Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090146154 | Transistor with A-Face Conductive Channel and Trench Protecting Well Region - A transistor structure optimizes current along the A-face of a silicon carbide body to form an AMOSFET that minimizes the JFET effect in the drift region during forward conduction in the on-state. The AMOSFET further shows high voltage blocking ability due to the addition of a highly doped well region that protects the gate corner region in a trench-gated device. The AMOSFET uses the A-face conduction along a trench sidewall in addition to a buried channel layer extending across portions of the semiconductor mesas defining the trench. A doped well extends from at least one of the mesas to a depth within the current spreading layer that is greater than the depth of the trench. A current spreading layer extends between the semiconductor mesas beneath the bottom of the trench to reduce junction resistance in the on-state. A buffer layer between the trench and the deep well further provides protection from field crowding at the trench corner. | 06-11-2009 |
20110250737 | TRANSISTOR WITH A-FACE CONDUCTIVE CHANNEL AND TRENCH PROTECTING WELL REGION - A transistor structure optimizes current along the A-face of a silicon carbide body to form an AMOSFET that minimizes the JFET effect in the drift region during forward conduction in the on-state. The AMOSFET further shows high voltage blocking ability due to the addition of a highly doped well region that protects the gate corner region in a trench-gated device. The AMOSFET uses the A-face conduction along a trench sidewall in addition to a buried channel layer extending across portions of the semiconductor mesas defining the trench. A doped well extends from at least one of the mesas to a depth within the current spreading layer that is greater than the depth of the trench. A current spreading layer extends between the semiconductor mesas beneath the bottom of the trench to reduce junction resistance in the on-state. A buffer layer between the trench and the deep well further provides protection from field crowding at the trench corner. | 10-13-2011 |
20120235164 | TRANSISTOR WITH A-FACE CONDUCTIVE CHANNEL AND TRENCH PROTECTING WELL REGION - A transistor structure optimizes current along the A-face of a silicon carbide body to form an AMOSFET that minimizes the JFET effect in the drift region during forward conduction in the on-state. The AMOSFET further shows high voltage blocking ability due to the addition of a highly doped well region that protects the gate corner region in a trench-gated device. The AMOSFET uses the A-face conduction along a trench sidewall in addition to a buried channel layer extending across portions of the semiconductor mesas defining the trench. A doped well extends from at least one of the mesas to a depth within the current spreading layer that is greater than the depth of the trench. A current spreading layer extends between the semiconductor mesas beneath the bottom of the trench to reduce junction resistance in the on-state. A buffer layer between the trench and the deep well further provides protection from field crowding at the trench corner. | 09-20-2012 |
20120280252 | Field Effect Transistor Devices with Low Source Resistance - A semiconductor device includes a drift layer having a first conductivity type, a well region in the drift layer having a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type, and a source region in the well region, The source region has the first conductivity type and defines a channel region in the well region. The source region includes a lateral source region adjacent the channel region and a plurality of source contact regions extending away from the lateral source region opposite the channel region. A body contact region having the second conductivity type is between at least two of the plurality of source contact regions and is in contact with the well region. A source ohmic contact overlaps at least one of the source contact regions and the body contact region. A minimum dimension of a source contact area of the semiconductor device is defined by an area of overlap between the source ohmic contact and the at least one source contact region. | 11-08-2012 |
20120280270 | Field Effect Transistor Devices with Low Source Resistance - A semiconductor device includes a drift layer having a first conductivity type, a well region in the drift layer having a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type, and a source region in the well region, The source region has the first conductivity type and defines a channel region in the well region. The source region includes a lateral source region adjacent the channel region and a plurality of source contact regions extending away from the lateral source region opposite the channel region. A body contact region having the second conductivity type is between at least two of the plurality of source contact regions and is in contact with the well region. A source ohmic contact overlaps at least one of the source contact regions and the body contact region. A minimum dimension of a source contact area of the semiconductor device is defined by an area of overlap between the source ohmic contact and the at least one source contact region. | 11-08-2012 |
20140374773 | VERTICAL POWER TRANSISTOR WITH BUILT-IN GATE BUFFER - A vertical power transistor is monolithically packaged on a semiconductor die with gate buffer circuitry. The gate buffer circuitry is adapted to deliver a biasing voltage to a gate contact of the vertical power transistor for switching the device between an ON state and an OFF state. By monolithically packaging the gate buffer circuitry together with the vertical power transistor, parasitic inductance between the gate buffer circuitry and the gate of the vertical power transistor is minimized, thereby decreasing the switching time of the vertical power transistor and reducing switching noise. | 12-25-2014 |
