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Block, US

Aaron Block, Washington, DC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110161250DISTRIBUTED ENERGY GENERATOR MONITOR AND METHOD OF USE - A computerized method and system for monitoring at least one distributed energy generator, comprising: receiving utility bill information related to an existing utility of a customer, and measured energy information from the distributed energy generator of the customer; and generating a bill for measured energy from the distributed energy generator, the bill taking into account the utility bill information related to the existing utility.06-30-2011

Allan James Block, Toledo, OH US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120266057ELECTRONIC NEWSPAPER - A system for conveying printed information to a user, the system including a server receiving a data file representing an image, a software hosted on the server to generate an HyperText Markup Language environment including the image represented by the data file, wherein the HyperText Markup Language environment facilitates the manipulation of the image represented by the data file, and a user interface having a web browser to display the HyperText Markup Language environment to the user, wherein the image represented by the data file is viewable by the user.10-18-2012

Brian Francis Block, Egg Harbor Township, NJ US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120079748COVER FOR GOLF SHOES - A covering for a golf shoe may include a covering in the shape of a golf shoe and a user's lower leg configured to cover a golf shoe and may include a band configured to tighten the covering over a user's golf shoe and lower leg.04-05-2012

Bruce Block, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120145892AUXILIARY FREQUENCY PARAMETRIC EXCITATION OF QUADRUPOLE MASS SPECTROMETERS - The apparatus introduces a second adjustable resonant point in a QMS at a frequency that is close to a multiple of the fundamental frequency by adjusting driving point impedance characteristics of the QMS. The apparatus measures the first and second resonant point of the QMS to account for changes in the operational characteristics of the QMS.06-14-2012

Bruce P. Block, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110088452MICROFABRICATED THERMAL MODULATOR FOR COMPREHENSIVE 2D GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY - A two-dimensional gas chromatography system having first and second separation columns, a thermal modulator disposed between the first and second columns and having a plurality of stage channels, and a micro heater monolithically integrated in the thermal modulator. The thermal modulator is operable to trap and focus gas/vapor species within the plurality of stage channels upon cooling and release the gas/vapor species to the second column upon heating by the micro heater.04-21-2011

Chuck Block, Chula Vista, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120213894Device and Method for Rotation of Confectionery - A hand-held candy device for rotational engagement of a confectionary such as sucker or lollipop at the distal end of a handle adapted for gripping by the fingers of a user. The candy sucker is removably rotationally engageable on an axle positioned at or adjacent to the distal end of the handle. The candy is provided in multiple colors and flavors in candy components each of which is engageable to the axle on the handle by a user thereby providing users with the ability to customize and reuse the sucker handles and to spin the engaged candy once engaged to the axle for amusement or to allow tasting different sections of the unitary formed candy which have different flavors.08-23-2012

Clifford H. Block, Berkeley, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120089909GOAL MANAGEMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM - A computer-implemented method of generating a set of goals is presented. The method entails receiving user input that includes items and an input value associated with each of the items. Individual values are assigned to the items based on the input value. The individual values are then summed to generate a total value, and the items are ranked according to the contributions of their respective individual values to the total value. A difference between the total value and a corresponding reference value is determined. The input value that is associated with the highest-ranking item is changed, and the total value and the difference are then recalculated using the changed input value. The process is repeated with the next highest-ranked item and the next until a condition is fulfilled. A goal is defined based on the changed input value of the items at the time the condition is fulfilled.04-12-2012

Dale A. Block, Schererville, IN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080293288Raceway IDC Connector - A dual-sided IDC connector for use in connecting electrical components to field wiring is described. One side of the IDC connector may be factory-wired to an electrical component. A second side of the IDC connector may be field-wired in an end-wiring or a through-wiring configuration. The second side of the IDC connector may have multiple covers to minimize the effort required by a field technician to terminate the field-wiring. The IDC connector may be easily mounted to existing raceways, outlet strips, and junction boxes.11-27-2008
20090086463Wall Mounted Enclosure With Rotating Patch Panel Frame - An apparatus for mounting electrical equipment comprises a frame for carrying electrical equipment, a hinge connected to the frame, and a cable ring connected to the hinge. The cable ring is positioned between the frame and an axis of rotation of the hinge.04-02-2009
20090305538Wall Mounted Enclosure with Rotating Patch Panel Frame - An apparatus for mounting electrical equipment includes a frame for carrying electrical equipment, a hinge connected to the frame, and a cable ring connected to the hinge. The cable ring is positioned between the frame and an axis of rotation of the hinge.12-10-2009
20110083873Network Cabinet Fitting System - A fitting system for sealing an opening in a top cap of a network cabinet includes a grommet and at least one of a fitting assembly and a cover. The grommet is secured to the opening in the top cap of the network cabinet. The fitting assembly and the cover are secured to the grommet and may include at least one finger lift. A sleeve or a tube may be secured to the fitting assembly.04-14-2011

Patent applications by Dale A. Block, Schererville, IN US

Danny Lee Block, Reeds, MO US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110308241COMPRESSED AIR ENGINE - An air engine system includes a motor coupled to the drive shaft of an air engine to control the speed of the air engine. The air engine uses compressed air from a compressed air source provided by an air compressor. The air engine may be used on a vehicle, providing a clean environmentally-friendly means of locomotion. Conventional internal combustion engines may be retrofitted to operate on compressed air. Many of the parts on an internal combustion engine are not needed after retrofitting to be an air engine, including the heads. The heads are replaced by head plates that are coupled to solenoids that provide both intake and exhaust functions to the cylinders, thereby replacing the valves in the heads. A kit provides parts and instructions for retrofitting an existing internal combustion engine to run on compressed air.12-22-2011
20110308382COMPRESSED AIR ENGINE - An air engine system includes a motor coupled to the drive shaft of an air engine to control the speed of the air engine. The air engine uses compressed air from a compressed air source provided by an air compressor. The air engine may be used on a vehicle, providing a clean environmentally-friendly means of locomotion.12-22-2011

David Block, Brooklyn, NY US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120246959Brake Mechanism for a Device for Drying Foods and Other Items - A brake assembly for reducing the rotational velocity the spinning basket of a food spinning device applies a frictional force to an annular ridge on the lid of the spinning basket. A brake button movably disposed in a cover of the spinning device includes flexible pinching arms having cam surfaces. The cam surfaces of the flexible pinching arms extend through a guide aperture, thereby causing the pinching arms to flex toward each other when the brake button is depressed and to apply the frictional engagement to the annular ridge.10-04-2012

David Block, El Cerrito, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090184989CONTROLLER - A controller arranged to provide print data to a print apparatus, said print data comprising an image to be printed on a disc, said image being such that at least one print parameter is determinable from said image when printed on said disc; receive said at least one print parameter; and control a subsequent printing operation on a disc based on said received at least one print parameter.07-23-2009
20100202816HYBRID PRINTER - A printing device comprising a casing having a first part housing a first printing mechanism which comprises a printhead and a platen located at a print zone, and a holder for holding a roll of precut label stock in a position to pass through the print zone, and a second part housing a second printing mechanism which comprises a printhead and a platen located at a print zone and means for receiving a cassette housing image receiving tape in a position to pass through the print zone.08-12-2010
20140176990PRINTER - A label printer comprising: a connector configured to allow said label printer to be connected to a PC; at least one memory; at least one processor; said label printer being configured to function as a Human Interface Device (HID) when connected to said PC.06-26-2014

Patent applications by David Block, El Cerrito, CA US

David Block, Baltimore, MD US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120121578METHODS OF USING IMMUNOGLOBULIN AGGREGATES - The current invention provides a method of treating a mammal in need of such treatment with aggregated IgG derived from pooled human plasma. The invention further provides using the discarded fraction obtained during the course of standard IgG fractionation as the source of the aggregated IgG. The methods of the invention further provide for enhancing the aggregation of the aggregate fraction as well as enriching and modifying glycoforms.05-17-2012
20140072582MOLECULES WITH ANTIGEN BINDING AND POLYVALENT FC GAMMA RECEPTOR BINDING ACTIVITY - The current invention involves biologically active proteins termed stradobodies. The stradobodies have two or more domains that create stradobody multimers. The stradobodies have both antigen-binding capacity and the ability to bind Fc receptors (FcR), and are useful in the treatment and prevention of disease.03-13-2014
20140370012FUSION PROTEINS COMPRISING IGG2 HINGE DOMAINS - The present invention relates to biologically active fusion proteins containing the IgG2 hinge as a multimerization domain capable of multimerizing proteins, peptides and small molecules which are active or more active in multimeric form; compositions comprising such fusion proteins; and methods of making and using such fusion proteins.12-18-2014

David Block, Pleasanton, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120017118METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TESTING AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT INCLUDING AN I/O INTERFACE - Methods and apparatus provide for testing an integrated circuit including an input/output (I/O) interface. The method and apparatus place the I/O interface in a test mode by test enabling logic. During the test mode, the method and apparatus also provide, by a clock generator in the I/O interface, an internal phase-aligned receiver clock signal to a plurality of transceivers in the I/O interface. The clock generator is a transmitter portion of one of the plurality of transceivers in the I/O interface. The method and apparatus then monitor for errors in loopback data from the plurality of transceivers in the I/O interface by an automatic test equipment (ATE). The phase of the internal phase-aligned receiver clock signal is aligned with the loopback data of the plurality of transceivers, and the frequency of the internal phase-aligned receiver clock signal may be above about 200 MHz.01-19-2012

