Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080296457 | FURNITURE STORAGE UNIT AND METHOD - An office furniture unit has an outer face with slotted hangers, and a removable storage unit assembly including a bottom panel positioned in a generally horizontal orientation along the office furniture unit, and a top panel disposed above and generally parallel with the bottom panel. First and second panels are disposed at opposite ends of the top and bottom panels and are connected therewith to define a rigid, box-shaped case having an open back portion. The first and second end panels have rear portions with multiple vertically spaced slots. First and second hanger brackets have a rear portion with first hooks selectively received in the slotted hangers of the office furniture units, and a forward portion with second hooks selectively received in the slots in the rear portions of the first and second end panels to detachably support the case against the outer face of the office furniture unit. | 12-04-2008 |
20080297015 | STORAGE UNIT BACK STOP AND METHOD - A storage unit assembly and method for office furniture units includes two end panels and a bottom panel configured to support objects thereon. A back stop rail is connected to end panels and the bottom panel. The back stop rail includes a lower web having a bottom flange and a center flange, wherein the bottom flange abuts the bottom panel of the storage unit, and the center flange extends above the bottom panel into the storage unit. An upper web is connected to the center flange, wherein the upper web extends upwardly and terminates at a top flange. A rear flange extends downwardly from the top flange, wherein the planar extent of the rear flange is substantially coplanar with the planar extent of the lower web. | 12-04-2008 |
20090294078 | PRIVACY SCREEN ASSEMBLY - A privacy screen assembly has a first elongated support, a second elongated support, and a privacy screen having a first end operably coupled with the first elongated support and a second end operably coupled to the second elongated support, wherein the first privacy screen is positionable between a retracted position and a deployed position. A support member vertically supports the privacy screen and is positionable between a retracted position, wherein the support member is stored within an interior of one of the first elongated support and the second elongated support in a substantially linear configuration, and a deployed position, wherein a substantial portion of the support member extends from the interior of the elongated support and wherein a substantial portion of the support member exits the interior of the elongated support such that less of the support member is present in the interior of the elongated support. | 12-03-2009 |
20140075757 | FLOOR-TO-CEILING PARTITION WALL ASSEMBLY - A method of installing a panel member on a frame assembly includes the steps of providing a panel member having inner and outer surfaces and providing one or more positioning assemblies on the inner surface of the panel. The positioning assemblies each having an adjustable positioning member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly. The method further includes setting the positioning members to determine a registration point for the panel member along the frame assembly. One or more driving assemblies are then provided on the inner surface of the panel, each having a biasing member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly to drive the panel member towards the registration point on the frame assembly. | 03-20-2014 |
20140075869 | FLOOR-TO-CEILING PARTITION WALL ASSEMBLY - A panel wall system includes a frame assembly adapted to support a plurality of skin assemblies in a floor-to-ceiling relationship, wherein the skin assemblies include solid panel assemblies as well as captured glass skin assemblies. The solid panel assemblies are coupled to the frame assembly via latch mechanisms having actuator levers which are accessible in gaps formed between adjacent solid panel assemblies, wherein a user of the wall panel system can discern whether or not a panel assembly is properly engaged with the frame assembly based on the visibility and positioning of the actuator lever. | 03-20-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090181372 | Method and compositions for monitoring DNA binding molecules in living cells - The present invention provides a method of screening for a compound that binds to a selected nucleic acid comprising contacting compound fluorescently labeled by a fluorescent protein with a cell having a plurality of copies of the nucleic acid in an array such that the nucleic acid can be directly detected when bound by fluorescently labeled compound; and directly detecting the location of fluorescence within the cell, fluorescence aggregated at the site of the nucleic acid array indicating a compound that binds to the selected nucleic acid. In particular compounds such a transcription factors can be screened. Reagents for such method are provided including a mammalian cell having a plurality of steroid receptor response elements in an array such that the response element can be directly detected when bound by fluorescently labeled steroid receptor and a chimeric protein comprising a fluorescent protein fused to a steroid receptor. | 07-16-2009 |
20130102766 | METHOD AND COMPOSITIONS FOR MONITORING DNA BINDING MOLECULES IN LIVING CELLS - The present invention provides a method of screening for a compound that binds to a selected nucleic acid comprising contacting compound fluorescently labeled by a fluorescent protein with a cell having a plurality of copies of the nucleic acid in an array such that the nucleic acid can be directly detected when bound by fluorescently labeled compound; and directly detecting the location of fluorescence within the cell, fluorescence aggregated at the site of the nucleic acid array indicating a compound that binds to the selected nucleic acid. In particular compounds such a transcription factors can be screened. Reagents for such method are provided including a mammalian cell having a plurality of steroid receptor response elements in an array such that the response element can be directly detected when bound by fluorescently labeled steroid receptor and a chimeric protein comprising a fluorescent protein fused to a steroid receptor. | 04-25-2013 |
