Patents Represented by Attorney Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC
  • Patent number: 8019446
    Abstract: In a control loop for regulating a combustion process in a plant (e.g., a power-generating plant, a waste incineration plant or a cement works) having a controlled system for converting material by way of the combustion process while supplying air, with at least one flame body being formed, and having at least one observation device for imaging the flame body, other sensors for determining the input data, at least one adjustment device that can be controlled by output data for supplying at least material and/or air, and a computer for evaluating the input data in relation to target values and for determining the output data by using a current process model, the computer has a feature extraction module that extracts features from the input data using an information measure. The features are informative for the target values, and are for use in an alternative process model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Powitec Intelligent Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Wintrich, Volker Stephan
  • Patent number: 8015776
    Abstract: A product packaging system is provided having a series of selector wedges that engage the lower portions of a series of products moving along a product infeed conveyor. The selector wedges separate the products into product groups for loading into product cartons moving adjacent the product infeed conveyor. At approximately the same time the selector wedges are engaging the products, a series of lugs are conveyed by an overhead lug system into engagement with each of the products being engaged so as to help stabilize the products and prevent tipping of the products as they are separated and loaded into their corresponding product cartons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Vicenc Alfonso Alfonso, Vicente Marquez Estevez
  • Patent number: 8011567
    Abstract: Cartons have dispenser sections that when opened, allow easy access to containers or other articles stored within the carton. The cartons can be configured to allow placement on a door shelf or other shelf within a refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick James DeBusk, Raymond Rudolph Spivey, Sr., Robert L. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 8012555
    Abstract: An improved fluoroplastic lined elastomeric tube that can maintain a stable flow rate while pumping aggressive chemicals in a peristaltic pump for an extended period of time and is fabricated in sizes ranging from 0.5 mm to 100 mm in inside diameter. The inner fluoroplastic liner comprises a composite of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and a fluoroplastic polymer resulting in improved flex life over single component fluoroplastics. The inventive liner is bonded to either an unreinforced elastomer or a fiber reinforced elastomer for use in both low and high pressure peristaltic pump applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Maztech, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Allen Zumbrum
  • Patent number: 8013280
    Abstract: A package configured to receive a food item for storage and heating therein is disclosed. The package includes an opening and a closure mechanism and comprises an insulating microwave material. A plurality of packages in a stacked relation also is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard G. Robison, Lorin R. Cole, Timothy H. Bohrer, Scott W. Middleton, Terrence P. Lafferty, Brian R. O'Hagan, Patrick H. Wnek
  • Patent number: 8007997
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for reducing the growth of hematopoietic malignant cells (e.g., B-cell leukemia cells). The methods involve reducing the growth of hematopoietic malignant cells by contacting hematopoietic malignant cells with GP88 antagonists. GP88 is an 88 KDa autocrine growth factor that promotes the growth of hematopoietic malignant cells. Antagonists to GP88 are provided which inhibit its expression or biological activity. The antagonists include antisense oligonucleotides and antibodies. Also provided are methods for determining if a patient is responding or is responsive to anti-cancer therapy (e.g., glucocorticoid therapy). Increased levels of GP88 in hematopoietic cells indicates a patient is not responding or responsive to anti-cancer therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: A&G Pharmaceutical, Inc.
