Patents by Inventor A. A. Ball

A. A. Ball has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8584272
    Abstract: A system is provided for enhancing the interconnectability of a bathtub to a plumbing system. More specifically, provided is a flexible conduit and an overflow assembly that allows for a portion of the overflow assembly to be easily located with the wall of a bathtub. The flexible conduit provided allows for adjustability of the conduit to the openings of the bathtub. In addition, provided are methods and apparatus that facilitate testing of a plumbing assembly. Finally, an apparatus and methods are provided that protect portions of the finished bathtub assembly to decrease in the need for replacing said hardware. It is envisioned that aspects and inventions disclosed herein can be used in conjunction to facilitate the interconnection and protection of hardware associated with a bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 8585678
    Abstract: A renal flow system injects a volume of fluid agent into a location within an abdominal aorta in a manner that flows bi-laterally into each of two renal arteries via their respectively spaced ostia along the abdominal aorta wall. A local injection assembly includes two injection members, each having an injection port that couples to a source of fluid agent externally of the patient. The injection ports may be positioned with an outer region of blood flow along the abdominal aorta wall perfusing the two renal arteries. A flow isolation assembly may isolate flow of the injected agent within the outer region and into the renals. The injection members are delivered to the location in a first radially collapsed condition, and bifurcate across the aorta to inject into the spaced renal ostia. A delivery catheter for upstream interventions is used as a chassis to deliver a bilateral local renal injection assembly to the location within the abdominal aorta.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: AngioDynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Elkins, Aurelio Valencia, Samir R. Patel, Ricardo Aboytes, Harry B. Goodson, Craig A. Ball
  • Publication number: 20130298997
    Abstract: A freeze resistant sanitary hydrant is provided that employs a reservoir for storage of fluid under the frost line or in an area not prone to freezing. To evacuate this reservoir, a means for altering pressure is provided that is able to function in hydrant systems that employ a vacuum breaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk, Cody Jackson
  • Patent number: 8573556
    Abstract: A form for creating a pattern in uncured concrete during a vertical column casting process includes an end wall and at least one side wall, extending from an edge of the end wall with the side wall and end wall cooperatively defining a corner therebetween. A pliable liner is attached to the end wall and the side wall and operably joins the side wall to the edge of the end wall to define a mold cavity. At least one patterned surface is formed on or in the pliable liner and is operable to form a corresponding pattern into concrete disposed in an uncured form in the old cavity. A notch is formed in the pliable liner and extends along the corner and forms a pivotable joint between the end wall and the side wall to facilitate removal of the form device from about the concrete after the concrete has at least partially cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Verti-Crete, LLC
    Inventors: William Brent Baker, David McKay Balls, Daniel M. Balls, Mike Sharp
  • Patent number: 8578356
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for implementing a programmable chip using a high-level language. Code sequences such as high-level language software critical loops are converted into read/transform/write (RXW) processes with buffer based flow control between the processes. Having separate read and write processes allows an arbitrary number of sequential reads/writes to occur in any order, subject to buffer size, allowing bursting/sequential transactions that are more efficient than random accesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Orion Pritchard, Jarrod Colin James Blackburn, David James Lau, Philippe Molson, James L. Ball, Jesse Kempa
  • Publication number: 20130289945
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may provide the ability for infrastructure managers to readily assess current organizational space allocation, to determine overcrowded and/or underutilized facilities, to propose options for improving and/or optimizing space usage in a facility, and to visualize current and proposed utilization. Embodiments of the invention may also provide the ability to reduce operational costs by more efficiently utilizing available space. Embodiments of the invention may comprise optimization algorithms to help redistribute organizational slots based on a variety of user-defined criteria (e.g., lab/technical space constraints, organizational synergy constraints, move minimizations, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: U.S.A. as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: William B. Ball, Robert L. Gage, Raymond L. Gates
  • Publication number: 20130283523
    Abstract: An overflow system in the bathtub has an overflow port and has a drain pipe in connection with the overflow port. A threaded flange has a stub shoulder on one end which is fitted into a circular sleeve on the overflow port. The threaded flange has exterior threads on its outer surface and a thin diaphragm secured to the end thereof opposite to the stub shoulder. A large internally threaded nut is threadably mounted on the outer end of the threaded flange. A decorative cap is frictionally snapped into engagement with protrusions on the outer surface of the nut. The cap can be removed when needed to permit the plumber to gain access to the diaphragm to cut it open for fluid flow after the system has been tested for leaks, or put in place after the cut takes place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 8568291
    Abstract: A method is described for providing sound perception in a hearing impaired patient. An externally generated electrical audio stimulation signal is received in a receiver unit located under the skin of an implanted patient. The electrical audio stimulation signal is delivered to an implanted bone conduction transducer having a planar bone engagement surface mounted to a temporal bone surface of the patient. The electrical audio stimulation signal is transformed into a corresponding mechanical stimulation signal coupled to the temporal bone by the bone engagement surface for delivery by bone conduction through the temporal bone to the cochlear fluid of the patient for perception as sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Vibrant Med-El Hearing Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Geoffrey R. Ball, Peter Lampacher
  • Patent number: 8570957
