using a forming pattern comprising an upper pattern having plural through-holes for supplying the raw material into diaphragms of equal angles on the circumference and circular cylindrical protrusions positioned in the center of plural through-holes so as to be surrounded by plural through-holes at the exit side of the through-holes, and a lower pattern positioned in the concave portions commonly penetrating at the exit of the plural through-holes of the upper pattern, having through-holes for inserting the protrusions of circular circumference of the upper pattern by providing a tube forming gap, positioned in the center of concave portions of the concave portions in the circular columnar shape of the upper pattern.
US09895727B2

A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method includes processing a substrate by supplying a process gas to the substrate in a process chamber. The method further includes performing a purge to an interior of the process chamber while periodically changing an internal pressure of the process chamber based on a pressure width by setting a process of supplying a purge gas into the process chamber to increase the internal pressure of the process chamber and a process of vacuum-exhausting an interior of the process chamber to decrease the internal pressure of the process chamber to one cycle and repeating the cycle a plurality of times.
US09895714B2

A film comprising a crystalline halide perovskite composition having the following formula: AMX3  (1) wherein: A is an organic cation selected from the group consisting of methylammonium, tetramethylammonium, formamidinium, and guanidinium; M is at least one divalent metal; and X is independently selected from halide atoms; wherein the crystalline film of the halide perovskite composition possesses at least one of an average grain size of at least 30 microns, substantial crystal orientation evidenced in an ordering parameter of at least 0.6, and a level of crystallinity of at least 90%. Methods for producing films of these halide perovskite compositions using ionic liquids instead of volatile organic solvents are also described herein.
US09895711B2

A substrate liquid processing apparatus including: a substrate rotary-holding unit configured to rotate a substrate while holding the substrate; and a processing liquid supply unit configured to supply a processing liquid to a bottom surface of the substrate held by the substrate rotary-holding unit. The substrate rotary-holding unit includes: a base plate disposed spaced apart from the substrate below the substrate; a cover member supported by the base plate and disposed outside an outer periphery of the substrate; and a discharge port formed between the base plate and the cover member and configured to discharge an air stream occurring below the substrate. The support portion of the base plate and the cover member protrudes outwards from a top surface of the base plate to be connected to the cover member.
US09895709B2

A thermal spraying system includes a fixing device and a thermal spraying apparatus that are relatively movable. The thermal spraying apparatus includes a hollow pipe, an extrusion die, a transporting device, a helical pipe, a fluid supplying device, and a heater. The hollow pipe defines an accommodating space. The extrusion die is connected with the hollow pipe. The extrusion die has a nozzle. The nozzle is in spatial communication with the accommodating space. The transporting device is used for moving a raw material to pass through the nozzle. The hollow pipe is surrounded by the helical pipe. An end of the helical pipe is connected to the nozzle. The fluid supplying device is connected to another end of the helical pipe. The heater encloses the helical pipe and the hollow pipe for heating the helical pipe and the accommodating space.
US09895703B1

A sprinkler includes a handle, a nozzle, a tube, a valve and a switch. The nozzle is connected to the handle. The tube is made in the handle and includes a window, a main channel in communication with a channel made in the nozzle, and an extensive channel in communication with the main channel via an intersection. The valve includes a gate, a positioning portion formed on the gate, and a connective portion formed on the positioning portion. The valve is rotationally inserted in the main channel so that the connective portion extends out of the tube. The switch includes an arched wall, a fin formed on an arched face of the wall, and a connector formed on an upper edge of the wall and connected to the connective portion of the valve so that the switch is movable with the valve. The fin is movable in the window.
US09895700B2

Systems and methods are provided for improving the flow rate of plasma being removed from a blood separation chamber during a blood separation procedure. The system includes a blood separation chamber in which plasma is separated from cellular blood components and an outlet line for removing the separated plasma from the blood separation chamber. A primary optical sensor assembly is associated with the blood separation chamber to directly monitor the interior of the blood separation chamber. A secondary optical sensor assembly is associated with the outlet line to monitor the separated plasma in the outlet line, with each optical sensor assembly checking for the presence of cellular components in the separated plasma. If the primary optical sensor assembly detects such a condition while the secondary optical sensor assembly does not, then a controller may take steps to resolve the conflict and continue the procedure.
US09895689B2

An aseptic processing workstation can include a processing chamber and an airflow circuit passing through the chamber. The circuit can include an air supply fan, an air return fan and a restriction element. The chamber is located in the circuit between the air supply fan and the air return fan. The restriction element is located in the circuit on the other side of the air supply fan and the air return fan to the chamber. The workstation can include an air inlet fluidly connected at a first connection point to the circuit via inlet valve means. The first connection point is located between the restriction element and the air supply fan. The workstation can include an air outlet fluidly connected at a second connection point to the circuit via outlet valve means.
US09895687B2

The invention relates to a catalyst regeneration process for a tar reforming catalyst within a catalyst bed in a tar reformer. The process comprises the steps of:—Admitting a main gas stream with controlled temperature and oxygen content to an inlet into the tar reformer;—Passing the main gas stream through the catalyst bed to form an oxygen depleted gas stream;—Exiting the oxygen depleted gas stream from the tar reformer; and—Recycling at least a part of the oxygen depleted gas stream exiting from the tar reformer back into said main gas stream upstream said tar reformer. The temperature of said main gas stream at the inlet is controlled to be within the range from about 500° C. to about 1000° C.
US09895686B2

A method for producing double-component modified molecular sieve comprises adding molecular sieve to an aqueous solution containing phosphorus to form a mixture, allowing the mixture to react at pH of 1-10, temperature of 70-200° C. and pressure of 0.2-1.2 MPa for 10-200 min, and then filtering, drying and baking the resultant to obtain phosphorus-modified molecular sieve, and then adding the phosphorus-modified molecular sieve to an aqueous solution containing silver ions, allowing the phosphorus-modified molecular sieve to react with silver ions at 0-100° C. in dark condition for 30-150 min, and then filtering, drying and baking. The obtained double-component modified molecular sieve contains 88-99 wt % molecular sieve with a ratio of silica to alumina between 15 and 60, 0.5-10 wt % phosphorus (based on oxides) and 0.01-2 wt % silver (based on oxides), all based on dry matter. A catalyst produced from the double-component modified molecular sieve has improved hydrothermal stability and microactivity.
US09895685B2

Disclosed herein is a method of preparing a catalyst having Pt—Pd dispersed in polymer electrolyte multilayers, suitable for use in production of hydrogen peroxide, wherein the use of the catalyst prepared by forming polymer electrolyte multilayers on an anionic resin support and performing sulfuric acid treatment and loading (insertion or attachment) of Pt—Pd particles can result in high hydrogen conversion, hydrogen selectivity and hydrogen peroxide yield for a long period of time.
US09895682B2

A catalyst composition comprises a self-bound zeolite and a Group 12 transition metal selected from the group consisting of Zn, Cd, or a combination thereof, the zeolite having a silicon to aluminum ratio of at least about 10, the catalyst composition having a micropore surface area of at least about 340 m2/g, a molar ratio of Group 12 transition metal to aluminum of about 0.1 to about 1.3, and at least one of: (a) a mesoporosity of greater than about 20 m2/g; (b) a diffusivity for 2,2-dimethylbutane of greater than about 1×10−2 sec−1 when measured at a temperature of about 120° C. and a 2,2-dimethylbutane pressure of about 60 torr (about 8 kPa).
US09895680B2

Described are fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) compositions, methods of manufacture and use. FCC catalyst compositions comprise particles containing a non-zeolitic component and one or more boron oxide components. In embodiments, the FCC catalyst composition contains a zeolite component and optionally a rare earth component and a transition alumina. FCC catalytic compositions may comprise a first particle type containing one or more boron oxide components and a first matrix component mixed with a second particle type containing a second matrix component, and a zeolite. The FCC catalyst compositions can be used to crack hydrocarbon feeds, particularly resid feeds containing high V and Ni, resulting in lower hydrogen and coke yields.
US09895676B2

Generally, regenerable, encapsulated metal oxide catalysts comprising a ceramic matrix and metal catalysts may be used to convert alkanes to alkenes. The encapsulated metal oxide catalyst may be tailored to produce a variety of alkenes including ethylene, butylene, and propylene. Further, the encapsulated metal oxide catalysts advantageously allow for regeneration and reactant recovery for cost effective and environmentally friendly processes.
US09895669B2

A mixing assembly includes an inlet, an outlet and a mixing chamber, the inlet is fluidly connected to the outlet through a plurality of micro fluid flow paths in a direction perpendicular from the inlet. The micro fluid flow paths fluidly connect to the perpendicular inlet via a curved transition portion. The curved transition portion provides a more efficient flow path for the fluid to travel from the inlet to the micro fluid flow paths to the mixing chamber. By transitioning the direction change, flow resistance is decreased, and the fluid flow rate and shear rate is increased. Increased fluid flow rate and shear rate helps to increase consistency and quality of mixing, and to reduce particle size of the fluid in the mixing chamber.
US09895660B2

A method is disclosed for the preparation of a metal exchanged microporous materials, e.g. metal exchanged silicoaluminophosphates or metal exchanged zeolites, or mixtures of metal exchanged microporous materials, comprising the steps of providing a dry mixture of a) one or more microporous materials that exhibit ion exchange capacity and b) one or more metal compounds; heating the mixture in a gaseous atmosphere containing ammonia and one or more oxides of nitrogen to a temperature and for a time sufficient to initiate and perform a solid state ion exchange of ions of the metal compound and ions of the microporous material; and obtaining the metal-exchanged microporous material.
US09895659B2

Industrial gas streams such as flue gas streams are treated for nitrogen oxides and other contaminants in dry or semi-dry scrubbers. After the flue gas stream has been contacted with a sorbent, ozone is mixed downstream into the flue gas stream thereby oxidizing the nitrogen oxides and other contaminants. The oxidized contaminants is contacted with sorbent present in the gas stream in the remaining height or volume of the scrubber downstream of ozone injection; and The sorbent is then separated from the flue gas stream leaving the dry or semi-dry scrubber.
US09895658B2

Provided is an air pollution control system including: a denitration apparatus; an air heater; a precipitator; a desulfurization apparatus; a dehydrator; a spray drying apparatus provided with a spray unit that is configured to spray dehydrated filtrate supplied from the dehydrator; a flue gas introduction line through which a branch gas branched from the flue gas is introduced to the spray drying apparatus; a flue gas supply line through which a flue gas from the spray drying apparatus returns to a main flue gas duct; a solid content separator that performs a solid-gas separation on solid contents contained in the flue gas; and a kneader that performs kneading and immobilizing treatment on the separated solid contents together with an immobilization aid.
US09895647B2

The present invention provides a method for dynamically controlling the circulation rate of solids in an interconnected fluidized bed. When an interconnected fluidized bed is operating, it is available to control the circulation rate of solids by adopting the steps of adjusting the height difference between the orifice on the weir and the bottom surface of the bed region, adjusting the cross-sectional area of the above orifice, or adjusting the height of the above weir. By using multiple ways, the circulation rate of solids can be improved substantially. In addition, the curve of circulation rate of solids can be converged to the maximum circulation rate of solids effectively.
US09895643B2

A wet scrubber (1) useful for cleaning a process gas comprises at least a first spray level system (20) and a second spray level system (26) arranged vertically above the first spray level system (20) in a wet scrubber tower (2). The first spray level system (20) comprises at least one gas-liquid contacting plate (38) which is operative for deflecting absorption liquid, that has been atomized by means of the second spray level system (26) and flowing downward in the wet scrubber tower (2), so deflected absorption liquid (AL) may contact process gas (F) contacted by absorption liquid atomized by the first spray level system (20).
US09895638B2

The filter for gel shearing and particle filtration of molten polymer has a first layer of metal fibers of an average equivalent diameter between 8 and 65 μm. The cross-section of the metal fibers has two neighboring straight sides with an included angle of less than 90° and one or more irregularly shaped curved sides. The metal fibers have an average length of at least 6 mm. The metal fibers are bonded to each other by metal bonds; where the metal of the metal fibers of the first layer is the bonding agent forming the metal bonds. The filter has a second layer of metal fibers. The average equivalent diameter of the metal fibers of the second layer is smaller than the average equivalent diameter of the metal fibers of the first layer.
US09895635B2

Fluid filtration devices and methods of filtering fluids are described. The devices generally include a housing and an annular filter assembly, wherein the filter assembly is located inside the housing and comprises a filter material. The filter material may be, for example, an electroformed nickel screen having a smooth working surface and expanding pores. A rotating cleaning assembly comprising a distributor and wipers may be located inside the filter assembly.
US09895634B2

Stackable screening plates (3) with radial screening apertures (10) are carried on a tubular shaft having an axial key. The plates have a choice of keyways (14, 15) allowing the plates to be stacked in alternate angular positions. Spring tongues (16) formed integrally with the plates provide uniform but adjustable mutual spacing.
US09895627B2

A distribution chamber disclosed discharges a fraction which have been fractionally distilled in embodiments of the disclosed technology. The distribution chamber is removably connected to a distillation head such that between each fraction, the distribution head can be switched with another. Each such distribution head has a vertically extending drain and/or discharge port, or plurality thereof, to distribute a discharged fraction into a single flask, such port being at an acute angle to an intake port. In this manner, the discharge/drain port(s) can be vertically oriented and at a bottom side of the distribution chamber when the intake port is connected to the distillation head.
US09895625B2

The present application relates to an apparatus for purifying isopropyl alcohol. The present application enables isopropyl alcohol to be obtained in a high purity from a feed comprising water and isopropyl alcohol with a minimum amount of energy consumption.
US09895617B2

A water slide entry system in accordance with present embodiments may include an entry platform configured to support a rider above a water slide entry and an enclosure defining an enclosed space about the platform configured to at least partially enclose the rider when the rider is positioned on the entry platform. The water slide entry system may also include a fluid delivery system configured to deliver fluid within the enclosure to a predetermined fill level and a control system configured to receive a signal that the rider is positioned on the entry platform; provide instructions to the fluid delivery system to deliver the fluid within the enclosure when the rider is positioned on the entry platform; and trigger the entry platform to release the rider into the water slide entry.
US09895606B1

The first operation portion is configured to be pressed by one hand of a user holding a grip portion. The first button depression portion is configured to move toward a first button of a game controller secured in a compartment, thereby pressing the first button of the game controller secured in the compartment, in response to the pressing operation on the first operation portion. The second operation portion is configured to be pressed by the other hand of the user holding the grip portion. The second button depression portion is configured to move toward a second button of the game controller secured in the compartment, thereby pressing the second button of the game controller secured in the compartment, in response to the pressing operation on the second operation portion.
US09895597B2

Provided is a snowboard binding in which a stopper function operates when a boot is removed and the stopper function is released when a boot is mounted, and a stopper device for a snowboard binding. The snowboard binding is provided with an urging body for rotatably urging a highback rearward, and configured so that when a lock lever of a lock mechanism is placed in an unlocked state by the rotational urging of the urging body, the highback automatically rotates rearward, and configured so that when the highback arrives at the rearward-rotation-limit position or near the rearward-rotation-limit position, a connecting cord of the lock mechanism is tensioned, the orientation in which the lock lever projects from the highback rear surface section is maintained, and the lock lever in this projecting orientation makes contact with the snow surface below a snowboard to bring about a slide-preventing effect.
US09895596B2

A mechanism for attaching, for example, a boot to a ski, that uses a sphere in cylinder geometry to enable release in a wide array of incremental directions and rotations.
US09895593B2

A cycling suit (1) includes a seat pad (2) in the crotch area, and a plurality of fabric panels, which are associated along structural seams, and the seat pad is attached by means of a fabric panel (7) disposed to connect the rear part of said seat pad (2) to the suit (1), and said panel is fixed to the suit along lower back structural seams (8, 9) of the same. A corresponding method for manufacturing the cycling suit is also described.
US09895590B2

A method and system to analyze sports motions using the motion sensors of a mobile device, such as a smart phone, is provided. This method uses the mobile device motion sensor output to define the impact point with a virtual object, such as a golf ball, baseball or tennis ball. The motion sensor signature of the sports motion is analyzed for characteristics, specific to each type of sports motion. A method is disclosed using multiple sensors outputs in a mobile device to compute the impact point with a virtual object, such as a golf ball, baseball, tennis ball. Further, a method is disclosed where moving virtual sports objects interact with virtual sports motions and the responsive outputs are displayed on the mobile device and/or any Web-enabled display device.
US09895582B2

Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a method may include providing a body portion and a plurality of weight portions. The plurality of weight portions may include a first set of weight portions and a second set of weight portions. Each weight portion of the first set of weight portions may be associated with a first mass, and each weight portion of the second set of weight portions may be associated with a second mass that is less than the first mass. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09895579B1

A skill toy that is juggled, spun, and flipped in one hand or between both hands. The skill toy has two subassemblies that each contains a rounded translucent shell. The translucent shell surrounds an internal illumination unit, wherein the rounded translucent shell has a maximum diameter of under two inches. The illumination units are motion activated and contain lights. A tether joins the subassemblies together. The tether can be selectively attached to, and detached from, the two subassemblies. The tether has a length of between four inches and six inches, so it is just long enough to span the back of a hand.
US09895578B2

In some embodiments, an automated system comprises one or more biometric sensors, an interactive screen, and an exercise routine generation application communicable with a mobile application. In some embodiments, the mobile application receives data from an automated station and displays exercise routines, other exercise information, or both. In some embodiments, the mobile application includes a scanner to scan labels, other indicia, or physical or other features of an exercise machine or other exercise apparatus to identify the machine or apparatus. In some embodiments, the mobile application communicates with one or more local or remote databases identifying differing exercise facility locations within a geographic area and identifying exercise apparatus available in each of the differing facilities.
US09895565B2

A fitness apparatus for enabling numerous different fitness routines on a single piece of apparatus and having two side assemblies each having upright metal bars of hollow tubular construction each having fastening holes along its length, generally L-shaped junction portions of said upright bars of similar hollow tubular material and having fastening holes therealong, cross members extending between the two side assemblies holding them in spaced apart locations, floor rests on both side assemblies, a first fitness exercise attachment secured to one of the side assemblies, and, a second fitness exercise attachment, different from the first fitness exercise attachment, secured to the other of the side assemblies.
US09895560B2

Methods for treating skin and subcutaneous tissue with energy such as ultrasound energy are disclosed. In various embodiments, ultrasound energy is applied at a region of interest to affect tissue by cutting, ablating, micro-ablating, coagulating, or otherwise affecting the subcutaneous tissue to conduct numerous procedures that are traditionally done invasively in a non-invasive manner. Methods of lifting sagging tissue on a face and/or neck are described. Treatment with heat is provided in several embodiments.
US09895551B2

An applicator device is provided including a connecting unit. The connecting unit includes a first connector coupled to a first colpostat and a second connector coupled to a second colpostat. The first connector includes a first contact portion and a body portion, the first contact portion being immovably fixed to the body portion. The second connector includes a second contact portion and a third contact portion, the second contact portion being configured to contact and pivotally engage the first contact portion. The first connector further includes a fourth contact portion configured to contact the third contact portion. The second contact portion and the third contact portion are disposed between the first contact portion and the fourth contact portion, and the first contact portion are disposed in closer proximity to a point of delivery of a radiation source than the second, third, or fourth contact portions.
US09895546B2

A neurostimulation system having an external or an implantable pulse generator programmed to innervate a specific nerve or group of nerves in a patient through an electrode as a mode of treatment, having a patient remote that wirelessly communicates with the pulse generator to increase stimulation, decrease stimulation, and provide indications to a patient regarding the status of the neurostimulation system. The patient remote can allow for adjustment of stimulation power within a clinically effective range and for turning on and turning off the pulse generator. The patient remote and neurostimulation system can also store a stimulation level when the pulse generator is turned off and automatically restore the pulse generator to the stored stimulation level when the pulse generator is turned on.
US09895544B2

A medical device performs a method for computing an estimate of a physiological variable. The method includes sensing a physiological signal and measuring an event of the physiological signal. The device initializes a value of a long-term metric of the event measurement, wherein the long-term metric corresponds to a time interval correlated to a response time of the physiological variable to changes in the event. The estimate of the long-term metric is updated in a memory of the medical device using a previous long-term metric and a current measurement of the event. The device detects a need for computing the physiological variable and computes an estimate of the physiological variable using the updated long-term metric.
US09895529B2

The object,—to create a printed circuit board for an implant having improved properties in connection with the electrical contacting via the contact points of the conductor tracks on the printed circuit board,—is achieved, according to the present invention, by means of a device for contacting and/or electrostimulation of living tissue cells or nerves with having a printed circuit board having with at least one contact point for electrical contacting, the printed circuit board encompassing comprising a flexible multilayer system with at least one conductor track. In accordance with the invention, the contact points for the conductor track in the multilayer system are galvanically reinforced. To this end, a galvanically reinforced layer is grown onto the already preprocessed contact point, for example by means of a galvanic process. By virtue of the application of one or more additional material layers onto the contact points of the conductor tracks, these latter are mechanically more stably anchored in the printed circuit board in mechanically more stable manner and hence become more reliable in their function.
US09895526B2

A fluid connector comprising a housing having an access site, and a cover member passively positioned in an initial covering relationship with the access site, the cover member being reversible from an uncovered relationship under load to the initial covering relationship, is described. A method of preventing contamination and aseptically covering an access site of a fluid connector with a cover member is also described.
US09895519B2

Apparatus and methods are described, including apparatus for treating a cavity in a human body, the apparatus including a delivery tube. A bather device has a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, the barrier device moving from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration upon being deployed from the delivery tube. A pushing element, slidably disposed within a lumen of the delivery tube, is configured to deploy the barrier device from the delivery tube by pushing the bather device. One or more bather-deployment elements are coupled to the barrier device and to the pushing element, the bather-deployment elements being configured to conformingly contact the barrier device with tissue surrounding the cavity. Other applications are also described.
US09895511B2

An introducer assembly includes an introducer element (80), which may have a catheter or sheath (82), a pusher element (84) holding an implantable medical device (88) and a dilator tip (90). The assembly also includes a protective sleeve (72) within which the introducer element (80) is disposed. The protective sleeve (72) is made of an absorbable hydrophilic material which is deployed in a wetted condition and acts as a cushion or barrier between the introducer element (80) and the vessel wall (60). The sleeve can prevent trauma to the vessel during the deployment of the introducer element (80) and as a result can avoid vessel spasm which can occur in delicate vessels such as the cerebral vessels. The introducer assembly may be used for cerebral applications.
US09895506B2

A positive airway pressure apparatus is automatically adjusting. Pressure increases in response to apnea events when the apparatus is in one or more responsive states. Pressure does not increase in response to apnea events when the apparatus is in a non-responsive state. The apparatus switches between responsive and nonresponsive states depending upon any of a number of different criteria that help differentiate between open airway apnea events and closed airway apnea events.
US09895504B2

The present invention relates to a device and a system for positive pressure ventilation and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for neonatal resuscitation and initial respiratory support. The device and system are designed and tested for preterm and term neonatal use. The device is easy to use and allows rapid switch between PPV and CPAP without change of equipment and significantly reduces the imposed work of breathing for a breathing child treated with CPAP.
US09895483B2

Systems and methods for cleaning body cavities are presented. Some embodiments reduce size of fecal matter pieces within an evacuation conduit. Some comprise devices and methods for purging an evacuation conduit. Some comprise reduced cross-sectional profiles of a cleaning device. Some protect intestinal tissue by preventing exposure to excessively high and low pressures.
US09895480B2

A dialysis system includes a filtration system capable of filtering a water stream, a water purification system capable of purifying said water stream in a non-batch process, a mixing system capable of producing a stream of dialysate from mixing one or more dialysate components with the water stream in a non-batch process, and a dialyzer system. The dialyzer may be a microfluidic dialyzer capable of being fluidly coupled to the stream of dialysate and a blood stream.
US09895477B2

A detachable module for optionally recharging sorbent materials, including zirconium phosphate, with an optional bypass and conduits for a sorbent cartridge. The sorbent cartridge can have one or more modules contained therein having connectors connecting each of the modules. One or more of the modules can be reusable and the sorbent materials therein recharged.
US09895474B2

The present application relates to a breast pump system. The breast pump system comprises a vacuum path for creating a pressure reduction on a breast. A pump unit generates and releases a pressure reduction in the vacuum path, and comprises a vacuum pump (20). A leakage aperture (60) is configured to allow a controlled release of a pressure reduction in at least part of the vacuum path so that the pressure reduction in at least part of the vacuum path is released in the event that the pump unit fails to release the pressure reduction in the vacuum path. The vacuum pump (20) has a discharge port (22) for discharging air drawn from the vacuum path, and the leakage aperture (60) is disposed proximate to the discharge port (22) so that airflow discharged from the discharge port (22) is directed over the leakage aperture (60).
US09895470B2

Substrates, optionally coated with an undercoating layer, having grafted there from one or more non-fouling materials are described herein. The non-fouling, polymeric material can be grafted from a variety of substrate materials, particularly polymeric substrates and/or polymeric undercoating layers. The graft-from techniques described herein can result in higher surface densities of the non-fouling material relative to graft-to formulations. Graft-from methods can be used to produce covalently tethered polymers. The compositions described herein are highly resistant protein absorption, particularly in complex media and retain a high degree of non-fouling activity over long periods of time. The compositions described herein may also demonstrate antimicrobial and/or anti-thrombogenic activity. The non-fouling material can be grafted from the substrate, or optionally from an undercoating layer on the substrate, preferably without significantly affecting the mechanical and/or physical properties of the substrate material.
US09895468B2

The invention provides methods of immobilizing an active agent to a substrate surface, including the steps of, depositing a primer compound on a substrate, thereby forming a primed substrate, contacting the primed substrate with a solution of a compound including a trihydroxyphenyl group, thereby forming a trihydroxyphenyl-treated primed substrate, and contacting the trihydroxyphenyl-treated primed substrate with a solution of an active agent, thereby immobilizing the active agent on the substrate. Further provided are methods of immobilizing an active agent on a substrate, including the steps of providing a substrate, combining a solution of a compound including a trihydroxyphenyl group with a solution of an active agent, thereby forming a solution of an active agent-trihydroxyphenyl conjugate, and contacting the primed substrate with the solution of the active agent-trihydroxyphenyl conjugate, thereby immobilizing the active agent on the substrate. The invention further provides substrates and medical device or device components with active agents immobilized on the surface thereof.
US09895465B2

The present invention is direct to a body-absorbable, mechanically hemostatic composition comprising a solid poloxamer having an average molecular weight of about 7,000 g/mol to about 15,000 g/mol, a high molecular weight dextran, optionally a fatty acid salt, and water, and a method for mechanically controlling the bleeding of bone comprising applying an effective amount of the composition to the affected area.
US09895463B2

Fragrance control is provided by articles of manufacture including various solid state fragrancing objects, methods of using such objects, and systems that employ one or more such objects. The solid state fragrancing object can be used to inconspicuously provide fragrance to a user in an environment by disposing the solid state fragrancing object in the environment and configuring the solid state fragrancing object as at least a portion of a fixture within the environment. The fragrancing object can be easy to manufacture, long lasting, provide fragrance that is consistently released over time, provide an indication to the user that the object needs to be replaced, and can hold a desired ratio of fragrance.
US09895450B2

The invention provides anti-wall teichoic acid antibodies and antibiotic conjugates thereof, and methods of using the same.
US09895443B2

The present invention provides multi-tailed lipid compounds, and salts and stereoisomers thereof, and methods of preparing the compounds. Also provided are compositions including a compound of the invention and an agent (e.g., an siRNA, mRNA, plasmid DNA, small molecule, protein, peptide). The present invention also provides methods, and kits using the compositions for delivering an agent to a subject (e.g., to the liver, spleen, or lung of the subject) or cell and for treating and/or preventing a range of diseases, such as genetic diseases, proliferative diseases, hematological diseases, neurological diseases, immunological diseases, gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., liver diseases), respiratory diseases (e.g., lung diseases), painful conditions, psychiatric disorders, metabolic disorders, and spleen diseases.
US09895441B2

The present invention describes combination treatment comprising a PD-1 axis binding antagonist, chemotherapy and optionally a VEGF antagonist and methods for use thereof, including methods of treating conditions where enhanced immunogenicity is desired such as increasing tumor immunogenicity for the treatment of cancer.
US09895439B2

Pharmaceutical composition comprising a chemotherapeutic drug and a netrin-1 interfering drug or a vector capable of expressing a netrin-1 interfering drug in vivo, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or vehicle. The chemotherapeutic drug is selected from those able to induce over expression of netrin-1 in cancer cells. The combination is associated with synergic anti-cancer effect.
US09895437B2

The invention relates to means and methods for preparing aqueous composition comprising aluminum and a protein said composition comprising less than 700 ppm heavy metal on the basis of weight with respect to the aluminum content. The invention further relates to aqueous compositions comprising a protein and an aluminum-salt, said composition comprising less than 350 ppb heavy metal based on the weight of the aqueous composition.
US09895434B2

The invention relates to the development of chimeric OspA molecules for use in a new Lyme vaccine. More specifically, the chimeric OspA molecules comprise the proximal portion from one OspA serotype, together with the distal portion from another OspA serotype, while retaining antigenic properties of both of the parent polypeptides. The chimeric OspA molecules are delivered alone or in combination to provide protection against a variety of Borrelia genospecies. The invention also provides methods for administering the chimeric OspA molecules to a subject in the prevention and treatment of Lyme disease or borreliosis.
US09895431B1

The invention provides recombinant adenoviral vectors which are capable of eliciting immunity against the pre-erythrocytic stage of the life cycle of the malaria parasite. In particular, the invention provides a recombinant, replication deficient simian adenoviral vector which encodes an antigen comprising the thrombospondin-related adhesion protein (TRAP), and also immunogenic compositions (e.g. vaccines) comprising the vector and methods of using such compositions.
US09895430B2

Described herein is a reliable method for preparing a potent vaccine useful for immunotherapy comprising the step of cryopreserving a population of cells undergoing immunogenic cell death, and using such cells to activate dendritic cells for use in immunotherapy. In a specific embodiment, the method comprises cryopreserving cancer cells undergoing cell death, which can be used to prepare a pharmaceutical composition for immunotherapy against cancer.
US09895399B2

The invention relates to methods and compositions for maintaining the pro-regenerative capacity of distal nerve segments following nerve injury.
US09895379B2

