Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090094153 | Bidding Language For Combinatorial Auctions And Method Of Use Thereof - In a computer-implemented method for finding a high quality allocation of one or more bids in a combinatorial auction, a number of bids is electronically received. Each bid includes a number of sub bids and a Boolean operator logically connecting each pair of sub bids. Each sub bid is either (1) a good and an associated price or (2) one of the Boolean operators associated with a price and at least two other sub bids. From a number of allocations of goods to sub bids, wherein each allocation of the goods is to a different set of sub bids, an allocation is output that has the greatest value. The value of each allocation includes of a sum of prices of bids that have at least one satisfied sub bid. The price of each bid includes a sum of the prices associated with each satisfied sub bid of the bid. | 04-09-2009 |
20090112750 | Concisely Expressed Combinatorial Auction Problem Solving Method - In a method of determining an optimal allocation in a combinatorial auction, a plurality of bids is received. Each bid includes a plurality of sub bids. Each sub bid includes either one good and a price associated with the good or a logical operator logically connecting at least two child sub bids and a price associated with the logical operator. For each sub bid, the price associated with the good or the logical operator is either an explicit price that is included with the sub bid or is assigned a value of zero when the sub bid does not include an explicit price. An objective is defined for the plurality of bids. For each bid, a plurality of mathematical relationships collectively representing the bid without logical operators is defined. The received bids are processed to achieve the objective subject to the mathematical relationships. | 04-30-2009 |
20100106652 | System and Method for Procurement Strategy Optimization Against Expressive Contracts - In a computer-implemented method of procurement strategy optimization, data about a number of contracts is stored in a computer storage accessible to a processor of a computer along with a forecast of a future quantity of at least one good or service to be purchased. The processor of the computer determines a first plan for future procurement against at least one of the stored contracts based on the forecast and the following data specified by the one contract: a good or service, a payment rule, a trigger condition, and an associated effect of the trigger condition. In response to the processor automatically approving the first plan subject to one or more predetermined rules or the processor receiving an approval of the first plan, the processor causes the first plan to be adopted for future procurement. | 04-29-2010 |
20100106653 | System and Method for Contract Execution Against Expressive Contracts - In a computer-implemented method of contract execution, data about contracts is stored in a computer storage accessible to a processor of a computer along with data about a procurement plan and data about a purchase request that includes information about a first quantity of at least one good or service. The processor determines a second quantity of the one good or service and a second contract against which to complete the purchase request based on the procurement plan, the data about the contracts, at least one purchase made against one of the contracts, a trigger condition and associated effect, and the quantity of at least one good or service. In response to the second contract and the second quantity being approved, the processor causes a purchase order for the second quantity of the one good or service to be placed to the supplier associated with the second contract. | 04-29-2010 |
20100114784 | System and Method for Payment Reconciliation Against Expressive Contracts - In a computer-implemented method of conducting expressive payment reconciliation, a purchase transaction is stored in a computer storage accessible to a processor. The processor identifies a contract against which the purchase transaction is made and a first payment amount for the purchase transaction. Contract data is stored in the computer storage and the processor determines a second payment amount for the purchase transaction based on at least one good or service associated with the purchase transaction and the data about the contract. In response to a difference in the first and second payments, the processor either stores computer storage a modified invoice with a modified payment amount, stores in the computer storage a reconciliation payment equal to the payment difference; outputs over a computer network an explanation of the modified payment; or outputs over a computer network a dispute notification. | 05-06-2010 |
20100121671 | Automated Channel Abstraction for Advertising Auctions - In a computer-implemented method of determining an abstraction of a plurality of differentiated goods available for exchange, data regarding each differentiated good is stored in a computer storage, wherein the data regarding each differentiated good includes an attribute value assigned to at least one attribute of the differentiated good. A processor of a computer determines a first abstraction of the plurality of differentiated goods based on the stored data. The first abstraction includes at least one abstract good. Each abstract good includes one or more differentiated goods. At least one abstract good of the first abstraction includes at least two distinct differentiated goods. The processor determines for each abstract good a specification for the abstract good based on the data regarding one or more differentiated goods forming the abstract good. The processor stores in the computer storage the specification determined for each abstract good. | 05-13-2010 |
