Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110220233 | SPRINKLER HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT ON AN IRRIGATION MACHINE - A height adjustment assembly for a drop hose on an irrigation machine is composed of an elongated bracket having a first end provided with a pair of fittings, and a second opposite end provided with a drop hose retention ring; the drop hose retention ring formed with an opening adapted to permit a drop hose to slide through the opening, the opening defined by an interior surface provided with a pair of diametrically opposed open slots, and a pair of diametrically opposed locking recesses. A key lock fitting is adapted for connecting aligned hose ends of the drop hose and is provided with a pair of diametrically-opposed keys which, in use, are adapted to slide through the pair of opposed open slots and, upon ninety degree rotation of the diametrically-opposed keys, to be received in the pair of diametrically opposed locking recesses. | 09-15-2011 |
20130026254 | SPRINKLER LINEAR SIDE-LOAD, MULTI-NOZZLE SYSTEM - A sprinkler head includes a sprinkler body formed with a through-bore defining a flow path adapted for alignment with a nozzle bore. A nozzle carrier is mounted on the sprinkler body for linear movement across the flow path and adapted to support plural nozzles. The nozzle carrier is configured to enable any one of the plural nozzles to be aligned with the flow path. The nozzle carrier is provided with plural discrete seal pads that are selectively movable into a position covering the flow path to thereby shut off flow through the sprinkler body. | 01-31-2013 |
20130082119 | SIDE LOAD SPRINKLER NOZZLE SYSTEM - A sprinkler head includes a sprinkler body having an inlet bore at one end, and a nozzle carrier supporting at least one nozzle is attached to the sprinkler body for pivoting movement between a nozzle-offset position and a nozzle-installed position. The nozzle carrier is provided with a shut-off surface portion for shutting off flow through the sprinkler body when the nozzle carrier is moved to the nozzle-offset position. | 04-04-2013 |
20130320108 | MULTI-NOZZLE SHUTTLE FOR A SPRINKLER HEAD - A sprinkler head includes a sprinkler body having an inlet bore at one end, and a coupling element at an opposite end adapted to connect the sprinkler body to a water deflector plate. A multi-nozzle shuttle supports at least two nozzles and is attached to the sprinkler body axially between the inlet bore and the coupling element for swinging pivotal movement between two nozzle-installed positions. The multi-nozzle shuttle may also be provided with a shut-off surface portion for shutting off flow through the sprinkler body when the multi-nozzle shuttle is moved to a shut-off position. The shuttle may be moved manually or by a power actuator. | 12-05-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080202738 | Heat exchanger system - A heat exchanger system is described and which includes a metal tubular heat exchanger; a fluid distributor conduit fabricated from a metal dissimilar to that of the heat exchanger, and wherein the fluid distributor conduit is connected in fluid flowing relation relative to the metal tubular heat exchanger; and a fluid distributor made of a metal that is similar to that of the fluid distributor conduit, and which is connected in fluid flowing relation relative to the fluid distributor. | 08-28-2008 |
20080229763 | Heat exchanger and method for defrosting a heat exchanger - A heat exchanger and method for defrosting a heat exchanger is disclosed and which includes a heat exchanger having a fluid receiving conduit, and at least one space which is defined, at least in part, by the fluid receiving conduit, an expandable and contractible heating element which is received within the space, and which is located in heat transmitting relation relative to the fluid receiving conduit, and a biasing member mounted on the heat exchanger and the heating element and which longitudinally, and resiliently restrains the movement of the heating element relative to the heat exchanger during the expansion and contraction of the heating element relative to the heat exchanger. | 09-25-2008 |
20120210744 | Refrigerant distributor - A refrigerant distributor is described and which includes a tank defining an internal cavity for receiving a source of refrigerant; an inlet conduit for delivering the source of the refrigerant to the internal cavity of the tank; a contaminant collection container coupled in fluid receiving relation relative to the internal cavity of the tank and in disposal fluid receiving relation relative to the inlet conduit; and a plurality of refrigerant distributor conduits coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the internal cavity of the tank and which have a multiplicity of apertures having variable diametral dimensions and which facilitate a variable flow of the source of refrigerant out through the refrigerant distributor conduits as the volume of the refrigerant in the tank increases. | 08-23-2012 |
20130340979 | Heat Exchanger - A heat exchanger is described and which includes a heat exchanger portion defining a multiplicity of internal passageways, and wherein at least one of the passageways is defined in part by a wicking structure; a refrigerant distributor coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the defined passageways of the heat exchanger portion; and a source of ammonia refrigerant which is supplied to the internal passageways of the heat exchanger portion, and wherein substantial equal amounts of liquid refrigerant are supplied to each of the passageways defined by the heat exchanger portion. | 12-26-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090064014 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ATTRACTING, SURVEYING, AND MARKETING TO CONSUMERS - One method of the present invention includes displaying an interactive map to a consumer and recording interactions with the consumer, recording the interactions, analyzing the recordings, and acting on the analysis. The interactive map is provided at a tourist attraction or other location, and includes maps, images, cameras, and other information about the area surrounding the attraction, as well as information about other attractions, that is useful and/or interesting to a consumer. The interactive media include remote-controlled cameras, touch screen monitors, joysticks, and various other controls. Recording the interactions of the consumers includes recording touches, page views, clicks, session lengths, itineraries selected, and other interactions. Analyzing includes analyzing to find consumer preferences among locations presented. Acting on the results of the analyses includes contacting and forming networks with entities in the area surrounding the tourist hub or remote locations, including contacting and forming networks with other tourist hubs. | 03-05-2009 |
20090248498 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ATTRACTING, SURVEYING, AND MARKETING TO CONSUMERS - One method of the present invention includes displaying an interactive map to a consumer and recording interactions with the consumer, recording the interactions, analyzing the recordings, and acting on the analysis. The interactive map is provided at a tourist attraction or other location, and includes maps, images, cameras, and other information about the area surrounding the attraction, as well as information about other attractions, that is useful and/or interesting to a consumer. The interactive media include remote-controlled cameras, touch screen monitors, joysticks, and various other controls. Recording the interactions of the consumers includes recording touches, page views, clicks, session lengths, itineraries selected, and other interactions. Analyzing includes analyzing to find consumer preferences among locations presented. Acting on the results of the analyses includes contacting and forming networks with entities in the area surrounding the tourist hub or remote locations, including contacting and forming networks with other tourist hubs. | 10-01-2009 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120331310 | Increasing Power Efficiency Of Turbo Mode Operation In A Processor - In one embodiment, a processor has multiple cores to execute threads. The processor further includes a power control logic to enable entry into a turbo mode based on a comparison between a threshold and value of a counter that stores a count of core power and performance combinations that identify turbo mode requests of at least one of the threads. In this way, turbo mode may be entered at a utilization level of the processor that provides for high power efficiency. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 12-27-2012 |
