Patents by Inventor Robert To

Robert To 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).

  • Read-out device and method for reading out X-rays stored in phosphor layers
    Publication number: 20060180778
    Abstract: A read-out device reads out X-rays stored in phosphor layers. To improve image quality, the read-out device is controlled such that an X-ray of a first body part, e.g. of a limb, stored in a phosphor layer is read out by the read-out device controlled in a first read-out mode, and an X-ray of a second, different body part, e.g. of a thorax, stored in the phosphor layer is read out by the read-out device controlled in a second read-out mode. The scan parameters of the read-out device set in the first read-out mode are different from the scan parameters set in the second read-out mode in at least one scan parameter. The scan parameters include, but are not limited to, the size of the pixels, the intensity and/or the width of a focus range of stimulation light on the phosphor layer, the sampling rate of a detector, and a speed of the phosphor layer in relative movement to the read-out device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Fasbender, Clemens Herrmann, Johan Lamotte, Stephan Mair, Horst Scherer, Jorg Frankenberger
  • Automated system for conditional order transactions in securities or other items in commerce
    Publication number: 20060184447
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of automatically and anonymously buying and selling positions in fungible properties between subscribers. The specific embodiment described in the disclosure relates to the buying and selling of securities or contracts where the offer to purchase or sell the property may be conditioned upon factors such as the ability to purchase or sell other property or the actual purchase or sale of other property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Nieboer, Pedro (Peter) Balcarce, Ivan Zhidov, Micah Eldred
  • Composite article and method of manufacture
    Publication number: 20060182926
    Abstract: Shower trays and like articles are formed from a composite article in which an outer shell of plastics material encases a core of filler. The outer shell includes upper and lower members that co-operate to form the outer shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: William Lewis, Paul Gostling, Ian Battye, John Magee, Robert Garrigan
  • Additive system for use in paper making and process of using the same
    Publication number: 20060183816
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate to an additive system comprising a cationic latex and an anionic polymer; as well as a process utilizing the additive system for making paper where the process is effective in all grades of paper, particularly those grades used for printing and writing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Gelman, Brian Ranson
  • Urine sample collection device
    Publication number: 20060184064
    Abstract: A urine collection device includes a support apparatus for supporting the urine collection device on a toilet. An attachment section attaches to a sample holder and a collection section receives and directs urine into the sample holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Applicant: SAMPLE RITE, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Paasch, Michael Woodward, Anthony Arnautov
  • Read-out device and method for reading out X-rays stored in phosphor layers
    Publication number: 20060180777
    Abstract: In order to improve the picture quality of X-rays, a read-out control is provided for controlling a read-out device such that a first storage phosphor layer, which has a first thickness d1, is read out by the read-out device controlled in a first read-out mode, and a second storage phosphor layer, which has a second thickness d2 which is greater than the first thickness d1, is read out by the read-out device controlled in a second read-out mode, the second read-out mode being different from the first read-out mode. The scan parameters of the read-out device set in the first read-out mode are different from the scan parameters set in the second read-out mode in at least one scan parameter. The scan parameters are, for example, the size of the pixels, a pulse duration and/or intensity and/or width of a focus range of stimulation light, integration time and/or feed time of the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Jorg Frankenberger, Robert Fasbender, Clemens Herrmann, Johan Lamotte, Stephan Mair, Horst Scherer
  • MEM's reed switch array
    Publication number: 20060181374
    Abstract: A MEM's reed switch array is provided having a first switch having a sensitivity causing the first switch to open or close due to a magnetic flux, and a second switch of lesser sensitivity than the first switch causing the second switch to open or close due to a magnetic flux. The first switch can be parallel to the second switch, or the first switch can be proximate to the second switch so that a center line of the first switch is coaxial to a center line of the second switch. Further, a security device for residential and/or commercial use is provided, having a magnet housing having a magnet, a switch housing having a MEM's reed switch array with a first switch and a second switch, and a gap between the magnet housing and the switch housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Applicant: Honeywell Internatioanl, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lee, Kenneth Eskildsen, Kevin Piel
