Dallas Invents is a weekly look at U.S. patents granted with a connection to the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area. Listings include patents granted to local assignees and/or those with a North Texas inventor. Patent activity can be an indicator of future economic growth, as well as the development of emerging markets and talent attraction. By tracking both inventors and assignees in the region, we aim to provide a broader view of the region’s inventive activity. Listings are organized by Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC).

THIS WEEK, BY THE NUMBERS
Week of March 30, 2021 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

145 patents granted
Ranked No. 11 in patent production out of 250 metros

NO. OF PATENTS BY CLASSIFICATION

A: HUMAN NECESSITIES 14
B: PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING 15
C: CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY 1
E: FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS 4
F: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING 10
G: PHYSICS 37
DESIGN: 19

TOP ASSIGNEES
(NO. OF PATENTS)

Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas) 20
Capital One Services, LLC (McLean, VA) 5
Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano) 5
Halliburton Energy Services Inc. (Houston) 4
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (Suwon-si, KR) 4
Textron Innovations Inc. (Providence, RI) 4
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (Fort Worth) 3
Bank of America Corporation (Charlotte, NC) 3
Retractable Technologies Inc. (Little Elm) 3
UNASSIGNED 8

TOP LOCAL INVENTORS
(NO. OF PATENTS)

Mark Small (Heavener, OK) 5
Thomas J. Shaw (Frisco) 5
Duc Bui (Grand Prairie) 3
Douglas Slattery (McKinney) 2
Geoffrey Dagley (McKinney) 2
Laura J. Roberts (Allen) 2
Micah Price (Plano) 2
Qiaochu Tang (The Colony) 2
Shawn A. Roberts (Allen) 2
Timothy D. Anderson (University Park) 2

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Patent information is provided by Joe Chiarella, founder of patent analytics company Patent Index and publisher of The Inventiveness Index.

For additional details on the patents granted below, search the USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database.

UTILITY PATENTS

H U M A N N E C E S S I T I E S

Method and system for timed pet entertainment
Patent No. 10959407

Inventor(s): Jonathan Whitaker Christensen (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Winstead PC (Local + 2 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15195656 on 06/28/2016 (1736 days app to issue)

Abstract: A chewable pet-entertainment device that includes a treat cage and a first body portion removably coupled to the treat cage. A second body portion is operatively coupled to the treat cage. The first body portion and the second body portion together conceal the treat cage. A timer is disposed in at least one of the first body portion and the second body portion. Responsive to the timer measuring a set period of time, the first body portion opens relative to the second body portion allowing access to the treat cage.

[A01K] ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS

Food products with shells that are dissolved or melted to release ingredients and form heated beverages
Patent No. 10959445

Inventor(s): Katherine T. Weiser (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): CHOCOLATE HOUSE INCUBATOR RETAIL, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15050079 on 02/22/2016 (1863 days app to issue)

Abstract: A food product includes at least one shell that contains one or more ingredients within the at least one shell. The at least one shell can be dissolved or melted into a heated liquid to release the one or more ingredients and form a heated beverage. As a particular example, multiple shells could be formed from chocolate and can contain ingredients for hot cocoa (such as cocoa mix and marshmallows). The multiple shells could be arranged in a particular pattern and decorated to form a character, such as a snowman. NULL

Cleaning apparatus for garbage disposals
Patent No. 10959512

Inventor(s): Michael J. Schuster (Shorewood, IL), Thomas R. Bajek (Naperville, IL)
Assignee(s): Danco, Inc. (Irving, TX)
Law Firm: Thomas | Horstemeyer, LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16106466 on 08/21/2018 (952 days app to issue)

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a garbage disposal cleaning brush. The brush can include a brush head, a splash guard, and a rod. The splash guard can include a shaft, a circular channel well and a lip extending from the outer wall of the circular channel well. The rod may be connected to the brush head and extending through the shaft of the splash guard. The shaft can include a first inner wall and a first outer wall. The circular channel wall can include a hold on a bottom surface, a second inner wall, and a second outer wall.

[A46B] BRUSHES (handles not integral with brushware B25G)

Collapsible swivel chair
Patent No. 10959525

Inventor(s): Alex Cammack (Fort Worth, TX), Cory Emerson (Dallas, TX), Reagan Browning (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): Chama Chairs Holdings, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Dossey Jones, PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16381174 on 04/11/2019 (719 days app to issue)

Abstract: A chair including a swivel assembly. The chair can include three or more arms pivotally connected to the swivel assembly and selectively moveable between an open position and closed position. The chair can also an arm lock disposed on top of the swivel assembly, where the arm lock is selectively moveable between a locked position and unlocked position. The chair can also include a seat removably connected to a distal end of each arm.

[A47C] CHAIRS (seats specially adapted for vehicles B60N 2/00); SOFAS; BEDS (upholstery in general B68G)

Magnetic tool holder
Patent No. 10959544

Inventor(s): Stanley D Winnard (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Booth Albanesi Schroeder PLLC (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16888805 on 05/31/2020 (303 days app to issue)

Abstract: A magnetic tool holder has a frame for maintaining magnetic panels in position. Each of the magnetic panels has an upper surface for magnetic attachment and longitudinal sides defining longitudinal stepped edges. The longitudinal members of the frame have a longitudinal lip which cooperates with a stepped edge of the magnetic panels. A base member is attached to the frame and supports the magnetic panels keeping the top surfaces of the panels exposed for attachment.

