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Ferreira, US

Alexandre G. Ferreira, Sammamish, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090327784ENERGY MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES FOR COMPUTING SYSTEMS - An energy measurement system (“EMS”) and techniques for correlating energy consumption to computing system activity. The EMS includes a data acquisition module, a processing module, and optionally a visualization module. The data acquisition module receives and transmits to the processing unit a number of sampled data streams, referred to as “data acquisition traces,” associated with a computing system under test (“SUT”). The processing module concurrently receives one or more system traces from the SUT, which are produced by particular components under examination by the EMS. Synchronization is established between the data acquisition traces and the system trace(s) when the SUT executes certain predetermined actions to produce data in both the data acquisition traces and the system trace(s), which data is used to logically align the traces. Then, as test scenarios are executed by the SUT, changes are monitored in the traces, and energy consumption is quantified.12-31-2009
20100295856DATA ANALYSIS AND VISUALIZATION SYSTEM AND TECHNIQUES - A data visualization and analysis system (“DVAS”) is described, which provides techniques and data models for modeling, storing, retrieving, analyzing, and visually representing large data sets in a rapid, lightweight, flexible, and highly interactive fashion. A data model and various techniques are described with reference to trace data sets, which are files or other data storage constructs used to record information regarding certain defined events occurring during operation of a computing system or a portion thereof. The DVAS receives and parses one or more trace data sets to create a data model that includes a number of layers and other inner or auxiliary data structures. Based on the data model, the DVAS visually renders one or more sets of geometric objects in accordance with different drawing modes. The drawing modes, which are dynamic and interactive, enable users to effectively visually identify patterns within the trace data sets.11-25-2010

Chris Ferreira, Hampton, NH US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120079742Easy Slip Shoe - Embodiments of the present invention relate to a construction of a shoe that includes a tongue that has a first fastener attached along a portion of either a medial side or a lateral side of the tongue. Additionally, a stretchable member is attached near a portion of the medial side or the lateral side of the tongue that is opposite of the first fastener. The first fastener is attachable to the upper near the location of the first fastener on the tongue. Similarly, the stretchable member is attached to the upper near the location of the stretchable member on the tongue.04-05-2012
20120079746Heel-End Slip Shoe - Embodiments of the present invention relate to the construction of a shoe that is comprised of a disengageable-heel portion that may be disengaged from an upper. Disengagement of the heel portion from the upper allows the heel portion to fold away from the upper, which exposes a heel-end opening that a foot may pass through to gain entry to the interior of the shoe. Additionally, a stretchable lacing material may be utilized to allow the shoe to absorb energy exerted on to it by a wearer of the shoe without disengaging the heel portion from the upper.04-05-2012

Danial Ferreira, Milford, CT US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080234729Suture lock fastening device - A suture lock fastening device to cinch a suture in a suture lock, cut the suture end, and deploy the suture lock in response to a single movement of a user. The fastening device includes a fastening head with a retainer that is configured to hold a suture lock in the fastening head. To release the suture lock from the fastening head, the retainer is irreversibly deformed. The fastening device may include an axially movable cutter with a cutting edge to sever the ends of the suture close to the suture lock. A threading device may be preloaded into the fastening device to facilitate threading the suture through the fastening device.09-25-2008
20100057121LAPAROSCOPIC INSTRUMENT AND RELATED SURGICAL METHOD - A medical instrument insertable through a cannula, the instrument comprising an elongate shaft; and an operative tip having a first jaw and a second jaw movable with respect to the first jaw. The operative tip disposed at a distal end of said elongate shaft and being disposed on said shaft for rotation relative to at least a distal end portion of said shaft about a longitudinal axis of said distal end portion.03-04-2010
20120089182SUTURE LOCK FASTENING DEVICE - A suture lock fastening device to cinch a suture in a suture lock, cut the suture end, and deploy the suture lock in response to a single movement of a user. The fastening device includes a fastening head with a retainer that is configured to hold a suture lock in the fastening head. To release the suture lock from the fastening head, the retainer is irreversibly deformed. The fastening device may include an axially movable cutter with a cutting edge to sever the ends of the suture close to the suture lock. A threading device may be preloaded into the fastening device to facilitate threading the suture through the fastening device.04-12-2012

