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| 20090194376 | MANUAL WHEEL CHOCKS WITH ENHANCED BRACING UPON DEPLOYMENT - An example wheel restraint includes a wheel chock that is manually movable between a retracted or release position clear of a wheel of a vehicle at a loading dock and an operative position to block the path of the wheel. In the release position, the chock can be manually moved freely along a track that is mounted to a driveway of the dock. When the chock is manually moved from its release position to its operative position, a locking feature automatically restricts the movement of the chock relative to the track. When the chock is manually moved back to its release position, the locking feature automatically disengages. Although the wheel chock is connected to a track, much of the force exerted by the wheel against the chock can be transmitted directly from the chock to the driveway. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20100146719 | LIGHTING AND SIGNALING SYSTEMS FOR LOADING DOCKS - A safety system for a truck loading dock with an elevated platform provides an alarm that warns of a hazard at the loading dock such as a forklift operating inside the truck or a falling hazard that may exist due to the dock door being open while a truck is not present at the dock. In cases where a dock's open doorway is protected by a barrier that can be opened or closed, the alarm can be de-activated by closing the barrier. In some examples, the safety system includes a remote body sensor that detects when someone or something is near the doorway. In response to the body sensor, a second, more pronounced alarm can warn of more imminent danger where someone on the platform may be too close to an open doorway when a truck is not present. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100170754 | MANUAL WHEEL CHOCKS WITH ENHANCED BRACING UPON DEPLOYMENT - An example wheel restraint includes a wheel chock that is manually movable between a retracted or release position clear of a wheel of a vehicle at a loading dock and an operative position to block the path of the wheel. In the release position, the chock can be manually moved freely along a track that is mounted to a driveway of the dock. When the chock is manually moved from its release position to its operative position, a locking feature automatically restricts the movement of the chock relative to the track. When the chock is manually moved back to its release position, the locking feature automatically disengages. Although the wheel chock is connected to a track, much of the force exerted by the wheel against the chock can be transmitted directly from the chock to the driveway. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20110243693 | DOWNWARDLY INSERTABLE VEHICLE RESTRAINTS - Example vehicle restraints engage various features of a vehicle to restrain the vehicle at a loading dock. Some example restraints reach over and around a vehicle's rear impact guard. Some example restraints engage a hole or opening in a vehicle bed. Some example restraints are a combination bumper and blocking member. Some example restraints are a combination blocking member and a dock leveler lip. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20130017044 | VEHICLE RESTRAINTS WITH STOP MECHANISMSAANM Brooks; AndrewAACI ThiensvilleAAST WIAACO USAAGP Brooks; Andrew Thiensville WI USAANM Wieberdink; BenAACI Cedar GroveAAST WIAACO USAAGP Wieberdink; Ben Cedar Grove WI USAANM Stone; Bradley J.AACI Port WashingtonAAST WIAACO USAAGP Stone; Bradley J. Port Washington WI USAANM Cotton; TimothyAACI MilwaukeeAAST WIAACO USAAGP Cotton; Timothy Milwaukee WI US - Some example vehicle restraints that include a movable barrier for selectively blocking a vehicle's RIG (Rear Impact Guard) near the dock face of a loading dock also include a spring loaded brace that helps hold the barrier in its blocking position, even when the RIG separates from the barrier. To hold the brace in its activated position where it supports the barrier, some examples of the brace include a tooth that engages a detent in a catch. The catch, in some examples, includes a tooth-engaging surface that protrudes into a circular path along which the tooth can travel relative to the barrier. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130017045 | VEHICLE RESTRAINTS WITH STOP MECHANISMS - Some example vehicle restraints that include a movable barrier for selectively blocking a vehicle's RIG (Rear Impact Guard) near the dock face of a loading dock also include a spring loaded brace that helps hold the barrier in its blocking position, even when the RIG separates from the barrier. To hold the brace in its activated position where it supports the barrier, some examples of the brace include a tooth that engages a detent in a catch. The catch, in some examples, includes a tooth-engaging surface that protrudes into a circular path along which the tooth can travel relative to the barrier. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130292214 | MANUAL WHEEL CHOCKS WITH ENHANCED BRACING UPON DEPLOYMENT - An example wheel restraint includes a track to be positioned adjacent a vehicle approach path of a loading dock. A shuttle is pivotally coupled to the track via a track follower and pivots between a home position and a deployed position about a shuttle axis substantially parallel to and offset relative to a longitudinal axis of the track. A barrier is pivotally coupled to the shuttle and pivots between a non-blocking position and a blocking position about a pivot axis substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the track such that the shuttle rotates in a first direction about the shuttle axis when the shuttle moves from the home position to the deployed position and bather rotates in a second direction about the pivot axis when the barrier moves from the non-blocking position to the blocking position, where the first direction being different than the second direction. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20140255134 | TRACK-MOUNTED WHEEL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS - Example manual wheel restraint systems and methods for restraining a vehicle at a loading dock include are disclosed herein. An example wheel restraint disclosed herein includes a retractable wheel-blocking barrier mounted to a carrier that can be repositioned along a track, where the track is anchored to a driveway of a loading dock. The track runs generally parallel to a vehicle path that a wheel of a vehicle travels along as the vehicle backs into the dock. To block a rear wheel of the vehicle parked at the dock, the barrier extends laterally into the wheel path, adjacent or in front of the wheel. To release the vehicle, the barrier retracts out from within the wheel path. In some examples, to ensure that the vehicle is secured, the barrier and/or the carrier include barrier or carrier catches to help hold the barrier and carrier in a fixed position. In some examples, one or more sensors determine or sense whether the catches are secured or released and generate signals accordingly. The signals, in some examples, alert dock personnel of the condition of the catches. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20150009046 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO GENERATE LOADING DOCK VISUAL INDICATORS - Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein includes determining a state of a device of a loading dock and, based on the state, generating via a display a first directional indicator having a first orientation and a first color. The first orientation and the first color are to cooperate to indicate first directional information. | 01-08-2015 |
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| 20100049081 | Tissue Discrimination and Applications in Medical Procedures - A system and method for discriminating tissue types, controlling the level of therapy to tissue, and determining the health or a known tissue by measuring the characteristics an electrical signal applied to conductive element located within or by the tissue. Additionally, the system and method may be used for determining whether the conductive tip of a pedicle probe or pedicle screw is located in one of cortical bone, cancellous bone, and cortical bone near a boundary with soft tissue, whether the conductive tip of a cannula is located adjacent to one of nerve tissue and annulus tissue, and whether the conductive tip of a cathode is located adjacent to one of nerve tissue and prostate gland tissue. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20110313312 | Tissue Discrimination and Applications in Medical Procedures - A system and method for discriminating tissue types, controlling the level of therapy to tissue, and determining the health of a known tissue by measuring the characteristics of an electrical signal applied to a conductive element located within or by the tissue. Additionally, the system and method may be used for determining whether the conductive tip of a pedicle probe or pedicle screw is located in one of cortical bone, cancellous bone, and cortical bone near a boundary with soft tissue, whether the conductive tip of a cannula is located adjacent to one of nerve tissue and annulus tissue, and whether the conductive tip of a cathode is located adjacent to one of nerve tissue and prostate gland tissue. | 12-22-2011 |
