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Ferrari, US

Adam J. Ferrari, Cambridge, MA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120095991	SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INFORMATION RETRIEVAL FROM OBJECT COLLECTIONS WITH COMPLEX INTERRELATIONSHIPS - A data-driven information navigation system and method enable search and analysis of a set of objects or other materials by certain common attributes that characterize the materials, as well as by relationships among the materials. The invention includes several aspects of a data-driven information navigation system that employs this navigation mode. The navigation system of the present invention includes features of a knowledge base, a navigation model that defines and enables computation of a collection of navigation states, a process for computing navigation states that represent incremental refinements relative to a given navigation state, and methods of implementing the preceding features.	04-19-2012

Anthony Ferrari, Mcdonough, GA US

Anthony Thomas Ferrari, Mcdonough, GA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090320933	Weeping System for Fire Hydrant Having a Protective Valve or Device - Embodiments of the present invention provide improved weeping systems adapted for use with fire hydrants having protection systems. The weeping systems provide one or more check valves adapted to assist air to exit through a weeping hole of the hydrant.	12-31-2009

Enrico Ferrari, Farmington Hills, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090006238	MATCH SERVER FOR A FINANCIAL EXCHANGE HAVING FAULT TOLERANT OPERATION - Fault tolerant operation is disclosed for a primary match server of a financial exchange using an active copy-cat instance, a.k.a. backup match server, that mirrors operations in the primary match server, but only after those operations have successfully completed in the primary match server. Fault tolerant logic monitors inputs and outputs of the primary match server and gates those inputs to the backup match server once a given input has been processed. The outputs of the backup match server are then compared with the outputs of the primary match server to ensure correct operation. The disclosed embodiments further relate to fault tolerant failover mechanism allowing the backup match server to take over for the primary match server in a fault situation wherein the primary and backup match servers are loosely coupled, i.e. they need not be aware that they are operating in a fault tolerant environment. As such, the primary match server need not be specifically designed or programmed to interact with the fault tolerant mechanisms. Instead, the primary match server need only be designed to adhere to specific basic operating guidelines and shut itself down when it cannot do so. By externally controlling the ability of the primary match server to successfully adhere to its operating guidelines, the fault tolerant mechanisms of the disclosed embodiments can recognize error conditions and easily failover from the primary match server to the backup match server.	01-01-2009
20090106328	FAULT TOLERANCE AND FAILOVER USING ACTIVE COPY-CAT - Fault tolerant operation is disclosed for a primary instance, such as a process, thread, application, processor, etc., using an active copy-cat instance, a.k.a. backup instance, that mirrors operations in the primary instance, but only after those operations have successfully completed in the primary instance. Fault tolerant logic monitors inputs and outputs of the primary instance and gates those inputs to the backup instance once a given input has been processed. The outputs of the backup instance are then compared with the outputs of the primary instance to ensure correct operation. The disclosed embodiments further relate to fault tolerant failover mechanism allowing the backup instance to take over for the primary instance in a fault situation wherein the primary and backup instances are loosely coupled, i.e. they need not be aware that they are operating in a fault tolerant environment. As such, the primary instance need not be specifically designed or programmed to interact with the fault tolerant mechanisms. Instead, the primary instance need only be designed to adhere to specific basic operating guidelines and shut itself down when it cannot do so. By externally controlling the ability of the primary instance to successfully adhere to its operating guidelines, the fault tolerant mechanisms of the disclosed embodiments can recognize error conditions and easily failover from the primary instance to the backup instance.	04-23-2009
20100017647	MATCH SERVER FOR A FINANCIAL EXCHANGE HAVING FAULT TOLERANT OPERATION - Fault tolerant operation is disclosed for a primary match server of a financial exchange using an active copy-cat instance, a.k.a. backup match server, that mirrors operations in the primary match server, but only after those operations have successfully completed in the primary match server. Fault tolerant logic monitors inputs and outputs of the primary match server and gates those inputs to the backup match server once a given input has been processed. The outputs of the backup match server are then compared with the outputs of the primary match server to ensure correct operation. The disclosed embodiments further relate to fault tolerant failover mechanism allowing the backup match server to take over for the primary match server in a fault situation wherein the primary and backup match servers are loosely coupled, i.e. they need not be aware that they are operating in a fault tolerant environment. As such, the primary match server need not be specifically designed or programmed to interact with the fault tolerant mechanisms. Instead, the primary match server need only be designed to adhere to specific basic operating guidelines and shut itself down when it cannot do so. By externally controlling the ability of the primary match server to successfully adhere to its operating guidelines, the fault tolerant mechanisms of the disclosed embodiments can recognize error conditions and easily failover from the primary match server to the backup match server.	01-21-2010
