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Dickinson, US

Allan L. Dickinson, Flushing, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080231030Rocker-arm lock device of an adjustable steering column assembly - A steering column assembly of a vehicle has a rocker-arm lock device for locking an adjustable steering housing and co-extending steering shaft to a stationary bracket or chassis. For driver convenience and comfort, the steering housing and shaft are together adjustable with respect to the bracket. The rocker-arm lock device has a slot in at least one of the housing and bracket and a carrier for longitudinal movement through the slot that is substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of the steering shaft. An indexing apparatus of the device has first and second indexing rails carried by at least one of the housing and the bracket having the first slot and a carriage engaged rigidly to the carrier. A rocker arm of the apparatus is supported pivotally to the carriage about a rocker axis disposed substantially perpendicular to the carrier. The rocker arm carries first and second pads spaced diametrically outward from one another with respect to the rocker axis and facing laterally toward respective first and second indexing rails for selective engagement of at least one of the first and second pads to the respective first and second indexing rails.09-25-2008

Amelia O. Dickinson, Ponte Vedra, FL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090126245Garment divider - A divider for garments on a clothes rack. The divider is easily fit onto the clothes rack in a desired location and a laterally extending part is prominently displayed. The laterally extending part contains information as to the adjacent articles of clothing contained on at least one side of the divider. The divider may be used in home closets to separate different types of clothing or it may be used in stores to separate different sizes of the same type of clothing.05-21-2009

Anthony Dickinson, Bartlet, TN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110106180Implants With Adjustable Saddles - A bone anchor assembly is provided, which may be used in cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral areas of the spine or other orthopedic locations. The anchor assembly includes a bone engaging portion, a receiver, a saddle within a channel defined by the receiver, and an engaging member. The receiver extends along a central longitudinal axis and is fixed to the bone engaging portion. A rod or other elongated connecting element is received in a channel of the receiver in contact with the saddle, and the engaging member engages the connecting element against the saddle. The orientation of the saddle in the receiver is adjustable to correspond to the orientation of the connecting element relative to the central longitudinal axis at any one of a plurality of angles of the connecting element through the receiver while the receiver and bone engaging portion remain fixed relative to one another.05-05-2011

Brian R. Dickinson, Grass Lake, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110295408PROCESS FOR POSITIONING A WORKPIECE - A process for accurately determining a workpiece position in relation to a reference coordinate system is provided. The process includes providing a machine having a table and a machine coordinate system, determining locations of three reference geometric aspects of the table, providing a workpiece, and attaching the workpiece to the table. Thereafter, locations of three geometrical aspects of the workpiece are determined using photogrammetry followed by calculation of any offset between the three reference geometrical aspects of the table and the three geometrical aspects of the workpiece. Any offset that has been determined can then be used to accurately determine the workpiece position in relation to the reference coordinate system.12-01-2011

Patent applications by Brian R. Dickinson, Grass Lake, MI US

Charles A. Dickinson, Bartlett, TN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110040340Instruments and Methods for In Situ Bending of an Elongate Spinal Implant - Systems, instruments and methods are provided for bending an elongate spinal implant used in a medical procedure. In one form, an instrument for bending an elongate spinal implant includes a proximal handle portion and a bending mechanism having an implant engaging member movably coupled to the proximal handle portion. The bending mechanism is operable to articulate the implant engaging member relative to the proximal handle portion while a second implant engaging member associated with the articulating implant engaging member holding the elongate spinal implant in position. In another form, systems and methods are provided to bend in situ an elongate spinal implant associated with an orthopedic construct.02-17-2011

Charles Anthony Dickinson, Bartlett, TN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110106173Anchor Assembly With Directionally Controlled Saddle Adjustment And Transversely Adjustable Receiver - A bone anchor assembly includes a receiver extending along a central longitudinal axis between a proximal end and an opposite distal end and a bone anchor extending from the receiver. The receiver includes a distal portion defining a receptacle opening at the distal end and a pair of arms extending from the distal portion along the central longitudinal axis on opposite sides of a passage. The receiver includes a saddle that is adjustable in the receiver in one plane to accommodate the angle of placement of the connecting element through the receiver. The receiver is adjustable in another plane that is transverse to the adjustment plane of the saddle to better position the receiver to receive the connecting element. The adjustable saddle and receiver reduce the bending or contouring of the connecting element that may be required to position the connecting element in the receiver.05-05-2011

Charles Anthony Dickinson, Millington, TN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080275459Surgical instrument attachment mechanism - An instrument attachment mechanism is disclosed that is operable to be temporarily, but securely, connected with a surgical device. The attachment mechanism includes a body that has a drive member protruding outwardly from a portion of the body. The drive member includes a plurality of side walls and a passageway running from a bottom surface of the drive member to a predetermined depth in the drive member. At least one slot is located in a respective one of the plurality of side walls that extends through the side wall into the passageway. A biasing member is positioned within the passageway such that a select portion of the biasing member protrudes outwardly from the slot. A surgical device, such as a surgical instrument or implant, may be temporarily connected with the drive member such that the select portions of the biasing member apply force to an inner wall of a drive receiving member of the surgical device.11-06-2008

