Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090304365 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR USE WITH A DATA ACCESS DEVICE AND AN OPTICAL DISC IN AN ELECTRONIC ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM - Methods and apparatuses are provided, which may be implemented using an optical disc and a data access device such as, e.g., an optical disc player device. The optical disc may include content information, such as, video data, audio data, and advertisement data. The advertisement data may be associated with at least one product and/or service that is not adapted for use by the optical disc player device. The optical disc may include instructional information to adapt the optical disc player device to access user input data identifying user contact information and at least one advertisement selection, and to initiate transmission of an information request associated with at least one product and/or service associated with advertisement selection and/or advertisement data. The information request may include user contact information and may be adapted for use by at least one information delivery system which may initiate subsequent user contact without using the optical disc player device. | 12-10-2009 |
20090307723 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR MANAGING ASSETS STORED IN LOCAL MEMORY OF AN OPTICAL DISC PLAYER DEVICE - Methods and apparatuses are provided, which may be implemented for use in managing data assets stored in local memory of the optical disc player device. | 12-10-2009 |
20120082426 | Systems and Methods for Incentivizing Content Engagement - Systems and associated methods for incentivizing content engagement are described. Embodiments provide a recommended feature application to offer premier/recommended content. This can take place at a variety of times, for example during the primary content selection interface display, as well as offering said content interactively as an overlay during the conclusion of a piece of content. Embodiments employ a weighted process for selecting a recommended feature based on one or more stored preference files. The recommended feature application can be utilized across titles. | 04-05-2012 |
20120082439 | Systems and Methods for Dynamic Content Play List Creation - Systems and associated methods for dynamic content play list creation are described. A fastplay application provides for dynamic play list generation, using feature categorization and local storage to present a set of custom play list(s) that are tailored to a user's preference(s). The settings may be stored locally on the media player storage device such that the preference(s) can be utilized across titles. | 04-05-2012 |
20140232615 | DYNAMIC TRANSFORMATION OF DISPLAY MEDIA BASED UPON A PROXIMITY-BASED COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL - A process detects, at a first proximity-based device within a first object, presence of a second proximity-based device within a second object. The presence is within a proximity. Further, the process modifies a first display associated with the first object based upon a second display associated with the second object. | 08-21-2014 |
20140232616 | PROXIMITY-BASED MULTI-DISPLAY CONFIGURATION - A process is utilized to provide a multi-display configuration. The process detects, at a first proximity-based device within a first display device, a presence of a second proximity-based device within a second display device. The presence is within a proximity. Further, the process displays a first portion of a multi-display image at the first display device based upon a location of the first display device relative to the second display device. | 08-21-2014 |
20140233910 | CONTENT PLAYER WITH TRANSFERENCE READER - A first proximity-based device at a content player receives content modification data from a second proximity-based device within a product and/or a product package when the product or product package is placed within a proximity to the first proximity-based device. A processor at the content player performs modified playback of media content based on the content modification data. | 08-21-2014 |
20140236726 | TRANSFERENCE OF DATA ASSOCIATED WITH A PRODUCT AND/OR PRODUCT PACKAGE - A proximity-based device within a product and/or a product package sends data associated with the product and/or the product package to a mobile device based upon the mobile device being within a proximity to the proximity-based device. Another proximity-based receiver within a mobile device receives data associated with a product and/or a product package from a proximity-based transmitter within the product and/or the product package based upon the proximity-based receiver being within a proximity to the proximity-based transmitter. | 08-21-2014 |
