Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130068187 | ENCAPSULATED BALANCE SHAFT AND METHOD - A shaft assembly includes a shaft, a spacer and a cover. The body of the shaft includes a sealing portion, a balancing portion and a hollow portion which may collectively define a generally cylindrical space. The spacer substantially encloses the hollow portion of the body. The cover encapsulates the shaft body and the spacer to provide a substantially continuous cylindrical surface in sealing engagement with the sealing portion. The shaft assembly may be rotatably installed in an engine such that the balancing portion may be partially submerged in an oil bath in the engine and such that the substantially continuous cylindrical surface of the cover minimizes turbulence and aeration of the oil bath when the shaft assembly is rotated. The shaft may be configured for rotation in synchrony with a crankshaft. A method for encapsulating the shaft includes forming a continuous cylindrical surface in sealing engagement with the shaft body. | 03-21-2013 |
20130126078 | METHOD OF FORMING AN ARTICLE ATTACHABLE TO AN EXTERIOR SURFACE OF A VEHICLE - A method of forming an article attachable to an exterior surface of a vehicle includes heating a thermoplastic system to form a preform. The preform has a first surface having an initial distinctness of image and an initial gloss, and a second surface spaced opposite from the first. The method also includes disposing the preform between a mold surface and a pressure surface spaced apart from the mold surface so that the first surface faces the mold surface, and the second surface faces the pressure surface. Further, the first surface and the mold surface define a first cavity therebetween, and the second surface and the pressure surface define a second cavity therebetween. After disposing, the method includes conforming the first surface to the mold surface to thereby form the article, wherein the article has the initial distinctness of image and the initial gloss. | 05-23-2013 |
20130177729 | ARTICLE ATTACHABLE TO AN EXTERIOR SURFACE OF A VEHICLE AND METHOD OF FORMING THE ARTICLE - A method of forming an article attachable to an exterior surface of a vehicle includes heating a thermoplastic system to form a workpiece. The thermoplastic system includes a substrate having an end surface, and a film disposed on the substrate and having a distal surface adjoining the end surface. The workpiece has a first surface adjoining the distal surface to define a distal edge, and a second surface spaced opposite the first surface and adjoining the end surface to define a proximal edge between the second and end surfaces. The method includes disposing the workpiece between a mold surface and a pressure surface. After disposing, the method includes conforming the first surface to one of the pressure and mold surfaces to form a preform, and depositing an injection-moldable polymer onto the preform to form a protective layer thereon that contacts and covers the distal surface. An article is also disclosed. | 07-11-2013 |
20130196089 | EMBLEM ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME - A method of forming an emblem assembly configured for attachment to a vehicle includes positioning a mask adjacent and in contact with a second element so that the mask covers only a selected portion of the second element and does not cover an exposed portion of the second element. The method includes vacuum metalizing a first coating onto only the exposed portion, wherein the first coating has a distal edge surface abutting the mask, and, after vacuum metalizing, removing the mask from the second element to uncover the selected portion. The method includes depositing a back coating onto only the first coating and the selected portion to thereby wrap the back coating around the distal edge surface, and, after depositing, inserting the second element into a first element configured for attachment to the vehicle so that the first coating does not contact the first element to form the assembly. | 08-01-2013 |
20130199648 | COMPOSITE ACCUMULATOR - A composite accumulator includes a base having a closed end and an open end, the base having an inner surface that defines a cavity and having a fluid port in communication with the cavity for communicating a hydraulic fluid in and out of the cavity. A cover is disposed over the open end of the base and is secured to the base by a fastener. A piston is disposed within the base and the cover. The piston is sealed to the inner surface of the cover and is translatable along an axis. A biasing member is disposed within the base and the cover and located axially between the piston and the cover. The base and the cover are plastic. | 08-08-2013 |
20130209687 | ADHESION PROMOTING PROCESS FOR PAINTING PLASTIC PARTS - A process for treating a plastic part to improve the adhesion of paint comprises first treating the surface of the part with sulfur trioxide and thereafter treating the surface with ammonium. | 08-15-2013 |
20140120273 | METHOD FOR PREVENTING GALVANIC AND CHEMICAL CORROSION IN EMBLEMS CONTAINING SECOND SURFACE DECORATION AND METALLIZATION AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - A display emblem may comprise a metallized layer, a decoration layer, and at least one moisture impermeable layer. | 05-01-2014 |
20140137833 | Engine Front Cover with Rotational Support Insert - An engine front cover assembly includes a plastic engine cover. A metal insert is secured within the plastic engine cover and defines a bore configured to receive a rotating engine component. A seal is located in a seal seat defined within the bore of the metal insert and configured to sealingly engage the rotating engine component. The metal insert is overmolded within the plastic engine cover and serves as a datum point to properly locate the seal relative to the rotating engine component. | 05-22-2014 |
