Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090050645 | MEDICATION DISPENSER RESPECTING THE PHYSIOLOGICAL CLOCK OF PATIENTS - A medication dispensing system for use with a medication dispenser, includes a physiological module and an ingestion module. The physiological module receives information regarding time-based medication intake, information regarding event-based medication prescription, and sensory input indicating occurrences of events indicative of a patient's physiological condition and/or the patient's physiological clock. The physiological module then determines physiological event-based medication intake based on the information regarding the event-based medication prescription and physiological rules regarding the patient's physiological condition and/or the patient's physiological clock. The ingestion module merges event-based medication intake and time-based medication intake by delaying or accelerating dispensing of a time-based medication. The delay or acceleration can be applied to ensure that the time-based medication is dispensed at the same time as an event-based medication, and/or in order to increase a time difference between ingestion of the time-based medication and the event-based medication. | 02-26-2009 |
20090259486 | PATIENT CENTRIC MEDICATION DISPENSING DEVICE - A patient centric medication dispensing device is herein disclosed. The dispensing device is configured to close the loop between a patient, a treating physician and a pharmacy by monitoring the medication intake of the patient and reporting information to the physician and/or the pharmacy or pharmaceutical company. The dispensing device is further configured to calculate adverse drug effects that may result if a patient takes a requested medication, based on medication that has already been dispensed and medication that is scheduled to be taken. The dispensing device is also configured to provide the patient with educational information based on the situation the patient has encountered, such as missing a scheduled dosage or suffering from side-effects. | 10-15-2009 |
20100000899 | MEDICATION BLISTER PACK WITH EMBEDDED USER INTERFACE - A personal medication package is provided with an embedded user interface. The medication package includes an array of storage compartments for storing medication as well as visual indicia that is integrated into the medication package. The visual indicia are formed from color changing ink that is deposited onto the medication package. Consequently, the medication package can be manufactured and disposed of in an ecologically friendly manner. | 01-07-2010 |
20110000170 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING A SCHEDULE FOR ADMINISTERING DOSES OF MEDICATION TO A PATIENT - A method for generating a medication regimen of a patient is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a plurality of prescriptions for the patient, wherein a prescription of the plurality of prescriptions indicates a medication and a frequency for administering a dose of the medication. The method further comprises mapping a plurality of doses of one or more medications to a prescription calendar based on the frequencies indicated in the plurality of prescriptions and determining a schedule for administering a plurality of doses of different medications corresponding to each prescription of the plurality of prescriptions based on the calendar and constraints regarding administering the plurality of doses. | 01-06-2011 |
20150211987 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING AND QUANTIFYING COLOR CHANGES INDUCED BY SPECIFIC CONCENTRATIONS OF BIOLOGICAL ANALYTES IN AN AUTOMATICALLY CALIBRATED ENVIRONMENT - Methods and electronic devices for performing color-based reaction testing of biological materials. The method includes capturing and interpreting digital images of an unexposed and later exposed paddle at various delay times within an automatically calibrated environment. The test paddle includes a unique identification mechanism (UID), a Reference Color Bar (RCB) providing samples of standardized colors for image color calibration, compensation and corrections, and several test-specific sequences of Chemical Test Pads (CTP). The method further includes locating the paddle in the image, extracting the UID and validating the paddle, extracting the RCB and locating the plurality of CTP in each image. The method further reduces image noise in the CTP and calibrates the image automatically according to lighting measurements performed on the RCB. To determine test results, the method further determines several distances between the CTP and its possible trajectory in the color space described by the Manufacturer Interpretation Color Chart. | 07-30-2015 |
20150241358 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING ANALYTE CONCENTRATION BY QUANTIFYING AND INTERPRETING COLOR INFORMATION CAPTURED IN A CONTINUOUS OR PERIODIC MANNER - In one embodiment, an apparatus for automatic test diagnosis of a test paddle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a personal computing device including: a camera to capture images over time of test pads of a test paddle, a processor coupled to the camera, and a display device coupled to the processor. The processor analyzes the color changes over time of each test pad to determine a color trajectory over time for each test pad. The processor compares the color evolution trajectory for each test pad with color calibration curves for each test pad to determine an analyte concentration of a test biological sample, such as urine. During the analysis by the processor, the display device displays a user interface with results of the analyte concentration in response to the analysis over time. | 08-27-2015 |
20150308961 | QUANTIFYING COLOR CHANGES OF CHEMICAL TEST PADS INDUCED BY SPECIFIC CONCENTRATIONS OF BIOLOGICAL ANALYTES UNDER DIFFERENT LIGHTING CONDITIONS - Color quantification of chemical test pads and titration of analytes can be performed under different lighting conditions. In one embodiment, the lighting condition is estimated under which a digital image is captured and utilized to select a set of reference colors from which the quantified color is compared to determine the titration. In another embodiment, a plurality of comparisons are made with different lighting conditions with the result having the highest confidence level being selected to determine the titration. | 10-29-2015 |
20150313484 | PORTABLE DEVICE WITH MULTIPLE INTEGRATED SENSORS FOR VITAL SIGNS SCANNING - In one embodiment of the invention, a portable device with multiple integrated sensors for vital signs scanning and method of using said device is disclosed. The portable personal scanning device includes multiple sensors such as a plurality of ECG, thermometer, PPG, accelerometer, and microphone for determining a user's vital signs. The method includes concurrently scanning with one or more sensors, validating and enhancing the results of each sensor scan with other concurrent sensor scan and patient interaction models, processing the sensor scans separately or in combination to extract user's vital signs, validating the vital signs extracted by comparison to physiological models, and fusing the similar vital signs extracted from more than one process according to a determination of the measure of quality of the process that produced the vital sign. | 11-05-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100210939 | Method and Apparatus for Surgical Navigation - Disclosed is a surgical navigation system for tracking an instrument relative to a patient. The system can track a portion of the patient, an instrument, and/or both relative to image data, a coordinate system, an atlas, a morphed atlas, or combinations thereof. The system can include a tracking device on the instrument to provide six degree of freedom information regarding the location of the instrument. | 08-19-2010 |