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| 20100280921 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING AND MANAGING VIRTUAL GIFT CARDS - According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a method for administering a virtual gift card, the method comprising acts of receiving a request from a server of a retailer, providing, in response to the request, an interface to a terminal operated by a purchaser, the interface comprising fields for receiving a value and a recipient for the virtual gift card, receiving from the terminal, in response to input from the purchaser, the value and the recipient for the virtual gift card, generating a code for the virtual gift card, and sending a message to the recipient of the virtual gift card, the message including the code for the virtual gift card. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100299194 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING AND MANAGING GIFT CARDS - An offer management system is provided that evaluates conditions in relation to a gift card and triggers an action. In another example, the offer management system may be capable of evaluating attributes of a transaction using a gift card and may be capable of triggering an action. A trigger may be defined using one or more rules. For example, an administrator for a retailer may configure an offer rule in an interface of the offer management system. These rules may be evaluated in real-time, and offers made responsive to those evaluations. For example, offers may be made to a gift card recipient such as a discount on the total purchase, a dynamic addition of value to a gift card, issuance of a new gift card, or other offer. These offers may be used by a retailer to foster certain behaviors relating to gift cards. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20130254063 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING AND MANAGING VIRTUAL GIFT CARDS - According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a method for administering a virtual gift card, the method comprising acts of receiving a request from a server of a retailer, providing, in response to the request, an interface to a terminal operated by a purchaser, the interface comprising fields for receiving a value and a recipient for the virtual gift card, receiving from the terminal, in response to input from the purchaser, the value and the recipient for the virtual gift card, generating a code for the virtual gift card, and sending a message to the recipient of the virtual gift card, the message including the code for the virtual gift card. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130254064 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING AND MANAGING VIRTUAL GIFT CARDS - According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a method for administering a virtual gift card, the method comprising acts of receiving a request from a server of a retailer, providing, in response to the request, an interface to a terminal operated by a purchaser, the interface comprising fields for receiving a value and a recipient for the virtual gift card, receiving from the terminal, in response to input from the purchaser, the value and the recipient for the virtual gift card, generating a code for the virtual gift card, and sending a message to the recipient of the virtual gift card, the message including the code for the virtual gift card. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130304559 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR CONDUCTING TRANSACTIONS WITH PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES USING VIRTUAL POINTS - Systems, methods, devices and computer program products are disclosed for conducting transactions using a portable electronic device. A method of executing a software application on a portable electronic device includes: determining, via the portable electronic device, a location of the device; displaying, via the portable electronic device's display, a plurality of merchants within a predetermined proximity of the device's location; receiving, via a user input device, a selection corresponding to at least one of the merchants; displaying, via the display device, a balance of virtual rewards points available for redemption by the user of the device; displaying, via the display device, an exchange value of the virtual rewards points for making a purchase associated with the selected merchant; and, responsive to a purchase request received via the user input device, authorizing deduction of the exchange value from the balance of the virtual rewards points and providing confirmation of the purchase. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20140074704 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR CONDUCTING TRANSACTIONS WITH ELECTRONIC PASSBOOKS - A method is disclosed for storing an electronic gift card (eGC) on a portable electronic device. The method includes: receiving a request for a web page hosted by a prepaid instrument provider server, the request including a uniform resource locator (URL) associated with a selected eGC stored on the server; associating with the selected eGC a unique identification code and a URL link to the selected eGC; sending the web page with a user-interface control that, when selected, causes the selected eGC to be added to an electronic passbook on the portable electronic device; responsive to selection of the user-interface control, receiving the unique identification code associated with the selected eGC; responsive to receiving the unique identification code, creating an electronic passbook file for the selected eGC; and, communicating the electronic passbook file for adding as a representation of the selected eGC to the electronic passbook. | 03-13-2014 |
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| 20100328436 | ANONYMIZED VIDEO ANALYSIS METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Methods and systems for anonymized video analysis are described. In one embodiment, a first silhouette image of a person in a living unit may be accessed. The first silhouette image may be based on a first video signal recorded by a first video camera. A second silhouette image of the person in the living unit may be accessed. The second silhouette image may be of a different view of the person than the first silhouette image. The second silhouette image may be based on a second video signal recorded by a second video camera. A three-dimensional model of the person in voxel space may be generated based on the first silhouette image, the second silhouette image, and viewing conditions of the first video camera and the second video camera. In some embodiments, information on falls, gait parameters, and other movements of the person living unit are determined. Additional methods and systems are disclosed. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20130289449 | ACTIVITY ANALYSIS, FALL DETECTION AND RISK ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Aspects of the present disclosure include methods and corresponding systems for performing health risk assessments for a patient in the home environment. In various aspects, depth image data for a person may be obtained and subsequently processed to generate one or more parameters, such as temporal and spatial gait parameters. Subsequently, the generated parameters may be processed with other medical information related to the patient, such as electronic health records, to perform various health risk assessments. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20140148733 | ACTIVITY ANALYSIS, FALL DETECTION AND RISK ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A method for performing health risk assessments for a patient in a home or medical facility is provided. In various embodiments, the method comprises compiling depth image data from at least one depth camera associated with a particular patient, and generating at least one three-dimensional object based on the depth image data. The method additionally includes identifying a walking sequence from the at least one three-dimensional object, analyzing the walking sequence to generate one or more parameters, and performing at least one health risk assessment based on the one or more parameters to determine a health risk assessment score. The method further comprises sending an alert message to at least one caregiver when the at least one health risk assessment indicates the occurrence of an incident (i.e., the recorded depth image data) denoting that the patient has fallen or that there exists a high risk of the patient falling. | 05-29-2014 |
