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| 20110132252 | PORTABLE BOAT CASTING DECK - Removable deck assemblies for boats, boats having removable deck assemblies, and permanently installed deck assemblies for boats are disclosed. A removable deck assembly includes a deck panel and a structure for removably attaching the deck panel in a bow of the boat. The structure supports the deck panel in a stable, substantially horizontal manner. The removable deck assembly can be adapted to be attached to various types of boats, including rigid inflatable boats, collapsible boats, inflatable boats, and rigid boats. The removable deck assembly can include additional features, for example, a deployable swim ladder, a pedestal seat support fitting, an outboard motor mount, a fishing pole holder, and/or an anchor line management fitting. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110155042 | COLLAPSIBLE BOAT WITH INFLATABLE MEMBERS - Collapsible/inflatable boats are disclosed. A collapsible/inflatable boat includes a collapsible hull formed from a plurality of panels that extend from a first end to a second end of the collapsible/inflatable boat. Each of the panels is connected with at least one the other panels. The collapsible hull is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A collapsible/inflatable boat can have one or more interior members that are inflatable to support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration. A collapsible/inflatable boat can have one or more removable solid seats that when installed support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration. A collapsible/inflatable boat can have an inflatable exterior member connected with the hull such that the exterior member, when inflated, extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the hull when the hull is in the expanded configuration. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110265702 | FOLDING TRANSOM FOR A COLLAPSIBLE BOAT - Collapsible boats with foldable rigid transoms are disclosed. A collapsible boat includes a collapsible hull formed from a plurality of panels that extend from a first end to a second end of the collapsible/inflatable boat. Each of the panels is connected with at least one the other panels. The collapsible hull is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A folding rigid transom is used to constrain at least two rear margins of the panels when the hull is in the expanded configuration. The folding rigid transom and seats remain attached to the hull when the hull is in the collapsed configuration. A collapsible boat can have one or more interior members that are inflatable to support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration. | 11-03-2011 |
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| 20100309539 | Phase-Change Materials and Optical Limiting Devices Utilizing Phase-Change Materials - An optical limiting structure includes a metal layer with a single metal particle or a plurality of metal particles spaced from each other so as to form an array, where the metal particles have sizes no greater than about 1000 nanometers. A phase-change material layer is disposed adjacent at least a portion of the metal layer, where the phase-change material layer includes a phase-change material. The optical limiting structure is configured to transition from a first optical state to a second optical state, where the optical limiting structure substantially limits transmittance of light of at least one wavelength through the optical limiting structure at the second optical state, and the at least one wavelength at which the optical limiting structure substantially limits transmittance of light is different from any wavelength of light at which transmittance is substantially limited through the phase-change material prior to integration into the optical limiting structure. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20110205542 | Optical Sensors Including Surface Modified Phase-Change Materials for Detection of Chemical, Biological and Explosive Compounds - A sensor device includes an optical limiting structure including a metal layer with at least one metal particle having a size no greater than about 1500 nanometers, and a phase-change material layer disposed adjacent at least a portion of the metal layer, the phase-change material layer including a phase-change material, and a dendritic-metal layer disposed over at least a portion of the phase-change material layer of the optical limiting structure, the dendritic-metal layer including an organic compound including branching chain amino acid groups attached to a metal structure. The optical limiting structure is configured to transition from a first optical state to a second optical state when the phase-change material is heated above a critical temperature, with transmittance of light at a predetermined wavelength through the optical limiting structure being lower at the second optical state of the optical limiting structure in relation to the first optical state of the optical limiting structure. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110311234 | OPTICAL MODULATION UTILIZING STRUCTURES INCLUDING METAMATERIALS - An optical modulation system includes a metamaterial structure configured to receive and process an input optical signal at at least one operational wavelength, where the metamaterial structure changes between a transmissive state and a non-transmissive state with respect to the optical signal(s) at the operational wavelength(s) in response to an external stimulus applied to the metamaterial structure. An external stimulus source is coupled with the metamaterial structure and is configured to change the metamaterial structure between its transmissive and non-transmissive states by applying selected stimulus pulses to the metamaterial structure. The optical modulation system processes the input optical signal to output a modulated optical signal that modulates in correspondence with the selected pulses applied to the metamaterial structure. | 12-22-2011 |