[A47F] SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS, OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS

Waterproof lid with bluetooth speaker integration
Patent No. 10959551

Inventor(s): Bruce Wright (Fort Worth, TX), Craig A. Felder (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): FW Innovations, LLC (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16362629 on 03/23/2019 (738 days app to issue)

Abstract: A beverage container lid can include an audio speaker; a wireless transceiver to transmit and receive wireless signals; and a hardware processor to process wireless signals received by the wireless transceiver and to output audible signals through the audio speaker. The beverage container lid can also include a water-tight housing, the wireless transceiver and hardware processor contained within the water-tight housing; a drinking aperture; and a fluid channel, the fluid channel to allow fluid to pass through the drinking aperture, and the water-tight housing to prevent fluid passing through the fluid channel from contacting the wireless transceiver and hardware processor.

[A47G] HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT (book-ends A47B 65/00; knives B26B)

Sanitizing mat
Patent No. 10959599

Inventor(s): Jaime Gunter (Argyle, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Cramer Patent Design, PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16253425 on 01/22/2019 (798 days app to issue)

Abstract: A sanitizing floor mat is fashioned as a traditionally configured flexible floor mat having a plurality of apertures in an upper section. The upper section is attached to a lower section via a hinged section. An antibacterial insert is provided and is configured to be removably secured within mat in the space between the upper section and lower section and in environmental communication with the plurality of apertures.

[A47L] DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING (brushes A46B; cleaning quantities of bottles or of other hollow articles of one kind B08B 9/00; laundry D06F); SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL (cleaning in general B08)

Livestock health monitoring system and method of use
Patent No. 10959621

Inventor(s): Alvin Cecil Fults (Amarillo, TX), Richard Arelin Crider, Jr. (Dripping Springs, TX)
Assignee(s): FEVERTAGS, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16993390 on 08/14/2020 (228 days app to issue)

Abstract: An animal wellness notification system includes an attachment body configured to securely engage with an ear of the animal; an elongated temperature probe secured to the attachment body and configured to extend within the ear of the animal; a housing secured to the attachment body; a computer disposed within the housing and operably associated with the temperature probe; and a notification device in data communication with the computer, the notification device being configured to provide notice if a temperature of the animal goes beyond a determined threshold.

[A61B] DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (analysing biological material G01N, e.g. G01N 33/48)

Devices and methods for determining blood flow around a body lumen
Patent No. 10959627

Inventor(s): Namita M. Kallur (Roanoke, TX)
Assignee(s): BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC. (Maple Grove, MN)
Law Firm: Bookoff McAndrews, PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16011925 on 06/19/2018 (1015 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system may include an expandable member, and a plurality of sensors disposed on an outer surface of the expandable member and circumferentially spaced apart from one another, wherein each of the plurality of sensors includes a first emitter configured to emit light of a first wavelength, and a detector configured to detect light, and a controller coupled to the plurality of sensors.

[A61B] DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (analysing biological material G01N, e.g. G01N 33/48)

Pressure management methods for determining non-inclusive forces and apparatuses incorporating the same
Patent No. 10959673

Inventor(s): Caleb Rogers (Lexington, KY), Tyler Flood (Stamping Ground, KY)
Assignee(s): TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Dinsmore Shohl LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15931215 on 05/13/2020 (321 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method includes determining that a portion of a force applied to a sensor system was applied to a non-inclusive region of the sensor system. An activation area of the non-inclusive region may be determined. A force distribution of the non-inclusive region may be determined. A corresponding force measurement of the non-inclusive region based on the activation area and the force distribution may be calculated.

[A61B] DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (analysing biological material G01N, e.g. G01N 33/48)

Radiolucent grasping device
Patent No. 10959745

Inventor(s): Chet R. Rees (Dallas, TX), Jeffrey Haithcock (Colleyville, TX)
Assignee(s): Jet Med Innovations, LLC (Colleyville, TX)
Law Firm: Harper Bates Champion LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15848146 on 12/20/2017 (1196 days app to issue)

Abstract: A device to be used by an operator which may grasp objects in a sterile or non-sterile field, and may facilitate the precise placement and passage of a needle or pin into tissues while using X-ray guidance. The device provides a secure hold while keeping the hands remote from the radiation field, and by permitting non-obstructed viewing of the held instrument and tissues. A radiolucent hammer may be used to help drive a needle into firm tissues without obscuring visualization.

[A61B] DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (analysing biological material G01N, e.g. G01N 33/48)

Tissue marking device and method of use
Patent No. 10959802

Inventor(s): James Henderson (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15952943 on 04/13/2018 (1082 days app to issue)

Abstract: A tissue marking device enables the deployment of a hook to mark a location within a breast. The deployment is performed by inserting a needle in tissue until it arrives at a target location and pressing on the end of a rod that embeds the hook in the tissue. A thread is attached to the hook and is left exposed to facilitate locating the hook.

[A61B] DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (analysing biological material G01N, e.g. G01N 33/48)

Flex needle
Patent No. 10960147

Inventor(s): Andrew P. Nelson (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Flextronics AP, LLC (San Jose, CA)
Law Firm: Volpe Koenig (4 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15958042 on 04/20/2018 (1075 days app to issue)

Abstract: A flexible medical needle for extended indwelling periods is provided. The medical needle apparatus includes a spine body and a flexible shaft portion. The spine body has a length between a first end, comprising a piercing tip, and a second end. The flexible shaft portion may be disposed on at least a portion of the spine body, forming a needle shaft having a passage along a portion of the length of the spine body. The spine body may also be coiled forming an axial passage within the spine body. In this latter embodiment, the flexible shaft portion surrounds the spine body. In each embodiment, the spine body is configured to facilitate bending, allowing for the medical needle to remain indwelling with reduced discomfort.