20130330741 | KITS FOR DETECTING AND MONITORING ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING CHEMICALS (EDCs) - Described herein are compositions, a system, and kits for detection of endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) in environmental samples, such as samples of water including but not limited to waste water treatment plant effluent, using a live-cell fluorescence-based nuclear translocation reporter system. Upon binding of a ligand to a fluorescent-labeled reporter protein, the protein (and therefore the fluorescence) is translocated in a ligand level-dependent manner from the cytoplasm to the nucleus of live mammalian cells; this translocation is detectable as diffuse (cytoplasmic) fluorescence converting to localized, brightly fluorescent nuclei. The described kits can be used to reliably detect very low levels of EDC contamination, including in high throughput analysis systems as described. | 12-12-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100198068 | ROBUST AND ACCURATE FREEHAND 3D ULTRASOUND - Disclosed is a system and method for computing out of plane motion between two ultrasound images. The method identifies regions of fully developed speckle that are common to the two images, computes a correlation coefficient corresponding to the two fully developed speckle image regions, and then computing an elevation distance corresponding to the correlation coefficient. The method exploits the measurable and characterizable relation between inter-image correlation and elevation distance, which may be determined from fully developed speckle regions. The method also identifies regions within the ultrasound images related to structure (e.g., vein or bone), and disregards these regions. | 08-05-2010 |
20110237945 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ULTRASOUND STRAIN IMAGING - A system and method for improved ultrasound strain imaging includes using data from a tracking system to enhance the quality of ultrasound strain image and to reduce the dependency of image quality of the user's expertise. The tracking information is synchronized with the RF frames and interpolated to find the transformation corresponding to each frame. The RF frames with their transformations are incorporated into calculation of ultrasound strain images. The tracking system may be an optical tracker, electromagnetic tracker, accelerometer, or a structured light system. The structured light system may also be used for probe calibration, by calibrating the surface of the probe pre-operatively. In addition, a relative Young's Modulus may be calculated using tracking information that is independent from the distribution of input force. | 09-29-2011 |
20120128223 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING ULTRASOUND DATA - A method of processing ultrasound data includes receiving ultrasound data for a first ultrasound image, the first ultrasound image being represented as a first set of discrete pixels corresponding to positions of a region of interest; receiving ultrasound data for a second ultrasound image, the second ultrasound image being represented as a second set of discrete pixels corresponding to positions of the region of interest; generating a displacement map by minimizing a cost function using a dynamic programming procedure that identifies each of the first set of discrete pixels with a corresponding one of the second set of discrete pixels; refining the displacement map to obtain intermediate displacement values corresponding to positions between the discrete pixels based on minimizing a local approximation to the cost function; and calculating a physical property of the region of interest based on the displacement map. | 05-24-2012 |
20120316421 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED DISEASE ASSESSMENT IN CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY - A system and method for automated image analysis which may enhance, for example, capsule endoscopy diagnosis. The system and methods may reduce the time required for diagnosis, and also help improve diagnostic consistency using an interactive feedback tool. Furthermore, the system and methods may be applicable to any procedure where efficient and accurate visual assessment of a large set of images is required. | 12-13-2012 |
20130218340 | HUMAN-MACHINE COLLABORATIVE ROBOTIC SYSTEMS - A semi-automatic, interactive robotic system for performing and/or simulating a multi-step task includes a user interface system, a recognition system adapted to communicate with the user interface system, a control system adapted to communicate with the recognition system, and a sensor-actuator system adapted to communicate with the control system. The recognition system is configured to recognize actions taken by a user while the user operates the user interface system and to selectively instruct the control system to cause the sensor-actuator system to perform, and/or simulate, one of an automatic step, a semi-automatic step or direct step of the multi-step task based on the recognized actions and a task model of the multi-step task. | 08-22-2013 |
20140075370 | Dockable Tool Framework for Interaction with Large Scale Wall Displays - In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a device and a method allows for body-based interaction with 3D applications on wall displays. The interface consists of virtual dockable tools which can be unholstered, used to manipulate geometry, and holstered on the user's body. The system also utilizes proprioceptive cues to allow the user to manipulate and holster tools without visual feedback. A 3D depth camera maps 3D user position to 3D coordinates in the virtual scene. Partitioning the physical work space into a region for interaction with geometry, and a region for tool management allows for intuitive mapping between the physical and virtual work space. The system can support multiple users, including simultaneous interaction with the environment, and tool exchange between users. | 03-13-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080269604 | Ultrasound Calibration and Real-Time Quality Assurance Based on Closed Form Formulation - Disclosed is a system and method for intra-operatively spatially calibrating an ultrasound probe. The method includes determining the relative changes in ultrasound images of a phantom, or high-contrast feature points within a target volume, for three different ultrasound positions. Spatially calibrating the ultrasound probe includes measuring the change in position and orientation of the probe and computing a calibration matrix based on the measured changes in probe position and orientation and the estimated changes in position and orientation of the phantom. | 10-30-2008 |
