Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080260593 | Method and apparatus for processing substances in a single container - In one example embodiment of the present invention, a vessel having an open end and a closed end is provided. The vessel further includes, but is not limited to, a filtering substance. The filtering means is disposed generally toward the closed end of the vessel. Subsequently the closed end of the tube or vessel can be pierced so that the liquid and waste products can be removed from the vessel through the pierced aperture. In another example embodiment, a method for processing at least one substance in a vessel capable of retaining at least one substance is provided. The method includes, but is not limited to, introducing the at least one substance into the vessel. The method further comprises processing the at least one substance. The method further includes, but is not limited to, creating an aperture in the vessel; and removing at least one substance through the aperture. | 10-23-2008 |
20080264117 | Locking apparatus and method - An apparatus for connecting a plurality of structures, such as ends of a sealing ring, with each end defining an aperture therein and with the ring being adapted to mount a meter to a meter box structure. The apparatus comprises a locking pin with a distal end adapted to be insertable through each of the apertures of the first and second ends of the ring. The locking pin comprises a head member having at least an engageable end and a fracturable member. The locking pin further comprises a shaft portion having the distal end. The apparatus further comprises a lock housing adapted to retain at least a part of the shaft portion such that the first and second ends of the ring are connected between the head member of the locking pin and the lock housing. The head member has an outer surface adapted to receive at least two opposing forces, the at least two opposing forces being of sufficient magnitude to break the fracturable member. A lock removal tool is adapted to receive and fracture a portion of the locking pin, enabling removal of the lock assembly from the meter box sealing ring. In an example embodiment an apparatus and method is provided for securing at least one structure or a plurality of structures, used with a utility service enclosure, or for example, a meter box locking ring having, for example, flanged ends or used to seal for example, utility enclosures, meter boxes or trucking, shipping, airline or other transportation containers or enclosures. An example embodiment also provides a tamper-evident locking apparatus or seal that is adapted to indicate tampering. | 10-30-2008 |
20080290670 | Sealing system and method - An apparatus for connecting a plurality of structures, such as ends of a sealing ring, with each end defining an aperture therein and with the ring being adapted to mount a meter to a meter box structure. The apparatus comprises a locking pin with a distal end adapted to be insertable through each of the apertures of the first and second ends of the ring. The locking pin comprises a head member having at least an engageable end and a fracturable member. The locking pin further comprises a shaft portion having the distal end. The apparatus further comprises a lock housing adapted to retain at least a part of the shaft portion such that the first and second ends of the ring are connected between the head member of the locking pin and the lock housing. The head member has an outer surface adapted to receive at least two opposing forces, the at least two opposing forces being of sufficient magnitude to break the fracturable member. A lock removal tool is adapted to receive and fracture a portion of the locking pin, enabling removal of the lock assembly from the meter box sealing ring. In an example embodiment an apparatus and method is provided for securing at least one structure or a plurality of structures, used with a utility service enclosure, or for example, a meter box locking ring having, for example, flanged ends or used to seal for example, utility enclosures, meter boxes or trucking, shipping, airline or other transportation containers or enclosures. An example embodiment also provides a tamper-evident locking apparatus or seal that is adapted to indicate tampering. | 11-27-2008 |
20090084979 | High-speed molecular analyzer system and method - This invention relates to a device, in one example embodiment, for the determination of the sequence of nucleic acids and other polymeric or chain type molecules. The device analyzes a sample prepared by incorporating fluorescent dyes at the end of copies of varying lengths of the sample to be sequenced. The sample is then vaporized, charged and accelerated in an evacuated chamber. The individual molecules of the sample are accelerated to different velocities because of their different masses, which cause, in one embodiment, the molecules to be sorted by length as they travel along the evacuated chamber. Once sorted, the stream of molecules is illuminated causing the fluorescent dyes to emit light that is picked up by a detector. The output of the detector is then processed by a computer to yield of the sequence of the sample under analysis. Such an embodiment improves over the art by using photo-detection of the individual molecules instead of measuring the time of flight to a detector that measures collisions. Unlike mass spectrometry, the method of such an embodiment does not require the extreme sensitivity required to differentiate between very small mass differences in large molecules. Such an embodiment is therefore more robust than the art and well suited for high throughput sequencing of, for example, various large nucleic acid molecules. | 04-02-2009 |