[A61M] DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D 7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F 13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J 1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L; magnetotherapy using magnetic elements placed within the body A61N 2/10); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR [5]

Low profile head-located neurostimulator and method of fabrication
Patent No. 10960215

Inventor(s): Kenneth Lyle Reed (Dallas, TX), Robert Raymond Bulger (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): NUXCEL, INC. (Santa Clara, CA)
Law Firm: Schwegman Lundberg Woessner, P.A. (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16198216 on 11/21/2018 (860 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for subcutaneously treating pain in a patient includes first providing a neurostimulator with an IPG body and at least a primary, a secondary, and a tertiary integral lead with electrodes disposed thereon. A primary incision is opened to expose the subcutaneous region below the dermis in a selected portion of the body. A pocket is then opened for the IPG through the primary incision and the integral leads are inserted through the primary incision and routed subcutaneously to desired nerve regions along desired paths. The IPG is disposed in the pocket through the primary incision. The primary incision is then closed and the IPG and the electrodes activated to provide localized stimulation to the desired nerve regions and at least three of the nerves associated therewith to achieve a desired pain reduction response from the patient.

[A61N] ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY (measurement of bioelectric currents A61B; surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body A61B 18/00; anaesthetic apparatus in general A61M; incandescent lamps H01K; infra-red radiators for heating H05B) [6]

O P E R A T I O N S & T R A N S P O R T

Razor cartridges
Patent No. 10960558

Inventor(s): Craig A. Provost (Boston, MA), Douglas R. Kohring (Arrowsic, ME), John W. Griffin (Moultonborough, NH), William E. Tucker (Attleboro, MA)
Assignee(s): ShaveLogic, Inc. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Leber IP Law (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15324245 on 06/30/2015 (2100 days app to issue)

Abstract: Replaceable shaving assemblies are disclosed that include a razor cartridge having a blade geometry that is designed to provide a close, comfortable shave. Shaving systems including such shaving assemblies are also disclosed, as are methods of using such shaving systems and methods of manufacturing these cartridges.

[B26B] HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR (for harvesting A01D; for horticulture, for forestry A01G; for butchering or meat treatment A22; for manufacturing or repairing footwear A43D; nail clippers or cutters A45D 29/02; kitchen equipment A47J; for surgical purposes A61B 17/00; for metal B23D; cutting by abrasive fluid jets B24C 5/02; plier-like tools with cutting edges B25B 7/22; pincers B25C 11/02; handles for hand implements, in general B25G; guillotine-type cutters B26D; for erasing B43L 19/00; for textile materials D06H)

Direct additive synthesis from UV-induced solvated electrons in feedstock of halogenated material and negative electron affinity nanoparticle
Patent No. 10960571

Inventor(s): David Glen Findley (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): Lockheed Martin Corporation (Bethesda, MD)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15976626 on 05/10/2018 (1055 days app to issue)

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system includes a three-dimensional (3D) printer, a feedstock, and a laser. The three-dimensional printer includes a platen including an inert metal, and an enclosure including an inert atmosphere. The feedstock is configured to be deposited onto the platen. The feedstock includes a halogenated solution and a nanoparticle having negative electron affinity. The laser is configured to induce the nanoparticle to emit solvated electrons into the halogenated solution to form, by reduction, a ceramic and a diatomic halogen.

[B28B] SHAPING CLAY OR OTHER CERAMIC COMPOSITIONS, SLAG OR MIXTURES CONTAINING CEMENTITIOUS MATERIAL, e.g. PLASTER (foundry moulding B22C; working stone or stone-like material B28D; shaping of substances in a plastic state, in general B29C; making layered products not composed wholly of these substances B32B; shaping in situ, see the relevant classes of section E)

Active vehicle seat with morphing portions
Patent No. 10960793

Inventor(s): Brian J. Pinkelman (Ann Arbor, MI), Mark A. Gummin (Silverton, OR), Ryohei Tsuruta (Ann Arbor, MI), Umesh N. Gandhi (Farmington Hills, MI)
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Darrow Mustafa PC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16293997 on 03/06/2019 (755 days app to issue)

Abstract: Actuators can be used in controlling a seat surface of a vehicle seat. The actuators can have an outer skin in connection with a hinge assemblies. The actuators can include a shape-memory material (SMM) member operatively connected to the hinge assemblies. The SMM member can be a shape-memory alloy (SMA) wire. The SMM member can change from a first configuration to the second configuration in response to an activation input, such as heat. The input can be delivered to the SMM member upon detecting an activation condition, such as detection of lateral acceleration. The actuators are operatively positioned relative to a seat surface such that, when the SMM member changes configuration, actuator causes the seat surface to morph.

[B60N] VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR (furniture construction A47)

Top of rail applicator
Patent No. 10960907

Inventor(s): Kelvin Chiddick (Maple Ridge, , CA), Kevin Ray Adkins (Huntington, WV), Kyle Wilson (Rockwall, TX), Randall Krinker (Garland, TX), Steve Donald Anderson (Rockwall, TX)
Assignee(s): Whitmore Manufacturing, LLC (Rockwall, TX)
Law Firm: Jones Delflache LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16203797 on 11/29/2018 (852 days app to issue)

Abstract: A top of rail (TOR) applicator has a bar positioned in a housing and an exit orifice on the upper portion of the bar for delivering a friction control composition to the crown of a railhead. The upper portion of the bar slopes away from the friction control composition exit orifices. The bar may be composed of an elastomer such as polyurethane. Passageway extend from an inlet or entry orifice to the exit orifices. The friction reduction composition is pumped into the entry orifice, through the passageways to the exit orifices and then onto the crown of the railhead. The friction reduction composition may be thixotropic.

