Higgins, US

Barry Lewis Higgins, Westfield, NJ US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100076792	Systems and Methods for Determination of Long Term Care Benefits - In one aspect, the invention comprises a computer implemented method comprising: (a) determining an average monthly cost of long term care for a consumer; (b) determining an estimated total cost of long term care for the consumer; (c) receiving and storing in a computer readable medium data describing the consumer's preferences regarding long term care resources; (d) calculating with a processor an initial benefit amount for the consumer; (e) adjusting with a processor the initial benefit amount based on the data describing the consumer's preferences to determine a total benefit amount; and (f) recommending a long term care policy providing the total benefit amount to the consumer, wherein the processors may the same processor or different processors. Other aspects of the invention comprise related method, computer system, and software embodiments.	03-25-2010

Bernadette A. Higgins, Alexandria, VA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090301169	SELECTIVE MEMBRANES/THIN FILMS FOR ANALYTICAL APPLICATIONS - Disclosed herein is a composition having: a polymer having a carbosilane or siloxane backbone and pendant hydrogen-bond acidic groups; and a filler material having polar groups. The polymer is not covalently bound to the filler material.	12-10-2009
20100029884	FIBER REINFORCEMENT WITH 1-SILACYCLOBUTANE CROSSLINK UNITS - Disclosed herein is a composition having a plurality of particles of a filler material and crosslinking units having the formula —(SiR—CH	02-04-2010

Bob J. Higgins, Punta Gorda, FL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110252540	MUSICAL HEADWEAR - The musical headwear includes headwear having a pocket that carries an electronic audio device. The pocket has an opening, sealable via fasteners disposed across fabric surrounding the top central portion of the opening. The electronic audio device is dropped into the open pocket and then sealed inside by fastening together the fasteners proximate the top central portion of the pocket opening. Gaps on either side of the seal are provided so that a user can touch the case of the electronic audio device, the case having a touch sensitive electronic pad that actuates the unit when momentarily touched by the user. When the unit is actuated, speakers embedded in the audio unit broadcast a song, chant, or other refrain that has been pre-stored in the unit's digital memory. The unit is factory programmed to play one or more different programs responsive to momentary user contact with the touch pad.	10-20-2011

Brian Higgins, Oxford, CT US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110049335	ELECTRICAL TERMINATION CIRCUIT FOR A TRAVELING-WAVE OPTOELECTRONIC DEVICE - An electrical termination circuit for a traveling wave optoelectronic device is disclosed. The electrical termination circuit is constructed to reflect a portion of a radio-frequency signal back into the optoelectronic device. The reflected signal is out of phase with the applied radio-frequency signal at a frequency of a detrimental spectral feature or a bump in an electro-optical transfer characteristic of the optoelectronic device. The amplitude and the phase of the reflected signal are selected so as to suppress the detrimental spectral feature without a significant reduction in the efficiency of electro-optical or optical-electrical transformation of the optoelectronic device.	03-03-2011

Brian P. Higgins, Boise, ID US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080211636	Radio frequency data communications device - A radio frequency identification device includes an integrated circuit including a receiver, a transmitter, and a microprocessor. The receiver and transmitter together define an active transponder. The integrated circuit is preferably a monolithic single die integrated circuit including the receiver, the transmitter, and the microprocessor. Because the device includes an active transponder, instead of a transponder which relies on magnetic coupling for power, the device has a much greater range.	09-04-2008
20130030881	METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS - A radio frequency identification device includes an integrated circuit including a receiver, a transmitter, and a microprocessor. The receiver and transmitter together define an active transponder. The integrated circuit is preferably a monolithic single die integrated circuit including the receiver, the transmitter, and the microprocessor. Because the device includes an active transponder, instead of a transponder which relies on magnetic coupling for power, the device has a much greater range.	01-31-2013

Charles Higgins, Richmond, VA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110155718	SHAPED HEATER FOR AN AEROSOL GENERATING SYSTEM - A heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate includes a plurality of elongate heating elements arranged in an elongate array. The elongate array has a support end with a first dimension, a heating end with a second dimension and a middle portion with a third dimension. The array is arranged to heat the substrate to form an aerosol. The third dimension is greater than the first dimension and greater than the second dimension. An electrically heated aerosol generating system can include the heater.	06-30-2011
20140064715	SHAPED HEATER FOR AN AEROSOL GENERATING SYSTEM - A heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate includes a plurality of elongate heating elements arranged in an elongate array. The elongate array has a support end with a first dimension, a heating end with a second dimension and a middle portion with a third dimension. The array is arranged to heat the substrate to form an aerosol. The third dimension is greater than the first dimension and greater than the second dimension. An electrically heated aerosol generating system can include the heater.	03-06-2014

Charles George Higgins, Santa Fe, NM US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110030324	Sifting Apparatus with filter rotation and particle collection - Sifting apparatus, for sifting solid particles from a gaseous or liquid fluid, having a rotating conical filter and fan blade assembly connected to the filter exterior, both rotated together by a motor/pulley assembly, the fan blades slanted in a direction opposite the rotation direction, so that air is drawn through the filter from its interior to its exterior, having an inlet for admission of air only at the narrow end of the filter, and having a receptacle for collection of the particles at the broad end of the filter. Applications include cleaning of particle contaminants from air; cleaning beach sand by sifting out broken glass, sea weed or other debris; extraction of mineral particles from water slurry; collection of soil samples picked up by an air stream; lawn maintenance collection of weeds, leaves and burrs; biohazard removal operations; and an alternative to auger food particle transport in food processing.	02-10-2011

Christopher K. Higgins, Kennesaw, GA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090245319	Burner/Injector Panel Apparatus - The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for use in metal melting, refining and/or other processing, such as, for example, steel making in an electric arc furnace (EAF), and more particularly, to improved burner/injector panels and related methods for the introduction of various energy sources, such as, for example, chemical energy, oxygen and particulates into an EAF.	10-01-2009

Christopher M. Higgins, Ypsilanti, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110062747	METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISENGAGING A DRIVE ROD IN A DOOR AFTER AN IMPACT TO THE DOOR - The present invention is a method and system for disengaging a drive rod in a door after an impact to the door. The present invention includes an automobile having a door with a door handle, a drive rod, a latching system, a striker, and a drive rod striking member. The drive rod striking member can be positioned adjacent the drive rod. Upon impact to the door, the drive rod is disengaged from the door handle and/or the latching system through inertia, the drive rod striking member impacting the drive rod, or any other means. The drive rod striking member prevents the drive rod from re-engaging with the latching system. The disengagement of the drive rod prevents the drive rod from controlling the latching system to disengage from the striker, either through deformation of the door, or through actuations by the door handle.	03-17-2011
20110115251	METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DEFORMING A DRIVE ROD IN A DOOR AFTER AN IMPACT TO THE DOOR - The present invention is a method and system for deforming a drive rod in a door after an impact to the door. The present invention can include an automobile having a door with a door handle, a drive rod, a latching system, a striker, and a drive rod deformation member. The drive rod deformation member can be positioned adjacent to the drive rod. Upon impact to the door, the drive rod deformation member impacts and deforms the drive rod. The deformation of the drive rod can correspond to a compression of the door and the door can be opened by actuating the door handle. However, the deformation of the drive rod prevents the drive rod from controlling the latching system to disengage from the striker through compression of the door.	05-19-2011
20110115252	METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GUIDING A DRIVE ROD IN A DOOR AFTER AN IMPACT TO THE DOOR - The present invention is a method and system for guiding a drive rod in a door after an impact to the door. The present invention includes an automobile having a door with a door handle, a drive rod, a latching system, a striker, and a drive rod guiding member. The drive rod guiding member can be positioned adjacent to the drive rod. Upon impact to the door, the drive rod can be disengaged from the door handle or the latching system. The drive rod guiding member guides the drive rod away from the door handle or the latching system. By guiding the drive rod away the door handle or the latching system, the drive rod guiding member can prevent the drive rod from re-engaging with the door handle or the latching system. This maintains the door in the closed position instead of the open position.	05-19-2011
20120186045	INTERLOCKING HANDLE - Apparatus, devices, methods and systems corresponding to one or more embodiments relating to a jack handle for operation of a vehicle jack is described herein. In one embodiment, a two-piece jack is described. A first piece may include a handle and a first interlock portion. A second piece may include a jack mating portion, a second interlock portion for engagement with the first interlock portion of the first piece and a stopper for preventing the first piece and second piece from becoming disengaged during operation.	07-26-2012
20120192494	METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISENGAGING A DRIVE ROD IN A DOOR AFTER AN IMPACT TO THE DOOR - A method and system for disengaging a drive rod in a door after an impact to the door. An automobile having a door with a door handle, a drive rod, a latching system, a striker, and a drive rod striking member. The drive rod striking member can be positioned adjacent the drive rod. Upon impact to the door, the drive rod is disengaged from the door handle and/or the latching system through inertia, through the drive rod striking member impacting the drive rod, or through any other means of disengagement. The drive rod striking member prevents the drive rod from re-engaging with the latching system. The disengagement of the drive rod prevents the drive rod from controlling the latching system to disengage from the striker, either through deformation of the door, or through actuations by the door handle.	08-02-2012
20130292955	SLIDING DOOR OBSTACLE DETECTION - Obstacle detection for a sliding door of a vehicle including a sensor apparatus located on or near a hinge of the sliding door and arranged to detect an obstacle in a path of the hinge of the sliding door. A controller connected to the sensor apparatus is configured to receive an obstruction signal from the sensor apparatus indicating detection of an obstacle in the path of the hinge of the sliding door.	11-07-2013