20090218481 | High-Speed Molecular Analyzer System and Method - This invention relates to a device for the determination of the sequence of nucleic acids and other polymeric or chain type molecules. Specifically, the device analyzes a sample prepared by incorporating fluorescent dyes at the end of copies of varying lengths of the sample to be sequenced. The sample is then vaporized, charged and accelerated down an evacuated chamber. The individual molecules of the sample are accelerated to different velocities because of their different masses, which cause the molecules to be sorted by length as they travel down the evacuated chamber. Once sorted, the stream of molecules is illuminated causing the fluorescent dyes to emit light that is picked up by a detector. The output of the detector is then processed by a computer to yield of the sequence of the sample under analysis. The present invention improves over the prior art by using photo-detection of the individual molecules instead of measuring the time of flight to a detector that measure collisions. Unlike mass spectrometry, the method of the present invention does not require the extreme sensitivity required to differentiate between very small mass differences in large molecules. The present invention is therefore more robust than the prior art and well suited for extremely high throughput sequencing of large nucleic acid molecules. | 09-03-2009 |
20100000270 | LOCKING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An apparatus for connecting a plurality of structures, such as ends of a sealing ring, with each end defining an aperture therein and with the ring being adapted to mount a meter to a meter box structure. The apparatus comprises a locking pin with a distal end adapted to be insertable through each of the apertures of the first and second ends of the ring. The locking pin comprises a head member having at least an engageable end and a fracturable member. The locking pin further comprises a shaft portion having the distal end. The apparatus further comprises a lock housing adapted to retain at least a part of the shaft portion such that the first and second ends of the ring are connected between the head member of the locking pin and the lock housing. The head member has an outer surface adapted to receive at least two opposing forces, the at least two opposing forces being of sufficient magnitude to break the fracturable member. A lock removal tool is adapted to receive and fracture a portion of the locking pin, enabling removal of the lock assembly from the meter box sealing ring. In an example embodiment an apparatus and method is provided for securing at least one structure or a plurality of structures, used with a utility service enclosure, or for example, a meter box locking ring having, for example, flanged ends or used to seal for example, utility enclosures, meter boxes or trucking, shipping, airline or other transportation containers or enclosures. An example embodiment also provides a tamper-evident locking apparatus or seal that is adapted to indicate tampering. | 01-07-2010 |
20100129259 | High throughput sample preparation - Methods, devices, and systems are provided for processing and manipulation of biological substances. A variety of example embodiments are shown in which enhanced processing are provided. In one non-limiting example, a device is provided for processing containers having a plurality of biological sample wells wherein at least one of the wells includes a biological sample. The device comprises processing stations, a sample guide between the at least two processing stations, and an actuator of the container from at least one processing station to at least another processing station. | 05-27-2010 |
20100295255 | Retaining apparatus for a seal - An apparatus for connecting a plurality of structures, such as ends of a sealing ring, with each end defining an aperture therein and with the ring being adapted to mount a meter to a meter box structure. The apparatus comprises a locking pin with a distal end adapted to be insertable through each of the apertures of the first and second ends of the ring. The locking pin comprises a head member having at least an engageable end and a fracturable member. The locking pin further comprises a shaft portion having the distal end. The apparatus further comprises a lock housing adapted to retain at least a part of the shaft portion such that the first and second ends of the ring are connected between the head member of the locking pin and the lock housing. The head member has an outer