Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm AKC Patents
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Patent number: 8073922Abstract: An asynchronous peer-to-peer data replication method implemented within a replication cluster comprising at least one master node and at least a first client node includes entering an update in a data volume of the master node and storing the update in a master node storage. Next, updating a first active session in a master log and then sending a first message from the master node to the first client node. The first message comprises a first message content and first “piggybacked” data indicating that the first active session in the master log was updated. Next, receiving the first message by the first client node, registering that the first active session in the master log was updated and signaling internally that the first active session in the master log was updated. Next, sending an update request from the first client node to the master node, processing the update request by the master node and sending the update to the first client node.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Twinstrata, IncInventor: John W. Bates
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Patent number: 8048124Abstract: A bone screw assembly includes a tulip-shaped seat, a bone fixation device, a ring-shaped washer, a rod and a cap. The tulip-shaped seat comprises a through opening dimensioned to receive the bone fixation device and a horizontal channel dimensioned to receive the rod. The washer is placed into the seat on top of the bone fixation device head and comprises first and second side tabs and a first pair of upward extending projections separated by a first gap and a second pair of upward extending projections separated by a second gap. The side tabs interface with a groove formed in the bottom portion of the seat. The rod is placed within the channel and positioned within a groove formed on the top surface of the washer. The cap includes first and second projections extending downward from its bottom surface and each of the first and second downward projections comprises first and second sidewise extending ridges.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Spinefrontier IncInventors: Kingsley R. Chin, Christopher Chang, Ernie Corrao, Todd Saunders, Stephen Santangelo
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Patent number: 8027770Abstract: A system for selective treatment of plants arranged in rows extending along a first direction includes a camera arranged along the first direction over a row of plants and a set of treatment units arranged at a first distance behind the camera along the first direction and over the row of plants. The camera is configured to move along the first direction while obtaining images of a target area that includes one or more plants that are to be treated. The set of treatment units is also configured to move along the first direction behind the camera while maintaining the first distance. The system generates a map of digitized unitary spots covering the target area based on the obtained images, and then sends the generated map to a computing unit, where a plant treatment application adds spot-specific plant treatment instructions to the generated map.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Inventor: Frank Poulsen
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Patent number: 8002799Abstract: A system for attaching first and second fixation elements at a predetermined angle relative to each other to first and second locations of a vertebra, respectively includes a first guide wire configured to be inserted into the first location of the vertebra, an angular guide system comprising first and second guide arms configured to be set at the predetermined angle relative to each other and the first guide arm is configured to be inserted over the first guide wire and a second guide wire configured to be inserted through the second guide arm into the second location of the vertebra. The second guide wire includes first and second members configured to pivot relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Spinefrontier LLSInventors: Kingsley R. Chin, Christopher A. Chang
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Patent number: 7950347Abstract: The invention provides a rotatable and optionally heatable device for holding a flat substrate. The device includes a supporting means for placing and holding the substrate on a supporting surface, optionally a heater, a means for rotating the supporting means and a means for applying a fluid, e.g. a solvent, onto the side of the substrate facing the supporting surface. The fluid is applied when the supporting device for supporting and holding the substrate is caused to rotate.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2005Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Suss Microtec Lithography, GmbHInventors: Katrin Weilermann, Karl-Josef Kramer
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Patent number: 7948034Abstract: An apparatus for bonding semiconductor structures includes equipment for positioning a first surface of a first semiconductor structure directly opposite and in contact with a first surface of a second semiconductor structure and equipment for forming a bond interface area between the first surfaces of the first and second semiconductor structures by pressing the first and second semiconductor structures together with a force column configured to apply uniform pressure to the entire bond interface area between the first surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Suss Microtec Lithography, GmbHInventors: Gregory George, Etienne Hancock, Robert Campbell
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Patent number: 7938839Abstract: An endoscopic suturing device having an interlocking trigger assembly for preventing premature needle deployment. The suturing device comprises a handle assembly that includes a movable handle interlocking with a trigger. The suturing device further comprises an end effector having an upper jaw, a lower jaw and a needle/suture mechanism. The motion of the movable handle causes the upper jaw to move relative to the lower jaw. The activation of the trigger causes deployment of the needle/suture mechanism. The interlocking mechanism ensures that the needle/suture is deployed only when the upper jaw is below a maximum allowable distance from the lower jaw.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Symmetry Medical New Bedford, IncInventors: Francis J. DiFrancesco, Jerry R. Griffiths
