Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090269973 | MODULAR CABLE TERMINATION PLUG - The invention is a modular cable termination plug having a conductor divider having an entrant barb and a plurality of divider channels, a load bar having a plurality of through holes and a plurality of slots, and a plurality of contact terminals. Additionally, the invention may include a housing, a strain relief collar and a strain relief boot. | 10-29-2009 |
20100197162 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING CROSSTALK ATTENUATION WITHIN A PLUG/JACK CONNECTION AND BETWEEN NEARBY PLUG/JACK COMBINATIONS - This application describes a jack for improving crosstalk attenuation. The jack has a housing, a foil at least partially surrounding the housing, a printed circuit board, and at least one pair of insulation displacement contacts and vias. Each pair of insulation contacts and vias are associated with a differential signal. A conductive trace stub is routed on the printed circuit board near the edge of the board in order to at least partially balance the coupling from one of the insulation displacement contacts and vias of a pair to the foil with the other insulation displacement contact and via of the pair. | 08-05-2010 |
20120058689 | Modular Cable Termination Plug - The invention is a modular cable termination plug having a conductor divider having an entrant barb and a plurality of divider channels, a load bar having a plurality of through holes and a plurality of slots, and a plurality of contact terminals. Additionally, the invention may include a housing, a strain relief collar and a strain relief boot. | 03-08-2012 |
20120184154 | Method and System for Improving Crosstalk Attenuation Within a Plug/Jack Connection and Between Nearby Plug/Jack Combinations - This application describes a jack for improving crosstalk attenuation. The jack has a housing, a foil at least partially surrounding the housing, a printed circuit board, and at least one pair of insulation displacement contacts and vias. Each pair of insulation contacts and vias are associated with a differential signal. A conductive trace stub is routed on the printed circuit board near the edge of the board proximate to the foil in order to at least partially balance the coupling from one of the insulation displacement contacts and vias of a pair to the foil with the other insulation displacement contact and via of the pair by electrically connecting the trace stub to the via that is further from the foil. | 07-19-2012 |
20140154919 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING CROSSTALK ATTENUATION WITHIN A PLUG/JACK CONNECTION AND BETWEEN NEARBY PLUG/JACK COMBINATIONS - This application describes a jack for improving crosstalk attenuation. The jack has a housing, a foil at least partially surrounding the housing, a printed circuit board, and at least one pair of insulation displacement contacts and vias. Each pair of insulation contacts and vias are associated with a differential signal. A conductive trace stub is routed on the printed circuit board near the edge of the board proximate to the foil in order to at least partially balance the coupling from one of the insulation displacement contacts and vias of a pair to the foil with the other insulation displacement contact and via of the pair by electrically connecting the trace stub to the via that is further from the foil. | 06-05-2014 |
20150188260 | Method and System for Improved Crosstalk Attenuation Within a Plug/Jack Connection and Between Nearby Plug/Jack Combinations - An RJ45 Communication jack has a housing with a top, bottom, front, and back. A foil is immediately adhered to and partially covers the housing. A top or bottom of the housing is covered by a first portion and a second portion of the foil wherein the first portion and the second portion are separated by a nonconductive gap. The gap extends from the front of the housing to the rear of the housing. | 07-02-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140184073 | PLASMA ENHANCED CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION (PECVD) SOURCE - One embodiment is directed to a plasma source comprising a body in which a cavity is formed and at least two self-contained magnetron assemblies disposed within the cavity. The magnetron assemblies are mutually electrically isolated from each other and from the body. In one implementation of such an embodiment, the self-contained magnetron assemblies comprise closed-drift magnetron assemblies. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 07-03-2014 |
20140246310 | SPUTTERING APPARATUS - A magnetron assembly for a rotary target cathode comprises a rigid support structure, a magnet bar structure movably attached to the rigid support structure, and at least one actuation mechanism coupled to the rigid support structure and configured to change a distance of the magnet bar structure from a surface of a rotatable target cylinder. The magnetron assembly also includes a position indicating mechanism operative to measure a position of the magnet bar structure relative to the surface of the rotatable target cylinder. A communications device is configured to receive command signals from outside of the magnetron assembly and transmit information signals to outside of the magnetron assembly. | 09-04-2014 |
20140246312 | SPUTTERING APPARATUS - A magnetron assembly for a rotary target cathode comprises an elongated support structure, a magnet bar structure movably positioned below the support structure, and a plurality of drive modules coupled to the support structure. The drive modules each include a motorized actuation mechanism operatively coupled to the magnet bar structure. A controller and battery module is coupled to the support structure and is in operative communication with the drive modules. The controller and battery module includes an electronic controller and at least one rechargeable battery. The battery is configured to energize each motorized actuation mechanism and the electronic controller. One or more power generation modules is coupled to the support structure and in electrical communication with the battery, such that electrical energy output from the power generation modules recharges the battery. | 09-04-2014 |
