Image processing and machine learning for diagnostic analysis of microcirculation
Patent No. 8,805,051
Automated quantitative analysis of microcirculation, such as density of blood vessels and red blood cell velocity, is implemented using image processing and machine learning techniques. Detection and quantification of the microvasculature is determined from images obtained through intravital microscopy. The results of quantitatively monitoring and assessing the changes that occur in microcirculation during resuscitation period assist physicians in making diagnostically and therapeutically important decisions such as determination of the degree of illness as well as the effectiveness of the resuscitation process. Advanced digital image processing methods are applied to provide quantitative assessment of video signals for detection and characterization of the microvasculature (capillaries, venules, and arterioles). The microvasculature is segmented, the presence and velocity of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) is estimated, and the distribution of blood flow in capillaries is identified for a variety of normal and abnormal cases.
Inventors: Kayvan Najarian (Glen Allen, Va.), Rosalyn Stacy Hobson (Richmond, Va.), Kevin R. Ward (Glen Allen, Va.), Sumeyra Ummuhan Demir Kanik (Ankara, Turkey), Nazanin Mirshahi (Glen Allen, Va.)
Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, Va.)
August 12, 2014
Combined real-time data and live video system
Patent No. 8,803,970
A system for providing combined real-time data and live video of an enclosure. The real-time data may be overlayed on live video. Additionally, or instead, alarms and/or real-time control capabilities may be overlayed on the live video. An embedded server may be connected to sensors and cameras at the enclosure for providing the video with the overlaid information to a network. A user interface may obtain access to the overlaid video via the network.
Inventors: Rick Weisensale (Richmond, Va.), Lenard Perkins (Midlothian, Va.)
Assignee: Honeywell International Inc. (Morristown, N.J.)
August 12, 2014
Floor cleaning device with multiple agitators
Patent No. 8,800,106
An agitator arrangement for a floor cleaning machine is disclosed including various multi-agitator configurations or one agitator configuration with a plurality of brushes with bristle bundles for rotation of the brushes about an approximate vertical axis with a plurality of stationary downwardly projecting, bristle bundles arranged in at least one row approximately side by side with or without an offset. In particular, agitator assemblies having multiple brushes that rotate in approximately a horizontal and approximately a vertical axis or that rotate at different speeds and torque. Other configurations may include multi-row multiple vertical axis agitators.
Inventors: Greg Bilekg (Doylestown, Ohio), David Cotsmire (North Canton, Ohio), Jeff Louis (Akron, Ohio), Ronald Kintz (North Canton, Ohio), Kevin Thomas (Richmond, Va.)
Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited (Tortola, VG)
August 12, 2014
Method for characterizing the oxidative stress protective capacity of an antioxidative substance
Patent No. 8,802,054
A method for characterizing an oxidative stress protective capacity of an antioxidative substance includes assigning a first score indicative of an oxidative stress protective capacity of a first antioxidative substance. The first score is based on the performance of the first antioxidative substance in a first antioxidative efficacy test relative to the performance of a second antioxidative substance in the first antioxidative efficacy test.
Inventors: Joseph C. DiNardo (Vesuvius, Va.), Joseph A. Lewis II (Chesterfield,Va.)
Assignee: PCR Technology Holdings LC (Richmond, Va.)
August 12, 2014
Carton handle with bottle neck avoidance
Patent No. 8,800,852
A carton is defined for packaging a plurality of articles. The carton includes a plurality of carton walls at least one of which includes a slot handle that comprises a foldable hand flap. The foldable hand flap has an article receiving section for receiving a portion of an article in the carton when the at least one foldable hand flap is folded inwardly of the carton.
Inventors: Garrett K. Schemmel (Atlanta, Ga.), Bradford J. Walling (Chesterfield, Va.)
Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems LLC (Richmond, Va.)
August 12, 2014
Model-based promotion and price computation system and method
Patent No. 8,812,348
A system and method for providing model-based promotion and price computation is described in which promotional offers in the form of promotion information from a manufacturer are combined with price determination parameters from the retailer to calculate a final retail price. The system prevents fraud by eliminating the heavy dependence on unverifiable trust between the retailer and manufacturer and by assuring that the consumer will receive the benefit of the promotions intended by the manufacturer.
