45results about How to "Minimal restriction" patented technology

The present invention is a system for facilitating the selection and downloading of a digital multimedia program based on broadcast information. A single keystroke may trigger a series of events that result in an authorized copy of the desired digital media being saved on a user device. The desired program is wirelessly downloaded in an encrypted format, and after an accounting and billing process transpires, a decryption key is delivered in to the user device in a wireless message. The copy of the desired digital media is then decrypted, and is properly licensed, so that the user may enjoy listening to this media with minimal restrictions.

A quick-release, fluid impervious elastic coupling with hook and loop strips conforms to the shape of conduit ends to join, seal and secure together conduits that can have different diameters. The elastic sheet can be a single or multiple layers and can be reinforced with strengthening ribs or cords and/or provided with gripping ridges to assist securing and sealing the conduits against leakage.

A molecular interferometric imaging system for detecting an analyte in a sample, that includes an illumination source providing a beam of radiation; a pixel array for detecting radiation in an image plane; a biolayer designed to react to the analyte when it comes in contact with the sample; a substrate designed to convert phase modulation into intensity modulation which can be detected and imaged directly by the pixel array, the biolayer being on the substrate; a reference surface; an image switching means for switching between a first position for collecting a sample image of the biolayer, and a second position for collecting a reference image of the reference surface; and a processing means for producing a composite image using the sample image and the reference image for illumination normalization.

A liquid tank is provided for a heavy vehicle, suitable for fastening to a vehicle frame by at least one supporting bracket having shaped surfaces arranged for load bearing and locating contact against the liquid tank. The tank includes two end face portions and a shell portion with a non-symmetrical cross-section extending there between. The tank includes a first, shaped portion facing the vehicle frame, arranged for load bearing contact against a first shaped surface of the supporting bracket, a second, shaped portion extending partially below the frame, arranged to locate the tank relative to a second shaped surface of the supporting bracket, and a third, substantially rectangular portion facing away from the vehicle frame, and that the tank is fastened to the bracket by at least one clamping means. A bracket for supporting such a tank is also disclosed.

An exhaust air filtration apparatus comprises a vacuum planter (10) having a cyclonic separator (30) and a filter unit (40). A method of removing particulate matter can utilize the apparatus.

A method for identifying possible damage in a toothed transmission stage having at least one pair of engagement toothed wheels includes measuring with a vibration transducer an oscillation signal corresponding to oscillations produced by a rolling and impact motion when teeth of a pair of the toothed wheels mesh under load during operation of the transmission stage, comparing the oscillation signal with a calibration oscillation signal, determining a torque acting on the transmission stage from a difference between the oscillation signal and the calibration oscillation signal, and evaluating the measured oscillation signal commensurate with the determined torque to identify the possible damage to the transmission stage.

A saliva collector comprises a reservoir, a bubble barrier, and a membrane, where the bubble barrier and membrane are arranged in tandem on a flow path from an inlet to an outlet on the reservoir. Air aspirated from a patient's oral cavity enters the reservoir through the inlet, passes through the bubble barrier to remove foam and bubbles, passes through the membrane to remove entrained liquid saliva, and passes out through the outlet.

The method and system of the invention is directed to a process for the optional acquisition of receivables. The method of the invention, which may be characterized as an Optional Purchase Commitment (“OPC”) is a process by which a potential grantee, for example a buyer, may pay for the right, but not the obligation, to acquire receivables from a grantor, for example a seller. The OPC process of the invention enables a grantor of such receivables, typically a credit grantor, to estimate the amount of its future receivables and enter into OPC agreements to convey those expected receivables under a fixed arrangement at a specific time in the future to a grantee, for example a buyer. A grantor, a grantee, or a third party acting on behalf of either a grantor or a grantee, or independently, may initiate the OPC process of the invention. The OPC process may be utilized in conjunction with existing marketing processes. The OPC process of the invention provides a time horizon or option period. This time horizon or option period is advantageous for both grantor and grantee. Further, the process of the invention may be used in a third party exchange or clearinghouse, which may be implemented utilizing a computer arrangement.