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| 20090081157 | Immunostimulatory Combinations for Vaccine Adjuvants - This invention discloses immunostimulatory combinations of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily (TN-FRSF) agonists, Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) agonists, “domain present in NAIP, CIITA, HET-E, TP-I (NACHT)-Leucine Rich Repeat (LRR)” or “NLR” agonists, RIG-I-Like Helicase or “RLH” agonists, purinergic receptor agonists and cytokine/chemokine receptor agonists, together with delivery methods. The combinations, when used alone at the site of pathology, provide immunostimulation that induces host humoral and cellular immunologic responses to eliminate pathogens or neoplasms. Alternatively, when the combinations are used with a defined antigens, these combinations can induce focused humoral and cellular immunologic responses useful as prophylactic and/or ameliorative therapeutic modalities for infections and the treatment of neoplastic disorders. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20130039942 | Compositions and Methods for Self-Adjuvanting Vaccines against Microbes and Tumors - The present invention is drawn to compositions and methods to enhance an immune response in order to prevent or treat infections or hyperproliferative diseases such as cancer. More particularly, the composition is an immuno stimulator intracellular signaling peptide fused directly or indirectly to a peptide that leads to multimerization into complexes of three or more units, where the intracelluar signaling peptide must be present in a complex of three or more units in order to stimulate an immune response. Inserting this fusion construct into viruses like HIV-1 or introducing it into dendritic cells or tumor cells is predicted to lead to a positive therapeutic effect in humans, non-human mammals, birds, and fish. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130243724 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR INDUCING MIGRATION BY DENDRITIC CELLS AND AN IMMUNE RESPONSE - Compositions and methods of activating dendritic cells with LMP1 and LMP1-activated dendritic cell based compositions and methods are effective for dendritic cell therapy and provide an adjuvant function for vaccine administration. LMP1 or LMP1-CD40 chimeric protein may be used to activate and mature dendritic cells. LMP1 and LMP1-activated dendritic cells act as an adjuvant to enhance the cellular immune response. Also disclosed herein are kits for activating dendritic cells and for preparing a vaccine formulation. Administration of the dendritic cells transfected with LMP1 can induce an immune response against cancer or infection. The mature dendritic cells may comprise an antigen and at least one cytokine in addition to LMP1. Use of LMP1 or LMP1-CD40 provides a way to activate and mature dendritic cells that retain functional and migratory abilities without the side effects that result from maturing the dendritic cells using PGE | 09-19-2013 |
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| 20100172803 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FLUID DISPERSION - A microfluidic method and device for focusing and/or forming discontinuous sections of similar or dissimilar size in a fluid is provided. The device can be fabricated simply from readily-available, inexpensive material using simple techniques. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20110268803 | LUNG TARGETING DUAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM - The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2009, 1,479,350 new cancer cases would be diagnosed in the United States of which 219,440 would be lung and bronchus related. The standard treatments for NSCLC include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, laser and photodynamic therapy, all with various success rates depending on the stage of the cancer. National Cancer Institute assesses, however, that results of standard treatment are generally poor with only a 15 percent 5-year survival rate for combined cancer stages. Challenges facing the current chemotherapy drugs include excessive toxicity to healthy tissues and limited ability to prevent metastases. A dual drug delivery system described herein selectively targets the lung to deliver anti-cancer drugs and inhibit the formation of metastases. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20120080360 | MANIPULATION OF PARTICLES IN CHANNELS - Systems and methods for the manipulation of particles within channels such as microfluidic channels are provided. In one set of embodiments, magnets are positioned around a channel. As a fluid containing magnetic and non-magnetic particles flows through the channel, the magnetic field created by the magnets can be used to transport the magnetic and/or non-magnetic particles to desired locations within the channel, which may useful in some cases for causing some separation of the particles. For example, the magnetic field may be used to transport magnetic or non-magnetic particles from a core fluid to a surrounding sheath fluid. In some cases, the magnetic field is used to transport non-magnetic particles to a small volume within the channel (e.g., a single-file row within the channel). The systems and methods described herein may find application in a variety of fields including, for example, continuous sorting of cells, removal of targeted cells from a stream of blood, or the arrangement of non-magnetic particles in channels for analysis. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20140037514 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FLUID DISPERSION - A microfluidic method and device for focusing and/or forming discontinuous sections of similar or dissimilar size in a fluid is provided. The device can be fabricated simply from readily-available, inexpensive material using simple techniques. | 02-06-2014 |
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| 20100105467 | CARD GAME PAYOUT METHODS - A method for providing a payout based on a scattered combination of game cards is described. A plurality of hands of cards is displayed, including at least a first hand of cards and a second hand of cards. Each hand of cards includes one or more card positions. In each hand of cards, a card is placed in each of the one or more card positions. Characteristics associated with each card in the each displayed hand of cards are analyzed. A first card in a first card position in the first hand of cards is combined with a second card in the second hand of cards. A determination is made whether a winning combination of cards is formed by at least the first and second cards in the first and second hands of cards. A payout award is provided based on the winning combination of cards. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20120196663 | CARD GAME METHODS AND SYSTEMS - A method for providing a payout based on a scattered combination of game cards is described. A plurality of hands of cards is displayed, including at least a first hand of cards and a second hand of cards. Each hand of cards includes one or more card positions. In each hand of cards, a card is placed in each of the one or more card positions. Characteristics associated with each card in the each displayed hand of cards are analyzed. A first card in a first card position in the first hand of cards is combined with a second card in the second hand of cards. A determination is made whether a winning combination of cards is formed by at least the first and second cards in the first and second hands of cards. A payout award is provided based on the winning combination of cards. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20130337879 | CARD GAME METHODS AND SYSTEMS - A method for providing a payout based on a scattered combination of game cards is described. A plurality of hands of cards is displayed, including at least a first hand of cards and a second hand of cards. Each hand of cards includes one or more card positions. In each hand of cards, a card is placed in each of the one or more card positions. Characteristics associated with each card in the each displayed hand of cards are analyzed. A first card in a first card position in the first hand of cards is combined with a second card in the second hand of cards. A determination is made whether a winning combination of cards is formed by at least the first and second cards in the first and second hands of cards. A payout award is provided based on the winning combination of cards. | 12-19-2013 |
