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Butler, CA

Allan P. Butler, Petaluma, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110219682Plant protector cage - A plant protector cage with a rectangular portion of wire cloth screen and a circular portion of wire cloth screen. The perimeter of the circular portion is trimmed in a metal band. The rectangular portion is wrapped into a cylindrical shape which is then formed into a pleated, open bottomed conical shape. The perimeter of the circular portion is fixedly attached to the bottom conical shape. A preferred embodiment includes an above ground collar that is fixed to the top rim of the conical cage and tapers upwardly and inwardly to a central plant receiving aperture. A preferred embodiment includes the ground collar is molded in two halves of UV resistant rigid plastic.09-15-2011

Andrew Butler, Palo Alto, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090158606MULTI-REEL MARKING APPARATUS - A multi-line chalk reel is disclosed that may be comprised of three or more line reels disposed in a polar arrangement of parallel but distinct rotation axes that has a single method for engaging and disengaging a single drive arrangement to any one spool. This arrangement provides a variety of advantages, including a package solution of useful dimensions and a low part count to minimize parts in assembly. The single drive arrangement reduces cost, and provides for convenient access to individual spools.06-25-2009

Andy Butler, Palo Alto, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110226105SAFETY MECHANISMS FOR POWER TOOLS - Various safety systems for power tools, and in particular table saws, are disclosed herein. The disclosed safety systems include detection systems for detecting a dangerous condition relative to a blade of the power tool, reaction systems for taking mitigation action in response to detection of a dangerous condition. Generally, the embodiments described herein may detect, prevent, and/or mitigate a dangerous condition associated with the power tool.09-22-2011
20110315262SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATION BETWEEN FILTERS AND FAUCETS - A system and method for connectors, piping systems, hoses, conduits, etc., to provide additional functionality beyond just watertight connectivity without their respective installations becoming cumbersome. In addition, current and future water faucet and water treatment/filtration systems need connection and actuation methods that provide additional functionality, and are simple in construction and easily installable.12-29-2011
20110316703System and Method for Ensuring Sanitation Procedures in Restrooms - A system and method for automatically monitoring hand sanitation practices in a lavatory. The embodiments involve identifying a user, determining a proper hand sanitation protocol for the user, and monitoring the user to ensure the user satisfies the protocol. If the user does not satisfy the protocol the user may be subject to various alarms. The results of the monitoring can be stored for later analysis.12-29-2011
20110320134Smart Faucet and Water Filtration System and Method - A system and method for automatically monitoring water quality information directly by using sensors to test water in a plumbing system or indirectly by monitoring government or other warnings that can be received wireless or over wireline. In response the system and method identify a water treatment/enhancement protocol and perform this protocol on the water supply in the house/building.12-29-2011
20110320140Inline Overflow Protection and Leak Detection System and Method - A system and method for automatically detecting unwanted continuous flow of water or other liquids, either from intentional use or from a leak in the faucet/plumbing system and for automatically turning off the water faucet or dispensing apparatus when unwanted flow conditions are detected to prevent water from being wasted, overflowing and/or causing property damage.12-29-2011
20120000858Filter Life Pulsating Indicator and Water Filter System and Method - A computer based method for generating a pulsating water flow through a faucet in response to a filter status, comprising the steps of: determining a water flow rate through a first filter; determining a duration of water flow at said water flow rate; determining the filtered volume of water filtered by said first filter based upon said water flow rate and duration of water flow; determining the filter status by comparing said filtered volume of water and an expected rated service life value of said first filter; and causing the faucet to expel pulsating water when the faucet is in the on state, when the filter status represents that remaining filter life is below a first threshold.01-05-2012

Anthony T. Butler, San Diego, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090131806Apparatus and methods for non-invasively measuring a patient's arterial blood pressure - Improved apparatus and methods for non-invasively assessing one or more hemodynamic parameters associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one aspect, the invention comprises an apparatus adapted to automatically and accurately place and maintain a sensor (e.g., tonometric pressure sensor) with respect to the anatomy of the subject. The apparatus comprised of a sensor device removably coupled to an actuator which is used to position the sensor during measurements. Methods for positioning the alignment apparatus and sensor, and operating the apparatus, are also disclosed.05-21-2009
20110213255APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR NON-INVASIVELY MEASURING HEMODYNAMIC PARAMETERS - Improved apparatus and methods for non-invasively assessing one or more hemodynamic parameters associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one aspect, the invention comprises apparatus adapted to accurately place and maintain a sensor (e.g., tonometric pressure sensor) with respect to the anatomy of the subject, including an alignment apparatus which is separable from an adjustable fixture. The apparatus moveably captures the sensor to, inter alia, facilitate-coupling thereof to an actuator used to position the sensor during measurements. In a second aspect, improved sensor apparatus is disclosed adapted to minimize the effects of shear during sensor movement and monitoring as well as maximize the lateral and proximal search area available to the sensor within the apparatus. Methods for positioning the alignment apparatus and sensor are also disclosed.09-01-2011

Patent applications by Anthony T. Butler, San Diego, CA US

Barry L. Butler, Solona Beach, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110179791SOLAR COLLECTOR - A solar collector is provided with a reflective panel assembly that is supported by a frame and pivots about a first horizontal axis. The panel assembly is configured for reflecting sunlight to a common focal point, and includes a central panel and a pair of outer panels each pivotally coupled to the central panel and configured for folding over the central panel. A collector assembly is mounted relative to the frame and pivotal about a second horizontal axis. The collector assembly is configured for collecting solar energy and includes a receiver that is positioned at the focal point. The receiver is configured for extracting energy from the reflected sunlight. The solar collector may also include a four-bar linkage assembly for supporting the panel assembly and the collector assembly during movement from a collapsed position and a partially extended position.07-28-2011

Blair A. Butler, San Diego, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110304661PRINTING SYSTEM - A printing system and method form one of more pretreatment compositions on a medium.12-15-2011