20140216378 | STATIONARY HYDRAULIC LASH ADJUSTER AND ROLLER FINGER FOLLOWER ASSEMBLY CLIP, AND METHOD THEREOF - An assembly clip for holding together a stationary hydraulic lash adjuster (SHLA) and a roller finger follower (RFF) in a valve train of an internal combustion engine (ICE) is provided. The SHLA has a pivot, and the RFF has a pivot cap configured to fit around the pivot. The assembly clip includes a first attachment section and a second attachment section configured to engage with the pivot cap and pivot, respectively, to attach the assembly clip to the RFF and SHLA, respectively. When assembled, the pivot and the pivot end are substantially located between the first attachment section and the second attachment section, the pivot cap covering at least a portion of the pivot. The assembly clip is made of an oil soluble material such that it may dissolve and break away after the valve train is assembled into the ICE, and the assembly clip no longer serves a function. | 08-07-2014 |
20140239753 | MOTOR HOUSING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD - A motor housing assembly is formed by positioning a stator relative to a motor housing to configure a fillable gap between the stator and the motor housing, and filling the fillable gap is at least partially with a polymeric material to form a thermally conductive layer. The polymeric material may include a metallic filler material. The thermally conductive layer is in contact with an exterior surface of the stator and an interior surface of the motor housing adjacent the exterior surface of the stator, and is configured to cover at least half of the exterior surface. A method to form the thermally conductive layer includes injecting a high flow polymeric material through a port defined by the housing and in fluid communication with the fillable gap. | 08-28-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100002082 | Intelligent camera selection and object tracking - Methods and systems for creating video from multiple sources utilize intelligence to designate the most relevant sources, facilitating their adjacent display and/or catenation of their video streams. | 01-07-2010 |
20100145899 | Systems and Methods for Distributed Monitoring of Remote Sites - Rules are applied to video surveillance data to detect events. Localization of the events is achieved by decomposing events into distinct components, each of which can, in some embodiments, be defined at different locations and by different users. | 06-10-2010 |
20120206605 | Intelligent Camera Selection and Object Tracking - Methods and systems for creating video from multiple sources utilize intelligence to designate the most relevant sources, facilitating their adjacent display and/or catenation of their video streams. | 08-16-2012 |
20130201338 | Method and System for Monitoring Portal to Detect Entry and Exit - A video monitoring and analysis system detect subjects when they are entering and/or exiting from a room. The system enables a user to define a portal, such as doorway of the room. The system then monitors the movement of foreground objects in the room. Objects that appear only in the portal are classified as passing by the portal, e.g., doorway. Objects that initially appear in the portal and then are detected moving within the room are classified as having entered the room. Objects that are in the room and then disappear within the portal are classified as having exited the room. The system further has provisions for generating real-time alerts and performing forensic searches. | 08-08-2013 |
20130343640 | VISION-GUIDED ROBOTS AND METHODS OF TRAINING THEM - Via intuitive interactions with a user, robots may be trained to perform tasks such as visually detecting and identifying physical objects and/or manipulating objects. In some embodiments, training is facilitated by the robot's simulation of task-execution using augmented-reality techniques. | 12-26-2013 |
20130345869 | USER INTERFACES FOR ROBOT TRAINING - In accordance with various embodiments, a user-guidable robot appendage provides haptic feedback to the user. | 12-26-2013 |
20130345870 | VISION-GUIDED ROBOTS AND METHODS OF TRAINING THEM - Via intuitive interactions with a user, robots may be trained to perform tasks such as visually detecting and identifying physical objects and/or manipulating objects. In some embodiments, training is facilitated by the robot's simulation of task-execution using augmented-reality techniques. | 12-26-2013 |
20130345873 | TRAINING AND OPERATING INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS - Robots may manipulate objects based on sensor input about the objects and/or the environment in conjunction with data structures representing primitive tasks and, in some embodiments, objects and/or locations associated therewith. The data structures may be created by instantiating respective prototypes during training by a human trainer. | 12-26-2013 |
20130345874 | TRAINING AND OPERATING INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS - Robots may manipulate objects based on sensor input about the objects and/or the environment in conjunction with data structures representing primitive tasks and, in some embodiments, objects and/or locations associated therewith. The data structures may be created by instantiating respective prototypes during training by a human trainer. | 12-26-2013 |