20130304636 | System and Method for Payment Reconciliation Against Expressive Contracts - In a computer-implemented method of conducting expressive payment reconciliation, a purchase transaction is stored in a computer storage accessible to a processor. The processor identifies a contract against which the purchase transaction is made and a first payment amount for the purchase transaction. Contract data is stored in the computer storage and the processor determines a second payment amount for the purchase transaction based on at least one good or service associated with the purchase transaction and the data about the contract. In response to a difference in the first and second payments, the processor either stores computer storage a modified invoice with a modified payment amount, stores in the computer storage a reconciliation payment equal to the payment difference; outputs over a computer network an explanation of the modified payment; or outputs over a computer network a dispute notification. | 11-14-2013 |
20130311304 | Automated Channel Abstraction for Advertising Auctions - In a computer-implemented method of determining an abstraction of a plurality of differentiated goods available for exchange, data regarding each differentiated good is stored in a computer storage, wherein the data regarding each differentiated good includes an attribute value assigned to at least one attribute of the differentiated good. A processor of a computer determines a first abstraction of the plurality of differentiated goods based on the stored data. The first abstraction includes at least one abstract good. Each abstract good includes one or more differentiated goods. At least one abstract good of the first abstraction includes at least two distinct differentiated goods. The processor determines for each abstract good a specification for the abstract good based on the data regarding one or more differentiated goods forming the abstract good. The processor stores in the computer storage the specification determined for each abstract good. | 11-21-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110030180 | BUCKLE - A releasable buckle including a latch having locking arms adapted to lockingly engage a female component. A folding bridge structure extends between the locking arms. The bridge structure includes a pivot connection zone adapted to engage an elongate release member. Upon tensioning the elongate release member the locking arms are pulled inwardly to disengage from the female component. | 02-10-2011 |
20130283492 | PERSONAL EQUIPMENT SUSPENSION SYSTEM WITH ACTIVE LUMBAR SUPPORT - A personal equipment suspension system with active support to the lumbar region includes a belt to surround the user's waist and a frame supported on the belt with a resilient membrane of synthetic elastomeric crystalline material in tension on the frame to be interposed between the belt and the user. The frame includes spaced ends and the membrane is a lattice in tension between the spaced ends. In one embodiment, the system is a support belt. In another, it is load bearing such as a backpack configuration. In another, it includes stanchions to support a body armor vest. | 10-31-2013 |
20140338157 | OVER MOLDED G-HOOK - A loop engaging G-hook with a metal interior having a polymer covering. The metal interior remains uncovered in selected regions which engage the connection strap and loops during use. One uncovered region may be a wave-form crossbar in a threading eyelet engaging the strap. Another uncovered portion may define an inwardly projecting ridge disposed along the inboard edge of the hooking arm adapted to extend through the loops. The selective combination of bare and covered metal provides a high level of strength in a low profile hook structure. | 11-20-2014 |
20140341639 | LOCKING CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY - A locking connector assembly is configured to securely connect a first component to a second component. The locking connector assembly may include a female connector having first and second female ends and a longitudinal passage defined therebetween, and a male connector having first and second male ends. Either of the first or second male ends may be configured to mate with the female connector at either the first or second female ends in order to securely connect the male connector to the female connector. | 11-20-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120271313 | LONG SCRAPER TOOL FOR DISCECTOMY - A scraping instrument is disclosed that includes a handle assembly having a trigger. The scraping instrument also includes an elongate shaft having an inner lumen extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis between proximal and distal ends thereof. The proximal end of the elongate shaft is connected with the handle assembly. A control rod extends through the inner lumen of the elongate shaft hand has a first end connected with the trigger and a second end extending outside the distal end of the elongate shaft. The second end of the control rod includes a connection pin. A yoke is connected with the distal end of the elongate shaft. A curette having a scraping member and a connection member is pivotally connected with the yoke. Upon compression of the trigger the control rod is forced to move along the longitudinal axis thereby causing the curette to rotate along a latitudinal axis. | 10-25-2012 |