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| 20080251102 | CLEANING DEVICE FOR ENDOSCOPIC DEVICES - A device for cleaning an endoscopic device is disclosed. The device has a flexible sleeve movable between a collapsed position and an extended position. The sleeve has an opening at its proximal end. A cleaning tool is disposed within the sleeve. Further, cleaning fluid is included within the sleeve. A method of using the device to clean an endoscopic device is also disclosed. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080306336 | RETRIEVAL DEVICE - An endoscopic device for retrieving an object from within a human body is disclosed. The device includes a support assembly, a transmitting assembly, a wire, and a net element. The support assembly has a base and a tubular member. The transmitting assembly includes a handle and a motion transmitting link fixed to the handle and extending through at least a portion of the tubular member. The wire defines a loop portion and two leg portions. A proximal end of each leg portion is secured to the link by a first connection and the two leg portions are secured to each other by at least a second connection distal from the first connection. The net element has a distal portion secured to the loop portion and a proximal portion secured relative to the leg portions. The loop portion is movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20090247827 | Endoscope Gripping Device - A device and method for facilitating the insertion, manipulation and removal of an endoscopic medical device within a body cavity is disclosed. The device may comprise a body portion and a lining. The body portion may be configured to wrap around the outer surface of the insertion tube. The body portion may comprise an outer surface, an inner surface, two ends, and a longitudinal slit extending from one end of the body portion to the other end. The lining may be attached to the interior surface of the body portion. The lining may comprise an at least partially raised surface that contacts the outer surface of the insertion tube at least when a user squeezes the body portion of the device. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090287111 | ENDOSCOPE COLLECTION VESSEL - A device for use with an endoscope is disclosed. The device includes a body that defines a vessel for collecting fluid that may escape through the port and/or valve of the endoscope. The body includes a bottom and a side wall. The bottom and the side wall form a portion of a cradle surrounding the port of the endoscope. The bottom includes a portion configured to mate with the endoscope adjacent the port. The side wall is configured to partially wrap around the port of the endoscope. Further, the body of the device may be shaped to cover at least the neck portion of the port and may include an aperture. The aperture allows access to the port and facilitates attachment of the valve. Absorbent material may be used in the collection vessel to absorb the fluid. The device may also include a wire anchor for attaching a guide wire. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20100240956 | IRRIGATING BIOPSY INLET VALVE - A valve for use in irrigating, accessing and sealing the instrument channel of an endoscope is disclosed. The valve includes a body having a first end, a second end, and an outer circumferential surface. The second end is adapted for connection to an instrument channel inlet port. The outer circumferential surface may define a side entry port. The valve includes a flip cap having an aperture therethrough. The cap is removably insertable into the first end for providing sealable access to the internal passage. The valve may include a tube having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a check valve disposed at the inlet end. The outlet end is fixed to the side entry port. A fluid may be dispensed through the check valve to irrigate the instrument channel. The valve may include a seal curtain member for providing sealable access to the instrument channel. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20110263939 | WATER BOTTLE ADAPTER FOR COUPLING AN ENDOSCOPE TO A WATER BOTTLE - An adapter for coupling a disposable water bottle to an endoscope including a cap manufactured from a thermoplastic elastomer material. The cap is removably secured to an associated water bottle. The cap includes a first port and a second port. The adapter further includes a scope connector manufactured from the thermoplastic elastomer and/or thermoset elastomer having a first scope connector port and second scope connector port, wherein the scope connector is configured to be frictionally coupled to an endoscope. A first supply tube couples to the first port of the cap and the first scope connector port and a second supply tube coupled to the second port of the cap and the second scope connector port. By using a thermoplastic elastomer and/or thermoset elastomer material, a simplified adapter is provided, which substantially reduces design and manufacturing costs. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20120004507 | BIOPSY INLET VALVE - A valve for use in irrigating, accessing and sealing the instrument channel of an endoscope is disclosed. The valve is adapted for installation onto an endoscope instrument inlet port. The valve includes an outer shell and a plurality of disks. The outer shell has a proximal end adapted for insertion of an instrument, interior walls defining a cavity, and a distal end adapted for connection to the instrument inlet port. The plurality of disks are disposed within the cavity in a stacked orientation. Each disks has an aperture therethrough for insertion of an instrument. The plurality of disks cooperate to maintain a seal around an instrument inserted through the valve. | 01-05-2012 |
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| 20090043668 | Shipping Address Population Using Online Address Book - A method for automatically generating a custom name list for use in an order form which can be submitted to an Internet shopping site to complete an order. The method utilizes address book data, stored primarily online utilizing a third party service. In one method, names and addresses are read from an address book database and incorporated into a form which enables the user to easily select recipients for one or more gifts. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090265319 | Dynamic Personal Privacy System for Internet-Connected Social Networks - Systems and methods of obtaining or providing search results in a computer-based social network in a manner that allows users to maintain a certain level of control over their privacy, and systems and methods of controlling undesired unsolicited communications between users in a computer-based social network. Users enter privacy settings which are used to filter search results by comparing privacy settings to available data concerning the searcher. Users are identified in the searches only if the searcher meets the privacy settings provided by the user. Privacy settings may include permission search terms, identification of a school, evaluating the number of connections of the searcher, evaluating a number or percentage of common connections between the user and the searcher, background checks, or a combination thereof as examples. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090265326 | DYNAMIC PERSONAL PRIVACY SYSTEM FOR INTERNET-CONNECTED SOCIAL NETWORKS - Systems and methods of obtaining or providing search results in a computer-based social network in a manner that allows users to maintain a certain level of control over their privacy, and systems and methods of controlling undesired unsolicited communications between users in a computer-based social network. Users enter privacy settings which are used to filter search results by comparing privacy settings to available data concerning the searcher. Users are identified in the searches only if the searcher meets the privacy settings provided by the user. Privacy settings may include permission search terms, identification of a school, evaluating the number of connections of the searcher, evaluating a number or percentage of common connections between the user and the searcher, or a combination thereof as examples. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20100042682 | Digital Rights Management for Music Video Soundtracks - The present invention relates to a mechanism for sharing user generated music videos in an online community. User generated visual content that can be synchronized with a soundtrack is shared independent of the soundtrack. In this way the copyrighted material is not shared and digital rights can be respected and enforced. Members of the online community that own the soundtrack can view the shared visual content automatically synchronized to the soundtrack they are listening to on their local machine. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20110082760 | Shipping Address Population Using Online Address Book - A method for automatically generating a custom name list for use in an order form which can be submitted to an Internet shopping site to complete an order. The method utilizes address book data, stored primarily online utilizing a third party service. In one method according to the invention, names and addresses are read from an address book database and incorporated into a form which enables the user to easily select recipients for one or more gifts. | 04-07-2011 |
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| 20090105517 | METHOD FOR CHEMICALLY REDUCING WASTE MATERIAL - In accordance with the present invention, a system, method and apparatus is provided for chemically reducing waste. The apparatus includes a substantially alkaline-resistant vessel having a temperature sensor positioned in thermal communication therewith, a heater in thermal communication with the vessel, a substantially alkaline-resistant magnetic stir rod adapted to be positioned within the vessel, and a magnetic stirrer adapted to produce a rotating magnetic field within the vessel capable of spinning a magnetic stir rod positioned therein. The apparatus further includes a water inlet valve operationally connected to the vessel and a water outlet valve operationally connected to the vessel. An electronic controller is connected in electric communication to the heater, to the magnetic stirrer, to the water inlet valve, to the water outlet valve, and to the temperature sensor and is adapted to maintain the temperature of the substantially alkaline resistant vessel substantially at a predetermined value. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090137858 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATING INFECTIOUS WASTE MATTER - A system and method is provided for producing a safely disposable end product from waste matter containing undesirable materials, such as infectious, biohazardous, hazardous, or radioactive elements. The method comprises the steps of providing a highly alkaline solvent, immersing the waste matter containing the undesirable materials within the highly alkaline solvent, and heating the solvent. The waste matter containing the undesirable materials is allowed to remain within the solvent until digested, thereby forming a solution void of any infectious or biohazardous elements and/or containing a decreased concentration of radioisotope. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20110040138 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATING INFECTIOUS WASTE MATTER - A system and method is provided for producing a safely disposable end product from waste matter containing undesirable materials, such as infectious, biohazardous, hazardous, or radioactive elements. The method comprises the steps of providing a highly alkaline solvent, immersing the waste matter containing the undesirable materials within the highly alkaline solvent, and heating the solvent. The waste matter containing the undesirable materials is allowed to remain within the solvent until digested, thereby forming a solution void of any infectious or biohazardous elements and/or containing a decreased concentration of radioisotope. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110048086 | METHOD FOR CHEMICALLY REDUCING WASTE MATERIALS - In accordance with the present invention, a system, method and apparatus is provided for chemically reducing waste. The apparatus includes a substantially alkaline-resistant vessel having a temperature sensor positioned in thermal communication therewith, a heater in thermal communication with the vessel, a substantially alkaline-resistant magnetic stir rod adapted to be positioned within the vessel, and a magnetic stirrer adapted to produce a rotating magnetic field within the vessel capable of spinning a magnetic stir rod positioned therein. The apparatus further includes a water inlet valve operationally connected to the vessel and a water outlet valve operationally connected to the vessel. An electronic controller is connected in electric communication to the heater, to the magnetic stirrer, to the water inlet valve, to the water outlet valve, and to the temperature sensor and is adapted to maintain the temperature of the substantially alkaline resistant vessel substantially at a predetermined value. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110171073 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATING INFECTIOUS WASTE MATTER - In accordance with the present invention, a system and method is provided for producing a safely disposable end product from waste matter containing undesirable materials, such as infectious, biohazardous, hazardous, or radioactive elements. The method comprises the steps of providing a highly basic solvent, immersing the waste matter containing the undesirable materials within the highly basic solvent, and heating the solvent. The waste matter containing the undesirable materials is allowed to remain within the solvent until digested, thereby forming a solution void of any infectious or biohazardous elements and/or containing a concentration of radioisotope below the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) for release to a sanitary sewer as defined in applicable federal regulations. The invention further provides a system for producing a safely disposable end product void of any infectious or biohazardous elements and/or containing only a concentration of radioisotope below the MPC for release to a sanitary sewer as defined in applicable federal regulations from waste matter containing such materials. The system comprises a tank or vessel capable of containing a highly basic solvent during a closed digestion reaction, heating means for heating the solvent within the vessel, filtering means, and means for removing the post-digestion aqueous solution and solid waste materials from within the vessel. The post-digestion product in both aqueous and solid form can then by disposed of by conventional means. | 07-14-2011 |
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| 20110219059 | COMPLIANCE TOOL - Described herein are apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for changing an out of compliance client device into a client device that is in compliance utilizing a compliance tool. In some embodiments of the invention the compliance tool identifies the location of the out of compliance client device, determines why the client device is out of compliance, brings the client device into compliance, and modifies the client device to allow it to access the network. In other embodiments of the invention the compliance tool is a compliance agent, wherein at a least a part of the compliance agent is uploaded on the client device. The compliance agent periodically checks the client device to determine if the client device has been brought into compliance, and when it is brought into compliance the compliance agent modifies the client device to allow it to access the network, and is then uninstalled from the client device. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110219103 | QUARANTINE TOOL - Described herein are apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for quarantining an out of compliance client device from other client devices on a network. Quarantining the out of compliance client device prevents the out of compliance device from corrupting other client devices on the network. For example, in operation, embodiments of the present invention involve: (1) receiving identification and location information for an out of compliance client device; (2) running a tool that utilizes the identification and location information to access the out of compliance device; (3) using the tool to modify the out of compliance device such that the out of compliance client device broadcasts a request for configuration information to which a network server is programmed to respond with configuration information associated with an isolated network; and (4) using the tool to cause the out of compliance client device to logout of the network. When the device logs back into the network, the network server responds by directing the device to the isolated network. | 09-08-2011 |
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| 20100188108 | LIQUID WATER SENSOR SIGNAL CONDITIONING CIRCUIT FOR USE IN PEM FUEL CELLS - A measurement circuit that has particular application for detecting a high impedance measurement signal from a liquid water sensor. The measurement circuit includes a high impedance resistance-to-frequency conversion circuit that is coupled to the sensor and receives a resistance signal therefrom. The resistance-to-frequency conversion circuit includes an oscillator that converts the resistance signal to a representative frequency. The measurement circuit also includes a frequency-to-voltage conversion circuit that receives the frequency signal from the resistance-to-frequency conversion circuit, and converts the frequency signal to a representative voltage that provides an indication of water on the sensor. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20110217612 | METHOD TO MEASURE AND COMMUNICATE CELL VOLTAGE IN A FUEL CELL STACK BY EMBEDDING MEASUREMENT UNITS ON THE PLATE - A system for communicating measurement data from each fuel cell or a group of fuel cells in a fuel cell stack, including a plurality of fuel cells, a plurality of stack plates, and a plurality of embedded smart plates. The stack plates are between each fuel cell and on each end of the stack, and the plurality of embedded smart plates are mechanically and electrically coupled to at least one of the plurality of stack plates, and each smart plate including optical transceivers on the top side and the bottom side. The system further includes first and second aggregator devices, said first and second aggregator devices including at least one optical transceiver for communicating with the embedded smart plate adjacent to the first or second aggregator device, where one aggregator device initiates communication with the embedded smart plates and the other aggregator device completes communication. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110217613 | METHOD FOR COLLECTION AND COMMUNICATION OF MEASURED DATA WITHIN A FUEL CELL STACK - A system for communicating measurement data from each fuel cell or a group of fuel cells in a fuel cell stack, including a plurality of fuel cells and a plurality of stack plates, where one stack plate is between each fuel cell and on each end of the stack. The system includes a plurality of embedded smart plates where each embedded smart plate is mechanically and electrically coupled to at least one of the plurality of stack plates, and where each embedded smart plate includes optical transceivers on a top side and a bottom side of the smart plate. The system further includes at least one aggregator device having at least one optical transceiver to initiate a series of communications between the embedded smart plates to determine the location and data collected by each of the smart plates. | 09-08-2011 |