surface adapted to receive at least two opposing forces, the at least two opposing forces being of sufficient magnitude to break the fracturable member. A lock removal tool is adapted to receive and fracture a portion of the locking pin, enabling removal of the lock assembly from the meter box sealing ring. In an example embodiment an apparatus and method is provided for securing at least one structure or a plurality of structures, used with a utility service enclosure, or for example, a meter box locking ring having, for example, flanged ends or used to seal for example, utility enclosures, meter boxes or trucking, shipping, airline or other transportation containers or enclosures. An example embodiment also provides a tamper-evident locking apparatus or seal that is adapted to indicate tampering. | 11-25-2010 |
20100319415 | Rotation Restricted Locking Apparatus and Method - An example embodiment relates to preventing rotation of a barrel lock when opened by a key. At least one example embodiment includes a rotationally actuated barrel lock for securing electric meter boxes and the like, and a spring loaded clip for mounting inside the meter box. Lock actuation is characterized by rotation of a key relative to the lock. The barrel lock includes a head portion, and a smaller diameter shank portion with flatted areas thereon. The clip includes, in an example embodiment, a lock receiving opening with internal protrusions which engage the flatted areas on the lock shank, thereby preventing rotation of the lock when it is engaged by the key. | 12-23-2010 |
20110044866 | Method and Apparatus for Processing Substances in a Single Container - In one example embodiment of the present invention, a vessel having an open end and a closed end is provided. The vessel further includes, but is not limited to, a filtering substance. The filtering means is disposed generally toward the closed end of the vessel. Subsequently the closed end of the tube or vessel can be pierced so that the liquid and waste products can be removed from the vessel through the pierced aperture. In another example embodiment, a method for processing at least one substance in a vessel capable of retaining at least one substance is provided. The method includes, but is not limited to, introducing the at least one substance into the vessel. The method further comprises processing the at least one substance. The method further includes, but is not limited to, creating an aperture in the vessel; and removing at least one substance through the aperture. | 02-24-2011 |
20110142531 | Sealing System and Method - An apparatus for connecting a plurality of structures, such as ends of a sealing ring, with each end defining an aperture therein and with the ring being adapted to mount a meter to a meter box structure. The apparatus comprises a locking pin with a distal end adapted to be insertable through each of the apertures of the first and second ends of the ring. The locking pin comprises a head member having at least an engageable end and a fracturable member. The locking pin further comprises a shaft portion having the distal end. The apparatus further comprises a lock housing adapted to retain at least a part of the shaft portion such that the first and second ends of the ring are connected between the head member of the locking pin and the lock housing. The head member has an outer surface adapted to receive at least two opposing forces, the at least two opposing forces being of sufficient magnitude to break the fracturable member. A lock removal tool is adapted to receive and fracture a portion of the locking pin, enabling removal of the lock assembly from the meter box sealing ring. In an example embodiment an apparatus and method is provided for securing at least one structure or a plurality of structures, used with a utility service enclosure, or for example, a meter box locking ring having, for example, flanged ends or used to seal for example, utility enclosures, meter boxes or trucking, shipping, airline or other transportation containers or enclosures. An example embodiment also provides a tamper-evident locking apparatus or seal that is adapted to indicate tampering. | 06-16-2011 |
20110174973 | High-Speed Molecular Analyzer System and Method - This invention relates to a device, in one example embodiment, for the determination of the sequence of nucleic acids and other polymeric or chain type molecules. The device analyzes a sample prepared by incorporating fluorescent dyes at the end of copies of varying lengths of the sample to be sequenced. The sample is then vaporized, charged and accelerated in an evacuated chamber. The individual molecules of the sample are accelerated to different velocities because of their different masses, which cause, in one embodiment, the molecules to be sorted by length as they travel along the evacuated chamber. Once sorted, the stream of molecules is illuminated causing the fluorescent dyes to emit light that is picked up by a detector. The output of the detector is then processed by a computer to yield of the sequence of the sample under analysis. Such an embodiment improves over the art by using photo-detection of the individual molecules instead of measuring the time of flight to a detector that measures collisions. Unlike mass spectrometry, the method of such an embodiment does not require the extreme sensitivity required to differentiate between very small mass differences in large molecules. Such an embodiment is therefore more robust than the art and well suited for high throughput sequencing of for example, various large nucleic acid molecules. | 07-21-2011 |