20150287805 | High Power Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors - An insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) includes a substrate having a first conductivity type, a drift layer having a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type, and a well region in the drift layer and having the first conductivity type. An epitaxial channel adjustment layer is on the drift layer and has the second conductivity type. An emitter region extends from a surface of the epitaxial channel adjustment layer through the epitaxial channel adjustment layer and into the well region. The emitter region has the second conductivity type and at least partially defines a channel region in the well region adjacent to the emitter region. A gate oxide layer is on the channel region, and a gate is on the gate oxide layer. Related methods are also disclosed. | 10-08-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130186710 | ELEVATED WORKING PLATFORM AND RELATED METHODS - Elevated work platforms, as well as associated methods, are provided. In one particular embodiment, an elevated platform apparatus is provided comprising a first rail assembly having a pair of rails coupled with a plurality of rungs, a second rail assembly hingedly coupled with the first rail assembly, a platform configured to rest upon a portion of the first rail assembly and the second rails assembly and a cage associated with the platform. The cage may include at least one bar and at least one gate, the at least one gate being configured to swing in a first direction upon a user stepping on to the platform from the first rail assembly, and then swing back to a closed position after the user is standing on the platform. The at least one gate is also limited from being displaced in a second direction, opposite the first direction, beyond the closed position. | 07-25-2013 |
20140102827 | LADDER SECURING APPARATUSES, LADDERS INCORPORATING SAME AND RELATED METHODS - A ladder is provided comprising a first pair of spaced apart rails and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of spaced apart rails. A pair of hooks are located such that each hook is positioned adjacent and upper end of an associated rail. A securing apparatus is coupled adjacent the upper end of the first pair of spaced apart rails. The securing apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart engaging members and may include a cross-member coupled therebetween. Each of the engagement members is pivotal with respect to an associated rail of the first pair of spaced apart rails. In one embodiment, the securing apparatus lacks any biasing members (e.g., springs or actuators) or locking members. The engagement members and hooks cooperatively encircle and overhead, generally horizontal support member to support and secure the ladder in a desired position. | 04-17-2014 |
20150068842 | ADJUSTABLE LADDERS, LADDER COMPONENTS AND RELATED METHODS - Ladders, ladder components, adjustment mechanisms and related methods are provided herein. In one embodiment, a ladder may include an adjustment mechanism for adjusting, for example, a leveler, a stabilizer, or any two relatively displaceable components of the ladder. The adjustment mechanism may include an actuating mechanism having a first structure and a second structure slidably disposed adjacent the first structure, the second structure having a plurality of engagement surfaces. A body is coupled with the first structure. At least two engagement pins are slidably displaceable relative to the body, wherein the plurality of engagement surfaces and the at least two engagement pins are arranged such that only a single engagement pin of the at least two engagement pins is in abutting engagement with an engagement surface of the plurality of engagement surfaces at one time. At least one biasing member is configured to bias the at least two engagement pins towards engagement with the engagement surfaces. | 03-12-2015 |
20160076304 | LADDERS, RUNG ASSEMBLIES FOR LADDERS AND RELATED METHODS - Ladders and ladder components are provided including a rung assembly that provides an alert to a user of the ladder that they are standing on a particular rung or step. In one example, the lower most rung or step of a ladder includes a rung assembly having an alert mechanism. The alert mechanism may provide an audible and/or other sensory alert to a user when they step on the rung assembly so that the user recognizes their position relative to the ground or supporting surface. In one embodiment, the rung assembly is configured such that a front edge remains in a constant or fixed position relative to the rails to which it is coupled so that a user can rely on a fixed or constant position of the front edge of the assembly when climbing or descending the ladder. | 03-17-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100224445 | STEPLADDERS AND RELATED METHODS - Stepladders and related methods of using and manufacturing stepladders are provided. In one embodiment, a stepladder is provided that comprises a top cap, a first assembly and a second assembly. The first assembly has a pair of spaced apart rails pivotally coupled with the top cap. The second assembly includes at least one rail pivotally coupled with the top cap. The first assembly and second assembly are configured to be displaced relative one another such that the stepladder is selectively positionable between a first, deployed state and a second, collapsed state. The first assembly, the second assembly and the top cap are cooperatively configured such that the at least one rail of the second assembly is at least partially nested within an envelope defined by the pair of spaced apart rails of the first assembly with the step ladder is in a collapsed state. | 09-09-2010 |
20100300805 | ADJUSTABLE LADDERS AND RELATED METHODS - The present invention relates to ladders and, more particularly, various configurations of ladders including straight and extension ladders, as well as to methods relating to the use and manufacture of such ladders. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a ladder is provided that includes a first pair of spaced apart rails and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of spaced apart rails. The ladder also includes a pair of lateral support members, wherein each support member is selectively displaceable in a lateral direction relative to an associated rail. Additionally, the ladder includes a pair of adjustable legs, each leg having a first end slidably coupled to an associated rail of the first pair of spaced apart rails and being slidably coupled to an associated lateral support member. | 12-02-2010 |
20130118833 | ADJUSTABLE LADDERS AND RELATED METHODS - The present invention relates to ladders and, more particularly, various configurations of ladders including straight and extension ladders, as well as to methods relating to the use and manufacture of such ladders. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a ladder is provided that includes a first pair of spaced apart rails and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of spaced apart rails. The ladder also includes a pair of lateral support members, wherein each support member is selectively displaceable in a lateral direction relative to an associated rail. Additionally, the ladder includes a pair of adjustable legs, each leg having a first end slidably coupled to an associated rail of the first pair of spaced apart rails and being slidably coupled to an associated lateral support member. | 05-16-2013 |
