Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120158845 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY POSTING USER-LOCATION INFORMATION TO A SOCIAL NETWORK - Methods and systems are disclosed that are capable of automatically interfacing with Internet-based social networks for safely providing friends of a mobile user with location updates. In particular, a system and method are provided for automatically posting user-location information to a social network. A system interface receives user data including a location update activation indicator and location update conditions. A navigation engine obtains information associated with the current location of the mobile user. A social network client module of the system is adapted to determine that the location activation indicator is active and to determine that a location update condition is met. A communications interface automatically posts a location update to the social network if the social network client determines that at least one location update condition is met. | 06-21-2012 |
20130178965 | LOCATION AWARE AUDIO RENDERING - Systems and method for requesting audio content that is stored in a network cloud by many different audio devices where each of the audio devices sends location data and access profile information that enables audio content to be downloaded that is associated with the area identified by the location data. | 07-11-2013 |
20130179535 | CLOUD HOSTED AUDIO RENDERING BASED UPON DEVICE AND ENVIRONMENT PROFILES - Systems and method for requesting audio content that is stored in a cloud network and accessed by many different audio devices where each of the audio devices may have an optimal type of audio encoding, format, and characteristic in addition to being located in different types of listening environment that are considered by a cloud audio server when preparing audio content for transmission to a requesting audio device. | 07-11-2013 |
20130338873 | VEHICLE SERVICE AUCTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Various embodiments relates to a vehicle servicing auction method and system. Based on vehicle diagnostic information transmitted to a vehicle servicing bidding, a vehicle servicing bidding event may be initiated. The bidding event may include submitting requests for bids to one or more vehicle service providers and receiving bids from the vehicle service providers for servicing the vehicle based on a servicing need determined from the vehicle diagnostic information. One or more bids may be received from one or more vehicle service providers and the bids output at a vehicle computing system. The user may select a bid as acceptance of the bid at the vehicle computing system. In some embodiments, the bids may be sorted by bid amount. Location information for the vehicle service provider who submitted the user selected bid may be output. A route to the vehicle service provider may be generated based on the location information. | 12-19-2013 |
20130339537 | SYSTEM FOR DYNAMIC STREAM MANAGEMENT IN AUDIO VIDEO BRIDGED NETWORKS - A network communication system includes one or more talkers that may communicate data streams to one or more listeners over a network, such as an Ethernet Audio/Video Bridging network. Before transmitting a new data stream, a talker may request a reservation for bandwidth through a controller that is configured to manage and/or control the flow of data streams over the network. If there is not enough bandwidth, then the controller may determine whether any existing data streams may be transmitted at lower bandwidths to make available enough bandwidth for the new data stream. Alternatively, the controller may determine whether any existing data streams having lower priorities than the new data stream may be terminated to make available enough bandwidth for the new data stream. | 12-19-2013 |
20140056438 | SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE SOUND SYNTHESIS - A vehicle sound synthesis system may be configured to generate a vehicle sound signal tuned to an ambient condition in an area external to a vehicle. The system may detect the ambient condition, such as a weather condition, a time condition, a traffic condition, a location condition, or an ambient sound condition. The system may synthesize the vehicle sound signal, and set an acoustical parameter of the vehicle sound signal based on the ambient condition. The acoustical parameter may include a frequency, an amplitude, a phase, modulation, or a time delay. The vehicle sound signal may be indicative of operation of the vehicle. The system may drive a sound generation device to produce sound waves corresponding to the synthesized vehicle sound signal and audible in a variety of ambient conditions to alert pedestrians and/or occupants of other vehicles to the presence of the vehicle generating the sound. | 02-27-2014 |
20140071280 | VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEM USING AUDIO/VISUAL CUES - A system may include one or more data modules operable to receive, process, and transmit data associated with one or more audio and/or visual cues from surroundings of a user. The system may also include one or more cameras and one or more microphones communicatively coupled to the one or more data modules, where the one or more cameras and the one or more microphones are operable to: record, respectively, the one or more audio and/or visual cues; and transmit, respectively, the data associated with the one or more audio and/or visual cues to the one or more data modules. Also, the system may include one or more speakers driven by audio signals received from the one or more data modules. | 03-13-2014 |
20140082515 | GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE SIZING AND ARRANGEMENT SYSTEM - A system for adjusting a graphical element, such as a widget, a menu, and/or an icon of a graphical user interface (GUI) associated with one or more user actions, applications, and/or electronic media. The adjusting of the graphical element may be based at least partially on data regarding frequency, duration, and/or time of the one or more actions and/or use of the applications or the electronic media by a user. Additionally or alternatively, the adjusting of the graphical element may be based on a routine of the user. | 03-20-2014 |
