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: 20120219967
    Abstract: The present invention describes new cholinergic/serotoninergic chimeric receptors and provides methods and compositions suitable for screening for ligands such as agonists, antagonists and allosteric modulators of ?7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Murali Gopalakrishnan, Jinhe Li, Steven C. Cassar, John Malysz, David J. Anderson, Earl J. Gubbins, Daniel C. Bertrand
  • Publication number: 20120216813
    Abstract: A patient interface of the present invention includes a faceplate including a plurality of headgear attachment elements, a seal member operatively coupled to the faceplate; and an adjustment mechanism coupling the seal member to the faceplate. The adjustment mechanism controls the position of the seal member relative to the faceplate such that the seal member is moveable from a first position to a second position and is maintained in the second position during use of the patient interface after being moved to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC.
    Inventors: Jerome MATULA, JR., Jason P. EATON, Peter Chi Fai HO, James DiPASQUALE, Derrick ANDREWS, Eugene N. SCARBERRY, Steven C. STEGMAN
  • Patent number: 8255737
    Abstract: The techniques introduced here include storage systems including a storage controller configured to access data and a storage subsystem including a storage device having n ports, where n is an integer greater than one, and where the storage device is configured to store the data and to make the data available to the storage controller via each of the n ports. The storage systems also include a communication fabric configured to couple the storage controller to each of the n ports of the storage device via m paths, where m is an integer greater than n, so that the storage system is configured to tolerate failure in up to m?1 paths through the communication fabric, such that the data in the storage device remains accessible to the storage controller even in the presence of failure in up to m?1 paths of the m paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: NetApp, Inc.
    Inventors: Radek Aster, Steven C. Miller, Kurtis A. Chan
  • Patent number: 8251920
    Abstract: An apparatus for lancing skin and collecting a liquid sample. The apparatus having a housing with an outer periphery and a rotatable arm having a lance to puncture the skin. A sample collection area is attached to the arm. The arm of the apparatus rotates from a first position to a second position. As the arm rotates, the lance extends beyond the housing allowing the lance to contact the user's skin and create a lance site. As the arm continues to move to the second position, the lance is brought out of contact with the user's skin and back within the housing while the collection area is brought into position. When the arm is located in the second position, the collection area is in substantially the same location as the lance site on the user's skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Bayer Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Mark S. Vreeke, Scott L. Hoover, Steven C. Charlton, Larry D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8253418
    Abstract: The system and method provided modify a conventional seafloor long-wire electromagnetic (LEM) receiver by increasing the number of discrete antennae placed on the long wire. Two dipoles of electric field data are positioned exactly adjacent to each other, providing input to the same data logger system located within a seafloor survey unit to which the long wire is connected. Highly precise electric field gradients can be obtained by taking the difference of the measurements of the two electrodes, both for amplitude and phase. Any common-mode source of noise, such as magnetotelluric signals and receiver instrument noise will be rejected when the signals from the two electrodes are differenced. An acoustic navigation system utilizes a plurality of transponders to permit triangulation for accurate source-receiver ranging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Steven C. Constable, Kerry W. Key
  • Publication number: 20120215403
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a vehicle driver involves monitoring any of an eye or facial position of the vehicle driver via a tracking device operatively disposed in a vehicle that is then-currently in operation. Based on the monitoring, via a processor operatively associated with the tracking device, the method further involves determining that the eye or facial position of the vehicle driver is such that the vehicle driver's eyes are, or the vehicle driver's face is focused on an object disposed inside an interior of the vehicle. In response to the determining, a functionality of the object is automatically altered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Tengler, Mark S. Frye
  • Publication number: 20120215487
    Abstract: In one embodiment, one or more processor-readable media storing code representing instructions that when executed by one or more processors cause the one or more processors to receive a set of parameter values defining a boundary within a data space associated with a dataset. The dataset can represent signaling related to a test substance. A first metric can be defined based on a first portion of the dataset associated with a first region defined by the boundary. A second metric can be defined based on a second portion of the dataset associated with a second region defined by the boundary after the boundary is modified. The second region can be different than the first region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Nodality, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Banville, Santosh K. Putta, David C. Spellmeyer
  • Publication number: 20120211443
