Armstrong, NC
Andrew Armstrong, Chapel Hill, NC US
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20130209493 | BIOMAKERS FOR CIRCULATING TUMOR CELLS - Provided are methods for detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in a subject. The methods may include detecting the expression of at least one epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarker. Further provided are kits for detecting CTCs. The kits may include antibodies to at least one EMT biomarker. Further provided are methods of predicting the responsiveness of a subject to a cancer drug, methods of targeting delivery of a cancer drug in a subject, methods of providing a cancer prognosis to a subject, and methods for following the progress of cancer in a subject. | 08-15-2013 |
Andrew J. Armstrong, Chapel Hill, NC US
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20160077097 | METHOD OF ISOLATING CIRCULATING TUMOR CELLS - Provided are methods for detecting or isolating circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in a subject. The methods may include detecting the expression of at least one epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarker. Further provided are kits for detecting or isolating CTCs. The kits may include antibodies to at least one EMT biomarker. Further provided are methods of predicting the responsiveness of a subject to a cancer drug, methods of targeting delivery of a cancer drug in a subject, methods of providing a cancer prognosis to a subject, and methods for following the progress of cancer in a subject. | 03-17-2016 |
Edward W. Armstrong, Chapel Hill, NC US
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20090313090 | RESOLVING DEMAND AND SUPPLY IMBALANCES - A storage medium for resolving demand and supply imbalances is provided. The storage medium includes machine-readable computer program code and instructions for causing a computer to implement a method. The method includes identifying an excess component inventory liability or constraint in supply capability for an end product by matching current buying patterns for the end product against inventory liability and supply capability based on a previous demand forecast. Where excess component inventory liability exists, the method includes: refocusing the excess component inventory liability by determining alternative end products that use components identified in the excess component inventory liability; and executing sales activities for enticing sales of the alternative end products. Where constrained supply capability exists, the method includes determining alternative end products that are functionally equivalent to those in the constrained supply capability, and executing sales activities for enticing sales of functionally equivalent alternative end products. | 12-17-2009 |
20100010875 | RESOLVING DEMAND AND SUPPLY IMBALANCES - A system for resolving demand and supply imbalances includes a supply liability reduction process (SLRP) executable upon identifying an excess component inventory liability. The SLRP includes: a procurement and development assessment sub-process that represents a greatest magnitude of liability; a liability council assessment sub-process that represents a magnitude of liability less than that of the procurement and development assessment sub-process; a sales activities sub-process that represents a magnitude of liability less than that of the liability council assessment sub-process; and a liability write-off sub-process that represents a magnitude of liability less than that of the sales activities sub-process. The SLRP performs one or more sub-processes in an order of the magnitude of liability. The sub-process reduces the excess component inventory liability by: determining alternative end products that use components identified in the excess component inventory liability; and executing for enticing sales of alternative end products. | 01-14-2010 |
Fred Armstrong, Davidson, NC US
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20120005053 | BEHAVIORAL-BASED CUSTOMER SEGMENTATION APPLICATION - Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for comprehensive and holistic behavior-based customer segmentation and customer profiling based on the segmentation. In specific embodiments of the invention, the segmentation includes internal credit behavior segmentation and external credit segmentation. In other embodiments, the segmentation includes internal credit behavior segmentation and external credit segmentation, and spend preference segmentation. In still further embodiments any combination of behavior algorithms may be implemented to segment the customer base and determine a related customer profile. The application additionally provides for new behavior algorithms to be added as needed in the future and the ability to interface with existing/legacy segmentation applications. | 01-05-2012 |
20150228014 | AUTOMATED CUSTOMER CHARACTERIZATION - A comprehensive and holistic behavior-based customer characterization scheme is presented. Specifically, the characterization scheme includes internal credit behavior segmentation and external credit segmentation. In other embodiments, the characterization includes internal credit behavior segmentation and external credit segmentation, and spend preference segmentation. In still further embodiments any combination of behavior algorithms may be implemented to characterize the customer base and determine a related customer profile. The application additionally provides for new behavior algorithms to be added as needed in the future and the ability to interface with existing/legacy segmentation applications. | 08-13-2015 |
John Noble Armstrong, Elizabethtown, NC US
