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Fritz, US

Adam Fritz, Seattle, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080301778System And Method For Preventing Automated Programs and Unauthorized Users In A Network - A system for preventing an unauthorized user in a networked computing environment includes a client computer provided with a visual test upon a request transmitted through a network by the client computer for a service, wherein the visual test is displayed on a video display, wherein the visual test requires the performance of a predetermined action on a group of images displayed on the video display in order to gain access to the service, wherein the group of images comprises at least two images that are associated with each other.12-04-2008
20090076898System And Method For Delivering Offline Advertisement Supported Digital Content - A system for receiving advertisement supported content in a media device, including a media collector for receiving primary content and secondary content in a media device, the primary content comprising a media asset and the secondary content comprising an advertisement, a file system for organizing the primary content and the secondary content, and a player for playing the primary content and inserting the secondary content into the primary content at a time determined by the file system.03-19-2009
20090198559MULTI-RESOLUTIONAL FORECASTING SYSTEM - Traffic to a selected network resource, such as a Web site, is forecast using a forecasting model that is based upon a selected resolution. The resolution can be a year, month, season, week, day of the week, an annual day-long event, or any other repetitive time interval for which data can be collected. Historical traffic data for the resolution of interest is retrieved from a database, and the selected forecasting model is applied to the retrieved data to produce a forecast.08-06-2009
20110150267Human verification by contextually iconic visual public turing test - There is provided a system and method for human verification by a contextually iconic visual public Turing test. There is provided a method comprising receiving a request to verify whether a client is human controlled, selecting, by contextual criteria, a plurality of images each having one or more associated tags from a database, generating a challenge question and a corresponding answer set based on associated tags of a subset of the plurality of images, presenting the plurality of images and the challenge question to the client, receiving a submission to the challenge question from the client, and responding to the request by verifying whether the submission is contained in the answer set to determine whether the client is human controlled. The contextual criteria may comprise subject matter, branding, or intended audience of a content provider sending the request, thereby facilitating human responses while deterring automated systems.06-23-2011

Patent applications by Adam Fritz, Seattle, WA US

Billie Brandt Fritz, Davis, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110216548Vehicle Lighting System - An illumination controller comprise at least one sensor configured to sense position and motion of an operator of a banking vehicle, an illumination adjustment actuator, and a controller configured to determine angular velocity and/or linear acceleration, and banking angle of the vehicle from the sensed position and motion signals. The controller controls the illumination adjustment actuator to direct the illumination in anticipation of and during a turn.09-08-2011

Bob Fritz, Glendale, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110283900Trash Compactor Bin Components and Methods - Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to cylindrical trash compaction units that allow for application of increased compaction forces.11-24-2011

Brian Fritz, Frisco, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100207635FAULT DETECTION METHOD FOR DETECTING LEAKAGE PATHS BETWEEN POWER SOURCES AND CHASSIS - A method of detecting a ground fault condition between a direct current power system and the chassis ground of an electric or hybrid-electric vehicle is provided. The method includes sequentially opening and closing a first switch connected between a positive node of the direct current power system and the chassis ground of the vehicle and a second switch connected between a negative node of direct current power system and the chassis ground. The sequential opening and closing of the first and second switches charges and discharges an inherent capacitance present between the metal components of the direct current power system and the chassis. First and second currents are created as the inherent capacitance is charged and discharged. Measurements of the created first and second currents are then used to determine whether a ground fault condition exists between the direct current power system and the vehicle chassis ground.08-19-2010

Charles Fritz, New Hartford, CT US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090317183ASSEMBLY AID FOR A STEERING COLUMN - A shaft assembly (12-24-2009

Christian Fritz, Natick, MA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110118298COMPOSITIONS, KITS, AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFICATION, ASSESSMENT, PREVENTION, AND THERAPY OF CANCER - Described herein are compositions, kits, and methods for determining whether subjects having cancer(s) are likely to respond to treatment with an HSP90 inhibitor, as a single agent or in combination therapy. Further described are methods for prognosing a time course of disease in a subject having such cancer.05-19-2011

Daniel W. Fritz, Clifton, VA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090302622DOOR STOP - A doorstop includes a flange connected to a floor contacting portion. The flange is deflectable under transverse pressure. During operation, a door-engaging end portion of the flange contacts a vertical face of a door. Upon deflection, the end portion drops below the vertical face to allow the door to close. In some embodiments, a doorstop includes a spring member and a flange. The spring member includes an arc-shaped portion having a rest curvature and a floor contacting end portion. The arc-shaped portion is deflectable to an arc with less curvature under transverse pressure and returns to the rest curvature upon removal of the transverse pressure. The flange includes a door-engaging end portion and a different attached portion. The attached portion is attached to the arc-shaped portion of the spring member such that the flange is substantively tangent to the arc-shaped portion of the spring member along the attached portion.12-10-2009