20100234724 | Navigating A Surgical Instrument - An instrument tracking device for cooperating with an instrument during a surgical procedure where the instrument has an elongated body extending along a first longitudinal axis and including a working member at a distal tip includes a body having a distal end and a proximal end. An opening can be formed through the body along a second longitudinal axis. The opening can define a passthrough in the body from the distal end to the proximal end. A first tracking coil can be disposed in the body and can define a first tracking coil axis that is substantially coaxial with the second longitudinal axis of the body. A connection mechanism cooperates between the elongated housing and the body that secures the body to the elongated housing of the instrument upon passing at least a portion of the elongated housing through the passthrough of the body in an assembled position. | 09-16-2010 |
20110258842 | Method and Apparatus for Surgical Navigation - A surgical navigation system for navigating a region of a patient includes a non-invasive dynamic reference frame and/or fiducial marker, sensor tipped instruments, and isolator circuits. The dynamic reference frame may be repeatably placed on the patient in a precise location for guiding the instruments. The instruments may be precisely guided by positioning sensors near moveable portions of the instruments. Electrical sources may be electrically isolated from the patient. | 10-27-2011 |
20110258843 | Method and Apparatus for Surgical Navigation - A surgical navigation system for navigating a region of a patient includes a non-invasive dynamic reference frame and/or fiducial marker, sensor tipped instruments, and isolator circuits. The dynamic reference frame may be repeatably placed on the patient in a precise location for guiding the instruments. The instruments may be precisely guided by positioning sensors near moveable portions of the instruments. Electrical sources may be electrically isolated from the patient. | 10-27-2011 |
20110270081 | Navigated Malleable Surgical Instrument - A surgical instrument can include a body, a tracking device, and a handle. The body can include proximal and distal ends, and a flow passage extending therebetween. The body can be formed from a malleable material such that it can be bent between the proximal and distal ends from a first configuration to a second bent configuration and maintain the bent configuration. The tracking device can be positioned adjacent the distal end for tracking a distal tip of the instrument. The handle can be coupled to the proximal end of the body and can include an internal flow passage in fluid communication with the body flow passage. The tracking device can include a pair of lead wires wound around the body to the handle, where the wound wires can conform to the bent configuration of the body such that they do not strain or break during bending of the body. | 11-03-2011 |
20120197108 | Method and Apparatus for Image-Based Navigation - A system and method for a procedure that can be performed on any appropriate subject. Procedures can include assembling any appropriate work piece or installing members into a work piece, such as an airframe, autoframe, etc. Regardless of the subject, tracking a substantially small tracking device in a plurality of degrees of freedom is provided. The tracking device can be positioned on or be formed in an instrument to be tracked. | 08-02-2012 |
20120197109 | Method and Apparatus for Image-Based Navigation - A system and method for a procedure that can be performed on any appropriate subject. Procedures can include assembling any appropriate work piece or installing members into a work piece, such as an airframe, autoframe, etc. Regardless of the subject, tracking a substantially small tracking device in a plurality of degrees of freedom is provided. The tracking device can be positioned on or be formed in an instrument to be tracked. | 08-02-2012 |
20120197110 | Method and Apparatus for Image-Based Navigation - A system and method for a procedure that can be performed on any appropriate subject. Procedures can include assembling any appropriate work piece or installing members into a work piece, such as an airframe, autoframe, etc. Regardless of the subject, tracking a substantially small tracking device in a plurality of degrees of freedom is provided. The tracking device can be positioned on or be formed in an instrument to be tracked. | 08-02-2012 |
20130102878 | Trackable Biopsy Needle - A trackable biopsy needle assembly including an inner tube of an outer cannula, an inner dielectric layer, a first coil, a second coil, a third coil, an outer dielectric layer, and an outer tube of the outer cannula. The inner tube defines a bore. The inner dielectric layer is secured onto an outer surface of the inner tube. The first, second, and third coils are wound over the inner dielectric layer. The outer dielectric layer is secured onto the first coil, the second coil, and the third coil. The outer tube is fastened to the outer dielectric layer. | 04-25-2013 |
20130103048 | Method and Apparatus for Securing a Guide Tube - A guide tube is used for guiding an instrument through a hole within tissue of a patient. The guide tube includes a cannula member defining a passage extending therethrough along an axis. The passage is operable to receive the instrument and guide the instrument through the hole within the tissue of the patient. The guide tube also includes an expansion member that is moveably coupled to the cannula member to selectively move radially between a retracted position and an expanded position relative to the axis of the cannula member. The expansion member is at least partially insertable into the hole when the expansion member is in the retracted position. The expansion member is operable to engage with a surface of the hole when the expansion member is in the expanded position. | 04-25-2013 |
20130137954 | Flexible Circuit Sheet - A flexible circuit assembly can include a base layer, a plurality of circuit traces and an insulative layer. The plurality of circuit traces can each be coupled to a pair of circuit pads, and the circuit traces can be formed on an upper side of the base layer. The insulative layer can be formed over the circuit traces to isolate the circuit traces from an external environment. The base layer, plurality of circuit traces and insulative layer can form a flexible circuit sheet. The base layer and the insulative layer can include material properties and a thickness configured to facilitate the flexible circuit sheet being flexible such that the flexible circuit sheet is adapted to conform to a non-planar surface of the medical device. | 05-30-2013 |