20100100475	Match Server For A Financial Exchange Having Fault Tolerant Operation - Fault tolerant operation is disclosed for a primary match server of a financial exchange using an active copy-cat instance, a.k.a. backup match server, that mirrors operations in the primary match server, but only after those operations have successfully completed in the primary match server. Fault tolerant logic monitors inputs and outputs of the primary match server and gates those inputs to the backup match server once a given input has been processed. The outputs of the backup match server are then compared with the outputs of the primary match server to ensure correct operation. The disclosed embodiments further relate to fault tolerant failover mechanism allowing the backup match server to take over for the primary match server in a fault situation wherein the primary and backup match servers are loosely coupled, i.e. they need not be aware that they are operating in a fault tolerant environment. As such, the primary match server need not be specifically designed or programmed to interact with the fault tolerant mechanisms. Instead, the primary match server need only be designed to adhere to specific basic operating guidelines and shut itself down when it cannot do so. By externally controlling the ability of the primary match server to successfully adhere to its operating guidelines, the fault tolerant mechanisms of the disclosed embodiments can recognize error conditions and easily failover from the primary match server to the backup match server.	04-22-2010
20110246819	FAULT TOLERANCE AND FAILOVER USING ACTIVE COPY-CAT - Fault tolerant operation is disclosed for a primary instance, such as a process, thread, application, processor, etc., using an active copy-cat instance, a.k.a. backup instance, that mirrors operations in the primary instance, but only after those operations have successfully completed in the primary instance. Fault tolerant logic monitors inputs and outputs of the primary instance and gates those inputs to the backup instance once a given input has been processed. The outputs of the backup instance are then compared with the outputs of the primary instance to ensure correct operation. The disclosed embodiments further relate to fault tolerant failover mechanism allowing the backup instance to take over for the primary instance in a fault situation wherein the primary and backup instances are loosely coupled, i.e. they need not be aware that they are operating in a fault tolerant environment. As such, the primary instance need not be specifically designed or programmed to interact with the fault tolerant mechanisms. Instead, the primary instance need only be designed to adhere to specific basic operating guidelines and shut itself down when it cannot do so. By externally controlling the ability of the primary instance to successfully adhere to its operating guidelines, the fault tolerant mechanisms of the disclosed embodiments can recognize error conditions and easily failover from the primary instance to the backup instance.	10-06-2011
20110252273	MATCH SERVER FOR A FINANCIAL EXCHANGE HAVING FAULT TOLERANT OPERATION - Fault tolerant operation is disclosed for a primary match server of a financial exchange using an active copy-cat instance, a.k.a. backup match server, that mirrors operations in the primary match server, but only after those operations have successfully completed in the primary match server. Fault tolerant logic monitors inputs and outputs of the primary match server and gates those inputs to the backup match server once a given input has been processed. The outputs of the backup match server are then compared with the outputs of the primary match server to ensure correct operation. The disclosed embodiments further relate to fault tolerant failover mechanism allowing the backup match server to take over for the primary match server in a fault situation wherein the primary and backup match servers are loosely coupled, i.e. they need not be aware that they are operating in a fault tolerant environment. As such, the primary match server need not be specifically designed or programmed to interact with the fault tolerant mechanisms. Instead, the primary match server need only be designed to adhere to specific basic operating guidelines and shut itself down when it cannot do so. By externally controlling the ability of the primary match server to successfully adhere to its operating guidelines, the fault tolerant mechanisms of the disclosed embodiments can recognize error conditions and easily failover from the primary match server to the backup match server.	10-13-2011
20120011391	MATCH SERVER FOR A FINANCIAL EXCHANGE HAVING FAULT TOLERANT OPERATION - Fault tolerant operation is disclosed for a primary match server of a financial exchange using an active copy-cat instance that mirrors operations in the primary match server, but only after those operations have successfully completed in the primary match server. Fault tolerant logic monitors inputs and outputs of the primary match server and gates those inputs to the backup match server once a given input has been processed. The outputs of the backup match server are then compared with the outputs of the primary match server to ensure correct operation. The disclosed embodiments further relate to fault tolerant failover mechanism allowing the backup match server to take over for the primary match server in a fault situation wherein the primary and backup match servers are loosely coupled. As such, the primary match server need not be specifically designed or programmed to interact with the fault tolerant mechanisms.	01-12-2012

