Patents by Inventor Steven C.

Steven C. 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: 20130151014
    Abstract: A user interface for use with an HVAC system, a method of providing service reminders on a single screen of a user interface of an HVAC system and an HVAC system incorporating the user interface or the method. In one embodiment, the user interface includes: (1) a display configured to provide information to a user, (2) a touchpad configured to accept input from the user, (3) a processor and memory coupled to the display and the touchpad and configured to drive the display and (4) at least one socket coupled to the processor and configured to receive a media card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Steven C. Lazar, Stephen J. Vendt, Daniel Castillo
  • Patent number: 8461620
    Abstract: An optically triggered semiconductor switch includes an anode metallization layer; a cathode metallization layer; a semiconductor between the anode metallization layer and the cathode metallization layer and a photon source. The semiconductor includes at least four layers of alternating doping in the form P-N-P-N, in which an outer layer adjacent to the anode metallization layer forms an anode and an outer layer adjacent the cathode metallization layer forms a cathode and in which the anode metallization layer has a window pattern of optically transparent material exposing the anode layer to light. The photon source emits light having a wavelength, with the light from the photon source being configured to match the window pattern of the anode metallization layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Pulsed Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Glidden, Howard D. Sanders
  • Patent number: 8460149
    Abstract: A power transmitting component that includes a housing, a differential case, a ring gear coupled to the differential case for rotation therewith, a pinion gear meshed with the ring gear, a bearing mount, a differential bearing and a retaining ring. The housing has a bearing mounting aperture and a retaining ring groove. The bearing mount is received in the bearing mounting aperture. The differential bearing disposed is between the differential case and the bearing mount. The retaining ring is received into the retaining ring groove and is sized in thickness a) to control a pattern of mesh between the ring gear and the pinion gear, b) to maintain a predetermined preload on the differential bearings, or c) to control the pattern of mesh between the ring gear and the pinion gear, and to maintain the predetermined preload on the differential bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Chemelli, Steven C. Smith
  • Patent number: 8460339
    Abstract: A suture clamp comprising a plurality of elements positioned together in a row, each element of the plurality of elements having a lower portion separated from an upper portion by a flexible neck, each element of the plurality of elements including a slot having an outwardly facing opening, the slots from the plurality of elements configured to accept a suture element through the row of elements and secure the suture element. A method of clamping a suture, including applying a biasing force to at least one element into the first position to provide access to the outwardly facing opening of the slot, passing the suture through a tissue layer, receiving the suture into the slot through the outward facing opening, and removing the biasing force to form a tortuous path between adjacently positioned elements of the plurality of elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Steven C. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8461730
    Abstract: An energy conversion system is described and includes a cylindrical rotor having a mass and multiple magnets affixed on an outer face thereof; a cylindrical stator including a dielectric cylinder wound with copper wire in a predetermined configuration, the cylindrical rotor being placed within the cylindrical stator; and a rotatable shaft for rotating the rotor, the rotatable shaft being placed in the center of the cylindrical rotor. The system harvests environmental energy for lower power generation and accounts for non-mechanical sources of rotational resistance within the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Science Applications International Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Hench, Charles R. Fralick
  • Publication number: 20130145453
    Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for a computer implemented method to unlock a mobile computing device and access applications (including services) on a mobile computing device through a launcher. The configuration includes mapping one or more applications with a guest access code. The configuration receives, through a display screen of a mobile computing device, an access code, and determines whether the received access code corresponds with the guest access code. The configuration identifies the mapped applications corresponding to the guest access code and provides for display, on a screen of the mobile computing device, the identified applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Steven C. Lemke
  • Publication number: 20130140843
    Abstract: A tonneau cover apparatus for securing a flexible cover about a cargo box of a pickup truck. The apparatus comprises the cover and a support frame for attachment to the cargo box. The frame has two opposing side rails, each of which has a lock engaging surface. The support frame further includes a pair of securing plate engagement members, each of which is secured to one of the respective opposing side rails. The apparatus further comprises a flexible cover securing plate attached to the cover. The flexible cover securing plate includes a channel and least one locking member. Each locking member is secured within the channel and each respective locking member is engagable with the lock engaging surface of the respective side rail such that the flexible cover securing plate is prevented from disengaging with respect to the respective side rail when it is in a first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Charles M. Schmeichel, Steven C. Schmeichel
