Patents by Inventor William Ralph

William Ralph 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: 20150268932
    Abstract: Increasingly, large libraries of digital media items such as music, movies, and images are maintained. One way to consume the media items is via playlists. Playlists are an ordered list of some of the media items according to a theme or a progression from one theme to another theme. Systems and methods described herein allow a user to request generation of a playlist via a media map of the media library. The request can be in a variety of forms including: an identification of a region, identifications of starting and ending points, identification of a defined area of the media map, a gesture identifying a path through the media map, and an identification of a metadata tag associated with some of the media items within the media library. Further, branching playlists can be generated from a currently presented media item, which may itself be from a generated playlist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: Orion Reblitz-Richardson, Alex Lee Kerfoot, Randall Breen, Sina Jafarzadeh, A. Peter Swearengen, William Ralph Wright
  • Patent number: 9107720
    Abstract: A cable tensioning system includes a reaction frame which contains a sliding platform arranged to move linearly within the frame, and a clam-type cleat attached to the sliding platform. The cleat features one or more grooves, each of which comprises two arrays of opposing ridges that converge to form a V-shape groove adapted to receive a length of cable. The ridges of each groove are tilted relative to an axis perpendicular to the groove's longitudinal axis, such that the cable is progressively captured between the ridges of the opposing arrays as it settles into the crotch of the groove when moved in a first direction, and can be disengaged from the cleat by relaxing the axial force on the cable and moving it in the opposite direction. A linear actuator mechanism may be coupled to the sliding platform to move the platform with respect to the reaction frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Kinamed, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ralph Pratt, Robert Bruce, Stephen F Howard, Vineet Kumar Sarin, Clyde Ronald Pratt, Richard L Kendall
  • Patent number: 8959687
    Abstract: A multipurpose string line tool having an inner tube slideable within an outer tube provided with an attached bottom end cap and a removable upper end cap whereby a storage space for small construction implements can be stored within the inner tube. A line string is wrapped around the outer tube. The outer tube with the line string wrapped there-around is designed so that it can easily spin around the inner tube thereby providing a free release of the line string. The free end of the line string can be locked within an annular space between the outer tube and a cylindrical stopper by the upper end cap at the upper end of the multipurpose tool. A small opening can be provided in the upper end cap and a pencil sharpener fixed to an inner surface of said upper end cap in alignment with the small opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: William Ralph Bond
  • Patent number: 8822175
    Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous water monitoring system, including components thereof, and a method relating thereto for continuously monitoring, in real-time, a water supply in order to detect contaminants therein. The system employs the use of a live culture of bioluminescent bacteria and suitable light detecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Cymtox Limited
    Inventors: Colin Gibson, Gerald Melville Aubrey Jones, Francisco Gomez, John Thomas Magee, David Tallis Pooley, William Ralph Craig Stewart
  • Publication number: 20140155906
    Abstract: A cable tensioning system includes a reaction frame which contains a sliding platform arranged to move linearly within the frame, and a clam-type cleat attached to the sliding platform. The cleat features one or more grooves, each of which comprises two arrays of opposing ridges that converge to form a V-shape groove adapted to receive a length of cable. The ridges of each groove are tilted relative to an axis perpendicular to the groove's longitudinal axis, such that the cable is progressively captured between the ridges of the opposing arrays as it settles into the crotch of the groove when moved in a first direction, and can be disengaged from the cleat by relaxing the axial force on the cable and moving it in the opposite direction. A linear actuator mechanism may be coupled to the sliding platform to move the platform with respect to the reaction frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Kinamed. Inc.