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20090057234 | METHOD FOR MAKING BROWN GREASE - A method and system for recovering grease from wastewater is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes receiving wastewater comprising an aqueous phase and an organic phase, wherein the organic phase comprises solids and grease; pretreating the wastewater to produce a waste sludge stream comprising water, solids, and grease, wherein a substantial amount of the solids and grease from the wastewater are extracted into the waste sludge stream; separating the waste sludge in a first separation stage to provide a first separation phase consisting essentially of solids, and a second separation phase comprising an immiscible liquid mixture of grease and water; and separating the second separation phase to provide a third separation phase consisting essentially of water and a fourth separation phase consisting essentially of grease. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a pretreatment facility capable of extracting a substantial portion of the solids from the wastewater stream to produce a waste sludge; a first separator capable of separating the waste sludge into a first separation phase consisting essentially of solids from the waste sludge, and a second separation phase comprising an immiscible mixture of water and grease; a second separator capable of separating the second separation phase into a third separation phase consisting essentially of water, and a fourth separation phase consisting essentially of grease. | 03-05-2009 |
Kenneth Armstrong, Cary, NC US
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20130222139 | HUMAN SAFETY INDICATOR - A human safety system includes a circuit including a microcontroller and at least one power source; a probe in communication with the circuit; at least one use detector in communication with the circuit; and at least one alert indicator in communication with the circuit. A method of using a human safety device, the method includes initiating operation of the human safety device; arranging the human safety device in communication with skin; and monitoring the human safety device for alert indicators. A method of monitoring a user includes waking from sleep state; sensing at least one condition of the user; determining if the sensed condition is in a human condition; continuously monitoring the condition of the user; and, returning to sleep state when the user condition is outside of the human condition for an amount of time. | 08-29-2013 |
Kenneth C. Armstrong, Cary, NC US
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20120123489 | ENERGY STORAGE ELEMENT DESIGN AND CONFIGURATION FOR IMPLANTABLE INTRAVASCULAR DEVICE - An energy storage component for use with an implantable intravascular medical device that maximizes the useful volume available in the implantable intravascular medical device by providing a bore in a capacitor or battery that allows connections between various segments of the implantable intravascular medical device to be connected with one another. | 05-17-2012 |
20130039395 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING COMMUNICATIONS IN A WIRELESS POWER TRANSFER SYSTEM - A communication system that uses keyed modulation to encode fixed frequency communications on a variable frequency power transmission signal in which a single communication bit is represented by a plurality of modulations. To provide a fixed communication rate, the number of modulations associated with each bit is dynamic varying as a function of the ratio of the communication frequency to the carrier signal frequency. In one embodiment, the present invention provides dynamic phase-shift-keyed modulation in which communications are generated by toggling a load at a rate that is a fraction of the power transfer frequency. In another embodiment, the present invention provides communication by toggling a load in the communication transmitter at a rate that is phase locked and at a harmonic of the power transfer frequency. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides frequency-shift-keyed modulation, including, for example, modulation at one of two different frequencies. | 02-14-2013 |
20130079645 | Systems and Methods for Visualizing Ablated Tissue - Systems and methods for visualizing ablated tissue are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system for imaging tissue comprising: a catheter having a distal end and a proximal end; an inflatable balloon disposed about the distal end of the catheter; and an optical housing extending from the distal end of the catheter into the balloon, the optical housing being configured to position inside the balloon a light source for illuminating a tissue outside the balloon and a camera for imaging the illuminated tissue. | 03-28-2013 |
20140254696 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING COMMUNICATIONS IN A WIRELESS POWER TRANSFER SYSTEM - A communication system that uses keyed modulation to encode fixed frequency communications on a variable frequency power transmission signal in which a single communication bit is represented by a plurality of modulations. To provide a fixed communication rate, the number of modulations associated with each bit is dynamic varying as a function of the ratio of the communication frequency to the carrier signal frequency. In one embodiment, the present invention provides dynamic phase-shift-keyed modulation in which communications are generated by toggling a load at a rate that is a fraction of the power transfer frequency. In another embodiment, the present invention provides communication by toggling a load in the communication transmitter at a rate that is phase locked and at a harmonic of the power transfer frequency. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides frequency-shift-keyed modulation, including, for example, modulation at one of two different frequencies. | 09-11-2014 |