20130007475 | EFFICIENT FREQUENCY BOOST OPERATION - Systems and methods of operating a computing system may involve identifying a plurality of state values, wherein each state value corresponds to a computing thread associated with a processor. An average value can be determined for the plurality of state values, wherein a determination may be made as to whether to grant a frequency boost request based at least in part on the average value. | 01-03-2013 |
20130179703 | Increasing Power Efficiency Of Turbo Mode Operation In A Processor - In one embodiment, a processor has multiple cores to execute threads. The processor further includes a power control logic to enable entry into a turbo mode based on a comparison between a threshold and value of a counter that stores a count of core power and performance combinations that identify turbo mode requests of at least one of the threads. In this way, turbo mode may be entered at a utilization level of the processor that provides for high power efficiency. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 07-11-2013 |
20140149774 | INCREASING POWER EFFICIENCY OF TURBO MODE OPERATION IN A PROCESSOR - In one embodiment, a processor has multiple cores to execute threads. The processor further includes a power control logic to enable entry into a turbo mode based on a comparison between a threshold and value of a counter that stores a count of core power and performance combinations that identify turbo mode requests of at least one of the threads. In this way, turbo mode may be entered at a utilization level of the processor that provides for high power efficiency. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 05-29-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090059609 | STARRY SKY LIGHTING PANELS - A lighting panel capable of producing a “Starry Sky” lighting effect and which is easily retrofitted into existing aircraft includes a first substrate, a plurality of microminiature light sources, such as LEDs, mounted on an upper surface of the first substrate, a plurality of electrically conductive traces written on the upper surface of the first substrate so as to make electrical interconnections with respective leads of the light sources, a clear filler material surrounding each light source and tapering down to the upper surface of the first substrate so as to planarize it, and a flexible decorative film laminated over the upper surface of the first substrate and light sources, the decorative film containing a plurality of apertures therethrough, each corresponding in location to a respective light source. | 03-05-2009 |
20090059610 | Starry Sky Lighting Panels - A lighting panel capable of producing a “Starry Sky” lighting effect and which is easily retrofitted into existing aircraft includes a structural panel, a plurality of inserts containing microminiature light sources, such as LEDs, mounted in openings in the panel, a plurality of electrically conductive traces written on the upper surface of the panel so as to make electrical interconnections with respective leads of the light sources, and a decorative film applied over a bottom surface of the panel and the light sources, the decorative film being translucent or transparent or containing a plurality of apertures therethrough, each corresponding in location to a respective one of the light sources. | 03-05-2009 |
20110062735 | PROTECTIVE KICK STRIP - In one embodiment, a kickstrip assembly comprises a base plate having a length extending along a longitudinal axis, and comprising an upper segment having an upper edge and an upper lip, a lower segment having a lower edge and a lower lip, the upper lip and the lower lip defining a middle section. The assembly further comprises an insert formed from a flexible polymeric material and comprising a faceplate, an upper edge depending from the faceplate, and a lower edge depending from the faceplate, wherein the faceplate is dimensioned to fit within middle section of the base plate. | 03-17-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090112893 | Creation and management of electronic files for localization project - Creation and management of electronic files for a localization project. The electronic files are based on a data structure that defines the format and content of the electronic files and includes a first data structure portion that contains data that represents a plurality of references to localization project files. Moreover, the data structure includes a second data structure portion that is associated with the first data structure portion that contains data that represents a plurality of references to standard files. | 04-30-2009 |
20130031530 | CREATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ELECTRONIC FILES FOR A LOCALIZATION PROJECT - Electronic files for a localization project may be created and/or managed. The electronic files may be based on a data structure that defines the format and content of the electronic files and may include a first data structure portion that may contain data representing a plurality of references to localization project files. The data structure may includes a second data structure portion that may be associated with the first data structure portion that may contain data that may represent a plurality of references to standard files. | 01-31-2013 |
20130226555 | Multilingual Build Integration for Compiled Applications - Multilingual build integration for compiled applications is described in which support for application localization of compiled programming languages is provided as an integrated component of a development environment. Localizations integrate with application builds in the development environment so that updates are synchronized with project resources for multiple languages. This involves producing translation target files (e.g., localization files) for one or more selected languages by parsing and interpreting source files for the project to identify resources for translation. Localization files in the project that have been updated may be exposed in various ways for translation via the system, a translation service, or other translation source. Translated localization files are used to create dynamic resource files for the particular programming language that are compiled as part of the build process into language specific resource files. Compiled language specific resource files for multiple languages may then be packaged together for distribution. | 08-29-2013 |
20130227522 | Integrated Application Localization - Integrated application localization techniques are described in which support for application localization is provided as an integrated component of a development environment. Localizations for selected languages/locales integrate with application builds in the development environment so that updates are synchronized with project resources for multiple languages. This involves creating and employing localization files corresponding to source content of a project using a designated file format suitable to enable translations. Localization files that are created in the designated format may be exposed in various ways for translation via the system, a developer, a translation service, or other selected translation sources. A single multilingual resource file for an application is then generated to contain resources in multiple languages based on translations made available through the translation sources. | 08-29-2013 |
20140082582 | Resource Tracker - Resource tracker techniques are described in which resource trackers may be generated, assigned to resources, and used to track resources throughout a development environment. The resource trackers may be configured in a designated format that is suitable to distinguish different resources one from one another. In one approach, resource trackers are derived as a combination of a user-supplied project identifier and defined resource identifiers. Resource trackers may be embedded into code defining corresponding resources and exposed to identify resources in connection with various development operations. In an embodiment, the resources trackers may be employed to provide visual indications of resources that appear within a user-interface for a project that is output for testing. A developer may identify resources based on resource trackers exposed via the user-interface and navigate back to underlying code in various ways to address any issues identified through the testing. | 03-20-2014 |
