Abstract: A method and system for guiding a drive rod in a door after an impact to the door. An automobile having a door with a door handle, a drive rod, a latching system, a striker, and a drive rod guiding member. The drive rod guiding member can be positioned adjacent to the drive rod. Upon impact to the door, the drive rod can be disengaged from the door handle or the latching system. The drive rod guiding member guides the drive rod away from the door handle or the latching system. By guiding the drive rod away the door handle or the latching system, the drive rod guiding member can prevent the drive rod from re-engaging with the door handle or the latching system. This maintains the door in the closed position instead of the open position.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 18, 2009
Date of Patent:
December 20, 2011
Assignee:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
Inventors:
Christopher M. Higgins, Nathaniel P. Jordan, Jessica A. Riffe
Abstract: Metal-containing transaction cards, useful for the purchase of goods and/or services are disclosed. The metal-containing transaction cards may be standard-sized (i.e., about 3? inches by about 2 14 inches) or any other size yet still usable as a transaction card. Moreover, the metal-containing transaction card may include a pocket having characters embossed therein. Further, the metal-containing transaction card may include a fill panel disposed within the pocket. The metal may be titanium or stainless steel.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 26, 2011
Date of Patent:
December 20, 2011
Assignee:
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Inventors:
Ellen Lasch, Lisa Ann Morrill-Webb, Priscilla Gandel
Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and methods for biometric security using biometrics in a transponder-reader system. The biometric security system also includes a biometric sensor that detects biometric sample and a device for verifying biometric samples. In one embodiment, the biometric security system includes a transponder configured with a biometric sensor. In another embodiment, the system includes a reader configured with a biometric sensor. The device for verifying samples compares the biometric samples with information stored on the databases.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 6, 2007
Date of Patent:
December 13, 2011
Assignee:
Xatra Fund MX, LLC
Inventors:
Blayn W Beenau, David S Bonalle, Seth W Fields, William J Gray, Carl Larkin, Joshua L Montgomery, Peter D Saunders
Abstract: A method for preparing a needled preform comprises transporting, cutting and needling a textile tape. The method further comprises cutting through a portion of the textile tape with a cutting device. The textile tape remains substantially contiguous after the cutting. The method further comprises needling the textile tape into a needled preform after cutting the textile tape, and the needling utilizes needles having working surfaces oriented in a direction to transfer fiber segments from a selected fiber orientation into a z-direction. In an embodiment, a system for enabling z-fiber transfer in a textile tape comprises a textile support configured to transport the textile tape, a cutting device configured to cut a portion of the textile tape, and a needling device configured to needle the textile tape into a needled preform after the cutting device cuts the textile tape.
Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to financial data processing, and in particular it relates to lender credit scoring, lender profiling, lender behavior analysis and modeling. More specifically, it relates to rating lenders based on data derived from their respective consumers. Also, the present disclosure relates to rating consumer lenders based on the predicted spend capacity of their consumers.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 18, 2011
Date of Patent:
December 13, 2011
Assignee:
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Abstract: A device for use in a molten metal pump helps alleviate jams between a rotating rotor and stationary inlet. The device includes an inlet structure including one or more openings and a displacement structure that preferably includes one or more rotor blades. The inlet structure and displacement structure are connected to one another (preferably, but not necessarily, as a unitary piece), thus enabling them both to rotate. A pump including the device is also enclosed. The invention further includes a bearing surface for an impeller or for a device according to the invention, wherein the bearing surface includes grooves that help reduce molten metal build up between the bearing surface of the impeller or device and the bearing surface of a pump chamber.