  • Lubricant collection apparatus
    Publication number: 20060180396
    Abstract: An apparatus for collecting lubricant, such as from a vacuum pump, is disclosed. In certain embodiments the apparatus includes a cabinet for retaining a vacuum pump and a variable depth basin beneath the cabinet for collecting lubricant from a vacuum pump. In specific implementations the variable depth basin is deepest proximate the front of the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Ricker, Viet Nguyen, Bernard Permar, Jerome Szczepaniak, Lindy Miller, Eric Schneider, Bill Ocker
  • Biosensor membrane material
    Publication number: 20060183871
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide various multipolymers and permselective membranes for use with biosensors and other implantable medical devices and prostheses. Embodiments of the present invention may provide structural strength and integrity, and further may control the influx of glucose, oxygen and/or water. Embodiments of the present invention may, for example, minimize or reduce the influx of glucose by minimizing the percentage of hydrophilic segments, which in turn minimizes the percentage of water uptake and the degree of glucose transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Ward, Yuan Tian, W. Ward, Ellen Anderson, Jody House
  • Polishing pad
    Publication number: 20060183412
    Abstract: A polishing pad is described as comprising, (a) particulate polymer which can be chosen from particulate thermoplastic polymer (e.g., particulate thermoplastic polyurethane), particulate crosslinked polymer (e.g., particulate crosslinked polyurethane and/or particulate crosslinked polyepoxide) and mixtures thereof; and (b) organic polymer binder (e.g., polyurethane binder and/or polyepoxide binder), which can bind the particulate polymer together, wherein said organic polymer binder can be prepared in-situ . The particulate polymer and organic polymer binder can be distributed substantially across the work surface the polishing pad, and the pad can have a percent pore volume of from 2 percent by volume to 50 percent by volume, based on the total volume of said polishing pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: William Allison, Robert Swisher, Alan Wang
  • Dual motorcycle trailer
    Publication number: 20060181064
    Abstract: A motorcycle trailer converts between a single mode, for towing one motorcycle, and a dual mode for towing two motorcycles. In the single mode, a longitudinal frame includes a front member, a center member and a rear member which assemble to provide an elongate, narrow platform with a tire channel for receiving the front and rear wheels of a motorcycle. Left and right wheel assemblies each include a wheel with a tire, an axle and an axle extension that slides into an axle sleeve fixed to the underside of the longitudinal frame. A straight coupler is fitted to the front member for hitching the assembled trailer to a tow vehicle. In the dual mode, two assembled longitudinal frames, each having the front member, center member and rear member, are positioned in parallel spaced relation and an axle extension is connected between the axle sleeves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Maxwell
  • Apparatus for blow molding
    Publication number: 20060182841
    Abstract: A molding tool for molding a substantially hollow article from a tubular parison comprises molding surfaces defining at least one cavity for forming a hollow portion of a molded article, the hollow portions having walls formed by expansion of the parison within the cavities and defining at least one solid area of the article to be molded attached to a wall of a hollow portion, the solid area comprising waste of the article as molded and the molding surfaces comprising surface undulations effective to improve the rate of heat transfer between the molding surfaces and the molding material comprising the solid areas. A mold assembly for molding hollow articles from tubular parisons comprises a molding tool in accordance with the invention. A blow molding machine comprises a mold assembly in accordance with the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Rick Rodriguez, Robert Padley, A. Maddox
  • Methodology for effectively utilizing processor cache in an electronic system
    Publication number: 20060184735
    Abstract: A system and method for efficiently performing processing operations includes a processor configured to control processing operations in an electronic apparatus, and a memory coupled to the electronic apparatus for storing electronic information. A cache is provided for locally storing cache data copied by the processor from target data in the memory. The processor typically modifies the cache data stored in the cache. When an external device initiates a read operation to access the target data, the processor responsively updates the target data with the cache data. In addition, the processor utilizes cache-data retention procedures to retain the cache data locally in the cache to facilitate subsequent processing operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Hillman