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Patent number: 7875060Abstract: A multi-axial screw assembly with a spherical landing surface is disclosed. The multi-axial screw assembly 100 includes a bone anchor 150, a head 130 with a spherical outer surface and an extension member 160 extending from the top of the head 130. The multi-axial screw is designed to attach a planar or semispherical end member of a plate to a vertebra. The plate is part of a spine fixation or stabilization assembly. The multi-axial screw provides multi-axial pivoting of the screw relative to the plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2005Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Spinefrontier, LLSInventor: Kingsley R. Chin
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Patent number: 7875031Abstract: A system and a method for providing minimally invasive access to the spine of a patient and implanting spinal stabilization devices. The system utilizes one or more post-type access devices. The post-type access device includes a cage with an aperture and two or more posts extending from the cage and being removably attached to the cage. The posts are supported at the top of the access device by a support ring structure. A pedicle screw is inserted into the access device and through the cage aperture and the screw-access device assembly is inserted into an opening of the patient's body. The base aperture is dimensioned to securely support the head of the screw. Side openings between the posts allow the insertion and placement of stabilization devices, such as rods, wires, or plates from almost any direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2006Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Spinefrontier, LLSInventors: Kingsley Richard Chin, Matthew Ibarra
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Patent number: 7871426Abstract: An implantable spinous process stabilization assembly includes a body, a bent arm and a straight arm. The body includes first and second crosspieces arranged parallel to each other, a first plate extending in a direction at right angle to first ends of the first and second crosspieces, first and second rings extending from second ends of the first and second crosspieces, respectively and a second plate extending from a base of the first and second rings, at right angle to the first and second crosspieces and in an opposite direction to the first plate's direction. The bent arm and the straight arm are configured to pivot around an axis perpendicular to the first and second rings and to set first and second pivot angles with the first and second plates, respectively, thereby defining first and second spaces configured to receive and lock onto first and second spinous processes, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2007Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Spinefrontier, LLSInventors: Kingsley Richard Chin, Daniel R. Baker, Daniel F. Justin
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Patent number: 7867143Abstract: The invention is related to climbing trees. Climbing trees are used for a variety of purposes—cats and other pets and small or slightly older children can derive a lot of pleasure from activities in a climbing tree. Using a specially designed bracket the shape of the climbing tree can be expanded and changed in an almost unlimited range of combinations. The climbing tree can be adapted to the physical aspects of its surroundings. These make the climbing tree exceedingly useful and practical. The new invention consists of different types of brackets to be secured to the columns and where the brackets are the link to new imaginative additions to the climbing tree. The invention can fulfil claims in which the column can have any shape imaginable—e.g. square, triangular—such that the brackets are simply physically shaped to suit that of the column.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Inventor: Jens Fenger-Eriksen
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Patent number: 7811310Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking mechanism and method of locking the relative positions of a fixation device like a bone screw and of a stabilization device like a rod. The locking mechanism includes a seat, a washer and a cap. The seat includes a bottom portion configured to receive the fixation device such that a socket of the bottom portion engages part of the fixation device and prevents the fixation device from passing entirely therethrough. The seat further includes a side portion configured to receive the stabilization device, a washer and a cap. When the washer and cap are fully engaged with the seat, the fixation device may be locked independent of the stabilization device. The locking mechanism may also include a locking element for locking the stabilization device.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Spinefrontier, IncInventors: Daniel R. Baker, Carly A. Thaler, Alex E. Kunzler, Anthony V. Finazzo
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Patent number: 7790596Abstract: An improved apparatus for positioning and aligning a patterned surface of a semiconductor structure directly opposite to solder filled patterned mold cavities of a mold structure includes a pattern based alignment too including means for identifying a mold training pattern image and a semiconductor training pattern image on a training mold structure and a training semiconductor structure, respectively, means for training the alignment tool with the training pattern images, means for storing the alignment tool trained position, means for identifying a mold pattern image and a semiconductor pattern image on the mold structure and the semiconductor structure matching the mold training pattern image and the semiconductor training pattern image, respectively, and means for aligning the identified mold pattern image with the semiconductor pattern image.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2008Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Suss Microtec AGInventors: Hale Johnson, Wilhelm Lapointe
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Patent number: 7776065Abstract: Improved end effector mechanisms for a surgical instrument used in minimally invasive surgical instruments as well as instruments for general surgery or as part of robotically controlled end effectors. These end effector mechanisms include multiple grasping elements paired with drive links. Each grasping element also serves as a stabilizing link for the next most distal grasping element, forcing it to maintain its relative angle with respect to the opposing grasping elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Symmetry Medical New Bedford IncInventors: Jerry R. Griffiths, Francis J. DiFrancesco