Fabio Ferrari, Irving, TX US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100072558	METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING HIGH-STABILITY RESISTORS, SUCH AS HIGH OHMIC POLY RESISTORS, INTEGRATED ON A SEMICONDUCTOR SUBSTRATE - A method for protecting a circuit component on a semiconductor substrate from a plasma etching or other removal process includes forming a screening layer over an auxiliary layer to conceal at least an area of the auxiliary layer that overlays at least a portion of the circuit component, such as for example a high-ohmic poly resistor. The method transfers a pattern defined by a mask onto the screening layer by selectively removing portions of the screening layer in accordance with the pattern. Portions of the auxiliary layer that are not protected by the screening layer are removed using a plasma gas selective to the auxiliary layer material, without removing the area of the auxiliary layer that overlays the portion of the circuit component, thereby protecting the circuit component from the plasma gas via the screening layer and auxiliary layer.	03-25-2010

Forrest K. Ferrari, Chapel Hill, NC US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090004743	HELPER VIRUS-FREE AAV PRODUCTION - A method for the production of adeno-associated virus stocks and recombinant adeno-associated virus stocks that are substantially free of contaminating helper virus is described. The method utilizes transfection with helper virus vectors to replace the infection with helper virus used in the conventional method.	01-01-2009

Gianluca Ferrari, Medina, OH US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080207843	Method To Manufacture A Compartmentalized Pellet Directly From A Reactor - This specification discloses how to make a compartmentalized pellet from a reactor by not reducing the temperature of the reacted product to below its glass transition temperature.	08-28-2008
20090054601	COMPOSITION FOR MAINTAINING GOOD COLOR WHEN THERMALLY TREATING POLYESTER-POLYAMIDE BLENDS - A specially structured article is described which allows products made from the article to undergo a second heating without a dramatic color shift. This permits more recycled products from the material used to make the article.	02-26-2009

John Ferrari, Caldwell, NJ US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100051659	HANGING TAB AND METHOD OF HANGING - A tab can be secured to the pliable face of a carrier or other article in order to hang the carrier or article from a slot. The carrier may be a personal carrier with carrying straps, such as a backpack or a bag with carrying handles. The slot can be furnished by a downwardly directed vent slot on a locker door, by a slotted bracket, or by some other slotted device. The disclosed tab is secured at its upper end, reaching a location on the tab at least one quarter of the way from the upper end toward the lower end. The tab normally lies flat against the pliable face, but this face is flexible to allow the lower end of the tab to articulate away from the pliable face. In some cases clothes can be loaded into the personal carrier before inserting its tab into a vent slot in a locker door. The tab is inserted to a depth sufficient to prevent the lower end of the tab from articulating upwardly enough to allow the tab to disengage the vent slot. Then a user can retrieve clothes, books, and other articles from the carrier while the carrier is hung on the locker door.	03-04-2010

John Ferrari, Nashua, NH US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090173822	Distributed infrared countermeasure installation for fixed wing aircraft - A distributed aircraft defense system involving infrared countermeasures is installed in a distributive fashion for commercial aircraft, typically fixed wing aircraft, in which maintenance downtime is minimized due to the ability to access, remove, test, fix and/or replace individual modules within the distributed system.	07-09-2009

