| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20080213804 | Parallel Processing Fluidic Method and Apparatus for Automated Rapid Immunohistochemistry - A sample processing system that may be configured to achieve parallel or coincidental sample processing such as histochemical processing may involve a plurality of samples arranged for coincidental movement perhaps by use of angular microscopic slide movements to cause processing activity that may include repeated elimination and reapplication of a fluidic substance perhaps through the action of capillary motion in order to refresh a microenvironment adjacent to a sample such as a biopsy or other such sample. Snap in antibody and other substances may be included to ease operator actions and to permit location specific substance applications perhaps by including single container multiple chamber multiple fluidic substance magazines, linearly disposed multiple substance source, and primary antibody cartridges. Through refreshing of a microenvironment, depletion of the microenvironment is avoided and the time necessary for slide processing may be dramatically shortened from a more common 60 to 120 minutes to perhaps less than 15 minutes so as to permit use of such a system in an intraoperative or surgical environment such as recommended by the College of American Pathologists intraoperative guidelines or the like. Patients may thus avoid a need to be subjected to an additional surgical procedure when lab results become available to see if tumors or the like were fully removed in a prior procedure. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080286753 | Wicking Cassette Method and Apparatus for Automated Rapid Immunohistochemistry - A sample processing system that may be configured to achieve automatic withdrawal of a substance at the end of appropriate processing sequences such as histochemical processing may involve a plurality of samples for which substances removed by moving a wicking cartridge that may have sequentially advanced absorbsant material on rolls that are advanced an appropriate amount based upon usage in sequences such as repeated elimination and reapplication of a fluidic substance perhaps through the action of capillary motion in order to refresh a microenvironment adjacent to a sample such as a biopsy or other such sample. Snap in wicking cassettes and perhaps antibody and other substances may be included to ease operator actions and to permit location specific substance applications perhaps by including single container multiple chamber multiple fluidic substance magazines, linearly disposed multiple substance source, and primary antibody cartridges. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20090004691 | Enhanced Fluidic Method and Apparatus for Automated Rapid Immunohistochemistry - A sample processing system that may be configured to achieve rapid sample processing such as rapid histochemical processing may involve a wave element that can use angular microscopic slide movements to cause repeated elimination and reapplication of a fluidic substance perhaps through the action of capillary motion in order to refresh a microenvironment adjacent to a sample such as a biopsy or other such sample. Through such refreshing of a microenvironment, depletion of the microenvironment is avoided and the time necessary for slide processing may be dramatically shortened from a more common 60 to 120 minute to perhaps less than 15 minutes so as to permit use of such a system in an intraoperative or surgical environment such as recommended by the College of American Pathologists intraoperative guidelines or the like. Patients may thus avoid a need to be subjected to an additional surgical procedure when lab results become available to see if tumors or the like were fully removed in a prior procedure. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20100101172 | DEPLOYABLE TRUSS HAVING SECOND ORDER AUGMENTATION - A deployable truss is formed from a plurality of column members connected at their ends where at least some of the column members are formed from column assemblies, each including a plurality of strut members that are at least connected to each other at a first and second end of the column assembly. For added rigidity, strut members of a column assembly may be connected to each other between the first and second ends using, for example, a rigidizable resin, a fixed spacer, or a deployable spacer. Connecting strut members between the ends of the column assembly provides mutual bracing to the strut members and decreases the free buckling length of the individual strut members. Spacers are preferably configured to radially space the strut members away from the longitudinal centerline of the column assembly to increase its moment of inertia, and hence its buckling strength. | 04-29-2010 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20090230589 | THERMOFORMED COMPONENT WITH INTEGRAL ATTACHMENT STRUCTURE AND METHOD - A thermoforming process capable of coining and flowing material is provided, such as for making a thermoformed energy absorber for self-attachment to a vehicle bumper beam. The energy absorber includes a thermoplastic sheet with first thickness shaped by a thermoforming process to include a base and lobes configured to absorb energy. The sheet further has integrally formed attachments with solid heads formed from material flowed from adjacent areas into the attachment during the thermoforming process. Many other structures can be formed, such as ringed ridges, thinned regions, snap-attachments, hooks, living hinges, bosses, and the like. The present invention further includes an apparatus and a method for accomplishing the above, such as a heater for heating the sheet, and a die for stretching and shaping the sheet, where heated material is flowed by opposing coining die components to form selectively-shaped | 09-17-2009 |