Patent applications by Danial Ferreira, Milford, CT US

Danial P. Ferreira, Milford, CT US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100069930Method and apparatus for minimally invasive delivery, tensioned deployment and fixation of secondary material prosthetic devices in patient body tissue, including hernia repair within the patient's herniation site - Apparatus and methods enable insertion and tensioned deployment of a secondary material prosthetic device into a body cavity or other tissue of a patient, such as for example hernia repair mesh into the abdominopelvic cavity of a patient through the hernia site. The present invention establishes fixation sites for the prosthetic device and tensions it against the body tissue. It may also be used implant fixation devices within the body tissue so that the prosthetic device is tensioned into firm abutting contact with the body tissue. Instrument deployment and fixation struts may be advanced in retrograde fashion in order to reduce needed deployment volume within the patient's body cavity. The prosthetic device advantageously may be flexibly coupled to the instrument via fixation devices such as sutures, so as to increase orientation flexibility.03-18-2010
20100174143DUAL SEAL WITH BELLOWS - A seal assembly which includes a housing defining a longitudinal axis, a proximal portion and a distal portion and including a bellows disposed along a length thereof. A first sealing membrane and a second sealing membrane associated with the proximal portion of the housing, each sealing membrane configured to create a substantially fluid-tight seal around a surgical instrument inserted therethrough. The bellows configured to allow at least a portion of the housing to move radially with respect to the longitudinal axis.07-08-2010
20110251459ENDOSCOPIC VACUUM CONTROLLER - An endoscopic vacuum controller may include a housing having a vacuum inlet, a vacuum outlet configured to be coupled to a vacuum source, and a vacuum passage fluidly coupling the vacuum inlet to the vacuum outlet. The vacuum controller may also include an actuator supported by the housing and configured to control the flow of fluid through the vacuum passage. An indicator may be supported by the housing to provide an indication that a predetermined vacuum level is being drawn at the vacuum inlet. The vacuum controller may include a connector to detachably couple the housing to an endoscope shaft. The connector may be configured to slidably couple the housing to the endoscope shaft to allow adjustment of the controller along the length of the shaft while the housing remains coupled to the shaft.10-13-2011
20120022560ENDOSCOPIC SUTURING DEVICE WITH SUTURE MANAGEMENT - An endoscopic tissue suturing device may include a suturing head configured to capture tissue at a tissue capture region. A needle can move through the region to place stitches in the tissue. A control handle includes an actuator coupled to the needle. The control handle supports a suture spool about an axis of rotation. The axis of the spool may be parallel to the direction of movement of the actuator. The spool surface may be tapered at an angle relative to the axis of rotation. A spool end wall may be configured to urge the spool in an axial direction. The handle may provide external access to a portion of the suture. A cover may be provided to cover the spool. The cover may be rotatably supported on the handle independent of the spool. Suture material may be wound onto the spool by rotating the cover.01-26-2012

Patent applications by Danial P. Ferreira, Milford, CT US

David Ferreira, Glastonbury, CT US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080314819Filter assembly center tube with upstream diverter - A diverter module is incorporated into a filter cartridge. The module employs a radial passage which diverts fluid to be filtered to the radial periphery of a filter element. The filtered fluid flows inwardly and axially through a transfer passage for discharge from the filter cartridge.12-25-2008

