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Bruce A.

Bruce A. Anthenat, Tijeras, NM US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100064751METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HIGH VELOCITY ELECTROMAGNETIC SEALING OF CONTAINERS - Methods and apparatus for high velocity electromagnetic metal forming are described for sealing containers (03-18-2010

Bruce A. Antunez, Glendora, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100205735Toilet flush actuator device - The invention relates to a toilet flush actuator mechanism for a toilet tank which has a discharge port surrounded by a valve seat having a central axis, a ball-cock type valve, and a flush valve having a vertical axis. The actuator mechanism consists of a trip lever pivotally mounted to the toilet tank and having a free end over which a boot member is telescopically and captively held. First and second resilient guide members extend laterally from the boot member adjacent the free end, and are parallel, coplanar, and separated by a fixed distance. A linkage member is captively carried in fixed relationship with the upper end of the flush valve and has an open void region through which the free end extends. This permits a slidable bearing relationship between the linkage member and the boot member intermediate the first and second resilient guide members as the trip lever pivots upwardly to lift the flush valve thereby retaining the co-axial alignment of the vertical axis of the flush valve and the central axis of the valve seat.08-19-2010

Bruce A. Axten, Camas, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090230615In Tray Media Sensing - A method and apparatus align an adjuster with an edge of media supported by a tray. The adjuster is operably coupled to a gauge that moves in response to movement of the adjuster. A sensor senses the gauge to detect a dimension of the media while the media is supported by the tray.09-17-2009

Patent applications by Bruce A. Axten, Camas, WA US

Bruce A. Baker, Placerville, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100210895Guidable Intravascular Blood Pump and Related Methods - An improved intravascular blood pump and related methods involving the broad inventive concept of equipping the intravascular blood pump with guiding features such that the intravascular blood pump can be selectively positioned at a predetermined location within the circulatory system of a patient.08-19-2010

Patent applications by Bruce A. Baker, Placerville, CA US

Bruce A. Buroker, Elgin, IL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100121761System and Method for Generating Graphical User Interface - An automated method for generating Graphical User Interfaces (GUI's) is illustrated in the context of a system for processing financial applications. In one embodiment, the GUI generator converts domain data representing over one thousand application types into an equal number of corresponding user screens. The interface may also be bi-directional, operating on user inputs to validate data or check for double keying.05-13-2010

Bruce A. Bushaw, Richland, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110007312SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HIGH PRECISION ISOTOPE RATIO DESTRUCTIVE ANALYSIS - A system and process are disclosed that provide high accuracy and high precision destructive analysis measurements for isotope ratio determination of relative isotope abundance distributions in liquids, solids, and particulate samples. The invention utilizes a collinear probe beam to interrogate a laser ablated plume. This invention provides enhanced single-shot detection sensitivity approaching the femtogram range, and isotope ratios and particle assays that can be determined with relative precision better than about 10%.01-13-2011
20110164248SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HIGH PRECISION ISOTOPE RATIO DESTRUCTIVE ANALYSIS - A system and process are disclosed that provide high accuracy and high precision destructive analysis measurements for isotope ratio determination of relative isotope abundance distributions in liquids, solids, and particulate samples. The invention utilizes a collinear probe beam to interrogate a laser ablated plume. This invention provides enhanced single-shot detection sensitivity approaching the femtogram range, and isotope ratios that can be determined at approximately 1% or better precision and accuracy (relative standard deviation).07-07-2011

Bruce A. Cariker, Diamond Bar, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090213491INFORMATION STORAGE DEVICE WITH A BRIDGE CONTROLLER AND A PLURALITY OF ELECTRICALLY COUPLED CONDUCTIVE SHIELDS - A novel information storage device is disclosed and claimed. The information storage device includes a disk drive, a disk drive printed circuit board, and a first conductive shield over the disk drive printed circuit board and electrically coupled to the disk drive. The information storage device also includes a bridge controller printed circuit board and a second conductive shield over and electrically coupled to the bridge controller printed circuit board. The first and second conductive shields are in direct contact with each other. A disk drive interface connector electrically couples the bridge controller printed circuit board with the disk drive printed circuit board. A third conductive shield is attached to the disk drive interface connector and is in direct contact with both the first and second conductive shields.08-27-2009

Bruce A. Coers, North Hillsdale, IL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090007533SECTIONALIZED BELT GUIDE FOR DRAPER BELT IN AN AGRICULTURAL HARVESTING MACHINE - A cutting platform for use with an agricultural harvesting machine includes a plurality of platform sections. At least one platform section includes a cutterbar assembly movable in a localized manner in upwards and downwards directions, an endless belt having a leading edge, a plurality of belt supports mounted to the cutterbar assembly, and a plurality of belt guides. Each belt support is at least partially positioned under the leading edge of the endless belt, and includes at least one upwardly extending clip. Each belt guide partially overlies the leading edge of the endless belt. Each belt guide includes at least one clip hole for receiving a corresponding clip, and a rear surface which is attached to a belt support or the cutterbar assembly.01-08-2009
20090194392HYBRID DRAPER BELT SPLICE - A connector assembly for a draper belt in a harvesting machine having first and second connecting bars on opposite first and second sides of belt end flanges and a flat belt splice along the leading or trailing edge of the draper belt. By providing a flat belt splice along the leading edge, the draper belt can be located underneath a belt cover to prevent grain from leaking out onto the ground.08-06-2009
20090266044INTEGRATED DRAPER BELT SUPPORT AND SKID SHOE IN AN AGRICULTURAL HARVESTING MACHINE - A cutting platform for use with an agricultural harvesting machine includes at least one platform section. Each platform section has a cutterbar assembly movable in a localized manner in upwards and downwards directions, an endless belt with a leading edge, and a plurality of skid shoes. Each skid shoe extends rearwardly from the cutterbar assembly and has an upper surface defining a belt support for the leading edge of the endless belt.10-29-2009
20090270147COMBINE CLEAN GRAIN ELEVATOR SYSTEM - A harvesting machine including a frame, a plurality of ground engaging wheels, at least one grain separating section, a plurality of cross augers and a grain moving device. The plurality of ground engaging wheels support the frame. The at least one grain separating section is supported by the frame. The plurality of cross augers are positioned to receive grain from the at least one grain separating section. The plurality of cross augers each have an end. The grain moving device is associated with each of the plurality of cross augers proximate to the end of the plurality of cross augers.10-29-2009
20090320431ENDLESS BELT MOUNTING CONFIGURATION FOR AN AGRICULTURAL HARVESTER - A cutting platform for use with an agricultural harvester includes at least one platform section. Each platform section includes a frame, a cutterbar assembly defining a leading edge of the platform section, an endless belt, and a plurality of float arms pivotally attached to the frame. The cutterbar assembly is movable in a localized manner in upwards and downwards directions. At least one float arm carries a roller which supports the endless belt and is positioned within a loop of the endless belt. Each roller is pivotable or removable relative to the corresponding float arm.12-31-2009
20100005767HYBRID SEAM FOR A DRAPER BELT IN AN AGRICULTURAL HARVESTER - A draper cutting platform for use in an agricultural harvester includes a platform section having an elongate belt. The belt includes opposite ends, a pair of side edges defining a width of the belt therebetween, and a plurality of longitudinally spaced cleats extending crosswise between the side edges. Each cleat has a length which is less than the width of the belt. A seam joins the opposite ends of the belt. The seam includes a splice bar and a pair of lacings. The splice bar has a length which is approximately the same as the cleat length. Each lacing is disposed in an area between a corresponding end of the splice bar and a respective side edge of the belt.01-14-2010
20110154794INTEGRATED DRAPER BELT SUPPORT AND SKID SHOE IN AN AGRICULTURAL HARVESTING MACHINE - A cutting platform for use with an agricultural harvesting machine includes at least one platform section. Each platform section has a cutterbar assembly movable in a localized manner in upwards and downwards directions, an endless belt with a leading edge, and a plurality of skid shoes. Each skid shoe extends rearwardly from the cutterbar assembly and has an upper surface defining a belt support for the leading edge of the endless belt.06-30-2011