Brian K. Butler, San Diego, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100057563DEPLOYMENT AND DISTRIBUTION MODEL FOR IMPROVED CONTENT DELIVERY - A deployment and distribution model improves content delivery with a business incentive for placement of kiosks with one or more wireless access points in public locations so that portable media players (PMPs) can receive media content (e.g., audio, video, text, haptic content, etc.). In addition, coordination between subscribing users of PMPs, vendors who provide kiosks, and a network central controller of a content distribution system allow for prepositioning of video content at the kiosks through economically desirable low data rate communication links from the network (e.g., dial-up modem, DSL, etc.); coordinated queuing of downloads (e.g., partial downloads) between kiosk to PMP, peer-to-peer (P2P) downloading between PMPs, and uploads from PMP to kiosk; billing/crediting to correspond with such participation in the distribution; and changing priority/selection of prepositioning of content at kiosks to reflect a clientele profile.03-04-2010
20100057924ACCESS POINT FOR IMPROVED CONTENT DELIVERY SYSTEM - A deployment and distribution model improves content delivery with a business incentive for placement of kiosks with one or more wireless access points in public locations so that portable media players (PMPs) can receive media content (e.g., audio, video, text, haptic content, etc.). In addition, coordination between subscribing users of PMPs, vendors who provide kiosks, and a network central controller of a content distribution system allow for prepositioning of video content at the kiosks through economically desirable low data rate communication links from the network (e.g., dial-up modem, DSL, etc.); coordinated queuing of downloads (e.g., partial downloads) between kiosk to PMP, peer-to-peer (P2P) downloading between PMPs, and uploads from PMP to kiosk; billing/crediting to correspond with such participation in the distribution; and changing priority/selection of prepositioning of content at kiosks to reflect a clientele profile.03-04-2010
20100058377METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR AN ENHANCED MEDIA CONTEXT RATING SYSTEM - Methods, apparatus, systems and computer program products are provided for an improved media content rating system. The rating system herein disclosed is highly-granular in nature, in that, the rating system allows for ratings to be based on the number of times that portions, segments, clips of the media file are played or otherwise executed, as opposed to basing the media content rating solely on the number of times that the media file is played. In this regard, the aspects herein described may further provide for ratings of the portions, segments, clips of the media content as opposed to limiting the rating to a rating for the overall media content file.03-04-2010

Brian K. Butler, La Jolla, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100056104METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RESTRICTED ACCESS CONFIGURATION OF ACCESS POINT BASE STATIONS - Devices and methods are provided for the controlling access to access point (AP) base stations. In particular, described herein are techniques for the automated configuration of AP base stations for restricted access. For example, the technique may involve receiving a contact list from an access terminal (AT) associated with the AP base station and a network operator. From the received contact list, saved contacts associated with the operator may be identified. The technique may further involve retrieving identifiers for the identified contacts, and generating an allowed user list from the identifiers, which may be used to configure the AP base station for restricted access.03-04-2010
20100246471DYNAMIC SHARED FORWARD LINK CHANNEL FOR A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A dynamic shared forward link channel (or “data” channel) is used to send multicast data to a group of wireless devices, e.g., using a common long code mask for the data channel. Reference power control (PC) bits are also sent on the data channel and used for signal quality estimation. A shared forward link control channel is used to send user-specific signaling to individual wireless devices, e.g., using time division multiplexing (TDM) and a unique long code mask for each wireless device. A shared forward link indicator channel is used to send reverse link (RL) PC bits to the wireless devices, e.g., using TDM. The data channel is jointly power controlled by all wireless devices receiving the data channel. The control and indicator channels are individually power controlled by each wireless device such that the signaling and RL PC bits sent on these channels for the wireless device are reliably received.09-30-2010
20110069736METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CANCELING PILOT INTERFERENCE IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - Methods and systems for estimating and canceling pilot interference in a wireless (e.g., CDMA) communication system. In one method, a received signal comprised of a number of signal instances, each including a pilot, is initially processed to provide data samples. Each signal instance's pilot interference may be estimated by despreading the data samples with a spreading sequence for the signal instance, channelizing the despread data to provide pilot symbols, filtering the pilot symbols to estimate the channel response of the signal instance, and multiplying the estimated channel response with the spreading sequence. The pilot interference estimates due to a plurality of interfering multipaths are accumulated to derive the total pilot interference, which is subtracted from the data samples to provide pilot-canceled data samples. These samples are then processed to derive demodulated data for each of at least one (desired) signal instance in the received signal.03-24-2011
20110085606TIME ORTHOGONALIZATION OF REFERENCE SIGNALS - An apparatus for providing wireless coverage to a plurality of sectors includes means for generating a reference sequence, and means for applying a time domain orthogonal sequence to the reference sequence to generate a reference signal for broadcasting over one of the sectors. An apparatus for wireless communications within a sector includes means for receiving a broadcast within a sector, the received broadcast comprising a reference signal having a time domain orthogonal sequence applied to a reference sequence, and means for recovering the reference sequence from the received broadcast.04-14-2011

Patent applications by Brian K. Butler, La Jolla, CA US

Charles L. Butler, Rancho Cucamonga, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100042159Bone plate assembly - A lumbar plate assembly for use between at least two vertebral bodies is disclosed. The assembly includes a lumbar plate having at least one opening for each vertebral body, a screw configured to secure the lumbar plate to a vertebra through the at least one opening, and a rotatable locking mechanism proximate the least one opening configured to rotate from a first configuration to a second configuration, the first configuration allowing the screw to pass into the opening and the second configuration engaging the screw to prevent withdrawal of the screw from the opening.02-18-2010

Christopher Lee Butler, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090177986THIRD PARTY IN-PAGE APPLICATION PLATFORM - Managing interactions between a user and an interactive application within an online interactive page. A selected interactive application is received from a user. The selected interactive application is transmitted from a host server to a remote partner server. Interactive controls of the selected interactive application are received from the remote partner server in response to the transmitting. Resulting controls are appended to the interactive controls. The received interactive controls and the appended resulting controls are provided to the user via the online interactive page. The user interacts with the particular interactive application through the interactive controls and the appended resulting controls to customize a media object. The customized media object is received from the remote partner server. The customized media object is stored on the user's local device.07-09-2009