David Fritz US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090067343Method for the synthesis of optimal asynchronous on-chip communication networks from system-level constraints - The invention provides chip designers a means to take advantage of ANoC interconnect, the combination of the two technologies, asynchronous circuits and Network on Chip (ANoC), enabling them to design large chips more easily and quickly than before. The designer develops a table of interconnect requirements, specifying the desired connections and certain constraints such as area, power, and latency. The invention develops a connectivity network utilizing a library of characterized components, then optimizes the network by selecting various alternative components from the library and examining alternative link width combinations. The optimized network is verified against the predetermined requirements. If the verification is successful a fabric file is provided. If the verification is not successful the optimization process is repeated provided some improvement has been made.03-12-2009

Dawn Marie Fritz, Wake Forest, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080235653SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEFINING AND DYNAMICALLY INVOKING POLYMORPHIC CALL FLOWS - A system and method for defining and dynamically invoking polymorphic call flows in a call flow system. Call flows are defined that include a publisher call flow and subscriber call flows. A first trigger point in a publisher call flow is defined. Triggers specifying late-binding references to trigger points are defined in the subscriber call flows. Subsequent to the call flows being published in a repository, the publisher call flow is executed, the first trigger point is located, and the publisher call flow is executed. Without changing any other call flow and without terminating and restarting the publisher call flow, a call flow is added to the call flow system and invoked or a call flow is removed.09-25-2008

Erich A. Fritz, Westlake Village, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100009019Processes for Extracting Phytochemicals from Pomegranate Solids and Compositions and Methods of Use Thereof - Processes for producing an extract containing phytochemicals from pomegranates are disclosed. The processes generally comprise providing pomegranate solids, such as the pericarp, inner membrane and seeds; creating a mixture comprising the pomegranate solids in an aqueous solution; adding enzymes to the mixture in an amount sufficient to at least partially degrade the pomegranate solids; heating the mixture to a temperature that permits the maximum rate of catalysis of the enzyme; maintaining the temperature of the heated mixture for a time sufficient to allow at least partial degradation of the pomegranate solids; and removing residual insoluble solid materials from the mixture. Compositions containing the extract may be used as a food product, beverage, pharmaceutical preparations, nutritional supplements, vitamin supplements, food additives, and food supplements. The compositions may also be used for preventing or ameliorating disease conditions by administering an effective amount of the composition to a subject in need thereof.01-14-2010

Patent applications by Erich A. Fritz, Westlake Village, CA US

Frederick J. Fritz, Skillman, NJ US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080214951Cerebrospinal Fluid Evaluation Systems - Methods and devices for testing for the presence, absence and/or rate of flow in a shunt tubing implanted under the skin by using a measurement pad having a plurality of temperature sensor configurations, or by using other temperature sensor arrangements, or by using a temperature sensitive material, which are positioned over, or in the vicinity of, the CSF shunt in substantially an upstream and downstream orientation. A temperature source, e.g., a cooling agent, is then applied at a predetermined location with respect to the measurement pad that is insulated from the temperature sensors, or to the temperature sensitive material. The movement of this temperature “pulse” is detected by the temperature sensors, or temperature sensitive material, via the shunt tubing as the CSF carries the temperature pulse while a control sensor detects the pulse via convection through the skin. The temperature data from these sensors are provided to a CSF analyzer that subtracts the control sensor data from each of the other sensors for determining a CSF shunt flow status or flow rate. A reader is used to optically or electrically detect the changes in the temperature sensitive material for determining a CSF shunt flow status or flow rate.09-04-2008
20100204589NON-INVASIVE INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE SENSOR - A system and method for non-invasively detecting intracranial pressure (ICP) of a living being by detecting impedance mismatches between carotid arteries and cerebral vessels via a reflection of the carotid pressure waveform using a pressure sensor positioned against the palpable carotid artery, as well as analyzing the reflection and comparing the analysis with known cerebral vasculature data, to calculate ICP non-invasively. A remote blood pressure waveform can also be used to compensate for blood system impedance.08-12-2010
20110054382CEREBROSPINAL FLUID EVALUATION SYSTEM HAVING THERMAL FLOW AND FLOW RATE MEASUREMENT PAD USING A PLURALITY OF CONTROL SENSORS - A method and device for testing for the presence, absence and/or rate of flow in a shunt tubing implanted under the skin by using a measurement pad having a plurality of temperature sensors, one of which is aligned with the shunt and the other sensors being symmetrically displaced on either side of the first temperature sensor in a direction transverse to the shunt tubing. These “outer” temperature sensors act as control temperature sensors. A temperature source, e.g., a cooling agent, positioned within an insulated enclosure, is then applied at a predetermined location on the measurement pad that is insulated from the temperature sensors. The movement of this temperature “pulse” is detected by the shunt-aligned temperature sensor via the shunt tubing as the CSF carries the temperature pulse while the control sensors detect the pulse via convection through the skin. The temperature data from these sensors are provided to a CSF analyzer that determines a CSF shunt flow status or flow rate.03-03-2011