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| 20110031740 | Bulkhead Fitting - Disclosed herein is a bulkhead fitting. The bulkhead fitting includes biasing means and a plurality of guide rings. In a preferred embodiment, a first guide ring is provided with an annular sidewall and a base extending radially outward from the sidewall, and a second guide ring is configured to mate with the first guide ring. Biasing means is positioned between the guide rings and radially outward of the sidewall to allow expansion and contraction of the first and second guide rings relative to one another, while preventing or inhibiting the biasing means from catching in the threads of the shaft or otherwise contacting the shaft. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110180168 | True Union Quick-Disconnect Cam-Lock End Connector - Disclosed herein is an end connector for fluid communication with a valve. The end connector includes a fitting body and a lock ring for engagement and disengagement therewith. A nut is provided for securing the fitting body to the valve, and hook and chain assembly is provided for securing an eyehole of the lock ring to an end fitting, such as a cap, which is received at an end of the connector opposite the valve. In some aspects, the fitting body includes radially extending lugs, and the lock ring includes radially extending notches corresponding to the lugs. The lock ring, in a first rotational position, is configured to abut against the lugs to inhibit inadvertent removal of the lock ring. The lock ring, in a second rotational position, is configured to have the lugs in alignment with the notches, such that the lock ring can be removed. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20120193558 | Valve Switchbox - A switchbox for monitoring the position of a manual quarter-turn valve has a housing mountable to the valve to be monitored/controlled. A handle-driven shaft extends through the housing, with one end of the shaft couplable to the valve stem such that movement of the shaft moves the valve stem. One or more shaft position sensor switches interact with a cam on the shaft to signal shaft position and/or provide control signals. A plate coupled to the shaft articulates within a recess on the surface of the switchbox to limit motion of the valve to an operable range, such as between full ON and full OFF. The switchbox has a pair of lock tabs with lock apertures. A lock aperture in the plate is alignable with the lock tab apertures to receive a pin or padlock for locking the valve in a selected position. A potentiometer can be utilized in place of a switch as a shaft position sensor. The switchbox may be used with an original or new handle and may feature detents to allow a range of valve settings. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120315162 | Sealing Device For An Immersible Pump - Disclosed herein is an apparatus for an immersible pump. The apparatus can include a shaft for communicating with a motor. The shaft includes a first region having a first diameter, a second region having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter, and a tapering region between the two regions. A sleeve can be provided to receive the shaft. A sealing device includes a receiving area in which the tapering region is at least partially positionable to form a seal, and an abutment that is configured to form a seal with the sleeve and that is responsive to a force directed from the sleeve to enhance the seal with the tapering region. In some embodiments, the sealing device is provided with a circumferential outer wall for centering the sleeve about the shaft and/or for aligning the force with the abutment. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20130020246 | Filter Vessel Assembly and Related Methods of Use - Improved filter vessel assemblies for filtering fluids in fluid systems (e.g., industrial and/or commercial systems) are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for advantageous filter vessel assemblies that include a releasable locking assembly for a removable filter member (e.g., a filter bag). The present disclosure provides for improved systems/designs for easily securing and/or unsecuring removable filter members to or from a locking assembly of a filter vessel assembly. Improved, convenient, low-cost and/or effective systems and methods for easily securing and/or unsecuring removable filter members to or from a filter vessel assembly by utilizing advantageous locking assemblies associated with a supporting assembly or basket assembly of the filter vessel assembly are provided. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130233412 | Wafer Check Valve Assembly And Related Methods Of Use - Improved flow control assemblies for fluid systems (e.g., industrial and/or commercial systems) are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for advantageous wafer check valve assemblies for fluid systems (e.g., piping systems or the like). The present disclosure provides for advantageous wafer check valve assemblies that include an angled sealing surface, which allows the disc member to seal even with the valve assembly in the horizontal position, and/or to seal without the aid of a spring. Improved, convenient, low-cost and/or effective systems and methods for utilizing improved wafer check valve assemblies in fluid systems (e.g., piping systems or the like) are provided. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20140060663 | Valve Switchbox - A switchbox for monitoring the position of a manual quarter-turn valve has a housing mountable to the valve to be monitored/controlled. A handle-driven shaft extends through the housing, with one end of the shaft couplable to the valve stem such that movement of the shaft moves the valve stem. One or more shaft position sensor switches interact with a cam on the shaft to signal shaft position and/or provide control signals. A plate coupled to the shaft articulates within a recess on the surface of the switchbox to limit motion of the valve to an operable range, such as between full ON and full OFF. The switchbox has a pair of lock tabs with lock apertures. A lock aperture in the plate is alignable with the lock tab apertures to receive a pin or padlock for locking the valve in a selected position. A potentiometer can be utilized in place of a switch as a shaft position sensor. The switchbox may be used with an original or new handle and may feature detents to allow a range of valve settings. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20150034853 | Handle Insert For Valve - Exemplary embodiments are directed to valves, generally including a body assembly and handle assembly. The body assembly generally includes a body and a stem passing through the body. The handle assembly generally includes a handle body and an insert. The insert provides an interface between the stem and the handle body. The insert includes protrusions extending therefrom configured to distribute stress resulting from a moment load applied to the handle assembly through the handle body to reduce failure of the handle body. Methods of positioning a valve are also provided. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150034854 | Butterfly Valve - Exemplary embodiments are directed to butterfly valves, generally including a body assembly and handle assembly. The body assembly generally includes a body, a disc rotationally disposed inside an opening of the body, a cog, and a stem passing through the disc and the body. The handle assembly generally includes a handle body and a force ring. The stem can be rotationally interlocked relative to the disc and the handle assembly. The cog and the force ring can engage to rotationally secure the disc relative to the body. The handle assembly can include a lever and a grip, the force ring, the lever and the grip being pivotally secured relative to each other. The body can include a male radial protrusion and the body assembly can include a liner with a female radial groove. Methods of assembling and positioning a butterfly valve are also provided. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150071729 | Threaded Insert - Exemplary embodiments are generally directed to a radially compressible and/or expandable threaded insert. Exemplary embodiments of the threaded insert can include a tubular body having a length extending along a central axis between a first end and a second end. An inner surface of the body can include a circumferentially extending internal thread and an outer surface of the body can include one or more surface features extending from an outer surface of the tubular body. A longitudinally extending slot can be formed the tubular body. The slot can extend the length of the tubular body to form a circumferential discontinuity along the length of the body. | 03-12-2015 |