20120271357 | TOOLS AND METHODS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE FACET JOINT - Methods of fusing a facet joint that include inserting a cannula with a first end of the cannula at the facet joint and a second end positioned away from the facet joint. One or more tools may be inserted through the cannula to contact against and treat one or both vertebral members to enlarge the facet joint. An osteogenic material is then inserted into the enlarged facet joint to facilitate fusion of the first and second vertebral members. | 10-25-2012 |
20120277811 | BONE TAMP AND METHODS OF USE - A system comprises an inflatable bone tamp including a plurality of linearly aligned expandable bodies. The system further comprises an elongated tubular shaft extending through the plurality of linearly aligned expandable bodies. The elongated tubular shaft includes a shaft wall and an interior partition structure. The system further comprises a plurality of channels extending through the shaft, each of the channels formed by a segment of the shaft wall and the interior partition structure and each of the channels in communication with the respective one of the plurality of expandable bodies via openings in the shaft. Each of the expandable bodies is independently inflatable. | 11-01-2012 |
20140107716 | BONE TAMP AND METHODS OF USE - A system comprises an inflatable bone tamp including a plurality of linearly aligned expandable bodies. The system further comprises an elongated tubular shaft extending through the plurality of linearly aligned expandable bodies. The elongated tubular shaft includes a shaft wall and an interior partition structure. The system further comprises a plurality of channels extending through the shaft, each of the channels formed by a segment of the shaft wall and the interior partition structure and each of the channels in communication with the respective one of the plurality of expandable bodies via openings in the shaft. Each of the expandable bodies is independently inflatable. | 04-17-2014 |
20140194885 | CATHETER WITH INTEGRATED CEMENT DELIVERY BALLOON - A bone filling device includes a catheter that defines a longitudinal axis and extends between a proximal end and a distal end. A first lumen extends along the longitudinal axis of the catheter and defines a first passageway. A second lumen extends along the longitudinal axis of the catheter and defines a second passageway. An inflatable body includes a wall that defines a fillable cavity. The fillable cavity is in fluid communication with the first passageway. A bone filler delivery port continuous with the second passageway and configured to dispense bone filling material. | 07-10-2014 |
20140269147 | BONE CEMENT MIXING AND DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH REDUCED FUME EXPOSURE - A device for mixing and containing fumes for a bone cement component including a base. The base includes an inner wall defines a chamber having a first sealable opening and a passageway. A handle extends between a proximal end and a distal end and includes a seal at the distal end. A plunger housing is configured for moveable disposal of the handle and includes a second sealable opening. The plunger housing is configured to contain a vial therein. The plunger housing is configured for engagement with the base. The plunger housing is configured to move within the passageway. A collapsible paddle attached to the handle between the proximal and distal end and configured to mix the bone cement. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276802 | ROTATABLE CUTTING INSTRUMENT AND METHOD - A surgical instrument includes a first member having an inner surface defining a first passageway. A second member is disposable within the first passageway and movable relative to the first member. The second member defines a longitudinal axis and extends between a first end and a second end configured to engage tissue. The second end includes a first surface configured for a non-penetrating engagement with the tissue and a second surface including at least two spaced apart cutting members extending axially from the first surface. The cutting members are rotatable to excise a portion of the tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277030 | ULTRASONIC CUTTING DEVICE - An ultrasonic surgical device for performing a surgical procedure includes an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end spaced along a longitudinal axis. The elongated member has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a passageway. A septum is configured to separate the passageway into a first conduit and a second conduit. A distal end of the second conduit terminates before a distal end of the first conduit to form a stepped configuration. An ultrasonic-driven cutting blade is disposed within the second conduit and is configured for cutting tissue such that the cutting blade vibrates ultrasonically to cut tissue. The distal end of the first conduit includes an outlet configured for delivering material to a surgical site and the distal end of the second conduit includes an inlet configured for aspirating the surgical site. | 09-18-2014 |
20150216579 | BONE TAMP AND METHODS OF USE - A system comprises an inflatable bone tamp including a plurality of linearly aligned expandable bodies. The system further comprises an elongated tubular shaft extending through the plurality of linearly aligned expandable bodies. The elongated tubular shaft includes a shaft wall and an interior partition structure. The system further comprises a plurality of channels extending through the shaft, each of the channels formed by a segment of the shaft wall and the interior partition structure and each of the channels in communication with the respective one of the plurality of expandable bodies via openings in the shaft. Each of the expandable bodies is independently inflatable. | 08-06-2015 |