age Dishwasher with booster agent dispersal system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A dishwasher includes a shiftable rack provided with a washing agent dispersal system including a housing into which washing fluid is delivered. When the rack is shifted to a retracted position within a tub of the dishwasher, a tube feed system is employed to selectively distribute washing fluid from a pump assembly to each of multiple spray arms, the housing of the washing agent dispersal system and an auxiliary spray unit carried by the upper rack. Full Article
age Cleaning system for a beverage machine, preferably a coffee machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a cleaning system for coffee machines, comprising a cleaning device for periodically cleaning the coffee- and/or milk-carrying components using a cleaning liquid, which contains cleaning agent in the form of balls or tablets dissolved therein, wherein the cleaning device is provided with a time- and/or product-cycle-dependent controller and a metering apparatus (1) for the cleaning agent (10) that interacts with the controller. Thus, it is possible to program the cleaning process in a customized manner according to the mode of operation and to carry out the cleaning process fully automatically according to the program. The metering of the cleaning agent (10) according to the program ensures an always optimal cleaning effect together with sparing use of cleaning agents. Simple and safe handling is achieved by using ball- or tablet-shaped cleaning agents. Full Article
age Multi-stage sulfur removal system and process for a fuel system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 08:00:00 EDT A system for producing an auxiliary fuel stream containing a low concentration of sulfur compounds from a primary fuel stream includes a first separation stage to separate a portion of a primary fuel stream into a first vapor permeate stream and a first retentate stream, a first separation stage partial condenser connected to the first vapor permeate stream condensing a portion of the first vapor permeate stream into a first liquid stage stream and a first vapor stage stream, and a second separation stage partial condenser condensing a portion of the first vapor stage stream into a second liquid stage. The stream may then be processed through a sorbent bed to effectively remove the sulfur compounds. Full Article
age Two-stage hydroprocessing apparatus with common fractionation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST Two-stage hydroprocessing uses a common dividing wall fractionator. Hydroprocessed effluents from both stages of hydroprocessing are fed to opposite sides of the dividing wall. Full Article
age Compression bandage and method for its manufacture By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT A compression bandage with a tubular, flexible flat material for surrounding a bodily member and with a number of elastic compression threads, whereby this flat material constitutes a main body that can be stretched in the circumferential direction. A number of elastic compression threads run in the plane of the flat material in the direction of the circumference, and create the compressive effect when the compression bandage is applied. At least parts of at least some of the compression threads protrude outside the flat material, allowing the compressive effect to be adjusted by varying the length of each of the protruding external portions. Full Article
age System and method for brewing beverages By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system and method for brewing beverages utilizing inertial separation and an adjustable-volume brewing chamber to selectively retain or release particulate matter, oils, and/or other components of the brewed beverage, whereby mechanical filtration may be avoided and smaller particulates may be separated from the beverage. Thus, less material is needed to achieve similar levels of infusion and brewing time may be reduced. Full Article
age Beverage containers with detection capability By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods and systems described herein include individual-use beverage containers including sensors and methods of their use. Beverage containers include: a vessel body configured to hold a beverage; and at least one sensor associated with the vessel body, the at least one sensor including a sensor configured to detect one or more substance in a fluid. Systems include: at least one beverage container including at least one sensor configured to detect one or more substance in fluid; and at least one external device including at least one port configured for communication with the at least one sensor. Methods include: detecting one or more substance within fluid with at least one sensor integral to a beverage container; and interfacing one or more of the at least one sensor with an external device. Full Article
age Method and apparatus for beverage formation with reservoir access control By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method and apparatus for forming a beverage. Movement of a brew chamber may automatically enable the provision of beverage precursor liquid into a reservoir in a brewer, which is then used (heated or not) to form a beverage. For example, closing of the brew chamber may cause a lid for a water reservoir to be fully opened or otherwise permit movement of the lid to allow access to the reservoir, allowing a user to provide water into the reservoir. The reservoir lid may open with an abrupt action, causing attention to be drawn to the reservoir lid. In another arrangement, closure of the brew chamber may cause actuation of a baffle, pump, valve or other device to provide a suitable amount of water to a reservoir for beverage formation. In another arrangement, opening of the brew chamber may cause the reservoir lid to be automatically and simultaneously opened with the brew chamber. Full Article
