Woodruff, US

Adam P. Woodruff, Minneapolis, MN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140065697	CELLS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING ISOBUTYRIC ACID - Disclosed herein are cells and methods for renewably producing isobutyrate. In some cases, the cells can include a heterologous DNA that encodes at least one enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of isobutyraldehyde to isobutyrate. In other cases, the cells can include a genetically modified enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of isobutyraldehyde to isobutyrate to a degree greater than the wild-type version of the enzyme. In other cases, the cells can include one or more enzyme that catalyze the conversion of 2-ketovaline to isobutyrate. Generally, methods include growing the cells in a medium that includes a carbon source that the cells are able to convert to isobutyrate.	03-06-2014

Alexa Woodruff, Bryn Mawr, PA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20150093556	WRAPPABLE LAMINATED TEXTILE SLEEVE WITH ENHANCED FLEXIBILITY AND METHOD OF REDUCING CRACKING IN A FOIL LAYER OF A WRAPPABLE TEXTILE SLEEVE - A wrappable textile sleeve and method of reducing cracking in a foil layer of a wrappable textile sleeve are provided. The sleeve includes an elongate wall extending along a longitudinal axis between opposite ends with lengthwise extending edges extending along the longitudinal axis between the opposite ends. The wall includes a textile layer, a polymeric film layer fixed to the inner textile layer and a metal foil layer fixed to the polymeric film layer. The polymeric film layer has a first thickness and the metal foil layer has a second thickness, wherein the second thickness is greater than the first thickness.	04-02-2015

Alexa A. Woodruff, Philadelphia, PA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140220846	Non-Kinking Self-Wrapping Woven Sleeve and Method of Construction Thereof - A wrappable textile sleeve and method of construction thereof is provided. The wrappable textile sleeve includes an elongate wall extending along a longitudinal axis between opposite ends with lengthwise extending edges extending parallel or substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis between the opposite ends. The wall is woven from lengthwise extending warp yarns and circumferentially extending weft yarns. The weft yarns form a plurality of discrete annular bands, with adjacent bands having weft yarns of different diameters to provide the wall with discrete enhanced hoop strength regions and with discrete enhanced flexibility regions, where the enhanced hoop strength and enhanced flexibility regions alternate in adjacent relation with one another.	08-07-2014
20140273698	Self-Wrappable Eptfe Textile Sleeve and Method of Construction Thereof - A self-wrapping textile sleeve that is abrasion, arc and water resistant and method of construction thereof is provided. The sleeve includes a wall having opposite edges extending in a lengthwise direction along a central longitudinal axis of the sleeve between opposite ends. The opposite edges overlap one another to form an inner tubular cavity. The wall has warp yarns extending in the lengthwise direction generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis and weft yarns extending generally transversely to the longitudinal axis between the opposite edges. The warp and weft yarns include expanded PTFE yarns, and the weft yarns further include heat-settable thermoplastic yarns. The heat-settable polymeric yarns impart a bias on the wall to bring the opposite edges into their overlapping relation.	09-18-2014

Allen Woodruff, Lake Mary, FL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130192539	NO-SLACK LENGTH-LIMITED ELASTIC LEASH - A leash has a first end for gripping and a second end for securing to an animal, a length of elastic material, and a length of inelastic material including first and second portions. The length of elastic material and length of inelastic material are configured so that application of tensile force to the first or second end of the leash extends the length of elastic material. Extension of the length of elastic material causes the first portion of the length of inelastic material to lengthen and the second portion of the length of inelastic material to correspondingly shorten. Contraction of the length of elastic material causes the second portion of the length of inelastic material to lengthen and the first portion of the inelastic material to correspondingly shorten, preventing slack in the leash upon sudden deapplication of a tensile force.	08-01-2013

Andrew Arlin Woodruff, Portland, OR US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140283066	SERVER-ASSISTED ANTI-MALWARE CLIENT - An antimalware support system is provided to support one or more host-based antimalware clients. A query is received from a particular host device that identifies a file detected by an antimalware tool local to the particular host device. Reputation data is determined for the file, and a response to the query is sent to the particular host device. The query response includes the reputation data determined for the file.	09-18-2014

Anne Teeuwynn Woodruff, Sammamish, WA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110212430	TEACHING AND LEARNING SYSTEM - A teaching and learning system includes a data store and a server computing device. The server computing device is programmed to retrieve digital data from the data store and to generate and transfer digital data across a network to user computing devices associated with users. The digital data is configured to be interpreted by the user computing devices to display to the users an interactive web site, the web site including a plurality of learning packets. Each learning packet includes a title and multiple content sections. The title includes a text description of a topic associated with an academic topic. The multiple content sections include at least one content window, where each content window includes content having a content type selected by the author of the learning packet from a plurality of different available content types. The content of each content section includes information to teach the user about the topic identified in the title.	09-01-2011

Anthony Woodruff, Tobaccoville, NC US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120088089	RIGIDITY CONTROLLED FIBERGLASS - A multi-layered panel for a vehicle is provided and includes multiple fiberglass layers and an intermediate layer disposed between the fiberglass layers. One of the fiberglass layers includes multiple fiber patterns where each fiber pattern has a strength and/or a flexibility substantially different from the other fiber patterns.	04-12-2012

Brian E. Woodruff, Tigard, OR US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100169946	METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONFIGURING DEVICE CONTROL IN A MULTIMEDIA ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM - A method and system for configuring device control in a multimedia entertainment system includes receiving identification data from multimedia devices, retrieving user-supplied device data, and updating configuration data with the identification data and the user-supplied device data. The configuration data identifies each multimedia device in the multimedia entertainment system and provides the control modality to be used to control each multimedia device. A plurality of software control modules may be generated to control functions of each of the multimedia devices based on the configuration data.	07-01-2010
20140075211	CASCADING POWER CONSUMPTION - A method and system for cascading power consumption is described herein. The method may include providing power to a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein the first sensor consumes more power than the second sensor. The method may also include detecting the first sensor does not capture a sample of data. In addition, the method may include stopping the flow of power to the first sensor. Furthermore, the method may include monitoring an operating environment with the second sensor. The method may also include providing power to the first sensor in response to the second sensor detecting a sample of data.	03-13-2014

Carl Woodruff, Urbandale, IA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110022515	Mobile payment system - A mobile payment system is disclosed for processing payments authorized by mobile devices (“mobile payments”) that is configured to process mobile payment authorizations that are directed to an electronic lock box. The mobile payment authorizations are processed by way of electronic funds transfer and cleared, for example, by way of an automated electronic funds clearing network, such as the Automated Clearing House (ACH). In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the mobile payment system also processes returns for payments that cannot be cleared. The mobile payment system may be configured to provide advance notification of billing deadlines to payees, e.g., mobile clients, by way of an SMS (Small Message System) message and enable consumers to authorize payment in the same fashion. In addition to facilitating payment by the consumer, the system in accordance with the present invention significantly the “float time” and makes funds available to the merchant in a relatively shorter period of time than known mobile payment systems, once payment authorization is received from the consumer.	01-27-2011

Caryn L. Woodruff, Raleigh, NC US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110307958	SOFTWARE LICENSE AND INSTALLATION PROCESS MANAGEMENT WITHIN AN ORGANIZATION - A software license and a software installation process are managed. A status of the license can be one of at least a third party reserved status, a requester reserved status, a requester allocated status, and an available status. A first module can be operative to change the status of the license from the third party reserved status to the requester allocated status in response to receiving a mode selection. The mode selection can correspond to one of one or more modes. The modes can comprise a reserve license mode, a remove reserve mode, a request license allocation mode, a return excess license to inventory mode, an ordering mode, and an add license to inventory mode. The first module can be operative in at least one of the modes.	12-15-2011

Charles Woodruff, Charlotte, VT US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080278195	STRUCTURE FOR EXECUTING SOFTWARE WITHIN REAL-TIME HARDWARE CONSTRAINTS USING FUNCTIONALLY PROGRAMMABLE BRANCH TABLE - A computer system is disclosed which includes a design structure including a CPU or microprocessor to drive tightly constrained hardware events. The system comprises a processor having a set of system inputs to drive a functionally programmable event, and a fast branch in the CPU including a state handler to execute instructions from the CPU to process the event. A queue in the CPU stores the events such that the non-pre-empted events are serviced in the order they are received.	11-13-2008

Christopher D. Woodruff, Palmetto, FL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110012003	APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A RETRACTIBLE MAST - Apparatus and methods for raising a retractable mast include engaging at least three flexible bands such that each band forms a side of a mast. Each band includes a right edge side and a left edge side, each edge having disposed thereon a set of spaced teeth, each tooth having a slot disposed therein and a tab disposed between adjacent teeth, the tab configured to engage the slot of an opposing tooth.	01-20-2011
20140048672	APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A RETRACTABLE MAST - Apparatus and methods for extending a retractable mast include engaging at least three flexible bands such that each band forms a side of a mast. Each band includes a right edge side and a left edge side, each edge having disposed thereon a set of spaced teeth, each tooth having a slot disposed therein and a tab disposed between adjacent teeth, the tab configured to engage the slot of an opposing tooth.	02-20-2014

Colby Woodruff, Brownsburg, IN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130129764	COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS TO DETECT VARIOUS INFECTIOUS ORGANISMS - The invention relates to compositions and methods for the detection of various infectious organisms, including heartworm (	05-23-2013

