Patents Issued in April 1, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040063040
    Abstract: A layer for use in a modular assemblage for supporting ICs is formed with metal contacts for assembly by making a sandwich of metal interconnect members between two layers of dielectric; drilling holes through the dielectric, stopping on a metal layer bonded to the bottom surface of the module; forming blind holes stopping on the interconnect members; and plating metal through the volume of the via, both full and blind holes, thereby forming vertical and horizontal connections in a layer that be stacked to form complex interconnect assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frank D. Egitto, Voya Markovich, Thomas R. Miller, Douglas O. Powell, James R. Wilcox
  • Publication number: 20040063041
    Abstract: A method of the invention for forming a pixel-defining layer on an OLED panel is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: RiTdisplay Corporation
    Inventor: Tien-Rong Lu
  • Publication number: 20040063042
    Abstract: Compositions containing certain organic solvents and a fluorine source are capable of removing photoresist and etching residue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Ashland, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Egbe
  • Publication number: 20040063043
    Abstract: A method is provided that is suitable fur use in processing a digitally exposed translucent or transparent display material. The method includes exposing a translucent or transparent material to light emitted from a light source. The material contains at least one silver halide having a silver content of at least about 1 g/m2 based on the area of the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Hai-Xing Wan, Robert S. Harvey
  • Publication number: 20040063044
    Abstract: A photographic bleaching composition has reduced odor and acceptable storage stability. It comprises an iron-ligand complex bleaching agent, a rehalogenating agent, and a phthalic acid or salt thereof. This bleaching composition can be used in various photographic processing protocols to provide color images from color photographic silver halide materials, especially photographic color papers. The bleaching step can also be preceded by an acidic stop that also includes a phthalic acid or salt thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Shirleyanne E. Haye, Janet M. Huston, Eric R. Schmittou, Therese M. Feller
  • Publication number: 20040063045
    Abstract: A three-part color developing kit includes (I) a first concentrated aqueous solution having a pH of from about 11 to about 13.5 and comprising at least 0.25 mol/l of sulfite ions, at least 2.5×10−5 mol/l of iodide ions, at least 0.05 mol/l of bromide ions, and at least 0.5 mol/l of a buffer having a pKa of from about 11 to about 13.5, (II) a second concentrated aqueous solution having a pH of from about 3 to about 6 and comprising at least 1 g/l of a vinyl pyrrolidone polymer, and at least 0.05 mol/l of an organic antioxidant, and a third concentrated aqueous solution having a pH of from about 1 to about 3 and comprising at least 0.05 mol/l of a color developing agent, and at least 0.005 mol/l of sulfite ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Shirleyanne E. Haye, Janet M. Huston
  • Publication number: 20040063046
    Abstract: A method of chemically marking photosensitive material that needs to be digitally scanned and adjusted rather than optically printed to produce a satisfactory hardcopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: John R. Fyson, Peter J. Twist
  • Publication number: 20040063047
    Abstract: The color light-sensitive material has at least four light-sensitive layers of different spectral sensitivity waveforms in a visible range, with a covariance between spectral sensitivities of at least four light-sensitive layers being no more than 0.5, and at least four light-sensitive layers, after development processing; being colored with color materials having different spectral absorption waveforms. The image processing method and apparatus expose and develop the color light-sensitive material described above to form an image, allow the image formed on the color light-sensitive material to be entered by an image input device having at least four light-sensitive portions of different spectral sensitivity waveforms and perform color transformation with an image converting unit on an input image obtained by entering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takafumi Noguchi, Junichiro Hosokawa, Mitsuhiro Uchida, Yasuhiro Shimada
  • Publication number: 20040063048
    Abstract: This invention relates to a negative silver halide photographic element comprising a support and a silver halide imaging layer containing a light sensitive silver halide imaging emulsion, said silver halide imaging layer further comprising a separately precipitated non-imaging intentionally fogged fine grain emulsion and an electron transfer agent releasing compound represented by formula (I):
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Reed, James A. Friday, John E. Keevert, Stephen P. Singer, Mary C. Brick
  • Publication number: 20040063049