David Joseph Block, Pleasanton, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140036985DECISION FEEDBACK EQUALIZATION WITH SELECTABLE TAP - A system generates a set of candidate signals based on a received signal, whereby each candidate signal represents an adjustment of the signal for a different amount of potential noise. The system selects one of the candidate signals based on a selected subset of previous samples and the values of the selected subset of samples. The subset of previous samples is selected based on a predicted noise pattern.02-06-2014

David S. Block, Baltimore, MD US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130156765FUSION PROTEINS OF NATURAL HUMAN PROTEIN FRAGMENTS TO CREATE ORDERLY MULTIMERIZED IMMUNOGLOBULIN Fc COMPOSITIONS - The current invention involves a series of fully recombinant multimerized forms of immunoglobulin Fc which thereby present polyvalent immunoglobulin Fc to immune cell receptors. The fusion proteins exist as both homodimeric and highly ordered multimeric fractions, termed stradomers. In comparison to the homodimeric fraction, purified multimeric stradomers have higher affinity and avidity for Fc Rs with slower dissociation and are useful in the treatment and prevention of disease. The current invention demonstrates that directly linking IgG1 Fc regions to multimerization domains leads to enhanced multimerization and biological activity.06-20-2013

David S. Block, Ruxton, MD US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100239633IMMUNOGLOBULIN CONSTANT REGION FC RECEPTOR BINDING AGENTS - IVIG replacement compounds are derived from recombinant and/or biochemical creation of immunologically active biomimetic(s). These replacement compounds are then screened in vitro to assess each replacements compound's efficiency at modulating immune function. Particular replacement compounds are selected for further in vivo validation and dosage/administration optimization. Finally, the replacement compounds are used to treat a wide range of diseases, including inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.09-23-2010
20120309941IMMUNOGLOBULIN CONSTANT REGION FC RECEPTOR BINDING AGENTS - IVIG replacement compounds are derived from recombinant and/or biochemical creation of immunologically active biomimetic(s). These replacement compounds are then screened in vitro to assess each replacement compound's efficiency at modulating immune function. Particular replacement compounds are selected for further in vivo validation and dosage/administration optimization. Finally, the replacement compounds are used to treat a wide range of diseases, including inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.12-06-2012
20140105913IMMUNOGLOBULIN CONSTANT REGION FC RECEPTOR BINDING AGENTS - IVIG replacement compounds are derived from recombinant and/or biochemical creation of immunologically active biomimetic(s). These replacement compounds are then screened in vitro to assess each replacements compound's efficiency at modulating immune function. Particular replacement compounds are selected for further in vivo validation and dosage/administration optimization. Finally, the replacement compounds are used to treat a wide range of diseases, including inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.04-17-2014
20140335075IMMUNOGLOBULIN CONSTANT REGION FC RECEPTOR BINDING AGENTS - IVIG replacement compounds are derived from recombinant and/or biochemical creation of immunologically active biomimetic(s). These replacement compounds are then screened in vitro to assess each replacements compound's efficiency at modulating immune function. Particular replacement compounds are selected for further in vivo validation and dosage/administration optimization. Finally, the replacement compounds are used to treat a wide range of diseases, including inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.11-13-2014
20150056185IMMUNOGLOBULIN CONSTANT REGION FC RECEPTOR BINDING AGENTS - IVIG replacement compounds are derived from recombinant and/or biochemical creation of immunologically active biomimetic(s). These replacement compounds are then screened in vitro to assess each replacements compound's efficiency at modulating immune function. Particular replacement compounds are selected for further in vivo validation and dosage/administration optimization. Finally, the replacement compounds are used to treat a wide range of diseases, including inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.02-26-2015

Patent applications by David S. Block, Ruxton, MD US

Dietrich Allen Block, Carrollton, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110087500PROCESSING PATIENT DATA USING A COMPUTER INTERFACE - The present invention relates generally to healthcare, and more specifically to a process for more completely and more accurately identifying and collecting health insurance plan members' medical diagnoses in compliance with the regulations of one or more health insurance payors such as, but not limited to, the United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (“CMS”) Medicare Advantage regulations. In particular, the present invention provides a computer interface whereby health insurance companies may ensure that their members are accurately diagnosed and that claims are accurately filed by reviewing existing member medical records to identify additional diagnoses which may have been treated but not specifically identified in claims filed by the members' health care provider.04-14-2011

Douglas Randolph Block, Spring, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120317694Waterproof Cloak - A waterproof garment in the form of a cloak is disclosed. The cloak includes an outer layer and an inner layer, each made of a suitable fabric. The outer surface of the outer layer is endowed with decorative properties such as color and texture for the intended use. The inner surface of the inner layer is preferably chosen for suitability in coming in contact with a wearer. Enclosed between the outer and inner layers, protected from abrasion and other potential hazards inherent in direct physical contact, at least one surface is a weather layer, preferably impervious to water.12-20-2012

D. Steven Block, Warsaw, IN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090054992Modular Ankle Prosthesis and Associated Method - An implant for use in ankle arthroplasty is provided. The implant includes a first member for cooperation with the tibia and a second member for cooperation with the talus. The second member is operably associated with the first member. The implant also includes a third member rigidly removably connectable to the second member. The third member includes a portion of the third member for attachment to the calcaneus. The third member is adapted to provide for a first position in the calcaneus when the third member is in a first relative position with respect to the second member and is adapted to provide for a second position in the calcaneus when the third member is in a second relative position with respect to the second member.02-26-2009

Patent applications by D. Steven Block, Warsaw, IN US

Eliza C. Block, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130060615MANAGING ACCESS TO DIGITAL CONTENT ITEMS - Techniques are provided for managing access to a digital content item (such as an ebook, music, movie, software application) to be transferred from one user to another. The transferor is prevented from accessing the digital content item after the transfer occurs. The entity that sold the digital content item to the transferor enforces the access rights to the digital content item by storing data that establishes which user currently has access to the digital content item. After the change in access rights, only the transferee is allowed access to the digital content item. As part of the change in access rights, the transferee may pay to obtain access to the digital content item. A portion of the proceeds of the “resale” may be paid to the creator or publisher of the digital content item and/or the entity that originally sold the digital content item to the original owner.03-07-2013
20130060616MANAGING ACCESS TO DIGITAL CONTENT ITEMS - Techniques are provided for managing access to a digital content item (such as an ebook, music, movie, software application) to be transferred from one user to another. The transferor is prevented from accessing the digital content item after the transfer occurs. The entity that sold the digital content item to the transferor enforces the access rights to the digital content item by storing data that establishes which user currently has access to the digital content item. After the change in access rights, only the transferee is allowed access to the digital content item. As part of the change in access rights, the transferee may pay to obtain access to the digital content item. A portion of the proceeds of the “resale” may be paid to the creator or publisher of the digital content item and/or the entity that originally sold the digital content item to the original owner.03-07-2013
20130060661MANAGING ACCESS TO DIGITAL CONTENT ITEMS - Techniques are provided for managing access to a digital content item (such as an ebook, music, movie, software application) to be transferred from one user to another. The transferor is prevented from accessing the digital content item after the transfer occurs. The entity that sold the digital content item to the transferor enforces the access rights to the digital content item by storing data that establishes which user currently has access to the digital content item. After the change in access rights, only the transferee is allowed access to the digital content item. As part of the change in access rights, the transferee may pay to obtain access to the digital content item. A portion of the proceeds of the “resale” may be paid to the creator or publisher of the digital content item and/or the entity that originally sold the digital content item to the original owner.03-07-2013

Eliza Carey Block, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110164056Device, Method, and Graphical User Interface with Grid Transformations During Device Rotation - A method includes: displaying a first 2-D array of a plurality of user interface components on the display in a portrait orientation; detecting rotation of the display from the portrait orientation to a landscape orientation with one or more accelerometers; and, in response to detecting the rotation: rotating the first 2-D array of the plurality of user interface components on the display about an axis that is normal to a front surface of the display; replacing the first 2-D array with a second 2-D array of the plurality of user interface components on the display after the rotation of the first 2-D array exceeds a predefined condition; and rotating the second 2-D array of the plurality of user interface components on the display until the second 2-D array of the plurality of user interface components is in the landscape orientation.07-07-2011
20140306938DEVICE, METHOD, AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR ORIENTATION-BASED PARALLAX DISPLAY - A method includes displaying three or more display layers, the three or more display layers including at least a first display layer and a second display layer. The method further includes shifting display positions of at least the first display layer and the second display layer. Shifting the display positions includes applying a first (x,y) offset to the display position of the first display layer, and applying a second (x,y) offset to the display position of the second display layer, wherein the first (x,y) offset and the second (x,y) offset are determined in accordance with a calculated difference between a detected orientation of the electronic device and a reference orientation. The method further includes redisplaying the three or more display layers after the shifting of the display positions. At least one of the first display layer and the second display layer is responsive to touch input gestures.10-16-2014

Eric Block, Niskayuna, NY US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100069674GARLIC PROCESSING - A method of producing polysulfides comprising the step of adding elemental sulphur to an allicin-containing plant extract. In preferred embodiments, the plant extract is mechanically treated members of the genus 03-18-2010
20100080843Natural and synthetic sulfur and selenium analogs and polymer conjugated forms thereof for the modulation of angiogenesis - The present invention relates to inhibiting angiogenesis with sulfur- or selenium-containing compounds, and polymeric forms thereof, in mammals including animals and humans. Sulfur- or selenium-containing compounds, and polymeric forms thereof, can be used alone or in combination with standard therapies to inhibit angiogenesis-mediated disorders. The present invention also relates to the combined use of sulfur- or selenium-containing compounds, and polymeric forms thereof, with other anti-angiogenesis agents, with various anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic agents as well as with radio-therapeutic agents in cancer, and with laser, photodynamic therapy for ocular-related disorders such as diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration.04-01-2010

