Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100325898 | Retractable blade scraper having a blade-storage drawer and a blade slide with upper and lower blade-clamping members - A retractable blade scraper includes a handle body having a handle rear end and a handle forward end including a forward-end opening. An internal blade-slide cavity extends rearwardly from—and is configured to selectively receive a blade through—the forward-end opening. A blade slide housed by the blade-slide cavity includes lower and upper blade slide members between which the blade is selectively retained. A blade-slide actuator is accessible through an actuator slot defined through a wall of the handle body between slot first and second ends. Reciprocation of the actuator between the slot first and second ends reciprocates the blade slide between a rearward blade-storage position in which the blade is housed in the blade-slide cavity and a forward blade-changing position in which the blade protrudes through the forward-end opening to facilitate blade changing. The actuator includes threadably cooperating members that facilitate the alternative clamping of a blade between and release of a blade from between the blade slide members when the blade slide is in the blade-changing position. A spare-blade storage drawer is housed within a blade-storage cavity and is accessible through a rear-end opening in the handle body. | 12-30-2010 |
20110017846 | Sprayer with remotely pivotable and selectively lockable nozzle - A fluid sprayer includes a rigid fluid conduit with a conduit side wall extending along a conduit axis between open first and second conduit ends. The conduit side wall defines a fluid passage extending between the open first and second ends. A spray nozzle with a fluid-expulsion bore is connected to the second conduit end such that it can pivot about a nozzle-pivot axis that extends orthogonally to the conduit axis and such that fluid introduced into the first conduit end is expelled through the fluid-expulsion bore. A nozzle actuator is attached to the conduit for bi-directional rotation about an actuator-rotation axis having a component of spatial extension perpendicular to the conduit axis. The nozzle actuator and nozzle are mechanically linked so that rotation of the actuator causes the nozzle to pivot with respect to the conduit axis. A spray-angle selector rotates in tandem with the nozzle actuator and includes an angle-selection surface. A selector stop, with a base portion fixed relative to the fluid conduit, cooperatively engages the angle-selection surface to define a plurality of angular nozzle positions and provide resistance opposing pivotal movement out of each angular nozzle position. | 01-27-2011 |
20120036668 | Bladed tool with a bent blade-retaining shank - A bladed tool includes a handle and a blade with a surface-engaging edge and a blade-retaining shank. The handle includes an elongated handle body having longitudinally opposed body front and rear ends, and at least one side wall extending between the body front and rear ends. The side wall defines an outer surface configured for gripping by a user and an inner surface that defines an interior access channel extending from an access opening in the body rear end toward a forward channel wall located to the rear of the body front end. Situated between the body front end and the forward channel wall is a handle core that defines a shank-retaining slot extending between a forward slot-opening in the body front end and a rearward slot-opening in the forward channel wall. The shank extends rearwardly through the shank-retaining slot such that a protruding shank portion extends to the rear of the forward channel wall. Forward movement of the shank relative to the handle body is prevented by bending the shank rearward of the forward channel wall. | 02-16-2012 |
20130309948 | HAND SANDER THAT IS SELECTIVELY ATTACHABLE TO A DUST-VACUUM SYSTEM - A sponge sander configured for selective attachment to a dust-collection system includes a housing having a housing-interior surface defining a sponge cavity and a sponge seat configured for removably retaining a determinately-dimensioned sanding sponge. The sponge has an abrasive sanding surface, a back surface opposite the sanding surface and a sponge periphery defined between the sanding and back surfaces. The sponge is retained within the sponge cavity such that (i) the abrasive sanding surface can engage a work surface to be sanded, (ii) fluid-flow channels are maintained between the sanding sponge and the housing-interior surface and (iii) the spaces are in fluid communication with a fluid port defined in the housing so that when a negative pressure is applied across the fluid port by a vacuum system external to the housing, dust created by sanding is drawn into the fluid-flow channels and out of the housing through the fluid port. | 11-21-2013 |
20150008269 | SPRAYER WITH SELECTIVELY PIVOTABLE AND LOCKABLE ATTACHMENT-MOUNTING ARM - A fluid sprayer includes a rigid fluid conduit extending along a conduit axis between longitudinally opposed open conduit first and second ends. A spray nozzle having a fluid-expulsion bore is connected to the conduit second end such that the is nozzle can pivot about a nozzle-pivot axis that extends orthogonally to the conduit axis and fluid introduced into the conduit first end is expelled through the fluid-expulsion bore. An attachment-mounting arm is connected to the fluid conduit for pivotal movement about an arm-pivot axis having a component of spatial extension orthogonal to the conduit axis and being longitudinally non-displaceable relative to the rigid fluid conduit. Moreover, the attachment-mounting arm is selectively lockable into a plurality of discrete angular positions relative to the conduit and configured to removably retain a surface-engaging attachment designed for engaging a surface to be cleaned. | 01-08-2015 |
