Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110209368 | ANGLED EMITTER CHANNEL LETTER LIGHTING - The present embodiments provide channel letter lighting devices and/or systems. A lighting system, comprising a plurality of electrically connected lighting units, comprising conductors to provide an electrical signal to each of the units. Each of the lighting units comprise a housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted within the housing and having a plurality of tabs and a plurality light emitting elements on the tabs. The tabs are angled in relation of the remainder of the PCB or housing. The electrical signal applied to the light emitting elements causes them to emit light substantially away from said housing. The lighting system further comprises a sealant within the housing filling cavities around the light emitting elements and the cavity around said PCB and a mounting mechanism for mounting the unit to a structure. | 09-01-2011 |
20130039063 | ANGLED EMITTER CHANNEL LETTER LIGHTING - The present embodiments provide channel letter lighting devices and/or systems. A lighting system, comprising a plurality of electrically connected lighting units, comprising conductors to provide an electrical signal to each of the units. Each of the lighting units comprise a housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted within the housing and having a plurality of tabs and a plurality light emitting elements on the tabs. The tabs are angled in relation of the remainder of the PCB or housing. The electrical signal applied to the light emitting elements causes them to emit light substantially away from said housing. The lighting system further comprises a sealant within the housing filling cavities around the light emitting elements and the cavity around said PCB and a mounting mechanism for mounting the unit to a structure. | 02-14-2013 |
20130058090 | ANGLED LIGHT BOX LIGHTING SYSTEM - A lighting system comprising a light box housing, a plurality of lighting units including a housing, a plurality of light emitting elements mounted on a PCB within the housing. The light emitting elements arranged on an angled surface such that the light emitting elements emit light in a sideways direction from the lighting units. The lighting units can also be interconnected in a daisy-chain configuration, such that the lighting units form a row of lighting units. The row of lighting units adapted to be mounted within the light box housing, wherein the light box housing comprises one or more rows of lighting units. | 03-07-2013 |
20130077300 | DISPLAY BOX LIGHTING MODULE - A lighting system comprising a system housing, a plurality of lighting units and first and second conductors electrically connected to said plurality of lighting units. The lighting units comprising a housing including a top portion and a bottom portion, a plurality of light emitting elements on a printed circuit board (PCB) within said housing. The top portion and bottom portion adapted to be coupled together to form the housing and form a seal to protect the components within the housing. The top portion further configured to comprise light altering characteristics so as to direct and shape emitted light from the plurality of light emitting elements. | 03-28-2013 |
20130182440 | ANGLED LIGHT BOX LIGHTING SYSTEM - A lighting system comprising a light box housing, a plurality of lighting units including a housing, a plurality of light emitting elements mounted on a PCB within the housing. The light emitting elements arranged on an angled surface such that the light emitting elements emit light in a sideways direction from the lighting units. The lighting units can also be interconnected in a daisy-chain configuration, such that the lighting units form a row of lighting units. The row of lighting units adapted to be mounted within the light box housing, wherein the light box housing comprises one or more rows of lighting units. | 07-18-2013 |
20130188357 | CHANNEL LETTER LIGHTING SYSTEM USING HIGH OUTPUT WHITE LIGHT EMITTING DIODES - A channel letter lighting system comprising a plurality of lighting units that are interconnected by a conductor. Each of the units is coupled to the conductor such that an electrical signal applied to the conductor causes the lighting units to emit light. The length of the conductor between said units is adjustable to vary the distance between adjacent ones of the lighting units. In other embodiment the lighting units comprise a plurality of emitters. A conductor is included for carrying an electrical signal with the lighting units connected to and interconnected by a conductor. An electrical signal applied to the conductor causes the emitters emit light. | 07-25-2013 |
20140268741 | TRIM CAP ILLUMINATED CHANNEL LETTER LIGHTING SYSTEM AND LETTER CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM - A channel letter lighting system comprising a channel letter housing including a light transmissive face, a rear wall and at least one trim cap adapted to receive the light transmissive face and rear wall. A plurality of light emitting units within the channel letter housing and at least one optical element proximate the plurality of light emitting units, wherein the at least one optical element is configured to direct light emitted from the plurality of light emitting units in a direction away from the face and towards the rear wall or the opposing trim cap. The channel letter lighting system arranged to provide low profile channel letters. | 09-18-2014 |
20140268785 | SIGN BOX LIGHTING SYSTEM - A lighting system comprising a light box housing, a plurality of lighting units including a housing, a plurality of light emitting elements mounted on a PCB within the housing. The lighting units can also be interconnected in a daisy-chain configuration on at least one carrier, such that the lighting units form an array of lighting units. The array of lighting units adapted to be mounted within the light box housing, wherein the light box housing comprises one or more arrays of lighting units. | 09-18-2014 |
20140268786 | SIGN BOX LIGHTING SYSTEM - A lighting system comprising a light box housing, a plurality of lighting units including a housing, a plurality of light emitting elements mounted on a PCB within the housing. The lighting units can also be interconnected in a daisy-chain configuration on at least one carrier, such that the lighting units form an array of lighting units. The array of lighting units adapted to be mounted within the light box housing, wherein the light box housing comprises one or more arrays of lighting units. | 09-18-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080205815 | MICRO FIBER OPTICAL SENSOR - A method is provided for producing an optical acoustic sensor. In one embodiment, a method comprises winding a single-mode optical sensor fiber around at least one mandrel. The optical acoustic sensor fiber can comprise a core region having a diameter of about 2 μm to about 8 μm and a cladding region having an outer diameter of about 8 μm to about 20 μm. The method can also comprise interconnecting the at least one mandrel into an optical acoustic sensor. | 08-28-2008 |
20080291459 | Fiber optic gyroscope with integrated light source - An integrated module for a fiber optic gyroscope system includes a fiber optic sensing coil arranged to sense rotations about a sensing axis via the Sagnac effect comprises a substrate, an optical waveguide formed on the substrate, a light source comprising a doped waveguide formed on the substrate. The light source and the optical waveguide are arranged to produce counterpropagating light waves in the fiber optic sensing coil. The light source may be formed as a rare earth doped polymer waveguide or as a rare earth doped glass waveguide. | 11-27-2008 |
20090293583 | Self-calibrating laser semiconductor accelerometer - A self-calibrating laser accelerometer system that continuously removes bias errors from acceleration measurements under dynamic operating conditions has a frame with a pair of essentially identical mass modulated accelerometers positioned within the frame. Each accelerometer includes a proof mass mounted to the sensing element frame by a flexure suspension. The proof mass is arranged to rotate about an output axis in response to acceleration of the sensing element frame along an input axis. The first proof mass includes a secondary mass that is movable between a first stable position on a first side of the output axis and a second stable position on a second side of the output axis to provide mass modulation of the first proof mass and to provide a selectively reversible polarity to the input axis and to provide self-calibration of bias. | 12-03-2009 |
20100198549 | Systems and Methods for Measuring at Least One Thermal Property of Materials Based on a Thermal Bewster Angle - One embodiment of the invention includes a system for measuring at least one thermal property of a material. The system includes a thermal source configured to generate an incident thermal wave that propagates through a medium and is provided onto the material at an incident angle. The system also includes a thermal detector that is configured to receive a reflected thermal wave corresponding to the incident thermal wave reflected from the material at a reflection angle that is approximately equal to the incident angle. The system further includes a controller configured to control a magnitude of the incident angle to ascertain a thermal Brewster angle of the material and to calculate the at least one thermal property of the material based on the thermal Brewster angle. | 08-05-2010 |
20120248313 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING AND/OR IDENTIFYING MATERIALS - One embodiment of the invention includes a material detection system. The system includes a sensor system configured to collect radiation from a region of interest. The collected radiation can include a plurality of frequency bands. The system also includes a processing unit configured to detect a material of interest. The material of interest can be a concealed dielectric material, and the processing unit can be configured to decompose the collected radiation into natural resonance signals to analyze the natural resonance signals to detect an anomaly corresponding to the concealed dielectric material based on wave characteristics of the natural resonance signals. The processing unit could also include processing layers associated with the plurality of frequency bands for detecting and identifying the material of interest based on wave characteristics associated with each of the plurality of frequency bands of the collected radiation. | 10-04-2012 |
