Patents Represented by Attorney Womble Carlyle
  • Patent number: 8347591
    Abstract: A carrier package is constructed to tightly secure articles within the package. During loading, pushing the containers into the package causes the side panels of the package to deform so that the height of the package decreases and the width of the package increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrea Coltri-Johnson
  • Patent number: 8352211
    Abstract: An activity monitor, comprises housing for attachment to a person; at least one accelerometer disposed within the housing; and a processor disposed within the housing, for processing signals from the accelerometer to assess activity of the person. A method assesses activity of a person, including: sensing acceleration at a first location on the person; processing the acceleration, over time, to assess activity of the person; and wirelessly communicating information indicative of the activity to a second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis A. Vock, Peter Flentov, Dennis M. Darcy
  • Patent number: 8350102
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to processes for the direct conversion of lipidic biomass fuelstock to combustible fuels. In particular, the disclosure provides a process for the direct conversion of animal fats to transportations fuels suitable as replacement for petroleum-derived transportation fuels. In an example, the method comprises the steps of hydrolyzing a lipidic biomass to form free fatty acids, catalytically deoxygenating the free fatty acids to form n-alkanes, and reforming at least a portion of the n-alkanes into a mixture of compounds in the correct chain length, conformations, and ratio to be useful transportation fuels. Particularly, the product prepared comprises mixtures of hydrocarbon compounds selected from the group consisting of n-alkanes, isoalkanes, aromatics, cycloalkanes, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: William L. Roberts, IV, H. Henry Lamb, Larry F. Stikeleather, Timothy L. Turner
  • Patent number: 8350596
    Abstract: A clock loss detection circuit is presented. The clock loss detection has two edge detection circuits and a clock loss detect counter circuit. Each edge detection circuit includes a reset signal circuit that generates a reset signal in response to a transition of a clock signal, and the reset signal circuit is connected to a clock input of the edge detection circuit. Each edge detection circuit also has a multiplexer connected to the reset signal circuit, and another multiplexer connected to the clock input. The clock loss detect counter circuit is connected to the edge detection circuits so that the clock loss detect counter circuit receives the reset signal from the second edge detection circuit and the clock signal from the first edge detection circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventor: Lip Kai Soh
  • Patent number: 8352899
    Abstract: A method to modify a first IC design into a second IC design, the first and second IC designs specifying a common interconnection layer with a plurality of interconnections, is disclosed. The method includes identifying an interconnection from plurality of interconnections within the common interconnection layer. The interconnection is unused for routing signals in the first IC design. The metal layer that is coupled with the identified interconnection is removed from the first IC design to generate a modified design. The identified interconnection of the first IC design is placed into one of an invisible state or a temporarily removed state in the modified design. The metal layer in the modified design is routed for a specific logic gate design. The modified design is then stored as the second IC design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Kian Chin Yap, Phooi Choong Loh, Kar Keng Chua
  • Patent number: 8348142
    Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a first top panel, a second top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. A handle comprises a first handle and a second handle. The first handle comprises a first opening feature and a second opening feature. The first and second opening features of the first handle comprise a plurality of tear lines and at least one of the tear lines extends into the first side panel. The second handle comprises a first opening feature and a second opening feature. The first and second opening features of the second handle comprise a plurality of tear lines and at least one of the tear lines extends into the second side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Smalley
  • Patent number: 8350103
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to processes for the direct conversion of lipidic biomass fuelstock to combustible fuels. In particular, the disclosure provides a process for the direct conversion of animal fats to transportations fuels suitable as replacement for petroleum-derived transportation fuels. In an example, the method comprises the steps of hydrolyzing a lipidic biomass to form free fatty acids, catalytically deoxygenating the free fatty acids to form n-alkanes, and reforming at least a portion of the n-alkanes into a mixture of compounds in the correct chain length, conformations, and ratio to be useful transportation fuels. Particularly, the product prepared comprises mixtures of hydrocarbon compounds selected from the group consisting of n-alkanes, isoalkanes, aromatics, cycloalkanes, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: William L. Roberts, IV, H. Henry Lamb, Larry F. Stikeleather, Timothy L. Turner
  • Patent number: 8348182
    Abstract: An irrigation pipe comprising: at least one first integrated emitter characterized by a first discharge-pressure threshold; at least one second integrated emitter characterized by a second discharge-pressure threshold different from the first discharge-pressure threshold threshold; wherein, the at least one first and at least one second integrated emitters are positioned along the pipe in accordance with a predetermined configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Netafim, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ron Keren
  • Patent number: 8342228
    Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for insert-molding. In some embodiments, a hook can be formed in a metal part by passing die-steel of a die-cast mold through the metal part during a die-casting process. This may, however, result in a hole in the metal part that is beneath the hook area. When plastic material is insert-molded over the metal part, the plastic material may flow through the hole and into the metal part. Accordingly, in some embodiments the plastic material can be prevented from flowing through the hole during the insert-molding. As one example, a tape material can be coupled over the hole. As another example, a wedge can be press-fit into the hole. As yet another example, a plug can be inserted into the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Emery Sanford, Ed Holman
  • Patent number: 8342539