20140309983 | Integrated Application Localization - Integrated application localization techniques are described in which support for application localization is provided as an integrated component of a development environment. Localizations for selected languages/locales integrate with application builds in the development environment so that updates are synchronized with project resources for multiple languages. This involves creating and employing localization files corresponding to source content of a project using a designated file format suitable to enable translations. Localization files that are created in the designated format may be exposed in various ways for translation via the system, a developer, a translation service, or other selected translation sources. A single multilingual resource file for an application is then generated to contain resources in multiple languages based on translations made available through the translation sources. | 10-16-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080214103 | CONTROL OF WIRELESS CONNECTION FOR A PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER - A portable media player that provides for wireless connectivity is disclosed. In some examples, the portable media player contains a button that causes the player to search for, connect with, and disconnect from wireless networks. In some examples, the button provides indicators of the connectivity of the player, such as different colors or modes of illumination. In some examples, the functionality of the button changes depending on the connectivity of the player or characteristics of the playback or navigation of media within the player. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. | 09-04-2008 |
20080249643 | SELECTIVE LOCKING OF INPUT CONTROLS FOR A PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER - A portable media player configured to selectively enable or disable one or more input controls, such as volume controls, is described herein. In some examples, the player contains a physical button or switch that provides for the selective enabling or disabling of input controls. In some examples, the player is configured to dynamically determine when to enable or disable input controls based on information received about the player or characteristics of the player. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. | 10-09-2008 |
20080320078 | VENUE AND EVENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A USER OF A PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER DEVICE - A method and system for generating by a server, a recommendation for a venue or an event of interest proximally located to an inferred current location of a user of a portable media player device. In an embodiment, a server may determine one or more media preferences for a user based at least in part on media stored on or accessed using the portable media player device of the user. The server may generate information related to the current location or a recommendation for a venue or an event of interest to the user based at least in part on the one or more media preferences and the inferred current location of the user. Once generated, the server then may communicate the recommendation (or the information) to the user, e.g. the portable media player device. Other embodiments may also be described and claimed. | 12-25-2008 |
20090006542 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UPDATING MEDIA LISTS IN PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICES - A method and apparatus for updating a media list or a media list collection of a portable media player device is disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the updates are generated by a proxy or a third party server, based at least in part on data gathered for media preferences for a user of the portable media play device and one or more other users of one or more portable media player devices. In various embodiments, the method is practiced respecting the access rights of the media files (if access rights are required). Other embodiments may also be described and claimed. | 01-01-2009 |
20110231760 | MENU TRAILS FOR A PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER - A software and/or hardware facility for generating menu trails for a portable media player. A menu trail is a visual cue to a user, repeated on each menu item in the media player navigation interface, that highlights a path for the user to follow to a content item stored on or accessible by the media player, or to a capability of the media player. Menu trails may highlight new content and capabilities, or may highlight existing content or capabilities. A user using the media player may easily follow the visual cues through the player's menus in order to navigate to the content item or capability. | 09-22-2011 |
20110237181 | CONTROLLING OF WIRELESS CONNECTION OF A PORTABLE DEVICE INCLUDING AN ILLUMINATION COMPONENT OR SWITCH - A portable media player that provides for wireless connectivity is disclosed. In some examples, the portable media player contains a button that causes the player to search for, connect with, and disconnect from wireless networks. In some examples, the button provides indicators of the connectivity of the player, such as different colors or modes of illumination. In some examples, the functionality of the button changes depending on the connectivity of the player or characteristics of the playback or navigation of media within the player. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. | 09-29-2011 |
20120224507 | CONTROLLING OF WIRELESS CONNECTION OF A PORTABLE DEVICE INCLUDING AN ILLUMINATION COMPONENT OR SWITCH - A portable media player that provides for wireless connectivity is disclosed. In some examples, the portable media player contains a button that causes the player to search for, connect with, and disconnect from wireless networks. In some examples, the button provides indicators of the connectivity of the player, such as different colors or modes of illumination. In some examples, the functionality of the button changes depending on the connectivity of the player or characteristics of the playback or navigation of media within the player. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. | 09-06-2012 |
20140013274 | MENU TRAILS FOR A PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER - A software and/or hardware facility for generating menu trails for a portable media player. A menu trail is a visual cue to a user, repeated on each menu item in the media player navigation interface, that highlights a path for the user to follow to a content item stored on or accessible by the media player, or to a capability of the media player. Menu trails may highlight new content and capabilities, or may highlight existing content or capabilities. A user using the media player may easily follow the visual cues through the player's menus in order to navigate to the content item or capability. | 01-09-2014 |
20140354576 | SELECTIVE LOCKING OF INPUT CONTROLS OF A PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER - A portable media player configured to selectively enable or disable one or more input controls, such as volume controls, is described herein. In some examples, the player contains a physical button or switch that provides for the selective enabling or disabling of input controls. In some examples, the player is configured to dynamically determine when to enable or disable input controls based on information received about the player or characteristics of the player. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. | 12-04-2014 |
20150067765 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UPDATING MEDIA LISTS IN PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICES - A method and apparatus for updating a media list or a media list collection of a portable media player device is disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the updates are generated by a proxy or a third party server, based at least in part on data gathered for media preferences for a user of the portable media play device and one or more other users of one or more portable media player devices. In various embodiments, the method is practiced respecting the access rights of the media files (if access rights are required). Other embodiments may also be described and claimed. | 03-05-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110039600 | WIRELESS MOBILE PHONE HAVING ENCODED DATA ENTRY FACILITIES - A wireless mobile phone is provided with one or more buttons and complementary logic to facilitate entry of encoded representations of a variable length encoding scheme of alphanumeric data. As a result, a user may use the provided facilities to engage in non-verbal communication for sensitive subject matters in the middle of a call. In one embodiment, the encoded representations are Morse codes. In another embodiment, the encoded representations are custom designed. In one embodiment, the complementary logic further facilitates echoing on a display, alphanumeric data corresponding to any entered encoded representations. Additionally, each of the code entry buttons includes one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), and the LEDs are lit to visually echo the encoded representations of the variable length encoding scheme of letters, numbers or punctuations entered through a standard input keypad. | 02-17-2011 |