Patent applications by Bruce A. Coers, North Hillsdale, IL US

Bruce A. Cranner, Mandeville, LA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090028930BRUISE AMELIORATION COMPOSITION AND METHOD OF USE - A bruise amelioration composition that can be applied for one hour to an affected site, such as a bruise, contusion or blister, in the form of a gel, liquid or adhesive bandage. The composition includes at least 40% by weight of glycerin and at least 2% by weight of primrose oil. Preferably, the composition includes a fragrance, such as peach oil and marjoram and 1% to 10% by weight of vitamins A, C, D, E and K.01-29-2009
20110136900BRUISE AMELIORATION COMPOSITION AND METHOD OF USE - A bruise amelioration composition that can be applied for one hour to an affected site, such as a bruise, contusion or blister, in the form of a gel, liquid or adhesive bandage. The composition includes at least 40% by weight of glycerin and at least 2% by weight of primrose oil. Preferably, the composition includes a fragrance, such as peach oil and marjoram and 1% to 10% by weight of vitamins A, C, D, E and K.06-09-2011
20110144215BRUISE AMELIORATION COMPOSITION AND METHOD OF USE - A bruise amelioration composition that can be applied for one hour to an affected site, such as a bruise, contusion or blister, in the form of a gel, liquid or adhesive bandage. The composition includes at least 40% by weight of glycerin and at least 2% by weight of primrose oil. Preferably, the composition includes a fragrance, such as peach oil and marjoram and 1% to 10% by weight of vitamins A, C, D, E and K.06-16-2011

Patent applications by Bruce A. Cranner, Mandeville, LA US

Bruce A. Diner, Chadds Ford, PA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080274035REVERSIBLE OXIDATION OF CARBON NANOTUBES - Carbon nanotubes have been reversibly and readily oxidized and reduced with common chemicals in solution, thereby allowing the nanotubes to be used as catalysts for chemical reactions and as stable charge storage devices.11-06-2008
20100159516ORGANIC SOLVENT PRETREATMENT OF BIOMASS TO ENHANCE ENZYMATIC SACCHARIFICATION - Biomass is pretreated using an organic solvent solution under alkaline conditions in the presence of one or more alkylamine and optionally one or more additional nucleophile to fragment and extract lignin. Pretreated biomass is further hydrolyzed with a saccharification enzyme consortium. Fermentable sugars released by saccharification may be utilized for the production of target chemicals by fermentation.06-24-2010
20100159517ORGANIC SOLVENT PRETREATMENT OF BIOMASS TO ENHANCE ENZYMATIC SACCHARIFICATION - Biomass is pretreated using an organic solvent solution, under alkaline conditions, in the presence of one or more organo-mercaptan and optionally one or more additional nucleophile to fragment and extract lignin. Pretreated biomass is further hydrolyzed with a saccharification enzyme consortium. Fermentable sugars released by saccharification may be utilized for the production of target chemicals by fermentation.06-24-2010
20100159518ORGANIC SOLVENT PRETREATMENT OF BIOMASS TO ENHANCE ENZYMATIC SACCHARIFICATION - Biomass is pretreated using an organic solvent solution under alkaline conditions in the presence of one of more sulfide (hydrosulfide) salt and optionally one or more additional nucleophile to fragment and extract lignin. Pretreated biomass is further hydrolyzed with a saccharification enzyme consortium. Fermentable sugars released by saccharification may be utilized for the production of target chemicals by fermentation.06-24-2010
20100159519ORGANIC SOLVENT PRETREATMENT OF BIOMASS TO ENHANCE ENZYMATIC SACCHARIFICATION - Biomass is pretreated using an organic solvent solution under alkaline conditions in the presence of elemental sulfur and optionally one or more alkylamine and/or one or more additional nucleophile to fragment and extract lignin. Pretreated biomass is further hydrolyzed with a saccharification enzyme consortium. Fermentable sugars released by saccharification may be utilized for the production of target chemicals by fermentation.06-24-2010
20100159520ORGANIC SOLVENT PRETREATMENT OF BIOMASS TO ENHANCE ENZYMATIC SACCHARIFICATION - Biomass is pretreated using an organic solvent solution under alkaline conditions in the presence of ammonia and optionally an additional nucleophile to fragment and extract lignin without loss of hemicellulose. Pretreated biomass is further hydrolyzed with a saccharification enzyme consortium. Fermentable sugars released by saccharification may be utilized for the production of target chemicals by fermentation.06-24-2010
20100159521OZONE TREATMENT OF BIOMASS TO ENHANCE ENZYMATIC SACCHARIFICATION - Methods for treating lignocellulosic biomass to produce readily saccharifiable carbohydrate-enriched biomass are provided. In one method, lignocellulosic biomass comprising lignin is treated with aqueous ammonia, then contacted with a gas comprising ozone at a temperature of about 0° C. to about 50° C. In another method, lignocellulosic biomass comprising lignin is contacted with a gas comprising ozone at a temperature of about 0° C. to about 50° C., then treated with aqueous ammonia. The readily saccharifiable carbohydrate-enriched biomass may be saccharified with an enzyme consortium to produce fermentable sugars.06-24-2010
20110212495COMPARTMENTALIZED SIMULTANEOUS SACCHARIFICATION AND FERMENTATION OF BIOMASS - Methods and apparatus' are disclosed for the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of biomass providing for the compartmentalization of the saccharification process and the fermentation process resulting in decreased enzymatic end-product inhibition.09-01-2011
20110312044EXTRACTION SOLVENTS DERIVED FROM OIL FOR ALCOHOL REMOVAL IN EXTRACTIVE FERMENTATION - In an alcohol fermentation process, oil derived from biomass is chemically converted into an extractant available for in situ removal of a product alcohol such as butanol from a fermentation broth. The glycerides in the oil can be chemically converted into a reaction product, such as fatty acids, fatty alcohols, fatty amides, fatty acid methyl esters, fatty acid glycol esters, and hydroxylated triglycerides, and mixtures thereof, which forms a fermentation product extractant having a partition coefficient for a product alcohol greater than a partition coefficient of the oil of the biomass for the product alcohol. Oil derived from a feedstock of an alcohol fermentation process can be chemically converting into the fermentation product extractant. The oil can be separated from the feedstock prior to the feedstock being fed to a fermentation vessel, and the separated oil can be chemically converted to a fermentation product extractant, which can then contacted with a fermentation product comprising a product alcohol, whereby the product alcohol is separated from the fermentation product.12-22-2011