20140190768 | STEPLADDERS AND RELATED METHODS - Stepladders and related methods of using and manufacturing stepladders are provided. In one embodiment, a stepladder is provided that comprises a top cap, a first assembly and a second assembly. The first assembly has a pair of spaced apart rails pivotally coupled with the top cap. The second assembly includes at least one rail pivotally coupled with the top cap. The first assembly and second assembly are configured to be displaced relative one another such that the stepladder is selectively positionable between a first, deployed state and a second, collapsed state. The first assembly, the second assembly and the top cap are cooperatively configured such that the at least one rail of the second assembly is at least partially nested within an envelope defined by the pair of spaced apart rails of the first assembly with the step ladder is in a collapsed state. | 07-10-2014 |
20140202793 | ADJUSTABLE LADDERS AND RELATED COMPONENTS - Adjustable ladders may include a pair of side rails having a plurality of rungs extending therebetween, and a pair of adjustable legs associated with the side rails. A pair of swing arms may include a first end pivotally coupled with a side rail, or a bracket associated with the side rail, as well as a second end pivotally coupled with an adjustable leg. The swing arm may be configured as a nonlinear structure. In one embodiment, the swing arm may include a first section that extends from a second section at a defined angle. The first and second sections may exhibit different lengths. Adjustment mechanisms may be pivotally coupled with an upper end of the adjustable legs. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanisms may be configured such that, when actuated, they may be displaced in one direction while resisting displacement in a second, opposite direction. | 07-24-2014 |
20150075905 | LADDER SECURING APPARATUS, LADDERS INCORPORATING SAME AND RELATED METHODS - A ladder is provided having a securing apparatus for securing the ladder to a horizontally extending support structure (e.g., a utility cable), a vertically extending support structure (e.g., a utility pole) or both. In accordance with one embodiment, the securing apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart engagement mechanisms, wherein each engagement mechanism is pivotally coupled with an associated rail of the ladder. Each engagement mechanism includes a frame member, an engagement member pivotally coupled with the frame member and a pole grasping structure coupled with the frame member. In one embodiment, each engagement member is configured to rotate from a first position, wherein an open gate is formed between the engagement member and its associated frame member, to a closed position. | 03-19-2015 |
20150075907 | LADDERS INCLUDING ROPE AND PULLEY SYSTEM AND FALL PROTECTION DEVICE - A ladder is provided which may include a positioning system, a fall arrest system, or both. In one embodiment, a rope and pulley system is provided wherein a first end of the rope is coupled to a base section of the ladder, a second end of the rope is coupled with a fly section of the ladder, and the rope extends between a plurality of pulleys. In one particular embodiment, the rope extends between five different pulleys, two being coupled with the fly section and three being coupled with the base section. At least one portion of the rope may extend along the side of the ladder (e.g., along the side of a rail of the fly section) while another section may extend up the front of the ladder between the rails and in front of the rungs. A fall arrest mechanism, or an ascender device, may be coupled with the section of rope extending up the ladder between the rails and in front of the rungs. | 03-19-2015 |
20150267468 | LADDERS WITH INTEGRATED SUPPORT, LADDER COMPONENTS AND RELATED METHODS - A ladder is provided having a first assembly and a second assembly slidably coupled with the first assembly. The first assembly includes a first pair of spaced apart rails and a first plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of spaced apart rails. the second assembly includes a second pair of spaced apart rails and a second plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the second pair of spaced apart rails. A support apparatus is coupled with the first assembly and includes one or more arms that are pivotally displaced from a refracted position to a deployed position responsive to displacement of the first assembly a specified distance relative to the second assembly. | 09-24-2015 |
20150300089 | ADJUSTABLE LADDERS AND RELATED METHODS - The present invention relates to ladders and, more particularly, various configurations of ladders including straight and extension ladders, as well as to methods relating to the use and manufacture of such ladders. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a ladder is provided that includes a first pair of spaced apart rails and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of spaced apart rails. The ladder also includes a pair of lateral support members, wherein each support member is selectively displaceable in a lateral direction relative to an associated rail. Additionally, the ladder includes a pair of adjustable legs, each leg having a first end slidably coupled to an associated rail of the first pair of spaced apart rails and being slidably coupled to an associated lateral support member. | 10-22-2015 |
20160090785 | ADJUSTABLE LADDERS AND RELATED COMPONENTS - Adjustable ladders may include a pair of side rails having a plurality of rungs extending therebetween, and a pair of adjustable legs associated with the side rails. A pair of swing arms may include a first end pivotally coupled with a side rail, or a bracket associated with the side rail, as well as a second end pivotally coupled with an adjustable leg. The swing arm may be configured as a nonlinear structure. In one embodiment, the swing arm may include a first section that extends from a second section at a defined angle. The first and second sections may exhibit different lengths. Adjustment mechanisms may be pivotally coupled with an upper end of the adjustable legs. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanisms may be configured such that, when actuated, they may be displaced in one direction while resisting displacement in a second, opposite direction. | 03-31-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100153738 | AUTHORIZED ANONYMOUS AUTHENTICATION - A method, program and system for processing data is disclosed. The method, program and system comprising the steps of: (a) receiving (e.g., during an enrollment process) a first biometric data and a first personal key, (b) processing the first biometric data and the first personal key through an irreversible cryptographic algorithm, sometimes after: (i) generating one or more variants from the first biometric data, (ii) processing the first personal key through a reversible cryptographic algorithm, and (iii) adding salt to the first biometric data or first personal key, (c) receiving (e.g., during an authentication process) a second biometric data and a second personal key, (d) processing the second biometric data and the second personal key through the irreversible cryptographic algorithm, (e) comparing the second processed data to the first processed data, and (f) generating a signal pertaining to the comparison of the second processed data to the first processed data, such as: (i) a confirmation reflecting authentication when the second processed data matches the first processed data (sometimes allowing access to a facility or system) or (ii) a denial reflecting no confirmation when the second processed data does not match the first processed data. | 06-17-2010 |
20100161566 | USING RELATIONSHIPS IN CANDIDATE DISCOVERY - Techniques are disclosed for adding entities to a group of entity resolution candidates by selecting entities that have a minimum threshold of similarity to a candidate, allowing a greater number of resolutions in an entity resolution system. To resolve an incoming identity record, an initial group of candidates may be selected from known entities by identifying entities that match a candidate building attribute of the incoming identity record. Additional candidates may be selected by identifying entities with some information that is similar to one of the candidate entities. | 06-24-2010 |
20100161662 | USING SPHERES-OF-INFLUENCE TO CHARACTERIZE NETWORK RELATIONSHIPS - Techniques are disclosed for using spheres-of-influence to characterize network relationships, where a graph depicts stronger relationships as being closer to an entity than more tenuous relationships. That is, while an entity may have many first-degree relationships, some relationships are closer than others. Thus, relationships where one entity may have a greater degree of influence over another are characterized as being closer to an entity in a graph. Similarly, a tenuous first-degree relationship may be characterized as being at a greater “depth” from the entity in the graph. | 06-24-2010 |
20110246492 | LIFE ARCS AS AN ENTITY RESOLUTION FEATURE - Systems, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed for performing identity resolution using life arcs as a feature. Space and time data may be received for an entity. A life arc template may be provided that specifies data that a life arc for each entity should include. A life arc may be generated for the entity based on the space and time data and the life arc template. An assertion for identity resolution may be made for the entity, based on the generated life arc. | 10-06-2011 |
20110317926 | UNGUIDED CURIOSITY IN SUPPORT OF ENTITY RESOLUTION TECHNIQUES - Provided are techniques for receiving data comprising an entity having at least one feature; determining how the entity correlates with an existing entity, identifying an additional feature to increase confidence of the entity resolution, searching a data source for the additional feature to obtain an observation containing the additional feature, and performing the entity resolution using the at least one feature and the additional feature. | 12-29-2011 |
20110320455 | HINT SERVICES FOR FEATURE/ENTITY EXTRACTION AND CLASSIFICATION - Systems, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed for extracting a feature of an entity. A data record that includes the feature may be received. The feature may be characterized. Data related to the feature may be retrieved from a data source. The feature may be recharacterized based on the retrieved data. The data source may be updated with an association between the recharacterized feature and the retrieved data. | 12-29-2011 |
20130132399 | INCREMENTAL CONTEXT ACCUMULATING SYSTEMS WITH INFORMATION CO-LOCATION FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE AND REAL-TIME DECISIONING SYSTEMS - Provided are techniques for incrementally integrating and persisting context over an available observational space. At least one feature associated with a new observation is used to create at least one index key. The at least one index key is used to query one or more reverse lookup tables to locate at least one previously persisted candidate observation. The new observation is evaluated against the at least one previously persisted candidate observation to determine at least one relationship. In response to determining the at least one relationship, a threshold is used to make a new assertion about the at least one relationship. The new observation is used to review previous assertions to determine whether a previous assertion is to be reversed. In response to reversing the previous assertion, the new observation, the new assertion, and the reversed assertion are incrementally integrated into persistent context. | 05-23-2013 |
20130132400 | INCREMENTAL CONTEXT ACCUMULATING SYSTEMS WITH INFORMATION CO-LOCATION FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE AND REAL-TIME DECISIONING SYSTEMS - Provided are techniques for incrementally integrating and persisting context over an available observational space. At least one feature associated with a new observation is used to create at least one index key. The at least one index key is used to query one or more reverse lookup tables to locate at least one previously persisted candidate observation. The new observation is evaluated against the at least one previously persisted candidate observation to determine at least one relationship. In response to determining the at least one relationship, a threshold is used to make a new assertion about the at least one relationship. The new observation is used to review previous assertions to determine whether a previous assertion is to be reversed. In response to reversing the previous assertion, the new observation, the new assertion, and the reversed assertion are incrementally integrated into persistent context. | 05-23-2013 |
20130238643 | LIFE ARCS AS AN ENTITY RESOLUTION FEATURE - Techniques are disclosed for performing identity resolution using life arcs as a feature. Space and time data may be received for an entity. A life arc template may be provided that specifies data that a life arc for each entity should include. A life arc may be generated for the entity based on the space and time data and the life arc template. An assertion for identity resolution may be made for the entity, based on the generated life arc. | 09-12-2013 |