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| 20110083370 | Plantation Fan Top Window Shutter - A plantation window shutter comprises a frame and a plurality of shutter blades pivotably supported by the frame in a fan configuration. The frame comprises a front surface and a rear surface. The rear surface has a plurality of upper grooves and a plurality of lower grooves, each upper groove being axially aligned with a respective lower groove. Each of the shutter blades has a longitudinal pivotal axis and a top pivot and a bottom pivot aligned along the axis, the top pivot and the bottom pivot being received in respective upper groove and the lower groove for pivotal motion therein. At least one member is attached to the rear surface disposed to bridge over the upper grooves and the lower grooves, thereby to capture the top and bottom pivots within respective the upper grooves and the lower grooves. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110126464 | Interior plantation window shutter - A plantation window shutter, comprises a frame and a plurality of shutter blades pivotably supported by the frame. The frame has a left stile, a right stile, a bottom rail connected to the left and right stiles and a top rail connected to the left and right stiles. The left stile comprises first and second members joined together, and the right stile third and fourth members joined together. The bottom rail includes first and second end portions sandwiched between the first and second members, and the third and fourth members, respectively. The top rail includes first and second end portions sandwiched between the first and second members, and the third and fourth members, respectively. The left and right stiles include top end portions operably attached to each other. The first and second members have opposing sides including a plurality of mirrored left grooves. The third and fourth members have opposing sides including a plurality of mirrored right grooves, the mirrored left grooves being axially aligned with respective the mirrored right grooves. Each of the shutter blades has a longitudinal pivotal axis and a left pivot and a right pivot aligned along the axis, the left pivot and the right pivot being received in respective one of the mirrored left grooves and the mirrored right grooves. | 06-02-2011 |
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| 20100032492 | Method and System to Control Flow From Individual Nozzles While Controlling Overall System Flow And Pressure - A method and system has been developed to individually control the flow of liquid products from any nozzle within a plurality of nozzles using pulse width modulated solenoid actuated valves residing on a CAN communication network. The CAN communication network has been further developed to manage the high current requirements of the solenoid actuated valves, the large physical length and high number of nozzles used on modern agricultural application equipment and integration and retrofit requirements when used in conjunction with commercially available application rate control devices. The method and system simultaneously controls multiple flow and shutoff related inputs including but not limited to turn radius, nozzle overlap, swath reduction, nozzle spacing, fence row rates, wheel track rates, etc. The method and system will also simultaneously accept one or more external inputs from commercially available application rate control devices where other rate and shutoff inputs may be used, for example, variable rates per boom section based on GIS maps or multiple in-field sensors along the boom. The method and system further incorporates the artificial manipulation of commercial rate controller inputs and outputs to facilitate these individual nozzle control features and benefits without compromising the overall system flow control performed by the commercial rate controller. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20120271467 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO CONTROL FLOW FROM INDIVIDUAL NOZZLES WHILE CONTROLLING OVERALL SYSTEM FLOW AND PRESSURE - A method and system has been developed to individually control the flow of liquid products from any nozzle within a plurality of nozzles using pulse width modulated solenoid actuated valves. The method and system simultaneously controls multiple flow and shutoff related inputs including but not limited to turn radius, nozzle overlap, swath reduction, nozzle spacing, fence row rates, wheel track rates, etc. The method and system will also simultaneously accept one or more external inputs from commercially available application rate control devices where other rate and shutoff inputs may be used, for example, variable rates per boom section based on GIS maps or multiple in-field sensors along the boom. The method and system further incorporates the artificial manipulation of commercial rate controller inputs and outputs to facilitate these individual nozzle control features and benefits without compromising the overall system flow control performed by the commercial rate controller. | 10-25-2012 |
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| 20100230516 | MIXING NOZZLE FOR PLURAL COMPONENT MATERIALS - A low pressure plural component mixing nozzle for mixing plural component materials for coating the interior of small diameter conduits. A body defines a first passageway that extends from a right to a left side. The body further defines a second passageway communicating an inlet side with the first passageway proximate the right side and defining a third passageway communicating the inlet side with the first passageway proximate the left side. A fourth passageway passes through the body from the inlet side to the exit side. A mixer, such as a mixing cartridge, is located in the first passageway for mixing a fluid from the second passageway and a fluid from the third passageway and directing a mixture of the fluids into contact with fluid flowing through the fourth passageway wherein the mixture flows to an exit nozzle on a distal end of the body stem for exiting the device. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100324830 | HANDHELD OPTICAL SENSOR FOR MEASURING THE NORMALIZED DIFFERENCE VEGETATIVE INDEX IN PLANTS - A handheld sensor is disclosed. The sensor has a microcontroller, a current pulse control unit coupled to a light emitting diode (LED), and a photodiode. The microcontroller controls the current pulse control unit to provide a pulsed illumination of a target plant and the photodiode reads the magnitude of the reflectance from the target plant. The microcontroller accepts the reading from the photodiode and computes a normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI) based at least on the reading. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20110191830 | Common Point Authoring System For The Complex Sharing Of Hierarchically Authored Data Objects In A Distribution Chain - The Common Point Authoring system functions to provide Livestock Informational Objects via the use of a centralized repository of uniquely identified, immutable Livestock Informational Objects. This system automates the authoring, maintenance, and distribution of the Livestock Informational Objects by using an Internet-based paradigm and a centralized repository of uniquely-identified, immutable Data Elements. The Common Point Authoring system provides a set of software modules that the manufacturers can use to author, maintain, and distribute Livestock Informational Objects and their customers, as Members of the system of Livestock Informational Objects, can use to retrieve, maintain, and distribute the Livestock Informational Objects. The system's interconnectivity allows for the use of an Internet-based paradigm for the purchase and sale among Members of the system of Livestock Informational Objects as commodities, and for reducing the burden costs among Members of compliance with government regulations. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20120177809 | DUCT COATING SYSTEM - A method of sealing pipes or ducts with a duct coating applicator having a camera mounted thereon. The duct coating applicator sprays plural compounds on an interior of the duct. A duct coating applicator mounted camera records a video of an inside of the duct. The video is quickly accessible for customer review on site. A customer billing statement is quickly generated on site. A controller communicates with the nozzle carriage. A pump feeds the duct coating applicator from a resin tank via a resin supply line. The controller receives resin temperature and pressure, duct diameter, and duct coating applicator speed data and can adjust resin feed and duct coating applicator speed rates. The duct coating applicator has a cylindrical body having an outer member and a core member. An adjustable nozzle is on an outlet end for dispersing resin. Extension arms may be adjusted to accommodate various duct sizes. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20130066919 | COMMON POINT AUTHORING SYSTEM FOR THE COMPLEX SHARING OF HIERARCHICALLY AUTHORED DATA OBJECTS IN A DISTRIBUTION CHAIN - The Common Point Authoring system functions to provide Livestock Informational Objects via the use of a centralized repository of uniquely identified, immutable Livestock Informational Objects. This system automates the authoring, maintenance, and distribution of the Livestock Informational Objects by using an Internet-based paradigm and a centralized repository of uniquely-identified, immutable Data Elements. The Common Point Authoring system provides a set of software modules that the manufacturers can use to author, maintain, and distribute Livestock Informational Objects and their customers, as Members of the system of Livestock Informational Objects, can use to retrieve, maintain, and distribute the Livestock Informational Objects. The system's interconnectivity allows for the use of an Internet-based paradigm for the purchase and sale among Members of the system of Livestock Informational Objects as commodities, and for reducing the burden costs among Members of compliance with government regulations. | 03-14-2013 |