age Capsule for the preparation of a beverage embedding an identification element By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of a beverage. The capsule includes first and second covering walls connected for forming a cavity containing a beverage ingredient and a contactless identifying element for identifying the capsule by detecting the identifying element using the detector of a beverage producing device. The identifying element is preferably disposed in the cavity. Full Article
age System and method for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption, and a use of such a system, a receiving chamber and a holder By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption, for instance coffee and/or tea, is disclosed. The system comprises an apparatus for dispensing beverage under pressure to a nozzle of the system, and at least one receiving chamber which is placeable or is placed downstream of this nozzle. During use, the nozzle spouts a jet of the beverage with relatively high velocity to and/or into the receiving chamber. The receiving chamber is provided with at least one outflow opening for dispensing beverage received in this chamber. The system is at least configured to substantially counteract or prevent formation of foam of this beverage, in particular when the beverage is spouted to and/or into the receiving chamber. Further disclosed is an assembly at least provided with a holder, to a holder, a receiving body, the use of a said system and to a method for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption. Full Article
age Beverage extraction filter By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a beverage extraction filter that can extract in a plurality of extraction machine types. The beverage extraction filter comprises a filter unit (40) where coffee powder is housed and a planar lid unit (41) mounted to the top section of the filter unit (40). The lid unit (41) is formed in a layer structure created by a non-permeable first sheet member (42) positioned on the filter unit side (40) and a permeable second sheet member (43) layered on top of the first sheet member (42), and a hole section (42a) through which hot water is made to pass is formed in the center of the first sheet member (42). Full Article
age Beverage brewing apparatus with pump dispensing system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A beverage machine for preparing and dispensing a hot beverage having a pump dispensing system. Hot water passes through a water distributor to infuse material in a filter basket. A coffee tank receives the brewed beverage and maintains it at an appropriate temperature. On demand, a pump dispensing system delivers the beverage through an outlet chamber and spout into a user's cup. The user manipulates a switch to vary the rate at which the pump dispensing system dispenses the beverage. Full Article
age New Imaging Agents and Methods of Identifying Same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention includes a novel method capable of identifying a compound as an imaging agent using a DAZAX-based scaffold or derivative thereof. The present invention further includes novel imaging agents. The present invention further includes a method of modifying a DAZAX-based scaffold or derivative thereof. The present invention further includes a method for imaging a sample. Full Article
age Drug Delivery Enhancement Agents By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A peptide comprising a sequence for opening a tight junction of an epithelial surface and optionally a cell penetrating sequence; and related compositions, optionally comprising further pharmaceutical agents; and related methods. Full Article
age HYPOGLYCEMIC AGENT CONTAINING ANTI-ANG2 ANTIBODY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Provided is a method of decreasing blood sugar level or preventing and/or treating a hyperglycemia-related disease, including administering an anti-Ang2 antibody or an antigen-biding fragment thereof to a subject in need thereof. Full Article
age OPOID RECEPTOR BINDING AGENTS AND USES THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Agents that specifically bind to an opioid receptor in a conformationally specific way can be used to induce a conformational change in the receptor. Such agents have therapeutic applications and can be used in X-ray crystallography studies of the receptor. Such agents can also be used to improve drug discovery via compound screening and/or structure-based drug design. Full Article
age NOTCH1 RECEPTOR BINDING AGENTS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to compositions and methods for characterizing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. In particular the invention provides the means and methods for the diagnosis, characterization, prognosis and treatment of cancer and specifically targeting cancer stem cells. The present invention provides an antibody that specifically binds to a non-ligand binding membrane proximal region of the extracellular domain of a human Notch receptor and inhibits tumor growth. The present invention further provides a method of treating cancer, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody that specifically binds to a non-ligand binding membrane proximal region of the extracellular domain of a human Notch receptor protein and inhibits tumor growth. Full Article