20110124367 | MOBILE ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICE WITH LIGHTS TO INDICATE RECEIVED MESSAGES - A mobile electronic communication device includes a processor unit, a transceiver, a keypad and a light unit. Each key of the keypad is associated with a contact of a contact list. The light unit can perform light functions to notify a user of the reception and/or status of messages received via the transceiver. The light functions include providing an indication of the age of a received message that was sent by a contact in the contacts list. The age of the message is indicated by a modulation of the illuminating light. In one embodiment, the age of a message is indicated as one of a set of predetermined age ranges, with each age range being represented by a unique color. | 05-26-2011 |
20110151844 | WIRELESS MOBILE IMAGE MESSAGING - Non-verbal communications between users of wireless mobile devices are facilitated using image messages. An image message may e.g. convey information about the sender user, in particular, current information about the sender user. In one aspect, a user may select an image message category, and select an image message among the image messages of the selected image message category for transmission, to quickly, efficiently and graphically convey (current) information about the user. The process may be performed to form a mixed media message. Received image message to convey current information may be aged via time and/or color displays. | 06-23-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090031811 | Ultrasonic Method to Verify the Interference Fit of Fasteners - Embodiments of techniques to verify the interference fit of fasteners are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes aligning a probe proximate a fastener, the fastener being disposed within a material. A dynamic stress signal is generated from the probe using a low frequency transducer, and the dynamic stress signal is interrogated after it passes between the fastener and the material. An interference fit is then determined based on the interrogated dynamic stress signal. | 02-05-2009 |
20110088473 | Ultrasonic Method To Verify The Interference Fit Of Fasteners - Embodiments of techniques and technologies to verify the interference fit of fasteners are disclosed. In one embodiment, a transducer is positioned to transmit a shear ultrasonic signal through a region of a fastener which is subject to stress when the fastener experiences an interference fit. The shear ultrasonic signal is transmitted through a region of the fastener subject to the stress. As the transmitted ultrasonic signal encounters the region, it is mode converted corresponding to a degree of interference which the fastener is experiencing. A return ultrasonic signal from the fastener is received with the transducer. From the return ultrasonic signal, a processor determines the degree of interference fit which the fastener is experience and outputs an indication of the same. | 04-21-2011 |
20140210997 | System and Method for Automated Crack Inspection and Repair - A system for automated inspection of a surface; the system may include a self-propelled, steerable carriage capable of traversing the surface, the carriage having a camera positioned to view an object on the surface, and at least of one of a sensor capable of detecting a defect in the surface, a tool for treating the defect, and a sensor for inspecting a repair of the defect; and a computer controller connected to receive image data from the camera, communicate with and selectively actuate the at least of one of a sensor capable of detecting a defect in the surface, a tool for treating the defect, and a sensor for inspecting a repair of the defect, and control the carriage to move on the surface along one or more of a pre-set path and a path to one or more pre-set locations. | 07-31-2014 |
20140278221 | Self-Contained Holonomic Tracking Method and Apparatus for Non-Destructive Inspection - A self-contained, holonomic motion tracking solution for supplementing the acquisition of inspection information on the surface of a structure, thereby enabling the real-time production of two-dimensional images from hand-held and automated scanning by holonomic-motion of non-destructive inspection (NDI) sensor units (e.g., NDI probes). The systems and methods disclosed enable precise tracking of the position and orientation of a holonomic-motion NDI sensor unit (hand-held or automated) and conversion of the acquired tracking data into encoder pulse signals for processing by a NDI scanning system. | 09-18-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120320372 | Autonomous Non-Destructive Evaluation System for Aircraft Structures - An apparatus comprises an inspection vehicle, a sensor system, a positioning system, a controller, and a support system. The inspection vehicle is configured to move on a surface of an object. The sensor system is associated with the inspection vehicle and is configured to generate information about the object when the inspection vehicle is on the surface of the object. The positioning system is configured to determine a location of the inspection vehicle on the object. The controller is configured to control movement of the inspection vehicle using the positioning system and control operation of the sensor system. The support system is connected to the inspection vehicle and is configured to support the inspection vehicle in response to an undesired release of the inspection vehicle from the surface of the object. | 12-20-2012 |
20130024067 | Holonomic Motion Vehicle for Travel on Non-Level Surfaces - Holonomic-motion ground vehicles (i.e., mobile platforms) that are capable of controlled movement across non-level surfaces, while carrying one or more non-destructive inspection sensors or other tools. The mobile platform comprises a frame having four (or a multiple of four) Mecanum wheels, each wheel driven by a respective independently controlled motor, and further having a plurality (e.g., two) of independently controlled suction devices. The Mecanum wheels enable holonomic motion, while the suction devices facilitate sufficiently precise control of motion on non-level surfaces. | 01-24-2013 |
20130041544 | Beam Directed Motion Control System - A method and apparatus comprising an energy source, a position system, and a movement system. The energy source is configured to generate a beam of energy directed at an area on a target for a vehicle. The position system is configured to identify a first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed. The movement system is configured to move the vehicle in a manner that reduces a difference between the first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed and a reference position on the target. | 02-14-2013 |
20140182479 | Vacuum Adhering Apparatus for Automated Maintenance of Airfoil-Shaped Bodies - Devices for enabling navigation of a crawler vehicle along an airfoil-shaped body, such as a helicopter blade, in a low-cost fashion with high reliability, especially for swept configuration blades. Using the natural tendency of vacuum adherence devices to adhere to changing surface contours, the crawler vehicle can adhere itself to airfoil-shaped structures in a way that allows the crawler vehicle to easily translate along an airfoil-shaped body while accommodating extreme variations along the surface of the airfoil-shaped body. The crawler vehicle can be designed to eliminate any trailing edge follower wheel, which simplifies the crawler's ability to accommodate trailing edge protrusions, such as trim tabs. | 07-03-2014 |
20140200832 | Autonomous Non-Destructive Evaluation System for Aircraft Structures - An apparatus comprises an inspection vehicle, a sensor system, a positioning system, a controller, and a support system. The inspection vehicle is configured to move on a surface of an object. The sensor system is associated with the inspection vehicle and is configured to generate information about the object when the inspection vehicle is on the surface of the object. The positioning system is configured to determine a location of the inspection vehicle on the object. The controller is configured to control movement of the inspection vehicle using the positioning system and control operation of the sensor system. The support system is connected to the inspection vehicle and is configured to support the inspection vehicle in response to an undesired release of the inspection vehicle from the surface of the object. | 07-17-2014 |
20140339002 | APPARATUS FOR FORMING A VACUUM ADHESION - A method, apparatus, and system for adhering a vacuum to a surface is provided. A seal is positioned relative to a surface. The seal is associated with a structure and is in communication with a channel within the structure. The seal is rotated relative to the structure such that the seal at least partially conforms to the surface. Air is drawn into the channel within the structure through the seal such that the seal adheres to the surface. | 11-20-2014 |