Eric Block, New York, NY US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100274037ALLYLIC POLYSULFANES - Diallylic polysulfides (polysulfanes) are provided with sulfur chain lengths of 9 to 22. Also provided are bis(2-methyl-2-propenyl) polysulfides with sulfur chain lengths of 3 to 22. Also provided are 2-substituted bis(2-propenyl) polysulfides with sulfur chain lengths of 3 to 20. Also provided are the 2-cycloalken-1-yl polysulfides, 2-cyclohexen-1-yl polysulfides and 2-cyclopenten-1-yl polysulfides, with sulfur chain lengths of 3 to 20. Also provided are processes for extending the sulfur chain length of diallylic polysulfides and 2-substituted analogues thereof and allyl methyl polysulfides by bringing such compounds into contact with elemental sulfur and heating, or by mixing with molten sulfur.10-28-2010

Frederick P. Block, Westminster, CO US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100088302ASSOCIATING SYSTEM REQUESTS WITH SMS USER RESPONSES - A messaging system can initiate a communication with one or more users through via cell phone text messages, for example using the short message service protocol. These systems often need a way to correlate user responses with system requests or queries. This problem can present challenges because the email mailbox metaphor used by cell phone user interfaces generally allows users to reply to any previously sent messages, but no message context is automatically supplied. A system that may send multiple messages to a user needs a mechanism by which the system can correlate a user-sent response to one of potentially many system-sent requests or queries. Context correlation to resolve ambiguities can be based on one or more of a dialog-based solution, a token-based solution and a keyword-based solution.04-08-2010
20140004839PROXIMITY BASED TRANSFER01-02-2014
20140067911Efficient Presence Distribution Mechanism for a Large Enterprise - A method implemented in a network component, the method comprising receiving a presence information message from a presence server in a ring of a plurality of presence servers, removing content in the presence information message that is previously originated by the network component and previously sent on the ring, copying the presence information message locally for subsequent processing, appending to the presence information message buffered presence information from a local client coupled to the network component, and forwarding the presence information message to a second presence server in the ring.03-06-2014
20140115068Shared Resource and Session Model Using Presence Data - A method implemented in a communication device, the method comprising receiving a context preference for a contact, storing the context preference, connecting to a communication session via the communication device, transmitting, for display at a second communication device, context information based on the context preference and presence information indicating that the communication device has connected to the communication session, and receiving from the second communication device a request from the contact to connect to the communication session.04-24-2014

Patent applications by Frederick P. Block, Westminster, CO US

Frederick Peter Block, Westminster, CO US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110075826ASSIGNMENT OF FULL ENTERPRISE IDENTITY TO AUDIO CONFERENCE BRIDGES FOR IMPROVED CONFERENCE SCHEDULING AND CALL-IN EXPERIENCE - Systems and methods can provide an identity to a conference bridge; the identity including an email address for the conference bridge. When two or more people desire to conduct a conference, a person creates an invitation to the conference. The invitation can be an email invitation from a calendar program that can be sent to the invitees. The invitation can be sent to the conference bridge using the email address for the conference bridge. The conference bridge may then receive a call from a caller for a conference. The conference bridge can extract a caller identifier from the call and determine an email associated with the caller. The conference bridge may then retrieve the invitation having the email. Then, the conference bridge can attach the caller to the conference associated with the invitation.03-31-2011

Patent applications by Frederick Peter Block, Westminster, CO US

Frederick William Block, Campobello, SC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110232258METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TESTING AN OVERSPEED PROTECTION SYSTEM OF A POWERPLANT - Embodiments of the present invention have the technical effect of automatically testing an overspeed protection system associated with multiple powerplant machines of a powerplant. An embodiment of the present invention may automatically test the overspeed protection system while at least one of the powerplant machines is in the process of shutting down. Another embodiment of the present invention may automatically test the overspeed protection system by adjusting the speed of a shaft while at least one of the powerplant machines operates at full-speed-no-load.09-29-2011
20110232259METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TESTING AN OVERSPEED PROTECTION SYSTEM OF A POWERPLANT MACHINE - Embodiments of the present invention have the technical effect of automatically testing an overspeed protection system of a powerplant machine comprising a shaft and integrated with a safety control system. An embodiment of the present invention may automatically test the overspeed protection system while the powerplant machine is in the process of shutting down. Another embodiment of the present invention may automatically test the overspeed protection system of the powerplant machine by adjusting the speed of a shaft while operating at full-speed-no-load.09-29-2011
20110232297METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TESTING AN OVERSPEED PROTECTION SYSTEM OF A POWERPLANT MACHINE - Embodiments of the present invention have the technical effect of automatically testing an overspeed protection system of a powerplant machine comprising at least one shaft. An embodiment of the present invention may automatically test the overspeed protection system while the powerplant machine is decelerating from full-speed-no-load (FSNL). Another embodiment of the present invention may automatically test the overspeed protection system of the powerplant machine while the powerplant machine is accelerating to FSNL.09-29-2011
20110238358METHOD FOR DETERMINING WHEN TO PERFORM A TEST OF AN OVERSPEED PROTECTION SYSTEM OF A POWERPLANT MACHINE - Embodiments of the present invention have the technical effect of determining when to test an overspeed protection system of a powerplant machine. As described herein, embodiments of the present invention may be applied to a wide variety of powerplant machines, each comprising a shaft. After determining that test of the overspeed protection system should be performed, embodiments of the present invention may allow for a variety of methods to test the overspeed protection system.09-29-2011
20120290104SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING PLANT OPERATIONS - Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and a method. In one embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a risk calculation system configured to calculate a risk based on a static input and a dynamic input, and a decision support system configured to use the risk to derive a decision. The system also includes a plant control system configured to update operations of a plant based on the decision, wherein the decision predicts future plant conditions.11-15-2012
20130262064SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED RELIABILITY OPERATIONS - A system may include a model library configured to model a safety system, wherein the model library comprises a plurality of subsystem models, and each of the plurality of subsystem models is configured to derive a reliability measure. The system further includes a fault tolerance input and a maintenance policy input. The system further includes a dynamic risk calculation engine (DRCE) configured to use a user-defined set of the plurality of subsystem models, the fault tolerance input and the maintenance policy input, to derive a system risk for an apparatus.10-03-2013
20140129000Systems and Methods For Dynamic Risk Derivation - A system may include a dynamic risk calculation engine (DRCE) system. The DRCE includes a model library configured to model a system, wherein the model library comprises a plurality of subsystem models, and each of the plurality of subsystem models is configured to derive a reliability measure. The DRCE further includes a fault tolerance input and a maintenance policy input. The DRCE additionally includes a run-time risk calculation engine configured to use a user-defined set of the plurality of subsystem models, the fault tolerance input, and the maintenance policy input, to derive a system risk for an apparatus.05-08-2014
20140129187SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED RELIABILITY OPERATIONS - A system may include a model library configured to model a system, wherein the model library comprises a plurality of subsystem models, and each of the plurality of subsystem models is configured to derive a reliability measure. The system further includes a fault tolerance input and a maintenance policy input. The system further includes a dynamic risk calculation engine (DRCE) configured to use a user-defined set of the plurality of subsystem models, the fault tolerance input and the maintenance policy input, to derive a system risk for an apparatus.05-08-2014
20140156584SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGEMENT OF RISK IN INDUSTRIAL PLANTS - A system includes a risk assessment system. The risk assessment system includes a risk calculation system configured to calculate a risk based on one or more static inputs and one or more dynamic inputs. The one or more dynamic inputs includes a location of a human resource, a mobile resource, or a combination thereof. The risk assessment system further includes a decision support system (DSS) configured to use the risk to derive one or more decisions based on the risk, the one or more static inputs, and the one or more dynamic inputs. The one or more decisions are configured to aid in operating an industrial facility.06-05-2014

Patent applications by Frederick William Block, Campobello, SC US

Gerald J. Block, Vista, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110276201TAWS WITH ALERT SUPPRESSION - An aircraft terrain awareness warning system is disclosed that includes an interface for entering flight plan details of an aircraft including at least one waypoint. The terrain awareness warning system is configured such that potential-terrain-collision alerts are suppressed in the aircraft during landing operations performed at waypoints associated with landing zones.11-10-2011
20120004793AIRCRAFT HOVER SYSTEM AND METHOD - An aircraft hover system for enabling an aircraft to hover at a target spatial location represented by GPS location coordinates. The hover system includes a display screen rendering a display including live video feed of the terrain below the airborne aircraft, a first mark overlaying the video feed, the first mark representing the current position of the aircraft relative to the terrain, and a perimeter surrounding the first mark, the portion of the terrain within the perimeter being substantially magnified compared to that of the terrain outside of the perimeter. The hover system is configured such that, as the aircraft approaches the target spatial location, the distance between the first mark and a second mark on the display gradually decreases until and finally the first and second marks coincide; the second mark representing the target spatial location.01-05-2012
20120203997INTEGRITY MONITORING - Systems and methods are described here to provide a degree or level of certification to a resident application such as an operating system, e.g., Linux®. In a Linux® implementation, the operating system provides a robust environment including many seasoned communication stacks, e.g., TCP/IP, USB, and the like. However, Linux® is not certified to the level necessary to be a part of many avionics applications. To eliminate the need to certify all of such an operating system, such certification being highly costly, the avionics application itself may be protected so that the operating system cannot alter the application's operating environment, e.g., application code and data, once the application is loaded and running. In this case, only the application requires certification at the highest level, and not the operating system such as Linux®.08-09-2012
20130190951PRESSURE ALTITUDE STABILIZATION - A method and apparatus is provided for determining the altitude of an aircraft. In accordance with the method, Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) data is received from a plurality of GPS satellites and a GPS altitude value is determined from the GPS data. In addition, a pressure altitude value is determined. An altitude difference is determined between the GPS altitude value and the pressure altitude value. At least one of the GPS altitude value and the pressure altitude value is adjusted using the altitude difference.07-25-2013
20130345909AIRCRAFT HOVER SYSTEM AND METHOD - An aircraft hover system for enabling an aircraft to hover at a target spatial location represented by GPS location coordinates. The hover system includes a display screen rendering a display including live video feed of the terrain below the airborne aircraft, a first mark overlaying the video feed, the first mark representing the current position of the aircraft relative to the terrain, and a perimeter surrounding the first mark, the portion of the terrain within the perimeter being substantially magnified compared to that of the terrain outside of the perimeter. The hover system is configured such that, as the aircraft approaches the target spatial location, the distance between the first mark and a second mark on the display gradually decreases until and finally the first and second marks coincide; the second mark representing the target spatial location.12-26-2013