Christopher Michael Higgins, Ypsilanti, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110126470	WIRE HARNESS PROTECTOR AND TOUCH SENSOR ASSEMBLY - The present invention is a touch sensor assembly for a closing panel of a frame member that at least partially defines an opening and is oppositely disposed from the closing panel. The touch sensor assembly can have an elongated housing dimensioned to attach to a leading edge of the closing panel or a trailing edge of the frame member. The touch sensor assembly can also have a wire harness with a first portion encapsulated within the housing and a second portion that extends a predetermined length from the housing and passes through an aperture in the closing panel or an aperture in the frame member. A wire harness protector is also provided, the protector being attached to the wire harness proximate to the elongated housing.	06-02-2011
20130249234	FUEL HOUSING ASSEMBLIES WITH INTEGRATED SEALING RETAINER ASSEMBLIES - A fuel housing assembly for a vehicle includes a fuel housing having sidewalls and an interior wall defining a fuel nozzle receiving volume for receiving a fuel nozzle. A sealing retainer assembly includes a retainer base integrally formed with the fuel housing and a seal member that engages a locking shaft of a fuel door lock system in both unlocked and locked configurations.	09-26-2013

Craig William Higgins, Liberty Township, OH US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100129197	METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COOLING ENGINE COMPONENTS - A method and system for a rotatable member of a turbine engine are provided. The rotatable member includes a substantially cylindrical shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and a hub coupled to the cylindrical shaft through a conical shaft portion wherein the conical shaft portion includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced air passages and wherein at least one of the plurality of air passages includes a non-circular cross section.	05-27-2010

Dennis A. Higgins, Easton, KS US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080250569	Fisherman's pliers - Pliers for removing paint from a jig-eye hole, including a first plier having a first handle and first jaw. The first jaw includes a tooth extending from the end. A second plier is connected to the first plier and has a second handle and a second jaw including an invagination at the end. When the jig-eye hole is registered with the invagination, and the first handle and second handle are rotated closer together, the tooth is inserted into the jig-eye hole for paint removal.	10-16-2008

Derrick Higgins, Highland Park, NJ US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080294440	METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING PRONUNCIATION DIFFICULTIES OF NON-NATIVE SPEAKERSL - The present disclosure presents a useful metric for assessing the relative difficulty which non-native speakers face in pronouncing a given utterance and a method and systems for using such a metric in the evaluation and assessment of the utterances of non-native speakers. In an embodiment, the metric may be based on both known sources of difficulty for language learners and a corpus-based measure of cross-language sound differences. The method may be applied to speakers who primarily speak a first language speaking utterances in any non-native second language.	11-27-2008
20100223051	Method and System for Determining Text Coherence - A method and system for determining text coherence in an essay is disclosed. A method of evaluating the coherence of an essay includes receiving an essay having one or more discourse elements and text segments. The one or more discourse elements are annotated either manually or automatically. A text segment vector is generated for each text segment in a discourse element using sparse random indexing vectors. The method or system then identifies one or more essay dimensions and measures the semantic similarity of each text segment based on the essay dimensions. Finally, a coherence level is assigned to the essay based on the measured semantic similarities.	09-02-2010
20110166853	Method and System for Text Retrieval for Computer-Assisted Item Creation - A tool, method, and system for use in the development of sentence-based test items are disclosed. The tool may include a user interface that may include a database selection field, a sentence pattern entry field, an option pane, and an output pane. The tool may search a database for one or more sentences and may generate one or more responses to the one or more sentences. The one or more sentences and one or more responses may be used to produce the sentence-based test items. The tool may allow test items to be developed more quickly and easily than manual test item authoring. Accordingly, test item development costs may be lowered and test security may be enhanced.	07-07-2011

Douglas A. Higgins, Point Pleasant, NJ US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100273890	IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIAL AUTOINDUCER AND USE IN TREATING BACTERIAL PATHOGENICITY - A bacterial autoinducer, CAI-1, was purified and its structure identified. Methods for synthesis of the autoinducer and its analogues were elucidated. Methods of using the autoinducer or its analogues for treating bacterial pathogenicity and bio film formation are described. Methods for prevention and treatment of cholera are described. Synthetic (S)-3-hydroxytridecan-4-one functions as well as natural CAI-1 in repressing production of the virulence factor toxin co-regulated pilus (TCP). Strategies are described to manipulate bacterial quorum sensing in the clinical arena.	10-28-2010

Edward P. Higgins, Ripton, VT US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080285202	IN SITU MONITORING OF WAFER CHARGE DISTRIBUTION IN PLASMA PROCESSING - A processing system and method. The processing system includes a processing tool, an electrostatic chuck (ESC) arranged within the processing tool, and a system that at least one of detects at least one of an ESC bias spike and an ESC current spike of the ESC and determines when an ESC bias voltage is zero or exceeds a threshold value. The method includes at least one of detecting at least one of an ESC bias spike and an ESC current spike of the ESC, and determining when an ESC bias voltage is zero or exceeds a threshold value. The system and method can be used in real time ESC and plasma processing diagnostics to minimize yield loss and wafer scrap.	11-20-2008
20110288668	Manufacturing Management Using Tool Operating Data - A solution for managing a manufacturing environment using operating data for each of a plurality of tools in the manufacturing environment. The operating data can include actual resource consumption data and/or actual exhaust generation data for a tool while the tool implements at least a portion of a recipe to manufacture one of a plurality of types of products manufactured in the manufacturing environment. Operation of the manufacturing environment can be configured to optimize one or more aspects of resource consumption and/or exhaust generation during the manufacture of desired quantities of the plurality of types of products within a desired time frame using the operating data.	11-24-2011

Eugene J. Higgins, Berlin, NJ US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090050168	Cigarette filter - Cigarette filter with an outer housing, an inner smoke channel member, the outer housing being approximately cylindrical in shape, the outer housing having an aperture on its first end that is equivalent to the diameter of a standard cigarette, the outer housing having an aperture on the second end that is approximately one tenth of an inch in diameter, the second end also being flattened so that the end view of the second end is approximately rectangular, the interior of the outer housing capable of frictionally retaining the inner smoke channel member, the inner smoke channel member including a quarter of an inch diameter disk that is frictionally retained by the inner diameter of the outer housing, the disk including six evenly spaced radially placed apertures, the smoke channel member disk apertures being approximately three thousandths of an inch in diameter.	02-26-2009

Frank Higgins, Burlington, CT US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090301819	Elevator Motor Drive Tolerant of an Irregular Power Source - A hoist motor (	12-10-2009
20100044160	AUTOMATIC RESCUE OPERATION FOR A REGENERATIVE DRIVE SYSTEM	02-25-2010
20120261217	REGENERATIVE DRIVE WITH BACKUP POWER SUPPLY - A system continuously drives a motor during normal and power failure operating conditions. A regenerative drive delivers power to the motor from a main power supply during the normal operating condition and from a backup power supply during the power failure operating condition. A controller operates the regenerative drive to provide available power on the regenerative drive to the backup power supply during the normal operating condition.	10-18-2012

Frank S. Higgins, Naugatuck, CT US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090257047	WATER IN OIL MEASUREMENT USING STABILIZER - A method for determining an amount of polar substance in a non-polar media includes adding a surfactant to increase a dispersion of the polar substance in the non-polar media and to increase the optical absorbance of the polar substance in the non-polar media to create a sample, passing an initial optical spectrum through the sample, measuring a resultant optical spectrum exiting the sample, relating the resultant optical spectrum to a predetermined quantitative calibration, and determining a concentration of the polar substance in the non-polar media based on the relation of the resultant optical spectrum to the quantitative calibration.	10-15-2009

