Spill-proof lid for drinking vessel
Patent No. 11,039,701
A reusable, spill-proof lid for a drinking vessel. The lid has a cap member that is selectively moveable between a seated position to form an inner seal, and an unseated position that forms a gap that facilitates drinking of liquid contents from the drinking vessel. The lid is particularly moveable from the seated position to the unseated position via a downwardly directed force applied by the upper lip of a user.
Inventors: Paul D. Maguire (Goochland, Virginia), Ting Xu (Richmond)
Assignee: Evergreen Enterprises of Virginia (Richmond)
June 22, 2021
Gaming machines with free play bonus mode presenting only winning outcomes
Patent No. 11,043,075
A gaming machine includes a processor and a presentation device coupled to the processor. The processor is programmed to determine that a free play trigger condition is satisfied, and to execute one or more free plays based on the free play trigger condition to create one or more free play outcomes. Each free play outcome is a winning free play outcome or a non-winning free play outcome. The presentation device is configured to present winning free play outcomes when at least one free play outcome is a winning free play outcome. Non-winning free play outcomes are not presented.
Inventors: Mark Daniel Eubanks (Mechanicsville, Virginia), Sarah Jean Gozdecki (Des Plaines, Illinois), Steve Nicodemus (Charlottesville, Virginia), Richard Kerr Sisson (Charlottesville, Virginia), Jeremy Michael Webb (Stanardsville, Virginia)
Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies (Franklin, Tennessee)
June 22, 2021
Gaming machines with free play bonus mode presenting only winning outcomes
Patent No. 11,043,074
A gaming machine includes a processor and a presentation device coupled to the processor. The processor is programmed to determine that a free play trigger condition is satisfied, and to execute one or more free plays based on the free play trigger condition to create one or more free play outcomes. Each free play outcome is a winning free play outcome or a non-winning free play outcome. The presentation device is configured to present winning free play outcomes when at least one free play outcome is a winning free play outcome. Non-winning free play outcomes are not presented.
Inventors: Mark Daniel Eubanks (Mechanicsville, Virginia), Sarah Jean Gozdecki (Des Plaines, Illinois), Steve Nicodemus (Charlottesville, Virginia), Richard Kerr Sisson (Charlottesville, Virginia), Jeremy Michael Webb (Stanardsville, Virginia)
Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies (Franklin, Tennessee)
June 22, 2021
Static transfer switch system with real time flux control
Patent No. 11,050,250
A static transfer switch assembly includes a first digital signal processor circuit associated with a preferred power source to detect a power quality event at the preferred power source, and a second digital signal processor circuit associated with an alternate power source to detect a power quality event at the alternate power source. A third digital signal processor circuit is in communication with each of the first and second digital signal processors and with a transfer switch. The third digital signal processor circuit computes and balances flux in real time based on sample voltages received from each of the preferred and alternate power sources, and controls the transfer switch to transfer the load from one of the power sources to the other power source, based on one of the first or second digital signal processor circuits detecting a power quality event.
Inventors: Hans-Erik Pfitzer (Chesterfield, Virginia), Adil Mohammed Oudrhiri (Richmond)
Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG (Baden, Switzerland)
June 29, 2021
Systems and methods for accessible widget selection
Patent No. 11,049,413
Methods and systems are disclosed for enabling item selection in a widget. An example method comprises receiving at an electronic device, from a server, code instructing the electronic device to display a widget having a grid comprising one or more cells configured for point-and-click selection. The method further comprises displaying the grid in accordance with the received code and sending information associated with a currently selected cell to an assistive system on the electronic device. The method further comprises configuring the electronic device for keystroke operation of the widget. The method further comprises identifying a non-entry keystroke, and in response, determining a new cell associated with the grid, selecting the new cell, and sending information associated with the new cell to the assistive system for output to the user. The method further comprises identifying an entry keystroke and, responsive thereto, sending information associated with the new cell to the server.