Patent applications by Gerald J. Block, Vista, CA US

Gerard Lambert Block, West Hollywood, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100279771Video Game Controller Attachment Apparatus - According to some embodiments of the invention, a controller attachment apparatus is provided, comprising: a handle portion configured to accept and hold a controller; and an attachment portion affixed to the handle portion such that it allows a covering to be diposed over the handle portion once the controller is placed into the handle portion. For such an embodiment, the attachment portion may be in the shape of a sporting good or a weapon. For example, with respect to sporting goods, the attachment portion may take the shape of a tennis racket, paddle tennis racket, golf club, baseball bat, hockey stick, lacrosse stick, or fishing rod. Alternatively, with respect to weapons, the head portion may take the shape of a sword, dagger, blade, a light saber, a gun, or a phaser.11-04-2010
20140073429AUDIO HEADSET SYSTEM AND APPARATUS - According to one embodiment of the technology described herein, a audio headset system is provided, comprising: a speaker; a signal processor configured to process source audio received from an audio source, to produce processed audio from the source audio, and to output the processed audio to the speaker; and a control unit configured to control operation of the signal processor according to an audio profile, wherein the audio profile causes the signal processor to selectively mix, delay, phase shift, and equalize the source audio, thereby producing processed audio.03-13-2014

Gilbert Block, Wilmington, DE US

Gladys M. Block, Berkeley, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120089909GOAL MANAGEMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM - A computer-implemented method of generating a set of goals is presented. The method entails receiving user input that includes items and an input value associated with each of the items. Individual values are assigned to the items based on the input value. The individual values are then summed to generate a total value, and the items are ranked according to the contributions of their respective individual values to the total value. A difference between the total value and a corresponding reference value is determined. The input value that is associated with the highest-ranking item is changed, and the total value and the difference are then recalculated using the changed input value. The process is repeated with the next highest-ranked item and the next until a condition is fulfilled. A goal is defined based on the changed input value of the items at the time the condition is fulfilled.04-12-2012

Glenn Block, Seattle, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130080505Web API Framework - Embodiments allow developers to use HTTP message abstractions inline within their Web API methods to directly access and manipulate HTTP request and response messages. A hosting layer is provided for in-process, in-memory and network-based services. Message handlers and operational handlers may be combined to create a message channel for asynchronous manipulations of the HTTP requests and response. A formatter may be used on the server or client for consuming HTTP and providing desired media types.03-28-2013

Gregory J. Block, Seattle, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110223138Mesenchymal stem cells that express increased amounts of anti-apoptotic proteins - The invention includes a purified population of mesenchymal stromal cells that have been cultured under conditions, such as having been contacted with an apoptotic cell, to express increased levels of at least one anti-apoptotic protein. Such mesenchymal stem cells may be used to treat diseases, disorders, or conditions associated with apoptosis or with unresolved inflammation.09-15-2011

