Tenaculum
US Patent D644,734
September 6, 2011
The ornamental design for a tenaculum, as shown and described.
Networked sonar observation of selected seabed environments
US Patent 8,009,512
August 30, 2011
A sonar transducer network for observing a seabed includes a controller. A first transducer assembly includes a first acoustic transducer to convert a first ping to a first electrical signal; and a first transducer processor to receive a first electrical signal from the first acoustic transducer to generate the first transducer data. At least one second transducer assembly is spaced apart from the first transducer assembly. The second transducer assembly includes a second acoustic transducer to convert a second ping to a second electrical signal. The second transducer processor receives the second electrical signal from the second acoustical transducer to generate second transducer data. A network bus communicates first transducer data and second transducer data with the controller.
Adjustable garden stake
US Patent 8,006,434
August 30, 2011
A stake for insertion in soil to support an item such as a plant. The stake includes primary and secondary telescoping shafts and a foot adjustably secured to the primary shaft. The primary shaft has an upper end and a lower end. The lower end is configured for insertion into the soil at a first location. The foot has a supporting protrusion for insertion into the soil at a second location removed from the first location. Retractable ties are disposed within the secondary shaft and may be extended to support a plant. An adjustable collar may provide an anchor point for additional support.
Vacuum attachment system
US Patent 8,007,543
August 30, 2011
A vacuum socket system pertaining to the field of prosthetics wherein an enhanced suspension mechanism is provided by incorporating a vacuum source, circuitry, and a power source. A virtually air-tight seal between residual limb and prosthesis allows a vacuum fit to be generated via a vacuum source. The vacuum source is in constant interaction with circuitry and software for a means of vacuum pressure control, data recordation, and other means. A sound dampening method is employed to lessen both the sound and vibration generated from the vacuum source.
Bottle and waist pack
US Patent 8,002,157
August 23, 2011
A waist pack includes a sleeve for removably retaining a bottle or other container. In accordance with various preferred aspects of the invention, the pack includes a sleeve configured to securely retain the bottle while at the same time allowing for convenient removal and replacement.
Apparatus comprising a suspension system and method for adjusting a suspension system
US Patent 7,997,600
August 16, 2011
An apparatus having a suspension system with a first part which is acted upon by a mass, a second part, and also an air spring arranged between this first part and this second part. At least one supplementary volume device for air is provided, the volume of which can be varied in a controlled manner, and also a first control device for adjusting the volume of the supplementary volume device.
Anti-collision lighting systems and methods for a micro aerial vehicle
US Patent 7,999,698
August 16, 2011
Systems and methods for anti-collision lights on a UAV. A method for passive anti-collision lights on a Micro-Aerial Vehicle (“MAV”) including determining a location of the MAV using a flight management computer configured to fly the MAV on a programmed path using data from a global positioning system and an inertial navigation system. The flight management system transmits light activation data and selectively activates at least one navigation light located on a visible surface of the MAV using the light activation data from the flight management computer.
MEMS force balance accelerometer
US Patent 7,997,136
August 16, 2011
Microelectromechanical (MEMS) accelerometer and acceleration sensing methods. A MEMS accelerometer includes a proof mass, a planar coil on the proof mass, a magnet, a first pole piece positioned proximate a first side of the proof mass, and a second pole piece positioned proximate a second side of the proof mass. A magnetic flux field passes from the magnet, through the first pole piece, through the planar coil at an angle between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 60 degrees relative to the coil plane, and into the second pole piece. The first pole piece may extend into a first recessed area of a first housing layer and the second pole piece may extend into a second recessed area of a second housing layer. A method includes sensing a capacitance of a pickoff in the MEMS accelerometer and rebalancing the MEMS accelerometer by sending a current through the planar coil.
Food chopper
US Patent 7,992,476
August 9, 2011
A food chopping or slicing device preferably includes three primary components, including a lid, a blade tray, and a food reservoir. A trimming blade secures to an edge of the device to cut overlength food items. In some embodiments, a reservoir bottom is removable and the device includes orthogonal volumetric markings.
3D ultrasound-based instrument for non-invasive measurement of amniotic fluid volume
US Patent 7,990,630
August 2, 2011
Device facilitating quick and easy removal of a lens from a front side. The device includes a lens, a housing, a retention clip, an ejection block, and a fastener. The fastener passes through a hole in the housing and the ejection block. The fastener and either the housing or the ejection block have compatible threading. Rotation of the fastener in one direction causes the ejection block to release the retention clip, thereby allowing the lens to be removed. Rotation in a second direction causes the ejection block to return to a position capable of receiving the retention clip.
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