20150198274 | CONDUIT-COUPLING ADAPTOR FOR COUPLING FLUID CONDUITS OF DISPARATE DIAMETERS - A conduit-coupling adaptor configured for mutually joining conduits of disparate diameters includes a central conduit with interior and exterior surfaces extending longitudinally between central-conduit first and second ends. The central-conduit first and second ends define, respectively, first-end and second-end coupling sleeves that extend longitudinally in opposite directions and terminate at, respectively, first and second openings. The coupling sleeves can be implemented, alternatively, as male or female coupling members relative to other conduits. A first-end skirt includes a skirt wall concentrically disposed about at least a lengthwise portion of the central-conduit first end. The skirt wall has skirt-wall inside and outside surfaces that longitudinally co-extend with at least a portion of the first-end coupling sleeve and are joined to the central-conduit wall by a shoulder. The skirt-wall inside surface defines a socket that is configured as a female connector for insertably receiving a male coupling member of another conduit. | 07-16-2015 |
20160066761 | DUAL-BLADED SCRAPER WITH A ROTATABLE BLADE-RETAINING HEAD - A dual-bladed scraper includes a handle extending between a proximal end including a grip portion and a distal end extending forwardly of the proximal end. A blade-retaining head is rotatably mounted to the distal end for pivotal movement about a head-rotation axis. The head has opposed first and second ends configured for retaining, respectively, first and second scraping blades on mutually opposite sides of the head-rotation axis about which the head is pivotable between first and second angular positions. The first angular position is such that the first blade is in a deployed attitude and the second blade is shrouded in a non-deployed attitude beneath the handle. Conversely, the second angular position is such that the second blade is in a deployed attitude and the first blade is shrouded in a non-deployed attitude beneath the handle. | 03-10-2016 |
20160096670 | PACKAGING FOR TOOL HANDLE WITH INTERNAL STORAGE CAVITY AND REMOVABLE CAP - A tool packaged for retail sale has a tool handle including a handle outer surface and an internal storage channel within the handle and having a channel opening facilitating selective access to the storage channel. A removable handle cap with a cap-exterior surface is installed over the channel opening in order to close off the storage channel. The handle cap is retained in place by a cap-restraining strip fabricated from a tear-resistant material. More specifically, a central portion of the cap-restraining strip is disposed over at least a portion of the cap-exterior surface, while portions of the cap-restraining strip on opposite sides of the central portion are disposed to extend along mutually opposite sides of the handle outer surface. A wrapper securely binds the portions of the cap-restraining strip located on opposite sides of the handle outer surface, thereby preventing removal of the handle cap without destruction of the wrapper. | 04-07-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140311010 | FISHING DEVICE - The instant application discloses, among other things, a Fishing Device with a curved body. The Fishing Device may effect a spiral motion while the Fishing Device moves through water. The Fishing Device may also have a hook garage, which may hold a shank of a hook, or provide storage of a hook while the Fishing Device is not in use. | 10-23-2014 |
20140352197 | FISHING DEVICE - The instant application discloses, among other things, a Fishing Device comprising a head with an openable portion which may be capable of holding a whole or part of a fish body, or other form of bait. Openable portion may comprise a gripping means, for example, teeth, for fixedly attaching the bait to the device. The first end of the head may be cut at an angle and may affect the spin motion or speed of the Fishing Device, for example, as it moves through water or any other medium. | 12-04-2014 |
20160015013 | Fishing Lure - The instant application discloses, among other things, a Fishing Lure. The spinner blades of Fishing Lure may be configured to generate more action, such as vibration, flash, lift, and spin than conventional spinner blades. In one embodiment, the wings of the spinner blade may be unequal in size, producing an uneven wobble when the lure moves through water. In another embodiment, a friction-reducing post may be inserted through an aperture in the spinner blade to reduce wear and tear on the fishing line. In yet another embodiment, the spinner blade of Fishing Lure may include a plurality of notches that form creases at any angle in the blade to help generate spin. | 01-21-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100201343 | PROGRAMABLE DELAY MODULE TESTING DEVICE AND METHODS THEREOF - A data processing device is configured so that, in a test mode of operation, the phase of an output signal of a second programmable delay module (PDM) is based on the phase of the input signal of the first PDM. To test the first and second PDMs, the output signal of the first PDM is set to each of a first set of phases and the corresponding phase of the output signal of the second PDM is compared to determine whether the performance of the first and second PDMs match a specification. Accordingly, the first and second PDMs are qualified based on their relative performance, reducing the need for test structures that consume an undesirably large amount of area. | 08-12-2010 |
20100228891 | MEMORY CONTROLLER INCLUDING A DUAL-MODE MEMORY INTERCONNECT - A memory controller including a dual-mode memory interconnect includes an input/output (I/O) circuit including a plurality of input buffers and a plurality of output drivers. The I/O circuit may be configured to operate in one of a first mode and a second mode dependent upon a state of a mode selection signal. During operation in the first mode, the I/O circuit may be configured to provide a parallel interconnect for connection to one or more memory modules. During operation in the second mode, the I/O circuit may be configured to provide a respective serial interconnect for connection to each of one or more buffer units, each configured to buffer memory data that is being read from or written to the one or more memory modules. | 09-09-2010 |
20120155529 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USING DFE IN A SYSTEM WITH NON-CONTINUOUS DATA - A decision feedback equalization (DFE) receiver and method are provided. The DFE receiver is configured to sample data bits from a data bus. The DFE receiver includes a data sampler configured to sample a current data bit from the data bus using one of a first, second and third voltage reference. The DFE receiver also includes multiplexing logic configured to select one of the first, second and third voltage references based on a prior data bus level. The wherein the first voltage reference is selected if the prior data bus level was a logic zero. The second voltage reference is selected if the prior data bus level was a logic one. The third voltage reference is selected if the prior data bus level was tri-state. | 06-21-2012 |