[B61K] OTHER AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT FOR RAILWAYS (energy-storing brakes B61H; protection of permanent way against weather influences E01B; rail cleaning, snow ploughs E01H)

Truck bed covers including a compartment forming panel
Patent No. 10960935

Inventor(s): Paxton S. Williams (Milan, MI), Randy Badia (Saline, MI)
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Dinsmore Shohl LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16262536 on 01/30/2019 (790 days app to issue)

Abstract: A truck bed cover for a pickup truck includes a first panel assembly and a second panel assembly that is pivotally connected to the first panel assembly such that the second panel assembly pivots relative to the first panel assembly between a closed configuration and an open configuration providing an uncovered region adjacent the first panel assembly. The first panel assembly includes a panel having a cover configuration where the panel covers a part of a truck bed and a compartment configuration where a free end of the panel engages a floor of the truck bed to form part of a compartment beneath the truck bed cover.

[B62D] MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS (steering, or guiding on a desired track, of agricultural machines or implements A01B 69/00; wheels, castors, axles, increasing wheel adhesion B60B; vehicle tyres, tyre inflation or tyre changing B60C; connections between vehicles of a train or the like B60D; vehicles for use on rail and road, amphibious or convertible vehicles B60F; suspension arrangements B60G; heating, cooling, ventilating or other air treating devices B60H; windows, windscreens, non-fixed roofs, doors or similar devices, protective coverings for vehicles not in use B60J; propulsion plant arrangements, auxiliary drives, transmissions, controls, instrumentation or dashboards B60K; electric equipment or propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles B60L; power supply for electrically-propelled vehicles B60M; passenger accommodation not otherwise provided for B60N; adaptations for load transportation or to carry special loads or objects B60P; arrangement of signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor, for vehicles in general B60Q; vehicles, vehicle fittings or vehicle parts, not otherwise provided for B60R; servicing, cleaning, repairing, supporting, lifting, or manoeuvring, not otherwise provided for B60S; brake arrangements, brake control systems or parts thereof B60T; air-cushion vehicles B60V; motorcycles, accessories therefor B62J, B62K; testing of vehicles G01M)

Lift axle drag reduction system and method
Patent No. 10960946

Inventor(s): Jeffrey P. Smith (Prosper, TX)
Assignee(s): PACCAR INC (Bellevue, WA)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16984873 on 08/04/2020 (238 days app to issue)

Abstract: A disclosed lift axle is suitable for a vehicle that has a first wheel for supporting the vehicle on a road surface. The lift axle system includes a lift mechanism that is coupled to the vehicle and is configured to reciprocate an axle between a stowed position and deployed position. The lift axle system further includes a second wheel coupled to the axle. The second wheel engages the road surface when the lift mechanism is in the deployed position, and the second wheel is disengaged from the road surface when the lift mechanism is in the stowed position. The second wheel has a lower rolling resistance than the first wheel.

Method of improving a stability speed of a tiltrotor aircraft
Patent No. 10960969

Inventor(s): Frank Stamps (Colleyville, TX), Jouyoung Jason Choi (Southlake, TX)
Assignee(s): Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley Norton, LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16169761 on 10/24/2018 (888 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of increasing a stability speed of a tiltrotor aircraft includes pivoting a rotor assembly having at least three rotor blades from a first position for operating the tiltrotor aircraft in a helicopter mode to a second position for operating the tiltrotor aircraft in an airplane mode, and increasing a stiffness of the rotor assembly when the rotor assembly is in the second position.

[B64C] AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS (air-cushion vehicles B60V)

Inboard beam with pin system for anti-rotation and centrifugal force retention
Patent No. 10960970

Inventor(s): Kyle Thomas Cravener (Watauga, TX), Whitney Foskey (Keller, TX)
Assignee(s): Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley Norton, LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16184436 on 11/08/2018 (873 days app to issue)

Abstract: An inboard beam includes a body having an upper flange and a lower flange coupled thereto. The upper flange includes a first upper inboard aperture and an upper outboard aperture formed therein. The lower flange includes a first lower inboard aperture and a lower outboard aperture formed therein. An upper beam fitting is coupled to the upper flange and lower beam fitting is coupled to the lower flange. The upper beam fitting includes a first upper inboard post. The upper beam fitting includes an upper outboard post extending parallel to the inboard post. The lower beam fitting includes a first lower inboard post. The lower beam fitting includes a lower outboard post extending parallel to the lower inboard post.

[B64C] AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS (air-cushion vehicles B60V)

Rotorcraft masts having a nonintegral raceway
Patent No. 10960972

Inventor(s): Charles Hubert Speller (Flower Mound, TX), Russell Lee Mueller (Coppell, TX)
Assignee(s): Textron Innovations Inc. (Providence, RI)
Law Firm: Lawrence Youst PLLC (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16148154 on 10/01/2018 (911 days app to issue)

Abstract: A propulsion assembly for a rotorcraft includes a mast including a distal ridge and a proximal ridge forming a retaining pocket therebetween, a raceway receivable by the retaining pocket to form a press fit between the mast and the raceway and a mast bearing assembly including a plurality of bearings facing the mast to engage the raceway. The distal and proximal ridges are operable to reduce axial motion of the raceway along the mast, thereby securing the raceway in the retaining pocket.

