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).

  • Cellular phone and portable electronic device sun powered process
    Publication number: 20090195084
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable cellular phone or electronic device that is powered by a recharging process that does not employ conventional methods of recharging cellular phones such as AC 110V/220V into DC power or by a solar panel connected to said cellular phone or electronic device. The new process utilizes the sun's energy rays collected by solar panels from an orbiting space station or satellite and then beamed to earth solar power stations by low density microwaves (Microwave-Beaming Technology) or alternatively laser beams which are beamed to “rectenna” rectifying Antenna receiver which converts the energy into DC current and then transmitted to cellular phones or portable digital assistants (PDA).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Todd Allen Bland
  • DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIAL DISCHARGED FROM A ROTARY MOWER
    Publication number: 20090193778
    Abstract: A rotary mower apparatus includes a mower deck, and a mower blade rotatably mounted under the mower deck about a substantially vertical axis of rotation. The mower blade follows a circular path having a radius equal to a cutting radius, and a baffle plate extends downward from the mower deck adjacent to and outside the circular path. A vertical position of a bottom edge of the baffle plate can be adjusted from a lowered position to a raised position. A deflector plate can be attached such that a front edge thereof is pivotally mounted to the mower deck rearward of the mower blade such that the deflector plate extends downward and rearward from the front edge thereof, and such that the deflector plate can pivot a lowered to a raised position and be supported at a selected location in the pivot range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Todd Hofmann, Brian Siroski
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROL OF AN UNMANNED GROUND VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20090198400
    Abstract: Systems and methods for interruptible autonomous control of a vehicle. Autonomous control is achieved by using actuators that interact with input devices in the vehicle. The actuators (e.g., linkages) manipulate the input devices (e.g., articulation controls and drive controls, such as a throttle, brake, tie rods, steering gear, throttle lever, or accelerator) to direct the operation of the vehicle. Although operating autonomously, manual operation of the vehicle is possible following the detection of events that suggest manual control is desired. Subsequent autonomous control may be permitted, permitted after a prescribed delay, or prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: James Allard, David S. Barrett, Misha Filippov, Robert Todd Pack, Selma Svendsen
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ROUTING A CALL TO A LANDLINE COMMUNICATION UNIT OR A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION UNIT
    Publication number: 20090197607
    Abstract: Methods and Systems are provided for routing a call to a landline communication unit or a wireless communication unit based on the availability of the wireless communication unit. A call placed to a landline communication unit is routed to the wireless communication unit if the wireless communication unit is determined available. Otherwise, the call is routed to the landline communication unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: RICHARD N. ROBERTS, Todd August Bartels, Terrence J. McCarthy, Wayne Robert Heinmiller, Rodney T. Brand, Leslie Bernard Moore, Carlos H. Donoso, Kara Elisia Ford
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING VEHICLE FUNCTIONS
    Publication number: 20090195370
    Abstract: A method of controlling vehicle functions is provided that includes receiving at a service provider, security data from a vehicle function system. The security data is related to a security code required to activate one or more functions controlled by the vehicle function system. The method also includes receiving a vehicle function request at the service provider from a remote device. The vehicle function request indicates a request to activate a particular function of a vehicle. In addition, the method includes sending a vehicle function command from the service provider to a mobile wireless device. The vehicle function command is adapted to cause the mobile wireless device to transmit a wireless signal to activate the particular function of the vehicle and the vehicle function command includes the security code or authentication information related to the security code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: AT&T KNOWLEDGE VENTURES, LP
    Inventors: James Huffman, Todd W. Jones, Darren Kaufman
  • SELECTIVE SUBTYPE ALPHA 2 ADRENERGIC AGENTS AND METHODS FOR USE THEREOF
    Publication number: 20090197898
    Abstract: The invention provides well-defined heterocyclic compounds that are useful as subtype selective alpha 2 adrenergic agonists. As such, the compounds described herein are useful in treating a wide variety of disorders associated with selective subtype modulation of alpha 2 adrenergic receptors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Todd M. Heidelbaugh, Ken Chow, Santosh C. Sinha, Phong X. Nguyen, Ling Li, Wenkui K. Fang, Janet A. Takeuchi, Smita Bhat
  • DEVICE AND METHOD FOR IRRADIATING BLOOD
    Publication number: 20090198169
    Abstract: A device for irradiating blood is provided, the device including a chamber having an elongate configuration defining a hollow interior, the chamber formed of reflective material, a tubular cassette sized and shaped to be received in the interior of the chamber, the tubular cassette having an inside diameter sized and shaped to receive a reflective core having an elongate configuration with an exterior diameter smaller than the interior diameter of the cassette to provide a space for receiving and holding blood stationary, and an array of light-emitting members arranged on the chamber for emitting light of at least one wavelength into the interior of the chamber for irradiating and treating the blood inside the cassette.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: PRISM BIOTECH, INC.