The present application provides 17 and/or 21 esters of 17α,21-Dihydroxypregna-4,9(11)-diene-3,20-dione and 17α,21-dihydroxypregna-4-ene-3,20-dione having remarkable antiandrogenic activity, methods of using these compounds, and processes for their preparation.
US09895369B2

The present disclosure relates to stable formulations of receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), e.g., pazopanib; methods of preparation thereof; and use of the disclosed formulations in sustained delivery of the active agent to a target site. The disclosure further relates to methods of converting one polymorphic Form of a TKI to another polymorphic Form and/or an amorphous form.
US09895367B2

An oral pharmaceutical formulation containing an effective amount of NRC-AN-019 including its pharmaceutically acceptable salts and polymorphs such as Form I, Form II and Form III thereof to improve the bioavailability intended for self-emulsification upon its contact with the gastro-intestinal fluid. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of oral solution containing NRC-AN-019 in an effective concentration for the better therapy against Chronic Myeloid Leukemia as BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor and against other tumors such as head and neck cancer, prostate cancer and the like.
US09895365B2

Combination therapies for treating cancer comprising administration of a topoisomerase-1 inhibitor and a PARP inhibitor are provided. The topoisomerase-1 inhibitor can be delivered as a liposomal formulation that provides for prolonged accumulation of the topoisomerase-1 inhibitor within a tumor relative to outside of the tumor. Therapeutic benefit can thereby be obtained by delaying the administration of the PARP inhibitor after each administration of a liposomal irinotecan formulation until the accumulation of the topoisomerase inhibitor in the tumor is sufficiently greater than outside the tumor to result in increased efficacy of the PARP inhibitor and topoisomerase inhibitor within the tumor, while reducing the peripheral toxicity of the combination therapy. The therapies disclosed herein are useful in the treatment of human cancers with solid tumors, including cervical cancer.
US09895350B2

A method of treating hyperhidrosis in a mammalian subject including: a) providing a composition including a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and from about 1.0% to about 25% of a compound having the formula: and b) topically administering the composition to skin of an area of a mammalian subject suffering from hyperhidosis, before bedtime, such that, compared to untreated, baseline conditions, sweat production is reduced by at least about 25% for at least about six (6) hours.
US09895347B2

The present invention discloses compounds according to Formula I: wherein R1 is as defined herein. The present invention relates to compounds and their use in the treatment of cystic fibrosis, methods for their production, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and methods of treatment cystic fibrosis by administering a compound of the invention.
US09895346B2

Disclosed are applications of substituent benzyloxy group containing ether compounds represented by general formula I for preparing antitumor drugs. The definition of the substituent groups in the formula I are provided in the specification.The compounds having general formula I have desirable antitumor activity, particularly, and have excellent activity against leukemia strain HL-60, lung cancer A549, H157, H460, H520, bladder cancer T24, J82, prostate cancer LNCap, PC-3, rectal cancer HCT8, HCT116, RkO and the like.
US09895343B2

A method for treating radiotherapy- or chemotherapy-induced cognitive or emotional impairment by topically administering a cannabinoid. Also provided is a method for treating a tumor by topically administering a cannabinoid together with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.
US09895337B2

The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions, as well as health functional food compositions and quasi-drug compositions, for preventing, treating, or improving rheumatoid arthritis, comprising a monoacetyldiacylglycerol compound as an active ingredient. The monoacetyldiacylglycerol of the invention is effective in inhibiting the phosphorylation of STAT-3 known to be a therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis. As the monoacetyldiacylglycerol is an effective therapeutic agent without toxicity, the monoacetyldiacylglycerol can overcome the side effects of the medicines currently used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, the monoacetyldiacylglycerol can be used for preventing, treating or improving rheumatoid arthritis.
US09895328B2

Compositions and method for treating a folate-resistant disease in a subject are disclosed. The methods involve administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition containing a formate. For example, the method can be used to reducing the risk of neural tube defects during pregnancy. The method can also be used to treat other conditions normally treatable by folate supplementation.
US09895324B2

Halogenated diarylacetylenes, e.g., diarylacetylenes having at least one halo substituent in one aryl ring and an amine in the opposing aryl ring, can inhibit the proliferation of LS174T colon cancer cells through the inhibition of c-myc and induction of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor-1 (i.e., p21(Wif1/Cip1)). Such compounds are useful as antineoplastic agents.
US09895319B2

The invention relates to a transdermal therapeutic system (TTS), which is suited for the administration of a peptide to a patient through skin treated with ablation. The transdermal therapeutic system includes a back layer and an active substance-containing layer that contains at least one peptide and a carrier substance, preferably as a textile web material.
US09895313B2

Docetaxel and doxorubicin can be formulated in liposomal pharmaceutical compositions. In various embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions include (i) a first liposome type comprising a first lipid layer comprising an unsaturated phospholipid, cholesterol or a cholesterol derivative, DC-cholesterol, a cationic lipid, and preferably a pegylated phospholipid, and a first active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) comprising docetaxel in the first lipid layer; and (ii) a second liposome type comprising a second lipid layer, an aqueous interior, and a second API comprising doxorubicin crystallized in the aqueous interior, (iii) where the first liposome type does not comprise doxorubicin and the second liposome type does not comprise docetaxel. The pharmaceutical composition can be used to treat a subject, for example, a human subject having cancer. The cancer can be, for example, a lung cancer, preferably non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colon cancer, breast cancer, or liver cancer, preferably hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
US09895312B2

The present invention discloses c-MYC-siRNA formulation as a potential therapeutic target for cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer. It is disclosed targeting c-MYC with small interfering RNA (siRNA) in the cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cell line inducing a significant cell growth arrest and inhibition of cell proliferation. Apoptosis and arrest of cell cycle progression were also observed after c-MYC-siRNA-based silencing of c-MYC. Furthermore, delivering nanoliposomal c-MYC-siRNA, decreased tumor weight and number of tumor nodules compared with a liposomal-negative control siRNA.
US09895309B2

A topical composition for skin repair comprising selenosugars of formula (1): (Formula (I)) wherein, n is 1, 2 or 3; m is 2, 3, 4; or 5; and each R1 is independently-(optionally substituted C1-C3 alkyiene)p-OH, where p is 0 or 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09895304B2

Oral care compositions comprising: (a) a peroxide complex comprising a peroxide component and an N-vinyl heterocyclic polymer (e.g., poly-N-vinyl polylactam, or poly-N-vinyl-polyimide); (b) a whitening agent (e.g., hydrogen peroxide); and (c) an orally acceptable carrier. In one embodiment, the carrier comprises a film forming material. Methods are also provided for making an oral care composition comprising: (a) mixing a whitening agent, silicone adhesive and carrier fluid to form a homogenous mixture; (b) adding a peroxide complex to said homogenous mixture, wherein said complex comprises hydrogen peroxide and an N-vinyl heterocyclic polymer; and (c) mixing under vacuum.
US09895289B2

In some examples, a mixing syringe includes a fluid housing defining an internal housing chamber for storing a medical agent, and a fluid outlet. An outer plunger is disposed within the internal housing chamber of the fluid housing. The outer plunger includes an outer barrel defining a barrel cavity and an outer plunger head connected to the outer barrel. The outer plunger is adapted for longitudinal movement within the internal housing chamber of the fluid housing. The outer plunger head defines a flow passage whereby, upon movement of the outer plunger the medical agent passes from the internal housing chamber through the flow passage into the barrel cavity of the outer plunger. An inner plunger is adapted for longitudinal movement relative to the outer plunger to force the medical agent through the flow passage of the outer plunger head for disposition through the fluid outlet of the fluid housing.
US09895281B1

A mobility chair configured to assist a patient that has a weight bearing restriction on a lower limb traverse a staircase. The mobility chair includes a frame having a pair of front leg members and a pair of rear leg member wherein the frame has an opening on the front end thereof providing patient access to a seat member assembly. A pair of upper horizontal support members and a pair of lower horizontal support members extend intermediate the pair of front leg members and a pair of rear leg members. The seat member assembly is slidably coupled to the pair of lower horizontal support members. A first biasing member and second biasing member are operably coupled to the seat member assembly and provide movement intermediate a first position and a second position wherein in the first position the seat member assembly is proximate the opening of the frame.
US09895275B2

An absorbent article of the present invention may comprise a topsheet, an outer cover, and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The outer cover may comprise an extrusion bonded laminate. The EBL may comprise a multi-layer coextruded elastomeric film and a nonwoven. The film may comprise a core layer, a first outer layer, and a second outer layer, wherein the core layer is between the first and second outer layers. The nonwoven may comprise fibers and/or filaments. The first outer layer may be non-adhesively joined to the nonwoven via extrusion coating. Further, the outer cover may be elastic to at least about 50% engineering strain. The nonwoven may have high chemical affinity for the first outer layer. The first outer layer may have a low chemical affinity for the core layer. And, the first outer layer may comprise an amount of draw down polymer greater than about 45 wt %.
US09895270B2

A method of manufacturing a reduced-pressure abdominal treatment system for treating an open abdominal cavity of a patient is provided. A reduced-pressure abdominal treatment system has an open-cavity treatment device for providing reduced-pressure treatment to a patient's abdominal cavity; a deep-tissue closure device for applying a closing force on a deep-tissue wound on a patient's fascia; a surface-wound closure subsystem for providing a closing force on a surface wound on the patient's epidermis. The method of manufacturing may also include the step of providing a reduced-pressure supply subsystem.
US09895266B2

A goggle having a lens changing system is disclosed that includes a sliding lever that is traversable between a closed and opened position. The sliding lever, in the opened position, allows the lens to be released from the frame so that the user can either switch out the lens to a different lens that would be more appropriate for the current lighting conditions or to replace the current lens which may be defective. Additionally, the lens changing system has a nub and hole combination that further secures the lens to the frame so that the lens does not inadvertently dislodge off of the frame during active sports.
US09895264B2

This disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for use in viewing and positioning an eye with a gonio lens system, such as during ocular exams and ocular surgeries. Some embodiments of the gonio lens system can include a gonio lens for viewing one or more tissues and structures of the eye. In addition, the gonio lens system can include one or more positioning features for controlling movement positioning of the eye.
US09895255B2

A multilayer film includes an outer foam layer and a gas barrier layer. The multilayer film may also include at least one tie layer and at least one inner layer, and can be configured to have various film layer constructions. For example, the multilayer film can be configured as a five-layer, six-layer, or seven-layer films. The multilayer film can provide unique texture, softness, quietness, gas barrier properties, light weight and low cost per volume. Further, one or more layers of the multilayer film can contain a vinyl-bond rich triblock copolymer to provide sound absorbing properties.
US09895254B2

A limb support device. The device may include a sling having an upper and lower section, which may be configured to hold a limb. The device may further include a support harness having a central back portion, at least one securing strap, and two support straps. The support harness may be configured to disperse the weight of the limb. The at least one securing strap and support straps may be removably connected to the sling by fasteners.
US09895248B2

Devices and methods for treating obesity are provided. More particularly, intragastric devices and methods of fabricating, deploying, inflating, locating, tracking, monitoring, deflating, and retrieving the same are provided.
US09895240B2

A powered prosthetic thigh can have a proximal portion configured to couple to a prosthetic hip socket and can have a distal portion attached to the proximal portion. The distal portion can have a distal connector configured to couple to a prosthetic knee. The powered prosthetic thigh can also have a computer controlled actuator configured to rotate the prosthetic thigh relative to the prosthetic hip socket.
US09895225B2

A collapsible valve prosthesis includes an armature and a set of prosthetic valve leaflets supported by the armature. The armature is expandable from a contracted condition to an expanded condition for anchoring at an annulus of a natural valve site, and includes a tubular intra-annular portion defining a blood flow lumen having an inflow side and an outflow side. The tubular intra-annular portion supports the prosthetic valve leaflets in the blood flow lumen and is provided with outward formations for coupling with the natural valve site. The armature includes an over-annular portion linked to the intra-annular portion to extend collar-like over the annulus of the natural valve site at the inflow side of the blood flow lumen. The armature may also include an under-annular portion to extend collar-like at the outflow side of the blood flow lumen. The prosthesis may permit mitral valve replacement (MVR) without removing the native valve leaflets and the chordae tendineae.
US09895211B2

Various embodiments of craniofacial implants, surgical instruments, and techniques are described to provide improved surgical results.
US09895205B2

A dental treating apparatus according to the present invention includes: a hand piece; a head unit; a driving unit; a control unit; a load specifying unit; and a load comparing unit. The hand piece drivably holds a cutting tool on the head unit. The driving unit drives the cutting tool in a normal rotation direction or in a reverse rotation direction. The load comparing unit compares a load detected and a reference load. During a normal rotation period until driving for rotating the cutting tool in the normal rotation direction by the driving unit satisfies a predetermined first condition, the control unit maintains a rotation direction of the cutting tool in the normal rotation direction, and when a result of comparison by the load comparing unit attains a predetermined result during the normal rotation period, the control unit controls the rotation direction to the reverse rotation direction.
US09895198B2

A medical manipulator includes: a manipulator body that has a handle; a drive unit that can be detachably attached to the handle; and an attachment limiting mechanism that is provided to the handle. When the number of times that the drive unit has been attached to and detached from the handle reaches a set number, the attachment limiting mechanism prevents the mounting of the drive unit to the handle. The attachment limiting mechanism has a counting mechanism and a stopper. The counting mechanism counts the number of times that the drive unit is attached and detached. When the count reaches a set number, the stopper is made to protrude into a mounting hole in the handle so as to prevent the insertion of the drive unit into the mounting hole.
US09895192B2

An intrauterine device includes an articulating array. The intrauterine device can be operated by articulating the articulating array into an installed position or geometry within the uterus of a patient. Further, the articulating array can be constructed to include an insertion geometry have a smaller cross section than an installation geometry. The articulating array can also be constructed to be housed within a sheath in the intrauterine device. Once the sheath has been inserted into a patient, for example through the patient's cervix, the articulating array can be deployed in its insertion geometry and then articulated into an installed position. The articulating array can include a plurality of expansion chambers. The expansion chambers can be constructed and arranged to take on the installed geometry when expanded. In one embodiment, the purpose of the articulating array is to position a conductive array within the patient's uterus enabling ablation of the uterine lining.
US09895191B2

This invention provides an electrosurgical device comprising a handle, a shaft member distal to the handle, a first electrode tip and a second electrode tip at a distal end of the shaft member with the first electrode tip laterally spaced from the second electrode tip, and an electrode sheath movable to cover and uncover a side of the electrode tips while a distal end of the electrode tips is uncovered to treat tissue.
US09895186B2

An electrosurgical generator includes primary and test sources. The primary source supplies a primary signal and the test source supplies a test signal. The electrosurgical generator includes an output circuit and an abnormality detection circuit. The output circuit is electrically coupled to the primary and test sources. The output circuit receives the primary and test signals from the primary and test sources, respectively. The output circuit is electrically coupled to a load to supply the primary signal thereto. The abnormality detection circuit is electrically coupled to the output circuit to detect an abnormality therein as a function of the test signal. The abnormality detection circuit can also determine a location of the abnormality within the output circuit.
US09895180B2

Implant devices for the internal fixation of fractured bones, and more particularly to ankle plates for the tibia bone are disclosed and include an anterolateral tibia plate having an L-shaped body including a proximal portion defining a longitudinal axis, and a distal portion defining a traverse axis, and having a support bridge connected between the proximal portion and the distal portion. Implant devices disclosed also include an anterior tibia plate having an elongated first portion, a second portion that widens outward with respect to the elongated first portion, and a plurality of removable tabs attached to the outer edge of the second portion. Implant devices disclosed also include a medial tibia plate having an elongated shaft with a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion is configured to extend proximate to a base of medial malleolus, and has a curvature with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the elongated shaft. The distal portion may include a plurality of removable tabs. The removable tabs may be disposed to define an opening between the removable tabs to orient a bone fastener into a bone.
US09895177B2

A bone fixation device according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a nail extending along a longitudinal axis. The nail is provided with a transverse bore arranged along a transverse axis that intersects the longitudinal axis. The bone fixation device further includes a screw assembly received in the transverse bore, and a locking device. The locking device is configured to clasp the screw assembly to lock the screw assembly against movement along the transverse axis and against rotation about the transverse axis.
US09895172B2

A receiving part for receiving a rod for coupling the rod to a bone anchoring element includes a receiving part body including a first end and a second end, and having a substantially U-shaped recess at the first end forming a channel for receiving the rod, and an accommodation space for accommodating a head of the bone anchoring element, the accommodation space having an opening at the second end for introducing the head; and a pressure element arranged at least partially in the accommodation space, the pressure element including a first section having a second recess for receiving the rod, and a second section having a flexible portion to clamp the head, the first section and the second section being fixed relative to each other, wherein said pressure element is insertable from the opening.
US09895169B2

An anchoring system implantable in bone. The anchoring system includes a screw having a screw head, a screw shaft, a plurality of interface elements, each adjacent pair of the interface elements has an interface by-pass channel disposed therebetween, a boring ring that includes cutting teeth and a ring by-pass channel, and a coupling assembly that is adjustable with respect to a longitudinal axis of the screw.
US09895165B2

The disclosure provides examples of a surgical needle for entering a joint space, such as the hip joint, through tissue.
US09895162B2

Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for obtaining one or more portions of biological tissue (“micrografts”) to form grafts are provided. For example, a hollow tube can be inserted into tissue at a donor site, and a pin provided within the tube can facilitate controlled removal of the micrograft from the tube. Micrografts can be harvested and directly implanted into an overlying biocompatible matrix through coordinated motion of the tube and pin. A needle can be provided around the tube to facilitate a direct implantation of a micrograft into a remote recipient site or matrix. The exemplary apparatus can include a plurality of such tubes and pins for simultaneous harvesting and/or implanting of a plurality of micrografts. The harvested micrografts can have a small dimension, e.g., less than about 1 mm, which can promote healing of the donor site and/or viability of the harvested tissue.
US09895161B2

An apparatus for operating on tissue comprises a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, and an end effector. The acoustic waveguide extends along the shaft and is configured to transmit ultrasonic vibration. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The clamp arm is pivotable toward the ultrasonic blade. The end effector defines a first longitudinal region and a second longitudinal region. The end effector is configured to clamp tissue between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade in the first longitudinal region. The end effector is configured to sever tissue with the ultrasonic blade in the second longitudinal region.
US09895157B2

A mechanical converter assembly includes an input, a lever stack (multiple levers), and an output. The input is configured to receive a mechanical drive force (or mechanical input signal) from a driver resource. The lever stack translates the received drive force into a mechanical output force (or mechanical output signal). The output of the mechanical converter assembly is configured to apply the mechanical output force produced by the lever stack to a driven element. In one embodiment, use of the lever stack in the mechanical converter assembly provides translational gain in which an amount of translational movement at the input of the mechanical converter assembly results in a substantially greater amount of corresponding translational movement at the output.
US09895141B2

A device for preventing the spread of bio-matter contagions when used in conjunction with a tongue depressor. The device includes a shield for intercepting the bio-matter contagions. The shield adjustably and removably secures along the tongue depressor. The device also includes a grip manipulator that extends from the shield. The grip manipulator adjustably engages the tongue depressor. The device also includes a window that provides viewing access through the shield.
US09895140B1

In an embodiment of the invention, a frictional tissue sampling device with a head designed to be rotated without rotating off the designated site can be used to obtain tissue biopsy samples. A frictional tissue sampling device with a head designed to be rotated without rotating off the designated site can be used to obtain an epithelial tissue biopsy sample from lesions. The device can be otherwise used to sample specific locations. In various embodiments, the head of the device is narrow and pointed with a hybrid pear shaped diamond facet. Abrasive material can be adhered to the facet.
US09895138B2

According to one embodiment, based on a reception signal, the Doppler signal generation unit generates a first Doppler signal attributed to motion of a living body in a ROI and a second Doppler signal attributed to slower motion. The velocity display scale determination unit determines first and second velocity display scales based on velocity distribution ranges for the first and second Doppler signals, respectively. The image generation unit generates first and second Doppler images based on the first and second Doppler signals, respectively. The display unit displays the first and second Doppler images with the first and second velocity display scales, respectively.
US09895137B2

There is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of measuring hardness information of a subject with high time resolution and spatial resolution.The apparatus is provided with a ultrasonic probe 1 and a displacement generation unit 10 configured to displace an inside of a subject and is configured to transmit an ultrasonic beam for displacement detection to a plurality of detection positions of the subject from the ultrasonic probe 1, and to detect a shear wave velocity based on the displacement at the plurality of detection positions in a control unit 3 by using a reflection signal detected in a detection unit 20, thereby outputting hardness information of the subject. The ultrasonic beam for displacement detection is transmitted to one of the plurality of detection positions. A waveform analysis unit 26 of the control unit 3 is configured to perform a change control of analyzing a shear wave resulting from the displacement to thus transmit the ultrasonic beam for displacement detection to another position of the plurality of detection positions. Thereby, it is possible to measure the shear wave velocity with high time resolution and spatial resolution, so that it is possible to obtain the hardness information of the subject with high precision.
US09895135B2

An ultrasound system has an ultrasound transducer equipped with a position marker and a needle equipped with a position marker. The position markers allow the position and orientation of the transducer and needle to be determined. A display depicts an ultrasound image acquired via the transducer and a graphical element representative of a projection of the longitudinal axis of the needle onto a plane of the ultrasound image. The quality of the position and orientation information from the position markers is monitored, and when quality is below a quality threshold the display indicates this fact.
US09895134B2

There is provided an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus capable of outputting an appropriate ultrasound image with no distortion regardless of a sound velocity distribution in a subject. In the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, sound velocities are calculated at two or more points in a subject, and coordinate transformation of a generated ultrasound image is performed based on the calculated sound velocities.
US09895133B2

Systems and methods which implement a plurality of different imaging signatures in generating an image frame are shown. A first imaging signature may be configured for providing relatively high quality images with respect to subsurface regions of living tissue, for example, whereas a second imaging signature may be configured for providing relatively high quality images with respect to interventional instruments inserted into living tissue at a steep angle. Image sub-frames generated using each such different imaging signature are blended to form a frame of the final image providing a relatively high quality image of various objects within the volume being imaged.
US09895105B2

A seamless, substantially continuous, independent and wearable health monitoring and self-alert system, configured for use by a living being on a daily basis, including by a healthy living being. The wearable health monitoring and self-alert system includes a garment worn by the living being adjacently to preconfigured portions of the body of the living being. The system further includes a garment-control device that includes a garment-processor and a battery. The system further includes a multi-lead ECG measuring device including multiple electrodes or probe-devices embedded into the garment, and an alerting unit. Preferably, the system further includes multiple sensing devices selected from the group consisting of sensors and electrodes. At least one of the sensing devices is embedded into the garment, wherein each of the sensing devices is configured to detect a predetermined physiological or chemical parameter of the living being.
US09895104B2

The device performs reference point indentation without a reference probe. The indentation distance is measured relative to the instrument which remains substantially stationary during the impact process, which occurs on the order of one millisecond. In one embodiment, an impact motion with a peak force of order 28N creates an indentation in bone with a depth of approximately 150 μm during which the instrument case moves less than 1 μm. Thus the error in measuring indentation depth due to the motion of the case is less than 1%, making a reference probe unnecessary. Further, this “error” is consistent and can be corrected. In one embodiment, the device measures the fracture resistance of hard tissues by actually creating microscopic fractures in the hard tissues in a measured way. It creates these microscopic fractures by impacting the sample with a sharpened probe. The indentation distance in the sample is correlated with fracture resistance.
US09895103B2

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to an implantable device, systems, and methods related thereto, that includes at least one sensor and/or therapeutic agent delivery depot. In one embodiment, the system and device include methods for detecting general or specific biological agents in a subject's intestinal tract, and utilizing the information from the detection for determining the timing and content of any therapeutic treatment needed by the subject.
US09895101B2

A method for identifying changes in an epilepsy patient's disease state, comprising: receiving at least one body data stream; determining at least one body index from the at least one body data stream; detecting a plurality of seizure events from the at least one body index; determining at least one seizure metric value for each seizure event; performing a first classification analysis of the plurality of seizure events from the at least one seizure metric value; detecting at least one additional seizure event from the at least one determined index; determining at least one seizure metric value for each additional seizure event, performing a second classification analysis of the plurality of seizure events and the at least one additional seizure event based upon the at least one seizure metric value; comparing the results of the first classification analysis and the second classification analysis; and performing a further action.
US09895099B2

The present invention comprises apparatuses and methods of detecting impacts to the head. Accelerometers attached to a user's head and neck or body is used to measure the differential acceleration of the head with respect to the neck or body. A differential acceleration exceeding a certain threshold may be indicative of the user suffering a traumatic brain injury.
US09895093B2

A lancet magazine for use in a lancing aid is described comprising a plurality of lancets each having a lancet body at the proximal end of the lancet and a lancet tip at the distal end of the lancet, where the proximal end of the lancet points in the direction of the proximal end of the housing of the lancet magazine and the distal end of the lancet is aligned in the direction of the distal end of the housing and the lancets in the unused state are completely surrounded by the housing. Furthermore, an extension unit is movably connected to the housing in such a manner that the housing can be extended by movement of the extension unit in the direction of the distal end of the housing such that the lancet is prevented from emerging from the lancet magazine.
US09895092B2

An extravacular system is disclosed. The system includes a body, a septum, a septum activator, and a blood sampling device. The body has and inner lumen extending therethrough. The septum is disposed within the inner lumen. The septum activator is disposed within the inner lumen proximal the septum. The septum activator has an inner passage extending therethrough. The blood sampling device has a tube that is longer than a length of the septum activator and has a width less than or equal to a width of the inner passage of the septum activator. An interior of the tube is in fluid communication with a reservoir within the blood sampling device. A vent is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The vent passes air but not blood therethrough.
US09895086B2

A method of calibrating a monitoring device to be attached to a user is provided. Prior to attachment of the device, the device is aligned with respect to the user such that the measurement reference frame of the device is substantially aligned with a reference frame of the user. A first measurement of the orientation of the device with respect to a world reference frame is obtained. After attachment of the device, a second measurement of the orientation of the device with respect to a world reference frame is obtained. A transformation matrix is determined for use in transforming subsequent measurements obtained by the device into the reference frame of the user. The matrix is calculated using the first and second measurements and information on the amount of rotation of the device relative to the user about a vertical axis in the world reference frame between the first and second measurements being taken.
US09895085B2

A method includes receiving data representing graphomotor motion during a succession of executions of graphomotor diagnostic tasks performed in a medical context by a subject, processing the received data using a computer, including determining a first set of quantitative features from a first execution of a task by the subject, and determining a second set of quantitative features from a second execution of a task by the subject, determining one or more metrics based on a comparison to the successive executions, including using at least the first set of quantitative features and the second set of quantitative features to determine said metrics, and providing a diagnostic report associated with neurocognitive mechanisms underlying the subject's execution of the tasks based on the determined metrics.
US09895083B2

Determining the lung compliance and lung resistance of a subject undergoing respiratory therapy using non-invasive ventilation requires taking the presence of leaks into account. In particular, variable and unintentional leaks at or near a subject interface appliance may be dynamically determined based on an average resistance of the leak orifice of the subject.
US09895081B2

A method of estimating the upper airway resistance of a patient using a gas delivery system includes delivering a flow of breathing gas to the patient through the patient circuit of the gas delivery system, superimposing an oscillatory pressure on the flow of breathing gas during an expiratory phase of the patient, determining a first amplitude of an oscillatory component of a gas pressure provided to the patient at an end of the expiratory phase, determining a second amplitude of an oscillatory component of a gas flow provided to the patient at the end of the expiratory phase, determining a first resistance value based on the ratio of the first amplitude to the second amplitude, and determining an upper airway resistance value based on the first resistance value.
US09895075B2

A system for electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation includes a processor and memory coupled to the processor. A rendering module is stored in the memory and is configured to receive input from an ECG and correlate interpretation statements with ECG measurements responsible for the interpretation statements in the ECG. An interface is configured to permit user selection of at least one interpretation statement in a display, the display being configured to render visual indications of the ECG measurements on digitally rendered waveforms of the ECG.
US09895071B2

Self-correlation enhancements and implementations are described. In particular, certain examples demonstrate the use of a tracking mechanism to identify and/or confirm cardiac rate using data from iterative self-correlation performed at intervals over time. This may enable the interpolation of cardiac rate in an implantable medical device when data is insufficient, and may provide confidence in cardiac rate analyses.
US09895068B2

The present disclosure provides a system and method for determination and indication of the time remaining before a patient's physical characteristics are displayed on a monitor. The indication may be a numeric count-down, a progress bar, a clock face, an audible signal, or any other time and/or progress indication. The approximate wait-time may be determined, for example, by adding the known, generally fixed durations of characteristic determination processes to the calculated, variable durations of characteristic determination processes. Exemplary processes which may have generally fixed durations include monitor boot-up, sensor validation, and sensor calibration. Exemplary processes which may have variable durations include sensor location determination and pulsation detection. The sum of the pre-determined and calculated durations may be an approximate wait-time, which is indicated to a caregiver via visual or audible display. If a process takes longer than anticipated or an unexpected event occurs, the wait-time indication may be modified to reflect the longer anticipated wait-time.
US09895065B2

Improved apparatus and methods for monitoring, diagnosing and treating at least one medical respiratory condition of a patient are provided, including a medical data input interface adapted to provide at least one medical parameter relating at least to the respiration of the patient, and a medical parameter interpretation functionality (104, 110) adapted to receive the at least one medical parameter relating at least to the respiration (102) of the patient and to provide at least one output indication (112) relating to a degree of severity of at least one medical condition indicated by the at least one medical parameter.
US09895054B2

An endoscope system includes a light source unit, a band limiting unit, a light source control unit, an imaging sensor, an imaging control unit, and an oxygen saturation image generation unit. The light source unit includes a V-LED that emits violet light, a B-LED that emits blue light, a G-LED that emits green light, and an R-LED that emits red light. The band limiting unit generates measurement light having a specific wavelength band for measuring the oxygen saturation from the blue light. The light source control unit switches the control of the light source unit between a first light emission mode, in which the observation target is irradiated with the violet light, the measurement light, the green light, and the red light, and a second light emission mode, in which the observation target is irradiated with the measurement light.
US09895053B2

In a capsule endoscope, on an inside of a capsule type housing including a cylindrical main body section and two semispherical end cover sections and having a rotationally symmetrical shape with respect to a center axis of the housing, an image pickup board section, a transmission board section, and a reception board section are housed such that principal planes of the image pickup board section, the transmission board section, and the reception board section are orthogonal to the center axis. A coil wire of at least one of a transmission coil formed by a transmission coil wire and a reception coil formed by a reception coil wire, respective principal planes of which are orthogonal to the center axis, is disposed on the end cover section side of the housing.
US09895052B2