David Butler, Mountain View, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110295667Interactive advertising System - A system and computerized process for interactive display of advertisements is contemplated. The computerized process is embodied by online software that enables end users to voluntarily view and interact with an advertisement. Incentives may be offered for interacting with the advertisement. The incentives may relate to data transmission parameters such as data transmission rate. The incentives may be based on a monitored level of interaction by a user with the advertisement. Upon acceptance and/or interaction with the advertisement the transmission rate of the file may be increased up to the limit of the bandwidth otherwise available to the user.12-01-2011

David A. Butler, Napa, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100021877Video Management System for Interactive Online Instruction - A system for interactive online instruction includes an instructional subscription website and video management system configured to process video recordings. The video recordings may include (i) student videos uploaded by a student and (ii) instructor videos providing feedback to said student videos. A method of interactive online instruction is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing prerecorded course materials on an instructional subscription website including video lessons accessible by subscribing students, and providing a video management system configured to process video recordings including (i) student videos submitted by a student and (ii) instructor videos providing feedback to said student videos.01-28-2010

David V. Butler, West Covina, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090239969DENTAL PROSTHETICS COMPRISING CURABLE ACRYLATE POLYMER COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF THEIR USE - Disclosed herein are acrylic and methacrylic acid ester-based polymeric materials containing as flexibilizing and brittleness reducing agents 1-60% of C09-24-2009
20120040310SALIVA-CURED DENTAL RESTORATIVE MATERIAL - Disclosed herein are dental temporary filling material and cement formulations comprising a hydrophobic matrix of a hydrophobic material in which an inorganic hardening material and fine, hydrophilic, water-insoluble solid particles are dispersed. The hydrophilic particles serve to conduct water into the hydrophobic matrix to increase the depth and degree of cure in the oral environment as compared to a similar or substantially identical formulation lacking said hydrophilic component.02-16-2012

Patent applications by David V. Butler, West Covina, CA US

Emily Josephine Butler, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090157638SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR IMAGE MANAGEMENT - An image management system includes a first storage device configured to store a list of image identifiers indexed by one or more image property descriptors, wherein each of the image identifiers corresponds to a digital image, an index processor in communication with the first storage device, configured to write the image identifiers and the associated image property descriptors for each image identifier in the image index storage, and a search processor in communication with the first storage device, configured to receive a specified image property descriptor and to identify one or more image identifiers that match the specified image property descriptor.06-18-2009

Eric K. Butler, San Jose, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110314164INTELLIGENT NETWORK STORAGE PLANNING WITHIN A CLUSTERED COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT - Embodiments of the present invention provide an integrated host and subsystem port selection methodology that uses performance measurements combined with information about active data paths. This technique also helps in resilient fabric planning by selecting ports from redundant fabrics. In a typical embodiment, host port to storage port pairs that create a path between a host and a storage device will be identified. From these pairs, a set of host port to storage port candidates for communicate data from the host to the storage device will be identified based on a set of resiliency constraints. Then, a specific host port to storage port pair will be selected from the set based on a lowest joint workload measurement. A path will then be created between the specific host port and storage port, and data will be communicated from the host to the storage device via the path.12-22-2011
20120005467Streaming Virtual Machine Boot Services Over a Network - Embodiments of the invention are directed to streaming virtual machine boot services over a network. An aspect of the invention includes booting a first virtual machine and recording data and metadata from a virtual machine boot image into a virtual machine boot file. The data and metadata are accessed in the process of booting the first virtual machine. The virtual machine boot image has setup information of the virtual machine type of the first virtual machine. The virtual machine boot file is configured for the virtual machine type of the first virtual machine. A descriptor is added to metadata of the virtual machine boot image, which references a location of the virtual machine boot file for the virtual machine type of the first virtual machine. When subsequently booting a second virtual machine of the same type of virtual machine as the first virtual machine, data are streamed from the virtual machine boot file to a virtual machine monitor of a second virtual machine without the need to stream data from the virtual machine boot image.01-05-2012
20120042033MIGRATING VIRTUAL MACHINES ACROSS NETWORK SEPARATED DATA CENTERS - Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for migrating virtual machines across network (e.g., WAN) separated data centers (e.g., storage clouds). Specifically, under embodiments of the present invention, a first storage system associated with a first data center is synchronized with a second storage system associated with a second data center via a storage system link. Then, a minimal state of a virtual machine is migrated from a first computer in the first data center to a second computer in the second data center via a WAN link. Using the minimal state, the virtual machine is stored in the second computer. Thereafter, the storage system link is terminated. In addition, as updated pages are received in memory of the first computer, they are migrated to the second computer via the WAN link. Once this migration is complete, the WAN link can be terminated. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide at least two forms of synchronization: computational synchronization and storage synchronization.02-16-2012