20140129867 | SELECTIVE INSERTION OF CLOCK MISMATCH COMPENSATION SYMBOLS IN SIGNAL TRANSMISSIONS - In a system comprising a first device and a second device coupled via an interconnect, a method includes setting a rate of insertion of clock mismatch compensation symbols for a transmit port of the first device to one of a plurality of rates of insertion responsive to the second device having capability to compensate for a clock frequency mismatch. A device includes an interconnect interface comprising a transmit port and a receive port, and a configuration structure. The configuration structure comprises a capability field to store a value indicating whether the device has a capability to compensate for a clock frequency mismatch, and an enable field. The device further includes a packet control module to configure a rate of insertion of clock mismatch compensation symbols by the transmit port into a data stream responsive to a value stored at the enable field. | 05-08-2014 |
20150130519 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POWER-UP DETECTION FOR AN ELECTRICAL MONITORING CIRCUIT - A method and apparatus is provided for outputting a reset signal during power-up until two conditions are satisfied. In one embodiment, the method and apparatus includes a voltage detector that provides a first output (“VO1”) when an output voltage of a regulator (“VREG”) exceeds a threshold voltage, thereby satisfying a first condition, a comparator receiving a first input voltage and a second input voltage, the comparator providing a second output (“VO2”) when the first input voltage exceeds the second input voltage, thereby satisfying a second condition, and a release circuit that outputs the reset signal unless the voltage detector provides VO1 while the comparator provides VO2. | 05-14-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100249809 | THREADABLE KNOT SOFT TISSUE DEFECT REPAIR SYSTEM - A soft tissue defect repair system for approximating defects, such as defects in the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc, includes a cannulated rod through which is disposed a suture retrieval device. A strand of suture includes a locking or ratcheting knot pre-tied around the outside of the cannulated rod and a free end that is guided in and out of the soft tissue. A knot pusher fits around the cannulated rod, which is used to push the knot off of the cannulated rod after the stitching of the tissue is accomplished. The defect is approximated by tensioning the free end. Various suturing methods or patterns are disclosed for defect approximation. | 09-30-2010 |
20110028998 | BI-DIRECTIONAL SUTURE PASSER - A bi-directional suture passing instrument configured to approach soft tissues perpendicularly, enables safer and more efficient surgical repairs and minimally invasive techniques to be employed, useful in areas such as annulus repair, meniscal repair, shoulder arthroscopy, hernia repair, laproscopic repair, and wound closure. | 02-03-2011 |
20110270278 | ANCHOR ASSEMBLY INCLUDING EXPANDABLE ANCHOR - An anchor assembly can include at least one anchor member, such as a pair of anchor members that are configured to be implanted in a target anatomical location in a first configuration, and can subsequently be actuated to an expanded configuration that secures the anchor members in the target anatomy. The anchor assembly can further include a connector member that attaches the pair of anchor members together across a gap so as to approximate the anatomical defect. | 11-03-2011 |
20120004669 | INSERTION INSTRUMENT FOR ANCHOR ASSEMBLY - An insertion instrument is configured to eject a pair of anchor bodies across an anatomical gap so as to approximate the gap. The insertion instrument can include a single cannula that retains the pair of anchor bodies in a stacked relationship, or a pair of adjacent cannulas that each retain respective anchor bodies. The insertion instrument can be actuated so as to eject the anchor bodies into respective target anatomical locations. | 01-05-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130097898 | MOTION GREETING CARDS - The present invention and related disclosure describes greeting cards with moving elements or devices which are operable to create motion in connection with some portion of the greeting card. The greeting card may include a multi-panel greeting card body or a three-dimensional foam greeting card body. At least one movable object is contained upon or within the greeting card body. A sound module having at least one pre-recorded digital audio file saved therein and a motor module are contained and concealed within the greeting card body. One or more switches may be used to activate the sound and motor modules, causing the pre-recorded audio file to play and causing movement of the movable or mobile object. This movement may be up-and-down or “bouncing” motion, spinning or rotational motion, side-to-side motion or any other reciprocating motion. | 04-25-2013 |
20130133232 | MOTION GREETING CARDS - The present invention and related disclosure describes greeting cards with moving elements or devices which are operable to create motion in connection with some portion of the greeting card. The greeting card may include a multi-panel greeting card body or a three-dimensional foam greeting card body. At least one movable object is contained upon or within the greeting card body. A sound module having at least one pre-recorded digital audio file saved therein and a motor module are contained and concealed within the greeting card body. One or more switches may be used to activate the sound and motor modules, causing the pre-recorded audio file to play and causing movement of the movable or mobile object. This movement may be up-and-down or “bouncing” motion, spinning or rotational motion, side-to-side motion or any other reciprocating motion. | 05-30-2013 |