  • Patent number: 8454806
    Abstract: Systems and methods for electrochemically oxidizing components of a test-sensor reagent prior to deposition on a test sensor comprise at least a first electrode and a second electrode for contacting the test-sensor reagent. The first electrode and the second electrode may have hollow interior portions for contacting the test-sensor reagent to produce a modified test-sensor reagent having a reduced background current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Sung-Kwon Jung, Steven C. Charlton, Dijia Huang
  • Patent number: 8458082
    Abstract: An automated loan risk assessment system and method are described. The system is adapted to receive information about a loan or an insurance application requesting insurance to cover same. The system calculates a risk score for the loan based on a plurality of risk factors including at least two of a fraud risk factor, a credit risk factor and a property valuation risk factor. The risk score can be used by a loan service provider in deciding whether or not to fund or insure the loan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Interthinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Halper, Constance A. Wilson, Stephen M. Hourigan
  • Patent number: 8453281
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient in radiation therapy and other applications. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure and a panel carried by the support structure. The support structure can have first and second support members, such as rigid girders or other structures comprising substantially dielectric materials. The panel is also a rigid structure comprising substantially dielectric materials. The panel can further include a pass-through zone or other type of zone that is compatible with an ionizing radiation beam. For example, the panel can have a grid or solid low-density structure that mitigates beam contamination. The support structure and the panel together are configured to position a magnetic marker implanted in the patient in a navigational zone in which a magnetic field transmitted from the marker is not affected by conductive components or loops of conductive material in the pedestals or cantilevered support structures of conventional patient support systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Dimmer, Matthew A. Herron, Edward J. Vertatschitsch
  • Publication number: 20130136811
    Abstract: Compositions containing four-herb extract combination or Wogonin are useful in methods for the reduction of pain. A four-herb combination is used to treat pain as well as reduce or prevent epileptic seizures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventor: Steven C. Schachter
  • Patent number: 8449449
    Abstract: Suction-assisted tissue-engaging devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that can be employed through minimal surgical incisions to engage tissue during a medical procedure through application of suction to the tissue through a suction member applied to the tissue. A shaft is introduced into a body cavity through a first incision, and a suction head is attached to the shaft via a second incision. The suction head is applied against the tissue by manipulation of the shaft and suction is applied to engage the tissue while the medical procedure is performed through the second incision. A system coupled to the shaft and a fixed reference point stabilizes the shaft and suction head. When the medical procedure is completed, suction is discontinued, the suction head is detached from the shaft and withdrawn from the body cavity through the second incision, and the shaft is retracted through the first incision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J. Haarstad, Christopher P. Olig, Paul T. Rothstein, Michael J. Hobday, William A. Steinberg, David J. S. Kim, Thomas P. Daigle, Ann M. Thomas, Brian J. Ross, Steven C. Christian, Robert H. Reetz, Douglas H. Gubbin
  • Patent number: 8449150
    Abstract: An optical element is disclosed. The optical element includes a single, transparent, rotationally-symmetric lens with a batwing shaped cross-section, extending angularly away from a longitudinal axis. The lens also includes a variety of curved, straight, specular and optionally diffuse portions on its longitudinal and transverse faces, all of which cause a variety of internal and external reflections, refractions, and optionally scattering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Allen, Hong Luo, Angela Hohl-AbiChedid
  • Patent number: 8450688
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for imaging subsurface features of a semiconductor object comprising a first region having a first doping property and a second region having a second doping property. The semiconductor object may comprise subsurface features and material between a surface of the semiconductor object and the subsurface features. The material may have an index of refraction that is greater than an index of refraction of a surrounding medium in contact with the surface of the semiconductor object. For example, a system may comprise an imaging device comprising an objective. The imaging device may be sensitive to a first wavelength. The system may also comprise an illumination source to emit illumination substantially at the first wavelength. The illumination may be directed towards the surface of the semiconductor object at a first angle relative to a normal of the surface. The first angle is greater than an acceptance angle of the objective of the imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen La Lumondiere, Terence Yeoh, Martin Siu Wo Leung, Neil A. Ives, William T. Lotshaw, Steven C. Moss