20080306384 | Apparatus and method for computing 3D ultrasound elasticity images - Disclosed is a system and method for computing ultrasound 3D elasticity images. The method includes acquiring ultrasound RF data in a rest state, in which substantially no pressure is applied to a tissue medium, and acquiring ultrasound data in a stressed state, in which pressure is applied to a tissue medium having an aberration, and computing a measured displacement image from the two RF data sets. The method also includes computing an initial estimated displacement image, which is derived from a 3D elasticity model. The method further includes computing an optimization loop, wherein the initial estimated displacement image is adjusted to converge on the measured displacement image. The optimized estimated displacement image is then segmented and superimposed over the rest state ultrasound image. Further, the original 3D elasticity model is adjusted to match the optimized estimated displacement image. | 12-11-2008 |
20100085358 | System and method for constructing a 3D scene model from an image - A system and method for constructing a 3D scene model comprising 3D objects and representing a scene, based upon a prior 3D scene model. The method comprises the steps of acquiring an image of the scene; initializing the computed 3D scene model to the prior 3D scene model; and modifying the computed 3D scene model to be consistent with the image. The step of modifying the computed 3D scene models consists of the sub-steps of comparing data of the image with objects of the 3D scene model, resulting in associated data and unassociated data; using the unassociated data to compute new objects that are not in the 3D scene model and adding the new objects to the 3D scene model; and using the associated data to detect objects in the prior 3D scene model that are absent and removing the absent objects from the 3D scene model. The present invention may also be used to construct multiple alternative 3D scene models. | 04-08-2010 |
20120075296 | System and Method for Constructing a 3D Scene Model From an Image - A method for constructing one or more 3D scene models comprising 3D objects and representing a scene, based upon a prior 3D scene model and a model of scene changes, is described. The method comprises the steps of acquiring an image of the scene; initializing the computed 3D scene model to the prior 3D scene model; and modifying the computed 3D scene model to be consistent with the image, possibly constructing and modifying alternative 3D scene models. In some embodiments, a single 3D scene model is chosen and is the result; in other embodiments, the result is a set of 3D scene models. In some embodiments, a set of possible prior scene models is considered. | 03-29-2012 |
20120130258 | PROGRAMMABLE MULTIPSPECTRAL ILLIUMINATION SYSTEM FOR SURGERY AND VISUALIZATION OF LIGHT-SENSITIVE TISSUES - An observation system for viewing light-sensitive tissue includes an illumination system configured to illuminate the light-sensitive tissue, an imaging system configured to image at least a portion of the light-sensitive tissue upon being illuminated by the illumination system, and an image display system in communication with the imaging system to display an image of the portion of the light-sensitive tissue. The illumination system is configured to illuminate the light-sensitive tissue with a reduced amount of light within a preselected wavelength range compared to multispectral illumination light, and the image of the portion of the light-sensitive tissue is compensated for the reduced amount of light within the preselected frequency range to approximate an image of the light-sensitive tissue under the multispectral illumination | 05-24-2012 |
20120189996 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR QUANTIFYING TECHNICAL SKILL - A system and method for quantifying clinical skill of a user, comprising: collecting data relating to a surgical task done by a user using a surgical device; comparing the data for the surgical task to other data for another similar surgical task; quantifying the clinical skill of the user based on the comparing of the data for the surgical task to the other data for the other similar surgical task; outputting the clinical skill of the user. | 07-26-2012 |
20120226150 | VISUAL TRACKING AND ANNOTATON OF CLINICALLY IMPORTANT ANATOMICAL LANDMARKS FOR SURGICAL INTERVENTIONS - A visual tracking and annotation system for surgical intervention includes an image acquisition and display system arranged to obtain image streams of a surgical region of interest and of a surgical instrument proximate the surgical region of interest and to display acquired images to a user; a tracking system configured to track the surgical instrument relative to the surgical region of interest; a data storage system in communication with the image acquisition and display system and the tracking system; and a data processing system in communication with the data storage system, the image acquisition and display system and the tracking system. The data processing system is configured to annotate images displayed to the user in response to an input signal from the user. | 09-06-2012 |
20130002842 | Systems and Methods for Motion and Distance Measurement in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Systems and methods for extracting and measuring motion from images capture during capsule endoscopy in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, an endoscope system configured to generate a spatial index of images captured along a passageway includes a processor and a camera configured to capture a plurality of images as the camera moves along a passageway, wherein the processor is configured to compare sets of at least two images from the plurality of images, determine motion of the camera along the passageway using the sets of at least two images, determine the distance the camera traveled along the passageway at the point at which an image in each of the sets of at least two images was captured, and generate a spatial index for the plurality of images by associating distances traveled along the passageway with the images. | 01-03-2013 |
20130321583 | IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE OF SAME TO DETERMINE METRIC SCALE OF IMAGED BODILY ANATOMY - Repositionable imaging system and method for creating a 3D image of a closed cavity of a patient's anatomy containing the imaging system, estimating characteristics of motion of the system within the cavity, and determining a metric dimension characterizing the cavity without the use of mechanical measurement. The system may include tracking device located externally with respect to the cavity to determine a scale measurement of the system's motion and the structure of the cavity. The system's computer processor is configured to determine triangulated features of the cavity and recover motion scale data with the use of data received from the tracking device. A specific imaging system includes an endoscope (equipped with an electrical coil and complemented with an external electromagnetic tracker). | 12-05-2013 |