20150120001 | DECENTRALIZED PROCESS CONTROLLER - A decentralized process controller comprises at least two programmable interface modules in operative communication with each other. Each of the interface modules includes a processor and is configurable for connection to separate field devices comprising at least one sensor device and at least one actuator device. The at least two programmable interface modules are configurable as a stand-alone process control loop when one of the interface modules is connected to the sensor device, and the other of the interface modules is connected to the actuator device. | 04-30-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090166404 | Intelligent MPO-to-MPO Patch Panels Having Connectivity Tracking Capabilities and Related Methods - Patch panels are provided that include a mounting frame and a plurality of MPO-to-MPO couplers that are mounted on the mounting frame. Each MPO-to-MPO coupler includes a first connector port that is accessible from the front side of the patch panel and a second connector port that is accessible from the rear side of the patch panel. The patch panels also include a first set of antennas, where each antenna from the first set of antennas is adjacent the first connector port of a respective one of the MPO-to-MPO couplers and a second set of antennas, where each antenna from the second set of antennas is adjacent the second connector port of a respective one of the MPO-to-MPO couplers. | 07-02-2009 |
20100210135 | Patch Panel Cable Information Detection Systems and Methods - A communications system includes a plurality of patch panels, wherein each patch panel has a plurality of connector ports on a front surface thereof that are each connected to a respective communication line, and one or more optical couplers/connector ports on a rear surface thereof for linking two or more patch panels together. A cable for linking patch panels includes opposite ends and a respective connector at each end that is configured to be removably secured within a respective coupler/connector port on the rear surface. Each connector has an RFID tag attached thereto. An RF antenna is secured to each patch panel adjacent each respective coupler, and each antenna is configured to activate and read information from a cable RFID tag when a cable connector is secured within a coupler adjacent thereto. | 08-19-2010 |
20100279519 | Assembly and System of Datacommunication Cables and Connectors - A datacommunication interconnection system includes (a) an extension trunk cable-connector assembly and (b) a trunk cable-connector assembly. The extension trunk cable-connector assembly comprises: a first cable including a plurality of first subunits, each of the first subunits comprising a plurality of twisted pairs of conductors; a jack attached to one end of the cable; and a plug attached to an opposite end of the cable. Each of the jack and the plug includes a contact for each of the conductors of the cable. The trunk cable-connector assembly comprises: a second cable including a plurality of second subunits, each of the second subunits comprising a plurality of twisted pairs of conductors; a plug attached to one end of the second cable and connected with the jack of the extension trunk cable; and a plurality of RJ-45 connectors attached to subunits at an opposite end of the second cable. | 11-04-2010 |
20110008996 | Dynamic Labeling of Patch Panel Ports - A patch panel for a communications patching system includes a plurality of connector ports. Each connector port is configured to detect insertion and removal of a patch cord. A controller is electrically coupled to the connector ports and monitors patch cord interconnections. An electronic display is positioned adjacent the connector ports and displays port identification information and real-time patch cord connection information for each respective connector port. The displayed patch cord connection information is dynamically updated by the controller as a patch cord is inserted or removed from a respective connector port. | 01-13-2011 |
20110043333 | Systems for Automatically Tracking Patching Connections to Network Devices Using a Separate Control Channel and Related Patching Equipment and Methods - Methods of automatically tracking a patching connection between a first connector port of a patch panel and a second connector port of a network device are provided in which a sensor is used to detect that a first end of a patch cord has been inserted into the second connector port. The patch cord has at least one data communications channel and a separate control channel. A first conductor of the control channel of the patch cord is biased to power an integrated circuit chip on the network device. In response to the detection by the sensor, a first signal is transmitted over the separate control channel of the patch cord to the network device. A second signal is received over the control channel of the patch cord in response to the first signal. The second signal includes a unique identifier that is associated with the second connector port. | 02-24-2011 |
20110043371 | Systems, Equipment and Methods for Automatically Tracking Cable Connections and for Identifying Work Area Devices and Related Methods of Operating Communications Networks - Methods for collecting information regarding a remote connector port that is connected to a patch panel connector port by a communications cable that has at least one data communications channel and a separate control channel are provided in which a first conductor of the separate control channel of the communications cable is biased to power an integrated circuit chip that is associated with the remote connector port. A first signal is transmitted over the separate control channel of the communications cable to the integrated circuit chip associated with the remote connector port. A second signal is received from the integrated circuit chip over the separate control channel of the communications cable in response to the first signal. The second signal includes information regarding the remote connector port. | 02-24-2011 |