Curtis D. Dickinson, Mahomet, IL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090043114Flow reactors for chemical conversions with heterogeneous catalysts - Improved apparatus for use in process systems which include exothermic chemical conversions of organic compounds to value added products is disclosed, more particularly, flow reactors for exothermic chemical conversions using a fixed heterogeneous catalyst with means for control of the exotherm. Flow reactors of the invention comprise a plurality of walled conduits each having an outer surface disposed for contact with a heat-transfer medium, an inlet distribution manifold adapted for flow communication with a downstream manifold through channels formed by heterogeneous catalytic material disposed within each conduit during operation in a sequence of zones for catalyst having the same or different length along the longitudinal coordinate of the conduit and within each zone essentially uniform cross-section of the conduit measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal coordinate thereby defining volume of the zone, and the sequence of zones comprising of at least two zones such that each downstream zone has a larger or smaller cross-section than the contiguous upstream zone. Another aspect of the invention includes processes which use such flow reactors, for example the continuous manufacture of maleic anhydride.02-12-2009
20110144356Flow reactors for chemical conversions with heterogeneous catalysts - Improved apparatus for use in process systems which include exothermic chemical conversions of organic compounds to value added products is disclosed, more particularly, flow reactors for exothermic chemical conversions using a fixed heterogeneous catalyst with means for control of the exotherm. Flow reactors of the invention comprise a plurality of walled conduits each having an outer surface disposed for contact with a heat-transfer medium, an inlet distribution manifold o adapted for flow communication with a downstream manifold through channels formed by heterogeneous catalytic material disposed within each conduit during operation in a sequence of zones for catalyst having the same or different length along the longitudinal coordinate of the conduit and within each zone essentially uniform cross-section of the conduit measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal coordinate thereby defining volume of the zone, and the sequence of zones comprising of at least two zones such that each downstream zone has a larger or smaller cross-section than the contiguous upstream zone. Another aspect of the invention includes processes which use such flow reactors, for example the continuous manufacture of maleic anhydride.06-16-2011

Daniel James Dickinson, Libertyville, IL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110140474MAGNETIC FASTENER CLIP - A magnetic fastener clip includes a base and a boss attached to the base. The boss has two or more ratchets. According to one embodiment, one end of the boss is attached to the base and the other end has the two or more ratchets. Alternatively, either or both ends may have the two or more ratchets. A magnetic fastener has a hole with suitable shape and diameter to adjustably fasten with at least one of the ratchets and adjustably fasten the magnetic fastener. An umbrella is positioned between the base and the magnetic fastener. The umbrella is operative to flex or compress appropriately to permit the magnetic fastener to engage at least one of the two or more ratchets. The magnetic fastener clip adapts to different surface curvatures and thicknesses. The magnetic fastener clip is operative for blind attachment into a structure, such as a vehicle chassis i.e. door frame, chassis or roof. The boss may optionally be welded to hold the magnetic fastener against the umbrella. An optional carrier is attached to the base to provide additional height for suitable applications.06-16-2011
20110163562CONTINOUSLY ADAPTIVE FASTENER CLIP - A carrier includes a carrier base and at least one channel formed into the carrier base. A locking structure is attached to the at least one channel and is operative to releasably hold captive a fastener clip. A first pair of laterally offset legs and a second pair of laterally offset legs extend from the carrier base to form a dome opposite the carrier base. The fastener clip has an engagement region to fasten the clip to a slot on a support structure such as a vehicle. The engagement regions include a depressed portion operable to adapt to variations or movement of a slot.07-07-2011

Daniel James Dickinson, Arlington Heights, IL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100289288Magnetic Fastener Clip - A magnetic fastener clip includes a base and an umbrella positioned on the base. A boss is attached to the umbrella and extends outwardly from the umbrella and away from the base. The magnetic fastener has a hole with a diameter to receive the boss. The boss is welded to hold the magnetic fastener against the umbrella. An optional carrier is attached to the base to provide additional height for suitable applications. The umbrella is positioned on the base or is attached to the carrier and positioned opposite the base. The boss is attached to the magnetic fastener such that the umbrella flexes to permit the magnetic fastener to pivot about the boss. The magnetic fastener clip adapts to different surface curvatures and thicknesses. The magnetic fastener clip is operative for blind attachment into a structure, such as a vehicle chassis i.e. roof.11-18-2010