20130345875 | TRAINING AND OPERATING INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS - Robots may manipulate objects based on sensor input about the objects and/or the environment in conjunction with data structures representing primitive tasks and, in some embodiments, objects and/or locations associated therewith. The data structures may be created by instantiating respective prototypes during training by a human trainer. | 12-26-2013 |
20130346348 | VISION-GUIDED ROBOTS AND METHODS OF TRAINING THEM - Via intuitive interactions with a user, robots may be trained to perform tasks such as visually detecting and identifying physical objects and/or manipulating objects. In some embodiments, training is facilitated by the robot's simulation of task-execution using augmented-reality techniques. | 12-26-2013 |
20150244992 | OBJECT TRACKING AND ALERTS - An integrated surveillance system combining video surveillance and data from other sensor-based security networks is used to identify activities that may require attention. | 08-27-2015 |
20150290802 | VISION-GUIDED ROBOTS AND METHODS OF TRAINING THEM - Via intuitive interactions with a user, robots may be trained to perform tasks such as visually detecting and identifying physical objects and/or manipulating objects. In some embodiments, training is facilitated by the robot's simulation of task-execution using augmented-reality techniques. | 10-15-2015 |
20150290803 | VISION-GUIDED ROBOTS AND METHODS OF TRAINING THEM - Via intuitive interactions with a user, robots may be trained to perform tasks such as visually detecting and identifying physical objects and/or manipulating objects. In some embodiments, training is facilitated by the robot's simulation of task-execution using augmented-reality techniques. | 10-15-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100082183 | STORE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - A method for controlling an unmanned platform from a manned station is provided. The method includes transmitting a master arm control message from the manned station to the unmanned platform via a first control path, transmitting a first critical control message from the manned station to the unmanned platform via a second control path that is independent of the first control path, and transmitting a second critical control message from the manned station to the unmanned platform via a third control path that is different than the first control path and the second control path. | 04-01-2010 |
20140050352 | METHOD OF IDENTIFYING A TRACKED OBJECT FOR USE IN PROCESSING HYPERSPECTRAL DATA - The invention relates a method of identifying a tracked object that has a known database of hyperspectral and spatial information. The method associates an identifier with the tracked object; selects a parameter associated with the hyperspectral or spatial information of the tracked object; detects a deviation in the selected parameter; compares the deviation with the database; and if the deviation exceeds a predetermined threshold, assigns a new identifier to the tracked object, and if the deviation does not exceed the predetermined threshold, continues tracking the tracked object. | 02-20-2014 |
20140050405 | METHOD OF EVALUATING THE CONFIDENCE OF MATCHING SIGNATURES OF A HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGE - The invention relates to a method of evaluating the confidence of matching signatures of a hyperspectral image of at least one tracked object, defined by pixels on an image sensor, to a hyperspectral image template in real time while tracking the at least one tracked object. | 02-20-2014 |
20140050406 | METHOD OF SELECTING AN ALGORITHM FOR USE IN PROCESSING HYPERSPECTRAL DATA - The invention relates to a method of selecting an algorithm for use in processing hyperspectral data from a set of algorithms, each having qualities for processing certain characteristics of hyperspectral data. | 02-20-2014 |
20140053101 | METHODS FOR DISPLAYING ON A GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE - Methods of displaying multiple sources of information in a graphical user interface on a display include separately displaying at least some of the multiple sources of information within graphical user interface components within the graphical user interface. All of the graphical user interface components within the graphical user interface are displayed including a focus graphical user interface. | 02-20-2014 |
20140053137 | METHOD FOR DEVELOPING SOFTWARE IN A PARALLEL COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT - A method for developing software in a parallel computing environment comprises the steps of developing a sequential implementation and parallel implementation of the software and verifying the results of the parallel implementation of the software against the results of the sequential implementation of the software. | 02-20-2014 |
20140063009 | METHOD FOR SIMULATING HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGERY | 03-06-2014 |
20140063298 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE RESOLUTION OF A HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGE - Method of controlling the resolution of a hyperspectral image from an image sensor comprising pixels and at least one filter that defines subpixels within each pixel includes defining a window on the image sensor with an array of rows and columns of subpixels; weighting the subpixels within the window based upon one or more predefined parameters of the hyperspectral image to establish a value for a weighted average for the array for the predefined parameters; shifting the window by a predefined number of rows or columns; repeating the weighting and shifting steps for all possible windows on the image sensor; and processing the hyperspectral image based on the weighted averages. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067165 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UTILIZING MULTIPLE SENSORS - A sensor system having multiple sensors and having a grid generator projecting into space a relative navigation grid and a method of utilizing multiple airborne sensors operably coupled to an aircraft and coordinating the sensor outputs from the airborne sensors based on the determined spatial position of the multiple sensors and a method for utilizing multiple airborne sensors. | 03-06-2014 |