Cp Woodruff, Houston, TX US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100000252	COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM FOR THE STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION OF NATURAL GAS IN A LIGHT HYDROCARBON LIQUID MEDIUM - This invention provides a means of loading, processing and conditioning raw production gas, production of CGL, storage, transport, and delivery of pipeline quality natural gas or fractionated products to market. The CGL transport vessel utilizes a pipe based containment system to hold more densely packed constituents of natural gas held within a light hydrocarbon solvent than it is possible to attain for natural gas alone under such conditions. The containment system is supported by process systems for loading and transporting the natural gas as a liquid and unloading the CGL from the containment system and then offloading it in the gaseous state. The system can also be utilized for the selective storage and transport of NGLs to provide a total service package for the movement of natural gas and associated gas production. The mode of storage is suited for both marine and land transportation and configured in modular form to suit a particular application and/or scale of operation.	01-07-2010

Daniel J. Woodruff, Kalispell, MT US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100078334	ELECTRO-CHEMICAL PROCESSOR - An electro-chemical processor for making porous silicon or processing other substrates has first and second chamber assemblies. The first and second chamber assemblies include first and second seals for sealing against a wafer, and first and second electrodes, respectively. The first seal is moveable towards and away from a wafer in the processor, to move between a wafer load/unload position, and a wafer process position. The first electrode may move along with the first seal. The processor may be pivotable from a substantially horizontal orientation, for loading and unloading a wafer, to a substantially vertical orientation, for processing a wafer.	04-01-2010
20110042224	APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL PROCESSING OF MICROFEATURE WAFERS - Apparatus and methods for electrochemically processing microfeature wafers. The apparatus can have a vessel including a processing zone in which a microfeature wafer is positioned for electrochemical processing. The apparatus further includes at least one counter electrode in the vessel that can operate as an anode or a cathode depending upon the particular plating or electropolishing application. The apparatus further includes a supplementary electrode and a supplementary virtual electrode. The supplementary electrode is configured to operate independently from the counter electrode in the vessel, and it can be a thief electrode and/or a de-plating electrode depending upon the type of process. The supplementary electrode can further be used as another counter electrode during a portion of a plating cycle or polishing cycle. The supplementary virtual electrode is located in the processing zone, and it is configured to counteract an electric field offset relative to the wafer associated with an offset between the wafer and the counter electrode in the vessel when the wafer is in the processing zone.	02-24-2011
20120037495	DEPLATING CONTACTS IN AN ELECTROCHEMICAL PLATING APPARATUS - An electroplating apparatus having improved contact deplating features includes a bowl assembly having a bowl for holding an electroplating solution. A head having a rotor including a contact ring and a head motor for rotating the rotor cooperates with the bowl assembly during plating operations. A lift/rotate actuator may be used to move the head to position a sector of the contact ring in a ring slot or opening of a deplating module. Since the deplating is performed within the deplating module, and not within the bowl assembly, the electroplating solution in the bowl assembly is not affected by the deplating process.	02-16-2012
20120060869	SINGLE WORKPIECE PROCESSING CHAMBER - A process chamber for processing semi-conductor wafers. The chamber includes at least one rotor within the process chamber. The rotor is adapted to receive and/or process semi-conductor wafers. The top of the process chamber also includes a tiltable rim. This rim tilts from a non-inclined position to an inclined position. The wafers may be loaded into and unloaded from the process chamber when the rim is in its inclined position.	03-15-2012
20130061875	COMPONENT CLEANING IN A METAL PLATING APPARATUS - A plating apparatus includes a vessel for holding a bath of plating liquid. A head is adapted to hold a work piece, such as a silicon wafer, in the vessel, with a seal on the head sealing against the work piece. A component cleaner assembly may be used to automatically clean a component of the plating apparatus, such as a seal or a contact ring. The cleaner assembly has a component contactor, such as a brush, on an arm. An arm actuator is linked to the arm for moving the arm from a retracted position, to a deployed position, where the contactor is in physical contact with the component. A method for cleaning a component of a plating apparatus includes moving a scrubber or contactor into contact with the component and applying a cleaning liquid onto the component adjacent to the contactor.	03-14-2013
20130075265	APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL PROCESSING OF MICROFEATURE WAFERS - Methods for electrochemically processing microfeature wafers using at least one counter electrode in a vessel, a supplementary electrode and a supplementary virtual electrode. The supplementary electrode is configured to operate independently from the counter electrode in the vessel, and it can be a thief electrode and/or a de-plating electrode depending. The supplementary electrode can further be used as another counter electrode during a portion of a plating cycle or polishing cycle. The supplementary virtual electrode is located in the processing zone, and it is configured to counteract an electric field offset relative to the wafer associated with an offset between the wafer and the counter electrode.	03-28-2013
20130299343	ELECTROPLATING PROCESSOR WITH GEOMETRIC ELECTROLYTE FLOW PATH - An electroplating processor includes an electrode plate having a continuous flow path formed in a channel. The flow path may optionally be a coiled flow path. One or more electrodes are positioned in the channel. A membrane plate is attached to the electrode plate with a membrane in between them. Electrolyte moves through the flow path at a high velocity, preventing bubbles from sticking to the bottom surface of membrane. Any bubbles in the flow path are entrained in the fast moving electrolyte and carried away from the membrane. The electroplating processor may alternatively have a wire electrode extending through a tubular membrane formed into a coil or other shape, optionally including shapes having straight segments.	11-14-2013
20140151218	ELECTROPLATING PROCESSOR WITH THIN MEMBRANE SUPPORT - An electroplating processor includes a thin lower membrane support for supporting a membrane. The lower membrane support may be provided as a flexible plastic sheet having a pattern of through-openings. The through-openings may be aligned with openings in a rigid upper membrane support. The perimeter of the lower membrane may be clamped in the same perimeter seal as used to clamp and seal the perimeter of the membrane. The lower membrane support supports the membrane without adding significantly to the overall height of the processor. The processor can be stacked in a two level processing system without requiring additional clean room space.	06-05-2014
20140262795	ELECTROPLATING PROCESSOR WITH VACUUM ROTOR - A substrate processor uses pressurized gas to create a vortex for lifting and holding a wafer, and to create a vacuum to prevent the wafer from adhering to a contact ring seal after electroplating the wafer. A processor head has a rotor movable into and out of an electrolyte vessel. A backing plate on the rotor includes vortex outlets which create the vortex in the rotor. A vacuum channel adjacent to the perimeter of the rotor applies vacuum to the wafer edges to hold the wafer onto the backing plate. A solenoid or switch in the head has a first position to supply gas flow to the vortex outlets, and a second position to supply gas flow to an aspirator which creates the vacuum in the vacuum channel.	09-18-2014
20140266219	DETECTING ELECTROLYTE MENISCUS IN ELECTROPLATING PROCESSORS - A detection fixture is provided with a processor for electroplating a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer, to detect the level of electrolyte in a bowl of the processor. The detected electrolyte level is used in controlling entry of the substrate into the electrolyte, to achieve desired electrolyte wetting characteristics. The processor has a substrate holder supported on a lifter for lowering the substrate holder into the bowl. The detection fixture may emulate a substrate and be held by the substrate holder in the same way that the substrate holder holds a substrate. The lifter lowers the detection fixture until it makes contact with the electrolyte, with the position of the fixture indicative the electrolyte level. The detection fixture is then removed from the processor.	09-18-2014
20140367267	ELECTROPLATING TOOL WITH FEEDBACK OF METAL THICKNESS DISTRIBUTION AND CORRECTION - An electroplating reactor includes an electro-plating solution in a bath, a ring cathode in the bath and located to contact a workpiece such that only the front side of the workpiece is immersed in the solution, plural anodes immersed in the bath below the ring cathode, and plural anode voltage sources coupled to the plural anodes; plural thickness sensors at spatially separate locations on the back side of the workpiece with feedback control to the anode voltage sources.	12-18-2014
20150075976	ELECTROPLATING PROCESSOR WITH GEOMETRIC ELECTROLYTE FLOW PATH - An electroplating processor includes an electrode plate having a continuous flow path formed in a channel. The flow path may optionally be a coiled flow path. One or more electrodes are positioned in the channel. A membrane plate is attached to the electrode plate with a membrane in between them. Electrolyte moves through the flow path at a high velocity, preventing bubbles from sticking to the bottom surface of membrane. Any bubbles in the flow path are entrained in the fast moving electrolyte and carried away from the membrane. The electroplating processor may alternatively have a wire electrode extending through a tubular membrane formed into a coil or other shape, optionally including shapes having straight segments.	03-19-2015

Danny L. Woodruff, Raleigh, NC US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130097694	PROTECTING AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE AGAINST UNATHORIZED HARDWARE USE - Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for protecting electronic devices against the use of unqualified and/or unauthorized (e.g., “grey market”) hardware components. Specifically, in a typical embodiment, a hardware component that a user is attempting to use with an electronic device will be detected. Then, the device information associated with the hardware component (e.g., serial number, vital product data (VPD), etc.) will be identified from the hardware component (e.g., as stored therein).	04-18-2013

David Woodruff, Schenectady, NY US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140275365	OPTIMIZED EMULSION DRYING PROCESS FOR MAKING MICRONIZED POLYETHERIMIDE POLYMERS - A process for making ultra-fine particles of a high performance polymer in a yield greater than 90%, which includes dissolving the high performance polymer in an organic solvent capable of dissolving the polymer to form a solution; emulsifying the solution by combining the solution with water and a surfactant to form an emulsion; transferring the emulsion into a receiving water containing a surfactant to remove the organic solvent and form a slurry; and recovering particles of less than 75 microns in diameter in a yield greater than 90%.	09-18-2014

David Woodruff, Alexandria, VA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110040625	SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADVERTISING ON A MOBILE DEVICE - The present invention is comprised of a computer system and software used to track and recall useful information related to a users presence relative to a geographical landmark. This invention may be used to recall personal contact information of individuals related to the geographical location. Additionally, the invention may be used to advertise features related to the location such as local stores, sales, specials or upcoming events.	02-17-2011