Patent applications by Daniel James Dickinson, Arlington Heights, IL US

Danielle N. Dickinson, Odenton, MD US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090317916Chemical sample collection and detection device using atmospheric pressure ionization - A chemical sample collection and detection system is disclosed. The chemical sample collection and detection system includes a sample collection device and a detection device. The sample collection device includes a housing having two opposite sides and at least one openings on each side to allow a fluid sample passing through the housing; and a sorbent material placed between the two opposite sides of the housing or a sorbent coated screen. The sorbent material adsorbs chemical vapors, and traps particles and aerosols in the fluid sample when the fluid sample passes the housing through the openings. The detection device includes an atmospheric pressure ionization source and an ion detector. The atmospheric pressure ionization source desorbs and ionizes the chemicals trapped/sorbed on the sorbent material and the ion detector analyzes the ions for the presence of the sorbed chemical.12-24-2009
20100096546Solution Analysis Using Atmospheric Pressure Ionization Techniques - A chemical detection system is disclosed. The chemical detection system includes an atmospheric pressure ionization (API) source that produces an API stream, a sample delivery system that delivers a liquid sample in a continuous manner to the API stream, an ion detector capable of detecting a molecule of interest and a control device. Also disclosed is a method for detecting a chemical of interest in a liquid sample.04-22-2010
20110027905Systems and Methods for Collection and Analysis of Analytes - Systems and methods are provided for collecting and analyzing analytes. One embodiment of the invention includes a system for collecting analyte. The system comprises a sampling section disposed on a collection platform and an air source that provides an analyte to be sorbed by the sampling section. The sampling section can be formed of a low pressure drop configuration of sorbent material02-03-2011
20110044855SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS OF ANALYTES - Systems and methods are provided for collecting and analyzing analytes. One embodiment of the invention includes a system for collecting analyte. The system comprises a sampling section disposed on a collection platform and an air source that provides an analyte to be sorbed by the sampling section. The sampling section can be formed of a low pressure drop configuration of sorbent material02-24-2011
20110053288SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS OF ANALYTES - Systems and methods are provided for collecting and analyzing analytes. One embodiment of the invention includes a system for collecting analyte. The system comprises a sampling section disposed on a collection platform and an air source that provides an analyte to be sorbed by the sampling section. The sampling section can be formed of a low pressure drop configuration of sorbent material03-03-2011
20110108724Apparatus, System and Method for Purifying Nucleic Acids - A chemical sample collection and detection system is disclosed. The chemical sample collection and detection system includes a sample collection device and a detection device. The sample collection device includes a housing having two opposite sides and at least one openings on each side to allow a fluid sample passing through the housing; and a sorbent material placed between the two opposite sides of the housing or a sorbent coated screen. The sorbent material adsorbs chemical vapors, and traps particles and aerosols in the fluid sample when the fluid sample passes the housing through the openings. The detection device includes an atmospheric pressure ionization source and an ion detector. The atmospheric pressure ionization source desorbs and ionizes the chemicals trapped/sorbed on the sorbent material and the ion detector analyzes the ions for the presence of the sorbed chemical.05-12-2011

Patent applications by Danielle N. Dickinson, Odenton, MD US

Ellen Dickinson, Kirkwood, MO US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100099859SOYBEAN EVENT MON89788 AND METHODS FOR DETECTION THEREOF - The present invention provides for soybean plant and seed comprising transformation event MON89788 and DNA molecules unique to these events. The invention also provides methods for detecting the presence of these DNA molecules in a sample.04-22-2010

Evan A. Dickinson, Portland, OR US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090109226REGION OVERLAP CONTROL FOR AUTORANGE/AUTOSET FUNCTIONS - A method of region overlap control for the display of a plurality of waveforms on an instrument includes an overlap function that allows selection by a user of a vertical height on a display screen for each of the waveforms. A ground marker for each of the waveforms is adjusted on the display screen according to the selected vertical height. The result is that the plurality of waveforms are displayed on the display screen in an overlapping fashion with sufficient vertical height to enhance triggering, all measurement functions and secondary functions, such as harmonics and switching loss measurements.04-30-2009
20100100346Test and Measurement Instrument and Method of Switching Waveform Display Styles - A test and measurement instrument and method of switching waveform display styles includes acquiring an electrical signal, storing peak detect data samples from the electrical signal to one or more memory devices, storing filtered data samples or unfiltered data from the electrical signal, automatically switching to a first waveform display style having the peak detect data samples configured in a first mode when a user selects the unfiltered data, and automatically switching to a second waveform display style having the peak detect data samples configured in a second mode when the user selects the filtered data samples.04-22-2010

Patent applications by Evan A. Dickinson, Portland, OR US

Gary H. Dickinson, Beaufort, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110041725ANTICOAGULANTS AS ANTIFOULING AGENTS - Methods and compositions are provided for the reduction of fouling of objects present in marine environments. The methods and compositions include anticoagulants, such as, for example, glycosaminoglycans, coumarin-type molecules, metal chelators, plasminogen activators and platelet inhibitors. The methods include reducing marine fouling, comprising incorporating an anticoagulant compound into a marine coating. In addition, the methods include identifying compounds useful for reducing marine fouling, comprising measuring either blood coagulation or barnacle cement polymerization in the presence and absence of the compound, wherein a reduction in the blood coagulation or the barnacle cement polymerization in the presence of the compound identifies the compound as useful for reducing marine fouling. The coagulation or the polymerization can be measured by a serine protease activity or a transglutaminase activity.02-24-2011