    Inventor: Todd John Baumeister
  • DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIAL DISCHARGED FROM A ROTARY MOWER
    Publication number: 20090193779
    Abstract: A rotary mower apparatus includes a mower deck, and a mower blade rotatably mounted under the mower deck about a substantially vertical axis of rotation. The mower blade follows a circular path having a radius equal to a cutting radius, and a baffle plate extends downward from the mower deck adjacent to and outside the circular path. A vertical position of a bottom edge of the baffle plate can be adjusted from a lowered position to a raised position. A deflector plate can be attached such that a front edge thereof is pivotally mounted to the mower deck rearward of the mower blade such that the deflector plate extends downward and rearward from the front edge thereof, and such that the deflector plate can pivot a lowered to a raised position and be supported at a selected location in the pivot range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Todd Hofmann, Brian Siroski
  • Telemetry-Enabled Trap Monitoring System
    Publication number: 20090193707
    Abstract: Disclosed is a trap including a status LED configured to indicate a trap status, a door sensor configured to indicate a door status, and a status button, configured to: 1) wake a micro controller such that the telemetry-enabled trap can be registered with a telemetry system, and 2) cause the status LED to indicate at least the trap status and the door status. Also disclosed is a method for monitoring the trap. The method includes receiving GPS data, monitoring the GPS data for valid positional information, and receiving an event message from a trap tracker module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Todd Moran, Darrel Hollis, Frank Bowers, Leo Desjardins, Michael Cruse, Kevin Keegan, Bret Warren
  • ALISKIREN MODULATION OF NEUROGENESIS
    Publication number: 20090197823
    Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions and methods for treating diseases and conditions of the central and peripheral nervous system by stimulating or increasing neurogenesis by use of a renin inhibitor in combination with one or more neurogenic agents. The disclosure also includes compositions and methods for stimulating or activating the formation of new nerve cells based on the application of a renin inhibitor in combination with one or more neurogenic agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: BrainCells, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrolee Barlow, Todd A. Carter, Andrew Morse, Kai Treuner, Kym I. Lorrain
  • FLUORESCENT VOLUME LIGHT SOURCE WITH ACTIVE CHROMPHORE
    Publication number: 20090196046
    Abstract: An illumination system, such as might be used for illuminating a projection system, includes at least a first source of incoherent light capable of generating light in a first wavelength range. The system includes at least one active chromophore layer, sandwiched by transparent materials into a multi-layer body. They active chromphore layer emits light in a second wavelength range, different from the first wavelength range, when illuminated by light in the first wavelength range. The multi-layer body has an extraction area and at least some of the light at the second wavelength is internally reflected within the body to the extraction area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Todd S. Rutherford, Roy A. Auerbach
  • MANUALLY SELECTABLE INSTANTANEOUS CURRENT SETTINGS FOR A TRIP UNIT AND ELECTRICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20090195337
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, and a trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the contacts. The trip mechanism includes a current transformer structured to sense a current flowing through the contacts and provide a signal representative of the current. A manually operable selector selects one of a plurality of predetermined current conditions by using a plurality of different zener diodes. Each of the predetermined current conditions is greater than an arc reduction maintenance current condition of four times the maximum rated current of the trip mechanism. An instantaneous trip circuit cooperates with the current transformer and the manually operable selector to compare the signal representative of the current with respect to the selected one of the predetermined current conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: HARRY J. CARLINO, Todd M. Shaak
  • Modular Basement Finishing System
    Publication number: 20090193739
    Abstract: A seamless wall finishing system has a plurality of wall panels which are spaced apart from an exterior wall. The spacing creates an air gap which provides an airflow passage between the exterior wall and the second surface of the wall panels. The wall panels have a mold resistant non-organic thread or yarn wall covering which is adhered to a central portion of a first surface of each of the wall panels so as to define a pair of uncovered areas on opposite sides of each of the plurality of wall panels such that when a first of the plurality of wall panels is mounted adjacent a second of the plurality of wall panels a vertically extending seam is created which is filled with a seam tape made from the mold resistant nylon yarn wall covering. A method of assembling the modular basement wall finishing system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: ADVANCED BASEMENT PRODUCTS
    Inventor: Todd Jackson