An insertion instrument includes an insertion portion having a curving portion, and an operation portion body coupled to the proximal side of the insertion portion. The operation portion body includes a first surface, and a second surface extending from the first surface and extending in a direction different from the direction in which the first surface extends. A finger side other than a thumb of a grasping hand is located in the second surface. The operation portion body includes a first curving operation portion which is provided in the first surface and which curves the curving portion in a first direction, a functional switch which is provided in the second surface and which operates a predetermined function of the insertion instrument, and a second curving operation portion which is provided in the second surface.
US09895048B2

A handheld endoscope has a disposable, single-use portion that includes a fluid hub, cannula and distal tip and a re-usable portion that includes a handle and display module. The electrical connection between the single-use and reusable portions is distally spaced from their mechanical connection and from the fluid hub. The distal tip includes LED illumination and an imaging module that feeds live video to the display module that is rotatable to allow viewing by the operator and others. The cannula and fluid hub are rotatable relative to the handle and includes separate lumens for fluid flow and an electrical cable. The fit resists rotation to maintain the relative positions of the cannula and handle until the application of a torque threshold. The single-use and re-usable portions mate and un-mate with each other via the physically separated mechanical and electrical connectors. Extruded cannula and molded distal tip parts can be separately formed which aids in manufacturing and assembly.
US09895045B2

A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially forming a treating chamber, a dish rack provided within the wash chamber, and a spray manifold. The spray manifold can have multiple apertures and/or sprayers for emitting wash liquid to define a spray zone.
US09895042B2

A remover cover is detachably attached to an attraction head equipped at one end of a substantially rod-shaped remover. The attraction head includes a magnetic force generating surface adapted to generate a magnetic force. The cover includes a cover body shaped like a bag and adapted to cover the remover from a tip of the attraction head to at least the magnetic force generating surface, and a holding portion installed by extending from an open end of the cover body. The cover body is configured to allow itself to be turned inside out.
US09895039B2

An air-conditioning apparatus indoor unit that includes a controller is described. In an automatic cleaning mode, when having determined on the basis of an image captured by an imaging device that there is no person in a room, the controller causes air to be blown for a predetermined time to a stationary three-dimensional object identified using the image captured by the imaging device. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the controller causes air blowing to the stationary three-dimensional object to be stopped, and issues an operation instruction for an autonomous vacuum cleaner to clean and move in the room.
US09895023B2

Multiple food storage systems are disclosed herein. One food storage system includes a main bowl that defines a first food receiving cavity. A secondary bowl is positioned in the first food receiving cavity and defines a second food receiving cavity. The secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing thermal energy storage material therein. A separate food storage system includes a main lid configured for use with a main bowl that defines a first food receiving cavity. A secondary bowl is positioned at least partially on and/or in the main lid. The secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing thermal energy storage material therein.
US09895018B2

An automatic meal serving system includes a conveyer module, a transporting module, a first food serving and heating module, and an ingredient serving module. The transporting module is located on the conveyer module for sequentially positioning a plurality of vessels on the conveyer module. The first food serving and heating module provides a variety of foods, heats one of the foods that is chosen, and feeds one of the vessels on the conveyer module with the heated food. The ingredient serving module is located beside the first food serving and heating module. The transporting module, the first food serving and heating module, and the ingredient serving module are sequentially located along the conveyer module.
US09895010B1

In one aspect, a system and method are provided herein in support of selecting bedding. The system includes a plurality of differently configured pillows; and, a plurality of pillow cover napkins each configured to rest upon one of the pillows in acting as a cleanliness barrier for a person's head resting on the pillow. Advantageously, the system allows for a user to sample various bedding, including mattresses and/or pillows, in a hygienic manner. In particular, the system allows for a user to select a pillow from the differently configured pillows which is suited to one's preferences to use in sampling various mattresses. The napkin is placed by the user atop the selected pillow in sampling the mattresses. The napkin acts as a cleanliness barrier between the user's head and the sampled bedding. A person's comfort level in sampling mattresses and/or pillows may be heightened in this manner.
US09894999B2

A mechanism for an office chair allows a pivoting resistance of a backrest support to be altered. The mechanism for the office chair, in which a small adjustment travel is sufficient in order to realize a large adjustment range of the pivoting resistance of the backrest, has an actuating element connected to the backrest support with a supporting and/or guide track for a functional element. The functional element brings about a change in the spring tension of a spring element during pivoting of the backrest support.
US09894997B2

The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to stadium seats or a seat cushions composed of materials configured in a sandwich construction. In some implementations, an apparatus, systems, or methods can include a durable bottom layer that is adapted to provide traction on a bottom surface of the portable composite stadium seat cushion, an insulating core layer that is adapted to provide contoured and cushioned support for sitting on the portable composite stadium seat cushion, and a pliable top layer that is resilient and protects the core layer.
US09894996B1

A cabinet 10 having at least one door 32 which may be selectively and removably placed within the generally hollow storage compartment 14 of the cabinet 10 and which may be also moved outside of the compartment 14 and allowed to selectively articulate along movement arc 120 and to be selectively placed in a closed position in which the at least one door 32 overlays the storage cavity or compartment 14.
US09894991B2

A unique portable and foldable five-device-in-one system comprises: two foldable garden tables each for holding foods and drinks thereon, two foldable elastic garden-tool caddies each attached to the one of the two foldable garden tables and each for storing garden tools therein, two spring-loaded finger-centralizing stabilizers each welded to one of the two foldable garden tables and each for releasably locking the rotatable kneeler-bench cushion, a rotatable kneeler-bench cushion for providing comfort when seated or kneeled on, and an adjustable umbrella rotatably attached to one of the two foldable garden tables and having a kneeler-bench-caddy-table-locking arm for releasably locking the two foldable garden tables right side up. The unique portable and foldable five-device-in-one system can be used as an adjustable umbrella when providing shading protection, as two foldable garden-tool caddies when the two foldable caddies store garden tools, as a rotatable garden kneeler when the rotatable kneeler-bench cushion is upside down, as a rotatable garden bench when the rotatable kneeler-bench cushion is right side up, and as two foldable garden tables when the two foldable garden tables are locked right side up.
US09894983B2

Media cord managing zipper systems in accordance with the present invention may comprise a zipper slider and a pull tab. Prongs may extend from the pull tab on opposing sides of a longitudinal axis of the pull tab. The prongs may be shaped to hold portions of a media cord in a cavity of the pull tab. The media cord managing zipper system may be incorporated into articles of clothing, such as jackets and sweatshirts.
US09894975B2

A light curing device includes a plurality of LEDs, a driver, a switch module and a timer. The timer includes a plurality of time-setting buttons corresponding to different timing configurations, respectively. When the timer is activated by the switch module and one of the time-setting buttons is operated, the timer outputs an activating signal, and outputs a deactivating signal when a time duration defined by the corresponding timing configuration has elapsed. The driver drives at least one of the LEDs to emit curing light into an irradiation space in a housing module when triggered by the activating signal, and stops driving the LEDs to emit the curing light when triggered by the deactivating signal.
US09894973B2

The cargo carrier of the present invention is a cargo container that comprises at least one immobilizing flap that allows it to be secured inside a vehicle without shifting position as the vehicle moves. The immobilizing flap is securely affixed to one side of the container, and is protrudes through the base of the tailgate, trunk or door of the vehicle, stabilizing the cargo carrier in the cargo area of the vehicle. Another embodiment of the immobilizing flap is a loop of fabric through which the vehicle's seat belt can be extended, stabilizing the cargo carrier in a vehicle's seat. The cargo carrier take any number of forms found in the prior art to include collapsible coolers, golf bags, reusable grocery totes, food catering bags, and other carrying devices.
US09894971B2

A telescopic suitcase handle is provided for including a telescopic handle housing disposed within a suitcase, a lower extendible handle section movably disposed within the telescopic handle housing, and an upper extendible handle section movably disposed within the lower section. A spring loaded bullet disposed within the upper section releasably engages with one of a plurality of openings along the length of the lower section for temporarily holding the upper extendible handle section in place. A spring-loaded protrusion releasably engages with the lower extendible handle section for temporarily holding the lower section in place.
US09894961B2

An article, such as an article of footwear or an article of apparel, includes an upper having a gradient-like coloring pattern. The article further includes protruding elements configured in a pattern that corresponds to the coloring pattern. The article may have a layered structure including a base layer, a coloring ink layer and a layer of protruding elements.
US09894960B2

A method of making an article of footwear may include applying an environmental pressure differential across a sheet of upper material to conform the sheet of upper material to a portion of a footwear last, thereby forming at least a portion of an upper of the article of footwear. In addition, the method may include assembling the article of footwear including fixedly attaching the upper of the article of footwear to a sole structure.
US09894957B2

The present invention relates to a process for producing a shoe sole comprising a hybrid material made of a polyurethane foam as matrix material and of foamed particles of thermoplastic polyurethane by preparing an inlay of joined expanded particles (c″) of thermoplastic polyurethane and placing the joined expanded particles of thermoplastic polyurethane in a mould and embedding the inlay with a reaction mixture obtainable by mixing (a) polyisocyanates with (b) compounds having hydrogen atoms reactive toward isocyanates, and if appropriate, with (d) chain extenders and/or crosslinking agents, and with (e) catalysts, and with (f) blowing agents, and with (g) further additives and reacting the reaction mixture to give the shoe sole. The present invention further relates to shoe soles, obtainable by such a process.
US09894956B2

An article of footwear with an insert system is disclosed. The insert system can include an insert that may be introduced to a side portion of the upper. The insert is configured to adjust properties of a side portion of an upper.
US09894955B2

Provided is a shoe that includes: a bottom surface that is adjacent to the ground in normal use; a sole that forms at least a portion of the bottom surface; an upper portion extending above the sole; and individual particles bonded to the bottom surface of the shoe. The individual particles include at least one of corn husk, hemp or a natural plant material that has been ground into the individual particles.
US09894953B2

The present application discloses a helmet, a retention system for a helmet, and a method of adjusting a helmet. In certain embodiments, the helmet comprises a helmet shell and a retention system attached to the helmet shell. The retention system generally comprises a rear portion connected to the rear of the helmet shell, at least one strap extending from the rear portion to a front portion of the helmet shell, and an adjustment device attached to the rear portion and configured to selectively adjust the length of the strap between the rear portion and the front portion of the helmet shell.
US09894943B2

The present disclosure provides a garment that includes integrated waterproof impact resistant speakers. Related methods of manufacturing the garment are also provided herein.
US09894940B2

A multi-sectional bra assembly and method of use may be provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the bra assembly may include a breast support piece formed by a pair of breast support cups and adjacent side panels. A first and second back strap component may be releasably connected to the side panels via a first set of attachment elements located at the periphery of each side panel and at a first end of each back strap component. Back strap components may also be releasably connected to one another via a second set of attachment elements located at a second end of each back strap component. The breast support piece and back strap components may further include shoulder strap receiving elements to which detachable shoulder strap components may be secured. A plurality of back and shoulder strap variations may be adjustable and interchangeable about the breast support piece.
US09894936B2

Disclosed herein are methods and systems to vaporize or release organic material from plant material containing the organic material and the like, including utilizing zoned heating of a common chamber. A controller in signal communication with two or more heating elements each adjacent to a zone to be heated controls at least the heating of the elements.
US09894933B2

An exemplary battery assembly for an electronic cigarette includes a housing, a battery received in the housing, and a first switch assembly connected to the battery. The first switch assembly includes a fixed electrode, and a rotatable electrode. The fixed electrode is connected to the battery. The fixed electrode has a conductive area and an insulated area. The rotatable electrode is rotatable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the rotatable electrode is in contact with the conductive area, thus connecting to the fixed electrode, and the first switch assembly is turned on. In the second position, the rotatable electrode is positioned in the insulated area, thus disconnecting from the fixed electrode, and the first switch assembly is turned off.
US09894924B2

A pasteurization tunnel and a method for pasteurizing beverage packs are described, wherein the beverage packs are conveyed on at least two decks lying one upon the other and sprayed with a heated spraying liquid from spraying pipes extending each transversely to the conveying direction of the beverage packs. According to the invention, the spraying liquid is guided through the spraying pipes of the one deck into the spraying pipes of the other deck. Thereby, the maintenance efforts for removing deposits in sections of the spraying pipes where the flow is weak can be reduced.
US09894918B2

Methods of making reduced-fat or fat-free fried food products, and products made according to the methods, in which food pieces are coated with an aqueous adhesion mixture including a protein, and an oil absorption minimizing agent including an edible lipophilic material, where the coating is adhered to the food pieces, in order to provide for food products having the texture, flavor, and other characteristics of conventional full-fat fried food products. According to a preferred embodiment, the aqueous adhesion mixture includes from about 65 to about 95% by weight water, from about 4 to about 25% by weight protein, from 0 to about 2% by weight hydrocolloid, and from 0 to about 10% by weight protein stabilizing agent.
US09894903B2

The invention relates to a process for combating the proliferation of the Naegleria genus and in particular of the species Naegleria fowleri, with the exception of the treatment methods applied to the human or animal body, characterized in that it uses protozoa of the species Willaertia magna, and also a disinfecting agent containing such protozoa.
US09894900B2

A compact comprising particles and an active agent selected from a pesticide, a herbicide, a plant nutrient, a fertilizer, an arthropod attractant such as a semiochemical, a semiochemical, a food or protein bait, and including mixtures of two or more thereof.
US09894898B2

Suggested is the use of a mixture, comprising (a) fatty acid alkyl esters according to general formula (I) R1COO—R2 (I) in which R1CO represents an unsaturated acyl radical having 16 to 22 carbon atoms and 1, 2 or 3 double bonds, and R2 represents a C1-C4 alkyl radical; (b) at least two non-ionic sugar or polyol surfactants, and optionally (c) polyols as an additive for agricultural compositions.
US09894893B2

Device embodiments use a person's exhaled breath to distribute an evaporated, sublimated, or vaporized material. The disclosure provides non-powered devices that use evaporation or sublimation to create the vapor that is distributed and the disclosure provides devices with electric vaporizers which rapidly vaporize liquid scent materials for distribution. The scent can be designed as a masking or cover scent, an aromatic lure scent, a scent elimination material, a pleasant scent for freshening air in a room or automobile, or a repellant scent. The device can be worn as a mask. The device can be handheld or disposed at an area remote from the user's mouth with the breath blown in through a tube.
US09894890B2

Provided are a diagnosis marker, a diagnosis method, and a therapeutic agent suitable for diagnosing and treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Also provided are an animal model and a cell model suitable for developing a therapeutic agent and a treatment method for ALS. The diagnosis method for ALS includes: an isolation step in which a nucleic acid is isolated from a specimen taken from a subject; a detection step in which bases expressed in a human chromosome 10 optineurin (OPTN) gene region are detected from the isolated nucleic acid; and a determination step in which it is determined whether or not the detected bases are mutated.
US09894885B2

A method for remote animal surveillance and distress monitoring includes detecting biometric and behavioral parameters of the animal, identifying novel events based on comparison of detected parameters to predefined parameter values and qualifications; determining whether a composite parameter value exceeds a predefined composite threshold value indicative of possible distress in the animal; and notifying remote caretakers of possible distress in the animal based on the composite value exceeding the predefined composite threshold value.
US09894880B2

A hoof boot has a base, a heel captivator, and a pivoting mechanism that disposes the heel captivator to pivot relative to the base, preferably in a manner that allows the heel captivator at least three degrees of freedom of movement relative to the base. The heel captivator is preferably low in the rearmost portion, which provides clearance for the pastern bones of the equine lower leg to descend upon weight bearing during movement at various gaits. To reduce the possibility for bruising and chaffing of soft tissue around the pastern bones, and to help eliminate accumulation of debris, preferred heel captivators have an open mesh architecture. Heel captivators can alternatively or additionally be designed with fabric covered neoprene or other liners. Boots are preferably tightened using mechanically advantages laces.
US09894867B1

A novel maize variety designated X00H389 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X00H389 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X00H389 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X00H389, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X00H389. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X00H389.
US09894856B2

Disclosed herein is a system of culturing and harvesting floating aquatic species with high growth rates. Also disclosed is a method of culturing and harvesting floating aquatic species using such a system.
US09894855B2

To grow a plant which stores nutrients synthesized in an above-ground part into an underground part, a hydroponic cultivation apparatus waters the underground part. The hydroponic cultivation apparatus includes: a void portion housing the underground part while establishing a substantially sealed state; a sensor which detects an amount of moisture in the void portion at the underground part or around the underground part; an air conditioning fan which introduces outside air to the void portion and controls temperature and humidity inside the void portion; and a controller which controls the amount of moisture detected by the sensor by driving the air conditioning fan in such a way as to adjust an amount of the outside air or an introduction period of the outside air.
US09894854B2

A liquid storage and delivery system includes a reservoir and a storage container. The storage container has a main body with a hollow interior, and is configured to hold a reserve volume of the water. The main body has an upper wall and a lower wall. The hollow interior is disposed between the upper wall and the lower wall. A refill conduit is in communication with the hollow interior of the storage container. An air conduit is in communication with the hollow interior of the storage container and the reservoir. A liquid passage is in communication with the hollow interior of the storage container and the reservoir. The liquid passage is configured to deliver the water from the storage container to the reservoir. The liquid storage and delivery system is particularly useful for the watering of plants and animals.
US09894849B2

Prescribing a drip line for use in a field includes: accessing soil conditions data that includes vertical transect data relating to at least one vertical transect of soil in a field; based on a plant type and a length of time between a first watering and a second watering of a plant via the drip line, determining, a desired plant available water content of a portion of the soil within the at least one vertical transect to be substantially achieved as a result of the first watering; and based on the vertical transect data, the determined desired plant available water content, climate conditions data and geographical conditions data, determining perforation spacing and flow rate for a set of emitters for the drip line such that the desired plant available water is substantially achieved in the portion of the soil.
US09894846B1

A device for staking a tree into the earth has a ring suitable for extending around the trunk of the tree. A plurality of brackets are connected to the ring. The plurality of brackets have aperture formed therethrough suitable for receipt of stakes, which secure the ring to the earth. A support is connected to the ring and extends upwardly therefrom. A collar is connected to the support and positioned in spaced relation to the ring. The collar also has a diameter suitable for extending around the trunk of the tree.
US09894841B2

A reel for a harvester, such as for a combine harvester. The reel includes a reel supporting pipe and star-shaped supports at the ends of the reel, the star arms being connected to each other by means of tine rods which run parallel to the supporting pipe, wherein the star-shaped supports are specifically at least partially reinforced as a result of which at least one of the tensile and compression forces acting on the supporting pipe can be absorbed by one or more tine rods.
US09894831B2

The present invention is directed to a twin-row planter with tandem driven seed meters at a pair of row units at each row segment of a twin-row planter. A tandem drive system drives the seed meters in a tandem manner, which may include a single transmission assembly simultaneously rotating a pair of seed discs in the pair of seed meters at each row segment. An indexing system allows for quickly changing an amount of relative rotational or angular indexing of seed disks inside of the pair of seed meters at the pair of row units of each row segment to adjust longitudinal spacing between delivery locations of seeds from the seed disks at planted row segments of a planted twin-row. Adjustments can be made at disk hubs, between shaft segments linking the seed disks, or with multiple sets of mounting holds on the seed disks.
US09894826B2

The invention disclosed is a plant maintenance apparatus to move along a plant or line of plants. The apparatus has a support frame to connect to a prime mover to move the apparatus. A sensing member is mounted from the frame, to contact and be deflected by the plant as the apparatus is moved. A sensor to senses the deflection and if the deflection is above a threshold it issues a signal to an actuator. There is a near ground member, mounted from and moving with the frame. The near ground member acted on by the actuator, so that when the threshold is met the near ground member moves to a first position away from the plant when immediately adjacent thereto, and then moves to a second position once past said plant. The result is the near ground member can treat a ground or soil or otherwise at or near a plant at least when in the second position, including disturbing any non-desired plants on the ground, while moving away from and not disturbing the plant which is sensed and above the threshold when in the first position.
US09894821B1

An easily attachable and detachable auxiliary handle is provided for use with a tool having an elongate handle such as a shovel, pitchfork or the like. The point of attachment of the device to the tool handle can be adjusted along the length of the handle to suit the individual using the tool. The device requires no tools and is readily interchangeable between a variety of tools and is highly portable.
US09901019B2

A tape feeder, including a tape feeder body and a feeder wagon/linear guide, is used to direct component tape in a linear movement towards a component pick position. The feeder wagon comprises a feeder wagon body slidably mounted to the tape feeder body for movement between a first, pickup position and a second, delivery position. The feeder wagon further comprises a feeder head mounted to the feeder wagon body for movement (1) with the feeder wagon body as it moves along the first path, and (2) along a second path transverse to the first path between a first, tape-engaged position and a second, tape-released position. The feeder head comprises a tape-engaging element engageable with component tape.
US09901016B1

An EMI shielding device is provided. A first shielding layer is formed on a first surface of a first substrate, and a first through hole is formed through the first substrate. A second substrate is mounted in an opening of the first through hole, and a second shielding layer is formed on a surface of the second substrate. A conductive paste is mounted between the first substrate and the at least one second substrate to electrically connected the first shielding layer and the second shielding layer. A protective layer, an antirust layer, and a shielding layer are sequentially mounted on the conductive paste. The EMI shielding device is mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) by Surface Mount Technology. Therefore, the EMI shielding device may be firmly mounted on the PCB, and there is not any narrow gap that may leak electromagnetic radiation.
US09901011B2

An example cooling system for a datacenter is disclosed. The datacenter includes a plurality of computers arranged in a row within a building. The row of computers separates a cold aisle and a hot aisle. The row of computers defines an air passageway between the cold aisle and the hot aisle. The row of computers is associated with a top surface that is below and spaced apart from an overhead surface of the building to define a gap between the top surface and the overhead surface. The example cooling system includes an inflatable air duct to be disposed within the gap. The inflatable air duct has selectively an inflated state and a deflated state. The inflatable air duct filling more of the gap when the inflatable air duct is in the inflated state than when the inflatable air duct is in the deflated state.
US09901004B2

A housing for an electronic control unit is disclosed. The housing contains a main body having a base and a wall rising from the base, a cover supported on the wall opposite to the base and fixed to the housing for defining an inner volume, and a seat on the wall for a sealant interposed between the main body and the cover contributing to isolate the inner volume from an outer volume. The seat contains a portion adjoining the inner volume or the outer volume, the portion having an edge on the wall inclined with respect to the cover.
US09901000B2

The invention relates to a module arrangement (1) with a base module and at least one submodule (5); the base module has at least two connection modules. The submodule (5) can be put into contact via a connection module with a choice of one of the connection modules of the base module and can consequently be attached to the base module in different orientations. Detection devices for detecting the orientation of the submodule (5) attached to the base module are provided in the base module.
US09900994B2

A film and a flexible metal-clad laminate obtained with the film. The laminate is improved in post-moisture absorption solderability. The film comprises a heat-resistant polyimide film and, disposed on at least one side thereof, an adhesive layer containing a thermoplastic polyimide. It is characterized in that the thermoplastic polyimide contained in the adhesive layer has crystallinity and that the film, when analyzed with a differential scanning calorimeter, has an endothermic peak attributable to the melting of the crystalline thermoplastic polyimide, the absolute value of the area of the peak being 4.0 mJ/mg or larger. The flexible metal-clad laminate is characterized by comprising the film and a metal layer disposed thereon.
US09900989B2

The object of the present invention is to provide a printed circuit board formed with a cavity to mount a semiconductor chip.
US09900984B2

An auxiliary mounting structure, for mounting an advanced smart card which has a contact side with a number of smart card contacts, onto a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card is disclosed. The auxiliary mounting structure is formed by a board and has several key parts. With the help of the auxiliary mounting structure, the advanced smart card can be easily attached to the SIM card without aligning contacts.
US09900974B2

In one example embodiment, an optoelectronic assembly includes a multilayer ceramic substrate that includes multiple ceramic layers and a via disposed through at least one of the ceramic layers. The via may be formed from a conductive material that is configured to communicate a signal through the via. The multilayer ceramic substrate may be configured to dissipate heat emitted by an electronic component coupled to the multilayer ceramic substrate.
US09900966B2

Apparatuses, methods, apparatuses and systems for standalone sensor unit are disclosed. For an embodiment, the standalone sensor unit includes a plurality of sensors and a controller. The controller is operative to detect a presence of a mobile unit, wherein detecting the presence of the mobile unit comprises the controller being operative to sense motion with a motion sensor, and sense a strobe of light, wherein the sensed motion and the sensed strobe of light occur within a predetermined time of each other, and receive a configuration setting from the mobile unit within a window of time after presence of the mobile unit has been detected.
US09900964B2

Methods and apparatus for resetting of an apparatus to a factory new state are disclosed. For example, some aspects of the disclosure are directed to monitoring the position of a user interface element (124, 124A1, 124A2, 124B) of a lighting apparatus (120) and resetting the lighting apparatus to a factory new state based on the monitored position. Also, for example, some aspects of the disclosure are directed to monitoring a power signal associated with the lighting apparatus, and resetting the lighting apparatus to a factory new state based on the monitored power signal.
US09900963B1

Implementations generally relate to lighting control. In one implementation, a method includes receiving signaling modulations from a power line. The method further includes decoding data based on predetermined modulation characteristics of the signaling modulations, where the data includes one or more operational commands. The method further includes modifying performance parameters of one or more LED driver channel circuits based on one or more of the operational commands. In some implementations, the one or more LED driver channel circuits supply modulated drive current to one or more LEDs. In some implementations, the performance parameters effect brightness levels of the one or more LEDs connected to the one or more LED driver channel circuits.
US09900958B2

Various arrangements of smart devices are presented. Such a smart device may include a case, a wireless interface, a light sensor that detects an ambient brightness level of an ambient environment of the smart device, a motion sensor that detects motion of a user in the ambient environment of the smart device, a light that is capable of outputting light into the ambient environment of the smart device, and a processing system. The processing system may cause the light to illuminate based on: the message indicating that the lighting feature has been activated; the ambient brightness level being below the threshold brightness value; and the user moving in the ambient environment of the smart device.
US09900957B2

Lighting devices and methods utilize multiple independently controllable groups of solid state light emitters of different dominant wavelengths, with operation of the emitter groups being automatically adjusted by processor(s) to provide desired illumination. Operation of the emitter groups may be further affected by sensors and/or user input commands (e.g., sound patterns, gesture patterns, or signal transmission). Operation may be adjusted to compensate for presence, absence, intensity, and/or color point of ambient or incident light. Presence of five or more groups of solid state light emitters provide desirable luminous flux, color point, correlated color temperature (CCT), color rendering index (CRI), CRI R9, and luminous efficacy characteristics of aggregate emissions over a wide range of CCT values, and may permit adjustment of vividness (e.g., relative gamut) and/or melatonin suppression characteristics for a selected color point or CCT.
US09900956B2

A multi-function lighting system is provided. Multiplex configuration of a lighting module and optical time domain modulation of an electric controlling system are applied to a lighting system which senses environmental conditions to automatically or artificially change a color, a light intensity and a color-temperature of a light to influence people's feelings and moods. The environmental sensing device further feedbacks an information of humidity or temperature so that parameter of optimum light environment can be set accordingly. The lighting module is applied to the design of the lighting system, such that the lighting system can be manufactured in a customization way to meet varied requirements in the landscaping and optical designs, not only reducing the cost and increasing mass production rate but also providing multi-functions including landscaping lighting, ergonomic lighting, display lighting, light communication, plant lighting air purifying, and preservation of fruits and vegetables.
US09900955B1

A luminaire having an adjustable color temperature of emitted light includes an input device for receiving an input indicative of a desired color temperature, first, second and third LED arrays each array having different color temperatures, a first LED driver for driving one of the first and third LED arrays, a second LED driver for driving the second LED array, an LED array selector for selectively driving the one of the first and third LED arrays dependent upon the input, and a processor for determining which of the first and the third LED arrays to drive based on the input and controlling the LED array selector and the second LED driver dependent upon the input. The processor utilizes analog dimming above a predetermined noise threshold voltage and PWM dimming below the predetermined noise threshold voltage and combinations thereof. A related method of adjusting a color temperature of light emitted from a luminaire is also provided.
US09900949B1

A system and related techniques for dimming a solid-state light source are disclosed. The system may be configured to dim the output of a solid-state emitter via a combination of phase-cut dimming and high-frequency pulse-width modulation (PWM) dimming. To this end, the system may include a digital rectification module configured to generate a rectified DC power and a rectified phase-cut signal based on a phase-cut AC signal received from a phase-cut dimmer. The system further may include a microcontroller unit (MCU) configured to measure the duration of low and high states of the rectified phase-cut signal using zero-crossing digital phase-cut detection and output PWM signal(s) based, at least in part, on those measured values. The rectified DC power and PWM signal(s) may be delivered to a DC-to-DC converter, which may output DC power(s) having an intensity based on the rectified DC power and PWM signal(s), causing receiving emitter(s) to dim.
US09900941B2

A ripple suppression circuit configured to suppress a current ripple provided to a load by a DC converter, can include: a ripple voltage sampling circuit coupled to output terminals of the DC converter, where the ripple voltage sampling circuit is configured to generate a ripple reference voltage that represents a ripple voltage of an output voltage of the DC converter; and a voltage regulation circuit coupled to the load and the ripple voltage sampling circuit, where the voltage regulation circuit is controllable by the ripple reference voltage such that a voltage across the voltage regulation circuit is consistent with the ripple voltage.
US09900938B2

A light emitting diode (LED) lighting circuit includes a ripple reducer. The ripple reducer includes a ripple detector, an adaptive offset generator, and a linear regulator. The ripple detector generates a ripple voltage that is indicative of a ripple current. The adaptive offset generator generates an adaptive offset voltage from the ripple voltage and from a voltage of a transistor. The linear regulator drives the transistor to regulate an LED current in accordance with a reference control voltage that is generated from the ripple voltage and the adaptive offset voltage.
US09900935B2

An apparatus for cooking food products includes: a first heating plate adapted to support the food products; a second heating plate adapted to face the food products during a cooking operation; a first resistive heating element associated with the first heating plate and adapted to provide heat to the food products during the cooking operation; a second resistive heating element associated with the second heating plate and adapted to provide heat to the food products during the cooking operation, and at least one microwave generator element configured to selectively generate microwave radiation for haeting the food products during the cooking operation. At least a selected resistive heating element between the first resistive heating element and the second resistive heating element is joined to a surface of the associated heating plate so that it forms a single piece with the associated heating plate.
US09900933B2