Inventors: William R. Sweeney (Richmond, Va.)
Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc. (Richmond, Va.)
August 19, 2014
Chemical modification of lignin and lignin derivatives
Patent No. 8,809,426
A method for producing an APL is provided in one example embodiment and includes mixing a solvent, a catalyst, a reagent, and a HPL to create a solution, raising the temperature of the solution to a first reaction temperature, raising the temperature of the solution to a second reaction temperature, allowing reactions in the solution to occur for a predetermined amount of time, precipitating the solution to produce a precipitate, and washing, filtering, and drying the precipitate to produce the APL.
Inventors: Nheim Cao (Fort Smith, Ark.), Kevin Oden (Fayetteville, Ark.), Wolfgang G. Glasser (Richmond, Va.)
Assignee: Cyclewood Solutions Inc. (Fayetteville, AR)
August 19, 2014
Metal-absorbing polymer-containing product
Patent No. 8,809,227
A composite product for the selective removal of dissolved heavy metal ions from water includes a high bulk cotton fabric incorporating a thermally generated polymer in sufficient amount to cause stiffening of the composite product and self-curling when immersed in water.
Inventors: Norman B. Rainer (Richmond, Va.)
August 19, 2014
Electroblowing web formation process
Patent No. 8,808,608
An improved electroblowing process is provided for forming a fibrous web of nanofibers wherein polymer stream is issued from a spinning nozzle in a spinneret with the aid of a forwarding gas stream, passes an electrode and a resulting nanofiber web is collected on a collector. The process includes applying a high voltage to the electrode and grounding the spinneret such that an electric field is generated between the spinneret and the electrode of sufficient strength to impart an electrical charge on the polymer as it issues from the spinning nozzle.
Inventors: Michael Allen Bryner (Midlothian, Va.), Jack Eugene Armantrout (Richmond, Va.), Benjamin Scott Johnson (Rocky Mount, N.C.)
Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Co. (Wilmington, Del.)
August 19, 2014
Coform fibrous materials and method for making same
Patent No. 8,808,594
A method is disclosed for producing a coform fibrous materials comprising the steps of supplying a first fiber forming stream comprising a first phase comprising a polymer melt and a second phase comprising a pressurized gas to a two-phase flow nozzle, supplying a separate second stream containing at least one secondary material to the two-phase flow nozzle, combining the first fiber forming stream and the second stream to form a composite fiber forming stream and fibrillating the composite fiber forming stream into a coform fibrous web. Superabsorbent and filtration coform fibrous materials for filtration and produced using the method are also disclosed.
Inventors: Larry Marshall (Chesterfield, Va.), Michael Bryner (Midlothian, Va.), Gary Huvard (Chesterfield, Va.)
Assignee: Verdex Technologies Inc. (North Chesterfield, Va.)
August 19, 2014
Process for preparing aramid copolymer
Patent No. 8,809,434
The invention concerns processes for forming a polymer comprising residues of terephthaloyl chloride, paraphenylene diamine, and a salt of formula I ##STR00001## wherein A.sup.- is a halogen anion, HSO.sub.4.sup.-, OH.sup.-, NO.sub.3.sup.-, C.sub.2H.sub.3O.sub.2.sup.-, or H.sub.2PO.sub.4.sup.-; the process comprising the steps of: a) forming a mixture comprising salt of formula I and paraphenylene diamine in a solvent system comprising an organic solvent and an inorganic salt; and b) adding terephthaloyl chloride to the mixture and allowing the formation of the polymer.
Inventors: Kiu-Seung Lee (Midlothian, Va.)
Assignee: EI du Pont de Nemours and Co. (Wilmington, Del.)