20140132946 | MIXED-MATERIAL MULTISPECTRAL STARING ARRAY SENSOR - A multispectral staring array comprises, amongst other things, at least two sensors where each sensor is adapted to detect an image in a different predetermined spectral sensitivity; a first lens to focus capture spectral bands; a spectral filter between the lens and the sensors to subdivide the incident spectral bands; and a second lens to direct and focus the subdivided incident spectral bands on each of the sensors. | 05-15-2014 |
20140133152 | POINTING SYSTEM FOR A LASER - A pointing system having a rotatable housing, a boresight relative to the housing, a rotatable mirror, and a laser emitting a beam of light, wherein the beam of light is redirected off the mirror to the pointing target. When the rotatable mirror is rotated, the beam of light is moved relative to the boresight. The system operates such that rotation of the beam of light by means of the rotatable mirror is greater than the rotation of the boresight by means of the rotatable housing. | 05-15-2014 |
20140133753 | SPECTRAL SCENE SIMPLIFICATION THROUGH BACKGROUND SUBTRACTION - A method of removing stationary objects from hyperspectral imagery, includes among other things, collecting a series of hyperspectral images of a target scene; determining at least one first hyperspectral image having no moving or new objects in the target scene; selecting the at least one first hyperspectral image; determining at least one second hyperspectral image having moving objects in the target scene; and subtracting the at least one first hyperspectral image from the at least one second hyperspectral image to create a background-subtracted hyperspectral image. | 05-15-2014 |
20140133754 | SUBSTANCE SUBTRACTION IN A SCENE BASED ON HYPERSPECTRAL CHARACTERISTICS - A method of removing a hyperspectral signature from at least one hyperspectral image, includes among other things, selecting a hyperspectral signature and determining a dissimilarity value between each pixel in the at least one hyperspectral image and the selected at least one hyperspectral signature. If the dissimilarity value between the signature of a given pixel in the at least one hyperspectral image and the selected at least one hyperspectral signature is less than a predetermined threshold value then the value of the signature for the given pixel is set to zero to create a signature-subtracted hyperspectral image. | 05-15-2014 |
20140289341 | METHOD OF HYBRID MESSAGE PASSING WITH SHARED MEMORY - A method of communicating data between at least two coprocessors in a single computing environment wherein one of the coprocessors is a transmitting processor and the other of the coprocessors is a receiving processor and the single computing environment includes a memory accessible by the coprocessors includes, among other things, determining in the transmitting processor the size of data to be communicated, attaching the data to a message and transmitting the message to the receiving processor if the size of the data is below or equal to a predetermined threshold value, and transmitting to the receiving processor a pointer that points to a location of the data in the memory if the size of the data is above the predetermined threshold value. | 09-25-2014 |
20140313325 | METHOD OF GENERATING A SPATIAL AND SPECTRAL OBJECT MODEL - A method of improving a spectral reflectance profile of an object using a hyperspectral imaging device includes, among other things, obtaining a series of hyperspectral images of the object where there is relative motion between the object and the hyperspectral imaging device; determining one or more parameters of the relative motion; mapping the parameters to determine an orientation of the object in each hyperspectral image in the series; identifying two or more spatial portions of the object in each hyperspectral image in the series; assigning a spectral signature to each spatial portion; and generating a multi-dimensional spectral reflectance profile from the orientation, the spatial portions, and the spectral signatures. | 10-23-2014 |
20140314272 | METHOD OF TRACKING OBJECTS USING HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGERY - A method of tracking motion of at least one object of a group of moving objects using hyperspectral imaging includes, among other things, obtaining a series of hyperspectral image frames; comparing each frame in the series to a template to determine changes in the image between frames; identifying a group of pixels in each frame associated with the changes; identifying changes as motion of the moving objects; correlating the pixel groups frame to frame to spatially determine at least one parameter of the motion of the objects; and correlating the pixel groups with a spectral reflectance profile associated with the at least one object wherein the track of the at least one object is distinguishable from the tracks of other moving objects. | 10-23-2014 |
20150103341 | METHOD OF IDENTIFICATION FROM A SPATIAL AND SPECTRAL OBJECT MODEL - A method of referencing an imaged object includes, among other things, obtaining a series of images, observing key characteristics of the object in each of the series of images, associating the observed key characteristics with the object; and assigning a unique identifier to the object based upon the associated key characteristics. The series of images includes spectral and spatial imagery. Some of the key characteristics are in the spectral imagery and some of the key characteristics are in the spatial imagery. | 04-16-2015 |