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for filtering particulate matter from a liquid are provided. The apparatus comprise: a housing defining an internal volume; a liquid inlet port; a liquid outlet port disposed above the liquid inlet port; a filter medium support membrane housed within the housing and disposed between the liquid inlet port and the liquid outlet port; and a particulate filter medium loaded onto the filter medium support membrane. The apparatus are designed such that a flow of liquid introduced into the internal volume of the housing through the liquid inlet port and exiting the internal volume of the housing through the liquid outlet port will pass upward through the filter medium support membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Steven C. Suchanek
  • Patent number: 8245711
    Abstract: A patient interface of the present invention includes a faceplate including a plurality of headgear attachment elements, a seal member operatively coupled to the faceplate; and an adjustment mechanism coupling the seal member to the faceplate. The adjustment mechanism controls the position of the seal member relative to the faceplate such that the seal member is moveable from a first position to a second position and is maintained in the second position during use of the patient interface after being moved to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Jerome Matula, Jr., Jason P. Eaton, Peter Chi Fai Ho, James DiPasquale, Derrick Andrews, Eugene N. Scarberry, Steven C. Stegman
  • Publication number: 20120209296
    Abstract: Systems, assemblies, and methods to treat pulmonary diseases are used to decrease nervous system input to distal regions of the bronchial tree within the lungs. Treatment systems damage nerve tissue to temporarily or permanently decrease nervous system input. The treatment systems are capable of heating nerve tissue, cooling the nerve tissue, delivering a flowable substance that cause trauma to the nerve tissue, puncturing the nerve tissue, tearing the nerve tissue, cutting the nerve tissue, applying pressure to the nerve tissue, applying ultrasound to the nerve tissue, applying ionizing radiation to the nerve tissue, disrupting cell membranes of nerve tissue with electrical energy, or delivering long acting nerve blocking chemicals to the nerve tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: INNOVATIVE PULMONARY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Martin L. Mayse, Steven C. Dimmer
  • Publication number: 20120209261
    Abstract: Systems, assemblies, and methods to treat pulmonary diseases are used to decrease nervous system input to distal regions of the bronchial tree within the lungs. Treatment systems damage nerve tissue to temporarily or permanently decrease nervous system input. The treatment systems are capable of heating nerve tissue, cooling the nerve tissue, delivering a flowable substance that cause trauma to the nerve tissue, puncturing the nerve tissue, tearing the nerve tissue, cutting the nerve tissue, applying pressure to the nerve tissue, applying ultrasound to the nerve tissue, applying ionizing radiation to the nerve tissue, disrupting cell membranes of nerve tissue with electrical energy, or delivering long acting nerve blocking chemicals to the nerve tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: INNOVATIVE PULMONARY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Martin L. Mayse, Steven C. Dimmer
  • Publication number: 20120205467
    Abstract: One embodiment provides an asymmetrical nozzle housing within a nozzle base of a sprinkler which, when rotated, changes its angular orientation relative to the nozzle base. Since the nozzle is disposed within the nozzle housing, it similarly changes angular orientation relative to the nozzle base, thereby modifying the trajectory of ejected water during irrigation. In this respect, a user can change the trajectory of a watering stream by simply rotating the nozzle housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Steven C. Renquist, James T. Wright, III, Miguel A. Santiago
  • Publication number: 20120206192
    Abstract: A bandgap reference circuit includes an amplifier configured to provide an output voltage dependent upon voltages appearing at an inverting input and a non-inverting input. The bandgap reference circuit also includes a first transistor coupled between the non-inverting input and a circuit ground reference, and a first resistor coupled to the inverting input. The bandgap reference circuit also includes a number of second transistors coupled in parallel between the circuit ground reference and the first resistor. At least a portion of the second transistors are connected to the first resistor through a plurality of programmably selectable switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Jay B. Fletcher, Steven C. Meyers
  • Publication number: 20120207573
    Abstract: An enhanced computer rack having sides is provided. The rack is used for housing electronic components and comprises in one embodiment of a lift rail having a plurality of multipurpose frame members capable of being engageably connected to at least one of the rack sides such that the frame members can be retracted into or extended out from the rack. In an alternate embodiment, a lift tool is provided for hoisting object into the rack. The lift tool is connected to at least one side of the rack and is capable of being retracted inside or being extended out from the rack. The two embodiments can also be combined to provide an enhanced rack with an integrated lift rails and lift tool design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. McIntosh, Budy D. Notohardjono, Kevin R. Qualters, Howard P. Welz
  • Patent number: 8241156
