Patents Represented by Attorney O'Brien Jones, PLLC
  • Patent number: 8020597
    Abstract: The invention is directed to increasing the endurance of a tire by providing an oxidation shield strip located in the vicinity of a critical area of the tire. The oxidation shield strip acts as a local oxygen diffusion barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Ellwood, John Baldwin, David Bauer, David Rohweder
  • Patent number: 8023484
    Abstract: In various embodiments, methods and systems are provided for acquiring a mobile internet protocol address in a communication network. In an embodiment, a gateway node generates an extension where the extension comprises an authentication node identifier associated with a user identifier. The gateway node then sends a mobile internet protocol request message to a mobile network internet node where the mobile internet protocol request message comprises the extension. The mobile network internet node can then send a mobile internet protocol access request message to an authentication node utilizing the authentication node identifier obtained from the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Clear Wireless LLC
    Inventors: Feng Huang, Lei Zhu, David S. McGinniss, Mohammad Hassan Partovi
  • Patent number: 8019223
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a remote vehicle comprises a hand-held controller including a laser generator for generating a laser beam. The hand-held controller is manipulable to aim and actuate the laser beam to designate a destination for the remote vehicle. The remote vehicle senses a reflection of the laser beam and moves toward the designated destination. The hand-held controller allows single-handed control of the remote vehicle and one or more of its payloads. A method for controlling a remote vehicle via a laser beam comprises encoding control signals for a remote vehicle into a laser beam that is aimed and sent to a designated destination for the remote vehicle, and sensing a reflection of the laser beam, decoding the control signals for the remote vehicle, and moving toward the designated destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Edison Hudson, Robert Todd Pack
  • Patent number: 8014922
    Abstract: An automobile rollover detection system comprising a control module to receive a first set and a second set of signals, to determine a first threshold in response to the first set of signals, to determine a second threshold in response to the second set of signals, to provide a first signal in response to the first threshold, to provide a second signal in response to the second threshold, and to provide a control signal in response to the first and second signals. The control signal may activate an occupant restraint system in response to the detection of an automobile rollover event. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jerry Jialiang Le, Cliff Chou, David Bauch, Kirsten Carr
  • Patent number: 7991730
    Abstract: A computer-based method for identifying at least one pair of similar chemical reactions between a plurality of reactions each related to preparation of at least one product from at least one reagent may include generating for each reaction a structural representation involving dynamic and conventional bonds and, based on the this structural representation, generating for each reaction a set of fragment descriptors of a predetermined length comprising the dynamical bonds and a corresponding descriptor vector. The method may further include calculating similarity indices between descriptor vectors of the plurality of reactions and comparing the similarity indices to identify at least one pair of similar reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignees: Novalyst Discovery, Universite Louis Pasteur
    Inventors: Alain Wagner, Frank Hoonakker, Alexandre Varnek
  • Patent number: 7972778
    Abstract: A miniaturized assembly is provided whereby a fluid sample can be divided into a plurality of sample portions in retaining wells and the sample fluid can be displaced from open ends of the wells while simultaneously being sealed in the wells. A method of dividing a fluid sample using the assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignees: Applied Biosystems, LLC, The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: James F. Brown, Jonathan E. Silver
  • Patent number: 7929567
    Abstract: A data transfer system receives a first service flow, a second service flow, and a third service flow that comprise a data session for a user device. The data transfer system transfers the first service flow to a scheduler using a first data rate limit and transfers the second service flow to the scheduler using a second data rate limit. The data transfer system also transfers the third service flow to the scheduler. The scheduler schedules transfers of the first service flow and the second service flow at a higher priority than transfers of the third service flow. The data transfer system transfers the first service flow, the second service flow, and the third service based on the prioritized schedule and using a third data rate limit. Thus, the first and second service flows receive a limited amount of preferential bandwidth, and the third service flow obtains unused bandwidth from the first and second service flows, subject to the third data rate limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Clear Wireless LLC
    Inventors: Mehdi Alasti, Behnam Neekzad, Roy Leo Spitzer, Mohammad Hassan Partovi
  • Patent number: 7929497
    Abstract: A method of operating a communication system is disclosed. A first communication session between a first base station and a mobile station is established. A service session between a first access network and the mobile station is established. When the mobile station moves to the service area of a new base station, a second communication session between a second base station and the mobile station is established. A distance between the first base station and the second base station is determined. If the distance exceeds a criteria, the service session is handed off a second access network. The criteria, which must be greater than zero, corresponds to the number of base station service areas separating the first base station and the second base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Clear Wireless LLC
    Inventors: Mehdi Alasti, Mohammad Hassan Partovi, Feng Huang
  • Patent number: 7905788
    Abstract: A universal joint comprising two joint yokes. One of the joint yokes is connected a driven shaft or drive shaft. The other joint yoke is connected to the other of the driven shaft or drive shaft. The two joint yokes are offset 90° in relation to each other to form an internal space. An elastic coupling element is associated with the universal joint. One of the joint yokes or its yoke arms is associated with a pin bearer. The other joint yoke or its yoke arm is associated with a holding element. Both the pin bearer and the holding element are pivoted in bearings respectively disposed in the joint yokes. The pin bearer and the holding element are spatially separated from one another and connected via the elastic coupling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Norbert Gross
  • Patent number: 7887122