August 19, 2014
Polyvalent chimeric OspC vaccinogen and diagnostic antigen
Patent No. 8,808,705
A chimeric polyvalent recombinant protein for use as a vaccine and diagnostic for Lyme disease is provided. The chimeric protein comprises epitopes of the loop 5 region and/or the alpha helix 5 region of outer surface protein C (OspC) types. The OspC types may be associated with mammalian Borrelia infections.
Inventors: Richard T. Marconi (Midlothian, Va.), Christopher Earnhart (Spotsylvania, Va.)
Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, Va.)
August 19, 2014
Automated mix in-cup apparatus and the method of operating the same
Patent No. 8,807,823
The present disclosure describes an automated blend in-cup apparatus and the related method of operation. The disclosure relates generally to the field of mixing consumable material. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a mixer that is automatically operable to lower a mixing blade into a cup or vessel that contains material to be blended/mixed. A shield is automatically lowered to at least partially isolate the cup. After mixing, the shield and blade are automatically retracted, and the cup is removed from the apparatus. The shield and blade may be automatically lowered again for a cleaning operation. Use of the apparatus can be accomplished with one hand. Overall, the apparatus contains various structural and safety elements that provide a unique construction and method of operating the apparatus. The apparatus is effective, fast, easy to operate, safe, and clean.
Inventors: Brian P. Williams (Midlothian, Va.), Ernest B. Pryor (Maidens, Va.), Benjamin H. Branson III (Mechanicsville, Va.)
Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands Inc. (Glen Allen, Va.)
August 19, 2014
Conditioning process for tobacco and/or snuff compositions
Patent No. 8,807,141
A process is provided for producing smokeless tobacco and/or snuff compositions using steam alone in an open vessel or in combination with pressure and venting to alter organoleptic properties of the smokeless tobacco and/or snuff compositions.
Inventors:James C. Breslin (Zeeland, Mich.), Scott A. Williams (Greenbrier, Tenn.), Jerry B. Eilliot (Nashville, Tenn.), Frank Scott Atchley (Midlothian, Va.), Vernie A. Due (Kansas City, Mo.)
Assignee: U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. LLC (Richmond, Va.)
August 19, 2014
Image processing and machine learning for diagnostic analysis of microcirculation
Patent No. 8,805,051
Automated quantitative analysis of microcirculation, such as density of blood vessels and red blood cell velocity, is implemented using image processing and machine learning techniques. Detection and quantification of the microvasculature is determined from images obtained through intravital microscopy. The results of quantitatively monitoring and assessing the changes that occur in microcirculation during resuscitation period assist physicians in making diagnostically and therapeutically important decisions such as determination of the degree of illness as well as the effectiveness of the resuscitation process. Advanced digital image processing methods are applied to provide quantitative assessment of video signals for detection and characterization of the microvasculature (capillaries, venules, and arterioles). The microvasculature is segmented, the presence and velocity of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) is estimated, and the distribution of blood flow in capillaries is identified for a variety of normal and abnormal cases.
Inventors: Kayvan Najarian (Glen Allen, Va.), Rosalyn Stacy Hobson (Richmond, Va.), Kevin R. Ward (Glen Allen, Va.), Sumeyra Ummuhan Demir Kanik (Ankara, Turkey), Nazanin Mirshahi (Glen Allen, Va.)
Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, Va.)
August 12, 2014
Combined real-time data and live video system
Patent No. 8,803,970
A system for providing combined real-time data and live video of an enclosure. The real-time data may be overlayed on live video. Additionally, or instead, alarms and/or real-time control capabilities may be overlayed on the live video. An embedded server may be connected to sensors and cameras at the enclosure for providing the video with the overlaid information to a network. A user interface may obtain access to the overlaid video via the network.
Inventors: Rick Weisensale (Richmond, Va.), Lenard Perkins (Midlothian, Va.)
Assignee: Honeywell International Inc. (Morristown, N.J.)