A hob and methods for operating such a hob. The hob includes a cooking surface adapted to receive a number of pots. A user interface allows a user to select and adjust at least one parameter of a cooking zone associated to a pot while indicating the number of pots on the selected cooking zone and a pot detection unit to detect the presence and non-presence of pots on the cooking surface. The hob further includes a control unit that cooperates with the pot detection unit and the user interface to control the function of commands received through the user interface. The control unit can cause a selection of a certain cooking zone and provide a corresponding indication that the certain cooking zone is from now on selected, if temporal interruption of a presence of a pot on the certain cooking zone was detected.
US09900932B2

A panel heater with at least one flat substrate and an electrically conductive coating is described. The electrically conductive coating extends at least over part of a substrate area and is electrically connected to at least two connecting electrodes provided for electrical connection to the two terminals of a voltage source, such that by applying a feed voltage, a heating current flows in a heating field, which is provided with one or a plurality of heating current paths formed into the conductive coating. The panel heater has one or more measurement current paths formed into the electrically conductive coating, which differ at least in sections from the heating current paths. The heating and measurement current paths are formed into the electrically conductive coating by coating-free separating regions. A method for operation and use of the panel heater is also described.
US09900929B2

A device may receive information identifying a service frequency for a user device. The device may start a service gap timer for the user device, with the service gap timer corresponding to the service frequency. The device may receive a service request from the user device. The device may determine whether the service gap timer has expired. The device may selectively accept or reject the service request based on determining whether the service gap timer has expired. The device may reject the service request when the service gap timer has not expired. The device may accept the service request when the service gap timer has expired.
US09900927B2

A system and method is disclosed for individually controlling User Equipment (UE) connections, dynamically and automatically, based on the applications and/or services that the connections carry. An eNodeB or other radio base station (RBS) monitors established connections between the UE and the RBS to detect applications running within those connections. Based on the stateful information of applications, the present invention proactively controls the state transitions of individual UEs between the CONNECTED and IDLE states thereby increasing radio link capacity and reducing control plane loading.
US09900923B2

Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to procedures for aggregation in dual connectivity. In one aspect, a wireless device may receive configuration information to communicate with a first network entity (e.g., master eNodeB) through a first primary cell (PCell) of a corresponding group of cells of the first network entity, and with a second network entity (e.g., secondary eNodeB) through a second primary cell (PCellSCG) of a corresponding group of cells of the second network entity. The second network entity may be non-collocated with the first network entity. The wireless device may include an information convergence entity (e.g., PDCP entity) that aggregates the configuration information from the first and second network entities when the wireless device is in communication with both entities. In another aspect, the second network entity may have one of the cells in the corresponding group of cells operate as the second primary cell.
US09900917B2

An electronic device is provided that includes a communication module; a memory configured to store communication connection information for communication connection with an external electronic device; and a processor configured to, upon a communication connection request with the external electronic device, perform communication connection with the external electronic device using pre-stored communication connection information, if the pre-stored communication connection information exists.
US09900914B2

Disclosed is the radio (wireless) communication system providing a radio communication service and the terminal, and more particularly, a method of handling time alignment command during a random access procedure in an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (E-UMTS) evolved from the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) or a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system is provided.
US09900902B2

Embodiments herein relate to method in a wireless device (10) for handling data transmissions in a radio communications network (1). The wireless device (10) is served by a first radio base station (12) and a second radio base station (13) providing dual connectivity to the wireless device (10) in the radio communications network (1). The wireless device (10) evaluates whether a trigger condition for buffer status reporting is fulfilled. When the trigger condition is fulfilled, the wireless device (10) transmits a buffer status report to the first radio base station and/or the second radio base station.
US09900899B2

The present disclosure provides a dynamic spectrum allocation method and a dynamic spectrum allocation device. In the method, a centralized node performs spectrum allocation and transmits a spectrum allocation result to each communication node, so that the communication node operates at a corresponding spectrum resource in accordance with the spectrum allocation result and performs statistics of communication quality measurement information. The centralized node receives the communication quality measurement information reported by the communication node, and determines whether or not it is required to trigger the spectrum re-allocation for the communication node in accordance with the communication quality measurement information about the communication node. When it is required to trigger the spectrum re-allocation, the centralized node re-allocates the spectrum for the communication node.
US09900888B2

The disclosure relates to subframe bundling in a system where subframe bundling is based on a set of bundling definitions. Control information is provided for at least one communication device configured to provide subframe bundling such that the control information is generated to be at least partially inconsistent with the set of bundling definitions. The control information is signaled to the at least one communication device to adjust the state of subframe bundling and/or size of subframe bundled transmission in accordance with a predefined rule by the at least one communication device. When the device receives the information, is determines that received control information is inconsistent with the set of bundling definitions. In response to the determination, the device can adjust the state of subframe bundling and/or size of subframe bundled transmission.
US09900884B2

There is provided a method in a wireless base station (300), the method comprise transmitting, to a wireless device (100) having a reduced data bandwidth or a reduced control and data bandwidth, control and data signalling within a first bandwidth, in respective control and data regions, wherein signalling within the data region intended for the wireless device (100) is constrained within a second bandwidth which is narrower than the first bandwidth.
US09900880B1

Network hardware devices organized in a wireless mesh network (WMN) in which one network hardware devices includes three radios, two of which operate with a frequency separation less than 100 MHz. A first network hardware device communicates with a second network hardware device when not serving data to a client device. When serving data to a client device, the first network hardware device communicates wireless wide area network (WWAN) data to a WWAN network through a third network hardware device in the WMN that has its own WWAN connection to create spatial separation for simultaneous communication.
US09900875B2

A method for configuring a resource, a method for receiving downlink control information, and a terminal device. A method for configuring a narrowband downlink transmission channel resource includes separating one narrowband downlink transmission channel resource from a system downlink data channel resource, so that a machine type communication user equipment (MTC UE) receives downlink control information or downlink data information using the narrowband downlink transmission channel resource; and dividing the narrowband downlink transmission channel resource into one physical downlink data channel resource and multiple enhanced physical downlink control channel resources, where the multiple enhanced physical downlink control channel resources jointly control the one physical downlink data channel resource. The embodiments of the present invention can further decrease a baseband cost of an MTC UE under the premise of ensuring that a capacity of the MTC UE is not limited.
US09900865B2

Sub-channel selective access by a station (STA) in a wireless LAN (WLAN) system may involve receiving a frame including a channel list information field and a sounding indicator field, the latter indicating whether the frame is for sounding scheduling or for access point activity scheduling. If the sounding indicator field has a first value, the channel list information field indicates one or more sub-channels where there is a sounding transmission activity for the sub-channel selective access. If the sounding indicator field has a second value, the channel list information field indicates at least one sub-channel where a data transmission is permitted for the sub-channel selective access.
US09900860B2

A method includes: receiving a request at a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) Location Platform (SLP) for location-related service; producing a positioning method SUPL message that includes a posmethod parameter that includes a positioning protocol indicator indicating that SET capability transfer and positioning method selection are to be conducted in a positioning protocol layer; and sending the positioning method SUPL message from the SLP to a SUPL Enabled Terminal (SET) using a SUPL User Plane Location Protocol (ULP).
US09900859B2

Techniques for determining a Round Trip Time (RTT) calibration value are disclosed. An example of a method according to the disclosure includes receiving a fine timing measurement (FTM) exchange between an initiating station and a responding station, calculating a plurality of differential round trip time (RTT) measurements based on the FTM exchange, calculating a responding station calibration value based on the plurality of differential RTT measurements, and transmitting the responding station calibration value to the responding station.
US09900858B2

Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems and/or methods of estimating a location of a mobile device. For example, an apparatus may include a controller to control a first wireless communication device to communicate a probe request with a second wireless communication device and to communicate a probe response with the second wireless communication device, wherein the probe response includes a delay value representing a delay period between a reception of the probe request and a transmission of a frame in response to the probe request.
US09900850B2

A method for joint configuration of power and channel of a WLAN is provided, including: selecting transmitting power of each AP from transmitting power ranges of APs of a WLAN to form an AP transmitting power combination; determining a set of AP operating channel combinations corresponding to each AP transmitting power combination according to operating channels of the APs in the WLAN; calculating an estimated load of each AP corresponding to each AP operating channel combination corresponding to each AP transmitting power combination, and calculating KPIs of the WLAN corresponding to each AP operating channel combination according to the estimated load of each AP; and selecting, according to the calculated KPIs, an optimal channel configuration scheme of the WLAN corresponding to each AP transmitting power combination, and selecting an optimal power and channel configuration scheme of the WLAN, thereby improving throughput and resource utilization efficiency of the WLAN.
US09900846B2

A communication manager acquires, through a communication controller, a voluntary notification given by a mobile device. The communication manager issues automatically, to the mobile device, an information acquisition command as a response to the voluntary notification when the voluntary notification indicates that a single-call state is formed by the mobile device, to thereby acquire information on communication between the mobile device and the phone communication party. The communication manager issues automatically and intermittently, to the mobile device, the information acquisition command when the voluntary notification indicates that the state of the mobile device is changed into a multiple-call state, to thereby acquire intermittently information on communication between the mobile device and the phone communication parties.
US09900840B2

A communication device includes a reception unit configured to receive information from an external device; a control unit configured to implement control for storing, in a storage unit, state information relevant to a state of the communication device itself; a first processor configured to perform a process on the information received from the external device; and a second processor configured to perform a process of executing output. When the information received from the external device is a browse request to browse the state information, the first processor acquires requested information from the state information stored in the storage unit, and executes control to send the acquired information to the external device.
US09900827B2

Disclosed are a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data using Bluetooth Low Energy technology in a wireless communication system. The method includes: establishing a Bluetooth LE connection with at least one device; opening a control path for the at least one device; and transmitting a control message associated with audio streaming to the at least one device via the control path, the opening of a control path including: sending to the at least one device a registration request message for registering the first device as a remote controller; and receiving a response message from the at least one device as a response to the registration request message.
US09900825B2

Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for transmitting data in a wireless LAN system. The method for transmitting data comprises the steps of: generating an activation request frame including end-point terminal identifier information for operating an end-point terminal connected to a relay device and in a wake mode; and transmitting the activation request frame to the relay device. As a result, the occurrence of a buffer overflow in the relay device can be prevented.
US09900824B2

A method for routing packets in a multi-hop wireless heterogeneous network including nodes with different computational and energy resources includes monitoring a set of parameters of an operation of a node in the network, wherein the operation includes routing packets to the nodes of the network according to a mode of operation (MOP) specifying a type of the routing and modifying the MOP of the node in response to detecting a change in at least one parameter of the operation. The information about the modified MOP is broadcasted to the network and the packets are routed to the nodes according to the modified MOP.
US09900803B2

A communication device comprising of an application side, a long term evolution (LTE) modem and a wireless local area network (WLAN) modem comprises a storage unit for storing instructions and a processing means coupled to the storage unit. The processing means is configured to execute the instructions stored in the storage unit. The instructions comprise connecting to a LTE network using LTE communication and a WLAN using WLAN communication; transmitting first data of an application to the LTE modem from an application side if the WLAN is configured by a base station (BS) of the LTE network for LTE-WLAN aggregation, after connecting to the LTE network and the WLAN; and transmitting second data of the application to the WLAN modem from the application side if the WLAN is not configured by the BS for the LTE-WLAN aggregation, after connecting to the LTE and the WLAN.
US09900801B2

A gateway server situated between a radio access network and a core network is disclosed that includes a radio access network packet interface, a load management module for monitoring load of a management server in the core network coupled to the radio access network packet interface, a packet forwarding module for forwarding requests to the management server coupled to the load management module, and a local packet core module coupled to the load management module and the packet forwarding module, the local packet core module being configured to respond to a mobile device, when an overload is detected at the management server, with a management server message requesting that the mobile device try again at a later time.
US09900787B2

In an embodiment, a data transferring system comprises a rotating base station computer with a rotatable reflector, an antenna, and a transmitter, and is configured: as the rotatable reflector rotates around the antenna which remains static when the rotatable reflector rotates, periodically transmitting a plurality of base broadcast wireless communications from the transmitter; in response to transmitting the plurality of base broadcast wireless communications, receiving a plurality of tag response wireless communications from a particular tag computer, from one or more tag computers; in response to receiving the plurality of tag response wireless communications: determining a plurality of signal strength values associated with the plurality of tag response wireless communications; based on, at least in part, the plurality of signal strength values, determining a tag magnetic heading of the particular tag computer that indicates a relative location of the particular tag computer with respect to the rotating base station computer.
US09900786B2

Generally discussed herein are systems, apparatuses, and methods that can provide a coverage enhancement to a coverage limited device. According to an example a method can include determining a received signal strength of a reference signal transmitted from a base station, determining a coverage enhancement based on the determined signal strength, or transmitting a signature sequence of a plurality of signature sequences a first repeated number of times corresponding to the determined coverage enhancement.
US09900784B2

A method for geo-location of a wireless communication unit (410) is provided. The communication unit (410) communicates with a wireless communication network (430) of a wireless communication system (400). A probability density function is derived for the location of the wireless communication unit (410), from measured information and/or information about the wireless communication network (430). The probability density function is sampled to provide spatial and probability information about each of at least two possible locations for the wireless communication unit (410). A wireless communication system (400) and a method of selecting enhancements to a wireless communication system (400) are also provided.
US09900783B2

An approach is provided that generates a current coverage area by receiving beacon position data of current beacon locations, with at least some of the beacons being moveable beacons. Object position data is retrieved for current locations and trajectories of moveable objects in a geographic area that are currently being tracked by the beacons. An anticipated coverage area is computed based on comparing the object position data with the current coverage area. Instructions are then wirelessly transmitted to some of the moveable beacons in order to move the beacons to a different set of locations based on the anticipated coverage area.
US09900773B2

An electronic apparatus and a control method thereof are disclosed. The electronic apparatus according includes: a first communicator configured to communicate with an authentication terminal device; a second communicator configured to communicate with a new terminal device that is not registered with an access point (AP); a storage configured to store authentication information for accessing the AP; and a controller configured to control the second communicator to transmit the authentication information that is stored in the storage to the new terminal device in response to receiving terminal information of the new terminal device from the authentication terminal device through the first communicator.
US09900771B2

This invention allows connection of an apparatus with a low security level without lowering the security level of a network even when such apparatus issues a connection request. This invention is directed to an access point which makes wireless communications with a station using an encryption method (AES). Upon reception of a connection request message including information indicating an encryption method (WEP) that can be used by a station, the access point checks if the encryption method (WEP) recognized based on the received connection request message is different from the encryption method (AES). When it is determined that the two encryption methods are different, the access point launches a controller which makes wireless communications with the station using that encryption method (WEP).
US09900768B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and a device for synchronizing an uplink ciphering parameter in unacknowledged mode. The method for synchronizing an uplink ciphering parameter in unacknowledged mode includes: sending an indication message to a terminal when detecting that an unrecoverable error occurs in an uplink packet or that the uplink packet is invalid, where the indication message is used to instruct the terminal to initialize an uplink ciphering parameter; receiving a response message sent by the terminal; and initializing the uplink ciphering parameter according to an initial value of the ciphering parameter. The embodiments of the present invention solve a service defect, namely, a break of the communication link caused by synchronization of an uplink ciphering parameter between the terminal and the radio network controller in unacknowledged mode, and shorten the time of synchronizing the uplink ciphering parameter without interrupting the service.
US09900763B2

User terminal comprises a transmitter configured to transmit, in response to a received power of a signal from another user terminal satisfying a predetermined condition, direct communication in a proximity service without transmitting a synchronization signal in the proximity service, in a case where the user terminal is out of a network coverage.
US09900760B1

A method of detecting, controlling and managing transmission of a transmitting device within a facility is disclosed. The method involves transmitting information to the transmission device, detecting a response transmission from the transmission device by a least one transmission detection facility, extracting identification information associated with the transmission device in response to the transmitted information; and determining a location of the transmission device based on the response transmission received by the at least one received transmission detection facility, wherein the response transmissions are sorted by the identification information, determining an allowability of the located transmission device with the set area and interacting and manipulating transmission of the detected transmitting device.
US09900759B2

Apparatus and methods of peer discovery in a communications network include generating a discovery request configured to identify a Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS) capable peer device, transmitting the discovery request, and determining if a discovery response is received in response to the discovery request. In an aspect, the apparatus and methods may encapsulate the discovery request in a data frame such that the discovery request is transparent to an access point. In other aspects, the apparatus and methods may form the discovery request by appending TDLS capability information to a probe request. Additionally, the apparatus and methods may include determining if a discovery response is received in response to the discovery request. Thus, the apparatus and methods provide a deterministic method of peer discovery, so that a list of potential peers that are TDLS capable can be available before attempting a TDLS direct link setup.
US09900757B2

A wearable device-based information transfer method and a related device where the method includes recording, by a first wearable device, a first event parameter corresponding to a social action when detecting that a first user wearing the first wearable device performs the social action, obtaining, by the first wearable device, a second event parameter released by a second wearable device, and determining, by the first wearable device, whether the first event parameter matches the second event parameter, and sending, by the first wearable device, first user-defined information to the second wearable device when the first event parameter matches the second event parameter. Hence, information transfer efficiency may be effectively improved.
US09900753B2

A method of creating a communication group based on wearable devices, and such a wearable device are disclosed. The method includes: acquiring the position information of the current wearable device and of the nearby wearable devices; calculating the distances of these nearby wearable devices from the current wearable device based on the position information; building up, by the current wearable device, communication connections with the nearby wearable devices that satisfy the preset conditions and thus creating the communication group. According to the disclosure, the current wearable device can automatically build up a communication group with the nearby wearable devices that satisfy the preset distance requirements, such that a user can expand his friendship circle.
US09900750B2

Communicating with isolated mobile devices in indoor positioning systems is provided. Information is received from a first mobile device connected to both a first network of a designated environment and a second mobile device that is not connected to the first network. The information includes one or more identifiers of the second mobile device. An estimated location of the second mobile device is determined based, at least in part, on the information received from the first mobile device.
US09900749B1

The disclosure relates to a method, performed by at least one apparatus. The method may include obtaining new opportunity signal data pertaining to an opportunity signal source and indicating opportunity signal values for particular locations at a site; obtaining previous opportunity signal data pertaining to said opportunity signal source and indicating opportunity signal values for particular locations at said site; comparing at least a part of said opportunity signal values of said new opportunity signal data pertaining to said opportunity signal source of said site and said opportunity signal values of said previous opportunity signal data pertaining to said opportunity signal source of said site for corresponding locations at said site; and classifying said opportunity signal source based at least in part on said comparing.
US09900739B2

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method and apparatus for identifying a target geographic area. In one embodiment, the method comprises acquiring user information associated with a geographic area to be identified; determining characteristic data of the user information; and determining a value parameter of the geographic area to be identified based on the characteristic data.
US09900737B2

A low-power wireless communication device is in a sleep or standby mode of operation for extended periods of time, periodically becoming fully operational and issuing a “check in” message to a base station, thereby inhibiting the ability of the base station to assist in the locating of device, and remotely updating the settings or operational programming of the device much of the time. Upon receipt of a command to locate a misplaced low-power wireless device or to update the device, a base station queues an associated command in a task queue. Upon receipt of a check-in message from an associated low-power wireless device, indicating it is in a fully powered and communicative state of operation, the base station searches its task queue for applicable commands relative to the specific wireless device and executes them via communication with the now fully-operational wireless device.
US09900736B1

Systems and methods are disclosed that initiate mobile-terminated location requests in response to receiving an indication that an audio incident occurred at a given location. The mobile-terminated location requests are initiated for one or more mobile stations within a cell of a wireless network that is known to provide wireless service coverage to a geographic area that comprises the location of the audio incident. In response to the mobile-terminated location request, an estimate of the mobile station's current location is received. Based on the estimated current location of the mobile station relative to the location of the audio incident, the illustrative systems and methods may generate an association between the mobile station and the audio incident. When an association is generated, it is transmitted for possible further processing.
US09900735B2

A communication system providing volume attenuation as a function of distance from the communication source to simulate natural communication.
US09900734B2

Method of routing data over a network in which contact is made with a home network to determine the reported geo-position, using this geo-position to transmit data to the device over a path through a node in which the node reads the geo-position, accesses a list of possible recipients and their geo-positions, compares its location to the positions, selects a recipient based at least in part on the proximity of the recipient to the device, and transmits the data over the best path. Eventually, the device becomes the recipient. A geo-position may be transmitted as part of an IP address, or as geo-position data or XML tagged geo-position information contained in a data packet or IP addressed message or IP addressed voice calls (VoIP). The geo-position information can be generated from a GPS receiver. This method and/or IP address may be used in a method of doing business in which the geo-position is used to identify the source and location for delivery. This information may be incorporated into a purchase order or confirmation receipt.
US09900724B2

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, identifying a configuration of a second end user device that includes device data and applications, generating a configuration template associated with the second end user device, providing a first end user device with access to the configuration template for enabling the first end user device to be configured, detecting an adjustment to the configuration of the second end user device, and transmitting a notification of a configuration change at the second end user device responsive to the detecting of the adjustment to enable the first end user device to be reconfigured according to the adjustment to the configuration of the second end user device. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09900723B1

An audio system that maintains an identical or similar direct-to-reverberant ratio for sound produced from a first speaker array and sound produced by a second speaker array at the location of a listener is described. The audio system may determine characteristics of the first and second speaker arrays, including the distance between the first speaker array and the listener and the second speaker array and the listener. Based on these characteristics, beam patterns are selected for one or more of the speaker arrays such that sound produced by each of the speaker arrays maintains a preferred direct-to-reverberant ratio at the location of the listener.
US09900713B2

The disclosure relates to an inlet member for a microphone system in a hearing instrument, such as a hearing aid, wherein the inlet member has a main body portion having a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being provided with a first recess for accommodating a microphone comprising a snout for conducting sound energy into the interior of the microphone, wherein the first recess is provided with a sound channel formed for engagement with the snout of the microphone, where the sound channel at the end hereof facing away from the microphone is acoustically coupled to a third recess in the first portion, the third recess being defined by wall portions that provide a seal to corresponding inner surface portions of a hearing instrument, in which the inlet member is mounted.
US09900702B2

A speaker is provided in the present disclosure. The speaker includes a magnetic circuit system for providing magnetic field, a diaphragm, a suspension, a drive mechanism and a horizontal former, which is retained on the surface of the diaphragm directly facing the magnetic circuit system. The diaphragm is suspended above the magnetic circuit system for generating sound by vibrating. The suspension is used to suspend the diaphragm above the magnetic circuit system. The drive mechanism is disposed under the diaphragm and can interact with the magnetic circuit system so as to drive the diaphragm to vibrate in order to generate sound. The horizontal former is retained on the surface of the diaphragm directly facing the magnetic circuit system, wherein the horizontal former is provided with a communication space which communicates the space under the diaphragm and the space under the suspension.
US09900700B2

A digital acoustic device including: at least one suspended diaphragm facing a support and at least one actuator associated with the diaphragm, the associated actuator being configured to move the diaphragm away from and/or closer to the support; a stop mechanism configured to interrupt movement of the diaphragm further to activating the actuator when the diaphragm has a non-zero speed, the stop mechanism being sized to interrupt the movement of the diaphragm when the movement of the diaphragm is greater than or equal to 50% of the theoretical maximum stroke of the diaphragm and lower than or equal to 95% of the theoretical maximum stroke of the diaphragm.
US09900697B2

A multi-diaphragm speaker system comprises a speaker apparatus and a front/rear cavity sealing apparatus. The speaker apparatus comprises at least four diaphragms. Cavities of the speaker apparatus are formed between every two adjacent diaphragms of the speaker apparatus. The cavities that are spaced apart from each other jointly form a first acoustic cavity of the speaker apparatus. The cavities adjacent to the first acoustic cavity form a second acoustic cavity of the speaker apparatus. The first acoustic cavity and the second acoustic cavity are separated via the front/rear cavity sealing apparatus. Utilization of the present utility model solves the problem of speaker front/rear cavity separation.
US09900689B2

A dynamic processor for compressing an incoming audio signal is provided. The processor includes an adaptive detector, an adaptive module, and an amplifier. The adaptive detector includes a first adaptive filter and is configured to apply a transfer function to the incoming audio signal to generate a detector output signal. The adaptive module includes a second adaptive filter and is configured to generate a control signal based on the detector output signal. The amplifier is configured to receive the control signal from the adaptive module and to generate a compressed audio signal based on the control signal.
US09900680B2

A wireless earbud system includes a first earbud assembly and a second earbud assembly. Each of the first earbud assembly and the second earbud assembly include a housing, an audio driver disposed within the housing, and a wireless receiving unit operatively coupled to the audio driver. The wireless receiving unit is configured to receive a wireless data signal and drive the audio driver based on audio data transmitted in the wireless data signal. The wireless earbud system may also include a tether with a first end and a second end. The first end of the tether is configured to removably couple to the first earbud assembly by a first detachable connector, and the second end of the tether is configured to removably couple to the second earbud assembly by a second detachable connector. Methods also relate to the wireless earbud system.
US09900677B2

A wearable monitoring system includes a microelectromechanical (MEMS) microphone to receive acoustic signal data through skin of a user. An integrated circuit chip is bonded to and electrically connected to the MEMS microphone. A portable power source is connected to at least the integrated circuit chip. A flexible substrate is configured to encapsulate and affix the MEMS microphone and the integrated circuit chip to the skin of the user.
US09900672B2

The present invention provides an optoelectronic switch for transferring an optical signal from an input device to an output device, the optoelectronic switch including an array of interconnected switch modules, which are interconnected by an interconnecting fabric. The switch modules are arranged in an N-dimensional array, the ith dimension having a size Ri (i=1, 2, . . . , N), each switch module having an associated set of coordinates giving its location with respect to each of the N dimensions. Each switch module is a member of N such sub-arrays Si, each sub-array Si comprising Ri switch modules whose coordinates differ only in respect of their location in the ith dimension, and each of the N sub-arrays being associated with a different dimension.
US09900663B2

A display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive content and metadata including genre information of the content, a controller configured to extract the genre information from the metadata, and calculate reliability of the genre information by analyzing the content and comparing the analyzed content with the genre information, and a video processor configured to process a video of the content according to the calculated reliability.
US09900661B2

A method includes receiving, at a multifunction unit configured to provide television programming to a media device for display to a display device, a call signal including a caller identifier. The call identifier includes a calling number and a first name associated with the calling number. The method includes retrieving, via the multifunction unit, a second name associated with the calling number from a personal address book. The method also includes sending a modified caller identifier including the calling number and the second name from the multifunction unit to the media device for display.
US09900640B2

Aspects of the disclosure relate to configuration of content and consumption thereof content in a networked environment. In certain aspects, the consumed content can be coordinated or otherwise synchronized between disparate consumption devices, which may be served content via different content platforms. In another aspect, the consumed content can be customized for a specific device and/or an end-user thereof. In yet another aspect, recommendations for content and/or products associated with at least a portion of the content can be provided.
US09900636B2

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture (e.g., physical storage media) to reduce signature matching uncertainty in media monitoring systems are disclosed. Example media monitoring methods disclosed herein include executing a media signature matching procedure using a first analysis window on monitored media signatures representative of monitored media to identify the monitored media. Example media monitoring methods disclosed herein also include, in response to determining first matching results obtained from executing the media signature matching procedure using the first analysis window are indicative of a matching uncertainty condition, outputting second matching results obtained from executing the media signature matching procedure on the monitored media signatures using a second analysis window that is larger than the first analysis window.
US09900635B2

Various arrangements for monitoring and utilizing solar conjunction events are presented. An occurrence of a solar conjunction event caused by the sun being substantially aligned with the satellite antenna through which a television receiver receives signals from one or more satellites may be monitored. A prediction of a future solar conjunction event based on the monitored occurrence of the solar conjunction event may then be calculated. A second occurrence of the solar conjunction event may be monitored. It may be determined that the second occurrence of the solar conjunction event does not match the calculated prediction of the future solar conjunction event within a threshold range. One or more features of the television receiver may be disabled in response to determining that the second occurrence of the solar conjunction event does not match the calculated prediction of the future solar conjunction event within the threshold range.
US09900634B2

Improved systems and methods for delivering CATV content over a fiber optic network from a transmitter. The transmitter preferably monitors performance attributes of a transmitted signal and selectively configures the transmitter based on the monitored attributes.
US09900630B2

An apparatus, method, system, and computer-readable medium are provided for enhancing the quality of content. A determination may be made that a portion of the content received using a base feed or bitrate completed early. In response to that determination, an attempt may be made to download that portion of the content using a differential bitrate or feed corresponding to a higher quality. Another determination may be made whether the differential bitrate or feed download completed early, and if so, then the differential bitrate or feed may be used as a new base bitrate or feed for downloading additional portions of the content. The differential bitrate or feed download may also provide for a secondary playback of the content at higher quality.
US09900628B2

A first device may request that multimedia content be made available on a second device. The first device may send the request to a server. The server mat notify the second device of the multimedia content. Based on how quickly the server receives a request, from the second device, for the content, the server mat determine how to ingest the multimedia content from a content source. The server mat ingest the multimedia content in full or in part prior to sending the multimedia content to the second device.
US09900626B2

A system and method are provided for recording a video production from one or more panoramic and/or high resolution video feeds and recreating the video production at a remote location, or client using meta data, production data, and video feed from a remote source, and serve the video feed to multiple clients on a local area network.
US09900617B2

Techniques are described for palette-based video coding. In palette-based coding, a video coder may form a “palette” as a table of colors for representing video data of a particular area (e.g., a given block). Rather than coding actual pixel values (or their residuals), the video coder may code palette index values for one or more of the pixels that correspond to entries in the palette representing the colors of the pixels. A palette may be explicitly encoded, predicted from previous palette entries, or a combination thereof. In this disclosure, techniques are described for coding a block of video data that has a single color value using a single color mode as a sub-mode of a palette coding mode. The disclosed techniques enable a block having a single color value to be coded with a reduced number of bits compared to a normal mode of the palette coding mode.
US09900614B2