20140181710 | PROXIMITY LOCATION SYSTEM - A proximity location system (PLS) can allow for a user to interact with a user interface without touching or speaking into the interface. The system may include or be in communication with the user interface, which may be a touchscreen, for example. The system may also include or be in communication with one or more sensors that can sense an object's size, shape, speed, and/or location with respect to the user interface. From these sensed object characteristics, the system can determine the sensed object's type, feature, and/or state; and from that determination, the system can direct the interface and/or a device in communication with the interface to take an action. | 06-26-2014 |
20150053066 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM - Methods are provided for adjusting a music output of a vehicle audio system based on driver movements performed while listening to the music. In one embodiment, a music output of a vehicle infotainment system is adjusted responsive to monitored user behavior inside a vehicle, the monitored user behavior manifesting a user mood. In another embodiment, the music output is adjusted based on each of a user mood and a control gesture, wherein both the user mood and the gesture are identified based on user information gathered from vehicle biometric sensors and cameras while music is playing inside the vehicle. | 02-26-2015 |
20150081905 | CLOUD HOSTED AUDIO RENDERING BASED UPON DEVICE AND ENVIRONMENT PROFILES - Systems and method for requesting audio content that is stored in a cloud network and accessed by many different audio devices where each of the audio devices may have an optimal type of audio encoding, format, and characteristic in addition to being located in different types of listening environment that are considered by a cloud audio server when preparing audio content for transmission to a requesting audio device. | 03-19-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100280551 | INTERSPINOUS PROCESS DEVICE AND METHOD - An interspinous process device is configured for placement between adjacent spinous processes on a subject's spine. The device includes a housing configured for mounting to a first spinal process, the housing having a lead screw fixedly secured at one end thereof. A magnetic assembly is at least partially disposed within the housing and configured for mounting to a second spinal process. The magnetic assembly includes a hollow magnet configured for rotation within the magnetic assembly, the hollow magnet comprising a threaded insert configured to engage with the lead screw. An externally applied magnetic field rotates the hollow magnet in a first direction or a second, opposite direction. Rotation of the hollow magnet in the first direction causes telescopic movement of the magnetic assembly out of the housing (i.e., elongation) and rotation in the second direction causes telescopic movement of the magnetic assembly into the housing (i.e., shortening). | 11-04-2010 |
20120035656 | EXTERNAL MAINTENANCE FEATURE FOR MAGNETIC IMPLANT - A magnetic implant system includes an implantable device having a rotatable magnet therein; and a magnetic maintenance device comprising a base and a permanent magnet disposed on the base, the magnetic maintenance device configured to be placed on an external surface of a subject containing the implantable device. The magnetic maintenance device maintains the circumferential orientation of the implanted rotatable magnet despite bending and twisting forces being applied during physiological movement. | 02-09-2012 |
20120035661 | MAINTENANCE FEATURE IN MAGNETIC IMPLANT - A distraction system includes a distraction rod having one end configured for affixation to at a first location on patient. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for placement in the patient at a second location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly comprising a magnet, the magnetic assembly secured to a threaded element that interfaces with an opposing end of the distraction rod. The system includes a magnetically permeable member in proximity to the magnetic assembly and covering an arc of less than 360° of the adjustable portion. | 02-09-2012 |
20130338714 | MAGNETIC IMPLANTS WITH IMPROVED ANATOMICAL COMPATIBILITY - A distraction system includes a first distraction device having a first adjustable portion and a first distraction rod configured to telescope within the first adjustable portion, the first adjustable portion having contained therein a first rotatable magnetic assembly mechanically coupled to a first screw configured to axially telescope the first distraction rod. A second distraction device is provided and includes a second adjustable portion and a second distraction rod configured to telescope within the second adjustable portion, the second adjustable portion having contained therein a second rotatable magnetic assembly mechanically coupled to a second screw configured to axially telescope the second distraction rod. An adjustable joint connects one end of the first adjustable portion to one end of the second adjustable portion. | 12-19-2013 |
20140222075 | MAINTENANCE FEATURE IN MAGNETIC IMPLANT - A distraction system includes a distraction rod having one end configured for affixation to at a first location on patient. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for placement in the patient at a second location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly comprising a magnet the magnetic assembly secured to a threaded element that interfaces with an opposing end of the distraction rod. The system includes a magnetically permeable member in proximity to the magnetic assembly and covering an arc of less than 360° of the adjustable portion. | 08-07-2014 |
