Patents Represented by Attorney Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC

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  • Automatic carton stacker/collator
    Patent number: 7780396
    Abstract: A system for automatically forming stacks of cartons for feeding a magazine for supplying cartons to a packaging machine includes a primary support on which the stacks of cartons are formed, and a secondary support for temporarily receiving a series of the cartons thereon as a previously formed stack of cartons is removed from the primary support. The stack of cartons collected on the primary support is moved onto a transport conveyor for transport to a loader for the magazine for feeding into the packaging machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Hendricks, Jeff Disrud, Frank Moncrief
  • Multi-layered blister card package and method for making the same
    Patent number: 7780007
    Abstract: A multi-layered blister package and assembling method include a blister sheet having a blisters for containing a product therein and an opposing cover surface adjacent to blister openings. The package also includes a front sheet having apertures configured to receive the blisters and a back sheet coupled to at least a portion of the front sheet. The back sheet includes an inner back panel foldably connected to an outer back panel. The inner and outer back panels each include removable tabs each covering an access slot. The tabs and access slots of the inner and outer back panels are in alignment when the inner back panel is folded adjacent to the outer back panel. The cover surface of the blister sheet is positioned adjacent to the inner back panel such that each blister opening is in alignment with the tabs and access slots of the inner and outer back panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Phillip Baker
  • Dispensing system for double stack carton
    Patent number: 7780003
    Abstract: The carton of this invention is capable of carrying the plurality of containers stacked upon their ends in two tiers with a unique dispenser that permits the dispensing of containers on their sides. The dispenser is formed in a top side wall and extends into the end wall with most of the end wall being torn open but leaving a portion near the bottom side wall to prevent the bottom layer of containers from rolling out. Angled projections in the dispensing end of the carton near the top panel and bottom panel prevent the top layer of containers from rolling out. A divider may be inserted between the two tiers of containers to facilitate loading the carton and preventing the containers from accidentally rolling out when the dispenser is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen R. Harrelson
  • Fitting for a vehicle seat
    Patent number: 7775598
    Abstract: In the case of a fitting (10) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, having a first fitting part (11), a second fitting part (12) in geared connection with the first fitting part (11), and a rotatably mounted eccentric (26, 27) driven by a driver (21, 26) to cause relative rolling between the first fitting part (11) and the second fitting part (12), a third fitting part (54) can be both pivoted freely relative to the first fitting part (11) in an unlocked state and locked with respect to the first fitting part (11) in a locked state, wherein a disengagement mechanism (80) is provided for maintaining the unlocked state of the third fitting (11) part during pivoting freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralph Schmitz, Michael Eblenkamp
  • Force-determining retraction device and associated method
    Patent number: 7775974
    Abstract: A retraction device including at least one pair of opposed retraction members, with each retraction member being capable of operably engaging the tissue to be retracted. A drive mechanism is operably engaged with at least one of each pair of retraction members for separating one of each pair of retraction members from the other to retract the tissue. A measuring device is operably engaged with at least one of the drive mechanism and one of each pair of retraction members, for determining and/or controlling a magnitude and/or rate of a force and/or strain imparted to the tissue by the drive mechanism via the retraction members as the tissue is being retracted. Associated devices and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Gregory D. Buckner, Gil Bolotin
  • Colloidally stabilized emulsions
    Patent number: 7776981
    Abstract: A filter substrate impregnated with an emulsion polymer, the emulsion polymer being substantially devoid of phenolics and stabilized using a protective colloid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Mallard Creek Polymers, Inc.
    Inventor: Venkataram Krishnan
  • Pole-mountable medical equipment power supply having low patient leakage current
    Patent number: 7777995
    Abstract: A medical electrical equipment power supply is configured to satisfy at least one industry standard for patient leakage current. The power supply is provided with a plurality of electrical sockets into which IV pumps, patient monitors and other equipment may be plugged in. In one embodiment, the power supply has a housing configured to be mounted on an IV pole. An isolation transformer within the housing helps reduce the total patient leakage current to a value that satisfies at least one industry standard for patient leakage current. In another embodiment devoid of an isolation transformer, the power supply's electrical circuit detects whether the patient leakage current exceeds a predetermined value based on the industry standard, and disconnects power to one or more sockets so as to maintain the patient leakage current below this predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: American IV, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Malkus, Kenneth M. Eshenbaugh, Richard Stacey, John O. Taylor
  • Fitting system for a vehicle seat
    Patent number: 7775591
    Abstract: In a fitting connected at one side to a backrest structure of a backrest and at the other side to the supporting structure of a seat part, having a first actuating element, by way of which the fitting can be activated to adjust the inclination of the backrest between use positions in a first angle range, having a second actuating element, by way of which the fitting can be activated so as to pivot the backrest freely from a use position in the first angle range into a pivoted-free position in a second angle range, and having a ring which is rotatably mounted on the fitting, when the fitting is activated, the second actuating element couples the backrest to the ring, so that the backrest, as it is pivoted freely, drives the ring at least when the second angle range is reached, and the ring then unlocks a longitudinal adjuster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Birger Hahn, Gunnar Schäfer
  • Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls
    Patent number: 7777716
    Abstract: A haptic feedback planar touch control used to provide input to a computer. A touch input device includes a planar touch surface that inputs a position signal to a processor of the computer based on a location of user contact on the touch surface. The computer can position a cursor in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position signal, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user contacting the touch surface. The touch input device can be a touchpad separate from the computer's display screen, or can be a touch screen. Output haptic sensations on the touch input device can include pulses, vibrations, and spatial textures. The touch input device can include multiple different regions to control different computer functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Louis B. Rosenberg, James R. Riegel
  • System and method for packaging apparel
    Patent number: 7775351
