Patents by Inventor A. Todd

A. Todd 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).

  • Braking interlock for an electric brake system of an aircraft
    Patent number: 7618100
    Abstract: An electric brake system for an aircraft includes a power interlock mechanism that prevents inadvertent (uncommanded) application of brakes. The interlock removes operating power from the brake mechanisms whenever the brake system sensor data does not indicate a legitimate brake application condition. The interlock processing occurs in parallel with the brake command processing such that even if an inadvertent brake command is generated, the brake mechanisms will be unable to act upon the inadvertent brake command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: T. Todd Griffith, Erik Godo
  • Consist manager for managing two or more locomotives of a consist
    Patent number: 7618011
    Abstract: A consist manager for controlling a consist having a lead locomotive and at least one trailing locomotive. A graphical user interface displays a lead locomotive image and at least one trailing locomotive imagers. The graphical user interfaces allows a user to selectively identify train characteristics of each of the first and second locomotives. The consist manager receives a control command and determines a first power operating mode of the first locomotive and a second power operating mode of the second locomotive as a function of the control command and the identified train characteristics. The consist manager controls the first locomotive according to the first power operating mode and controls the second locomotive according to the second operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Todd S. Oleski, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Glenn R. Shaffer, Charles E. Cooper, Christopher L. Sheridan, James A. Natalo
  • TREATMENT OF FLUIDS WITH WAVE ENERGY FROM A CARBON ARC
    Publication number: 20090277771
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fluid using a wave energy uses a cyclone separator configured to create a flow of the fluid in a thin film along a vortex path from a first end to a second end of the cyclone separator, a first electrode and a second electrode that are at least partially disposed within the cyclone separator, spaced apart from one another, and axially aligned with one another along a central axis of the cyclone separator from the first end to the second end. The electrodes are used to create an open electrical arc to provide the wave energy directly exposing the fluid as the fluid flows along the vortex path in close proximity to and surrounding the electrical arc such that only a gas separates the fluid from the open electrical arc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Foret Plasma Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • WEAR MONITOR FOR RECREATIONAL FOOTGEAR
    Publication number: 20090278707
    Abstract: A wear monitor for footgear can indicate when a shoe or component may have exceeded its expected useful life. The indication can be triggered by a measure of use, such as steps taken or distance accrued in the shoes, either through estimation or actual measurements. The monitor can take into account varies parameters related to the individual wearer of the shoe and environmental factors to more accurately determine when a pair of shoes has reached a wear out period. By employing sensors, the monitor can also be measure certain operating parameters of the shoe, such as the loss of a critical amount of resilience, and indicating to the wearer that the shoes are no longer adequate to protect the wearer from injury. The wear monitor can be fabricated into the shoe during manufacturing or can be a portable stand-alone device and can employ various technologies to provide a status indication to the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: SENTIAL, LLC
    Inventors: James F. Biggins, Todd A. Peavey
  • Flexible repeatable affiliated consumer business method
    Publication number: 20090281883
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flexible affiliated consumer association business method that allows consumers to enjoy enhanced buying power with a variety of merchants while at the same time enabling merchants and other groups and institutions such as employers or associations of such consumers to establish flexible repeatable loyalty programs in a cost-efficient manner. A flexible repeatable affiliated consumer method having components which allow a provider to create customizable customer loyalty programs with greater flexibility and creativity while also being modifiable in the market environment in a manner that the program provider can design or alter the program or provide multiple tailored programs as needed to attract consumers to give custom at participating merchants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Associated Discount Clubs of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy J. Benson, Todd R. Benson, Jonathan B. Benson
  • SIDE SPRING COMPRESSION RETENTION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20090280359