Inventors: Nicholas Beranek (Richmond)
Assignee: Capital One Services (McLean, Virginia)
June 29, 2021
Dosing timer and dispensers using the same
Patent No. 11,047,724
A dispensing system includes a pour cap for a container and a timing device configured to visually indicate when a dose has been dispensed from the dispensing system, the timing device being securable to either the pour cap or the container and configurable based on a product being dispensed.
Inventors: Stefan Koster (Rotterdam, The Netherlands), Eelco H. Deman (Vlijmen, The Netherlands), Kelly A. Harrigan (Richmond)
Assignee: Silgan Dispensing Systems Corp. (Grandview, Missouri)
June 29, 2021
High temperature fluid generator
Patent No. 11,047,596
Embodiments of a high temperature fluid generator are adapted to heat a fluid to a high temperature using a heat source. The generator employs a forced circulation counter flow design including a furnace section, a convection section and a pair of L-shaped headers connected to tubes in the furnace and convection sections. In various embodiments, the headers are positioned on diagonally opposite corners and convection tubes are positioned at least partially outside of a flue path for the combustion gas.
Inventors: Sundeep Bodapati (Richmond)
Assignee: Superior Boiler (Richmond)
June 29, 2021
Water repellent composite laminate fabrics
Patent No. 11,046,047
Multilayer composite materials combining a low tenacity nylon fabric with a fabric formed from high tenacity fibers. The fabrics are bonded with a compatibilizing adhesive system that achieves a peel strength of at least 1.5 lbs/inch. The nylon is colored with a camouflage pattern and the high strength fabric is colored with a color that does not stand out relative to the camouflage pattern. The composite materials are used for forming vest covers and plate carrier materials, particularly webless plate carrier materials having slots for hanging modular accessories.
Inventors: Brian Duane Arvidson (Chester, Virginia), Henry Gerard Ardiff (Chesterfield, Virginia), Brian Waring (Chester, Virginia), Lori L. Wagner (Richmond), Gregory A. Davis (Midlothian, Virginia)
Assignee: Honeywell International (Charlotte, North Carolina)
June 29, 2021
Oxazoline modified dispersants
Patent No. 11,046,908
The present disclosure relates to oxazoline modified lubricant additives that have dispersant properties and lubricating oil compositions including such dispersant lubricant additives. The disclosure also relates to the use of lubricant compositions comprising the additives of the disclosure for improving the soot or sludge handling characteristics of an engine lubricant composition while providing robust and consistent frictional performance at the same time.
Inventors: Arturo Carranza (Henrico, Virginia), Sheng Jiang (Glen Allen, Virginia), John Loper (Henrico, Virginia)
Assignee: Afton Chemical Corp. (Richmond)
June 29, 2021
Method for one-step synthesis, cross-linking and drying of aerogels
Patent No. 11,046,830
A method of synthesizing aerogels and cross-linked aerogels in a single step and in a single pot without requiring any solvent exchange is described. Porous matrices are synthesized through a modification of hydrolysis condensation of alkoxides in which addition of water is minimized. The reaction occurs in an ethanol-water azeotrope mixture; the water in the azeotrope slowly hydrolyzes the alkoxide. Additionally, after gelation, the porous matrix is dried in supercritical ethanol rather than liquid CO.sub.2, which allows for elimination of solvent exchange steps. These modifications allow for the preparation of aerogel monoliths in any size in one step and in one pot and much faster than conventional procedures. In addition, the method provides for custom aerogel parts with large dimensions, as well as high volume fabrication of aerogels. The custom aerogel parts may be used in a variety of thermal insulation applications.
Inventors: Massimo Bertino (Glen Allen, Virginia)
Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond)
June 29, 2021
Systems and methods for the use of fraud prevention fluid to prevent chip fraud
Patent No. 11,049,822
Example embodiments of systems and methods for creating a chip fraud prevention system with a fraud prevention fluid are provided. A chip fraud prevention system includes a device including a chip. The chip may be at least partially encompassed in a chip pocket which contains a fraud prevention fluid. The fraud prevention fluid may be contained in a capsule or implemented as an adhesive. One or more connections may be communicatively coupled to at least one surface of the chip. The one or more connections may be placed in close proximity and/or in contact to the fraud prevention fluid.