20140052685 | Context Accumulation Based on Properties of Entity Features - According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system for determining related entities includes at least one processor. The system identifies one or more candidate entities for a data object associated with an entity based on one or more features. The entity and candidate entities are each associated with one or more features and each feature is associated with one or more behaviors. The identified candidate entities related to the entity are determined based on the associated behaviors of the features of the identified candidate entities and the entity. Embodiments of the present invention further include a method and computer program product for determining related entities in substantially the same manner described above. | 02-20-2014 |
20150098565 | PRIVACY ENHANCED SPATIAL ANALYTICS - Method, system, and computer program products, implementing and using techniques for processing data representing observations of entities. An anonymized key is generated. The anonymized key represents a spacetime region with which an entity is associated. The spacetime region represents a spatial region and a time interval. The entity is associated with the spacetime region based on spacetime coordinates for the entity. | 04-09-2015 |
20150101061 | PRIVACY ENHANCED SPATIAL ANALYTICS - Method, system, and computer program products, implementing and using techniques for processing data representing observations of entities. An anonymized key is generated. The anonymized key represents a spacetime region with which an entity is associated. The spacetime region represents a spatial region and a time interval. The entity is associated with the spacetime region based on spacetime coordinates for the entity. | 04-09-2015 |
20150134379 | Singularity of Presence - Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for processing data. A first spacetime event observation is received. A second spacetime event observation is received. A singularity of presence indicator is received for a zone of space and a range of time corresponding to one or more of: the first spacetime event observation and the second spacetime event observation. It is determined whether the first spacetime event observation and the second spacetime event observation belong to a same entity using the singularity of presence indicator. | 05-14-2015 |
20150134588 | Singularity of Presence - Methods for processing data. A first spacetime event observation is received. A second spacetime event observation is received. A singularity of presence indicator is received for a zone of space and a range of time corresponding to one or more of: the first spacetime event observation and the second spacetime event observation. It is determined whether the first spacetime event observation and the second spacetime event observation belong to a same entity using the singularity of presence indicator. | 05-14-2015 |
20150278277 | TRACK RECONCILIATION FROM MULTIPLE DATA SOURCES - Embodiments relate to reconciling different entity identifiers. A method of reconciling different entity identifiers of a same entity is provided. The method receives a plurality of series of location-time data items from a plurality of tracking systems that each track one or more entities. Each series of location-time data items is associated with an entity identifier. The method categorizes each location-data item into a space-time region. The method generates a track for each of the plurality of series of location-time data items based on the space-time regions into which the location-data items are categorized, and generates a track signature for each of the generated tracks based on a segment of the generated track. The method compares the track signatures to find matching track signatures. Based on a plurality of matching signatures, the method reconciles the plurality of entity identifiers associated with the plurality of matching signatures to a particular entity. | 10-01-2015 |
20150286666 | TRACK RECONCILIATION FROM MULTIPLE DATA SOURCES - Embodiments relate to reconciling different entity identifiers. A method of reconciling different entity identifiers of a same entity is provided. The method receives a plurality of series of location-time data items from a plurality of tracking systems that each track one or more entities. Each series of location-time data items is associated with an entity identifier. The method categorizes each location-data item into a space-time region. The method generates a track for each of the plurality of series of location-time data items based on the space-time regions into which the location-data items are categorized, and generates a track signature for each of the generated tracks based on a segment of the generated track. The method compares the track signatures to find matching track signatures. Based on a plurality of matching signatures, the method reconciles the plurality of entity identifiers associated with the plurality of matching signatures to a particular entity. | 10-08-2015 |
20160055141 | STRING COMPARISON RESULTS FOR CHARACTER STRINGS USING FREQUENCY DATA - A similarity between character strings is assessed by identifying first and second character strings as candidate similar character strings, determining a frequency of occurrence for at least one of the first and second character strings from a collection of character strings, and designating the first and second character strings as similar based on the determined frequency of occurrence. | 02-25-2016 |