    Abstract: A clamping tool includes a holder, a connector and a tool. The holder has a rearwardly tapering bore and a holder thread having a first pitch. The connector has a cylindrical shape and a connector through bore. The connector further has a first connector thread having a pitch similar to the first pitch, and a second connector thread having a second pitch that is different from the first pitch. The tool has a rearwardly tapering rear portion and a tool thread having a pitch similar to the second pitch. In an assembled position, the rearwardly tapering rear portion of the tool abuts the rearwardly tapering bore of the holder, the holder thread is threadingly engaged with the first connector thread, and the tool thread is threadingly engaged with the second connector thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Iscar, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hanoch Guy
  • Patent number: 8346183
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using an insert molding process to form a tactilely seamless overall part from component parts that are made from different materials are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a housing includes a first part formed from a first material and a second part formed from a second material that is of a different type than the first material. The first part includes a first external surface and a first bonding surface, and the second part includes a second external surface and a second bonding surface. The second bonding surface can be integrally bonded to the first bonding surface so that the first external surface and the second external surface form a gap-free overall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Prest, Erik Wang, Bradley Hamel, Phillip Michael Hobson
  • Patent number: 8345410
    Abstract: A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device can take many forms such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and so on. The portable computing device can include at least a single piece housing. The single piece housing including a plurality of steps. The plurality of mounting steps is formed by at least removing a preselected amount of housing material at predetermined locations on the interior surface. At least some of the mounting steps are used to mount at least some of the plurality of internal operating components to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Ternus, Stephen R. McClure, Joshua D. Banko, Ming Yu
  • Patent number: 8342088
    Abstract: A method for pad printing a pattern on a textile substrate with a pad printing machine, and fabric and apparel so formed from the textile substrate. The method includes the steps of positioning the textile substrate on the printing area of the pad printing machine, transferring a pattern having at least one color from the cliché of the pad printing machine to a printing pad, and transferring the pattern from the printing pad to the textile substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Edmund L. Pace, Gregory S. Braxton
  • Patent number: 8346299
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamic thermal management and control within, e.g., small form-factor wireless devices such as laptop computers or cellular “smartphones”. In one embodiment, a thermal management system monitors the temperature (or other relevant criteria) for one or more components, and implements different operating states within the wireless transceiver (e.g., Wi-Fi™ or WiMAX transceiver) so as to both reduce thermal output and minimize disruption to the wireless link and/or user experience. In another embodiment, a wireless client may communicate with other clients, and/or access points, so as to cooperatively provide more options for thermal management. In addition, methods and apparatus employing “high performance” (e.g., high power output or high data rate) radios within aggressively small industrial designs are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Dorsey, William C. Athas
  • Patent number: 8346717
    Abstract: A path request is generated by a secondary platform application, such as a word processor, and is received by invention. The path request may contain the location of a library required for the application to function, or a document saved previously by a user. The path request comprises a complete path for the requested file. The complete path is formatted for a file system and file structure for expected by the application. The elements of the path request, such as directories, disks, filenames, file types, etc. are analyzed by the invention in order to provide another complete path. The path provided by the invention is formatted for a different file system and file structure. The file pointed to by the path provided for the invention enables the secondary platform application to find and use the requested file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: James Mensch, Joshua Shaffer, Ronnie Misra
  • Patent number: 8344496
    Abstract: An integrated circuit with distributed power using through-silicon-vias (TSVs) is presented. The integrated circuit has conducting pads for providing power and ground located within the peripheral region of the top surface. A number of through-silicon-vias are distributed within the peripheral region and a set of TSVs are formed within the non-peripheral region of the integrated circuit. Conducting lines on the bottom surface are coupled between each peripheral through-silicon-via and a corresponding non-peripheral through-silicon-via. Power is distributed from the conducting pads to the TSVs within the non-peripheral region through the TSVs within the peripheral region, thus supplying power and ground to circuits located within the non-peripheral region of the integrated circuit chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Henry White, Giles V. Powell, Rakesh H. Patel
  • Patent number: 8342442
    Abstract: An airship is disclosed in the form of a spherical hull having a venting duct extending diagonally therethrough from an entrance end at the forward facing surface of the hull to an exit end at the rearward facing surface of the hull. A propeller is disposed in the duct to direct an air flow through the duct for expulsion at the exit end and the exiting flow is vectored by a set of controllable louvers at the exit end. The expulsed airflow reduces drag normally associated with a spherical airship by disturbing the wake at the trailing surface of the airship. A mooring method and apparatus also is disclosed for minimizing wind induced loads on the airship, or indeed on any body such as a gas storage tank, by supporting the airship or other body a predetermined distance above the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Dancila LLC
    Inventor: Dragos-Stefan Dancila
  • Patent number: 8344874
    Abstract: A port that supplies power in accordance with a standard is equipped with a variable power supply and a power line communications module. Power line signals on the power conductors are used to allow a port controller to negotiate power requirements with peripheral devices and the power supply is adjusted accordingly. If the peripheral device does not support such negotiation, power is delivered in accordance with the standard. The port may be a data communications port that supplies power and data in accordance with a standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Fadell
  • Patent number: D673413
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Atlanta Attachment Company
    Inventor: Elvin C. Price
  • Patent number: D673848
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Ryan A. Bailey, Caleb Loftin