20130139417 | THREE DIMENSIONAL FOAM GREETING CARDS - Three-dimensional lightweight foam greeting cards are described herein having a foam body with a perimeter wall that extends between two spaced apart parallel pieces of planar sheet material such as heavy gauge paper, cardboard, or other such material. The greeting cards have a partially hollowed foam body or one or more cavities in the foam body concealed in the front and back by the planar sheet material which may be pre-cut in the shape of the foam body are decorated consistent with the design of the foam body. The cavities in the foam body may contain various electronic components that enable the greeting card to produce sound, record and playback a personalized message, trigger light activation, trigger the movement of moveable parts, display digital video, photographs or slideshows, or a combination thereof. | 06-06-2013 |
20130139418 | GREETING CARD WITH SPRING LOADED SLIDE TRACK AUDIO TRIGGER - An interactive greeting card having a multi-panel greeting card body, a sound module and a molded track contained between two or more panels of the multi-panel greeting card body, and a moveable object which is attached to the molded track through an opening in one or more of the greeting card panels. The moveable object is operative to move from one end of the molded track to the opposite end of the molded track whereby playback of a pre-recorded digital audio file is initiated. The interactive greeting card may additionally contain a small motor which causes movement of a second moveable object and an object launcher which is operative to launch an object along the track and into the air. Other special effects may be included such as lights, additional sounds or movement, or any other special effects which can be incorporated into a greeting card. | 06-06-2013 |
20130139419 | MOTION GREETING CARDS - The present invention and related disclosure describes greeting cards with moving elements or devices which are operable to create motion in connection with some portion of the greeting card. The greeting card may include a multi-panel greeting card body or a three-dimensional foam greeting card body. At least one movable object is contained upon or within the greeting card body. A sound module having at least one pre-recorded digital audio file saved therein and a motor module are contained and concealed within the greeting card body. One or more switches may be used to activate the sound and motor modules, causing the pre-recorded audio file to play and causing movement of the movable or mobile object. | 06-06-2013 |
20130192103 | MOTION GREETING CARDS - The present invention and related disclosure describes greeting cards with moving elements or devices which are operable to create motion in connection with some portion of the greeting card. The greeting card may include a multi-panel greeting card body or a three-dimensional foam greeting card body. At least one movable object is contained upon or within the greeting card body. A sound module having at least one pre-recorded digital audio file saved therein and a motor module are contained and concealed within the greeting card body. One or more switches may be used to activate the sound and motor modules, causing the pre-recorded audio file to play and causing movement of the movable or mobile object. This movement may be up-and-down or “bouncing” motion, spinning or rotational motion, side-to-side motion or any other reciprocating motion. | 08-01-2013 |
20130255115 | INTERACTIVE GREETING CARD WITH MAGNET - The interactive greeting card of the present invention contains a multi-panel greeting card body with various electronic components contained and concealed therein. Upon opening the greeting card, spoken instructions may instruct the user to move an attached magnet from one area of the greeting card to another to initiate a surprise or various special effects such as sound and light. | 10-03-2013 |
20140033583 | INTERACTIVE GREETING CARD - An integral greeting card/game is disclosed wherein a multi-panel greeting card also serves as a game board and is combined with a game piece and launch mechanism to create a novel, interactive greeting card. The multi-panel greeting card contains a sound module therein and a magnetic trigger is contained and concealed below one or more of the multiple greeting card panels. The game piece contains a magnet therein so that when the game piece comes into contact with the area of the greeting card above or proximate to the magnetic trigger, playback of an audio file is initiated. | 02-06-2014 |
20140144052 | Motion Greeting Cards - The present invention and related disclosure describes greeting cards with moving elements or devices which are operable to create motion in connection with some portion of the greeting card. The greeting card may include a multi-panel greeting card body or a three-dimensional foam greeting card body. At least one movable object is contained upon or within the greeting card body. A sound module having at least one pre-recorded digital audio file saved therein and a motor module are contained and concealed within the greeting card body. One or more switches may be used to activate the sound and motor modules, causing the pre-recorded audio file to play and causing movement of the movable or mobile object. | 05-29-2014 |
20140208622 | Greeting Card with Spring Loaded Slide Track Audio Trigger - An interactive greeting card having a multi-panel greeting card body, a sound module and a molded track contained between two or more panels of the multi-panel greeting card body, and a moveable object which is attached to the molded track through an opening in one or more of the greeting card panels. The moveable object is operative to move from one end of the molded track to the opposite end of the molded track whereby playback of a pre-recorded digital audio file is initiated. The interactive greeting card may additionally contain a small motor which causes movement of a second moveable object and an object launcher which is operative to launch an object along the track and into the air. Other special effects may be included such as lights, additional sounds or movement, or any other special effects which can be incorporated into a greeting card. | 07-31-2014 |
20140366410 | Pop-Up Greeting Cards with Confetti - An interactive electronic greeting card with pop up feature includes a three-sided pocket or cavity which houses various electronic and mechanical components and a pop up element. In a first position, the pop up element is substantially contained within the greeting card pocket or cavity. When the push button is depressed, the pop up element is ejected or “pops up” out of the greeting card pocket or cavity, revealing a greeting or other printed indicia. The push button also initiates playback of a pre-loaded digital audio file, which may be a spoken message, a sound, a song, music or other such audio recording. | 12-18-2014 |