    Abstract: A package containing a plurality of articles of textile products, comprising one or more compacted articles and at least one un-compacted article. The un-compacted article is placed so that it is predominantly visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: HBI Branded Apparel Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory V. Stagnitta, Joseph M. Brucato, Robert A. Miller, III
  • Self-propelled tow body
    Patent number: 7775174
    Abstract: An at least partially self-propelled vehicle is configured for being towed by a towing vehicle, by way of a tow line. Operation of the vehicles may be coordinated so that, for a length of the tow line that connects the vehicles, the length of the tow line is curved in a manner that inhibits the tow line from transferring oscillatory motion between the vehicles while the entirety of the length of the tow line may be under tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Vehicle Control Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Humphreys, Ryan D. Schulz, Alexander V. Roup, Neill S. Smith, Daniel N. Dietz
  • Using haptic effects to enhance information content in communications
    Patent number: 7779166
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems for providing customized “haptic messaging” to users of handheld communication devices in a variety of applications. In one embodiment, businesses and organizations may each be associated with a distinct haptic logo and include their haptic logos in various messages sent to the handheld communication devices of their customers. In another embodiment, haptically-enabled avatars can be used in a chat session between users of handheld communication devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Jeffrey Eid, Shoichi Endo, Erik J. Shahoian, Dean C. Chang
  • Method and apparatus for conducting a chemical reaction in the presence of cavitation and an electrical current
    Patent number: 7771582
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for conducting a chemical reaction. The reaction is conducted in a reaction vessel or mixing occurring in at least a partial liquid environment in which reactants are disposed. The reaction is conducted in the presence of cavitation and an electrical current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Hydro Dnamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Bijan Kazem
  • Correcting an assay image of an array of signals generated from a multiplexed hybridization-mediated assay
    Patent number: 7771939
    Abstract: Described are methods of assay design and assay image correction, useful for multiplexed genetic screening for mutations and polymorphisms, including CF-related mutants and polymorphs, using an array of probe pairs (in one aspect, where one member is complementary to a particular mutant or polymorphic allele and the other member is complementary to a corresponding wild type allele), with probes bound to encoded particles (e.g., beads) wherein the encoding allows identification of the attached probe. The methods relate to avoiding cross-hybridization by selection of probes and amplicons, as well as separation of reactions of certain probes and amplicons where a homology threshold is exceeded. Methods of correcting a fluorescent image using a background map, where the particles also contain an optical encoding system, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Bioarray Solutions, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ghazala Hashmi, Michael Seul
  • Synthetic, malleable bone graft substitute material
    Patent number: 7766972
    Abstract: The invention includes a synthetic bone substitute material suitable for use as a replacement for cancellous bone in a bone graft composition, the material comprising a reticulated framework of interconnecting bioceramic struts defining an interconnecting interstitial void volume, and a solid non-porous composition substantially filling the interstitial void volume and in intimate contact with the reticulated framework, the pore-filling composition comprising calcium sulfate. Calcium triphosphate is a preferred bioceramic material for the reticulated framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Wright Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robyn J. Overby, Olaf H. Schulz, Ann V. Burgess, Warren O. Haggard, Michael Vincent
  • 3-substituted-2(arylalkyl)-1-azabicycloalkanes and methods of use thereof
    Patent number: 7767193
    Abstract: The present invention relates to 3-substituted-2-(arylalkyl)-1-azabicycloalkanes, methods of preparing the compounds and methods of treatment using the compounds. The azabicycloalkanes generally are azabicycloheptanes, azabicyclooctanes, or azabicyclononanes. The aryl group in the arylalkyl moiety is a 5- or 6-membered ring heteroaromatic, preferably 3-pyridinyl and 5-pyrimidinyl moieties, and the alkyl group is typically a C1-4 alkyl. The substituent at the 3-position of the 1-azabicycloalkane is a carbonyl group-containing moiety, such as an amide, carbamate, urea, thioamide, thiocarbamate, thiourea or similar functionality. The compounds exhibit activity at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), particularly the ?7 nAChR subtype, and are useful towards modulating neurotransmission and the release of ligands involved in neurotransmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Targacept, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly A. Mazurov, Lan Miao
  • Heat resistant lid for microwave container
    Patent number: 7766181
    Abstract: A lid can be attached to a top of a microwaveable container. The lid can be made from paperboard, hard paper, and other materials, and can serve to cover an open top of the microwaveable container to prevent the contents of the container from splattering during heating. After heating, the lid also provides a surface by which a consumer can safely handle the heated container. The top panel of the lid can have smooth, continuous and uninterrupted surface, without creases or joints, that is suitable for advertising and product information and graphics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Fogle, Colin P. Ford
  • Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch controls
    Patent number: 7768504
    Abstract: A haptic feedback planar touch control used to provide input to a computer. A touch input device includes a planar touch surface that inputs a position signal to a processor of the computer based on a location of user contact on the touch surface. The computer can position a cursor in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position signal, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user contacting the touch surface. The touch input device can be a touchpad separate from the computer's display screen, or can be a touch screen. Output haptic sensations on the touch input device can include pulses, vibrations, and spatial textures. The touch input device can include multiple different regions to control different computer functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Louis B. Rosenberg, James R. Riegel
  • Carton with curved end and dispensing features
    Patent number: 7766219
    Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton has panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The panels comprise a top panel, a bottom panel and a first side panel and a second side panel. The carton has a dispenser for allowing access to the articles in the carton. The dispenser has a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the carton and is for being at least partially removed for at least further opening a dispenser opening. The carton can also have a curved end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Manuel Gomes, Raymond Rudolph Spivey, Sr.
  • Hat brim
    Patent number: D621140
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: ZopTopz, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Schmelzer