Eric Kevin Butler, San Jose, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080301332METHOD FOR USING HOST AND STORAGE CONTROLLER PORT INFORMATION TO CONFIGURE PATHS BETWEEN A HOST AND STORAGE CONTROLLER - Provided is a method for using host and storage controller port information to configure paths between a host and storage controller. Information is gathered on ports on at least one host, ports on at least one storage controller managing access to storage volumes, and at least one fabric over which the at least one host and storage controller ports connect. For at least one host port and storage controller port, information is gathered on a connection metric related to a number of paths in which the port is configured and a traffic metric indicating Input/Output (I/O) traffic at the port. A determination is made of available ports for one host and storage controller that are available to provide paths between one host and storage controller. The connection and traffic metrics for the available host ports are processed to select at least one host port. The connection and traffic metrics for the available storage controller ports are processed to select at least one storage controller port. The at least one selected host and storage controller port pair are configured to provide at least one path enabling the host to communicate with the selected storage controller port to access at least one storage volume managed by the selected storage controller.12-04-2008
20080301333SYSTEM AND ARTICLE OF MANUFACTURE FOR USING HOST AND STORAGE CONTROLLER PORT INFORMATION TO CONFIGURE PATHS BETWEEN A HOST AND STORAGE CONTROLLER - Provided are a system and article of manufacture for using host and storage controller port information to configure paths between a host and storage controller. Information is gathered on ports on at least one host, ports on at least one storage controller managing access to storage volumes, and at least one fabric over which the at least one host and storage controller ports connect. For at least one host port and storage controller port, information is gathered on a connection metric related to a number of paths in which the port is configured and a traffic metric indicating Input/Output (I/O) traffic at the port. A determination is made of available ports for one host and storage controller that are available to provide paths between one host and storage controller. The connection and traffic metrics for the available host ports are processed to select at least one host port. The connection and traffic metrics for the available storage controller ports are processed to select at least one storage controller port. The at least one selected host and storage controller port pair are configured to provide at least one path enabling the host to communicate with the selected storage controller port to access at least one storage volume managed by the selected storage controller.12-04-2008
20090094664Integrated Guidance and Validation Policy Based Zoning Mechanism - A mechanism is provided to automatically retrieve zoning best practices from a centralized repository and to ensure that automatically generated zones do not violate these best practices. A user selects a set of hosts and storage controllers. The user also selects a guidance policy for creating the zone, and also selects a set of validation policies that must be enforced on the zone. If the user selects a guidance policy and a validation policy combination that is incompatible, the mechanism allows the user to change either the selected guidance policy or the set of validation policies. If the user has selected consistent-zoning as a guidance policy, then the mechanism automatically selects a guidance policy that does not violate the known validation policies.04-09-2009
20090187518AUTOMATICALLY IDENTIFYING AN OPTIMAL SET OF ATTRIBUTES TO FACILITATE GENERATING BEST PRACTICES FOR CONFIGURING A NETWORKED SYSTEM - A method and system for automatically identifying an optimal set of attributes of entities included in a networked system. Entity types are ranked based on information gain. A first classification accuracy relative to a first entity type is determined. The first entity type is the top-ranked entity type or a first aggregate entity type. A second entity type is selected base on the ranking. A database join of a first set of attributes associated with the first entity type and a second set of attributes associated with the second entity type is performed. A second classification accuracy relative to a second aggregate entity type generated by the join is determined. In response to determining that the second classification accuracy is not greater than the first classification accuracy, an optimal set of attributes contributing to a problem in the networked system is identified as the first set of attributes.07-23-2009
20090187533AUTOMATICALLY IDENTIFYING AN OPTIMAL SET OF ATTRIBUTES TO FACILITATE GENERATING BEST PRACTICES FOR CONFIGURING A NETWORKED SYSTEM - A method and system for automatically identifying an optimal set of attributes of entities included in a networked system. Entity types are ranked based on information gain. A first classification accuracy relative to a first entity type is determined. The first entity type is the top-ranked entity type or a first aggregate entity type. A second entity type is selected basal on the ranking. A database join of a first set of attributes associated with the first entity type and a second set of attributes associated with the second entity type is performed. A second classification accuracy relative to a second aggregate entity type generated by the join is determined. In response to determining that the second classification accuracy is not greater than the first classification accuracy, an optimal set of attributes contributing to a problem in the networked system is identified as the first set of attributes.07-23-2009
20100223404MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR USING HOST AND STORAGE CONTROLLER PORT INFORMATION TO CONFIGURE PATHS BETWEEN A HOST AND STORAGE CONTROLLER IN A NETWORK - Provided is an article of manufacture, system and method for a management system for using host and storage controller port information to configure paths between a host and storage controller in a network. A management system is coupled to a network, wherein the management system communicates over the network with a plurality of hosts, storage controllers, and a network monitor to configure paths in the network between the hosts and the storage controllers in order for the storage controller to provide storage services to the hosts. The network monitor collects statistics from the components in the network. The management system obtains from the network monitor information on ports on at least one host, ports on at least one storage controller managing access to storage volumes, and at least one fabric over which the at least one host and storage controller ports connect. The management system gathers, for at least one host port and storage controller port, information on a connection metric indicating a number of paths in which the port is configured and a traffic metric indicating Input/Output (I/O) traffic at the port. The management system processes the connection and traffic metrics for the host and storage ports to select at least one host port and at least one storage controller port. The management system configures the at least one selected host and storage controller port pair to provide at least one path enabling the host to communicate with the selected storage controller port to access at least one storage volume managed by the selected storage controller.09-02-2010
20110320654Integrated Guidance and Validation Policy Based Zoning Mechanism - A mechanism is provided to automatically retrieve zoning best practices from a centralized repository and to ensure that automatically generated zones do not violate these best practices. A user selects a set of hosts and storage controllers. The user also selects a guidance policy for creating the zone, and also selects a set of validation policies that must be enforced on the zone. If the user selects a guidance policy and a validation policy combination that is incompatible, the mechanism allows the user to change either the selected guidance policy or the set of validation policies. If the user has selected consistent-zoning as a guidance policy, then the mechanism automatically selects a guidance policy that does not violate the known validation policies.12-29-2011

Patent applications by Eric Kevin Butler, San Jose, CA US

Gary L. Butler, Bloomington, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090030427HANDLE FOR INTERCHANGEABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A rigid extractor is revealed, a rigid device for use in percutaneous procedures to remove kidney stones directly from the kidneys. The rigid extractor uses a handle fixed to an outer rigid cannula, and an inner cannula to control an extraction device that may be removable from the inner cannula. The extractor is desirably used with a fluoroscope, in which the surgeon maneuvers the extractor with the aid of a view of the operating field provided by the fluoroscope. The surgeon then maneuvers the extractor to grasp the kidney stones and remove from the patient. The extractor may also be used with a nephroscope. The device may be used with a removable extraction device such as a basket, a grasper a pair of jaws, or a pair of scissors.01-29-2009

Patent applications by Gary L. Butler, Bloomington, CA US

Jack Fairchild Butler, Carlsbad, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090051159FLUID FITTING FOR AN AGRICULTURAL DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM - An agricultural irrigation assembly includes an irrigation hose, a drip tape, and a fluid fitting interconnecting the irrigation hose with the drip tape. The fluid fitting includes a tab fitting and a swivel fitting. The tab fitting has a tab and a threaded collar. The tab is insertable into an opening formed in the irrigation hose and held in place using the collar. The swivel fitting is fluidly coupled to the tab fitting. The swivel fitting includes a threaded fitting defining a longitudinal axis. The threaded fitting is rotatable about the longitudinal axis and substantially immovable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.02-26-2009

