Patents Represented by Attorney Blackwell Sanders LLP
  • Patent number: 7633177
    Abstract: A fluid flow energy capture device for power generation has a rotor with a substantially vertical axis and a plurality of vanes. A mount for the rotor allows the rotor to rotate in response to fluid flow such as wind contacting the plurality of vanes, and the mount puts the rotor in rotationally driving communication with a generator. The rotor has an open center which allows fluid communication from spaces between the vanes to above the rotor. A plurality of guide surfaces define channels that bias fluid flow to be tangential to the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Natural Forces, LLC
    Inventor: Michael D. Platt
  • Patent number: 7627921
    Abstract: A structural support system employs a modified inverted box girder design for improved performance and ease of fabrication. Each girder of a series of girders is formed with an upper flange section, a set of web sections extending from opposite lateral sides of the upper flange section, and a base section below the web sections. The base section includes individual flanged footings that project generally towards one another. The particular cross-sectional configuration of each girder may be formed by bending a continuous steel plate along at least a first set of preselected parallel lines to establish a set of upper continuous transitional bends with the upper flange section therebetween, as well as a remainder portion forming at least the set of web sections. A deck is coupled with the series of girders to form the structural support system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Board of Regents of University of Nebraska
    Inventor: Atorod Azizinamini
  • Patent number: 7628272
    Abstract: Hemostatic clamps are used to tie or clamp blood vessels during surgical procedures. Special containers are used to store and advantageously provide hemostatic clamps. These containers completely and clearly hold clamps in each phase without tilting, and enable reliable removal by a surgeon using a surgical instrument. This is achieved with the container according to the invention, which avoids friction between the clamp and the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Cardiomedical GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Wiedenbein
  • Patent number: 7625013
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved spray suppression device for vehicles. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a front panel having generally opposed first and second main surfaces and being configured to have a plurality of first through openings laterally and longitudinally spaced apart from each other, each forming a flow path through the front panel and a plurality of protrusions each having a cap and at least one post, connected to said front panel and positioned to project from the first main surface for substantially facing their leading wheel of the vehicle. Each cap is positioned substantially above at least one said first opening in said front panel and forming a second opening between the first main surface and the cap. The present invention provides a mud flap which allows air to pass through its opening without clogging with mud, rocks, and road debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Solutia, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy W. Kellick
  • Patent number: 7627448
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for mapping an area of interest using polar coordinates or Cartesian coordinates. The apparatus includes a range finder, an azimuth angle measuring device to provide a heading and an inclinometer to provide an angle of inclination of the range finder as it relates to primary reference points and points of interest. A computer is provided to receive signals from the range finder, inclinometer and azimuth angle measurer to record location data and calculate relative locations between one or more points of interest and one or more primary reference points. The method includes mapping of an area of interest to locate points of interest relative to one or more primary reference points and to store the information in the desired manner. The device may optionally also include an illuminator which can be utilized to paint the area of interest to indicate both points of interest and primary points of reference during and/or after data acquisition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Los Alamost National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Torsten A. Staab, Daniel L. Cohen, Samuel Feller
  • Patent number: 7622742
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a III-nitride semiconductor light-emitting device having high external quantum efficiency, provides a III-nitride compound semiconductor light-emitting device including an active layer generating light by recombination of electrons and holes and containing gallium and nitrogen, an n-type Al(x)ln(y)Ga(1-x-y)N layer epitaxially grown before the active layer is grown, and an n-type electrode electrically contacting with the n-type Al(x)ln(y)Ga(1-x-y)N layer, in which the n-type Al(x)ln(y)Ga(1-x-y)N layer has a surface which is exposed by etching and includes a region for scribing and breaking the device and a region for contact with the n-type electrode, and the surface of the region for scribing and breaking the device is roughened, thereby it is possible to increase external quantum efficiency of the light-emitting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Epivalley Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Tae Kim, Keuk Kim, Soo-Kun Jeon, Pil-Guk Jang, Jong-Won Kim
  • Patent number: 7617564
    Abstract: In combination, a removable tool may be selectively attached to the cleaning wand of a carpet extractor to alternatively clean hard surfaced floors, such as grouted tile and when not attached, clean carpeted floors. The removable tool may be sold as an aftermarket item for existing carpet extractors. A method of using the carpet extractor with the removable tool allows the apparatus to fulfill dual purposes, e.g., cleaning hard surfaced floors and when the tool is attached to the cleaning wand, and when the tool is removed from the wand to clean carpeted floors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Alto U.S. Inc.