Gary L. Dickinson, River Grove, IL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110183594Plasma cutting machine exhaust apparatus and method - An exhaust system for a plasma cutting machine which uses an outside air supply to provide needed airflow to a cutting table thereof is disclosed. Airflow into the cutting table may be controlled and directed to select zones of the cutting table.07-28-2011

Graeme Dickinson, Scottsdale, AZ US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100272982THERMAL SPRAY COATINGS FOR SEMICONDUCTOR APPLICATIONS - This invention relates to thermal spray coatings on a metal or non-metal substrate. The thermal spray coating comprises a partially or fully stabilized ceramic coating, e.g., yttria stabilized zirconia coating, and has sufficiently high thermodynamic phase stability to provide corrosion and/or erosion resistance to the substrate. This invention also relates to methods of protecting metal and non-metal substrates by applying the thermal spray coatings. The coatings are useful, for example, in the protection of integrated circuit manufacturing equipment, internal chamber components, and electrostatic chuck manufacture.10-28-2010

Grant Dickinson, Bellevue, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080270424STANDALONE EXECUTION OF INCOMPLETE DATA FLOWS - Systems, devices, and methods for modularizing data flows and for providing stand-alone execution of incomplete data flows are provided based on an improved data warehousing framework. Data flow modularization and code reuse is improved through the use of the disclosed flowlets and allows for consistent and efficient standalone testing of incomplete data flows. The disclosed details enable various refinements and modifications according to system design considerations.10-30-2008
20090125553ASYNCHRONOUS PROCESSING AND FUNCTION SHIPPING IN SSIS - Systems and methods that integrate data and business logic/functions associated with a data flow. An encapsulation component packages data flow and business logic together as part of a message based asynchronous execution. Such encapsulation component spans a single logical data flow across multiple servers and supports distributed processing, wherein by serializing the function and logic and encapsulating a message in conjunction with data, a unit of work that requires completion can be sent in the message to a server as part of a plurality of servers.05-14-2009
20110219289COMPARING VALUES OF A BOUNDED DOMAIN - Methods, systems, and computer-readable media to compare values of a bounded domain are disclosed. A particular method includes, for each value in a bounded domain, determining a corresponding set of allowable errors associated with the value. The sets of allowable errors are stored at a memory. The method includes determining a comparison score between a first value of the bounded domain and a second value of the bounded domain based on a comparison of a first set of allowable errors corresponding to the first value and a second set of allowable errors corresponding to the second value.09-08-2011

Patent applications by Grant Dickinson, Bellevue, WA US

Hugh Thomas Dickinson, Greensboro, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090188248Exhaust dispersing device for a truck - An engine exhaust dispersing device includes a tubular member having a first portion formed as a generally cylindrical wall and adapted to be mounted in fluid communication with an exhaust outlet and a second portion formed as a longitudinally-sectioned cylindrical wall defining a longitudinally extending opening, and, a wedge surface formed on said second portion and protruding into the longitudinally extending opening, the wedge surface having an apex adjacent or in the first portion and a base at an end of the second portion, the base having a width substantially equal to a width of the second portion.07-30-2009
20100043412Exhaust diffuser for a truck - An exhaust diluting and diffusing apparatus includes a pipe mountable on a exhaust stack pipe, and having a flared skirt inlet to define an annular inlet, a mixing section adjacent the inlet, and an exhaust section formed as a pipe section with a multiplicity of holes. The apparatus pipe has a diameter greater than the diameter of the exhaust stack on which it is mounted.02-25-2010
20100083647Exhaust diffuser for a vocational truck - An exhaust diffuser for a truck includes a chamber mountable on a truck exhaust stack pipe. The chamber has a cross sectional area much greater than the cross sectional area of the exhaust pipe, and has a dispersing element disposed in the line of exhaust flow to divert exhaust gases laterally into the chamber volume. One or both of the top and front side walls are formed as a mesh or screen to allow the dispersed exhaust gases to flow outward away from the truck cab in a diffused area.04-08-2010
20100170228METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRUCK HEATED DUMP BODY - A control device for a truck dump body heating system includes a valve for controlling an exhaust gas flow to either an exhaust stack or an inlet to the dump body heating conduit. The valve may be manually controlled by the operator to select between the exhaust and heating functions. An override detects whether a diesel particulate filter regeneration is being performed, and responsive thereto, causes the valve to direct exhaust gas to the stack, preventing excessive heating of the dump body.07-08-2010
20100314504Support apparatus for an exhaust system - A support apparatus for an exhaust includes a first bracket mountable to a vehicle cab, a spherical bearing carried by the first bracket, a second bracket mountable to an exhaust pipe, and a rod fixedly mounted to the second bracket and extending through the spherical bearing, the rod being freely movable axially in the spherical bearing, and the spherical bearing allowing the rod to pivot relative to the first bracket.12-16-2010