James Block, North Lawrence, OH US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090261159Card activated cash dispensing automated transaction machine system and method - An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that is operative to read data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The machine includes at least one computer and a plurality of transaction function devices. The machine further includes a plurality of device driver components that generally correspond to each of the transaction function devices. The device drivers are operative responsive to communication from an XFS layer to control the operation of the transaction function devices. The machine operates responsive to markup language documents to accomplish financial transfers.10-22-2009
20090289105Cash dispensing automated banking machine with flexible display - A portable terminal operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records in the form of user cards. The user cards include credit and/or debit cards. Data corresponding to the card data is stored in at least one memory of the terminal. The terminal includes a wireless communication device. The terminal operates to wirelessly communicate data corresponding to card data wirelessly to one or more remote computers to cause financial transfers to or from selected accounts. The terminal also operates to provide outputs corresponding to account balances and to receive data corresponding to receipts.11-26-2009
20100059587Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records - An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that reads card data from a card of a machine user. The card data is linked in a data store to both a customer's financial account and a cell phone assigned to that customer. In response to the user's transaction request, contact data for the assigned cell phone is determined from the data store using the read card data. A transaction security code is then sent to that cell phone. The transaction is allowed to proceed only if the user inputs the sent security code to the machine within a predetermined amount of time. Transaction allowance may also be based on a real time determination that the assigned cell phone is physically located proximate the machine.03-11-2010
20100187299Automated banking machine that operates responsive to data bearing records - An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records to cause financial transfers. The machine includes a card reader that operates to read card data from user cards. The card data corresponds to financial accounts. The automated banking machine includes a cash dispenser and the machine carries out transaction functions for consumers including dispensing cash responsive to. The amount of cash dispensed is verified through communication with a security manager.07-29-2010
20100241564Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records - A banking system operates to cause financial transfers responsive to card data read from data bearing records by a card reader. The system includes at least one automated banking machine comprising a cash dispenser. The system is operative during a cash dispense transaction request to receive through an automated banking machine, user input of data corresponding to a mobile phone number. The system is operative to generate a security code for the requested cash dispense transaction. The system uses the phone number to send the generated security code to the mobile phone. The cash dispense transaction is allowed to proceed only if the system receives machine user input of the sent security code within a predetermined amount of time.09-23-2010
20110215142Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records - An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read card data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The automated banking machine also includes a display and a printer to produce records of financial transactions carried out with the machine. The card reader is operative to read and return card information read from the user card responsive to communications received from components executing in a virtual machine.09-08-2011
20110238574Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records and user input of a phone received security code - A banking system operates to cause financial transfers responsive to card data read from data bearing records by a card reader. The system includes at least one automated banking machine comprising a cash dispenser. The system is operative during a cash dispense transaction request to receive through an automated banking machine, user input of data corresponding to a mobile phone number. The system is operative to generate a security code for the requested cash dispense transaction. The system uses the phone number to send the generated security code to the mobile phone. The cash dispense transaction is allowed to proceed only if the system receives machine user input of the sent security code within a predetermined amount of time.09-29-2011
20110266340Cash dispensing automated banking machine with flexible display - A portable terminal operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records in the form of user cards. The user cards include credit and/or debit cards. Data corresponding to the card data is stored in at least one memory of the terminal. The terminal includes a wireless communication device. The terminal operates to wirelessly communicate data corresponding to card data wirelessly to one or more remote computers to cause financial transfers to or from selected accounts. The terminal also operates to provide outputs corresponding to account balances and to receive data corresponding to receipts.11-03-2011
20120074217Banking Terminal that Operates to Cause Financial Transfers Responsive to Data Bearing Records - A portable terminal operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records in the form of user cards. The user cards include credit and/or debit cards. Data corresponding to the card data is stored in at least one memory of the terminal. The terminal includes a wireless communication device. The terminal operates to wirelessly communicate data corresponding to card data to one or more remote computers to cause financial transfers to or from selected accounts. The terminal also operates to provide outputs corresponding to account balances and to receive data corresponding to receipts.03-29-2012
20120223133Banking System Controlled Responsive to Data Bearing Records and User Input of a Phone Received Security Code - A banking system operates to cause financial transfers responsive to card data read from data bearing records by a card reader. The system includes at least one automated banking machine comprising a cash dispenser. The system is operative during a cash dispense transaction request to receive through an automated banking machine, user input of data corresponding to a mobile phone number. The system is operative to generate a security code for the requested cash dispense transaction. The system uses the phone number to send the generated security code to the mobile phone. The cash dispense transaction is allowed to proceed only if the system receives machine user input of the sent security code within a predetermined amount of time.09-06-2012
20120223134Banking Machine Controlled Responsive to Data Read from Data Bearing Records - A banking system comprises automated banking machines which include a card reader, check imaging device, and cash dispenser. Each system machine can cash a code-correlated check in exchange for receiving both the check and the code assigned to the check, without requiring any user identifying input through the machine's user input devices as a condition for cashing the check. The system allows a potential recipient of a personal check to call in a given code to a system computer, which can verify whether the check is backed by funds reserved for the check amount and whether the check can be anonymously cashed. From the call the system computer can obtain the mobile phone's GPS location to determine the system machine nearest to the phone. When informing the phone user that a check is as good as cash, the system computer can also provide directions to that nearest system machine.09-06-2012
20130175338BANKING TERMINAL THAT OPERATES TO CAUSE FINANCIAL TRANSFERS RESPONSIVE TO DATA BEARING RECORDS - A portable terminal operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records in the form of user cards. The user cards include credit and/or debit cards. Data corresponding to the card data is stored in memory of the terminal. The portable terminal includes a wireless communication device. The terminal operates to wirelessly communicate data corresponding to card data to one or more remote computers to cause financial transfers to or from selected accounts. The portable terminal also operates to provide outputs corresponding to account balances and to receive data corresponding to receipts.07-11-2013
20130311365BANKING SYSTEM CONTROLLED RESPONSIVE TO DATA BEARING RECORDS AND USER INPUT OF A PHONE RECIEVED SECURITY CODE - A banking system operates to cause financial transfers responsive to card data read from data bearing records by a card reader. The system includes at least one automated banking machine comprising a cash dispenser. The system is operative during a cash dispense transaction request to receive through an automated banking machine, machine user input of data corresponding to a mobile phone number. The system is operative to generate a security code for the requested cash dispense transaction. The system uses the phone number to send the generated security code to the mobile phone. The cash dispense transaction is allowed to proceed only if the system receives machine user input of the sent security code.11-21-2013
20140046842ACCEPTING A CHECK DEPOSIT FROM A MOBILE DEVICE IN COMMUNICATION WITH AN AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINE - An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive at least in part to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader that is operative to read card data corresponding to financial accounts from user cards. The card data is linked in at least one data store to data indicating that the card data corresponds to a financial account that is authorized to be used to conduct at least one transaction through use of the automated banking machine. The automated banking machine may be used to carry out financial transfers involving financial accounts by users who are determined to be authorized users of such accounts. Data corresponding to a financial account can also be linked to a mobile wireless device so as to enable financial transfers by authorized users of such accounts.02-13-2014
20140081858BANKING SYSTEM CONTROLLED RESPONSIVE TO DATA READ FROM DATA BEARING RECORDS - A banking system includes a teller station and customer stations located in a bank. The teller station can communicate with each customer station. At least one customer station includes a self-service cash-dispensing automated banking machine which can carry out a financial transaction for an authorized machine user responsive to user data read from a data bearing record. The user data comprises card data and/or biometric data which correspond to a financial account. The banking system causes funds to be transferred between accounts involved in the transaction. The system allows a bank teller at the teller station to assist a bank customer at a customer station. Information can be communicated between the teller and the customer through touch input to a teller touch screen and a customer touch screen.03-20-2014
20140129440DETERMINING AN AUTOMATED BANKING MACHINE FOR CHECK CASHING - A banking system comprises automated banking machines which include a card reader, check imaging device, and cash dispenser. Each system machine can cash a code-correlated check in exchange for receiving both the check and the code assigned to the check, without requiring any user identifying input through the machine's user input devices as a condition for cashing the check. The system allows a potential recipient of a personal check to call in a given code to a system computer, which can verify whether the check is backed by funds reserved for the check amount and whether the check can be anonymously cashed. From the call the system computer can obtain the mobile phone's GPS location to determine the system machine nearest to the phone. When informing the phone user that a check is as good as cash, the system computer can also provide directions to that nearest system machine.05-08-2014
20140151450AUTOMATED BANKING MACHINE OPERATED RESPONSIVE TO DATA BEARING RECORDS WITH IMPROVED RESISTANCE TO FRAUD - A banking system machine is controlled responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader, a keypad, a cash dispenser, a cash outlet, a deposit accepting opening, and other transaction locations that may be susceptible to the installation of fraudulent devices adjacent thereto. Such unauthorized devices may include for example, a fraudulent card reading device, a fraudulent keypad input intercepting device, a cash outlet trap device, a deposit input diversion device, or other illegitimate devices. The machine includes an anti-fraud arrangement that is operative to deter the attachment of unauthorized devices to the machine. The arrangement can sense and/or dislodge an unauthorized device attached to the machine. The arrangement also allows for the machine's card slot bezel to be frequently exchanged for a differently contoured card slot bezel.06-05-2014
20140158768AUTOMATED BANKING MACHINE THAT OUTPUTS INTERFERENCE SIGNALS TO JAM READING ABILITY OF UNAUTHORIZED CARD READER DEVICES - A banking system is controlled responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system comprises an automated banking machine. The machine includes at least one type of data reader, which includes a card reader. The machine also includes an anti-fraud arrangement that can deter effective operation of unauthorized devices attached to the machine. Such unauthorized devices may include a fraudulent card reader placed adjacent to a card entry slot that leads to the card reader. The arrangement can sense a fraudulent card reader installed on the machine. The arrangement can additionally emit jamming signals that interfere with an ability of a sensed fraudulent card reader to accurately read card data.06-12-2014
20140316983SELECTIVELY ROUTING A TRANSACTION FROM AN AUTOMATED BANKING MACHINE BASED ON TRANSACTION PROCESSING FEES - In an example embodiment, a routing computer is operable to communicate with an automated banking machine and with a plurality of remote financial transaction authorization systems. The routing computer is operable to receive data representative of a requested transaction associated with a financial account associated with a user operating the automated banking machine. The routing computer is operable to determine for the plurality of remote financial transaction authorization system a transaction processing fee for the requested transaction. The routing computer is operable to select a selected one of the plurality of remote financial transaction authorization systems for the transaction, wherein the selected one of the plurality of remote financial transaction systems is selected based on having the lowest transaction processing fee for the requested transaction.10-23-2014
20140351125BANKING SYSTEM CONTROLLED RESPONSIVE TO DATA BEARING RECORDS AND USER INPUT OF A PHONE RECEIVED SECURITY CODE - A banking system operates to cause financial transfers responsive to card data read from data bearing records by a card reader. The system includes at least one automated banking machine comprising a cash dispenser. The system is operative during a cash dispense transaction request to receive through an automated banking machine, machine user input of data corresponding to a mobile phone number. The system is operative to generate a security code for the requested cash dispense transaction. The system uses the phone number to send the generated security code to the mobile phone. The cash dispense transaction is allowed to proceed only if the system receives machine user input of the sent security code.11-27-2014

Patent applications by James Block, North Lawrence, OH US

James Block, N. Lawrence, OH US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090026258Cash dispensing automated banking machine diagnostic system and method - A automated banking machine (01-29-2009

James Patrick Block, Long Beach, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130097689CREATION AND MANAGEMENT OF DIGITAL CONTENT AND WORKFLOW AUTOMATION VIA A PORTABLE IDENTIFICATION KEY - The present invention is directed towards a method and system for automating workflow. The method and system includes receiving data from a portable identification key communicatively coupled to a processing device to initiate automation processes. The profile information comprised in the data is accessed, the profile information including an identification of a user associated with the portable identification key. The method and system further includes retrieving one or more instructions and parameters associated with the identified user by the processing device to initiate an automated workflow session, and initiating the automated workflow session according to the one or more instructions and parameters.04-18-2013

Jeffrey Thomas Block, Westminster, CO US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090030656METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COMPENSATING FOR MISALIGNMENT OF A TARGET PIECE OF MATERIAL TO WHICH A DESIGN IS TO BE APPLIED - A method and system for compensating for misalignment of a piece of target material to which a design is to be applied is described. One embodiment receives first and second sets of coordinates corresponding to the location, respectively, of first and second reference points on the target piece of material; modifies, based on the received first and second sets of coordinates, design data that specifies a predetermined position and orientation of the design on the target piece of material with respect to the first and second reference points to produce modified design data, the modified design data compensating for at least one of translational and rotational misalignment of the target piece of material with respect to a design-application mechanism; and applies the design to the target piece of material in accordance with the modified design data.01-29-2009

Jeremy M. Block, Walworth, NY US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090128347Method and Apparatus for Protection of AC-DC power Converters - An AC-DC power converter controls an external upstream switching device, which supplies it power to be converted. Power conversion is initiated when an external signal requests power be converted or when a program within the AC-DC power converter detects the need for power conversion. When this occurs, the AC-DC power converter signals the external switching device, which is upstream of the AC-DC power converter to turn on, thereby supplying the power to be converted to the AC-DC power converter.05-21-2009
20090174382Method and Apparatus to Remove Energy from DC Loads - A DC output power converter or DC switch device that includes methods and apparatus to reverse the current in the connected load, thereby draining the load's energy until the voltage in the load is brought to a (near) zero potential and held there.07-09-2009
20090174413Method and Apparatus to Verify the Proper Connection of Loads before Applying Full DC Power - A DC power source or DC switching device that uses a test signal to verify the proper connection of the load (or loads) at its output prior to applying full power to the output. This method and apparatus inserts a low power or low energy test signal at the output terminals of a DC power source and measures the test signal's effect on connected external loads to access the condition and proper connection of these loads before applying full power to the DC output power port. If the test signal detects that a load is connected with a reverse polarity, is shorted, malfunctioning or can otherwise cause damage, it will inhibit the application of full power to the output terminals until the situation is corrected.07-09-2009

Jerome N. Block, East Brunswick, NJ US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100042557TECHNIQUES FOR LOCATING AND OPERATING GASIFICATION PLANT HAVING PREDOMINATELY SCRAP TIRE RUBBER AS FEEDSTOCK - A parcel of land on which to site the plant is identified. The parcel of land is located such that about 3,500,000 to about 7,500,000 scrap tires per year are available for substantially regular and substantially continuous delivery to the plant, at a tipping fee of at least about $40.00 per ton. The plant is located on the parcel of land. One or more of synthesis gas, electricity, and steam produced by the plant are sold.02-18-2010