age VEGF/DLL4 Binding Agents and Uses Thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to VEGF-binding agents, DLL4-binding agents, VEGF/DLL4 bispecific binding agents, and methods of using the agents for treating diseases such as cancer. The present invention provides antibodies that specifically bind human VEGF, antibodies that specifically bind human DLL4, and bispecific antibodies that specifically bind human VEGF and/or human DLL4. The present invention further provides methods of using the agents to inhibit tumor growth. Also described are methods of treating cancer comprising administering a therapeutically effect amount of an agent or antibody of the present invention to a patient having a tumor or cancer. Full Article
age TUNING BACTERIOPHAGE HOST RANGE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Various aspects and embodiments of the invention are directed to high-throughput phage-engineering methods and recombinant bacteriophages with tunable host ranges for controlling phage specificity. Full Article
age PAENIBACILLUS LARVAE TREATMENT WITH PHAGE LYSIN FOR AMERICAN FOULBROOD DISEASE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Materials and methods for treating and preventing American Foulbrood disease in honeybees, such as materials and methods for using phage lysin enzymes to lyse Paenibacillus larvae, are provided herein. Full Article
age POLYNUCLEOTIDE AGENTS TARGETING COMPLEMENT COMPONENT C5 AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to polynucleotide agents targeting the complement component C5 gene, and methods of using such polynucleotide agents to inhibit expression of C5 and to treat subjects having a complement component C5-associated disease, e.g., paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Full Article
age BEVERAGE BREWER AND RELATED METHODS FOR BREWING BEVERAGES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The brewing system disclosed herein includes a spinning or rotating inlet nozzle for use in intermixing hot water and coffee in a coffee cartridge. The inlet nozzle may include one or more flow ports that inject hot water into an inner chamber of the coffee cartridge at select angles, locations and pressures to create the desired fluidized mixture of hot water and beverage medium. Such an inlet nozzle may be adapted for use in commercial coffee brewers and the amount of coffee brewed may be user regulated with an external indicator dial coupled to a controller-regulated rheostat that governs fluid flow to the brewer head by taking readings from a pump, flow meter or strain gauge. Full Article
age Capsule For Preparing A Beverage Such As Coffee And The Like By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage preparation device. The capsule has a flange which is partially made of paper and partially made of polymer. The polymer is essentially arranged on the flange to cover at least partially the paper part and so to improve the inside tightness of the capsule, in particular, to prevent air enters inside the capsule via folds and creases. Full Article
age A Beverage Cup for Coffee or the Like By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A cup comprises a container having a flat bottom wall pierceable by a needle, a filter has a flat filter bottom supported on or sufficiently close to the flat bottom to allow the needle to push part of the flat filter bottom upwards to form a beverage collection chamber, a lid having an outer sidewall and a sloped inner sidewall to transform the brewing pressure in the cup into radial outward force acting on the outer sidewall to impart rigidity to the lid during brewing, and a pressure sensitive adhesive O-ring between the horizontal wall of the lid and the container rim. The cup may comprise a pressurization chamber enclosed by the outer sidewall, inner sidewall and a top film and adapted to become pressurized and expanded when hot water is injected into the cup, thereby imparting rigidity to the lid and improving the seal to the container. Full Article
age AN APPARATUS FOR PREPARING BREWED BEVERAGES, AND A CAPSULE, CAPSULE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A BREWED BEVERAGE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A brewing system includes a brewing apparatus and a capsule containing a substance for brewing. The capsule has an opening on one side and a base on an opposite side. The base includes a light input surface, a light-output surface and a light conductor to conduct light from the light input surface to the light output surface. The apparatus includes: a brewing chamber including an inlet for heated water, an outlet for the brewed beverage, and an opening in communication with the opening of the capsule. A light source on the brewing apparatus emits light into the base via the light inlet surface of the capsule. The light conductor conducts the light to the light-output surface. A light detector of the brewing apparatus detects light emitted by light-output surface on the base of the capsule. A method of operating the brewing system and a capsule system are also described. Full Article
age POST-MIX BEVERAGE SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A beverage dispensing system comprises a container, an attachment mechanism, and a cartridge. The container may hold a mixing solution or liquid, such as water, to be mixed with the contents of the cartridge. The attachment mechanism is generally located within the container. The cartridge generally engages with the attachment mechanism to open the cartridge to be dispensed into the container, thereby combining the contents of the cartridge with the liquid within the container to create a drinkable beverage. The cartridge may include a unique identifier to track a set of beverage characteristics associated with the contents of the cartridge and the beverage. The container may capture the unique identifier of the cartridge associated with the set of beverage characteristics and transfer the set of beverage characteristics over a wireless network to a computing device or network. Full Article