20130317355 | Navigating A Surgical Instrument - An instrument tracking device for cooperating with an instrument during a surgical procedure where the instrument has an elongated body extending along a first longitudinal axis and including a working member at a distal tip includes a body having a distal end and a proximal end. An opening can be formed through the body along a second longitudinal axis. The opening can define a passthrough in the body from the distal end to the proximal end. A first tracking coil can be disposed in the body and can define a first tracking coil axis that is substantially coaxial with the second longitudinal axis of the body. A connection mechanism cooperates between the elongated housing and the body that secures the body to the elongated housing of the instrument upon passing at least a portion of the elongated housing through the passthrough of the body in an assembled position. | 11-28-2013 |
20140012130 | Flexible Circuit Sheet - A surgical instrument is disclosed having an elongated body portion having a proximal end and a distal end. The body portion is formed from a plastically deformable material such that the body portion can be bent between the proximal and distal ends from a first configuration to a second bent configuration and maintains the bent configuration. A flexible circuit having at least a pair of lead wires disposed around the body portion. The pair of lead wires are configured to conform to the bent configuration of the body portion such that they do not break during bending of the body portion. A tracking device adapted to cooperate with a navigation system to track the distal end of the instrument is coupled to the flexible circuit. | 01-09-2014 |
20140276004 | Navigated Surgical Instrument - A surgical instrument can include a body, a tracking device, and a handle. The tracking device can be positioned adjacent the distal end for tracking a distal tip of the instrument. The tracking device can include a pair of lead traces defined on a tubular flex circuit around the body to the handle, where the traces define at least on coil configured to communicate with a navigation system. | 09-18-2014 |
20140323852 | Electromagnetic Coil Apparatuses for Surgical Navigation and Corresponding Methods - An electromagnetic device includes a jig and multiple wires. The jig includes a center member and coil-separating blocks. The coil-separating blocks protrude from the center member and are separated from each other to provide a coil channels. Each of the wires is wrapped on the jig, around the center member, and in one of the coil channels to form one of a multiple coils. Each of the coils is configured to connect to an electromagnetic navigation system and generate respective electromagnetic fields to be emitted relative to a subject. | 10-30-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090100221 | EMBEDDED VIRTUAL MEDIA - A method and an optical storage medium are provided for storing data to and accessing data from an embedded virtual medium within the optical storage medium. Information describing the embedded virtual medium may be stored on to the optical storage medium. Space for an embedded lead-in area of the embedded virtual medium, as well as user data for the embedded virtual medium, may be allocated within a data zone of the optical medium. A spare sector bitmap may be included in a lead-an area of the optical medium indicating spare sectors within the embedded virtual medium as being unavailable. A spare sector bitmap may be included within the embedded virtual medium indicating available spare sectors of the embedded virtual medium. Physical sector/logical block mapping of the optical storage medium may be modified for accessing data stored on the embedded virtual medium. | 04-16-2009 |
20090158295 | DEVICE SETTINGS RESTORE POINT - A method and a device may be provided for saving and restoring one or more settings associated with the device. The one or more settings may be saved and changed before performing a task. After completion of the task, or after a determined failure of the task to complete, the one or more settings may be restored. Communications may be exchanged between a host and the device to create a restore point for saving the one or more settings, to change any of the one or more settings before performing the task, and to restore the one or more settings after completion of the task, or after determining the failure of the task to complete. The device may create and store the one or more settings in a restore point in the device, or may send the one or more settings to the host for storing. | 06-18-2009 |
20090196572 | Rewind Playback of Media - Systems and methods of media optimization are disclosed herein. An operation command can be sent to a media device from a host device. The operation command can be indicative of an intent to perform an operation on the recording medium. A list of media device characteristics corresponding to media device resources can be received from the media device. One or more selections of values of the media device characteristics can be sent from the host device to the media device in order to optimize the operation command. A response can be received from the media device of performance of the operation command. | 08-06-2009 |
20090292372 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE PROPERTIES CONTROL - A device with controllable mechanical characteristics makes available a list of controllable characteristics for use by a controller or host computer. The list may include not only controllable characteristics but also the available range for each control, the impact of each adjustment, or both. The host computer can evaluate an operating state of the computer or electronic device and determine how best to set the device for compatible operation with the operating state. When controllable characteristics have multiple effects and/or interact with other controllable characteristics, macros may be developed to perform multiple settings as a group to achieve the desired outcome. The list may also be downloaded from a web service. | 11-26-2009 |
20100292854 | INTEGRATING ENERGY BUDGETS FOR POWER MANAGEMENT - Power consumption of a device (e.g., flash storage driver, hard drive, etc.) connected to a host computer system is managed to promote efficient power usage and improved service. Communication between a host computer system (e.g., an operating system) and a device is enabled so that the host system can ascertain a power footprint of the device. Taking the power footprint of the device into consideration, along with the power consumption of the system as a whole (e.g., including the power consumption needs of other devices), a power manager can provide a power budget to the device based upon an informed decision. This allows for improved system power management through a coordination of the device's power consumption by the host system, specifically during operation allowing device performance to be enhanced for the task at hand. | 11-18-2010 |