David A. Ferreira, Hope, RI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100174388Live Device Graphical Status Tree - A system and method is provided for storing hierarchical inputs for a field device in a control system, including upper level inputs in the form of data relating to the process under control, received from a plurality of input devices, and lower level inputs generated by the field devices using the upper level inputs. A record of dependencies among the hierarchical inputs is maintained, along with the status of each of the hierarchical inputs, which is transformed into a graphical status tree representation thereof, including the dependencies shown as one or more hierarchical flow paths. The status of the hierarchical inputs in the graphical status tree is identified by applying a visual marker to inputs having a normal status, and applying other visual markers to inputs having an error status to highlight erroneous flow paths.07-08-2010
20100175012System and Method for Remote Monitoring and Control of Field Device - A system and method for remotely monitoring a field device includes a console communicably coupled to a field device located remotely therefrom. The console is configured to capture output data from an output buffer of one or more field devices, in which the output buffer is also configured to supply said output data to a field device user interface. The console displays a representation of the field device user interface, and displays the captured output data on the representation in substantially the same manner as displayed on the field device user interface.07-08-2010

Patent applications by David A. Ferreira, Hope, RI US

David A. Ferreira, Tiverton, RI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090049995Folding rack - The folding rack includes a planar grill having folding tine rows extending therefrom. At least some rows include stops extending thereacross to prevent the rows from passing substantially beyond the vertical when they are extended from their stored positions adjacent to the grill. At least one tine row may be free of such a stop, allowing that row to pivot from one side of its pivot axis to the other. The tips of the tines are exposed to allow food or other articles to be placed between or impaled upon the tines. The grill may optionally be equipped with folding legs. The rack is preferably formed of suitable food and temperature safe material, e.g., stainless steel, for use in cooking. The various components of the rack may be coated with a non-stick coating to facilitate cleanup.02-26-2009

Fernando Ferreira, Boulder, CO US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090209479THIOCARBON-PROTECTING GROUPS FOR RNA SYNTHESIS - Aspects of the invention include 2′ protected nucleoside monomers that are protected at the 2′ site with thiocarbon protecting groups. Thiocarbon protecting groups of interest include thiocarbonate, thionocarbonate, dithiocarbonate groups, as well as thionocarbamate protecting groups. Aspects of the invention further include nucleic acids that include the protecting groups of the invention, as well as methods of synthesizing nucleic acids using the protecting groups of the invention.08-20-2009

Gisela M. Ferreira, Gaithersburg, MD US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100261886PROTEIN PURIFICATION BY CITRATE PRECIPITATION - The invention provides methods for isolating proteins in purified form from mixtures by precipitation with citrate. The methods are advantageous in that they effectively separate a protein from lower molecular weight contaminants, including fragments or portions of the protein. Such methods are particularly useful for purifying antibodies from mixtures containing antibody proteolytic fragments and unpaired chains.10-14-2010

Gisela Maria Marques Ferreira, Bethlehem, PA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100190210Protein Purification - The present invention provides methods for purifying proteins. In particular, the methods employ a two-step non-affinity ion exchange chromatography process without the use of an in-process tangential flow filtration step.07-29-2010

Gisela Maria Marques Ferreira, Fountain Hill, PA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090105465Protein Purification Using HCIC and Ion Exchange Chromatography - The present invention provides methods for purifying proteins. In particular, the methods employ a two-step non-affinity chromatography process without the use of an in-process tangential flow filtration step.04-23-2009

Gloria C. Ferreira, Tampa, FL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100248328HYPERACTIVE VARIANTS OF 5-AMINOLEVULINATE SYNTHASE AND METHODS OF USE - The rate of porphyrin biosynthesis in mammals is controlled by the activity of the pyridoxal 5′-phosphate-dependent enzyme 5-aminolevulinate synthase. Assuming the turnover in this enzyme is controlled by conformational dynamics at a highly conserved active site loop, a variant library was constructed by targeting imperfectly conserved non-catalytic loop residues and the effects on product and porphyrin production were examined. Functional loop variants of the enzyme were tested for porphyrin fluorescence, which varied widely and thus facilitated identification of clones encoding unusually active enzyme variants. Nine loop variants leading to high in vivo porphyrin production were purified and characterized kinetically. Steady-state catalytic efficiencies for the two substrates were increased by up to one hundred-fold. The data support the postulate that the active site loop controls the rate of product and porphyrin production in vivo and suggest the possibility of an as yet undiscovered means of allosteric regulation.09-30-2010