David Woodruff, Saratoga Springs, NY US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090163691	METHOD FOR PURIFICATION OF POLYETHER POLYMERS AND MIXTURES RESULTING THEREFROM - A method for the purification of aromatic polyether polymers prepared by a halide displacement polymerization process comprises adsorbing the catalyst with an alkali metal halide to form an adsorbent component and then removing the adsorbent component. Mixtures resulting from this method are also discussed.	06-25-2009
20130143992	MIXTURES RESULTING FROM METHODS FOR PURIFICATION OF POLYETHER POLYMERS - A method for the purification of aromatic polyether polymers prepared by a halide displacement polymerization process comprises adsorbing the catalyst with an alkali metal halide to form an adsorbent component and then removing the adsorbent component. Mixtures resulting from this method are also discussed.	06-06-2013

David M. Woodruff, Dallas, TX US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090306539	PRESSURE SENSING CATHETER - This invention provides a pressure sensing catheter, and method for using the same, which eliminates the practitioners' need to fill the catheter with fluid manually prior to insertion, and thereby increases the accuracy and ease of the overall pressure-sensing procedure. The illustrative catheter includes, in its proximal end, a transducer base or housing that is permanently attached to the catheter shaft. The base includes, inserted thereinto, one or more miniaturized pressure transducer assemblies, which are in fluid communication with corresponding pressure lumens that extend down the shaft and are in communication with one or more predetermined balloons by discrete channels or ports, which provide a fluid passage between the interior space of the balloon and the corresponding pressure lumen. The integral assembly includes a predetermined, previously installed charge of fluid that extends from the transducer, through the corresponding pressure lumen and into the interior volume of the sensing balloon. The charge of fluid has been made free of any air bubbles at the point of manufacture, and is delivered fully charged, so that maximum sensing accuracy and minimum setup time are achieved. In alternate embodiments the catheter can include a fluid infusion/flushing lumen and port interconnected to a proximal fluid connection.	12-10-2009
20120234434	PRESSURE SENSING CATHETER - This invention provides a pressure sensing catheter, and method for using the same, which eliminates the practitioners' need to fill the catheter with fluid manually prior to insertion, and thereby increases the accuracy and ease of the overall pressure-sensing procedure. The illustrative catheter includes, in its proximal end, a transducer base or housing that is permanently attached to the catheter shaft. The base includes, inserted thereinto, one or more miniaturized pressure transducer assemblies, which are in fluid communication with corresponding pressure lumens that extend down the shaft and are in communication with one or more predetermined balloons by discrete channels or ports, which provide a fluid passage between the interior space of the balloon and the corresponding pressure lumen. The integral assembly includes a predetermined, previously installed charge of fluid that extends from the transducer, through the corresponding pressure lumen and into the interior volume of the sensing balloon.	09-20-2012

David P. Woodruff, Cambridge, MA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090083546	System And Method For Providing Private Inference Control - A system and method for providing private inference control is presented. A query count and database including records are maintained. Each record includes attributes, wherein the attributes form inference channels. A data structure is constructed including ciphertext keys, which each relate to one attribute and record. A seed for a pseudorandom function and a secret key for non-malleable encryption are chosen. A query is specified by providing indices identifying one record and attribute by homomorphic encryption. A secure function evaluation is executed upon the inference channels, seed, secret key, query count, and the set of ciphertext keys. An output is generated including the pseudorandom function and an updated set of ciphertext keys subject to sum-consistency of the set of ciphertext keys and a non-inference enabling query. A table of entries is formed by combining each attribute for each record with an output from the pseudorandom function. The entry is provided.	03-26-2009
20090119518	Server-Implemented System And Method For Providing Private Inference Control - A server system maintains records and their associated attributes in a secure database. A plurality of queries generated by encrypting indices identifying a records and their associated attributes, by homomorphic encryption is received from a client system. A secret key is generated at a certain query count and is divided into randomly generated key shares. A key share sequence is homomorphically encrypted. A table is formed by encrypting the indices, secret key and attributes. Query responses, which each comprise the attributes for each of the records of the table of entries are provided. The key shares are decrypted sufficient to recover the secret key subject to a non-inference enabling query.	05-07-2009

David R. Woodruff, Fort Smith, AR US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090101411	Low profile rotating control device - A system and method is provided for a low profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs.	04-23-2009
20130009366	Low Profile Rotating Control Device - A system and method is provided for a law profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs.	01-10-2013

Douglas Woodruff, Stoneham, MA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130064515	TWO-PART SURGICAL WAVEGUIDE - An apparatus includes a light source configured to provide radiation at a wavelength and a conduit configured to direct radiation at a wavelength from the light source to a target location of a patient. The conduit includes a first optical waveguide extending along a waveguide axis, the first optical waveguide being a flexible waveguide having a hollow core, the first optical waveguide being configured to guide the radiation at through the core along the waveguide axis; and a second optical waveguide extending along the waveguide axis, the second optical waveguide having a hollow core and being coupled to the first optical waveguide to receive the radiation from the first optical waveguide and to deliver the radiation to the target location. The first optical waveguide is a photonic crystal fiber and the second optical waveguide is not a photonic crystal fiber waveguide.	03-14-2013

Douglas J. Woodruff, Atlantic Mine, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090175695	ROTARY METAL-CUTTING INSERT AND MOUNTING CARTRIDGE THEREFOR - The flow of heat energy from the cutting edge rim of a self-propelled round annular rotary cutting element (“insert”) to axial-load and radial-load bearings in a cartridge which rotatably supports the insert on a machine tool body is reduced by defining heat flow paths from the insert rim to cartridge components which engages the bearings to have low thermal conductance relative to heat flow paths from the insert rim to other parts of the cartridge. Control over heat flow path thermal conductance is obtained by selection of materials used between the insert rim and the mentioned cartridge components, by reductions in the cross-sectional areas of the critical heat flow paths, and by combinations of those two techniques. Protection of the bearings from heat enables the insert and the cartridge to be reduced in size. Improved mountings of insert-supportive cartridges to tool bodies are disclosed. The insert and the cartridge preferably are shaped to enable the insert to be positioned on a tool body so that the insert's rake face can have a positive rake orientation relative to a workpiece. Arrangements for controlling cuttings chip formation and for handling cuttings chips also are disclosed.	07-09-2009
20120082518	MICRO-JET COOLING OF CUTTING TOOLS - A cutting tool includes an insert defining a flank face, a rake face, and a cutting edge between the flank face and rake face. The cutting tool includes micro-nozzles formed in at least one of the tool body and the insert, and aimed at the cutting edge. Each micro-nozzle generates a micro jet of cutting fluid in close proximity to the cutting edge and adjacent to at least one of the flank face and the rake face.	04-05-2012
20140294522	ROUND WIPER TOOTH AND FACE MILL INCORPORATING THE SAME - A milling tool includes a body which is rotatable about a first axis. At least one cutting tooth mounted on the body having a cutting edge for cutting about the first axis. A wiper tooth extends from the mill body. The wiper tooth includes at least at a portion having a peripheral surface about the second axis and the peripheral surface intersects a face surface defining a cutting edge that is round about the second axis for cutting about the first axis. In some embodiments, the peripheral surface, the face surface and the cutting edge are formed on an insert that is mounted the mill body.	10-02-2014

Edward E. Woodruff, Queen Creek, AZ US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090260343	SOLID PROPELLANT MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and methods of controlling solid propellant burn rate, propellant gas pressure, propellant gas pressure pulse shape, and propellant gas flow rate, rely on the position of a throttling valve. A throttling valve that is movable to a control position is disposed downstream of, and in fluid communication with, a solid propellant gas generator, and in parallel with a plurality of reaction control valves. The solid propellant in the solid propellant gas generator is ignited, to thereby generate propellant gas. The throttling valve is moved to a control position to attain a desired solid propellant burn rate, propellant gas pressure, and/or propellant gas pressure pulse shape.	10-22-2009

Edward T. Woodruff, Brooksville, FL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090038066	SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A PORTABLE TOILET SYSTEM - Systems and methods for providing a portable toilet system. The system may include a portable toilet used in combination with a container and a privacy screen. Various components of the system may further be made of biodegradable materials to facilitate disposal of the system following use. The container of the system may be combined with a bioactive agent to disinfect microorganisms present within the system. The systems and methods of the present invention further provide a byproduct that may be used to enrich soil.	02-12-2009

Edward T. Woodruff, Brookville, FL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090090152	SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING CONTROL AND DISPOSAL OF WASTE MATERIALS - Systems and methods for managing and disinfecting excrement material. A device includes a biopolymer decomposition container. The method includes treating an excrement sample with a bioactive agent, providing oxygen to the bioactive agent, and disinfecting microorganisms present within the system. The system and method further provides a byproduct that may be used to enrich soil.	04-09-2009

Evelyn S. Woodruff, Longmont, CO US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120071342	SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING MULTIPLE MOLECULES IN ONE ASSAY - A rapid diagnostic system that delivers a panel of serologic assay results using a small amount of blood, serum, or plasma is described. The system includes a disposable cartridge and a reader instrument, based on planar waveguide imaging technology. The cartridge incorporates a microarray of recombinant antigens and antibody controls in a fluidic channel, providing multiple parallel fluorescence assay results for a single sample.	03-22-2012

George E. Woodruff, Titusville, FL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110012003	APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A RETRACTIBLE MAST - Apparatus and methods for raising a retractable mast include engaging at least three flexible bands such that each band forms a side of a mast. Each band includes a right edge side and a left edge side, each edge having disposed thereon a set of spaced teeth, each tooth having a slot disposed therein and a tab disposed between adjacent teeth, the tab configured to engage the slot of an opposing tooth.	01-20-2011
20140048672	APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A RETRACTABLE MAST - Apparatus and methods for extending a retractable mast include engaging at least three flexible bands such that each band forms a side of a mast. Each band includes a right edge side and a left edge side, each edge having disposed thereon a set of spaced teeth, each tooth having a slot disposed therein and a tab disposed between adjacent teeth, the tab configured to engage the slot of an opposing tooth.	02-20-2014