20140160264 | AUGMENTED FIELD OF VIEW IMAGING SYSTEM - An augmented field of view imaging system includes a microscope, an image sensor system arranged to receive images of a plurality of fields of view from the microscope as the microscope is moved across an object being viewed and to provide corresponding image signals, an image processing and data storage system configured to communicate with the image sensor system to receive the image signals and to provide augmented image signals, and at least one of an image injection system or an image display system configured to communicate with the image processing and data storage system to receive the augmented image signals and display an augmented field of view image. The image processing and data storage system is configured to track the plurality of fields of view in real time and register the plurality of fields of view to calculate a mosaic image. The augmented image signals from the image processing and data storage system provide the augmented image such that a live field of view from the microscope is composited with the mosaic image. | 06-12-2014 |
20140287393 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE EVALUATION OF OR IMPROVEMENT OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY SKILLS - A system to assist in at least one of the evaluation of or the improvement of skills to perform minimally invasive surgery includes a minimally invasive surgical system, a video system arranged to record at least one of a user's interaction with the minimally invasive surgical system or tasks performed with the minimally invasive surgical system, and a data storage and processing system in communication with the minimally invasive surgical system and in communication with the video system. The minimally invasive surgical system provides at least one of motion data, ergonomics adjustment data, electrical interface interaction data or mechanical interface interaction data of at least a component of the minimally invasive surgical system in conjunction with time registered video signals from the video system. The data storage and processing system processes the at least one of motion data, ergonomics adjustment data, electrical interface interaction data or mechanical interface interaction data to provide a performance metric in conjunction with the time registered video signals to be made available to an expert for evaluation. | 09-25-2014 |
20140378995 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ANALYZING A TASK TRAJECTORY - A computer-implemented method of analyzing a sample task trajectory including obtaining, with one or more computers, position information of an instrument in the sample task trajectory, obtaining, with the one or more computers, pose information of the instrument in the sample task trajectory, comparing, with the one or more computers, the position information and the pose information for the sample task trajectory with reference position information and reference pose information of the instrument for a reference task trajectory, determining, with the one or more computers, a skill assessment for the sample task trajectory based on the comparison, and outputting, with the one or more computers, the determined skill assessment for the sample task trajectory. | 12-25-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130218024 | Interventional In-Situ Image-Guidance by Fusing Ultrasound and Video - An augmentation device for an imaging system has a bracket structured to be attachable to an imaging component, and a projector attached to the bracket. The projector is arranged and configured to project an image onto a surface in conjunction with imaging by the imaging system. A system for image-guided surgery has an imaging system, and a projector configured to project an image or pattern onto a region of interest during imaging by the imaging system. A capsule imaging device has an imaging system, and a local sensor system. The local sensor system provides information to reconstruct positions of the capsule endoscope free from external monitoring equipment. | 08-22-2013 |
20130329038 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING AND TRACKING A CURVILINEAR OBJECT IN A THREE-DIMENSIONAL SPACE - A system for detecting and tracking a curvilinear object in a three-dimensional space includes an image acquisition system including a video camera arranged to acquire a video image of the curvilinear object and output a corresponding video signal, the video image comprising a plurality n of image frames each at a respective time t | 12-12-2013 |
20150148664 | ULTRASOUND SYSTEM WITH STEREO IMAGE GUIDANCE OR TRACKING - An image-guided ultrasound system may include an ultrasound probe, a display configured to communicate with the ultrasound probe to receive ultrasound signals to display images from the ultrasound probe, and an imaging device that may be attached to or integral with the ultrasound probe and configured to communicate with the display to display information derived from images from the imaging device. The imaging device may include a stabilization assembly, an imaging device assembly physically coupled to the stabilization assembly, a plurality of light-sensitive devices physically coupled to the stabilization assembly, and a memory unit physically coupled to the imaging device assembly, the memory unit configured to store calibration or usage information for the image-guided ultrasound system. | 05-28-2015 |
20150148668 | SURGICAL NEEDLE FOR A SURGICAL SYSTEM WITH OPTICAL RECOGNITION - A system for image-guided surgery may include a visual imaging system, a medical tool comprising a shaft and a tip, wherein the shaft of the tool includes an optically detectable feature that allows a position of the tip to be determined, and a display configured to display a real-time representation of the medical tool including the position of the tip regardless of whether the tip is obstructed or visible. | 05-28-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100328660 | DEVICE FOR REMOTE SENSING OF VEHICLE EMISSION - In one aspect, the present invention relates to a device for remote sensing of emissions of a vehicle driven on a road. In one embodiment, the device includes a source for emitting a beam of light and transmitting the emitted light through an exhaust plume emitted from the vehicle to the surface of a lane of the road on which the vehicle is driven, wherein the transmitted light is scattered at the surface of the lane; a detector for receiving at least one portion of the scattered light scattered from the surface of the lane; and a processor for processing the received light therein to provide one or more spectra of the received light so as to determine components and concentrations of the exhaust plume. The source and the detector are located in the same side of the road. | 12-30-2010 |
