Floating drive on boat docking apparatus
US Patent 7,712,425
May 11, 2010
An improved floating boat lift incorporates a passive hydraulic pivoting lift mechanism, onto which a boat can be driven and positioned ready for storage using only the motive power of the boat itself. The passive hydraulic pivoting lift mechanism provides mechanical advantage in the pivoting action of the apparatus by way of passive hydraulic action, while at the same time dampening pivoting of the apparatus. Embodiments further allow for adjusting the elevation of the pivot point relative to the surface of the body of water by way of adjusting the buoyancy of the pivoting lift mechanism.
Business method for integrating and aligning product development and brand strategy
US Patent 7,711,596
May 4, 2010
A business method that improves brand identity by effectively allocating product development resources and prioritizing projects based on a systematic approach of defining assumptions that drive brand development and assessing a product development portfolio thereon.
High-side current sense hysteretic LED controller
US Patent 7,705,547
April 27, 2010
Systems and methods for hysteretically controlling Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) when the input voltage is greater than or equal to 18 volts. An example system includes one or more LEDs and a circuit electrically coupled to the one or more LEDs. The circuit hysteretically controls an input voltage supplied to the one or more LEDs based on a sensed electric current that passes through the LEDs. The circuit includes a MOSFET switch for switching on and off the input voltage supplied to the one or more LEDs, a current sensing subcircuit including a first integrated circuit (IC) for sensing the current flowing through the one or more LEDs, a hysteretic comparator circuit including a second IC for generating a hysteretic control signal based on the sensed current, and a switch driver including a third IC for controlling operation of the switch based on the generated hysteretic control signal.
Antenna system for a micro air vehicle
US Patent 7,701,384
April 20, 2010
An antenna for a micro air vehicle (MAV) takes the form of a wrap-around antenna (e.g., wrapped around a portion of the MAV) that selectively emits radio signals in different directions depending on a frequency selected by a radio altimeter in the MAV. The radar altimeter may be a pulsed or a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar altimeter. The wrap-around antenna includes groups of radiating elements in which at least each group includes an average height that is different from an average height of an adjacent group. Further, the average height of the group determines which group will emit the signals most efficiently so that a desired sector of space may be covered by the signals emitted from the antenna. In one example, the center frequency of the radar altimeter may be controlled in a deterministic manner to cause the radiating elements to successively cover desired sectors of space.
Aviator emergency oxygen system
US Patent 7,698,766
April 20, 2010
A method and apparatus for facilitating spinal alignment is disclosed. The contoured sleep system facilitates alignment of a person’s spine along the Sagittal plane when laying in a sleep-on-side position. An exemplary contoured sleep system has a trunk rest having a trunk rest surface and a trunk rest face.
Ground operations and imminent landing runway selection
US Patent 7,702,461
April 20, 2010
A method and system for locating aircraft with respect to airport runways and taxiways, generating and annunciating situational awareness advisories as a function of aircraft state parameters relative to a determination of the aircraft location.
User interactive exercise system
US Patent 7,695,406
April 13, 2010
System and method for interactive video game fitness equipment. Fitness hardware (e.g., an exercise bicycle, a stair machine, treadmill, elliptical trainer, rotary climbing wall, or other fitness equipment) interacts with a video game, optionally via various devices, e.g., a PC, gaming console, or other hardware and/or software device or system capable of implementing an interactive application), for an immersive hybrid exercise/game user experience.
Aviator emergency oxygen system
US Patent 7,694,680
April 13, 2010
A method, a system, and an oxygen delivery boomlet are configured to provide an additional partial pressure of oxygen to an aviator. The boomlet includes a conduit configured to receive an oxygen flow from a positive pressure oxygen source. A nozzle is in communicative connection with the conduit such that the oxygen flow the conduit receives is conducted to the nozzle. The nozzle is configured to direct the conducted flow of oxygen to an interpalatine region of the aviator. The boomlet is configured for attachment to a microphone boom.
Suspended orthotic shoe and methods of making same
US Patent 7,694,437
April 13, 2010
A shoe provides a suspended orthotic system that includes at least a contoured, three-dimensional chassis configured with a heel cup. The chassis provides the primary support and determines the shape and form of the shoe. The chassis receives a footbed, which includes a first material integrally formed with a second material, both materials operating to provide an orthotic benefit. A shoe sole includes a number of pods that are selectively arranged and coupled to the chassis to actively suspend the chassis and the footbed. The shoe can further include a dynamic arch support system that manually or automatically adjusts the arch region of the shoe. The shoe may be more comfortable, provide biomechanical advantages, be lighter, and be more stylish than traditional shoes.
Generator controller
US Patent 7,692,409
April 6, 2010
A generator controller, in its various embodiments, displays genset fault messages, a genset elapsed time hour meter, service countdown reminder, monitors battery voltage changes over multiple periods of time to establish and display the “battery level,” uses the “battery level” to automatically start and stop the genset, and accepts multiple run requests from AC loads such as HVAC systems, and incorporates safety or other start inhibit features.