Jonathan D. Block, Walnut Creek, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140114168SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NERVE MAPPING AND MONITORING - Embodiments can include a nerve mapping and monitoring system that can include a multi-polar stimulation unit, an electrical connector, an instrument having a grid array, where the grid array can comprise a plurality of electrodes, where each of the plurality of electrodes can be configured to be stimulated by the multi-polar stimulation unit, a recording element, where the recording element can be configured to detect a muscle response elicited by the grid array, and a computer, where the computer can be configured to monitor the muscle response elicited by the grid array such that neural structures can be identified and avoided.04-24-2014

Julie H. Block, Bartlett, TN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110097380CLONIDINE FORMULATIONS HAVING ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES - Antimicrobial clonidine compositions are provided. These antimicrobial clonidine compositions can be applied to medical devices or be part of a drug depot. Through the administration of an effective amount of clonidine at or near a target site, one can reduce, prevent, or treat infections. When appropriate clonidine compositions are provided within biodegradable polymers, the infection may be treated for extended periods of time.04-28-2011

Kai Tobias Block, New York, NY US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120148129Prior Enhanced Compressed Sensing (PRINCE-CS) Reconstruction for Dynamic 2D-Radial Cardiac MRI - A reconstructed image is rendered from a set of MRI data by first estimating an image with an area which does not contain artifacts or has an artifact with a relative small magnitude. Corresponding data elements in the estimated image and a trial image are processed, for instance by multiplication, to generate an intermediate data set. The intermediate data set is transformed and minimized iteratively to generate a reconstructed image that is free or substantially free of artifacts. In one embodiment a Karhunen-Loeve Transform (KLT) is used. A sparsifying transformation may be applied to generate the reconstructed image. The sparsifying transformation may be also not be applied.06-14-2012
20130076352METHOD TO SELECT AN UNDERSAMPLING SCHEME FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING METHOD AND SYSTEM USING SUCH A SELECTED UNDERSAMPLING SCHEME - In a method to select an undersampling scheme of k-space and an associated set of reconstruction kernels to acquire reduced magnetic resonance (MR) data sets with multiple coils, a calibration data set is acquired for each of the respective coils, a noise covariance is determined from autocorrelations and correlations of the noise of the various coils. At least one set of reconstruction kernels is calculated for each of the multiple undersampling schemes from the calibration data sets of the various coils. For each set of reconstruction kernels, a characteristic value is calculated from the noise covariance and the respective reconstruction kernels of the coils, with the characteristic value being proportional to a spatial mean value of a signal noise of an MR image. A selected undersampling scheme and a selected set of reconstruction kernels are selected based on the calculated characteristic values.03-28-2013
20130121550Non-Contrast-Enhanced 4D MRA Using Compressed Sensing Reconstruction - A reconstructed image is rendered of a patient by a processor from a set of undersampled MRI data by first subtracting two repetitions of the acquired data in k-space to create a third dataset. The processor reconstructs the image by minimizing an objective function under a constraint related to the third dataset, wherein the objective function includes applying a Karhunen-Loeve Transform (KLT) to a temporal dimension of data. The objective function under the constraint is expressed as arg min05-16-2013
20130154640MAGNETIC RESONANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD TO GENERATE A MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGE OF AN EXAMINATION SUBJECT - The invention concerns a method to generate an MR image of an examination subject of MR signals of the examination subject being detected with a receiver coil element of a magnetic resonance system. A spatially related sensitivity is determined for the receiver coil element. A mask is generated for the receiver coil element depending on the sensitivity of the receiver coil element in order to therewith mask a region of the MR image, in which region the receiver coil element has at least one predetermined sensitivity. At least one RF excitation pulse and at least one magnetic field gradient are activated to acquire MR data with the receiver coil element, and a preliminary MR image is generated depending on MR data acquired therewith. The mask of the receiver coil element is applied to the preliminary MR image in order to generate an MR image of the receiver coil element, and an MR image of the examination subject is generated from the MR image for the receiver coil element.06-20-2013

Katherine M. Block, Chesterfield, MO US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110245175INHIBITING INTERACTION BETWEEN THE HIF-1ALPHA AND p300/CBP WITH HYDROGEN BOND SURROGATE-BASED - The present invention relates to peptides having one or more stable, internally constrained α-helices, and that include a sequence that mimics at least a portion of the C-terminal transactivation domain of HIF-1α. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing these peptides and methods of using these peptides, for example to reduce gene transcription, treat or prevent disorders mediated by interaction of HIF-1α with CREB-binding protein and/or p300, reduce or prevent angiogenesis in a tissue, induce apoptosis, decrease cell survival and/or proliferation, and identify potential ligands of CREB-binding protein and/or p300.10-06-2011

Kathryn Marie Block, Spring, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120317694Waterproof Cloak - A waterproof garment in the form of a cloak is disclosed. The cloak includes an outer layer and an inner layer, each made of a suitable fabric. The outer surface of the outer layer is endowed with decorative properties such as color and texture for the intended use. The inner surface of the inner layer is preferably chosen for suitability in coming in contact with a wearer. Enclosed between the outer and inner layers, protected from abrasion and other potential hazards inherent in direct physical contact, at least one surface is a weather layer, preferably impervious to water.12-20-2012

Kim Marie Block, Chagrin Falls, OH US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130047634COOLING CUBE ASSEMBLY - A cooling cube assembly for cooling a liquid contained within a beverage container. The cooling cube assembly includes a cooling element containing a cooling solution, and an insertion and extraction filament attached to the cooling element for inserting and extracting the cooling element from the liquid within the beverage. The insertion and extraction filament is an elongated flexible filament connected at a first end to the cooling element and at a second end to a tag for inserting and extracting the cooling element from the liquid within the beverage. The cooling element is inserted into the liquid to be cooled while the tag remains outside of the liquid. The cooling element is extracted from the liquid by pulling on the elongated filament with the tag after the liquid is cooled to a desired temperature.02-28-2013

Maria Block, Miraloma, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130233387AUTOMATIC SENSOR CONTROL PANEL - A method for regulating water output from a faucet is presented. The method includes receiving an input at a plurality of sensors, transmitting a signal to a control unit in response to receiving the input, controlling, via the control unit, at least a temperature or volume of water in response to the signal received at the plurality of sensors, outputting the water via a water output device, and outputting, via a display module, a visual indicator for at least the temperature or the volume.09-12-2013

Matthew Block, Redmond, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090006292RECOGNIZING INPUT GESTURES - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for recognizing input gestures. A neural network is trained using example inputs and backpropagation to recognize specified input patterns. Input gesture data is representative of movements in contact on a multi-touch input display surface relative to one or more axes over time. Example inputs used for training the neural network to recognize a specified input pattern can be created from sampling input gesture data for example input gestures known to represent the specified input pattern. Trained neural networks can subsequently be used to recognize input gestures that are similar to known input gestures as the specified input pattern corresponding to the known input gestures.01-01-2009

Matthew T. Block, Carmel, IN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130345822CONSTRAINED MOBILE BEARING HIP ASSEMBLY - An acetabular hip implant includes an acetabular shell component having a first feature and a first insert having a second feature that cooperates with the first feature of the acetabular shell component and further includes a third feature. The implant further includes a second insert having a fourth feature that cooperates with the third feature of the first insert and further includes a fifth feature. A femoral head component includes a sixth feature that cooperates with the fifth feature. Interaction between the first and second features, between the third and fourth features, and between the fifth and sixth features mechanically constrains the acetabular hip implant to prevent dislocation of the femoral head during rotation.12-26-2013
20150039091CONSTRAINED MOBILE BEARING HIP ASSEMBLY - An acetabular hip implant includes an acetabular shell component having a first feature and a first insert having a second feature that cooperates with the first feature of the acetabular shell component and further includes a third feature. The implant further includes a second insert having a fourth feature that cooperates with the third feature of the first insert and further includes a fifth feature. A femoral head component includes a sixth feature that cooperates with the fifth feature. Interaction between the first and second features, between the third and fourth features, and between the fifth and sixth features mechanically constrains the acetabular hip implant to prevent dislocation of the femoral head during rotation.02-05-2015

Mayumi Block, Sunnyvale, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100248485METHOD FOR DIELECTRIC MATERIAL REMOVAL BETWEEN CONDUCTIVE LINES - A method of removing carbon doped silicon oxide between metal contacts is provided. A layer of the carbon doped silicon oxide is converted to a layer of silicon oxide by removing the carbon dopant. The converted layer of silicon oxide is selectively wet etched with respect to the carbon doped silicon oxide and the metal contacts, which forms recess between the metal contacts.09-30-2010
20110223770NITRIDE PLASMA ETCH WITH HIGHLY TUNABLE SELECTIVITY TO OXIDE - A method for selectively etching a nitride layer with respect to a silicon oxide based layer over a substrate is provided. The substrate is placed in a plasma processing chamber. The nitride layer is etched, comprising the steps of flowing a nitride etch gas comprising a hydrocarbon species, an oxygen containing species and a fluorocarbon or hydrofluorocarbon species into the plasma chamber, forming a plasma from the nitride etch gas, and using the plasma from the nitride etch gas to selectively etch the nitride layer with respect to the silicon oxide based layer.09-15-2011

Michael Block, Anaheim, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100090862POINT-OF-USE ENERGY MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT - A system for monitoring and managing the energy consumption of designated devices or services obtains the point-of-use energy consumption of the designated devices or services and collects this consumption information in various formats as data. The collected data may be analyzed for peak load analysis and load shedding recommendations, among other analysis. The data may be displayed on a user interface to an energy consumer in various formats that permit the consumer to make decisions and take actions based on the displayed data or the analysis. The data may be displayed in real-time format so that the consumer may observe the instant energy consumption of a particular device. The consumer may also view a device's energy consumption to-date over a predetermined period of time. The consumer may also take an action through the system to reduce the consumer's overall energy consumption.04-15-2010