20110228657 | Embedded Virtual Media - A method and an optical storage medium are provided for storing data to and accessing data from an embedded virtual medium within the optical storage medium. Information describing the embedded virtual medium may be stored on to the optical storage medium. Space for an embedded lead-in area of the embedded virtual medium, as well as user data for the embedded virtual medium, may be allocated within a data zone of the optical medium. A spare sector bitmap may be included in a lead-an area of the optical medium indicating spare sectors within the embedded virtual medium as being unavailable. A spare sector bitmap may be included within the embedded virtual medium indicating available spare sectors of the embedded virtual medium. Physical sector/logical block mapping of the optical storage medium may be modified for accessing data stored on the embedded virtual medium. | 09-22-2011 |
20130227314 | INTEGRATING ENERGY BUDGETS FOR POWER MANAGEMENT - Power consumption of a device (e.g., flash storage driver, hard drive, etc.) connected to a host computer system is managed to promote efficient power usage and improved service. Communication between a host computer system (e.g., an operating system) and a device is enabled so that the host system can ascertain a power footprint of the device. Taking the power footprint of the device into consideration, along with the power consumption of the system as a whole (e.g., including the power consumption needs of other devices), a power manager can provide a power budget to the device based upon an informed decision. This allows for improved system power management through a coordination of the device's power consumption by the host system, specifically during operation allowing device performance to be enhanced for the task at hand. | 08-29-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090103692 | Voice-messaging with attachments - A network method for using a network telephone voice-mail service, by which a caller may leave a voice-message that includes the identification of an attachment, which may include, as examples only, audio, video, text, programs, spreadsheets and graphic attachments. A video, text, spreadsheet or graphic attachment may be converted to an audible attachment to the voice-mail at the caller's or the voice-mail subscriber's request. Such entries may be made, after receiving an automated prompt for leaving an attachment identifier or conversion request, audibly or by using a keypad entry. A network method is also provided for using a network telephone voice-mail service, by which the voice-mail service may detect an attachment to a voice-mail message and provide access to the attachment to the voice-mail message. | 04-23-2009 |
20090207992 | CALL HOLD SIGNALING - One or more elements in a telecommunications network ( | 08-20-2009 |
20090310604 | Method for Service Processor Discrimination and Precedence in a Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) Network - A method and apparatus for identifying and prioritizing applications and application servers in a Voice over IP network is disclosed. In a first embodiment, elements of signaling information are extracted from a call and are mapped to parameters associated with the call. These mapped parameters are then used by a service broker in a VoIP network to identify one or more application servers adapted to process the values of the respective parameter. The service broker may illustratively identify the application servers by a pointer to permit flexible reassignment of processing of a given parameter. The matched pointer/parameter combinations are then mapped to a precedence index. Then, according to this precedence index, the aforementioned pointers are mapped to specific addresses of application servers and the elements of signaling information are forwarded to those addresses for processing of applications. | 12-17-2009 |
20100135283 | Voice-Over-IP Enabled Chat - A network-based system and method for providing anonymous voice communications using the telephone network and data communications links under the direction of a Call Broker and associated network elements. A user (the call initiator) present in a text chat room session establishes a data connection to Call Broker and, after qualifying for access (e.g., using credit card information) and providing a callback number, receives voice session information and participant access codes for each desired participant in a voice call. The initiator causes session information and participant codes to be passed to one or more selected chat participants in the current text chat room. When a selected participant uses the received session information, and enters the received participant code and a callback number, the Call Broker in cooperation with a Network Adjunct Processor (NAP) completes voice links to the initiator and the selected participant(s). The need for each party to have a second subscriber line is advantageously avoided by having the Call Broker arrange to have one or more voice links completed through a VoIP link, and further reduces the need for second lines for participants by forwarding a Call Broker—placed call to a busy participant line to the participant's Internet Service Provider (ISP), which then sends a message to the participant announcing one or more options for receiving the incoming call, including receiving the incoming call through a VoIP link. | 06-03-2010 |
20120069973 | Voice-Messaging with Attachments - A network method for using a network telephone voice-mail service, by which a caller may leave a voice-message that includes the identification of an attachment, which may include, as examples only, audio, video, text, programs, spreadsheets and graphic attachments. A video, text, spreadsheet or graphic attachment may be converted to an audible attachment to the voice-mail at the caller's or the voice-mail subscriber's request. Such entries may be made, after receiving an automated prompt for leaving an attachment identifier or conversion request, audibly or by using a keypad entry. A network method is also provided for using a network telephone voice-mail service, by which the voice-mail service may detect an attachment to a voice-mail message and provide access to the attachment to the voice-mail message. | 03-22-2012 |
20130156024 | Voice-Over-IP Enabled Chat - A network-based system and method for providing anonymous voice communications using the telephone network and data communications links under the direction of a Call Broker and associated network elements. A user (the call initiator) present in a text chat room session establishes a data connection to Call Broker and, after qualifying for access (e.g., using credit card information) and providing a callback number, receives voice session information and participant access codes for each desired participant in a voice call. The initiator causes session information and participant codes to be passed to one or more selected chat participants in the current text chat room. When a selected participant uses the received session information, and enters the received participant code and a callback number, the Call Broker in cooperation with a Network Adjunct Processor (NAP) completes voice links to the initiator and the selected participant(s). | 06-20-2013 |