  • Cyclothiocarbamate derivatives as progesterone receptor modulators
    Patent number: 7569564
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: 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
  • Easy load sheet product dispenser
    Patent number: 7568652
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a cover; a housing back member; a hinge coupling the housing back member and the cover such that the cover is pivotable between an open position and a closed position, the cover and the housing back member collectively forming a housing of the dispenser; a first and second mounting bracket coupled to the housing back member; and a rotatable carousel removably mounted to the first and second mounting brackets, wherein the brackets and carousel are configured such that the carousel is movable between an inner, locked position for dispensing and an outer, rotatable position for reloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Antonio M. Cittadino, Matthew T. Wilcox, Michael R. Kilgore, Karl D. Kissinger, Todd D. Schuelke
  • Diagnostic method and apparatus for a pressurized gas supply system
    Patent number: 7568507
    Abstract: A diagnostic method for a gas supply system includes: determining a desired ramp rate for filling a vessel from a supply of compressed gas; monitoring the actual pressure of gas entering the vessel; and discontinuing the flow of gas into the vessel when the actual pressure deviates from the intended pressure at the desired ramp rate by an undesired amount. A system for carrying out the method includes a flow controller for controlling operation of the supply system to deliver compressed gas from a source to a vessel through a supply line at a desired ramp rate. The system employs a pressure monitor downstream of a control valve for measuring the pressure of gas directed into the vessel and transmitting pressure-related data to the flow controller, which closes the control valve to discontinue filling of the vessel if the actual pressure exceeds a permissible deviation from the intended pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: David John Farese, Todd Eric Carlson, Joseph Perry Cohen, Amanda Elizabeth Witmer, Keith H. Schultz
  • Vehicle and suspension system for negotiating low traction situations
    Patent number: 7571044
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle having a suspension is provided. The method comprises, during longitudinal oscillations of the vehicle, adjusting a suspension member to vary a normal force between the vehicle and the surface, where the suspension adjustment is based on the longitudinal oscillations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Brown, Jahan Asgari, Eric Tseng, Davor Hrovat
  • Apparatus for injecting gas into a vessel
    Patent number: 7568681
    Abstract: An apparatus for injecting gas into a metallurgical vessel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a gas flow duct, an elongate central tubular structure extending within the gas flow duct, a plurality of flow directing swirl vanes disposed about the central tubular structure, and cooling water passages within the central tubular structure. The forward end of the central structure has a nose portion that includes a domed outer shell, an inner component disposed within the outer shell and formed with an internal nozzle to receive water from the cooling water passages and to direct that water in a jet against the inner surface of the outer shell to produce an outwardly and backwardly fanning flow of water around the inner surface of the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Technology Resources Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Eric Tierney, George Cingle, III, Michael Mattich, Todd Smith
  • Transfer switch with generator maintenance indicator
    Patent number: 7569949
    Abstract: A transfer switch having a transfer control provides electric power to a load. The transfer switch includes a power switching device provided with electric power from a first power source, such as a utility power source, and a second power source, such as a generator power source. The transfer control is structured to monitor the second power source, maintain a runtime count of the second power source, locate a piece of data concerning a maintenance procedure in a storage corresponding to a current value of the runtime count, and provide an indication of a need to perform the maintenance procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Matthew Lathrop, Bert Popovich
  • Upright rear wall extension for refrigerator shelves
    Patent number: 7568583
    Abstract: An extending vertical wall secures to the rear edge of a shelf assembly inside a refrigerator compartment. The vertical wall comprises a vertical panel with two downwardly protruding legs. The legs removably reside within sockets included in the rear edge of the refrigerator shelf assembly. When the vertical wall is attached to the refrigerator shelf assembly, the vertical wall prevents items placed on the shelf from toppling off the back edge of the shelf assembly. At the user's discretion, the vertical wall may be quickly and easily removed from the shelf assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the wall is a formed retainer having an inserted U-shape such that the legs are received in the shelf sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Forrest F. Wing, John J. Pink, Eric S. Svenby, Michael J. Eveland, Todd E. Kniffen, Ravi K. Sawhney, Timothy Mark Nugent, John Frank Zinni