    Inventors: William Ralph Pratt, Robert Bruce, Stephen F. Howard, Vineet Kumar Sarin, Clyde Ronald Pratt, Richard L. Kendall
  • Patent number: 8677541
    Abstract: An oral care implement may include a base portion sized for insertion into an oral cavity and a plurality of flexible, elastomeric elements extending from the base portion, wherein each of the plurality of flexible, elastomeric elements comprises an edge, wherein at least one of the edges comprises a micro edge, and wherein the plurality of flexible, elastomeric elements comprises an element density of less than about 5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Mark Stephen Meadows, Jose Tadeo Vergara de Castro, Mark Edward Farrell, William Ralph Brown, Jr., Eric V. Borges, Long Sheng Yu
  • Patent number: 8662299
    Abstract: A modular system facilitates packaging, marking, handling, sterilizing, tracking, tagging and storing small components such as surgical screws. A small, suitably cylindrical or similar cell receives a screw or other component and seats the component in a predetermined orientation. A complementary cap is adapted to engage the cell from above, closing the top and retaining the component in the cell. The cap is also adapted for use as a tool for handling the cell and the component contained therein. A coupling between the cell and the cap allows the cap to be snapped securely on the cell under manual pressure; the coupling is further adapted to release on application of sufficient bending moment across the co-axis of the cell and cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kinamed, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ralph Pratt, Clyde Ronald Pratt, Robert A. Bruce, Richard L. Kendall
  • Patent number: 8657830
    Abstract: The invention includes both a method for acquiring the position of a patient's anterior pelvic plane, and a patient positioner or holder (apparatus) for securing a patient and acquiring the position of the patient's anterior pelvic plane. The method and apparatus facilitate definition of the anterior pelvic plane (APP) in the context of computer assisted hip surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kinamed, Inc.
    Inventors: Vineet Kumar Sarin, Robert A. Bruce, William Ralph Pratt, Clyde Ronald Pratt
  • Publication number: 20140033457
    Abstract: An oral hygiene implement includes a cleaning element carrier and a body. The body has a proximal end and a distal end. The cleaning element carrier has a first area and a second area wherein the second area is disposed inboard of the first area. The first area is attached to the body while the second area is unattached to the body. A bending element is disposed between the first area and the second area, thereby allowing the second area to bend/flex while the first area stays fixed to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: William Ralph BROWN, JR., Karen Lynn Claire-Zimmet, Soeren Jan Wasow, Steffi Raehse, Tilmann Winkler
  • Publication number: 20140033458
    Abstract: A toothbrush head having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface is described herein. The head has a first portion, a second portion, and an opening between the first portion and the second portion. The opening extends from the top surface to the bottom surface. A first plurality of contact elements are positioned on the first portion and the second portion. A second plurality of contact elements are positioned on the first portion and the second portion. Each of the second plurality of contact elements has an elastomer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Phillip Maurice Braun, William Ralph Brown, JR., Thomas Aurele Christman, Thomas Craig Masterman, Karen Lynn Claire-Zimmet, Ronald Richard Duff, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130328300
    Abstract: A roof pipe flashing with a raised boot and elongated opposite extensions extending therefrom which roof pipe flashing is used to cover and weatherproof an existing but damaged roof pipe flashing on the pitched roof of a building. The roof pipe flashing can be made manually by cutting or tearing along pre-marked lines on the flat base of a roof pipe flashing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: William Ralph Bond
  • Patent number: 8578544
    Abstract: An oral hygiene implement includes a cleaning element carrier and a body. The body has a proximal end and a distal end. The cleaning element carrier has a first area and a second area wherein the second area is disposed inboard of the first area. The first area is attached to the body while the second area is unattached to the body. A bending element is disposed between the first area and the second area, thereby allowing the second area to bend/flex while the first area stays fixed to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: William Ralph Brown, Jr., Karen Lynn Claire-Zimmet, Soeren Jan Wasow, Steffi Raehse, Tilmann Winkler
  • Patent number: 8535329
    Abstract: The invention includes a method for tracking the human scapula during shoulder surgery, by a trackable device fixed to the coracoid process of the scapula. A device of the invention allows a trackable target to be fixed to the coracoid process by bone screws and an anchor. In one embodiment, a releasable coupling is provided between the anchor and the trackable target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Kinamed, Inc.