Fred C. Higgins, Pensacola, FL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080271394	Frame assembly for the opening of a structure - A frame assembly may be secured within an opening in a structure and is adapted to carry a window assembly therein. The frame assembly may include a pair of spaced vertical rails and a top rail secured to a top end of the vertical rails. A bottom rail may be secured to a bottom end of the vertical rails and the window assembly is removable without damaging the underlying structure.	11-06-2008

Gregory L. Higgins, Port Charlotte, FL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110252540	MUSICAL HEADWEAR - The musical headwear includes headwear having a pocket that carries an electronic audio device. The pocket has an opening, sealable via fasteners disposed across fabric surrounding the top central portion of the opening. The electronic audio device is dropped into the open pocket and then sealed inside by fastening together the fasteners proximate the top central portion of the pocket opening. Gaps on either side of the seal are provided so that a user can touch the case of the electronic audio device, the case having a touch sensitive electronic pad that actuates the unit when momentarily touched by the user. When the unit is actuated, speakers embedded in the audio unit broadcast a song, chant, or other refrain that has been pre-stored in the unit's digital memory. The unit is factory programmed to play one or more different programs responsive to momentary user contact with the touch pad.	10-20-2011

James Higgins, Overland Park, KS US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100245765	VIDEO INFRARED OPHTHALMOSCOPE - An opthalmoscope includes a wearable headset. The wearable headset has a light source, a beam splitter reflecting infrared radiation from the light source to an eye, a camera collecting radiation reflected by the eye through the beam splitter, an analog to digital convertor receiving a raw signal from the camera based on the collected radiation, the analog to digital convertor converting the raw signal to a digital signal; a black and white to color converter converting the digital signal into a color signal, a streaming video converter processing the color signal into a video signal, and a pair of video monitors displaying an image of the eye based on the video signal. The wearable headset also has a video transmitter, the video transmitter transmitting the video signal to a computer over a network, the computer extracting a plurality of images from the video signal.	09-30-2010
20120257163	Video Infrared Ophthalmoscope - An ophthalmoscope includes a wearable headset. The wearable headset has a light source, a beam splitter reflecting infrared radiation from the light source to an eye, a camera collecting radiation reflected by the eye through the beam splitter, an analog to digital convertor receiving a raw signal from the camera based on the collected radiation, the analog to digital convertor converting the raw signal to a digital signal; a black and white to color converter converting the digital signal into a color signal, a streaming video converter processing the color signal into a video signal, and a pair of video monitors displaying an image of the eye based on the video signal. The wearable headset also has a video transmitter, the video transmitter transmitting the video signal to a computer over a network, the computer extracting a plurality of images from the video signal.	10-11-2012

James Higgins, Baltimore, MD US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100057214	ARTHRODESIS IMPLANT FOR FINGER JOINTS AND RELATED METHODS - An arthrodesis implant is for a finger joint of a hand of a patient. The arthrodesis implant may include an extramedullary proximal anchor including a first member having a fastener-receiving passageway therethrough to receive a fastener to anchor the first member to an extramedullary portion of a proximal bone of the finger joint of the hand of the patient. The arthrodesis implant may also include an intramedullary distal anchor having a second member for being anchored within an intramedullary portion of a distal bone of the finger joint of the hand of the patient, and a coupling for securing the first and second members together.	03-04-2010

James A. Higgins, River Falls, WI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080305943	ZIRCONIA PARTICLES - Zirconia particles, methods of making zirconia particles, composite materials that contain the zirconia particles, methods of making the composite materials, and zirconia sols that contain the zirconia particles are described. The zirconia particles are substantially non-associated and have an average size no greater than 50 nanometers and may contain yttrium. The zirconia particles are prepared by a method that includes two separate hydrothermal treatments.	12-11-2008

James Francis Higgins, Phoenix, AZ US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110230785	Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SSEP) Automated Alert System - A processor, system, and method for alerting a surgeon to the potential of a peripheral sensory nerve injury is provided. The technology stimulates a peripheral nerve, such as the median nerve, proximate the wrist of a patient and registers the sensory evoked potential (SEP) using a cranium electrode. The SEP is analyzed to determine a slope of a portion of the SEP between the peak of the SEP and the trough of the SEP. The slope is compared to a baseline to determine whether the slope deviates a predetermined amount from the baseline slope, which is indicative of potential, imminent, or an actual positioning injury. When it is determined that the slope deviates a predetermined amount, an alarm is provided to the surgeon such that the surgeon can take corrective action.	09-22-2011

James W. Higgins, Rothschild, WI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080317887	Compositions and Methods for Treating and Preventing Migrainous Headaches and Associated Symptoms - Compositions and methods of treating migrainous headaches and their associated symptoms are provided. Methods of treating migrainous headaches and their associated symptoms include administering a lipid-based composition containing feverfew extract and ginger extract sublingually to a patient in need thereof. Treatments are effective using low total administered amounts of feverfew and ginger extracts.	12-25-2008

Jeffrey D. Higgins, Dexter, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090231094	Multiple vehicle remote keyless entry apparatus - An apparatus and method for remotely controlling multiple control functions from a single remote entry device has a plurality of unique device transmission codes stored in the memory of the remote entry device. Each code is selectable to enable a single remote entry device to remotely control functions in a plurality of different devices, such as vehicles.	09-17-2009

Jim Higgins, Overland Park, KS US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100169120	PATIENT TO DEVICE ASSOCIATION - Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for maintaining an association between a patient and one or more medical devices are provided. Initially, an identification of a patient and at least one medical device may be received. The identification may be received by scanning a barcode, entering an identification into a computing device, or searching a database containing a plurality of patient and medical device identifications. Upon receiving the identifications, the patient and at least one of the medical devices may be associated. This association may be maintained until the patient and the medical devices are disassociated, which may be caused by a variety of occurrences, such as a disassociation by a clinician, a received indication that one of the medical devices is offline, or by a clinician overriding the association in favor of associating that medical device to another patient.	07-01-2010
20100169121	PATIENT TO DEVICE ASSOCIATION BASED ON SUGGESTED DEVICES - Methods and computer-readable media for associating a patient with one or more medical devices based upon a set of suggested medical devices provided to the user is provided. Initially, an identification of the patient is received, and may be received by scanning a bar code associated with the patient, entering the patient's name into a computing device, or searching for the patient in a database. A set of suggested medical devices may be displayed based on the patient identification, and may be suggested based on one or more of many factors, such as the location of the patient, demographics of the patient, or a diagnosis or medical condition of the patient. A user may select one or more medical devices with which to be associated. The patient and the medical device(s) are explicitly associated, such that the association of the patient and the medical devices(s) is stored.	07-01-2010

John Higgins, Crawfordsville, IN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090050126	APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR UTILIZING LOADER FOR PAINTBALL MARKER AS A CONSOLIDATED DISPLAY AND RELAY CENTER - Among other things, methods and apparatus regarding collection, dissemination and display of information concerning paintball loaders and markers are disclosed. A loader includes a heads-up display, electronic devices for gathering, storing and disseminating information, and an antenna for sending and receiving data. Wireless voice communications among paintball players is possible via associated headsets.	02-26-2009

John C. Higgins, Orem, UT US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090063454	VORTEX SEARCHING - Determining intersection points of parameter patterns. Parameter patterns are specified in a query. A method includes identifying a first parameter pattern from the query as occurring less often in the index than one other parameter pattern in the query. The data store is searched until a present location of the data store has been identified as including the first parameter pattern. Then the data store is searched for a location of another parameter pattern. If the present location is identified as including the another parameter pattern, then an indication is provided identifying an intersection. Otherwise, the method includes continuing searching remaining portions of the data store to find a location of the another parameter pattern at a new present location. At least one of the acts of searching above includes eliminating at least a portion of records of the data store from searching without being searched prior to being eliminated.	03-05-2009
20090063479	SEARCH TEMPLATES - Searching a data store for parameter patterns specified in a query. A method includes receiving a query from a user including N parameter patterns. One or more alternatives are associated to one or more of the N parameter patterns. One or more templates are created. Each of the templates describes a number of microsearches. Each of the microsearches includes one or more of the N parameter patterns or the alternatives. Microsearches described by at least one of the one or more templates are enumerated. One or more sub-microsearches are performed by searching for parameter patterns and/or alternatives. Each sub-microsearch may have less than all terms needed for a full microsearch. Based on the results of the one or more sub-microsearches, one or more microsearches are eliminated from searching. The data store is searched using one or more of the remaining microsearches.	03-05-2009
20090307184	Hyperspace Index - Hyperspace index data structure. A data structure indexes identifiers corresponding to parameter patterns. The presence of an identifier in the data structure indicates that the corresponding parameter pattern may be present in a set of parameter patterns, while absence of the indicator can be used to indicate that the corresponding parameter pattern is not present. The data structure includes a first field which includes binary bits or groups of small parameter pattern keyed records. Each binary bit or parameter pattern keyed record corresponds to an identifier corresponding to a parameter pattern. If the bit or record corresponding to the identifier is set or present, the identifier is included in the first field. One or more additional fields are hierarchically below the first data field. Each of the additional fields includes identifiers for a subset of information in the first field. The absence of an identifier corresponding to a parameter pattern at any level in all of the hierarchical threads indicates that the parameter pattern is not present.	12-10-2009
20120096008	HYPERSPACE INDEX - A data structure indexes identifiers corresponding to parameter patterns. The presence of an identifier in the data structure indicates that the corresponding parameter pattern may be present in a set of parameter patterns, while absence of the indicator can be used to indicate that the corresponding parameter pattern is not present. The data structure includes a first field which includes small parameter pattern records. Each parameter pattern record corresponds to an identifier corresponding to a parameter pattern. If the record corresponding to the identifier is set or present, the identifier is included in the first field. One or more additional fields are hierarchically below the first field. Each of the additional fields includes identifiers for a subset of information in the first field. The absence of an identifier corresponding to a parameter pattern at any level in all of the hierarchical threads indicates that the parameter pattern is not present.	04-19-2012