    Abstract: A silver salt photothermographic dry imaging material comprising a support having thereon a photosensitive layer and a polymer layer, wherein the polymer layer comprises a copolymer of: (i) a fluorine containing acrylate or a fluorine containing methacrylate; and (ii) a monomer having a hydrophobic group in the molecule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Akihisa Nakajima, Eiichi Ueda, Shinji Kudo, Kenji Ohnuma, Chiaki Nagaike, Miyuki Teranishi
  • Publication number: 20040063050
    Abstract: A silver salt photothermographic material is disclosed, comprising light-insensitive organic silver salt grains and light-sensitive silver halide grains, a reducing agent for silver ions and a binder, wherein the reducing agent is a compound represented by the following formula (1) and the light-sensitive layer further comprises a hindered phenol represented by the following formula (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuaki Nakamura, Ryohei Iwamoto, Norio Miura, Kiyoshi Fukusaka
  • Publication number: 20040063051
    Abstract: A method utilizing gray-tone exposure of a class of thick negative photo-sensitized epoxy resists from the substrate side of a transparent substrate and development methods that rely upon a physical distinction between polymerized (solid) and unpolymerized (liquid) photoresist at elevated temperatures may be used to fabricate 3-D structures in the photo-sensitized epoxy. Such structures may exhibit smoothly-varying topographic features with thicknesses as great as 2 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Martin A. Afromowitz
  • Publication number: 20040063052
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel energy concept that relates to an artificial silicon-nitrogen cycle and that constitutes the complement to the natural carbon-oxygen cycle. Pure silicon is produced from sand using solar energy. By repeated Muller-Rochow synthesis with silylchlorides the silicon is converted to higher silanes. The silylchlorides used are either silicons derived from chemical wastes or are economically produced from monosilanes or disilanes. They are mixed with silicon powder and combusted with air to give H2O and silicon nitride Si3H4, thereby generating power. The silicon nitride is converted to ammonia NH3 under alkaline conditions, thereby producing silicates. Part of the NH3 is converted to follow-on products, the major portion however is combusted with air to give H2O and N2, thereby generating power. The N2 cycle is thereby closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Plichta
  • Publication number: 20040063053
    Abstract: A burner having high peak temperatures in a first turbulent zone near the entry of fuel into the combustion region is altered so as to have a peak temperature that is below the temperature at which a chemical useful to remove a pollutant would dissociate or have its activity destroyed. While this peak temperature is reduced in the first zone, the chemical is injected therein. This zone's turbulence causes the chemical to be dispersed without being destroyed during its transit to reach a second distal zone where pollutants prevail in conditions favorable for their removal by the chemical. The chemicals can be delivered by way of a powder or by being dissolved in liquid droplets. The sizes of the droplets are selected so as to enable the chemically laden droplet to survive transit through the first zone so as to reach the second distal zone intact to treat polluting components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Richard J. Monro
  • Publication number: 20040063054
    Abstract: A method includes the step of extinguishing a flame fired from a burner in a reaction zone upon determining that a sensed combustion chamber temperature is at or above the auto-ignition temperature of a fuel. A subsequent step is performed before the sensed combustion chamber temperature drops below the auto-ignition temperature. The subsequent step provides a flow of the fuel through the burner and into the combustion chamber through a reaction zone outlet. This initiates diffuse combustion of the fuel by auto-ignition in the combustion chamber in the absence of a flame fired from the burner in the reaction zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Bruce E. Cain
  • Publication number: 20040063055
    Abstract: A safety arrangement for a utility lighter includes a stop post extended from a pusher button and a locking member which includes a switching member slidably mounted on a sidewall of the casing along a safety slot and a stopper extended from the switching member to the internal cavity through the safety slot to align with the stop post. The switching member is arranged to slidably drive the stopper between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein at the locked position, the stop post is blocked by the stopper so as to block a downward movement of the pusher button for ignition, and at the unlocked position, the switch member is arranged to drive the stopper to move to an offset position that allows the pusher button to be depressed so as to depress the movable part of the piezoelectric unit for igniting the utility lighter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: John Jiin Chung Yang
  • Publication number: 20040063056