20120000977 | PATCH PANEL CABLE INFORMATION DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A communications system includes a plurality of patch panels, wherein each patch panel has a plurality of connector ports on a front surface thereof that are each connected to a respective communication line, and one or more optical couplers/connector ports on a rear surface thereof for linking two or more patch panels together. A cable for linking patch panels includes opposite ends and a respective connector at each end that is configured to be removably secured within a respective coupler/connector port on the rear surface. Each connector has an RFID tag attached thereto. An RF antenna is secured to each patch panel adjacent each respective coupler, and each antenna is configured to activate and read information from a cable RFID tag when a cable connector is secured within a coupler adjacent thereto. | 01-05-2012 |
20120077388 | Assembly and System of Datacommunication Cables and Connectors - A datacommunication interconnection system includes (a) an extension trunk cable-connector assembly and (b) a trunk cable-connector assembly. The extension trunk cable-connector assembly comprises: a first cable including a plurality of first subunits, each of the first subunits comprising a plurality of twisted pairs of conductors; a jack attached to one end of the cable; and a plug attached to an opposite end of the cable. Each of the jack and the plug includes a contact for each of the conductors of the cable. The trunk cable-connector assembly comprises: a second cable including a plurality of second subunits, each of the second subunits comprising a plurality of twisted pairs of conductors; a plug attached to one end of the second cable and connected with the jack of the extension trunk cable; and a plurality of RJ-45 connectors attached to subunits at an opposite end of the second cable. | 03-29-2012 |
20120198246 | AUTOMATED INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENABLING REAL TIME ENERGY MANAGEMENT - Automated infrastructure management systems and methods document infrastructure elements within a facility, provide a comprehensive record of all network-connected equipment within a facility, and facilitate trouble shooting of network-connected equipment. An automated infrastructure management system includes a plurality of intelligent patch panels, each comprising a plurality of connector ports connected to individual communication channels of a network, a controller in communication with at least some of the intelligent patch panels that obtains connectivity information for the intelligent patch panel's ports, and management software in communication with the controller. The management software performs various functions including correlating the interconnection information for the intelligent patch panels with the physical location information for telecommunications in its database, applying energy management policies to a respective communication channel, providing real time physical location information for devices connected to communication channels to a network switch, and displaying real time physical location information of the devices. | 08-02-2012 |
20130164980 | Assembly and System of Datacommunication Cables and Connectors - A datacommunication interconnection system includes (a) an extension trunk cable-connector assembly and (b) a trunk cable-connector assembly. The extension trunk cable-connector assembly comprises: a first cable including a plurality of first subunits, each of the first subunits comprising a plurality of twisted pairs of conductors; a jack attached to one end of the cable; and a plug attached to an opposite end of the cable. Each of the jack and the plug includes a contact for each of the conductors of the cable. The trunk cable-connector assembly comprises: a second cable including a plurality of second subunits, each of the second subunits comprising a plurality of twisted pairs of conductors; a plug attached to one end of the second cable and connected with the jack of the extension trunk cable; and a plurality of RJ-45 connectors attached to subunits at an opposite end of the second cable. | 06-27-2013 |
20130260602 | PATCH PANEL CABLE INFORMATION DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A communications system includes a plurality of patch panels, wherein each patch panel has a plurality of connector ports on a front surface thereof that are each connected to a respective communication line, and one or more optical couplers/connector ports on a rear surface thereof for linking two or more patch panels together. A cable for linking patch panels includes opposite ends and a respective connector at each end that is configured to be removably secured within a respective coupler/connector port on the rear surface. Each connector has an RFID tag attached thereto. An RF antenna is secured to each patch panel adjacent each respective coupler, and each antenna is configured to activate and read information from a cable RFID tag when a cable connector is secured within a coupler adjacent thereto. | 10-03-2013 |