  • Metal gate carbon nanotube transistor
    Publication number: 20060180859
    Abstract: A top metal gate carbon nanotube transistor may be provided which has acceptable electrical characteristics. The transistor may be formed over a structure including a semiconductor substrate made of an epitaxial layer and covered with an insulating layer. The carbon nanotubes may be deposited thereover, source and drains defined, and a metal gate electrode applied over a high dielectric constant gate dielectric. The processing may be such that the carbon nanotubes are protected from high temperature processing and excessively oxidizing atmospheres.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Marko Radosavljevic, Amlan Majumdar, Suman Datta, Jack Kavalieros, Brian Doyle, Justin Brask, Robert Chau
  • Cartesian robot design
    Publication number: 20060182535
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing substrates using a multi-chamber processing system, or cluster tool, that has an increased system throughput, increased system reliability, improved device yield performance, a more repeatable wafer processing history (or wafer history), and a reduced footprint. The various embodiments of the cluster tool may utilize two or more robots that are configured in a parallel processing configuration to transfer substrates between the various processing chambers retained in the processing racks so that a desired processing sequence can be performed on the substrates. In one aspect, the parallel processing configuration contains two or more robot assemblies that are adapted to move in a vertical and horizontal directions, to access the various processing chambers retained in generally adjacently positioned processing racks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Mike Rice, Jeffrey Hudgens, Charles Carlson, William Weaver, Robert Lowrance, Eric Englhardt, Dean Hruzek, Mario Silvetti, Michael Kuchar, Vinay Shah
  • Method and system for contextual site rating
    Publication number: 20060184608
    Abstract: The present invention allows a user or community of users to rate content across a variety of web sites and display contextual sensitive reviews. Rather than the rating information being controlled by the web site owner, the rating information may be owned and controlled by a third party. Users have the ability to rate a web site, review ratings from a web site, or operate a web site rating system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Williams, Mark Wilson-Thomas, Martin Peck, Robert Wilcox, Andrew Burns, Martin Grayson
  • Diagnostic assay for thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (fafi)
    Publication number: 20060183172
    Abstract: The invention relates to a diagnostic assay for selectively measuring levels of the 35kD form of thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFla or TAFlai), or a derivative or variant thereof, but not the TAFI proenzyme (TAFI) or the N-terminal activation peptide of TAFI.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Greenfield, Seoung An
  • Methods for identifying compounds for regulating muscle mass or function using dopamine receptors
    Publication number: 20060183735
    Abstract: Screening methods for identifying compounds that bind to or activate (D1 or D5 dopamine receptors individually or in combination) or regulate or potentially regulate skeletal muscle mass or function in vivo. Also disclosed are screening methods for identifying compounds that prolong or augment the activation of D1 or D5 dopamine receptors or of D1 or D5 dopamine receptor signal transduction pathways and increase D1 or D5 dopamine receptor expression. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising D1 or D5 dopamine receptor agonists, antibodies to D1 or D5 dopamine receptors and methods for increasing skeletal muscle mass or function or for the treatment of skeletal muscle atrophy using D1 or D5 dopamine receptors as the target for intervention and methods for treatment of muscular dystrophies are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robert Isfort, Russell Sheldon
  • Instrument tilting apparatus
    Publication number: 20060180397
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting the orientation of a lubricant-retaining basin is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cabinet configured for retaining a vacuum pump and a lubricant-retaining basin. A rotatable member engages the lubricant-retaining basin and elevates the back end of the basin to permit drainage of lubricant from the front end of the basin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Ricker, Viet Nguyen, Bernard Permar, Jerome Szczepaniak, Lindy Miller, Eric Schneider, Bill Ocker
  • Methods for using an implantable sensor unit
    Publication number: 20060183979
    Abstract: A method for obtaining data using an implantable sensor unit in a body of a patient includes: implanting the sensor unit in the body; conducting an imaging procedure on the body such that the sensor unit in the body serves as a fiducial marker; detecting a parameter using the sensor unit in the body; and transmitting data associated with the detected parameter from the sensor unit to a remote receiver unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Christopher Rini, Robert Black