A picture decoding method is provided for decoding coded picture data. The decoding method includes decoding coded picture data to obtain a first transform block and an adjacent second transform block in a reconstructed picture having a plurality of blocks forming a moving picture image. The decoding method also includes determining whether the first transform block is located inside a motion-compensation block in which the second transform block is located. The decoding method further includes performing a filtering on pixels in a block boundary between the first and second transform blocks when the first transform block is located outside the motion-compensation block in which the second transform block is located, and performing no filtering on the pixels in the block boundary between the first and second transform blocks when the first transform block is located inside the motion-compensation block in which the second transform block is located.
US09900604B2

A semiconductor integrated circuit according to an embodiment includes a compressor, a compression distortion detector, and an image-quality adjusting-parameter generator. The compressor generates a compressed image of an original image output from a host apparatus based on an image-quality adjusting parameter. The compression distortion detector detects a compression distortion of the compressed image. The image-quality adjusting-parameter generator updates the image-quality adjusting parameter based on the compression distortion.
US09900601B2

An intra-frame decoding method includes obtaining, from a video code stream, prediction mode information of a first signal component of a current block; determining a prediction mode of the first signal component of the current block from a prediction mode set of the first signal component of the current block according to the prediction mode information of the first signal component of the current block, where the prediction mode set of the first signal component of the current block includes at least one of a linear model above (LMA) mode and a linear model left (LML) mode; obtaining a predicted value of a first signal component sampling point of the current block; and obtaining a reconstructed value of the first signal component sampling point of the current block according to the predicted value of the first signal component sampling point of the current block.
US09900600B2

In a moving picture coding device that further divides a first block acquired by dividing each picture of a moving picture into a predetermined size into one or a plurality of second blocks and codes the moving picture in units of blocks, a quantization parameter calculation unit calculates a quantization parameter of the second block. A predictive quantization parameter deriving unit derives a predictive quantization parameter of the second block by using the quantization parameter of one or a plurality of third blocks that are neighboring to the second block. The predictive quantization parameter deriving unit derives the predictive quantization parameter of the second block by using a quantization parameter of a fourth block coded before the second block in a case where the third block neighboring to the second block is located at a position beyond a boundary of the first block.
US09900597B2

Methods of encoding and decoding for video data are described in which multi-level significance maps are used in the encoding and decoding processes. The significant-coefficient flags that form the significance map are grouped into contiguous groups, and a significant-coefficient-group flag signifies for each group whether that group contains no non-zero significant-coefficient flags. If there are no non-zero significant-coefficient flags in the group, then the significant-coefficient-group flag is set to zero. The set of significant-coefficient-group flags is encoded in the bitstream. Any significant-coefficient flags that fall within a group that has a significant-coefficient-group flag that is non-zero are encoded in the bitstream, whereas significant-coefficient flags that fall within a group that has a significant-coefficient-group flag that is zero are not encoded in the bitstream.
US09900594B2

A method of dividing an input image signal into pixel blocks, and performing inter-prediction on the divided pixel blocks. This method includes selecting predicted motion information from a motion information buffer storing motion information in an encoded region, and predicting motion information of an encoding target block by using the predicted motion information. The method further includes acquiring representative motion information from a plurality of items of motion information in an encoded region in accordance with first information indicating a method of selecting the predicted motion information, thereby obtaining only the representative motion information.
US09900586B2

A 3D image display device includes a display device including a plurality of pixels and displaying each of a left-eye image and a right-eye image. The display device inserts an black image between the left-eye image and the right-eye image such that the left-eye image is displayed for part of four frames and the black image is displayed for the remaining frames and the right-eye image is displayed for part of four other frames and the black image is displayed for the remaining other frames.
US09900585B2

Various systems, methods and devices for capturing digital images of an object in a region of interest and for identifying points on the surface of an object in a region of interest are disclosed. A device operable to capture digital images of an object in a region of interest includes a support structure having an object support surface at the bottom of the region of interest; a scan head incorporating an imaging system comprising at least one digital imaging device located with respect to the support structure to have a field of view that includes a segment of the region of interest; and a first motive system operable to move the scan head along a fixed path between first and second vertical positions with respect to the support structure thereby to cause the at least one digital imaging device to have a field of view that includes a different segment of the region of interest. Various related systems, methods and devices are disclosed.
US09900579B2

Devices, systems, and associated methods for capturing three-dimensional (3D) infrared (IR) images are disclosed and described.
US09900572B2

A method for recording moving images via a camera system includes detecting a rotation state of a device and setting an image rotation angle in image record mode, rotating images acquired via a camera module by the set image rotation angle, and encoding and storing the rotated images.
US09900569B2

This projection-type image display device is provided with: a lamp drive unit that drives a lamp; a lamp voltage detection unit that detects a lamp interelectrode voltage (hereinafter referred to as a lamp voltage); an image correction unit that corrects image qualities of image signals to be supplied to an image display element; and a control unit that controls a correction quantity of the image correction unit on the basis of the lamp voltage detected by means of the lamp voltage detection unit. Consequently, deterioration of visibility of a projection image can be suitably suppressed.
US09900561B2

Monitoring system of person coming to entrance comprises camera for capturing image of the person and recorder for the captured image, the system informing the person of the image recordation for deterring a crime in bad visit case or making polite notice in goodwill visit case. Unlock system has an intercom for visitor to request unlock and a self unlock operating portion for resident. If unlock done through intercom with acquaintance confirmed, polite notice is preferred, whereas “note record” is added to the image record in case of intercom unlock with unacquainted assumed. If unlock done by resident, the information and the image recordation are withheld. If entrance in a group detected, “note record” is added to the image record in case bad person successively follows goodwill person duly unlocking entrance. Privacy of acquaintance visitor image is protected by password. “Note record” is added to image record without voice message.
US09900558B2

A microscope module includes a light source assembly, a sampling assembly and a diffusing element. The light source assembly includes a light source and a light guide element. The light source is disposed close to the light incidence end of the light guide element. The sampling assembly includes a cover and a base. The cover and the base are combined to define a sample accommodating space, which is located at the light exit end of the light guide element. The diffusing element is disposed between the light source and the sample accommodating space. The light emitted from the light source passes through the diffusing element and then enters the sample accommodating space. A microscope device containing the microscope module is also disclosed.
US09900556B1

Systems and methods for facilitating collaboration between a local user or team in a meeting space and one or more remote users outside the meeting space are provided. The virtual co-location system may include, for example, an IOT device including sensors, a microphone, a beacon light, a speaker, a user control interface (e.g., including a control input adjusted by the local user, the user control interface producing an electronic control signal representing a setting of a control device), and/or a local microprocessor for executing local collaboration software. The virtual co-location systems and methods may also or alternatively include a remote computer having a remote microprocessor for executing remote collaboration software.
US09900552B2

The present invention provides a conference processing method of a third-party application, capable of connecting a call of the third-party application to a teleconference of the communication device. The method includes the following steps: receiving, by a virtual sound card/virtual graphic card, data from a third-party application; and if a teleconference exists in the system, further judging whether the third-party application is allowed to join in the teleconference; wherein if it is judged that the third-party application is allowed to join in the teleconference, a sound mixing module and a screen mixing module mix audio and video data transmitted over at least one local session line and audio and video data of the third-party application, and complete sound mixing playing and mixing and superposition display; and otherwise, the audio and video data of the third-party application is shielded.
US09900550B1

An frame rate up-conversion (FRC) apparatus and method are provided. The motion vector generating circuit compares a previous original frame with a current original frame to obtain the first motion vectors of the blocks of the current original frame, and compares the current original frame and a posterior original frame to obtain the second motion vectors of the blocks of the current original frame. The motion vector correction circuit checks whether the blocks of the second original frame are located in an occlusion area, and corrects the motion vectors of the blocks in the occlusion area based on the first motion vectors and the second motion vectors of the first original frame, the second original frame and the third original frame. The interpolation frame generating circuit creates at least one interpolation frame between the first original frame and the second original frame based on the corrected motion vectors.
US09900548B2

A display control unit is connected to a display and arranged to generate a video signal representing a sequence of video frames to be displayed consecutively on said display. The display control unit may include a first memory unit arranged to buffer a set of image descriptors; a second memory unit connected between said first memory unit and said display; an update unit connected to said first memory unit and arranged to update said image descriptors in said first memory unit and to generate a proceed signal only when said set of image descriptors in said first memory unit is up to date; a copy unit arranged to copy said image descriptors from said first memory unit to said second memory unit in response to said proceed signal; and a video unit arranged to generate said video signal on the basis of said image descriptors in said second memory unit.
US09900547B2

An automatic content categorization system and method are provided.
US09900546B2

A monitoring system has a monitor connected to a monitoring camera and a monitoring recorder via a network. The monitor checks whether the monitoring recorder is in a recordable state or in an unrecordable state of monitoring video data, and if the monitor confirms an unrecordable state of the monitoring recorder, the monitor 3 transmits a control signal for instructing the monitoring camera to start video recording. Receiving the control signal instructing to start the video recording, the monitoring camera records the monitoring video data it takes in its own storage medium.
US09900545B2

A method of power signal detection of set top boxes under test is disclosed. According to certain embodiments, detection of a failure mode of a set top box (STB) under test is based on video signal detection where the video signal is associated with multiple video output types and AC power outlet signal detection.
US09900532B2

To increase image quality of a moving image by suppressing a color afterimage while reducing color noise, provided is an imaging apparatus, including: an imaging device; and a signal processing unit, in which: the imaging device includes a first pixel group and a second pixel group each including a plurality of pixels each configured to output a pixel signal; and the signal processing unit is configured to perform weighted addition for a second pixel signal output from the second pixel group by inter-frame processing, and to change a weight on each frame in the weighted addition based on an inter-frame differential of a first pixel signal.
US09900528B2

A method, apparatus and system are described providing a high dynamic range pixel. An integration period has multiple sub-integration periods during which charges are accumulated in a photosensor and repeatedly transferred to a storage node, where the charges are accumulated for later transfer to another storage node for output.
US09900520B2

An image pickup apparatus configured to output an image signal based on an optical signal photoelectrically converted by an image pickup element provided with two-dimensionally arranged pixels includes: a clipper configured to limit output voltage of the image signal based on the optical signal; a gain upper limit setter configured to set a gain upper limit to be applied to the optical signal; a determiner configured to determine whether or not a condition to cause occurrence of a smear in a shot image is satisfied; and a controller configured to limit an output voltage of the optical signal by using the clipper when the determiner determines that the condition to cause occurrence of the smear is satisfied, and to inactivate limitation of the output voltage of the optical signal by using the clipper when the determiner determines that the condition to cause occurrence of the smear is not satisfied.
US09900513B2

A control apparatus includes an image stabilization controller configured to control an image stabilization of an optical apparatus by driving an image stabilizer, and a calculator configured to calculate a follow shot angular velocity for following an object based on an output from a shake detector configured to detect a shake applied to the optical apparatus and an output from a motion vector detector configured to detect a motion vector representing motion of the object. The image stabilization controller determines whether to drive the image stabilizer depending on a difference between the follow shot angular velocity and an angular velocity of the optical apparatus acquired based on the output from the shake detector.
US09900510B1

Motion blur may be applied to a light-field image. The light-field image may be captured with a light-field camera having a main lens, an image sensor, and a plurality of microlenses positioned between the main lens and the image sensor. The light-field image may have a plurality of lenslet images, each of which corresponds to one microlens of the microlens array. The light-field image may be used to generate a mosaic of subaperture images, each of which has pixels from the same location on each of the lenslet images. Motion vectors may be computed to indicate motion occurring within at least a primary subaperture image of the mosaic. The motion vectors may be used to carry out shutter reconstruction of the mosaic to generate a mosaic of blurred subaperture images, which may then be used to generate a motion-blurred light-field image.
US09900506B2

The method for taking a panoramic photograph includes: determining a shooting focal distance and a shooting visual angle; shooting at least two photographs, comprising all objects required to be shot in an area of the shooting visual angle, according to the shooting focal distance and the shooting visual angle which are determined; and processing the at least two photographs to obtain one panoramic photograph. The corresponding device for taking a panoramic photograph is also provided.
US09900501B2

An image collecting method and apparatus are provided, where the image collecting method includes enabling an image collecting unit in an electronic device, when it is identified that after a first specific motion, a gesture of the electronic device changes to a specific device gesture; monitoring whether the electronic device performs a second specific motion in the specific device gesture; and when it is detected that the electronic device performs the second specific motion in the specific device gesture, controlling the image collecting unit to obtain an at least first image by means of collection within motion time in which the electronic device performs the second specific motion.
US09900499B2

Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for providing visual indication that the image capture device is actively recording frames for a time lapse output sequence by providing indicia that communicates to a user that the image capture device is actively recording frames for the time lapse output sequence. Allowing user to perform time lapse sequence captures with a simple set up and with auto-adjustments when events occur that might otherwise detract from output quality.
US09900491B2

A method for automatically focusing a camera comprising an image sensor, at least one lens configured to project an image onto the sensor and an actuator configured to modify a focusing parameter of the lens, comprises: a first phase of controlling the actuator in an open loop so the focusing parameter successively takes a plurality of predefined values, images being acquired for each value of the focusing parameter and a sharpness indicator being calculated on the basis of each image; and a second phase of controlling the actuator in a closed loop to maximize the sharpness indicator, the second closed-loop control phase being implemented by making use of a control law and starting conditions determined on the basis of the sharpness indicators calculated during the first phase. A system for automatically focusing a camera for implementing the method, and a camera equipped with such a system is provided.
US09900487B2

A camera module and an array camera module based on an integral packing process are disclosed. The camera module or each of the camera module units of the array camera module includes a circuit board, an integral base, a photosensitive element operatively connected to the circuit board, a lens, a light filter holder installed at the integral base and a light filter installed at the light filter holder. The light filter is not required to be directly installed to the integral base, so that the light filter is protected and the requiring area of the light filter is reduced.
US09900486B2

An optical device includes a lens assembly that performs a forward/backward movement in an optical axis direction. The optical device also includes at least one first driving device that generates a first driving force that causes the lens assembly to perform the forward/backward movement in the optical axis direction. The optical device further includes at least one second driving device that generates a second driving force in a direction that is opposite to the moving direction of the lens assembly. The second driving force may be formed to be equal to or smaller than the first driving force so that the reciprocating amplitude of the lens assembly may be reduced when the lens assembly reciprocates before and after the focusing position. The optical device as described above may be variously implemented according to embodiments.
US09900485B2

An image generation device includes: a projector for projecting pattern light of a near-infrared wavelength at intervals; an imager for outputting an imaging signal of an imaged image; a unit for generating a pattern light image by obtaining a difference between the imaging signal when the pattern light is projected and the imaging signal when the pattern light is not projected, and generating an ambient light image from the imaging signal when the pattern light is not projected; a determiner for determining a type of the ambient light; and a generator for estimating, from the type, a component due to light of a near-infrared wavelength in the ambient light image, and generating a visible light image by subtracting the component from the ambient light image. The determiner determines the type from a proportion of R, G, and B components in the imaged image, ambient light image, or visible light image.
US09900482B2

A solid-state imaging element that includes a plurality of semiconductor layers stacked, a plurality of stack-connecting parts for electrically connecting the plurality of semiconductor layers, a pixel array part in which pixel cells that include a photoelectric conversion part and a signal output part are arrayed in a two-dimensional shape, and an output signal line through which signals from the signal output part of the pixel cells are propagated, in which the plurality of semiconductor layers includes at least a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer, and, in the first semiconductor layer, the plurality of pixel cells are arrayed in a two-dimensional shape, the signal output part of a pixel group formed with the plurality of pixel cells shares an output signal line wired from the stack-connecting parts, and the output signal line has a separation part which can separate each output signal line.
US09900477B2

A terminal device is provided. The terminal device includes a multimedia part configured to play back a content, a communicator configured to perform communication, a short-range wireless communication module configured to share communication connection information with an external device, and when tagged with the external device while a content is played back, a controller configured to control the communicator to be connected to the external device according to the communication connection information and transmit a synchronization signal and the played back content. Accordingly, the terminal device shares a synchronized content with an external device using a User Interface (UI) for controlling a plurality of external devices.
US09900461B2

In accordance with an embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises a deflector, a photoconductor, a mirror, a displacement mechanism and a control section. The deflector deflects laser light emitted from a light source to an optical path of each color in a horizontal scanning direction. The photoconductor is located in each optical path and forms an image of each color through development of an electrostatic latent image formed by being exposed by the laser light. The mirror is located in each optical path and reflects the laser light to each corresponding photoconductor. The displacement mechanism is arranged on each mirror and displaces the mirror in order to correct an inclination shift between images of respective colors. The control section corrects a magnification of the image of each color in the horizontal scanning direction according to an inclination correction amount of the image of each color.
US09900457B2

An image forming apparatus has a power-saving mode in which the image forming apparatus is switched from a normal power consumption state to a low power consumption state where less energy is supplied than in the normal power consumption state. This image forming apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect an operating state of the image forming apparatus, and a memory unit configured to store a detection result by the detection unit. In the power-saving mode, the detection unit detects an operating state of the image forming apparatus, and the memory unit stores a detection result by the detection unit. When the image forming apparatus returns from the low power consumption state in the power-saving mode to the normal power consumption state, control of a return operation for the image forming apparatus from the power-saving mode is executed, based on the detection result by the detection unit stored in the memory unit.
US09900455B2

A method of scanning a document includes obtaining an original image by scanning a document; detecting at least one pair of marks disposed on the original image; extracting an image of an area that is defined by the detected at least one pair of marks from the original image; and creating a new document file by using the extracted image.
US09900452B2

There is provided a control unit for use in a liquid ejecting apparatus using a tank containing a liquid and a storage material attachable to and detachable from the liquid ejecting apparatus, and storing an amount of the liquid in the tank. After the storage material is not mounted on a predetermined place, the control unit receives an answer for a question to ask whether or not the liquid is injected to the tank.
US09900448B2

A method and system for improving responsiveness of a vehicle computing platform includes enabling a camera feature during the pre-boot phase of a computing device and using a special-purpose operating mode of the computing device to initiate the streaming of camera image data to a display.
US09900445B2

A method for allocating and pricing access to alternative access networks may include: inputting, by one or more parties, needs for alternative network access and representative values for satisfying the needs; setting, by providers of alternative network access, reserve prices for access to each of access point in the alternative network; generating a solution based on a mixed integer program to maximize value created by allocation of alternative network access; and allocating alternative network access to the one or more parties based on the mixed integer program solution.
US09900441B2

A method and a terminal are provided for commanding a set-up of a communication between the terminal and a group of terminals associated with one and the same shared public identity. The method includes a step of the terminal issuing, via a communication network, a communication request intended for the shared public identity; and a step of sending to a management server a request to obtain an item of information representing the number and the state of the terminals in the group of terminals associated with the shared public identity. Following reception of the item of information from the server, the terminal returns the item of information to a user of the terminal.
US09900439B2

Methods and systems for call-forward initiated by movement may comprise receiving a call in a first communication device, sensing a motion of the first communication device, and causing the forwarding of the received call to a second communication device based on the sensed motion of the first communication device. The second communication device may be selected from one or more detected communication devices based on the sensed motion. The second communication device may be selected based on a direction of the sensed motion of the first communication device. The call may be established over a first communication network between a server and the first communication device, and the call may be forwarded to the second communication device by switching the call in the server to the second communication device over a second communication network. The call may be forwarded to the second communication device over the local connection.
US09900437B2

A system and method for managing interactions of a customer contact center. A contact center processor receives a request to reserve a contact center resource for handling an interaction. The processor also receives data about the interaction. The processor identifies a routing point for routing the interaction based on the received data. The routing point is associated with routing logic controlled by a customer instead of the contact center. The processor routes the interaction to the identified routing point for giving the customer control of the routing of the interaction.
US09900431B1

Concepts and technologies for handling and screening incoming calls are provided. A processor executing instructions associated with a call handling service can detect that a call from a calling party is being routed, via a communication interface, to a called party device associated with a customer. The processor can obtain caller identification data that specifies an identity that is generated by the calling party and intended to be representative of the calling party when presented to the customer by the called party device. The processor can determine an interface identifier associated with the communication interface, and retrieve a call authentication scenario based on the interface identifier. The call authentication scenario can specify a storage location of data. The processor can obtain the data from the storage location, determine a call handling action, prepare a call handling command, and provide the call handling command to a network.
US09900426B2

At least one processor executes (i) a first function of terminating communication via a first network, in response to a first input to an input unit, (ii) a second function of terminating communication via a second network, in response to a second input to the input unit, and (iii) a third function of terminating communication via the first and second networks, in response to a third input to the input unit. The at least one processor limits, when the at least one processor processes a first call via the first network, at least one of the first input and the first function and at least one of the third input and the third function, and limits, when the at least one processor processes a second call via the second network, at least one of the second input and the second function and at least one of the third input and the third function.
US09900417B1

An enclosure for use in a vehicle having an ignition system, for securely holding an electronic device and rendering it inaccessible during operation of the vehicle. The enclosure has a main part and a door. The door has an open position and a closed position and includes a device cradle for holding the electronic device. A device responsive switch is closed when the electronic device is located within the device cradle, and a door responsive switch is closed when the door is in the closed position. When the ignition is on, the door responsive switch and device responsive switch must both be closed for the vehicle to operate. A locking assembly holds the door in the closed position and is activated while the vehicle is in operation to physically prevent access to the electronic device while the vehicle is in operation.
US09900408B2

A particular method includes receiving, at a customer premises equipment (CPE) device, a request to send media content to a media device. The method includes retrieving the media content to the CPE device from a data source in response to the request. The method includes establishing two or more concurrent communication connections between the CPE device and the media device. The method also includes sending the media content as data packets via data packet streams to the media device from the CPE device. A data packet stream of the data packet streams is sent via each communication connection of the two or more concurrent communication connections, and each data packet stream includes less than all data packets of the media content. The media device processes the data packets received via the data packet streams to output of the media content for one or more devices.
US09900406B1

Methods, systems, and apparatuses can provide improved bandwidth and reduction in processing resources in a cable system using bonded upstream channels. Physical or environmental changes can occur in the HFC network effecting communication performance on one or more upstream channels. For optimal HFC network performance periodic measurements and adjustments are made reducing HFC network bandwidth and consume processing resources. This periodic maintenance is performed even if the communication service is not using the additional upstream bandwidth provided through upstream channel bonding. Demand-based bonded upstream channel allocation and de-allocation provides additional upstream bandwidth when required while optimizing HFC network performance and reducing processing resources through the reduction of periodic measurements and adjustments on the HFC network.
US09900405B2

A system for providing step-ahead computing may include a client and a server. The client may include a communication element, a user interface element and a processor. The communication element may be configured to receive a set of pre-computed actions. The set of pre-computed actions may be based on at least one possible future state of the client. The user interface element may be configured to receive a user input corresponding to a particular action. The processor may be in communication with the communication element and the user interface element. The processor may be configured to determine whether the set of pre-computed actions include an action corresponding to the particular action and to execute the action in response to a determination that the set of pre-computed actions include the action corresponding to the particular action. The server may include a processing element, a pre-computing element and a server side communication element. The processing element may be configured to receive an indication of a current state of the client. The pre-computing element may be in communication with the processing element and configured to determine the set of pre-computed actions based on the at least one possible future state of the client. The server side communication element may be in communication with the processing element and configured to communicate the pre-computed actions to the client.
US09900403B2

A method for assigning relative order to messages by using vector clocks under a distributed server environment is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (a) a server assigning a vector clock to a message and storing the message to which the vector clock is assigned if the message required to be assigned relative order is acquired through a network; and (b) the server transmitting an increased vector clock to one or more other servers connected with itself through the network and supporting said other servers to update their vector clocks by referring to the increased vector clock.
US09900400B2

In one implementation, a computer-implemented method includes detecting, by a mobile computing device, a current context associated with the mobile computing device, the current context being external to the mobile computing device and indicating a current state of the mobile computing device in its surrounding environment. The method can also include identifying, based on at least a first portion of the current context, a location description for the mobile computing device, wherein the location description includes a textual description of the location; and determining, based on the identified location description and at least a second portion of the current context, whether to switch the mobile computing device from operating using a current profile to operating using a second profile, wherein the current profile and the second profile each define one or more settings of the mobile computing device.
US09900391B2

Orchestration of infrastructure service blocks (ISBs) within a hosted service may be automated. A datacenter deploying the hosted service may include one or more zones, each zone including at least a network and a server farm comprising one or more servers performing various roles within an infrastructure of the hosted service. A first orchestrator may receive a network and server manifest from the datacenter to be configured within an automation framework of the first orchestrator to create an ISB and/or update another ISB for each zone of the datacenter. The created ISB and/or updated other ISB may be deployed to a second orchestrator that may image the servers within each zone of the datacenter with the created ISB and/or updated other ISB. The hosted service may then be deployed at the datacenter such that the servers within each zone of the datacenter include the created ISB and/or updated other ISB.
US09900389B2

Provided is an information processing apparatus including: a content execution unit configured to execute a content; a content type storage unit configured to store each type of the content in association with information for determining whether or not to allow finish of the execution during a travel of a vehicle; a memory monitoring unit configured to identify a remaining memory capacity available for the content execution unit; a travel state monitoring unit configured to acquire a state of the vehicle; and a finish content determination unit configured to use, when the remaining memory capacity is less than a predetermined threshold, the content type storage unit to determine a content for which execution is allowed to be finished depending on the state of the vehicle acquired by the travel state monitoring unit, and issue a finish request for the content to the content execution unit.
US09900387B2

A technique of rebuilding encoded data slices in a dispersed storage network when detecting a plurality of encoded data slices that require rebuilding, as may occur upon failure of a memory device storing the encoded data slices. A plurality of rebuilding resources capable for use to rebuild the plurality of data slices are determined and, based on one or more attributes associated with the determination, a rebuilding task is apportioned. The resulting rebuilding assignments are allocated to the plurality of rebuilding resources to rebuild the encoded data slices. The allocation of the rebuilding assignments permits more than one rebuilding resource and associated distributed storage units to rebuild the encoded data slices.
US09900364B2

A system and method for wirelessly transmitting audiovisual information. A first plurality of packets including audiovisual information may be generated. A second plurality of packets including error correction coding information for the audiovisual information may be generated. Control information for associating the error correction coding information with the audiovisual information may be generated, and a third plurality of packets including the control information may also be generated. The plurality of packets, including the first, second, and third pluralities of packets, may be transmitted to a mobile device in a wireless manner. The control information may inform the mobile device of the association of the first error correction coding information with the audiovisual information.
US09900344B2

Embodiments can identify requests that may be tied to a DDOS attack. For example, the primary identifiers (e.g., a source address) of requests for a network resource (e.g., an entire website or a particular element of the website) can be tracked. In one embodiment, a statistical analysis of how often a particular source address (or other primary identifier) normally makes a request can be used to identify source addresses that make substantially more requests. A normal amount can correspond to an average number of request that a source address makes. According to some embodiments, a system can use statistical analysis methods on various request data in web server logs to identify potential attacks and send data concerned potential attacks to an HBA system for further analysis.
US09900340B2

A method includes instantiating, in response to a request by an executing application, an input data object with one or more uninitialized fields and traversing a path toward a sink in the executing application to a branching point of the executing application. In response to reaching the branching point, one or more parameters are provided for some or all of the one or more uninitialized fields of the input data object, wherein the one or more parameters were determined prior to beginning of execution of the executing application to cause a branch to be taken by the executing application toward the sink. The path is traversed toward the sink at least by following the branch in the executing application. Apparatus and computer program products are also disclosed.
US09900317B2

Implementations of the present disclosure provide access guards for multi-tenant logging. A method of the disclosure includes receiving, by a processing device of a multi-tenant system, an access request to access a logging stack comprising application logs associated with an execution of an application. Responsive to receiving the access request, a user identifier and an authorization token related to the user identifier are identified. Generating a modified request by adding the user identifier and authorization token to the access request. The authorization token references an access role for the user identifier from an access control list. Thereupon, the modified request is applied to the logging stack. The applied modified request identifies the application logs from the logging stack that are accessible in view of the access role.
US09900315B2

A system includes a vehicle communications platform (VCP) operatively disposed in a vehicle and a control device. The control device selects a privacy ON mode or a privacy OFF mode. The privacy ON mode enables the VCP to synchronize a privacy setting of a mobile communications device to a vehicle notification setting, and is triggered when the privacy setting of the device is on, and either at least one passenger is present in the vehicle or a user indicates that the VCP should synchronize the privacy setting to the vehicle notification setting. The privacy OFF mode inhibits the VCP from synchronizing the privacy setting to the vehicle notification setting, and is triggered when the privacy setting of the device is off, or no passengers are present in the vehicle, or the user indicates that the VCP should not synchronize the privacy setting to the vehicle notification setting.
US09900313B2

Implementations provide for a secure shell (SSH) proxy for a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) system. A method of the disclosure includes receiving, by a processing device executing a Secure Shell (SSH) proxy server, a request to establish an SSH connection with a component of an application of a multi-tenant Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) system, the component is separate from the SSH proxy server, authenticating credentials provided as part of the request, establishing the SSH connection with a device originating the request, receiving, in view of authenticating the credentials and establishing the SSH connection, routing information for the application, the routing information comprising a location of a node of the multi-tenant PaaS system executing the application, establishing an internal communication session with an executing proxy of the node, and forward information conveyed over the SSH connection to the executing proxy via the internal communication session.
US09900306B2

Systems and methods are disclosed that authenticate devices or users, and enable playback of secured streaming content through a media player. In one embodiment, the invention is a system for receiving secure content over an unmanaged network, including a security application configured operate on a user device with access to a network, where the security application is configured to receive a request for playlist data from the media player, send a playlist request to a content server, receive playlist data from the content server, send playlist data to a media player, receive a security access request from the media player, send a security access request to a security server, receive security access data from the security server; and send security access data to a media player.
US09900302B2

Various embodiments concern mechanisms for facilitating communication between network-accessible platforms for developing, hosting, or running hybrid applications that utilize resources hosted across multiple platforms. Hybrid applications cause messages or “calls” to be passed between the platforms that must be authenticated. For example, when a call is placed by a Heroku platform to a Force.com platform, the call must be authenticated for security purposes. If Heroku has not already been authenticated when the call is submitted, an authentication process is invoked. An event listener can be used to register details regarding the initial callout task, and then register or “fire” an event when the authentication process is successfully completed. Registration of the initial callout task completely separates the authentication process from the resource being invoked. Requests can be completed without requiring further user input using at least some of the details registered by the event listener.
US09900299B2

Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for receiving, authenticating, parsing, and storing operational status data (or telemetry data) from one or more hardware and software systems within an aggregated computing infrastructure. Operational status data may be transmitted over secure transmission channels and stored within secure data stores at a computing infrastructure analyzer. Additionally, some embodiments describe techniques for creating, storing, and retrieving operational risk rules that may apply to one or more computing infrastructures. Based on the operational risk rules, one or more determinations may be performed to identify data items for extraction from the received telemetry data of an aggregated computing infrastructure. Using the extracted telemetry data items, one or more operational risk rules may be evaluated with respect to the aggregated computing infrastructure. Based on the evaluation of operational risk rules, one or more operational risk items and/or operational risk values may be determined for the aggregated computing infrastructure.
US09900291B2

Methods and apparatus for supporting secure packet communications, e.g., SRTP, which use implicit index numbers for synchronization and sequencing of received packets. The secure communications methods and apparatus having an adaptive index learning mode of operation and a non-adaptive index learning mode of operation. The adaptive index learning mode of operation being used to determine a correct estimated sequence number roll over counter number and the implicit index number for one of a plurality of secure packets received when an adaptive index learning process condition is satisfied.
US09900289B2

An apparatus comprising a memory, a processor coupled to the memory and configured to obtain a Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) (DASH) Media Presentation Description (MPD) from an HTTP server, wherein the MPD describes a media presentation as at least one encrypted segment, and wherein the encrypted segment is associated with an availability time and a decryption key, and pre-fetch the decryption key associated with the encrypted segment by requesting the decryption key from a key server prior to the availability time of the encrypted segment.
US09900287B1

Methods and apparatus for encrypting and decrypting data for wearable devices that are not based on authentication techniques, such as login/password or handshaking, are provided. A computing device receives a message. The message includes encrypted data and a cryptographic reference. The encrypted data includes physiological data of a wearer of the wearable device. The cryptographic reference includes a reference to a first cryptographic technique. The computing device determines the first cryptographic technique based on the reference to the first cryptographic technique. The computing device determines a cryptographic key. The computing device decrypts the encrypted data using the first cryptographic technique and the cryptographic key to obtain decrypted data. The computing device stores the decrypted data.
US09900284B2

A method and server for generating an IP address profile are provided. The method may include first gathering information about an IP address associated with an Internet user based at least in part on the Internet user's activity with respect to one or more Internet sites. The information may be stored in a database in association with the IP address, and a profile associated with the IP address may be generated based at least in part on the stored information. At some point, a request may be received for the profile from a web server in response to the Internet user requesting access to an Internet site associated with the web server. In response, the profile may be transmitted to the web server, such that the web server can dynamically alter one or more configurations of the Internet site based at least in part on the profile.
US09900283B2

A device implementing a dynamic local media access control (MAC) address assignment system may include at least one processor circuit. The at least one processor circuit may be configured to transmit an address request packet including a proposed MAC address and a device identifier to devices on a network. The at least one processor circuit may be further configured to determine whether any reply packets are received that indicate that another device has claimed the MAC address prior to expiration of a probe timer. The at least one processor circuit may be further configured to transmit an address claim packet including the MAC address when the probe timer expires before any reply packets are received from other devices. The at least one processor circuit may be further configured to communicate over the network using the proposed MAC address after transmitting the address claim packet.
US09900281B2

The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for responding to a query request from a requestor using information supplied by an authoritative name server. The computer-implemented method can include obtaining, by a DNS resolution server, a query for a named resource from a requestor, wherein the query comprises information comprising contextual information related to the requestor. The method can obtain at least a portion of a zone file of a domain name space using the domain name system (DNS), one or more rules, and information on how to access information that is not local to the DNS resolution server from the authoritative name server based on the query obtained from the requestor. An answer can then be provided to the query from requester based on the at least a portion of the zone file, the one or more rules, and the contextual information.
US09900277B2

A system and method for resolving topically relevant contacts for a user is provided. One example embodiment provides for a method including acts of presenting, within a web page, a communication list with content that is presented to various user based at least in part on the users being associated with another user and the topical content of the web page. Another example embodiment provides or a system that serves web pages including a communication list with content that is presented to various users based at least in part on the user to user and user to topic associations.
US09900268B2

A system, method and apparatus for multi-lane auto-negotiation over reduced-lane media. Auto-negotiation over an M-lane communication interface can be coordinated with the auto-negotiation over an N-lane communication interface, wherein M>N. A recursive-type auto-negotiation process would begin with the M-lane communication interface and be prevented from completing until the auto-negotiation process over the N-lane communication interface completes.
US09900263B2

Various embodiments relate to a method, device, and machine-readable storage medium including: exchanging messages between a virtual machine and the overlay network; identifying a request message transmitted by a virtual machine supported by the server as requesting an underlay resource that is inaccessible via the overlay network; sending a proxy request to the underlay resource via the underlay network; receiving, at the server, at least one message from the underlay resource in response to the proxy request; and forwarding the at least one message to the virtual machine based on determining that the virtual machine previously requested the underlay resource.
US09900259B2

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a data transmission method and a related apparatus, which are used to implement compression of data transmitted on a backhaul to increase throughput of the backhaul. The method in the embodiments of the present invention includes: parsing a received Internet Protocol (IP) data packet to obtain a transmission network protocol header, a transmission tunneling protocol header, a user data protocol header, and user application layer data; compressing the transmission tunneling protocol header, the user data protocol header, and the user application layer data to obtain a compressed transmission network protocol payload; using the transmission network protocol header to encapsulate the compressed transmission network protocol payload to obtain a compressed IP data packet; and sending the compressed IP data packet to a decoding device in a core network or in a base station.
US09900251B1

Minimum guaranteed wireless network bandwidth is provided to client network devices by monitoring the performance of network connections to identify client network devices experiencing network congestion. Congested network connections are then analyzed to determine the source of the network congestion. Depending upon the source of the network congestion, an embodiment of the invention may undertake steps to either improve the quality of the network connection or to mitigate the impact of this network connection on other network connections. High quality network connections may be allocated additional bandwidth, airtime, or other resources to reduce the network congestion. Low quality network connections are not allocated additional bandwidth, airtime, or other resources. Instead, the impact of this network connection on the other network connections is mitigated. Additionally, the low quality network connection may be transferred to another wireless networking device that may be able to provide a better quality network connection.
US09900248B2

A user station for a bus system implementing broadband CAN communication includes: a communication control device for creating or reading at least one message for/from at least one further user station of the bus system, in which exclusive, collision-free access of a user station to a bus of the bus system is ensured at least intermittently; and a data interleaving device for interleaving data packets of at least two messages into a single message, so that the data packets are situated in one data segment of the single message. The single message has a shared outer frame header for the data packets in front of the data segment and a shared outer frame end for the data packets after the data segment.
US09900241B2

Switches within a telecommunications network exchange so-called available bandwidth messages, each of which advertises how much bandwidth remains unassigned on a respective link. The network is of a type in which circuits are provisioned with various predefined numbers of time slots (equivalent to bandwidth). The sending of an available bandwidth message for a given link is triggered by a change in the number of time slots available on that link if that change results in a change in the number of circuit bandwidths that can be accommodated by that link for a newly provisioned circuit.
US09900238B2

An original packet flow mapping apparatus and method based on an overlay network. The original packet flow mapping apparatus may include a packet-in message receiver, a flow controller, an overlay tunnel controller, and an interface, whereby flows can be identified even in a physical network segment on which an overlay link is implemented and then the flow can be mapped to an original flow.
US09900236B2

A method of filtering outbound Internet traffic includes connecting an appliance to a network (that includes an end user terminal and a router), altering the flow of network traffic to direct the end user terminal to route outbound Internet traffic through the appliance, and filtering the outbound Internet traffic with the appliance. The outbound Internet traffic is traffic to remote servers from the end user terminal. The appliance may alter the flow of network traffic by issuing a gratuitous ARP packet from the appliance to direct the end user terminal to route the outbound Internet traffic through the appliance instead of the router. The appliance may receive the outbound Internet traffic to remote servers from the end user terminal, monitor the outbound Internet traffic, filter the outbound Internet traffic to form allowed packets for the remote servers, and/or forward the allowed packets to the remote servers.
US09900232B2

Aspects of the disclosure provide an apparatus and methods for dynamic user equipment capability reporting. A user equipment (UE) is configured to communicate with a network utilizing a plurality of communication protocols including a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol. The UE communicates with the network utilizing the first communication protocol with a maximum achievable throughput less than that of the second communication protocol, and the UE dynamically reports a capability of the UE to transfer data utilizing the second communication protocol in consideration of a power efficiency of transferring an amount of data utilizing the first communication protocol or the second communication protocol.
US09900226B2

A method for managing, with a base data processing system of a primary business entity, a remote data processing system of a secondary business entity via a communications network is provided. The method includes steps of the base data processing system receiving a report message on at least one technical parameter from the remote data processing system via the communications network and interpreting the report message to determine a state of interoperability between the base data processing system and the remote data processing system.
US09900225B2

Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for collecting and using quality of experience information. A server computer executing a quality of experience management service can receive a request for quality of experience display data. The server computer can obtain location data defining a geographic location of a user device and analyze quality of experience information defining a quality of experience of an application program associated with the user device. The server computer can generate the quality of experience display data based upon the quality of experience information, and provide the quality of experience display data to the user device.
US09900224B2

A system and method for implementing and management virtual networks is disclosed. A method includes receiving a network packet arriving at a first network interface of a first node of an underlying network, communicating at least the packet and an identifier of the first network interface to a decision engine, determining how the packet should be processed based on a simulation by the decision engine of a traversal of a virtual network topology including a plurality of virtual network devices, wherein the decision engine communicates with a shared database accessible from the underlying network that stores the virtual network topology and virtual device configurations for the plurality of virtual network devices; and processing the packet based upon the simulation.
US09900220B2

Methods and systems for reducing burst usage of a networked computer system are described herein. In an embodiment, resource requesters can request, within a time window, resources over a computer network before the resources are available. The resources can then be allocated in batch mode when the resources are available. Thus, resource requests do not have to be processed in real-time, and resource requests can be received before the resources are available.
US09900216B2

A method (211) for providing wireless devices (120; 122) in radio communication with the network node (110) with different network configurations based on different channel characteristics of the wireless devices. The method includes transmitting (213) a first subframe monitoring information message using a first signaling identifier for addressing one or more wireless devices (120 and/or 122) having a first control channel configuration and transmitting (215) a second subframe monitoring information message using a second signaling identifier for addressing one or more wireless devices (120 and/or 122) having a second control channel configuration. Related methods as well as network nodes (110) and wireless devices (120) that implement these methods are also provided.
US09900215B2

Techniques for automatically recommending a new data center, such as a point-of-presence (POP) center are provided. In one technique, multiple candidate locations for a new POP center are considered. An impact of adding a new POP to each candidate location is estimated and a score is generated. Each candidate location is ranked based on the score. In a related technique, an impact score for a candidate location is based on a prediction of whether and how much a new POP center at the candidate location would reduce response times of clients that would connect to the new POP center. The prediction may be based on a model that is generated based on response data generated by clients that are connecting to existing POP centers. The model may take into account multiple factors, such as geographic distance, network distance, type of browser executing on the clients, type of operating system, etc.
US09900213B2

An auto-deployment server may receive, from a TFTP server, a notification message carrying a temporary IP address and a name of a basic configuration file obtained by the device from a DHCP server. The auto-deployment server may obtain the basic configuration file corresponding to the name of the basic configuration file from basic configuration files stored in the auto-deployment serve, may obtain a MAC address of the device according to the basic configuration file and the temporary IP address, may obtain a baseline startup configuration file of the device according to the MAC address, may deploy the baseline startup configuration file to the device, and may trigger the device to execute the baseline startup configuration file.
US09900210B2

A method of establishing connectivity between a relay node and an OAM entity in a communications network, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a connection between the relay node and a user plane of the communications network; addressing communications to the OAM entity defined as residing in an OAM subnet via a gateway in the user plane; and routing the communications from the user plane to the OAM subnet.
US09900207B2

Disclosed are various embodiments for a network control application. Duplicate packets are simultaneously communicated across dedicated network communications paths. A receiving network access device detects a lagging network communications path. Packets received from the network communications path which is not lagging is communicated to a destination address while the duplicate is discarded.
US09900187B2

A wireless communication system is provided. The wireless communication system includes a first wireless communication device; and a second wireless communication device, the first wireless communication device including a time-division multiplexing unit for time-division multiplexing a first modulated signal and a second modulated signal, and a transmission unit for transmitting a time-division multiplexed signal, the second wireless communication device including a time-division demultiplexing unit for time-division demultiplexing the time-division multiplexed signal into a first demodulated signal and a second demodulated signal, a first adaptive filter for the first demodulated signal, a second adaptive filter for the second demodulated signal, an adaptive control unit for performing an adaptive control on the first adaptive filter and outputting an output of the adaptive control to the second adaptive filter, a first demodulation unit for demodulating an output of the first adaptive filter, a second demodulation unit for demodulating an output of the second adaptive filter.
US09900184B2

The present invention provides a method, device and storage medium for frequency offset estimate, and the method for frequency offset estimate comprises: performing initial channel estimate by receiving an Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) or a Preamble code transmitted by a User Equipment (UE) to obtain a first frequency offset estimate value of a current sub-frame of the UE (S101); determining a frequency offset range in which the first frequency offset estimate value is located, and obtaining an initial frequency offset value corresponding to the first frequency offset estimate value according to the preset correspondence between the range of the frequency offset and the initial frequency offset value (S102); determining a phase difference of adjacent pilot positions based on a received pilot sequence included in the current sub-frame, and obtaining a dual pilot frequency offset estimate value according to the phase difference within the range limited by the initial frequency offset value corresponding to the first frequency offset estimate value (S103); and acquiring a frequency offset estimate value of the current sub-frame according to the initial frequency offset value corresponding to the first frequency offset estimate value and the dual pilot frequency offset estimate value (S104).
US09900179B2

A communications network with a plurality of network devices is provided. The communications network has a plurality N of virtual networks, which are implemented in the communications network in such a manner that each of the network devices is coupled to the communications network via at least two virtual networks. The communications network also has a plurality of network segments. A subset of the network devices is assigned to each of the network segments, wherein each network device arranged at a peripheral region of a network segment has N limiting units, each of the N limiting units being assigned to a respective one of the N virtual networks and designed to limit a data reception of the respective virtual network to a threshold for the data transmission rate predetermined for the respective virtual network.
US09900177B2

Embodiments detailed herein may involve a first status update of a home automation device installed as part of a home automation system in a home being received. An entry of a plurality of entries in a master home automation model may be updated based on the first status update of the home automation device. The master home automation model may be maintained by the home automation host system. The plurality of entries may correspond to home automation device characteristics of the plurality of home automation devices. A numerical identifier used to track status updates related to the home automation system in the home may be incremented. Within the master home automation model, the incremented numerical identifier may be assigned to the updated entry in the master home automation model.
US09900176B2

Disclosed is a method of performing communication by a smart module in a home network system. The method includes: obtaining device level information of a device; identifying whether the device level information of the device indicates a device level which can provide only a mandatory function; when the device level information of the device indicates the performance which can provide only the mandatory function, transmitting a status request message making a request for status information of the device to the device; receiving a status response message including information indicating whether a status of the device has changed; and when the information indicates that the status of the device has changed, transmitting an event generation message to a host system.
US09900175B2

A display apparatus according to an exemplary aspect of the invention includes a display unit which displays information on a system, which includes a plurality of system resources and one or more than one networks connecting the system resources, on a screen of a display device, wherein the display unit displays system resource identifiers which identify the system resources respectively, and network identifiers which identify the networks respectively, and furthermore displays a state of connection between the system resource and the network at an area determined on the basis of the displayed system resource identifier and the displayed network identifier, on the screen.
US09900161B2

The present invention provides a method for certifying an Android client application by a local service program. In the method, a client application is signed to generate a certification information file; when the client application is run in an Android system, the certification information file is certified by a local service program, and the client application can normally use services provided by the local service program as long as the certification is successful. By the method provided by the present invention, a tampered client application is unable to acquire functions of a local service program, so that legitimate software is distinguished from malicious software, and the security of both the Android system and the network is ensured.
US09900156B2

In one embodiment, a method includes sending, to a user device, a token, wherein the token includes a token identifier and a signature based on a key and data regarding a cloud service provider, receiving, from the cloud service provider, a validation request for the user device, wherein the validation request includes the token identifier, and sending, to the cloud service provider in response to the first validation request, a validation response based on the key.
US09900153B2

A plaintext and cryptographic key are used to generate an initialization vector to be used in a cryptographic algorithm, such as an encryption algorithm. In some examples, the plaintext and cryptographic key are input into an effectively one-way function, such as a cryptographic hash function, the output of which is usable as an initialization vector. Cryptographic keys may be rotated probabilistically based at least in part on probabilities of output collisions of the effectively one-way function to ensure a low probability of two different plaintexts resulting in calculation of the same initialization vector for use with the same cryptographic key.
US09900151B2

A method for processing content stored on a component is disclosed. A first partition of a first memory is encrypted with a first encryption key and a second partition of the first memory is encrypted with a second encryption key. The second encryption key is different from the first encryption key. The first encryption key is stored in a storage register of the component and the second encryption key is stored in a first location of a non-volatile memory. A memory address of the first location is stored in the first partition of the first memory.
US09900150B2

A distributed storage network contains a user device that has a computing core, a DSN interface and either an integrated or an externally-connected camera or sensor. The camera or sensor collects data from its surrounding environment and processes the data at least partially through error coding dispersal storage functions that include slicing the data into a plurality of error-coded data slices. The error-coded data slices are output by the user device for one or more of storage within a dispersed storage network (DSN) memory, playing on a destination player, or broadcast consumption over a network. A storage integrity unit manages the storage capacity, use, and/or throughput of the system to ensure that data is processing in a real time or near real time so that data can be accurately processed and perceived by targeted end users.
US09900133B2

A method in a communication device for controlling beam-forming (BF) tracking is disclosed. The method comprises switching the communication device from a coarse BF tracking state to a non-BF tracking state when a first timer expires. The communication device transmits pilot signals for BF tracking, feedback information for BF tracking or both the pilot signals and the feedback information more frequently in the coarse BF tracking state than in the non-BF tracking state. Additionally or alternatively, the method comprises switching the communication device from a fine BF tracking state to a coarse BF tracking state or a non-BF tracking state when a second timer expires. The communication device transmits pilot signals for BF tracking, feedback information for BF tracking or both the pilot signals and the feedback information more frequently in the fine BF tracking state than in the coarse BF tracking state.
US09900122B2

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a transmission device that includes at least one transceiver configured to modulate data to generate a plurality of first electromagnetic waves. A plurality of couplers are configured to couple at least a portion of the plurality of first electromagnetic waves to a transmission medium, wherein the plurality of couplers generate a plurality of mode division multiplexed second electromagnetic waves that propagate along the outer surface of the transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09900119B2

Remote actuation of machines or machine systems is realized by a system for coupling a radiobeacon to a smart device and in turn to a broader network. The smart device is configured as a proximity-actuated “community nodal device” by an application that operates as part of the system. The community nodal device is given instructions to function as a “soft switch”: to automatically “upswitch”, amplify, and broadcast low energy, local area radiobeacon “messages” to a cloud-based server, where the message is interpreted according to rules or policies established by an operator, and a command is transmitted for execution to a remote device. Conventional smart devices generally discard data not addressed to the owner of the smart device. Instead of discarding third party messages, the system preempts their handling, and using a soft switch formed from background resources, anonymously, without access to the message by a user interface of the proxy device, and without waiting for a network query from the host, engineers an “upswitched transmission” of radiobeacon-generated data to a cloud host. Advantageously, confidential sharing of ad hoc community resources results in a negligible load on background resources of the community nodal device. Messages may include a sensor data payload. Bit overloading enables a sensor data payload to be compressed into a few hundred bytes or less.
US09900114B2

A monitoring system 22 for a distributed antenna system (DAS) 10 is provided. The DAS comprises central transmitter 12 which is connected by a signal transmission network 14 to a plurality of distributed antenna devices (DAD) 16.1 to 16.n. The network comprises physical branches. Each of the DAD's is connected to a respective sub-branch 14.11 and comprises at least one antenna 18. The antenna is associated with a frequency band having a center frequency fc and an associated wavelength Ac. The monitoring system comprises a central monitoring unit (CMU) 24 which is coupled to the network 14. A monitoring device 28.1 is associated with at least one of the DAD's and permanently mounted a distance d<2λc away from the antenna of the DAD. The monitoring device comprises a controller 30, a transceiver 32 and an antenna 34. The controller being configured, upon being polled by the CMU 24 with a monitoring signal via the network and the distributed antenna device, to cause the transceiver 32 to respond by transmitting a response signal to the CMU 24 via the distributed antenna device 16.1 and the network 14.
US09900109B2

A method of communicating with an ingestible capsule includes detecting the location of the ingestible capsule, focusing a multi-sensor acoustic array on the ingestible capsule, and communicating an acoustic information exchange with the ingestible capsule via the multi-sensor acoustic array. The ingestible capsule includes a sensor that receives a stimulus inside the gastrointestinal tract of an animal, a bidirectional acoustic information communications module that transmits an acoustic information signal containing information from the sensor, and an acoustically transmissive encapsulation that substantially encloses the sensor and communications module, wherein the acoustically transmissive encapsulation is of ingestible size. The multi-sensor array includes a plurality of acoustic transducers that receive an acoustic signal from a movable device, and a plurality of delays, wherein each delay is coupled to a corresponding acoustic transducer. Each delay may be adjusted according to a phase of a signal received by the corresponding acoustic transducer.
US09900107B1

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a coherent receiver, including: a frequency offset estimation unit and a frequency offset compensation unit, where the frequency offset estimation unit is configured to receive signal light and local oscillator light, where the signal light is received by a first photoelectric detector, and a first intensity value is obtained, the signal light is received by a second photoelectric detector, and a second intensity value is obtained, the local oscillator light is received by a third photoelectric detector, and a third intensity value is obtained, and the local oscillator light is received by a fourth photoelectric detector, and a fourth intensity value is obtained; and the frequency offset compensation unit is configured to obtain a frequency offset value between the signal light and the local oscillator light according to a difference between a first ratio and a second ratio.
US09900105B1

A system and method involving a coded modulation scheme using an M-APSK format with a circular constellation. A maximum achievable spectral efficiency for the transmitters may be selected and a spectral efficiency step-size of the maximum achievable spectral efficiency may be specified. The spectral efficiency for any transmitter in the system may be individually selected by reducing its spectral efficiency from the maximum achievable spectral efficiencies by a selected number of steps corresponding to the step size.
US09900097B2

Optical fiber-based wireless systems and related components and methods are disclosed. The systems support radio frequency (RF) communications with clients over optical fiber, including Radio-over-Fiber (RoF) communications. The systems may be provided as part of an indoor distributed antenna system to provide wireless communication services to clients inside a building or other facility. The communications can be distributed between a head end unit (HEU) that receives carrier signals from one or more service or carrier providers and converts the signals to RoF signals for distribution over optical fibers to end points, which may be remote antenna units (RAUs). In one embodiment, calibration of communication downlinks and communication uplinks is performed to compensate for signal strength losses in the system.
US09900096B2

An electro-optical circuit, includes in part, a modulator, a signal splitter, N signal paths each having one or more signal processing components, N photo-diodes and a signal combiner. The modulator modulates an optical signal using an electrical input signal. The splitter splits the modulated optical signal into N optical signals each delivered to a different one of the N paths for processing by the associated signal processing component(s). Each photo-diode converts an optical signal it receives from its associated optical signal processing component(s) to a current signal. The signal combiner combines the N current signals it receives from the N photo-diodes to generate an output current signal. The signal processing component(s) may be a variable optical delay component, a variable optical gain/attenuation component, or both thus enabling the output current signal to represent a filtered version of the electrical input signal.
US09900084B2

Provided are a communication method and a wireless device in a time division duplex (TDD)-based wireless communication system. A wireless device receives a setting for a first special (S) subframe of a first cell to which a first timing advance (TA) is applied and a setting for a second S subframe of a second cell to which a second TA is applied. When a downlink (DL) reception and an uplink (UL) transmission are duplicated, the wireless device varies at least one of the settings among the first S subframe and second S subframe.
US09900077B2

A method, an apparatus and a communication unit for generating precoding feedback information in a multiple frequency radio transmission system are disclosed. A rank for precoding matrices, wherein the rank is constant over the multiple frequencies, is selected and a plurality of precoding matrices having the selected rank are selected. A different precoding matrix is selected for each frequency subset of the multiple frequencies.
US09900074B2

Channel state information (CSI) request procedures are disclosed for use in long term evolution (LTE)/LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) networks with unlicensed spectrum. Instead of relying on periodic reference signals which may not be transmitted because of failed clear channel assessment (CCA) operations, an aperiodic reference signal is defined that provides an on-demand reference signal and CSI request for user equipment (UE). The serving base station transmits an identifier, which signals that the aperiodic reference signal will be transmitted, either in the same subframe or a future subframe, and then transmits the aperiodic reference signal in the designated subframe. UEs served by the base station will receive the identifier, identify a CSI request, either implicitly through the identifier signal received from the base station or explicitly through a UE-specific CSI request, and then generate a CSI report based on the aperiodic reference signal for transmission back to the serving base station.
US09900067B2

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data. A data transmission method from a sender terminal to a receiver terminal in a MIMO system using a variable frequency band according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: repeatedly generating a signal field depending on a frequency band that is applied to the transmission of a data frame; generating a data field including the data; generating a data frame including the signal field and the data field; and transmitting the data frame to the receiver terminal. The present invention is advantageous in that a signal field which is transmitted together with the data being transmitted from the sender terminal to the receiver terminal in the MIMO system can be sent more efficiently.
US09900059B2

A method for a communication device includes determining whether a first radio frequency (RF) signal at a level of at least a first predetermined field threshold is detected. The method also includes generating a second RF signal at a level of at least a second predetermined field threshold greater than the first predetermined field threshold, when the communication device receives an instruction to generate the second RF signal and the determining determines that the first RF signal at the level of at least the first predetermined field threshold is not detected. The method further includes receiving a load modulated RF signal in response to the second RF signal.
US09900052B2

A communication device includes a first processing unit that sends a first command to start an activation processing. The communication device also includes a second processing unit that receives the first command from the first processing unit. In addition, the communication device includes an interface between the first processing unit and the second processing unit. The first processing unit activates the interface at a predetermined interface level from among a plurality of interface levels. The second processing unit starts an application in accordance with the activated interface level. The first processing unit and the second processing unit exchange data by the activated application. The first processing unit and the second processing unit perform a deactivation processing of the activated interface.
US09900049B2

In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, there are provided methods, systems, mechanisms, techniques, and apparatuses for managing mixed deployments of vectored and non-vectored VDSL. For example, in one embodiment, there are included means for establishing an operational interface to a communications system, in which the communications system includes a plurality of copper telephone lines organized into at feast a vectored group having a first subset of the plurality of copper telephone lines and a second group having a remaining one or more of the copper telephone Hoes which are not part of the vectored group; means for estimating one or more achievable performance targets such as achievable bit rates for each of the vectored group and the second group; means for selecting an operating point for each of the vectored group and the second group based on the estimated achievable performance targets; means for assigning configurable values to approximate the operating point selected for each of the vectored group and the second group; and means for configuring the communications system via the operational interface to adopt the assigned configurable values. Other related embodiments are further disclosed.
US09900031B2

A method for carrying data on a live host signal, comprising the steps of: varying timing in a host signal in response to data to be encoded, wherein variations in timing are smaller than a sampling period for detection and capture of the digital signal receiving the live host signal; sensing pulse timing variations in the received live host signal by comparison to a reference signal; and determining information in the sensed timing variations.
US09900027B1

A method, non-transitory computer readable medium and circuit for detecting and correcting errors in a communication channel are disclosed. The circuit includes error monitoring logic for monitoring the communication channel in real time for a performance metric, a fixed-operating point encoder/decoder coupled to the error monitoring logic for generating a bit stream containing redundant data used for the detecting and correcting, a reconfigurable controller coupled to the fixed-operating point encoder/decoder, wherein a configuration of the reconfigurable controller determines an amount of the redundant data contained in the bit stream, and a data structure implemented in a logic fabric of the circuit and coupled to the error monitoring logic, for generating the configuration of the reconfigurable controller responsive to a value of the performance metric controller.
US09900025B2

An efficient adaptive seismic data flow lossless compression and decompression method, which aims at solving the problem that data occupies the storage space and affects the transmission efficiency and is used for efficiently compressing geophysical instrument data, particularly seismic data after 24-bit analog-to-digital conversion. In the method, a data flow is compressed in a lossless mode in real time, and sampling data is adaptively compressed into 1 byte or 2 bytes or 3 bytes from original 24 bits and 3 bytes in a coding manner. Besides the foregoing data ranges, other integers that can be expressed by other 24-bit integer data with symbols are required to be expressed by 4 bytes after being operated through a compression algorithm. The method has the advantages of saving a large amount of storage space and remarkably increasing the data transmission efficiency.
US09900024B2

A method and an apparatus are described for coding information, the method comprising obtaining a list of integers to be encoded; determining a hyper-pyramid having a dimension adapted to encode the list of integers, the hyper-pyramid having a plurality of vertices whose number is determined by the degree of the hyper-pyramid, which is equal to the sum of the integers of the list of integers and by the dimension of the hyper-pyramid which is equal to the number of integers of the list of integers minus one; indexing the list of integers in the hyper-pyramid using an indexing system; and providing an indication of the indexing of the list of integers in the hyper-pyramid.
US09900002B2

Methods, systems, circuits, and devices for power-packet-switching power converters using bidirectional bipolar transistors (B-TRANs) for switching. Four-terminal three-layer B-TRANs provide substantially identical operation in either direction with forward voltages of less than a diode drop. B-TRANs are fully symmetric merged double-base bidirectional bipolar opposite-faced devices which operate under conditions of high non-equilibrium carrier concentration, and which can have surprising synergies when used as bidirectional switches for power-packet-switching power converters. B-TRANs are driven into a state of high carrier concentration, making the on-state voltage drop very low.
US09899994B2

Interpolator systems are described utilizing one or more push-pull buffers to generate output clock signals that may be provided as inputs to a phase interpolator. The more linear slope on the output of the push-pull buffer may improve the linearity of a phase interpolator using the clock signals output from the push-pull buffers.
US09899992B1