20140365063 | BEAM DIRECTED MOTION CONTROL SYSTEM - A method and apparatus comprising an energy source, a position system, and a movement system. The energy source is configured to generate a beam of energy directed at an area on a target for a vehicle. The position system is configured to identify a first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed. The movement system is configured to move the vehicle in a manner that reduces a difference between the first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed and a reference position on the target. | 12-11-2014 |
20140376768 | Systems and Methods for Tracking Location of Movable Target Object - An automated process uses a local positioning system to acquire location (i.e., position and orientation) data for one or more movable target objects. In cases where the target objects have the capability to move under computer control, this automated process can use the measured location data to control the position and orientation of such target objects. The system leverages the measurement and image capture capability of the local positioning system, and integrates controllable marker lights, image processing, and coordinate transformation computation to provide tracking information for vehicle location control. The resulting system enables position and orientation tracking of objects in a reference coordinate system. | 12-25-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090243128 | COLLECTION OF PROCESS DATA USING IN-SITU SENSORS - A system is provided for collecting data during vacuum molding of a composite part using a mold including an air tight, flexible membrane sealed to a tool. The system comprises a plurality of MEMS sensors coupled with the interior of the mold at different locations over the part. Each of the sensors produces signals related to a process parameter, such as pressure within the bag, that is sensed at the location of the sensor. | 10-01-2009 |
20100124659 | STAGED COCURING OF COMPOSITE STRUCTURES - A composite structure is fabricated by staging at least a portion of an uncured, first composite component. The first composite component is assembled with a second composite component, and the staged portion of the first composite component is cocured with the second composite component. | 05-20-2010 |
20100140842 | CONTROLLING TEMPERATURE IN EXOTHERMIC REACTIONS WITH A PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL - An apparatus may comprise a tool capable of holding a part during curing of the part, and a passive temperature control system. The passive temperature control system may have a phase change material selected as having a phase change temperature that may be capable of controlling heat generated by the part during curing of the part held by the tool. | 06-10-2010 |
20120227247 | Controlling Temperature in Exothermic Reactions with a Phase Change Material - An apparatus may comprise a tool capable of holding a part during curing of the part, and a passive temperature control system. The passive temperature control system may have a phase change material selected as having a phase change temperature that may be capable of controlling heat generated by the part during curing of the part held by the tool. | 09-13-2012 |
20120241992 | Collection of Process Data Using In-Situ Sensors - A system is provided for collecting data during vacuum molding of a composite part using a mold including an air tight, flexible membrane sealed to a tool. The system comprises a plurality of MEMS sensors coupled with the interior of the mold at different locations over the part. Each of the sensors produces signals related to a process parameter, such as pressure within the bag, that is sensed at the location of the sensor. | 09-27-2012 |
20140146853 | Device for Emulating Temperature of a Composite Structure Through a Thermal Cure Cycle - A temperature emulator may include a stack assembly having a pair of end plates positioned at an uppermost and lowermost location of the stack assembly, a plurality of heat sink plates disposed between the pair of end plates, each of the heat sink plates having a plurality of heat sink cutouts, a plurality of shim plates separating adjacent pairs of the end plates and the heat sink plates, each of the shim plates having a shim cutout, an open cavity formed by a plurality of adjacent heat sink cutouts and shim cutouts, thermal insulation disposed within the cavity, and at least one temperature sensor coupled to at least one of the plurality of heat sink plates. | 05-29-2014 |
20140146855 | Device for Emulating Temperature of an Exothermic Composite Structure Through a Thermal Cure Cycle - A temperature emulator may include a stacked assembly including a pair of end plates positioned at an uppermost and lowermost location of the stacked assembly, a plurality of heat sink plates positioned between the pair of end plates, a plurality of shim plates positioned between adjacent pairs of heat sink plates, and an exothermic charge assembly positioned between at least one pair of heat sink plates, the exothermic charge assembly including an exotherm charge configured to react exothermally in response to a thermal cure cycle. | 05-29-2014 |
20140318693 | STAGED COCURING OF COMPOSITE STRUCTURES - A composite structure is fabricated by staging at least a portion of an uncured, first composite component. The first composite component is assembled with a second composite component, and the staged portion of the first composite component is cocured with the second composite component. | 10-30-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100119304 | Collapsible parking pad - A parking pad includes a main body portion defined by first and second sides, and first and second ends. The main body portion being a flexible sheet which can be one of rolled or folded to facilitate placing the parking pad in a storage configuration. The parking pad includes first and second sleeves located proximate the respective first and seconds sides of the main body portion. The first and second sleeves are each defined by respective sleeve openings. The parking pad further includes elongate curb members disposed within sleeves, the curb member being removable from the sleeves via the sleeve openings. The second end of the main body portion is unobstructed to thereby allow detritus falling on the main body portion to be easily removed from the parking pad. | 05-13-2010 |
20120018532 | Area-programmable sprinkler - A sprinkler system which is controllable to provide water to an area to be sprinkled includes a sprinkler head to move between a first position and a second position. The sprinkler system further includes a sprinkler head positioner to move the sprinkler head between the first and second positions, a sprinkler head position determiner to determine a current sprinkler head position between the first and second positions, a flow control valve to control flow of water from a water supply to the sprinkler head, a flow control valve positioner to establish a current control valve position for the flow control valve between an essentially fully closed control valve position and an essentially fully open control valve position, and a controller to receive a sprinkler head position signal from the sprinkler head position determiner and send a control valve control signal to the flow control valve positioner in response thereto. | 01-26-2012 |
20140084078 | Area-programmable sprinkler - A sprinkler which is controllable to provide water to an area to be sprinkled includes a sprinkler head to move between a first position and a second position. The sprinkler further includes a sprinkler head positioner to move the sprinkler head between the first and second positions, a sprinkler head position determiner to determine a current sprinkler head position between the first and second positions, a flow control valve to control flow of water from a water supply to the sprinkler head, a flow control valve positioner to establish a current control valve position for the flow control valve between an essentially fully closed control valve position and an essentially fully open control valve position, and a controller to receive a sprinkler head position signal from the sprinkler head position determiner and send a control valve control signal to the flow control valve positioner in response thereto. | 03-27-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080221397 | Defibrillator Patient Monitoring Pod - A patient parameter monitoring pod in embodiments of the teachings may include one or more the following features: (a) portable housing containing a power supply, (b) a patient parameter module connectable to a patient via lead cables to collect patient data, the patient data including at least one vital sign, (c) a transceiver adapted to wirelessly transmit the patient data to a defibrillator, (d) a data port adapted to supply the patient data via a direct electrical connection to the defibrillator, and (e) a carrying handle extending from the housing proximate a patient lead cable port that permits connection of the lead cables to the pod, the carrying handle positioned to protect the patient lead cable port and the patient lead cables attached to the port from direct impact. | 09-11-2008 |