Justin Ferrari, Seattle, WA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090019141	Network management - A tool for managing a computer network includes a gateway service module that identifies a gateway for a network and a network information service module. The network information service module identifies devices in the network, determines at least one property for each of the identified devices, and creates a network information data structure for storing device properties. A communication agent service module transmits at least one determined device property to other agent service modules associated with the network, receives at least one device property from another agent service module associated with the network, and provides the received at least one property device to the network information service module. A method of monitoring a computer network is also provided. The method includes identifying devices in a network, determining at least one property for each of the identified devices, receiving at least one determined device property from another device the network, and creating a network information data structure for storing the determined device properties.	01-15-2009
20110167141	NETWORK MANAGEMENT - A tool for managing a computer network includes a gateway service module that identifies a gateway for a network and a network information service module. The network information service module identifies devices in the network, determines at least one property for each of the identified devices, and creates a network information data structure for storing device properties. A communication agent service module transmits at least one determined device property to other agent service modules associated with the network, receives at least one device property from another agent service module associated with the network, and provides the received at least one property device to the network information service module. A method of monitoring a computer network is also provided. The method includes identifying devices in a network, determining at least one property for each of the identified devices, receiving at least one determined device property from another device the network, and creating a network information data structure for storing the determined device properties.	07-07-2011
20110167145	NETWORK MANAGEMENT - A tool for managing a computer network includes a gateway service module that identifies a gateway for a network and a network information service module. The network information service module identifies devices in the network, determines at least one property for each of the identified devices, and creates a network information data structure for storing device properties. A communication agent service module transmits at least one determined device property to other agent service modules associated with the network, receives at least one device property from another agent service module associated with the network, and provides the received at least one property device to the network information service module. A method of monitoring a computer network is also provided. The method includes identifying devices in a network, determining at least one property for each of the identified devices, receiving at least one determined device property from another device the network, and creating a network information data structure for storing the determined device properties.	07-07-2011
20110167154	NETWORK MANAGEMENT - A tool for managing a computer network includes a gateway service module that identifies a gateway for a network and a network information service module. The network information service module identifies devices in the network, determines at least one property for each of the identified devices, and creates a network information data structure for storing device properties. A communication agent service module transmits at least one determined device property to other agent service modules associated with the network, receives at least one device property from another agent service module associated with the network, and provides the received at least one property device to the network information service module. A method of monitoring a computer network is also provided. The method includes identifying devices in a network, determining at least one property for each of the identified devices, receiving at least one determined device property from another device the network, and creating a network information data structure for storing the determined device properties.	07-07-2011

Michael G. Ferrari, Sycamore Township, OH US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090158951	Printed article and method of making same - An article is printed based upon predetermined artwork. The artwork includes the specification of a palette of ink colors to be used in printing the article. Each of the colors is specified by a full tone color target and an undertone color target. Each ink formulation has a combined full tone L-C-H-a-b dE equal to or less than about 2, and a combined undertone dE less than or equal to about 3. The specification of ink colors may also include a light fastness value. The ink colors may be further specified by way of a proofing index value.	06-25-2009

Michael G. Ferrari, Cincinnati, OH US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090008275	Package and merchandising system - A package and product merchandising system comprising the package. The package includes a package wall which in turn includes a display element visible from the exterior of the package. The package includes a power receiving element operably connected to the display element. The system includes a sensor, a power distribution element, and a controller, operably connected to each of the sensor and to the power distribution element. The controller receives an output of the sensor as an input and provides a first output profile to the power distribution element, the power distribution element receives the output profile from the controller and provides a power profile to the power receiving element. The power receiving element provides a characteristic change profile to the display element. The display element changes at least one characteristic in response to the characteristic change profile.	01-08-2009
20090261114	Package and Merchandising System - A sensory interactable packaging assembly having a base and a container. The base has a power supply. The container may contain a consumer product. The container is removably attachable to the base. The container has an outer surface and a sensory interactable element disposed on the outer surface and a control system having an output. The control system is s in electrical communication with the sensory interactable element and the sensory interactable element is responsive to the output of the control system when the container is proximate to the base and the control system is in electrical communication with the power supply.	10-22-2009