    Abstract: A compression retention system for a fuel cell system is provided. The compression retention system includes a first end unit and a second end unit configured to hold a fuel cell stack therebetween. A spring configured to apply a compressive force to the fuel cell stack is disposed between a first spring plate and a second spring plate. The first spring plate has an aperture formed therein. The compression retention system further includes a pair of sheets coupled to the first spring plate and the first end unit, and a spring strut disposed through the aperture of the first spring plate and coupled to the second spring plate and to the second end unit. A fuel cell system and method for assembling the fuel cell system with the compression retention system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Todd D. Bogumil, Eric J. Connor, Anthony G. Chinnici, Paul F. Spacher, Mark W. Keyser
  • Vehicle console
    Publication number: 20090278370
    Abstract: A console assembly for a vehicle includes a console body having a first end defining an opening communicating with a storage bin. The storage bin has opposing side walls each having a groove formed therein. A sliding member is slidably mounted within the storage bin. A console cover is pivotally mounted to the sliding member and defines a cover assembly. The cover assembly is slidably movable between a closed position wherein the console cover covers the opening of the console body and a partially open position wherein a portion of the opening of the console body is exposed. The cover is pivotally movable between the partially open position and a fully open position wherein the console opening and the sliding member are exposed. The cover includes at least one boss extending outwardly therefrom, wherein the boss is slidably mounted within the groove in the storage bin wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Todd L. DePue
  • REFRIGERATOR WITH EASY ACCESS DRAWER
    Publication number: 20090277210
    Abstract: A bottom mount refrigerator is provided with a pantry compartment that is accessible from outside the refrigerator by pulling open an easy access pantry drawer without the need to first open the fresh food compartment or the freezer compartment. A divider between the pantry compartment and the fresh food compartment is formed by a secondary mullion and a transparent shelf. The secondary mullion is provided with a light source for illuminating the contents of the pantry drawer. A light source at the rear of the pantry compartment shines generally forwardly and upwardly to illuminate the fresh food compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: MICHAEL J. EVELAND, STEVEN G. HERNDON, TODD E. KNIFFEN, BILL J. KOONS
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSIGNING AND VERIFYING CPE SERVICE CALLS IN A CABLE NETWORK
    Publication number: 20090282453
    Abstract: A system and method for determining a fault in a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable network segment. A two-way client uses a two-way query interface to acquire information indicative of the two-way operational status of subscriber CPE units associated with a subscriber number from a two-way validation server. Using the operational status of the subscriber CPE units, a fault may be associated with either the CPE units or with network facilities other than the two or more CPE units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Todd P. Bowen, William H. Berger
  • CYCLOTHIOCARBAMATE DERIVATIVES AS PROGESTERONE RECEPTOR MODULATORS
    Publication number: 20090281096
    Abstract: Methods of using compounds which are progesterone receptor agonists for contraception and the treatment of progesterone-related maladies alone or in combination with an estrogen receptor agonist or progesterone receptor antagonist are provided. These compounds have the structure: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and Q1 are defined herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Wyeth
    Inventors: Puwen Zhang, Andrew Fensome, Eugene A. Terefenko, Lin Zhi, Todd K. Jones, James P. Edwards, Christopher M. Tegley, Jay E. Wrobel, Mark A. Collins
  • ENGAGEMENT TOOL FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES
    Publication number: 20090281605
    Abstract: Systems for adjusting a position of an implanted medical device within a patient include an engagement tool configured to couple to the implanted medical device. The engagement tool adjusts the position of the medical device when coupled to the implanted medical device. Methods of adjusting a position of an implanted medical device within a patient include locating the implanted medical device, coupling an engagement tool to the medical device, and adjusting a position of the engagement tool to adjust the position of the medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Goran N. Marnfeldt, Rafael Carbunaru, Kelly H. McClure, Matthew I. Haller, Tom Xiaohai He, Todd K. Whitehurst, Meredith L. Anderson, James C. Makous, Kristen N. Jaax, Peter K. Johnson
  • POINT SUBSELECTION FOR FAST DEFORMABLE POINT-BASED IMAGING
    Publication number: 20090279739
    Abstract: A method for selecting vertices for performing deformable registration of imaged objects is provided. The selected vertices form corresponding pairs, each pair including a vertex from a first imaged object and a vertex from a second imaged object. The corresponding vertex pairs are sorted in order of distance between the vertices making up the corresponding vertex pair. The corresponding vertex pair with the greatest distance is given top priority. Corresponding vertex pairs that lie within a selected distance from the selected corresponding vertex pair are discarded. In this manner, the number of vertex pairs used for deformable registration of the imaged objects is reduced and therefore allows for processing times that are clinically acceptable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N. V.