Patent applications by Frederick J. Fritz, Skillman, NJ US

Glenn E. Fritz, Arlington, TN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080299186COATINGS FOR APPLYING SUBSTANCES ONTO SUBSTRATE CARRIER - Compositions of matter containing an active agent, and methods of manufacturing thereof, wherein the method comprises the step of coating a substrate with a coating composition comprising the active agent formulated for immediate release, wherein the coating composition does not contain an appreciable amount of cellulosic materials and preferably comprises polyvinyl alcohol or a polyvinyl alcohol derived copolymer.12-04-2008

Gregory S. Fritz, Verona, WI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080319714PROCESSING OF SPECTROMETER PILE-UP EVENTS - In an energy dispersive spectrometer wherein event (particle/photon) detection is performed by counting events spaced by greater than a shaping time, events which are spaced by less than the shaping time are also collected and counted. These “combined events” are treated similarly to “single events” which are spaced by greater than the shaping time, and can be used to generate combined-event spectra for comparison and/or use with the conventional single-event spectra. The combined-event spectra can be compared to the single-event spectra to provide an indication of data quality; can be subtracted from the single-event spectra to remove artifacts, and/or can be deconvolved into a single-event spectrum to increase the resolution of the single-event spectrum.12-25-2008
20100027748Synergistic Energy-Dispersive and Wavelength-Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry - An X-ray spectroscope collects an energy-dispersive spectrum from a sample under analysis, and generates a list of candidate elements that may be present in the sample. A wavelength dispersive spectral collector is then tuned to obtain X-ray intensity measurements at the energies/wavelengths of some or all of the candidate elements, thereby verifying whether or not these candidate elements are in fact present in the sample. Additionally, the alignment of the wavelength dispersive spectral collector versus the sample can be optimized by tuning the wavelength dispersive spectral collector to the energy/wavelength of a selected one of the candidate elements—preferably one whose presence in the sample has been verified, or one which has a high likelihood of being present in the sample—and then varying the alignment of the wavelength dispersive spectral collector versus the sample until the wavelength dispersive spectral collector returns the maximum intensity reading for the selected candidate element. Intensity readings for the other candidate elements can then be collected at this optimized alignment.02-04-2010

James Erwin Fritz, Mccordsville, IN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080255152DIARYL ETHERS AS OPIOID RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS - A compound of the formula (I) wherein the variables X10-16-2008
20080269296DIARYL ETHERS AS OPIOID RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS - A compound of the formula (I) wherein the variables X10-30-2008

Jamie R. Fritz, Macomb, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120025496KNEE AIRBAG ASSEMBLIES AND RELATED METHODS - An airbag assembly can include a stabilizer strap attached to an airbag, and the stabilizer strap can cooperate with a housing to prevent undesired rotation or skewing of the airbag during deployment. In some arrangements, a portion of the airbag is secured to the housing via an inflator.02-02-2012

Jason Bernard Fritz, Norwood, OH US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100147925APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FRICTION SURFACING USING A CONSUMABLE PIN TOOL - A friction surfacing apparatus and method for depositing one or more metals, metal alloys, or other materials is disclosed. The friction surfacing apparatus includes a pin tool holder, a non-consumable shoulder having an inside diameter and an outside diameter, the inside diameter terminating at an end wall and includes an angled side wall that forms a substantially frustoconical opening at one end, and a consumable pin tool coupled to the pin tool holder and at least partially protruding from the end wall of the shoulder. The shoulder is maintained at a predetermined distance from a surface of a workpiece such that the consumable pin tool deposits pin tool material onto the surface of the workpiece during a friction surfacing operation.06-17-2010

Jeff Fritz, Plymouth, WI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100258240Methods and apparatus for application of nested zero waste ear to traveling web - The present invention provides a process wherein a rotary knife or die, with one or more cutting edges, turns against and in coordination with a corresponding cylinder to create preferably trapezoidal ears. Ear material is slit into two lanes, one for a left side of a diaper and the other for a right side of a diaper. Fastening tapes are applied to both the right and the left ear webs. The ear material is then die cut with a nested pattern on a synchronized vacuum anvil. The resulting discrete ear pieces however, due to the trapezoidal pattern of the ears, alternate between a correct orientation and an incorrect (reversed) orientation. The reversed ear is required to be rotated 180° into the correct orientation such that the ears and associated tape present a left ear and a right ear on the diaper.10-14-2010
20110088233Methods and apparatus for application of nested zero waste ear to traveling web - The present invention provides a method of providing a disposable product with a contoured leg opening. In this method at least one chip is removed from at least one ear of a disposable product. The chip may be removed from an ear prior to attaching the ear to the chassis web. Alternatively, the chip may be removed from the ear after the ear is attached to the chassis web.04-21-2011