  • Patent number: 8451697
    Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk comprising a plurality of spiral tracks. During a seek operation, a demodulation window is opened in response to a window offset during a first revolution of the disk, wherein the demodulation window corresponds to the head approaching a spiral track. A window position error signal (PES) is generated representing a difference between a target framing of the demodulation window around the spiral track crossing and a detected framing of the demodulation window around the spiral track crossing. The window offset is adjusted in response to the first window PES, and the demodulation window is opened in response to the adjusted window offset during a second revolution of the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Rigney, Siri S. Weerasooriya, Steven C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130127185
    Abstract: A closure assembly includes a handle assembly having a grab bar. The grab bar is moveable in a normal direction relative to an exterior panel surface of the closure assembly between a retracted position and an extended position. When in the retracted position, an outboard surface of the grab bar is disposed approximately flush with the exterior panel surface. The closure assembly includes a position sensor configured for sensing the presence of an operator, and signals the handle assembly to move the grab bar into the extended position when the presence of the operator is sensed. When the grab bar is grasped, the handle assembly signals a latch mechanism to move into an un-latched position to allow the closure assembly to open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Lang, Hesham A. Ezzat, Joseph M. Polewarczyk
  • Publication number: 20130125472
    Abstract: A closure assembly includes a panel that defines an opening. A handle includes a grab bar that is moveable from a retracted position through the opening into an extended position. A cover is coupled to and moveable with the handle. The cover is disposed within the opening and flush with the exterior surface of the panel when in a closed position. When the handle moves from the retracted position into the extended position, the cover moves out of the closed position to allow the handle to pass through the opening. When the handle moves from the extended position into the retracted position, the cover moves into the closed position to close the opening. A closeout is coupled to and moveable with the handle. The closeout moves into an exposed position as the handle moves into the extended position to conceal the remainder of the opening not occupied by the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Polewarczyk, Hesham A. Ezzat, Steven C. Lang
  • Publication number: 20130125835
    Abstract: A livestock positioning apparatus for data collection and subsequent sorting is provided including a singulating transport, a livestock data collection station, and a sorting transport. The singulating transport singulates livestock from a collection thereof and feeds them into the data collection station. The data collection station positions the livestock through a pair of body conveyors and accumulates specific measurements thereof. The sorting transport then moves the livestock along the path determined by the collected data as compared to any predetermined parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Steven C. Sinn, Dennis R. Strickland
  • Patent number: 8447274
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method, system and computer program product for managing voicemail greetings on a wireless communication device based on the device's location. A user records location-specific voicemail greetings on the user's wireless communication device, and associates the greetings with specific locations. When an authorized caller calls the user's wireless communication device, the location of the user's wireless communication device is detected, and location information of the user's device is sent to a call switching component. The call switching component presents the caller with the voicemail greeting associated with the location of the user's wireless communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Martinianus B. Hadinata, Steven C. Lingafelt, John E. Moore, Brian M. O'Connell, Keith R. Walker
  • Patent number: 8443553
    Abstract: A closure assembly includes a panel that defines an opening. A handle includes a grab bar that is moveable from a retracted position through the opening into an extended position. A cover is coupled to and moveable with the handle. The cover is disposed within the opening and flush with the exterior surface of the panel when in a closed position. When the handle moves from the retracted position into the extended position, the cover moves out of the closed position to allow the handle to pass through the opening. When the handle moves from the extended position into the retracted position, the cover moves into the closed position to close the opening. A closeout is coupled to and moveable with the handle. The closeout moves into an exposed position as the handle moves into the extended position to conceal the remainder of the opening not occupied by the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Polewarczyk, Hesham A. Ezzat, Steven C. Lang