[B64C] AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS (air-cushion vehicles B60V)

Vertical take off and landing closed wing aircraft
Patent No. 10960978

Inventor(s): Andrew James Zahasky (North Richland Hills, TX), Carlos Alexander Fenny (Fort Worth, TX), Rohn Lee Olson (Hurst, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC. (Providence, RI)
Law Firm: Chalker Flores, LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15593554 on 05/12/2017 (1418 days app to issue)

Abstract: An aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing, stationary flight and forward flight includes a closed wing that provides lift whenever the aircraft is in forward flight, a fuselage at least partially disposed within a perimeter of the closed wing, and one or more spokes coupling the closed wing to the fuselage. One or more engines or motors are disposed within or attached to the closed wing, fuselage or spokes. Three or more propellers are proximate to a leading edge of the closed wing or the one or more spokes, distributed along the closed wing or the one or more spokes, and operably connected to the one or more engines or motors. The propellers provide lift whenever the aircraft is in vertical takeoff and landing and stationary flight, and provide thrust whenever the aircraft is in forward flight.

[B64C] AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS (air-cushion vehicles B60V)

Tailored rotor-blade ice-protection system
Patent No. 10960983

Inventor(s): Jared Mark Paulson (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): Textron Innovations Inc. (Providence, RI)
Law Firm: Lightfoot Alford PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15694666 on 09/01/2017 (1306 days app to issue)

Abstract: An ice protection system is configured for a rotor blade having a leading edge along at least a portion of a spanwise length extending between a root portion and a tip portion. The system has an electric spanwise anti-ice heater configured for placement on the leading edge of the blade and a first electric spanwise de-ice heater adjacent the anti-ice heater and having varying chordwise dimensions. The de-ice heater is configured for placement on an upper surface of the blade or a lower surface of the blade. Electrical connectors for each heater are configured for connection near the root portion of the blade to a source of electrical power.

[B64D] EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLYING SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT

Apparatus and methods of packaging particulates for settling
Patent No. 10960994

Inventor(s): Patrick Joseph Bierschenk (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Frito-Lay North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Barnes Thornburg LLP (Local + 12 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15436345 on 02/17/2017 (1502 days app to issue)

Abstract: A vertical fill, form and seal (VFFS) apparatus for particulates that facilitates the close-packing (”settling”) of the particulates such that a smaller package is needed to contain a mass of particulates in a charge to the VFFS apparatus. The former of the VFFS apparatus, and an associated film driver, move up and down synchronously and in a controlled manner. A partially formed bag, below the former, containing particulates is shaken up and down as the former moves up and down, while the packaging film travels downward continuously in the apparatus. The shaking causes the particulates to settle, and to increase in bulk density. This allows use of less packaging, and lowers use of transportation fuel. In an embodiment, an actuator is in mechanical communication with the former (and its associated film driver) to apply a vertical reciprocating force to the former.

[B65B] MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING (bundling and pressing devices for cigars A24C 1/44; devices for tensioning and securing binders adapted to be supported by the article or articles to be bound B25B 25/00; applying closure members to bottles, jars or similar containers B67B 1/00-B67B 6/00; concurrent cleaning, filling and closing of bottles B67C 7/00; emptying bottles, jars, cans, casks, barrels or similar containers B67C 9/00)

Parcel processing systems and methods using selective parcel rotation
Patent No. 10961059

Inventor(s): Jochen Loose (Bedford, TX)
Assignee(s): Siemens Logistics LLC (DFW Airport, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16551937 on 08/27/2019 (581 days app to issue)

Abstract: Parcel processing systems and methods. A method for processing parcels includes receiving a stream of a plurality of parcels on a conveying system of a parcel processing system. The method includes receiving physical characteristics of a parcel of the plurality of parcels. The method includes selectively reorienting the parcel on the conveying system based on the physical characteristics.

[B65G] TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS (packaging B65B; handling thin or filamentary materials, e.g. paper sheets or thread, B65H; cranes B66C; portable or mobile lifting or hauling appliances, e.g. hoists, B66D; devices for lifting or lowering goods for loading or unloading purposes, e.g. fork-lift trucks, B66F 9/00; emptying bottles, jars, cans, casks, barrels or similar containers, not otherwise provided for, B67C 9/00; delivering or transferring liquids B67D; filling or discharging vessels for liquefied, solidified or compressed gases F17C; pipe-line systems for fluids F17D)

Reverse diffusion desalination
Patent No. 10961133

Inventor(s): Charles R. Coates (Renton, WA), James Albert Coates (Casper, WY)
Assignee(s): Signal One International IP, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16575602 on 09/19/2019 (558 days app to issue)

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to use of a reverse diffusion system for removal of dissolved ions from a fluid, for example, salt ions. Specific embodiments include a system for desalinating salt water to produce potable water. The systems and methods can include pulsing low levels of electricity via electrodes in a scrolling pattern, so as to sweep the ions across a unit.

[B03C] MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS (filters making use of electricity or magnetism B01D 35/06; separating isotopes B01D 59/00; combinations of magnetic or electrostatic separation with separation of solids by other means B03B, B07B; separating sheets from piles B65H 3/00; magnets or magnet coils per se H01F) [5]

Redundant fans for cooling system
Patent No. 10962103

Inventor(s): Scott David Poster (Arlington, TX)
Assignee(s): BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Chalker Flores, LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15709507 on 09/20/2017 (1287 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus includes a shared cooling device for cooling one or more systems or components, and a plurality of primary cooling pathways. Each of the primary cooling pathways includes a fan, and each fan is in fluid communication with the shared cooling device.