20140236769 | PROXIMITY DEVICE FOR CONTENT CONFIGURATION - An update proximity-based device configures a product and/or product package proximity-based device. The product and/or product package proximity-based device is located within a product and/or a product package such that an update is performed upon the product and/or the product package after the update proximity-based device is placed within a proximity to the product and/or product package proximity-based device. | 08-21-2014 |
20140236770 | PROXIMITY DEVICE FOR BUNDLING OF PRODUCTS AND/OR SERVICES - A process stores, at a data storage device within a product and/or a product package, data associated with a bundle of products and/or services. Further, the process sends, from a proximity-based device within the product and/or the product package, the data to a mobile device when the mobile device is within a proximity to the proximity-based device. | 08-21-2014 |
20140236837 | PROXIMITY SENSOR FOR CLOUD-BASED ENTITLEMENT - A server receives a first key from a mobile device. The mobile device comprises a mobile device proximity-based device that receives the first key from a product and/or product package proximity-based device associated with a product and/or a product package when the mobile device is within a proximity to the product and/or product package proximity-based device. Further, the server receives a second key from the mobile device. In addition, the server receives a third key from a checkout device after purchase of the product and/or the product package. The server also provides cloud-based entitlement to media content associated with the product and/or the product package to a user identifier. | 08-21-2014 |
20150254045 | MULTI-DEVICE DISPLAY CONFIGURATION - A process provides a multi-device display configuration. The process receives, at a master device, one or more device parameters from a plurality of display devices. The process also determines, at the master device, an arrangement of the plurality of display devices that provides a multi-device display. Further, the process sends, from the master device, one or more display indicia to the plurality of display devices that each of the plurality of display devices displays to allow one or more users to position the plurality of display devices in the arrangement. The process sends, from the master device, a first portion of the content to a first display device, and a second portion of the content to a second display device for the first and second display devices to simultaneously display the first and second portions of the content. | 09-10-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100206572 | STAGE CEMENTING TOOL - A cementing tool for use in a well has a housing and a closing sleeve received thereabout. An operating sleeve is received in the housing and is interconnected with the closing sleeve so that movement in the operating sleeve will cause the closing sleeve to move. The closing sleeve is detachably connected to the housing and is movable from the first or open position to a second or closed position in which it covers cementing ports defined in the housing. The tool has a plurality of lock rings that are moved with the closing sleeve. A plurality of locking grooves are adapted to receive the lock rings such that the engagement of any of the lock rings with any of the locking grooves will prevent the closing sleeve from moving out of the closed position. | 08-19-2010 |
20130014941 | Remotely Activated Downhole Apparatus and MethodsAANM Tips; Timothy RatherAACI MontgomeryAAST TXAACO USAAGP Tips; Timothy Rather Montgomery TX USAANM Longbottom; James R.AACI MagnoliaAAST TXAACO USAAGP Longbottom; James R. Magnolia TX USAANM Covington; Ricky LayneAACI DuncanAAST OKAACO USAAGP Covington; Ricky Layne Duncan OK USAANM Fripp; MichaelAACI CarrolltonAAST TXAACO USAAGP Fripp; Michael Carrollton TX USAANM Helms; LonnieAACI DuncanAAST OKAACO USAAGP Helms; Lonnie Duncan OK USAANM Acosta; FrankAACI DuncanAAST OKAACO USAAGP Acosta; Frank Duncan OK USAANM Budler; NicholasAACI MarlowAAST OKAACO USAAGP Budler; Nicholas Marlow OK USAANM Key; JohnAACI ComancheAAST OKAACO USAAGP Key; John Comanche OK US - An apparatus includes an impervious body, a sealing element; an energy source, and a trigger. The impervious body is configured to prevent passage of fluid therethrough. The sealing element is disposed about the impervious body. The energy source is operationally connected to the sealing element. The trigger is configured to transfer energy from the energy source to the sealing element. The trigger is activated, at least in part, by receiving a signal from a pump tool passing through an interior of the impervious body. | 01-17-2013 |