Han Woodruff, Lake Mary, FL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130192539	NO-SLACK LENGTH-LIMITED ELASTIC LEASH - A leash has a first end for gripping and a second end for securing to an animal, a length of elastic material, and a length of inelastic material including first and second portions. The length of elastic material and length of inelastic material are configured so that application of tensile force to the first or second end of the leash extends the length of elastic material. Extension of the length of elastic material causes the first portion of the length of inelastic material to lengthen and the second portion of the length of inelastic material to correspondingly shorten. Contraction of the length of elastic material causes the second portion of the length of inelastic material to lengthen and the first portion of the inelastic material to correspondingly shorten, preventing slack in the leash upon sudden deapplication of a tensile force.	08-01-2013

Jacob Huffman Woodruff, Scottsdale, AZ US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20150090325	Metal Seed Layer for Solar Cell Conductive Contact - Metal seed layers for solar cell conductive contacts and methods of forming metal seed layers for solar cell conductive contacts are described. For example, a solar cell includes a substrate. A semiconductor region is disposed in or above the substrate. A conductive contact is disposed on the semiconductor region and includes a seed layer in contact with the semiconductor region. The seed layer is composed of aluminum (Al) and a second, different, metal.	04-02-2015

Jon M. Woodruff, Allen, TX US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080253717	FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR HAVING HERMAPHRODITIC COUPLING MECHANISM - A hermaphroditic connector for mounting to a cable having a plurality of optical fibers and connecting the fibers to mating optical fibers wherein the optical fibers and mating optical fibers have termini mounted to the respective ends thereof, and wherein the termini of at least one of the optical fibers is slidably mounted and biased to provide a predetermined amount of longitudinal travel during connection includes a plug insert for mounting the termini, a generally cylindrical plug body for receiving the plug insert through an open end thereof, the plug body including a mating end with a plurality of mating features configured to cooperate with corresponding mating features of a second connector to align the termini of the first and second connectors in opposed relationship, a plurality of ears extending radially from the mating end of the plug body, a coupling nut slidably mounted on the plug including a groove formed between a plurality of ribs extending around an inside nut so that rotation of the coupling nut in a forward position captures the ears of the connector and the ears of the second connector in the groove in opposed relationship between the ribs.	10-16-2008
20090060420	FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR HAVING HERMAPHRODITIC COUPLING MECHANISM - A hermaphroditic connector for mounting to a cable having a plurality of optical fibers and connecting the fibers to mating optical fibers wherein the optical fibers and mating optical fibers have termini mounted to the respective ends thereof, and wherein the termini of at least one of the optical fibers is slidably mounted and biased to provide a predetermined amount of longitudinal travel during connection includes a plug insert for mounting the termini, a generally cylindrical plug body for receiving the plug insert through an open end thereof, the plug body including a mating end with a plurality of mating features configured to cooperate with corresponding mating features of a second connector to align the termini of the first and second connectors in opposed relationship, a plurality of ears extending radially from the mating end of the plug body, a coupling nut slidably mounted on the plug including a groove formed between a plurality of ribs extending around an inside nut so that rotation of the coupling nut in a forward position captures the ears of the connector and the ears of the second connector in the groove in opposed relationship between the ribs.	03-05-2009

Keith Woodruff, Mountainside, NJ US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130219771	Bed Bug Monitoring Device - The invention is directed to a bed bug monitoring device comprising a bed bug attractant element and a harborage section comprising a support member having a traversable surface and one or more protuberances depending therefrom. The harborage defines at least one entrance through which bed bugs attracted to the device can enter. The device can further include a base section placed over at least a portion of the traversable surface and adapted to by placed flush with the surface against which the device is to be placed.	08-29-2013

Keith F. Woodruff, Mountainside, NJ US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110047860	BED BUG CAPTURING DEVICE - The present invention relates to a bed bug capturing device comprising: (a) a bed bug attractant element; and (b) a deadfall capturing element comprising at least one pathway comprising: (i) an upwardly sloped segment; (ii) a downwardly sloped segment having an outer portion; and (iii) a deadfall trap area: characterized in that the upwardly sloped segment and at least the outer portion of the downwardly sloped segment possesses an average surface roughness of at least about 2.5 micrometers.	03-03-2011
20110072711	AMPOULE FOR THE STORAGE AND DISPERSION OF VOLATILE LIQUIDS - In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an ampoule for the storage and dispersion of a volatile liquid comprised of (a) an outer shell composed of an impermeable material and defining at least one opening; (b) a porous diffusion member defining an internal reservoir positioned inside said outer shell; (c) a volatile liquid contained within such internal reservoir; and (d) a film member adhered to said outer shell and covering said at least one opening; wherein said film member is disposed such that an air space is present between said porous diffusion member and said film member; and wherein said porous diffusion member is configured such that molecules of the volatile liquid can only enter into said air space via diffusion through said porous diffusion member. Such ampoules are particularly suited for the storage and dispersion of organic chemicals useful as bed bug attractants, especially where such attractants are formulated in a highly volatile liquid, such as a C	03-31-2011
20110072712	BED BUG CAPTURING DEVICE - The present invention relates to a bed bug capturing device comprising: (a) a bed bug attractant element comprising (i) a heavier than air organic chemical which attracts bed bugs; and (ii) a means for producing air flow such that the air movement from the device has a face velocity of between about 5 and about 50 ml/cm	03-31-2011
20120110894	Bed Bug Monitor Device for Vertical Surfaces - A bed bug monitor and/or capture device includes a housing defining a substantially enclosed interior space and a deadfall trap; a harborage element mounted adjacent the deadfall trap that defines at least one pathway through which bed bugs can travel; at least one bed bug attractant element positioned within the interior space of the housing; and at least one opening defined in at least one wall of the housing at a location either on or adjacent the deadfall trap and/or the harborage element, wherein fumes emanating from the bed bug attractant element can escape through the at least one opening to a location outside of the device in order to lure bed bugs toward the deadfall trap and the harborage element.	05-10-2012
20130025184	RESONATING TRAP FOR CATCHING INSECTS - An insect control device for attracting and capturing insects includes a base; and a resonator column that is in the form of a hollow tube having an open first end and an open second end. The first end is coupled to the base such that the resonator column stands upright therefrom. The second end is substantially open when the resonator column is coupled to the base. The resonator column is constructed and sized and shaped to resonate as a result of natural movements of insects captured on the resonator column resulting in sounds emanating from the captured insects being amplified by the resonator column which in turn serves to attract additional insects to the resonator column. The resonator column is free of electronic components and sound that is generated for attracting insects is generated without electronic components and is a natural sound amplified by the resonator column.	01-31-2013
20150020437	RESONATING TRAP FOR CATCHING INSECTS - In one embodiment, an insect control device for attracting and capturing insects includes a base; and a resonator column that is in the form of a hollow tube having an open first end and an open second end. The first end is coupled to the base such that the resonator column stands upright therefrom. The second end is substantially open when the resonator column is coupled to the base. The resonator column is constructed and sized and shaped to resonate as a result of natural movements of insects captured on the resonator column resulting in sounds emanating from the captured insects being amplified by the resonator column which in turn serves to attract additional insects to the resonator column. An internal light source is provided within the interior of the resonator column for attracting insects at night.	01-22-2015

Kenneth R. Woodruff, Lexington, KY US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120287460	METHODS AND SYSTEMS OF MOBILE DISCOVERY AND PRINTING CONFIGURATION - A method for configuring a mobile device that includes retrieving encoded access information from an imaging device, decoding the encoded access information, and configuring the mobile device to communicate with the imaging device in accordance with the decoded access information. The imaging device and the mobile device may operate on different subnets of a network.	11-15-2012

Kenneth Ray Woodruff, Lexington, KY US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090091778	System and Method for Printing Forms - A method, computer program product, and printing system for selecting an identifier chosen from a plurality of identifiers defined within a storage device of a printing system. A form is selected that is chosen from a plurality of forms defined within the storage device of the printing system. The selected form is modified to associate the selected form with the selected identifier, thus defining a modified selected form.	04-09-2009

Kristine Woodruff, Woodbury, CT US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090253158	Lipoxygenase Enzyme Assay - A method for identifying inhibitors of a lipoxygenase enzyme, the assay comprising: contacting a lipoxygenase enzyme with a test Compound, a lipoxygenase enzyme Substrate and oxygen; adding a fluorometric reagent and a peroxidase; measuring the fluorescent signal; determining the amount of enzyme inhibition by the test Compound.	10-08-2009

Mark Woodruff, Zionsville, IN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120129694	HERBICIDAL CAPSULE SUSPENSIONS OF ACETOCHLOR CONTAINING REDUCED AMOUNTS OF SAFENER - Aqueous herbicidal capsule suspensions of acetochlor, containing microcapsules of defined size, shell wall composition, and thickness which contain acetochlor and reduced levels of herbicide safener are provided. The aqueous herbicidal capsule suspensions of acetochlor provide commercially acceptable weed control and selectivity in corn.	05-24-2012

Mark David Woodruff, Tyler, TX US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090044703	Air filtration system - An intense field dielectric air filtration system includes a perimeter frame for wall or ceiling mounting at the inlet of a return air duct for an air conditioning apparatus. A door including a grille disposed thereon is mounted for movement on the frame between working and non-working positions for access to an air filter unit, a pre-filter unit and an intense field particle charging unit. Contacts on the filter unit and the field charging unit engage cooperating contacts on an enclosure mounted on the frame when the door is closed to supply electrical power. An interlock is provided to interrupt power when the door is moved to an open position or the grille is removed. A control system disposed in the enclosure includes user control features accessible when the door is in an open position. An alternate embodiment includes a support frame for positioning the filtration system in ductwork or the like other than a return air inlet.	02-19-2009