20150197117 | Motorized Gift Card Holders - The present disclosure and related inventions are directed to various types of motorized gift card holders. Each gift card holder embodiment creates added entertainment value to the act of presenting a recipient with a gift card. In some embodiments, the gift card holder is in the form of a greeting card having a motor therein to which a gift card or gift card sleeve is attached. In other embodiments, the gift card holder is in the form of a box having a motor therein to which a gift card or gift card sleeve is attached. Audio playback accompanies the motor movement of the gift card or gift card sleeve. | 07-16-2015 |
20150336714 | Pull Activated Greeting Cards and Gift Bags with Motion and Audio - The greeting card of the present invention is a traditional greeting card enhanced by audio and movement. The greeting card contains a pull trigger mechanism so that the user must interact with the greeting card to trigger the audio and motor movement. The pull trigger mechanism may be made of a variety of different materials and are intended to resemble the tail of various animals. Once the pull mechanism or tail has been pulled, the motor is activated causing movement of a portion of the greeting card proximate to the pull mechanism or tail which resembles the behind of an animal. The moveable portion of the greeting card moves, by for example back and forth, while audio plays in the background. | 11-26-2015 |
20160068003 | Motorized Pop-Up Greeting Card - The present invention is directed to a greeting card which combines a pop-up element with audio and motor movement. The greeting card contains two different sized pop-up panels which are spaced apart and parallel to one another. Two die cut shapes serve as mobile objects which spin or rotate upon opening the greeting card. The size and placement of the pop-up panels and the mobile objects create a three-dimensional scene. A slide trigger initiates audio playback and motor movement of the mobile objects upon opening the greeting card. | 03-10-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110258892 | THREE DIMENSIONAL ILLUMINATED GREETING CARDS - A three-dimensional illuminated greeting card which combines a unique card construction having a 3D pop-out structure with one or more lights contained therein. The 3D pop-out structure forms an internal cavity in which illumination means and other electronic components are contained. One or more sides of the 3D structure are made of translucent or semi-translucent material, creating a screen that can be illuminated from behind by one or more miniature lights, such as LED lights. The light or lights may be connected to an integrated circuit chip that can be programmed with various lighting effects. The greeting card may optionally include other electronic components which are configured to play sound or music or perform other electronic effects. | 10-27-2011 |
20120000100 | POP-UP MUSICAL GREETING CARDS - An interactive greeting card operative to move between a first position wherein several interconnected panels are folded into a substantially flat position and a second position wherein the several interconnected panels are unfolded into a three-dimensional pop-up structure. Movement between the first and second positions may also control playback of digital audio, activation of one or more LED lights, or various other special effects. An inner sentiment panel is substantially contained within an outer greeting card body and is revealed when the greeting card is moved from the first to the second position. Various openings on the greeting card panels accommodate movement and visibility of the inner sentiment panel. | 01-05-2012 |
20120000101 | SOUND GENERATING PULL-OUT GREETING CARDS WITH REMOVABLE PANELS - An interactive sound generating greeting card having two separate and distinct components, one being an outer greeting card which serves as a pocket or cavity with a slot located thereon providing access to the pocket or cavity and the other being an inner greeting card which is sized to partially fit into the cavity in the outer greeting card. A sound module is contained and concealed within the outer greeting card cavity, including a switch mechanism. The inner greeting card and switch mechanism work in combination to control the playback of a digital audio file stored on the sound module such that when the inner greeting card is contained within the cavity of the outer greeting card, playback of the digital audio file is deactivated and when the inner greeting card is removed from the cavity of the outer greeting card, playback of the digital audio file is activated. | 01-05-2012 |
20120055053 | FLAP SENSOR ACTIVATED GREETING CARDS - The interactive flap sensor activated greeting card of the present invention contains an audio module and a series of “window flaps” across the inside of the greeting card. When the greeting card is opened, a short audio prompt instructs the user to open a series of flaps inside the card to hear further audio messages or sound clips that correlate with the art work inside the card. When each flap is opened, a different audio file is played. The sound module is programmed to react to the card opening and then to trigger additional individual sounds each time one of the flaps of the card is opened. In another embodiment, the greeting card contains a series of flaps wherein opening one flap reveals another flap, and so on. Once the last flap is opened, a short audio recording is activated. | 03-08-2012 |
20120311897 | THREE DIMENSIONAL ILLUMINATED GREETING CARDS - A three-dimensional illuminated greeting card which combines a unique card construction having a 3D pop-out structure with one or more lights contained therein. The 3D pop-out structure forms an internal cavity in which illumination means and other electronic components are contained. One or more sides of the 3D structure are made of translucent or semi-translucent material, creating a screen that can be illuminated from behind by one or more miniature lights, such as LED lights. The light or lights may be connected to an integrated circuit chip that can be programmed with various lighting effects. The greeting card may optionally include other electronic components which are configured to play sound or music or perform other electronic effects. | 12-13-2012 |