Jon Kevin Higgins, Denver, CO US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090029326	Integrated method of teaching cooking and reinforcing cooking skills - Disclosed is a system and method that can enable a user to understand the basis of one or more methods of food preparation through a learning construct that incorporates a teaching of foundational components with a teaching of a foundational process. The disclosed device also comprises a construct that can reinforce and/or strengthen the user's learned basis of understanding of components and processes beyond recipe replication. The reinforcement construct seeks to further instill the understanding of the technique being taught through a variety of tools, such as by the use of recipes, tables arranging possible ingredients, guides, charts, definitions, instructions, tips, pairings, etc.	01-29-2009

Joshua W. Higgins, Bondurant, IA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110272240	APPARATUS FOR TRANSPORTING FOOD PRODUCTS TO A LOADING HEAD - An apparatus and method of transporting food products to a loading station having a cooling conveyor that selectively drops food product into a distributor. The distributor separates product into at least two lanes and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor monitors and counts product in each lane and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter transfers product from a loading conveyor to a buffer conveyor. The buffer conveyor transfers product to a main conveyor which transfers product to a loading head.	11-10-2011
20110272243	APPARATUS FOR TRANSPORTING FOOD PRODUCTS TO A LOADING HEAD - An apparatus and method of transporting food products to a loading station having a cooling conveyor that selectively drops food product into a distributor. The distributor separates product into at least two lanes and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor monitors and counts product in each lane and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter transfers product from a loading conveyor to a buffer conveyor. The buffer conveyor transfers product to a main conveyor which transfers product to a loading head.	11-10-2011
20110272247	APPARATUS FOR TRANSPORTING FOOD PRODUCTS TO A LOADING HEAD - An apparatus and method of transporting food products to a loading station having a cooling conveyor that selectively drops food product into a distributor. The distributor separates product into at least two lanes and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor monitors and counts product in each lane and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter transfers product from a loading conveyor to a buffer conveyor. The buffer conveyor transfers product to a main conveyor which transfers product to a loading head.	11-10-2011
20110272248	APPARATUS FOR TRANSPORTING FOOD PRODUCTS TO A LOADING HEAD - An apparatus and method of transporting food products to a loading station having a cooling conveyor that selectively drops food product into a distributor. The distributor separates product into at least two lanes and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor monitors and counts product in each lane and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter transfers product from a loading conveyor to a buffer conveyor. The buffer conveyor transfers product to a main conveyor which transfers product to a loading head.	11-10-2011
20110272251	APPARATUS FOR TRANSPORTING FOOD PRODUCTS TO A LOADING HEAD - An apparatus and method of transporting food products to a loading station having a cooling conveyor that selectively drops food product into a distributor. The distributor separates product into at least two lanes and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor monitors and counts product in each lane and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter transfers product from a loading conveyor to a buffer conveyor. The buffer conveyor transfers product to a main conveyor which transfers product to a loading head.	11-10-2011
20130277174	CONVEYING SYSTEM FOR MOVING FOOD PRODUCTS AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - A conveying system that corrects spacing inconsistencies between food products on transport conveyors. Sensor elements are used to determine the position of food products on a first conveyor. Displacement members then move the food products to a slower second conveyor and different locations to correct the position between the food products.	10-24-2013

Joshua W. Higgins, Pleasant Hill, IA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080202895	APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LOADING FOOD ARTICLES - A loading head for use with food articles has a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of food articles, an indexing conveyor positioned beneath the main conveyor, and a transfer member positioned between the main conveyor and the indexing conveyor. The transfer member is adapted to transfer each food article from the main conveyor to the indexing conveyor. A buffering mechanism is adapted to move the transfer member between a first position and a variable second position. A pusher mechanism is associated with the indexing conveyor to raise and lower gates from an open position permitting food article transfer to a closed position prohibiting food article transfer. The pusher mechanism includes a cam operably associated with the gates to open and close the gates.	08-28-2008
20080251350	Apparatus and Method of Transporting Food Products to a Loading Head - An apparatus and method of transporting food products (	10-16-2008
20090255780	APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LOADING FOOD ARTICLES - A loading head for use with food articles has a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of food articles, an indexing conveyor positioned beneath the main conveyor, and a transfer member positioned between the main conveyor and the indexing conveyor. The transfer member is adapted to transfer each food article from the main conveyor to the indexing conveyor. A buffering mechanism is adapted to move the transfer member between a first position and a variable second position. A pusher mechanism is associated with the indexing conveyor to raise and lower gates from an open position permitting food article transfer to a closed position prohibiting food article transfer. The pusher mechanism includes a cam operably associated with the gates to open and close the gates.	10-15-2009
20110042182	APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LOADING FOOD ARTICLES - A loading head for use with food articles has a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of food articles, an indexing conveyor positioned beneath the main conveyor, and a transfer member positioned between the main conveyor and the indexing conveyor. The transfer member is adapted to transfer each food article from the main conveyor to the indexing conveyor. A buffering mechanism is adapted to move the transfer member between a first position and a variable second position. A pusher mechanism is associated with the indexing conveyor to raise and lower gates from an open position permitting food article transfer to a closed position prohibiting food article transfer. The pusher mechanism includes a cam operably associated with the gates to open and close the gates.	02-24-2011
20110315515	APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LOADING FOOD ARTICLES - A loading head for use with food articles has a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of food articles, an indexing conveyor positioned beneath the main conveyor, and a transfer member positioned between the main conveyor and the indexing conveyor. The transfer member is adapted to transfer each food article from the main conveyor to the indexing conveyor. A buffering mechanism is adapted to move the transfer member between a first position and a variable second position. A pusher mechanism is associated with the indexing conveyor to raise and lower gates from an open position permitting food article transfer to a closed position prohibiting food article transfer. The pusher mechanism includes a cam operably associated with the gates to open and close the gates.	12-29-2011
20120199441	APPARATUS FOR TRANSPORTING FOOD PRODUCTS TO A LOADING HEAD - An apparatus and method of transporting food products to a loading station having a cooling conveyor that selectively drops food product into a distributor. The distributor separates product into at least two lanes and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor monitors and counts product in each lane and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter transfers product from a loading conveyor to a buffer conveyor. The buffer conveyor transfers product to a main conveyor which transfers product to a loading head.	08-09-2012
20130092510	APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LOADING FOOD ARTICLES - A loading head for use with food articles has a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of food articles, an indexing conveyor positioned beneath the main conveyor, and a transfer member positioned between the main conveyor and the indexing conveyor. The transfer member is adapted to transfer each food article from the main conveyor to the indexing conveyor. A buffering mechanism is adapted to move the transfer member between a first position and a variable second position. A pusher mechanism is associated with the indexing conveyor to raise and lower gates from an open position permitting food article transfer to a closed position prohibiting food article transfer. The pusher mechanism includes a cam operably associated with the gates to open and close the gates.	04-18-2013

Joshua Warren Higgins, Des Moines, IA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090107808	VIBRATING ALIGNMENT CONVEYOR - A conveyor having a frame that includes a vibrating frame member connected to a pivot point at one end and a drive member at the opposite end. A conveyor belt is supported by the vibrating frame member and as the drive member vibrates the frame member, the belt is vibrated to cause alignment of food product against a reference edge.	04-30-2009