20130279667 | Voice-Messaging with Attachments - A network method for using a network telephone voice-mail service, by which a caller may leave a voice-message that includes the identification of an attachment, which may include, as examples only, audio, video, text, programs, spreadsheets and graphic attachments. A video, text, spreadsheet or graphic attachment may be converted to an audible attachment to the voice-mail at the caller's or the voice-mail subscriber's request. Such entries may be made, after receiving an automated prompt for leaving an attachment identifier or conversion request, audibly or by using a keypad entry. A network method is also provided for using a network telephone voice-mail service, by which the voice-mail service may detect an attachment to a voice-mail message and provide access to the attachment to the voice-mail message. | 10-24-2013 |
20140248859 | Voice-Messaging with Attachments - A network method for using a network telephone voice-mail service, by which a caller may leave a voice-message that includes the identification of an attachment, which may include, as examples only, audio, video, text, programs, spreadsheets and graphic attachments. A video, text, spreadsheet or graphic attachment may be converted to an audible attachment to the voice-mail at the caller's or the voice-mail subscriber's request. Such entries may be made, after receiving an automated prompt for leaving an attachment identifier or conversion request, audibly or by using a keypad entry. A network method is also provided for using a network telephone voice-mail service, by which the voice-mail service may detect an attachment to a voice-mail message and provide access to the attachment to the voice-mail message. | 09-04-2014 |
20150095034 | PERSONALIZED TEXT-TO-SPEECH SERVICES - A personalized text-to-speech (pTTS) system provides a method for converting text data to speech data utilizing a pTTS template representing the voice characteristics of an individual. A memory stores executable program code that converts text data to speech data. Text data represents a textual message directed to a system user and speech data represents a spoken form of text data having the characteristics of an individual's voice. A processor executes the program code, and a storage device stores a pTTS template and may store speech data. The pTTS system can be used to provide various services that provide immediate spoken presentation of the speech data converted from text data and/or combine stored speech data with generated speech data for spoken presentation. | 04-02-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090089992 | TIRE BEAD SEPARATION METHOD AND DEVICE - A method and apparatus is provided for separating two or more annular members such as bead assemblies or bead and apex assemblies. First, a flexible member is inserted into the annulus of the annular members. Next, the flexible member is inflated until the outer surface of the flexible member contacts the inner diameter of the annular member. Then the flexible member is axially expanded until the annular members are separated. Then the flexible member is deflated so that the annular members can be removed. | 04-09-2009 |
20090108493 | EXTRUDING TREAD COMPONENTS DIRECTLY INTO A TIRE MOLD - A method may include the steps of: (a) providing a tire mold; (b) providing an extruder operatively connected to a head with a die assembly; (c) inserting at least a first compound into the first extruder; (d) forming an extrudate from the die assembly; (e) applying the extrudate directly from the die assembly into the tire mold to form a tire tread component; and, (f) controlling movement of the tire mold to correspond to the extrudate delivery. | 04-30-2009 |
20090255613 | TIRE WITH TREAD HAVING AN INTERMEDIATE RUBBER LAYER CONTAINING A MICROSPHERE DISPERSION - The invention relates to a tire with a tread having an intermediate rubber layer which contains a dispersion of high strength hollow glass and/or ceramic microspheres. In particular, such tire tread is comprised of at least three radially disposed zones of rubber layers composed of a radially outer tread rubber cap layer, a radially inner tread base rubber layer and an intermediate, transition rubber layer positioned between said outer rubber cap layer and said inner rubber base layer. The intermediate tread rubber contains a dispersion of glass and/or ceramic microspheres together with a coupling agent. | 10-15-2009 |
20100051177 | BEAD CONSTRUCTION METHOD FOR A TIRE - A method and apparatus for manufacturing an annular tire component such as a tire bead includes locating a toroidal support; placing an ejector nozzle in an interference relationship to the toroidal support; and simultaneously ejecting through the nozzle a continuous stream of an elastomeric belt component material in a suitably fluid state and a continuous length of at least one thread component disposed within the stream onto the toroidal support in a predetermined bead configuration. The bead configuration is at least partially defined by a relief in the nozzle ejection port and by the toroidal support onto which the bead is formed. Rotation of the toroidal support may be coupled with the simultaneous ejection of the elastomeric component and thread component in order to create an annular bead structure. A tire may be constructed having a desired bead configuration and location by means of the method and apparatus. | 03-04-2010 |
20110033330 | GEAR PUMP FOR VISCOUS MEDIA - A gear pump for moving elastomeric material includes a housing, a first beveled gear, a second beveled gear, and a drive mechanism. The housing has first and second side plates, an internal gear chamber, a material inlet communicating with the chamber, and a material outlet communicating with the chamber. The first beveled gear is disposed within the chamber. The first beveled gear is rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation to the housing. The second beveled gear is disposed within the chamber. The second beveled gear is rotatably mounted about a second axis of rotation to the housing. The second beveled gear engages the first beveled gear such that rotation of the first beveled gear in a first direction affects rotation of the second beveled gear in a second opposite direction. The first axis of rotation is parallel to the second axis of rotation. The drive mechanism directly drives rotation of the first beveled gear and simultaneously and indirectly drives rotation of the second beveled gear. The rotation of the first and second beveled gears transports the elastomeric material from the material inlet to the material outlet. | 02-10-2011 |
20110146883 | CONTINUOUS MIXING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS - An apparatus for applying a mixtures of a first compound and a second compound, the apparatus comprising: a first extruder and a first gear pump for a first compound; a second extruder and a second gear pump for a second compound, a third extruder and a third gear pump for an accelerator mixture; a mixing device for mixing together said first compound and said second compound and said accelerator mixture, wherein said mixing device is located downstream of said first, second and third extruders and said first, second and third gear pumps. | 06-23-2011 |