age CAPSULE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREPARING A BEVERAGE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product is disclosed. The capsule includes a circumferential first wall, a second wall closing the circumferential first wall at a first end, and a flexible sheet-shaped third wall closing the circumferential first wall at a second, open, end opposite the second wall, the third wall being at least one of perforate and porous. The first, second and third wall enclose an inner space including the extractable product. The third wall forms an outermost boundary of the capsule in an axial direction thereof. The third wall includes a filtering material. The second wall is one of a flexible porous sheet, a flexible foil provided with a plurality of entrance openings, and a substantially rigid wall that comprises a plurality of entrance openings. Full Article
age EMULSIFIED FLAVOR COMPOSITION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to an emulsified flavor composition for an alcoholic beverage that does not generate a floating matter or a sediment, that maintains a stable emulsified state, that imparts transparent appearance to the alcoholic beverage and that does not impair the taste/flavor of the alcoholic beverage, even when mixed with a concentrated syrup that has an alcohol concentration several times higher than that of the alcoholic beverage during the steps for producing the alcoholic beverage. The emulsified flavor composition for alcoholic beverages of the present invention comprises: (a) an oil-soluble component containing a flavor; (b) a polyglycerol fatty acid ester whose 1% by weight aqueous solution has transmittance of 65% or higher at 600 nm; and (c) lecithin. Full Article
age Plush figure including multi-chamber storage system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST One example includes a body formed of body fabric, the body defining a body pocket opening, a body pocket disposed in an interior of the body and coupled to the body pocket opening and body plush disposed in the interior of the body, between the body pocket and the body fabric. The example includes a head formed of head fabric, the head having a posterior portion of the head coupled to the body at an anterior portion of the body, the head defining a head pocket opening disposed on an anterior portion of the head, a head pocket disposed in an interior of the head and coupled to the head pocket opening and head plush disposed in the interior of the head, between the head pocket and the head fabric. The example includes at least one pair of legs formed of leg fabric and fastened to the body. Full Article
age Method for production of bags for the transport and storage of bulk goods, and bag obtained according to the method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST The invention comprises using a fabric cut into several pieces which are further assembled together by stitches, the stitches being made using a sewing machine comprising at least two needles (A', B') operating in-line one behind the other so that the sewing stitch of the second needle (B') is made on the threads of the sewing stitch made by the first needle (A') in order to cover the perforation made by the first needle and so that the perforation made by the second needle (B') is made through said thread (11), thereby filling said perforation with said thread (11). Full Article
age Embroidery data processor, computer-readable storage medium storing embroidery data processing program and sewing machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An embroidery data processor includes a color information acquiring unit configured to acquire color information of a workpiece cloth on which an embroidery pattern composed of a plurality of color-based pattern portions is sewn, a color storage unit configured to store data of defined colors, an assignment unit configured to randomly extract colors from the colors stored by the color storage unit for every color-based pattern portion, the extracted colors being used as thread color data specifying colors of the color-based pattern portions respectively, the assignment unit assigning the extracted colors to the respective color-based pattern portions, and a setting unit configured to set a predetermined extraction range containing a similar color or a contrast color based on the color information acquired by the acquiring unit. The assignment unit is configured to extract the color stored by the color storage unit in the set extraction range. Full Article
age In-situ, multi-stage debulk, compaction, and single stage curing of thick composite repair laminates By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for fabricating a repair laminate for a composite part having an exposed surface includes applying a bonding material to the exposed surface and forming an uncured ply stack assembly on the bonding material. The uncured ply stack assembly is formed by forming and compacting a series of uncured ply stacks. The ply stack assembly and bonding material are then cured. Full Article