    Inventors: Billy Joe Stuthers, Leonard Wayne Rowan, Shawn Wright, Emert R. Whitaker
  • Patent number: 7620690
    Abstract: A privacy control system provides a centralized process for managing unsubscribe requests to unsolicited communications. The system receives reports of unsolicited communications, determines and follows the corresponding unsubscribe processes, and tracks the success of unsubscribe requests. The system can unsubscribe an individual or group of individuals through the centralized process, recording and monitoring the success of the request, independent of the email client used by the individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Lashback, LLC
    Inventor: Eric L. Castelli
  • Patent number: 7614805
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for an image capture device, such as camera, configured for mounting on a firearm is provided. The image capture device mounting assembly for a firearm comprises a base member attached to a scope of the firearm above the top of the scope, the base member having a longitudinal axis in substantial parallel relationship with a longitudinal axis of the scope; an intermediate plate, the intermediate plate being pivotally attached to the base member; a mounting bracket, the mounting bracket being mounted on the intermediate plate, the mounting bracket being adapted to support a camera, the mounting bracket having a camera attachment mechanism for allowing attachment of the camera to the mounting bracket at a predetermined position; and a locking mechanism for fixing the pivoting intermediate plate at a desired pivotal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph Showalter
  • Patent number: 7614707
    Abstract: A quick mount and dismount design and method of installation for a toy rim and tire/wheel assembly comprising a tire/wheel having an outer tire portion and an inner core ring housing inside the outer tire portion, where the inner core ring housing has an interior cylindrical wall, where the interior wall has multiple ring like recesses. The inner core ring housing can be divided by an expansion seam to allow for press fitting the rim on the tire and press fitting the assembly onto the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Ridemakerz, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Jabbour, Jr., Yuk Kei Chan
  • Patent number: 7614206
    Abstract: A header for a combine or a harvester comprising a center portion of said header having a feeder house position disposed to direct cut crop from the center portion to a feeder house when the header is mounted on the feeder house. At least one lateral portion of the header is attached to the center portion by a frame hinge. A draper comprised of a frame and a belt disposed to rotate over the frame extends from the lateral portion to the center portion having a draper hinge. A cutter having a curving portion is disposed at a leading aspect of the header to cut crop. The frame hinge, draper hinge and curving portion along the same axis are parallel to a direction of travel of the combine or harvester. The lateral portion can raise and lower relative to the center portion by rotation around the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Steve Tippery, Maurice Salz, Craig Kaster, Jens Petersen
  • Patent number: 7616168
    Abstract: A method and system for increasing an isolation characteristic of a crossed dipole pair, dual polarized antenna can include a feedback system comprising a feedback element for generating a feedback signal in response to a transmitted RF signal produced by each radiating elements of a crossed dipole pair, dual polarized antenna. The feedback element may improve the isolation characteristic of RF signals between two different polarizations. The dimensions and spacing of the feedback element relative to an antenna may provide for optimal feedback signals. The feedback element can have a length, width, and thickness wherein the length and width are usually larger than the thickness dimension. A fastening mechanism of the inventive feedback system for coupling the feedback element to the antenna can include materials that allow for high speed production of antenna arrays using with the feedback system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventor: James K. Tillery
  • Patent number: 7610642
    Abstract: An air mattress includes an inflatable compartment having a length and width, when inflated, sufficient to support a human body; and having a top, bottom, and non-vertical sides, said top and bottom being generally parallel to one another and being composed of at least two horizontal layers of vinyl, one layer of vinyl forming the top of the compartment and the second forming the bottom; at least one internal, generally vertical wall connected to and restraining the relative vertical movement of the top and bottom of the inflatable compartment; and the sides being connected at least at a first location to and horizontally restrained by the internal, generally vertical wall and forming an indentation in the sides of the mattress. Alternately, the mattress profile is formed by a connection between the sides and at least one internal horizontal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Dennis Boyd