20160055144 | STRING COMPARISON RESULTS FOR CHARACTER STRINGS USING FREQUENCY DATA - A similarity between character strings is assessed by identifying first and second character strings as candidate similar character strings, determining a frequency of occurrence for at least one of the first and second character strings from a collection of character strings, and designating the first and second character strings as similar based on the determined frequency of occurrence. | 02-25-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100023952 | PLATFORM FOR DATA AGGREGATION, COMMUNICATION, RULE EVALUATION, AND COMBINATIONS THEREOF, USING TEMPLATED AUTO-GENERATION - Embodiments of the present invention provide platforms for data aggregation, communication, rule evaluation, and combinations thereof. The platform may include three distinct functional layers; a core layer, an adaptive layer and an intelligence layer. Furthermore, the platform may include a data block, messaging block, rule block, or combinations thereof. Generally, the platform may facilitate data acquisition, storage, and manipulation between and among clients and data sources in a generic manner. That is, clients may communicate and make requests independent of a target system or database type. The platform may process the communications and requests in a manner suitable to the target system or database type. The platform may also evaluate rules received from the clients in a manner generic to the client application. Instances of the platform for a given application may be efficiently created using a template-based mechanism. In this manner, the platform may be used to support a variety of end user applications in a flexible, scalable manner. | 01-28-2010 |
20130151570 | PLATFORM FOR DATA AGGREGATION, COMMUNICATION, RULE EVALUATION, AND COMBINATIONS THEREOF, USING TEMPLATED AUTO-GENERATION - Platforms for data aggregation, communication, rule evaluation, and combinations thereof are described. The platform may include three distinct functional layers; a core layer, an adaptive layer and an intelligence layer. Furthermore, the platform may include a data block, messaging block, rule block, or combinations thereof. Generally, the platform may facilitate data acquisition, storage, and manipulation between and among clients and data sources in a generic manner. That is, clients may communicate and make requests independent of a target system or database type. The platform may process the communications and requests in a manner suitable to the target system or database type. The platform may also evaluate rules received from the clients in a manner generic to the client application. Instances of the platform for a given application may be efficiently created using a template-based mechanism, for example for supporting a variety of end user applications in a flexible, scalable manner. | 06-13-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120082498 | ELECTRICALLY-ASSISTED MECHANICAL BRAILLE WRITER - An electrically-assisted mechanical Braille writer includes a main solenoid to apply force to emboss Braille onto a printing medium, and advance an embossing mechanism to the next cell. A second solenoid engages a mechanical stop to prevent one or more embossing keys from being fully depressed, to prevent kickback from the keys mechanically coupling to the main solenoid. In unpowered operation, the mechanical stop is disengaged, and the embossing keys may be fully depressed to apply force to emboss Braille and advance the embossing mechanism. Accordingly, with electrical power, the user may supply a lesser amount of force and still fully emboss Braille cells, while without electrical power, the Braille writer remains fully operational. | 04-05-2012 |
20120082962 | BRAILLE ERASURE MECHANISM - An improved Braille erasure mechanism may comprise a reverse-embosser or impressing mechanism to imprint a negative Braille cell. A negative Braille cell is the reverse of a normal Braille cell, with one or more dots lowered or pressed into the printing medium in an opposite direction to the raised dots of a normal Braille cell. Because the dots of a negative Braille cell are lowered past the surface of the printing medium, they may be ordinarily undetectable to the fingers of a Braille user. Accordingly, by imprinting a full negative Braille cell on top of a Braille cell to be erased, all of the previously raised dots of the Braille cell may be lowered beyond the surface of the printing medium. Any further Braille cell embossed over the erased cell will be free from corruption, because any dot not used by the new cell will remain lowered and undetectable. | 04-05-2012 |
20140065579 | BRAILLE ERASURE MECHANISM - An improved Braille erasure mechanism may comprise a reverse-embosser or impressing mechanism to imprint a negative Braille cell. A negative Braille cell is the reverse of a normal Braille cell, with one or more dots lowered or pressed into the printing medium in an opposite direction to the raised dots of a normal Braille cell. Because the dots of a negative Braille cell are lowered past the surface of the printing medium, they may be ordinarily undetectable to the fingers of a Braille user. Accordingly, by imprinting a full negative Braille cell on top of a Braille cell to be erased, all of the previously raised dots of the Braille cell may be lowered beyond the surface of the printing medium. Any further Braille cell embossed over the erased cell will be free from corruption, because any dot not used by the new cell will remain lowered and undetectable. | 03-06-2014 |
20140126946 | BRAILLE ERASURE MECHANISM - An improved Braille erasure mechanism may comprise a reverse-embosser or impressing mechanism to imprint a negative Braille cell. A negative Braille cell is the reverse of a normal Braille cell, with one or more dots lowered or pressed into the printing medium in an opposite direction to the raised dots of a normal Braille cell. Because the dots of a negative Braille cell are lowered past the surface of the printing medium, they may be ordinarily undetectable to the fingers of a Braille user. Accordingly, by imprinting a full negative Braille cell on top of a Braille cell to be erased, all of the previously raised dots of the Braille cell may be lowered beyond the surface of the printing medium. Any further Braille cell embossed over the erased cell will be free from corruption, because any dot not used by the new cell will remain lowered and undetectable. | 05-08-2014 |
20140334861 | ELECTRICALLY-ASSISTED MECHANICAL BRAILLE WRITER - An electrically-assisted mechanical Braille writer includes a main solenoid to apply force to emboss Braille onto a printing medium, and advance an embossing mechanism to the next cell. A second solenoid engages a mechanical stop to prevent one or more embossing keys from being fully depressed, to prevent kickback from the keys mechanically coupling to the main solenoid. In unpowered operation, the mechanical stop is disengaged, and the embossing keys may be fully depressed to apply force to emboss Braille and advance the embossing mechanism. Accordingly, with electrical power, the user may supply a lesser amount of force and still fully emboss Braille cells, while without electrical power, the Braille writer remains fully operational. | 11-13-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090170421 | GRILLE - The present invention provides, among other things, an exhaust vent fan including a housing having an inlet through which air is received within the housing and an outlet through which the air exits the housing, a fan wheel supported in the housing and operable to generate a flow of the air out of the outlet, a louvered first grille positioned across the inlet, a heating element supported in the housing, and a second grille supported on the housing and being moveable relative to the first grille while the first grille is secured to the housing to direct a heated air flow from the heating element out of the housing. | 07-02-2009 |