20150373110 | DATA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM FOR AN AIRCRAFT - A data communications system for an aircraft comprising a plurality of line-replaceable units and a data network configured according to an ARINC standard defining ports, and interconnecting the plurality of line-replaceable units, wherein the line-replaceable units communicate via the ports of the data network. | 12-24-2015 |
20160052640 | HEALTH MANAGEMENT UNIT AND METHOD FOR MONITORING HEALTH INFORMATION AND METHOD OF REPORTING CRITICAL FAILURE INFORMATION - A health management unit for an aircraft and method of reporting critical failure information, in an aircraft having a health management unit that includes determining by the health management unit a potential catastrophic event during the flight of the aircraft based on data received by the health management unit and assembling by the health management unit data indicative of a report of the aircraft state of operation upon the determining of a potential catastrophic event. | 02-25-2016 |
20160057160 | AVIONICS INTRUSION DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DETERMINING INTRUSION OF AN AVIONICS COMPONENT OR SYSTEM - A system for an aircraft and method of determining intrusion of an avionics component or system in an aircraft having multiple avionics components and systems communicating over an aircraft communications network monitored by a system, including monitoring, by the system, data communication over the aircraft communications network for at least some of the avionics components or system and comparing, by the system, the monitored communications for the at least some of the avionics components to corresponding operational profiles. | 02-25-2016 |
20160068279 | METHOD FOR MANAGEMENT OF A MAINTENANCE ROUTINE FOR AN AIRCRAFT AND A MAINTENANCE SYSTEM - A maintenance system for use with an aircraft and a method for management of a maintenance routine for an aircraft with a maintenance system comprising multiple communication terminals located physically about the aircraft and in data communication with each other, the method includes executing a maintenance software program for a maintenance routine comprising maintenance tests corresponding to components of the aircraft. | 03-10-2016 |
20160068280 | METHOD OF IMPLEMENTING A MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR AN AIRCRAFT AND A MAINTENANCE SYSTEM - A maintenance system for use with an aircraft and a method of implementing a maintenance schedule for an aircraft with a maintenance system comprising multiple communication terminals located physically about the aircraft and in data communication with each other, the method includes executing a maintenance software program for a maintenance routine comprising maintenance tests corresponding to components of the aircraft and displaying the maintenance routine on at least one of the communication terminals to define a control terminal. | 03-10-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090177563 | AUTHORIZATION REFRESH SYSTEM AND METHOD - Limited use account identifiers or secondary account identifiers are enabled with refresh capability. The refreshable account identifiers are used in financial transactions and, specifically, in transaction situations where multiple and/or duplicate authorization requests occur for the same or related transactions. The limited use account identifiers may be used by intermediaries that coordinate the purchase of an item for a buyer. The intermediary also coordinates with the merchant to verify availability of the item, provides the merchant with the refreshable limited use account identifier and provides the purchaser with a confirmation number. | 07-09-2009 |
20120066133 | AUTHORIZATION REFRESH SYSTEM AND METHOD - Limited use account identifiers or secondary account identifiers are enabled with refresh capability. The refreshable account identifiers are used in financial transactions and, specifically, in transaction situations where multiple and/or duplicate authorization requests occur for the same or related transactions. An authorization refresh may occur if a settlement request is received for a transaction. The limited use account identifiers may be used by intermediaries that coordinate the purchase of an item for a buyer. | 03-15-2012 |
20120072348 | AUTHORIZATION REFRESH SYSTEM AND METHOD - Limited use account identifiers or secondary account identifiers are enabled with refresh capability. The refreshable account identifiers are used in financial transactions and, specifically, in transaction situations where multiple and/or duplicate authorization requests occur for the same or related transactions. The limited use account identifiers may be used by intermediaries that coordinate the purchase of an item for a buyer. An authorization refresh may be performed by the account issuer and/or the intermediary if a settlement request is received for a transaction. | 03-22-2012 |