20150196202 | Systems and Methods for Determining Lesion Depth Using Fluorescence Imaging - Systems, catheter and methods for treating Atrial Fibrillation (AF) are provided, which are configure to illuminate a heart tissue having a lesion site; obtain a mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen (NADH) fluorescence intensity from the illuminated heart tissue along a first line across the lesion site; create a 2-dimensional (2D) map of the depth of the lesion site along the first line based on the NADH fluorescence intensity; and determine a depth of the lesion site at a selected point along the first line from the 2D map, wherein a lower NADH fluorescence intensity corresponds to a greater depth in the lesion site and a higher NADH fluorescence intensity corresponds to an unablated tissue. The process may be repeated to create a 3 dimensional map of the depth of the lesion. | 07-16-2015 |
20150327753 | Systems and Methods for Visualizing Ablated Tissue - Systems and methods for visualizing ablated tissue are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system for imaging tissue comprising: a catheter having a distal end and a proximal end; an inflatable balloon disposed about the distal end of the catheter; and an optical housing extending from the distal end of the catheter into the balloon, the optical housing being configured to position inside the balloon a light source for illuminating a tissue outside the balloon and a camera for imaging the illuminated tissue. | 11-19-2015 |
Lisa Armstrong, Lincolnton, NC US
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20100198660 | SUBCONTRACTOR COMPLIANCE MEASUREMENT - A subcontractor compliance measurement system and methods are disclosed. Tiering criteria are applied to each subcontractor from among a plurality of subcontractors. The tiering criteria are indicative of situational risk. The tiering criteria are used to calculate a risk score for the subcontractor. The subcontractor is then assigned to a tier using a numerical value of the risk score, wherein the tier is indicative of a compliance risk monitoring posture for the subcontractor. Contractors in a high-risk tier are then monitored with tools such as a heat map and a validation tool so that risk can be mitigated. Contract compliance metrics for subcontractors can be displayed, and scoring for the primary contractor can be derived from heat map data for the subcontractors. | 08-05-2010 |
Richard Armstrong, Swansboro, NC US
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20080229663 | Apparatus and method for operating an auxiliary door - An improved apparatus and method for operating an auxiliary door is provided. Preferably, a remote signal, such as a radio signal, is used to initiate the opening of the door by a battery powered cable-retracting device or the like. The device is generally mounted on the wall adjacent to the door, but could also be mounted on the door. A cantilever extends out from the wall and door at the door hinge. A cable operated by a motor and pulley in the device is attached to the door such that when the motor is energized the door is opened to the cantilever overcoming the closing force for the door. This force is normally provided by a spring, hydraulic, pneumatic, or other known door closing device. Controls are provided to stop the opening motion if an obstacle blocks the door. | 09-25-2008 |
Richard W. Armstrong, Swansboro, NC US
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20090293365 | Delayed Action Door Constraint with Remote Closing By and of a Second Door - A door positioning system is provided. The system includes a first member and a second member. The first member is attached to an exterior door at a first end of the first member and to an anchor location at a second end of the first member opposite the first end. The first member includes a locking region. The second member is configured to engage the locking region of the first member if the exterior door is opened a first threshold amount. The second member and locking region are configured to hold the exterior door in an open position if the second member is engaged with the locking region. The second member and locking region are configured to disengage if the exterior door is opened a second threshold amount beyond the first threshold amount. The exterior door is able to close with the force of the door closer if the second member is disengaged from the locking region. | 12-03-2009 |
20100125986 | Locking Mechanism for A Tie Down - A locking device and system for a tie down includes elements that positively secure a securing strap within a locking housing to hold one or more objects in place. In one embodiment, the locking housing includes a sloped housing having a cavity adapted to receive one end of the securing strap. The locking housing includes at least a user actuable lever and a gripping element. When the securing strap is threaded through the cavity of locking housing and the securing strap is in a desired positioned within the locking housing, the locking device enables a user to pivot the lever to cause the gripping element to press against the strap and positively secure the position of the strap within the housing. In one embodiment, the strap is a cogged belt having teeth and the gripping element includes a surface with teeth that mesh with the teeth of the strap. | 05-27-2010 |