20130014959 | Remotely Activated Downhole Apparatus and MethodsAANM Tips; Timothy RatherAACI MontgomeryAAST TXAACO USAAGP Tips; Timothy Rather Montgomery TX USAANM Longbottom; James R.AACI MagnoliaAAST TXAACO USAAGP Longbottom; James R. Magnolia TX USAANM Covington; Ricky LayneAACI FriscoAAST TXAACO USAAGP Covington; Ricky Layne Frisco TX USAANM Fripp; MichaelAACI CarrolltonAAST TXAACO USAAGP Fripp; Michael Carrollton TX USAANM Helms; LonnieAACI DuncanAAST OKAACO USAAGP Helms; Lonnie Duncan OK USAANM Acosta; FrankAACI DuncanAAST OKAACO USAAGP Acosta; Frank Duncan OK USAANM Budler; NicholasAACI MarlowAAST OKAACO USAAGP Budler; Nicholas Marlow OK USAANM Key; JohnAACI ComancheAAST OKAACO USAAGP Key; John Comanche OK US - An apparatus includes an impervious body, a sealing element, an energy source, and a trigger. The impervious body is configured to prevent passage of fluid therethrough. The sealing element is disposed about the impervious body. The energy source is operationally connected to the sealing element. The trigger is configured to transfer energy from the energy source to the sealing element. The trigger is activated, at least in part, by receiving a signal transmitted through the impervious body. | 01-17-2013 |
20130180731 | Pressure Activated Down Hole Systems and Methods - Systems and methods for activating a down hole tool in a wellbore. A trigger is moveably positioned in the interior of a base pipe and includes a first end and a second, smaller end. The trigger is moveable between an unactivated position where a port in the base pipe is blocked and an activated position where the port is open. At least one latch member prevents movement of the trigger from the unactivated position to the activated position until a predetermined force is applied to the trigger. Increasing pressure in the interior increases a force differential between the first end and the second end. When the force differential is substantially equal to the predetermined force, the latch releases and allows the trigger to move from the unactivated position to the activated position, thereby opening the port to permit activation of the down hole tool. | 07-18-2013 |
20130233572 | External Casing Packer and Method of Performing Cementing Job - A packer that includes a mandrel, primary and secondary opening seats attached to an interior of the mandrel, a landing seat attached to the interior of the mandrel, a packer element attached to an exterior of the mandrel, and a closing seat attached to the interior of the mandrel. The secondary opening seat may be between the primary opening seat and the landing seat, and the primary opening seat may be between the closing seat and the secondary opening seat. The primary opening seat engages an opening plug and moves from a first position covering an opening to a second position not covering the opening, and the secondary opening seat engages the primary opening seat and moves from a first position covering a port to a second position not covering the port. | 09-12-2013 |
20140048263 | Pressure Activated Down Hole Systems and Methods - Systems and methods for activating a down hole tool in a wellbore. A piston is moveable from a first position to a second position for activating the down hole tool. The piston includes a first side exposed to an activation chamber, and a second side operatively coupled to the down hole tool. A rupture member has a first side exposed to the activation chamber and a second side exposed to the interior of a base pipe. The rupture member is configured to rupture when a pressure differential between the activation chamber and the interior reaches a predetermined threshold value, at which point the rupture member allows fluid communication between the interior and the activation chamber to pressurize the activation chamber and move the piston, thereby activating the down hole tool. | 02-20-2014 |
20140048281 | Pressure Activated Down Hole Systems and Methods - Systems and methods for activating a down hole tool in a wellbore. A piston is moveable from a first position to a second position for activating the down hole tool. The piston includes a first side exposed to a first chamber, and a second side exposed to a second chamber. A rupture member has a first side exposed to the first chamber and a second side exposed to a third chamber. The rupture member is configured to rupture when a pressure differential between the first chamber and the third chamber reaches a predetermined threshold value, at which point the rupture member allows fluid communication between the first chamber and the third chamber. When the rupture member is intact, the piston is in the first position, and when the rupture member ruptures, the piston moves to the second position and activates the down hole tool. | 02-20-2014 |
20140083713 | Secondary System and Method for Activating a Down Hole Device - Disclosed is a secondary system and method for initiating a down hole operation in a wellbore when a primary activation system fails. The primary activation system is configured to provide fluid communication between a first chamber and a second chamber in response to a primary activation operation. The secondary activation system includes a passageway between the first chamber and the second chamber, and a rupture member positioned in the passageway. The rupture member has a threshold pressure differential at which the rupture member ruptures to afford fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber to thereby initiate the down hole operation if the primary activation system fails. The primary activation operation may be configured to move a trigger member to initiate the down hole operation, whereas the secondary activation operation may be configured to initiate the down hole operation without moving the trigger member. | 03-27-2014 |