20140142647 | DEFIBRILLATOR PATIENT MONITORING POD - A patient parameter monitoring pod in embodiments of the teachings may include one or more of the following features: (a) portable housing containing a power supply, (b) a patient parameter module connectable to a patient via lead cables to collect patient data, the patient data including at least one vital sign, (c) a transceiver adapted to wirelessly transmit the patient data to a defibrillator, (d) a data port adapted to supply the patient data via a direct electrical connection to the defibrillator, and (e) a carrying handle extending from the housing proximate a patient lead cable port that permits connection of the lead cables to the pod, the carrying handle positioned to protect the patient lead cable port and the patient lead cables attached to the port from direct impact. | 05-22-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080256539 | Fault Tolerant and Hang Resistant Media Processing Applications - Techniques for playing a media file in a multimedia application include launching a multimedia application as one process and automatically launching a pipeline of one or more media processing components as one or more isolated processes. In this manner, any untrustworthy components can be executed in an isolated process that is separate from the execution process of the multimedia application, thereby improving fault tolerance and hang resistance. | 10-16-2008 |
20100325123 | Media Seed Suggestion - Media recommendation techniques are described. In an implementation, a similarity value is calculated for a plurality of media using a plurality of similarity functions. A vote is assigned for each similarity value that is above a threshold that is assigned for a respective similarity function and the plurality of media is ranked based at least in part on the assigned votes. A playlist is then created based at least in part on the ranking. Media seed techniques are also described. In an implementation, a set of dissimilar candidates are calculated for a plurality of media using a similarity function in which the set of dissimilar candidates describes the media that is dissimilar in comparison with other media included in the plurality of media. A seed is selected using the set of the dissimilar candidates to create a playlist that includes at least some of the plurality of media. | 12-23-2010 |
20100332568 | Media Playlists - Media playlist techniques are described. In an implementation, a communication is formed, for transmission via a network to a media provider, to request data that describes media that is available for streaming from the media provider. The playlist is created based at least in part on media that is available locally on the computer and the data received from the media provider such that the playlist references one or more of the media that are available for streaming from the media provider. | 12-30-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090000726 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTOURING COMPOSITE PRE-PREG ARTICLES - A forming tool and method for its use with flat pre-preg composite laminate assemblies which incorporates a mandrel segmented into multiple forming blocks, the forming blocks sized to receive a draped composite laminate assembly with all portions of the composite laminate assembly spaced from a shaping surface on each block. A spline plate engages the shaping surface of the forming blocks to provide a neutral axis for maintaining the entire composite laminate assembly in tension during forming. In the exemplary embodiments, the draped composite laminate assembly is formed to the forming blocks from the flat composite laminate assembly and maintained in contact with the forming blocks using a vacuum bag. The mandrel forming blocks are then displaced to a desired curvature on the spline plate. | 01-01-2009 |
20110041988 | Method and Apparatus for Producing Off-Axis Composite Prepreg Material - The embodiments are directed to a method and apparatus for preferably producing a two layer off-axis composite prepreg material in tape form that has fiber direction at angles such as plus or minus five degrees to the longitudinal direction of the backing paper. The use of such off-axis prepreg composite material tape is primarily for fabricating high length-to-width ration parts such as composite wing stringers or spars for aircraft. | 02-24-2011 |
20110110612 | Micropleated Vacuum Bag and Seal Method for Composite Parts - A micropleated vacuum bag includes a bag sheet, at least one seal ribbon carried by the bag sheet and a plurality of micropleats extending into the bag sheet and the at least one seal ribbon. | 05-12-2011 |
20120006472 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTOURING COMPOSITE PRE-PREG ARTICLES - A forming tool and method for its use with flat pre-preg composite laminate assemblies which incorporates a mandrel segmented into multiple forming blocks, the forming blocks sized to receive a draped composite laminate assembly with all portions of the composite laminate assembly spaced from a shaping surface on each block. A spline plate engages the shaping surface of the forming blocks to provide a neutral axis for maintaining the entire composite laminate assembly in tension during forming. In the exemplary embodiments, the draped composite laminate assembly is formed to the forming blocks from the flat composite laminate assembly and maintained in contact with the forming blocks using a vacuum bag. The mandrel forming blocks are then displaced to a desired curvature on the spline plate. | 01-12-2012 |
20130049258 | Method and Apparatus for Fabricating Variable Gauge, Contoured Composite Stiffeners - Tooling apparatus for forming a composite charge into a contoured composite blade stringer includes an elongate punch and an elongate die flexible along their lengths. The charge is press formed by using the punch to drive the charge into the die. The punch and the die are mounted between a pair of flexible plates. A press coupled with the plates contours the charge by bending the plates into a desired contour. | 02-28-2013 |
20130089712 | Tapered Height Curved Composite Stringers and Corresponding Panels - Apparatus and methods provide for utilizing continuous curved composite stringers to control the loads and corresponding moments within curved regions of an aircraft or other vehicle without delamination or other interlamina failures. According to embodiments described herein, any number of tapered height curved composite stringers may be coupled to continuous skin components to create a curved continuous panel. The tapered height curved composite stringers may have webs that taper to a reduced height within curved regions and corresponding base flanges that widen during web tapering. Reinforcement fittings may be coupled to the base flanges in the curved regions for further strengthening and to provide for the attachment of supplemental panels to the stringers. | 04-11-2013 |
20130118683 | Composite Lamination Using Array Of Parallel Material Dispensing Heads - Aspects of the present disclosure include various exemplary methods relating to composite lamination using one or more arrays of parallel material dispensing heads. In one example, a method of fabricating a high aspect ratio composite article is disclosed which may involve applying a first strip material to a work surface datum at a first angle with a first material dispenser, and applying a plurality of second strip materials to a work surface datum each at a second angle with a plurality of rotatable parallel material dispensers. The method may also involve advancing the first material dispenser and the rotatable parallel material dispensers as a unit the width of the second strip material and continuing application of the first strip material by the first material dispenser and a plurality of second strip materials by the rotatable parallel material dispensers until a desired length is reached. | 05-16-2013 |
20130340928 | Method and Apparatus for Fabricating Variable Gauge, Contoured Composite Stiffeners - Method and tooling apparatus for forming a composite charge into a contoured composite blade stringer including an elongate punch and an elongate die flexible along their lengths. The charge is press formed by using the punch to drive the charge into the die. The punch and the die are mounted between a pair of flexible plates. A press coupled with the plates contours the charge by bending the plates into a desired contour. The stringer is allowed to cool down to room temperature while being constrained, before withdrawing the stringer from the tooling apparatus in order to reduce wrinkling. | 12-26-2013 |