20090280737 | EXHAUST VENT ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - An exhaust vent assembly for a structure. The exhaust vent assembly can include a base supportable adjacent to the structure and having a raised rim defining an outlet of an exhaust flow channel and a cover moveably secured to the base for movement relative to the base between a closed position, in which the cover extends across the outlet substantially preventing exhaust flow through the outlet, and an opened position, in which the cover is moved away from the outlet to allow exhaust flow through the outlet. The vent assembly can also include a windbreak operable to prevent wind from moving the cover toward the opened position. The windbreak can include a first contour on the raised rim and a second contour on an adjacent edge of the cover. | 11-12-2009 |
20100089000 | HANGER ASSEMBLY - A method of assembling a hanger assembly for mounting to a fan housing in a building includes, providing a first bracket having a first end and a second end, the first end having a first flange and a second flange, providing a second bracket having a first end and a second end, the second end having a first flange and a second flange. The method further includes inserting the second end of the first bracket in a first direction into a first end of a third bracket, inserting the first end of the second bracket in a second direction, opposite the first direction, into a second end of the third bracket, and coupling at least one spacer to the third bracket, the spacer extends from the third bracket in a third direction, substantially perpendicular to the first direction. | 04-15-2010 |
20140063796 | ILLUMINATION GRILLE AND ASSEMBLY METHOD - Embodiments of the invention provide an illumination grille assembly comprising a frame and a ventilation grille coupled to the frame, and a plurality of light-emitting diodes coupled with the frame and at least partially covered with a light transparent cover. Some embodiments of the invention provide a lighting and ventilating system including a main housing including an inlet through which air can be received within the main housing and an outlet through which the air can exit the main housing. A blower assembly can be supported in the main housing and it can be operable to generate a flow of air. In some embodiments, an illumination grille assembly can be coupled to the main housing to allow fluid to flow through the illumination grill assembly to the main housing. In some embodiments, the set of illumination devices can be configured and arranged to emit light through the light transparent cover. | 03-06-2014 |
20150140923 | VENTILATION DAMPER SYSTEM AND METHOD - A damper assembly having a main body defining a continuous fluid path extending between a first opening and a second opening and a damper door rotatable within the main body to control the flow of fluid through the main body. The main body including an engagement edge extending circumferentially on an inner surface of the main body. The damper door can be rotated relative to the main body to sealingly engage an outer edge of the damper door with the engagement edge. The engagement edge of the main body can be oriented on the inner surface such that the surface area of the outer edge such that engagement of the engagement edge gradually increases as the damper door is rotated to seal the damper door to the main body. | 05-21-2015 |
20150226443 | VENTILATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - Some embodiments of the invention include a ventilation apparatus including a housing assembly with at least one fluid inlet, and at least one fluid outlet, and an exhaust fan assembly coupled to the housing assembly within an inner region. The exhaust fan assembly can include a scroll positioned within and coupled to the main housing, and a blower wheel positioned within the scroll and mechanically coupled to the motor. The ventilation assembly can include a configurable mounting panel including a main panel and at least one tab, and at least one configurable flange coupled to the main panel and extending outwardly from the main panel. The configurable mounting panel can include at least one bending region with at least one aperture. The ventilation apparatus can also include a muffler including an aperture, an electrical box enclosure including a lid, and a duct connector assembly each coupled with the housing assembly. | 08-13-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100088204 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DYNAMIC INTERCHANGE PRICING - A method includes receiving transaction data associated with a payment transaction. The transaction data includes a payment account identifier. The payment account identifier identifies a payment account. The method further includes obtaining a spending history associated with the payment account identified by the payment account identifier. The spending history reflects a total amount of spending transactions charged to the payment account during a period of time. The method also includes providing an indication of the spending history to an acquirer. | 04-08-2010 |
20110302080 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VALUE INTERCHANGE PRICING - Systems, methods, apparatus, computer program code, and means for processing transactions are provided which include receiving transaction data associated with a payment transaction, said transaction data including a payment account identifier, the payment account identifier identifying a payment account, determining a value score associated with the payment account identifier, determining, based on the value score, an interchange tier associated with the payment account identifier, and providing an indication of the interchange tier to a clearing and settlement process involving the payment account identifier. | 12-08-2011 |