Jaren R. Dickinson, Kearns, UT US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090188633FOLDING PARTITIONS, COMPONENTS THEREFOR AND RELATED METHODS - Folding partitions and related methods and components are provided and may include accordion-style folding doors or partitions having multiple folding panels. In one embodiment, a folding partition includes one or more baffling devices. The baffling device may include an elongated enclosure having a first opening proximate a first longitudinal end of the elongated enclosure, a second opening proximate a second longitudinal end of the elongated enclosure, and a flow path extending from the first opening to the second opening. A sound attenuation chamber may be disposed adjacent the at least one insulative channel disposed adjacent at least a portion of the flow path. In one embodiment, the baffling device may be disposed in, or otherwise associated with, a jamb component of the partition. In another embodiment, the baffling device may be disposed in, or otherwise associated with, the hinged connection of panel sections of a partition panel.07-30-2009
20110024061MOVABLE PARTITIONS, HEADER ASSEMBLIES FOR MOVABLE PARTITIONS, AND METHODS OF FORMING HEADER ASSEMBLIES FOR MOVABLE PARTITIONS - Movable partitions and movable partition system include a header assembly and a movable partition. The header assembly may comprise an elongated overhead track including a first channel, a second channel, and a central channel between the first and second channels. A plurality of support bracket attachment features may be included with at least one support bracket attachment feature on each of an outer surface of the first channel and an outer surface of the second channel. A support bracket may be coupled to each of the support bracket attachment features. The movable partition may comprise a plurality of panels connected to one another with hinge-like member and may be suspended from the overhead track. Embodiments of overhead tracks and methods of forming header assemblies are also disclosed.02-03-2011

Jeffrey M. Dickinson, Manchester, CT US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100207311LIFTING DEVICE CLAMP HAVING A CURVILINEAR SURFACE - A clamp device (08-19-2010

Jonathan Dickinson, Grove City, PA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090276289System and Method for Predicting Likelihood of Customer Attrition and Retention Measures - The present invention relates to a system and method for customer retention. Historical transaction and customer data may be received from stores. Likewise, recent customer transaction data may be received from the stores. The transactions are linked to each customer. Attriters, historical customers who discontinued shopping, are identified. Next, risk factors for attrition may be identified by examining the attriters' transaction history for commonalities. From the risk factors a loss model may be generated. The loss model may be used, in conjunction with current transaction data, to generate the likelihood of loss for each of the current customers, which may then be reported. Retention measures may be generated for each customer by comparing the customer's transactions to the loss model and the risk factors. The retention measures may be outputted to the stores, and a price optimization system. Likewise, the retention measures may be validated by comparing actual customer loss to the loss model.11-05-2009

Jon M. Dickinson, Portland, OR US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090216644Network affinity-group commerce method involving system management fulfilment - An electronic, computer-based, system-manager-supervised, network-commerce, method featuring cloud-computing-type activity, and including (a) forming within an electronic-network a subassembly of selected, distributed, different-affinity-interest, network-connected groups, (b) creating, selectively and distributively within the network, for such groups, selected, controlled-access, physical-electronic, digital-database catalogues of relevant, affinity-interest deliverables via selecting providers of such deliverables, and managing the electronic placement into the catalogues of chosen, selected-provider deliverables, (c) establishing, for and within each such group, vetted and incentivized, group-personnel entrepreneurial activity, wherein at least one so vetted group member is authorized to promote over the network, sales from a relevant catalogue of associated-provider deliverables, and (d) in association with such sales, and utilizing network resources, furnishing ancillary, commerce-related sales support of a character which is common to at least plural ones of such selected affinity-interest groups, but independent of group-specific affinity-interest subject matter.08-27-2009
20100280923ELECTRONIC-COMMERCE, COMMUNICATION-NETWORK METHOD - A sourcing-provider-implemented, electronic-commerce, communication-network method for controlling acquisition-access to electronically-deliverable, affinity-interest deliverables in portions of which rights are held both by a sourcing provider and by a contributing network communicant. The method includes (a) establishing an electronic, network-connected, sourcing-provider-associated-and-controlled catalogue designed to contain at least one such deliverable, (b) vetting the entrepreneurial talent of at least one network communicant relative to the creation, catalogue-placement, and network-acquisition-promotional offering to others, by that one communicant of such a deliverable, whereby, through deliverable-creation and catalogue-placement thereof, the vetted network communicant becomes a contributing network communicant, (c) authorizing the vetted network communicant to become a contributing network communicant, and to create, to place or have placed, and to offer to other network communicants, deliverables-acquisition network access to such a catalogue-placed deliverable, and (d) rewardingly incentivizing such offers.11-04-2010