Inventors: Daniel Herrington (New York, New York), Stephen Schneider (Midlothian, Virginia), Tyler Maiman (Melville, New York)
Assignee: Capital One Services (McLean, Virginia)
June 29, 2021
ATM skimmer detection based upon incidental RF emissions
Patent No. 11,049,370
The disclosed embodiments include methods and systems for detecting ATM skimmers based upon radio frequency (RF) signal. In one aspect, the disclosed embodiments include a system for detecting ATM skimmers including a memory storing instructions and one or more processors that execute the instructions to perform one or more operations for detecting ATM skimmers. The operations may include, for example, receiving radio frequency (RF) signal data corresponding to one or more RF signals detected by an antenna located within communication range of the ATM. The operations may also include determining one or more unidentified RF signals of the detected ATM RF signals that differ from one or more baseline RF signals. The operations may also include determining whether the one or more unidentified RF signals are present for a predetermined period of time, and determining whether a skimmer is present at the ATM based on a determination that the one or more unidentified RF signals are present for the predetermined period of time.
Inventors: William A. Hodges (Mechanicsville, Virginia)
Assignee: Capital One Services (McLean, Virginia)
June 29, 2021
Coated hot drink cup
Patent No. 11,046,483
A cup or food container has a coating formed of a styrene acrylic copolymer emulsion. There may be one or more coating layers on the inside surface of the cup or container. Importantly, the cup or container does not have any petroleum-based paraffin or polymer material or functionally similar hydrogenated triglyceride material coated on or incorporated in the cup or container. The paper substrate onto which the styrene acrylic copolymer emulsion is coated must have adequate sizing incorporated therein so that the coating forms a relatively smooth surface. Differently-sourced paper may require different amounts of sizing according to the particular paper being used. The cup or container may have a primer coating applied thereto before the styrene acrylic copolymer is coated on. Optionally, the uncoated paper stock that forms the cup or food container is calendared between rolls before coating.
Inventors: Geoffrey M. Baldwin (Mechanicsville, Virginia), Joshua A. Elliott (Henrico, Virginia)
Assignee: Specialty Coating & Laminating (Doswell, Virginia)
June 29, 2021
Roadside assistance system
Patent No. 11,049,401
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing roadside assistance services are described herein. The system can include network computing devices and computing devices associated with vehicles and service vehicles. Requests for roadside services can be automatically assigned to an available service provider. Service providers can be ranked based on a variety of criteria and requests can be assigned based on the ranking. The ranking of service providers can be adjusted based on the performance of the service provider. If a service provider takes too long to respond to a request, the request can be automatically declined and an alternative service provider can be selected.
Inventors: Kim Barth (Northbrook, Illinois), Christopher Adcock (Henrico, Virginia)
Assignee: Allstate Insurance Co. (Northbrook, Illinois)
June 29, 2021
Hydrocyclone separator
Patent No. 11,045,818
A hydrocyclone separator and a system that includes a plurality of such hydrocyclone separators are presented. The hydrocyclone separator includes a head portion having an inlet conduit and an overflow discharge tube arranged in the head portion. The hydrocyclone separator further has an apex discharge port and a tapered separation portion arranged between the head portion and the apex discharge port. The tapered separation portion is tapering distally away from the head portion. Moreover, the head portion further includes an emptying port arranged in the head portion separately from the overflow discharge tube. Hereby, a hydrocyclone separator capable of achieving improved operational efficiency with reduced risk of coarse fraction being misplaced and left in the head portion is presented. This effectively reduces maintenance needs and prolongs the lifespan of the hydrocyclone.