20120248314 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING AND/OR IDENTIFYING MATERIALS BASED ON ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION - One embodiment of the invention includes a material detection and/or identification system. The system includes an electromagnetic (EM) sensor system configured to collect EM radiation from a region of interest. The collected EM radiation could comprise orthogonally-polarized EM radiation. The system also includes a processing unit configured to detect and identify a material of interest in the region of interest. As an example, the processing unit could measure reflectivity data associated with a material of interest based on the collected EM radiation and calculate a refractive index of a material of interest based on the measured reflectivity data, such that the material of interest is identified based on the refractive index. The processing unit can also be configured to calculate a surface roughness associated with the material, such that the refractive index can be calculated based on the surface roughness associated with the material. | 10-04-2012 |
20130001354 | GPS independent guidance sensor system for gun-launched projectiles - A sensor system uses ground emitters to illuminate a projectile in flight with a polarized RF beam. By monitoring the polarization modulation of RF signals received from antenna elements mounted on the projectile, both angular orientation and angular rate signals can be derived and used in the inertial solution in place of the gyroscope. Depending on the spacing and positional accuracies of the RF ground emitters, position information of the projectile may also be derived, which eliminates the need for accelerometers. When RF signals of ground emitter/s are blocked from the guided projectile, the sensor deploys another plurality of RF antennas mounted on the projectile nose to determine position and velocity vectors and orientation of incoming targets. | 01-03-2013 |
20130327146 | OPTICAL ACCELEROMETER SYSTEM - One embodiment includes an accelerometer system. The system includes a laser configured to emit an optical beam at a linear polarization. The system also includes an optical cavity system. The optical cavity system includes a minor that is coupled to an accelerometer housing via a spring and is configured to reflect the optical beam. The optical cavity system also includes at least one photodetector configured to receive at least a portion of at least one of the optical beam and the reflected optical beam and to generate an acceleration signal that is indicative of motion of the mirror resulting from an external acceleration acting upon the accelerometer housing. The system further includes an acceleration processor configured to calculate a magnitude of the external acceleration based on the acceleration signal. | 12-12-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100166537 | Inspection hole plug with a ball swivel - A plug for an inspection hole of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The plug may have a stem including a first shaft, wherein a first seal is located circumferentially about the first shaft. The plug may have a swivel seal including a second seal spaced from a ball by a second shaft, and the swivel seal may be rotatably connected to the stem by the ball. The ball and the second seal may be fixed to the second shaft. | 07-01-2010 |
20120282081 | INSPECTION HOLE PLUG WITH A BALL SWIVEL - A plug for an inspection hole of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The plug may have a stem including a first shaft, wherein a first seal is located circumferentially about the first shaft. The plug may have a swivel seal including a second seal spaced from a ball by a second shaft, and the swivel seal may be rotatably connected to the stem by the ball. The ball and the second seal may be fixed to the second shaft. | 11-08-2012 |
20140010634 | PRESWIRLER CONFIGURED FOR IMPROVED SEALING - A preswirler of a gas turbine engine includes an outer ring. The outer ring includes an outer flange with a plurality of first holes, and an outer cylindrical portion extending from the outer flange. The preswirler also includes an inner ring. The inner ring includes an inner flange spaced apart from the outer flange. The inner ring also includes an inner cylindrical portion located within the outer cylindrical portion and a back portion extending from the inner flange to the inner cylindrical portion. The inner ring further includes a plurality of second holes. | 01-09-2014 |
20140013767 | BAFFLE ASSEMBLY FOR BLEED AIR SYSTEM OF GAS TURBINE ENGINE - A baffle assembly for a housing of a combustor system of a gas turbine engine is provided. The baffle assembly includes a baffle retainer and a baffle. The baffle retainer includes a retainer tube and a collar. The retainer tube is received within a bleed port of the housing. The collar is defined at an upper end of the retainer tube and is configured to rest against the housing. The baffle includes a baffle tube rigidly attached to an inner surface of the retainer tube. | 01-16-2014 |
20140099190 | GAS TURBINE ENGINE TURBINE HOUSING WITH ENLONGATED HOLES - A turbine housing ( | 04-10-2014 |
20140116056 | GAS TURBINE DIFFUSER WITH FLOW SEPARATOR - A diffuser for use in a gas turbine engine, the diffuser having a first wall, a second wall, and a flow separator. The first and second wall define an annular cavity, with the annular cavity having an inlet. The first and second wall also forming a prediffuser that is proximate the inlet, and a dump region distal the inlet. The flow separator extends from the first wall into the annular cavity. | 05-01-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100294587 | Tetrahedral Loudspeaker - In some embodiments, a subwoofer enclosure includes a substantially triangular first face, second face, third face, and fourth face, a first corner at an intersection of the first, second and third faces, a second corner at an intersection of the first, second and fourth faces, a third corner at an intersection of the first, third and fourth faces, a fourth corner at an intersection of the second, third and fourth faces, wherein an angle between the first corner and a midpoint between the third corner and the fourth corner, having the second corner as its vertex, is substantially ninety degrees, wherein an angle between the third corner and the fourth corner, having the second corner as its vertex, is substantially ninety degrees, and a subwoofer driver attached to the third face, having a free air resonant frequency less than one hundred Hertz. | 11-25-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090306567 | CERVICAL SPINE TRACTION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A cervical traction method and apparatus for treating irregularities in the lateral curvature of the cervical region of the spine involves the application of traction load to induce an axially elongated or extension posture in the cervical region of the patient's spine. The patient is placed in a supine or seated position, and a traction halter is fitted about the head of the patient, with a traction sling also being optionally positioned about the cervical region of the patient. A traction load, which may have an intermittently varying magnitude, is exerted on one or more of the sling or halter to induce an axially elongated and/or extension posture in the cervical region. The axially elongated posture at least partially diminishes the lateral curvature of the cervical region of the spine in the patient, and the extension posture at least partially restores the lateral curvature to the cervical region of the spine in the patient, thereby reducing symptoms such as neck pain, upper back pain, headaches, and other symptoms of mechanical origin that result from irregular lateral curvature of the spine. | 12-10-2009 |
20090306568 | INTERMITTENT LUMBAR TRACTION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A traction method and apparatus for treating irregularities in the lateral curvature and global posture of the thoraco-lumbar, lumbar, lumbo-pelvic and/or pelvic region of the spine involving the application of an intermittent transverse traction load to a region of the patient's body. The patient is placed in a supine or semi-supine position, and a traction sling is positioned about a region of the body of the patient, where the region of the body can be the thoracic region, lumbar region and pelvic region of the body. A transverse traction load having an intermittently varying magnitude is exerted on the sling to induce an extension posture in at least a portion of the spine of the patient and/or a flexion posture of the pelvic portion of the spine of the patient. The flexion and extension postures serve to at least partially restore normal lateral curvature of the thoraco-lumbo-pelvic region of the spine, thereby reducing lower back pain, correcting abnormal posture, and easing other symptoms that are related to thoraco-lumbo-pelvic spine curvature irregularities. | 12-10-2009 |
20130053225 | MULTI-FUNCTIONAL, STRUCTURALLY CORRECTIVE NECK EXERCISER - Provided is an exercise device for exercising the neck and spine of a user. The exercise device comprises a neck band defining a pair of opposed end portions, with the neck band being disposable adjacent a rear side of a neck of the user. The exercise device further includes a pair of extension members. Each extension member defines a distal end portion and a proximal end portion connected to a respective one of the pair of opposed end portions of the neck band. Each extension member is extendable between an extended position and a retracted position. The distance along the extension member between the distal end portion and the neck strap increases as the extension member is moved from the retracted position toward the extended position. | 02-28-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100197613 | METHODS FOR INHIBITION OF NKT CELLS - Molecules that interact with the NKT cell antigen receptor and its counterpart antigen presenting molecule, but which inhibit the NKT cell immune function, are administered to a patient. Conditions of particular interest include the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), cancer, atherosclerosis, and allergic disease. In some embodiment of the invention, the inhibitory agent is an anergizing glycolipid, for example β-galactosylceramide. Pharmaceutical formulations of such glycolipids are provided, and find use in the treatment of diseases involving undesirable NKT cell activation. | 08-05-2010 |