Patent applications by Bruce A. Diner, Chadds Ford, PA US

Bruce A. Ense, Cincinnati, OH US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110308697Heat Transfer Labeling Machine With Hot Air Treatment Stations - A transfer label machine has a post treatment station for exposing newly applied labels to heat in order to finish and gloss out the label. The heat is applied through a nozzle coupled to a hot air supply system that includes a blower, ductwork, and a heating element disposed in the airflow. A temperature probe measures temperature of the air flow and an IR sensor measures the resulting temperature of containers on which the labels have been applied. A programmable logic controller (PLC) is programmed with proportional integral derivative (PID) algorithms to control the blower speed and the heating element to provide the appropriate amount of heat for the labeling or processing speed at which the labeling machine is operating. A vision system can confirm the quality of label after the post treatment heating. In the event of a machine jam, the blower and/or heating element can be turned off or the air can be shunted away from the containers to reduce greatly the likelihood of a fire, which has occurred with prior art flame based post treatment heating units.12-22-2011

Bruce A. Eppink, Sylvania, OH US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120060820FILTER UNIT, FILTRATION METHOD AND SYSTEM - A filter unit, system and method for removing grease, oil and other particulates from air, for example, in a kitchen environment. The filter unit includes a housing having an upstream side, an downstream side, and a cavity therebetween, a heat exchanger disposed within the cavity and comprising at least two tubes, at least one entrance aperture disposed on the upstream side of the housing and defined by at least one fin, at least one baffle disposed on the downstream side of the housing so as to be oppositely disposed from the at least one entrance aperture, and at least one exit aperture disposed on the downstream side of the housing adjacent the at least one baffle. The baffle and fin define at least one flow path through the housing and around the tubes.03-15-2012

Bruce A. Fogelson, Chicago, IL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120095842METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CREATING AD-BOOKS - A method and apparatus and format and form are provided for preparing ad-books or related print or publishing for an organization or organizations or a plethora of organizations over a communications network. The method includes preparing an ads or messages at a user terminal connected to the communications network. The method further includes processing the “ad” or message at a server connected to the communications network for placing the “ad” or message in an “ad-book” or printing or other publication. The method further includes an automated “ad-book” format or form for the soliciting and obtaining ads or messages which provides methods for collecting ad/message pricing, content, layout, billing and information for ad/message for “ad-book” and related printing or publishing. The method, apparatus, format or form are believed particularly useful to assist and consolidate the efforts of non-profit, charity and similar organizations who, though they may differ in many ways, all rely on ad-books and similar print and publications for their fundraising efforts.04-19-2012

Bruce A. Garetz, New York, NY US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100204764Method for Treating Hot Flashes Associated with Menopause During Sleep - A method and device for automatically detecting the onset of a hot flash while the subject is sleeping, and of cooling the subject using a cold fluid circulating through a vest or a mattress pad, before sweating and/or chills develop and awaken the subject. A temperature sensor is attached to the subject's skin, and is connected to a computer or microprocessor. The subject dons a vest that is connected to a coolant circulation system. Alternatively, the subject lies on a mattress pad that is connected to a coolant circulation system. During the night, if the subject's skin temperature rises more than a predetermined amount within a time period, or rises above a predetermined threshold temperature, the coolant circulation system is activated for a fixed period of time. The cooled vest or pad helps to draw heat away from the subject's skin and thus reduce the symptoms of the hot flash. After the circulation terminates, the system is reset to monitor the skin temperature once again. The cycle can be repeated any number of times during the night. Instead of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor can also be used.08-12-2010

Bruce A. Goeckner, Antioch, IL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090084379DRY POWDER INHALER - An dry powder inhaler is disclosed. The dry powder inhaler is designed so that a user's breath vacuums the dry powder from a well within the housing and directs the powder in a direct path to the user. This design prevents impaction and agglomeration of powder within the inhaler. A flow restrictor may be added within the inhaler to increase turbulence and thus increase dispersion of powder within the air inhaled by the user.04-02-2009
20100106129CONTROLLED FORCE MECHANISM FOR A FLUID CONNECTOR - A piercing assembly for a fluid connector, where the piercing assembly includes a piercing member, a hub that supports the piercing member, and a disk-shaped flange connected to the hub. The disk shaped flange includes a plurality of arms. At least a portion of an outer surface of the arms is curved to enable the piercing assembly to slide within a portion of the tubular fluid connector. The arms of the flange may be formed in a curved shape, an S-shape, a tab shape or in a maze-like configuration. The arms may also be defined by a plurality of cuts or slits formed into the flange. The arms of the flange are sized to engage one or more flanges on the inside of the fluid connector when the fluid connector is in an activated state.04-29-2010

Bruce A. Hanahan, Marlborough, MA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080218987MONOLITHIC BACKPLANE HAVING A FIRST AND SECOND PORTION - A subrack having a front side and a rear side, wherein the subrack is coupled to receive an Advanced Mezzanine Card module, the subrack includes a monolithic backplane having a first portion and second portion, where the first portion runs substantially along the front side and the second portion runs substantially along the rear side. A first slot is to receive the Advanced Mezzanine Card module inserted via the front side and connect the Advanced Mezzanine Card module directly to the second portion of the monolithic backplane. A second slot is to receive the Advanced Mezzanine Card module inserted via the rear side and connect the Advanced Mezzanine Card module directly to the first portion of the monolithic backplane. A virtual carrier manager, where the virtual carrier manager provides a control management function for the Advanced Mezzanine Card module, where the virtual carrier manager provides a central switching function for the Advanced Mezzanine Card module, and where the virtual carrier manager provides a power control function for the Advanced Mezzanine Card module.09-11-2008
20090174256POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - A power distribution system and method may include a first power domain having a first plurality of power rails, a second power domain having a second plurality of power rails, where the first power domain is electrically independent of the second power domain, and a plurality of modules coupled to the first power domain and the second power domain, where each of the plurality of modules is coupled to one of the first plurality of power rails and one of the second plurality of power rails. The system may also include a plurality of mated pairs, where each of the plurality of modules is in only one of the plurality of mated pairs, and where each of the plurality of mated pairs is coupled to two separate of the first and second plurality of power rails.07-09-2009

Patent applications by Bruce A. Hanahan, Marlborough, MA US

Bruce A. Helget, Hutchinson, MN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090057592FLOW CONTROL AND CLOSURE VALVE WITH AXIAL FLOW IN THE VALVE ELEMENT - A metering valve for controlling the flow rate of a fluid has a substantially rigid housing having an internal cylindrical wall defining a cavity. The cavity has a first opening at one end and a spaced second opening in the cylindrical wall. A substantially rigid valve element that fits closely within the cavity has an internal bore extending axially from a first end toward a second end. A metering aperture penetrates the valve element wall between the outer surface of the valve element and the valve element bore. Moving the valve element within the housing cavity to a first position places a portion of the second opening within the cavity's second opening at a first position to allow a first rate of fluid flow between the first chamber and the second chamber. Moving the valve element to a second position places the metering aperture at a second position different from the first position to allow a second rate of fluid flow between the first and second chambers. The flow has an axial flow vector within the valve element bore and a radial flow vector through the metering aperture.03-05-2009