20140116699 | Pressure Relief-Assisted Packer - A wellbore completion method comprising disposing a pressure relief-assisted packer comprising two packer elements within an axial flow bore of a first tubular string disposed within a wellbore so as to define an annular space between the pressure relief-assisted packer and the first tubular string, and setting the pressure relief-assisted packer such that a portion of the annular space between the two packer elements comes into fluid communication with a pressure relief volume during the setting of the pressure relief-assisted packer. | 05-01-2014 |
20150376976 | Pressure Relief-Assisted Packer - A wellbore completion method comprising disposing a pressure relief-assisted packer comprising two packer elements within an axial flow bore of a first tubular string disposed within a wellbore so as to define an annular space between the pressure relief-assisted packer and the first tubular string, and setting the pressure relief-assisted packer such that a portion of the annular space between the two packer elements comes into fluid communication with a pressure relief volume during the setting of the pressure relief-assisted packer. | 12-31-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120298380 | Annular isolation with tension-set external mechanical casing (EMC) packer - An apparatus comprising a first casing string comprising one or more profiled seats furrowed into the first casing string's inner casing wall, a second casing string comprising an upper casing joint, a lower casing joint, and a tension-set external mechanical casing (EMC) packer positioned between the upper casing joint and the lower casing joint, wherein the tension-set EMC packer comprises a mandrel that is attached to the upper casing joint and to the lower casing joint, wherein the second casing string is disposed within the first casing string such that a casing casing annulus (CCA) is formed between the first casing string's inside diameter (ID) and the second casing string's outside diameter (OD), and wherein the recessed seats are positioned below the tension-set EMC packer prior to any engagement of the tension-set EMC packer with the first casing string. | 11-29-2012 |
20130180732 | Multiple Ramp Compression Packer - Systems and methods for remotely setting a downhole device. The system includes a base pipe having inner and outer radial surfaces and defining one or more pressure ports extending between the inner and outer radial surfaces. An internal sleeve is arranged against the inner radial surface and slidable between a closed position, where the internal sleeve covers the one or more pressure ports, and an open position, where the one or more pressure ports are exposed to an interior of the base pipe. A trigger housing is disposed about the base pipe and defines an atmospheric chamber in fluid communication with the one or more pressure ports. A piston port cover is disposed within the atmospheric chamber and moveable between blocking and exposed positions. A wellbore device is used to engage and move the internal sleeve into the open position by applying predetermined axial force to the internal sleeve. | 07-18-2013 |
20130233570 | Remotely Activated Down Hole Systems and Methods - Systems and methods for remotely setting a down hole device. The system includes a base pipe having inner and outer radial surfaces and defining one or more pressure ports extending between the inner and outer radial surfaces. An internal sleeve is arranged against the inner radial surface and slidable between a closed position, where the internal sleeve covers the one or more pressure ports, and an open position, where the one or more pressure ports are exposed to an interior of the base pipe. A trigger housing is disposed about the base pipe and defines an atmospheric chamber in fluid communication with the one or more pressure ports. A piston port cover is disposed within the atmospheric chamber and moveable between blocking and exposed positions. A wellbore device is used to engage and move the internal sleeve into the open position by applying predetermined axial force to the internal sleeve. | 09-12-2013 |
20140116732 | System and Method for Activating a Down Hole Tool - Systems and methods for setting a down hole tool include a base pipe having an interior and defining a port that communicates with a pressure chamber positioned outside of the base pipe. A sleeve is positioned in the interior to substantially block the port and to prevent substantial fluid communication between the interior and the pressure chamber. The sleeve includes a first portion having a first shear resistance for resisting movement of the first portion with respect to the base pipe. The sleeve also includes a second portion having a second shear resistance for resisting movement of the second portion with respect to the first portion. Movement of the first portion with respect to the base pipe in response to overcoming the first shear resistance exposes the port to permit fluid communication between the interior and the pressure chamber for setting the down hole tool. | 05-01-2014 |