Ian P. Ferreira, Issaquah, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090282035KEYWORD EXPRESSION LANGUAGE FOR ONLINE SEARCH AND ADVERTISING - Media and methods are provided for creating and operating a keyword expression language. Syntax is generated as an abbreviation to represent a list of keywords. The syntax is executed as part of the keyword expression language to provide keywords. The syntax includes tokens that substitute for groups of information. Advertisers generate syntax which is subsequently used by a third-party to match to search queries and ads. The third-party may also generate keywords to match to the search queries and ads. The keywords are used to trigger advertising over the Internet.11-12-2009

Johan A. Ferreira, Bensalem, PA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
200903060793,4-DI-SUBSTITUTED CYCLOBUTENE-1,2-DIONES AS CXC-CHEMOKINE RECEPTOR LIGANDS - There are disclosed compounds of the formula12-10-2009
201102130293,4-Di-Substituted Cyclobutene-1,2-Diones as CXC-Chemokine Receptor Ligands - There are disclosed compounds of the formula09-01-2011

Patent applications by Johan A. Ferreira, Bensalem, PA US

Jorge Ferreira, Redmond, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110087802SYNCHRONIZING STRUCTURED WEB SITE CONTENTS - Techniques to synchronize structured web site content are described. An apparatus may include a server having a server synchronization module to identify structured content types shared by the server and a client, and synchronize structured content corresponding to the structured content types. Other embodiments are described and claimed.04-14-2011

Jose Ferreira, New York, NY US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090047648Methods, Media, and Systems for Computer-Based Learning - Methods, systems, and media for computer-based learning are provided. In some embodiments, methods for leaching a student in a computer-based learning environment are provided, the methods comprising: identifying a concept to be taught to the student; accessing a learning profile for the student, wherein the learning profile identifies at least one category of content as being more successful than other categories in teaching the student; selecting content based on the student learning profile, the concept to be taught, and a categorization of the content; and presenting the content to the student.02-19-2009

Kenneth L. Ferreira, O'Fallon, MO US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090282497Glyphosate tolerant alfalfa events and methods for detection thereof - The present invention relates to the field of plant molecular biology and, specifically, to transgenic glyphosate tolerance in an alfalfa plant. The invention more specifically relates to glyphosate tolerant alfalfa events J-101 and J-163 and to assays for detecting the presence of glyphosate tolerant alfalfa DNA in a plant extract.11-12-2009

Lino Da Silva Ferreira, Cambridge, MA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090011486Biodegradable Elastomers - The present inventions in various aspects provide elastic polymers compositions for encapsulation of cells. In various embodiments, the polymers are formed by the reaction of a multifunctional alcohol or ether and a difunctional or higher order acid to form a pre-polymer, which is cross-linked in the presence of glycerol and a population of cells to form elastic porous polymer scaffolds suitable for cell encapsulation and/or proliferation.01-08-2009
20090047256Biodegradable Elastomers - The present inventions in various aspects provide elastic biodegradable polymers. In various embodiments, the polymers are formed by the reaction of a multifunctional alcohol or ether and a difunctional or higher order acid to form a pre-polymer, which is cross-linked to form the elastic biodegradable polymer. In preferred embodiments, the cross-linking is performed by functionalization of one or more OR groups on the pre-polymer backbone with vinyl, followed by photopolymerization to form the elastic biodegradable polymer composition or material. Preferably, acrylate is used to add one or more vinyls to the backbone of the pre-polymer to form an acrylated pre-polymer. In various embodiments, acrylated pre-polymers are co-polymerized with one or more acrylated co-polymers.02-19-2009
20100233132FORMATION OF VASCULAR NETWORKS USING EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS - In various aspects, provided are methods for providing CD3409-16-2010