Jeffrey W. Fritz, Plymouth, WI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090020211Apparatus and method for minimizing waste and improving quality and production in web processing operations - Apparatus and methods are provided to minimize waste and improve quality and production in web processing operations. The apparatus and methods provide defect detection both before and after application of component patches to a traveling web to create a product. Web defect detection may be provided by way of at least one visual inspection station located upstream from the patch applicator. Patch defect detection may be accomplished by way of a visual inspection station located proximate the patch applicator. If defects are detected in either the traveling web or the component patch prior to patch application, patch application may be prevented until both a satisfactory web and patch are provided. If defects are detected after patch application, the resulting product may be culled. Furthermore, the apparatus may be provided with diagnostic software to warn against extant or imminent machine complications.01-22-2009

Jeff W. Fritz, Plymouth, WI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080276439Methods and apparatus for application of nested zero waste ear to traveling web - The present invention provides a process wherein a rotary knife or die, with one or more cutting edges, turns against and in coordination with a corresponding cylinder to create preferably trapezoidal ears. Ear material is slit into two lanes, one for a left side of a diaper and the other for a right side of a diaper. Fastening tapes are applied to both the right and the left ear webs. The ear material is then die cut with a nested pattern on a synchronized vacuum anvil. The resulting discrete ear pieces however, due to the trapezoidal pattern of the ears, alternate between a correct orientation and an incorrect (reversed) orientation. The reversed ear is required to be rotated 180° into the correct orientation such that the ears and associated tape present a left ear and a right ear on the diaper.11-13-2008

Joseph A. Fritz, Largo, FL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100241142SUTURE PASSING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An endoscopic surgical instrument for passing a suture through tissue includes a first jaw member, a needle, and a capture feature actuable to grip and retain the suture after the suture has been passed through a tissue body. An actuation mechanism can both move the needle between retracted and extended positions, and move the capture feature between open and closed configurations, via a single actuation. The capture feature may be a trap door which is axially translatable relative to the first jaw member to overlap a portion of the first jaw member and trap a portion of the suture between the trap door and the overlapped portion. The first jaw member may be movable relative to a second jaw member to grasp a tissue body. The instrument can grasp a tissue body, pass the suture through the tissue, capture and retain the suture without being repositioned relative to the tissue.09-23-2010

Keith Fritz, Concord, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080271105POINT-TO-MULTIPOINT HIGH DEFINITION MULTIMEDIA TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER - A high definition video transmitter and receiver are disclosed. The transmitter provides high definition video to a one-point receiver or to multipoint receivers. The transmission network is asynchronous and the receiver re-synchronizes the video. The transmission can be wired or wireless.10-30-2008

Kent Fritz, Mountain View, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120044817Managing Network Bandwidth - A system for managing network bandwidth, according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a configuration storage module and a call manager. The configuration storage module includes a supported codecs storage, codec lists, administrator settings storage and reservation storage list. The call manager includes an extension module, trunk module, location service engine, settings manager, bandwidth manager and media stream manager. The call manager receives an offer message for a call having one or more media types. The call manager uses information included in the offer message, along with information stored in the configuration storage module, to negotiate a call settings list with one or more other sites for connecting the call, and thereby manage bandwidth for the call.02-23-2012
20120044931Via Site for Managing Network Bandwidth - A system for using one or more via sites to manage network bandwidth, according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a first call manager at a source site receiving an offer message to connect a call. The offer message includes an endpoint media settings list. The first call manager determines a first filtered media preferences list based on a source media settings list and the endpoint media settings list. The first call manager and transmits an invite message to a second call manager at a first via site. The invite message includes the first filtered media preferences list. The first call manager receives from the second call manager a call settings list that includes a description of the call settings negotiated between the source site, the first via site and a destination site.02-23-2012

Lisa A. Fritz, Dallas, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090068847METHODS FOR REMOVING CONTAMINANTS FROM ALUMINUM-COMPRISING BOND PADS AND INTEGRATED CIRCUITS THEREFROM - Methods for removing contaminants from a semiconductor device that includes a plurality of aluminum-comprising bond pads on a semiconductor surface of a substrate. A plurality of aluminum-including bond pads are formed on the semiconductor surface of the substrate. A patterned passivation layer is then formed on the semiconductor surface, wherein the patterned passivation layer provides an exposed area for the plurality of bond pads. Wet etching with a basic etch solution is used to etch a surface of the exposed area of the aluminum-including bond pads, wherein the wet etching removes at least 100 Angstroms from the surface of the bond pads to form a cleaned surface.03-12-2009