Mark M. Woodruff, Bergen, NY US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110203244	Windrow merging apparatus - A windrow merger has a frame supporting first, second and third pickup assemblies, with the two outside pickup assemblies foldable between an extended use position and a retracted travel position. Each of the pickup assemblies includes a reversible conveyor providing multiple windrow merging configurations. The pickup assemblies are interchangeable and aligned to define an unobstructed pickup face.	08-25-2011
20120204529	WINDROW MERGING APPARATUS - A windrow merger has a frame supporting first, second and third pickup assemblies, with the two outside pickup assemblies foldable between an extended use position and a retracted travel position. Each of the pickup assemblies includes a reversible conveyor providing multiple windrow merging configurations. The pickup assemblies are interchangeable and aligned to define an unobstructed pickup face.	08-16-2012

Michael Woodruff, Downers Grove, IL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090061913	Cellular telephone with mirror display - A cellular telephone or any other handheld electronic device or computer or laptop equipped with a display and at least one key that can be a hard key, soft key, menu command, icon or voice activated command, where the key controls the display so that upon activation of that key, the display turns either partially or totally into a mirror while the device remains operational. A second key can optionally control the degree of fade between data display and mirror so that optionally data can appear superimposed either totally or partially on the mirror. The display can also contain a banner above or below the mirror (or anywhere) where caller ID, SMS messages or any other message can be displayed. Optionally, these messages can be overlaid on the display when a partial mirror (a mode where data and mirror functions merge together). The device can also optionally contain a set of lights that shine outward onto the user's face that can be controlled and/or dimmed by control of a key to increase visibility in the mirror in a darkened environment.	03-05-2009

Michael K. Woodruff, Byron, IL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130155508	LASER SIGHT CLEANER - A system where a reflector of a laser alignment system is cleaned by a cleaning device that is actuated by an automatic guided vehicle as it passes the reflector. The laser alignment system is used to detect a position of the automatic guided vehicle relative to a location in a manufacturing facility. As the automatic guided vehicle passes the laser alignment system, a projection formed on the automatic guided vehicle will contact an element of a laser cleaning system to actuate the cleaning device over the reflector to clean it.	06-20-2013

Philip E. Woodruff, Arroyo Hondo, NM US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130140397	Woody's easy fencing system - The barbwire & barb-less wire dispenser of 5 spools at one time enables a person or persons to dispense anywhere from 600 ft. to a 1/4 of a mile of 5 separate wires & the 5 wire puller allows for the tighten of 5 said wires (barbwire or barb-less wire) at one time, allowing for all 5 wires to be tighten at the same tension with just one puller instead of 5 different times with a single wire puller. The construction of the devices are of 10/20 steel and supported with same 10/20 steel allows for more wire to be strung in a single days time. With the wire spacing which is customary of current spacing of barbwire & barb-less wire Fences today. It will allow for much better an faster stringing of wire fencing. An add a more uniform eye appeal to all fencing done in the future.	06-06-2013

Rick Bryan Woodruff, Boulder, CO US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120315199	SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A MICROREACTOR - A cartridge microreactor includes a tubular heater, a metal capillary reaction tubing and a brazing alloy. The tubular heater includes an inner tube surrounded by an outer heater sheath. The metal capillary reaction tubing has a high aspect ratio, an inlet port and an outlet port and is wrapped around the tubular heater so that it is in intimate thermal contact with the heater sheath. The brazing alloy permanently bonds the tubular heater with the metal capillary reaction tubing. The metal capillary reaction tubing is configured to be heated by the tubular heater and is configured to receive one or more reactants through the inlet port and to allow the reactants to react under a selected temperature and pressure and to produce one or more products exiting through the outlet port.	12-13-2012
20140329005	SUPERCRITICAL DEPOSITION OF PROTECTIVE FILMS ON ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE PARTICLES - A method for depositing a thin film of a coating material onto an electrically conductive particle surface via supercritical fluid deposition includes providing electrically conductive particles, providing a precursor of a coating material, dissolving the precursor of the coating material into a supercritical fluid solvent to form a supercritical solution of the precursor and subsequently exposing the conductive particles to the supercritical solution in a reactor under conditions at which supercritical fluid deposition of a thin film of the coating material onto surfaces of the conductive particles occurs.	11-06-2014

Robert Woodruff, Banks, OR US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140129635	LOW LATENCY CLUSTER COMPUTING - An embodiment includes a low-latency mechanism for performing a checkpoint on a distributed application. More specifically, an embodiment of the invention includes processing a first application on a compute node, which is included in a cluster, to produce first computed data and then storing the first computed data in volatile memory included locally in the compute node; halting the processing of the first application, based on an initiated checkpoint, and storing first state data corresponding to the halted first application in the volatile memory; storing the first state information and the first computed data in non-volatile memory included locally in the compute node; and resuming processing of the halted first application and then continuing the processing the first application to produce second computed data while simultaneously pulling the first state information and the first computed data from the non-volatile memory to an input/output (IO) node.	05-08-2014

Robert J. Woodruff, Banks, OR US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110246989	RDMA (REMOTE DIRECT MEMORY ACCESS) DATA TRANSFER IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT - In an embodiment, a method is provided. In an embodiment, the method provides determining that a message has been placed in a send buffer; and transferring the message to an application on a second virtual machine by bypassing use of an operating system to process the message by directly placing the message in an application memory space from which the application can retrieve the message.	10-06-2011
20120259940	RDMA (REMOTE DIRECT MEMORY ACCESS) DATA TRANSFER IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT - In an embodiment, a method is provided. In an embodiment, the method provides determining that a message has been placed in a send buffer; and transferring the message to an application on a second virtual machine by bypassing use of an operating system to process the message by directly placing the message in an application memory space from which the application can retrieve the message.	10-11-2012
20130275631	DIRECT I/O ACCESS FOR SYSTEM CO-PROCESSORS - Embodiments of the invention describe systems, apparatuses and methods that enable sharing Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) device hardware between a host and a peripheral device including a CPU and memory complex (alternatively referred to herein as a processor add-in card). Embodiments of the invention utilize interconnect hardware such as Peripheral Component Interconnect express (PCIe) hardware for peer-to-peer data transfers between processor add-in cards and RDMA devices. A host system may include modules or logic to map memory and registers to and/or from the RDMA device, thereby enabling I/O to be performed directly to and from user-mode applications on the processor add-in card, concurrently with host system I/O operations.	10-17-2013
20140164545	EXPLICIT FLOW CONTROL FOR IMPLICIT MEMORY REGISTRATION - Methods, apparatus and systems for facilitating explicit flow control for RDMA transfers using implicit memory registration. To setup an RDMA data transfer, a source RNIC sends a request to allocate a destination buffer at a destination RNIC using implicit memory registration. Under implicit memory registration, the page or pages to be registered are not explicitly identified by the source RNIC, and may correspond to pages that are paged out to virtual memory. As a result, registration of such pages result in page faults, leading to a page fault delay before registration and pinning of the pages is completed. In response to detection of a page fault, the destination RNIC returns an acknowledgment indicating that a page fault delay is occurring. In response to receiving the acknowledgment, the source RNIC temporarily stops sending packets, and does not retransmit packets for which ACKs are not received prior to retransmission timeout expiration.	06-12-2014
20140245303	RDMA (REMOTE DIRECT MEMORY ACCESS) DATA TRANSFER IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT - In an embodiment, a method is provided. In an embodiment, the method provides determining that a message has been placed in a send buffer; and transferring the message to an application on a second virtual machine by bypassing use of an operating system to process the message by directly placing the message in an application memory space from which the application can retrieve the message.	08-28-2014
20140250202	PEER-TO-PEER INTERRUPT SIGNALING BETWEEN DEVICES COUPLED VIA INTERCONNECTS - Methods and apparatus to provide peer-to-peer interrupt signaling between devices coupled via one or more interconnects are described. In one embodiment, a NIC (Network Interface Card such as a Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) capable NIC) transfers data directly into or out of the memory of a peer device that is coupled to the NIC via one or more interconnects, bypassing a host computing/processing unit and/or main system memory. Other embodiments are also disclosed.	09-04-2014

Rollin Woodruff, Aloha, OR US

Russell J. Woodruff, Littleton, CO US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100245092	Back Body Orientation|Head of Bed Elevation (HOBE) Device and Alarm - A device for continuously monitoring an elevation, α, from horizontal of a backrest against which a backbody of an individual may lean, to provide an automatic notification in the event the elevation, α, falls below a prescribed value. The device to include: (a) a liquid column having an opening to atmosphere at an upper-end, the liquid column contained by a length of tubing encased by an elongated flexible housing extending along at least a substantial portion of the tubing length, and a gas permeable membrane over the opening; (b) a pressure transducer located along the liquid column to take measurements at a position other than the upper-end, the pressure transducer in communication with a computerized unit having at least one alarm for communicating the automatic notification; (c) an entry port into the length of tubing having an open state permitting manual entry of the liquid into the tubing, and a closed-shut state; and (d) a first securing mechanism for attachment of at least the upper-end to the backrest, and a second securing mechanism for attaching the position other than the upper-end to, for example, a seat interconnected with the backrest. The first securing mechanism may, alternatively, be used to directly attach the upper-end to the backbody toward the shoulder region thereof. Further, the liquid column may also comprise a second-end extension at which a pressure transducer is located; the pressure transducer may be integrated with the computerized unit and in communication with one or more alarms.	09-30-2010

