Patents by Inventor Eric Lai

Eric Lai 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).

  • Publication number: 20240150080
    Abstract: A method of coating and decorating a steel surface is described herein. The method includes applying a powder-coat, curing the powder-coat, printing a design, decoration, or logo in ink, and curing the ink resulting in an improved decorated steels surface. Additionally, a decorated steel surface is described, having a first layer of steel, a second layer of powder-coating, and a third layer of ink. A decorated stainless steel container is also described having an interior surface and an exterior surface of steel. The exterior surface having a first layer of powder-coating and a second layer of ink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Curt Mahlstedt, Dhamodharan Vayalur, Justin Guthrie, Corey Ryan, Greg Kuppler, Eric Lai
  • Publication number: 20230404144
    Abstract: Provided is an electronic vaporizer comprising: a housing, a tip with an opening configured to be in an open and a closed position; a liquid in vapor communication with the tip when the tip is in the open position; a heating element for heating the liquid; and a battery for providing electricity to the heating element; wherein a user can use the vaporizer when the tip is in an open configuration and close the tip when the user is not using the vaporizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventor: Eric Lai
  • Publication number: 20190078161
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for identifying clinical trial responders from a placebo group in clinical trials for treating depression and/or major depressive disorder (MDD). The present invention further provides methods and kits for treating depression and/or MDD in an individual, and for identifying the likelihood that an individual suffering from depression and/or MDD will respond favorably to administration of a placebo and/or experience an enhanced placebo effect when administered a placebo. These methods and kits comprise determining the presence of polymorphisms in the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor gene (BDNF), the B-Cell CLL/Lymphoma 2 gene (BCL2), and/or intergenic regions in an individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Applicant: Tekada Pharmaceutical Company Limited
    Inventors: Jarlath Ffrench-Mullen, Eric Lai
  • Publication number: 20170137880
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating depression such as major depressive disorder (MDD) in an individual. The invention further provides methods for determining if an individual suffering from depression is likely to respond favorably or experience an enhanced treatment effect in response to treatment with vortioxetine. The present invention also provides methods for treating cognitive impairment in an individual, optionally wherein the individual also suffers from depression and/or MDD. The invention further provides methods for determining if an individual suffering from cognitive impairment is likely to respond favorably or experience an enhanced treatment effect in response to treatment with vortioxetine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
    Inventors: Jarlath Ffrench-Mullen, Eric Lai
  • Patent number: 8511118
    Abstract: By employing a deadbolt construction for virtually eliminating the ability of the shackle to be removed from the housing by the application of excessive force, an effective, easily produced, padlock is achieved which also incorporates two separate and independent locking systems formed in a single padlock. In the present invention, a single housing and a single shackle assembly are employed and are constructed for enabling the shackle to be released from locked engagement with the housing using either a rotatable dial combination construction or a key activated tumbler construction. Furthermore, the rotatable combination defining dials, which controls the release of the shackle using the preset combination, are coaxially aligned, peripherally surrounding the key controlled tumbler/cylinder. As a result, a compact construction is realized, as well as an efficient and effective release construction which is shared by both the combination controlled section as well as the key controlled section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: The Sun Lock Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Lai, Karl Lai
  • Patent number: 8261583
    Abstract: By employing a deadbolt construction for virtually eliminating the ability of the shackle to be removed from the housing by the application of excessive force, an effective, easily produced, padlock is achieved which also incorporates two separate and independent locking systems formed in a single padlock. In the present invention, a single housing and a single shackle assembly are employed and are constructed for enabling the shackle to be released from locked engagement with the housing either a rotatable dial combination construction or a key activated tumbler construction. Furthermore, the rotatable combination defining dials, which controls the release of the shackle using the preset combination, are coaxially aligned, peripherally surrounding the key controlled tumbler/cylinder. As a result, a compact construction is realized, as well as an efficient and effective release construction which is shared by both the combination controlled section as well as the key controlled section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: The Sun Lock Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Lai, Karl Lai
  • Patent number: 8096150
    Abstract: By providing two separate and independent locking system formed in a single padlock construction which is employed for securely holding and locking zipper pull tabs, an effective, easily produced, padlock is achieved which is responsive to both a combination controlled locking system and a key controlled locking system for independently enabling the zipper pull tabs to be released and/or lockingly engaged in response to the activation of either locking system. In the present invention, an easily assembled, compact, highly efficient dual mode, zipper pull locking system is achieved by employing a pair of spring biased locking latch members which are constructed for being inserted in the apertures formed in each of the conventional zipper pulls/tabs employed on luggage, briefcases, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: The Sun Lock Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Lai, Karl Lai