20110038507 | Device and Method for Quantification of Gases in Plumes by Remote Sensing - In one aspect, the present invention relates to a device quantifying absolute amounts of ingredients of a plume. In one embodiment, the device comprises a source for emitting a beam of light and transmitting the emitted light through the plume to a surface on which the transmitted light is scattered, a detector for acquiring an image of the exhaust plume, the acquired image containing information of absorption of the scattered light scattered from the surface, and a processor for processing the acquired image to determine an absolute amount of at least one of components of the exhaust plume. | 02-17-2011 |
20130100451 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR QUANTIFICATION OF GASES IN PLUMES BY REMOTE SENSING - Method and device for quantifying ingredients of a plume. In one embodiment, the method includes sweepingly directing a beam of light through the plume to a surface on which the beam of light is scattered, acquiring the scattered light scattered from the surface, and processing the acquired scattered light to determine an amount of ingredients of the plume. In one embodiment, the height of the back of the vehicle is measured as the top of the plume for calculating the total mass-per-distance of the plume. In another embodiment, by comparing the absorption spectrum of the plume and the background absorption spectrum of which no plume exists, the non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) of the plume emitted from a vehicle can be quantified. | 04-25-2013 |
20140160479 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REMOTE SENSING OF AMOUNT OF INGREDIENTS AND TEMPERATURE OF GASES - Aspects of the invention are directed to a device and method for detecting characteristics of a gas. The gas includes an exhausted plume from a vehicle or factory plant, leaked gas from an oil well or gas resource, or unidentified gas from an unknown source. The method includes sweepingly directing a beam of light through the gas to a target surface on which the beam of light is scattered, acquiring the scattered light scattered from the target surface, and processing the acquired scattered light to determine the characteristics of the gas, where the characteristics of the gas comprise at least one of a temperature of the gas and an amount of at least one ingredient of the gas. | 06-12-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140116781 | Reciprocating and Rotating Section and Methods in a Drilling System - An apparatus including a stationary section having a first central fluid passage and operably connected to a drilling fluid inlet and a conduit, a rotating and reciprocating section having a second central fluid passage and operably connected to a tubular, wherein the rotating and reciprocating section reciprocates along a longitudinal axis and rotates in conjunction with the tubular and the conduit, and a third section having a third central fluid passage in fluid communication between the first and second central fluid passages, where the third section is operably disposed between the first and rotating and reciprocating sections to permit the rotating and reciprocating section to slide axially even during rotation and to permit only rotational motion at an end adjacent the stationary section. | 05-01-2014 |
20150014066 | FORCE APPLICATION REDUCTION EMPLOYING ACTUATOR AND THRUST BEARING - An apparatus includes a thrust bearing adapted to engage a tubular component. A bearing carrier is connected to the thrust bearing, an arm is connected to the bearing carrier, and an actuator is connected to the arm. In one embodiment, the bearing carrier includes an arcuate notch through which the tubular component is adapted to extend. In another embodiment, the apparatus has a first configuration in which a vertical offset is defined between the tubular component and the thrust bearing, and a second configuration in which the thrust bearing is engaged with the tubular component for the support thereof. In another embodiment, the apparatus is placed in the first configuration in response to a cessation of a supply of electrical power to a control valve in fluid communication with the actuator. In another embodiment, the tubular component is connected to, or is part of, a quill of a top drive. | 01-15-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080314287 | FLUOROCHEMICAL URETHANE-SILANE COMPOUNDS AND AQUEOUS COMPOSITIONS THEREOF - Fluorochemical urethane compounds and coating compositions derived therefrom are described. The compounds and composition may be used in treating substrates, in particular substrates having a hard surfaces such as ceramics or glass, to render them hydrophilic, oleophobic and easy to clean. | 12-25-2008 |
20080319153 | FLUOROCHEMICAL URETHANE COMPOUNDS AND AQUEOUS COMPOSITIONS THEREOF - Fluorochemical urethane compounds and coating compositions derived therefrom are described. The compounds and composition may be used in treating substrates, in particular substrates having a hard surfaces such as ceramics or glass, to render them hydrophilic, oleophobic and easy to clean. | 12-25-2008 |
20090095400 | ARTICLES AND METHODS OF MASKING OR PROTECTING A SUBSTRATE - A protection sheet and method of protecting a substrate is disclosed. In an embodiment, the protection sheet comprises an adhesive coated nonwoven material. In an embodiment a surface of the protection sheet captures and retains paint overspray, dust, dirt and other contaminants so as to provide a cleaner paint job. In an embodiment the protection sheet may be laminated to a second nonwoven or woven material to allow clean removal after extended use. The protection sheet may be used to protect horizontal or vertical substrates, and is particularly suited to protect the surfaces of a paint booth used in automotive spray-painting operations. | 04-16-2009 |
20100061093 | ILLUMINATION DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME - The present disclosure is generally directed to illumination devices, and particularly directed to illumination devices utilizing light transmissive layers and methods for making the same. An illumination device and method for making the device are disclosed. The device, in particular, includes a substrate and conductive region disposed on the substrate. One or more light sources, such as LEDs, are disposed on a surface of the substrate and electrically coupled to the electrically conductive region for supply of electric current. The device also includes one or more light transmissive layers disposed on the substrate and the at least one light source to encapsulate light sources and also to control characteristics of light delivery from the light sources as light passes through the light transmissive layers. | 03-11-2010 |