Michael Guercio Ferrari, Cincinnati, OH US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100006462	PACKAGING ASSEMBLY HAVING A SENSORY INTERACTABLE ELEMENT - A sensory interactable packaging assembly having a base and a container. The base has a power supply. The container may contain a consumer product. The container is removably attachable to the base. The container has an outer surface and a sensory interactable element disposed on the outer surface and a control system having an output. The control system is s in electrical communication with the sensory interactable element and the sensory interactable element is responsive to the output of the control system when the container is proximate to the base and the control system is in electrical communication with the power supply.	01-14-2010

Michael R. Ferrari, West Des Moines, IA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110137794	METHOD OF SAVING FOR A TIME DELAYED PURCHASE - A method of saving for a time delayed purchase includes establishing a savings account through a website provided by a third party service provider. The savings account establishes the savings goal, the time frame, the recommended contribution, and the savings category and/or category of retailer(s). Once established, a customer designates the account as public or private. For a private account, funds are transferred from the customer's financial institution based upon approved parameters. For a public account, a notification is sent to potential third party contributors who make a gift to the public account that is held by the service provider. The customer is given the option of accepting the gift, whereby funds are transferred from the service provider to the public account.	06-09-2011

Michael T. Ferrari, Shrewsbury, MA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090276666	SYSTEM, METHOD, AND ADAPTER FOR CREATING FAULT-TOLERANT COMMUNICATION BUSSES FROM STANDARD COMPONENTS - A system, method, and adapter for creating fault-tolerant communication busses from standard components, are described. Fault-tolerant interface logic is provided for transmitting and receiving system health and system management signals to and from a module that is designed to be connected to a single RS-485 bus. The fault-tolerant interface logic enables the module to selectively communicate via at least two redundant half-duplex, multipoint, differential RS-485 busses. The fault-tolerant interface logic includes a first RS-485 transceiver connected to a first RS-485 bus, a second RS-485 transceiver connected to a second RS-485 bus, selector logic responsive to a control signal for selecting one of the first and the second busses to receive signals from and for transmitting the received signals to the module, and software logic executable on a baseboard management controller (BMC) chip. The software logic includes control logic for monitoring the health of the selected bus and for providing the control signal to the selector logic.	11-05-2009

Sarah Ferrari, Hagerstown, MD US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100163127	SAMPLING APPARATUS - A sampling apparatus for sampling a fluid from a fluid source includes a first fluid passage device, a second fluid passage device and a fluid by-pass. The first fluid passage device is disposed downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid source. The second fluid passage device is disposed downstream of and is in fluid communication with the first fluid passage device. The fluid by-pass is disposed downstream of the fluid source and upstream of the second fluid passage device. The fluid by-pass being in fluid communication with and disposed between the fluid source and the second fluid passage device is operative to cause a first portion of the fluid to flow through the first fluid passage device and to cause a second portion of the fluid to by-pass the first fluid passage device and to flow to the second fluid passage device.	07-01-2010
20120067793	PACKAGE OF WATER TREATMENT PELLETS, A WATER TREATMENT FEEDER DEVICE EMPLOYING THE PACKAGE OF WATER TREATMENT PELLETS AND A WATER TREATMENT FEEDER SYSTEM - A package of water treatment pellets includes a first container and a second container. The first container is fabricated from a water-dissolvable sheet material and the first container is filled with and encases the water treatment pellets. The second container is fabricated from a non-water-dissolvable, porous material and is sized and adapted to receive the first container filled with and encasing the water treatment pellets. A water treatment feeder device includes a hollow, box-shaped magazine body defining an internal magazine chamber and a plurality of porous holders disposed in the internal magazine chamber. Each one of the plurality of porous holders retains a respective one of the packages of water treatment pellets. A water treatment feeder system for a structure operative to circulate water thereabout incorporates the water treatment feeder device and the package of water treatment pellets.	03-22-2012
20120067829	WATER TREATMENT FEEDER DEVICE AND A WATER TREATMENT FEEDER SYSTEM - A water treatment feed device includes a hopper and a receptacle. The hopper has a granule-receiving compartment defined by an upper hopper portion and a lower V-shaped hopper portion connected to the upper hopper portion. The lower V-shaped hopper portion is fabricated from a porous material having a plurality of pores sized to at least substantially retain conventional water treatment granules therein. The receptacle has a water-receiving compartment with a weir disposed therein to divide the water-receiving compartment into a water inlet sub-compartment and a water outlet sub-compartment with the water inlet sub-compartment sized to receive the hopper loaded with conventional water treatment granules. A water treatment feed system and a method for dissolving conventional water treatment granules in water are also described.	03-22-2012