| 20100015387 | THERMOFORMED PRODUCT WITH COINED REGION - A thermoformed product formed during a thermoforming process includes a thermoformed sheet of polymeric material having front and rear surfaces defining a thickness, and having a first section thermoformed to include a non-planar three-dimensional useful structure and at least one second section. Each of the at least one second sections have a first area of reduced thickness and have a second area including attachment structure, with the attachment structure being formed in part by material extruded from the first area into the attachment structure while the polymeric material of the sheet is hot during the thermoforming process. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100244469 | ENERGY ABSORBER WITH ANTI-SQUEAK ANTI-RATTLE FEATURE - An energy absorber includes a base sheet and a plurality of crush lobes extending from the base sheet. Each crush lobe includes a side wall oriented to crush and collapse to absorb energy when impacted in a first direction and includes an end wall. At least one of the base sheet and the end wall of at least one crush lobe includes an integrally-formed protruding countermeasure of lower standing strength than the crush lobes so that the protruding countermeasure acts to dampen movement causing buzzes, squeaks and/or rattles between the end wall and an adjacent structure. The countermeasure can be integrally formed or an insert, such as a magnet or other insert. Methods related to the above are also described. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20110308121 | THERMOPLASTIC DISPLAY - A display sign for use with a display system includes a thermoplastic sheet having a first region having a first thickness, a second region having a second thickness less than the first thickness, and at least one fastener. The second region is adjacent to the fastener. A volume of material in the fastener plus a volume of material in the second region is generally equivalent to a volume of material in an area of the first region, the area of the first region being equivalent to the area of the second region. A method of forming a display sheet includes providing a thermoplastic sheet, and drawing at least one fastener from the thermoplastic sheet while in a plastic state. The material drawn from the sheet to form the at least one fastener results in a region of reduced thickness of the sheet adjacent to the respective fastener. | 12-22-2011 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20100299017 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING VEHICLE INFORMATION - In an exemplary embodiment a system provides vehicle information to an operator of a vehicle having a plurality of components. The system comprises an onboard database configured to store vehicle-specific data and behavior-specific data and an operator interface. The system includes an onboard processor coupled to the onboard database, the plurality of components, and the operator interface. The onboard processor is configured to provide requested vehicle-specific data to the operator in response to an operator request via the operator interface. The onboard processor is also configured to receive operator-behavioral data from the plurality of components, recognize patterns of operation from the operator-behavioral data, and provide the behavior-specific data to the operator in response to the recognized patterns in the operator-behavioral data. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100324816 | PRESENTATION OF NAVIGATION INSTRUCTIONS USING VARIABLE LEVELS OF DETAIL - A navigation system is provided for instructing an operator of a vehicle. The navigation system includes a navigation processor configured to obtain a destination location, and to generate a proposed route to the destination location. The navigation system also includes a presentation element coupled to the navigation processor, the presentation element configured to provide navigation instructions to the operator. A selection module is coupled to or incorporated into the navigation processor, and the selection module is configured to select a cartographic resolution from a plurality of different cartographic resolutions, resulting in a selected cartographic resolution. The presentation element provides navigation instructions for at least a portion of the proposed route, using the selected cartographic resolution. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100324817 | MULTIPLE ROUTE PRE-CALCULATION AND PRESENTATION FOR A VEHICLE NAVIGATION SYSTEM - A navigation system and related operating methods are provided for instructing an operator of a vehicle. The navigation system obtains a destination location and generates a proposed route to the destination location. The proposed route is defined by one or more driver decision points and associated driving maneuvers. Before the vehicle reaches an approaching driver decision point, the navigation system pre-calculates alternate routes between the approaching driver decision point and the destination location, and saves the alternate routes for subsequent activation. Pre-calculated alternate routes can also be used to determine and indicate the relative importance of an approaching driving maneuver. The driver can consider the importance of driving maneuvers when deciding whether or not to follow the recommended route. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100324818 | PRESENTATION OF NAVIGATION INSTRUCTIONS USING VARIABLE CONTENT, CONTEXT AND/OR FORMATTING - A navigation system is provided for instructing an operator of a vehicle. The navigation system includes a navigation processor configured to obtain a destination location, and to generate a proposed route to the destination location. The navigation system also includes a presentation element coupled to the navigation processor, the presentation element configured to provide navigation instructions to the operator. The navigation system also has a selection module coupled to or incorporated into the navigation processor. The selection module is configured to select a designated navigation instruction scheme from a plurality of different navigation instruction schemes. For a given navigation instruction, the plurality of different navigation instruction schemes provide different instruction content. During operation, the presentation element provides navigation instructions for the proposed route, using the designated navigation instruction scheme. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20110205164 | METHOD OF CHANGING THE STATE OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A method changes the state of an electronic device to a second state from a first state, where the electronic device includes an input portion for interaction with an object. The method includes the steps of: monitoring at least one sensor having a detection range at least partially disposed near the input portion, determining whether the object is within the detection range of the sensor, determining movement characteristics of the object when the object is detected, determining if the movement characteristics of the object put the object on a path to contact the input device, and changing the state of the electronic device from the first state to the second state when the object is on a path to contact the input device. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110212748 | HANDOFF FROM PUBLIC TO PRIVATE MODE FOR COMMUNICATIONS - An automobile communication system includes an outgoing communication controller that receives a communication from a first input source in a first operating mode and a second input source in a second operating mode. The system also includes an input selector that selects the first input source in the first mode and the second input source in the second mode and a mode selector operable by an automobile passenger that determines the operating mode. The system also includes an incoming communication controller that receives an incoming communication from a cellular phone and an output selector that provides an output of the incoming communication controller to a first output device in the first operating mode and to the second output device in the second mode. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110218711 | INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM CONTROL - An embodiment an infotainment system for an automobile includes a navigation system, an entertainment system, an audio output device and a control system coupled to the navigation system, the entertainment system and the audio output device. The control system controls access by the navigation system and the entertainment system to the audio output device and includes a conversation recognizer that determines if a conversation is being conducted. The control system of this embodiment varies operation of the audio output device in the event a conversation is being conducted. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110238752 | VEHICLE BASED SOCIAL NETWORKING - A social networking hub located in an automobile that provides updates to a social networking site includes an information gathering module that receives and stores information from one or more information sources. The hub also includes an update manager that receives information from the information gathering module and provides some or all of the information to the social networking site through an internet connection. | 09-29-2011 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20090222156 | METHODS, PROGRAM PRODUCTS, AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING BRAKING IN A HYBRID VEHICLE - A method for controlling braking in a hybrid vehicle includes the steps of determining a value of a variable pertaining to operation of the hybrid vehicle and applying regenerative braking based at least in part on the value of the variable. The variable comprises a speed of the hybrid vehicle, a steering angle of the hybrid vehicle, or a rate of change of the steering angle. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20100094511 | Optimization of Vehicle Stability and Steering During a Regenerative Braking Event - A method of optimizing steering and stability performance of a vehicle includes measuring a set of inertial data during a regenerative braking event (RBE), calculating a set of vehicle performance data using the inertial data, and comparing the performance data to calibrated threshold data to determine a maximum regenerative braking torque (RBT). The maximum RBT is automatically applied during the active RBE. The vehicle includes a chassis, an electric motor/generator for applying an RBT, a frictional braking system, chassis inertial sensors for measuring a set of chassis inertial data, and a controller having an algorithm for calculating a set of vehicle performance data using the chassis inertial data. The controller determines the maximum RBT by comparing the vehicle performance data to corresponding threshold data. The chassis inertial sensors can include accelerometers, a yaw rate sensor, a steering rate sensor, speed sensors, and/or a braking input sensor. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20110049974 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR BRAKING DIFFERENT AXLES OF A VEHICLE USING A DECELERATION VALUE - A method for controlling braking of a vehicle having a first axle and a second axle includes the steps of obtaining a deceleration value pertaining to an input from a driver of the vehicle, braking the first axle with a first pressure, braking the second axle with a second pressure that is substantially equal to the first pressure if the deceleration value has not exceeded a predetermined threshold, and braking the second axle with a third pressure that is greater than the first pressure if the deceleration value has exceeded the predetermined threshold. | 03-03-2011 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20090177750 | Text-based communication control for personal communication device - Systems, devices, and methods are provided for enabling a user to control the content of text-based messages sent to or received from an administered device. In some embodiments, a message will be blocked (incoming or outgoing) if the message includes forbidden content. In other embodiments, the objectionable content is removed from the message prior to transmission or as part of the receiving process. The content of such a message is controlled by filtering the message based on defined criteria. The criteria may be defined according to a parental control application. These techniques also may be used, in accordance with instructional embodiments, to require the administered devices to include certain text in messages. These embodiments might, for example, require that a certain number of Spanish words per day be included in e-mails for a child learning Spanish. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20110004946 | TEXT-BASED COMMUNICATION CONTROL FOR PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES - Systems, devices, and methods are provided for enabling a user to control the content of text-based messages sent to or received from an administered device. In some embodiments, a message will be blocked (incoming or outgoing) if the message includes forbidden content. In other embodiments, the objectionable content is removed from the message prior to transmission or as part of the receiving process. The content of such a message is controlled by filtering the message based on defined criteria. The criteria may be defined according to a parental control application. These techniques also may be used, in accordance with instructional embodiments, to require the administered devices to include certain text in messages. These embodiments might, for example, require that a certain number of Spanish words per day be included in e-mails for a child learning Spanish. | 01-06-2011 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20090130502 | TRANSITION METAL-CONTAINING CATALYSTS AND PROCESSES FOR THEIR PREPARATION AND USE AS FUEL CELL CATALYSTS - This invention relates to the field of fuel cell catalysts, and more particularly to fuel cell catalysts including carbon supports having compositions which comprise one or more transition metals in combination with nitrogen (e.g., a transition metal nitride) formed on or over the surface of a carbon support. The present invention also relates to methods for preparation of fuel cell catalysts. The present invention further relates to the use of fuel cell catalysts described herein in processes for the generation of electric power. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20100143758 | FUEL CELL BIPOLAR PLATE FOR PREVENTING FLOODING - The present invention provides a fuel cell bipolar plate in which an air gap or a material layer having a heat transfer coefficient lower than that of the bipolar plate is provided so as to reduce total amount of liquid water generated in a fuel cell, thereby preventing the occurrence of flooding and reducing the time required for cold start, enhancing durability, decreasing parasitic purge requirements, and enhancing operational stability. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100196743 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PURGING RESIDUAL WATER AND HYDROGEN DURING SHUTDOWN OF FUEL CELL - The present invention provides an apparatus and method for purging residual water and hydrogen during shutdown of a fuel cell, which can reduce the time required for purging residual water and hydrogen during shutdown of a fuel cell by opening and closing outlet lines of an anode and a cathode in a short period of time using solenoid valves. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20110045365 | METHOD FOR REMOVING RESIDUAL WATER FROM FUEL CELL - The present invention provides a method for removing residual water in a fuel cell, which controls the humidity of purge gases to effectively remove residual water in the fuel cell and to maintain the humidity in a membrane at a constant level, thus ensuring the durability of the membrane. | 02-24-2011 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20100251486 | LAUNDRY ARTICLE - A laundry article of manufacture is described that may be used to both wash and condition fabrics when used sequentially first in the washer and then carried along with the wet fabrics into the dryer. The laundry article preferably comprises at least one detergent and at least one softener composition each solidified into geographical zones onto a nonwoven substrate. The optimized article comprises a nonwoven substrate with sidedness, and although the softener composition is solidified within the fibers of the lofted side of the substrate, the softener is unexpectedly found to subsequently express out from the flat side of the substrate while in the heated clothes dryer. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20110143989 | LAUNDRY ARTICLE - A laundry article of manufacture is described that may be used to both wash and condition fabrics when used sequentially first in the washer and then carried along with the wet fabrics into the dryer. The laundry article preferably comprises at least one detergent composition comprising encapsulated fragrance and at least one softener composition each solidified into geographical zones onto a nonwoven substrate. The optimized article comprises a nonwoven substrate with sidedness, and although the softener composition is solidified within the fibers of the lofted side of the substrate, the softener is unexpectedly found to subsequently express out from the flat side of the substrate while in the heated clothes dryer. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110232004 | LAUNDRY ARTICLE HAVING CLEANING AND CONDITIONING PROPERTIES - The present invention is a laundry article used for both cleaning and conditioning fabrics, which comprises a water-insoluble nonwoven substrate, coated with at least one zone each of a detergent composition and a fabric conditioning composition. The fabric conditioning composition comprises a quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant, an alkoxylated fatty alcohol, and a fatty acid. | 09-29-2011 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20090148742 | High performance multilayer electrodes for use in reducing gases - Electrode materials systems for planar solid oxide fuel cells with high electrochemical performance including anode materials that provide exceptional long-term durability when used in reducing gases and cathode materials that provide exceptional long-term durability when used in oxygen-containing gases. The anode materials may comprise a cermet in which the metal component is a cobalt-nickel alloy. These anode materials provide exceptional long-term durability when used in reducing gases, e.g., in SOFCs with sulfur contaminated fuels. The cermet also may comprise a mixed-conducting ceria-based electrolyte material. The anode may have a bi-layer structure. A cerium oxide-based interfacial layer with mixed electronic and ionic conduction may be provided at the electrolyte/anode interface. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090148743 | High performance multilayer electrodes for use in oxygen-containing gases - Electrode materials systems for planar solid oxide fuel cells with high electrochemical performance including anode materials that provide exceptional long-term durability when used in reducing gases and cathode materials that provide exceptional long-term durability when used in oxygen-containing gases. The cathode materials comprise zinc-doped lanthanum strontium ferrite (LSZF) or an alternative ferrite, cobaltite or nickelate ceramic electrode material. The cathode material also may comprise a mixed-conducting ceria-based electrolyte material, a palladium dopant, or a combination of these. The cathode may have a bi-layer structure. A ceramic-based interfacial layer may be provided at the electrolyte/cathode interface. The multilayer cathode system and its palladium doped cathode material exhibit a high degree of tolerance to chromium contamination during operation with metallic interconnect materials. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090218220 | Amperometric Electrochemical Cells and Sensors - Amperometric ceramic electrochemical cells comprise, in one embodiment, an electrolyte layer, a sensing electrode layer, and a counter electrode layer, wherein the cell is operable in an oxidizing atmosphere and under an applied bias to exhibit enhanced reduction of oxygen molecules at the sensing electrode in the presence of one or more target gases such as nitrogen oxides (NO | 09-03-2009 |
| 20100167169 | Current Collectors for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stacks - A sulfur tolerant anode current collector material includes a mesh or foam that includes a cermet. The cermet includes a metallic component and a ceramic component. The metallic component includes nickel, an alloy including nickel and cobalt, or a mixture including a nickel compound and a cobalt compound. The ceramic component includes a mixed conducting electrolyte material. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20120055789 | AMPEROMETRIC ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS AND SENSORS - Amperometric ceramic electrochemical cells comprise, in one embodiment, an electrolyte layer, a sensing electrode layer comprising a ceramic phase and a metallic phase, and a counter electrode layer, wherein the cell is operable in an oxidizing atmosphere and under an applied bias to exhibit enhanced reduction of oxygen molecules at the sensing electrode in the presence of one or more target gases such as nitrogen oxides (NO | 03-08-2012 |