20150143153 | AUTOMATED INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENABLING REAL TIME ENERGY MANAGEMENT - Automated infrastructure management systems and methods document infrastructure elements within a facility, provide a comprehensive record of all network-connected equipment within a facility, and facilitate trouble shooting of network-connected equipment. An automated infrastructure management system includes a plurality of intelligent patch panels, each comprising a plurality of connector ports connected to individual communication channels of a network, a controller in communication with at least some of the intelligent patch panels that obtains connectivity information for the intelligent patch panel's ports, and management software in communication with the controller. The management software performs various functions including correlating the interconnection information for the intelligent patch panels with the physical location information for telecommunications in its database, applying energy management policies to a respective communication channel, providing real time physical location information for devices connected to communication channels to a network switch, and displaying real time physical location information of the devices. | 05-21-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120128136 | Telecommunications Patching System That Facilitates Detection and Identification of Patch Cords - A telecommunications patching system includes a patch panel comprising a plurality of connector ports and a plurality of patch cords configured to selectively interconnect pairs of the connector ports. Each patch cord has opposite ends and a respective connector secured to each end that is configured to be removably secured within a connector port. The connectors of a respective patch cord have the same unique identifier associated therewith. A first sensor is located at each connector port and detects when a patch cord connector is inserted within, and removed from, a respective connector port. A second sensor is located at each connector port and reads the identifier of a patch cord connector inserted within a respective connector port. The first and second sensors are in communication with a controller that monitors and logs patch cord interconnections with the connector ports. | 05-24-2012 |
20130329344 | INTELLIGENT TELECOMMUNICATIONS PATCHING SYSTEM - A telecommunications patching system having point-to-point tracing capabilities includes: a plurality of end devices; at least one rack structure; a plurality of patch panels mounted to each rack structure; a plurality of connector ports disposed on each of the patch panels; a plurality of patch cords for selectively interconnecting different pairs of connector ports; a plurality of cables for selectively interconnecting the connector ports on the patch panels with respective end devices; tracing modules associated with said connector ports and end devices that monitor connectivity of the connector ports and end devices; and a display associated with the tracing modules configured to display the connectivity of a circuit comprising one or more of the connector ports and one or more of the end devices. | 12-12-2013 |
20140111346 | Methods of Automatically Recording Patching Changes at Passive Patch Panels and Network Equipment - Methods of executing patching connection changes in a patching field are provided in which an electronic work order is received on a display located at the patching field, the electronic work order specifying the patching connection change. A technician may perform the patching connection change. Then, an electronic message may be sent from the patching field indicating that the patching change has been completed. | 04-24-2014 |
20150334473 | METHODS OF AUTOMATICALLY RECORDING PATCHING CHANGES AT PASSIVE PATCH PANELS AND NETWORK EQUIPMENT - Methods of executing patching connection changes in a patching field are provided in which an electronic work order is received on a display located at the patching field, the electronic work order specifying the patching connection change. A technician may perform the patching connection change. Then, an electronic message may be sent from the patching field indicating that the patching change has been completed. | 11-19-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090183783 | Hydrant Shoe with Backflow Prevention Assembly - A fire hydrant system relating to protection of a water supply from contamination. The fire hydrant system includes a barrel adapted to communicate at least indirectly with a water supply; a nozzle extending from the barrel; a hydrant valve adapted to controllably regulate communication between the barrel and the water supply; a valve actuator adapted to allow actuation of the hydrant valve; a nozzle cap adapted to at least close off the nozzle opening; and a hydrant shoe in communication with the water supply, the hydrant shoe comprising a backflow prevention assembly, wherein water can flow from the water supply through the hydrant shoe into the barrel at an open position of the backflow prevention assembly disc, and wherein media cannot enter the water supply via the barrel when the backflow prevention assembly disc is in a closed position. | 07-23-2009 |
20100307604 | RESILIENT PLUG APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE - Various embodiments of the present invention provide apparatuses and methods for stopping the flow of media within a pipeline. The pipeline generally includes one or more pipes connected end-to-end, where each of the pipes has a longitudinal axis with an annular wall. The annular wall has an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface, where the inner wall surface defines an inner pipe diameter. In various embodiments, a hole is formed in the pipeline substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the annular wall and extending through the opposing pipe wall. A resilient plug is positioned within the pipeline such that it extends between the holes and is selectively expanded in a radial direction to create a seal with the inner surface of the pipe and holes to prevent flow of the media within the pipe. | 12-09-2010 |
20110084484 | SELF-RESTRAINED PIPE JOINT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY - A self-restrained pipe joint system and method of assembly to connect two lengths of pipe in a mechanical joint, which maximizes the advantages of both restrained push-on joints as well as mechanical joints, as are known commonly in the art. The invention has application to long-run pipe lengths as well as to appurtenances, including fittings and connections. The gasket contains locking members that act to restrain separation upon the instance of any force tending to separate the connected pipe lengths. | 04-14-2011 |