August 12, 2014
Floor cleaning device with multiple agitators
Patent No. 8,800,106
An agitator arrangement for a floor cleaning machine is disclosed including various multi-agitator configurations or one agitator configuration with a plurality of brushes with bristle bundles for rotation of the brushes about an approximate vertical axis with a plurality of stationary downwardly projecting, bristle bundles arranged in at least one row approximately side by side with or without an offset. In particular, agitator assemblies having multiple brushes that rotate in approximately a horizontal and approximately a vertical axis or that rotate at different speeds and torque. Other configurations may include multi-row multiple vertical axis agitators.
Inventors: Greg Bilekg (Doylestown, Ohio), David Cotsmire (North Canton, Ohio), Jeff Louis (Akron, Ohio), Ronald Kintz (North Canton, Ohio), Kevin Thomas (Richmond, Va.)
Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited (Tortola, VG)
August 12, 2014
Method for characterizing the oxidative stress protective capacity of an antioxidative substance
Patent No. 8,802,054
A method for characterizing an oxidative stress protective capacity of an antioxidative substance includes assigning a first score indicative of an oxidative stress protective capacity of a first antioxidative substance. The first score is based on the performance of the first antioxidative substance in a first antioxidative efficacy test relative to the performance of a second antioxidative substance in the first antioxidative efficacy test.
Inventors: Joseph C. DiNardo (Vesuvius, Va.), Joseph A. Lewis II (Chesterfield,Va.)
Assignee: PCR Technology Holdings LC (Richmond, Va.)
August 12, 2014
Carton handle with bottle neck avoidance
Patent No. 8,800,852
A carton is defined for packaging a plurality of articles. The carton includes a plurality of carton walls at least one of which includes a slot handle that comprises a foldable hand flap. The foldable hand flap has an article receiving section for receiving a portion of an article in the carton when the at least one foldable hand flap is folded inwardly of the carton.
Inventors: Garrett K. Schemmel (Atlanta, Ga.), Bradford J. Walling (Chesterfield, Va.)
Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems LLC (Richmond, Va.)
August 12, 2014
Model-based promotion and price computation system and method
Patent No. 8,812,348
A system and method for providing model-based promotion and price computation is described in which promotional offers in the form of promotion information from a manufacturer are combined with price determination parameters from the retailer to calculate a final retail price. The system prevents fraud by eliminating the heavy dependence on unverifiable trust between the retailer and manufacturer and by assuring that the consumer will receive the benefit of the promotions intended by the manufacturer.
Inventors: William R. Sweeney (Richmond, Va.)
Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc. (Richmond, Va.)
August 19, 2014
Chemical modification of lignin and lignin derivatives
Patent No. 8,809,426
A method for producing an APL is provided in one example embodiment and includes mixing a solvent, a catalyst, a reagent, and a HPL to create a solution, raising the temperature of the solution to a first reaction temperature, raising the temperature of the solution to a second reaction temperature, allowing reactions in the solution to occur for a predetermined amount of time, precipitating the solution to produce a precipitate, and washing, filtering, and drying the precipitate to produce the APL.
Inventors: Nheim Cao (Fort Smith, Ark.), Kevin Oden (Fayetteville, Ark.), Wolfgang G. Glasser (Richmond, Va.)
Assignee: Cyclewood Solutions Inc. (Fayetteville, AR)
August 19, 2014
Metal-absorbing polymer-containing product
Patent No. 8,809,227
A composite product for the selective removal of dissolved heavy metal ions from water includes a high bulk cotton fabric incorporating a thermally generated polymer in sufficient amount to cause stiffening of the composite product and self-curling when immersed in water.
Inventors: Norman B. Rainer (Richmond, Va.)
August 19, 2014
Electroblowing web formation process
Patent No. 8,808,608
An improved electroblowing process is provided for forming a fibrous web of nanofibers wherein polymer stream is issued from a spinning nozzle in a spinneret with the aid of a forwarding gas stream, passes an electrode and a resulting nanofiber web is collected on a collector. The process includes applying a high voltage to the electrode and grounding the spinneret such that an electric field is generated between the spinneret and the electrode of sufficient strength to impart an electrical charge on the polymer as it issues from the spinning nozzle.