age Reinforced aircraft fuselage panel and method of manufacture By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A fuselage panel made of composite material having a skin with an opening, at least part of the contour of which is reinforced by an integrated reinforcement made of composite material. The fuselage panel includes at least one liner made of composite material which is attached to and superposed on the reinforced skin portion and participates at least partially in defining the contour of the opening, the panel additionally including consolidating members, each passing at least partially through the liner and at least partially through the reinforced skin portion. Full Article
age Positioning system of sectors of a device for producing an airplane fuselage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Positioning system of sectors of a device for producing an airplane fuselage in which a lamination mandrel comprises a plurality of sectors borne by a supporting structure and mobile along guides between: an expanded lamination position and a contracted disassembling position. Each guide comprises a fixed part borne by the supporting structure and a mobile part sliding along/with respect to the fixed part in a rectilinear direction H. Between a portion of each mobile part facing towards the respective sector and a stiffening structure of the sector a positioning device is provided which allows adjustment of the position of the sector with respect to the guide in two directions which lie in a plane RP perpendicular to the axis H of the guide. Full Article
age Constraint system of sectors of a device for producing an airplane fuselage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A constraint system of sectors of a device for producing an airplane fuselage in which a lamination mandrel is adapted to receive and support a band of impregnated synthetic material. The lamination mandrel comprises a plurality of sectors angularly spaced about the axis and mobile between: an expanded lamination position and a contracted disassembling position. A constraint system is provided between each sector and the sectors adjacent thereto which guarantees a predetermined arrangement of the first sector with respect to the second sector adjacent thereto, preventing any translation along two directions which lie in an adjustment plane perpendicular to an axis RD which extends radially from the symmetry axis to the external surface. Full Article
age Adhesive optical film, manufacturing method for the same and image display device using the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film of the invention comprises an optical film and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer provided on the optical film, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer has a thickness (μm) standard deviation of 0.12 μm or less. The pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film makes it possible to reduce the problem of visible unevenness caused by a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. Full Article
age Substrate processing apparatus, substrate processing method, and computer readable storage medium storing substrate processing program By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a liquid processing apparatus capable of accurately determining a holding state of a substrate without being influenced by, for example, material or surface condition of a substrate. The liquid processing apparatus includes a substrate holding unit that holds a substrate, a camera that photographs a region where a peripheral edge portion of substrate is present when substrate is properly held by the substrate holding unit, and a control unit that determines a holding state of the substrate held by the substrate holding unit based on an image photographed by the camera. Full Article
age Composite foliage Si fertilizer for lowering contents of heavy metals and nitrate in vegetable, and preparation method thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is related to the field of environmental protection, more specifically, to a foliage silicon fertilizer and a method for production of the fertilizer, which is a molybdenum-silica compound sol used for reducing heavy metal and nitrates in vegetables. The fertilizer, which is a molybdenum-silica compound sol, comprises 10-25 wt % silica, 0.05-5.5 wt % molybdenum ions. More preferably, the fertilize, which is a rare earth-molybdenum-silica compound sol, comprises 10-25 wt % silica, 0.05-5.5 wt % molybdenum ions and 0.1-7.5 wt % rare earth ions. By the combination of silica with molybdenum in the present invention, it is effective for preventing the absorption/accumulation of nitrates in vegetables. In addition, by the further combination with rare earth element, the prevention ability of the fertilizer from absorbing heavy metal and nitrates into vegetables is even enhanced. With a preparation method with normal pressure and relatively, low temperature, that is, with mild condition, simple process and high operability, large scale production of the present invention may be readily executed. Full Article
age SYSTEM AND METHOD TO IDENTIFY ENGAGEMENT OF VEHICLE AUTOMATION FUNCTIONS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system and method for monitoring operation of vehicle automation systems utilizes an electronic vehicle monitor configured to connect to a computer system of a vehicle via the on board diagnostics (“OBD”) port of the vehicle. The electronic vehicle monitor is configured to obtain operational status information of the activation or use of vehicle automation systems of the vehicle, such as of an automated braking system, automated acceleration system, automated steering system, automated vehicle navigation system, automated collision avoidance system, and an automated cruise control system. The electronic vehicle monitor transmits the obtained operational status information to a computing device, such as a mobile computer of a passenger or the vehicle driver, or to a remotely located computer. The electronic vehicle monitor may include a wireless transmitter, and may include a global positioning system module or be configured to obtain location information from a global positioning system of the vehicle Full Article
age SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVED HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE DECISION SUPPORT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method of health management of a monitored system includes collecting component condition indicator data used to calculate a plurality of component health indicators. Component fault severity and potential failure modes are determined utilizing the component condition indicator data. The potential failure modes are ranked in order of likelihood to isolate the failure mode. A system of health management for monitored apparatus includes a fault severity module to derive a plurality of component health indicators from collected component condition indicator data, the plurality of component health indicators indicative of fault severity of a plurality of components. A fault isolation module separately derives a ranked listing of potential fault/failure modes utilizing the component condition indicator data. The system further includes a communication portion to which the plurality of component health indicators and the ranked listing of fault/failure modes are transmitted for review and/or action by cognizant personnel. Full Article
age METHOD, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR TRAFFIC LANE AND SIGNAL CONTROL IDENTIFICATION AND TRAFFIC FLOW MANAGEMENT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method is provided for traffic lane and traffic signal control identification and traffic flow management. Methods may identify traffic lights controlling lane movements, cataloging the information through analysis of traffic light signal phase and timing, and analyzing traffic movement through an intersection during specific periods of time. In particular, example methods may include identifying each of a plurality of paths through an intersection; identifying states of one or more traffic lights controlling traffic through the intersection; determining vehicle throughput data for the intersection through a predetermined number of cycles of the one or more traffic lights; and matching the vehicle throughput data to each of the plurality of paths of the intersection. The method may optionally include identifying times of movement and times of non-movement of vehicles across the intersection for each of the plurality of paths. Full Article
age OPEN ARCHITECTURE FOR FLIGHT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for managing avionic data between a flight management system FMS and one or more clients, the FMS comprising resources accessible through avionic services Ci (1,n); the execution of the Ci (1,n) determining an avionic functionality Fj (1,m); each of the Fj (1,m) associated with an intrusiveness parameter Ik and a criticality parameter Ck; the method comprises the steps of receiving a request specifying the call to an Fj (1,m); and determining a predefined execution right for a Ci (1,n), dependent on the predefined intrusiveness and/or criticality parameters associated with the Fj (1,m). Developments describe particularly the comparison of the execution rights, notice of a rejection, various avionic services and functionalities, the management of criticality ranges, consideration of the flight context, etc. Software and system aspects are described (e.g. equipment of EFB type). Full Article
age POSITIVE ELECTRODE ACTIVE MATERIAL, POSITIVE ELECTRODE, BATTERY, BATTERY PACK, ELECTRONIC DEVICE, ELECTRIC VEHICLE, POWER STORAGE DEVICE, AND POWER SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A positive electrode active material includes: secondary particles obtained by aggregation of a plurality of primary particles. The primary particles include, core particles including a lithium composite oxide, and a layer that is provided on surfaces of the core particles and includes a lithium composite oxide. The lithium composite oxide included in the core particles and the lithium composite oxide included in the layer have the same composition or almost the same composition, and crystallinity of the lithium composite oxide included in the layer is lower than crystallinity of the lithium composite oxide included in the core particles. Full Article
age Luggage for cooperating with various portable devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT Luggage or carrying container (1) having an interface (10) for cooperating with one or more electronic and/or wireless devices (20, 22, 24, 26, 28), a rechargeable power source (30), an integrated antenna (40), and a wireless communication system (50). The luggage (1) allows a user to better manage various electronic devices/accessories in terms of space, efficiency and operation during travel. Full Article