Paul O. Fritz, Newburgh, NY US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090298190METHOD AND TEST DEVICE FOR DETECTING ORGANIC CORROSION INHIBITORS IN COOLANTS - A test substrate for determining concentration of an organic corrosion inhibitor in a coolant fluid is provided. The test substrate comprises a porous substrate having at least a surface treated with a sufficient amount of at least a metal salt for reacting with a molar equivalent amount of the organic corrosion inhibitor in a representative sample of the coolant fluid, and at least a color indicator. The color indicator reacts with the metal salt and/or the organic corrosion inhibitor, forming an irreversibly colored complex and causing a color change in the test substrate.12-03-2009

Peter J. Fritz, Pella, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120108135METHOD OF MAKING A REINFORCING MAT FOR A PULTRUDED PART - A method of preparing a reinforcing structure for use in manufacture a pultruded part where the reinforcing structure is pulled through a pultrusion die in a continuous longitudinal pull direction. The method includes arranging a plurality of first reinforcing fibers in a transverse direction and attaching a permeable transport web of staple fibers to the first reinforcing fibers such that the portion of the first reinforcing fibers oriented in the direction transverse comprises at least 30% of a volume of materials comprising the reinforcing structure.05-03-2012

Peter J. Fritz, Greenville, SC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100134098COMPOSITE SYSTEMS, ARTICLES INCORPORATING THE SYSTEM, METHODS FOR IN-SITU, NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF THESE AND ARRAY PROBES USEFUL FOR THE METHODS - The invention provides composite systems, articles comprising the composite system, methods for the in-situ, non-destructive testing of the articles and/or composite systems, as well as array probes useful in the methods. The composite systems comprise a curable resin and at least one plurality of detectable particles.06-03-2010

