Patents by Inventor William To

William 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).

  • Publication number: 20120113905
    Abstract: A wireless network, such as an LTE (“Long-Term Evolution”) network, may be configured to receive an identifier from a wireless network. The identifier identifies a resource configuration in a plurality of resource configurations. The resource configuration corresponds to a plurality of resource attributes. At least one signal is transmitted to the wireless network using the plurality of resource attributes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Nicholas William Anderson, Gordon Peter Young, Richard Charles Burbidge
  • Publication number: 20120114897
    Abstract: A structure includes a skin and a foam member. The foam member has a molded contour, the mold contour being configured to provide tooled surface for the skin. When the skin is a composite skin, the foam member provides support for the skin so that the skin can be cured under heat and pressure. A method of making the foam member for a foam stiffened structure includes creating a mold having an interior cavity which resembles a desired shape the foam member. A subsequent step involves introducing a foam mixture into the mold. Next, the foam mixture is allowed to polymerize so as to expand and distribute within the cavity of the mold. The method further includes selectively controlling a density of the foam member in the mold. The foam member is at least partially cured. The foam member is assembled with a skin to produce the foam stiffened structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Ramesh Thiagarajan, Suvankar Mishra, Mark Chris, William Evans, III, Mike Mikel
  • Publication number: 20120116002
    Abstract: A sulfur-containing cycloaliphatic compound, useful as a crosslinker for filled sulfur-vulcanizable elastomer compositions, is represented by the general formula: G[-CaH2a—S[C(?O)]bR]n wherein G is selected from the group consisting of: saturated, monocyclic aliphatic group of valence n containing from 5 to 12 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one halogen, and saturated monocyclic silicone [RSiO—]n[R2SiO—]p group of valence n; wherein each R independently is a hydrogen or monovalent hydrocarbon of up to 20 carbon atoms; each occurrence of subscripts a and b independently is an integer wherein a is 2 to 6 and b is 0 or 1; p is an integer of from 0 to 3; and, n is an integer of from 3 to 6, with the provisos that when b is 0, R is a hydrogen atom, and when G is a non-halogenated, saturated monocyclic aliphatic group of 6 carbon atoms, n cannot be 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: MOMENTIVE PERFORMANCE MATERICALS INC.
    Inventors: Richard W. Cruse, William Michael York, Carla Recker, Thomas Kramer, Katharina Herzog
  • Publication number: 20120110903
    Abstract: A stackable holder for a potted plant has a top having a central opening and a plurality of legs extending from the top. A plurality of flexible flaps may extend inward from the central opening, and be frangibly joined to each other along a length of the flap. The stackable holder has a plurality of connectors attached to the top and/or the legs, which may connect multiple stackable holders side-by-side in a row. The stackable holder is configured so that it may be stacked upon a second stackable holder, allowing the stackable holders to be tightly packed for storage or shipment. The stackable holder may have a planter body having a base and at least one sidewall extending from the base to form a cavity. The planter body may be attached to the stackable holder or may be removable. The planter body may have a lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: William E. Adams
  • Publication number: 20120112472
    Abstract: The invention is directed to various energy storage devices and methods of using the same. The energy storage device takes advantage of the height difference between the bottom and the surface of a body of water. The energy storage device utilizes the movement of a mass, such as weights or floats, to store energy as potential energy and to generate energy by releasing the potential energy. Weights attached to tethers are pulled toward the surface of the water by a motor/generator powered by energy to be stored, thereby storing potential energy. Allowing the weights to fall downward releases the potential energy and reverses the motor/generator to generate electricity. Floats attached to tethers are pulled toward the bottom of the water by a motor/generator powered by energy to be stored, thereby storing potential energy. Allowing the floats to rise releases the potential energy and reverses the motor/generator to generate electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Saben Murray, William Turnbull, III, William Breingan
  • Publication number: 20120116262
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body assembly, a waveguide, a transducer, and a coupling assembly. In some versions the coupling assembly translates the transducer to couple the transducer to the waveguide. For instance, a gear having arcuate troughs may engage pins on the transducer and/or waveguide to mate the transducer to waveguide. A pawl may selectively engage and prevent rotation of the gear. Alternatively, lever arms may cam the transducer into the waveguide. The lever arms may selectively couple to a casing to prevent decoupling of the transducer and waveguide. In another configuration, a locking tab can be slid and locked into a slot to couple the transducer and waveguide. Further still, levers with self-locking pins may engage and couple the transducer to the waveguide. In another version, a rotatable body portion may engage a tab on the transducer to rotate and couple the transducer to the waveguide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Kevin L. Houser, William D. Dannaher, Stephen J. Balek, Wells D. Haberstich, Matthew C. Miller, Scott A. Woodruff