Abstract: Facilitating commercial transactions using a payment system directory are disclosed. A payment directory and/or wireless point of sale (POS) device may be configured to use predetermined rules, a multitude of data items and/or conditions to locate a payment system, and transmit a payment authorization request from a remote location to at least one payment system, either directly, or via a payment system directory and/or a SSL Gateway.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 5, 2009
Date of Patent:
December 6, 2011
Assignee:
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Inventors:
Fred Bishop, Robert E. Morgan, Hitesh Seth
Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a handheld point of sale system for distributing a transaction instrument. Such system may include a browser-based tool configured to facilitate distributing an open transaction instrument at the point of sale in association with purchase of the open transaction instrument by a consumer at the handheld point of sale system. The browser-based tool may also be configured to receive transaction information and to facilitate the distribution of the open transaction instrument by sending the transaction information from the browser-based tool to a host system, wherein the host system authorizes distribution of the open transaction instrument, funds and activates a transaction account associated with the open transaction instrument, and sends an authorization message to the browser-based tool.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 5, 2009
Date of Patent:
December 6, 2011
Assignee:
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Inventors:
Gennye Hannover Feldman, Elizabeth Anne Holt, Marc Rubner, John R. Rose, Nicole Milne Vollmer
Abstract: The present invention provides a system for dispensing an air treatment and audibly indicating the dispensing and/or a change in the dispensing intensity. An exemplary audible indicator may include a pattern of a plurality of audible indicators having the same or different durations, having the same or different intensities, separated by the same or different intervals, and having the same or different audible impressions. Different audible indicators are associated with different device states, such as not dispensing, dispensing to create ambiance, dispensing in response to a malodor, or dispensing to offset habituation. Different audible indicators may also be associated with different malodors, or different intensities of the same or different malodors.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 9, 2009
Date of Patent:
December 6, 2011
Assignee:
The Dial Corporation
Inventors:
Sanam Nassirpour, Jeffrey Bankers, Jeff Gaunt
Abstract: A millimeter wave system or package may include at least one printed wiring board (PWB), at least one integrated waveguide interface, and at least one monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC). The package may be assembled in panel form incorporating parallel manufacturing techniques.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 14, 2008
Date of Patent:
December 6, 2011
Assignee:
ViaSat, Inc.
Inventors:
Noel A. Lopez, Michael R. Lyons, Dave Laidig, Kenneth V. Buer
Abstract: In waterslide amusement devices one or more water jets can be directed along the waterslide surface and used to apply a force to riders using the amusement device. In the present approach the operation of such water jet assemblies is adjusted based on the weight of each rider, so that riders of different weights can negotiate the waterslide amusement device safely and with an appropriate degree of excitement. The rider weight is conveniently measured on the waterslide amusement device, for example, using a load cell assembly, and a signal is sent to a controller to adjust the output of one or more downstream water jet assemblies based on the measured rider weight.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 31, 2009
Date of Patent:
December 6, 2011
Inventors:
Raymond Joseph Dubois, Claudio Javier Barrera, Carroll David Mosley, Stephen Earl Horras
Abstract: A wireless financial transaction instrument, such as a card, has a magnetic stripe, a display, and an on-board power supply, such as a battery, and is usable with a dual capture point of sale terminal. Information is received by such a terminal from the card wirelessly, and also from the magnetic stripe, and the data received contactlessly is preferably used to verify that read from the stripe. The display can display the account number on command, or to display a current balance, or amount of credit remaining, or any combination of these items of information.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 21, 2011
Date of Patent:
December 6, 2011
Assignee:
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Inventors:
David S. Bonalle, Michael D. Donovan, Sherrie G. Jackson, Scott Glen Paylor, Medina J. Senghore, Tracey R. Thomas
Abstract: Share of Wallet (“SOW”) is a modeling approach that utilizes various data sources to provide outputs that describe a consumers spending capability, tradeline history including balance transfers, and balance information. These outputs can be appended to data profiles of customers and prospects and can be utilized to support decisions involving prospecting, new applicant evaluation, and customer management across the lifecycle. The outputs can be used as attributes to consider in developing a credit bureau scorecard.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 14, 2010
Date of Patent:
December 6, 2011
Assignee:
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Inventors:
Kathleen Haggerty, Chao M. Yuan, Benedict O. Okoh, Peter L. Williamson
Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for a no pre-set spending limit transaction card with features and attributes of both a credit card and a charge card, including an overlimit spend feature and an associated communicated line of credit. The transaction card may carry a balance like a credit card and may require that a card user pay down the balance carried forward to the line of credit subsequent to the end of each billing cycle. When the user has reached or exceeded the communicated line of credit, each subsequent transaction request for a new transaction by the user is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by a process that includes execution an overlimit spend authorization logic or process.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 20, 2011
Date of Patent:
December 6, 2011
Assignee:
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Inventors:
Karen L Wong, Fred Jubitz, Luigi E Merli, Caroline M Azimi-Pour, Jean-Paul D Ndong, Leena H Parikh, Joya A Mukherjee, Keye G Jin, Priyo B Chatterjee, Subhash C Khatri, Luckner B Polycarpe
Abstract: Commercial size of spending wallet (“CSoSW”) is the total business spend of a business including cash but excluding bartered items. Commercial share of wallet (“CSoW”) is the portion of the spending wallet that is captured by a particular financial company. A modeling approach utilizes various data sources to provide outputs that describe a company's spend capacity. Research analysts can use CSoW/CSoSW to provide a comprehensive and robust indication of the business prospects of a rated company.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 15, 2008
Date of Patent:
December 6, 2011
Assignee:
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Inventors:
Kathleen Haggerty, Charles Christopher Lyon, Benedict O. Okoh, Robert E. Phelan, Jon Kevin Ruterman, Geraldine A. Turner, Chao M. Yuan, Arnab Biswas
Abstract: A novel enhanced liner for prostheses provides for better for either off of the shelf or in customized form, to line a prosthetic used by amputees. Striking a balance between controlling the tear strength and imparting resiliency results in a user friendly product that can be easily donned, and doffed and worn without the drawbacks of the prior art. A unique coating allows the user to remove it like a tubular sock-member, and support comfort and convenience.
Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a transparent or translucent transaction card having multiple features. An optically recognizable compound may be associated with a portion of the card for blocking infrared radiation and may comprise an infrared ink having nanocrystalline indium tin oxide particles. Moreover, a portion of the transaction card may include a second optically recognizable compound disposed thereon. The second optically recognizable compound may comprise an infrared phthalocyanine dye, an infrared phosphor, and a quantum dot energy transfer compound. The infrared ink may be detected by a sensor found in an ATM or card assembly line.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 21, 2008
Date of Patent:
November 29, 2011
Assignee:
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Abstract: A method and system for ultrasound treatment of photoaged tissue are provided. An exemplary method and system are configured for first, ultrasound imaging of the region of interest for localization of the treatment area, second, delivery of ultrasound energy at a depth and pattern to achieve the desired therapeutic effects, and third to monitor the treatment area during and after therapy to assess the results and/or provide feedback. The exemplary treatment method and system can be configured for producing arrays of sub-millimeter and larger zones of thermal ablation to treat the epidermal, superficial dermal, mid-dermal and deep dermal components of photoaged tissue.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 6, 2005
Date of Patent:
November 29, 2011
Assignee:
Guided Therapy Systems, L.L.C.
Inventors:
Peter G. Barthe, Michael H. Slayton, Inder Raj S. Makin
Abstract: A system and method for securing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transactions is provided. An exemplary method includes using a random number in an authentication tag and authorizing an RF transaction in response to verifying the authentication tag. The method may also involve variously validating an RFID device authentication tag and an RFID reader authentication tag. Additionally, a system and method is disclosed for verifying an RFID transaction device and RFID reader operable with an RF transaction system. The method involves presenting an RFID device to an RFID reader, receiving a random number, creating an RFID transaction device authentication tag using the random number and a counter value, providing the RFID transaction device authentication tag to an RFID reader, creating an RFID reader authentication tag using the counter, random number, and RFID authentication tag, and providing the RFID reader authentication tag and RFID transaction device authentication tag for authentication.
Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring the self-consistency of inference algorithms. The present invention provides a method for measuring the accuracy of an inference algorithm that does not require comparison to ground truth. Rather, the present invention pertains to a method for measuring the accuracy of an inference algorithm by comparing the outputs of the inference algorithm against each other. Essentially, the present invention looks at how well the algorithm applied to many of the different observations gives the same answer. In particular, the present invention provides a method that is not time and labor intensive and is cost effective.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 21, 2006
Date of Patent:
December 6, 2011
Assignee:
Transpacific Kodex, LLC
Inventors:
Yvan G. LeClerc, Margaret Frances Davies, legal representative, Quang-Tuan Luong, Pascal Fua