20110300154 | TREATMENT OF AIRWAY HYPERREACTIVITY - The invention provides strategies for treating and preventing airway hyperreactivity and non-allergic asthma comprising antagonizing IL-17 activity and/or production by iNKT cells. Provided herein is a method of diagnosing non-allergic asthma and airway hyperreactivity comprising neutrophils quantification in sputum. | 12-08-2011 |
20140057799 | System and Methods for Massively Parallel Analysis of Nucleic Acids in Single Cells - Methods and systems are provided for massively parallel genetic analysis of single cells in emulsion droplets or reaction containers. Genetic loci of interest are targeted in a single cell using a set of probes, and a fusion complex is formed by molecular linkage and amplification techniques. Methods are provided for high-throughput, massively parallel analysis of the fusion complex in a single cell in a population of at least 10,000 cells. Also provided are methods for tracing genetic information back to a cell using barcode sequences. | 02-27-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100246093 | TWO-PHASE MIXED MEDIA DIELECTRIC WITH MACRO DIELECTRIC BEADS FOR ENHANCING RESISTIVITY AND BREAKDOWN STRENGTH - A two-phase mixed media insulator having a dielectric fluid filling the interstices between macro-sized dielectric beads packed into a confined volume, so that the packed dielectric beads inhibit electro-hydrodynamically driven current flows of the dielectric liquid and thereby increase the resistivity and breakdown strength of the two-phase insulator over the dielectric liquid alone. In addition, an electrical apparatus incorporates the two-phase mixed media insulator to insulate between electrical components of different electrical potentials. And a method of electrically insulating between electrical components of different electrical potentials fills a confined volume between the electrical components with the two-phase dielectric composite, so that the macro dielectric beads are packed in the confined volume and interstices formed between the macro dielectric beads are filled with the dielectric liquid. | 09-30-2010 |
20110006663 | Ultraminiature Broadband Light Source and Method of Manufacturing Same - An ultraminiature light source using a double-spiral shaped tungsten filament includes end contact portions which are separated to allow for radial and length-wise unwinding of the spiral. The double-spiral filament is spaced relatively far apart at the end portions thereof so that contact between portions of the filament upon expansion is avoided. The light source is made by fabricating a double-spiral ultraminiature tungsten filament from tungsten foil and housing the filament in a ceramic package having a reflective bottom and a well wherein the filament is suspended. A vacuum furnace brazing process attaches the filament to contacts of the ceramic package. Finally, a cover with a transparent window is attached onto the top of the ceramic package by solder reflow in a second vacuum furnace process to form a complete hermetically sealed package. | 01-13-2011 |
20120106690 | NEUTRON INTERROGATION SYSTEMS USING PYROELECTRIC CRYSTALS AND METHODS OF PREPARATION THEREOF - According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a pyroelectric crystal, a deuterated or tritiated target, an ion source, and a common support coupled to the pyroelectric crystal, the deuterated or tritiated target, and the ion source. In another embodiment, a method includes producing a voltage of negative polarity on a surface of a deuterated or tritiated target in response to a temperature change of a pyroelectric crystal, pulsing a deuterium ion source to produce a deuterium ion beam, accelerating the deuterium ion beam to the deuterated or tritiated target to produce a neutron beam, and directing the ion beam onto the deuterated or tritiated target to make neutrons using a voltage of the pyroelectric crystal and/or an HGI surrounding the pyroelectric crystal. The directionality of the neutron beam is controlled by changing the accelerating voltage of the system. Other apparatuses and methods are presented as well. | 05-03-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090204522 | BAR CODED BILL PAYMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for payment is provided, wherein consumers pay their bills at supermarkets, large retail chain, or other stores and receive immediate credit from billers for their payments. Payments are made using a bar code printed on the bill or sent to the consumer, e.g. by fax or email. The biller receives good payment funds, deposited directly into his bank account, and error-free electronic payment data for consumer bill payments by the very next business day. The biller backdates the received bill payments to the time and date the consumer actually paid, regardless of the time that the payment data takes to post to the biller's accounts receivable system. In another aspect, a method for person-to-person money transfers is provided, wherein a bar coded deposit slip, card, or other printout permits a sender to remit funds directly into a receiver's bank account, and such funds are quickly accessible for withdrawal at a nearby automated teller machine, or for a debit card purchase. | 08-13-2009 |
20140310167 | BAR CODED BILL PAYMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A financial transaction involving a bar coded invoice and validating the bar code to limit carrying out of the financial transaction to a first type of financial transaction, where the bar code has discrete encoded data fields organized into validation levels, including an outer level and an inner levels, the encoded data fields include a field designator, a check digit value and/or a data string, the data string includes either an inner validation level and/or payment information, the payment information includes the identity of the payee and the payer, where the encoded data fields are established pursuant to a decoding method, a validation method and a processing method, where decoding includes decoding the bar code to yield a series of data values, validation includes determining whether the bar code corresponds to a first type of financial transaction, and processing includes processing the financial transaction to pay the third party payee. | 10-16-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090238383 | LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SYNTHESIZED DIRECTIONAL SOUND BEAM - A loudspeaker system has a plurality of relatively small transducer elements configured in a closely spaced transducer array such that their acoustic outputs combine to produce a focused beam of sound in front of the array that is substantially uniform about the beams radiation axis. The transducer array lies in a plane and has a perimeter that approximates a circle, and will have fill-factor with respect to a circle circumscribing the array of at least approximately 70%. In one variation of the loudspeaker system, the transducer array is constructed in smaller transducer array modules that are operatively fitted together to produce a larger array. | 09-24-2009 |
20100254558 | LOUDSPEAKER WITH PASSIVE LOW FREQUENCY DIRECTIONAL CONTROL - A loudspeaker is provided that passively achieves a directional polar response at low frequencies with a high degree of attenuation between the front and the back of the loudspeaker. The loudspeaker | 10-07-2010 |
20120285767 | ACOUSTICALLY ABSORPTIVE PANEL - An acoustically absorptive panel comprises a porous acoustical absorber having a planar configuration mounted on a support frame, an acoustically transparent front fabric stretch-mounted on the support frame and spaced from and in parallel alignment with the front face of the porous acoustical absorber and forming an airspace, the porous absorber, front fabric and forward air space acting as acoustical absorbing chamber capable of absorbing a greater range of sound frequencies than the porous acoustical absorber alone, the range of frequencies absorbed depending on the depth of the air space. | 11-15-2012 |
20140050340 | HEARING AID HAVING LEVEL AND FREQUENCY-DEPENDENT GAIN - An improved open-ear hearing aid to compensate for hearing loss includes a microphone for picking up incident sound and converting it to an electrical audio signal. An ear insert positionable within a human ear canal is provided for producing an output sound amplified within one or more frequency bands in response to incident sound picked up by the microphone. The in-band gain of the amplified sound output of the ear insert's loudspeaker is dependent on the user's hearing loss characteristics and the sound pressure levels of the incident sound. The form of the ear insert allows transmission of incident sound directly to the eardrum, where it is summed at the eardrum with the amplified sound output from the ear insert. Sound output is maximum at low incident sound pressure levels and minimum when the incident sound exceeds a set cut-off level. | 02-20-2014 |
20140196981 | ACOUSTICALLY ABSORPTIVE PANEL - An acoustically absorptive panel comprises a forward airspace bounded by an acoustically transparent front fabric stretch-mounted on a support frame, and the front face of a porous acoustical absorber, the forward air space, the front fabric and the porous absorber collectively acting as acoustical absorbing chamber, wherein oppositely disposed end panels of the front fabric extend around opposing side frame members of one or more frame structures of the support frame and are connected to a pair of spaced apart retaining struts disposed between the side frame members, the distance between the retaining struts adjustable by rotating one or more threaded tension adjusters thereby stretching or relaxing the front fabric across the support frame to adjust the frequency at which sound absorption will be maximized. | 07-17-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090108080 | BAR CODED MONETARY TRANSACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A monetary transaction system consistent with the present disclosure comprises a mechanism allowing a biller to generate at least one invoice for at least one customer, where the invoice contains a unique bar code, comprising data identifying at least the customer and the biller, and a scanning apparatus and associated components, for use by a third party, configured both to scan the bar code and, based on the identifying data of the bar code, to effect payment to the biller in a predetermined or customer-specified amount. In method form, a bill payment method consistent with the disclosure comprises: generating a biller invoice for at least one customer, said invoice containing a unique bar code, said bar code comprising data identifying at least said customer and said biller; and enabling a third party to scan and process said bar code and, based on the identifying data of said bar code, to effect payment to said biller in a predetermined or customer-specified amount. In another embodiment, a bill payment system consistent with the disclosure comprises mechanisms allowing a plurality of billers to generate bar coded invoices, with each biller generating an invoice for at least one customer, the invoice comprising a unique bar code comprising data identifying at least the customer and the biller, and networked mechanisms allowing a plurality of third parties, in communication with said billers, to scan and process a given bar code and, based on the identifying data of said bar code, to effect payment to its associated biller in a predetermined or customer-specified amount. | 04-30-2009 |