Inventors: Brian Knorr (Henrico, VA), Lars Gronvall (Trelleborg, Sweden)
Assignee: Metso Minerals Industries (Waukesha, Wisconsin)
June 29, 2021
Spill-proof lid for drinking vessel
Patent No. 11,039,701
A reusable, spill-proof lid for a drinking vessel. The lid has a cap member that is selectively moveable between a seated position to form an inner seal, and an unseated position that forms a gap that facilitates drinking of liquid contents from the drinking vessel. The lid is particularly moveable from the seated position to the unseated position via a downwardly directed force applied by the upper lip of a user.
Inventors: Paul D. Maguire (Goochland, Virginia), Ting Xu (Richmond)
Assignee: Evergreen Enterprises of Virginia (Richmond)
June 22, 2021
Gaming machines with free play bonus mode presenting only winning outcomes
Patent No. 11,043,075
A gaming machine includes a processor and a presentation device coupled to the processor. The processor is programmed to determine that a free play trigger condition is satisfied, and to execute one or more free plays based on the free play trigger condition to create one or more free play outcomes. Each free play outcome is a winning free play outcome or a non-winning free play outcome. The presentation device is configured to present winning free play outcomes when at least one free play outcome is a winning free play outcome. Non-winning free play outcomes are not presented.
Inventors: Mark Daniel Eubanks (Mechanicsville, Virginia), Sarah Jean Gozdecki (Des Plaines, Illinois), Steve Nicodemus (Charlottesville, Virginia), Richard Kerr Sisson (Charlottesville, Virginia), Jeremy Michael Webb (Stanardsville, Virginia)
Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies (Franklin, Tennessee)
June 22, 2021
Gaming machines with free play bonus mode presenting only winning outcomes
Patent No. 11,043,074
A gaming machine includes a processor and a presentation device coupled to the processor. The processor is programmed to determine that a free play trigger condition is satisfied, and to execute one or more free plays based on the free play trigger condition to create one or more free play outcomes. Each free play outcome is a winning free play outcome or a non-winning free play outcome. The presentation device is configured to present winning free play outcomes when at least one free play outcome is a winning free play outcome. Non-winning free play outcomes are not presented.
Inventors: Mark Daniel Eubanks (Mechanicsville, Virginia), Sarah Jean Gozdecki (Des Plaines, Illinois), Steve Nicodemus (Charlottesville, Virginia), Richard Kerr Sisson (Charlottesville, Virginia), Jeremy Michael Webb (Stanardsville, Virginia)
Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies (Franklin, Tennessee)
June 22, 2021
Static transfer switch system with real time flux control
Patent No. 11,050,250
A static transfer switch assembly includes a first digital signal processor circuit associated with a preferred power source to detect a power quality event at the preferred power source, and a second digital signal processor circuit associated with an alternate power source to detect a power quality event at the alternate power source. A third digital signal processor circuit is in communication with each of the first and second digital signal processors and with a transfer switch. The third digital signal processor circuit computes and balances flux in real time based on sample voltages received from each of the preferred and alternate power sources, and controls the transfer switch to transfer the load from one of the power sources to the other power source, based on one of the first or second digital signal processor circuits detecting a power quality event.
Inventors: Hans-Erik Pfitzer (Chesterfield, Virginia), Adil Mohammed Oudrhiri (Richmond)
Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG (Baden, Switzerland)
June 29, 2021
Systems and methods for accessible widget selection
Patent No. 11,049,413
Methods and systems are disclosed for enabling item selection in a widget. An example method comprises receiving at an electronic device, from a server, code instructing the electronic device to display a widget having a grid comprising one or more cells configured for point-and-click selection. The method further comprises displaying the grid in accordance with the received code and sending information associated with a currently selected cell to an assistive system on the electronic device. The method further comprises configuring the electronic device for keystroke operation of the widget. The method further comprises identifying a non-entry keystroke, and in response, determining a new cell associated with the grid, selecting the new cell, and sending information associated with the new cell to the assistive system for output to the user. The method further comprises identifying an entry keystroke and, responsive thereto, sending information associated with the new cell to the server.