  • Patent number: 7608032
    Abstract: A tamper evident and resistant container lid of the present invention includes a lid body configured to cover the opening of a base container having a top rim and a skirt extending from the lid. The skirt has an annular score line and an annular fold line extending therearound. An outer band of the skirt extends between the score line and the fold line, and an inner band folded inwardly to be in opposing relation to the outer band extends upwardly from the fold line to an upper free edge. When the container lid is sufficiently applied to the base container such that the second portion slides downwardly past a top rim of the base container, achieving a proper closure, an attempt to remove the lid will cause a plurality of sections of the inner band to engage the top rim and impede removal of the container lid from the base container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Huhtamaki Consumer Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Dean Robertson, George Edward Mac Ewen
  • Patent number: 7601553
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a nitride semiconductor light emitting device including a plurality of nitride semi-conductor layers with a p-type nitride semiconductor formed using as nitrogen precursor ammonia together with hydrazine-based material which upon thermal decomposition generates a radical being combined with a hydrogen radical to eliminate the hydrogen radical, thereby eliminates the need for a subsequent annealing process for removing hydrogen and prevents the active layer from being thermally damaged due to the subsequent annealing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: EpiValley Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-Kyung Yoo, Joong-Seo Park, Chang-Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 7599513
    Abstract: A device which collects the pixel information generated during printing or scanning of a document, and transforms this sequential information into a code A which has a one-to-one relationship to the sequential pixel information, and which device computes from this code A a hashcode H which meets the requirements of a digital signature, and which device then feeds the digital information needed to print the hashcode H to the printer, in a pixel format, or feeds the same hashcode H to the digital media storage device, in both cases in a part of the document page which is digitally stored or printed, a method of use of the said device in encoding a document to form a hashcode H in pixel form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Adalbert Gubo
  • Patent number: 7596945
    Abstract: A load control device for an engine of a work vehicle that purposes to render the work vehicle, such as a wheel loader or the like, capable of raising a vehicle speed in a short period of time by providing a sufficient traction force when a high traveling load is imposed, without causing degradation of a vehicle body performance, waste of energy, and other problems. The load control device is provided with variable displacement hydraulic pumps (7, 8, 9) being provided with absorption torque changing means (19, 22) for changing absorption torque. A controller (18) determines whether a traveling load is in a high state, and when it has been determined that the traveling load is in the high state, control for lowering the absorption torque for the hydraulic pumps (7, 8, 9) is carried out. This control is carried out, provided, for example, that a “power mode” is selected with the power mode switch (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuuichi Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 7591704
    Abstract: A cloth doll's head and a method for manufacturing the same comprising the assembly of a soft cloth scalp cap, a soft cloth face portion, and stitching of synthetic or organic hair fibers directly to the soft cloth scalp cap. The hair and selected human facial features are embroidered, sewn, or otherwise imprinted on the outer surface of the scalp cap and face plate in a manner that is safe for a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Ty, Inc.
    Inventors: Kap Yeon Kim, Sin Dong Su, Hwang Sun Jin
  • Patent number: RE40931
    Abstract: A method of isolating, purifying and recrystallizing substantially pure lutein, preferably from saponified marigold oleoresin in its pure free form, apart from chemical impurities and other carotenoids. Lutein may be used as an analytical standard or in cancer prevention trials and as a safe and effective color additive for human food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: The Catholic University of America
    Inventor: Frederick Khachik
  • Patent number: RE40938
    Abstract: A method of isolating, purifying and recrystallizing substantially pure lutein, preferably from saponified marigold oleoresin in its pure free form, apart from chemical impurities and other carotenoids. Lutein may be used as an analytical standard or in cancer prevention trials and as a safe and effective color additive for human food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: The Catholic University of America
    Inventor: Frederick Khachik