20110233285 | BAR CODED MONETARY TRANSACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A monetary transaction system consistent with the present disclosure comprises a mechanism allowing a biller to generate at least one invoice for at least one customer, where the invoice contains a unique bar code, comprising data identifying at least the customer and the biller, and a scanning apparatus and associated components, for use by a third party, configured both to scan the bar code and, based on the identifying data of the bar code, to effect payment to the biller in a predetermined or customer-specified amount. In method form, a bill payment method consistent with the disclosure comprises: generating a biller invoice for at least one customer, said invoice containing a unique bar code, said bar code comprising data identifying at least said customer and said biller; and enabling a third party to scan and process said bar code and, based on the identifying data of said bar code, to effect payment to said biller in a predetermined or customer-specified amount. In another embodiment, a bill payment system consistent with the disclosure comprises mechanisms allowing a plurality of billers to generate bar coded invoices, with each biller generating an invoice for at least one customer, the invoice comprising a unique bar code comprising data identifying at least the customer and the biller, and networked mechanisms allowing a plurality of third parties, in communication with said billers, to scan and process a given bar code and, based on the identifying data of said bar code, to effect payment to its associated biller in a predetermined or customer-specified amount. | 09-29-2011 |
20130062421 | BAR CODED MONETARY TRANSACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A monetary transaction system allowing a biller to generate an invoice for a customer with a bar code comprising data identifying the customer and the biller, and a scanning apparatus for use by a third party configured both to scan the bar code and, based on the identifying data, to effect payment to the biller in a predetermined or customer-specified amount. | 03-14-2013 |
20140236817 | BAR CODED MONETARY TRANSACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A monetary transaction system allowing a biller to generate an invoice for a customer with a bar code comprising data identifying the customer and the biller, and a scanning apparatus for use by a third party configured both to scan the bar code and, based on the identifying data, to effect payment to the biller in a predetermined or customer-specified amount. | 08-21-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090213131 | MESH TRANSFER - Mesh data and other proximity information from the mesh of one model can be transferred to the mesh of another model, even with different topology and geometry. A correspondence can be created for transferring or sharing information between points of a source mesh and points of a destination mesh. Information can be “pushed through” the correspondence to share or otherwise transfer data from one mesh to its designated location at another mesh. Correspondences can be authored on a source mesh by drawing or placing one or more geometric primitives (e.g., points, lines, curves, volumes, etc.) at the source mesh and corresponding geometric primitives at the destination mesh. A collection of “feature curves” may be placed to partition the source and destination meshes into a collection of “feature regions” resulting in partitions or “feature curve networks” for constructing correspondences between all points of one mesh and all points of another mesh. | 08-27-2009 |
20090213138 | MESH TRANSFER FOR SHAPE BLENDING - Techniques are disclose that may assist animators or other artists working with models. Information from a plurality of meshes in a collection may be blended or combined using correspondences between pairs of the meshes. Meshes in the collection may include different topologies and geometries. The combined information can be used to create combinations of data that reflect new topologies, geometries, scalar fields, hair styles, or the like that may be transferred to a mesh of new or existing models. | 08-27-2009 |
20100053172 | MESH TRANSFER USING UV-SPACE - Mesh data and other proximity information from the mesh of one model can be transferred to the mesh of another model, even with different topology and geometry. A correspondence can be created for transferring or sharing information between points of a source mesh and points of a destination mesh. Information can be “pushed through” the correspondence to share or otherwise transfer data from one mesh to its designated location at another mesh. Correspondences can be created based on parameterization information, such as UV sets, one or more maps, harmonic parameterization, or the like. A collection of “feature curves” may be inferred or user-placed to partition the source and destination meshes into a collection of “feature regions” resulting in partitions or “feature curve networks” for constructing correspondences between all points of one mesh and all points of another mesh. | 03-04-2010 |
20100053186 | MESH TRANSFFER IN N-D SPACE - Systems and methods are disclosed allowing data and other information from one model to be transferred to another model. A surface correspondence between meshes of the models can be created that provides a transfer or sharing of information to include all points of one mesh and all points of the other mesh. Additionally, a volume correspondence between the models can be created to transfer information found within corresponding volumes or other n-D spaces associated with the models. Mesh information and other data at, near, or otherwise within a volume or other n-D space associated with one model can be “pushed through” the volume correspondences to transfer the data to its designated location on, at, near, or otherwise within a corresponding volume or other n-D space associated with the other model. | 03-04-2010 |
20120075340 | TECHNIQUES FOR INTERIOR COORDINATES - A method for determining interior coordinates is disclosed. The method includes receiving information specifying an object having a plurality of sites and a boundary. Interior coordinates associated with each of the plurality of sites are determined based on the boundary. The interior coordinate associated with each of the plurality of sites represent a system of coordinates that satisfy several properties, including non-negativity and interior locality. At least one value associated with the plurality of sites is then interpolated using the interior coordinates. | 03-29-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110112586 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PORTAL FIXATION TO THE SPINE - A method and device for attaching a curvilinear access device having a movable top and an expandable working portal to the spine, the attachment including a holding arm assembly, posterior tang, anterior tang and/or a portal fixation pin. | 05-12-2011 |
20120239096 | INSTRUMENT AND METHOD FOR SPINAL COMPRESSION AND DISTRACTION - An instrument for multilevel compression and distraction of vertebrae in a spinal column includes a first arm, a second arm, a third arm, a linking member, and a coupler. The first arm includes a distal end with a first aperture for receiving a first screw extender that attaches to a first vertebra. The second arm includes a distal end with a second aperture for receiving a second screw extender that attaches to a second vertebra. The third arm includes a distal end with a third aperture for receiving a third screw extender that attaches to a third vertebra. The linking member pivotally links proximal ends of the first, second, and third arms. The coupler positions the distal ends of the first arm and the second arm relative to the third arm to compress and distract the first vertebra and the second vertebra relative to the third vertebra. | 09-20-2012 |
20130289633 | INSTRUMENT AND METHOD FOR SPINAL COMPRESSION AND DISTRACTION - An orthopedic instrument for compression and distraction of bone segments includes a first receiver, a second receiver, a positioner member, and a guide member. The first receiver includes a first receiver aperture that receives a first screw extender. The second receiver includes a second extender aperture that receives a second screw extender. The positioner member translates the second receiver relative to the first receiver to apply one of a compression and a distraction force on the screw extenders. The guide member parallel to the positioner member guides the second receiver relative to the first receiver. | 10-31-2013 |
20140128930 | INSTRUMENT AND METHOD FOR IN SITU ROD ADJUSTMENT - The instruments and methods of the present disclosure include an outer shaft, an inner shaft, a roller, and an actuator. In some examples, the outer shaft includes a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The inner shaft is disposed within the lumen. The roller rotatably is coupled with the distal end at an axis and configured to engage the fixation rod. The actuator operably couples with the inner shaft to translate the inner shaft within the lumen and cause rotation of the roller to impart linear movement on the fixation rod. | 05-08-2014 |
20140163625 | INSTRUMENT AND METHOD FOR REDUCING AND SECURING SPINAL RODS - An instrument for reducing a fixation rod within a screw extender that attaches to a spinal implant includes first, second, and third cannulated bodies and an inserter shaft. The first cannulated body includes a proximal end that couples with the screw extender. The second cannulated body rotates within the first cannulated body and includes a proximal end with a first driving feature and a distal end with an internal threaded portion. The third cannulated body includes a proximal end that engages the internal threaded portion and a distal end with a rod pusher for engaging the fixation rod. The inserter shaft rotates within the third cannulated body and includes a proximal end with a second driving feature and a distal end with a setscrew attachment feature. | 06-12-2014 |