Jim Donald Butler, Costa Mesa, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080307122Autonomous mapping of protected data streams to Fibre channel frames - A hardware-based offload engine is disclosed for mapping protected data into frames. For a write operation, the HBA determines host addresses and the size of data to be read from those addresses. The HBA also determines the frame size and protection scheme for data to be written. A frame transmit engine reads each host descriptor in the host data descriptor list to determine the location and byte count of the data to be read. A DMA engine reads the protection information/scratch area to determine the exact data size used to fill each frame and the protection scheme, and retrieves one or more free frame buffers. Check bytes are inserted alongside the data and stored in free frame buffers. After each frame is filled, the frame transmit engine also generates and stores header information for that frame, and then combines header, data and check bytes for transmission over the network.12-11-2008
20100023748SELF CHECKING ENCRYPTION AND DECRYPTION BASED ON STATISTICAL SAMPLING - The present invention is related to the checking of encryption. Embodiments of the present invention are based on the discovery that sufficiently high reliability may be established without checking every encryption block. Instead, embodiments of the present invention provide that data being encrypted may be sampled at certain rate (which may be constant or varying) and only the sampled data may be checked. In general, embodiments of the present inventions are applicable to a fast encryption circuit that may encrypt an entire stream of incoming data into a stream of encrypted data and one or more slower (or slow) encryption circuit and/or one or more slow decryption circuit that operate(s) only on selected samples of the incoming or encrypted data in order to check the encryption of the fast circuit. Thus, encryption can be verified without incurring the costs of exhaustively checking all encrypted data.01-28-2010

Patent applications by Jim Donald Butler, Costa Mesa, CA US

John H. Butler, San Jose, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100160185Synthesis of Oligomers in Arrays - Systems, including apparatus and methods, for synthesis of oligomers in arrays.06-24-2010
20110123411SYNTHESIS OF OLIGOMERS IN ARRAYS - Systems, including apparatus and methods, for synthesis of oligomers in arrays.05-26-2011
20120035082Synthesis of Oligomers in Arrays - Systems, including apparatus and methods, for synthesis of oligomers in arrays.02-09-2012

Patent applications by John H. Butler, San Jose, CA US

Justin Butler, San Diego, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110300657PROCESS FOR FORMING AN ELECTROACTIVE LAYER - There is provided a process for forming a layer of electroactive material. The process includes: depositing a liquid composition containing an electroactive material and at least one solvent onto a workpiece to form a wet layer; placing the wet layer on the workpiece into a vacuum chamber containing solid absorptive material; and treating the wet layer at a controlled temperature in the range of −25° C. to 80° C. and under an applied vacuum in the range of 1012-08-2011
20110309360PROCESS FOR FORMING AN ELECTROACTIVE LAYER - There is provided a process for forming a layer of electroactive material having a substantially flat profile. The process includes: providing a workpiece having at least one active area; depositing a liquid composition including the electroactive material onto the workpiece in the active area, to form a wet layer; treating the wet layer on the workpiece at a controlled temperature in the range of −25 to 80° C. and under a vacuum in the range of 1012-22-2011

Justin Butler, Sandiego, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110305824PROCESS FOR FORMING AN ELECTROACTIVE LAYER - There is provided a process for vacuum drying. The process includes the steps of: depositing a liquid composition containing a film-forming material and at least one solvent onto a workpiece to form a wet layer; placing the wet layer on the workpiece into a vacuum chamber including a condenser; and treating the wet layer at a controlled temperature in the range of −25 to 80° C. and under an applied vacuum in the range of 1012-15-2011

Larry Butler, Ladera Ranch, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090279049NET-MOLDED OPTICAL ARTICLES AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - An injection molding apparatus and method of use are provided whereby a net-molded optical article can be produced. Edge wave deviations are reduced by controlling the cooling profile of the resin. The apparatus can be configured to include at least one heat control element disposed adjacent to an edge of the mold cavity. After plasticized resin has been injected into the mold cavity, the edge of the mold cavity can be thermally regulated relative to the center of the cavity.11-12-2009

Madeline M. Butler, Rancho Santa Fe, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090258931CHIMERIC OLIGOMERIC COMPOUNDS COMPRISING ALTERNATING REGIONS OF NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN CONFORMATIONAL GEOMETRY - The present invention relates to novel chimeric oligomeric compounds having a plurality of alternating regions having either RNA like having northern or 3′-endo conformational geometry (3′-endo regions) or DNA like having southern or C2′-endo/O4′-endo conformational geometry. The oligomeric compounds of the present invention have shown reduction in mRNA levels in multiple in vitro and in vivo assay systems and are useful, for example, for investigative and therapeutic purposes.10-15-2009

Patent applications by Madeline M. Butler, Rancho Santa Fe, CA US

Madelline M. Butler, Rancho Santa Fe, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090124009ANTISENSE MODULATION OF PTP1B EXPRESSION - Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of PTP1B. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding PTP1B. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of PTP1B expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of PTP1B are provided.05-14-2009
20120077862ANTISENSE MODULATION OF PTP1B EXPRESSION - Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of PTP1B. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding PTP1B. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of PTP1B expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of PTP1B are provided.03-29-2012

Patent applications by Madelline M. Butler, Rancho Santa Fe, CA US

Michael Butler, Dublin, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080284167LOW-VOLUME FITTINGS - Fitting that is compatible with standard fittings is described. In one embodiment, the end of one of a matched set of fittings is provided with an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material deforms when the matched fittings are coupled, resulting in a reduced volume. In certain embodiments, a tube is provided through the tube which is attached at a proximal end and extends to the distal end of the elastomeric material. When the fitting are coupled the tube protrudes past the end of the elastomeric material and into the coupled fitting. In certain embodiments the fitting otherwise conforms to International Standard ISO 594.11-20-2008
20090036764FLUID INJECTION AND SAFETY SYSTEM - Various medical systems and methods are described, including a medical monitoring system. The medical monitoring system can have a fluid system configured to receive bodily fluid and optically analyze said fluid to determine analyte concentration. The fluid system can have a removable portion. The removable portion can have an opening with a port. The system can also have a container configured to contain anticoagulant. The container can have a portion configured to mate with the port of the removable portion. The container can be further configured to not fit into a conventional luer fitting. An anti-coagulant insertion apparatus is also described. The apparatus can have a syringe, a dock with a port, and an adapter configured to connect the syringe to the port. The dock can also have a tab configured to move with the port.02-05-2009
20110092784ADJUSTABLE CONNECTOR AND DEAD SPACE REDUCTION - Methods and systems for determining the concentration of one or more analytes from a sample such as blood or plasma are described. The systems described herein can be configured to withdraw a certain volume of sample from a source of bodily fluid, direct a first portion of the withdrawn sample to an analyte monitoring system and return a second portion of the sample to the patient. The analyte monitoring system can be connected to the source of bodily fluid via a connector that is configured to maintain uniform velocity across the connector and reduce the dead space volume.04-21-2011