age Linear recliner assembly with threaded linear drive rod and rotatably engaged gear stop By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EDT A linear recliner assembly in use with a seat having a seat back pivotally engaged relative to a seat bottom. A housing exhibits a communicating interior between a first and second ends. A drive rod is supported in linearly displaceable fashion from the first end and is secured to the seat bottom. The second end pivotally engages the seatback spaced from its pivot point. A rotatable gear located at a fixed lineal position within the housing receives the drive rod in threadably inter-engaged fashion. A trigger mechanism pivotally secured to the housing exhibits a downwardly biased detent communicating through an opening in the housing to seat between succeeding teeth of the gear. A spring supported within the housing contacts the drive rod. Upon release of the detent, a reclining force applied to the seatback results in displacement of the housing against the drive rod to bias the spring. The spring influencing the drive rod in a reverse direction such that, upon release of said detent when the seatback is in the reclined position, the spring influences the seatback to reverse pivot to a returned upright position. Full Article
age Mechanical energy storage system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EDT A mechanical energy storage system includes a containment vessel, a drive shaft operatively connected to a generator/motor and supported for rotation in the containment vessel. A support structure is attached to the drive shaft and configured for radial extension from a rest position proximate the drive shaft. A resilient member having a mass and extending circumferentially around the drive shaft is connected to free ends of the support structure and configured to store elastic energy when the support structure extends radially from its rest position. Upon rotation of the drive shaft, the resilient member stores both elastic and rotational energy commensurate with its mass and elastic properties. Full Article
age Winding tool for torsion spring for sectional garage door By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 29 Oct 2013 08:00:00 EDT A winding tool for tightening a torsion spring for a sectional overhead door. The winding tool features two half hub assembles that wrap around an overhead door shaft, wherein a translational sprocket is disposed on the hub assemblies. The hub assemblies connect to the winding cone of a torsion spring via fingers that engage the hub assemblies. A winding box is removably attached to the hub assemblies. The winding box features a worm gear that engages the translational sprocket. A handle bar can be rotated with a drill to cause rotation of the worm gear. Rotation of the worm gear causes rotation of the translational sprocket and ultimate winding of the torsion spring. Full Article
age Linear recliner assembly with threaded linear drive rod and rotatably engaged gear stop By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Jan 2014 08:00:00 EST A linear recliner assembly in use with a seat having a seat back pivotally engaged relative to a seat bottom. A housing exhibits a communicating interior between a first and second ends. A drive rod is supported in linearly displaceable fashion from the first end and is secured to the seat bottom. The second end pivotally engages the seatback spaced from its pivot point. A rotatable gear located at a fixed lineal position within the housing receives the drive rod in threadably inter-engaged fashion. A trigger mechanism pivotally secured to the housing exhibits a downwardly biased detent communicating through an opening in the housing to seat between succeeding teeth of the gear. A spring supported within the housing contacts the drive rod. Upon release of the detent, a reclining force applied to the seatback results in displacement of the housing against the drive rod to bias the spring. The spring influencing the drive rod in a reverse direction such that, upon release of said detent when the seatback is in the reclined position, the spring influences the seatback to reverse pivot to a returned upright position. Full Article
age Energy storage and release system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Apr 2014 08:00:00 EDT The technology is directed to an energy storage and release system that stores energy and enables a repeatable and accurately timed release of energy. A shaft member supports a drive assembly, a locking assembly and a lever member there between. The lever member and locking assembly are attached to the shaft. The drive assembly rotates freely about the shaft and loads energy into a torsion spring in communication with the lever member. The torsion spring connects at one end to the drive assembly and at the other end to the lever member without contacting the shaft member. The locking assembly provides a triggered release mechanism for selective release of stored energy from the torsion spring that accordingly rotates the lever member. The system can automatically reload the torsion spring once a signal is received from any number of events including, when the rotating lever member contacts a stop member or limit sensor that signals the end of travel for the lever member in either rotational directions. Full Article
age Garage door spring winding system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A system for safely and effectively winding a garage door spring features a hub assembly having a cylindrical hub with a cylindrical channel located there through. The hub assembly features a wheel gear located around the hub and a plurality of engagement prongs designed to snuggly engage a torsion spring winding cone. The hub assembly is divided into a first hub component and a second hub component. The system features a base with a semi-cylindrical notch and an arcuate lid pivotally located thereon. A plurality of support rollers are adjustably located around an inside of the notch and the lid. The hub assembly is positioned on the support rollers. A worm gear that interfaces with the wheel gear is attached to a drive shaft assembly that features a drive shaft that extends from the base for remote operation of the worm gear. Full Article