20140172029 | Methods and Devices for Portal Fixation to the Spine - A method and device for attaching a curvilinear access device having a movable top and an expandable working portal to the spine, the attachment including a holding arm assembly, posterior tang, anterior tang and/or a portal fixation pin. | 06-19-2014 |
20140257416 | PERCUTANEOUS ROD INSERTER - An instrument for grasping an end of a spinal rod and percutaneous insertion of the spinal rod includes a curved housing, an immovable lip, a first slot, a pivoting lip, a slidable rod, and a threaded mechanism. The curved housing includes an interior channel extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The immovable lip extends from the distal end and the first slot is in a side wall of the distal end. The pivoting lip rotatably couples to the distal end opposite the immovable lip. The slidable rod is dispose within the interior channel and slidably coupled at a first end to the first slot and a second slot of the pivoting lip. The threaded mechanism is within a portion of the proximal end and rotatably engages with a second end of the slidable rod to translate the slidable rod within the interior channel to position the pivoting lip relative to the immovable lip. | 09-11-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090065376 | MEDICAL IMPLANT PACKAGE - A medical implant package including a vial and a cap connected by a hinge. The vial includes a cavity for housing at least a portion of a dental implant. To access the implant, the cap is rotated about the hinge from a closed position to an open position. The cap defines a second cavity, separate from the vial cavity, sized to contain a healing screw. In one embodiment, the cap includes two portions connected by a living hinge which define the second cavity. The two cap portions, when moved relative to each other via the living hinge, permit access to the healing screw. In an alternative embodiment, the cap includes two retention members sized and configured to grip the healing screw. To remove the healing screw from the cap, the two retention members are displaced apart from each other by engaging them with a wedge extending from the vial. | 03-12-2009 |
20090306672 | Alif inserter/distractor - Apparatus and method for an instrument for use in an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) procedure for distraction of adjacent vertebrae and insertion of a vertebral body replacement (VBR) implant. The instrument includes a hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end, an inserter shaft positioned within the body configured to removably engage a VBR implant near the distal end of the body, an actuatable handle coupled to the body, the handle being configured to engage the inserter shaft to advance the VBR implant in a distal direction during handle actuation, and a pair of opposed distraction arms removably coupled to the distal end of the body, the distraction arms having paddle tips configured to fit between adjacent vertebrae, the distraction arms being movable from a closed position to an open position during distal advancement of the VBR implant between the distraction arms. | 12-10-2009 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110315943 | Memory Device Using A Dual Layer Conductive Metal Oxide Structure - Memory cell formation using ion implant isolated conductive metal oxide is disclosed, including forming a bottom electrode below un-etched conductive metal oxide layer(s), forming the un-etched conductive metal oxide layer(s) including depositing at least one layer of a conductive metal oxide (CMO) material (e.g., PrCaMnO | 12-29-2011 |
20110315948 | Memory Device Using Ion Implant Isolated Conductive Metal Oxide - Memory cell formation using ion implant isolated conductive metal oxide is disclosed, including forming a bottom electrode below unetched conductive metal oxide layer(s), forming the unetched conductive metal oxide layer(s) including depositing at least one layer of a conductive metal oxide (CMO) material (e.g., PrCaMnO | 12-29-2011 |
20120026780 | Conductive Metal Oxide Structures In Non Volatile Re Writable Memory Devices - A memory cell including a memory element comprising an electrolytic insulator in contact with a conductive metal oxide (CMO) is disclosed. The CMO includes a crystalline structure and can comprise a pyrochlore oxide, a conductive binary oxide, a multiple B-site perovskite, and a Ruddlesden-Popper structure. The CMO includes mobile ions that can be transported to/from the electrolytic insulator in response to an electric field of appropriate magnitude and direction generated by a write voltage applied across the electrolytic insulator and CMO. The memory cell can include a non-ohmic device (NOD) that is electrically in series with the memory element. The memory cell can be positioned between a cross-point of conductive array lines in a two-terminal cross-point memory array in a single layer of memory or multiple vertically stacked layers of memory that are fabricated over a substrate that includes active circuitry for data operations on the array layer(s). | 02-02-2012 |
20120037879 | NON VOLATILE MEMORY DEVICE ION BARRIER - An ion barrier layer made from a dielectric material in contact with an electronically insulating layer is operative to prevent mobile ions transported into the electronically insulating layer from passing through the ion barrier layer and into adjacent layers during data operations on a non-volatile memory cell. A conductive oxide layer in contact with the electronically insulating layer is the source of the mobile ions. A programming data operation is operative to transport a portion of the mobile ions into the electronically insulating layer and an erase data operation is operative to transport the mobile ions back into the conductive oxide layer. When the portion is positioned in the electronically insulating layer the memory cell stores data as a programmed conductivity profile and when a substantial majority of the mobile ions are positioned in the conductive oxide layer the memory cell stores data as an erased conductivity profile. | 02-16-2012 |
20120043521 | Conductive Metal Oxide Structures In Non Volatile Re Writable Memory Devices - A memory cell including a memory element comprising an electrolytic insulator in contact with a conductive metal oxide (CMO) is disclosed. The CMO includes a crystalline structure and can comprise a pyrochlore oxide, a conductive binary oxide, a multiple B-site perovskite, and a Ruddlesden-Popper structure. The CMO includes mobile ions that can be transported to/from the electrolytic insulator in response to an electric field of appropriate magnitude and direction generated by a write voltage applied across the electrolytic insulator and CMO. The memory cell can include a non-ohmic device (NOD) that is electrically in series with the memory element. The memory cell can be positioned between a cross-point of conductive array lines in a two-terminal cross-point memory array in a single layer of memory or multiple vertically stacked layers of memory that are fabricated over a substrate that includes active circuitry for data operations on the array layer(s). | 02-23-2012 |
20120300535 | NON-VOLATILE MEMORY DEVICE ION BARRIER - An ion barrier layer made from a dielectric material in contact with an electronically insulating layer is operative to prevent mobile ions transported into the electronically insulating layer from passing through the ion barrier layer and into adjacent layers during data operations on a non-volatile memory cell. A conductive oxide layer in contact with the electronically insulating layer is the source of the mobile ions. A programming data operation is operative to transport a portion of the mobile ions into the electronically insulating layer and an erase data operation is operative to transport the mobile ions back into the conductive oxide layer. When the portion is positioned in the electronically insulating layer the memory cell stores data as a programmed conductivity profile and when a substantial majority of the mobile ions are positioned in the conductive oxide layer the memory cell stores data as an erased conductivity profile. | 11-29-2012 |
20130043452 | Structures And Methods For Facilitating Enhanced Cycling Endurance Of Memory Accesses To Re-Writable Non Volatile Two Terminal Memory Elements - Structures and methods to enhance cycling endurance of BEOL memory elements are disclosed. In some embodiments, a memory element can include a support layer having a smooth and planar upper surface as deposited or as created by additional processing. A first electrode is formed the smooth and planar upper surface. The support layer can be configured to influence the formation of the first electrode to determine a substantially smooth surface of the first electrode. The memory element is formed over the first electrode having the substantially smooth surface, the memory element including one or more layers of an insulating metal oxide (IMO) operative to exchange ions to store a plurality of resistive states. The substantially smooth surface of the first electrode provides for uniform current densities through unit cross-sectional areas of the IMO. The memory element can include one or more layers of a conductive metal oxide (CMO). | 02-21-2013 |
20130082228 | Memory Device Using Multiple Tunnel Oxide Layers - A memory element (ME) including at least one layer of conductive metal oxide (CMO) that includes mobile oxygen ions and including at least two layers of insulating metal oxide (IMO) is disclosed. In one configuration a layer of IMO that is directly in contact with a CMO layer is specifically selected so that a material of the IMO layer is non-reactive with a material of the CMO. In another configuration, at least one pair of adjacent IMO layers are made from materials having different band gaps operative to an generate an internal electric field positioned in the layers and present in the at least two adjacent IMO layers in the absence of electrical power. The internal electric field can be a static electric field. The IMO and/or CMO layers can be deposited in part or in whole using ALD, PEALD, or nano-deposition. The ME can be formed BEOL. | 04-04-2013 |