20110146884 | CONTINUOUS MIXING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS - A method and apparatus for applying a blended rubber composition directly onto a tire building drum or core is described. A first extruder and a first gear pump for a first compound is provided. A second extruder and a second gear pump for a second compound is provided. The output of the second gear pump is fed into the main extruder. A third gear pump is provided for adding an accelerator mixture; mixing together said first compound and said second compound and said accelerator mixture. | 06-23-2011 |
20110146885 | METHOD FOR FORMING STRATIFIED RUBBER ARTICLE - A method and apparatus for applying a blended rubber composition directly onto a tire building drum or core is described. The method includes the steps of extruding a first rubber compound through a main extruder and a main gear pump. A second rubber compound is extruded through a second extruder and into a second gear pump. The output from the second gear pump is fed into the main extruder. The ratio of the first compound to the second compound is varied by adjusting the speed of the main gear pump and the speed of the second gear pump. A continuous strip of rubber formed of said first compound and said second compound is laid directly onto a tire building machine to form a first layer of rubber having a first blend ratio. The speed of the main gear pump and the second gear pump is adjusted to obtain a second blend ratio of said first compound to said second compound, and then a strip of rubber formed of said second blend ratio is applied to the tire building drum or core. | 06-23-2011 |
20110146888 | METHOD FOR FORMING STRATIFIED RUBBER ARTICLE WITH VARIABLE CURE RATE - A method of forming a tread comprising two or more layers of rubber is described. The method includes the steps of: extruding a rubber compound through an extruder and a gear pump and mixing with an accelerant and then applying a continuous strip of rubber directly onto a tire building machine to form a first layer of rubber having a first cure rate; adjusting the amount of accelerant to obtain a second cure rate different than said first cure rate, and then applying a strip of rubber having a second cure rate onto the tire building machine, wherein one of the cure rates is faster than the other cure rate. | 06-23-2011 |
20120111470 | TIRE INCLUDING A CONTINUOUS PRESSURE MEMBRANE - Tire including a continuous pressure membrane. The tire includes a carcass, a rubber layer surrounding the carcass, and a belt. The carcass includes at least one continuous pressure membrane defining a generally U-shaped cross section. The pressure membrane includes a crown portion, a first sidewall portion, and a second sidewall portion connected with the first sidewall portion by the crown portion. The belt may be composed of at least one additional continuous pressure membrane adjacent the crown portion. | 05-10-2012 |
20120160388 | PNEUMATIC TIRE WITH COMPOSITE INNERLINER - A pneumatic radial ply runflat tire is described. The tire has a carcass structure having at least one radial carcass ply, two bead regions, two sidewalls, each sidewall having an upper sidewall portion that connects to the shoulders and being reinforced by an insert, a belt structure between the tread and the carcass, and an air impermeable inner liner formed of a butyl rubber located radially inward of the carcass structure wherein the air impermeable inner liner extends from a first shoulder region to a second shoulder underneath the crown portion of the tire, and does not extend from the shoulder to the bead portion of the tire. | 06-28-2012 |
20120161366 | EXTRUDER APPARATUS FOR FORMING TIRE COMPONENTS - A method and apparatus for applying a blended rubber composition directly onto a tire building drum or core is described. A first extruder and a first gear pump for a first compound is provided. A second extruder and a second gear pump for a second compound is provided. The output of the first and second gear pump is fed into the inlet of the main extruder. A third pumping means is provided for pumping an accelerator mixture into the inlet of the main extruder; mixing together said first compound and said second compound and said accelerator mixture in said extruder and applying the mixture onto a tire building drum or core. | 06-28-2012 |
20120318440 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING AN ANNULAR ELASTOMERIC TIRE COMPONENT - A method of forming a tire apex and bead assembly is disclosed. The method and apparatus includes mounting a bead in a rotatable bead holder, rotating the bead and bead holder and extruding one or more passes of a continuous strip of elastomeric material onto the outer surface of the bead, and shaping the one or more passes of elastomeric material between two opposed rotating rollers. | 12-20-2012 |
20130075017 | METHOD FOR FORMING STRATIFIED RUBBER ARTICLE - A method and apparatus for applying a blended rubber composition directly onto a tire building drum or core is described. The method includes the steps of extruding a first rubber compound through a main extruder and a main gear pump. A second rubber compound is extruded through a second extruder and into a second gear pump. The output from the second gear pump is fed into the main extruder. The ratio of the first compound to the second compound is varied by adjusting the speed of the main gear pump and the speed of the second gear pump. A continuous strip of rubber formed of said first compound and said second compound is layed directly onto a tire building machine to form a first layer of rubber having a first blend ratio. The speed of the main gear pump and the second gear pump is adjusted to obtain a second blend ratio of said first compound to said second compound, and then a strip of rubber formed of said second blend ratio is applied to the tire building drum or core. | 03-28-2013 |
20130161857 | APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR MIXING RUBBER COMPOUNDS - A process of manufacturing a rubber compound is disclosed. The process comprises providing a multiple shaft extruder device; feeding the multiple shaft extruder device with at least one polymer raw material or with a mixture of at least two different polymer raw materials; feeding the multiple shaft extruder device with at least one further raw material; mixing the at least one polymer raw material or the mixture of the different polymer raw materials and the at least one further raw material in the multiple shaft extruder device to prepare a rubber compound; and extruding the rubber compound from the multiple shaft extruder device. A plurality of multiple shaft extruder devices may be used in parallel or in sequence. | 06-27-2013 |