  • Publication number: 20120111287
    Abstract: A steam generator includes a lower integrated tubesheet and plenum (ITP) configured to receive feedwater and a first set of heat transfer tubes fluidly coupled to a plurality of stubs protruding from a first side of the lower ITP. A second set of heat transfer tubes fluidly couples to plurality of stubs protruding from a second side of the lower ITP. The first set of heat transfer tubes is coiled in a substantially clock-wise direction, and the second set of heat transfer tubes is coiled in a substantially counter-clockwise direction. The steam generator further includes an upper ITP fluidly coupled to the first and second set of heat transfer tubes, wherein the feedwater entering the lower ITP is converted to steam in the first and second sets of heat transfer tubes. The upper ITP is configured to transport the steam away from the steam generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: NuScale Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Keith Williams, Douglas Paul Fassett, Brent J. Webb, William J. Bees, Alex Scott Kruskamp
  • Publication number: 20120117178
    Abstract: A method includes sending notification messages to a plurality of subscribers of a notification platform via a plurality of communications devices of the subscribers over a plurality of communications channels, each communications device associated with at least one of the plurality of communications channels, including sending notification messages to devices over first channels associated with the communications devices. The method also includes monitoring a status of the first channels and a status of the notification messages sent over the first channels; and adapting the sending of the notification messages according to the monitored statuses, including sending at least some of the notification messages over second channels associated with the communications devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Rave Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward D. Price, William Todd Piett
  • Publication number: 20120116848
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to optimize business value by providing and/or implementing business solutions, e.g., solutions to improve operational environments. A method is implemented in a computer infrastructure which has computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions operable to: provide an initial assessment of business operations, using a framework based on lean capabilities and lean components, as well as at least one of business and environmental constraints; determine a need for improvement based on scores provided in the initial assessment; and provide a complete assessment using business drivers and specifications of a solution to identify areas for improvement of business operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas GARGIULO, Richard M. HAAS, Randy S. JOHNSON, Tedrick N. NORTHWAY, H. William RINCKEL
  • Publication number: 20120112501
    Abstract: The invention provides an indoor or outdoor bench that features heating and cooling capabilities. The heating and cooling features comprise a variety of configurations. One such configuration includes a temperature control thermostat with three heat settings (such as 600 watt radiant, 900 watt fan forced, and 1500 watt radiant and fan forced), oscillating heat coils with an incorporated fan unit, and a dual safety system featuring a tip over switch and manual reset type limit control. In addition, an external temperature control button allows a user to choose heat, heat and fan, or fan only. The heater fan combination operates on any suitable power source, such as a DC rechargeable battery source such as nickel cadmium or nickel metal hydride. Another suitable power source is standard household power, such as AC 110 voltage, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: William M. Estes
  • Publication number: 20120116464
    Abstract: A bone screw comprises a threaded shank including a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, and defining a first threaded section extending from the distal end portion toward the proximal end portion and adapted for anchoring in cancellous bone. A second threaded section extends contiguously from the first threaded section toward the proximal end portion The second threaded section has a finer thread pattern relative to the first threaded section. In one embodiment, the first threaded section includes a first helical threading defining a single lead thread pattern for anchoring in cancellous bone, and the second threaded section includes a second helical threading interleaved with the first threading to define a duel lead thread pattern for engagement in cortical bone. In a further embodiment, the bone screw includes a head portion extending from the threaded shank and configured for coupling to a spinal implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC
    Inventors: Franics Denis, Timothy A. Garvey, Joseph H. Perra, Manuel Pinto, James D. Schwender, Ensor Transfeldt, Michael S. Veldman, William A. Rezach
  • Publication number: 20120114816
    Abstract: Methods of automatically package an object in a covering material such as casing and/or netting include: (a) automatically pushing at least one object through a product chute; (b) pulling a covering material upstream of the product chute off an exterior surface of the product chute to automatically enclose the object in the covering material as the object exits the product chute; and (c) applying a clip to the covering material to secure the object in the packing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Samuel D. Griggs, Dennis J. May, David T. Wince, William M. Poteat, Derek L. Brown
  • Publication number: 20120113706