20100092765 | SILICA COATING FOR ENHANCED HYDROPHILICITY - A coating composition is provided comprising a) an aqueous dispersion, having a pH of less than 7.5, of silica nanoparticles having average particle diameters of 40 nanometers or less, b) an alkoxysilane oligomer; c) a silane coupling agent, and d) optionally a metal β-diketone complexing agent. The compositions may be used to prepare coated articles wherein the coating is substantially uniform in thickness, durably adheres to the substrate, and provides hydrophilic and/or antireflection surface properties to the substrate. | 04-15-2010 |
20120090780 | ARTICLES AND METHODS OF MASKING OR PROTECTING A SUBSTRATE - A protection sheet and method of protecting a substrate is disclosed. In an embodiment, the protection sheet comprises an adhesive coated nonwoven material. In an embodiment a surface of the protection sheet captures and retains paint overspray, dust, dirt and other contaminants so as to provide a cleaner paint job. In an embodiment the protection sheet may be laminated to a second nonwoven or woven material to allow clean removal after extended use. The protection sheet may be used to protect horizontal or vertical substrates, and is particularly suited to protect the surfaces of a paint booth used in automotive spray-painting operations. | 04-19-2012 |
20130071649 | SILICA COATING FOR ENHANCED HYDROPHILICITY - A coating composition is provided comprising a) an aqueous dispersion, having a pH of less than 7.5, of silica nanoparticles having average particle diameters of 40 nanometers or less, b) an alkoxysilane oligomer; c) a silane coupling agent, and d) optionally a metal β-diketone complexing agent. The compositions may be used to prepare coated articles wherein the coating is substantially uniform in thickness, durably adheres to the substrate, and provides hydrophilic and/or antireflection surface properties to the substrate. | 03-21-2013 |
20140028174 | THERMALLY CONDUCTIVE LED ASSEMBLY - A thermally conductive LED assembly is disclosed. The thermally conductive LED assembly includes an elongate conductor cable having a first conductor and a second conductor extending along a length of the elongate conductor cable and a thermally conducting and electrically insulating polymer layer disposed between first conductor and second conductor and a second electrically insulating polymer layer is disposed on the first conductor or second conductor. The electrically insulating polymer layer having a thermal impedance value in a range from 2.5 to 15 C°-cm2/W and a plurality of light emitting diodes are disposed along the length of the elongate conductor cable. Each light emitting diode is in electrical communication with the first conductor and the second conductor. | 01-30-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090276215 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CORRECTING TRANSCRIBED AUDIO FILES - Methods and systems for correcting transcribed text. One method includes receiving audio data from one or more audio data sources and transcribing the audio data based on a voice model to generate text data. The method also includes making the text data available to a plurality of users over at least one computer network and receiving corrected text data over the at least one computer network from the plurality of users. In addition, the method can include modifying the voice model based on the corrected text data. | 11-05-2009 |
20110022387 | CORRECTING TRANSCRIBED AUDIO FILES WITH AN EMAIL-CLIENT INTERFACE - Methods and systems for requesting a transcription of audio data. One method includes displaying a send-for-transcription button within an email-client interface on a computer-controlled display, and automatically sending a selected email message and associated audio data to a transcription server as a request for a transcription of the associated audio data when a user selects the send-for-transcription button. | 01-27-2011 |
20130197909 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CORRECTING TRANSCRIBED AUDIO FILES - Methods and systems for correcting transcribed text. One method includes receiving audio data from one or more audio data sources and transcribing the audio data based on a voice model to generate text data. The method also includes making the text data available to a plurality of users over at least one computer network and receiving corrected text data over the at least one computer network from the plurality of users. In addition, the method can include modifying the voice model based on the corrected text data. | 08-01-2013 |
20140114658 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CORRECTING TRANSCRIBED AUDIO FILES - Methods and systems for correcting transcribed text. One method includes receiving audio data from one or more audio data sources and transcribing the audio data based on a voice model to generate text data. The method also includes making the text data available to a plurality of users over at least one computer network and receiving corrected text data over the at least one computer network from the plurality of users. In addition, the method can include modifying the voice model based on the corrected text data. | 04-24-2014 |
20140136199 | CORRECTING TRANSCRIBED AUDIO FILES WITH AN EMAIL-CLIENT INTERFACE - Methods and systems for requesting a transcription of audio data. One method includes displaying a send-for-transcription button within an email-client interface on a computer-controlled display, and automatically sending a selected email message and associated audio data to a transcription server as a request for a transcription of the associated audio data when a user selects the send-for-transcription button. | 05-15-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100160469 | Polymer polyols comprising a natural oil base polyol, polyurethane foams comprising these polymer polyols and processes for their preparation - This invention relates to polymer polyols comprising the free-radical polymerization product of a base polyol, at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and, optionally, a preformed stabilizer, in the presence of at least one free-radical polymerization initiator and at least one chain transfer agent, in which the base polyol is a natural oil. A process for preparing these polymer polyols is also described. The present invention also relates to a polyurethane foam prepared from these polymer polyols and to a process for the preparation of these polyurethane foams. | 06-24-2010 |