20120317850 | FLAP SENSOR ACTIVATED GREETING CARDS - The interactive flap sensor activated greeting card of the present invention contains an audio module and a series of “window flaps” across the inside of the greeting card. When the greeting card is opened, a short audio prompt instructs the user to open a series of flaps inside the card to hear further audio messages or sound clips that correlate with the art work inside the card. When each flap is opened, a different audio file is played. The sound module is programmed to react to the card opening and then to trigger additional individual sounds each time one of the flaps of the card is opened. In another embodiment, the greeting card contains a series of flaps wherein opening one flap reveals another flap, and so on. Once the last flap is opened, a short audio recording is activated. | 12-20-2012 |
20130232828 | POP UP GREETING CARDS - An interactive electronic greeting card with pop up feature includes a three-sided pocket or cavity which houses various electronic and mechanical components and a pop up element. In a first position, the pop up element is substantially contained within the greeting card pocket or cavity. When the push button is depressed, the pop up element is ejected or “pops up” out of the greeting card pocket or cavity, revealing a greeting or other printed indicia. The push button also initiates playback of a pre-loaded digital audio file, which may be a spoken message, a sound, a song, music or other such audio recording. Manually pushing the pop up element back into the cavity ends playback of the audio. | 09-12-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110113104 | FLAGGING RESOURCE POINTERS DEPENDING ON USER ENVIRONMENT - Systems, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed for indicating a hyperlink in a message as being inappropriate for a specified user environment, such as an office or an educational setting. In one embodiment, a message may be received from a sending user and to a receiving user (e.g., by a sending mail client or by a mail server). The message may include a hyperlink. If a message includes a hyperlink determined to be inappropriate for the specified user environment, a property of the message may be set to indicate as such. Optionally, the sending user may be notified that the hyperlink is indicated as being inappropriate for the specified user environment. The receiving user may also be warned not to activate the hyperlink that is determined to be inappropriate. | 05-12-2011 |
20110128568 | MANAGING DIGITAL IMAGES TO BE PRINTED - Systems, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed for managing digital images to be shared with and/or printed for a user. In one embodiment, the digital images may be received for the user. That a count of the digital images exceeds a threshold count may be determined. The digital images may be transmitted to a location where they may be printed for the user. The user may be notified when the printed images are ready to be picked up by the user. | 06-02-2011 |
20110145708 | AUTOMATED AUDIO OR VIDEO SUBSET NETWORK LOAD REDUCTION - A multimedia data stream including an audio data stream and a video data stream is received from a server at a computing device. An audio output signal for the audio data stream and a video output signal for the video data stream are generated. A user interface action that blocks output of one of the audio data stream and the video data stream is detected via the computing device. A multimedia traffic reduction request is sent to the server instructing the server to stop transmission of a portion of the multimedia data stream associated with the blocked output of one of the audio data stream and the video data stream. | 06-16-2011 |
20110225245 | SENDING MESSAGES WITH LIMITED AWARENESS OF RECIPIENTS - Methods, apparatus and articles for sending emails to a plurality of recipients comprising a group of blind carbon copied recipients. A graphical user interface (GUI) screen comprising a TO field, a carbon copy field, and at least one blind carbon copy group (BCC-G) field may be provided for entering a list of recipients for the email. The email may be transferred to the recipients such that the identities of a plurality of recipients in the at least one BCC-G field are disclosed only to the recipients within the BCC-G field. | 09-15-2011 |
20110258486 | RESTORING PROGRAMS AFTER OPERATING SYSTEM FAILURE - A state restoration unit tracks opening and closing of programs within a computer operating system. Responsive to detecting opening and closing of programs, a state restoration structure is updated. After the computer operating system restarts from a failure, the state restoration structure is accessed. The state restoration unit restores those of the programs indicated as open in the state restoration structure. | 10-20-2011 |
20120131475 | SOCIAL NETWORK BASED ON VIDEO RECORDER PARENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM - A computer system, computer program product, and method of sharing and creating social network reviews of selected programs that may be viewed and shared over a social network. If a user agrees with a social network review already present for a selected program, the categorization and editing of inappropriate content of the selected program may be applied to the same program for that user. If a user disagrees with a social network review of a selected program already present, the user may review the selected program and edit any inappropriate content as desired and submit the review to the social network. | 05-24-2012 |
20120151403 | MAPPING VIRTUAL DESKTOPS TO PHYSICAL MONITORS - Provided are techniques for generating mappings between virtual desktops of a computing system to physical display devices of the computing system such that a change in the configuration of the physical monitors coupled to the computing system triggers an implementation of the corresponding mapping. Also provided are persistent storage of the mappings and the implementation of the desktop to monitor mapping, based upon the stored mappings, upon startup of the computing system. | 06-14-2012 |