Patent applications by Jon M. Dickinson, Portland, OR US

Kenneth R. Dickinson, Las Vegas, NV US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090134575PLAYING CARD VAULT - A card vault for attachment to an automatic card shuffling machine, card shoe, card verifying machine and card discard rack is disclosed. The card vault facilitates a system of reducing human handling of cards thereby reducing human error and cheating. Cards may be transferred in a card vault directly from the card verifying machine to an automatic card shuffling machine. After being dealt during one or more table games, the cards are placed in a discard rack and transferred to the card vault for transport to a card verifying machine where the deck is verified. The card vault and contained cards are tracked in substantially real-time using wireless technology such as a RFID transmitter and receiver.05-28-2009
20100213668Automatic Card Shuffler with spaced roller pair - An automatic card shuffler includes a card input unit, card ejection unit, card separation and delivery unit and card collection unit. A card ejection unit ejects cards in a singular fashion from a stack of cards placed into the input unit. The ejected cards are passed through a dynamic de-doubler that prevents more than a pre-established number of cards from passing through. The dynamic de-doubler is able to shift positions to accommodate card that are bent, impacted by environmental conditions and otherwise worn. The cards are ejected to a stop arm maintaining the entrance to the card separation unit. Upon processor command, the stop arm raises to allow a plurality of cards to pass under to the card separation and delivery unit. A series of rotating belts and rollers act to separate the cards and propel them individually to the collection unit. A floating gate slightly forward of the stop arm dictates that a minimum number of cards are managed simultaneously. The shuffler is controlled by a processing unit in communication with multiple internal sensors.08-26-2010

Patent applications by Kenneth R. Dickinson, Las Vegas, NV US

Kent Dickinson, Covington, GA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090266722REUSABLE SHIPPING CONTAINER AND SYSTEMS THEREOF - A container system includes a container for shipping a parcel and a labeling system for providing information about the shipping of the container, such as to/from information. The container system further includes a closure mechanism for closing the lid of the container, a protection system for protecting the item housed in the container, and a rail system for supporting the container and maintaining its structure.10-29-2009

Kent H. Dickinson, Covington, GA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080203090SHIPPING CONTAINER, SYSTEM AND PACKING METHOD, ALONG WITH REUSABLE PACKING ACCESSORY FOR USE THEREWITH - A reusable shipping system comprises a closable shipping container and a packing ensemble disposed in the container's interior which includes an expandable cushioning assembly and at least one reusable packing accessory. The expandable cushioning assembly may be a layered arrangement having at least one foam layer and an inflatable bladder, while the packing accessory may be one or more cushioned bags or the like. Methods are also described for preparing a shipping container having a padded interior and a layered cushioning assembly. One or more items are inserted into the shipping container, and its cushioning assembly is thereafter expanded, for example by inflating a bladder, to compress the container's padded interior against the item(s).08-28-2008
20090166238Shipping container - The present invention provides a reusable container for shipping parcels that is both durable for repeated use and is provided with a reusable, inflatable bladder, cushioning material. The container includes an improved closure that both protects the container contents and is durable enough to serve as a support surface for other containers stacked thereon. The container also employs a seal to prevent water intrusion, is configured to nest for storage, and employs an improved lifting and carrying system that evenly distributes the weight of the container.07-02-2009
20100072211REUSABLE SHIPPING CONTAINER AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME - Embodiments disclose a reusable shipping container. The container may comprise six multi-layered walls of a plastic material. Further, the container may comprise a rail fastened to a top edge of the container with a plurality of first fasteners, wherein the fasteners penetrate on the rail, a first layer and a second layer of the container. Moreover, the container may comprise an insulation layer of vacuum insulation material and an inner layer corresponding to each wall of the container. Methods are also described for packing a parcel for shipment. The insulation layer and the inner layer are inserted into the container, wherein the inner layer encloses the parcel. Thereafter, an insulation layer corresponding to a top wall is inserted and the top wall is closed.03-25-2010