    Inventors: Michael Kaus, Todd McNutt, Vladimir Pekar
  • DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MIXING MATERIALS
    Publication number: 20090281663
    Abstract: A dual-axis mixing device having a rotatable main support and one or more attached offset supports such as turntables is provided. The main support and offset rotational supports can be controlled independently of one another to reduce or prevent dead zone formation in materials mixed in the centrifuge. An operator can specify various rotation procedures depending on the materials to be mixed and the operator's observation of the materials during the mixing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventor: Todd ROBIDA
  • VIRTUAL ROBOT INTEGRATION WITH SEARCH
    Publication number: 20090281966
    Abstract: An arrangement for virtually integrating a bot with a search functionality provided by an online search engine enables users of personal computers (“PCs”), mobile phones, and other devices to locate bot content in response to their search queries. The virtual integration enables bot content to be surfaced via the search engine. In response to a query, the search engine may return search results including links to one or more bots that are located on a presence-based network. When the user clicks on a link, a client application is launched on the PC or device that enables the user to converse with the bot using a natural language interface. The virtual integration also provides the bot with context of the user's last known query, or the query history. The bot can then start the conversation at a specific point within the bot's content hierarchy to respond to and answer the user's query.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd Biggs, Campbell Gunn
  • Multipurpose Modular Lift Platform
    Publication number: 20090278098
    Abstract: A vertical lift mechanism (100, 100a, 100b) including: a lift support assembly (102) comprising an upper frame member (104), a lower frame member (106), the upper frame member is movable between a lowered position and a lifted position. The lift support assembly additionally includes a support mechanism (150) that holds and maintains the alignment between the upper frame member and a lower frame member as well as a powering unit to cause movement of the upper frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Todd J. Bacon
  • Compositions Comprising Receptor-Associated Protein (RAP) Variants Specific for CR-Containing Proteins and Uses Thereof
    Publication number: 20090281024
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to receptor-selective variants of the low-density lipoprotein receptor-associated protein (RAP) and compositions thereof, methods of generating such variants and methods of using such receptor-selective RAP variant compositions for therapeutic purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: RAPTOR PHARMACEUTICAL INC.
    Inventors: Todd C. Zankel, Christopher M. Starr
  • Compositions For Reducing Or Preventing The Degradation Of Articles Used In A Subterranean Environment And Methods Of Use Thereof
    Publication number: 20090277625
    Abstract: Described herein are compositions for reducing or preventing the degradation of equipment and articles exposed to hydrogen sulfide present in high concentrations in subterranean environments (e.g., oil and gas wells). The compositions are composed of a thermoplastic resin, a thermosetting resin, or a combination thereof, and at least one compound that interacts with hydrogen sulfide from the subterranean environment. In certain aspects, the compositions are coated on the article of interest. In other aspects, the composition is used to manufacture the article and, thus, is integrated throughout the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: YUN BAI, TIMOTHY G.J. JONES, BERNADETTE CRASTER, AHMED HAMMAMI, TODD YAKIMOSKI
  • SELF CALIBRATED MEASUREMENT OF INDEX OF REFRACTION CHANGES TO ULTRA-FAST PHENOMENA
    Publication number: 20090279076
    Abstract: A method for calibrating the angle-axis of signals measuring changes in an index of refraction. A pump beam is generated to propagate near a prism to induce index-changes in air by lining up air molecules outside of the prism. A generated probe beam is directed at the prism. A sinc2 pattern is then generated in a far-field based on a diffraction of a laser beam from a slit, where the laser beam is directed at the prism. An angle-axis of the sinc2 pattern is calibrated using maxima of the sinc2 pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Aaron C. Bernstein, Todd Ditmire, John R. Houser
  • ANTI-TIP INTERLOCKING LINKAGE MECHANISM FOR VERTICAL CABINETS
    Publication number: 20090278427
    Abstract: An anti-tip linkage mechanism for vertical file cabinets of the type having drawers and/or pivotal front panels includes molded polymeric cam follower housings that snap-fit onto each of the slide channels for the drawers or panels and non-circular connecting rods attached to cam actuators that enable interaction of the anti-tip mechanisms incorporated with each slide channel. Lock actuated auxiliary cam mechanisms and panel locking assemblies controllable by a single cabinet lock are connected with a cabinet lock by linkage bars or cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: COMPX INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Gary R. Ludwig, Jamie L. Payne, Todd T. Andres, Robert Dalton, Glyn A. Finch, JR., Nicholas L. Blackburn
  • COMMUNICATION DEVICE
    Publication number: 20090280871
    Abstract: A communication device includes a housing, a processor enclosed within the housing, a device display provided on the housing and in communication with the processor, at least one navigational input means in communication with the processor, at least one data entry input means in communication with the processor, and a pair of charging contacts provided on the housing and configured for engaging a corresponding charging accessory and enabling charging of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Joseph M. Hofer, Dulari Narayanar, Todd Andrew Wood