Patent applications by Michael Butler, Dublin, CA US

Michael G. Butler, San Jose, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090024836MULTIPLE-CORE PROCESSOR WITH HIERARCHICAL MICROCODE STORE - A multiple-core processor having a hierarchical microcode store. A processor may include multiple processor cores, each configured to independently execute instructions defined according to a programmer-visible instruction set architecture (ISA). Each core may include a respective local microcode unit configured to store microcode entries. The processor may also include a remote microcode unit accessible by each of the processor cores. Any given one of the processor cores may be configured to generate a given microcode entrypoint corresponding to a particular microcode entry including one or more operations to be executed by the given processor core, and to determine whether the particular microcode entry is stored within the respective local microcode unit of the given core. In response to determining that the particular microcode entry is not stored within the respective local microcode unit, the given core may convey a request for the particular microcode entry to the remote microcode unit.01-22-2009
20090024838MECHANISM FOR SUPPRESSING INSTRUCTION REPLAY IN A PROCESSOR - A mechanism for suppressing instruction replay includes a processor having one or more execution units and a scheduler that issue instruction operations for execution by the one or more execution units. The scheduler may also cause instruction operations that are determined to be incorrectly executed to be replayed, or reissued. In addition, a prediction unit within the processor may predict whether a given instruction operation will replay and to provide an indication that the given instruction operation will replay. The processor also includes a decode unit that may decode instructions and in response to detecting the indication, may flag the given instruction operation. The scheduler may further inhibit issue of the flagged instruction operation until a status associated with the flagged instruction is good.01-22-2009
20090319727Efficient Load Queue Snooping - In one embodiment, a processor comprises a data cache and a load/store unit (LSU). The LSU comprises a queue and a control unit, and each entry in the queue is assigned to a different load that has accessed the data cache but has not retired. The control unit is configured to update the data cache hit status of each load represented in the queue as a content of the data cache changes. The control unit is configured to detect a snoop hit on a first load in a first entry of the queue responsive to: the snoop index matching a load index stored in the first entry, the data cache hit status of the first load indicating hit, the data cache detecting a snoop hit for the snoop operation, and a load way stored in the first entry matching a first way of the data cache in which the snoop operation is a hit.12-24-2009

Michael Gerard Butler, San Jose, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080301364CACHING OF MICROCODE EMULATION MEMORY - A processor includes a cache hierarchy including a level-1 cache and a higher-level cache. The processor maps a portion of physical memory space to a portion of the higher-level cache, executes instructions, at least some of which comprise microcode, allows microcode to access the portion of the higher-level cache, and prevents instructions that do not comprise microcode from accessing the portion of the higher-level cache. The first portion of the physical memory space can be permanently allocated for use by microcode. The processor can move one or more cache lines of the first portion of the higher-level cache from the higher-level cache to a first portion of the level-1 cache, allow microcode to access the first portion of the first level-1 cache, and prevent instructions that do not comprise microcode from accessing the first portion of the first level-1 cache.12-04-2008
20090172370EAGER EXECUTION IN A PROCESSING PIPELINE HAVING MULTIPLE INTEGER EXECUTION UNITS - One or more processor cores of a multiple-core processing device each can utilize a processing pipeline having a plurality of execution units (e.g., integer execution units or floating point units) that together share a pre-execution front-end having instruction fetch, decode and dispatch resources. Further, one or more of the processor cores each can implement dispatch resources configured to dispatch multiple instructions in parallel to multiple corresponding execution units via separate dispatch buses. The dispatch resources further can opportunistically decode and dispatch instruction operations from multiple threads in parallel so as to increase the dispatch bandwidth. Moreover, some or all of the stages of the processing pipelines of one or more of the processor cores can be configured to implement independent thread selection for the corresponding stage.07-02-2009
20090300329VOLTAGE DROOP MITIGATION THROUGH INSTRUCTION ISSUE THROTTLING - A system and method for providing a digital real-time voltage droop detection and subsequent voltage droop reduction. A scheduler within a reservation station may store a weight value for each instruction corresponding to node capacitance switching activity for the instruction derived from pre-silicon power modeling analysis. For instructions picked with available source data, the corresponding weight values are summed together to produce a local current consumption value and this value is summed with any existing global current consumption values from corresponding schedulers of other processor cores yielding an activity event. The activity event is stored. Hashing functions within the scheduler are used to determine both a recent and an old activity average using the calculated activity event and stored older activity events. Instruction issue throttling occurs if either a difference between the old activity average and the recent activity average exceed a first threshold or the recent activity average exceeds a second threshold.12-03-2009

Michelle D. Butler, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100261888Recombinant Production of Heparin Binding Proteins - A process for recovering and purifying refolded heparin binding proteins produced in heterologous host cells includes the step of incubation of the solubilized protein with a polyanionic species such as dextran sulfate.10-14-2010

Mike Butler, San Jose, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120102357METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING LOAD INSTRUCTIONS IN A MICROPROCESSOR HAVING AN ENHANCED INSTRUCTION DECODER AND AN ENHANCED LOAD STORE UNIT - A method and microprocessor are described for efficiently executing load instructions out-of-order (speculatively). The microprocessor includes an enhanced load store unit (LSU) and an enhanced instruction decoder. The enhanced LSU receives a plurality of out-of-order value addresses, and sends a resync signal to the enhanced instruction decoder when an execution error associated with a particular load instruction occurs. The enhanced instruction decoder stores a specific address associated with the particular load instruction, and increments a counter value that indicates how many times the resync signal was sent by the resync predictor. When the counter value reaches a predetermined threshold, subsequent load instructions from the specific address are executed in order (non-speculatively). When a future execution of the particular load instruction indicates that the probability of an execution error has been reduced, the counter value is decremented, facilitating newer load instructions associated with the same address to again be executed speculatively.04-26-2012