Patent applications by Kent H. Dickinson, Covington, GA US

Kirk W. Dickinson, Newcastle, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090134091Method for removing undesirable components from water while containing, cultivating, and harvesting photosynthetic marine microorganisms within water - Undesirable components are removed from water while photosynthetic marine microorganisms within the water are contained, cultivated, and harvested. An apparatus is placed within the water. The apparatus has a mesh lining adapted to permit the water, the undesirable components, and nutrients to enter through the mesh lining while at least substantially preventing the marine microorganisms that are being cultivated from escaping through the mesh lining. The marine microorganisms are cultivated, including by adding the nutrients to the water. The nutrients at least accelerate growth of the marine microorganisms, where the marine microorganisms feed off the undesirable components and the nutrients. The marine microorganisms that have been cultivated are then harvested, which includes removing the marine microorganisms from the water.05-28-2009
20090137025Apparatus for containing, cultivating, and harvesting photosynthetic marine microorganisms within water - An apparatus contains photosynthetic marine microorganisms within water, to permit the marine microorganisms to be cultivated and harvested. A self-supporting buoyant frame of the apparatus is to be placed within the water. A mesh lining of the apparatus is situated within the interior of the frame. The mesh lining is adapted to permit the water and nutrients to enter through the mesh lining while at least substantially preventing the marine microorganisms that are being cultivated from escaping through the mesh lining. A funnel of the apparatus is attached to a corresponding hole at a bottom of the mesh lining, and is adapted to permit the marine microorganisms that have been cultivated to be harvested. A buoyancy leveling subsystem of the apparatus is adapted to control an extent to which the frame is submerged within the water.05-28-2009

Larry C. Dickinson, Apex, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090056237SHELTER AND ASSOCIATED METHOD OF ASSEMBLY - A shelter comprises a roof, a floor, and a plurality of side walls secured to the floor and the roof. At least one of the floor, the roof, and the plurality of side walls comprises an exterior panel, an interior panel, and an attachment device secured to the exterior panel and the interior panel for relative movement of the exterior panel and the interior panel between collapsed and expanded positions. An associated method of assembling the shelter is disclosed.03-05-2009

Larry D. Dickinson, Richardson, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090135314Method and System for Controlling Deformable Micromirror Devices - A method and system for controlling deformable micromirror devices are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a display system includes multiple deformable micromirror devices, a buffer, and a controller. Each deformable micromirror device includes a plurality of micromirrors. The buffer is communicatively coupled, at a first interface speed, to each deformable micromirror device. The buffer is operable to communicate in parallel with the deformable micromirror devices. The controller is communicatively coupled, at a second interface speed, to the buffer. The controller is operable to receive a display input and, in response, generate a plurality signals each corresponding to an optical characteristic of the display input. The controller is further operable to sequentially communicate each of the plurality of signals through the buffer to a corresponding one of the deformable micromirror devices. Each deformable micromirror device receives at least a subset of the plurality of signals.05-28-2009
20110043700Method and Apparatus for Analog Graphics Sample Clock Frequency Offset Detection and Verification - A method and apparatus for an analog-to-digital video signal converter. The converter is controlled by a clock with controllable frequency and phase for sampling an analog signal. A circuit corrects the clock frequency using a period of a columnar frame differences as a function of columnar location. The sampling clock frequency is changed by an amount dependent on the period of the columnar differences. A second measure of the difference between successive frames is computed for a sequence of clock phases. The frequency of the clock is verified using a characteristic of the second measure. The characteristic can be the ratio of the maximum to the minimum of the second measure over selected clock phases. Other characteristics can be used such as a difference of a maximum and a minimum measure.02-24-2011

Patent applications by Larry D. Dickinson, Richardson, TX US

Matthew Dickinson, Chicago, IL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090237573Remote control and method of using same for controlling entertainment equipment - A universal smart remote control includes intelligence software and algorithms that have been programmed into the remote control's microprocessor memory, and a large display which is used to prompt the user to take certain actions. The remote control provides guidance to the user in setting up and operating the various components of his or her entertainment system, and asks the user non-technical questions that are understandable to the user.09-24-2009

Paul R. Dickinson, Johns Creek, GA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120020635TOOL FOR ROUTING AN OPTICAL FIBER OR CABLE AT A LIVING UNIT OF CUSTOMER PREMISES - A tool for routing an optical fiber or a cable over a desired span on a visible supporting surface at a given premises. The tool includes a rod with a handle, and a reel or spool is mounted on the rod for storing a length of an optical fiber or a cable to be routed. An adhesive coating assembly is fixed on the rod for providing an adhesive on the fiber when the fiber is unwound from the spool during use of the tool. A fiber routing applicator is disposed at the distal end of the rod. The routing applicator is dimensioned and arranged to travel over the supporting surface at the premises to route the fiber with the adhesive thereon over the desired span, while urging the fiber against the surface so that the fiber adheres to the surface.01-26-2012

Richard L. Dickinson, Seattle, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090064303TRANSFERABLE RESTRICTED SECURITY TOKENS - In a web-based service environment, third party providers need to have varying degrees of access to user data for their complementary services. To prevent third party providers from having broader access than necessary or not adequate levels of access, transferable restricted security tickets are employed to determine an appropriate level of access for third parties. Tickets with expiration and restriction roles define a duration and level of access for a third party. The restrictions are determined through an intersection of the authorizing user's security role and restriction roles defined in the system.03-05-2009
20110307798Merging Modifications to User Interface Components While Preserving User Customizations - An application displays a user interface (UI) component. A client can apply customizations to this UI component. After the client applies customizations to the UI component, the client modifies a solution set containing solutions that modify the UI component. After the client modifies the solution set, the application displays a new version of the UI component. Modifications provided by the solutions in the solution set are applied to the new version of the UI component. In addition, the customizations remain applied to the UI component without the client manually re-applying the customizations to the UI component.12-15-2011