Bruce A. Helwick, Oklahoma City, OK US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080277634Suspension strut removal device - A device for compressing a coiled spring comprised of multiple coils used in combination with a motor vehicle suspension strut under tension including a first hollow tube and a second smaller tube adapted to fit slidably into the first hollow tube. First and second compressor plates are provided to engage spaced coils. A rotatable drive shaft compresses the coiled spring to reduce tension against the strut's retention end plates to enable the safe, quick and easy removal and replacement of the strut. Each compressor plate consists of an open ended slotted central portion and two side sections defining an upper slotted section and a narrower bottom slotted section with an annular interior edge. The upper slotted section is provided to seat coils with a large diameter. The bottom slotted section is provided to seat coils with a small diameter.11-13-2008

Bruce A. Hotton, Seven Fields, PA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100193593Water Heater Monitor/Diagnostic Display Apparatus - A water heater is provided with monitor/diagnostic display apparatus that selectively provides a user with visual or other type of indicia of the recovery time for the water heater. The apparatus includes a monitoring unit that may be mounted on the water heater, and a display unit that may be mounted either on the water heater or remotely therefrom.08-05-2010
20100204957Water Heater Monitor/Diagnostic Display Apparatus - A water heater is provided with monitor/diagnostic display apparatus that selectively provides a user with visual or other type of indicia of the overall efficiency of the water heater. The apparatus includes a monitoring unit that may be mounted on the water heater, and a display unit that may be mounted either on the water heater or remotely therefrom.08-12-2010

Bruce A. Jaenke, Parma, OH US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080249694Method and Apparatus for Programming Parameters of a Power Driven Wheelchair for a Plurality of Drive Settings - A method of programming parameters of a power driven wheelchair for a plurality of drive modes comprises: displaying a menu image on an interactive display screen, the menu image including settings of a plurality of wheelchair parameters for a plurality of drive modes of the wheelchair; selecting a wheelchair parameter for a drive mode from the displayed menu image; and programming the setting of the selected wheelchair parameter to a desired setting.10-09-2008
20120016548METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SETTING OR MODIFYING PROGRAMMABLE PARAMETERS IN POWER DRIVEN WHEELCHAIR - A collection of diagnostic and troubleshooting information associated with a power driven wheelchair is stored for access by a microcontroller to be displayed to a user to assist in troubleshooting the power driven wheelchair. A log of fault codes transmitted by various fault-detecting mechanisms is compiled. A user may request display of diagnostic information associated with a selected fault code.01-19-2012

Patent applications by Bruce A. Jaenke, Parma, OH US

Bruce A. Johnson, Crystal Lake, IL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090035587HIGH PERFORMANCE AQUEOUS COATING COMPOSITIONS - Coating compositions for cementitious substrates may be made from a silane-functional multistage latex polymer. The compositions adhere well to cementitious substrates and resist crush damage such as may be caused by stacking coated substrate boards.02-05-2009
20110033709HIGH PERFORMANCE AQUEOUS COATING COMPOSITIONS - This invention relates to coating compositions that include water; a latex polymer and a silane coupling agent. The latex polymer preferably comprises acetoacetoxy functionality, or is a multistage latex, or is an acetoacetoxy functional multistage latex. The silane coupling agent is preferably a functionalized silane coupling agent (more preferably an epoxy-functional silane coupling agent). The compositions may be used to coat a variety of substrates, including wood, cement and fiber cement. Articles having the coating applied thereto are also provided.02-10-2011
20110151265SELF-ETCHING CEMENTITIOUS SUBSTRATE COATING COMPOSITION - Coating compositions for cementitious substrates may be made from a multistage latex polymer; silane; and a water-soluble acid, acid anhydride or acid salt capable of etching or otherwise reacting with the surface of the substrate to provide improved coating adhesion. The silane my may be present as a silane coupling agent distinct from the multistage latex polymer, or may be present as silane functionality on the multistage latex polymer. The coating compositions adhere well to cementitious substrates and have a self-etching capability which improves coating adhesion, especially near edges and corners.06-23-2011

Patent applications by Bruce A. Johnson, Crystal Lake, IL US

Bruce A. Kalandek, Dearborn, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090051149Air Bag with Fill Hose and Method of Assembly - An air bag module (02-26-2009
20100066060Curtain Air Bag Module and Mounting Clip - An air bag module (03-18-2010
20100164208Air Bag Module with T-Diffuser for Inflator - A diffuser (07-01-2010

Patent applications by Bruce A. Kalandek, Dearborn, MI US

Bruce A. Keyt, Hillsborough, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080267971Antibodies Directed to Angiopoietin-2 and Uses Thereof - Antibodies directed to the antigen Ang-2 and uses of such antibodies are described. In particular, fully human monoclonal antibodies directed to the antigen Ang-2. Nucleotide sequences encoding, and amino acid sequences comprising, heavy and light chain immunoglobin molecules, particularly sequences corresponding to contiguous heavy and light chain sequences spanning the framework regions and/or complementary determining regions (CDR's), specifically from FR1 through FR4 or CDR1 through CDR3. Hybridomas or other cell lines expressing such immunoglobin molecules and monoclonal antibodies.10-30-2008

Bruce A. Klemin, Rocklin, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080282069METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DESIGNING A FLEXIBLE HARDWARE STATE MACHINE - Method and system for performing hardware tasks using a hardware state machine and a processor is provided. The method includes, setting a breakpoint for a state machine state; running the processor in a parallel mode with the state machine; passing control to the processor after a breakpoint condition is encountered; performing a task, wherein the processor performs the task which was meant to be performed by the state machine; and transferring control back to the state machine after the processor performs the task. The system includes an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) with the state machine, and the processor.11-13-2008

Bruce A. Kolacny, Loveland, CO US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100150714Fan, airfoil and vehicle propulsion systems - Vehicle propulsion systems and methods of propulsion are disclosed, as well as embodiments of fans and airfoils, technology that in some applications of the invention can provide both lift and thrust, and propulsion via cross flow fan, manifold and a plurality of airfoils. In some embodiments the invention is directed to the production of lift and thrust, and propulsion generally, based from air produced by a cross flow fan in accordance with the invention disclosed herein. In still further embodiments, lift and thrust may yet be generated from air produced from the cross flow fan even when unpowered, such as in a loss of power or in a stall condition. Applications of the invention apply broadly to propulsion systems, generally; however, some preferred embodiments have particular application for vehicles characterized or used in application such as traditional private and commercial aircraft, ground effects vehicles, military applications, amphibious applications, aerospace, aeronautical, and non-traditional vehicles such as experimental air planes, space craft, hover craft, and the like. The invention in some embodiments comprises technologies addressing preferred air flow, lift, and thrust and the reduction of drag and circulation losses. The invention may be further applicable for incorporation in aircraft and other vehicles wherein the ability to maximize initial vertical lift and takeoff is important, such as in instant take-off and landing, as well as the abilities to hover, to control the flight and landing of aircraft, and control in power-loss scenarios, addressing the prevention of stalls and allowing for controlled descents under continued propulsion. In some embodiments, the invention is further applicable for aircraft, shuttles and other vehicles as a ram jet engine system as a further alternative propulsion technology, having no requirement for forward movement for propulsion upon take-off.06-17-2010