20110198865 | Securing Apparatus and Method - A securing apparatus is provided for securing, in one embodiment, a plurality of enclosures, such as for example, a plurality of electric meter boxes, the apparatus being mountable to the at least one of the plurality of enclosures. The securing apparatus comprises an enclosure locking member which includes at least a bracket arm, a fastening member and a housing mountable to at least one enclosure; the securing apparatus further comprises a securing member having first and second ends, with the securing member including at least a securing bar and a coupling member being moveably attachable to the securing bar, wherein the coupling member is pivotably mateable with the extended flange of the enclosure locking member. | 08-18-2011 |
20110203335 | Securing Apparatus and Method - A securing apparatus is provided for securing, in one embodiment, a plurality of enclosures, such as for example, a plurality of electric meter boxes, the apparatus being mountable to the at least one of the plurality of enclosures. The securing apparatus comprises an enclosure locking member which includes at least a bracket arm, a fastening member and a housing mountable to at least one enclosure; the securing apparatus further comprises a securing member having first and second ends, with the securing member including at least a securing bar and a coupling member being moveably attachable to the securing bar, wherein the coupling member is pivotably mateable with the extended flange of the enclosure locking member. | 08-25-2011 |
20110283749 | Rotation Restricted Locking Apparatus and Method - An example embodiment relates to preventing rotation of a barrel lock when opened by a key. At least one example embodiment includes a rotationally actuated barrel lock for securing electric meter boxes and the like, and a spring loaded clip for mounting inside the meter box. Lock actuation is characterized by rotation of a key relative to the lock. The barrel lock includes a head portion, and a smaller diameter shank portion with flatted areas thereon. The clip includes, in an example embodiment, a lock receiving opening with internal protrusions which engage the flatted areas on the lock shank, thereby preventing rotation of the lock when it is engaged by the key. | 11-24-2011 |
20120110829 | Lock Retention System and Method - An apparatus and method for securing an electrical meter to a meter socket box. In certain embodiments, the method comprises providing a ring comprising an annular body portion having a split forming first and second ends of the annular body portion, the ring having central axis, and further disposing at least a first flange on the first end of the annular body portion. The method further comprises disposing a retaining member on the first flange, the retaining member having a central axis generally parallel to the central axis of the ring. The retaining member, in some embodiments, comprises a body defining a bore, wherein the radial cross section is continuous in at least a portion of the bore along the central axis of the retaining member. The method further comprises providing a housing wherein at least a portion of the housing comprises a receiver element and further comprises a housing body defining a cavity, wherein the housing body forms an open end in communication with the cavity so as to receiveably capture at least a portion of the first flange and second end of the annular body portion, and wherein a first aperture is formed through the receiver element. Further, the first aperture is coaxially alignable and in communication with the bore of the retainer so as to receive a barrel lock. | 05-10-2012 |
20120167369 | Keyless Insertion Locking System and Method - The present invention, in a non-limiting example embodiment provides a locking apparatus and method for securing locking hardware without the use of a key. In an example embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least a keyless insertion rotatable disk-style, barrel locking apparatus that, in a locked state can be inserted into a securing device without first unlocking, and then, thereafter, locking after insertion. In a nonlimiting example embodiment, unlocking and re-locking requires a key. The present invention, in an example embodiment, also provides features that allow the locking apparatus to enter and exit multiple apertures without requiring a key. | 07-05-2012 |