20140216762 | System and Method for Activating a Down Hole Tool - One disclosed sleeve assembly disposed within a base pipe includes a first sleeve portion having a first shear resistance for resisting movement of the sleeve assembly with respect to the base pipe, and a second sleeve portion moveable with respect the first sleeve portion and having a second shear resistance for resisting movement of the second sleeve portion with respect to the first sleeve portion, the second shear resistance being greater than the first shear resistance. | 08-07-2014 |
20150292295 | MULTIPLE RAMP COMPRESSION PACKER - Systems and methods for remotely setting a downhole device. The system includes a base pipe having inner and outer radial surfaces and defining one or more pressure ports extending between the inner and outer radial surfaces. An internal sleeve is arranged against the inner radial surface and slidable between a closed position, where the internal sleeve covers the one or more pressure ports, and an open position, where the one or more pressure ports are exposed to an interior of the base pipe. A trigger housing is disposed about the base pipe and defines an atmospheric chamber in fluid communication with the one or more pressure ports. A piston port cover is disposed within the atmospheric chamber and moveable between blocking and exposed positions. A wellbore device is used to engage and move the internal sleeve into the open position by applying predetermined axial force to the internal sleeve. | 10-15-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090188098 | Multimen brachytherapy balloon catheter - The disclosure describes a device for asymmetrical irradiation of a body cavity or site, such as after removal of tissue, e.g. biopsy or lumpectomy. The device includes an elongated tubular shaft having an inner lumen and a tubular wall with a plurality of lumens extending within the wall which are configured for receiving a radiation source. The distal portion of the tubular shaft is cut into a plurality of longitudinally separated wall segments with a lumen extending within at least one of the wall segments. A support member is positioned within the separated wall segments to support and position the wall segments in a desired configuration for brachytherapy. An expandable member such as an inflatable balloon is mounted on the distal shaft portion about the separated wall segments wall which when inflated secures the distal shaft portion within a desired intracorporeal site for brachytherapy treatment. | 07-30-2009 |
20090198095 | Multilumen brachytherapy balloon catheter - The disclosure describes a device for asymmetrical irradiation of a body cavity or site, such as after removal of tissue, e.g. biopsy or lumpectomy. The device includes an elongated tubular shaft having an inner lumen and a tubular wall with a plurality of lumens extending within the wall which are configured for receiving a radiation source. The distal portion of the tubular shaft is cut into a plurality of longitudinally separated wall segments with a lumen extending within at least one of the wall segments. A support member is positioned within the separated wall segments to support and position the wall segments in a desired configuration for brachytherapy. An expandable member such as an inflatable balloon is mounted on the distal shaft portion about the separated wall segments wall which when inflated secures the distal shaft portion within a desired intracorporeal site for brachytherapy treatment. | 08-06-2009 |
20130144105 | MULTILUMEN BRACHYTHERAPY BALLOON CATHETER - The disclosure describes a device for asymmetrical irradiation of a body cavity or site, such as after removal of tissue, e.g. biopsy or lumpectomy. The device includes an elongated tubular shaft having an inner lumen and a tubular wall with a plurality of lumens extending within the wall which are configured for receiving a radiation source. The distal portion of the tubular shaft is cut into a plurality of longitudinally separated wall segments with a lumen extending within at least one of the wall segments. A support member is positioned within the separated wall segments to support and position the wall segments in a desired configuration for brachytherapy. An expandable member such as an inflatable balloon is mounted on the distal shaft portion about the separated wall segments wall which when inflated secures the distal shaft portion within a desired intracorporeal site for brachytherapy treatment. | 06-06-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080284138 | Halloween portable container - The present invention is an apparatus that is portable, easy