Peter James Fritz, Greenville, SC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100080709WIND TURBINE BLADE - Disclosed is a blade including a blade body including a leading edge and a trailing edge, and at least one trailing edge cavity defined by a blade area disposed in at least partial alignment with the trailing edge, the at least one cavity extending a desired depth into said blade body in a direction of the leading edge.04-01-2010
20110138937SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WIND TURBINE INSPECTION - A system and method for inspecting a wind turbine for indications is disclosed. The method includes providing an inspection system on a tower of the wind turbine, the inspection system including a climbing device and an inspection device, the climbing device including a traction apparatus configured to engage the tower and a drive mechanism configured to drive the climbing device. The method further includes rotating a rotor blade of the wind turbine such that the rotor blade is approximately parallel to and proximate the tower, operating the inspection system to traverse the tower, and operating the inspection system to inspect the rotor blade for indications.06-16-2011
20110140060SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOCATING A MAINTENANCE DEVICE APPROXIMATE AN AREA OF INTEREST OF A WIND TURBINE - A system and method are disclosed for locating a maintenance device approximate an area of interest of a wind turbine. The system generally includes a carriage configured to support the maintenance device and a cable having first and second ends attached to the carriage. Additionally, the system includes first and second anchor points, with the first anchor point being disposed adjacent to a component of the wind turbine. The second anchor point is spaced apart from the first anchor point such that the area of interest is generally disposed between the first and second anchor points. The cable may be coupled along its length between the first and second anchor points such that, as the cable is displaced, the carriage is moved to a position at which the area of interest is accessible to the maintenance device.06-16-2011
20110140724SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING A CONTINUITY TEST ON A LIGHTNING CONDUCTION SYSTEM OF A WIND TURBINE - A system and method for performing a continuity test on a lightning conduction system of a wind turbine are disclosed. The system generally includes a testing device having a blade ring configured to be positioned around at least a portion of an outer perimeter of a rotor blade of the wind turbine. A carriage may be attached to the testing device and a cable may be attached to the carriage. The cable may generally extend between a first anchor point and a second anchor point, wherein the anchor points are spaced apart from one another such that a lightning receptor of the lightning conduction system is disposed between the anchor points. Additionally, the cable may be coupled between the anchor points such that, as the cable is displaced, the testing device is moved to a position at which an electrically conductive member of the testing device contacts the lightning receptor.06-16-2011
20110142635BLADE EXTENSION FOR ROTOR BLADE IN WIND TURBINE - A rotor blade assembly is disclosed. The rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade and a blade extension. The rotor blade has a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a tip and a root. The rotor blade further has an aerodynamic profile. The blade extension is mounted to the rotor blade. The blade extension includes a cutaway mounting portion for mounting the blade extension to the rotor blade such that the blade extension is generally flush with at least one of the pressure side or the suction side of the rotor blade. The cutaway mounting portion defines a notch configured to locate the blade extension relative to the rotor blade.06-16-2011
20110142644WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADES WITH ENHANCED LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM - A wind turbine rotor blade includes a plurality of lightning receptors configured along either or both of the pressure side or suction side of the blade. At least one looped lightning conductive circuit is provided, with the lightning receptors configured in communication with a respective lightning conductive circuit. The lightning conductive circuit has terminal ends that extend through the root for connection of each terminal end with a grounding system within the wind turbine. The looped lightning conductive circuit provides a redundant path to each lightning receptor for conducting a lightning strike to ground.06-16-2011
20110142662Spar Cap Assembly for a Wind Turbine Rotor Blade - A spar cap assembly for a rotor blade of a wind turbine is disclosed. In general, the spar cap assembly may include a tensile spar cap formed from a composite material and configured to engage an inner surface of the rotor blade. The tensile spar cap may generally have a first thickness and a first cross-sectional area. Additionally, the spar cap assembly may include a compressive spar cap formed from the same composite material and configured to engage an opposing inner surface of the rotor blade. The compressive spar cap may generally have a second thickness and a second cross-sectional area that is greater than the first cross-sectional area. Additionally, the composite material is generally selected so that at least one of a strength and a modulus of elasticity of the composite material differs depending on whether the material is in tension or in compression.06-16-2011
20110142667WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADE ASSEMBLY HAVING AN ACCESS WINDOW AND RELATED METHODS - A rotor blade assembly having an access window and methods for assembling a rotor blade are disclosed. The rotor blade assembly may generally include a first shell component and a second shell component. The first shell component may be secured to the second shell component. Additionally, an access region may be defined in the first shell component and/or the second shell component. The access region may generally be configured such that an access window is defined in the rotor blade assembly. The access window may be configured to provide access to the interior of a portion of the rotor blade assembly.06-16-2011
20110142671WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADES WITH ENHANCED LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM - A wind turbine rotor blade includes a plurality of lightning receptors configured along either or both of the pressure side or suction side of the blade. At least one continuity circuit is configured with the blade, with the lightning receptors disposed in series within a respective continuity circuit such that an electrical continuity path defined by the circuit passes through each of the lightning receptors within the continuity circuit. The circuit has terminal ends that extend through the blade root for conducting continuity checks with the circuit.06-16-2011
20110143081MODIFIED PLY DROPS FOR COMPOSITE LAMINATE MATERIALS - A composite laminate material is disclosed. The composite laminate material includes a plurality of adjacently disposed plies. At least one of the plies is configured as a terminated ply. Additionally, a ply drop is defined by the terminated ply, wherein the ply drop is modified to reduce stress concentrations within the composite laminate material.06-16-2011
20110143082PLY DROPS MODIFICATIONS FOR COMPOSITE LAMINATE MATERIALS AND RELATED METHODS - A composite laminate material is disclosed. The composite laminate material includes a plurality of adjacently disposed plies. At least one of the plies is configured as a terminated ply. Additionally, a ply drop is defined by the terminated ply, wherein the ply drop includes a modification configured to reduce stress concentrations within the composite laminate material.06-16-2011
20110205348SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING AN EXTERNAL INSPECTION ON A WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADE - A system and method for performing an external inspection on a rotor blade of a wind turbine are disclosed. The system may generally include a frame configured to extend at least partially around an outer perimeter of the rotor blade and a sensing device coupled to the frame. Additionally, first and second spacer arms may extend from the frame. The first spacer arm may be configured to contact a pressure side surface of the rotor blade. The second spacer arm may be configured to contact a suction side surface of the rotor blade.08-25-2011
20110243751WIND TURBINE BLADES WITH A HARDENED SUBSTRATE CONSTRUCTION - A wind turbine blade includes an upper shell member and a lower shell member joined at leading and trailing edges of the blade with a bond material. Portions of the bond material are externally exposed. The bond material has surface characteristics of at least one of a Shore D hardness value of greater than about 80 durometer or a Young's modulus stiffness value of greater than about 5 GPa. A protective coating is applied over the upper and lower shell members and exposed portions of the bond material.10-06-2011
20110286852WIND TURBINE BLADE - Disclosed is a blade including a blade body including a leading edge and a trailing edge, and at least one trailing edge cavity defined by a blade area disposed in at least partial alignment with the trailing edge, the at least one cavity extending a desired depth into said blade body in a direction of the leading edge.11-24-2011
20120076345SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WIND TURBINE INSPECTION - A system and method for inspecting a wind turbine for indications is disclosed. The method includes providing an inspection system spaced from the wind turbine, appraise a rotor blade of the wind turbine, and inspecting the rotor blade for indications. The inspection system includes an observation system and an inspection device, the observation system including an appraisal device and an automated scanning device, the appraisal device configured to provide an image of at least a portion of the rotor blade, the automated scanning device configured to rotate about at least one axis, shifting the image.03-29-2012