Karen D. Higgins, Richmond, VA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100204644	SUPPOSITORY DELIVERY DEVICE - A suppository delivery device that allows for the insertion of a suppository without having contact with the suppository or rectum. The suppository delivery device includes a stabilizing platform, a stabilizer to which the suppository is mounted, and a package, which protects the user's hands and fingers from the suppository and rectum and prevents germs from contacting the suppository before being inserted into the rectum.	08-12-2010

Kelley Kyle Higgins, Austin, TX US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100219486	METHOD FOR CONTAINING A SILICIDED GATE WITHIN A SIDEWALL SPACER IN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT TECHNOLOGY - A method of forming an integrated circuit includes providing a semiconductor substrate and forming a gate over the semiconductor substrate. A gate sidewall spacer is formed around the gate and a resist is deposited on the gate sidewall spacer with the gate sidewall spacer and the gate exposed. A portion of the gate within the gate sidewall spacer is removed and a gate silicide is formed within the curved gate sidewall spacer. A dielectric layer is formed over the gate silicide and a contact is formed to the gate silicide.	09-02-2010

Kenneth B. Higgins, Lagrange, GA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080241459	Needled woven and nonwoven layers - A material having a woven layer and a nonwoven layer needled together. The woven layer contains a plurality of interwoven polypropylene tape elements and the nonwoven layer contains a plurality of intermingled polyester fiber elements.	10-02-2008
20080261004	Textile Surface Coverings and Methods for Making Them - A surface covering having a decorative show surface and particle backing structure. The show surface is preferably a printed or dyed textile or fabric. The show surface decorative textile is optionally saturated with a protective composition. The backing may be resilient.	10-23-2008
20090081406	Textile products and methods - Constructions for surface coverings such as wall coverings or floor coverings are provided. Components for surface coverings, precursors, materials, and the like are also provided. In one embodiment, a pile fabric suitable for use as a primary carpet fabric within a carpet construction or composite such as a cushioned carpet or tile includes a plurality of pile-forming yarns tufted through or adhered to a primary backing of integral dimensionally stable character. A cushioning layer of foam, felt, fabric, or other suitable cushioning material may be disposed at a position below the primary carpet fabric.	03-26-2009
20090110869	POLYURETHANE BACKED PRODUCTS AND METHODS - A surface covering such as a carpet, carpet tile, area rug, floor mat or the like incorporating a textile face disposed in contacting overlying relation to at least one polyurethane layer. One or more optional intermediate structure layers may be disposed within, on, over, or under the polyurethane layer and one or more optional backing layers may be disposed across the underside of the polyurethane layer. Polyurethane compositions preferably including castor oil may form the precoat, tiecoat, and/or backing.	04-30-2009
20140158276	FLOOR COVERINGS WITH UNIVERSAL BACKING AND METHODS OF MAKING, INSTALLING, AND RECYCLING - A dimensionally stable floor covering comprises a tufted textile substrate and a reinforcement layer attached to the textile substrate. The reinforcement layer includes an adhesive backing compound and reinforcement fibers surrounded by the adhesive backing. The fibers may form a continuous layer on the back side of the floor covering or may be dispersed within the adhesive backing compound. The adhesive backing compound may be hot water-soluble to facilitate recycling of the floor covering. The floor covering may optionally include additional backing layers (including cushions) and may be used as a broadloom carpet, a carpet tile, or other modular floor covering products. Methods of manufacturing, installing, and recycling the present floor coverings are also provided.	06-12-2014

Kevin Higgins, Reno, NV US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100105454	METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INTERFACING WITH A THIRD-PARTY APPLICATION - A system for interfacing with a third-party application is described. The system includes a third-party device, a server-based system configured to communicate with the third-party device, and a gaming device configured to communicate with the server-based system to display content of the product or service. The gaming device is configured to generate an outcome of a wager-based game independent of the content that is displayed.	04-29-2010
20120214577	SMART CARD EXTENSION CLASS - Disclosed herein are techniques for facilitating communication with a smart card in communication with a gaming machine. In some implementations, a smart card interaction device may be activated. A smart card interaction device coupled with an electronic gaming machine may be identified within an operating system running at the electronic gaming machine. The smart card interaction device may be capable of facilitating communication between the electronic gaming machine and a smart card in communication with the smart card interaction device. A communication protocol interface may be initiated within the operating system. The communication protocol interface may provide a mechanism for transmitting messages between the electronic gaming machine and devices in communication with the electronic gaming machine. A first message may be transmitted via the communication protocol interface between the smart card interaction device and a first host server via a network.	08-23-2012
20130005457	EXTERNAL VIDEO MIXING CONTROL - Techniques for allowing a gaming machine to exercise control over a picture-in-picture device (PIP mixer). A gaming machine includes a display device, a master game controller, the PIP mixer, and a PIP control interface. The master gaming controller is configured to execute a wager game, send a first video signal for the wager game to the PIP mixer, and send control instructions for controlling a display of one or more PIP windows to the PIP mixer via the PIP control interface. The PIP mixer receives the first video signal and a second video signal from an external source. The PIP mixer is configured to create a composite video image that includes display data of first video signal and the second video signal in PIP windows based on the control instructions. The composite video image is displayed on the display device.	01-03-2013
20130035157	METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INTERFACING WITH A THIRD-PARTY APPLICATION - A system for interfacing with a third-party application is described. The system includes a third-party device, a server-based system configured to communicate with the third-party device, and a gaming device configured to communicate with the server-based system to display content of the product or service. The gaming device is configured to generate an outcome of a wager-based game independent of the content that is displayed.	02-07-2013
20140155173	USING A MESSAGE-ORIENTED PROTOCOL IN A GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine, such as a video slot or video poker machine, may be configured to use a message-oriented protocol. An application on the gaming machine may request subscription to a topic managed by a message broker. The application may receive a message published to the topic by another application and alter its execution in response.	06-05-2014
20140274349	PROGRESSIVE VALUE TRACKING AND PUBLICATION IN GAMING SYSTEMS - A gaming system harvests a current progressive value from available gaming devices. A protocol is implemented that incorporates the current progressive value with current geolocation data associated with the available plurality of gaming devices as a universal progressive data feed. The universal progressive data feed is published.	09-18-2014

Kevin L. Higgins, Mason, OH US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080222048	Distributed Payment System and Method - The present invention provides a payment system that allows a mobile communications device (MCD) to interact with a merchant processing device (MPD) and a payment engine. A communications component associated with the payment engine can send requested barcodes to the MPD, receive barcodes or alphanumeric Universal Product Codes from customer MCDs, and handle payment authorizations and settlements. A barcode management component can generate and interpret barcodes based upon merchant offerings and client requests. A security algorithms component can employ an offset pair algorithm to convert each digit from a payment card information into an offset pair of digits to facilitate security in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.	09-11-2008

Kieran P. Higgins, Great Meadows, NJ US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110189887	VISIBLE OPEN FOR SWITCHGEAR ASSEMBLY - An electrical connector assembly may include a connector body having a conductor receiving end, a first connector end, and a visible open port. A contact assembly may extend axially within the connector body from the conductor receiving end to the first connector end. A conductive insert may be inserted into the visible open port. At least a portion of the contact assembly is visible through the visible open port prior to insertion of the conductive insert or following removal of the conductive insert. The portion of the contact assembly visible through the visible open port includes a first contact portion and a second contact portion separated by a gap. A portion of the conductive insert is received in the gap between the first contact portion and the second contact portion to allow current to flow from the second contact portion to the first contact portion upon insertion of the conductive insert into the visible open port.	08-04-2011

Laura S. Higgins, Des Moines, IA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100210460	BLENDED REFUGE DEPLOYMENT VIA MANIPULATION DURING HYBRID SEED PRODUCTION - Insect refuge strategies are described for the management of insect resistance development. The present invention relates generally to the control of pests that cause damage to crop plants, and in particular to corn plants, by their feeding activities directed to root damage, and more particularly to the control of such plant pests by ensuring, through the seed production process, that sufficient refuge seeds are present in a given set of seeds to reduce the rate of development of resistant pests, thereby eliminating the problems that may arise with regard to refuge compliance. In addition, the treatment of such seed with a chemical or peptide-associated pesticide prior to planting the seed is also disclosed.	08-19-2010
20140027011	System and Method for Combining, Packaging, and Separating Blended Seed Product - A system and method are provided for creating a precision blended seed product. A first seed group is received in a first seed hopper and transferred to a first automated metering device. A second seed group is received in a second seed hopper and transferred to a second automated metering device. A controlled portion of seed may then be metered from the first seed group with the first automated metering device and from the second seed group with the second automated metering device. The respective metered portions can then be combined together to create a precision blended seed product that includes a predetermined portion of the first seed group and a predetermined portion of the second seed group. In addition, a system and method are provided for separating two or more seed groups from a blended seed product, for example, to test one or both components and replace bad seed.	01-30-2014