Patent applications by Lino Da Silva Ferreira, Cambridge, MA US

Maria D. Ferreira, Belle Mead, NJ US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120058630Linear Cluster Deposition System - A linear cluster deposition system includes a plurality of reaction chambers positioned in a linear horizontal arrangement. First and second reactant gas manifolds are coupled to respective process gas input port of each of the reaction chambers. An exhaust gas manifold having a plurality of exhaust gas inputs is coupled to the exhaust gas output port of each of the plurality of reaction chambers. A substrate transport vehicle transports at least one of a substrate and a substrate carrier that supports at least one substrate into and out of substrate transfer ports of each of the reaction chambers. At least one of a flow rate of process gas into the process gas input port of each of the reaction chambers and a pressure in each of the reaction chambers being chosen so that process conditions are substantially the same in at least two of the reaction chambers.03-08-2012

Paul Ferreira, Lagrangeville, NY US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110156284DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ALIGNMENT OF VERTICALLY STACKED WAFERS AND DIE - A device is provided that includes a first die having a first alignment structure that includes a plurality of first transmission columns arranged in a pattern and a second die positioned on the first die, the second die having a second alignment structure that includes a plurality of second transmission columns arranged in the same pattern as the first transmission columns. The first and second transmission columns are each coplanar with a first surface and a second surface of the first and second die, respectively.06-30-2011

Paulo Ferreira, Mississauga, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100054605SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CAPTURING AND PROCESSING BUSINESS DATA - A method and a system for interpreting information in a document are provided, with the system receiving an image of a document from a remote source and converting it into multiple sets of blocks of characters. Tags indicating likely meaning of blocks are assigned to them. At least some of the blocks have an associated score representing the probability that the characters in the block correctly represent the characters in the original image. The system selects one set from multiple sets based on the scores associated to certain blocks determined by accessing remote information over the Internet.03-04-2010

Placid Ferreira, Champaign, IL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120105528High Resolution Sensing and Control of Electrohydrodynamic Jet Printing - Provided are various methods and devices for electrohydrodynamic (E-jet) printing. The methods relate to sensing of an output current during printing to provide control of a process parameter during printing. The sensing and control provides E-jet printing having improved print resolution and precision compared to conventional open-loop methods. Also provided are various pulsing schemes to provide high frequency E-jet printing, thereby reducing build times by two to three orders of magnitude. A desk-top sized E-jet printer having a sensor for real-time sensing of an electrical parameter and feedback control of the printing is provided.05-03-2012

Placid M. Ferreira, Champaign, IL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090050487Direct Nanoscale Patterning of Metals Using Polymer Electrolytes - Disclosed herein are electrochemical fabrication platforms for making structures, arrays of structures and functional devices having selected nanosized and/or microsized physical dimensions, shapes and spatial orientations. Methods, systems and system components use an electrochemical stamping tool such as solid state polymeric electrolytes for generating patterns of relief and/or recessed features exhibiting excellent reproducibility, pattern fidelity and resolution on surfaces of solid state ionic conductors and in metal. Electrochemical stamping tools are capable high throughput patterning of large substrate areas, are compatible with commercially attractive manufacturing pathways to access a range of functional systems and devices including nano- and micro-electromechanical systems, sensors, energy storage devices, metal masks for printing, interconnects, and integrated electronic circuits.02-26-2009
20100001616High Precision Silicon-on-Insulator MEMS Parallel Kinematic Stages - MEMS stages comprising a plurality of comb drive actuators provide micro and up to nano-positioning capability. Flexure hinges and folded springs that operably connect the actuator to a movable end stage provide independent motion from each of the actuators that minimizes unwanted off-axis displacement, particularly for three-dimensional movement of a cantilever. Also provided are methods for using and making MEMS stages. In an aspect, a process provides a unitary MEMS stage made from a silicon-on-insulator wafer that avoids any post-fabrication assembly steps. Further provided are various devices that incorporate any of the stages disclosed herein, such as devices requiring accurate positioning systems in applications including scanning probe microscopy, E-jet printing, near-field optic sensing, cell probing and material characterization.01-07-2010
20100052597Displacement actuation and sensing for an electrostatic drive - An electrostatic drive includes a first electrode and a second electrode responsive to a drive signal. The drive signal includes an actuation signal constituent and a sensing signal constituent. The sensing signal constituent is at a frequency higher than a natural mechanical resonant frequency of the electrostatic drive. In response to the actuation signal constituent, displacement between the first electrode and the second electrode changes, which is evaluated by detecting a change in an electrical characteristic of the drive as a function of the sensing signal constituent.03-04-2010
20110187798High Resolution Electrohydrodynamic Jet Printing for Manufacturing Systems - Provided are high-resolution electrohydrodynamic inkjet (e-jet) printing systems and related methods for printing functional materials on a substrate surface. In an embodiment, a nozzle with an ejection orifice that dispenses a printing fluid faces a surface that is to be printed. The nozzle is electrically connected to a voltage source that applies an electric charge to the fluid in the nozzle to controllably deposit the printing fluid on the surface. In an aspect, a nozzle that dispenses printing fluid has a small ejection orifice, such as an orifice with an area less than 700 μm08-04-2011