20140193618 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACCURATE REGISTRATION OF COMPOSITE LAMINATES - Methods, systems and apparatuses for dimensionally registering composite laminates are disclosed, wherein readable elements acting as alignment and identification features are incorporated integrally in laminates. | 07-10-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090321537 | Dual-mode sprinkler head - A dual-mode sprinkler includes a nozzle arranged to supply a stream to a rotatable water-distribution plate. The sprinkler can be adjusted between free-spinning and retarded or braked rotation, enabling multi-use applications for the sprinkler. | 12-31-2009 |
20100038450 | Sprinkler with nutating mechanism and optional weight - A rotary, nutating sprinkler head includes a housing supporting a nozzle tube extending in a downstream direction, concentric with a vertical center axis of the sprinkler head; a spool assembly loosely supported on the starter tube, the spool assembly including a double-flanged spool and a water-deflection plate carried by the spool, the water-deflection plate formed with one or more grooves shaped to cause the spool assembly to rotate when impinged upon by a stream emitted from the starter tube; wherein one of the starter tube and the spool is provided with at least one tilting lug located to maintain the spool assembly in a tilted or angularly offset orientation relative to the vertical center axis, thereby facilitating a wobbling action of the spool assembly during rotation. | 02-18-2010 |
20110220233 | SPRINKLER HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT ON AN IRRIGATION MACHINE - A height adjustment assembly for a drop hose on an irrigation machine is composed of an elongated bracket having a first end provided with a pair of fittings, and a second opposite end provided with a drop hose retention ring; the drop hose retention ring formed with an opening adapted to permit a drop hose to slide through the opening, the opening defined by an interior surface provided with a pair of diametrically opposed open slots, and a pair of diametrically opposed locking recesses. A key lock fitting is adapted for connecting aligned hose ends of the drop hose and is provided with a pair of diametrically-opposed keys which, in use, are adapted to slide through the pair of opposed open slots and, upon ninety degree rotation of the diametrically-opposed keys, to be received in the pair of diametrically opposed locking recesses. | 09-15-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090194714 | Fiber Optic Liquid Level Sensor - There is disclosed a fiber optic liquid level sensor apparatus that functions using total internal reflection and an index of refraction. More specifically, there is disclosed a fiber optic liquid level sensor apparatus comprising two fiber optic strands, each having a first end and a second end, substantially oriented in parallel to each other, wherein the second ends of both strands are attached to each other. | 08-06-2009 |
20090211397 | Flexible Motor Coupling Device - There is disclosed a flexible motor coupling device that provides for distance changes along a lateral axis between a motor shaft and a device to be actuated (such as a valve shaft). More specially, there is disclosed a motor coupling device comprising an outer casing having an axis therein and a carriage shaft, wherein the carriage shaft moves laterally along the axis of rotation and is surrounded by ball bearings. | 08-27-2009 |
20110020214 | Dehydrogenation of Cyclic Thioethers - There is disclosed a surprising reaction of an alkane thiol with a catalyst and heat to become dehydrogenated and form a thiophene rather than an expected desulfurization reaction to form the corresponding alkane or alkene. Moreover, there are disclosed surprising results regarding the form of a catalyst to allow a reaction of an alkane thiol to form the dehydrogenated thiophene at lower temperatures and at higher conversion percentages to allow for more efficient recovery of thiophenes to allow for recycling and reuse of thiophenes to hydrogenate to form alkane thiols. Further still, there is disclosed a set of reaction conditions and catalyst presentation that allows for recovery of usable diatomic hydrogen gas from a dehydrogenation reaction of substituted or unsubstituted cyclic thioethers to substituted or unsubstituted thiophene. | 01-27-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100119304 | Collapsible parking pad - A parking pad includes a main body portion defined by first and second sides, and first and second ends. The main body portion being a flexible sheet which can be one of rolled or folded to facilitate placing the parking pad in a storage configuration. The parking pad includes first and second sleeves located proximate the respective first and seconds sides of the main body portion. The first and second sleeves are each defined by respective sleeve openings. The parking pad further includes elongate curb members disposed within sleeves, the curb member being removable from the sleeves via the sleeve openings. The second end of the main body portion is unobstructed to thereby allow detritus falling on the main body portion to be easily removed from the parking pad. | 05-13-2010 |
20120018532 | Area-programmable sprinkler - A sprinkler system which is controllable to provide water to an area to be sprinkled includes a sprinkler head to move between a first position and a second position. The sprinkler system further includes a sprinkler head positioner to move the sprinkler head between the first and second positions, a sprinkler head position determiner to determine a current sprinkler head position between the first and second positions, a flow control valve to control flow of water from a water supply to the sprinkler head, a flow control valve positioner to establish a current control valve position for the flow control valve between an essentially fully closed control valve position and an essentially fully open control valve position, and a controller to receive a sprinkler head position signal from the sprinkler head position determiner and send a control valve control signal to the flow control valve positioner in response thereto. | 01-26-2012 |
20140084078 | Area-programmable sprinkler - A sprinkler which is controllable to provide water to an area to be sprinkled includes a sprinkler head to move between a first position and a second position. The sprinkler further includes a sprinkler head positioner to move the sprinkler head between the first and second positions, a sprinkler head position determiner to determine a current sprinkler head position between the first and second positions, a flow control valve to control flow of water from a water supply to the sprinkler head, a flow control valve positioner to establish a current control valve position for the flow control valve between an essentially fully closed control valve position and an essentially fully open control valve position, and a controller to receive a sprinkler head position signal from the sprinkler head position determiner and send a control valve control signal to the flow control valve positioner in response thereto. | 03-27-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080242191 | Plush character having spinning nose elements - A plush toy that has a spinning nose construction. The plush toy includes a plush character form made of a sewn body shell that is filled with soft stuffing. The sewn body shell terminates along open seam edges in a head section. The open seam edges define an opening. A motor is positioned in the head section of the plush character form. The motor is positioned so that the shaft protrudes out of the head section through the opening. To prevent the motor from moving, the open seam edges of the sewn body shell are fastened directly to the motor. A nose structure is provided that is coupled to the motor. The nose structure includes a proboscis and a plurality of elongated elements that radially extend from the proboscis. An array of lights can be attached to at least one of the elongated elements. | 10-02-2008 |
20080316887 | Game system and method employing reversible voice recorder - A handheld recording device and a method of play that can be played with either one or two recording devices. Each recording device has a microphone for converting sound into an electronic sound signal. The recording device also has a digital memory with a limited sound recording capacity. The digital memory records the sound signal when a record button is pressed. A backward play button is also located on the recording device. The backward play button causes any sound signal recorded in the digital memory to play backward and be broadcast through a speaker. A game is played using one or two of the recording devices. A first player records a message and plays it backwards. The other players can decipher the backward message by recording it in their own recording device and playing the backward message in reverse. | 12-25-2008 |
