Patents Examined by Sarah Burnham McPartlin
  • Patent number: 10071735
    Abstract: A system and method for implementing an airspeed adaptive cruise control system on ground vehicles that automatically slows vehicle groundspeed during headwinds and increases groundspeed during tailwinds. This behavior acts to reduce the energy cost associated with headwinds and capture the energy benefit obtained with tailwinds. In the method, multiple operating modes are presented that can be user selected to optimize on minimum energy consumption, fastest average speed while still harvesting energy from tailwinds, and a balance in between the two methods. The system utilizes multiple sensors, such as airspeed, groundspeed, and vehicle proximity detectors to provide reliable system functionality in a wide range of operating conditions. In some implementations, a combined speedometer with groundspeed and airspeed indicator dials is used to quickly communicate the condition and magnitude of headwinds or tailwinds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Matthew Gage Merzig
  • Patent number: 10004336
    Abstract: The present invention, method and apparatus, relates to supporting normal functions of blood circulatory systems over extended periods of sitting. The invented apparatus and method help blood circulatory systems function normally, while keeping body and or sitting pose unchanged. Keeping body and or sitting pose unchanged are necessary in many circumstances involving extended periods of sitting such as driving an automobile, or sitting without being interrupted by unwanted moves from the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventor: Alfred Xueliang Xin
  • Patent number: 10004314
    Abstract: A flexible under-nail support device and method to apply the same that promotes long healthy fingernail growth by providing nail strength and support without any interaction or damage to the nail plate (upper nail) or the hyponychium (thickened epidermis under the nail). The device has an indention, with a preferred embodiment of an inverted V that is positioned under the fingernail and around the hyponychium. Its lateral sides are bonded to at least the nails' lateral undersides to provide extra strength to the nail. The bonded device is then clipped and filed to the natural nails length. The method includes healthy easy device removal and support replacement. As the nail grows, the process of attaching and removing supports is repeated and over time results in strong, long, healthy, aesthetically pleasing nails. For immediate nail lengthening, the device may be used as scaffolding with other technologies mitigating their respective health hazards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventor: Donna Geraci Barnes
  • Patent number: 10000143
    Abstract: A debris catching system for positioning against a typical child seat used in vehicles uses a pair of panel members, each disposed against one of the sides of the child seat and cinched to the base of the child seat via a pair of strap systems with a third strap system stabilizing the panels against a medial section of a back member of the child seat. Each panel has one or more pockets to catch and hold debris therein with the panels and their pockets being made from a moisture impervious material. An optional panel can be attached to each of the above panels and slide with respect to such panels so as to be raisable to help block sun and other unwanted light from shining onto the occupant of the child seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Christopher Linnel