Patent applications by Placid M. Ferreira, Champaign, IL US

Rui Ferreira, Livingston, NJ US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100185242Rod Coercer - A rod coercer for use in spinal fixation procedures is provided. The rod coercer can be pivoted in a first direction to fixedly grip an implant, and pivoted in a second direction to reduce a rod into the implant. In one embodiment, the rod coercer includes first and second articulating forceps branches, first and second rod contacting arms extending from the first and second forceps branches, and first and second implant gripping arms pivotally interconnected with the rod contacting arms. In another embodiment, the rod coercer includes forceps branches which each include upper and lower forceps branches which pivot with respect to each other, and a rod contacting arm interconnected with one of the forceps branches. In another embodiment, the rod coercer includes pivotable implant gripping arms and a rod contacting arm driven by one of the forceps branches.07-22-2010
20100185248Rod Coercer - A rod coercer for use in spinal fixation procedures is provided. The rod coercer can be pivoted in a first direction to fixedly grip an implant, and pivoted in a second direction to reduce a rod into the implant. In one embodiment, the rod coercer includes first and second articulating handle branches, first and second rod contacting arms extending from the first and second handle branches, first and second implant gripping arms pivotally interconnected with the first and second handle branches, and means for releasably locking the handle branches and the implant gripping arms in a closed and locked position. In another embodiment, the rod coercer includes a single handle having first and second implant gripping arms connected by a bridge and pivotally attached to the handle, and spring-loaded implant gripping arms for gripping sides of an implant. In another embodiment, the rod coercer includes an adjustable rod contacting arm which can be adjusted to a desired angle with respect to the handles of the coercer. In another embodiment, the rod coercer includes pivotally interconnected handle branches, each of which is divided into upper and lower branch portions which are pivotally interconnected with each other, an implant gripping assembly extending from the lower branch portions of the handle branches, and a rod contacting arm slidably and pivotally coupled to the upper and lower branch portions. In another embodiment, the implant gripping arms of the rod coercer of the present invention are secured to each other by a flexible retainer.07-22-2010
20110087293Deformable Device For Minimally Invasive Fixation - The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as through a fixation procedure. A system for a percutaneous procedure is provided. The system can include a bone fastener including a receiver. The system can include a device having a first end, a second end and a middle portion. The first end, middle portion and second end can be disposed along a longitudinal axis, and the second end can be connected to the receiver. The middle portion can have a pair of deformable leg members extending between the first and second ends. The leg members can define a channel having a width. The leg members can be selectively movable between a retracted state and an expanded state with the width of the channel greater in the expanded state than in the retracted state.04-14-2011
20110196423BONE FIXATION DEVICE - A bone fixation apparatus may include a bone fixation plate having a fixation hole and a fastener shaft received in the fixation hole. The fastener shaft may include a first portion having an outer surface defining a first cam and a second bone-engaging portion. An annular member may be received in the fixation hole and may include an inner surface defining a second cam for cooperating with the first cam to selectively move the annular member in a radial direction between an unexpanded position permitting movement of the fastener shaft and annular member relative to the fixation hole and an expanded position restricting movement of the fastener shaft and annular member relative to the fixation hole. The annular member may be moved between the expanded position and the unexpanded position by rotation of the annular member relative to the fastener shaft following insertion of the fastener shaft into a bone.08-11-2011