Bruce A. Liikanen, Berthoud, CO US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090241006Bitwise Operations and Apparatus in a Multi-Level System - A system uses multi-level encoding where each symbol of a plurality of symbols represents more than one bit of information in a user data symbol stream for transfer using a multilevel transmission channel. The user data symbols are represented in a digital bitwise form such that each symbol is presented as a plurality of bits and each bit is subject to a different probability of error. An error correction procedure is applied based on the different error probability that is associated with each bit in the plurality. The channel can be configured to support a mosaic tile structure, each tile containing a channel symbol such that a selected tile has a collective error probability that is different from other tiles. Customized coding can be applied to the tile structure to allocate a selected amount of error correction power to the selected tile based on an overall available correction power.09-24-2009
20120079353Memory Quality Monitor Based Compensation Method and Apparatus - In one embodiment, an encoder reads a set of data from memory cells to obtain retrieved data influenced by one or more distortion mechanisms as a result of having been stored. A quality metric is generated responsive to the retrieved data that changes in value responsive to differences between the user data and the associated retrieved data. A quality monitor establishes a relationship between a current value of the quality metric and a threshold value and monitors the relationship as being indicative of a degradation of the quality of the retrieved data, and selectively initiates an error response. In another embodiment, a correction value is iterated through a set of values as a quality metric is monitored such that the value of the quality metric which most closely approaches the value of the quality metric immediately subsequent to an initial writing of the data can be selected.03-29-2012

Bruce A. Lowenhaupt, Hillsborough, NJ US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100082064METHOD FOR COATING METALLIC SURFACES OF MEDICAL DEVICES WITH AN ANTI-INFECTIVE AGENT - A method of coating metallic surfaces of medical devices with an anti-infective agent is disclosed. Specifically, a method of providing a discontinuous coating of triclosan on the metallic surface of a medical device is disclosed.04-01-2010

Bruce A. Luxon, Galveston, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080200340Bead Bound Combinatorial Oligonucleoside Phosphorothioate And Phosphorodithioate Aptamer Libraries - The present invention includes composition and methods for making and using a combinatorial library having two or more beads, wherein attached to each bead is a unique nucleic acid aptamer that have disposed thereon a unique sequence. The library aptamers may be attached covalently to the one or more beads, which may be polystyrene beads. The aptamers may include phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate and/or methylphosphonate linkages and may be single or double stranded DNA, RNA or even PNAs.08-21-2008
20080255005Bead Bound Combinatorial Oligonucleoside Phosphorothioate And Phosphorodithioate Aptamer Libraries - The present invention includes composition and methods for making and using a combinatorial library having two or more beads, wherein attached to each bead is a unique nucleic acid aptamer that have disposed thereon a unique sequence. The library aptamers may be attached covalently to the one or more beads, which may be polystyrene beads. The aptamers may include phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate and/or methylphosphonate linkages and may be single or double stranded DNA, RNA or even PNAs.10-16-2008
20090123922Bead Bound Combinatorial Oligonucleoside Phosphorothioate And Phosphorodithioate Aptamer Libraries - The present invention includes composition and methods for making and using a combinatorial library having two or more beads, wherein attached to each bead is a unique nucleic acid aptamer that have disposed thereon a unique sequence. The library aptamers may be attached covalently to the one or more beads, which may be polystyrene beads. The aptamers may include phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate and/or methylphosphonate linkages and may be single or double stranded DNA, RNA or even PNAs.05-14-2009
20110212843STRUCTURE BASED AND COMBINATORIALLY SELECTED OLIGONUCLEOSIDE PHOSPHOROTHIOATE AND PHOSPHORODITHIOATE APTAMER TARGETING AP-1 TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS - The present invention includes composition and methods for making and using a combinatorial library to identify modified thioaptamers that bind to, and affect the immune response of a host animal, transcription factors such as IL-6, NF-κB, AP-1 and the like. Composition and methods are also provided for the treatment of viral infections, as well as, vaccines and vaccine adjuvants are provided that modify host immune responses.09-01-2011
20110224099BEAD BOUND COMBINATORIAL OLIGONUCLEOSIDE PHOSPHOROTHIOATE AND PHOSPHORODITHIOATE APTAMER LIBRARIES - The present invention includes composition and methods for making and using a combinatorial library having two or more beads, wherein attached to each bead is a unique nucleic acid aptamer that have disposed thereon a unique sequence. The library aptamers may be attached covalently to the one or more beads, which may be polystyrene beads. The aptamers may include phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate and/or methylphosphonate linkages and may be single or double stranded DNA, RNA or even PNAs.09-15-2011
20110294694Methods for detecting, diagnosing and treating human renal cell carcinoma - Gene expression profiling and hierarchical clustering analysis readily identify differential gene expressions in normal renal epithelial cells and renal cell carcinomas. Genes identified by this analysis would be useful for diagnosis, prognosis and development of targeted therapy for the prevention and treatment of conventional renal cell carcinoma.12-01-2011

Patent applications by Bruce A. Luxon, Galveston, TX US

Bruce A. Molitoris, Indianapolis, IN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080255047Method of Treating Acute Renal Failure with Thrombomobulin Variant - The present invention provides a method for preventing and/or treating subjects with acute renal failure caused by a variety of conditions. The method comprises administering to the subject soluble thrombomodulin. In conjunction with standard of care, soluble thrombomodulin will reduce tissue injury and subsequent morbidity and mortality.10-16-2008
20090234205METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR KIDNEY FUNCTION ANALYSIS - A method and apparatus for determining physiological data related to an animal, such as kidney diagnostics data, is provided. The method includes injecting a mixture of a first and a second molecule into an animal (e.g., a human patient), determining a molecular ratio of the molecules, and determining the physiological data based on the molecular ratio. The apparatus includes a number of finger receiving apertures, a light generation circuit, a light detection circuit, a pulse counting circuit, and a user interface.09-17-2009
20100087368TREATING ACUTE RENAL FAILURE WITH SOLUBLE THROMBOMODULIN VARIANTS - The present invention provides a method for preventing and/or treating subjects with acute renal failure caused by a variety of conditions. The method comprises administering to the subject soluble thrombomodulin which does not activate Protein C. In conjunction with standard of care, soluble thrombomodulin that does not activate Protein C will prevent or reduce acute kidney injury and subsequent morbidity and mortality.04-08-2010
20100204171MATERIALS AND METHODS FOR TREATING DISEASES CAUSED BY GENETIC DISORDERS USING AMINOGLYCOSIDES AND DERIVATIVES THEREOF WHICH EXHIBIT LOW NEPHROTOXICITY - Various aspects related to the preparation of congeners of the aminoglycosides gentamicin such as the congener C2 and using this compound or derivatives thereof and pharmaceutically active salts to treat diseases that involve genetic mutations which introduce a missense or premature stop codon into a gene. Still other aspects include treating human or animal patients with the gentamicin congener C2 and derivatives and pharmaceutical salt thereof to overcome, or to at least mitigate, the symptoms of disease and disorders such as some forms of Becker's or Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Hurler's Syndrome and Cystic Fibrosis that have as their etiology the presence of a premature stop codon in a gene whose proper expression is necessary for good health.08-12-2010