20120173608 | AUTOMATED DATA UPDATING IN DISTRIBUTED NOTICES - Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for automated data updating of notices in a calendaring and scheduling (C&S) system. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for automated data updating of notices in a C&S system can be provided. The method can include composing a C&S document in a C&S system executing in memory by at least one processor of a computer. The method further can include noticing different users addressed for the C&S document and adding to the C&S document a reference to variable data stored separately from the C&S document. The method yet further can include detecting a change in the variable data. Finally, the method can include transmitting notice to the different users of the change in variable data. In one aspect of the embodiment, transmitting notice to the different users of the change in variable data can include flagging the C&S document as having changed. | 07-05-2012 |
20120260170 | AUTOMATED AUDIO OR VIDEO SUBSET NETWORK LOAD REDUCTION - A multimedia data stream including an audio data stream and a video data stream is received from a server at a computing device. An audio output signal for the audio data stream and a video output signal for the video data stream are generated. A user interface action that blocks output of one of the audio data stream and the video data stream is detected via the computing device. A multimedia traffic reduction request is sent to the server instructing the server to stop transmission of a portion of the multimedia data stream associated with the blocked output of one of the audio data stream and the video data stream. | 10-11-2012 |
20130086176 | DELAYED ELECTRONIC MAIL SENDING - A method can include associating an electronic document with an electronic mail message as an attachment and determining that the electronic document is in an uncompleted state using a processor. The method can include replacing the electronic document with an updated version of the electronic document as the attachment to the electronic mail message and sending the electronic mail message with the updated version of the electronic document as the attachment responsive to detecting a completion condition for the electronic document. | 04-04-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080288955 | Method and System for Managing Preferences in a Client Portlet Container - A system for managing preferences in a portlet container. In response to receiving remote preferences for a portlet, the remote preferences are merged with default preferences for the portlet to form a preference set for the portlet. In response to receiving user preferences for the portlet, the user preferences are merged with the preference set to form an effective preference set for the portlet. The portlet is manipulated according to the effective preference set to form a manipulated portlet. Then, the manipulated portlet is rendered. | 11-20-2008 |
20090313351 | KEEPING CONVERSATIONS CONFIDENTIAL - Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for keeping confidential records pertaining to selected communications made with a communication device. A user input is received designating one or more contacts with whom communications made with the communication device are to remain confidential. Information about the designated one or more contacts is transmitted to a server which stores records pertaining to communications made with the communication device. A statement is generated for the communications made with the communication device based on information stored on the server. Records pertaining to communications that are to remain confidential are displayed as an alias on the statement. | 12-17-2009 |
20100076802 | Autonomously Rescheduling Appointments - A method, system, and computer program product for autonomously rescheduling a future meeting in response to receiving a meeting cancellation notice of a previously scheduled meeting. A meeting rescheduling logic (MRL) of a server receives a cancellation of a scheduled meeting of an identified contact. The MRL may select a highest priority meeting from a plurality of meetings that has been flagged with an auto-move-up status. The MRL determines if all attendees of the selected meeting are available to attend the meeting at the open time slot of the identified contact's calendar. Upon determining that all attendees of the selected meeting are available at the open time slot, the MRL reschedules the selected meeting at the open time slot, and notifies all attendees. Additionally, the MRL may cancel a lower priority meeting of the attendees to accommodate moving a higher priority meeting into the open time slot. | 03-25-2010 |
20110320526 | METHOD FOR CAPTURING AND RECORDING URLS SHARED DURING CORRESPONDENCE - Systems and methods of managing URLs including capturing and recording URLs are presented. A digital processor detects a URL in a communication communicated between a sending-user and a receiving-user. The detected URL is automatically stored in a cache memory specific to the sending-user or receiving-user. The cache memory allows bookmarking of URLs to be avoided and centrally stores the URLs in browser history of the respective user improving his searching efficiency. The cache memory serves as a pre-bookmark incubator or filter. | 12-29-2011 |
20120076291 | Automated call to a contact with whom another form of communication is exchanged - A method of automating a telephone call to a contact with whom a text based electronic communication is exchanged. The method can include, via a processor, receiving from a first electronic messaging client a first identifier corresponding to a first text based electronic communication sent to a user or received by the user, and receiving from a second electronic messaging client a second identifier corresponding to a second text based electronic communication sent to the user or received by the user. Via the processor, a list that identifies at least the first identifier and the second identifier can be presented. Responsive to receiving a user selection of the first identifier or the second identifier, via the processor, a telephone call can be automatically initiated to a telephone number that corresponds to the selected identifier. | 03-29-2012 |