20110210543 | Pipe Coupling Device - Disclosed is a device for coupling a male piping member to a female piping member including a compressible sealing gasket and a gripping ring surrounding the male piping member, the gripping ring including at least one gripping member and at least one overlapping surface; an intermediate ring surrounding the male piping member, the intermediate ring at least partially overlapping the overlapping surface of the gripping ring, the intermediate ring communicating with the compressible sealing gasket; and a locking ring surrounding the male piping member and communicating with the gripping ring, wherein through a tightening connection between the locking ring and the female piping member, the locking ring communicates with the gripping ring forcing the intermediate ring into the compressible sealing gasket to form a seal between the male piping member and the female piping member and subsequently to force the gripping ring to grip the male piping member. | 09-01-2011 |
20120097283 | RESILIENT PLUG APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE - Systems, apparatuses, and methods of use of a plug assembly are disclosed herein. The plug assembly includes an expandable plug for use with a pipe having an annular wall defining an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface. | 04-26-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140098440 | CO-LOCATED GIMBAL-BASED DUAL STAGE ACTUATION DISK DRIVE SUSPENSIONS WITH DAMPERS - Various embodiments concern a gimbaled flexure having a dual stage actuation structure comprising flexure which comprises a gimbal. The gimbal comprises at least one spring arm and a tongue connected to the at least one spring arm. The dual stage actuation structure further comprises a motor mounted on the gimbal, the motor comprising a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side, the bottom side of the motor facing the flexure. The dual stage actuation structure further comprises a damper located between the motor and the flexure, the damper contacting the tongue and the bottom side of the motor. The damper comprises one or both of elastic and viscoelastic material. Various other features of a dual stage actuation structure are provided. | 04-10-2014 |
20140362476 | CO-LOCATED GIMBAL-BASED DUAL STAGE ACTUATION DISK DRIVE SUSPENSIONS WITH DAMPERS - Various embodiments concern a gimbaled flexure having a dual stage actuation structure comprising flexure which comprises a gimbal. The gimbal comprises at least one spring arm and a tongue connected to the at least one spring arm. The dual stage actuation structure further comprises a motor mounted on the gimbal, the motor comprising a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side, the bottom side of the motor facing the flexure. The dual stage actuation structure further comprises a damper located between the motor and the flexure, the damper contacting the tongue and the bottom side of the motor. The damper comprises one or both of elastic and viscoelastic material. Various other features of a dual stage actuation structure are provided. | 12-11-2014 |
20150187376 | BALANCED CO-LOCATED GIMBAL-BASED DUAL STAGE ACTUATION DISK DRIVE SUSPENSIONS - Various embodiments concern a suspension having a DSA structure on a gimbaled flexure comprising a loadbeam having a load point dimple and a flexure attached to the loadbeam. The flexure comprising a metal layer having a pair of spring arms, a tongue located between the spring arms, and a pair of struts. The struts connect the pair of spring arms to the tongue. One of the struts is located distal of the other strut. The pair of struts has a midline centered between the pair of struts. The suspension further comprises a motor mounted on the flexure. Electrical activation of the motor bends the pair of struts to rotate the tongue about an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is aligned with the dimple. The midline is offset distally or proximally with respect to the axis of rotation. The offset counters a mass in imbalance of the tongue. | 07-02-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130006806 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLICATION COSTING FOR SERVICE PROVISIONING - Various methods for application costing to provide decision making for service provisioning are provided. One example method may comprise providing for transmission of a request for a service. The method may further comprise receiving a message comprising an ordered list of entries for providing the service. Each entry may comprise requirements. The method may further comprise iteratively evaluating the entries in the order specified by the ordered list. Evaluating a respective entry may comprise determining attributes related to the requirements associated with the respective entry, and evaluating whether the attributes satisfy the requirements. The method may additionally comprise providing for delivery of the service as specified in an entry upon a determination that the attributes satisfy the requirements of the entry. Similar and related example methods, example apparatuses, and example computer program products are also provided. | 01-03-2013 |
20130007129 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLICATION COSTING BASED ON CLIENT HARDWARE - Various methods for application costing based on the hardware of a client device are provided. One example method may comprise receiving a message comprising an indication of one or more hardware requirements associated with a service. The method of this example embodiment may further comprise determine one or more hardware attributes related to the one or more hardware requirements. The method of this example embodiment may further comprise evaluating whether the one or more hardware attributes satisfy the one or more hardware requirements. Similar and related example methods, example apparatuses, and example computer program products are also provided. | 01-03-2013 |