20130082232 | Multi Layered Conductive Metal Oxide Structures And Methods For Facilitating Enhanced Performance Characteristics Of Two Terminal Memory Cells - A memory cell including a two-terminal re-writeable non-volatile memory element having at least two layers of conductive metal oxide (CMO), which, in turn, can include a first layer of CMO including mobile oxygen ions, and a second layer of CMO formed in contact with the first layer of CMO to cooperate with the first layer of CMO to form an ion obstruction barrier. The ion obstruction barrier is configured to inhibit transport or diffusion of a subset of mobile ion to enhance, among other things, memory effects and cycling endurance of memory cells. At least one layer of an insulating metal oxide that is an electrolyte to the mobile oxygen ions and configured as a tunnel barrier is formed in contact with the second layer of CMO. | 04-04-2013 |
20130214233 | CONDUCTIVE METAL OXIDE STRUCTURES IN NON VOLATILE RE WRITABLE MEMORY DEVICES - A memory cell including a memory element comprising an electrolytic insulator in contact with a conductive metal oxide (CMO) is disclosed. The CMO includes a crystalline structure and can comprise a pyrochlore oxide, a conductive binary oxide, a multiple B-site perovskite, and a Ruddlesden-Popper structure. The CMO includes mobile ions that can be transported to/from the electrolytic insulator in response to an electric field of appropriate magnitude and direction generated by a write voltage applied across the electrolytic insulator and CMO. The memory cell can include a non-ohmic device (NOD) that is electrically in series with the memory element. The memory cell can be positioned between a cross-point of conductive array lines in a two-terminal cross-point memory array in a single layer of memory or multiple vertically stacked layers of memory that are fabricated over a substrate that includes active circuitry for data operations on the array layer(s). | 08-22-2013 |
20140346435 | MULTI-LAYERED CONDUCTIVE METAL OXIDE STRUCTURES AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING ENHANCED PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF TWO-TERMINAL MEMORY CELLS - A memory cell including a two-terminal re-writeable non-volatile memory element having at least two layers of conductive metal oxide (CMO), which, in turn, can include a first layer of CMO including mobile oxygen ions, and a second layer of CMO formed in contact with the first layer of CMO to cooperate with the first layer of CMO to form an ion obstruction barrier. The ion obstruction barrier is configured to inhibit transport or diffusion of a subset of mobile ion to enhance, among other things, memory effects and cycling endurance of memory cells. At least one layer of an insulating metal oxide that is an electrolyte to the mobile oxygen ions and configured as a tunnel barrier is formed in contact with the second layer of CMO. | 11-27-2014 |
20140367629 | CONDUCTIVE METAL OXIDE STRUCTURES IN NON VOLATILE RE WRITABLE MEMORY DEVICES - A memory cell including a memory element comprising an electrolytic insulator in contact with a conductive metal oxide (CMO) is disclosed. The CMO includes a crystalline structure and can comprise a pyrochlore oxide, a conductive binary oxide, a multiple B-site perovskite, and a Ruddlesden-Popper structure. The CMO includes mobile ions that can be transported to/from the electrolytic insulator in response to an electric field of appropriate magnitude and direction generated by a write voltage applied across the electrolytic insulator and CMO. The memory cell can include a non-ohmic device (NOD) that is electrically in series with the memory element. The memory cell can be positioned between a cross-point of conductive array lines in a two-terminal cross-point memory array in a single layer of memory or multiple vertically stacked layers of memory that are fabricated over a substrate that includes active circuitry for data operations on the array layer(s). | 12-18-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100155722 | Memory device with band gap control - A memory device with band gap control is described. A memory cell can include a conductive oxide layer in contact with and electrically in series with an electronically insulating layer. A thickness of the electronically insulating layer is configured to increase from an initial thickness to a target thickness. The increased thickness of the electronically insulating layer can improve resistive memory effect, increase a magnitude of a read current during read operations, and lower barrier height with a concomitant reduction in band gap of the electronically insulating layer. The memory cell can include a memory element that comprises the conductive oxide layer and the electronically insulating layer and can optionally include a non-ohmic device (NOD). The memory cell can be positioned in a two-terminal cross-point array between a pair of conductive array lines across which voltages for data operations are applied. The memory cell and array can be fabricated BEOL. | 06-24-2010 |
20100157658 | Conductive metal oxide structures in non-volatile re-writable memory devices - A memory cell including a memory element comprising an electrolytic insulator in contact with a conductive metal oxide (CMO) is disclosed. The CMO includes a crystalline structure and can comprise a pyrochlore oxide, a conductive binary oxide, a multiple B-site perovskite, and a Ruddlesden-Popper structure. The CMO includes mobile ions that can be transported to/from the electrolytic insulator in response to an electric field of appropriate magnitude and direction generated by a write voltage applied across the electrolytic insulator and CMO. The memory cell can include a non-ohmic device (NOD) that is electrically in series with the memory element. The memory cell can be positioned between a cross-point of conductive array lines in a two-terminal cross-point memory array in a single layer of memory or multiple vertically stacked layers of memory that are fabricated over a substrate that includes active circuitry for data operations on the array layer(s). | 06-24-2010 |
20100159641 | Memory cell formation using ion implant isolated conductive metal oxide - Memory cell formation using ion implant isolated conductive metal oxide is disclosed, including forming a bottom electrode below unetched conductive metal oxide layer(s), forming the unetched conductive metal oxide layer(s) including depositing at least one layer of a conductive metal oxide (CMO) material (e.g., PrCaMnO | 06-24-2010 |
20110149634 | Non-volatile memory device ion barrier - An ion barrier layer made from a dielectric material in contact with an electronically insulating layer is operative to prevent mobile ions transported into the electronically insulating layer from passing through the ion barrier layer and into adjacent layers during data operations on a non-volatile memory cell. A conductive oxide layer in contact with the electronically insulating layer is the source of the mobile ions. A programming data operation is operative to transport a portion of the mobile ions into the electronically insulating layer and an erase data operation is operative to transport the mobile ions back into the conductive oxide layer. When the portion is positioned in the electronically insulating layer the memory cell stores data as a programmed conductivity profile and when a substantial majority of the mobile ions are positioned in the conductive oxide layer the memory cell stores data as an erased conductivity profile. | 06-23-2011 |
20110149636 | Ion barrier cap - An ion barrier layer made from a dielectric material in contact with an electronically insulating layer is operative to prevent mobile ions transported into the electronically insulating layer from passing through the ion barrier layer and into adjacent layers during data operations on a non-volatile memory cell. A conductive oxide layer in contact with the electronically insulating layer is the source of the mobile ions. A programming data operation is operative to transport a portion of the mobile ions into the electronically insulating layer and an erase data operation is operative to transport the mobile ions back into the conductive oxide layer. When the portion is positioned in the electronically insulating layer the memory cell stores data as a programmed conductivity profile and when a substantial majority of the mobile ions are positioned in the conductive oxide layer the memory cell stores data as an erased conductivity profile. | 06-23-2011 |
20120211716 | Oxygen ion implanted conductive metal oxide re-writeable non-volatile memory device - A memory device having at least one layer of oxygen ion implanted conductive metal oxide (CMO) is disclosed. The oxygen ion implanted CMO includes mobile oxygen ions. The oxygen ion implanted CMO can be annealed and the annealing can optionally occur in an ambient. An insulating metal oxide (IMO) layer is in direct contact with the oxygenated CMO layer and is electrically in series with the oxygenated CMO layer. A two-terminal memory element is formed by the IMO and CMO layers. The oxygenated CMO layer includes additional mobile oxygen ions operative to improve data retention and cycling of the two-terminal memory element. As deposited, the CMO layer can lose mobile oxygen ions during the fabrication process and the ion implantation serves to increase a quantity of mobile oxygen ions in the CMO layer. | 08-23-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090254841 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CHARACTERIZING USER-DEFINED AREAS - A method of specifying a boundary for an area is provided, which includes receiving a first input from a first user regarding a first configuration of a boundary of an area. The first input may serve to establish an area of arbitrary and possibly irregular configuration, such as an area that is apolitical or otherwise legally undetermined. A second input may be received from a second user regarding a second boundary configuration. The second input may serve to modify the boundary of an area established by the first input. A particular configuration of the boundary based at least partially on the first and second inputs can then be determined. For example, the particular configuration of the boundary may be determined, in part, by spatially averaging the first and second configurations. In some embodiments, demographic data for an area defined by the particular configuration of the boundary may be compiled. | 10-08-2009 |
20090265285 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CHARACTERIZING USER-DEFINED AREAS - A method of specifying a boundary for an area is provided, which includes receiving a first input from a first user regarding a first configuration of a boundary of an area. The first input may serve to establish an area of arbitrary and possibly irregular configuration, such as an area that is apolitical or otherwise legally undetermined. A second input may be received from a second user regarding a second boundary configuration. The second input may serve to modify the boundary of an area established by the first input. A particular configuration of the boundary based at least partially on the first and second inputs can then be determined. For example, the particular configuration of the boundary may be determined, in part, by spatially averaging the first and second configurations. In some embodiments, demographic data for an area defined by the particular configuration of the boundary may be compiled. | 10-22-2009 |