The New Design for Crutches and Sitting Device is an improvement of the basic crutch to provide needed support to ameliorate potential injuries and improve ambulation for persons suffering from injured lower limbs, lumbar region or other injuries and who frequently required using crutches for mobility. However, crutches require more energy from the user than merely walking, and frequently, a crutch user may require rest. Prior crutch systems have not provided a convenient way to provide the user with such rest. The current invention fulfills two functions: (i) providing improved walking aid for those recovering from orthopedic surgery of the spine and lower extremities—as well as those who suffer from permanent disability from the spine and lower limbs; and (ii) improved sitting aid for those recovering from orthopedic surgery of the spine and lower extremities—as well as those who suffer from permanent disability of the spine and lower limbs.

Disclosed is a microbial fuel cell cathode assembly comprising a catalyst (6) and an electrically conductive catholyte wicking member (5) having a catalyst contacting surface (5a) in contact with the catalyst, an electrical contact region (5c) for contacting an electrical connector, and a catholyte supply region (5b) for receiving catholyte from a catholyte supply (9), wherein the electrically conductive catholyte wicking member is operable to wick received catholyte from the catholyte supply region to form a film of catholyte on a part of the surface of the catalyst such that a part of the surface of the catalyst is in contact with both the film of catholyte and a part of the surface of the catalyst is in contact with a gas pathway arranged to supply oxygen to the catalyst.

A carrier system for use with a body armor garment that distributes the shoulder loads produced by equipment carried or worn by military or law enforcement personnel, away from the user's shoulders and comfortably to the hips. Heavy shoulder loads, which typically cause chronic back pain and can lead to compression of the spine, are significantly mitigated. The carrier system has a vertical back support and a belt for securing the device around the waist of the user. In addition to alleviating shoulder fatigue and spine compression, the device is light, comfortable, durable, adjustable and easy to maintain.

In one example, we describe a device for Crutches and Sitting Device as an improvement of the basic crutch to provide needed support to ameliorate potential injuries and improve ambulation for persons suffering from injured lower limbs, lumbar region or other injuries, and who frequently require using crutches for mobility. Normally, the conventional crutches require more energy from the user than merely walking, and frequently, a crutch user may require rest. Prior crutch systems have not provided a convenient way to provide the user with such rest. We have solved all these problems here. Many other different variations are shown here, as well, such as walkers and specially curved handles for better grip and less/no injury. Also, we show crutch support in sitting position that works as a simple and handy decompression system for herniated or bulged discs and injured/weak back muscles.

A stress relief layer between a single-crystal semiconductor substrate and a deposited silicon nitride layer or pad nitride is formed from thermally produced silicon nitride. The stress relief layer made from thermally produced silicon nitride replaces a silicon dioxide layer or pad oxide which is customary at this location for example in connection with mask layers. After patterning of a mask, which includes a protective layer portion formed from deposited silicon nitride, the material which is provided according to the invention for the stress relief layer reduces the restrictions imposed for subsequent process steps, such as for example wet-etching steps, acting both on the semiconductor substrate or structures in the semiconductor substrate and also on the stress relief layer. The thermal nitriding is advantageously incorporated into a preanneal step for expelling oxygen from the semiconductor substrate, so that the semiconductor substrate is protected from the etching action of the expelled oxygen by the stress relief layer which is formed, there is no need for an additional temporary etching protection layer for the semiconductor substrate and the overall processing is streamlined.

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a wrist protecting glove and methods of manufacturing the same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a wrist protecting glove providing maximum protection with minimal restriction on range of movement, and method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, a wrist protecting glove comprises a polyurethane pad, formed to fit over a user's palm, a holding material integrally formed within the pad, a set of snap fasteners for closing the holding material around a user's thumb, a palm strap for affixing the wrist protecting glove on a user's hand, the palm strap affixed to the holding material, and a D-ring assembly for receiving the palm strap, wherein the palm strap comprises a hook and loop fastener strap for looping through the D-ring assembly and fastening onto itself to affix the wrist protecting glove on the user's hand.

To determine properties of multiple oil and gas wells, oscillations at different test frequencies are applied to the flow rate and/or pressure of multiple wells. Measurements of flow rate and/or pressure and temperature in flows downstream of a production header of the multiple wells are then obtained. Such measurements from the flows of the multiple wells are subjected to a frequency analysis of the pressure, flow rate and/or temperature measurements to determine pressure, flow rate and/or temperature variations induced by the applied oscillations. Properties of the different wells of the multiple wells based on the results of the frequency analysis are thus determined.