Patent applications by Bruce A. Molitoris, Indianapolis, IN US

Bruce A. Musmaker, Asbury, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100222975Automatic Control Of Mechanical Front Wheel Drive Using Speed Ratio - A work vehicle (09-02-2010

Bruce A. Nascimbeni, Hopewell, NJ US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110177229Food preservatives - A food preservative composition comprising a N07-21-2011

Bruce A. Nelson, Bagley, MN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110092325ENGINE BRAKING PRIMARY CLUTCH FOR CVT SYSTEMS - A continuously variable transmission (CVT) system including a primary clutch assembly with an engine braking assembly is provided. The primary clutch assembly includes first and second sheave assemblies, a cylindrical sleeve coupler and an engine braking assembly. The first sheave portion has a centrally extending post. The cylindrical sleeve coupler is rotationally mounted on a portion of the post. The sleeve coupler has an engaging surface that is configured to engage an inner face of a drive belt. The second sheave portion has a central passage that is rotationally mounted on the sleeve coupler. The engine braking assembly is operatively coupled to the second sheave portion and the sleeve coupler to axially move the second sheave portion toward the first sheave portion to engage first and second side faces of the drive belt when the sleeve coupler attempts to overrun the post of the first sheave portion in a rotational direction provided by a rotational output of an engine operatively coupled to the primary clutch.04-21-2011

Bruce A. Nerad, Oakdale, MN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080287563WEATHER RESISTANT, INK JETTABLE, RADIATION CURABLE, FLUID COMPOSITIONS PARTICULARLY SUITABLE FOR OUTDOOR APPLICATIONS - Low viscosity, radiation curable fluid formulations that can be used advantageously as radiation curable, inks. The formulations are easily prepared for use in ink jet systems. The viscosity of the compositions is low enough so that conventional solvent is not required in order to satisfy the requisite low ink jet viscosity specifications. After curing, the compositions form durable, weatherable, abrasion resistant, printed images on a wide variety of porous and nonporous substrates. The formulations are very suitable for outdoor printing applications, especially for printing outdoor graphics onto a variety of surfaces, including vinyl or other polymer films commonly used for signage, retroreflective signage or other retroreflective items.11-20-2008
20090218707METHOD FOR MAKING PEN/PMMA MULTILAYER OPTICAL FILMS - Methods and apparatuses are provided for the manufacture of coextruded polymeric multilayer optical films. The multilayer optical films have an ordered arrangement of layers of two or more materials having particular layer thicknesses and a prescribed layer thickness gradient throughout the multilayer optical stack. The methods and apparatuses described allow improved control over individual layer thicknesses, layer thickness gradients, indices of refraction, interlayer adhesion, and surface characteristics of the optical films. The methods and apparatuses described are useful for making interference polarizers, mirrors, and colored films that are optically effective over diverse portions of the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectra.09-03-2009
20090286049METHODS OF APPLYING UV-CURABLE INKS TO RETROREFLECTIVE SHEETING - The present application relates to methods of forming a signage including a radiation curable ink. One exemplary embodiment involves heating at least a portion of a retroreflective article; applying a radiation curable ink to the heated portion of the retroreflective article; and curing the radiation curable ink. In most instances, a heated retroreflective article has a temperate that is greater than room temperature.11-19-2009

Patent applications by Bruce A. Nerad, Oakdale, MN US

Bruce A. Newboles, Flat Rock, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110291429Process for Coating Metal Components With a Coating That Prevents Electrochemical Plating - The present invention is directed to a method of coating metal articles with a flexible, chemical-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and abrasion-resistant coating that can be optionally formed and optionally electroplated. In some examples, the articles are metal motor vehicle bumpers.12-01-2011

Bruce A. Pippard, Newmarket CA

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100221086Self-Drilling Fastener - A self-drilling fastener from which objects may be hung, for use in a friable material with or without an underlying member at the point of use or in a semi-rigid material such as a hollow core door comprises an elongated body having a threaded exterior with separate threads for drilling into the member, gripping the member, gripping the friable material and/or gripping the semi-rigid material. The fastener may further have a thread having a relatively small-diametered solid portion from which objects hang and an axially expanding angled portion for biasing the object toward the solid portion to stabilize and prevent the object from dislodging from the fastener.09-02-2010

Bruce A. Purkey, Rogers, AR US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090187360Data Collection Device And Associated System For Monitoring And Storing Performance And Maintenance Data Related To A Component Of An Electrical System - The present invention provides systems and methods for testing and storage of information related to a component. A data collection device having a memory is fixedly connected to the component. A test device communicates with the data collection device to store test data concerning the component in the data collection device. The test device also performs analysis of the test data and provides information concerning the health and maintenance history of the component. The present invention also provides systems and methods for determining the current drawn or supplied by electrical components connected in parallel in an electrical system. A current sensor located between the electrical components determines the current supply or draw of one of the electrical components, while a current sensor between the electrical components and the remainder of the electrical system determine a cumulative current draw or supply by both the electrical components.07-23-2009

Patent applications by Bruce A. Purkey, Rogers, AR US

Bruce A. Riceman, Leander, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080288002Spinal Stabilization Systems and Methods - One embodiment provides a bone fastener including a collar, a fastener member, and a pin. The collar can have an upper portion with slot to receive an elongated member and a lower portion with a socket and an opening. The fastener member can have head and shank portions. The socket can receive the head portion and prevent movement of the head portion through the opening when the head portion is out of registration with the opening. The head portion and the socket can be configured to allow angulation of the fastener member within a defined range of motion within a selected plane. The head portion and the socket can define apertures which can be aligned with each other when the head portion is in the socket and which can receive the pin. One embodiment provides a generally spherical head portion with a flat.11-20-2008
20100030283SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INTEGRATED COMPRESSION AND DISTRACTION MECHANISMS - Embodiments disclosed herein provide a combination compressor/distractor useful for fitting a spinal stabilization system in a patient through minimally invasive surgery. The spinal stabilization system may comprise screws anchored in vertebrae. The vertebrae may need to be compressed or distracted. One embodiment of an instrument disclosed herein may comprise a shaft for engaging one of the screws through an extender sleeve. A driver may engage another screw through an opening of the instrument. Through this engagement, a surgeon may use the rack and pinion of the instrument to compress or distract one or more levels of the vertebrae in a parallel motion, which can be advantageous clinically in certain situations.02-04-2010
20100057131POLYAXIAL TRANSVERSE CONNECTOR - A polyaxial transverse connector for stabilizing a portion of the spine. Connector bodies are coupled to rods attached to either side of the spine. Heads of transverse members are positioned in the connector bodies such that they exhibit polyaxial motion. The transverse members may have curves or offsets to accommodate other components or patient anatomy. A connector connects the transverse members and male threaded inserts are advanced into the connector bodies to inhibit motion of the polyaxial transverse connector.03-04-2010
20110040328SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING VERTEBRAL REDUCTION USING A SLEEVE - Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for vertebral reduction using sleeves detachably coupled to collars of bone fasteners. The reduction can be performed during a minimally invasive procedure for implanting spinal stabilization systems. A sleeve can include internal threads that match threads on the respective collar to form a continuous set of threads. Threads on a closure member can be engaged with the threads on the sleeve and the closure member turned to translate the closure member along the sleeve. The closure member can be used to push a rod relative to the collar to which the sleeve is attached to cause a vertebral body to move.02-17-2011