20130007299 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A KEEP-ALIVE PUSH AGENT - Various methods for application costing to provide decision making for service provisioning are provided. One example method may comprise connecting to a web based portal environment system. The method may further comprise establishing a hypertext transfer protocol keep-alive connection with the web based portal environment system. The method may further comprise receiving a push command via the hypertext transfer protocol keep-alive connection. The method may additionally comprise executing the push command. Similar and related example methods, example apparatuses, and example computer program products are also provided. | 01-03-2013 |
20130067020 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SERVER SIDE REMOTE DESKTOP RECORDATION AND PLAYBACK - Various methods for server-side recordation and playback of a remote desktop session are provided. One example method may comprise receiving data related to a remote desktop protocol session. The method of this example embodiment may further comprise providing for storage of the data at a location other than the device associated with the remote desktop protocol client of the remote desktop protocol session. Furthermore, the method of this example embodiment may comprise receiving a request to reproduce the remote desktop protocol session. The method of this example embodiment may also comprise retrieving the data from storage. Additionally, the method of this example embodiment may comprise facilitating reproduction of at least a portion of the remote desktop protocol session based at least in part on the retrieved data. Similar and related example methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products are also provided. | 03-14-2013 |
20130067229 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR KEY SHARING OVER REMOTE DESKTOP PROTOCOL - Various methods for the secure exchange of private keys for authenticating a user to an RDP service are provided. One example method may comprise receiving a request comprising a session token to provide a user with access to an RDP service, and retrieving a username and password associated with the user using the session token. The method may further comprise assigning a time period of validity to the password. Furthermore, the method may comprise generating a first secret key based on user information, generating a second secret key based on the first secret key and a salt, and encrypting a packet comprising the password and the time period using the second secret key. Additionally, the method may comprise transmitting the username and encrypted packet to the device for authenticating the user with the requested RDP service. Similar and related example methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products are also provided. | 03-14-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20150355207 | TEST MENU EXPANSION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An automation system for use with an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a track and a plurality of carriers configured to move along the track and hold one or more of a plurality of samples and one or more of a plurality of reagents having reagent types. The system also includes one or more testing stations, one or more local reagent storage areas located at or proximate to the one or more testing stations and one or more central reagent storage areas. The system further includes a control system configured to direct the one or more reagents from the one or more local reagent storage areas to the one or more testing stations based on received reagent information and direct the one or more reagents from the one or more central reagent storage areas to the one or more testing stations based on the received reagent information. | 12-10-2015 |
20150355208 | AUTOMATION TUBE POSITIONING METHODOLOGY - Methods and systems allow characterization of sample vessels and carriers in an automation system to determine any physical deviation from nominal positions. In response, an offset can be calculated and applied when positioning a carrier relative to a station, such as a testing or processing stations (or vice-versa). This may allow for precise operation of an instrument with a sample vessel on an automation track, while compensating for deviation in manufacturing and other tolerances. | 12-10-2015 |
20160025756 | TUBE CHARACTERIZATION STATION - Systems and methods for use in an in vitro diagnostics setting may include an automation track, a plurality of carriers configured to carry a plurality of sample vessels along the automation track, and a characterization station including a plurality of optical devices. A processor, in communication with the characterization station, can be configured to analyze images to automatically characterize physical attributes related to each carrier and/or sample vessel. A method may include receiving a plurality of images from a plurality of optical devices of a characterization station, wherein the plurality of images comprise images from a plurality of perspectives of a sample vessel being transported by a carrier, automatically analyzing the plurality of images, using a processor, to determine certain characteristics of the sample vessel, and automatically associating the characteristics of the sample vessel with the carrier in a database. | 01-28-2016 |
20160025757 | TUBE TRAY VISION SYSTEM - Images of a tube tray, which fits within a drawer and holds tubes in slots arranged in rows and columns, are captured to determine characteristics related to the tube tray. By analyzing the images, features of the tubes are determined, providing valuable information in an IVD environment in which a sample handler is processing the tubes. Each row of the tube tray is encoded to allow for detection of a new row moving into focus of cameras. The cameras capture an image of the tube tray, and the image is stored in a memory buffer. When the next row moves into focus, a subsequent image is taken and stored. The result is a series of images providing multi-perspective views of the rows of the tube tray. The images are analyzed to determine characteristics of the tubes, which are utilized by the sample handler in processing the tubes. | 01-28-2016 |