Scott Woodruff, Boston, MA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140155896	Instrument and Method to Enhance Articular Cartilage Regeneration - A perforation instrument and method of using same, including a shaft capable of being inserted into a joint of a patient, having a longitudinal axis, and carrying at least one piercing member, each piercing member having a tip suitable to pierce sub-chondral bone. The instrument is capable of being altered between an exposed condition wherein the tip of the at least one piercing member is exposed and a safety condition wherein the tip of the at least one piercing member is not capable of piercing tissue.	06-05-2014
20140214039	METHODS AND DEVICES FOR FORMING HOLES IN BONE TO STIMULATE BONE GROWTH - Methods and devices are provided for forming holes in bone to stimulate bone growth. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical instrument set can include a driver having a first mating element, and a bone pick have a second mating element configured to releasably mate with the first mating element at any of a plurality of angular orientations. When releasably mated together, the driver and the bone pick can be configured to be adjustably positioned relative to one another with three degrees of freedom, e.g., pitch, yaw, and roll. The bone pick can include a piercing tip configured to form a hole in a bone, such as in microfracture. When the driver and the bone pick are releasably mated together, the driver can be configured to be struck, impacted, or otherwise manipulated to drive the piercing tip into the bone.	07-31-2014

Scott A. Woodruff, Cincinnati, OH US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100069940	Ultrasonic Device for Fingertip Control - An ultrasonic surgical instrument comprises a handpiece and an ultrasonically actuated blade distal to the handpiece. The instrument includes an activation member that is operable to selectively activate the blade and a controller that is operable to select the energy level at which the blade will be activated. The activation member may comprise capacitive switches; resistive sensors; resonant cavity switching technology; infrared sensing technology; technology that uses a resonant, standing wave on a surface that is perturbed by the presence of a finger; and/or any other suitable type of technology. The controller may comprise the same. The controller may permit selection from three or more available ultrasonic energy levels. The activation member and/or controller may be manipulated from various longitudinal positions on the handpiece and/or various rotational positions about the handpiece, such that the handpiece may be gripped in a variety of ways.	03-18-2010
20110071557	SYMMETRICAL DRIVE SYSTEM FOR AN IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION DEVICE - An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A symmetrical drive system including a drive element associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct is further provided. In accordance with an alternate embodiment an apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct including an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. The tension element is composed of a flexible first member and a flexible second member, wherein the flexible first member is movable relative to the flexible second member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct.	03-24-2011
20110071646	TISSUE INTERFACE FOR IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION SYSTEM - An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The elongated member has a compressible ventral surface and a substantially rigid dorsal periphery, wherein the elongated member includes a fluid bladder positioned along the ventral surface. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed.	03-24-2011
20110144419	Support Apparatus for Gastric Band System Injector - A support apparatus connects with and provides fluid communication between a needle and a syringe. The support apparatus includes at least one arm that is configured to provide cantilever support of the needle and syringe while the needle is inserted in a patient. The arm engages the patient's skin, and may be rigid, malleable, hinged, stretchable, telescoping, and/or have other properties. The support apparatus may form part of an adapter that also includes a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor senses the pressure of fluid in a gastric band system when the needle is inserted in an injection port of the gastric band system. A cable may extend from the pressure sensor to a display device, and may include markings configured to provide measurement from the needle to a patient's xyphoid process. Such a measurement may be factored into a calculation to account for hydrostatic pressure differences in pressure readings.	06-16-2011
20110144420	Apparatus for Completing Implantation of Gastric Band - An instrument comprises a handle, an articulating shaft, an end effector, and a translatable hook member. The shaft defines a side aperture, proximal to an articulating section of the shaft, through which the hook member protrudes when the hook member is translated distally. The end effector is used to form a retrogastric tunnel through blunt dissection in tissue near a patient's gastro-esophageal junction; and then to pull a gastric band through the tunnel to position the gastric band about the gastro-esophageal junction. The end effector is then used to hold a first portion of the gastric band in place while the hook member is extended distally to engage a second portion of the gastric band. The hook member may then be retracted proximally to couple the second portion of the gastric band with the first portion of the gastric band, thereby latching the gastric band in place.	06-16-2011
20110144597	Needle Targeting Apparatus for Implanted Device - A needle targeting apparatus comprises a sense head configured to locate an implanted device and a guide. The guide is associated with the sense head and comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and a support member. The support member comprises a channel extending through the support member that provides access to an injection site. In some versions, a needle targeting apparatus comprises a locating feature, an alignment feature, and a support feature. The locating feature is configured to locate an implanted device. The alignment feature is configured to align a syringe needle with the implanted device. The support feature is configured to support a syringe upon insertion of the syringe needle into the implanted device. In some versions, a needle targeting apparatus comprises a sense head configured to locate an implanted device and a guide. The guide is configured to identify the center of the sense head.	06-16-2011
20110152901	Implantable Port with Vibratory Feedback - A system includes an adjustable gastric band coupled with an injection port. The port includes sensors, a plate beneath a septum, and a vibration generator in communication with the sensors. A first sensor detects palpation through a patient's skin when the injection port is implanted in the patient. The vibration generator provides a vibratory response to detected palpation, thereby providing haptic feedback to a physician who is attempting to locate the injection port by palpating the patient. A second sensor detects a needle striking the plate, and the vibration generator provides a vibratory response to a detected needle strike. The vibration generator thereby provides haptic feedback to a physician to confirm that the needle has been successfully inserted through the septum. A pressure sensor may be used to provide vibratory feedback to the patient to indicate that an adjustment to the band is needed.	06-23-2011
20110172687	Telemetry Device with Software User Input Features - An implantable restriction device is configured to provide a restriction in a patient. A pressure sensor implanted in the patient is configured to sense pressure associated with the restriction device. A remote input device is configured to wirelessly receive pressure measurements from the pressure sensor and transmit the pressure measurements to a display device. The display device is configured to plot the pressure measurements as a function of time. The remote input device also includes buttons that may be used to annotate the pressure measurements, such as to indicate physical events associated with the patient (e.g., coughing, sneezing, etc.). The display device is also configured to display the annotations on or near the plot of pressure measurements. A viewer may thus take the annotations into account when evaluating the pressure measurements, such as by ignoring pressure measurements associated with certain types of annotations.	07-14-2011
20110306967	COOLING CONFIGURATIONS FOR ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is provided that may comprise an end effector comprising at least one energy delivery surface and cooling means for cooling at least a portion of the end effector. For example, in at least one embodiment, a surgical instrument may comprise a handle, an elongate shaft operably coupling the handle to the end effector, and a pump operably coupled to the handle. In such embodiments, the pump may be configured to cause a fluid to move through the elongate shaft and over at least a portion of the end effector. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, a surgical kit is provided that may comprise a surgical instrument and a cap configured to receive at least a portion of the surgical instrument's end effector. In such embodiments, the cap may be sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the end effector. Moreover, the cap may be sized and configured to fit through a trocar.	12-15-2011
20120022526	ELECTROSURGICAL CUTTING AND SEALING INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue can comprise a jaw member comprising an electrode, wherein the electrode is configured to supply energy from a power source to captured tissue. The surgical instrument comprises a tissue-cutting element to transect the captured tissue. The rate of distal translation of the tissue-cutting element during the operational stroke is regulated by at least one biasing member, such as a spring, for example.	01-26-2012
20120022527	ELECTROSURGICAL CUTTING AND SEALING INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue can comprise a jaw member comprising an electrode, wherein the electrode is configured to supply energy from a power source to captured tissue. The surgical instrument comprises a tissue-cutting element to transect the captured tissue. The rate of distal translation of the tissue-cutting element during the operational stroke may be regulated by a damper. The damper may have barrel and a plunger.	01-26-2012
20120022530	ELECTROSURGICAL CUTTING AND SEALING INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue can comprise a jaw member comprising an electrode, wherein the electrode is configured to supply energy from a power source to captured tissue. The surgical instrument comprises a tissue-cutting element to transect the captured tissue. The surgical instrument may have a indicator to provide feedback signals during the operational stroke. The feedback signals assist in regulating the rate of distal translation of the tissue-cutting element.	01-26-2012
20120108892	GASTRIC BAND DEVICE AND METHOD - An apparatus for forming a gastric restriction includes an implantable band and at least one tab. In some versions, the at least one tab may serve to stabilize the apparatus as it forms a gastric restriction. In some versions, an opening may be formed in the tabs such that sutures may be used. In some versions, a tissue scaffold and/or matrix may be used on the implantable band and/or the tabs to facilitate long term support for the implantable band, such as by substantially preventing the implantable band from sliding along an axis defined by an anatomical structure about which the implantable band is wrapped.	05-03-2012
20120123194	PRESSURE LIMITING DEVICE FOR GASTRIC BAND ADJUSTMENT - A pressure sensing or monitoring device may be used with an implantable band system. In some versions, the device may be used with a syringe. The device may comprise a visual indicator for monitoring pressure. The device may govern operation of the syringe by setting a threshold pressure to limit the amount of pressure applied to an implantable band system by the syringe.	05-17-2012
20120123195	GASTRIC BAND WITH ASYMMETRICAL MEMBER - An apparatus comprises a strap and an inflatable bladder secured to the strap. The apparatus is sized and configured to wrap along a first plane to encompass an anatomical feature such as an esophagus or stomach. The bladder may have a cross-sectional profile that is asymmetric about the first plane, such as a tapered profile or a contoured profile. The wall thickness of the bladder may be substantially uniform or may vary about the perimeter of the bladder. The bladder may include an expansion section that allows the bladder to transition from having a substantially flat cross-sectional configuration in a non-inflated state to having a substantially tapered cross-sectional configuration an inflated state. The expansion section may include folds, pleats, gussets, or the like. The strap may have a cross-sectional profile that is asymmetric about the first plane. Such a strap may include annular ribs of varying sizes.	05-17-2012
20120123197	Implantable injection port with tissue in-growth promoter - A surgically implantable injection port has a tissue in-growth promoting surface associated with a fluid conduit that is coupled to the injection port. The injection port includes a housing, a fluid reservoir defined in part by the housing, a needle penetrable septum, a fluid conduit in communication with the reservoir, and a tissue in-growth promoting surface coupled to the fluid conduit. The tissue in-growth promoting surface may be provided by surgical mesh wrapped around the conduit or through which the conduit is threaded. The injection port and the fluid conduit may be used as part of a gastric band system or some other type of system.	05-17-2012
20120123198	PORT WITH CONDUIT WRAPAROUND FEATURE - An injection port includes a port body having a fluid reservoir and a connector in fluid communication with the reservoir. The injection port further includes a conduit protection feature that is configured to protect against kinking of the conduit, decoupling of the conduit from the connector, or penetration of the conduit by a needle. The protection feature may include an anchor for anchoring the conduit to tissue to reduce conduit movement. The protection feature may include a recess that is configured to receive part of the conduit. The protection feature may include a bend formed in the connector to reduce transverse stresses in the conduit. The protection feature may include a bell-shaped shroud encompassing the connector. A sleeve may further protect the conduit and/or the coupling between the connector and the conduit.	05-17-2012
20120123342	IMPLANTABLE INJECTION PORT WITH TISSUE IN-GROWTH PROMOTER - A surgically implantable injection port has one or more tissue in-growth promoting surfaces. The injection port includes a housing, a fluid reservoir defined in part by the housing, a needle penetrable septum, and a tissue in-growth promoting surface integrally provided on an exterior surface of the port. The tissue in-growth promoting surface may be provided by surgical mesh or a textured surface on the injection port. The injection port may be used as part of a gastric band system or some other type of system.	05-17-2012
20120184946	ERGONOMIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical instrument comprising a trigger configured to be actuated by a proximally directed force and by a distally directed force. The trigger may comprise a proximal trigger portion having a first length and a distal trigger hook comprising a distal portion having a second length. The second length may be less than the first length. The distal trigger hook may be coupled to the proximal trigger portion.	07-19-2012