Patent applications by Richard L. Dickinson, Seattle, WA US

Roger Dickinson, Torrington, CT US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110308777Cooling Module with Multiple Parallel Blowers - A cooling fan module for motivating air flow through an electronics chassis includes an enclosure having an air inlet through which cooling air flow is motivated by at least two centrifugal blowers disposed within the enclosure. The centrifugal blowers operate in parallel to motivate the cooling air flow along a first direction vector, while the respective axes of rotation of the centrifugal blower impellers are in substantial axial alignment with one another, and parallel to the first direction vector.12-22-2011

Roger B. Dickinson, Torrington, CT US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110088867System for and Method of Rotating Wheels in Rotary Air-to-Air Energy and Moisture Transfer Systems - The disclosed system provides heat and/or moisture transfer between two counter-flowing air streams. The system comprises: a frame; a transfer wheel having a periphery spaced from the frame so as to form a gap therebetween, and including a transfer matrix mounted and rotationally secured relative to the frame so that the wheel can simultaneously rotate through the two separate, counter-flowing air streams; a sealing arrangement configured so as to seal the transfer wheel to the frame so that as the wheel rotates through the two separate counter-flowing air streams, the two air streams flow through the transfer matrix while remaining sealed from one another; and an electromagnetic actuator including rotational components secured relative to the wheel configured to generate flux across the gap and stationary components secured relative to the frame configured to impart a tractive force to the rotational components in response to polyphase power supplied to the stationary components.04-21-2011
20110280748Centrifugal Blower with Partitioned Scroll Diffuser - A centrifugal blower having at least one radial plane dividing its scroll into sub-sections which may vary as to cut-off points and axial and radial dimensions as well as axial displacement to meet requirements of individual application system flow paths.11-17-2011

Steven J. Dickinson, Everett, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110071942SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFERRING ACCOUNT INFORMATION, SUCH AS INFORMATION REGARDING A FINANCIAL SERVICES ACCOUNT - A system for transferring a customer's account information from one account to a new account is described. The system utilizes a switch kit application and associated system that can determine services at the old account and facilitate the transfer of these services to the new account.03-24-2011

Theodore E. Dickinson, Huffman, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090130007Gas-Liquid Contactor - A contactor for reacting a flow of gas with a liquid, comprises a vessel, a first chamber in the vessel and a second chamber in the vessel, the first and second chambers being linked only by a porous wall, and means for directing ultrasonic noise into at least one of the first and second chambers.05-21-2009
20090220620Functional Fluid and a Process for the Preparation of the Functional Fluid - A functional fluid for the removal of contaminates such as but not limited to, acid causing components in gas, sulfur components and carbon oxides from fluid streams, and removal and treatment of NO09-03-2009

Timothy Dickinson, Crystal Lake, IL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110074701METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN TOUCH SYSTEM MANIPULATORS - A touch system user interface determines a signal profile associated with the use of a manipulator with a touch sensor component. The signal profile corresponding to a plurality of signal levels along a surface of the touch sensor component. The system calculates a geometrical attribute of that portion of the signal profile that exceeds a threshold signal value (e.g., the area or shape of the region) and determines a type of the manipulator (e.g., stylus, human finger, etc.) based on the calculated geometrical attribute.03-31-2011

Timothy A. Dickinson, Crystal Lake, IL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110273376Stylus Devices Having Variable Electrical Characteristics for Capacitive Touchscreens - Disclosed are devices and methods of stylus devices that when in contact with a capacitive touchscreen and a grounding element, can vary the signal level detected on a capacitive touchscreen to create a more realistic writing experience. Disclosed are elements of a touchscreen stylus, which individually or in combination, can enable a touchscreen stylus to have at least one electrical characteristic that is variable. In this way the resistive link between the touchscreen and a grounding element can be varied to enable features such as a capability to vary the width of line being drawn, to vary a region of influence on the touchscreen and/or to vary a temperament of action. The elements of a disclosed stylus can include at least one mechanical feature to provide at least one electrical characteristic that is variable and/or at least one material in an arrangement to provide at least one electrical characteristic that is variable.11-10-2011

Venus V. Dickinson, Milwaukee, WI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090013452Flexible Spout for a Portable Urinal - A urinal includes a urine receiving reservoir and a spout extending therefrom for receiving urine. In a preferred embodiment, the spout may be composed of a bendable resilient material and the reservoir may be composed of the same resilient material. A method of modifying a standard portable urinal by replacing the supplied cap with a flexible extender spout is also disclosed.01-15-2009