A circuit adapts to the occurrence of metastable states. The circuit inhibits passing of the metastable state to circuits that follow, by clock gating the output stage. In order to determine whether or not to gate the clock of the output stage, two detect circuits may be used. One circuit detects metastability and another circuit detects metastability resolved to a wrong logic level. The results from one or both detector circuits are used to gate the next clock cycle if needed, waiting for the metastable situation to be resolved.
US09899987B2

An active type temperature compensation resonator structure is provided, including a resonant body and a temperature compensation element embedded in the resonant body for a compensation current to pass therethrough. The temperature compensation element has a specified temperature coefficient of resistance that reflects the temperature of the resonant body. The magnitude of the compensated current corresponds to the reflected temperature of the resonant body. With the active type temperature compensation resonator structure, the temperature of the resonant body can be accurately reacted by the specified temperature coefficient of resistance, such that the temperature compensation element, through which the compensated current passes, can dynamically correspond to the temperature of the resonant body and accurately provide the resonant body with temperature compensation.
US09899985B2

A common mode filter includes a first filter and a second filter formed by a magnetic coupling between primary coils and secondary coils, respectively, and connected in series. In the common mode filter, a resonance frequency f1 of the first filter and a resonance frequency f2 of the second filter are different from each other.
US09899974B2

A main amplifier generates an output signal SOUT according to a difference between first and second voltages VP and VN. A first gm amplifier is arranged as a differential input stage. A second, fully differential, gm amplifier amplifies a voltage difference between its non-inverting and inverting input terminals, and outputs a differential current signal I3N/I3P via its inverting and non-inverting output terminals. An integrator integrates a differential input current I4P/I4N input via its non-inverting and inverting input terminals, and samples and holds the signal every predetermined period, to generate a differential voltage signal. A first selector is arranged as an upstream stage of the second gm amplifier, and outputs the differential input signal without change or otherwise after swapping. A second selector is arranged as a downstream stage of the second gm amplifier, and outputs the signal I3N/I3P output from the second gm amplifier without change or otherwise after swapping.
US09899940B2

A method for controlling a first motor and a second motor to synchronize respective positions of the first motor and the second motor may comprise comparing the positions to determine a position difference, incrementally increasing a speed of one of the first motor and the second motor and incrementally decreasing a speed of the other of the first motor and the second motor according to the position difference, and repeating the incrementally increasing and incrementally decreasing until the respective positions are synchronized. Additionally, motor current limiting may be applied by reducing the target speed of the motor(s) with high applied torque(s), which may result in a position difference between the two motors subject to synchronization/correction. If current limiting is applied to one or both of the motors, speed synchronization may be applied in addition to position-based synchronization.
US09899934B2

The present invention relates to the technical field of radio frequency identification, in particular to a rectifier and limiter circuit having a plurality of time constants and a passive radio frequency tag containing this rectifier and limiter circuit. By applying analog control signals with different time constants to control terminals of two discharge paths of the rectifier and limiter circuit, respectively, i.e., adjusting the voltage amplitude at different switching speeds, switching the two discharge paths from a completely open state to a completely closed state is realized. Discharging is performed properly according to the amount of charge at antenna terminals and the level of energy of the tag, thus to improve the demodulation capacity of the tag and increase the read-write distance of the tag.
US09899928B2

A power conversion apparatus includes a power conversion circuit, a choke coil, an auxiliary coil, and a rectifier element. The choke coil is disposed between the power conversion circuit and an input side direct current power source. The auxiliary coil is magnetically coupled to the choke coil and is connected in parallel with an output side circuit. The auxiliary coil is wound in a direction so that an excitation current flows from a negative electrode to a positive electrode of the output side circuit when an excitation current flows from a positive electrode to a negative electrode of the direct current power source through the choke coil. The rectifier element is series connection with the auxiliary coil, and cuts off power supply from the direct current power source to the output side circuit through the auxiliary coil and power supply from the output side circuit to the input side.
US09899925B2

In one general aspect, a system can include an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter, an alternating current (AC) rectifier bridge operatively coupled to the electromagnetic filter, the AC rectifier bridge providing a first voltage, a first power stage including a step-down transformer, the first power stage configured to receive the first voltage and output a second voltage, a second power stage configured to receive the second voltage and configured to convert the second voltage to a third voltage, and a power delivery adapter controller configured to receive at least one input indicative of a requested voltage value and configured to provide at least one output for use by the second power stage, the second power stage configured to determine a value for the third voltage based on the at least one output.
US09899918B2

In a DC/DC converter, a driving method thereof, and a power supply using the same, the DC/DC converter includes a plurality of power switches connected as a serial string between an input terminal and a ground terminal, a first capacitor connected to at least two power switches of the serial string in parallel, an inductor connected between an intermediate node of the serial string and an output terminal, a second capacitor connected between the output terminal and the ground terminal, and a plurality of drivers configured to generate a switching control signal for each of the plurality of power switches. A voltage having no correlation with a voltage of the input terminal is supplied to a power terminal of each of the plurality of drivers.
US09899913B2

A dual-mode switching D.C.-to-D.C. converter includes a power conversion unit and a switch driver. The power conversion unit generates a D.C. output voltage based on a switch driving signal and a D.C. input voltage. The switch driver performs frequency compensation on the D.C. output voltage to generate a feedback voltage, and compares the feedback voltage with a comparison input signal to generate a pulse-width-modulated signal. The switch driver compares the D.C. output voltage with a first reference voltage to generate a comparison output signal. The switch driver generates the switch driving signal based on the pulse-width-modulated signal in a normal operation mode, and generates the switch driving signal based on the comparison output signal in an abnormal operation mode. The normal operation mode and the abnormal operation mode are based on a load current flowing through a load connected to the switching D.C.-to-D.C. converter.
US09899911B2

A power source circuit includes first and second input terminals; first, second, and third inductors; first and second switching devices; first and second capacitors; and first and second output terminals. A first end of the second inductor is connected to a path that connects the first input terminal and the first node, a second end of the second capacitor is connected to a path that connects the second input terminal and the second node, and the first inductor and the second inductor are magnetically coupled with each other. A first end of the third inductor and a second end of the second inductor are connected to each other. A second end of the third inductor and a first end of the second capacitor are connected to each other.
US09899909B2

Disclosed are a totem-pole bridgeless power factor correction (PFC) soft switch control device and method, wherein, the device includes a totem pole bridgeless PFC circuit, and the totem pole bridgeless PFC circuit includes at least two bridge arms connected in parallel between a first connecting point and a second connecting point: the first bridge arm includes two switches or diodes connected in serial in a same direction, the second bridge arm includes two switches that are connected in serial in the same direction, the totem pole bridgeless PFC circuit includes at least one PFC inductor, and further a filter capacitor and a load connected in parallel between the first connecting point and the second connecting point.
US09899906B2

A surge current compensating circuit has a compensating current generation unit, a bias unit, and a switch unit, for compensating a surge current drawn from a supply power after an output signal of a specific circuit transits. The compensating current generation unit is electrically coupled to the output stage of the specific circuit. The bias unit is electrically coupled to the compensating current generation unit through the switch unit. Before the output signal transits, the switch unit is disabled and the compensating current generation unit is enabled, so as to draw the compensating current from the supply power. After the output signal transits, the switch unit is enabled and the compensating current generation unit is disabled, such that the compensating current is not drawn from the supply power.
US09899897B2

A permanent magnet buried type electric motor includes a rotator having a rotator core and a stator. The rotator core includes: a plurality of magnet accommodating holes formed as many as the number of poles; a plurality of permanent magnets; air holes through which a coolant and a refrigerant oil pass; and a fastening hole. The magnet accommodating hole is formed into a shape that projects toward a radially inner side and is recessed toward a radially outer side. The air hole portions and the fastening holes are arranged so as to be alternately positioned. The air hole portion is formed into such a shape that includes a portion extending in an arc shape along an outer peripheral surface of a rotary shaft in a circumferential direction of the rotator core so that an area of the air hole portion is larger than an area of the fastening hole.
US09899889B2

A motor structure includes: a frame accommodating a stator and a rotor therein; an output-side bracket; an output-side bearing; a housing portion for supporting the output-side bearing, the housing portion being formed integrally with an output-side end of the frame and serving as a first fitting protrusion to be fitted into the output-side bracket; a flange portion formed integrally with an anti-output-side end of the frame and having an opening; an anti-output-side bearing; an anti-output-side bracket for accommodating the anti-output-side bearing therein; and a protrusion formed integrally with the anti-output-side bracket to be fitted into the opening of the flange portion.
US09899888B2

A coil structure for a rotary electric machine includes phase coils for magnetic flux generation. Each of the phase coils includes a plurality of first element conductors, a plurality of second element conductors, a plurality of first crossover portions, and a plurality of second crossover portions. The plurality of second element conductors are provided in a plurality of second slots among slots. The second slots are provided in a circumferential direction of a stator at a pitch of a first predetermined interval. The second slots are shifted in phase by a second predetermined interval with respect to first slots in the circumferential direction of the stator. The first predetermined interval is set to be an interval equivalent to N times a unit pitch. The second predetermined interval is set to be an interval smaller than the first predetermined interval.
US09899877B2

An inductive power transfer system comprises a transmitter circuit comprising a transmitter coil and a receiver circuit comprising a receiver coil spaced from the transmitter coil. The transmitter circuit is in the form of a Class E amplifier with a first inductor and a transistor in series between the terminals of a power supply. A first transmitter capacitance is in parallel with the transistor between the first inductor and a power supply terminal, a primary tank circuit in parallel with the first transmitter capacitance, the primary tank circuit comprising the transmitter coil and a second transmitter capacitance arranged in parallel with the transmitter coil, and a third transmitter capacitance in series with the first inductor between the first transmitter capacitance and the primary tank circuit. The second transmitter capacitance is selected such that a resonant frequency of the primary tank circuit is not equal to the first frequency.
US09899874B2

A power supply device for a wireless power transmitting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a power supply unit to supply DC power, an AC power generating unit to generate AC power by using the DC power, and a harmonic component reduction unit to reduce a magnitude of power for a harmonic frequency component in the generated AC power.
US09899865B2

An apparatus and a method for protecting a wireless power receiver from excessive temperature caused by charging are provided. The apparatus includes a power receiver configured to receive wireless power in an alternate current (AC) form from a wireless power transmitter; a temperature measurement unit configured to measure a temperature of a point in the wireless power receiver during reception of the wireless power; and a controller configured to decrease a charging power corresponding to the wireless power, if a temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit exceeds a preset temperature, and to provide the charging power to a battery, if the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit is lower than the preset temperature.
US09899862B2

The invention relates to testing charging capability a power interface of a device, for example, a USB port (12). A method for testing charging capability comprises receiving voltage at a power supply interface of a wireless charging transmitter (10), providing a load (11) between the power supply interface and ground for a duration by a power supply testing circuit of the wireless charging transmitter (10) comprising a charging area (24), measuring a power supply voltage between the power supply interface and the ground over the load (11), and determining a charging capability of the power supply interface on the basis of the measured power supply voltage. The invention further relates to an apparatus and a computer program product.
US09899860B2

A charging method, a charging apparatus, a charger, a chargeable device and a charging system are provided. The charging method includes: acquiring a first current value of a control current from a chargeable device; acquiring a first voltage value corresponding to the acquired first current value of the control current based on a preset relation, wherein the preset relation represents correlations between current values and voltage values; and adjusting a voltage value of an output voltage of a charger to the acquired first voltage value corresponding to the first current value of the control current. Accordingly, capability of the charger can be fully used, and fast charging can be achieved.
US09899850B2

Described herein is a system which provides a portable and rechargeable device to charge portable devices. The system includes an entertainment hub or similar structure in a vehicle and a portable and rechargeable device which connects with the entertainment hub to charge batteries in the portable and rechargeable device. The entertainment hub is connected to the vehicle power system and has a connection port for holding and powering the portable and rechargeable device. The connection port and the portable and rechargeable device have mated connectors. An ejection button disengages the portable and rechargeable device from the entertainment hub. The portable and rechargeable device has a connector for connecting to and charging a portable device.
US09899843B2

A system comprises a first energy system, a range extender, and a controller. The range extender has a second energy system, first and second converters, and a by-pass. The first converter is selectably coupled between the first energy system and an electric load, the second converter is selectably coupled between the second energy system and at least one of an output side of the first converter and an input side of the electric load, and the by-pass is selectably coupled between the first energy system and at least one of the output side of the first converter, an output side of the second converter and the input side of the electric load.
US09899842B2

In a control method performed in shifting a plurality of different types of power generators to parallel operation, at least one of output voltage and a voltage drooping characteristic of at least one of the plurality of power generators is changed. In the case where the plurality of different types of power generators are a plurality of synchronous power generators having different voltage drooping characteristics, the voltage drooping characteristic of one power generator having a smaller voltage drooping characteristic among the plurality of power generators to be operated in parallel is changed so as to coincide with the voltage drooping characteristic of the other power generator. At the time of changing the voltage drooping characteristic, the other power generator is controlled so that the output voltage thereof is maintained at a value before start of the parallel operation.
US09899840B2

The invention concerns a photovoltaic plant intended to be linked to a single-phase or multiphase electrical network of which at least one effective voltage of a phase is greater than or equal to 3 kV. The photovoltaic plant comprises at least one first field of photovoltaic modules linked to a first inverter and a second field of photovoltaic modules linked to a second inverter, the first and second inverters being connected in series, the first inverter being linked to the electrical network, each photovoltaic module of the first field of photovoltaic modules having a breakdown voltage greater than or equal to 20 kV. There is no galvanic isolation between the network and the first and second fields of photovoltaic modules.
US09899837B2

A method (100) for electricity demand shaping through load shedding and shifting in an electrical smart grid.
US09899834B1

A power control module comprising low voltage (LV) port for receiving low supply voltage via LV supply line, high voltage (HV) input port for receiving high supply voltage via HV supply line, wherein high supply voltage is higher than low supply voltage, LV output port for providing low output voltage, HV output port for providing high output voltage, LV node coupled to LV input port, HV node coupled to HV input port, bypass circuit coupled between LV and HV nodes, LV protection circuit coupled between LV node and LV output port, and control circuitry configured to detect power fault on either LV or HV supply line, isolate the LV and HV nodes from LV and HV supply lines, provide backup voltage to LV node, and cause LV protection circuit to regulate backup voltage at LV node to maintain low output voltage at LV output port to within predetermined operating range.
US09899827B2

A safety power socket device includes a housing having a depositing space, a power plug, a temperature sensor module, a power supply module, a transformer rectifier, a charging battery, an illumination module, and a power failure switch module. In addition of having power supply and power expansion, the safety power socket device may compare its temperature and an overhead threshold with its embedded temperature sensor module to prevent from high temperature lasting and damage resulting from electric fire by cutting off power supplying. Moreover, home safety protection is also improved by an embedded illumination module of the safety power socket device.
US09899826B2

The object of the invention is a device for detecting an overcurrent, having a current meter, a first counter, and a switch, wherein the current meter measures a current through the device, with the switch being capable of interrupting a current flow through the device, wherein, if the current meter measures a current that exceeds a first current threshold, the first counter is changed by a first increment in a first direction, wherein, if the current meter measures a current that exceeds a second current threshold, the first counter is changed by a second increment in the first direction, with the second current threshold being quantitatively greater than the first current threshold, and with the second increment being quantitatively greater than the first increment, wherein, after a change in the counter, the first counter is compared with a first counter threshold, and if the counter threshold has been reached or exceeded, the switch is actuated continuously such that the current flow is interrupted, and otherwise the switch is actuated for a predetermined time such that the current flow is interrupted.
US09899812B2

A cable manager includes one or more cable manager units. Each cable manager unit includes a pair of side cable guides, each comprised of a plurality of finger-like projections extending forwardly from a support column. At least one of the pair of support columns has a socket arranged at a side thereof. Each cable manager unit further includes a separate midsection member capable of insertion into the socket for interconnecting the pair of side cable guides.
US09899811B2

Cable pullers are provided. A cable puller includes a frame, the frame including a plurality of frame members, and a pulling assembly supported by the frame, the pulling assembly including a motor and a capstan. The cable puller further includes a boom assembly extending from the pulling assembly. The pulling assembly is rotatable relative to the frame about a vertical axis.
US09899810B2

A switchgear enclosure includes a first circuit breaker compartment having an opening therein defining a first air outlet. A second circuit breaker compartment is adjacent to and vertically below the first circuit breaker compartment. A first door is associated with the first circuit breaker compartment and a second door is associated with the second circuit breaker compartment, with each door having an opening therein defining a door air inlet. A main bus compartment is adjacent to at least the second circuit breaker compartment and has an opening therein defining a second air outlet. An air passage fluidly connects the second circuit breaker compartment with the main bus compartment so that air entering through the door air inlet of the second door can flow into the main bus compartment via the air passage and flow out of the second air outlet.
US09899808B2

A window assembly is for an enclosure. The enclosure has a plurality of walls. The window assembly includes a cover member structured to be coupled to each of the plurality of walls in order to form an enclosed region; a window member coupled to the cover member; a frame member coupled to the cover member; and a number of stud members each secured to the frame member and extending through the cover member. The cover member is located between the frame member and the window member.
US09899807B2

A switching device having a housing and a contact carrier which is pivotable about a rotational axis, the rotational axis being in particular fixed to the device or the housing, the contact carrier comprising at least one coupling contact for producing or opening a power- and/or signal-carrying contact connection with at least one attached switching device.
US09899805B2

Provided is a method for manufacturing a spark plug, wherein at least one of a center electrode and the ground electrode includes an electrode base material and a columnar noble metal tip welded to the electrode base material. The method includes a laser welding step of applying a pulse oscillation laser to form a plurality of unit fusion portions on a peripheral area of a boundary between the electrode base material and the noble metal tip and welding the electrode base material and the noble metal tip. One unit fusion portion is formed by one-time laser irradiation. In the laser welding step, an irradiation axis of the laser is displaced from a central axis of the noble metal tip in a radial direction of the noble metal tip. When a diameter of the noble metal tip is denoted as a diameter A and an amount of displacement of the irradiation axis of the laser is denoted as X, A/20≦|X|≦A/4 is satisfied.
US09899804B2

A semiconductor apparatus is provided, including a power semiconductor element, a cutoff condition detection portion which detects whether a predetermined cutoff condition is met, a reset portion which outputs a reset signal that instructs to reset during a predetermined period in response to an input of the control signal turning the power semiconductor element on, a latch portion which is reset in response to the reset signal and latches that an occurrence of the cutoff condition is detected after the reset, a cutoff circuit which controls the gate of the power semiconductor element to be at an OFF potential in response to the latching of the occurrence of the cutoff condition by the latch portion, and a prevention circuit which prevents the gate of the power semiconductor element from being at an ON potential during a period of reset of the latch portion even if the cutoff condition is met.
US09899790B2

A laser apparatus able to prevent the formation of condensation at the time of maintenance work. The laser apparatus includes a housing having an openable sealed structure, an optical system set inside the housing, a temperature regulation mechanism maintaining the optical system at a predetermined temperature, and a preparatory step controller controlling a preparatory step performed before opening the housing. The temperature regulation mechanism is configured to maintain the optical system at a first temperature during operation of the laser apparatus and to maintain the optical system at a second temperature of the first temperature or more when the preparatory step is started.
US09899783B1

An electronic device includes a first electronic component and a second electronic component. The first electronic component includes a control unit and a first connector. A first pin group of the first connector includes an even number of first detect pins. Two of the first detect pins are respectively located at the two ends of the first connector. The second electronic component includes a second connector that matches with the first connector. A second pin group of the second connector includes an even number of second detect pins. When the first connector is electrically connected to the second connector, each of the first detect pins is electrically connected to each of the second detect pins to form a conductive path. All of the first detection pins and the second detection pins connected with one another in series form the conductive path. And a first end of the conductive path is coupled to ground via one of the first detect pins. A second end of the conductive path is coupled to the control unit via another one of the first detect pins.
US09899778B2

Distal connector assemblies that are on the distal end of medical lead extensions provide increased rigidity by including a rigid holder that contains the electrical connectors. The electrical connectors are separated within the rigid holder by insulative spacers that may be individual items or may be formed from a compliant carrier that the electrical connectors may reside within where the carrier is positioned within the rigid holder. The rigid holder may also contain a set screw block defining set screw bore or the rigid holder may include an integral portion that defines a set screw bore. The integral portion may include a slot to allow a molding pin loaded with the electrical connectors and other components to be dropped into a cavity of the rigid holder. An overmold may be present to surround the rigid body containing the electrical connectors and insulative spacers.
US09899768B2

An operating member (11) includes a plate-like arm (37) configured to cover an outer surface of a housing (10) and is displaceable to an initial position and a connection position. A resilient piece (48) is provided on an outer edge of the arm (37) and projects along a plate surface of the arm (37). The resilient piece (48) restricts a displacement of the operating member (11) from the initial position to the connection position by resiliently locking a lock receiving portion (32) while being unlocked from the lock receiving portion (32) by being pressed by an unlocking portion (15) of a mating housing (12) and allowing displacement of the operating member (11) to the connection position. The resilient piece (48) is shaped to be delectable and deformable in a direction along the plate surface of the arm portion (37) when being pressed by the unlocking portion (15).
US09899767B1

A power connector receptacle includes a housing assembly and a clockable contact assembly. The housing assembly includes a first housing including a hollow, elongated body. The first housing body is structured to be coupled to the number of first electrical couplings disposed in a variable standard pattern. The clockable contact assembly is structured to be disposed substantially within the housing assembly first housing body and coupled thereto in one of a plurality of possible orientations.
US09899760B2

An electrical connector including: a terminal body; an insulator accommodated within a receptacle of the terminal body, the insulator having at least one cavity adapted for holding a terminal connected to a wire of a cable; a metal ferrule accommodated within the receptacle of the terminal body; wherein the metal ferrule has a crimp portion adapted to be crimped onto the cable; wherein the metal ferrule is form-fittingly connected to the terminal body; and wherein the metal ferrule has a sleeve like holding portion centering the ferrule within the receptacle.
US09899759B2

A power connector for electrically connecting with a complementary connector includes an insulating housing defining a number of channels and a number of pairs of power contacts received in corresponding channels. Each pair of power contacts has a pair of oppositely arranged two power contacts. Each power contact is provided with a retaining portion fixed within the channel, a contacting portion extending from one end of the retaining portion and a tail portion extending from the other end of the retaining portion. The contacting portion is formed with a first contacting finger and a second contacting finger, which are side-by-side positioned. The first contacting finger defines a first contacting area and the second contacting finger defines a second contacting area. The first and the second contacting areas are extending within a same plane.
US09899754B2

An electric motor, in particular a radiator fan motor of a motor vehicle, has a stator which is fitted with a rotating-field winding, and a rotor which is mounted such that it can rotate in relation to the stator. A converter electronics system is provided, wherein a number of contact elements for insulation-free or enamel-insulated connection contacts of at least one component of the converter electronics system and/or for enamel-insulated winding ends of the rotating-field winding are mounted on a printed circuit board. The contact elements are in the form of clamping contacts or insulation-displacement terminal contacts.
US09899749B2

A crimp terminal including a core-wire crimping section (16) for crimping a core wire of an electric wire including a plurality of strands includes serrations (18a, 18b) provided on a surface where the core wire of the core-wire crimping section (16) is to be crimped, small serrations (18b) are provided in a region to which a large crimping force is applied during a swaging and crimping process, and large serrations (18a) are provided in a region to which a small crimping force is applied.
US09899744B1

A metamaterial system of a wireless transmission apparatus comprises a metamaterial layer. The metamaterial layer comprises an array of unit cells wherein each of the unit cell comprises a surface having a metal patch with an aperture. The aperture is defined such that a periphery of the aperture is within a periphery of the surface by a spacing distance and an element is disposed within the aperture. The metamaterial system further comprises at least one input RF port placed on a backing layer disposed below the metamaterial layer such that there is no short-circuit between the conductive backing layer and the metamaterial layer; and at least one set of vias connecting the array of unit cells with the at least one input RF port.
US09899741B2

A radio frequency (RF) antenna that may include a hollow enclosure made of a conductive material; wherein a first portion of the hollow enclosure has a bow tie shaped slot; a conductor that is spaced apart from the slot, is positioned within a cavity defined by the hollow enclosure, and is electrically isolated from the hollow enclosure; a first port that is coupled to the conductor; and a dielectric element that is made of dielectric material that at least partially fills the cavity and the bow tie shaped slot; wherein the conductor is configured to perform at least one operation out of: (a) receive, via the cavity, received RF radiation and send a received RF signal to the first port; (b) receive, from the first port, a transmitted RF signal and radiating transmitted RF radiation via the cavity.
US09899740B2

A hybrid antenna (and related method for manufacturing the antenna) includes a dielectric substrate and a stamping element. The stamping element includes a main radiator, a first holder, a second holder, a feeding element, an extension branch, a first trace, and a first via. The main radiator is substantially disposed above the dielectric substrate. The first holder is coupled to a first end of the main radiator. The second holder is coupled to a second end of the main radiator. The feeding element is coupled to a signal source. The extension branch is substantially disposed below the dielectric substrate, and is coupled between the second holder and the feeding element. The first trace is disposed on a second surface of the dielectric substrate, and the first via is formed through the dielectric substrate, and coupled between an end of the first trace and the first holder.
US09899737B2

An antenna element (100) comprises an active patch formed by a conductive layer (104) on a front surface of a substrate (102) and a parasitic ground patch (106) on a back surface of the substrate. The active patch has a spiral slot (112) in a central portion, and peripheral portions (110a-110d) which are substantially wider than the spiral slot. A signal feed strip (114) extends from a side of said active patch across the front surface of the substrate. Two signal ground strips (116, 118) are provided on the front surface, each separated from the active patch by a predetermined gap (120, 122). The parasitic ground patch has a slot in a central portion substantially back-to-back with the central portion of the active patch through the substrate. The element has broadband properties that can be tuned by various modifications. Several elements can be used in close array, with lower cross-talk than known antenna designs.
US09899731B1

The present invention is an octofilar antenna formed by adding four grounded parasitic arms in between the arms of a conventional air core quadrifilar antenna to negate the problems of mis-matching and strong mutual coupling for quarter-wave small helices. The invention ultra compact air core helix antenna does not suffer from typical dielectric loading effects.
US09899725B2

Embodiments of a MEMS antenna are presented. Additionally, systems incorporating embodiments of a MEMS antenna are presented. Methods of manufacturing a MEMS antenna are also presented. In one embodiment, the MEMS antenna includes a substrate, a metallic layer disposed over the substrate, the metallic layer forming a ground plane, the ground plane having a region defining a gap disposed therein, a protrusion disposed over the substrate within the region defining the gap, the protrusion extending outwardly from the ground plane, the protrusion having a length and a width, the length being greater than the width, and a first electromagnetic radiator element disposed over the protrusion, the first electromagnetic element having a length and a width, the length being greater than the width.
US09899720B2

A dielectric waveguide for propagating electromagnetic signals includes a cladding member. The cladding member extends a length between two ends. The cladding member has an oblong cross sectional shape. The cladding member is formed of a first dielectric material. The cladding member defines a core region that extends through the cladding member the length of the cladding member. The core region has a circular cross sectional shape. The core region is filled with a second dielectric material having a dielectric constant value that differs from a dielectric constant value of the first dielectric material of the cladding member.
US09899717B2

A stacked stripline circulator includes a first ferrite disc, a second ferrite disc, a first substrate having a metalized edge with the first ferrite disc disposed in the first substrate, a second substrate having a metalized edge with the second ferrite disc disposed in the second substrate, a first metalized pattern defining ports of a circulator disposed on the first substrate, the first metalized pattern comprising copper, a second metalized pattern defining ports of a circulator disposed on the second substrate, the second metalized pattern comprising copper, and a bonding ring bonding the metalized edge of the first substrate with the metalized edge of the second substrate.
US09899707B2

A rolling device for a secondary battery includes a mandrel to roll a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, the mandrel having a pair of clamps at a center of the mandrel, a blade surrounding the clamps while being spaced apart from the clamps, the blade having an elliptical cross-section and being divided into four sections, the first electrode plate, second electrode plate, and separator being rolled on the blade, and a rotating body coupled to an interior side of the blade, the rotating body being between the clamps and the blade.
US09899701B2

Proposed is a new sulfide-based solid electrolyte for lithium ion batteries, the sulfide-based solid electrolyte relating to a compound that has a cubic argyrodite type crystal structure and is represented by Li7-x-2yPS6-x-yClx, and having excellent water resistance and oxidation resistance. Proposed is a sulfide-based solid electrolyte for lithium ion batteries, the sulfide-based solid electrolyte containing a compound that has a cubic argyrodite type crystal structure and is represented by compositional formula (1): Li7-x-2yPS6-x-yClx, in which compositional formula, conditions: 0.8≦x≦1.7 and 0
US09899700B2

Methods and apparatus to form biocompatible energization elements are described. In some examples, the methods and apparatus to form the biocompatible energization elements involve forming cavities comprising active cathode chemistry and depositing separators within a laminate structure of the battery. The active elements of the cathode and anode are sealed with a laminate stack of biocompatible material. In some examples, a field of use for the methods and apparatus may include any biocompatible device or product that requires energization elements.
US09899699B2

A method of manufacturing a rechargeable battery includes continuously supplying a first electrode plate, the first electrode plate including a plurality of first active material portions with gaps therebetween on a first current collector, continuously supplying a first separator and a second separator to respective surfaces of the first electrode plate, bending the first electrode plate with the first and second separators to form a zigzag structure with bent portions, supplying a second electrode plate to an inside of each bent portion of the zigzag structure, the second electrode plate including a second active material portion on a second current collector, aligning and stacking the first electrode plate, the first separator, the second separator, and the second electrode plate, and taping the aligned and stacked first electrode plate, first separator, second separator, and second electrode plate at an outermost side thereof.
US09899696B2

Electrolyte solutions for flow batteries and other electrochemical systems can contain a dissolved iron hexacyanide complex as an active material. Alkaline buffering can be desirable in such electrolyte solutions to promote stability of the active material. However, the buffer material can undesirably decrease solubility of the iron hexacyanide complex to unacceptable levels in some instances. Compositions with increased concentrations of iron hexacyanide can include an aqueous solution containing a dissolved iron hexacyanide complex, and a solid buffer material in contact with the aqueous solution. The solid buffer material is present at an amount greater than that needed to produce a saturation concentration of the solid buffer material in the aqueous solution. Flow batteries and other electrochemical systems can contain the compositions as an electrolyte solution. Electrolyte solutions containing active materials other than an iron hexacyanide complex can also be stabilized by using an appropriate solid buffer material.
US09899695B2