to transport, and protects confections during Halloween “trick-or-treat”. The apparatus of the present invention includes a container element including a cover element, wherein the container element and cover element are in the form of a Halloween object, such as a pumpkin, witch, ghost, goblin, monster, vampire or werewolf. The apparatus further includes a projection element, which may further include a gripping element, to assist in maneuvering to push and/or pull the apparatus, via a rotating element. An alternate embodiment of the present invention is contemplated that includes a frame element to allow the container element to be disengaged from the frame element such that the container can be used as a decorative piece, for example displayed on a front porch or kitchen counter. | 11-20-2008 |
20100001481 | Halloween portable container - The present invention is an apparatus that is portable, easy to transport, and protects confections during Halloween “trick-or-treat”. The apparatus of the present invention includes a container element including a cover element, wherein the container element and cover element are in the form of a Halloween object, such as a pumpkin, witch, ghost, goblin, monster, vampire or werewolf. The apparatus further includes a projection element, which may further include a gripping element, to assist in maneuvering to push and/or pull the apparatus, via a rotating element. An alternate embodiment of the present invention is contemplated that includes a frame element to allow the container element to be disengaged from the frame element such that the container can be used as a decorative piece, for example displayed on a front porch or kitchen counter. | 01-07-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080234799 | CUSTOM-LENGTH STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH INDEPENDENTLY OPERABLE EXPANSION ELEMENTS - A stent delivery system for delivering a plurality of stent segments to at least one treatment site includes a catheter shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a plurality of expandable members arranged axially along the catheter shaft near the distal end, a plurality of stent segments, and a selecting mechanism adapted for selecting one or more expandable members for expansion. Each expandable member is expandable independently of at least one other expandable member, and each expandable member has at least one stent segment positioned on it. One or more of the expandable members may be selectively expanded to deploy the one or more stent segments positioned thereon at the treatment site. | 09-25-2008 |
20090076584 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DEPLOYMENT OF MULTIPLE CUSTOM-LENGTH PROSTHESES - A catheter for delivering a prosthesis to a target treatment site comprises an inner shaft and an expansion member coupled to the inner shaft. A plurality of radially expandable prosthetic segments are positionable over the expansion member and they are releasably interlocked with one another while unexpanded. Adjacent pairs of prosthetic segments may decouple from one another upon radial expansion of the distal prosthetic segment in the adjacent pair while the proximal segment in the pair remains at least partially unexpanded. The catheter also includes an outer sheath that is axially movable and positionable at least partially over the prosthetic segments to constrain expansion of a selectable number of segments. A segment mover is coupled to at least one of the prosthetic segments and is axially movable so as to retract one or more of the segments when the one or more prosthetic segments are unexpanded. | 03-19-2009 |
20110125248 | CUSTOM LENGTH STENT APPARATUS - Apparatus and methods for delivering prosthetic segments to a body lumen, utilize a device having an elongated flexible member including proximal and distal ends, a plurality of prosthetic segments releasably arranged axially along the elongated flexible member near the distal end and an outer sheath slidably disposed over at least a portion of the prosthetic segments. The apparatus further includes a separator disposed on the outer sheath and adapted to engage the prosthetic segments. The separator is also adapted to be retracted proximally over the prosthetic segments and advanced distally to separate a proximal group of the prosthetic segments from a distal group of the prosthetic segments which are to be deployed in the body lumen. | 05-26-2011 |
20110152996 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF MULTIPLE DISTRIBUTED STENTS - Delivery catheters and systems are adapted for delivering multiple discreet prostheses in body lumens. An exemplary delivery catheter comprises a sheath, a pusher for moving the prostheses relative to the sheath, and a valve member for selectively retaining the prostheses in the sheath. For balloon expandable stents, an elongated shaft and an expandable member are slidably disposed in the sheath, and the prostheses are positionable on the expandable member for deployment in the body lumen. The valve member allows a selected number of prostheses to be deployed from the sheath while retaining other prostheses within the sheath. | 06-23-2011 |