Inventors: Nicholas Beranek (Richmond)
Assignee: Capital One Services (McLean, Virginia)
June 29, 2021
Dosing timer and dispensers using the same
Patent No. 11,047,724
A dispensing system includes a pour cap for a container and a timing device configured to visually indicate when a dose has been dispensed from the dispensing system, the timing device being securable to either the pour cap or the container and configurable based on a product being dispensed.
Inventors: Stefan Koster (Rotterdam, The Netherlands), Eelco H. Deman (Vlijmen, The Netherlands), Kelly A. Harrigan (Richmond)
Assignee: Silgan Dispensing Systems Corp. (Grandview, Missouri)
June 29, 2021
High temperature fluid generator
Patent No. 11,047,596
Embodiments of a high temperature fluid generator are adapted to heat a fluid to a high temperature using a heat source. The generator employs a forced circulation counter flow design including a furnace section, a convection section and a pair of L-shaped headers connected to tubes in the furnace and convection sections. In various embodiments, the headers are positioned on diagonally opposite corners and convection tubes are positioned at least partially outside of a flue path for the combustion gas.
Inventors: Sundeep Bodapati (Richmond)
Assignee: Superior Boiler (Richmond)
June 29, 2021
Water repellent composite laminate fabrics
Patent No. 11,046,047
Multilayer composite materials combining a low tenacity nylon fabric with a fabric formed from high tenacity fibers. The fabrics are bonded with a compatibilizing adhesive system that achieves a peel strength of at least 1.5 lbs/inch. The nylon is colored with a camouflage pattern and the high strength fabric is colored with a color that does not stand out relative to the camouflage pattern. The composite materials are used for forming vest covers and plate carrier materials, particularly webless plate carrier materials having slots for hanging modular accessories.
Inventors: Brian Duane Arvidson (Chester, Virginia), Henry Gerard Ardiff (Chesterfield, Virginia), Brian Waring (Chester, Virginia), Lori L. Wagner (Richmond), Gregory A. Davis (Midlothian, Virginia)
Assignee: Honeywell International (Charlotte, North Carolina)
June 29, 2021
Oxazoline modified dispersants
Patent No. 11,046,908
The present disclosure relates to oxazoline modified lubricant additives that have dispersant properties and lubricating oil compositions including such dispersant lubricant additives. The disclosure also relates to the use of lubricant compositions comprising the additives of the disclosure for improving the soot or sludge handling characteristics of an engine lubricant composition while providing robust and consistent frictional performance at the same time.
Inventors: Arturo Carranza (Henrico, Virginia), Sheng Jiang (Glen Allen, Virginia), John Loper (Henrico, Virginia)
Assignee: Afton Chemical Corp. (Richmond)
June 29, 2021
Method for one-step synthesis, cross-linking and drying of aerogels
Patent No. 11,046,830
A method of synthesizing aerogels and cross-linked aerogels in a single step and in a single pot without requiring any solvent exchange is described. Porous matrices are synthesized through a modification of hydrolysis condensation of alkoxides in which addition of water is minimized. The reaction occurs in an ethanol-water azeotrope mixture; the water in the azeotrope slowly hydrolyzes the alkoxide. Additionally, after gelation, the porous matrix is dried in supercritical ethanol rather than liquid CO.sub.2, which allows for elimination of solvent exchange steps. These modifications allow for the preparation of aerogel monoliths in any size in one step and in one pot and much faster than conventional procedures. In addition, the method provides for custom aerogel parts with large dimensions, as well as high volume fabrication of aerogels. The custom aerogel parts may be used in a variety of thermal insulation applications.
Inventors: Massimo Bertino (Glen Allen, Virginia)
Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond)
June 29, 2021
Systems and methods for the use of fraud prevention fluid to prevent chip fraud
Patent No. 11,049,822
Example embodiments of systems and methods for creating a chip fraud prevention system with a fraud prevention fluid are provided. A chip fraud prevention system includes a device including a chip. The chip may be at least partially encompassed in a chip pocket which contains a fraud prevention fluid. The fraud prevention fluid may be contained in a capsule or implemented as an adhesive. One or more connections may be communicatively coupled to at least one surface of the chip. The one or more connections may be placed in close proximity and/or in contact to the fraud prevention fluid.