Patent applications by Bruce A. Riceman, Leander, TX US

Bruce A. Shooley, Alamo, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100196628Invertible Christmas tree - An artificial Christmas tree includes a central trunk broken into at least two separate portions including a fixed trunk portion and at least one rotating trunk portion. The fixed trunk extends up from an underlying base. Rotating trunks rotatably attach at midpoints thereof at least indirectly to an upper end of the fixed trunk. Limbs are pivotably attached to the rotating trunks with optional lights coupled thereto. These limbs pivot between a perpendicular orientation extending from the rotating trunks and a collapsed configuration closer to a centerline of the rotating trunks. The rotating trunks can be pivoted from a first collapsed configuration with a first end above a second end to a deployed configuration with the second end above the first end. During such pivoting, the limbs attached to the rotating trunk transition between a collapsed to a deployed configuration automatically. A wheeled base and cover further facilitate storage and deployment.08-05-2010

Bruce A. Sienkowski, Ada, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110278889CHAIR - A chair includes a base, a backrest and a back brace supporting the backrest from the base. The base may include a seat assembly made up of a pan and a flexible support membrane over an upward opening cavity defined by the pan. The back brace may provide a flexible support for the generally planar member formed as a serpentine shape defined by a first curved portion opening toward said base and a second curved portion opening away from said base. The backrest may have an outer frame made from an extruded member having a generally tubular member and a fin coextruded with said generally tubular member to provide a fastening substrate for panels. The base may further include a leg assembly made up of a plurality of leg members and a joiner member joining horizontal portions of the leg members.11-17-2011
20110289839MODULAR LIVING ROOF SYSTEM - A modular green roof and/or green wall system includes a plurality of trays adapted to support vegetation and soil therein. The trays are sized such that a person may easily lift them and install them in a pre-vegetated state upon a roof or a wall. The trays are further designed to enable subterranean irrigation lines to be inserted therethrough, thereby hiding the irrigation lines from view. Biodegradable walls may be added of different heights to the trays to support different types of vegetation, as well as to create terracing for a given installation, if desired. A wicking material may be inserted into the tray and positioned such that is makes contact with wicking material in adjacent trays, thereby spreading moisture between trays through the capillary action of the wicking material.12-01-2011

Bruce A. Steinbaugh, Portage, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120022066Insecticidal Triazines and Pyrimidines - The present invention describes novel triazines, their related pyrimidines and their use in controlling insects. This invention also includes new synthetic procedures, intermediates for preparing the compounds, pesticide compositions containing the compounds, and methods of controlling insects using the compounds.01-26-2012

Bruce A. Strangfeld, Eau Claire, WI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090276555Hot Plug Control Apparatus and Method - An apparatus for controlling a hot plug bus slot on a bus has an input for receiving a set of float signals (i.e., the set may have one or more float signals), and a driver having an output electrically couplable with the bus. The apparatus also has float logic operatively coupled with the input. The float logic is responsive to the set of float signals to cause the output to float at a high impedance in response to receipt of the set of float signals.11-05-2009

Patent applications by Bruce A. Strangfeld, Eau Claire, WI US

Bruce A. Sullenger, Chapel Hill, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090264508Focused Libraries, Functional Profiling, Laser Selex, and Deselex - Focused aptamer libraries are constructed in accordance with a proteome (i.e., complex mixture of native biomolecules). The libraries may be screened to identify one or more candidate aptamers with desired biological activities other than specific binding to a target. Aptamers which are selected or derivatives thereof may be used for those specific activities in biological systems. Any combination of deconvoluting a focused library (functional profiling), increasing frequencies of particular aptamers in a focused library (Laser SELEX), and decreasing frequencies of particular aptamers in a focused library (DeSELEX) may be performed prior to assaying biological activity.10-22-2009
20110059114Compositions and Methods for the Treatment of Radioresistant Glioma Stem Cells - Compositions and uses of gamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs) for the treatment and inhibition of gliomas in subjects in need thereof are provided. Methods for administering gamma secretase inhibitors in association with radiation for the treatment of radiation resistant gliomas are described. Compositions for the inhibition of Notch signaling and activity are provided.03-10-2011

Bruce A. Sventek, St. Paul, MN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100000160FIXED ABRASIVE PARTICLES AND ARTICLES MADE THEREFROM - An abrasive particle includes a substantially spheroid metal containing matrix having a circumference and a super abrasive material having an average diameter of less than about 8 micrometer at least partially embedded the circumference of the metal containing matrix. The abrasive particle having an average diameter of less than about 200 micrometer.01-07-2010
20100048105Lapping Carrier and Method - Provided is a double-sided lapping carrier comprising a base carrier having a first major surface, a second major surface and at least one aperture for holding a workpiece, said aperture extending from the first major surface through the base carrier to the second major surface, wherein the base carrier comprises a first metal, the circumference of said aperture is defined by a third surface of the base carrier consisting of the first metal and, at least a portion of the first major surface or at least a portion of each of the first and the second major surfaces comprises a polymeric region, said polymeric region comprising a polymer having a work to failure of at least 10 Joules. Also provide are methods of lapping.02-25-2010

Bruce A. Swanbon, Tolland, CT US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080308055Variable valve actuation system - A variable valve actuation system to actuate and control the seating velocity of an internal combustion engine valve is disclosed. The system may comprise a rocker arm that includes first, second and third contact surfaces. The first contact surface may contact the engine valve. A hydraulic lost motion system may contact the rocker arm at the second contact surface, and a mechanical valve train element may contact the rocker arm at the third contact surface. The lost motion system may include a slave piston with a valve seating device incorporated therein. The lost motion system and the mechanical valve train element may be provided side by side at the end of the rocker arm opposite that of the engine valve.12-18-2008

Bruce A. Tantlinger, Boynton Beach, FL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100008500END-USER SYSTEM OF PREVENTING UNAUTHORIZED RERECORDING OF MULTIMEDIA CONTENT - An end-user system for the blocking of recording digital content at during the rendering of encrypted digital multimedia files. Before the process of rendering of encrypted digital multimedia can be started all rendered media stream during playback are opened to ensure that this multimedia content is not recorded. This blocks the usage of the multimedia interfaces including devices and/or ports that can be used to store un-encrypted content that has been decrypted for the purposes of playing or rendering. The method also includes an exception, which allows recording with permission from the present invention.01-14-2010