Scott A. Woodruff, Boston, MA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120116262	CAM DRIVEN COUPLING BETWEEN ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER AND WAVEGUIDE IN SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument includes a body assembly, a waveguide, a transducer, and a coupling assembly. In some versions the coupling assembly translates the transducer to couple the transducer to the waveguide. For instance, a gear having arcuate troughs may engage pins on the transducer and/or waveguide to mate the transducer to waveguide. A pawl may selectively engage and prevent rotation of the gear. Alternatively, lever arms may cam the transducer into the waveguide. The lever arms may selectively couple to a casing to prevent decoupling of the transducer and waveguide. In another configuration, a locking tab can be slid and locked into a slot to couple the transducer and waveguide. Further still, levers with self-locking pins may engage and couple the transducer to the waveguide. In another version, a rotatable body portion may engage a tab on the transducer to rotate and couple the transducer to the waveguide.	05-10-2012
20130053783	IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL PORT WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURE - An apparatus comprises a port, a catheter, a sleeve in communication with the catheter, and an alignment feature. The port is configured to be in fluid communication with an implantable band. The port comprises a septum operable to be pierced by a needle. The catheter is configured to establish fluid communication between the port and the implantable band. The catheter is further configured to deliver fluid to the implantable band. The sleeve is configured to interface with the port. The alignment feature is responsive to the catheter being fully secured to the port. The alignment feature prevents the port from being fully sutured to tissue unless the catheter is fully secured to the port	02-28-2013
20140155921	ERGONOMIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical instrument comprising a trigger configured to be actuated by a proximally directed force and by a distally directed force. The trigger may comprise a proximal trigger portion having a first length and a distal trigger hook comprising a distal portion having a second length. The second length may be less than the first length. The distal trigger hook may be coupled to the proximal trigger portion.	06-05-2014
20140222054	ULTRASONIC DEVICE FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING - An ultrasonic surgical instrument that is configured to permit selective positioning of the relative distance between an end effector for cutting and coagulating tissue and a power actuation switch that is carried by the instrument for selectively energizing the end effector. In one instance, the end effector is able to change position relative to the actuation switch, alternatively, the actuation switch moves relative to the end effector, and still further, both the end effector and the actuation switch are capable of moving relative to each other.	08-07-2014

Scott A. Woodruff, Gahanna, OH US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080275474	SUTURE ANCHOR LOADER - A suture anchor loader comprises a housing with a port. A channel extends into the housing from the port, the channel being dimensioned to receive a surgical needle. A suture anchor is preloaded in the channel with a length of suture connected to the suture anchor and stored in the housing. A push rod is slideably positioned in the channel such that the suture anchor is intermediate the push rod and the port. An actuator is operatively connected to push rod to selectively deploy the anchor into the needle.	11-06-2008

Scott A. Woodruff, Loveland, OH US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080200940	ULTRASONIC DEVICE FOR CUTTING AND COAGULATING - An ultrasonic surgical instrument that is configured to permit selective positioning of the relative distance between an end effector for cutting and coagulating tissue and a power actuation switch that is carried by the instrument for selectively energizing the end effector. In one instance, the end effector is able to change position relative to the actuation switch, alternatively, the actuation switch moves relative to the end effector, and still further, both the end effector and the actuation switch are capable of moving relative to each other.	08-21-2008
20090105750	ERGONOMIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical instrument handle assembly includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. A proximal opening is formed at the proximal end of the housing. A distal opening is formed at the distal end of the housing. The proximal and the distal openings define a longitudinal axis. A handle extends downwardly from the longitudinal axis. The handle defines a proximal contact surface, a saddle surface, and a stabilization tail. A trigger is pivotally attached to the housing and is pivotally moveable relative to the handle.	04-23-2009
20120012638	SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ELECTRODES - An end-effector assembly configured to be attached to a surgical instrument. The end-effector assembly comprises a first jaw and a second jaw comprising a staple cavity. At least one of the first jaw and the second jaw is movable relative to the other jaw. The end-effector assembly comprises a staple removably positioned within the staple cavity and an electrically-conductive driver configured to move the staple between a first stored position in which the staple is at least partially positioned within the staple cavity and a second position in which the staple is at least partially deployed from the staple cavity into tissue positioned intermediate the first jaw and the second jaw. The staple comprises an electrode.	01-19-2012

Scott D. Woodruff, Farmington Hills, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100294585	Power Generation System and Method for Assembling the Same - A power generation system is disclosed. The power generation system includes an electrical converting device and a repowered portion connected to the electrical converting device. The repowered portion includes a reciprocating internal combustion engine and a gearbox. The reciprocating internal combustion engine is connected to the gearbox by a first connecting structure. The gearbox is connected to the electrical converting device by a second connecting structure.	11-25-2010
20120184380	Power Generation System and Method for Assembling the Same - A power generation system is disclosed. The power generation system includes an electrical converting device and a repowered portion connected to the electrical converting device. The repowered portion includes a reciprocating internal combustion engine and a gearbox. The reciprocating internal combustion engine is connected to the gearbox by a first connecting structure. The gearbox is connected to the electrical converting device by a second connecting structure.	07-19-2012

Scott Daniel Woodruff, Farmington Hills, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130283598	Power Generation System and Method for Assembling the Same - A power generation system is disclosed. The power generation system includes an electrical converting device and a repowered portion connected to the electrical converting device. The repowered portion includes a reciprocating internal combustion engine and a gearbox. The reciprocating internal combustion engine is connected to the gearbox by a first connecting structure. The gearbox is connected to the electrical converting device by a second connecting structure.	10-31-2013

Simon Woodruff, Seattle, WA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110142185	DEVICE FOR COMPRESSING A COMPACT TOROIDAL PLASMA FOR USE AS A NEUTRON SOURCE AND FUSION REACTOR - Provided are methods and devices for compression of a spheromak plasma (e.g., deuterium-trirtium (D-T)-derived) in a magnetic well configured within a plasma combustion chamber using an induction coil axially adjacent to the plasma, wherein a moveable member (e.g., piston, cam and follower) drives the induction coil toward the plasma, pushing the plasma via magnetic pressure into the magnetic well and compressing the plasma substantially adiabatically (e.g., coil motion is well below the plasma sound speed). The compression quickly increases both plasma density and temperature past the point of ignition, and after plasma burn, the coil is backed-off to allow the plasma to re-expand, providing for refueling and repetition of the compression cycle. Additionally provided are spaced annular plasma formation electrodes, suitably configured for generating and injecting magnetized plasma into a plasma combustion chamber. Preferably, spaced annular plasma formation electrodes are used in combination with moveable compression members as disclosed herein.	06-16-2011

Stanley Woodruff, Palm Harbor, FL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140156761	METHODS AND APPARATUS TO MONITOR IMPRESSIONS OF SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGES - Methods and apparatus are disclosed to monitor impressions of social media messages. An example method includes receiving at a server a first request for first media, the first request addressed to a first uniform resource locator (URL), and the first request corresponding to a first social media message to be presented with the first media. The method also includes receiving at the server a second request for the first media, the second request addressed to a second URL different from the first URL, and the second request corresponding to a second social media message to be presented with the first media. The method also includes crediting the first social media message with a first impression based on the first request being addressed to the first URL, and crediting the second social media message with a second impression based on the second request being addressed to the second URL.	06-05-2014
20140214978	METHODS AND APPARATUS TO MONITOR IMPRESSIONS OF SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGES - Methods and apparatus are disclosed to monitor impressions of social media messages. An example method includes receiving at a server a request for media, the request addressed to a uniform resource locator, the request corresponding to a social media message to be presented with the media, and the request including a user identifier. The method also includes crediting the social media message with an impression based on the request being addressed to the uniform resource locator. The method also includes identifying that the impression corresponds to an original intended recipient of the social media message based on the user identifier matching a second user identifier stored in a list of subscribers that subscribe to receive messages from an original sender of the social media message.	07-31-2014