20130261382 | Devices and Methods for the Treatment of Obesity - A device includes a reinforcing member with a cross-section that defines a channel. The channel is configured to reinforce a wound. The device further includes a constraining body attachable to the reinforcing member and the constraining body is configured to constrain a patient's stomach. Methods for implanting the device and treating a patient are provided. | 10-03-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20150238125 | Silicon-Vacancy-Doped Nanodiamonds for Molecular and Cellular Imaging - An imaging agent for detecting analytes in a biological environment includes functionalized, silicon vacancy center-containing nanodiamonds. Individual nanodiamonds of the imaging agent include at least one silicon vacancy center. The at least one silicon vacancy center can emit light having a wavelength in a narrow band in response to illumination having any wavelength in a wide range of wavelengths. The nanodiamonds are functionalized to selectively interact with an analyte of interest. The nanodiamonds can additionally include other color centers, and the imaging agent can include a plurality of sets of nanodiamonds having detectably unique ratios of silicon vacancy centers to other color centers. The silicon vacancy centers in the nanodiamonds can have a preferred orientation enabling orientation tracking of individual nanodiamonds or other applications. A method for detecting properties of the analyte of interest by interacting with the imaging agent is also provided. | 08-27-2015 |
20150238636 | Engineered Particles with Polarization Contrast and Alignment Control for Enhanced Imaging - An engineered particle for detecting analytes in an environment includes an electromagnetic receiver that is configured to preferentially receive electromagnetic radiation of a specified polarization relative to the orientation of the electromagnetic receiver. The engineered particle additionally includes an energy emitter coupled to the electromagnetic receiver such that a portion of electromagnetic energy received by the electromagnetic receiver is transferred to and emitted by the energy emitter. The engineered particles are functionalized to selectively interact with an analyte. The engineered particle can additionally be configured to align with a directed energy field in the environment. The selective reception of electromagnetic radiation of a specified polarization and/or alignment with a directed energy field can enable orientation tracking of individual engineered particles, imaging in high-noise environments, or other applications. A method for detecting properties of the analyte of interest by interacting with the engineered particle is also provided. | 08-27-2015 |
20150377865 | Method for using nanodiamonds to detect nearby magnetic nanoparticles - An imaging agent for detecting analytes in an environment includes functionalized nanodiamonds and functionalized magnetic particles that can selectively interact with an analyte. Each functionalized nanodiamond contains at least one color center configured emit light in response to illumination. At least one property of the light emitted by the color centers is related to the proximity of the functionalized magnetic particles to the color centers. This property can be detected to determine that the functionalized nanodiamonds are proximate to the functionalized magnetic particles, to determine that the functionalized nanodiamonds and the functionalized magnetic particles are interacting with the analyte, or other applications. Devices and methods for detecting properties of the analyte by interacting with the functionalized nanodiamonds and functionalized magnetic particles are also provided. | 12-31-2015 |
20150382105 | Methods for reducing noise in optical biological sensors - Optical measurement of physiological parameters with wearable devices often includes measuring signals in the presence of significant noise sources. These noise sources include, but are not limited to, noise associated with: variable optical coupling to skin or tissue, variations in tissue optical properties with time due to changes in humidity, temperature, hydration, variations in tissue optical properties between individuals, variable coupling of ambient light sources into detectors, and instrument and detector noise, including electrical noise, radio frequency or magnetic interference, or noise caused by mechanical movement of the detector or its components. The present disclosure includes devices and methods configured to produce representations of the raw data in which noise, broadly defined, is separated from the data of interest. The disclosed devices and methods may include subtracting or calibrating out these noise sources and other spurious fluctuations in wearable devices with optical sensors. | 12-31-2015 |