20150221028 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VALUE INTERCHANGE PRICING - Methods, systems and computer readable media for determining an interchange tier to apply to individual payment card accounts. In an embodiment, a payment card system operator computer establishes scoring rules and at least two interchange tiers to associate with payment card accounts, transmits the scoring rules to at least one issuer, receives payment card account data, and scores each of the plurality of individual payment card accounts, and scores each of the payment card accounts according to the scoring rules. The process also includes assigning an interchange tier to each of the plurality of individual payment card accounts in accordance with the scoring, and storing information indicating the interchange tier associated with each of the plurality of individual payment card accounts for use during purchase transactions in a tier and scoring database. | 08-06-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20150294413 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSURING CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES - A method for providing an assured currency exchange rate includes: storing, in an account database, an account profile, wherein the account profile includes data related to a payment account including at least an account identifier, a conversion rule, and a period of time; receiving, by a receiving device, an authorization request for a payment transaction, wherein the authorization request includes at least the account identifier, a transaction amount in a first currency, and a transaction time and/or date that is within the period of time; calculating, by a processing device, a new transaction amount in a second currency based on application of the conversion rule to the transaction amount in the first currency; updating, by the processing device, the authorization request to include the calculated new transaction amount in the second currency; and forwarding, by a transmitting device, the updated authorization request. | 10-15-2015 |
20160034870 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPOSITION OF COSTS ON SPAM ADVERTISED MERCHANTS - A method for imposing fees on a merchant includes: storing, in a merchant database, a plurality of merchant profiles, wherein each merchant profile includes data related to a merchant in violation of a rule or regulation including at least a merchant identifier; receiving, by a receiving device, an authorization request for a payment transaction, wherein the authorization request includes at least a specific merchant identifier associated with a merchant involved in the payment transaction and a transaction amount; identifying, in the merchant database, a specific merchant profile where the included merchant identifier corresponds to the specific merchant identifier; processing, by a processing device, the payment transaction for the transaction amount; processing, by the processing device, a second payment transaction for the imposition of fees on the merchant involved in the payment transaction; and processing, by the processing device, a third payment transaction for revocation of the transaction amount. | 02-04-2016 |
20160078556 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ESTIMATION OF SMALL BUSINESS RISK AND SPEND PROFILES - A method for aggregating entity transaction data across multiple transaction accounts includes: storing a plurality of entity profiles, wherein each entity profile is associated with an entity including a unique entity identifier and a plurality of transaction data entries, each transaction data entry including transaction data associated with a payment transaction involving one of a plurality of transaction accounts associated with the associated entity; receiving transaction data for a processed payment transaction, wherein the transaction data includes a specific unique entity identifier associated with an entity involved in the processed payment transaction and a separate account identifier associated with a transaction account used to fund the processed payment transaction; identifying a specific entity profile where the included unique entity identifier corresponds to the specific unique entity identifier; and storing, in the identified specific entity profile, the received transaction data. | 03-17-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20150305476 | COSMETIC APPLICATORS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - A molded plastic applicator for cosmetics, such as a mascara brush, including an integral molded plastic panel that lies substantially in a mold plane when formed and is bent out of the mold plane to surround an extended longitudinal axis when the applicator is assembled. A plurality of openings, or projections such as bristles, are formed in or on the panel so as to be oriented substantially in a common pull direction transverse to the mold plane when the panel lies in the mold plane and to be oriented substantially radially of the longitudinal axis in directions distributed around the axis when the panel is bent to surround the axis. A retainer holds the panel bent out of the plane in surrounding relation to the axis. The panel may be formed as a plurality of free-ended limbs, radiating from a hub through which the longitudinal axis extends, and bent down around the axis; alternatively, it may be generally rectangular as formed, and bent into a cylinder about the axis, or it may be formed as a band that is wound helically about the axis. A method of making the applicator includes steps of molding the panel, bending the panel about the axis, and retaining the panel in the bent configuration. | 10-29-2015 |
20150305477 | COSMETIC APPLICATORS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - A molded plastic applicator for cosmetics, such as a mascara brush, including an integral molded plastic panel that lies substantially in a mold plane when formed and is bent out of the mold plane to surround an extended longitudinal axis when the applicator is assembled. A plurality of openings, or projections such as bristles, are formed in or on the panel so as to be oriented substantially in a common pull direction transverse to the mold plane when the panel lies in the mold plane and to be oriented substantially radially of the longitudinal axis in directions distributed around the axis when the panel is bent to surround the axis. A retainer holds the panel bent out of the plane in surrounding relation to the axis. The panel may be formed as a plurality of free-ended limbs, radiating from a hub through which the longitudinal axis extends, and bent down around the axis; alternatively, it may be generally rectangular as formed, and bent into a cylinder about the axis, or it may be formed as a band that is wound helically about the axis. A method of making the applicator includes steps of molding the panel, bending the panel about the axis, and retaining the panel in the bent configuration. | 10-29-2015 |