20120077469 | Automated electronic messaging to a person with whom another form of communication is exchanged - A method of, within an electronic messaging client that communicates using a first form of communication, receiving from a user an input identifying a tag that identifies at least one communication session corresponding to a second form of communication. The tag can be processed to identify at least one electronic messaging address associated the person with whom a communication is exchanged during the identified communication session. A recipient identifier field in the electronic messaging client can be automatically populated with the electronic messaging address. The electronic message can be communicated to the person using the electronic messaging address. The electronic messaging address also can be selected from list identifying a plurality of communication sessions corresponding to at least a second form of communication. | 03-29-2012 |
20130191759 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING AND MANAGING RECURRING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS - Described are systems and methods for detecting and processing recurring electronic communications. A graphical user interface (GUI) event is detected that includes a selection and a drag-and-drop of a first electronic communication object onto a second electronic communication object. A similarity is determined between the first and second electronic communication objects. At least one search criteria rule is automatically generated from the at least one similarity in response to detecting the GUI event. | 07-25-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090291064 | Immortal unipotent porcine PICM-19H and PICM-19B stem cell lines - Two cell lines, PICM-19H and PICM-19B, were derived from the bipotent ARS-PICM-19 pig liver stem cell line and assessed for their potential application in artificial liver devices. The study included assessments of growth rate and cell density in culture, morphological features, and hepatocyte detoxification functions, i.e., inducible CYP450 activity, ammonia clearance, and urea production. The PICM-19H cells contain numerous mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, vesicular bodies and occasional lipid vacuoles. PICM-19H cells display inducible CYP450 activity, clear ammonia, and produce urea in a glutamine-free medium. Ultrastructural analysis of the PICM-19B monolayers show that the roughly cuboidal cells display basal-apical polarization and are joined by tight junction-like complexes. Other ultrastructure features are similar to those of PICM-19H cells except that they possess numerous cell bodies resembling mucus vacuoles. The PICM-19B cells possess relatively high levels of GGT activity, but retain some inducible CYP450 activity, and some ammonia clearance and urea synthesis ability. These data indicate that both cell lines, either together or alone, may be useful as the cellular substrate for an artificial liver device. In vitro models of the liver are needed to replace animal models for the rapid assessment of drug biotransformation and toxicity. A unipotent porcine stem cell line PICM-19H differentiates exclusively into hepatocytes and can be induced to express CYP450 enzymes. These cells have many activities associated with xenobiotic phase I and phase II metabolism lacking in other liver cell lines. The PICM-19H cell line was also compared to the tumor-derived human HepG2 C3A cell line and to primary cultures of adult porcine hepatocytes. The results demonstrate the potential for the use of PICM-19H cells in drug biotransformation and toxicity testing and further support their use in artificial liver device technology. | 11-26-2009 |
20130344154 | Immortal Unipotent Porcine PICM-19H and PICM-19B Stem Cell Lines - Two cell lines, PICM-19H and PICM-19B, were derived from the bipotent ARS-PICM-19 pig liver stem cell line. The unipotent porcine stem cell line PICM-19H differentiates exclusively into hepatocytes and can be induced to express CYP450 enzymes. The growth rate and cell density in culture, morphological features, and hepatocyte detoxification functions, i.e., inducible CYP450 activity, ammonia clearance, and urea production of the PICM-19H cells were evaluated for their application in artificial liver devices. PICM-19H cells contain numerous mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, vesicular bodies and occasional lipid vacuoles and display inducible CYP450 activity, clear ammonia, and produce urea in a glutamine-free medium. The data indicate that both cell lines, either together or alone, may be useful as the cellular substrate for an artificial liver device. The results demonstrate the potential for the use of PICM-19H cells in drug biotransformation and toxicity testing. | 12-26-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140120604 | Biological Detection System and Method of Use - Provided herein is a biological detection system and method of use wherein the biological detection system comprises at least one mixer or liquid bridge for combining at least two liquid droplets and an error correction system for detecting whether or not proper mixing or combining of the two component droplets have occurred. | 05-01-2014 |
20150060643 | Methods and Systems for In Situ Calibration of Imaging in Biological Analysis - Software, methods, and systems for calibrating photometric devices are provided. These involve using a non-uniform test illumination field to approximate a photon transfer curve by calculating stable pixel values and statistical dispersions on a pixel-by-pixel basis. | 03-05-2015 |
20150177061 | Methods and Systems for In Situ Calibration of Imaging in Biological Analysis - Software, methods, and systems for calibrating photometric devices are provided. These involve using a non-uniform test illumination field to approximate a photon transfer curve by calculating stable pixel values and statistical dispersions on a pixel-by-pixel basis. | 06-25-2015 |
20150269756 | Visualization Tools For Digital PCR Data - A method for generating a data visualization is provided. The method includes displaying a representation of a portion of detected data from a substrate to a user. The method further includes generating a data quality value for the portion of detected data and displaying, along with the representation of the portion of detected data, an indication of data quality value for the portion of detected data. The method further includes selecting, by the user, a quality value threshold, and displaying an adjusted indication of data quality value for the portion of detected data meeting the quality value threshold. | 09-24-2015 |