Robert Fleetwood Armstrong, Charlotte, NC US
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20110184819 | AUDIBLE TRANSACTION PROCESS AND SYSTEM - Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for assisting a consumer during a transaction with a vendor at a point of sale by providing transaction information to the consumer in an audible format. The system includes a consumer device and a payment terminal located proximate the point of sale. The consumer device, either a mobile device carried by the consumer or an immobile device also located proximate the point of sale, communicates with the payment terminal and receives transaction information such as product identity or amount information. The consumer device then produces sound waves audible to the consumer based on the communicated transaction information using one or more private and/or public listening devices. This audible transaction process can be performed automatically during a transaction or can be implemented based on consumer preference. | 07-28-2011 |
20110184820 | MOBILE DEVICE CONSUMER INTERFACE PROCESS AND SYSTEM - Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for assisting a consumer during a transaction with a vendor at a point of sale by providing transaction information to the consumer via consumer-readable communications. In one embodiment, a payment terminal proximate the point of sale communicates a transaction information signal to the mobile device. The mobile device communicates the transaction information to the consumer in a consumer-readable format such as audible sound waves. In some embodiments, the consumer-readable communications include requests for consumer input. The consumer input is received by an input device proximate the mobile device and communicated to the payment terminal. In some embodiments consumer input is received by the payment terminal as well as the mobile device, and in some embodiments, the consumer chooses whether to use the mobile device as an interface or only to use the payment terminal. | 07-28-2011 |
20110184821 | PAYMENT DEVICE TRIGGERED MODIFIED TRANSACTION SESSION AT POINT OF SALE - Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for providing a modified transaction process or session for a consumer at a point of sale of a vendor when triggered by a consumer's transaction or payment device. The transaction device either stores consumer preference data or stores pointer data pointing to the network location of the consumer preference data. The transaction device communicates with the vendor's point of sale or payment terminal, and the payment terminal processes the consumer preference data. If the payment terminal determines the consumer prefers a modified transaction session, the payment terminal initiates the modified transaction session, which in various embodiments, includes one or both of communicating transaction information via consumer-readable communications proximate the consumer's mobile device and receiving consumer input proximate the consumer's mobile device and communicating the consumer input to the payment terminal for processing or other modifications to a typical transaction session. | 07-28-2011 |
20110184824 | TACTILE OVERLAY FOR POINT OF SALE TERMINAL - Systems and methods provide tactile assistance to a consumer completing a transaction at a point of sale terminal. A tactile overlay, either permanent or removable, couples with a consumer interface such as a touch screen of the point of sale terminal. The tactile overlay includes one or more overlay inputs that provide a distinct tactile impression in comparison with the remainder of the overlay. For example, the overlay inputs can be depressions, apertures, protrusions, dimples, or the like, or provide a different texture such as a rougher or smoother texture than the surrounding overlay. The overlay inputs are configured to correspond with underlying touch screen inputs such that the consumer using the tactile overlay can discern the proper location on the touch screen for providing the desired input. | 07-28-2011 |
20110184853 | TALKING TRANSACTIONS - Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for providing audio messages relating to financial transactions. For example, one embodiment of the invention provides a financial institution's computer apparatus having a memory communicably coupled to a communication device and a processor. In one embodiment, the memory stores information about a financial account including information about a system to use to communicate a message comprising an audio component to a person associated with the financial account, and the processor is configured to receive an indication of a financial transaction affecting the financial account and use the communication device to communicate an audio message containing information relating to the financial transaction to the person associated with the financial account by using the system. | 07-28-2011 |
20110184864 | CASH FOLDING APPARATUS AND METHOD - Embodiments of the present invention provide currency solutions for the visually impaired by, for example, providing automated teller machines (ATMs) or other cash dispensers configured to dispense folded bills to the customer. The bills are folded based on denomination to allow the customer receiving the bills from the cash dispenser to be able to identify the denomination of each bill. In some embodiments, the cash dispenser is configured to automatically identify whether the customer prefers to receive folded bills and, in some embodiments, the cash dispenser is configured to fold and dispense bills according to customer preferences. | 07-28-2011 |