    Abstract: A lining for the combustion chamber of a heating device, particularly a vehicle heating device, includes at least one lining member formed for fuel forwarding by capillary action, with at least one fuel receiving region and a fuel flow guiding arrangement provided in the at least one lining member for influencing the flow direction of the fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Oliver Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20040063057
    Abstract: Up until now, in the case of smelting furnaces, especially smelting furnaces used to melt glass and having a melting unit accommodated in a combustion chamber, the melt being discharged from an outlet opening of the melting unit is regulated by mechanical means using a stopper rod. This entails the disadvantage that the melt flow is very irregular, in addition to which the risk exists that foreign particles might infiltrate the melt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Johannes Vetter
  • Publication number: 20040063058
    Abstract: A multizone convection furnace is provided in which gas from a cooling chamber of the furnace is directed into one or more heat zones of the furnace for the purpose of providing a specified thermal profile. The gas introduced from the cooling chamber into the one or more heat zones is of the same type of gas present in the heat zones, and typically is nitrogen. In a preferred embodiment, the convection furnaces comprises a heating chamber composed of a plurality of adjacent heat zones and a cooling chamber at the exit end of the heating chamber. A conveyer extends through the furnace for movement of a product through the heat zones and cooling chamber of the furnace. The cooling chamber is coupled to one or more of the heat zones such that cooled gas from the cooling chamber can be introduced into selected heat zones. In one version, a cooled gas path is provided to all of the heat zones and cooled gas is introduced into intended zones by opening associated valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: BTU INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Gary Orbeck, Robert Honnors, Wayne L. Gibbs
  • Publication number: 20040063059
    Abstract: Components of a dental brace including arch wires and brackets are coated with a hard, wear resistant material that has a low coefficient of friction. The aesthetically pleasing coating encapsulates the substrate material preventing the release of toxins from the substrate material that would otherwise occur due to wear, galling or corrosion. The coating includes a first layer of a metal which is preferably Titanium, Zirconium or Hafnium, a second layer that is preferably a Nitride of the metal used in the first layer and a third layer that is preferably a Nitride of the metal used in the first layer and has approximately two metal atoms for every Nitrogen atom. The coating is preferably applied using a physical vapor deposition source such as a cathodic arc source with a controlled gas atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Nathan K. Meckel
  • Publication number: 20040063060
    Abstract: The present invention is a novelty or dental device including a pair of light units secured to the inside of the mouth of a user. A flexible band is placed between the gums and lips of the user, such that the light units are placed over the molars in the back of the mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas B. Meyers, Rob Burman
  • Publication number: 20040063061
    Abstract: A tooth reduction measuring system comprises a holding tool having a proximal end and a distal end. A flexible loop extends from the distal end and defines an opening. The loop has a thickness from the range about 1 mm to about 2 mm, and the opening a size large enough to be placed around a tooth. The loop is adapted to be positioned relative to a pair of opposing teeth, one of which has been reduced. In this way, the pair of opposing teeth are within the opening, and the loop may be pulled by the shaft into a gap between the opposing teeth to permit evaluation of the size of the gap based on the thickness of the loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Bart G. Christiansen
  • Publication number: 20040063062
    Abstract: A device for determining the position of a sleeve, on the one hand in the vertical direction in relation to a fixture dummy (6) in or on a model (1) of a bone, and on the other hand in the transverse direction in relation to the longitudinal axis (13) of the fixture dummy. An expansion spacer (7) cooperates with the fixture dummy and the sleeve (4). An expansion screw is designed in such a way that, when acted upon, it in turn acts upon the expansion spacer so that the latter determined the position of the sleeve and thus of the template relative to the jaw bone and the fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Izidor Brajnovic
  • Publication number: 20040063063
    Abstract: A dental cartridge (10) comprising a container portion (14) and a nozzle (12). The container portion (14) includes an aperture (34) having a first end (38) adjacent the interior of the container portion (14) and a second end (36) adjacent the exterior of the container portion (14). The nozzle (12) is received within the second end (36) of the aperture (34) and the first end (38) of the aperture (34) is arranged to prevent the nozzle (12) passing therethrough. The nozzle (12) is then fixed within the aperture (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Joshua James Cheetham, Paul James Farrar