20140250674 | DISTRACTION DEVICES AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING THE SAME - A method of assembling a system for manipulating the skeletal system includes obtaining a monolithic member having opposing ends, one end including a housing having an axially extending cavity. A distraction rod is obtained that has opposing ends, a first end having an inner threaded cavity. A rotatable, radially poled magnet is rotationally coupled to a lead screw having threads. The threads of the lead screw are engaged with the threaded cavity of the distraction rod. The magnet and at least a portion of the first end of the distraction rod are inserted into the axially extending cavity such that the distraction rod and the monolithic member are in coaxial relation to one another. The magnet is axially locked in relation to the monolithic member, wherein the axially locked magnet is capable of rotation. The distraction rod is rotationally locked in relation to the monolithic member. | 09-11-2014 |
20140296919 | ADJUSTABLE MAGNETIC DEVICES AND METHODS OF USING SAME - A system includes a first pedicle screw, a second pedicle screw, and an adjustable rod having an outer housing coupled to one of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, the outer housing having a threaded shaft secured to one end thereof extending along an interior portion thereof. The system further includes a hollow magnetic assembly disposed within the outer housing and having a magnetic element disposed therein, the hollow magnetic assembly having an internal threaded surface engaged with the threaded shaft, the magnetic assembly being coupled to the other of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, wherein the hollow magnetic assembly rotates in response to an externally applied magnetic field to thereby lengthen or shorten the distance between the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw. | 10-02-2014 |
20140364913 | ADJUSTABLE MAGNETIC DEVICES AND METHODS OF USING SAME - A system includes a first pedicle screw, a second pedicle screw, and an adjustable rod having an outer housing coupled to one of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, the outer housing having a threaded shaft secured to one end thereof extending along an interior portion thereof. The system further includes a hollow magnetic assembly disposed within the outer housing and having a magnetic element disposed therein, the hollow magnetic assembly having an internal threaded surface engaged with the threaded shaft, the magnetic assembly being coupled to the other of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, wherein the hollow magnetic assembly rotates in response to an externally applied magnetic field to thereby lengthen or shorten the distance between the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw. | 12-11-2014 |
20140364915 | ADJUSTABLE MAGNETIC DEVICES AND METHODS OF USING SAME - A system includes a first pedicle screw, a second pedicle screw, and an adjustable rod having an outer housing coupled to one of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, the outer housing having a threaded shaft secured to one end thereof extending along an interior portion thereof. The system further includes a hollow magnetic assembly disposed within the outer housing and having a magnetic element disposed therein, the hollow magnetic assembly having an internal threaded surface engaged with the threaded shaft, the magnetic assembly being coupled to the other of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, wherein the hollow magnetic assembly rotates in response to an externally applied magnetic field to thereby lengthen or shorten the distance between the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw. | 12-11-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080223992 | High-Performance Low-Noise Aircraft Exhaust Systems and Methods - Aircraft exhaust systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an integrated propulsion assembly includes a wing assembly having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a propulsion unit at least partially disposed within the wing assembly. An exhaust system is configured to conduct an exhaust flow emanating from the propulsion unit to an exhaust aperture. The exhaust aperture is positioned proximate a trailing edge of the wing assembly, and has an aspect ratio of at least five. In further embodiments, the wing assembly includes a flap member moveably coupled along a trailing edge portion of the wing assembly, and the exhaust aperture is configured to direct the exhaust flow over at least a portion of the flap member. | 09-18-2008 |
20090108125 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROL OF ENGINE EXHAUST FLOW - Coanda Effect and lift produced along a surface of an airfoil are increased by ducting compressed fluid from the engine to the surface of the airfoil. An engine produces exhaust gases that are predominantly directed toward an aft end of the aircraft by a cowling or other structure as an exhaust plume. One or more internal ducts extend from the engine to the surface of the airfoil to thereby transmit a compressed fluid from the engine to the surface in order to suppress flow separation along the surface, thereby causing the engine exhaust flow to remain attached to the surface over a wider span. Such structures and techniques may find particular use in aircraft designed to exploit upper surface blowing (USB) techniques and structures for short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance. | 04-30-2009 |
20090108141 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENHANCING ENGINE-POWERED LIFT IN AN AIRCRAFT - Lift produced by an airfoil of an aircraft is increased by suppressing fluid detachment from the surface of the airfoil. An engine cowling extends outwardly from the surface of the airfoil that has an exit plane configured for directing exhaust gases toward a rear of the aircraft. Fences extending outwardly from the surface and proximate to the exit plane of the engine cowling are configured to guide the exhaust gases along at least a portion of the airfoil surface, thereby restricting spanwise movement of the gases and increasing the Coanda Effect exhibited by the gases, thereby increasing the amount of lift produced along the surface of the airfoil. Such techniques may be used in short take-off and landing (STOL) aircraft. | 04-30-2009 |
