Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Armstrong Teasdale LLP
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Patent number: 8319682Abstract: A method examining an object using millimeter-wave signals includes: (a) providing at least two millimeter-wave signal sources; (b) transmitting at least two millimeter-wave signals having at least two different frequencies from the signal sources illuminate the object; (c) in no particular order: (1) determining whether a return reflected signal is above a threshold level; [a] if yes, processing the return signal to identify object shape; [b] if not, processing another return signal; and (2) determining whether a return intermodulation product or harmonic signal is detected; [a] if yes, processing the return signal to identify object nature; [b] if not, processing another return signal; (d) determining whether checked all return signals; (1) if not, processing another return signal; (2) if yes, proceeding to step (e); (e) determining whether results are satisfactory; (1) if not, changing frequency of at least one of the wave signals; (2) if yes, terminating the method.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2011Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Robert A. Smith
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Patent number: 8317919Abstract: An improved system based on the Czochralski process for continuous growth of a single crystal ingot comprises a low aspect ratio, large diameter, and substantially flat crucible, including an optional weir surrounding the crystal. The low aspect ratio crucible substantially eliminates convection currents and reduces oxygen content in a finished single crystal silicon ingot. A separate level controlled silicon pre-melting chamber provides a continuous source of molten silicon to the growth crucible advantageously eliminating the need for vertical travel and a crucible raising system during the crystal pulling process. A plurality of heaters beneath the crucible establish corresponding thermal zones across the melt. Thermal output of the heaters is individually controlled for providing an optimal thermal distribution across the melt and at the crystal/melt interface for improved crystal growth. Multiple crystal pulling chambers are provided for continuous processing and high throughput.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Solaicx, Inc.Inventor: David L Bender
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Patent number: 8317135Abstract: A flexible mounting assembly allows relative movement between a top and a bottom structural member of an air frame, for instance, a helicopter. The flexible mounting assembly comprises a vertical frame member and an isolation frame member where one of the vertical frame member and the isolation frame member has a pin and the other of the vertical frame member and the frame isolation member has an aperture adapted to slidingly receive the pin in a way to accommodate relative vertical motion therebetween while substantially restraining lateral movement therebetween. The flexible mounting assembly may also include a horizontal shear wall assembly extending between adjacent vertical frame members that accommodates relative vertical motion between top and bottom structural members while substantially restraining lateral movement therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2010Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Sabreliner CorporationInventors: Don E. Carter, Randy L. Barton
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Patent number: 8317920Abstract: A directional solidification furnace includes a crucible for holding molten silicon and a lid covering the crucible and forming an enclosure over the molten silicon. The crucible also includes an inlet in the lid for introducing inert gas above the molten silicon to inhibit contamination of the molten silicon.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: MEMC Singapore Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Steven L. Kimbel, Jihong (John) Chen, Richard G. Schrenker, Lee W. Ferry
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Patent number: 8317094Abstract: A method for displaying loyalty program information on a payment card using a computer coupled to a database is described. The payment card includes a processing device coupled to a display screen. The method includes receiving, at the computer, a loyalty program request message that includes payment card identification data. The payment card identification data is associated with the payment card. The method also includes determining that the payment card is registered in a loyalty program based on the payment card identification data and cardholder account data stored in the database. The method also includes electronically generating a loyalty program response message that includes loyalty program update data. The method further includes transmitting the loyalty program update data from the computer to the payment card for displaying as loyalty program information on the display screen.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: MasterCard International IncorporatedInventor: Garrett Delos Lehman
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Patent number: 8319182Abstract: A system for the measurement of degradation of electrical wire insulation is described. The system includes an infrared (IR) spectrometer, a fiber optic cable having a first end and a second end, where the first end is configured to interface to the IR spectrometer, and a clamping device for engaging the electrical wire to be tested for insulation degradation. The second end of said fiber optic cable is mounted within the clamping device such that the second end is adjacent the wire insulation.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Steven Kenneth Brady, Paul H. Shelley, Paul Griffin Vahey
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Patent number: 8321797Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture for generating and using virtual reality simulations to conduct market research and related activities. An immersive visualization center may be used to manage relationships with customers, choosers, shoppers, and users. The visualization center may allow customers (or other relevant parties) to interact with virtual representations of products or solutions in a virtual reality environment appropriate for the product. The immersive visualization center may also include a physical mock-up of the environment and or products simulated by the virtual reality simulation.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: Cheryl A. Perkins
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Patent number: 8316615Abstract: A tower assembly for use with a modular tower is provided. The tower assembly includes a plurality of assembly panels each including a pair of opposing circumferential edges, and, a plurality of connectors for use in coupling adjacent assembly panels of the plurality of assembly panels to one another, each connector of the plurality of connectors including an outer flange, an inner flange, and a spacer extending therebetween, the outer flange is spaced a distance from the inner flange such that a first slot and a second slot are defined between the outer and inner flanges, each of the first and the second slots is sized to receive one of the assembly panel circumferential edges therein to enable the adjacent assembly panels to be coupled to one another.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Balaji Haridasu, Biao Fang, Danian Zheng
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Patent number: 8321071Abstract: A method and systems for controlling a speed of a vehicle are provided. The control system includes an input device configured to receive a required time of arrival (RTA) at a waypoint and a processor communicatively coupled to said input device, said processor programmed to automatically determine a dynamically adjustable range for an autothrottle control using an RTA error and a speed control tolerance, the RTA error representing a difference between an estimated time of arrival (ETA) and the RTA, the speed control tolerance representing a tolerance range about the vehicle speed profile. The control system also includes an output device communicatively coupled to said processor, said output device is configured to transmit at least one of a thrust control signal and a drag control signal to a speed control system of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: GE Aviation Systems, LLCInventor: Joel Kenneth Klooster