20130000367 | Disk Tumbler Lock and an Improved Key and Restrictive Keyway - A disc tumbler lock having a code range angle, the disc tumbler lock including at least: at least one tumbler and a guard tumbler, the at least one tumbler and the guard tumbler defining a keyway aperture there through; wherein the at least one tumbler includes at least: a key engaging surface defining a key engaging zone, the key engaging zone having a first radius defining the major extent of the key engaging zone, and the key engaging zone having a second radius defining the minor extent of the key engaging zone; wherein the guard tumbler defines: a restrictive aperture comprising a restrictive width having a minimum dimension less than or equal to the sum of the first radius defining the major extent of the key engaging zone and the second radius of the minor extent defining the key engaging zone multiplied by the sine of one half of the following: the code range angle of the lock, minus the angular measure between a last code angle for the lock and a second to last code angle for the lock, minus the angular span of the key engaging surface. | 01-03-2013 |
20130008008 | Keyless Insertion Locking System and Method - The present invention, in a non-limiting example embodiment provides a locking apparatus and method for securing locking hardware without the use of a key. In an example embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least a keyless insertion rotatable disk-style, barrel locking apparatus that, in a locked state can be inserted into a securing device without first unlocking, and then, thereafter, locking after insertion. In a nonlimiting example embodiment, unlocking and re-locking requires a key. The present invention, in an example embodiment, also provides features that allow the locking apparatus to enter and exit multiple apertures without requiring a key. | 01-10-2013 |
20130205845 | Rotation Restricted Locking Apparatus and Method - An example embodiment relates to preventing rotation of a barrel lock when opened by a key. At least one example embodiment includes a rotationally actuated barrel lock for securing electric meter boxes and the like, and a spring loaded clip for mounting inside the meter box. Lock actuation is characterized by rotation of a key relative to the lock. The barrel lock includes a head portion, and a smaller diameter shank portion with flatted areas thereon. The clip includes, in an example embodiment, a lock receiving opening with internal protrusions which engage the flatted areas on the lock shank, thereby preventing rotation of the lock when it is engaged by the key. | 08-15-2013 |
20130205846 | Rotation Restricted Locking System and Method - An example embodiment relates to preventing rotation of a barrel lock when opened by a key. At least one example embodiment includes a rotationally actuated barrel lock for securing electric meter boxes and the like, and a spring loaded clip for mounting inside the meter box. Lock actuation is characterized by rotation of a key relative to the lock. The barrel lock includes a head portion, and a smaller diameter shank portion with flatted areas thereon. The clip includes, in an example embodiment, a lock receiving opening with internal protrusions which engage the flatted areas on the lock shank, thereby preventing rotation of the lock when it is engaged by the key. | 08-15-2013 |
20130247624 | Bolt sealing apparatus and method - An apparatus for connecting a plurality of structures, such as ends of a scaling ring, with each end defining an aperture therein and with the ring being adapted to mount a meter to a meter box structure. The apparatus comprises a locking pin with a distal end adapted to be insertable through each of the apertures of the first and second ends of the ring. The locking pin comprises a head member having at least an engageable end and a fracturable member. The locking pin further comprises a shaft portion having the distal end. The apparatus further comprises a lock housing adapted to retain at least a part of the shaft portion such that the first and second ends of the ring are connected between the head member of the locking pin and the lock housing. The head member has an outer surface adapted to receive at least two opposing forces, the at least two opposing forces being of sufficient magnitude to break the fracturable member. A lock removal tool is adapted to receive and fracture a portion of the locking pin, enabling removal of the lock assembly from the meter box sealing ring. In an example embodiment an apparatus and method is provided for securing at least one structure or a plurality of structures, used with a utility service enclosure, or for example, a meter box locking ring having, for example, flanged ends or used to seal for example, utility enclosures, meter boxes or trucking, shipping, airline or other transportation containers or enclosures. An example embodiment also provides a tamper-evident locking apparatus or seal that is adapted to indicate tampering. | 09-26-2013 |
20140026385 | Keyless Insertion Locking System and Method - The present invention, in a non-limiting example embodiment provides a locking apparatus and method for securing locking hardware without the use of a key. In an example embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least a keyless insertion rotatable disk-style, barrel locking apparatus that, in a locked state can be inserted into a securing device without first unlocking, and then, thereafter, locking after insertion. In a nonlimiting example embodiment, unlocking and re-locking requires a key. The present invention, in an example embodiment, also provides features that allow the locking apparatus to enter and exit multiple apertures without requiring a key. | 01-30-2014 |