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| 20090093036 | METHOD FOR RELEASING GENETIC MATERIAL FROM SOLID PHASE - The present invention relates to systems for releasing genetic materials from a solid medium. The present invention also relates to methods for releasing genetic materials from a solid medium. The present invention further relates to methods for isolating genetic material from a biological sample. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090137024 | Method of Separating Target DNA from Mixed DNA - The present invention relates to methods of separating target DNA from mixed DNA in a sample. In some embodiments, the target DNA may be viral DNA, bacterial DNA, fungal DNA or combinations thereof. In some embodiments the mixed DNA includes target DNA and non-target DNA. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20110014605 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DNA ISOLATION ON A MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE - The present invention relates to methods and systems for the isolation of DNA on a microfluidic device and the subsequent analysis of the DNA on the microfluidic device. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for the isolation of DNA from patient samples on a microfluidic device and use of the DNA for performing amplification reactions, such as PCR, and detection, such as thermal melt analysis, on the microfluidic | 01-20-2011 |
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| 20100163675 | TRANSPARENCY HAVING SENSORS - A transparency, e.g. an aircraft laminated windshield, includes one or more sensors to monitor performance of one or more properties, e.g. a heating arrangement of the windshield, and to generate signals representative of the performance of the properties. One part of a connector, external of the transparency and connected to the sensors is connected to a system positioned in the aircraft. The system receives a signal from each of the sensors, and processes the signals to determine difference between performance of the property as indicated by the signal received and a preferred performance of the property to provide real time monitoring of the performance of the windshield. With this arrangement information regarding the performance of the windshield is available to schedule timely repair or replacement of the windshield that is performing outside of acceptable limits. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100168935 | METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR MAINTAINING OPERATING PERFORMANCE OF A TRANSPARENCY - Repair or replacement of a transparency mounted in body of a vehicle, e.g. an aircraft when one or more properties of the transparency is (are) operating outside of an acceptable limit(s) is arranged by monitoring operating performance of a property of the transparency, e.g. by mounted a sensor, e.g. a sensor for detecting moisture; a sensor for detecting impacts and vibrations; a sensor for detecting fractures; a sensor for detecting electric arcing, and a sensor for measuring temperature of an electrically conductive coating, on the transparency. Scheduling repair or replacement of the transparency at a geographical area when the operating performance of the property is outside an acceptable operating performance limit, and forwarding the schedule to the vehicle and to a maintenance location to prepare for the repair or replacement of the transparency at the geographical work area. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20120173438 | METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR MAINTAINING OPERATING PERFORMANCE OF A TRANSPARENCY - Repair or replacement of a transparency mounted in body of a vehicle, e.g. an aircraft when one or more properties of the transparency is (are) operating outside of an acceptable limit(s) is arranged by monitoring operating performance of a property of the transparency, e.g. by mounted a sensor, e.g. a sensor for detecting moisture; a sensor for detecting impacts and vibrations; a sensor for detecting fractures; a sensor for detecting electric arcing, and a sensor for measuring temperature of an electrically conductive coating, on the transparency. Scheduling repair or replacement of the transparency at a geographical area when the operating performance of the property is outside an acceptable operating performance limit, and forwarding the schedule to the vehicle and to a maintenance location to prepare for the repair or replacement of the transparency at the geographical work area. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20140067199 | AEROSPACE INTELLIGENT WINDOW SYSTEM - A network system for monitoring and storing data of aircraft intelligent windows or windshields to provide useable life of, provide real life performance of, and/or measure characteristics and/or properties of, the windshields forwards the data from sensors mounting the windshield to a window sensing hub having a microprocessor programed to receive and process the data to determine the performance of the windshield and formatting the data in accordance to a preset program, wherein the program includes providing data from the sensors that measures characteristics and properties of the windshield that are active during the period in which the data is taken. An aircraft central maintenance system connected to the window sensing hub receives the formatted information from the window sensing hub and unfiltered or unformatted information, wherein the unfiltered information from the windshield is acted on by the central maintenance system to provide an estimated useable life of the windshield. | 03-06-2014 |
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| 20110003469 | Methods Of Forming Memory Cells; And Methods Of Forming Vertical Structures - Some embodiments include methods of forming memory. A series of photoresist features may be formed over a gate stack, and a placeholder may be formed at an end of said series. The placeholder may be spaced from the end of said series by a gap. A layer may be formed over and between the photoresist features, over the placeholder, and within said gap. The layer may be anisotropically etched into a plurality of first vertical structures along edges of the photoresist features, and into a second vertical structure along an edge of the placeholder. A mask may be formed over the second vertical structure. Subsequently, the first vertical structures may be used to pattern string gates while the mask is used to pattern a select gate. Some embodiments include methods of forming conductive runners, and some embodiments may include semiconductor constructions. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110237081 | Methods of Forming Memory; and Methods of Forming Vertical Structures - Some embodiments include methods of forming memory. A series of photoresist features may be formed over a gate stack, and a placeholder may be formed at an end of said series. The placeholder may be spaced from the end of said series by a gap. A layer may be formed over and between the photoresist features, over the placeholder, and within said gap. The layer may be anisotropically etched into a plurality of first vertical structures along edges of the photoresist features, and into a second vertical structure along an edge of the placeholder. A mask may be formed over the second vertical structure. Subsequently, the first vertical structures may be used to pattern string gates while the mask is used to pattern a select gate. Some embodiments include methods of forming conductive runners, and some embodiments may include semiconductor constructions. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20140087558 | Methods of Forming Memory Cells; and Methods of Forming Vertical Structures - Some embodiments include methods of forming memory. A series of photoresist features may be formed over a gate stack, and a placeholder may be formed at an end of said series. The placeholder may be spaced from the end of said series by a gap. A layer may be formed over and between the photoresist features, over the placeholder, and within said gap. The layer may be anisotropically etched into a plurality of first vertical structures along edges of the photoresist features, and into a second vertical structure along an edge of the placeholder. A mask may be formed over the second vertical structure. Subsequently, the first vertical structures may be used to pattern string gates while the mask is used to pattern a select gate. Some embodiments include methods of forming conductive runners, and some embodiments may include semiconductor constructions. | 03-27-2014 |
