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).
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Publication number: 20150268932Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2015Publication date: September 24, 2015Inventors: Orion Reblitz-Richardson, Alex Lee Kerfoot, Randall Breen, Sina Jafarzadeh, A. Peter Swearengen, William Ralph Wright
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Patent number: 9107720Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Kinamed, Inc.Inventors: William Ralph Pratt, Robert Bruce, Stephen F Howard, Vineet Kumar Sarin, Clyde Ronald Pratt, Richard L Kendall
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Patent number: 8959687Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 7, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Inventor: William Ralph Bond
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Patent number: 8822175Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 17, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Cymtox LimitedInventors: Colin Gibson, Gerald Melville Aubrey Jones, Francisco Gomez, John Thomas Magee, David Tallis Pooley, William Ralph Craig Stewart
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Publication number: 20140155906Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: Kinamed. Inc.Inventors: William Ralph Pratt, Robert Bruce, Stephen F. Howard, Vineet Kumar Sarin, Clyde Ronald Pratt, Richard L. Kendall
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Patent number: 8677541Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 25, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Braun GmbHInventors: Mark Stephen Meadows, Jose Tadeo Vergara de Castro, Mark Edward Farrell, William Ralph Brown, Jr., Eric V. Borges, Long Sheng Yu
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Patent number: 8662299Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Kinamed, Inc.Inventors: William Ralph Pratt, Clyde Ronald Pratt, Robert A. Bruce, Richard L. Kendall
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Patent number: 8657830Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 9, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Kinamed, Inc.Inventors: Vineet Kumar Sarin, Robert A. Bruce, William Ralph Pratt, Clyde Ronald Pratt
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Publication number: 20140033457Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: The Gillette CompanyInventors: William Ralph BROWN, JR., Karen Lynn Claire-Zimmet, Soeren Jan Wasow, Steffi Raehse, Tilmann Winkler
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Publication number: 20140033458Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: The Gillette CompanyInventors: Phillip Maurice Braun, William Ralph Brown, JR., Thomas Aurele Christman, Thomas Craig Masterman, Karen Lynn Claire-Zimmet, Ronald Richard Duff, JR.
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Publication number: 20130328300Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Inventor: William Ralph Bond
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Patent number: 8578544Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 31, 2008Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: The Gillette CompanyInventors: William Ralph Brown, Jr., Karen Lynn Claire-Zimmet, Soeren Jan Wasow, Steffi Raehse, Tilmann Winkler
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Patent number: 8535329Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Kinamed, Inc.Inventors: Vineet Kumar Sarin, William Ralph Pratt, Kyle Craig Pilgeram, Richard Lee Kendall
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Patent number: 8484789Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 27, 2011Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: The Gillette CompanyInventors: Karen Lynn Claire-Zimmet, William Ralph Brown, Jr., Alexander Timothy Chenvainu, Chris Blain, Jens Uwe Stoerkel, Ulrich Pfeifer, Gerhard Schaefer
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Patent number: 8469967Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 2, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Kinamed, Inc.Inventors: William Ralph Pratt, Robert Arthur Bruce
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Patent number: 8299432Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 4, 2008Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: FEI CompanyInventors: Milos Toth, William Ralph Knowles, Rae Knowles, legal representative
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Patent number: 8271066Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 15, 2008Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Kinamed, Inc.Inventors: Vineet Kumar Sarin, Robert A. Bruce, William Ralph Pratt, Clyde Ronald Pratt, Roger C. Carignan
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Patent number: 8100851Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 27, 2006Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Kinamed, Inc.Inventor: William Ralph Pratt
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Publication number: 20120011673Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Inventors: KAREN LYNN CLAIRE-ZIMMET, William Ralph Brown, JR., Alexander Timothy Chenvainu, Chris Blain, Jens Uwe Stoerkel, Ulrich Pfeifer, Gerhard Schaefer
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Patent number: 8056176Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Karen Lynn Claire-Zimmet, William Ralph Brown, Jr., Alexander Timothy Chenvainu, Chris Blain, Jens Uwe Stoerkel, Ulrich Pfeifer, Gerhard Schaefer