Lawrence John Higgins, Sterling Heights, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090089982	TRIM RETAINER - A retainer employs a flexible arm with an internal rib. In another aspect of the present invention, a retainer has at least one generally triangularly shaped projection laterally extending from an arm. A further aspect of the present invention retainer provides a laterally enlarged member, a trim panel-retaining head and stem, a central post, one or more flexible wings flexibly spanning between a tip of the post and the laterally enlarged member, and an internal rib and/or at least a pair of generally angular extensions flexibly extending from each arm.	04-09-2009

Leighanne Higgins, Grant, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110014349	COMPOSITION AND METHODS OF MAKING FROZEN INFANT AND TODDLER FOOD - The present invention is aimed to retain the taste and texture of infant and toddler food products that have been frozen. By employing a slow-churning freezing process, the frozen infant and toddler products are lighter in color, smoother and creamier in texture and possess a better taste profile. The invention further comprises methods of making and using such products.	01-20-2011

Mark B. Higgins, Sycamore, IL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090017657	ELECTRICAL DISCONNECT WITH RADIALLY-SPACED TERMINALS - An electrical disconnect has a pair of selectably engageable enclosures each including a housing and a cap and one or more terminals supported therein. The terminals each have spring fingers at outer ends opposite wire ports in the cap to receive a stripped end of a wire in a push-in engagement. One terminal has a male blade and the other terminal has a female blade at forward ends thereof. The blades are releasably engageable in overlapping relation in an engagement zone. The housings have wire receiving receptacles therein which reside in the engagement zone when the enclosures are joined. A terminal holder biases the overlapping blades into contact with one another. The terminals are arcuately spaced about 120° from one another in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connector.	01-15-2009
20130037294	BREAKAWAY FUSE HOLDER - A device for holding an electric fuse assembly having a fuse carried by a first end fuse holder and a second end fuse holder. The assembly includes a first housing section having a cavity formed therein for receiving the first end fuse holder and a second housing section having a cavity formed therein for receiving the second end fuse holder. An end of the second housing section is adapted to be separably coupled with an end of the first housing section by placing an interior surface at the end of the first housing section into overlapping engagement with an exterior surface of the second end fuse holder and an interior surface of the second end fuse holder into overlapping engagement with an exterior surface at the end of the first housing section. Such a coupling functions to provide a moisture resistant seal. Respective surfaces of the first end fuse holder and the second end fuse holder may also be placed into overlapping engagement with each other when the first housing section and the second housing section are placed into engagement. At least one of the first and second housing sections may also be adapted to latch to the first and second fuse holders, respectively.	02-14-2013

Mendi A. Higgins, Meriden, CT US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110015175	Bicyclic Compounds for the Reduction of Beta-Amyloid Production - The present disclosure provides a series of compounds of the formula (I)	01-20-2011
20130131051	COMPOUNDS FOR THE REDUCTION OF BETA-AMYLOID PRODUCTION - Compounds of formula (I), including pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are set forth herein:	05-23-2013

Michael Higgins, Eau Claire, WI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090287889	READ/WRITE CLUSTERING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Various embodiments include fault tolerant memory apparatus, methods, and systems, including a memory manager for supplying read and write requests to a memory device having a plurality of addressable memory locations. The memory manager includes a plurality of banks. Each bank includes a bank queue for storing read and write requests. The memory manager also includes a request arbiter connected to the plurality of banks. The request arbiter removes read and write requests from the bank queues for presentation to the memory device. The request arbiter includes a read phase of operation and a write phase of operation, wherein the request arbiter preferentially selects read requests for servicing during the read phase of operation and preferentially selects write requests for servicing during the write phase of operation.	11-19-2009
20100185897	FAULT TOLERANT MEMORY APPARATUS, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS - Various embodiments include fault tolerant memory apparatus, methods, and systems, including an apparatus comprising a memory device including a plurality of addressable memory locations, and a memory manager coupled to the memory device, the memory manager including a scheduling unit operable to detect a multi-bit error in data read from the memory device, and to retry the read operation in order to distinguish between an intermittent error and a persistent error.	07-22-2010

Michael H. Higgins, New Market, MD US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100102476	Method for manufacturing raised relief maps - A method of making a very high resolution raised relief map (	04-29-2010

Michael J. Higgins, Weldon Spring, MO US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080294488	SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A method of transporting commodities in a supply chain management system including a supply chain. The method includes providing a database and a network in communication with the database, which is accessible by at least one member of the supply chain via the network. The method also includes providing a container and supporting one or more commodities using the container, assigning at least one sensor to the commodities, sensing a condition of the commodities and generating a signal indicative of the commodity condition, identifying information related to the commodities, acquiring data related to identifying the commodity information, distributing the signal and the acquired data over the network, storing the signal and the acquired data in the database, monitoring the commodities via the network, and managing at least one of storage and transport of the commodities through the supply chain based on the signal and the acquired data.	11-27-2008

Michael S. Higgins, Nashville, TN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090054735	System and method for remote monitoring of multiple healthcare patients - A method including monitoring data associated with a plurality of non-operating room patients and simultaneously displaying data associated with each of the plurality of non-operating room patients in a single display. The method further includes determining whether an alert should be generated for a patient from the plurality of non-operating room patients at least partially based on data associated with the patient, the determining being further based on a comparison of a potential priority of the alert being at least partially based on the data associated with the patient; and generating an alert in substantially real-time for the patient, if it is determined that an alert should be generated for the patient. The method still further includes displaying the patient's specific data in a single screen in response to a request for the patient's data.	02-26-2009

Neil Wallace Higgins, Bourbonnais, IL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080262255	STABILIZED VEGETABLE OILS AND METHODS OF MAKING SAME - A method for modifying ethylenic unsaturation in a triglyceride. One or more unsaturated fatty acyl moieties present in the triglyceride are substituted with a lactone or ketone moiety via a electron acceptor mediated reaction. The resulting reaction products are useful, for example, as lubricants, metalworking fluids, mold release agents, hydraulic fluids, or dielectric fluids, or as components of lubricants, metalworking fluids, mold release agents, hydraulic fluids, or dielectric fluids, and intermediates for polymer synthesis.	10-23-2008
20090030213	Stabalized Vegetable Oils And Methods Of Making Same - A method for modifying ethylenic unsaturation in a triglyceride. One or more unsaturated fatty acyl moieties present in the triglyceride are substituted with a lactone or ketone moiety via a electron donor mediated reaction. The resulting reaction products are useful, for example, as formulations for lubricants, hydraulic fluids, dielectric fluids, and intermediates for polymer synthesis.	01-29-2009
20090205535	Stabilized Vegetable Oils And Methods Of Making Same - A method for modifying ethylenic unsaturation in a triglyceride. One or more unsaturated fatty acyl moieties present in the triglyceride are substituted with a a lactone substitution, a dihydrofuran substitution, or a ketone substitution via an electron acceptor mediated reaction. The resulting reaction products are useful, for example, as lubricants, metalworking fluids, mold release agents, hydraulic fluids, or dielectric fluids, or as components of lubricants, metalworking fluids, mold release agents, hydraulic fluids, or dielectric fluids, and modified fatty acids for polymer synthesis.	08-20-2009
20110281014	SHORTENING COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - Described herein are shortening compositions having reduced levels of saturated and trans fats. The compositions comprise cellulose fibers, a hard fat and a liquid oil. Also provided are methods of preparing such compositions and use thereof.	11-17-2011
20110281015	SHORTENING COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - Described herein are shortening compositions having reduced levels of saturated and trans fats. The compositions comprise cellulose fibers, a hard fat and a liquid oil. Also provided are methods of preparing such compositions and use thereof.	11-17-2011

Paul Higgins, Houston, TX US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080289881	FIXED CUTTER BIT PARTIAL BLADE CONNECTION AT BIT CENTER - A fixed cutter drill bit including a bit body having a plurality of primary blades extending radially from a bit center area, wherein the bit center area includes a partial connection between at least two of the plurality of primary blades. The fixed cutter drill bit further including at least one cutter disposed on at least one of the blades. Additionally, a method of designing a fixed cutter drill bit includes modeling the fixed cutter drill bit, the fixed cutter drill bit including a plurality of primary blades extending radially from a bit center area, wherein the plurality of primary blades includes a plurality of cutters. The method further including determining a center of an innermost cutter on each primary blade, creating a partial connection between the primary blades, and outputting the model of the fixed cutter drill bit.	11-27-2008