20120072349 | AUTHORIZATION REFRESH SYSTEM AND METHOD - Limited use account identifiers or secondary account identifiers are enabled with refresh capability. The refreshable account identifiers are used in financial transactions and, specifically, in transaction situations where multiple and/or duplicate authorization requests are submitted by a merchant for the same or related transactions. The limited use account identifiers may be used by intermediaries that coordinate the purchase of an item for a merchant/buyer. An authorization refresh may be performed by the account issuer and/or the intermediary if a settlement request is received for a transaction. | 03-22-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110275311 | BONUS AND EXPERIENCE ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM FOR RECEIVERS OF BROADCAST MEDIA - According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a method for awarding incentives, the method comprising receiving, via a first interface of a server, audio signals from a user over a communication network, receiving, via a second interface of the server, audio signals from a plurality of broadcast channels over the communication network, comparing, by a processor in the server, the audio signals received from the user and the audio signals received from the plurality of broadcast channels, determining, by the processor, based on the act of comparing, that the audio signals from the user correspond to a program currently being broadcast on one of the plurality of broadcast channels, and in response to the act of determining, automatically awarding, by the processor, the user at least one incentive. | 11-10-2011 |
20110275312 | AUTOMATIC DETECTION OF BROADCAST PROGRAMMING - According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a method for the detection of broadcast programming, the method comprising acts of receiving audio signals from a user over a communication network, receiving audio signals from a plurality of broadcast channels over the communication network, comparing, by a processor, the audio signals from the user with the audio signals from the plurality of broadcast channels, determining by the processor, in response to the act of comparing, that the audio signals from the user match the audio signals from at least one of the plurality of broadcast channels, identifying by the processor, in response to the act of determining, the at least one of the plurality of broadcast channels, and transmitting by the processor, in response to the act of identifying, information related to the at least one of the plurality of broadcast channels to the user. | 11-10-2011 |
20110276882 | AUTOMATIC GROUPING FOR USERS EXPERIENCING A SPECIFIC BROADCAST MEDIA - According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a method for grouping chat users, the method comprising acts of receiving, via a first interface of a server, audio signals from a user over a communication network, receiving, via a second interface of the server, audio signals from a plurality of broadcast channels over the communication network; comparing, by a processor, the audio signals received from the user and the audio signals received from the plurality of broadcast channels, determining, by the processor, based on the act of comparing, that the audio signals from the user correspond to a program currently being broadcast on one of the plurality of broadcast channels, and grouping, by the processor, the user into a chat group based on at least one grouping criteria, the at least one grouping criteria including the program currently being broadcast. | 11-10-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090174200 | Crash Attenuator - A crash attenuator for decelerating an impacting vehicle includes a first end that can be releasably secured to a vehicle, and a second end that is longitudinally spaced from the first end. The second end includes an impact member that is movable in the longitudinal direction from a pre-impact position to an impact position. At least a pair of deformable attenuator members are spaced laterally and extend longitudinally between the first and second ends. At least a portion of the attenuators are bent in a non-outboard direction when the impact member moves from the pre-impact position to the impact position. | 07-09-2009 |
20100243978 | GUARDRAIL ASSEMBLY, BREAKAWAY SUPPORT POST FOR A GUARDRAIL AND METHODS FOR THE ASSEMBLY AND USE THEREOF - A breakaway support post for a guardrail includes an upper post member and a lower post member. The upper and lower post members are overlapping and configured such that the upper and lower post members are non-rotatable relative to each other about an axis extending in an axial impact direction. In one embodiment, a tensile fastener extends in the axial impact direction and connects overlapping portions of the upper and lower post members. In another embodiment, a shear fastener extends transversely to the axial impact direction and is the only connection between the upper and lower post members. In another aspect, a guardrail assembly includes first and second rail sections, with a deforming member deforming the first rail section as it moves relative to the second rail section. Methods of using and assembling a guardrail assembly are also provided. | 09-30-2010 |
20110089668 | TOWABLE IMPACT ATTENUATOR - A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end and a rear end, and a restraint element disposed adjacent the front end and capable of being coupled to a towing vehicle. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The restraint element is operable between at least an impact condition and a non-impact condition. | 04-21-2011 |
20120074721 | CRASH ATTENUATOR - A crash attenuator for decelerating an impacting vehicle includes a first end that can be releasably secured to a vehicle, and a second end that is longitudinally spaced from the first end. The second end includes an impact member that is movable in the longitudinal direction from a pre-impact position to an impact position. At least a pair of spaced deformable attenuator members extend in a longitudinal direction and have a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal ends are staggered downstream from the impact member in the pre-impact position. At least a portion of the deformable attenuator members are bent in a non-outboard direction as the impact member is moved from the pre-impact position to the impact position. | 03-29-2012 |