    Abstract: A one-piece shotgun is configured to absorb impact energy when a front of the vehicle is impacted. The shotgun comprises an upper portion, a mid portion, and a lower portion, the upper portion having an end configured to connect to a hinge pillar; and a Z-trigger formed by two indentations and being located adjacent the upper portion end. The indentations of the Z-trigger are located on an outer side and an inner side of the shotgun to cause substantially lateral bending when sufficient force is applied to the shotgun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Michael Musa Azzouz, Timothy Alan Mouch, Bruno Barthelemy, Paul Brandon Russette
  • Patent number: 7878287
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for locating a subframe to a vehicle body having a control hole. The device comprises a pin attached to the subframe and extending toward the vehicle body when the subframe is positioned for mounting to the vehicle body. The pin is adapted to engage the control hole to precisely align the subframe and the vehicle body. The invention also relates to a method for locating a subframe to a vehicle body having a control hole. The method comprises providing a pin on the subframe that extends toward the vehicle body when the subframe is positioned for mounting to the vehicle body, and engaging the pin with the control hole to precisely align the subframe and the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Joe L. Buchwitz, Tim D. Smith
  • Patent number: 7878912
    Abstract: A universal joint comprises first and second joint yokes, each joint yoke having axially opposite yoke arms, and inner and outer sides with respect to an axis of symmetry of the joint; first and second connection elements, each having transverse arms for connecting the connection element to yoke arms of a respective joint yoke and a base web extending beyond the transverse arms in a direction away from the axis of symmetry of the joint; and an elastic coupling element guided around outer sides of the joint yokes and connected to the base web of each connection element at a location beyond the transverse arms in a direction away from the axis of symmetry of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Norbert Gross
  • Patent number: 7873459
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle that includes determining a dynamic normal load for the vehicle wheel, modifying the requested torque signal from a traction control system in response to the dynamic normal load to form a modified requested torque and controlling the engine in response to the modified requested torque. The controlling may be performed using the ratio of the dynamic normal load and the steady state normal load to form the modified requested torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Fodor, Davor Hrovat
  • Patent number: 7846866
    Abstract: Methods for forming porous anatase titanium dioxide coatings are disclosed. Sol-gel compositions are prepared having at least one porosity agent, are applied to a substrate, and at least one porosity agent is removed. Porous anatase titanium dioxide coatings having at least one of improved antimicrobial properties, self-cleaning properties, hydrophilicity, and/or temperability are also disclosed. Substrates comprising such coatings are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Pramod K Sharma
  • Patent number: 7843431
    Abstract: Control system for a remote vehicle comprises a twin grip hand-held controller including: a left grip shaped to be held between a left little finger, ring finger, and the ball of the thumb, leaving the left index finger, middle finger, and thumb free; a left control zone adjacent to the left grip, including a first analog joystick and a first 4-way directional control manipulable by the left thumb, and a left rocker control located on a shoulder portion of the controller; a right handed grip shaped to be held between the right little finger, ring finger, and the ball of the thumb, leaving the left index finger, middle finger, and thumb free; and a right control zone adjacent the right grip, including a second analog joystick and a second 4-way directional control manipulable by the right thumb, and a right rocker control located on a shoulder portion of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Robbins, Samuel H. Kenyon, Roger Gerson, Travis Woodbury, Melissa N. Ledoux
  • Patent number: 7839034
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electricity generator for a lighting tower having a plurality of discharge lamps, each lamp being of power greater than 750 W, the generator being arranged to be driven by an engine, the generator being a multiphase generator having n phases, where n is an even integer, each phase being independent in a magnetic circuit that is common to all of the phases and being configured to power one lamp, the generator comprising a rotor with permanent magnets, having 3 n poles, and a stator concentric with the rotor and subjected to the radial magnetic flux from the magnets, the stator comprising a stack of laminations of silicon iron having a silicon content greater than 0.5% and of individual thickness greater than 0.35 mm, defining 4 n magnetic circuit teeth, with every other tooth carrying a winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Moteurs Leroy-Somer
    Inventors: François Czajkowski, Jacques Saint-Michel, Philippe Manfe, Hédi Kharrat, Michel Renard, Luc Moreau
  • Patent number: 7825782
    Abstract: The invention provides a device, system, and method for wireless communication with a vehicle, comprising a receiver mounted in or on the vehicle for receiving data from a wireless transmitter, and a microprocessor in communication with the receiver for processing the data. The data has a format adapted to be processed by the microprocessor and is intended for receipt by all vehicles within a predetermined wireless range that have microprocessors capable of processing its standard format. The invention also provides a method for wireless communication with a vehicle, comprising transmitting data having a standard format, receiving the data having a standard format, and processing the data having a standard format. The data is intended for receipt by all vehicles within a predetermined range that have microprocessors capable of processing its standard format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Hermann
  • Patent number: 7802575
    Abstract: A condom packaging and method of donning a condom are disclosed. The condom packaging has a top layer and a bottom layer, which are attached along two opposing sides. The opposing sides of the condom packaging may be squeezed to cause the packaging material and the condom to take a cylindrical shape to aid in donning the condom. In the method of donning a condom, a condom enclosed in a condom package is provided. The condom package has a packaging material surrounding the condom and is substantially flat with a top layer, a bottom layer, and two opposed sides. The opposed sides of the packaging material can be squeezed to cause the packaging material and the condom to take a cylindrical shape. The condom can then be donned and the condom package may be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Jerrold Alan Wish
  • Patent number: D625185
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Paul A. Clark
  • Patent number: D633660
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Deirdre Pauline Cooke