[B64C] AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS (air-cushion vehicles B60V)

C H E M I S T R Y & M E T A L L U R G Y

Acesulfame potassium compositions and processes for producing same
Patent No. 10961207

Inventor(s): Arvind Yadav (Hessen, , IN), Christoph Mollenkopf (Frankfurt am Main, , DE), Peter Groer (Babenhausen, , DE)
Assignee(s): Celanese International Corporation (Irving, TX)
Law Firm: Dority Manning, P.A. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16984338 on 08/04/2020 (238 days app to issue)

Abstract: A process for producing acesulfame potassium, the process comprising the steps of providing a cyclizing agent composition comprising a cyclizing agent and a solvent and having an initial temperature, cooling the cyclizing agent composition to form a cooled cyclizing agent composition having a cooled temperature less than 35 C., reacting an acetoacetamide salt with the cyclizing agent in the cooled cyclizing agent composition to form a cyclic sulfur trioxide adduct composition comprising cyclic sulfur trioxide adduct; and, forming from the cyclic sulfur trioxide adduct in the cyclic sulfur trioxide adduct composition the finished acesulfame potassium composition comprising non-chlorinated acesulfame potassium and less than 39 wppm 5-chloro-acesulfame potassium. The cooled temperature is at least 2 C. less than the initial temperature.

[C07D] HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS (macromolecular compounds C08) [2]

F I X E D C O N S T R U C T I O N S

Washout prevention element for expandable metal sealing elements
Patent No. 10961804

Inventor(s): Abdel Hamid R Abeidoh (Dallas, TX), Christopher Michael Pelto (Garland, TX), Michael Linley Fripp (Carrollton, TX), Stephen Michael Greci (Little Elm, TX)
Assignee(s): HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: McGuireWoods LLP (Local + 9 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16655052 on 10/16/2019 (531 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods for positioning an expandable metal sealing element in the wellbore. An example method includes an expandable metal sealing element having a reactive metal and disposed in a location. The method further includes actuating a washout prevention element, contacting the expandable metal sealing element with a fluid that reacts with the reactive metal to produce a reaction product having a volume greater than the reactive metal, and allowing the washout prevention element to prevent at least a portion of the reaction product from flowing away from the location.

[E21B] EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING (mining, quarrying E21C; making shafts, driving galleries or tunnels E21D); OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS [5]

Electrohydraulic quick union for subsea landing string
Patent No. 10961817

Inventor(s): Benjamin Thomas Derryberry (Sanger, TX), Kenneth L. Schwendemann (Flower Mound, TX), Russell Stephen Haake (Dallas, TX), Stevan Jaye Sparks (Waxahachie, TX), Steven B. Scheibel (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Gilliam IP PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16317718 on 02/20/2018 (1134 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system for serving as a connection interface between a lower landing string and an upper landing string is provided. The system includes a quick union device comprising a first quick union component that is operable to couple to the upper landing string and a second quick union component that is operable to couple to the lower landing string. The first quick union component and the second quick union component respectively include a self-aligning threading interface that provides hydraulic and electrical connections when the first and second quick union components are connected to one another. The quick union device provides real-time feedback via wireless communication transducers that measure pressure and report that the measured pressure is retained in a plurality of hydraulic lines of the second quick union component when the first and second quick union components are disconnected from one another.

Lateral tubing support of a multi-lateral junction assembly
Patent No. 10961824

Inventor(s): David Joe Steele (Arlington, TX), Matthew Bradley Stokes (Keller, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15781529 on 08/02/2017 (1336 days app to issue)

Abstract: A downhole apparatus can include a first lateral tubing support that comprises: a body; a first passage extending through the body; and a second passage extending through the body. The first and second passage are spaced in parallel arrangement, and the body extends continuously and uninterruptedly in a direction transverse to the parallel directions of extension of the first and second passages, from the first passage to the second passage. The lateral tubing string can also include a first tubular and a second tubular spaced in parallel arrangement. The first passage is configured to at least partially encircle the first tubular and the second passage is configured to at least partially encircle the second tubular, with the first lateral tubing support increasing a radial and/or axial compressive load rating of the lateral tubing string.

Automated rate control system for hydraulic fracturing
Patent No. 10961835

Inventor(s): Michael Linley Fripp (Denton, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: McGuireWoods LLP (Local + 9 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16331924 on 12/30/2016 (1551 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation includes preparing and sending a first command signal from a master controller to a plurality of pumps of a pump system. The first command signal specifies a flow rate output for each in pump to achieve a first target flow rate for a fracturing fluid being injected into the subterranean formation. A pressure of the fracturing fluid injected into the subterranean formation at the first target flow rate is monitored and, based on the pressure, the master controller determines when to increase a flow rate of the fracturing fluid to a second target flow rate. The master controller prepares and sends a second command signal to the plurality of pumps to specify the flow rate output for each pump to achieve the second target flow rate.

M E C H A N I C A L E N G I N E E R I N G
LIGHTING | HEATING | WEAPONS | BLASTING

Beverage dispensing valve
Patent No. 10959564

Inventor(s): Jeff Farris (Argyle, TX)
Assignee(s): Red River Tea Company (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16512820 on 07/16/2019 (623 days app to issue)

Abstract: A beverage dispensing valve may include a downspout assembly having a body having walls with a slot therein, a channel, an upper and a lower opening, with the slot in the channel between the upper and lower openings. The downspout assembly may include a lateral member extending laterally from the downspout assembly and engaging the wall adjacent the slot. A pinch member may be partly enclosed within the lateral member and dimensioned to move partially through the slot. A handle and the pinch member may move the pinch member in and out of the slot. A coil spring may engage the lateral member and the pinch arm urging the pinch arm at least partially through the slot of the body. A flexible insert may be dimensioned to tightly fit against the walls of the channel of the body, the insert having an open top and an open bottom.