Stephen Robert Woodruff, Elkridge, MD US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080317265	ANTI-EAVESDROPPING DEVICE - An anti-eavesdropping device is described. The device comprises a receiving compartment for receiving an electronic device, a noise generator, and an EMI filter. The receiving compartment is sealable to minimize signal emissions from the interior to the exterior and from the exterior to the interior, and the noise generator is coupled with the receiving compartment and the EMI filter. The EMI filter is operatively coupled with the noise generator.	12-25-2008
20130077799	ANTI-EAVESDROPPING DEVICE - An anti-eavesdropping device is described. The device comprises a receiving compartment for receiving an electronic device, a noise generator, and an EMI filter. The receiving compartment is sealable to minimize signal emissions from the interior to the exterior and from the exterior to the interior, and the noise generator is coupled with the receiving compartment and the EMI filter. The EMI filter is operatively coupled with the noise generator.	03-28-2013

Steven D. Woodruff, Morgantown, WV US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120176600	Gas Sensing System Employing Raman Scattering - A gas detection system includes a light detector, a pump laser with spectral emission between UV and IR wavelengths and structured to generate a laser beam, a hollow waveguide structured to receive a sample gas, the hollow waveguide having a bandwidth sufficient to transmit the laser beam and Stokes Raman photons scattered by the sample gas, and an optical system. The optical system is structured to: (i) direct the laser beam into the hollow waveguide such that it propagates in the hollow waveguide in one or more low-order low-loss waveguide modes, and (ii) direct Raman signals generated within the hollow waveguide in response to the laser beam interacting with the sample gas toward the light detector, the Raman signal including the Stokes Raman photons.	07-12-2012

Steven D. Woodruff US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140209794	LASER BASED ANALYSIS USING A PASSIVELY Q-SWITCHED LASER - A device for Laser based Analysis using a Passively Q-Switched Laser comprising an optical pumping source optically connected to a laser media. The laser media and a Q-switch are positioned between and optically connected to a high reflectivity mirror (HR) and an output coupler (OC) along an optical axis. The output coupler (OC) is optically connected to the output lens along the optical axis. A means for detecting atomic optical emission comprises a filter and a light detector. The optical filter is optically connected to the laser media and the optical detector. A control system is connected to the optical detector and the analysis electronics. The analysis electronics are optically connected to the output lens. The detection of the large scale laser output production triggers the control system to initiate the precise timing and data collection from the detector and analysis.	07-31-2014

Steven Peter Woodruff, Union, NJ US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130117927	SNAP 'n TRACK Shower Curtain and Liner System with Telescopic Rod - A curtain track assembly comprising a telescopic track apparatus (	05-16-2013

Teresa Woodruff, Chicago, IL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140024922	Curved Passive Acoustic Driver for Magnetic Resonance Elastography - An acoustic driver system includes an active acoustic driver and a passive acoustic driver. The active acoustic driver is configured to produce oscillating acoustic energy. The passive acoustic driver is acoustically connected to the active acoustic driver and is configured to receive the oscillating acoustic energy and to convert it into shear waves. The passive acoustic driver includes a housing member and a vibrating member. The housing member includes a housing member cavity. The vibrating member is disposed at least partially within the housing member cavity. The vibrating member permanently retains a curved shape while disposed within the housing member cavity.	01-23-2014

Teresa K. Woodruff, Chicago, IL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100029909	COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS COMPRISING MAGNETIC RESONANCE CONTRAST AGENTS - The present invention relates to compositions and methods for imaging with magnetic resonance contrast agents. In particular, the present invention provides targeted contrast agents for selective imaging.	02-04-2010
20120142069	INTERPENETRATING BIOMATERIAL MATRICES AND USES THEREOF - The present invention relates to matrices (e.g., fibrin-alginate matrices; fibrin-alginate-matrigel matrices) for culture of cells, organs (e.g., ovary or fragment thereof), cells and cell aggregates (e.g., ovarian follicles, embryoid bodies), and tissues. In some embodiments, protease inhibitors e.g., aprotinin) are used to prevent the degradation of fibrin.	06-07-2012
20120271100	COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THE DETECTION OF ZINC - The invention relates generally to compositions and methods for the detection of zinc. In particular, compositions and methods are provided to detect changes in cellular zinc concentration and to correlate them to cellular phenomena.	10-25-2012
20130011340	COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS COMPRISING MAGNETIC RESONANCE CONTRAST AGENTS - The present invention relates to compositions and methods for imaging with magnetic resonance contrast agents. In particular, the present invention provides targeted contrast agents for selective imaging.	01-10-2013
20130017602	MODULATION OF OOCYTE MEIOTIC PROGRESSION AND OOCYTE ACTIVATION - The present invention provides methods, compositions, and systems for reinitiating meiosis in cells in meiotic arrest and oocyte activation in fertilized, but un-activated, oocytes. In certain embodiments, Zn-binding moieties (e.g., zinc chelators) are used for reinitiating meiosis or oocyte activation.	01-17-2013
20140134665	COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THE DETECTION OF ZINC - The invention relates generally to compositions and methods for the detection of zinc. In particular, compositions and methods are provided to detect changes in cellular zinc concentration and to correlate them to cellular phenomena.	05-15-2014
20150080575	COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THE DETECTION OF ZINC - The invention relates generally to compositions and methods for the detection of zinc. In particular, compositions and methods are provided to detect changes in cellular zinc concentration and to correlate them to cellular phenomena.	03-19-2015
20150094524	COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THE DETECTION OF ZINC - The invention relates generally to compositions and methods for the detection of zinc. In particular, compositions and methods are provided to detect changes in cellular zinc concentration and to correlate them to cellular phenomena.	04-02-2015

Thomas Earl Woodruff, Kingsport, TN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100200804	Oxidation System with Sidedraw Secondary Reactor - Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.	08-12-2010

Tony Woodruff, Palm Harbor, FL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130263967	DRINKING WATER STORAGE DEVICE AND METHOD - The present invention relates to collection and storage drinking water, e.g. as a step in disaster preparedness. The invention relates to emergency preparedness kits comprising a food-grade bladder composed of thin plastic film for covering the inside surface of a bathtub to provide a barrier between the surface of the bathtub and drinking water contained therein, and for enclosing the contained water.	10-10-2013

Travis Woodruff, Roanoke, TX US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100070514	SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING A BLOOM FILTER IN A WEB ANALYTICS APPLICATION - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to the use of a Bloom Filter in a web analytics application. Large sets of data, obtained from on and offline sources, may be analyzed using a Bloom Filter to find desired patterns within the data. The use of a Bloom Filter in the analysis allows for a more efficient use of resources to perform the analysis.	03-18-2010

Virginia Woodruff, Wrightsville, PA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130240592	Rolled Bag Dispenser - Disclosed is a rolled bag dispenser comprised of a plurality of slotted dispensing tubes for the storage and dispensing of bag rolls. Each dispensing tube is an elongated, cylindrical shell having an open first end, an open interior volume, and a closed second end. Along each tube is disposed a channel running along the length thereof. The open-ended, slotted tubes are rigidly affixed along the tangent thereof to a mounting plate such that the slot is positioned away from the plate and towards a user. The slotted tubes securely store a roll of flexible bags in a rolled configuration, where removable end caps are inserted in the open ends thereof to secure the end closed. The mounting plate is ideally attached to a trash cart by way of an adhesive bonding to eliminate penetrations therethrough and provide easy access to trash bags from the dispensing tubs.	09-19-2013
20150090721	Storage Unit - A storage apparatus having a plurality of panels that can be placed into corresponding grooves forming a plurality of compartments having an enclosed interior volume and an open upper in which items, such as potato chip bags, can be stored therein. The interior panels may further comprise centrally located cutout holes in which an elastic cord can be inserted therethrough, which is connected to a pair of closure clips that are used to ensure the user has access to a closure clip when securing closed opened potato chips bags within the compartments. The storage apparatus is detachable, wherein each of the plurality of panels can be disconnected from one another and placed in a mesh bag for storage thereof. The plurality of panels can connect to one another via a sliding channel groove mechanism and/or a stopped dove tail or through dove tail channel groove mechanism.	04-02-2015

William Woodruff, Ames, IA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140034217	Patching Device - The present system, method and apparatus are adapted for the quick and easy patching of inflatable devices. More specifically, the system, apparatus and methods comprise a tip, a body portion, an adhesive, a patch and a probe, wherein the tip and body portion are inserted into the inflatable device so as to apply the adhesive and patch to the interior of the device to create an air-tight seal. The disclosure thus provides an improved patching system, apparatus and method.	02-06-2014

William L. Woodruff, Wrightsville, PA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20150090721	Storage Unit - A storage apparatus having a plurality of panels that can be placed into corresponding grooves forming a plurality of compartments having an enclosed interior volume and an open upper in which items, such as potato chip bags, can be stored therein. The interior panels may further comprise centrally located cutout holes in which an elastic cord can be inserted therethrough, which is connected to a pair of closure clips that are used to ensure the user has access to a closure clip when securing closed opened potato chips bags within the compartments. The storage apparatus is detachable, wherein each of the plurality of panels can be disconnected from one another and placed in a mesh bag for storage thereof. The plurality of panels can connect to one another via a sliding channel groove mechanism and/or a stopped dove tail or through dove tail channel groove mechanism.	04-02-2015