20110184865 | INTERACTING WITH USER AT ATM BASED ON USER PREFERENCES - Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatuses, methods, and computer program products that allow for interaction with a user at an automated teller machine (ATM) based on pre-established user preferences. For example, an ATM is provided having: (1) a user interface configured to receive user identifying information from a user; and (2) a processing device operatively coupled to the user interface and configured to use the user identifying information to determine a pre-established user preference, wherein the processing device is further configured to use the user interface to interact with the user based at least partially on the pre-established user preference. | 07-28-2011 |
Robert J. Armstrong, Charlotte, NC US
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20150193720 | ASSESSING TECHNOLOGY ISSUES - Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for assessing the criticality of a technology issue or incident are presented. In some embodiments, a computing device may receive customer experience data regarding a technology incident and one or more pieces of additional information including a flame chart regarding similar technology incidents. Subsequently, the computing device may assess the customer experience data based on the flame chart. The computing device may then generate an impact assessment of the technology incident based on the assessment of the customer experience data, and identify one or more triage options, based on the impact assessment, in response to the technology incident. Subsequently, the computing device may notify one or more subject matter experts to implement the one or more triage options. In response to determining that a difference exists, the computing device may provide a notification that the technology issue has been resolved. | 07-09-2015 |
Rodney A. Armstrong, Belmont, NC US
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20080252093 | Tailgate dampening apparatus - An apparatus for damping the motion of a tailgate attached to a truck bed comprising a damper having a truck bed attachment point at one end and a tailgate attachment point at the other end. The truck bed attachment point is secured to said truck bed, while the tailgate attachment point is secured to the tailgate. | 10-16-2008 |
20100047012 | Quick Disconnect Ball Socket End Fitting - A coupling member for pivotally coupling an end of a device to a mounting ball includes a body connectable to an end of the device and defines a socket for receiving a mounting ball. The body further includes slots communicating with the socket. A sliding element arranged in a longitudinal groove of the body is movable from a first position to a second position. A C-shaped spring has two ends and a center section, the ends being received through the slots and projecting into the socket for holding the mounting ball in the socket. The sliding element interacts with the center section of the spring when the sliding element is moved to the second position so that the ends of the spring are drawn out from the socket to release the mounting ball from the socket, whereby the mounting ball is releasable from the socket without external tools. | 02-25-2010 |
Stephen Taylor Armstrong, Kernersville, NC US
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20140255452 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIFFERENTIATING ORAL POUCH PRODUCTS - A nicotine-containing pharmaceutical product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of that product is provided. The product can have an outer water-permeable pouch, a nicotine-containing pharmaceutical composition situated within the outer water-permeable pouch, and product identifying information relating to the nicotine-containing pharmaceutical composition. The information can be presented such that a user of the product can discern the identifying information by visually inspecting the product and thereby differentiate or identify certain nicotine-containing pharmaceutical products. The product identifying can be, for example, printed, imprinted or dyed on the outer water-permeable pouch, positioned within the outer water-permeable pouch, or attached to the outer water-permeable pouch. The product identifying information can identify product brand, a company name, a corporate logo or brand, marketing messages, product strength, active ingredient, product manufacture date, product expiration date, product flavor, product pharmaceutical release profile, weight, product code, other product differentiating markings, and combinations thereof. | 09-11-2014 |
William Armstrong, Huntersville, NC US
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20120074825 | Under Shelf Mounted Drawer - A drawer assembly for mounting beneath a shelf has a drawer and a mounting unit. The drawer has a bottom, a front end, a rear end, and a pair of opposed side panels. The mounting unit is configured to mount to a shelf and has a pair of spaced apart drawer supports that support the drawer under a shelf. A pair of laterally spaced apart tracks is provided on either the drawer side panels or the mounting unit drawer supports. A pair of lugs protrudes from each of the other of the drawer side panels or the mounting unit drawer supports. Each pair of lugs is slidable relative to and along a respective one of the tracks. The drawer is slidable between a closed position and an open position relative to the mounting unit. The tracks and lugs cooperate such that the front end and rear end of the drawer are substantially level with one another in the closed position and the front end is lower than the rear end in the open position. | 03-29-2012 |