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Patent number: 8317765Abstract: A packaged tampon and applicator assembly includes a tampon and an applicator assembled together with the tampon and adapted to facilitate insertion of the tampon in a user. A wrapper has an interior space and sealingly encloses the tampon and applicator assembly in the interior space. The wrapper includes a line of weakness formed therein to facilitate tearing of the wrapper along the line of weakness to facilitate opening a portion thereof to provide an opening in the wrapper through which the tampon and applicator assembly is removed from the wrapper. The wrapper is further configured to inhibit separation of the opened portion from the wrapper. The remainder of the wrapper defines a pocket sized for receiving the entire applicator therein following use of the applicator to insert the tampon in the user. Should mention facilitation of the opening via a line of weakness (i.e. perforation).Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Adrienne Rae Loyd, Marcus David Weiher, Carrie Nicole Pateras, Daniel Thomas LaBash, Thomas W. VanDenBogart, Gary John Borkowski
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Patent number: 8313711Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing techniques for mixing liquid components. Quantities of two or more liquid components are transferred from pressurized source reservoirs to one or more destination locations by means of a fluid outlet that includes a dispense valve, and the two or more liquid components are mixed in the destination locations to create a plurality of fluid mixtures. Two or more dispensing technologies can be combined to provide for increased efficiency in the dispensing of high volume liquid components. The amounts of liquid components being dispensed can be monitored during the dispensing to provide feedback control of the dispensing.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Freeslate, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey A. Brown, Hyeok Hahn, Peter Calcavecchio, Jason Gao
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Patent number: 8313660Abstract: A conductive wire includes a thermoplastic filament having a circumference and a plurality of coating layers dispersed about the circumference of the thermoplastic filament. The coating layers include a plurality of conductive layers comprising aligned carbon nanotubes dispersed therein and at least one thermoplastic layer between each pair of conductive layers.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Thomas K. Tsotsis
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Patent number: 8314158Abstract: This invention relates to an osmotically compacted polyelectrolyte complex having a first region and a second region, the first region having a greater modulus than the second region and a method for preparing such an article. The article comprising the polyelectrolyte complex is produced by contacting a polyelectrolyte complex with a solution comprising an osmolyte at a concentration sufficient to compact the polyelectrolyte complex. The compaction process is terminated before the entire article is osmotically compacted.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2012Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: The Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc.Inventor: Joseph B. Schlenoff
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Patent number: 8315930Abstract: A method for delivering energy to an electric vehicle includes coupling the electric vehicle to an energy delivery point via a connector, receiving a unique identifier of the electric vehicle via the connector, determining an account associated with the identifier, delivering an amount of energy to the electric vehicle via the connector, and determining a transaction amount based on the amount of energy delivered to the electric vehicle by the energy delivery point.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Nathan Bowman Littrell
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Patent number: 8311687Abstract: A method and systems for controlling an aircraft during descent are provided. The control system includes an input device configured to receive a speed margin for the vehicle and a processor communicatively coupled to the input device wherein the processor is programmed to automatically determine a flight path of the vehicle that is shallower than an idle flight path for the vehicle and generate a flight control surface control signal configured to maintain the determined flight path using the received speed margin. The control system further includes an output device communicatively coupled to the processor. The output device is configured to transmit the flight control surface control signal to a flight control system of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: GE Aviation Systems LLCInventor: Michael John Bakker
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Patent number: 8310333Abstract: Modular fuse holder assemblies for configurable panelboards are specifically adapted to meet the needs of photovoltaic fuses and solar powered systems. Fuse rejection features, safety features, and remote monitoring features are further provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: Joseph James Ventura, Matthew Rain Darr, Xuecheng Zhang
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Patent number: 8310080Abstract: A yaw assembly for use in a wind turbine. The yaw assembly includes a shaft coupled to a yaw drive assembly. The shaft extends outwardly from said yaw drive assembly. A pinion is operatively coupled to the shaft. A slip assembly is positioned between the pinion and the shaft. The slip assembly is configured to facilitate selectively rotating the pinion with respect to the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Saravanan Ramanujam
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Patent number: 8307874Abstract: Methods and machines for changing tires on a wheel rim are disclosed. The machine includes a drive shaft having a drive axis that can positioned at different angles for convenience of the machine operator to mount a variety of differently-sized wheel rims to the drive shaft without undue lifting and handling of the wheel rims.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Hunter Engineering CompanyInventors: Douglas S. Hanneken, Michael D. Gerdes
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Patent number: 8309464Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to the manufacture of silicon wafers, and more particularly to edge etching apparatus and methods for etching the edge of a silicon wafer.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.Inventors: Henry F. Erk, Peter D. Albrecht, Eugene R. Hollander, Thomas E. Doane, Judith A. Schmidt, Roland R. Vandamme, Guoqiang (David) Zhang
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Patent number: 8310796Abstract: A switching circuit for use in a power converter is provided. The switching circuit includes an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) including a gate terminal, a collector terminal, and an emitter terminal, a gate drive circuit electrically coupled to the gate terminal and configured to switch the IGBT on and off, and, a temperature drift resistant clamp circuit electrically coupled between the gate terminal and the collector terminal of the IGBT, the temperature drift resistant clamp circuit configured to maintain a voltage at the collector terminal below a threshold voltage and facilitate reducing the effects of temperature on operation of the switching circuit.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2011Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Robert Gregory Wagoner