20120121325 | CRASH CUSHION - A crash cushion includes a plurality of resilient, self-restoring tubes each having a center axis and an interior surface. At least some of the tubes are positioned such that respective ones of the center axes are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction. The center axis of at least one tube is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction, with the tube defining a diametral plane intersecting and oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The center axis of the tube lies in the diametral plane. One or more segments are positioned in the tube, with the segments, or portions thereof, disposed on opposite sides of the interior surface of the tube. Each of the segments or portions is symmetrically secured to the tube relative to the diametral plane, with the tube being substantially open between the opposing segments. Various methods of using and assembling the crash cushion are also provided. | 05-17-2012 |
20120146313 | TOWABLE IMPACT ATTENUATOR - A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on the towing vehicle, such that hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from hitch component. One or more tethers are positioned on opposite sides of the hitch component and are moveable relative to one or more guides connected to the crash cushion. | 06-14-2012 |
20120211710 | GUARDRAIL ASSEMBLY, BREAKAWAY SUPPORT POST FOR A GUARDRAIL AND METHODS FOR THE ASSEMBLY AND USE THEREOF - A guardrail assembly includes first and second rail sections, with a deforming member deforming the first rail section as it moves relative to the second rail section. Methods of using and assembling a guardrail assembly are also provided. | 08-23-2012 |
20130140791 | TOWABLE IMPACT ATTENUATOR - A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on the towing vehicle, such that hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from hitch component. A pair of tethers are positioned on opposite sides of the hitch component and are moveable relative to one or more guides connected to the crash cushion. | 06-06-2013 |
20150069771 | CRASH ATTENUATOR - A crash attenuator includes a frame having a first frame member and a second frame member rigidly connected with a hinge assembly in a pre-impact configuration. The first and second frames are hingedly connected with the hinge assembly in an impact configuration, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a living hinge when the hinge assembly is in the impact configuration. A method of using the crash attenuator is also provided. | 03-12-2015 |
20150191883 | CRASH CUSHION - A crash cushion includes a plurality of resilient, self-restoring tubes each having a center axis and an interior surface. At least some of the tubes are positioned such that respective ones of the center axes are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction. The center axis of at least one tube is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction, with the tube defining a diametral plane intersecting and oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The center axis of the tube lies in the diametral plane. One or more segments are positioned in the tube, with the segments, or portions thereof, disposed on opposite sides of the interior surface of the tube. Each of the segments or portions is symmetrically secured to the tube relative to the diametral plane, with the tube being substantially open between the opposing segments. Various methods of using and assembling the crash cushion are also provided. | 07-09-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080316953 | AUDIENCE RESPONSE SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH MULTIPLE BASE UNIT CAPABILITY - A wireless response system and method of retrieving user selections includes providing a plurality of response units and a plurality of base units. Each of the response units has a wireless response transceiver and an input device. The input device is adapted to receiving a user input selection. The wireless response transceiver is adapted to transmitting a response transmission in response to receipt of a base transmission. Each of the base units has a wireless base transceiver. The base transceiver is adapted to transmitting base transmissions and receiving response transmissions from the response units. Each of the base units and each of the response units are assigned a communication identification. A response unit is adapted to exchanging wireless transmissions with a base unit having a common communication identification with that response unit. Each of said base units is also assigned a base address. The base transmissions include the base address of the base unit transmitting that base transmission. The response transmission includes the base address of the base transmission to which that response transmission is responding. Each of the base units processes response transmissions having a base address in common with the base address of that base unit and does not process response transmissions not having a base address in common with the base address of that base unit. | 12-25-2008 |