  • Publication number: 20040063064
    Abstract: An ultrasonic dental scaler automatically supplies a frequency to match a handpiece connecting thereto. A handpiece connector includes one or more passive elements, which affect the resonant frequency produced by the generator. Multiple handpieces, each operating at a different resonant frequency, may thus be used with the same ultrasonic generator. The ultrasonic dental scaler also supports two footswitches. One footswitch includes a foot-controlled power level adjuster. When connected, the footswitch automatically disables the manual power adjuster. Another on-off footswitch includes no power adjustment mechanism. When connected, the manual power adjustment feature of the generator is maintained. Orders for different handpiece frequencies and footswitch types can thus be filled with an inventory of one generator model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: James Feine
  • Publication number: 20040063065
    Abstract: A rotation locking device located in the area of two separate, independent shafts or shaft sections for preventing the undesired rotation of a shaft or shaft section. The rotation locking device includes a locking pin which, in its idle position (during operation of the appliance), rests on a displacement surface of a shaft or shaft section. In the event of the undesired rotation of a shaft (caused, for example, when a tool is being unscrewed from a coupling which is connected to the shafts), the shaft underneath the locking pin turns until the pin is forced out of the displacement surface, is displaced outwards radially and pressed against a component which is fixed to the body of the appliance (e.g. the bearing sleeve of the gearbox in which the rotation locking device is fitted). Any further rotation of the shafts is prevented in this manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: W&H Dentalwerk Burmoos GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Schatz, Thomas Jindra
  • Publication number: 20040063066
    Abstract: This application relates to the field of Dentistry, and in more particular to the use of root canal excavating implements such as files, broaches, reamers, or probes employed for the use of clearing tissue and removing dentin from the nerve canal of teeth. An introduced bent tip of 45 degrees to the angle of the implement, at a distance as close as a half of one millimeter from the leading tip, is cited as an improved means to get the tip of the implement to the desired working length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Arthur Kitchings Weathers, Michael Douglas Goldstein
  • Publication number: 20040063067
    Abstract: A drill set for adjusting an implant hole for a self-tap dental screw implant fixture comprises with a diameter d2 at the point of a cutting blade equivalent to a diameter D3 Of the tip end of the fixture, a diameter d1 at the back end of the blade equivalent to the maximum root diameter of a first male screw 1e or smaller, and a length l1 of the blade larger than the entire length L1 of the fixture 1, and the second drill 3 with a diameter d5 at the point of a tapered tip end cutting blade 3b equivalent to the diameter D3, and a diameter d3 at the back end of a tapered back end cutting blade 3a equivalent to the maximum root diameter of the first male screw 1e and being smaller than the maximum crest diameter thereof, both the blades 3a, 3b forming two-step taper shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: GC Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Takahashi, Yataro Komiyama, Takao Okada, Norio Kojima
  • Publication number: 20040063068
    Abstract: To improve a dental diamond bur used in clinical dental treatments and in dental laboratories for cutting and shaving natural teeth and dental prostheses such as dental fillings, dentures and artificial teeth by making it more difficult for the cutting debris to entangle on the bur and also make the bur superior in debris removal easiness and cutting feelings, a dental diamond bur is structured such that diamond grains having an average diameter of 0.01 to 50 &mgr;m are attached to the head of the bur body by a plated metal layer containing fluorine compound grains that are almost uniformly dispersed and have an average diameter smaller than that of the diamond grains, the volume fraction of fluorine compound grains in the plated metal layer being desirably 0.1 to 60% and, when the plated metal layer is a plated nickel layer, the plated metal layer desirably further containing 0.1 to 15% by weight of a phosphorus compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: GC Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Ikushima, Koichi Mamada
  • Publication number: 20040063069
    Abstract: A dental implant system having an implant and a coordinating abutment is described. The implant includes a hexagonal reference post against which a prosthesis can be keyed and a tapered wall on the external aspect of the neck of the implant. The abutment is adapted to engage the taper of external aspect of the implant and can be indexed via the hex relative to the implant. In an alternative embodiment, different abutments are provided to offer different prosthetic options all using the external friction lock and the external hex for indexing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Steven B. Lombardi