Peter Higgins, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080288227	Algorithms to predict clinical response, adherence, and shunting with thiopuriness - A method of using a variable set from complete blood counts and blood chemistry panels to generate a machine learned algorithm for determining the effectiveness of thiopurine treatment on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients using CART, boosted trees, random forest classification, RuleFit and/or logistic regression analysis.	11-20-2008

Raymond Higgins, New Milford, CT US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110217336	CHRONOTHERAPEUTIC DOSAGE FORMS AND METHODS OF TREATMENT USING CHRONOTHERAPY - A chronotherapeutic pharmaceutical formulation comprising a core containing an active agent (e.g., a drug) and a delayed release compression coating comprising a natural or synthetic gum applied onto the surface of the core.	09-08-2011

Richard J. Higgins, Westerville, OH US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080316466	Spectroscopic Optical System - Innovative techniques that result in a better signal-to-noise ratio for spectrographic analysis of substances in a target than conventional techniques. In these techniques, light illuminates a target with at least some of the light penetrating the target. At least a portion of the light that penetrates the target is collected from a region on the target's surface that is not directly illuminated. Preferably, at least a majority of the collected light is light that penetrates the target. Also preferably, the light that illuminates the target is in a pattern that partially but not completely surrounds the region from which the portion of the light that penetrates the target is collected. A spectrum of at least a portion of the collected light is analyzed.	12-25-2008
20120206714	Shutter Assembly with Calibration Material - A shutter assembly for use with a spectrometer having at least one source of optical radiation such as at least one laser capable of generating an excitation light beam having an illumination path. The shutter assembly includes a shutter having at least one of (i) at least one calibration material capable of generating a consistent spectrum within wavelengths utilizable by the spectrometer and (ii) a mirror capable of diverting at least one of the illumination path and a collection path relative to a calibration standard capable of generating a consistent spectrum within wavelengths utilizable by the spectrometer. The shutter assembly further includes a mechanism capable of moving the shutter into at least a first position in the path of the light beam and a second position out of the path of the light beam to enable a sample to be analyzed.	08-16-2012

Robert Higgins, Henderson, NV US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110022236	DEMAND FLOW PUMPING - Demand Flow operates chilled water plants at substantially improved efficiency, regardless of plant load conditions. In general, Demand Flow utilizes an operating strategy which controls chilled and condenser water pumping according to a constant Delta T line, which is typically near or at design Delta T. This reduces or eliminates Low Delta T Syndrome and reduces energy usage by chilled and condenser water pumps for given load conditions. Operation of chilled water pumps in this manner creates a synergy which generally balances flow rates throughout the plant, reducing undesirable bypass mixing and energy usage at air handler fans and other components of the chilled water plant. At plant chillers, application of Demand Flow increases the refrigeration effect through refrigerant sub-cooling and superheating, while preventing stacking. Demand Flow includes a critical zone reset feature which allows the constant Delta T line to be reset to adjust to changing load conditions.	01-27-2011
20110022241	QUALIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHILLED WATER PLANT OPERATIONS - A qualification system for determining the effects of one or more upgrades or modifications to a chilled water plant is disclosed herein. The qualification system my collect various data from operating logs of a chilled water plant. The data may be collected in stages, where at least one first stage may be used to collect data used to identify representative log data. The representative log data may then be used to perform an accurate analysis to determine the effects of one or more upgrades or modifications. In this manner, the qualification system provides accurate analysis while reducing data entry. In addition, the qualification system may accept varying amounts of data such as to reduce percentage error or the like in its analysis.	01-27-2011
20110301766	Device and Method for Optimization of Chilled Water Plant System Operation - A demand flow device configured to interface with a chilled water plant controller to optimize performance of one or more chilled water plant components over a range of demand conditions is disclosed. The demand flow device includes a communication device configured to receive sensor data associated with the one or more chilled water plant components, wherein the sensor data measures operational variables of the chilled water plant. The demand flow device further includes a demand flow controller in communication with the communication device. The demand flow controller is configured to utilize the received sensor data to: determine an optimal pressure setpoint as a function of a desired chilled water delta T; control a chilled water flow rate through the one or more chiller water plant components as a function of the optimal pressure setpoint and the desired chilled water delta T; and adjust, via the chilled water plant controller, the optimal pressure setpoint, in response to one or more detected triggering events, to perform a critical zone reset of the desired chilled water delta T.	12-08-2011
20130047643	DEMAND FLOW PUMPING - Demand Flow operates chilled water plants at substantially improved efficiency, regardless of plant load conditions. In general, Demand Flow utilizes an operating strategy which controls chilled and condenser water pumping according to a constant Delta T line, which is typically near or at design Delta T. This reduces or eliminates Low Delta T Syndrome and reduces energy usage by chilled and condenser water pumps for given load conditions. Operation of chilled water pumps in this manner creates a synergy which generally balances flow rates throughout the plant, reducing undesirable bypass mixing and energy usage at air handler fans and other components of the chilled water plant. At plant chillers, application of Demand Flow increases the refrigeration effect through refrigerant sub-cooling and superheating, while preventing stacking. Demand Flow includes a critical zone reset feature which allows the constant Delta T line to be reset to adjust to changing load conditions.	02-28-2013

Robert F. Higgins, South Burlington, VT US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090030646	AC magnetic tracking system with phase locking - Plural transmitter coils of a magnetic locating system are driven with widely-separated main frequencies. One of the transmitter coils is also driven with a marker frequency close to the main frequency applied to that coil. The receiver determines a phase relationship with the transmitter based on the main and marker frequencies, so that the receiver does not suffer from phase ambiguity. The main and marker frequencies may interfere with one another, and the receiver may correct for such interference based on known characteristics of the signals at the main and marker frequencies.	01-29-2009
20090076746	AC magnetic tracking with phase disambiguation - A method and system for magnetic locating resolves phase ambiguity. The system uses time-division multiplexed magnetic fields emitted from plural transmit coils. The magnetic fields are alternating fields at a carrier frequency, and the fields emitted from different coils in different transmit intervals have known phase relationship with one another as, for example where the alternating fields are coherent with one another. A receiver uses a plurality of sensor coils and derives plural components using the common phase reference or plural phase reference times having a known relationship. If the determinant of a matrix of the components has a first value, the phase information in the components is correct, and position and orientation are derived from the components. If the determinant has a second value, the phase information in the components is incorrect. In this case, corrected components are formed by shifting the phases of the components π radians; the position and orientation are derived from the corrected components.	03-19-2009

Robert J. Higgins, Plantation, FL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110028091	METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NEAR-FIELD WIRELESS DEVICE PAIRING - A first communication device (e.g., a radio) and a second communication device (e.g., an accessory) implement a wireless device pairing procedure to exchange numerical credentials so that the devices can subsequently form a link for communications using electromagnetic radio signals. The accessory transmits a beacon comprises a pairing request. Upon a user bringing the radio and accessory in close enough proximity, the radio receives the beacon using near-field apparatus included in the radio. In response to receiving the beacon, the radio initiates a pairing procedure, wherein the pairing procedure comprises a data exchange between the radio and accessory, and wherein the beacon and the data exchange comprise a non-propagating radio signal generated using the near-field apparatus. Upon completing the pairing procedure, the radio forms a link with the accessory to communicate using propagating electromagnetic radio signals.	02-03-2011
20110034126	METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRIORITY SIGNALING OVER A WIRELESS SERIAL COMMUNICATION CHANNEL - A communication device performs a method for establishing a fast path for signaling priority data. The method includes: establishing a first short range wireless data path to a second communication device for exchanging non-priority data; and establishes a second autonomous short range wireless data path to the second communication device, for exchanging priority data, wherein the second short range wireless data path comprises a wireless serial communication channel such as a radio frequency communication Bluetooth (RFCOMM) channel. An application layer in an upper layer stack of the communication device establishes both the first and the second short range wireless data paths. Non-priority data communicated to the second communication device along the first short range wireless data path is processed by the application layer. However, priority data communicated to the second communication device along the second short range wireless data path bypasses the application layer.	02-10-2011
20120135685	USER INTERFACE FOR A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A communication system is provided having an improved user interface in which an audible indicator is played out from an audio accessory to confirm radio transmission of a message sent from the audio accessory in response to activation of a wireless push-to-talk (PTT). The wireless PTT may be located on the audio accessory itself or embodied as a standalone device. The wireless PTT may be operated in conjunction with a two-way radio and a wired or wireless audio accessory device. The audible indicator ceases being played out of the accessory in response to deactivation of the wireless PTT and ending of the radio transmission.	05-31-2012
20130018975	LOW FREQUENCY METHOD OF PAIRING A MASTER DEVICE TO MULTIPLE SLAVE DEVICESAANM Higgins; Robert J.AACI PlantationAAST FLAACO USAAGP Higgins; Robert J. Plantation FL US - Method and apparatuses for pairing more than one slave device with a master device through an exchange of low frequency messages between the slave devices and the master device are disclosed. A first secure data connection is established between a first slave device and the master device typically upon successfully completing a low frequency exchange of pairing credentials associated with establishment of the first secure data connection. The first slave device maintains an active, low frequency transceiver for receiving low frequency transaction requests from other slave devices. Upon receipt of a low frequency transaction request from a second slave device, the first slave device forwards low frequency transmissions between the second slave device and the master device to facilitate in exchanging pairing credentials associated with establishment of a second secure data connection.	01-17-2013
20130029596	PAIRING DEVICES USING DATA EXCHANGED IN AN OUT-OF-BAND CHANNEL - Two devices (	01-31-2013