Michael Howard Block, Sudbury, MA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080293744Enantiomers of Selected Fused Pyrimidones and Uses in the Treatment and Prevention of Cancer - This invention relates to novel compounds having the structural formula (I) and to their pharmaceutical compositions and to their methods of use. These novel compounds provide a treatment or prophylaxis of cancer.11-27-2008

Michael Howard Block, Waltham, MA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080207636Compounds Effecting Glucokinase - The invention relates to the use of a compound of Formula (I) or a salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, wherein R08-28-2008
20090099210ENANTIOMERS OF SELECTED FUSED HETEROCYCLICS AND USES THEREOF - This invention relates to novel compounds having the structural formula (I)04-16-2009
20100152219PYRAZOLE DERIVATIVES AS INHIBITORS OF RECEPTOR TYROSINE KINASES - Compounds of formula (I): and their use in the inhibition of Trk activity are described.06-17-2010

Patent applications by Michael Howard Block, Waltham, MA US

Michael John Block, Centennial, CO US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090145331Process for mixing modified bitumen by extrusion - Provided is a method of mixing a modified bitumen composition and feeding one or more polymeric materials to an extruder, together with asphalt fed at more than one location along a length of the extruder. Improved mixing and elimination of asphalt melting in the production of rolled goods and other products is improved.06-11-2009
20140256201FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITES MADE WITH COUPLING-ACTIVATOR TREATED FIBERS AND ACTIVATOR CONTAINING REACTIVE RESIN - This invention relates to a process of making a fiber-reinforced composite. Glass fibers may be provided. These glass fibers may be treated with a sizing composition that has a coupling-activator compound with the formula: S—X-(A)09-11-2014

Michelle Block, Holly Springs, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120142615METHODS RELATED TO THE TREATMENT OF NEURODEGENERATIVE AND INFLAMMATORY CONDITIONS - The invention includes methods of neuroprotection, inducing release of neurotrophic factors, inhibiting the over-activation of innate immune cells, attenuating the toxin-induced death and/or damage of tissues, reducing inflammation, treating an inflammation-related condition, and inhibiting NADPH oxidase, that includes contacting or administering an effective amount of at least one compound of the invention that include: valproic acid, sodium butyrate, and salts thereof; opioid peptides; a peptide comprising the tripeptide GGF; and morphinans, such as naloxone, naltrexone, 3-hydroxy-morphinan and dextromethorphan.06-07-2012
20140315785METHODS RELATED TO THE TREATMENT OF NEURODEGENERATIVE AND INFLAMMATORY CONDITIONS - The invention includes methods of neuroprotection, inducing release of neurotrophic factors, inhibiting the over-activation of innate immune cells, attenuating the toxin-induced death and/or damage of tissues, reducing inflammation, treating an inflammation-related condition, and inhibiting NADPH oxidase, that includes contacting or administering an effective amount of at least one compound of the invention that include: valproic acid, sodium butyrate, and salts thereof; opioid peptides; a peptide comprising the tripeptide GGF; and morphinans, such as naloxone, naltrexone, 3-hydroxy-morphinan and dextromethorphan.10-23-2014

Mike Block, Phoenix, AZ US

Milton J. Block, Naple, NY US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090043642Flexible magazine management service - A method for managing a magazine subscription management service is disclosed. A magazine package is associated with a consumer, wherein the package includes a price based on a number of magazines in the package. Selections for the number of magazines are received from a consumer, each selected magazine having a corresponding publication frequency including a number of issues and a period for delivery. Distribution of issues of each of the selected magazines according to the corresponding publication frequency is enabled.02-12-2009

Olivia K.t. Block, Rochester, NY US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130295162FLAVIVIRUS DOMAIN III VACCINE - The disclosure provides a tetravalent Dengue virus vaccine, and methods of inducing a immune response against a Flavivirus such as Dengue virus 1-4 using the vaccine. The disclosure also provides methods of making a vaccine by introducing into a host cell a transgene that encodes a protein comprising Dengue domain III polypeptides, or, by purified dill polypeptides specific for Dengue serotypes 1-4, Yellow Fever Virus, West Nile Virus, Japanese Encephalitis Virus, and Flaviviruses.11-07-2013

Randall D. Block, Salt Lake City, UT US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100071713AIRFLOW APPLICATORS AND RELATED TREATMENT METHODS - Disclosed are embodiments of airflow applicators used for delivering directional, heated air to, for example, the scalp and hair of humans and/or animals to eliminate ectoparasites, such as lice and lice eggs. In preferred embodiments, the applicators are configured to deliver heated airflow (from a separate device, or from another portion of a single device, that generates heated airflow) efficiently right to where ectoparasites and their eggs most frequently reside. Also disclosed are treatment methods, including preferred treatment patterns, for delivering heated airflows for use in eliminating ectoparasites and their eggs on an animal.03-25-2010
20130284111AIRFLOW APPLICATORS AND RELATED TREATMENT METHODS - Disclosed are embodiments of airflow applicators used for delivering directional, heated air to, for example, the scalp and hair of humans and/or animals to eliminate ectoparasites, such as lice and lice eggs. In preferred embodiments, the applicators are configured to deliver heated airflow (from a separate device, or from another portion of a single device, that generates heated airflow) efficiently right to where ectoparasites and their eggs most frequently reside. Also disclosed are treatment methods, including preferred treatment patterns, for delivering heated airflows for use in eliminating ectoparasites and their eggs on an animal.10-31-2013

Randall J. Block, Lafayette, LA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080236815Method and apparatus for continous downhole fluid release and well evaluation - A method and apparatus, capable of being conveyed on wireline, for continuous downhole injection of foaming agent(s) and/or beneficial chemical(s), comprising a reservoir and means for dispensing foaming agent(s) and/or beneficial chemical(s) from the reservoir of such apparatus and into the surrounding wellbore environment.10-02-2008
20110174478Apparatus for continuous downhole fluid release and well evaluation - An apparatus, capable of being conveyed on wireline, for continuous downhole injection of foaming agent(s) and/or beneficial chemical(s), comprising a reservoir and means for dispensing foaming agent(s) and/or beneficial chemical(s) from the reservoir of such apparatus and into the surrounding wellbore environment.07-21-2011

Patent applications by Randall J. Block, Lafayette, LA US

Richard Block, Valencia, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130261687SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELECTING PACING VECTORS BASED ON SITE OF LATEST ACTIVATION FOR USE WITH IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT DEVICES - Techniques are provided for use with an implantable cardiac stimulation device equipped with a multi-pole left ventricular (LV) lead and a right ventricular (RV) lead for identifying suitable pacing vectors. In one example, RV-LV delay times are measured while using different electrodes of the LV lead as cathodes for sensing. The LV electrode having the longest RV-LV delay time is identified and LV capture thresholds and diaphragmatic stimulation thresholds are measured for pacing vectors that employ that LV electrode as a cathode. Assuming at least one vector employing the selected LV electrode is found to have acceptable thresholds, the vector is selected for use in delivering pacing therapy with the selected LV electrode. If none of the pacing vectors employing the selected LV electrode has acceptable thresholds, another LV electrode is selected and the procedure is repeated. Examples with a multi-pole RV lead are also described.10-03-2013

Robert Block, Sunnyvale, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140075564NETWORK ASSET INFORMATION MANAGEMENT - A network asset information management system (03-13-2014
20140165140SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EVALUATION OF EVENTS BASED ON A REFERENCE BASELINE ACCORDING TO TEMPORAL POSITION IN A SEQUENCE OF EVENTS - Systems and methods for evaluation of events are provided. A user-specific reference baseline comprising a set of temporally-ordered sequences of events. An event of a sequence of events in a current session is received. A determination is made as to whether the event at least partially matches the reference baseline using an attribute of the event and a temporal position of the event within the sequence of events in the current session.06-12-2014

Robert Eliot Block, Chagrin Falls, OH US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130047634COOLING CUBE ASSEMBLY - A cooling cube assembly for cooling a liquid contained within a beverage container. The cooling cube assembly includes a cooling element containing a cooling solution, and an insertion and extraction filament attached to the cooling element for inserting and extracting the cooling element from the liquid within the beverage. The insertion and extraction filament is an elongated flexible filament connected at a first end to the cooling element and at a second end to a tag for inserting and extracting the cooling element from the liquid within the beverage. The cooling element is inserted into the liquid to be cooled while the tag remains outside of the liquid. The cooling element is extracted from the liquid by pulling on the elongated filament with the tag after the liquid is cooled to a desired temperature.02-28-2013

Robert G. Block, Framingham, MA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090017736SINGLE-USE EDGING WHEEL FOR FINISHING GLASS - A single-use grinding tool includes a wheel portion having a profiled recess (e.g., such as a U, V, or bowl shape) extending circumferentially along the wheel portion's periphery. A multi-layered bonded abrasive (e.g., 3-dimensional matrix of abrasive grains and bond material, or multiple layers of abrasive tape) is conformably coated or otherwise applied in a uniform thickness along the profiled recess. The bonded abrasive in one particular case includes a metal bond with diamonds. However, organic, resinous, vitrified, and hybrid bonds, as well as other abrasive grit types, can be used. The wheel portion is supported by an arbor portion which may be removably coupled to the wheel portion, or formed integrally with the wheel portion. The tool is useful, for example, in edge grinding a workpiece, such as sheet glass. Methods of tool use and tool manufacture are disclosed as well.01-15-2009