Inventors: Michael Allen Bryner (Midlothian, Va.), Jack Eugene Armantrout (Richmond, Va.), Benjamin Scott Johnson (Rocky Mount, N.C.)
Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Co. (Wilmington, Del.)
August 19, 2014
Coform fibrous materials and method for making same
Patent No. 8,808,594
A method is disclosed for producing a coform fibrous materials comprising the steps of supplying a first fiber forming stream comprising a first phase comprising a polymer melt and a second phase comprising a pressurized gas to a two-phase flow nozzle, supplying a separate second stream containing at least one secondary material to the two-phase flow nozzle, combining the first fiber forming stream and the second stream to form a composite fiber forming stream and fibrillating the composite fiber forming stream into a coform fibrous web. Superabsorbent and filtration coform fibrous materials for filtration and produced using the method are also disclosed.
Inventors: Larry Marshall (Chesterfield, Va.), Michael Bryner (Midlothian, Va.), Gary Huvard (Chesterfield, Va.)
Assignee: Verdex Technologies Inc. (North Chesterfield, Va.)
August 19, 2014
Process for preparing aramid copolymer
Patent No. 8,809,434
The invention concerns processes for forming a polymer comprising residues of terephthaloyl chloride, paraphenylene diamine, and a salt of formula I ##STR00001## wherein A.sup.- is a halogen anion, HSO.sub.4.sup.-, OH.sup.-, NO.sub.3.sup.-, C.sub.2H.sub.3O.sub.2.sup.-, or H.sub.2PO.sub.4.sup.-; the process comprising the steps of: a) forming a mixture comprising salt of formula I and paraphenylene diamine in a solvent system comprising an organic solvent and an inorganic salt; and b) adding terephthaloyl chloride to the mixture and allowing the formation of the polymer.
Inventors: Kiu-Seung Lee (Midlothian, Va.)
Assignee: EI du Pont de Nemours and Co. (Wilmington, Del.)
August 19, 2014
Polyvalent chimeric OspC vaccinogen and diagnostic antigen
Patent No. 8,808,705
A chimeric polyvalent recombinant protein for use as a vaccine and diagnostic for Lyme disease is provided. The chimeric protein comprises epitopes of the loop 5 region and/or the alpha helix 5 region of outer surface protein C (OspC) types. The OspC types may be associated with mammalian Borrelia infections.
Inventors: Richard T. Marconi (Midlothian, Va.), Christopher Earnhart (Spotsylvania, Va.)
Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, Va.)
August 19, 2014
Automated mix in-cup apparatus and the method of operating the same
Patent No. 8,807,823
The present disclosure describes an automated blend in-cup apparatus and the related method of operation. The disclosure relates generally to the field of mixing consumable material. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a mixer that is automatically operable to lower a mixing blade into a cup or vessel that contains material to be blended/mixed. A shield is automatically lowered to at least partially isolate the cup. After mixing, the shield and blade are automatically retracted, and the cup is removed from the apparatus. The shield and blade may be automatically lowered again for a cleaning operation. Use of the apparatus can be accomplished with one hand. Overall, the apparatus contains various structural and safety elements that provide a unique construction and method of operating the apparatus. The apparatus is effective, fast, easy to operate, safe, and clean.
Inventors: Brian P. Williams (Midlothian, Va.), Ernest B. Pryor (Maidens, Va.), Benjamin H. Branson III (Mechanicsville, Va.)
Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands Inc. (Glen Allen, Va.)
August 19, 2014
Conditioning process for tobacco and/or snuff compositions
Patent No. 8,807,141
A process is provided for producing smokeless tobacco and/or snuff compositions using steam alone in an open vessel or in combination with pressure and venting to alter organoleptic properties of the smokeless tobacco and/or snuff compositions.
Inventors:James C. Breslin (Zeeland, Mich.), Scott A. Williams (Greenbrier, Tenn.), Jerry B. Eilliot (Nashville, Tenn.), Frank Scott Atchley (Midlothian, Va.), Vernie A. Due (Kansas City, Mo.)
Assignee: U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. LLC (Richmond, Va.)
August 19, 2014