20090265323 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CHARACTERIZING USER-DEFINED AREAS - A method of specifying a boundary for an area is provided, which includes receiving a first input from a first user regarding a first configuration of a boundary of an area. The first input may serve to establish an area of arbitrary and possibly irregular configuration, such as an area that is apolitical or otherwise legally undetermined. A second input may be received from a second user regarding a second boundary configuration. The second input may serve to modify the boundary of an area established by the first input. A particular configuration of the boundary based at least partially on the first and second inputs can then be determined. For example, the particular configuration of the boundary may be determined, in part, by spatially averaging the first and second configurations. In some embodiments, demographic data for an area defined by the particular configuration of the boundary may be compiled. | 10-22-2009 |
20090265452 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CHARACTERIZING USER-DEFINED AREAS - A method of specifying a boundary for an area is provided, which includes receiving a first input from a first user regarding a first configuration of a boundary of an area. The first input may serve to establish an area of arbitrary and possibly irregular configuration, such as an area that is apolitical or otherwise legally undetermined. A second input may be received from a second user regarding a second boundary configuration. The second input may serve to modify the boundary of an area established by the first input. A particular configuration of the boundary based at least partially on the first and second inputs can then be determined. For example, the particular configuration of the boundary may be determined, in part, by spatially averaging the first and second configurations. In some embodiments, demographic data for an area defined by the particular configuration of the boundary may be compiled. | 10-22-2009 |
20090271718 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CHARACTERIZING USER-DEFINED AREAS - A method of specifying a boundary for an area is provided, which includes receiving a first input from a first user regarding a first configuration of a boundary of an area. The first input may serve to establish an area of arbitrary and possibly irregular configuration, such as an area that is apolitical or otherwise legally undetermined. A second input may be received from a second user regarding a second boundary configuration. The second input may serve to modify the boundary of an area established by the first input. A particular configuration of the boundary based at least partially on the first and second inputs can then be determined. For example, the particular configuration of the boundary may be determined, in part, by spatially averaging the first and second configurations. In some embodiments, demographic data for an area defined by the particular configuration of the boundary may be compiled. | 10-29-2009 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090284300 | RMS Detector with Automatic Gain Control - Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, devices and methods for detecting the RMS value of a signal. The RMS detector uses multiple variable-gain stages and internal gain control to generate an RMS output signal based on an arbitrary signal input. This RMS detector significantly reduces the signal swings seen on a squarer within prior art RMS detectors and reduces the detector's dependency on DC offsets at low signal levels and overload errors at high signal levels. The embodiments of the present invention also improve the accuracy of the RMS detector within large dynamic signal ranges by obviating the operation of a squarer in saturation or out of the squaring region. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are able to more accurately detect RMS values on a signal, operate over relatively higher signal ranges, and better function within different signal modulation schemes, particularly those with large peak-to-average ratios. | 11-19-2009 |
20110156809 | LOW DISTORTION MOS ATTENUATOR - An attenuation circuit uses a voltage controlled variable resistance transistor as a signal attenuator for receivers operating in the zero Hz to about 30 MHz range. The transistor functions in the linear region to linearize the transistor resistance characteristics used for signal attenuation. In an exemplary application, the attenuation circuit is used as an RF attenuator for AM radio broadcast receivers and amplifiers with automatic gain control. Multiple attenuation circuits can be coupled in parallel, each attenuation circuit having a different sized variable resistance transistor, to form sequentially activated stages that increase the range of attenuation while minimizing distortion. | 06-30-2011 |
20110285458 | RMS Detector with Automatic Gain Control - Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, devices and methods for detecting the RMS value of a signal. The RMS detector uses multiple variable-gain stages and internal gain control to generate an RMS output signal based on an arbitrary signal input. This RMS detector significantly reduces the signal swings seen on a squarer within prior art RMS detectors and reduces the detector's dependency on DC offsets at low signal levels and overload errors at high signal levels. The embodiments of the present invention also improve the accuracy of the RMS detector within large dynamic signal ranges by obviating the operation of a squarer in saturation or out of the squaring region. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are able to more accurately detect RMS values on a signal, operate over relatively higher signal ranges, and better function within different signal modulation schemes, particularly those with large peak-to-average ratios. | 11-24-2011 |
20130214841 | Low Distortion MOS Attenuator - An attenuation circuit uses a voltage controlled variable resistance transistor as a signal attenuator for receivers operating in the zero Hz to about 30 MHz range. The transistor functions in the linear region to linearize the transistor resistance characteristics used for signal attenuation. In an exemplary application, the attenuation circuit is used as an RF attenuator for AM radio broadcast receivers and amplifiers with automatic gain control. Multiple attenuation circuits can be coupled in parallel, each attenuation circuit having a different sized variable resistance transistor, to form sequentially activated stages that increase the range of attenuation while minimizing distortion. | 08-22-2013 |
20140210539 | Low Distortion MOS Attenuator - An attenuation circuit uses a voltage controlled variable resistance transistor as a signal attenuator for receivers operating in the zero Hz to about 30 MHz range. The transistor functions in the linear region to linearize the transistor resistance characteristics used for signal attenuation. In an exemplary application, the attenuation circuit is used as an RF attenuator for AM radio broadcast receivers and amplifiers with automatic gain control. Multiple attenuation circuits can be coupled in parallel, each attenuation circuit having a different sized variable resistance transistor, to form sequentially activated stages that increase the range of attenuation while minimizing distortion. | 07-31-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080196833 | RETAINING RING WITH SHAPED SURFACE - A retaining ring can be shaped by machining or lapping the bottom surface of the ring to form a shaped profile in the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can include flat, sloped and curved portions. The lapping can be performed using a machine that dedicated for use in lapping the bottom surface of retaining rings. During the lapping the ring can be permitted to rotate freely about an axis of the ring. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can have curved or flat portions. | 08-21-2008 |
20080227374 | POLISHING HEAD TESTING WITH MOVABLE PEDESTAL - A polishing head is tested in a test station having a pedestal for supporting a test wafer and a controllable pedestal actuator to move a pedestal central wafer support surface and a test wafer toward the polishing head. In another aspect of the present description, the test wafer may be positioned using a positioner having a first plurality of test wafer engagement members positioned around the pedestal central wafer support surface. In another aspect, the wafer position may have a second plurality of test wafer engagement members positioned around an outer wafer support surface disposed around the pedestal central wafer support surface and adapted to support a test wafer. The second plurality of test wafer engagement members may be distributed about a second circumference of the ring member, the second circumference having a wider diameter than the first circumference. Additional embodiments and aspects are described and claimed. | 09-18-2008 |
20100327900 | POLISHING HEAD TESTING WITH MOVABLE PEDESTAL - A polishing head is tested in a test station having a pedestal for supporting a test wafer and a controllable pedestal actuator to move a pedestal central wafer support surface and a test wafer toward the polishing head. In another aspect of the present description, the test wafer may be positioned using a positioner having a first plurality of test wafer engagement members positioned around the pedestal central wafer support surface. In another aspect, the wafer position may have a second plurality of test wafer engagement members positioned around an outer wafer support surface disposed around the pedestal central wafer support surface and adapted to support a test wafer. The second plurality of test wafer engagement members may be distributed about a second circumference of the ring member, the second circumference having a wider diameter than the first circumference. Additional embodiments and aspects are described and claimed. | 12-30-2010 |