[F16K] VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING

Turbine-compressor assembly and method
Patent No. 10961902

Inventor(s): Najeeb Kuzhiyil (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): TRANSPORTATION IP HOLDINGS LLC (Norwalk, CT)
Law Firm: The Small Patent Law Group LLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16713266 on 12/13/2019 (473 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and a turbine-compressor assembly of a system having an engine includes an upstream valve coupled with a compressor and a turbine-compressor device, a downstream valve coupled with a turbine and the device, and a controller to control the upstream, downstream, and a control valve. The controller selectively operates the device in a plurality of operating modes. In a turbine mode of operation, the upstream valve directs inlet air to the compressor, the turbine receives engine exhaust, the downstream valve directs first turbine exhaust from the turbine to the device, and the control valve directs second turbine exhaust from the device to an outlet. In a compressor mode of operation, the control valve directs the inlet air to the device, the upstream valve directs first compressed air from the device to the compressor, and the downstream valve directs the first turbine exhaust from the turbine to the outlet.

[F02B] INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL (cyclically operating valves therefor F01L; lubricating internal-combustion engines F01M; gas-flow silencers or exhaust apparatus therefor F01N; cooling of internal-combustion engines F01P; internal-combustion turbines F02C; plants in which engines use combustion products F02C, F02G)

Multi-phase pump with cooled liquid reservoir
Patent No. 10962002

Inventor(s): Alejandro Fratini (Buena Park, CA), Carlos Reyes (Los Angeles, CA), Jelenko Krsmanovic (Kitchener, , CA), William Tang (Villa Park, CA)
Assignee(s): Flowserve Management Company (Irving, TX)
Law Firm: Maine Cemota Rardin (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15772157 on 11/01/2016 (1610 days app to issue)

Abstract: Overheating of a process liquid retained in a reservoir of a multiphase pump during extended gas slugs is avoided by circulating a cooling liquid in thermal contact with a process liquid through an external cooling apparatus, which can include a heat exchanger. In some embodiments, process liquid from the reservoir is circulated through the cooling loop, while in other embodiments a separate cooling liquid is circulated between a reservoir heat exchanger and the external cooling apparatus. The liquid in the cooling loop can be circulated by a separate cooling pump, or process liquid can be circulated through the cooling loop due to a pressure differential between an inlet and an outlet of the cooling loop within the multiphase pump. The multiphase pump can be a twin screw pump, and the reservoir can be formed between outer and inner casings of the multiphase pump.

[F04C] ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS (engines driven by liquids F03C); ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS (engine fuel-injection pumps F02M)

Redundant actuator position control device
Patent No. 10962141

Inventor(s): Daniel E. Carlson (Rustburg, VA), Daniel J. Morris (Forest, VA), Mark D. Ollander (Forest, VA), William C. Hooss (Rustburg, VA)
Assignee(s): Flowserve Management Company (Irving, TX)
Law Firm: Maine Cernota Rardin (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15648959 on 07/13/2017 (1356 days app to issue)

Abstract: An actuator position control system includes an electronic controller and encoder that control and monitor an actuator”s position between its position limits, while mechanically actuated limit switches prevent attempts to exceed the actuator”s position limits, even if there is a loss of calibration, software error, or electronic controller failure. When actuated, the limit switches provide position calibrating information to the electronic controller. Embodiments can control linear and/or rotary actuators. The encoder can include intermeshed gears and magnetic Hall-effect position sensors. A mechanically driven position indicator can visually indicate the actuator”s position. An electromechanical control system can be included that can transition the actuator between its limits even in the event of electronic controller failure. Embodiments can alert a user if the electronic controller fails.

[F16K] VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING

Fluid-regulator with field convertible slam-shut device
Patent No. 10962162

Inventor(s): Chun Li (McKinney, TX), G. Glynn Crutsinger (McKinney, TX), Horatiu P. Tripon (Cluj-Napoca, , RO)
Assignee(s): EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT REGULATOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (McKinney, TX)
Law Firm: MARSHALL, GERSTEIN BORUN LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16246109 on 01/11/2019 (809 days app to issue)

Abstract: A fluid control device has a body, actuator, and slam-shut device. The body defines an inlet, an outlet, and a plurality of slam-shut openings, and a seat is positioned along a flow path between the inlet and outlet. The actuator is configured to modulate a position of a first control element relative to a first side of the seat along an actuation axis to control a fluid pressure. The slam-shut device has a second control element that is movable along the actuation axis and is biased toward a second side of the seat and a slam-shut actuator configured to trigger the second control element to move to the closed position in which the second control element contacts the second side of the seat. The slam-shut actuator includes a shaft and the slam-shut actuator and shaft are positionable in any one of the plurality of slam-shut openings in different configurations.

[F16K] VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING

Cleaning system for multizone oven
Patent No. 10962230

Inventor(s): Jeff Maddox (Garland, TX), Lee Thomas VanLanen (McKinney, TX), Philip R. McKee (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Alto-Shaam, Inc. (Menomonee Falls, WI)
Law Firm: Boyle Fredrickson S.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15888642 on 02/05/2018 (1149 days app to issue)

Abstract: A multi-compartment oven provides ”in-place” cleaning through the use of distributed spray nozzles possibly augmented by steam, fan blowing, and heat from other components of the oven. A centralized draining system allows recycling of the water without breaching the separation between the cooking compartments.

[F24C] OTHER DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES; DETAILS OF DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES, OF GENERAL APPLICATION (radiator stoves of the fluid-circulating type F24H)

Method of auto association of HVAC energy with control signal for self diagnostics of the HVAC system
Patent No. 10962248

Inventor(s): Frank I. Menocal (Plano, TX), Gregory H. Fasullo (Dallas, TX), Iftekhar Hasan (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): EnTouch Controls Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Frost Brown Todd LLC (Local + 4 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14331978 on 07/15/2014 (2450 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method are described for self-diagnosing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The system and method correlate an HVAC control mode of a particular HVAC unit with an energy usage for the particular HVAC unit in order to match normal patterns in energy usage with the HVAC control mode. This correlation allows the system and method to identify potential problems with the particular HVAC unit based on deviations from normal patterns.