    Abstract: A method can include determining a power headroom report, and transmitting the headroom report. The power headroom report can provide both positive and negative values of power headroom according to the determination, in which negative values indicate the missing power in dB to fulfill requirements, such as those given by current resource allocation and modulation and coding scheme. This method can be implemented by encoding instructions for performing this method on a computer-readable medium, such that the instructions when execute cause the computer to execute the method as a computer process. The method can further include receiving a power headroom report. The method can additionally include allocating radio network resources based on the power headroom report.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Nokia Siemens Networks Oy
    Inventors: Carsten Ball, Jari Lindholm, Robert Müllner, Claudio Rosa
  • Publication number: 20130283160
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for capturing audio and delivering the audio in digital streaming media formats are disclosed. Several aspects of the systems and techniques operate in a cloud computing environment where computational power is allocated, utilized, and paid for entirely on demand. The systems and techniques enable a call to be made directly from a virtual machine out to a Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) via a common Session Interface Protocol (SIP) to PSTN Breakout service, and the audio to be delivered onward to one or more Content Delivery Network (CDN). An audio call capture interface is also provided to initiate and manage the digital streaming media formats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Simon Ball, Carsten Hauser
  • Patent number: 8561635
    Abstract: A locking system is provided for interconnection to a hydrant. The locking system is generally comprised of a lock body and lock that work in concert to block the operation of hydrant components, namely a control rod and/or a stem screw, that controls fluid flow through the hydrant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Pilarczyk, William T. Ball, William L. Carlson
  • Patent number: 8565177
    Abstract: A number of channel coding elements per transmission time interval required to transmit control information to a communication terminal is evaluated based on communication connection condition information with respect to the communication terminal, wherein the control information is defined by information on the scheduling of communication resources allocation to the communication terminal. A modified capacity is determined, wherein a capacity is defined by a total of available channel coding elements per transmission time interval on a channel dedicated for transmitting the control information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Nokia Siemens Networks Oy
    Inventors: Carsten Ball, Robert Muellner, Kolio Ivanov
  • Patent number: 8562449
    Abstract: A shaft assembly is provided to reduce breathing mode vibrations and resulting noises. The shaft assembly includes a shaft member having an outer surface and a damping member constructed at least in part from a damping material and including a substantially annular body and generally opposing ends. The opposing ends are biased such that at least a portion of the damping member engages with the shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin Streather, Robert L. Weiss, Craig A. Campbell, Arthur Ball
  • Publication number: 20130273641
    Abstract: A system and method for a flow cytometer system including a prepared sample fluid with reference beads; an interrogation zone that analyzes the prepared sample fluid; a peristaltic pump system that draws the sample fluid through the interrogation zone; and a processor that monitors a measured volume of sample fluid sampled by the peristaltic pump system and an expected sample volume based on data generated by the analysis of the sample fluid. A system and method is additionally described using an alternative volume sensing fluidic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Jack T. Ball, Grant C. Howes, Collin A. Rich
  • Publication number: 20130269501
    Abstract: A musical instrument string is made of maraging steel and has a tensile strength greater than 430 ksi.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Ball Brian N., Harrington James C.
  • Publication number: 20130269100
    Abstract: A foot-actuated drain stopper is provided that is interconnected to a strainer of a wastewater outlet of a bathtub. The foot-actuated drain stopper is interconnected to the strainer by way of an adapter that includes a hub that receives a carrier on which the foot-actuated stopper travels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
  • Patent number: 8550757
    Abstract: A flexible cargo bed tie-down system allows the user to easily change, adjust, customize, and adapt his or her vehicle to specific needs at any given moment, and interfaces with the rest of the vehicle in an optimum manner from a functional, structural, and aesthetic standpoint. One embodiment of the invention provides a vehicle having a side wall construction enclosing a cargo bed at a side of the cargo bed. The side wall construction includes an outer portion which runs generally vertically at an outer portion of the vehicle, and a top portion which runs generally horizontally from the outer portion toward a longitudinal center of the vehicle. A tie-down rail is mounted adjacent to the top portion such that a part of the top portion overhangs at least a portion of the tie-down rail. The tie-down rail is configured to accept a tie-down fitting and includes a slotted opening generally aligned with an interior edge of the top portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Anderson, Diane T. Allen, Stephen D. Ball
  • Patent number: 8544803
    Abstract: A method and system to stabilize an appliance against sudden or continuous movement embodiments including one or more straps coupled to an appliance of interest and a target mounting surface. At least one spacer is located between the appliance and mounting surface. In one embodiment a plurality of straps with grommets located at the relative terminus of one end is affixed by a fastener passing through the grommet to a target mounting surface, and at least one spacer is affixed preferably to a wall stud within the target wall. A second strap end is affixed to a target appliance and tightened to provide snug contact between the appliance and wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Bruce E. Ball
  • Publication number: 20130253447
    Abstract: A needle and needle system that aids in determining needle position with respect to an implanted device. The system determines needle position by detecting changes in electrical characteristics and the system further may generate a cue to indicate proper needle placement within an implanted device. Methods for detecting needle position with respect to an implanted infusion device are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Brian W. Ball, Keith A. Miesel, Mary M. Morris, Luis E. Fesser, Jonathan P. Bogott
  • Patent number: D690992
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Eternal East (HK) Ltd.
    Inventor: Alan D. Ball