  • Publication number: 20040063070
    Abstract: An integrated abutment crown (22) has an abutment portion (24) having a central portion (24a) intermediate to a post portion (24b) receivable in the bore of an implant and a head portion which includes a nose (24c) and shelf (24d) extending from the outer circumference of the central portion to the nose. The abutment portion (24) is formed with a smooth curved surfaces for supporting crown portion (26) material applied directly onto the nose and shelf of the head portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Vincent J. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20040063071
    Abstract: A dental implant having threads on the exterior surface that vary in depth but maintain an essentially constant number of turns per axial inch is described. Near a distal end of the implant, the threads have a relatively shallow depth. Near a proximal end, the threads have a depth about twice as deep as near the distal end. Optionally, the implant may include a coating to facilitate anchoring on the proximal end threads. Further, the implant may be self-tapping or it may be tapered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Schroering
  • Publication number: 20040063072
    Abstract: The aim of the present invention is to offer a keeper for a dental magnetic attachment that is strong, has low manufacturing costs, and is not easily detached from the tooth root. The keeper proposed herein has a keeper body, which is shaped like a plate, and a root, which is attached to the bottom of the keeper body. The keeper body and the root are machined from a single piece of soft magnetic material in one piece. The root has a smaller diameter part that is linked to a larger diameter part whose external diameter is larger than an external diameter of the smaller diameter part. The smaller diameter part is linked to the bottom of the keeper. There are multiple circumferential grooves around the outer side of the larger diameter part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: AICHI STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Honkura, Kazuo Arai, Aki Watarai, Yasuhiro Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20040063073
    Abstract: An ultrasonic therapy device comprises two bodies and two holding members. The body, at the inner face of which an oscillator is embedded, covers an affected area into which implant fixtures are embedded. The holding member which holds the body has a shape of a crown which covers teeth next to the affected area. Two teeth were removed from the affected area into which two implant fixtures are embedded. Each of the bodies covers the affected area between the teeth which is covered by the holding members so that the bodies are exactly fixed in an oral cavity. In this state, it is possible to accelerate osteogenesis around the implant fixtures by supplying an ultrasonic signal from an external driver to the oscillator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Naoko Kajimoto, Atsumi Ohta, Nobuo Ogiwara
  • Publication number: 20040063074
    Abstract: An improved method for cleaning teeth is disclosed. The method for cleaning teeth includes: applying ultrasonic waves of a first frequency through a liquid media to the teeth for a first period of time; and applying ultrasonic waves of a second frequency through a liquid media to the teeth for a second period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Adarrel Omar Fisher
  • Publication number: 20040063075
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for applying a sealant (S) on an interproximal surface of a tooth (DT) comprising a closed surface (SF), positioning means (AL) for positioning the closed surface (SF) against an interproximal surface of the tooth (DT) to be treated, a sealing agent (AS) designed to be generally positioned between the closed surface (SF) and the interproximal surface and to adhere to the interproximal surface, and maintaining means (F, PMT2, C, EO) for maintaining the closed surface (SF) in position against the interproximal surface while the sealing agent (AS) is cured. The sealing agent (AS), when cured, constitutes at least part of the sealant (S) applied on the interproximal surface. The closed surface (SF) is flexible and designed to match at its periphery the interproximal surface so that the sealing agent (AS), when cured, substantially merges without interruption with the general surface of the tooth (DT), the general surface comprising the interproximal surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Naim Karazivan
  • Publication number: 20040063076
    Abstract: An apparatus for the connection of cables comprises a container (1) into which cables (6) are inserted, and a number of nested, preferably hollow-walled cylindrical drums (2,3) disposed concentrically relative to a central axis (x). Each drum is displaceable along the central axis between a first position inside the container and a second position protruding outside the container. Each drum has been provided around its outside circumference with access apertures (7) behind which connection means have been located, which in the second position are accessible for the connection of inserted cables. Excess cable lengths required for displacement lie wound in hollow-walled spaces of the drums. Drum displacements (P1) are preferably accompanied by specific rotations (P2, P3) in a direction opposed to the winding direction of the excess cable lengths. Advantages: conveniently arranged connection of large number of cables with limited excess cable lengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Van Leest