  • Patent number: 7765840
    Abstract: By providing a single housing and shackle assembly constructed for enabling the shackle to be opened and/or closed using either a rotatable dial combination construction or a key activating tumbler construction, with the movement of the shackle being controlled by a trigger member, an effective, easily produced, padlock is achieved which incorporates two separate and independent locking systems formed in a single padlock. In addition, the trigger member and shackle each incorporate uniquely constructed, cooperating surfaces, each of which comprise a grooved zone or concave curved zone which is positioned directly adjacent a cooperating convexly curved zone. By employing these two curved surfaces on both the shackle and trigger member, the controlled pivotal movement of the shackle is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: The Sun Lock Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Lai, Karl Lai
  • Publication number: 20100095718
    Abstract: By employing a deadbolt construction for virtually eliminating the ability of the shackle to be removed from the housing by the application of excessive force, an effective, easily produced, padlock is achieved which also incorporates two separate and independent locking systems formed in a single padlock. In the present invention, a single housing and a single shackle assembly are employed and are constructed for enabling the shackle to be released from locked engagement with the housing using either a rotatable dial combination construction or a key activated tumbler construction. Furthermore, the rotatable combination defining dials, which controls the release of the shackle using the preset combination, are coaxially aligned, peripherally surrounding the key controlled tumbler/cylinder. As a result, a compact construction is realized, as well as an efficient and effective release construction which is shared by both the combination controlled section as well as the key controlled section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Eric Lai, Karl Lai
  • Patent number: 7562545
    Abstract: By providing two separate and independent locking systems formed in a single padlock, with both locking systems independently enabling a single shackle latching member to be controllably activated for allowing the single shackle to be released and/or lockingly engaged, an effective, easily produced, multi-purpose padlock is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, a single housing and shackle assembly are employed and constructed for enabling the shackle to be released from locked engagement with the shackle latching member by using either a rotatable dial combination construction or a key activating tumbler construction. In this way, a dual locking and releasing padlock is achieved which virtually eliminates the difficulties typically encountered with known, prior art lock configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: The Sun Lock Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Lai, Karl Lai
  • Publication number: 20090113947
    Abstract: By employing a deadbolt construction for virtually eliminating the ability of the shackle to be removed from the housing by the application of excessive force, an effective, easily produced, padlock is achieved which also incorporates two separate and independent locking systems formed in a single padlock. In the present invention, a single housing and a single shackle assembly are employed and are constructed for enabling the shackle to be released from locked engagement with the housing either a rotatable dial combination construction or a key activated tumbler construction. Furthermore, the rotatable combination defining dials, which controls the release of the shackle using the preset combination, are coaxially aligned, peripherally surrounding the key controlled tumbler/cylinder. As a result, a compact construction is realized, as well as an efficient and effective release construction which is shared by both the combination controlled section as well as the key controlled section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Eric Lai, Karl Lai
  • Patent number: 7467529
    Abstract: By providing two separate and independent locking systems, each of which enable the mating components thereof to be released and/or lockingly engaged by employing either a key controlled portion or a combination controlled portion, with each component mounted to opposed ends of a continuous strap or belt member, an effective, easily produced lockable luggage strap assembly is achieved that is formed in a single assembly. In the preferred, a single housing is employed in which all of the required components are contained, with the housing being securely affixed to one end of an elongated, continuous strap member. In addition, the opposed end of the strap is securely affixed to a slider member which is constructed for mating, sliding and locking interengagement with the housing. In this way, the slider member is securely lockingly interengaged with the housing, providing secure, locked mounted engagement of the strap assembly with the luggage or desired product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: The Sun Lock Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Lai, Karl Lai
  • Patent number: 7467531
    Abstract: By providing an automatically activated positive indicator or signal which is responsive to only the use of a master key, a padlock construction is achieved which is highly effective for providing notice to the user whenever the padlock has been opened by said master key. In accordance with the present invention, the positive indicator or signal is constructed for being automatically activated whenever the master key is employed, with said indicator or signal being locked in its activated position, and capable of being re-set by only the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: The Sun Lock Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Lai, Karl Lai