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Patent number: 7771439Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument is used in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery for inserting a gastric band into a patient's abdomen through a laparoscopic port. The gastric band insertion instrument includes a handle, an elongated shaft and a distal end assembly. The elongated shaft includes an actuator rod that opens and closes a movable jaw at the distal end. A pin at the distal end assembly engages a hole in the front of the gastric band, and the movable jaw is closed thereby securely capturing the front end of the gastric band. The shaft and the captured gastric band are inserted through a laparoscopic port into the patient's abdomen.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Symmetry Medical New Bedford IncInventor: Jerry R. Griffiths
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Patent number: 7761878Abstract: A method for providing “guaranteed message delivery” for network based communications between a client machine and a server. The client machine includes a Client Runtime Environment (CRE) and the server includes a Server Runtime Environment (SRE). The method includes the following steps. A first message queue is maintained in the CRE. A first unique identification is attached to the first message from the first message queue and the first message is sent from the CRE to the SRE via a network communication. The SRE receives the first message and sends an acknowledgement of the receipt of the first message to the CRE. Upon receiving of the acknowledgement within a certain time threshold, the CRE removes the first message from the first message queue in the CRE. A method of providing “server-push” of messages from the server to the client machine utilizing a push Servlet and a push API.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2005Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Nexaweb Technologies, IncInventor: Coach K. Wei
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Patent number: 7753987Abstract: The present invention concerns a high vacuum in-situ refining method for high-purity and superhigh-purity materials and the apparatus thereof, characterized in heating the upper part and lower part of crucible separately using double-heating-wires diffusion furnace under vacuum, thereby forming the temperature profile which is high at upper part and low at lower part of crucible, or in reverse during different stages; then heating the crucible in two steps to remove impurities with high saturation vapor pressure and low saturation vapor pressure respectively in efficiency; and obtaining high-purity materials eventually. The whole procedure is isolated from atmosphere, reducing contamination upon stuff remarkably. The present invention could provide products with high-quality and high production capacity, which are stable in performance, therefore is reliable and free from contamination.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: The Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of PhysicsInventors: Xiaolong Du, Zhaoquan Zeng, Hongtao Yuan, Handong Li, Qikun Xue, Jinfeng Jia
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Patent number: 7732320Abstract: An improved apparatus for semiconductor wafer bumping utilizes the injection molded solder process and is designed for high volume manufacturing. The apparatus includes equipment for filling patterned mold cavities on a mold structure with solder, equipment for positioning and aligning a patterned surface of a semiconductor structure directly opposite to the solder filled patterned mold cavities of the mold structure, a fixture tool for holding and transferring the aligned mold and semiconductor structures together, and equipment for receiving the fixture tool and transferring the solder from the aligned patterned mold cavities to the aligned patterned semiconductor first surface. The solder transfer equipment include a wafer heater stack configured to heat the semiconductor structure and a mold heater stack configured to heat the mold structure to a process temperature slightly above the solder's melting point.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2008Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Suss Microtec AGInventors: Hale Johnson, G. Gerard Gormley, Emmett Hughlett
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Patent number: 7707563Abstract: A network-based computing system that automates, simplifies, and optimizes the compilation, deployment, and execution of an application by any type of a client machine connected to a server via any type of a network connection. The system includes a client runtime environment, a server runtime environment and an object-oriented markup-business logic binding mechanism. The client runtime environment manages client side code and screen definitions. The server runtime environment dynamical compiles code to ensure client platform compatibility. The system delivers network applications on demand, by separating them into lightweight modules and delivering these modules.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2004Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Nexaweb Technologies IncInventor: Coach K. Wei
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Patent number: 7703658Abstract: An improved apparatus for filling patterned mold cavities formed on a surface of a mold structure with solder includes an injector head assembly comprising a solder reservoir having a bottom surface with an elongated slot for injecting solder into the mold cavities and a carriage assembly configured to carry and scan the mold structure under the injector head assembly. The mold structure is brought into contact with the solder reservoir bottom surface and a seal is formed between an area of the solder reservoir bottom surface surrounding the elongated slot and the mold structure surface and then the mold structure is scanned under the injector head assembly in a first direction from a starting position to a finish position for filling the mold cavities and in a second direction opposite to the first direction for returning back from the finish position to the starting position.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Suss Microtec AGInventors: G. Gerard Gormley, Patrick Gorun, Michael Davidson