20140053386 | Keyless Insertion Locking System and Method - The present invention, in a non-limiting example embodiment provides a locking apparatus and method for securing locking hardware without the use of a key. In an example embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least a keyless insertion rotatable disk-style, barrel locking apparatus that, in a locked state can be inserted into a securing device without first unlocking, and then, thereafter, locking after insertion. In a nonlimiting example embodiment, unlocking and re-locking requires a key. The present invention, in an example embodiment, also provides features that allow the locking apparatus to enter and exit multiple apertures without requiring a key. | 02-27-2014 |
20140260450 | ELECTRONIC LOCKING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An electronic locking mechanism has a body portion with movable retaining members that are controlled utilizing an electrically controlled actuator. The actuator operates the retaining member to move radially outwardly of the body portion circumference in a locked position and allows the retaining member to move radially inwardly of the circumference in an unlocked position. An electronic key can be utilized to operate the electronic locking mechanism. | 09-18-2014 |
20140260453 | ELECTRONIC LOCKING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An electronic locking mechanism has a body portion with movable retaining members that are controlled utilizing an electrically controlled actuator. The actuator operates the retaining member to move radially outwardly of the body portion circumference in a locked position and allows the retaining member to move radially inwardly of the circumference in an unlocked position. An electronic key can be utilized to operate the electronic locking mechanism. | 09-18-2014 |
20140260454 | ELECTRONIC LOCKING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An electronic locking mechanism has a body portion with movable retaining members that are controlled utilizing an electrically controlled actuator. The actuator operates the retaining member to move radially outwardly of the body portion circumference in a locked position and allows the retaining member to move radially inwardly of the circumference in an unlocked position. An electronic key can be utilized to operate the electronic locking mechanism. | 09-18-2014 |
20140260455 | ELECTRONIC LOCKING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An electronic locking mechanism has a body portion with movable retaining members that are controlled utilizing an electrically controlled actuator. The actuator operates the retaining member to move radially outwardly of the body portion circumference in a locked position and allows the retaining member to move radially inwardly of the circumference in an unlocked position. An electronic key can be utilized to operate the electronic locking mechanism. | 09-18-2014 |
20140260456 | ELECTRONIC LOCKING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An electronic locking mechanism has a body portion with movable retaining members that are controlled utilizing an electrically controlled actuator. The actuator operates the retaining member to move radially outwardly of the body portion circumference in a locked position and allows the retaining member to move radially inwardly of the circumference in an unlocked position. An electronic key can be utilized to operate the electronic locking mechanism. | 09-18-2014 |
20150027176 | Securing Apparatus, System and Method - The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for securing a box cover to a watthour meter socket box and relates to an apparatus, a system and method including a ring comprising an annular body portion and further comprising first and second tab members and a connective member disposed on the first tab member. The connective member comprises a fastening member comprising a fastener body portion forming a head section and a shaft section. The shaft section forms an open end, and the fastener body portion comprises a fastener interior surface defining a cavity extending axially from the open end and into at least the shaft section, and wherein the exterior surface of the shaft section forms a thread member. A receiver member is disposed on the second tab member, wherein the receiver member comprises an interior surface defining a receiving groove adapted to threadably receive the thread member of the shaft section, the first and second tab members being securable by the connective member and receiver member, and wherein the interior surface of the receiver member is configured for receiving a locking member, and the fastener interior surface is configured for interconnection with the locking member. | 01-29-2015 |