    Inventors: Vineet Kumar Sarin, William Ralph Pratt, Kyle Craig Pilgeram, Richard Lee Kendall
  • Patent number: 8484789
    Abstract: Toothbrushes are provided which have various features that may include one or more tooth cleaning elements having a variety of shapes and sizes, one or more gum treating elements having a variety of shapes and sizes, and/or one or more soft tissue/tongue treating elements having a variety of shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Karen Lynn Claire-Zimmet, William Ralph Brown, Jr., Alexander Timothy Chenvainu, Chris Blain, Jens Uwe Stoerkel, Ulrich Pfeifer, Gerhard Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8469967
    Abstract: A cable tensioning system includes a reaction frame which contains a sliding platform arranged to move linearly within the frame, and a clam-type cleat attached to the sliding platform. The cleat features one or more grooves, each of which comprises two arrays of opposing ridges that converge to form a V-shape groove adapted to receive a length of cable. The ridges of each groove are tilted relative to an axis perpendicular to the groove's longitudinal axis, such that the cable is progressively captured between the ridges of the opposing arrays as it settles into the crotch of the groove when moved in a first direction, and can be disengaged from the cleat by relaxing the axial force on the cable and moving it in the opposite direction. A linear actuator mechanism may be coupled to the sliding platform to move the platform with respect to the reaction frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Kinamed, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ralph Pratt, Robert Arthur Bruce
  • Patent number: 8299432
    Abstract: A scanning transmission electron microscope operated with the sample in a high pressure environment. A preferred detector uses gas amplification by converting either scattered or unscattered transmitted electrons to secondary electrons for efficient gas amplification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: FEI Company
    Inventors: Milos Toth, William Ralph Knowles, Rae Knowles, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8271066
    Abstract: The invention includes a method of determining a surgical patient's pelvic position and inputting that position into a computer via a tracking system, suitable for use in navigating partial or total hip replacement surgery. The patient is first aligned with anatomical reference points in relation to corresponding locating features on a patient positioner. The positions of index features on the patient positioner are then acquired via a tracking system. Based on the positions of the index features and their known relationship to the locating features, the locations of the anatomical reference features are calculated and a pelvic plane is defined therefrom. The invention also includes a surgical tool for mounting a trackable target to a human bone, suitable for fixation to a human femur. This tool includes a removable bone clamp and a releasable coupling member, integrated with said removable bone clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Kinamed, Inc.
    Inventors: Vineet Kumar Sarin, Robert A. Bruce, William Ralph Pratt, Clyde Ronald Pratt, Roger C. Carignan
  • Patent number: 8100851
    Abstract: An apparatus suitable for cleaning a surgically prepared working surface comprises a body portion adapted to supply pressurized fluid (preferably carbon dioxide gas) to the surgically prepared working surface and aspirate surface debris dislodged from the surgically prepared working surface. The apparatus further comprises a head portion adapted to constrain the supplied pressurized fluid to flow substantially along the surgically prepared working surface to dislodge debris there from when the head portion is in contact with the surgically prepared working surface. The dislodged surface debris are aspirated by the body portion. A second embodiment includes a Venturi-assisted cleaning head and is operable with or without an external source of vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Kinamed, Inc.
    Inventor: William Ralph Pratt
  • Publication number: 20120011673
    Abstract: Toothbrushes are provided which have various features that may include one or more tooth cleaning elements having a variety of shapes and sizes, one or more gum treating elements having a variety of shapes and sizes, and/or one or more soft tissue/tongue treating elements having a variety of shapes and sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: KAREN LYNN CLAIRE-ZIMMET, William Ralph Brown, JR., Alexander Timothy Chenvainu, Chris Blain, Jens Uwe Stoerkel, Ulrich Pfeifer, Gerhard Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8056176
    Abstract: Toothbrushes are provided which have various features that may include one or more tooth cleaning elements having a variety of shapes and sizes, one or more gum treating elements having a variety of shapes and sizes, and/or one or more soft tissue/tongue treating elements having a variety of shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Karen Lynn Claire-Zimmet, William Ralph Brown, Jr., Alexander Timothy Chenvainu, Chris Blain, Jens Uwe Stoerkel, Ulrich Pfeifer, Gerhard Schaefer