    Inventor: Ginette Serrero
  • Patent number: 8008609
    Abstract: Various blanks, trays, cartons, systems, and other constructs for heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Marie-Line Noyelle, Arnaud Talpaert
  • Patent number: 8007904
    Abstract: A multicomponent fiber having a metal phobic component and a metal philic component that allows for the selective distribution of metal across the surface of the fiber is disclosed. The inventive multicomponent fibers may be used in fabrics and other products manufactured therefrom for economically imparting at least one of an antistatic quality, antimicrobial and antifungal efficacy, and ultraviolet and/or electromagnetic radiation shielding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Fiber Innovation Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Dugan
  • Patent number: 8006520
    Abstract: A sueded knitted fabric is provided, comprising a technical face, a technical back, and a knitted body extending between the technical face and the technical back. The technical face, technical back, and knitted body comprise sueded yarns throughout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: HBI Branded Apparel Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Starbuck
  • Patent number: 8006893
    Abstract: A container for packaging a product is provided. The container includes a blank of sheet material including a first panel, and at least one tab identifier wholly defined within the first panel and moveable with respect to the first panel. The at least one tab identifier is configured to cooperate with the first panel. The blank forms the container including a tray portion and a lid portion coupled along a fold line to the tray portion such that the lid portion is moveable about the fold line with respect to the tray portion between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the tray portion and the lid portion define a volume for storing the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley John Burke, Rachel K. Mortenson
  • Patent number: 8008285
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating fibromyalgia or other diseases or conditions causing widespread pain and/or fatigue. In particular, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising droxidopa alone, or in combination with one or more further active agents, that can be used in the inventive methods. The methods of treatment can comprise treating, preventing, reducing, or eliminating a variety of symptoms recognized as indicative of fibromyalgia, such as chronic pain, allodynia, hyperalgesia, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Chelsea Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Roberts, Simon Pedder
  • Patent number: 8002171
    Abstract: A package having a dispenser with reclosable features. The package has a reclosable flap that is positionable between an open position for accessing products within the package and a closed position preventing access to products within the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Ryan, Angela E. Learn, Felicia A. Pinkstone
  • Patent number: 8004391
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of generating mood-based haptic feedback are disclosed. A haptic system includes a sensing device, a digital processing unit, and a haptic generator. The sensing device, in one embodiment, is configured to detect user's modalities in accordance with mood information collected by one or more sensors and capable of issuing a sensing signal in response to the user's modalities. The digital processing unit is capable of identifying a user's condition in accordance with the sensing signal and providing a haptic signal in response to the user's condition. The user's condition, in one aspect, indicates user's mood and/or user's psychological conditions. The haptic generator generates haptic feedback in accordance with the haptic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventor: Juan Manuel Cruz Hernandez
  • Patent number: 7997219
    Abstract: A replaceable gauging element assembly includes a series of gauge modules mounted in spaced series along a gauge bar. The gauge modules each include an upper section having a front face, an intermediate section and a lower section. A series of slots are formed in the front face of the gauge modules for receiving a series of gauge parts therein, with the gauge parts releasably secured within the modules by one or more fasteners. Access openings are formed in the modules for facilitating removal of broken gauge parts from the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Card-Monroe Corp.
    Inventor: James H. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7998047
    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, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least two end flaps are respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels, wherein the end flaps are overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton. The carton includes a handle in the closed end of the carton for grasping and carrying the carton. At least one end flap of the at least two end flaps comprises a main panel for closing the closed end of the carton and an extension panel foldably attached to the main panel. The extension panel is positioned above the handle to reinforce the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Rudolph Spivey, Sr., Jean-Manuel Gomes, Leonard M. Cooper
  • Patent number: 7996312
    Abstract: A method and system for processing electronic check presentment (ECP) data and check image data, where the check image data is transmitted electronically, either with the ECP data or separately. The ECP data has associated ECP sequence numbers assigned in connection with the preparation of an electronic cash letter (ECL). The check image data has associated image sequence numbers assigned to the image file that is transmitted with or following the ECL. A source key and an image key are defined for each item in the ECP data and the image data. An electronic check presentment (EIP) sequence number generated at the receiving financial institution, associates each presented electronic item with the ECP sequence number and image sequence number. System components include a transaction and image import server, an entry creation module, a cross-reference archive load module, a reject repair module, a post preprocessor module and a posting module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
    Inventors: Terry H. Beck, Andrew J. Garner, IV, Kenneth S. Meloun
  • Patent number: 7994456
    Abstract: A construct for supporting a food item includes a plurality of divider walls and a plurality of base panels. The divider walls are spaced from one another along a length of the construct. Each base panel is located between a pair of adjacent divider walls and connecting the adjacent divider walls. A microwave energy interactive element may overlie a surface of the construct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Ford, Daniel J. Keefe
  • Patent number: 7992765
    Abstract: A carton and blank for forming the carton having a dispenser for dispensing cylindrical containers or other types of articles. The dispenser has a removable dispenser panel that is accessed from an access panel foldably attached to the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kirsten Laura Brand
  • Patent number: 7988391
    Abstract: An aircraft cargo restraint has a base configured for attachment to a cargo deck. A housing is rotatably mounted to the base about a first axis and is movable between an erect position and a stowed position. A head is movably disposed in the housing, and is movable between an extended position and a contracted position in directions that are substantially parallel to the first axis. The restraint includes a lock configured to releasably secure the housing in the erect position when the head is in the contracted position, and to permit movement of the head from the erect position to the stowed position when the head is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Greg Schulze
  • Patent number: RE42695
    Abstract: A reinforced silt retention sheet and systems for silt retention are provided. The reinforced silt retention sheet includes a non-woven fabric having a series of entangled polymer fibers with a reinforcing material secured within the fabric. The resultant reinforced silt retention sheet further can have openings of a desired size to enable filtering of a flow of fluid passing through the reinforced silt retention sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Silt-Saver, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl R. Singleton