20090017721 | Novelty device having elastomeric protrusions with hard plastic terminations and its associated method of construction - A novelty device and the associated method of fabricating component parts of the novelty device. The novelty device has at least one protrusion that is made from an elastomeric gel. The protrusion has a distal end. A hole is disposed through the protrusion proximate its distal end. A secondary object is provided. The secondary object is made from a rigid material. The secondary object defines an interior space. The distal end of the elastomeric gel protrusion extends through the secondary object and into the interior space of the secondary object. The secondary object is comprised of an assembly of interconnecting parts. The parts of the secondary object are assembled around the elastomeric gel protrusion in the area of the hole. Once assembled, the secondary object engages the hole in the elastomeric gel protrusion. As a result, the secondary object becomes mechanically interconnected to the end of the elastomeric gel protrusion. | 01-15-2009 |
20090068924 | Novelty Device Having Elastomeric Protrusions with Sound Producing Terminations - A novelty device and the associated method of fabricating component parts of the novelty device. The novelty device has at least one protrusion that is made from an elastomeric material. The protrusion has a distal end. A hole is disposed through the protrusion proximate its distal end. A secondary object is provided. The secondary object is made from a rigid material. The secondary object defines an interior space. Sounding elements are disposed within the interior space of at least some of the secondary objects. The sounding elements are free moving and produce noise within said secondary objects when said novelty device is manually shaken. | 03-12-2009 |
20110003655 | Segmented High-Bounce Toy Water Ball - A toy water ball assembly and its method of construction. The toy water ball has a transparent shell that defines an enclosed interior space. At least one partition is placed within the interior space. The partition divides the interior space into a plurality of isolated compartments that can be viewed through the material of the shell. Fill material is provided that is comprised primarily of liquid mixed with solid particulate matter. Each of the isolated compartments is filled with fill material, but not the same fill material. The fill material within at least two of the isolated compartments have different appearances when viewed through the transparent shell. The individual compartments may be separable from the whole. | 01-06-2011 |
20110183790 | High Bounce Ball Having Encapsulated Free-Moving Core - A ball assembly and the corresponding method used to manufacture the ball assembly. The ball assembly has free-flowing material. The free-flowing material is confined by an inner shell. The inner shell is clear enough so that the free-flowing material can be viewed through the material of the inner shell. The inner shell is encapsulated in a much thicker outer shell. The outer shell is made of a high-resiliency polymer. The outer shell provides the ball assembly with the ability to bounce. Furthermore, the outer shell is preferably clear so that the free-moving material in the center of the ball assembly can be directly viewed through the structure of the ball assembly. | 07-28-2011 |
20110199679 | Stereoscopic Illumination System for Retroreflective Materials - A system and method of illuminating a portable object even when the object is otherwise well illuminated by ambient light. Retroreflective material is provided on the exterior of the portable object. The retroreflective material may be pigmented to absorb most light and reflects only light within a predetermined frequency range. An illumination assembly is provided that contains a first light source and a second light source. The first light source and the second light source are positioned a short distance apart so that they produce stereoscopic beams of light. Each of the stereoscopic beams of light is monochromatic. Furthermore, the frequency of each of the stereoscopic beams of light falls within the predetermined frequency range. When the stereoscopic beams of light strike the retroreflective material, it shines even in bright ambient light. | 08-18-2011 |
20110256797 | Liquid Filled Rolling Novelty Toy Having Transparent Polyurethane-Based Shell - A rolling fluid-filled toy novelty having a transparent shell so that the fluid within the toy is visible. The toy novelty has a molded shell. A base is provided that is affixed to the molded shell. Together, the molded shell and base define a watertight internal chamber that is visible through the material of the molded shell. The internal chamber is filled with a liquid. Flotsam objects are disposed within the internal chamber that swirl within the liquid when the liquid is disturbed. A plurality of wheels are provided. The wheels enable the toy novelty to roll freely on a smooth surface. As the toy novelty is pushed, rolls and contacts other objects, the liquid within the toy vehicle becomes disturbed. The flotsam objects therefore swirl within the liquid, making the toy vehicle visually interesting to observe. | 10-20-2011 |
20110294394 | Self-Righting Toy Having Fluid-Filled Base that is Both Resilient and Transparent - A self-righting toy having a base with a convex-shaped exterior bottom surface. A watertight internal chamber is disposed within the base. Liquid fill material is used to fill the internal chamber. The liquid fill material is visible through the material of the convex bottom surface. Flotsam objects are disposed within the internal chamber that swirl within the liquid fill material when the liquid fill material is disturbed. A toy body section is affixed to the base. The toy body section is lighter than the base. This causes the toy body section to self-right into an upright position when said self-righting toy is placed on a flat surface. In a variation of the self-righting toy, games can be formed within the internal chamber that are played by disturbing the flotsam objects swirling within the internal chamber. | 12-01-2011 |
20120024062 | Low Cost Optical Accelerometer - An accelerometer assembly and its method of operation. The accelerometer assembly is designed to be very low cost and robust. This enables the accelerometer assembly to be used in traditionally inexpensive consumer products. The accelerometer assembly uses one or more molded elastomeric structures. Each of the elastomeric structures has a flexible neck section and a head section that is supported by the flexible neck section. The head section of the elastomeric structure is placed between a light source and a photodetector. The head section partially obscures the photodetector from the light source. As the elastomeric structure experiences acceleration forces, the neck section flexes and the head section moves. This varies the degree in which the head section obscures the photodetector. The amount of light detected by the photodetector, therefore, becomes a measure of changing acceleration forces. | 02-02-2012 |
20120062989 | Sports Set that Utilize Stereoscopic Illumination and Retroreflective Materials - A system and method of illuminating a target object even when the target object is otherwise well illuminated by ambient light. Retroreflective material is provided on the exterior of the target object. The retroreflective material is pigmented to primarily reflect light within a predetermined frequency range. An illumination assembly is provided that contains a first light source and a second light source. The first light source and the second light source produce beams of light that are perceived stereoscopically. The primary wavelength of each of the stereoscopic beams of light falls within the predetermined frequency range. When the beams of light strike the retroreflective material, the retroreflective material shines even in bright ambient light. | 03-15-2012 |
20130149936 | Invertible Pop Action Toy and Its Associated Method of Manufacture - A pop action toy assembly having a disc with a top surface, a bottom surface, a peripheral edge. The disc is formed to have a first stable configuration and a second stable configuration, wherein the disc can be inverted between the two stable configurations. The disc assumes the first stable configuration when symmetrically bent around a first axis so that its top surface is concave. The disc assumes its second stable configuration when symmetrically bent around a second axis so that the top surface is convex. The first axis and second axis are in the same plane and are generally perpendicular to each other. The invertible pop action toy is manually set into its second stable configuration. The invertible pop action toy is then dropped against a hard surface. Upon impact with the surface, the invertible pop action toy snaps back into its first stable configuration. | 06-13-2013 |