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| 20100314873 | Auxiliary drive/brake system for a wind turbine - An auxiliary drive/brake system for a wind turbine includes an impulse, high torque motor, a gearbox transmission, a drive shaft, and a transfer gearbox that connects to either the wind turbine low-speed shaft or to the wind turbine gearbox. Control of the auxiliary drive/brake system is performed by a programmable computer-based motor drive control system in combination with instrumentation and sensors fitted to the rotating wind turbine components. Torque and horsepower created by the present auxiliary drive/brake system is transferred into the wind turbine low-speed shaft where it combines with the torque and horsepower created by the wind acting on the wind turbine rotor blades, the combined torque and horsepower is transferred from the wind turbine low-speed shaft into the wind turbine gearbox and the wind turbine generator, causing the wind turbine generator to operate and produce electricity which is supplied to the power company. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100314881 | Auxiliary drive/brake system for a wind turbine - An auxiliary drive/brake system for a wind turbine. The auxiliary drive/brake system includes an impulse, high torque electric motor connected to a motor drive control system which controls the impulse high torque electric motor. The auxiliary drive/brake system further includes a gearbox transmission, a drive shaft, and a transfer gearbox that connects to either the wind turbine low-speed shaft or to the wind turbine gearbox. The drive system provides impulse operation of the wind turbine. Control of the auxiliary drive/brake system is performed by an electronic speed control in combination with either a motor drive control system or an electronic variable speed drive. Torque and horsepower created by the present auxiliary drive/brake system is transferred into the wind turbine low-speed shaft where it combines with the torque and horsepower created by the wind acting on the wind turbine rotor blades, the combined torque and horsepower is transferred from the wind turbine low-speed shaft into the wind turbine gearbox and the wind turbine generator, causing the wind turbine generator to operate and produce electricity which is supplied to the power company. | 12-16-2010 |
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| 20090071211 | CABLE SEAL LOCK - A cable seal lock assembly including a housing having a top end and a bottom end with at least two openings in each end. A generally cylindrical-shaped cable sleeve is located in the housing and has a bore therethrough, and ends of the bore are aligned with respective openings in the top and bottom ends of the housing. A clip sleeve is located at least partially within the housing and has a bore of non-uniform diameter extending therethrough, and one end of the clip sleeve extends through one of the openings in the top end of the housing, with the bore at the other end of the clip sleeve aligned with one of the openings at the bottom end of the housing. A locking clip is located in the clip sleeve, and a backing plate is located in the housing with holes that are aligned with the openings at one end of the housing. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090320540 | BOLT SEAL - A sealing device is provided that includes a bolt having a shaft, a tapered end and a circumferential groove; a lock body having an open end leading into a bore; an overmold substantially surrounding the lock body and including an aperture aligned with the open end of the lock body; a lock ring located in the bore of the lock body; and a washer having a hole aligned with the aperture in the overmold and the opening in the lock body and located between the overmold and the lock ring, the lock ring including a plurality of spokes extending inwardly from an outer ring portion. Some of the spokes can include an inner flange extending generally perpendicular to the spoke, and the inner flanges form a non-continuous inner ring portion. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090320541 | BOLT SEAL - A sealing device is provided that includes a bolt having a shaft, a tapered end and a circumferential groove; a lock body having an open end leading into a hollow portion; an overmold substantially surrounding the lock body and including an aperture aligned with the open end of the lock body; a lock clip located in the hollow portion of the lock body; and a washer having a hole aligned with the aperture in the overmold and the opening in the lock body and located between an end of the overmold and the lock clip, the lock clip including a plurality of spokes extending inwardly from an outer periphery portion. Some of the spokes can include an inner flange extending generally perpendicular to the spoke, and the inner flanges form a non-continuous inner ring portion. | 12-31-2009 |
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| 20110116904 | System, Apparatus, and Method for Item Handling - Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for item handling, including in-feeding and individually out-feeding of items, such as pieces of mail, parcels, or articles of manufacture. Destacking each successive leading item, individually, in a stack or series of items by automatically adapting, in real time, to varying item presentment conditions. Each successive leading item can be moved and output without unwanted or unacceptable movement of any following item or items, by selective activation of components to move and/or assist with moving the leading item for output therefrom. Selective activation can be based on presentment information associated with each leading item in the stack or series, and the leading item can be output after a series of controlled movements thereof. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110192703 | SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND METHOD FOR OBJECT EDGE DETECTION - A system, apparatus, and method for detecting overlapped items in a sequence of items moving along a conveying path based on rigidity and thickness contour measurements. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20120255264 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATIC UNWRAPPING OF BUNDLES - Systems, devices, and methods for automatically removing wrapping and straps from a bundle of items. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120314222 | Inspection Apparatus, System, and Method - Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for inspection of objects or items in a conveyance system. Presence (or absence) of an object/item or objects/items is detected sensed and also one or more characteristics of the object/item can be determined based image detection of characteristics of one or more laser lines projected on a conveyance surface of the conveyance system. | 12-13-2012 |
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| 20110106650 | Systems, methods and computer program products for implementing processes relating to retail sales - The present invention provides a system that facilitates the selection of purchasable items for use in an environs defined by the customer. In one aspect, the system includes a processing element capable of proposing a plurality of purchasable items to the customer for selection by the customer. The processing element also is capable of receiving data representing the environs and data representing at least one purchasable item selected by the customer. The processing element is further capable of generating and displaying a three-dimensional graphical representation of the environs and each purchasable item or items selected by the customer so that the customer can visualize the items in the environs. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110106651 | Systems, methods and computer program products for implementing processes relating to retail sales - The present invention provides a system that facilitates the selection of purchasable items for use in an environs defined by the customer. In one aspect, the system includes a processing element capable of proposing a plurality of purchasable items to the customer for selection by the customer. The processing element also is capable of receiving data representing the environs and data representing at least one purchasable item selected by the customer. The processing element is further capable of generating and displaying a three-dimensional graphical representation of the environs and each purchasable item or items selected by the customer so that the customer can visualize the items in the environs. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110106652 | Systems, methods and computer program products for implementing processes relating to retail sales - The present invention provides a system that facilitates the selection of purchasable items for use in an environs defined by the customer. In one aspect, the system includes a processing element capable of proposing a plurality of purchasable items to the customer for selection by the customer. The processing element also is capable of receiving data representing the environs and data representing at least one purchasable item selected by the customer. The processing element is further capable of generating and displaying a three-dimensional graphical representation of the environs and each purchasable item or items selected by the customer so that the customer can visualize the items in the environs. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110166909 | Systems, methods and computer program products for implementing processes relating to retail sales - The present invention provides a system that facilitates the selection of purchasable items for use in an environs defined by the customer. In one aspect, the system includes a processing element capable of proposing a plurality of purchasable items to the customer for selection by the customer. The processing element also is capable of receiving data representing the environs and data representing at least one purchasable item selected by the customer. The processing element is further capable of generating and displaying a three-dimensional graphical representation of the environs and each purchasable item or items selected by the customer so that the customer can visualize the items in the environs. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110166954 | Systems, methods and computer program products for implementing processes relating to retail sales - The present invention provides a system that facilitates the selection of purchasable items for use in an environs defined by the customer. In one aspect, the system includes a processing element capable of proposing a plurality of purchasable items to the customer for selection by the customer. The processing element also is capable of receiving data representing the environs and data representing at least one purchasable item selected by the customer. The processing element is further capable of generating and displaying a three-dimensional graphical representation of the environs and each purchasable item or items selected by the customer so that the customer can visualize the items in the environs. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110173088 | Systems, methods and computer program products for implementing processes relating to retail sales - The present invention provides a system that facilitates the selection of purchasable items for use in an environs defined by the customer. In one aspect, the system includes a processing element capable of proposing a plurality of purchasable items to the customer for selection by the customer. The processing element also is capable of receiving data representing the environs and data representing at least one purchasable item selected by the customer. The processing element is further capable of generating and displaying a three-dimensional graphical representation of the environs and each purchasable item or items selected by the customer so that the customer can visualize the items in the environs. | 07-14-2011 |
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| 20080273333 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PATHWAY OR SIMILAR LIGHTING - An apparatus, method, and system for lighting target areas with bollard or pagoda style or type lights in a controlled and efficient manner. The apparatus includes a housing with a light source, optic system, and a control circuit. The light source and optic system are configured to produce a highly controlled output beam pattern and shield from normal viewing angles direct sight of the source. This enables control of glare and spill light which can improve effectiveness, efficiency, and energy usage. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20090284966 | LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH COMBINED DIRECTLY VIEWABLE LUMINOUS OR TRANSMISSIVE SURFACE AND CONTROLLED AREA ILLUMINATION - An apparatus, system and method for lighting an area, for example, an outdoors pedestrian area or building facade or an auto traffic area, or an indoor large area, which provides indicator/guide light, reference light for structures, and task lighting for a target area. The method uses first lighting sources that are directly viewable by observers and which can be historical, architectural, or aesthetically selected sources, but which produce a relatively low level of light or luminance insufficient to effectively light the area but sufficient to act as an indicator or guide, as well as to provide reference illumination on buildings or structures. Second lighting sources are configured to produce directional light to light the area but hide the light sources from most conventional observer viewing angles and may be enclosed within the general outlines of the globe or transmissive surface area of the fixture. Additionally, the fixture may appear to the average observer that the two sources are one historic or architectural source. Use of low-level directly viewable sources allows lower levels of light from the second sources to effectively light the area. This produces benefits regarding light pollution, such as reducing sky glow, glare, and spill light, as well as reducing energy usage. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20110194294 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSEMBLY OF LIGHTING FIXTURES - An apparatus, method and system for assembling lighting fixtures where reflective inserts are installed into a reflector frame to create a reflective surface for the fixture. According to one aspect of the method, some type of worker-perceivable indication prompts a worker as to which reflective insert should be installed at which mounting location on the reflector frame. The worker does not have to guess or translate written instructions. The method can be used sequentially to provide such assistance for each of a plurality of reflective inserts for a plurality of mounting locations. The method is particularly helpful if the reflective inserts are not identical for each mounting location. According to one aspect of an apparatus according to the invention, a reflector frame is removably mounted to a machine that holds the reflector frame in an indexed position. A controller generates a signal that produces the worker-perceivable indication that correlates for the worker the assigned reflective insert for each mounting position. This can be done with LEDs or other types of lights. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20120217897 | COMPACT AND ADJUSTABLE LED LIGHTING APPARATUS, AND METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING SUCH LONG-TERM - A lighting system is provided whereby long operating life can be reasonably ensured by taking into account requirements of the application, characteristics of the LEDs, characteristics of the fixture containing said LEDs, the desired number of operating hours, and—via developed relationships—taking an iterative approach to supplying power to the LEDs. Through the envisioned compensation methodology and effective luminaire design, a relatively constant light level can be assured for a predetermined number of operating hours (possibly longer); this is true even if operating conditions change, known behavior of LEDs proves untrue over untested period of time, or some other condition occurs which would otherwise cause end-of-life prematurely and prevent the system from meeting the desired number of operating hours. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120281399 | LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH COMBINED DIRECTLY VIEWABLE LUMINOUS OR TRANSMISSIVE SURFACE AND CONTROLLED AREA ILLUMINATION - An apparatus, system and method for lighting an area, for example, an outdoors pedestrian area or building façade or an auto traffic area, or an indoor large area, which provides indicator/guide light, reference light for structures, and task lighting for a target area. The method uses first lighting sources that are directly viewable by observers and which can be historical, architectural, or aesthetically selected sources, but which produce a relatively low level of light or luminance insufficient to effectively light the area but sufficient to act as an indicator or guide, as well as to provide reference illumination on buildings or structures. Second lighting sources are configured to produce directional light to light the area but hide the light sources from most conventional observer viewing angles and may be enclosed within the general outlines of the globe or transmissive surface area of the fixture. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20140168963 | MULTI-LED LENS WITH LIGHT PATTERN OPTIMIZATION - An apparatus, method, and system for illumination of a target includes a lighting assembly comprising plural LED sources each having individual light output patterns of preselected color or CCT. A single shared optical component or lens, which captures and controls light output from each of the plurality of light sources; at least partially mixes the individual patterns in a composite light output distribution. Optionally a light blocking member or structure such as a deflector, baffle, or reflector can be positioned between adjacent light sources in their individual light output distribution patterns to alter their contributions to the composite light output pattern. | 06-19-2014 |