20090173835 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DESTABILIZING AN AIRFOIL VORTEX - Apparatuses and methods for the controlled trailing wake flows are disclosed. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment is directed to an aircraft system that includes an airfoil having first and second oppositely facing flow surfaces and a tip. The system can further include a vortex dissipation device carried by the airfoil, with the vortex dissipation device including a fluid flow nozzle, a valve device, and a controller. The fluid flow nozzle can be coupleable to a source of pressurized fluid and can include an orifice positioned to direct a flow of fluid outwardly from the tip. The valve device can be coupled in fluid communication with the fluid flow nozzle to selectively control the flow passing through the orifice. The controller can be coupled to the valve device to direct the operation of the valve device. Accordingly, the vortex dissipation device can be activated to accelerate the rate at which vortices (e.g., wing tip vortices) dissipate after they are generated. | 07-09-2009 |
20100176692 | AUTONOMOUS POWER GENERATION UNIT FOR AUXILIARY SYSTEM ON AN AIRBORNE PLATFORM - A stand-alone power generation device that provides power to an auxiliary system on an airborne platform, includes a piezoelectric energy harvesting device and an energy storage unit, including a battery and a power conditioner. The device extracts energy generated by turbulent airflow around the platform and stores the energy to meet future power requirements. The piezoelectric energy harvesting device is located on a portion of an inner surface of an outward shell of the platform. The stand-alone power generation device is electrically connected to the auxiliary system. The stand-alone power generation device also includes a router that connects the power generation unit to the platform electrical distribution system. Excess power generated by the device may be delivered to the platform electrical distribution system for use by other platform systems. | 07-15-2010 |
20110108672 | Traversing Jet Actuator - An apparatus comprises a platform configured to move in a streamwise direction, an actuation unit associated with a control surface of the platform, a fluid source configured to supply an airflow to the actuation unit, and a control unit for moving an air jet across the control surface. The actuation unit is configured to form a traversing air jet pointing in the streamwise direction. | 05-12-2011 |
20110240803 | Low Noise Wing Slat System With Deployable Wing Leading Edge Elements - Concepts and technologies described herein provide for a low noise aircraft wing slat system. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a cove-filled wing slat is used in conjunction with a moveable leading edge element of an aircraft wing to provide a high lift system. The moveable leading edge element may include a one-piece or two-piece panel that retracts within the aircraft wing to accommodate the cove-filled slat in the stowed position. Upon deployment of the cove-filled slat, the moveable leading edge element deploys outward to create a continuous outer mold line shape with the wing. | 10-06-2011 |
20120256049 | Systems and Methods for Attenuation of Noise and Wakes Produced by Aircraft - Systems and methods for reducing the trailing vortices and lowering the noise produced by the side edges of aircraft flight control surfaces, tips of wings and winglets, and tips of rotor blades. A noise-reducing, wake-alleviating device is disclosed which incorporates an actuator and one or more air-ejecting slot-shaped openings coupled to that actuator and located on the upper and/or lower surfaces and/or the side edges of an aircraft flight control surface or the tip of a wing, winglet or blade. The actuation mechanism produces sets of small and fast-moving air jets that traverse the openings in the general streamwise direction. The actuation destabilizes the flap vortex structure, resulting in reduced intensity of trailing vortices and lower airplane noise. | 10-11-2012 |
20120299446 | AUTONOMOUS POWER GENERATION UNIT FOR AUXILIARY SYSTEM ON AN AIRBORNE PLATFORM - A power generation device that provides power to an auxiliary system on an airborne platform, includes a piezoelectric energy harvesting device and an energy storage unit, including a battery and a power conditioner. The device extracts energy generated by turbulent airflow around the platform and stores the energy to meet future power requirements. The piezoelectric energy harvesting device is located on a portion of an inner surface of an outward shell of the platform. The stand-alone power generation device is electrically connected to the auxiliary system. The stand-alone power generation device also includes a router that connects the power generation unit to the platform electrical distribution system. Excess power generated by the device may be delivered to the platform electrical distribution system for use by other platform systems. | 11-29-2012 |
20140091180 | Systems and Methods for Attenuation of Noise and Wakes Produced by Aircraft - Systems and methods for reducing the trailing vortices and lowering the noise produced by the side edges of aircraft flight control surfaces, tips of wings and winglets, and tips of rotor blades. A noise-reducing, wake-alleviating device is disclosed which incorporates an actuator and one or more air-ejecting slot-shaped openings coupled to that actuator and located on the upper and/or lower surfaces and/or the side edges of an aircraft flight control surface or the tip of a wing, winglet or blade. The actuation mechanism produces sets of small and fast-moving air jets that traverse the openings in the general streamwise direction. The actuation destabilizes the flap vortex structure, resulting in reduced intensity of trailing vortices and lower airplane noise. | 04-03-2014 |
20140119878 | FLUIDIC TRAVERSE ACTUATOR - A system and methods for a self-rotating fluidic traverse actuator are presented. A turbine rotates in response to a fluid flow, and an outer cylinder with a longitudinal slot that ejects the fluid flow. An inner cylinder rotates inside the outer cylinder in response to a rotation of the turbine and at least one helical slot of the inner cylinder ejects the fluid flow into the longitudinal slot. | 05-01-2014 |