    Abstract: Vibration dampening devices for arrows are installed in the arrow point end of the arrow shaft or in the nock end of the shaft or in both of those ends. These devices: (a) are fabricated from elastomeric materials; (b) have an elongated core surrounded by one or more annular, vibration dampening elements; and (c) employ decay time modification to attenuate shock and vibration. The devices are assembled in axially aligned relationship to an arrow point insert or arrow nock, and coupling features insure a positive connection between the dampening device and the arrow point insert or nock to which a device is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventors: Steven C. Sims, Johnathan F. Seil, Gary Sims, Greg Winters
  • Patent number: 8240933
    Abstract: A bottle includes a product stored therein. It is configured to be removably engaged with a docking station in an inverted arrangement to be activated by the docking station and heat the product. The bottle may include a pump structure (e.g. in the form of a bellows), or be a squeezable bottle, or be a bowable bottle, or have other pumping features. Structures are provided to prevent drool after use, to help apply the heated product to the skin, and to insure proper heating and dispensing. There are combined docking stations and bottles where the bottle is positioned in an inverted manner, and methods for using these devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Skalitzky, Stephen B. Leonard, Jeffrey L. Harwig, Steven C. Shirley, Richard L. Norwood, Fuk Yuen Cheng, Zhi Bin Wen, Jian Shi, Robert J. Kopanic
  • Patent number: 8244330
    Abstract: An integrated radiation therapy process comprises acquiring first objective target data related to a parameter of a target within a patient by periodically locating a marker positioned within the patient using a localization modality. This method continues with obtaining second objective target data related to the parameter of the target by periodically locating the marker. The first objective target data can be acquired in a first area that is apart from a second area which contains a radiation delivery device for producing an ionizing radiation beam for treating the patient. The localization modality can be the same in both the first and second areas. In other embodiments, the first objective target data can be acquired using a first localization modality that uses a first energy type to identify the marker and the second objective target data can be obtained using a second localization modality that uses a second energy type to identify the marker that is different than the first energy type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Meier, Timothy P. Mate, J. Nelson Wright, Steven C. Dimmer, Lynn M. Purdy
  • Publication number: 20120201595
    Abstract: An outer joint portion (42) for an articulating joint (26) is provided, the outer joint portion (42 including a first outer joint diameter section (DO1), a second outer joint diameter section (DO2), a main portion (86), and an inner bore (76). The first outer joint diameter section (DO1) is defined by a first portion of an outer surface (88) of the outer joint portion (42). The second outer joint diameter section (D02) is defined by a second portion of the outer surface (88) of the outer joint portion (42). The main portion (86) is configured for housing inner components (44, 46) of an articulating joint (26). The inner bore (76) is located at the second portion of the outer surface (88). The outer joint portion (42) is selectively compressible at the second portion of the outer surface (88), and the inner bore (76) configured for selectively receiving and securing to a shaft (30) when the outer joint portion (42) is compressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: GKN DRIVELINE NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Steven C. Hahn, John Littlewood
  • Publication number: 20120202281
    Abstract: Photobioreactor systems including a supply material processing sub-system, a reactor sub-system, a product material processing sub-system, and a solar energy supply sub-system are provided. The reactor sub-system includes a photobioreactor configured for containing a reaction mixture that is operative for effecting photosynthesis upon exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation. The supply material processing sub-system is configured for supplying the reactor with supply material. The product material processing sub-system is configured for receiving reaction zone product discharged from the reactor and effecting separation of a liquid component from the received reaction zone product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: POND BIOFUELS INC.
    Inventors: Jaime A. Gonzalez, Max Kolesnik, Steven C. Martin
  • Publication number: 20120203714
    Abstract: A system for producing phototrophic biomass is provided. The system includes a green power generator and a carbon sequestering system. The green power generator is provided for generating power, wherein operation of the green power generator is controlled by an environmentally friendly business organization. The carbon sequestering system is electrically coupled to the green power generator for receiving at least a fraction of the power generated by the green power generator for powering a phototrophic biomass production process that is operational within the carbon sequestering system. Operation of the carbon sequestering system is controlled by the same environmentally friendly business organization. A method of producing phototrophic biomass is also provided. The method includes generating power with a green power generator, wherein operation of the green power generator is controlled by an environmentally friendly business organization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: POND BIOFUELS INC.
    Inventors: Jaime A. Gonzalez, Max Kolesnik, Steven C. Martin