Bruce A. Thompson, Granite Bay, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090114267Clock operated step function solar tracker - The present invention describes a solar panel system tracker that closely approximates the output levels of an actively tracked system but at significantly reduced levels of complexity and cost. The present invention is comprised of a clock that generates a five degree step function which moves the solar panel system in five degree increments over the period of the solar day. This provides approximately thirty-five separate adjustments throughout the day, yielding an aggregate output performance of approximately 90 percent compared to a fully tracked system.05-07-2009
20100006669Self setting sprinkler riser - The present invention describes a portable sprinkler riser mechanism that offers the location and stability of the stake type riser mechanisms, yet also provides the ease of placement and flexibility of the surface type riser mechanisms. This is accomplished through the use of a weighted impact hammer co-located with the riser.01-14-2010

Patent applications by Bruce A. Thompson, Granite Bay, CA US

Bruce A. Thorniley, Jackson, TN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110164935Pocket Hole Jig System - A pocket hole jig tool system includes a base on which a workpiece is supported. A drill guide support is slidably mounted to the base. Drill guide bushings are movably mounted relative to the drill guide support for clampingly engaging the workpiece and for guiding a drill for engaging the workpiece. A stop collar assembly is adjustably mounted relative to the drill guide bushings to automatically ensure a proper pocket hole location and depth for the workpiece inserted in the tool system.07-07-2011

Bruce A. Tunget, Westhill GB

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100155067Systems and methods for using a passageway through subterranean strata - Systems and methods usable to urge a passageway through subterranean strata, place protective lining conduit strings between the subterranean strata and the wall of said passageway without removing the urging apparatus from said passageway, and target deeper subterranean strata formations than is normally the practice for placement of said protective lining conduit strings by providing apparatuses for reducing the particle size of rock debris to generate lost circulation material to inhibit the initiation or propagation of subterranean strata fractures.06-24-2010
20110000668Through tubing cable rotary system - Apparatus for performing rotary or cutting operations in a subterranean borehole or conduit, particularly sealing operations, comprises a downhole assembly connected to a cable. The downhole assembly comprising at least one of a rotary tool coupled to an electric motor or fluid motor, a rotary tool coupled to a fluid motor, or an axial cutting tool coupled to a piston. The fluid motor or piston is operated by differential fluid pressure created within the bore. Methods of sealing a subterranean borehole are also provided, in which one or more cuts are made with a cutting assembly in one or more conduits to remove at least a portion of a conduit and concrete is deposited in the resulting space. The space is free of debris, which could otherwise form leakage paths in the concrete seal. In a variant the space is created with a downhole crushing apparatus.01-06-2011
20110146998Methods for using or removing unused rock debris from a passageway through subterranean strata using rock breaking apparatus - A method for using or removing unused rock debris from a bored passageway through subterranean strata using at least one rock breaking apparatus engaged with a conduit string and placed within the subterranean passageway proximal region, using a member adapted to increase the volume of reduced particle size rock debris generated by increasing the frequency of impact and associated breakage of the rock debris inventory, per revolution of the conduit string and/or per volume of fluid slurry circulated. The used volume of rock debris inventory coats the unlined strata wall of said passageway to inhibit strata fracture initiation or propagation, and the unused rock debris inventory is urged from the passageway at an increased rate by the associated reduction in fluid slurry suspension or velocities needed to urge the rock debris through the unlined strata passageway of improved pressure integrity from inhibiting said initiation or propagation of strata fractures.06-23-2011
20110206459Appatus and methods for forming and using subterranean salt cavern - Apparatus for solution mining and gas storage in a salt cavern formed by solution mining comprises a flow diverting conduit string is provided in fluid communication with two or more concentric conduits within the single main bore, with at least one lateral opening from an internal passageway with an outer annular passageway communicating with the surface under a single valve tree. Flow control devices, flow diverters and/or isolation conduits can be inserted into the flow diverting conduit string, enabling a dissolution zone in the salt cavern to be varied to control the shape of the cavern. Furthermore the flow diverting conduit string used to form the cavern can also be used for dewatering and gas storage.08-25-2011

Bruce A. Vallance, Vancouver CA

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120064572Bacterial Virulence Factors And Uses Thereof - The invention relates to, in part, secreted proteins of bacterial pathogens and methods for their use. More specifically, the invention provides in part several new common secreted proteins for A/E pathogens. In some embodiments of the invention, these polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding these polypeptides, or portions thereof, are useful as vaccines, diagnostics, or drug screening tools for A/E pathogenic infections, or as reagents.03-15-2012

Bruce A. Wartluft, Lebanon, PA US

Bruce A. Wicker, Jr., Pearland, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090043054Monomer concentration prediction and control in a polymerization process - A method for the control of a polymerization process, which method employs the combination of a densitometer measurement of the polymerization reaction mixture and a quadratic computer model.02-12-2009

Bruce A. Williams, Endwell, NY US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100013654SELF-CONTAINED MONITORING AND REMOTE TESTING DEVICE AND METHOD - A self-contained monitoring and remote testing (SMART) unit for a mail conveyance machine includes a housing and a set of condition monitoring devices provided in the housing. The housing may be sized and adapted for conveyance by the mail conveyance machine. A ruggedized processor may be included in the housing. The processor may receive data from the set of condition monitoring devices during conveyance of the unit through the mail conveyance machine. The processor may be adapted to endure vibrations and impact during conveyance. Each of the condition monitoring devices of said set may be configured to measure a different property of the conveyance machine as the housing is conveyed therethrough. The measurements from the condition monitoring devices can be used to determine an operating condition of the conveyance machine.01-21-2010

Bruce A. Wilson, San Jose, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090168227Distributed track identifier on a hard disk drive - A magnetic disk for a hard disk drive comprising a distributed track identifier is described. The disk includes a first portion of a track identifier physically located at a first location on a disk sector and a second portion of the track identifier physically located at a second location on the disk sector wherein the first portion and the second portion of the track identifier are discontinuous on the sector.07-02-2009
20100050053ERROR CONTROL IN A FLASH MEMORY DEVICE - Flash memory devices and associated methods are described for controlling data errors in the devices through various forms of decoding, error correction, and wear concentration. To this end, a flash memory device may be partitioned into a plurality of sectors. Data may then be received from, for example, a host processor for storage within the flash memory device. Storage durations of the data are then estimated and the data is stored in the data sectors based on those estimated storage durations.02-25-2010
20100235718Decoding Techniques for Correcting Errors Using Soft Information - Two levels of error correction decoding are performed using first and second level decoders. A composite code formed by combining an inner component code and an outer component code can be used to decode the data and correct any errors. Performing two level decoding using a composite code allows the size of the inner parity block to be reduced to a single Reed-Solomon symbol while keeping a good code rate. The first level decoder generates soft information. The soft information can indicate a most likely error event for each possible syndrome value of the inner component code. The soft information can also include error metric values for each of the most likely error events. The second level decoder generates corrected syndrome values based on the soft information using the outer component code. The most likely trellis path that corresponds to the corrected syndrome values is then selected.09-16-2010

Patent applications by Bruce A. Wilson, San Jose, CA US