  • Publication number: 20040063077
    Abstract: A system for encouraging an understanding of visual art includes a set of collectible cards (20, 36, 38, 40, 42). Each of the cards (20, 36, 38, 40, 42) includes an image (26) of an artwork on a first side (22) of the card. Information pertaining to the artwork is provided on a second side (24) of the card. The information is in the form of stylized brushstrokes (30), color codes (52), text, and icons. Through the use of the stylized brushstrokes (30), color codes (52), text, and icons, a method is thus provided for collecting and organizing the images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Claudia Swartz
  • Publication number: 20040063078
    Abstract: A system where a child or other individual arranges one or more computer-recognizable characters on a working platform to spell words or provide a mathematical result in response to computer generated questions or prompts, the system then indicating whether the words or mathematical result is correct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Brian I. Marcus, Warren S. Heit
  • Publication number: 20040063079
    Abstract: A system where a child or other individual arranges one or more computer-recognizable characters on a working platform to spell words or provide a mathematical result in response to computer generated questions or prompts, the system then indicating whether the words or mathematical result is correct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Brian I. Marcus, Warren S. Heit
  • Publication number: 20040063080
    Abstract: An intellectual building base plate assembling game device comprises a triangular game tray having 28 adjacent slots which is arranged as seven lines, a first line having one slot; a second line having two slots; a third line having third slots, a fourth line having fourth slots; a fifth line having fifth slots, a sixth line having sixth slots, and a seven line having seven slots; and eighteen building blocks of different shapes. Moreover, an intellectual building base plate assembling game device comprising: a planar game tray having a concave slot inside a planar game tray; a fastening element standing on a bottom of the concave slot; and eighteen building blocks of different shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Cheng
  • Publication number: 20040063081
    Abstract: An interactive game designed to effectively and positively modify and improve a variety of behaviors of a player by increasing behaviors which supervisors approve of and decreasing behaviors which are inappropriate via integration of both positive and negative reinforcement. Simultaneously, a game according to the present invention modifies the behavior of the supervisor as well as the player by giving him/her an effective and emotionally neutral way to modify behavior which is orderly and clearly communicates to the player. Furthermore, the game can be played with multiple players simultaneously as opposed to requiring a separate chart/game board for monitoring behavior of each player, can be customized to provide appropriate rewards/punishment according to the specific desires of each player/supervisor, accordingly, and is continually adaptive in accordance with the changing individual needs of each player and supervisor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Susan Lipkins
  • Publication number: 20040063082
    Abstract: Method for assisting a person in changing a behavior, e.g., smoking, by employing multiple steps, including e.g., having the person assess, quantitatively, the degree of readiness to change, having the person assess, quantitatively, the difficulty of changing a given behavior, having the person list benefits and obstacles involved in changing the behavior, and devising a strategy for changing the behavior, that includes positive reinforcement and self-efficacy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Michael O'Donnell
  • Publication number: 20040063083
    Abstract: The video game includes a monitor for visual representation of a selected portion of a player's body affected by a medical condition. The information concerning the medical condition, including both its cause and effects on the body, is stored, as is a set of treatment actions for combating said medical condition, including medical treatment actions, immune system responses and spiritual actions. Also stored is the known effect of the treatment actions on the medical condition. A computer program permits the player to select and use the available treatment actions against the disease, all of which are visually produced by the program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Philip A. Rink
  • Publication number: 20040063084