Rodger Higgins, Aurora, IL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110040814	System and Method of Accessing Resources in a Computer Network - Disclosed herein are system and methods of accessing resources in a computer network. An exemplary method may include (a) receiving into a networking device, from a first client device of a plurality of client devices, a request for a given resource (e.g., a file, directory, or metadata) assigned to a given file service (e.g., a file share service, file sync service, or file search service), (b) verifying that the first client device is allowed to access the given file service, (c) in response to verifying that the first client device is allowed to access the given file service, identifying a second client device having at least one stored resource assigned to the given file service, and (d) sending to the second client device an updated request for the given resource that includes a unique identifier of the at least one stored resource assigned to the given file service.	02-17-2011

Ronald D. Higgins, The Colony, TX US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100183032	System and Method for Converting Packet Payload Size - An apparatus is provided for enabling communication between telephony devices. The apparatus includes a queue operable to receive incoming media packets from the telephony devices, and a payload segmenter coupled to the queue and operable to divide an incoming payload section of each incoming packet into one or more data segments. The apparatus also includes a mixer coupled to the payload segmenter and operable to mix the data segments from the telephony devices to create an aggregate data segment. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a reassembly buffer coupled to the mixer and operable to construct an outgoing payload section for one or more telephony devices by linking successively generated aggregate data segments.	07-22-2010

Scott Higgins, Cherry Hills Village, CO US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100295995	METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TOASTED VIDEO DISTRIBUTION - The systems and methods disclosed transmit a composite channel to a receiver. The composite channel may be a static channel that contains different original channels of content in different locations on a displayed page, or may be a dynamic channel that is processed by the receiver to display a multiple different video streams on a single display device.	11-25-2010
20110001879	METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TOASTED VIDEO DISTRIBUTION - The systems and methods disclosed transmit a composite channel to a receiver. The composite channel may be a static channel that contains different original channels of content in different locations on a displayed page, or may be a dynamic channel that is processed by the receiver to display a multiple different video streams on a single display device.	01-06-2011

Scott Higgins, Ozark, MO US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090050631	PLASTIC TANK BASE - An improved pallet and tank assembly (	02-26-2009

Scott Sanders Higgins, Cherry Hills Village, CO US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090119693	APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING POLLING AND USER GENERATED CONTENT TO DISPARATE COMMUNICATION - Various embodiments of apparatus, systems and/or methods are described for providing user generated content relating to a subject, and collecting polling data relating to the subject, on multiple disparate communication devices. User generated content is received from one or more disparate communication devices and provided for presentation on at least one of the communication devices. Polling data is also received from at least one of the end-users of the communication devices viewing the user generated content, and tabulated to generate poll results displayable on the communication devices.	05-07-2009
20090169178	APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STORING AND PRESENTING TO A USER DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONTENT REGARDING A SUBJECT - Various embodiments of apparatus, systems and/or methods are described for presenting different types of content regarding a subject to a user. The different types of content may include user generated content, media content, advertisements, polls and poll results. The content may also include candidate content if the subject is an election. The different types of content may be transmitted to a digital video recorder (DVR) and saved for subsequent presentation to a user. A user may participate in a poll, and the user's responses to the poll may be utilized to determine which portions of the content are presented to the user.	07-02-2009

Stacy E. Higgins, Fayetteville, AR US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110200561	Method for Bacteriophage Delivery and Amplification - Disclosed are methods of selecting wide host range bacteriophage capable of growing in a plurality of bacteria including pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria and bacteriophage selected by the methods. Also disclosed are methods of treating a subject infected with a pathogenic bacterium using bacteriophage and methods of decontaminating objects using bacteriophage. Also disclosed are methods of producing vaccines. In another aspect, methods of determining bacterial viability and methods of improving the sensitivity of a biosensor using wide host range bacteriophages are disclosed.	08-18-2011

Steven P. Higgins, Mead, CO US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090259611	Rule-Based Content Request Handling - An embodiment of a method includes receiving a content request including a first set of attribute values, using at least one of the attribute values from the first set of attribute values to determine a second set of attribute values, traversing a hierarchy of decision nodes, wherein each decision node implements business logic based on one of the attribute values from the first set of attribute values or the second set of attribute values, and generating a decision from a last node in the hierarchy, wherein the decision dictates how to respond to the content request.	10-15-2009
20120198517	RULE-BASED CONTEST HANDLING - An embodiment of a method includes receiving a content request including a first set of attribute values, using at least one of the attribute values from the first set of attribute values to determine a second set of attribute values, traversing a hierarchy of decision nodes, wherein each decision node implements business logic based on one of the attribute values from the first set of attribute values or the second set of attribute values, and generating a decision from a last node in the hierarchy, wherein the decision dictates how to respond to the content request.	08-02-2012

Thomas E. Higgins, Reston, VA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090130013	METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENHANCING MERCURY, SELENIUM AND HEAVY METAL REMOVAL FROM FLUE GAS - A method for treating flue gas may include adding iron to a slurry in a ratio between approximately 20-to-1 and 5000-to-1 by weight of iron to a weight of mercury, selenium or other heavy metal to be removed from the flue gas, and contacting the slurry with the flue gas in a flue gas desulfurization system. A system for treating flue gas may include a scrubber, a slurry tank, and a water source. Water and limestone may be combined in the slurry tank to form a limestone slurry. At least a portion of the limestone slurry may be used to treat flue gas in the scrubber. Iron may be added to at least a portion of the limestone slurry used to treat flue gas in the scrubber. The iron used in either the method or system may be a ferrous or ferric salt, or elemental iron.	05-21-2009

Timothy R. Higgins, Marana, AZ US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080213049	Methods for Controlling Dust and Creating Bio-Crust - Methods for controlling dust and other particulates using photosynthetic organisms to create a bio-crust. The methods include applying algae to a site under conditions suitable for forming a layer over the site that provides dust control.	09-04-2008
20090047730	Methods for Controlling Dust and Creating Bio-Crust - Methods for controlling dust and other particulates using photosynthetic organisms to create a bio-crust. The methods include applying algae to a site under conditions suitable for forming a layer over the site that provides dust control.	02-19-2009

Willam T. Higgins, Houston, TX US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100006298	High Capacity Wellhead Connector Having a Single Annular Piston - A wellhead connector for connecting a riser or production tree to a wellhead of a subsea well utilizes a singular annular piston to lock the connector onto the wellhead. The wellhead connector includes a housing that contains dogs for engagement with the exterior of the wellhead housing. A cam ring is also included, which has an inner side for engaging the dogs and moving them inward into a locked position with the wellhead housing. The cam ring is of a reduced proportion relative to prior art. As such, the cam ring outer side is dimensioned to contact the inner side of the connector housing under load. Connecting rods connect the piston to the cam rings. As the piston moves downward, the cam ring also moves downward, forcing the dogs inward into a locked position. As the piston moves upward, the cam ring also moves upward, thereby unlocking the connector. A secondary annular piston is also provided to guarantee unlocking.	01-14-2010

Williams Higgins, Marlon, IA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090040103	Control and features for satellite positioning system receivers - Control and feature systems for processing signals from a satellite positioning system include an expert system receiver manager; a joint detection, carrier centering and bit sync acquisition subsystem; peak detection; a multi-dimensional measurement interpolation subsystem; a subsystem for mode switching between a navigational signal; and power control module for a receiver.	02-12-2009
20110316741	CONTROL AND FEATURES FOR SATELLITE POSITIONING SYSTEM RECEIVERS - Control and feature systems for processing signals from a satellite positioning system include an expert system receiver manager; a joint detection, carrier centering and bit sync acquisition subsystem; peak detection; a multi-dimensional measurement interpolation subsystem; a system for mode switching between a navigational signal; and power control module for receiver.	12-29-2011