Patent applications by Rui Ferreira, Livingston, NJ US

Rui B. Ferreira, Longmont, CO US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080311343Highly Resilient, Dimensionally Recoverable Nonwoven Material - A microcreped wet laid nonwoven with recoverable stretch suitable for apparel applications such as waistbands and interlinings. The microcreping and heat setting improves dimensional stability after washing and drying cycles, minimizes shrinkage and substantially eliminates the surface wrinkling phenomenon, known in the industry as “alligatoring”, associated with wet laid and other apparel nonwovens.12-18-2008

Rui J. Ferreira, Livingston, NJ US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080262553SPINAL CONNECTOR - A spinal connector includes a first seat having a first opening for coupling to a first spinal connecting member along a first longitudinal axis and a second seat having a second opening for coupling to a second spinal connecting member along a second longitudinal axis. The second longitudinal axis is substantially coaxial to the first longitudinal axis for connecting the first and second connecting members end to end. The spinal connector also includes a ball enclosure rotatably received in the second opening of the second seat. The ball enclosure defines a bore along the second longitudinal axis and articulates with the second opening for allowing change of orientation of the second connecting member relative to the first connecting member.10-23-2008
20090030458METHOD FOR STABILIZING SPINE - A method of stabilizing a portion of a spine includes pivoting first and second members of an expandable spinal implant relative to one another to a closed configuration in which the spinal implant has a compact profile, inserting the spinal implant in the closed configuration into the spine between first and second vertebral bodies, and pivoting the first and second members crosswise to an expanded configuration while the spinal implant is within the spine. The first and second members are separate from and coupled to one another.01-29-2009
20090192549BONE PLATING SYSTEM - A bone plating system has a plate and a locking element. The plate has a bone screw aperture defined by a sidewall including first and second substantially planar segments. The locking element is coupled to the plate and at least partially positioned in the aperture. The locking element has an external geometry defining first and second substantially planar surfaces and an internal geometry for receiving a head of a bone fastener and preventing the bone fastener from backing out of the plate. The locking element is expandable from a first state to a second state. In the first state the locking element is permitted to articulate relative to the plate. In the second state the first and second substantially planar surfaces of the locking element engage the first and second substantially planar segments of the aperture sidewall, respectively, to prevent relative movement between the locking element and the plate.07-30-2009
20090203969SURGICAL RETRACTOR DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS - A blade for a surgical retractor. The blade includes a base portion and a distal portion. The base portion may be attached to a frame of a surgical retractor. The distal portion may be removably coupled to the base portion and may be unitarily constructed of a translucent material. A light source may be removably coupled to the distal portion. The distal portion may be disposable.08-13-2009

Patent applications by Rui J. Ferreira, Livingston, NJ US

Wayne Ferreira, Lafayette, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120060531Versatile environmentally conscious apparatus - Disclosed is a system to extract water moisture from the atmosphere, highly purify and condition the extracted water, and provide beverages for human consumption. In one embodiment, the device collects water-vapor condensation from filtered intake air, and then subjects the condensate to a series of purification filters and to a sterilization process in order to produce drinking water. The system may then use the water produced to provide carbonated drinks, flavored drinks, coffee drinks, or ice. The system may also play music and charge a portable electronic device. The disclosed system may incorporate the variations in different combinations.03-15-2012

Wayne Ferreira, La Fayette, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100266742Apparatus and methods for creating sparkling water from the atmosphere - What is disclosed is a system designed to extract water moisture from the atmosphere, highly purify and condition the extracted water, and provide optional carbonation of the extracted water for human consumption. In one embodiment, the device collects water-vapor condensation from filtered intake air, then subjects the condensate to a series of purification filters and to a sterilization process in order to produce drinking water, while also providing a means to combine the purified water with CO10-21-2010