Robert M. Block, Leesburg, VA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120107775Methods of Using Botanical-Based Compositions to Treat Microbial Dental Disease - The present invention relates to methods of using botanical-based compositions to treat or prevent microbial dental disease. The claimed invention is directed to methods of using botanical-based compositions in a rinse, gel- or paste-like form to prevent microbe invasion of dental cavities, including the root canal.05-03-2012

Robert N. Block, Acton, MA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120042242MULTIPLE SYNCHRONIZED VIEWS FOR CREATING, ANALYZING, EDITING, AND USING MATHEMATICAL FORMULAS - A computerized method and system for creating, analyzing, and editing complex formulas so as to facilitate their use in software applications such as spreadsheets and database applications. The method and system employ multiple synchronized views for formulas, one view presenting the linear text required by the software application and the other views presenting clear indications of the meaning of that text. Examples of such views include mathematically typeset formulas and hierarchical diagrams that reveal the formula's structure. The method and system parse formulas to determine their structure, display that structure in multiple views, and provide a variety of controls and aids to assist in analyzing, debugging, and editing the formula so that it has the intended meaning and result. Additionally, it synchronizes the multiple views so that changes to the formula or to the presentation of the formula in one view are automatically reflected in the other views.02-16-2012

Steven J. Block, Amelia, OH US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100096441BEVERAGE CONTAINER PACKAGE AND DISPENSER - A package for a number of beverage containers includes an overlay member covering the top ends of the beverage containers. The overlay member has a central, generally planar panel positioned atop the top ends of the beverage containers and a number of perimeter panels each joined to and positioned on a perimeter of the central panel. Each perimeter panel is oriented generally perpendicularly relative to the central panel. A dispenser opening is in the central panel of the overlay member through the beverage containers may be removed from the package. A dispenser flap is adjacent the dispenser opening and a perimeter edge of the overlay member. The dispenser flap may be pulled outwardly from the overlay member by a user to provide access through which the beverage containers may be removed from the package. An overwrap member such as a thermoplastic shrink wrap film envelops the array of beverage containers and the overlay member to provide a robust, unitary package for transport and storage. A line of perforations in the overwrap member is aligned with the dispenser to allow a user to puncture the overwrap member in the vicinity of the line of perforations and gain access to the beverage containers via the dispenser. The package may be supported on a shelf such as within a refrigerator or storage rack with a side of the package facing downwardly and the dispenser positioned proximate the downwardly facing side of the package.04-22-2010
20110215016CONTAINER PACKAGE AND DISPENSER - A package for a number of beverage or non-beverage containers includes an overlay member covering the top or bottom ends of the containers. The overlay member has a central, generally planar panel positioned on the ends of the containers and may include a number of perimeter panels each joined to and positioned on a perimeter of the central panel. Each perimeter panel is oriented generally perpendicularly relative to the central panel. A dispenser opening is in the central panel of the overlay member through which the containers may be removed from the package. An overwrap member such as a thermoplastic shrink wrap film envelops the array of containers and the overlay member to provide a robust, unitary package for transport and storage. A line of weakness in the overwrap member is aligned with the dispenser to allow a user to puncture the overwrap member in the vicinity of the line of weakness and gain access to the containers via the dispenser. The package may be supported on a shelf such as within a refrigerator or storage rack with a side of the package facing downwardly and the dispenser positioned proximate the downwardly facing side of the package.09-08-2011
20110233091CARTON AND HANDLE IN MULTI-PLY CARTON MATERIAL - A carton blank is assembled into a carton for beverage containers, the blank having a number of panels including a top panel, a bottom panel and a pair of side panels each joined by a fold line to an adjacent one of the panels. A number of end flaps are each joined by an end flap fold line to one of the panels and the end flaps are adapted to be folded upon selected other end flaps to form composite end panels of the carton. A carrying handle is formed in a selected one of the panels and adapted to be grasped by a user to carry the erected carton filled with the beverage containers. The blank includes a primary reinforcing panel joined to one of the panels such that the primary reinforcing panel may be folded into face to face juxtaposition with the selected one of the panels. A secondary reinforcing panel is joined to one of the panels via a secondary reinforcing panel fold line about which the secondary reinforcing panel may be folded into face to face juxtaposition with at least one of the primary reinforcing panel and the selected one of the panels. When the primary and secondary reinforcing panels are folded into position, at least portions of the selected one of the panels surrounding the handle have a triple layer of thickness.09-29-2011
20120321754BEVERAGE CARTON TEAR RESISTANT HANDLE - Handle design for a beverage carton allows the handle feature to lie directly next to the underlying reinforced handle feature and provides tear resistance in that there is no single layer of board being carried by either the person stocking the product, or the consumer as they handle the package. This avoids any such tearing due to the placement of the reinforcing strip relative to the handle openings.12-20-2012
20130001236REINFORCED CARTON, BLANK AND ASSOCIATED METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION - A paperboard carton blank is formed into a carton which is robust and resistant to crushing. The carton of one embodiment is formed from an integral sheet of foldable material, such as paperboard. The carton includes a number of sides serially connected to one another and each of the sides has a top end spaced from a bottom end. A number of top flaps are each foldably connected to the top end of one of the sides and the top flaps combine to form a top end of the carton. Similarly, a number of bottom flaps are each foldably connected to the bottom end of one of the sides and the bottom flaps combine to form a bottom end of the carton. One or more struts extend from the distal ends of at least some of the top or bottom flaps and are folded into face to face juxtaposition and secured onto an inside face of the side associated with the flap to which it is connected to thereby reinforce the associated side and inhibit deformation of the carton. The carton construction and associated struts are particularly advantageous to resist buckling, crushing or deformation of carton from a longitudinal direction and when the cartons are filled and stacked one on top of another.01-03-2013
20140197052ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS FOR PRODUCT PACKAGING AND GAME PIECES - Product packages and methods of making same, and unpowered conductive circuits for use, for example, as game pieces and methods of making the same. The product package includes a paperboard blank configured to be formed into a box. An electrical circuit is printed with conductive ink pattern onto a surface of the blank. A user may interact with the electrical circuit by, for example, pressing tabs cut into the box. The tabs may include conductive contacts that activate sections of the electrical circuit, thereby producing one or more desirable effects in response to various combinations of tabs being pressed by the user. The electrical circuit may be powered by a battery inserted into a battery compartment of the product package. The blank may include a removable section with a printed electrical circuit, or a portion thereof, that may be separated from the blank and used separately from the product package.07-17-2014

Patent applications by Steven J. Block, Amelia, OH US

Thomas Gerard Block, Carmel, IN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130049761BATTERY STACK CELL MONITOR - A battery monitor system for determining a cell voltage between a low side contact and a high side contact of a cell in situ as one of a plurality of cells connected in series to form a battery. The system uses an arrangement of switches and capacitors to shift relatively high absolute voltages of a battery stack to a relative low voltage level so lower voltage electronics can be used to monitor cell voltages. The system may be configured to provide a single ended measurement or a differential measurement indicative of a cell voltage. The differential measurement may be advantageous to correct or offset signal noise caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI).02-28-2013

Torin J Block, Oakland, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120089909GOAL MANAGEMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM - A computer-implemented method of generating a set of goals is presented. The method entails receiving user input that includes items and an input value associated with each of the items. Individual values are assigned to the items based on the input value. The individual values are then summed to generate a total value, and the items are ranked according to the contributions of their respective individual values to the total value. A difference between the total value and a corresponding reference value is determined. The input value that is associated with the highest-ranking item is changed, and the total value and the difference are then recalculated using the changed input value. The process is repeated with the next highest-ranked item and the next until a condition is fulfilled. A goal is defined based on the changed input value of the items at the time the condition is fulfilled.04-12-2012

Ueyn L. Block, Menlo Park, CA US

William T. Block, Friendswood, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130268527PROCESSING ACQUISITION DATA INTO DELIVERABLE FORMAT - A method of processing data includes: receiving by an application acquisition data from at least one data acquisition source, the acquisition data having a first data format, the first data format including the acquisition data and business data related to the first data format; instructing a software component to access the acquisition data; and processing the acquisition data by the software component, wherein processing includes separating the acquisition data from the business data and making the acquisition data available to one or more other components via a common interface that can be implemented by the software component and the other components.10-10-2013
20140111519BOREHOLE AND WELL DATA VISUALIZATION - A visualization system for visualizing data obtained in a borehole includes a processor configured to process the data based on user input and instructions and provide output for display on a display device. The system may also include a computer-readable medium configured to store the instructions, the instructions including commands to output values of two or more types of parameters at two or more depth values. The instructions may include commands to provide a perspective top-down or bottom-up fly-through display of the borehole including a zoomed-in image of values closest to a user. The processor may also output a display of a photographic image at each of the two or more depth values based on a correspondence between the values of the two or more types of parameters and the plurality of parameters associated with the photographic image.04-24-2014
20140380217SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING WELL DATA - A method of delivering data from an energy industry or formation operation includes: receiving a data set representing parameter values generated during at least a portion of the operation; generating at least one data structure on a display area, the at least one data structure providing a visual representation of at least a portion of the data set; selecting a visual indicator associated with each of the at least one data structure, the visual indicator including information identifying an associated data structure; iteratively determining a suitable location for placement of the visual indicator on the display area by a processor using a probabilistic algorithm; and generating the display including the visual indicator located at the suitable position.12-25-2014
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