20120016048 | FLEXIBLE POLYURETHANE FOAMS MADE FROM ALKOXYLATED NATURAL OIL - The present invention provides flexible conventional polyurethane foams made from at least one polyisocyanate and at least one vegetable oil alkoxylated in the presence of a double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst, optionally at least one non-vegetable oil-based polyol, generally in the presence of a blowing agent and optionally in the presence of a surfactant, pigment, flame retardant, catalyst or filler. The alkoxylated natural oil must have (a) an ethylene oxide content in the alkoxylated segment greater than 20% by weight, (b) a primary hydroxyl group content of at least 10%, with the sum of (a)+(b) being at least 30% but no greater than 60%, The alkoxylated natural oils are environmentally-friendly, bio-based polyols which can be used to increase the “green” content of polyurethane foams without having detrimental effects on foam properties. | 01-19-2012 |
20130023599 | POLYURETHANE FOAMS MADE WITH ALKOXYLATED VEGETABLE OIL HYDROXYLATE - The present invention provides polyurethane foams and elastomers made with an alkoxylated vegetable oil hydroxylate replacing at least a portion of the typically used petroleum-based polyol(s). Also provided are processes for making the inventive foams and elastomers and for making alkoxylated vegetable oil hydroxylates. The alkoxylated vegetable oil hydroxylates are environmentally-friendly, bio-based polyols which advantageously also offer the potential of improved hydrophobicity in polyurethane foams and elastomers. The inventive polyurethane foams and elastomers may find use in a wide variety of products such as automobile interior parts, polyurethane structural foams, floor coatings and athletic running tracks. | 01-24-2013 |
20130079429 | PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF HIGH AIR FLOW POLYETHER FOAMS AND THE FOAMS PRODUCED BY THIS PROCESS - This invention relates to novel polyol blends, a process for preparing foams with very low resistance to air flow from certain polyol blends and to the resultant foams. The polyol blends comprise one or more monofunctional polyethers having a hydroxyl number of less than 28; one or more polyether polyols having a hydroxyl number of 20 to 240 and containing at least 50% of copolymerized oxyethylene; one or more polyether polyols having a hydroxyl number of 47 to 300 and containing from 5 to 40% of copolymerized oxyethylene; and optionally, one or more polyether polyols having a hydroxyl number of 10 to 45. This process of the invention comprises reacting one or more polyisocyanates, with an isocyanate-reactive component which comprises a specific polyol blend, in the presence of at least one catalyst, at least one surfactant and at least one blowing agent. | 03-28-2013 |
20130210951 | POLYOLS SUITABLE FOR HOT MOLDED FOAM PRODUCTION WITH HIGH RENEWABLE RESOURCE CONTENT - Polyols are produced by an alkoxylation process in which a vegetable oil containing hydroxyl functional groups is combined with a DMC catalyst to form a mixture, the DMC catalyst is then activated by adding ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide to the vegetable oil/catalyst mixture, and ethylene oxide and propylene oxide are added to the mixture containing activated DMC catalyst in amounts such that the total of percentage of ethylene oxide in the polyol plus percentage of primary hydroxyl groups in the polyol produced is from 50 to 77% and the percentage of primary hydroxyl groups is at least 30% but less than 50%. These polyols are useful for the production of molded polyurethane foams, particularly, hot-cure molded polyurethane foams. | 08-15-2013 |
20130289150 | VISCOELASTIC POLYURETHANE FOAMS - A viscoelastic foam is produced by reacting (a) an isocyanate component that includes at least 25% by weight of diphenylmethane diisocyanate having a monomeric content of from 50 to 90% by weight, (b) an isocyanate-reactive component, (c) at least one catalyst, (d) at least one surface active agent, and (e) liquid carbon dioxide. These foams are characterized by a ball rebound of less than 20%. Particularly preferred foams are characterized by a 95% height recovery time greater than 4 seconds. | 10-31-2013 |
20140024733 | PROCESS FOR THE IN SITU PRODUCTION OF POLYETHER POLYOLS BASED ON RENEWABLE MATERIALS AND THEIR USE IN THE PRODUCTION OF FLEXIBLE POLYURETHANE FOAMS - A polyether polyol based on renewable materials is obtained by the in situ production of a polyether from a hydroxyl group-containing vegetable oil, at least one alkylene oxide and a low molecular weight polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups. The polyol is produced by introducing the hydroxyl group-containing vegetable oil, a catalyst and an alkylene oxide to a reactor and initiating the alkoxylation reaction. After the alkoxylation reaction has begun but before the reaction has been 20% completed, the low molecular weight polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is continuously introduced into the reactor. After the in situ made polyether polyol product having the desired molecular weight has been formed, the in situ made polyether polyol is removed from the reactor. These polyether polyols are particularly suitable for the production of flexible polyurethane foams. | 01-23-2014 |
20140272375 | ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE AND DISSIPATIVE POLYURETHANE FOAMS - This invention relates to coated polyurethane foams and to a process for preparing coated polyurethane foams. More specifically, these coated polyurethane foams comprise (a) a polyurethane foam substrate, and (b) at least one bilayer of a coating composition on the foam substrate which comprises (1) a layer of a positively or negatively charged carbon allotrope, and (2) a layer of a positively or negatively charged polymer. When the carbon allotrope is positively charged, the other material is negatively charged, and vice versa. The final product (i.e. coated polyurethane foam) contains at least 1% by weight of the coating composition, based on 100% by weight of the coated polyurethane foam. The foams described herein have a surface resistivity of less than or equal to 10 | 09-18-2014 |