Samantha Butler, Los Angeles, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120122795ACCELERATED EXTENSION OF AXONS - The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for promoting the extension of a neural cell by increasing the expression of activity of cofilin in the cell. The increase can be local to the end of the neural cell in need of extension and the neural cell can be a cell in an individual. By extending the neural cell to reach its synaptic target, the methods and compositions of the present disclosure can also be used for treating neurological diseases characterized by damaged or degenerated neurons.05-17-2012

Scott Francis Butler, San Marcos, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100178965Tiled Objects in Digital Environments - Methods and systems for damaging objects in digital environments are provided. The objects may be defined by a number of tiles. Tiles may be joined together to form objects of various sizes, shapes, and facades. The tiles may be broken up or divided into smaller tiles as the objects sustain damage. These smaller tiles may be rejoined to the objects providing virtually unlimited ways in which the objects can be damaged. In addition, the objects may incorporate stress-related damage that allows the object to break or collapse under its own weight.07-15-2010

Scott L. Butler, San Deigo, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100311064MULTIPLEX NUCLEIC ACID REACTIONS - The invention is directed to a variety of multiplexing methods used to amplify and/or genotype a variety of samples simultaneously.12-09-2010

Scott L. Butler, San Diego, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080242555MULTIPLEX NUCLEIC ACID REACTIONS - The invention is directed to a variety of multiplexing methods used to amplify and/or genotype a variety of samples simultaneously.10-02-2008
20100015626MULTIPLEX NUCLEIC ACID REACTIONS - The invention is directed to a variety of multiplexing methods used to amplify and/or genotype a variety of samples simultaneously.01-21-2010

Simon Butler, San Rafael, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110096226Classifying Image Areas of a Video Signal - A method of enhancing picture quality of a video signal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of receiving base layer images of standard definition pictures from a base layer decoder; defining image areas of the standard definition pictures; classifying image areas into image types by assigning a class number; and generating enhanced pictures based upon the standard definition pictures and the classification of the image areas. A circuit for enhancing picture quality of a video signal is also disclosed. The circuit comprising a base layer decoder; a classifier coupled to the base layer decoder, the classifier generating a class number for image areas of a standard definition picture; a summing circuit coupled to the classifier; an exchange stream decoder coupled to the summing circuit, the exchange stream decoder generating an index; and a codebook table coupled to the summing circuit. The codebook table preferably stores a plurality of codevectors based upon the class number and the index.04-28-2011
20110298974Predictive Interpolation of a Video Signal - A method of enhancing picture quality of a video signal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of generating an interpolated base frame image; receiving a first previously decoded difference picture; receiving a second previously decoded difference picture; generating a combined motion compensated difference surface; and generating a temporally interpolated enhanced picture based upon the interpolated base frame image and the combined motion compensated difference surface. A circuit for enhancing picture quality of a video signal is also disclosed. The circuit comprises a base decoder generating a base image of a standard definition picture; a temporal predictive interpolator coupled to the base decoder and generating an interpolated block; and a summing circuit coupled to the temporal predictive interpolator. The summing circuit preferably adds the interpolated block and a difference block.12-08-2011

Susannah Ellen Butler, Menlo Park, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110283211METHODS FOR DESIGNING IMAGE-BASED PRODUCTS THROUGH A COMPUTER NETWORK - A method for assisting a user to design an image-based product includes storing a component dependency map on a computer device that defines relationships among a first component, a second component, and a third component, which each comprises functions that define actions and states at a user interface on the computer device. The method also includes executing a page controller in association with the user interface on the computer device, detecting an activation of the functions of the first component at the user interface by the first component, and executing functions of the second component and the third component in the user interface in accordance to the component dependency map to obtain a design of the image-based product to be produced by the image-service provider.11-17-2011

Thomas Butler, Redwood City, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
201000214251'-SUBSTITUTED CARBA-NUCLEOSIDE ANALOGS FOR ANTIVIRAL TREATMENT - Provided are pyrrolo[1,2-f][1,2,4]triazinyl, imidazo[1,5-f][1,2,4]triazinyl, imidazo[1,2-f][1,2,4]triazinyl, and [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-f][1,2,4]triazinyl nucleosides, nucleoside phosphates and prodrugs thereof, wherein the 1′ position of the nucleoside sugar is substituted. The compounds, compositions, and methods provided are useful for the treatment of Flaviviridae virus infections, particularly hepatitis C infections.01-28-2010
20100203015CARBA-NUCLEOSIDE ANALOGS FOR ANTIVIRAL TREATMENT - Provided are thieno[3,4-d]pyrimidin-7-yl and furo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-7-yl ribosides, riboside phosphates and prodrugs thereof as well as intermediates and methods of preparation. The compounds, compositions, and methods provided are useful for the treatment of Flaviviridae virus infections.08-12-2010
20110230654PROCESSES AND INTERMEDIATES FOR THE PREPARATION OF 1'-SUBSTITUTED CARBA-NUCLEOSIDE ANALOGS - Provided are processes and intermediates for the syntheses of nucleosides of pyrrolo[1,2-f][1,2,4]triazinyl and imidazo[1,24][1,2,4]triazinyl heterocycles of Formula I.09-22-2011
201102935631'SUBSTITUTED CARBA-NUCLEOSIDE ANALOGS FOR ANTIVIRAL TREATMENT - Provided are pyrrolo[1,2-f][1,2,4]triazinyl, imidazo[1,5-f][1,2,4]triazinyl, imidazo[1,2-f][1,2,4]triazinyl, and [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-f][1,2,4]triazinyl nucleosides, nucleoside phosphates and prodrugs thereof, wherein the 1′ position of the nucleoside sugar is substituted. The compounds, compositions, and methods provided are useful for the treatment of Flaviviridae virus infections, particularly hepatitis C infections.12-01-2011