20110195639 | RETAINING RING WITH SHAPED SURFACE - A retaining ring can be shaped by machining or lapping the bottom surface of the ring to form a shaped profile in the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can include flat, sloped and curved portions. The lapping can be performed using a machine that dedicated for use in lapping the bottom surface of retaining rings. During the lapping the ring can be permitted to rotate freely about an axis of the ring. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can have curved or flat portions. | 08-11-2011 |
20120071067 | RETAINING RING WITH SHAPED SURFACE - A retaining ring can be shaped by machining or lapping the bottom surface of the ring to form a shaped profile in the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can include flat, sloped and curved portions. The lapping can be performed using a machine that dedicated for use in lapping the bottom surface of retaining rings. During the lapping the ring can be permitted to rotate freely about an axis of the ring. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can have curved or flat portions. | 03-22-2012 |
20120264360 | Carrier Head With Shims - A carrier head includes a base, a substrate mounting surface, a retaining ring secured to the base, and a plurality of stacked shims located between the base and the retaining ring. The retaining ring has a bottom surface for contacting a polishing pad during polishing. | 10-18-2012 |
20130035022 | Two-Part Plastic Retaining Ring - A retaining ring includes a generally annular lower portion and a generally annular upper portion. The lower portion has a bottom surface for contacting a polishing pad during polishing and a top surface. The upper portion has a bottom surface secured to the top surface of the lower portion and a top surface configured to be mechanically affixed to and abut a rigid base of a carrier head. The lower portion is a first plastic, and the upper portion is a different second plastic that is about the same or more rigid than the first plastic. | 02-07-2013 |
20130324017 | TWO-PART RETAINING RING WITH INTERLOCK FEATURES - A retaining ring includes an annular lower portion and an annular upper portion. The annular lower portion has a main body with a bottom surface for contacting a polishing pad during polishing, an inner rim projecting upward from the main body, an outer rim projecting upward from the main body and separated from the inner rim by a gap, and a plurality of azimuthally separated interlock features positioned between the inner rim and the outer rim, each interlock feature projecting upwardly from the main body. The annular upper portion has a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of azimuthally separated recesses in the bottom surface, the recesses defining thin portions of the upper portion, the plurality of interlock features fitting into the plurality of recesses. The lower portion is a plastic and the upper portion is a material that is more rigid than the plastic. | 12-05-2013 |
20140053981 | Retaining Ring With Shaped Surface - A retaining ring can be shaped by machining or lapping the bottom surface of the ring to form a shaped profile in the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can include flat, sloped and curved portions. The lapping can be performed using a machine that dedicated for use in lapping the bottom surface of retaining rings. During the lapping the ring can be permitted to rotate freely about an axis of the ring. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can have curved or flat portions. | 02-27-2014 |
20140273776 | REINFORCEMENT RING FOR CARRIER HEAD - A reinforcement ring is for placement in a carrier head to abut an inner surface of a perimeter portion of a flexible membrane. The reinforcement ring includes a substantially vertical cylindrical portion, a first flange projecting inwardly from the bottom of the cylindrical portion, and a second flange projecting outwardly from a bottom of the cylindrical portion. The second flange projects downwardly at a non-zero angle from vertical. | 09-18-2014 |
20140287662 | RETAINING RING WITH ATTACHABLE SEGMENTS - A retaining ring includes a generally annular upper portion having a top surface configured to be connected to a base of a carrier head and a lower surface, and a plurality of substantially identical arcuate segments detachably secured to the upper portion to form an annular lower portion. Each of the arcuate segments has an upper surface that abuts the lower surface of the upper portion and a bottom surface for contacting a polishing pad during polishing. | 09-25-2014 |
20150044947 | METHOD OF POLISHING A NEW OR A REFURBISHED ELECTROSTATIC CHUCK - Embodiments of the present invention provide a polishing ring assembly suitable for polishing an electrostatic chuck and method of using the same. In one embodiment, the polishing ring assembly has a retaining ring assembly and an electrostatic chuck fixture. The retaining ring assembly includes an inner diameter and a top surface, a plurality of outer drive rings wherein the plurality of outer drive rings are placed on the top surface of the ceramic retaining ring. The electrostatic chuck fixture includes an electrostatic chuck drive plate adjacent to the inner diameter of in the ceramic retaining ring. The electrostatic chuck drive plate has a lock to secure retaining ring assembly with the electrostatic chuck fixture without transferring the weight from one assembly over to the other through the locking mechanism. | 02-12-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090297582 | VASCULAR OCCLUSION DEVICES AND METHODS - A device for in situ treatment of vascular or cerebral aneurysms comprises an occlusion device having a flexible, longitudinally extending elastomeric matrix member that assumes a non-linear shape to conformally fill a targeted site. The occlusion device comprises a flexible, longitudinally extending elastomeric matrix member, wherein the device assumes a non-linear shape capable of fully, substantially, or partially conformally filling a targeted vascular site. In one embodiment the vascular occlusion device comprises a first longitudinally extending structural element having a longitudinally extending lumen and an outer surface; a second longitudinally extending structural element extending through the lumen; and an elastomeric matrix member surrounding the outer surface, wherein the second structural member does not engage or attach to the first structural element or the elastomeric matrix. | 12-03-2009 |
20130211189 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING HIGH BASAL INTRA-LUMINAL PRESSURE USING A GASTRIC BAND - A gastric band assembly has one or more bladders incorporated therein so that basal intra-band pressure in the band can be set higher than typical Green Zone basal intra-band pressures. The higher basal intra-band pressures equate to higher basal intra-luminal or contact pressures from 35 mmHg and above. | 08-15-2013 |
20140275912 | METHODS FOR MEASURING TISSUE IMPEDANCE AND DEVICES THEREOF - A method and apparatus for measuring an impedance of a tissue region inside a body of a patient. A first guidewire is advanced into a tissue region of a body of a patient, wherein the first guidewire comprises one or more electrodes electrically coupled to the tissue region. A second guidewire is advanced into the body, wherein the second guidewire comprises one or more electrodes electrically coupled to the tissue region of the body of the patient and spaced from the first guidewire. An error correction electrode is electrically coupled to the body. A voltage is applied across the first and the second guidewires. The impedance of the tissue region between the first and the second guidewires is measured while using an electrical pathway created by the error correction electrode. | 09-18-2014 |
20140309632 | METHODS FOR TISSUE ABLATION MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL AND DEVICES THEREOF - An apparatus comprises a first longitudinal member and a second longitudinal member configured to be located near a tissue region. An energy source is coupled to first longitudinal member and second longitudinal member. A measuring device is configured to measure at least one characteristic of the tissue region. An energy controller is coupled to the energy source and the measuring device. The energy controller includes a processor coupled to a memory and configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory, comprising initiating a delivery of energy to the tissue region from the energy source. One or more items of data are received from the measuring device based on the delivery of energy to the tissue region. The delivery of energy to the tissue region is adjusted based on the one or more items of data. | 10-16-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090186318 | Laser Surgical Methods - Methods, systems, and apparatus for programmable selective ablating or cutting of a targeted area of a material with a laser, producing a succession of pulses of the generated radiation with an energy level, pulse duration, and repetition rate specified to ablate or cut the material without causing harmful side effects; and concentrating the radiation pulses on the targeted material to a spot sufficiently small to cause ablating or cutting of the material; and means to direct the said spot to cover the programmed selected targeted area of a material. | 07-23-2009 |
20090187175 | Disposable Hand Piece for Dental Surgical Laser - A disposable hand piece can be attached at the end of a laser beam delivery assembly. The hand piece can be longitudinally tapered and generally wedge-shaped in its width and slightly bent so as to form a tool which can be comfortable grasped by a Dentist for purposes of more accurately controlling the laser beam applied through the laser hand piece. The hand piece can include an internal means to supply fine mist of air and water for cooling of the treated area. The hand piece is constructed of inexpensive plastic materials and is designed to be disposable after a single use. | 07-23-2009 |
20090187176 | Laser Surgical Apparatus - A laser surgical apparatus for performing treatment by irradiating a part to be treated by a laser beam is disclosed. This apparatus includes a laser source which emits the treatment laser beam; a multi-articulated arm for delivering the treatment laser beam emitted from the laser source, the arm including a plurality of light delivery pipes, a joint part for jointing the light delivery pipes, the joint part being rotatable with respect to at least one of the pipes jointed by the joint part, a reflection mirror disposed in the joint part; and a surgical instrument is connected to an end of the arm and used for irradiating the treatment laser beam delivered therein through the arm to the treatment part. | 07-23-2009 |