20140275471 | ACTIVE POLYMER POLYOLS AND A PROCESS FOR THEIR PRODUCTION - Polymer polyols having a solids content of greater than 40 wt. %, a total ethylene oxide content of up to 25 wt. %, and a viscosity at 25° C. of less than 15,000 centistokes are produced by reacting (1) a base polyol having active hydrogen atoms with an ethylene oxide content of from 15 to 40 wt. % that has been formed in the presence of a double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst, (2) one or more unsaturated monomers, (3) at least one radical initiator, optionally (4) a preformed stabilizer and optionally (5) a chain transfer agent. These polymer polyols (PMPOs) are useful in the preparation of polyurethane foams and elastomers. | 09-18-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080280051 | Low cost, high performance, flexible, water-swellable reinforcement for communications cable - A low cost, high performance, water-swellable, flexible reinforcement member that can be used for both optical and copper communications cable. The water-swellable reinforcement members made according to the preferred process are more rigid than known reinforcement members, but are less rigid than glass pultruded rods. Communications cables utilizing these members are lightweight, water-swellable and exhibit an improved combination of strength and flexibility compared to traditional communications cables. Further, these communication cables may then be installed into underground ducts using more economical and faster installation techniques. | 11-13-2008 |
20090258555 | Superabsorbent Water-Resistant Coatings - Articles coated with a water-resistant coating that absorbs water to provide the water-resistant effect, and desorbs water when the coating is dried, and a method of providing water resistance and corrosion resistance to articles prepared with such coatings. The coating is formed by applying a composition comprising an aqueous solution of a superabsorbent water-soluble polymer precursor, optionally a viscosity modifying agent, and optionally a lubricant onto the surfaces of the article, and curing to form a coating comprising the superabsorbent polymer. | 10-15-2009 |
20130034659 | Low Cost, High Performance, Low Profile Flexible Reinforcement for Communications Cable - A low cost, high performance, low profile flexible reinforcement member that can be used for both optical and copper communications cable. The reinforcement members made according to the preferred process are more rigid than known reinforcement members, but are less rigid than glass pultruded rods. Communications cables utilizing these members are lightweight and exhibit an improved combination of strength and flexibility compared to traditional communications cables. Further, these communication cables may then be installed into underground ducts using more economical and faster installation techniques. | 02-07-2013 |
20130112342 | Compact, Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Rods For Optical Cable Reinforcements And Method For Making Same - Fiber reinforcement rods having a combination of reinforcing fiber members coated with a UV curable vinyl ester resin material and a polybutylene terephthalate/polyether glycol or ethylene acrylic acid topcoat layer. The reinforcing fiber members may be S-type fiber members, E-type glass fiber members, a combination thereof, or E-type glass fiber members and/or S-type glass fiber members with high strength synthetic strands of poly(p-phenylene 2,6 benzoisoxazole fiber members. The topcoat layer provides enhanced properties of specific adhesion, enhanced environmental protection, resistance to surface fiber breakage, and to some degree resistance from delamination. | 05-09-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100203329 | POWDER COATED ROVING FOR MAKING STRUCTURAL COMPOSITES - A powder coated roving material for making structural parts is provided. The powder coated roving includes a bundle of fibers at least substantially coated with a powder coating material. The bundle is formed of a plurality of inner fibers and a plurality of outer fibers surrounding the inner fibers. The size composition maintains the fibers in a bundled orientation during processing and releases the fibers during molding. The size composition includes an epoxy resin emulsion containing at least one surfactant and a solid epoxy resin having an epoxy equivalent weight from about 450 to about 950, at least one epoxy silane coupling agent, at least one non-ionic lubricant, at least one cationic lubricant, and at least one organic acid. In addition, the size composition may have an acetone solubility from about 30% to about 75%. A method of making a composite roving is also provided. | 08-12-2010 |
20110305904 | SIZING COMPOSITION FOR GLASS FIBERS - A sizing composition that permits in-line chopping and drying of reinforcement fibers for reinforcing thermoset resins is provided. The size composition includes at least one coupling agent and one or more blocked polyurethane film forming agents. The blocking agent preferably de-blocks at a temperature that permits simultaneous or nearly simultaneous de-blocking and curing of the polyurethane film former. The sized fiber strands may be chopped to form chopped strand segments and dried in a fluidized bed oven, such as a Cratec® drying oven, in-line. The chopped fiber strands may then be used in a bulk molding compound and molded into a reinforced composite article. Chopping the glass fibers in-line lowers the manufacturing costs for products produced from the sized fiber bundles. Further, because the reinforcement fibers can be chopped and dried at a much faster rate with the inventive size composition compared to conventional off-line chopping processes, productivity is increased. | 12-15-2011 |
20120034441 | Composition for forming wet fiber based composite materials - A wet fiber based composition that includes wet glass fibers, a water dispersible polymeric resin, and gypsum is provided. Components including melamine formaldehyde, a filler material, coupling agents, acetic acid, an accelerator, and/or a hardener may also be added to the composition. The gypsum may be a-gypsum, B-gypsum, or combinations thereof. The wet glass fibers are wet chopped glass fibers or a wet continuous roving. The combination of the wet glass fibers, the water dispersible polymeric resin, and the gypsum have a synergistic effect that creates a composite product that is water resistant, fire resistant, and has improved mechanical properties. In one exemplary embodiment, the wet fiber based composition is used to form a gypsum board that can be molded into various composite products. In other exemplary embodiments, thin multi-ply gypsum boards may be formed by alternately layering glass mats with layers of a gypsum/polymer slurry. | 02-09-2012 |
20140038481 | FIBERGLASS REINFORCED COMPOSITES - A fiberglass reinforced composite is provided with improved physical properties. The fiberglass reinforced composite incorporates core-shell rubber nanoparticles within the resinous binder of the composite and/or within a sizing composition coated directly onto the individual glass fibers. | 02-06-2014 |