Stefano Ferrari, Rhinebeck, NY US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080213188	NOVEL OPHTHALMIC COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING HUMAN RECOMBINANT LYSOZYME AND USE THEREOF FOR TREATING EYE CONDITIONS AND AS CONTACT LENS SOLUTIONS - An ophthalmic solution comprising: a) a human recombinant lysozyme; b) one or more natural lacrophyl substances; c) water; and d) optionally one or more therapeutic substances. The ophthalmic solution is useful to treat dry eye conditions and eye inflammation and also to condition and/or cleanse contact lenses. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader quickly to ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the appended issued claims.	09-04-2008
20080213242	COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR TREATING PAPILLOMA VIRUS AND EQUINE SARCOIDS - A composition of lysozyme and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is active against the papilloma virus in both humans and animals. The composition can be used to treat women suffering from cervical cancer. The composition can also be used to treat cows and horses suffering sarcoids. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader quickly to ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the appended issued claims. 37 CFR §1.72(b).	09-04-2008
20080254079	NOVEL COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING LYSOZYME AND C-1/C-4 POLYSACCHARIDES AND USE THEREOF IN ORAL CARE, COSMETOLOGY AND DERMATOLOGY, CONTRACEPTION, UROLOGY AND GYNECOLOGY - A composition comprising a content of a lysozyme and a content of a C-1/C-4 polysaccharide is useful in oral care, cosmetology and dermatology, contraception, urology and gynecology. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader quickly to ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the appended issued claims. 37 CFR § 1.72(b).	10-16-2008
20110027255	Composition and Method for Treating Papilloma Virus and Equine Sarcoids - A composition of lysozyme and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is active against the papilloma virus in both humans and animals. The composition can be used to treat women suffering from cervical cancer. The composition can also be used to treat cows and horses suffering sarcoids.	02-03-2011

Tori Lynn Ferrari, Knoxville, TN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110205021	Global trak - My invention “Global Trak” is comprised of a GPS tracking unit, a lithium ion battery, a microprocessor, and a plastic square protective carrier. This invention is intended to be used for airline passengers whom want to know where their luggage is located at all times. The unit will be linked to a GPS unit, and a computer program which will enable passengers the ability to “track” their luggage. The GPS unit contained in the plastic square protective carrier will enable the unit to communicate with a satellite and then in turn send data to a computer program. The microprocessor contained in the unit may also contain information specific to the passenger. The lithium ion battery will power the GPS unit and microprocessor. The plastic protective carrier can either be used as a “luggage type tag” or can be stored in the luggage itself.	08-25-2011

Victoria Ferrari, Royersford, PA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120035668	Derotation Apparatus For Treating Spinal Irregularities - Treatment of spinal irregularities, including, in one or more embodiments, derotation apparatus and systems that can be used to reduce the rotation of vertebral bodies. Derotation apparatus that may comprise a tube assembly comprising an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve disposed over the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve may have a distal end for attachment to an implant. The tube assembly may further comprise a handle assembly. The tube assembly may further comprise a ball joint assembly disposed between the tube assembly and the handle assembly. The ball joint assembly may comprise a ball joint configured for attachment to a coupling rod. The ball joint assembly further may comprise a reducing extension below the ball joint, the reducing extension being sized to fit in a central bore of the inner sleeve. Orthopedic fixation devices comprising a ball joint are also disclosed.	02-09-2012