Patent applications by Peter James Fritz, Greenville, SC US

Robert Fritz, Elwood, IL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090124116Wire containment cap with an integral strain relief clip - A wire containment cap for reducing horizontal strain on a cable terminated at a communication jack. The wire containment cap is part of the communication jack and includes a strain relief clip that may be actuated to apply pressure to the cable. The applied pressure holds the cable in place and helps prevent wire pairs of the cable from pulling out of terminals in the communication jack.05-14-2009
20110207365Wire Containment Cap with an Integral Strain Relief Clip - A wire containment cap for reducing horizontal strain on a cable terminated at a communication jack. The wire containment cap is part of the communication jack and includes a strain relief clip that may be actuated to apply pressure to the cable. The applied pressure holds the cable in place and helps prevent wire pairs of the cable from pulling out of terminals in the communication jack.08-25-2011

Patent applications by Robert Fritz, Elwood, IL US

Robert B. Fritz, Milwaukee, WI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090191241METHOD AND COMPOSITIONS FOR IMMUNIZATION WITH THE PSEUDOMONAS V ANTIGEN - A method of inhibiting, moderating or diagnosing 07-30-2009

Robert J. Fritz, Glendale, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110174170INTEGRATED VEHICLE GALLEY TRASH COMPACTOR - A space-saving in-flight trash compactor, comprising a trash chute, a compactor mechanism disposed above a level of the trash chute, and a storage chamber removably positioned below the compactor mechanism and below a level of the trash chute. The storage chamber is vertically aligned with the compactor mechanism. The trash chute is configured to channel trash disposed through an opening of the trash chute at a level of a counter top and above a level of a top of the storage chamber into an opening of the storage chamber at the top of the storage chamber. The opening of the trash chute may be horizontally offset from the vertical alignment of the storage chamber and compactor mechanism.07-21-2011
20120067230METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR COMPACTING TRASH - Methods and apparatus for compacting trash are disclosed. A disclosed example trash compacting system includes a trash receptacle, a collection bin, a compaction bin proximal to the collection bin, having a receiving opening to receive trash via the trash receptacle, and having an ejection opening through which compacted trash is ejected into the collection bin, and a compactor mechanism operatively coupled with the compaction bin to compact the trash within the compaction bin.03-22-2012

Robert K. Fritz, New Bloomfield, PA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100263881METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A PRESSURIZED LIQUID IN THE ABSENCE OF ELECTRICITY - An method and apparatus for disbursing a pressurized liquid in the absence of electricity are disclosed. The method and apparatus for disbursing a pressurized liquid in the absence of electricity can include a gas source, a liquid source, a liquid pressurization system, and a liquid delivery system.10-21-2010

Robert L. Fritz, Elwood, IL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100135633RELEASE LATCH FOR PRE-TERMINATED CASSETTE - A release latch for a pre-terminated cassette is described. The pre-terminated cassette includes a release latch to allow removal of the pre-terminated cassette from a patch panel, where the patch panel includes a retaining feature for retaining the pre-terminated cassette. The release latch includes a cantilever beam located on the sidewall of the pre-terminated cassette. The cantilever beam has a hinge point that allows the beam to deflect with respect to the sidewall. The release latch further includes a depressing tab provided at the distal end of the cantilever beam and a latch tab protruding from the surface of the cantilever beam between the hinge point and the depressing tab. The latch tab is capable of engagement with the retaining feature of the patch panel when the cassette is installed in the patch panel.06-03-2010
20100290752VERTICAL CABLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a cable manager. The cable manager includes a first side panel, a second side panel spaced apart from the first side panel, a first cross brace bracket connected to the first side panel and the second side panel, and a second cross brace bracket connected to the first side panel and the second side panel and spaced apart from the first cross brace bracket. The first side panel, the second side panel, the first cross brace bracket, and the second cross brace bracket define a first cable pathway for routing a first plurality of cables and a second cable pathway for routing a second plurality of cables.11-18-2010
20110229102RELEASE LATCH FOR PRE-TERMINATED CASSETTE - A release latch for a pre-terminated cassette is described. The pre-terminated cassette includes a release latch to allow removal of the pre-terminated cassette from a patch panel, where the patch panel includes a retaining feature for retaining the pre-terminated cassette. The release latch includes a cantilever beam located on the sidewall of the pre-terminated cassette. The cantilever beam has a hinge point that allows the beam to deflect with respect to the sidewall. The release latch further includes a depressing tab provided at the distal end of the cantilever beam and a latch tab protruding from the surface of the cantilever beam between the hinge point and the depressing tab. The latch tab is capable of engagement with the retaining feature of the patch panel when the cassette is installed in the patch panel.09-22-2011
20110260018Two Post Rack with Floor Mounting Brackets - A bracket assembly for mounting a rack to a floor includes a bracket. The bracket includes a rack-mounting surface having at least one pair of rack-mounting openings for mounting the bracket to the rack, and a floor-mounting surface extending from the rack-mounting surface. The floor-mounting surface has at least three pairs of floor-mounting openings for mounting the bracket to the floor.10-27-2011
20110265384Vertical Cable Manager Door - Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a door for a vertical cable manager. The door includes a panel. Additionally, the door includes a first hinge pin disposed at a first end of the panel. The first hinge pin slides from an extended position to a retracted position. Additionally, the door includes a first hinge pin retention member disposed adjacent the first hinge pin. The first hinge pin retention member is releasably connected to the first hinge pin to secure the first hinge pin in the retracted position.11-03-2011