Inventors: Daniel Herrington (New York, New York), Stephen Schneider (Midlothian, Virginia), Tyler Maiman (Melville, New York)
Assignee: Capital One Services (McLean, Virginia)
June 29, 2021
ATM skimmer detection based upon incidental RF emissions
Patent No. 11,049,370
The disclosed embodiments include methods and systems for detecting ATM skimmers based upon radio frequency (RF) signal. In one aspect, the disclosed embodiments include a system for detecting ATM skimmers including a memory storing instructions and one or more processors that execute the instructions to perform one or more operations for detecting ATM skimmers. The operations may include, for example, receiving radio frequency (RF) signal data corresponding to one or more RF signals detected by an antenna located within communication range of the ATM. The operations may also include determining one or more unidentified RF signals of the detected ATM RF signals that differ from one or more baseline RF signals. The operations may also include determining whether the one or more unidentified RF signals are present for a predetermined period of time, and determining whether a skimmer is present at the ATM based on a determination that the one or more unidentified RF signals are present for the predetermined period of time.
Inventors: William A. Hodges (Mechanicsville, Virginia)
Assignee: Capital One Services (McLean, Virginia)
June 29, 2021
Coated hot drink cup
Patent No. 11,046,483
A cup or food container has a coating formed of a styrene acrylic copolymer emulsion. There may be one or more coating layers on the inside surface of the cup or container. Importantly, the cup or container does not have any petroleum-based paraffin or polymer material or functionally similar hydrogenated triglyceride material coated on or incorporated in the cup or container. The paper substrate onto which the styrene acrylic copolymer emulsion is coated must have adequate sizing incorporated therein so that the coating forms a relatively smooth surface. Differently-sourced paper may require different amounts of sizing according to the particular paper being used. The cup or container may have a primer coating applied thereto before the styrene acrylic copolymer is coated on. Optionally, the uncoated paper stock that forms the cup or food container is calendared between rolls before coating.
Inventors: Geoffrey M. Baldwin (Mechanicsville, Virginia), Joshua A. Elliott (Henrico, Virginia)
Assignee: Specialty Coating & Laminating (Doswell, Virginia)
June 29, 2021
Roadside assistance system
Patent No. 11,049,401
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing roadside assistance services are described herein. The system can include network computing devices and computing devices associated with vehicles and service vehicles. Requests for roadside services can be automatically assigned to an available service provider. Service providers can be ranked based on a variety of criteria and requests can be assigned based on the ranking. The ranking of service providers can be adjusted based on the performance of the service provider. If a service provider takes too long to respond to a request, the request can be automatically declined and an alternative service provider can be selected.
Inventors: Kim Barth (Northbrook, Illinois), Christopher Adcock (Henrico, Virginia)
Assignee: Allstate Insurance Co. (Northbrook, Illinois)
June 29, 2021
Hydrocyclone separator
Patent No. 11,045,818
A hydrocyclone separator and a system that includes a plurality of such hydrocyclone separators are presented. The hydrocyclone separator includes a head portion having an inlet conduit and an overflow discharge tube arranged in the head portion. The hydrocyclone separator further has an apex discharge port and a tapered separation portion arranged between the head portion and the apex discharge port. The tapered separation portion is tapering distally away from the head portion. Moreover, the head portion further includes an emptying port arranged in the head portion separately from the overflow discharge tube. Hereby, a hydrocyclone separator capable of achieving improved operational efficiency with reduced risk of coarse fraction being misplaced and left in the head portion is presented. This effectively reduces maintenance needs and prolongs the lifespan of the hydrocyclone.
Inventors: Brian Knorr (Henrico, VA), Lars Gronvall (Trelleborg, Sweden)
Assignee: Metso Minerals Industries (Waukesha, Wisconsin)
June 29, 2021