20130163368 | APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR MIXING RUBBER COMPOUNDS - A mixing apparatus for manufacturing a rubber compound is disclosed. The mixing apparatus comprises a plurality of multiple shaft extruder devices, each comprising at least one inlet for receiving a plurality of materials to be fed into the extruder device and an outlet for discharging a mixed material extruded by the extruder device. The multiple shaft extruder devices are either arranged in such a way that operatively the extrudate of at least one of the plurality of multiple shaft extruder devices can be fed into the inlet of at least one other of plurality of multiple shaft extruder devices, or are arranged to operate in parallel in such a way that operatively the extrudates of the plurality of multiple shaft extruder devices can be fed together into the inlet of at least one further mixing device. | 06-27-2013 |
20130340911 | BEAD CORE-APEX SUBASSEMBLY, PNEUMATIC TIRE THEREWITH AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A BEAD CORE-APEX SUBASSEMBLY - A bead core-apex subassembly comprises an annular bead core, a flipper and an apex. The flipper is wrapped about the bead core such that it encloses the bead core. The apex is in contact with the flipper and comprises at least a first segment and a second segment, the first segment having a composition different from the composition of the second segment. A method comprises the steps of providing an annular bead core; wrapping a flipper about the annular bead core; positioning the bead core with the flipper on a rotatable support surface; providing a nozzle in fluid communication with a pumping or extrusion device; rotating the support surface about an axis; and discharging a rubber compound through the nozzle onto the rotating support surface and forming an apex from the discharged rubber compound, the apex being attached to the flipper. | 12-26-2013 |
20140166189 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BUILDING A TIRE - A tire building system includes a first loop of travel track, a plurality of first carriage housings movably mounted on the first loop, a second loop of travel track, a plurality of second carriage housings movably mounted on the second loop, and a first transfer station of the first loop and a second transfer station of the second loop for interrelating the first loop and the second loop. | 06-19-2014 |
20150239190 | TRANSFER RING OR DRUM APPARATUS WITH ADJUSTABLE CIRCUMFERENCE - An apparatus is used in the manufacture of a pneumatic tire. The apparatus includes a longitudinal axis and a plurality of arcuate segments defining an arc of a cylindrical surface such that the arcuate segments collectively define the cylindrical surface and the arcuate segments are supported for movement radially relative to the longitudinal axis for adjusting the circumference of the cylindrical surface. Each arcuate segment includes at least one of two side sections of each arcuate segment having a row of spaced fingers corresponding in a fitted arrangement with gaps of an adjacent arcuate segment such that, as the circumference is adjusted and the side sections of each segment hingedly move relative to an intermediate section about a corresponding pivot axis, the fingers move into and out of the gaps provided between the fingers of the adjacent arcuate segment. The fingers and gaps both are tapered at a taper angle relative to the circumferential direction of the apparatus. | 08-27-2015 |
20150306914 | PNEUMATIC TIRE WITH SEALANT LAYER - A pneumatic tire includes a reinforcing ply structure extending between a pair of bead portions, a pair of sidewalls, each sidewall located radially outward of one of the pair of bead portions, a tread radially outward from the reinforcing ply structure, a belt reinforcing structure located radially outward from the reinforcing ply structure and radially inward from the tread, and an innerliner structure extending along an inner surface of the reinforcing ply from a position adjacent one bead portion to a position adjacent the other bead portion. The innerliner structure includes multiple alternating layers of rubber compound and sealant. | 10-29-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080223541 | COMPLIANT FILL TUBE ASSEMBLY, FILL TUBE THEREFOR AND METHOD OF USE - A fill tube assembly is for a casting mold. The fill tube assembly includes a fill tube having a tubular member with a receiving end, a mold-engaging end and an intermediate portion. The mold-engaging end has a tapered flange radially extending therefrom, the remainder of the tubular member has a substantially uniform cross-section. A clamping assembly is structured to maintain a substantially leakproof seal at the fill tube, casting mold interface while accommodating dimensional variations. The clamping assembly includes a gasket, a load ring, a clamping plate and a pre-load gap between the clamping plate and the casting mold and optionally includes a dimensional compensating ring. When tightened, the clamping plate biases the load ring against the flange thereby distributing a uniform load against the casting mold, compressing the gasket therebetween while narrowing the pre-load gap to accommodate dimensional variations. A method of use is also disclosed. | 09-18-2008 |
20090065553 | FRICTION STIR WELDING APPARATUS - Portable friction stir welding apparatus having a crawler which supports a motor for rotating a Friction Stir Welding tool and is coupled to a drive mechanism for urging the crawler along a predefined weld path on work pieces. The crawler can comprise one member or a set of two or three physically separated members each rotatably coupled to the friction stir welding tool. When one member is used to make a weld, it is located on top of the work pieces. When two members are used to make a weld, one member is located on the top of the work pieces and the second member is located on bottom of the work pieces. When three members are used to make two welds simultaneously on an upper work piece and a lower work pieces, one member of the crawler is located on the top surface of the upper work piece, a second member is located between the two work pieces, and a third member is located on the bottom surface of the lower work piece. The friction stir welding tool for making the weld is rotatably coupled to each member and restricts axial displacement of the physically separate members relative to each other. The members are adapted to engage rails on the work pieces which provide at least one of guiding, alignment, fixturing, torque compensation for the members as the friction stir welding tool is rotated and the crawler is moved along a joint. | 03-12-2009 |
20100218910 | COMPLIANT FILL TUBE ASSEMBLY, FILL TUBE THEREFORE AND METHOD OF USE - A fill tube assembly is for a casting mold. The fill tube assembly includes a fill tube having a tubular member with a receiving end, a mold-engaging end and an intermediate portion. The mold-engaging end has a tapered flange radially extending therefrom, the remainder of the tubular member has a substantially, uniform cross-section. A clamping assembly is structured to maintain a substantially leakproof seal at the fill tube, casting mold interface while accommodating dimensional variations. The clamping assembly includes a gasket, a load ring, a clamping plate and a pre-load gap between the clamping plate and the casting mold and optionally includes a dimensional compensating ring. When tightened, the clamping plate biases the load ring against the flange thereby distributing a uniform load against the casting mold, compressing the gasket therebetween while narrowing the pre-load gap to accommodate dimensional variations. A method of use is also disclosed. | 09-02-2010 |