    Abstract: A memristor (100, 100?, 100?) based on mixed-metal-valence compounds comprises: a first electrode (115); a second electrode (120); a layer (105) of a mixed-metal-valence phase in physical contact with at least one layer (110, 110a, 110b) of a fully oxidized phase. The mixed-metal-valence phase is essentially a condensed phase of dopants for the fully oxidized phase that drift into and out of the fully oxidized phase in response to an applied electric field (125). One of the first and second electrodes is in electrical contact with either the layer of the mixed-metal-valence phase or a layer (110a) of a fully oxidized phase and the other is in electrical contact with the layer (or other layer (110b)) of the fully oxidized phase. The memristor is prepared by forming in either order the layer of the mixed-metal-valence phase and the layer of the fully oxidized phase, one on the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: R. Stanley Williams, Jinhua ` Yang, Matthew Pickett, Gilberto Ribeiro, John Paul Strachan
  • Publication number: 20120111217
    Abstract: A firing head embodiment of the invention confines a connected capacitance cartridge, explosive detonator, and wireline connection switch within an independent, cylindrical housing tube that is environmentally capped at both ends by threaded closures for secure transport to a well site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: William T. Bell
  • Publication number: 20120115953
    Abstract: A dermatologic peel comprising alpha hydroxyl acid and metal hydroxide nanocomplexes as neutralizing agents to continually reduce the activity of the system when the acid and neutralizer components are mixed. For example, a 30% glycolic acid gel mixed with a fluidized magaldrate neutralizer can be applied to the skin and will self-neutralize to a skin-compatible pH within a few minutes, effectively exfoliating the skin without a separate neutralization step. The peel is advantageously applied from a two-component system that mixes the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: R. MacDonald Smith, Otto William Wendel, Archie McBride
  • Publication number: 20120114032
    Abstract: A device includes a semiconductor die having a surface, a plurality of proximity connectors proximate to the surface, and a circuit coupled to at least one of the plurality of proximity connectors. The semiconductor die is configured to communicate voltage-mode signals through capacitive coupling using one or more of the plurality of proximity connectors. The circuit also includes a filter with a capacitive-summing junction to equalize the signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: ORACLE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ronald Ho, Robert D. Hopkins, William S. Coates, Robert J. Drost
  • Publication number: 20120113904
    Abstract: A wireless network, such as an LTE (“Long-Term Evolution”) network, may be configured to a receive an identifier associated with resource configurations in a wireless network. The identifier is mapped to a resource configuration in a plurality of resource configurations. The user equipment applies the resource configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Nicholas William Anderson, Gordon Peter Young, Richard Charles Burbidge
  • Publication number: 20120115296
    Abstract: A tunnel field effect transistor (TFET) is disclosed. In one aspect, the transistor comprises a gate that does not align with a drain, and only overlap with the source extending at least up to the interface of the source-channel region and optionally overlaps with part of the channel. Due to the shorter gate, the total gate capacitance is reduced, which is directly reflected in an improved switching speed of the device. In addition to the advantage of an improved switching speed, the transistor also has a processing advantage (no alignment of the gate with the drain is necessary), as well as a performance improvement (the ambipolar behavior of the TFET is reduced).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicants: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, K.U. Leuven R&D, IMEC
    Inventors: William G. Vandenderghe, Anne S. Verhulst
  • Publication number: 20120116379
    Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprises an end effector, a cutting member, and en electromechanical driver. The end effector comprises a pair of jaws that clamp tissue. The jaws include electrodes that deliver RF energy to clamped tissue. The cutting member cuts tissue clamped between the jaws. The electromechanical driver drives the cutting member. A control module commands the electromechanical driver, and regulates the delivery of RF energy to the electrodes, based on a combination of user input and feedback signals from the electrodes and from the electromechanical driver. The device may provide tactile feedback to the user through the user input feature, based on a load encountered by the cutting member. The device may alert the user when the exterior of end effector makes incidental contact with tissue, to avoid inadvertently burning the tissue. The device may include a removable battery pack to power the electromechanical driver and the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Aron O. Zingman, Donna L. Korvick, John W. Willis, Ashvani K. Madan, Chad P. Boudreaux, Kevin L. Houser, Danius P. Silkaitis, William D. Dannaher, Foster B. Stulen, Timothy G. Dietz, Richard W. Timm, Robert J. Laird, Omar J. Vakharia, Gavin M. Monson, John V. Hunt
  • Publication number: 20120116424
    Abstract: The invention describes new synthetic medical adhesives and films which exploit the key components of natural marine mussel adhesive proteins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: KNC NER ACQUISITION SUB, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce P. Lee, Jeffrey L. Dalsin, John L. Murphy, Laura Vollenweider, Arinne N. Lyman, Fangmin Xu, Jediah White, William D. Lew, Michael Brodie