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to processing system use for instruction and simulated training. Observers evaluate the movements of user controllable images making interactive, personal, idiosyncratic, simulated movements. The invention includes the use of individual hand held devices, personal display appliances, personal computers and other processing systems communicating displays of user controllable images to other processing systems over local area and wide area networks and by means of a variety of interfaces, networks, servers and/or intraprocessing system means. Instruction and simulated training of observers is accomplished through viewing and evaluating user controllable image movements including, without limitation, individual drill, cooperation and opposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Vincent J. Macri, Paul Zilber
  • Publication number: 20040063085
    Abstract: The training system and method for improving user knowledge/skills in a given course. The training system is created by analyzing and mapping the required knowledge and skills within a given course, and possible failure corse, which represent lack of knowledge/skill weakness (A). Based on the analysis process, a pool of questions and answers is prepared. Each question relates to learning objects and each wrong answer indicates a specific failure cause (B). The training system includes set of exercise sessions based on said questions (C). At the end of each session the system evaluates user knowledge/skills level and draws conclusions from possible reasons for choosing a particular wrong answer, spending a particular amount of time or requesting a hint for a certain question (D). Based on this analysis, the system builds an individual tutorial program for each student, which includes feedbacks, customized lessons and exercises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Dror Ivanir, Asif Stoffman, Alona Berman, Tamir Gafni
  • Publication number: 20040063086
    Abstract: An interactive learning software program includes a teaching computer, a plurality of operational devices and a notebook computer. The teaching computer is used for executing at least one interactive learning software program. The plurality of operational devices are used by the plurality of students and output an operational instruction to the teaching computer to use the interactive learning system. The notebook computer is used by the teacher, and the notebook computer is capable of executing an interactive control software program to output a control instruction to the teaching computer so that the interactive learning software selectively accepts the operating instruction from the operational device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Kuo-Ping Yang,
    Inventors: Kuo-Ping Yang, Ching-Hsiang Shih, Yen-Jui Chiao, Chi-Lai Chen, Shu-Hua Guo
  • Publication number: 20040063087
    Abstract: A system for managing resolvers of test answers to maintain consistent and efficient scoring of test answers. Collaborative scoring monitors and resolves discrepancies in two or more scores for the same test answers. Quality items monitor a test resolver's scoring performance against a known standard. Performance feedback data tracks a resolver's scoring rate to monitor efficiency and optionally recommend break times or provide the resolver with diversionary activities during breaks. Consistent scoring is further promoted by selectively matching resolvers with test answers based on classifications of the resolvers and persons who generated the test answers. An on-line scoring guide dynamically provides test resolvers with rules for scoring answers to particular test questions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: NCS Pearson, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay V. Clark, William L. Bramlett, Judith Moyer
  • Publication number: 20040063088
    Abstract: A method of screening biologically active agent based on the analysis of complex biological responses in culture. Methods for selecting cells and culture conditions for such screens are provided, as well as the identification of an optimized set of discrete parameters to be measured, and the use of biomap analysis for rapid identification and characterization of drug candidates, genetic sequences acting pathways, and the like. A feature of the invention is simultaneous screening of a large number of cellular pathways, and the rapid identification of compounds that cause cellular responses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Ellen L. Berg, Eugene C. Butcher, Jennifer Melrose, Ivan Plavec
  • Publication number: 20040063089
    Abstract: In an intracellular-reaction measuring apparatus for measuring intracellular reactions by the use of a specimen in which a plurality of cell colonies are contained in a non-contact state, the apparatus has i) specifying means in which the intensity of first light emitted from the specimen in accordance with the presence of a stated protein is detected to specify, of the plurality of cell colonies, a noted colony containing cells where the stated protein is present, and ii) selection means in which the intensity of second light emitted from the specimen in accordance with the intracellular reactions is detected to select, of the detected intensity of the second light, the intensity of the second light emitted from the noted colony. Also disclosed is an intracellular-reaction measuring method making use of this apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuji Imaizumi, Takayuki Suga, Yoshitaro Nakano