20090040183 | RESPONSE SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH DYNAMIC PERSONALITY ASSIGNMENT - A response system and method of receiving remotely entered user input selections at a central location includes providing at least one base unit and a plurality of response units. A user input selection is received with each of the response units. The user input selection is communicated to the at least one base unit utilizing wireless communication. Personality data is received at each of the response units. The at least one base unit communicates with each of the response units according to the personality data of the particular one of the response units to receive a user input selection. The personality data is received by an individual one of the response units communicating with the at least one base unit at close proximity to provide personality data to that response unit. | 02-12-2009 |
20100061282 | AUDIENCE RESPONSE SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH FREQUENCY AGILE TRANSMISSION PROTOCOL - A frequency agile wireless response system and method of retrieving user response data from a plurality of users includes providing a base unit and a plurality of handheld response units, each communicating with the base unit over a wireless communication link using a frequency agile communication protocol. Base signals are sent with the base unit to the response units over the wireless communication link. Response signals are sent from the response units to the base unit over the wireless communication link. The base signals include a master transmission and at least occasionally include an extension transmission. The master transmission includes information establishing a time mark for the response units. The master transmission also includes information enabling the response units to receive any extension transmission associated with that base signal. | 03-11-2010 |
20100105331 | AUDIO INTERRUPT SYSTEM - An audio interrupt system includes multiple audio players—such as a computer, compact disc player, cassette player, stereo, cell-phone, or MP3 player—that generate electrical audio signals and transmit the electrical audio signals to an associated transducer—such as a headphone or a speaker—that converts the electrical audio signals into aural signals that may be heard by a listener. Multiple audio controllers are provided that alter the transmission of the electrical audio signals from at least one of the audio players to the audio player's associate transducer. A hub transmits a control signal to the audio controllers that causes the audio controllers to alter the transmission of the electrical audio signals from the audio players to the associated transducer. The alteration may involve terminating the electrical audio signals or reducing an amplitude of them. | 04-29-2010 |
20120025973 | REAL-TIME METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR LOCATING A MOBILE OBJECT OR PERSON IN A TRACKING ENVIRONMENT - A real-time method and system for locating a mobile object or person in a tracking environment in which a plurality of sensors are located are provided. The method includes providing a tracking tag wearable by the person or attachable to the object. The method further includes modulating a first carrier signal with a first packet including a first set of data to obtain a modulated first signal. The method still further includes transmitting from the tag to a sensor nearest the tag the first signal, the first signal containing the first packet and having a first precision and a first range within the environment. The method further includes repeating the steps of modulating and transmitting until a modulated second signal is received at the tag from the nearest sensor within a time period after the step of transmitting. The second signal contains a second packet including a second set of data and has a second precision and a second range within the environment. The method still further includes receiving the second signal at the tag within the time period. The method further includes demodulating the second signal to obtain the second packet. The method still further includes determining location of the tag within the environment based on the second packet of the received demodulated second signal. | 02-02-2012 |
20120025980 | REAL-TIME METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING AND VALIDATING LOCATION OF A RELOCATED MOBILE OBJECT OR PERSON IN A TRACKING ENVIRONMENT - A real-time method and system of determining and validating location of a relocated mobile object or person in a tracking environment in which a plurality of sensors are located are provided. The method includes providing a tracking tag having storage and wearable by the person or attachable to the object. The method further includes storing a set of data related to a prior location of a relocated tag in the tracking environment in the storage. The method still further includes modulating a first carrier signal with a first packet including a first set of data to obtain a modulated first signal. The method further includes transmitting from the tag to a sensor nearest the relocated tag the first signal. The first signal contains the first packet and has a first precision and a first range within the environment. The method still further includes receiving a modulated second signal at the tag from at least one of the sensors including the nearest sensor. The second signal contains a second packet including a second set of data and has a second precision and a second range within the environment. The method further includes demodulating the second signal to obtain the second packet. The method still further includes repeating the steps of modulating, transmitting, receiving and demodulating if the second set of data is different from the stored set of data to obtain a plurality of second packets. The method further includes determining and validating current location of the relocated tag within the environment based on the plurality of second packets. | 02-02-2012 |