An aqueous electrolyte composition is described, including a zinc salt based on zinc acetate or zinc glocolate. The saturation concentration of zinc in the electrolyte composition is in the range of about 2.5M to about 3.5M. The composition also contains at least one salt of a monovalent cation. The molar ratio of zinc to the monovalent cation is about 1:2. An aqueous zinc electroplating bath, containing the aqueous electrolyte composition, is also disclosed, along with a method for the electrochemical deposition of zinc onto a substrate surface, using the electroplating bath. Related flow batteries are also described, including a catholyte, as well as an anolyte based on the aqueous electrolyte composition, with a membrane between the catholyte and the anolyte.
US09899682B2

Disclosed is an electrode for secondary batteries in which an electrode mix layer including an electrode active material is coated on an electrode collector, and a coating layer including aluminum (Al) and/or alumina (Al2O3) is formed on the electrode mix layer.
US09899665B2

Disclosed is a sodium secondary battery. The sodium secondary battery comprises a first electrode and a second electrode comprising a carbonaceous material. The carbonaceous material satisfies one or more requirements selected from the group consisting of requirements 1, 2, 3 and 4. Requirement 1: R value (=ID/IG) obtained by Raman spectroscopic measurement is 1.07 to 3. Requirement 2: A value and σA value obtained by small angle X-ray scattering measurement are −0.5 to 0 and 0 to 0.010, respectively. Requirement 3: for an electrode comprising an electrode mixture obtained by mixing 85 parts by weight of the carbonaceous material with 15 parts by weight of poly(vinylidene fluoride), the carbonaceous material in the electrode after being doped and dedoped with sodium ions is substantially free from pores having a size of not less than 10 nm. Requirement 4: Q1 value obtained by a calorimetric differential thermal analysis is not more than 800 joules/g.
US09899656B2

In case a similar component-to-be-loaded is erroneously loaded on a main body side apparatus, contact of terminals are avoided. To this end, a video camera (main body side apparatus) 1 has a main body side terminal 30, and a battery pack (component-to-be-loaded) 100 has a battery side terminal (component-to-be-loaded side terminal) 120. In the vicinity of the battery side terminal of the component-to-be-loaded, a discriminating tab 111 is provided, and a blocking portion 19 is provided in the vicinity of the main body side terminal of the video camera (main body side apparatus) for determining whether or not its loading is permitted based on the combination of concave and convex engagement with respect to the above-mentioned discriminating tab, and when the loading is not permitted due to the interference between the blocking portion and the above-mentioned discriminating tab, an electric connection between the main body side terminal and the battery side terminal (component-to-be-loaded side terminal) is not to be established.
US09899653B2

An alkaline storage battery includes a spiral electrode group with a positive plate and a negative plate spirally wound with a separator interposed therebetween. The separator includes a plurality of sulfone group-containing regions. The plurality of sulfone group-containing regions are separated from one another in a winding direction, and disposed to face the positive plate or the negative plate.
US09899648B2

A battery holder for securing a battery to a vehicle and for mechanically isolating the battery from the vehicle is provided. The battery holder includes a vehicle mounting plate, a lower battery containment plate, an upper battery containment plate, a number of spacer rods, and a number of shock absorbing elements. The lower battery containment plate and the upper battery containment plate secure the battery to the shock absorbing elements. The shock absorbing elements prevent vibrations and shocks from being transferred from the vehicle to the battery.
US09899637B2

A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly including first and second electrodes, a case having the electrode assembly embedded therein, a cap plate coupled to an opening of the case, and an insulating member between the electrode assembly and the case. The insulating member includes a first support frame and a second support frame that are spaced apart from each other and an insulating film attached to the first and second support frames.
US09899635B2

A system for depositing one or more layers, particularly layers including organic materials therein, is described. The system includes a load lock chamber for loading a substrate to be processed, a transfer chamber for transporting the substrate, a vacuum swing module provided between the load lock chamber and the transfer chamber, at least one deposition apparatus for depositing material in a vacuum chamber of the at least one deposition chamber, wherein the at least one deposition apparatus is connected to the transfer chamber; a further load lock chamber for unloading the substrate that has been processed, a further transfer chamber for transporting the substrate, a further vacuum swing module provided between the further load lock chamber and the further transfer chamber, and a carrier return track from the further vacuum swing module to the vacuum swing module, wherein the carrier return track is configured to transport the carrier under vacuum conditions and/or under a controlled inert atmosphere.
US09899634B2

An OLED display and a method of manufacturing thereof are disclosed. In one aspect, the display includes a scan line formed over a substrate and configured to transfer a scan signal, a data line and a driving voltage line crossing the scan line and respectively configured to transfer a data voltage and a driving voltage, and a switching transistor electrically connected to the scan line and the data line and including a switching drain electrode configured to output the data voltage. The display also includes a driving transistor including a driving gate electrode, a driving drain electrode, and a driving source electrode electrically connected to the switching drain electrode. The display further includes a storage capacitor including a first storage electrode electrically connected to the driving gate electrode and a second storage electrode formed on the same layer as the driving voltage line.
US09899632B2

A display panel includes a substrate, light emitting structures disposed on an upper surface of the substrate in pixel regions, an encapsulation substrate disposed over the light emitting structures, and a light blocking member disposed on a lower surface of the substrate. The light blocking member has blocking portions corresponding to the pixel regions and openings corresponding to transparent regions.
US09899626B2

A flexible device with fewer defects caused by a crack is provided. A flexible device with high productivity is also provided. Furthermore, a flexible device with less display failure even in a high temperature and high humidity environment is provided. A light-emitting device includes a first flexible substrate, a second flexible substrate, a buffer layer, a first crack inhibiting layer, and a light-emitting element. A first surface of the first flexible substrate faces a second surface of the second flexible substrate. The buffer layer and the first crack inhibiting layer are provided over the first surface of the first flexible substrate. The buffer layer overlaps with the first crack inhibiting layer. The light-emitting element is provided over the second surface of the second flexible substrate.
US09899624B2

A transparent conductor which includes: a conductive layer that is formed of a metal material having a thickness of 15 nm or less and a platinum group element-containing layer including at least one of Pt and Pd, wherein, when an optical admittance at an interface on a side of the admittance-adjusting layer of the conductive layer at a wavelength of 570 nm is expressed as Y1=x1+iy1 and an optical admittance at an interface on a side opposite to the admittance-adjusting layer of the conductive layer at a wavelength of 570 nm is expressed as Y2=x2+iy2, at least one of x1 and x2 is 1.6 or more.
US09899616B2

The disclosure relates to organic field effect transistors, and methods for producing organic field effect transistors. The organic field effect transistors may include a first electrode, and a second electrode, the electrodes providing a source electrode and a drain electrode, an intrinsic organic semiconducting layer in electrical contact with the first and second electrode, a gate electrode, a gate insulator provided between the gate electrode and the intrinsic organic semiconducting layer, and a doped organic semiconducting layer including an organic matrix material and an organic dopant.
US09899612B2

Homoleptic organometallic iridium complexes formed from bidentate substitute phenylpyridine ligands are disclosed. Devices containing the homoleptic organometallic iridium complexes that exhibit improved device manufacturing, fabrication, stability, efficiency, and/or color are also disclosed.
US09899605B2

An organic thin film transistor containing a compound represented by the formula (1) in a semiconductor active layer has a high carrier mobility, a small change in the threshold voltage after repeated driving and a high solubility in an organic solvent. A1 and A2 represent S, O or Se; at least one of R1 to R6 represents a substituent represented by *-L-R wherein L represents a divalent linking group and R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an oligooxyethylene group, an oligosiloxane group or a trialkylsilyl group.
US09899598B2

The objective of the present invention is to provide an organic electroluminescent element which exhibits excellent light transmitting properties by having an intermediate electrode that is formed as a thin film, and which is suppressed in disconnection or resistance increase of the intermediate electrode, thereby being ensured with respect to electrical conductivity. This organic EL element (100) comprises light emitting units (4-6) which include at least a light emitting layer and are arranged between a first electrode (2) that is formed on a substrate (1) and a second electrode (3) that faces the first electrode (2); and each one of the light emitting units (4-6) independently emits light by having intermediate electrodes (7, 8), which are arranged between the light emitting units (4-6), connected to an external power supply via first lead-out wiring lines (10, 11). This organic EL element (100) is characterized in that: the light emitting units (5, 6) arranged adjacent to the intermediate electrodes (7, 8) are pattern formed such that the intermediate electrodes (7, 8) are partially exposed therefrom when viewed from the lamination direction; and the first lead-out wiring lines (10, 11) are connected to the exposed portions of the intermediate electrodes (7, 8).
US09899595B2

A magnetic memory array and a method for implementing the magnetic memory array for use in Solid-State Drives (SSDs) are provided. A plurality of magnetic pillar memory cells is formed using a deposition and/or growth process to produce a magnetic memory array substantially avoiding milling of magnetic materials.
US09899586B2

A method for producing an optoelectronic device comprises steps for providing a package with a first surface and a second surface, wherein an electrically conductive chip carrier is embedded in the package and is accessible at the first surface and at the second surface, and for applying an insulation layer on the second surface of the package by means of aerosol deposition.
US09899585B2

A light emitting device includes a substrate, a conductive electrode connection layer, at least one epitaxial structure and an insulating layer. The substrate had an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to each other. The conductive electrode connection layer is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate and electrically connected with the substrate. The epitaxial structure is disposed on the conductive electrode connection layer and electrically connected with the conductive electrode connection layer, wherein the epitaxial structure has a first peripheral surface. The insulating layer is disposed between the conductive electrode connection layer and the least one epitaxial structure, wherein the insulating layer has a second peripheral surface, and the second peripheral surface is aligned with the first peripheral surface.
US09899579B2

A packaged LED module includes an LED die mounted on a substrate surface. Formed on the substrate surface and surrounding the die is a first layer of a low index of refraction material. A lens of a higher index of refraction material is molded over the LED die and the first layer. The interface of the lens and the first layer reflects light by total internal reflection (TIR), in accordance with Snell's Law, when the LED light impinges at greater than the critical angle. The first layer may be a low index epoxy, silicone, or other material. In another embodiment, a layer surrounding the LED die is processed after the lens is formed to create an air/lens interface for TIR. The LED die may include a phosphor layer, which results in even more side light being reflected off the interface and not absorbed by the substrate surface.
US09899559B2

An automated system provides automated manufacturing of photovoltaic standard power modules for utilization in a space solar array, in both rolled blanket and z-folded configurations. The automated system provides robotically controlled systems for CIC-ing, glassing, stringing, laydown and acceptance testing of interconnected photovoltaic devices. A method of manufacturing the photovoltaic standard power modules includes the steps of robotic positioning of diodes, interconnects and busbars onto a SPM stringing tray followed by the robotic positioning of bare cells into position adjacent to the diodes, interconnects and busbars to form strings. The SPM stringing tray is thereafter robotically positioned adjacent to an integral welder for welding of the front side of the string. Cover glass is thereafter robotically placed over the cells. The string is flipped and the backside of the string is robotically positioned for welding.
US09899556B2

Tandem solar cells comprising two or more solar cells connected in a solar cell stack via pn diode tunnel junctions and methods for fabricating the tandem solar cells using epitaxial lift off and transfer printing are provided. The tandem solar cells have improved tunnel junction structures comprising a current tunneling layer integrated between the p and n layers of the pn diode tunnel junction that connects the solar cells.
US09899554B2

Methods are disclosed for assembling PV modules using connectors that have strain relief elements. Strings can be inspected individually and dimensional information can be obtained to layup the strings into a PV module in a specific manner. Portions of the strings can be soldered using elevators to lift connectors into place, and then applying heat to both sides of the connector.
US09899548B2

A solar cell unit having a semiconductor body formed as a solar cell, whereby the semiconductor body has a front side with a first electrical connection and a back side with a second electrical connection and a side surface formed between the front side and the back side, and having a substrate with a top side and a bottom side, whereby the substrate on the top side has a first conductive trace region, configured as part of the substrate, and the first electrical connection is electrically connected to the first conductive trace region, and the substrate on the top side has a second conductive trace region, configured as part of the substrate, and the second electrical connection is electrically connected to the second conductive trace region, and having a secondary optical element, which has a bottom side and guides light to the front side of the semiconductor body.
US09899544B1

An array of Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes is formed in a die and includes: an internal dielectric structure, arranged on the die; and an external dielectric region arranged on the internal dielectric structure. The external dielectric region is formed by an external material that absorbs radiation having a wavelength that falls in a stop-band with low wavelength and transmits radiation having a wavelength that falls in a pass-band with high wavelength, at least part of the pass-band including wavelengths in the infrared. The internal dielectric structure is formed by one or more internal materials that substantially transmit radiation having a wavelength that falls in the stop-band and in the pass-band and have refractive indices that fall in an interval having an amplitude of 0.4. In the stop-band and in the pass-band the external dielectric region has a refractive index with the real part that falls in the above interval.
US09899537B2

The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device in accordance with some embodiments. The semiconductor device includes a first transition metal dichalcogenide film on a substrate; a second transition metal dichalcogenide film on the first transition metal dichalcogenide film; source and drain features formed over the second transition metal dichalcogenide film; and a first gate stack formed over the second transition metal dichalcogenide film and interposed between the source and drain feature.
US09899536B2

A highly reliable semiconductor device including an oxide semiconductor is provided by preventing a change in its electrical characteristics. A semiconductor device which includes a first oxide semiconductor layer which is in contact with a source electrode layer and a drain electrode layer and a second oxide semiconductor layer which serves as a main current path (channel) of a transistor is provided. The first oxide semiconductor layer serves as a buffer layer for preventing a constituent element of the source and drain electrode layers from diffusing into the channel. By providing the first oxide semiconductor layer, it is possible to prevent diffusion of the constituent element into an interface between the first oxide semiconductor layer and the second oxide semiconductor layer and into the second oxide semiconductor layer.
US09899535B2

To provide a transistor with stable electrical characteristics, a transistor with a low off-state current, a transistor with a high on-state current, a semiconductor device including the transistor, or a durable semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a first transistor using silicon, an aluminum oxide film over the first transistor, and a second transistor using an oxide semiconductor over the aluminum oxide film. The oxide semiconductor has a lower hydrogen concentration than silicon.
US09899533B2

A transistor including an oxide semiconductor and having favorable operation characteristics is provided. Further, by using the transistor, a semiconductor having improved operation characteristics can be provided. In planar view, one of a source electrode and a drain electrode of the transistor is surrounded by a ring-shaped gate electrode. Further, in planar view, one of the source electrode and the drain electrode of the transistor is surrounded by a channel formation region. Accordingly, the source electrode is not electrically connected to the drain electrode through a parasitic channel generated in an end portion of an island-shaped oxide semiconductor layer.
US09899528B2

The disclosure provides a manufacturing method for TFT array substrate, a TFT array substrate and a display device. The manufacturing method includes following steps: in sequence, forming a gate pattern layer, a gate insulating layer, a patterned poly-silicon layer, a separation layer on s substrate, and adopting a mask to form a source pattern layer and a drain pattern layer on the separation layer by photolithography processes. The source pattern layer and the drain pattern layer are connected to the patterned poly-silicon layer. The mask blocks one side of the channel area, and the same mask is adopted to form a lightly doped area on the other side of the channel area not blocked by the mask. The disclosure may reduce production costs and has great design flexibility.
US09899525B2

This disclosure relates to a fin field effect transistor including a gate structure formed on a fin. Source and drain (S/D) regions are epitaxially grown on the fin adjacent to the gate structure. The S/D regions include a diamond-shaped cross section wherein the diamond-shaped cross section includes: internal sidewalls where the fin was recessed to a reduced height, and an external top portion of the diamond-shaped cross section of the S/D regions. A contact liner is formed over the internal sidewalls and the top portion of the diamond-shaped cross section of the S/D regions; and contacts are formed over the contact liner and over the internal sidewalls and the top portion of the diamond-shaped cross section of the S/D regions.
US09899524B2

A method of forming the semiconductor device that may include forming a trench in a substrate, and forming a metal nitride in the trench. The method may further include forming a split fin structure from the substrate. The metal nitride is positioned in the split portion of the fin structure. The method may continue with removing the metal nitride from a source region and drain region portion of the split fin structure, in which the metal nitride remains in a channel region portion of the split fin structure. A gate structure may then be formed on a channel region portion of the fin structure. A back bias is applied to the semiconductor device using the metal nitride in the split portion of the fin structure as an electrode.
US09899520B2

A method for forming a semiconductor device includes steps as follows: Firstly, a semiconductor substrate having a circuit element with at least one spacer formed thereon is provided. Next, an acid treatment is performed on a surface of the spacer. A disposable layer is then formed on the circuit element and the spacer. Thereafter, an etching process is performed to form at least one recess in the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the circuit element. Subsequently, a selective epitaxial growth (SEG) process is performed to form an epitaxial layer in the recess.
US09899513B1

A lateral diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) transistor and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. A deep well region is disposed in a substrate. An isolation structure is disposed in the substrate to define a first active area and a second active area. A well region is disposed in the deep well region in the first active area. A gate is disposed on the substrate in the first active area. A gate dielectric layer is disposed between the gate and the substrate. A first doped region is disposed in the well region in the first active area and located at one side of the gate. A second doped region is disposed in the deep well region in the second active area. A conductive structure is disposed on the isolation structure, surrounds the second doped region and is connected to the gate.
US09899508B1

Embodiments are directed to super-junction semiconductor devices having an inactive region positioned between active cells. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device is provided that includes a substrate and a drain region on the substrate. The drain region has a first conductivity type. A plurality of first columns is disposed on the drain region, with the first columns having the first conductivity type. A plurality of second columns is disposed on the drain region, with the second columns having a second conductivity type. The first and second columns are alternately arranged such that each of the second columns is positioned between respective first columns. First and second gate structures are included that overlie respective first columns, and a body region is included that has the second conductivity type. The body region abuts at least two second columns and at least one first column positioned between the at least two second columns.
US09899502B2

A bipolar junction transistor layout structure includes a first emitter including a pair of first sides and a pair of second sides, a pair of collectors disposed at the first sides of the first emitter, and a pair of bases disposed at the second sides of the first emitter. The first sides are perpendicular to the second sides. The first emitter is disposed in between the pair of collectors and in between the pair of bases.
US09899486B2

An example memory device includes a channel positioned between and electrically connecting a first diffusion region and a second diffusion region, and a tunnel dielectric layer, a multi-layer charge trapping layer, and a blocking dielectric layer disposed between the gate structure and the channel. The multi-layer charge trapping layer includes a first dielectric layer disposed abutting a second dielectric layer and an anti-tunneling layer disposed between the first and second dielectric layers. The anti-tunneling layer includes an oxide layer. The first dielectric layer includes oxygen-rich nitride and the second dielectric layer includes oxygen-lean nitride.
US09899472B2

A dielectric and isolation lower fin material is described that is useful for fin-based electronics. In some examples, a dielectric layer is on first and second sidewalls of a lower fin. The dielectric layer has a first upper end portion laterally adjacent to the first sidewall of the lower fin and a second upper end portion laterally adjacent to the second sidewall of the lower fin. An isolation material is laterally adjacent to the dielectric layer directly on the first and second sidewalls of the lower fin and a gate electrode is over a top of and laterally adjacent to sidewalls of an upper fin. The gate electrode is over the first and second upper end portions of the dielectric layer and the isolation material.
US09899468B2

A method of making a capacitor with reduced variance comprises providing a bottom plate in a first metal layer, a first dielectric material over the bottom plate, and a middle plate in a second metal layer to form a first capacitor. The method also comprises measuring the capacitance of the first capacitor, and determining whether to couple none, one, or both of a second capacitor and a third capacitor in parallel with the first capacitor. The method may further comprise the steps of providing a second dielectric material over the middle plate, and providing a first top plate and a second top plate in a third metal layer to form the second capacitor, and a third capacitor. Electrical connections may be formed to couple one or both of the second capacitor and the third capacitor in parallel with the first capacitor based on the measured value of the first capacitor.
US09899467B2

Semiconductor devices, methods of manufacture thereof, and capacitors are disclosed. In some embodiments, a semiconductor device includes a first capacitor and a protection device coupled in series with the first capacitor. A second capacitor is coupled in parallel with the first capacitor and the protection device.
US09899462B2

The present disclosure provides an OLED display panel and a manufacturing method thereof. The OLED display panel includes a substrate and a bank layer and pixel units disposed on the substrate. The pixel units are partitioned by the bank layer. The bank layer is negative photoresist. Openings obtained by exposing and developing the bank layer are formed in the bank layer. The openings are used for placing light-emitting layers of the pixel units. A light-permeable light enhancement layer is disposed between the bank layer around the opening and the substrate, such that light intensity on one side of the bank layer around the opening close to the substrate is increased during the exposure and development process to obtain the opening having a top wider than a bottom. By using the present disclosure, a manufacturing efficiency of the light-emitting layers of the OLEDs increases.
US09899455B2

An organic light emitting diode display includes: a first organic light emitting element configured to emit light having a first wavelength; and a second organic light emitting element configured to emit light having a second wavelength substantially shorter than the first wavelength. The first organic light emitting element includes a first electrode, and the second organic light emitting element includes a second electrode having substantially higher reflectance for the light having the second wavelength than the first electrode.
US09899441B1

A method for manufacturing a deep trench isolation (DTI) structure with a tri-layer passivation layer is provided. An etch is performed into a semiconductor substrate to form a trench. A first undoped semiconductor layer is formed by epitaxy lining surfaces of the semiconductor substrate that define the trench. A doped semiconductor layer is formed by epitaxy over and lining the first undoped semiconductor layer in the trench. A second undoped semiconductor layer is formed by epitaxy over and lining the doped semiconductor layer in the trench. A structure resulting from the method is also provided.
US09899415B1

A radio frequency fully depleted silicon on insulator (RF-FDSOI) device and method of fabrication are provided. A silicon wafer for digital circuits is constructed using fully depleted silicon on insulator technology having a thin buried oxide layer. Localized areas of the silicon wafer are constructed for radio frequency circuits and/or passive devices. The silicon wafer has a silicon substrate having a resistivity greater than 1 KΩ·cm. The localized areas of the silicon wafer may include a trap rich layer implanted underneath a thin buried oxide layer. The localized areas of the silicon wafer may include a buried oxide layer that is thicker than the thin buried oxide layer. The thicker oxide layer is between 20 and 2000 nm thick. The localized areas of the silicon wafer may include a trap rich layer implanted underneath the thicker buried oxide layer.
US09899410B1

Disclosed herein is a non-volatile storage system with memory cells having a charge storage region that may be configured to store a higher density of charges (e.g., electrons) in the middle than nearer to the control gate or channel. The charge storage region has a middle charge storage material that stores a higher density of charges than two outer charge storage materials that are nearer to the control gate or channel, in one aspect. The charge storage region of one aspect has oxide regions between the middle charge storage material and the two outer charge storage materials. The oxide regions of one embodiment are thin (e.g., less than one nanometer) such that during operation charges may easily pass through the oxide regions. The non-volatile memory cell programs quickly and has high data retention.
US09899409B2

A nonvolatile memory device includes a memory cell array including a plurality of memory cells, a first metal layer, a peripheral circuit configured to control the memory cell array, a second metal layer, and a pad. The first metal layer is disposed on the memory cell array and includes a plurality of cell region interconnections connected to the memory cell array. The second metal layer is disposed on the peripheral circuit and includes a plurality of peripheral region interconnections connecting the peripheral circuit and the plurality of cell region interconnections. The pad is disposed on the second metal layer and exchanges data, an address, or a command with the peripheral circuit during operation of the device. The second metal layer is lower than the first metal layer relative to a substrate of the device.
US09899399B2

A three-dimensional semiconductor device includes an alternating stack of insulating layers and electrically conductive layers located over a substrate, memory stack structures extending through the alternating stack and arranged in at least five rows that extend along a first horizontal direction, contact via structures arranged in a same number of rows as the memory stack structures and overlying the memory stack structures, each of the contact via structures being electrically connected to a semiconductor channel of a respective memory stack structure, bit lines contacting a respective contact via structure and extending along a second horizontal direction that is different from the first horizontal direction, and a pair of wall-shaped via structures extending through the alternating stack and laterally extending along the first horizontal direction.
US09899398B1

Methods are disclosed herein for fabricating non-volatile memory devices. An exemplary method forms a heterostructure over a substrate. The heterostructure includes at least one semiconductor layer pair having a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer disposed over the first semiconductor layer, the second semiconductor layer being different than the first semiconductor layer. A gate structure having a dummy gate is formed over a portion of the heterostructure, such that the gate structure separates a source region and a drain region of the heterostructure and a channel region is defined between the source region and the drain region. During a gate replacement process, a nanocrystal floating gate is formed in the channel region from the second semiconductor layer. In some implementations, during the gate replacement process, a nanowire is also formed in the channel region from the first semiconductor layer.
US09899396B1

A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes: forming a first trench and a wider second trench in a substrate and a material layer formed thereon, forming a flowable isolation material covering the material layer and filling in the first and second trenches, removing a portion of the flowable isolation material in the second trench so that the thickness of the remaining flowable isolation material on the sidewall of the second trench is 200 Å to 1000 Å, and forming a non-flowable isolation material on the flowable isolation material.
US09899388B2

An integrated circuit device includes a double-humped protrusion protruding from a surface of an inter-device isolation region. To manufacture the integrated circuit device, a plurality of grooves are formed in the inter-device isolation region of a substrate, a recess is formed by partially removing a surface of the substrate between the plurality of grooves, at least one fin-type active area is formed in a device region by etching the substrate in the device region and the inter-device isolation region, and the double-humped protrusion is formed from the surface of the substrate in the inter-device isolation region.
US09899380B2

A method of forming a semiconductor device includes providing a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate includes fins formed thereon and a patterned hard mask layer formed on a top surface of the fins. The method further includes: forming an isolation material layer covering the semiconductor substrate, the fins, and the patterned hard mask layer; performing planarization of the isolation material layer, stopping at the patterned hard mask layer; and performing oxygen ion implantation to form an oxygen injection region within the fins and the isolation material layer; back-etching the isolation material layer, stopping above the oxygen injection region, to form a remaining portion of the isolation material layer exposing a portion of the fins; and performing thermal annealing to cause a thermal oxidation of a portion of the fins through oxygen ions in the oxygen injection region, thereby forming an oxide layer within the plurality of fins.
US09899377B2

A semiconductor device and a method for producing thereof is provided. The semiconductor device includes a plurality of device cells, each comprising a body region, a source region, and a gate electrode adjacent to the body region and dielectrically insulated from the body region by a gate dielectric; and an electrically conductive gate layer comprising the gate electrodes or electrically connected to the gate electrodes of the plurality of device cells. The gate layer is electrically connected to a gate conductor and includes at least one of an increased resistance region and a decreased resistance region.
US09899351B2

A semiconductor package includes a package substrate. A first semiconductor chip is mounted on the package substrate. The first semiconductor chip includes a first chip region and first chip pads formed on a top surface of the first chip region. A second semiconductor chip is mounted on the package substrate. The second semiconductor chip includes a second chip region and second chip pads formed on a top surface of the second chip region. A boundary region having a groove divides the first chip region and the second chip region. The first chip region, the second chip region and the boundary region share a semiconductor substrate of a one-body type.
US09899349B2

Methods of forming a semiconductor package. Implementations include providing a leadframe, coupling a semiconductor die or an electronic component to the leadframe, and encapsulating at least a portion of the semiconductor die or the electronic component using a mold compound leaving two or more leads of the leadframe exposed. The method may also include coating the two or more leads of the leadframe with an electrically conductive layer. The method may include fully electrically and physically singulating one or more tie bars between two or more leads of the leadframe, a lead of the two or more leads and a leadframe flag or any combination thereof. The method may also include singulating the leadframe to form one or more semiconductor packages.
US09899347B1

A wide I/O semiconductor device is disclosed including a memory die stack wire bonded to an interface chip. The stack of memory die may be wire bonded to the interface chip using a wire bond scheme optimized for die-to-die connection and optimized for the large number of wire bond connections in a wide I/O semiconductor device. This method can achieve significant BW increase by improving packaging yield and costs, not possible with current packaging schemes.
US09899346B2

According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes lower layer wirings formed on a semiconductor chip, a protection film arranged on the lower layer wirings, an upper layer wiring arranged on the protection film and across a plurality of lower layer wirings, and connected to the lower layer wirings, wherein the upper layer wiring is larger than the lower layer wirings in terms of wiring line width and wiring line thickness, and a stress relaxing portion configured to reduce a stress at an in-corner portion of the upper layer wiring on the protection film, as compared with a case where the in-corner portion is set in 90°.
US09899339B2

A method of making an electronic device having a discrete device mounted on a surface of an electronic die with both the discrete device and the die connected by heat cured conductive ink and covered with cured encapsulant including placing the discrete device on the die; and keeping the temperature of each of the discrete device and the die below about 200° C. Also disclosed is a method of electrically attaching a discrete device to a substrate that includes placing the device on the substrate, applying conductive ink that connects at least one terminal on the device to at least one contact on the substrate and curing the conductive ink. Also disclosed is an IC package with a discrete electrical device having electrical terminals; an electrical substrate having contact pads on a surface thereof; and cured conductive ink connecting at least one of the electrical terminals with at least one of the contact pads.
US09899336B2

A scale-like portion wherein metal plating is changed into a scale-like form is provided by continuously carrying out laser spot irradiation on a lead frame, the front surface of which is coated with the metal plating. The scale-like portion is disposed in an optional portion of the lead frame, for example, in the vicinity of a gate break mark, in an outer peripheral portion in a region sealed with a molding resin, or around a semiconductor element. The adhesion between the lead frame and the molding resin improves owing to the anchor effect of the scale-like portion, and it is thus possible to suppress the molding resin separating from the lead frame.
US09899334B1

A method includes: growing a oxide layer on a topside of a semiconductor wafer using a local oxidation of silicon (LOCOS) process; forming a photoresist pattern with an alignment opening on the oxide layer; etching the oxide layer to form a trench in the oxide layer; etching an alignment mark trench into the exposed surface of the semiconductor wafer; depositing a dielectric layer that is one of a silicon nitride material or a silicon oxynitride material; performing an anisotropic plasma etch to remove the dielectric layer from horizontal surfaces on the oxide layer and the alignment mark trench and to form sidewalls from the dielectric layer on vertical sidewalls of the alignment mark trench; growing an alignment mark oxide layer on a bottom surface of the alignment trench; and etching and removing the oxide layer and the alignment mark oxide layer.
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