  • Publication number: 20080087049
    Abstract: By providing two separate and independent locking system formed in a single padlock construction which is employed for securely holding and locking zipper pull tabs, an effective, easily produced, padlock is achieved which is responsive to both a combination controlled locking system and a key controlled locking system for independently enabling the zipper pull tabs to be released and/or lockingly engaged in response to the activation of either locking system. In the present invention, an easily assembled, compact, highly efficient dual mode, zipper pull locking system is achieved by employing a pair of spring biased locking latch members which are constructed for being inserted in the apertures formed in each of the conventional zipper pulls/tabs employed on luggage, briefcases, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Eric Lai, Karl Lai
  • Publication number: 20080083251
    Abstract: By providing a single housing and shackle assembly constructed for enabling the shackle to be opened and/or closed using either a rotatable dial combination construction or a key activating tumbler construction, with the movement of the shackle being controlled by a trigger member, an effective, easily produced, padlock is achieved which incorporates two separate and independent locking systems formed in a single padlock. In addition, the trigger member and shackle each incorporate uniquely constructed, cooperating surfaces, each of which comprise a grooved zone or concave curved zone which is positioned directly adjacent a cooperating convexly curved zone. By employing these two curved surfaces on both the shackle and trigger member, the controlled pivotal movement of the shackle is realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Eric Lai, Karl Lai
  • Patent number: 7269985
    Abstract: By providing a magnifying member which is securely affixed to the housing of a combination padlock in cooperating association with the rotating dials thereof, an easily produced, combination padlock is achieved which provides a display zone for the pre-set combination wherein the indicia formed on each of the dials is easily seen and readily visible for any user. By positioning the magnifying member in overlying, aligned relationship with the rotatable dials, the visibility of the indicia formed on each dial is greatly enhanced. As a result, any user is able to immediately determine and recognize the different indicia formed on each rotatable dial, and quickly position the combination of indicia which represent the preselected combination for releasing the shackle from locked engagement with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: The Sun Lock Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Lai, Karl Lai
  • Publication number: 20070148641
    Abstract: Methods of assessing the risk of clinical signs of hypersensitivity reaction to nucleoside antiviral compounds, including abacavir, are described. The methods include genotyping subjects for polymorphisms in the TNF? gene, the class 1 HLA genes, or a combination of both the TNF? and HLA genes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Seth Hetherington, Arlene Hughes, Eric Lai, Michael Mosteller, Denise Shortino
  • Publication number: 20070137270
    Abstract: By providing a magnifying member which is securely affixed to the housing of a combination padlock in cooperating association with the rotating dials thereof, an easily produced, combination padlock is achieved which provides a display zone for the pre-set combination wherein the indicia formed on each of the dials is easily seen and readily visible for any user. By positioning the magnifying member in overlying, aligned relationship with the rotatable dials, the visibility of the indicia formed on each dial is greatly enhanced. As a result, any user is able to immediately determine and recognize the different indicia formed on each rotatable dial, and quickly position the combination of indicia which represent the preselected combination for releasing the shackle from locked engagement with the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Eric Lai, Karl Lai
  • Patent number: 7225648
    Abstract: By providing two separate and independent locking systems formed in a single padlock, with both locking systems independently enabling the single shackle to be released and/or lockingly engaged, in combination with a signal/indicator system constructed to provide a positive notification when one of said systems is employed, an effective, easily produced, multi-purpose signal providing padlock is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, a single housing and shackle assembly are employed and constructed for enabling the shackle to be released from locked engagement with the housing using either a rotatable dial combination construction or a key activating tumbler construction. In addition, a signal/indicator is activated whenever the key controlled locking section is employed with the signal/indicator being locked in position, for resetting by only the user/owner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: The Sun Lock Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Lai, Karl Lai
  • Patent number: 7140209
    Abstract: By providing two separate and independent locking systems formed in a single padlock, with both locking systems independently enabling the single shackle to be released and/or lockingly engaged, an effective, easily produced, multi-purpose padlock is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, a single housing and shackle assembly are employed and constructed for enabling the shackle to be released from locked engagement with the housing using either a rotatable dial combination construction or a key activating tumbler construction. In this way, a dual locking and releasing padlock is achieved which virtually eliminates the difficulties typically encountered with known, prior art lock configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: The Sun Lock Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Eric Lai