20100304078 | FIRE RESISTANT SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS - The present disclosure relates to fire-resistant systems, methods, and apparatus. In one embodiment, a fire-resistant system includes a fire-resistant panel and a protected material coupled to the fire-resistant panel. The fire-resistant panel includes a passive layer and a back layer. The passive layer comprises a phyllosilicate material. The back layer comprises an inorganic material and may be coupled to the passive layer. Optionally, the fire-resistant panel may include a secondary layer comprising a functional material, where the functional material comprises one of a phase change material or an endothermic material. | 12-02-2010 |
20110017792 | TIE DOWN ASSEMBLY - A tie down assembly including a cup, a cross-shaped crossbar that is fastened removably to and positioned within a recess of the cup, and a disc-shaped plate that is fastened removably to the cup and/or the crossbar. The crossbar is fastened to the cup by a plurality of fasteners, while the plate is fastened to the cup and/or the crossbar by at least one fastener. The cup is installed within a hole formed within a first surface of a structure, and the plate is positioned against an opposite surface of the structure. When the plate is attached, a compressive load is introduced and squeezes the first and second surfaces of the structure together, such that most of the load is borne down the center of the fastener attaching the plate. | 01-27-2011 |
20110284716 | TIE DOWN ASSEMBLY - A tie down assembly adapted to be installed within a structure includes a cup and a crossbar that is fastened removably to the cup by a plurality of fasteners. The cup includes a recess forming an interior surface, and a plurality of seats extending from the interior surface. The crossbar includes a central portion and a plurality of elongated members extending therefrom. Each of the members includes a head that engages a corresponding one of the seats of the cup and is secured to the seat by one of the fasteners. The central portion of the crossbar may include a central aperture that receives one of the fasteners for an additional attachment point to the cup. The crossbar is adapted to receive tie down hooks, connectors, and the like. When the crossbar requires repair or replacement, it may be removed from the cup by unfastening the fasteners without the need to remove the cup from the structure. | 11-24-2011 |
20120031578 | METHOD OF AVOIDING LEAKAGE AT A FILL-TUBE JOINT OF A CASTING ASSEMBLY - The teachings provide a fill tube assembly for a casting mold and methods of using the assembly. The fill tube assembly includes a fill tube having a tubular member with a receiving end, a mold-engaging end and an intermediate portion. The mold-engaging end has a tapered flange radially extending therefrom, the remainder of the tubular member has a substantially, uniform cross-section. A clamping assembly is structured to maintain a substantially leakproof seal at the fill tube, casting mold interface while accommodating dimensional variations. The clamping assembly includes a gasket, a load ring, a clamping plate and a pre-load gap between the clamping plate and the casting mold and optionally includes a dimensional compensating ring. When tightened, the clamping plate biases the load ring against the flange thereby distributing a uniform load against the casting mold, compressing the gasket therebetween while narrowing the pre-load gap to accommodate dimensional variations. | 02-09-2012 |
20120298727 | SELF-GUIDING FRICTION STIR WELDING APPARATUS AND METHOD - One embodiment of a friction stir welding apparatus comprises two friction stir welding tools on a carriage. The first friction stir welding tool is capable of rotating in a first direction. The second friction stir welding tool is capable of rotating in a second direction, counter to the first direction. The first friction stir welding tool and the second friction stir welding tool are operable to weld simultaneously and in tandem along an intersection of at least two work pieces. | 11-29-2012 |
20130269899 | ASSEMBLY FOR TRANSFERRING A MOLTEN METAL THROUGH A JOINT - The teachings provide a fill tube assembly for a casting mold and methods of using the assembly. The fill tube assembly includes a fill tube having a tubular member with a receiving end, a mold-engaging end and an intermediate portion. The mold-engaging end has a tapered flange radially extending therefrom, the remainder of the tubular member has a substantially, uniform cross-section. A clamping assembly is structured to maintain a substantially leakproof seal at the fill tube, casting mold interface while accommodating dimensional variations. The clamping assembly includes a gasket, a load ring, a clamping plate and a pre-load gap between the clamping plate and the casting mold and optionally includes a dimensional compensating ring. When tightened, the clamping plate biases the load ring against the flange thereby distributing a uniform load against the casting mold, compressing the gasket therebetween while narrowing the pre-load gap to accommodate dimensional variations. | 10-17-2013 |
20140042290 | TIE DOWN ASSEMBLY - A tie down assembly adapted to be installed within a structure includes a cup and a crossbar that is fastened removably to the cup by a plurality of fasteners. The cup includes a recess forming an interior surface, and a plurality of seats extending from the interior surface. The crossbar includes a central portion and a plurality of elongated members extending therefrom. Each of the members includes a head that engages a corresponding one of the seats of the cup and is secured to the seat by one of the fasteners. The central portion of the crossbar may include a central aperture that receives one of the fasteners for an additional attachment point to the cup. The crossbar is adapted to receive tie down hooks, connectors, and the like. When the crossbar requires repair or replacement, it may be removed from the cup by unfastening the fasteners without the need to remove the cup from the structure. | 02-13-2014 |
20150343529 | REVERSE CASTING PROCESS - The teachings provide a fill tube assembly for a casting mold and methods of using the assembly. The fill tube assembly includes a fill tube having a tubular member with a receiving end, a mold-engaging end and an intermediate portion. The mold-engaging end has a tapered flange radially extending therefrom, the remainder of the tubular member has a substantially, uniform cross-section. A clamping assembly is structured to maintain a substantially leakproof seal at the fill tube, casting mold interface while accommodating dimensional variations. The clamping assembly includes a gasket, a load ring, a clamping plate and a pre-load gap between the clamping plate and the casting mold and optionally includes a dimensional compensating ring. When tightened, the clamping plate biases the load ring against the flange thereby distributing a uniform load against the casting mold, compressing the gasket therebetween while narrowing the pre-load gap to accommodate dimensional variations. | 12-03-2015 |