Thomas C. Butler, Santa Clara, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100030802SYSTEM AND METHOD THA ALLOWS RELATIONAL DATA TO BE MODELED EFFICIENTLY AND SYNCHRONIZED WITHOUT CREATING DANGLING REFERENCES - Methods and systems to maintain data integrity across a plurality of devices by reducing or preventing dangling references are provided. In one embodiment, all data objects are provided with reference IDs enabling reference to an extant version of an object. In another embodiment, a global synchronization clock per synchronization node is used. Furthermore, in an embodiment, data integrity is enhanced through the use of snapshots during synchronization processes. In another embodiment, forwarding deletes is used to resolve conflicts in a synchronization process. In another embodiment, update ordering is employed to maintain data integrity when adding or deleting data objects.02-04-2010
20100036844SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING CONFLICTS TO MAXIMIZE CONCURRENCY IN A DATABASE - A first method includes requesting a modification of a data object within the data store using a first application process, establishing a read lock on the data object, initializing an object monitor adapted to detects changes to the data object and releasing the read lock, allowing other concurrent processes to write to the data object, wherein the object monitor detects if any of the concurrent processes overwrite the data object. A second method includes requesting a modification of a data object within the data store using a first application process, establishing a read lock on the data store, initializing a datastore monitor adapted to detect changes to the data store, reading all data objects in the data store and releasing the read lock on the data store, allowing other concurrent processes to write to the data store wherein the datastore monitor detects if any of the concurrent processes overwrite one or more data objects in the data store.02-11-2010

Tom Butler, Santa Clara, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100332450N-WAY SYNCHRONIZATION OF COMPUTER DATABASES - A method and system for N-way synchronization of computer databases. Synchronization of computer databases is structured into three rounds, namely an agenda round, a query round and a report round. In the agenda round, a synchronization agent software module inquires of a common synchronization engine for updates to the agent's database and provides information as to the level of information in the agent's database. During a query round, a common synchronization engine may request information from databases with new information and distribute that database information to databases needing the new information during a report round. Multiple agents, each representing an associated database may participate a synchronization. In addition, various special purpose agents may also receive, provide and otherwise operate on synchronization information.12-30-2010

Patent applications by Tom Butler, Santa Clara, CA US

William Butler, Visalia, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110073103SYSTEM FOR HEATING WATER AND COOLING A HOUSE - A system for heating water and cooling a house has a power cell including a first tube to contain the water so that the water cools the power cell, a power unit that produces the electricity from light, a mirror that reflects the light onto the power unit, and a lens that helps focus the light onto the power unit; a water heater including a second, generally transparent tube to contain the water that is warmed by the light, a third tube inside the second tube to contain the water that is further warmed by the light, and a reflective material on the second tube that helps reflect the light onto the third tube; and a thermal barrier including a base made of material that provides thermal isolation and shade for cooling.03-31-2011

William Butler, San Ramon, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090093670Treating Dysfunctional Cardiac Tissue - Medical devices, systems, and methods reduce the distance between two points in tissue, often for treatment of congestive heart failure and often in a minimally invasive manner. An anchor is inserted along an insertion path through a first wall of the heart. An arm of the anchor is deployed and rotationally positioned according to a desired alignment. Application of tension to the anchor may draw the first and second walls of the heart into contact along a desired contour so as to effect a desired change in the geometry of the heart. Additional anchors may be inserted and aligned with the first anchor to close off a portion of a ventricle such that the ventricle is geometrically remodeled and disease progression is reversed, halted, and/or slowed.04-09-2009
20100016655Cardiac Anchor Structures, Methods, and Systems for Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure and Other Conditions - Medical devices, systems, and methods reduce the distance between two points in tissue, often for treatment of congestive heart failure and often in a minimally invasive manner. An anchor is inserted along an insertion path through a first wall of the heart. An arm of the anchor is deployed and rotationally positioned according to a desired alignment. Application of tension to the anchor may draw the first and second walls of the heart into contact along a desired contour so as to effect a desired change in the geometry of the heart. Additional anchors may be inserted and aligned with the first anchor to close off a portion of a ventricle such that the ventricle is geometrically remodeled and disease progression is reversed, halted, and/or slowed.01-21-2010

William F. Butler, La Jolla, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100108577METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR USE OF OPTICAL FORCES FOR IDENTIFICATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND/OR SORTING OF PARTICLES - Apparatus and methods are provided for interacting light with particles, including but not limited to biological matter such as cells, in unique and highly useful ways. Optophoresis consists of subjecting particles to various optical forces, especially optical gradient forces, and more particularly moving optical gradient forces, so as to obtain useful results. In biology, this technology represents a practical approach to probing the inner workings of a living cell, preferably without any dyes, labels or other markers. In one aspect, a particle may be characterized by determining its optophoretic constant or signature. For example, a diseased cell has a different optophoretic constant from a healthy cell, thereby providing information, or the basis for sorting. In the event of physical sorting, various forces may be used for separation, including fluidic forces, such as through the use of laminar flow, or optical forces, or mechanical forces, such as through adhesion. Various techniques for measuring the dielectric constant of particles are provided.05-06-2010

William Frank Butler, La Jolla, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080261295Cell Sorting System and Methods - Apparatus and Methods are provided for a microfabricated fluorescence activated cell sorter based on a switch for rapid, active control of cell routing through a microfluidic channel network. This sorter enables low-stress, highly efficient sorting of populations of small numbers of cells (i.e., 1000-100,000 cells). The invention includes packaging of the microfluidic channel network in a self-contained plastic cartridge that enables microfluidic channel network to macro-scale instrument interconnect, in a sterile, disposable format. Optical and/or fluidic switching forces are used alone or in combination to effect switching.10-23-2008
20100304429METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING CELLS USING AN OPTICAL SWITCH IN A MICROFLUIDIC CHANNEL NETWORK - Apparatus and Methods are provided for a microfabricated fluorescence activated cell sorter based on an optical switch for rapid, active control of cell routing through a microfluidic channel network. This sorter enables low-stress, highly efficient sorting of populations of small numbers of cells (i.e., 1000-100,000 cells). The invention includes packaging of the microfluidic channel network in a self-contained plastic cartridge that enables microfluidic channel network to macro-scale instrument interconnect, in a sterile, disposable format.12-02-2010

Patent applications by William Frank Butler, La Jolla, CA US