Patent applications by Robert L. Fritz, Elwood, IL US

Terry M. Fritz, Vancouver, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080260281Color content detection - Embodiments including detection of color content in an image are disclosed.10-23-2008

Thomas A. Fritz, Tucson, AZ US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100254904Novel therapeutic delivery systems - Targeted therapeutic delivery systems comprising gas- or gaseous precursor-filled lipid microspheres comprising a therapeutic are described. Methods for employing such microspheres in therapeutic delivery applications are also provided.10-07-2010

Todd W. Fritz, Kalamazoo, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100085178DISCRETE SENSOR INPUTS - A set of inputs each selectively provides a discrete signal, whereby the sensor inputs together provide a plurality of discrete signals. A memory includes instructions executable by a processor for receiving the discrete signals, identifying a bit pattern from the discrete signals, and determining a position of a physical member according to the bit pattern and an error condition detected from the discrete signals.04-08-2010
20100204879TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE - An exemplary transmission system includes a plurality of sensors each configured to output a signal at least partially representative of a speed of at least one of a first transmission input shaft, a second transmission input shaft, a transmission output shaft, and an engine. A transmission control module is in communication with the plurality of sensors and is configured to identify at least one of the plurality of sensors as a failed sensor and another of the plurality of sensors as a working sensor. The transmission control module is further configured to estimate the signal of the failed sensor based on a predetermined relationship between an expected signal from the failed sensor and the signal received from the working sensor.08-12-2010
20100228455TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WITH VALVE CONTROL - An exemplary system includes at least one valve configured to control fluid flow in a dual-clutch transmission system. A solenoid is operably connected to the at least one valve and configured to move the valve to a plurality of positions. A primary processing unit is in communication with the solenoid and configured to determine an intended position of the valve. A controller is configured to receive the intended position of the valve from the primary processing unit and generate a primary control signal associated with the intended position of the valve. The solenoid is configured to move the valve to the intended position based on the primary control signal. A secondary processing unit is configured to receive information from the primary processing unit and prevent the primary control signal from controlling the solenoid if the primary processing unit is unable to control the solenoid.09-09-2010
20110035121SHIFT RAIL TRANSMISSION POSITION SENSING - Receiving sensor data related to position of a gear in a transmission, the sensor data including data from a first sensor and data from a second sensor; determining a first indicated position of the gear from the data from the first sensor; determining a second indicated position of the gear from the data from the second sensor; comparing the first indicated position to the second indicated position; and determining based on the comparison a gear engagement status of the gear.02-10-2011
20110035123SHIFT RAIL TRANSMISSION POSITION SENSING WITH TOLERANCE FOR SENSOR LOSS - A number N of position sensors, each associated with one of N shift rails in a shift rail transmission system, wherein the set of N sensors is divided into subsets and each subset is provided a common reference from a control module; and a processing component that determines from data from each sensor whether the shift rail associated with that sensor is in a position of engagement of a first gear, a position of engagement of a second gear, or in a neutral position.02-10-2011

Ward Fritz, Westwood, MA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120007397CHILD RESTRAINT FOR VEHICLE - A child restraint includes a juvenile seat and a child-restraint harness coupled to the juvenile seat. The juvenile seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back extending upwardly from the seat bottom. The juvenile seat also includes a headrest mounted for up-and-down movement on the seat back relative to the seat bottom.01-12-2012
20120007398CHILD RESTRAINT FOR VEHICLE - A child restraint includes a base, a seat, and an anchor belt. The anchor belt holds the base in place on a passenger seat of a vehicle. The seat mounts on the base and supports a child or infant for travel in the vehicle above the base.01-12-2012