[F24F] AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING (removing dirt or fumes from areas where they are produced B08B 15/00; vertical ducts for carrying away waste gases from buildings E04F 17/02; tops for chimneys or ventilating shafts, terminals for flues F23L 17/02)

Method and apparatus for storing and dispensing bagged ice
Patent No. 10962269

Inventor(s): Henrik Pape (Horsens, , DK)
Assignee(s): REDDY ICE LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16890164 on 06/02/2020 (301 days app to issue)

Abstract: An article storage and dispensing apparatus and method in which articles made by series production are distributed from an article supplier into a storage compartment of predetermined dimensions for storage of articles in front and rear rows of article storage positions. An article distributor in the storage compartment has a carriage, a carriage drive which is configured to drive the carriage in a reversible horizontal carriage drive direction across at least part of the width of the storage compartment, and an article support mounted on the carriage and configured to receive articles from the article supplier above the support when the carriage is in a start position. An article dispenser is associated with the article support to dispense articles selectively in opposite horizontal dispensing directions transverse to the carriage drive direction off the front and rear ends of the support to drop into front and rear article rows.

[F25C] PRODUCTION, WORKING, STORING OR DISTRIBUTION OF ICE (frozen sweets, including ice-cream, their production A23G 9/00; concentrating solutions by removing frozen solvents B01D 9/04; purification of water by freezing C02F 1/22; refrigeration machines, plants, or systems F25B; solidification of gases or gaseous mixtures F25J; freeze-drying F26B) [2]

Multidimensional heat transfer system for cooling electronic components
Patent No. 10962297

Inventor(s): Dereje Agonafer (Arlington, TX), Huy N. Phan (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM (Austin, TX)
Law Firm: FisherBroyles LLP (Local + 20 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13400704 on 02/21/2012 (3325 days app to issue)

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for facilitating heat transfer and cooling electronic components are presented. A system for cooling an electronic component includes a cold core, a plurality of solid state cooling devices, and a plurality of heat sinks. The cold core may define one or more cavities for receiving electronic components. The system may include an air mover and a duct. In operation, the system may cool an electronic component to sub-ambient temperatures. In other embodiments, the system may include multiple cold cores connected by liquid conduits for facilitating a flow of a cooling fluid.

[F28F] DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE OR HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION (heat-transfer, heat-exchange or heat-storage materials C09K 5/00; water or air traps, air venting F16)

Polymer cartridge having a primer insert with a primer pocket groove
Patent No. 10962338

Inventor(s): Lonnie Burrow (Carrollton, TX)
Assignee(s): TRUE VELOCITY IP HOLDINGS, LLC (Garland, TX)
Law Firm: Singleton Law, PLLC (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15936962 on 03/27/2018 (1099 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention provides an ammunition cartridge having a primer insert having a top surface opposite a bottom surface and a extraction flange that extends circumferentially about an outer edge of the top surface; a coupling element that extends from the bottom surface, wherein the substantially cylindrical coupling element is adapted to receive a polymer overmolding; a primer recess in the top surface that extends toward the bottom surface, wherein the primer recess comprises a recess bottom and a circular recess side wall; a primer flash aperture through the recess bottom that extends through the bottom surface, wherein the primer flash aperture is adapted to receive a polymer overmolding to form a flash hole; and a groove in the primer recess positioned around the primer flash aperture adapted to receive a polymer overmolding, wherein the groove extends at least partially over the bottom surface and the circular recess side wall and the groove is adapted to receive polymer through the primer flash aperture and over the bottom surface and the circular recess side wall.

[F42B] EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING; FIREWORKS; AMMUNITION (explosive compositions C06B; fuzes F42C; blasting F42D) [5]

P H Y S I C S

Activated GTPase-based assays and kits for the diagnosis of sepsis and other infections
Patent No. 10962541

Inventor(s): Soumik BasuRay (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): UNM Rainforest Innovations (Albuquerque, NM)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16270306 on 02/07/2019 (782 days app to issue)

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of diagnosing sepsis or a virus-related infection (often a viral hemorrhagic fever infection) in a subject by detecting and measuring the level of a set of sepsis and virus infection-associated-GTPase biomarkers in a sample obtained from the subject using multiplexed flow cytometry. Related kits are also provided. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides point of care diagnostic methods for determining an early stage sepsis or the severity of a virus infection, especially in a hospital or other setting.

[G01N] INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q)

Interposers having cuts through an insulating substrate
Patent No. 10962571

Inventor(s): Hisashi Ata (Murphy, TX), James L. Oborny (Bells, TX), John Allen Hite (Forney, TX), Thiha Shwe (Murphy, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15873790 on 01/17/2018 (1168 days app to issue)

Abstract: An interposer comprises an insulating substrate having a first side and a second side; a first plurality of metal contacts on the first side; a second plurality of metal contacts on the second side; and a plurality of cuts through the insulating substrate. The plurality of cuts comprise a first cut between a first metal contact in the first plurality of metal contacts and a second metal contact in the first plurality of metal contacts, and between a first metal contact in the second plurality of metal contacts and a second metal contact in the second plurality of metal contacts.

[G01R] MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES (indicating correct tuning of resonant circuits H03J 3/12)

Stacked die interposer monitor trigger, address comparator, trigger controller circuitry
Patent No. 10962589

Inventor(s): Lee D. Whetsel (Parker, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16795825 on 02/20/2020 (404 days app to issue)

Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel method and apparatus for improving interposers to include embedded monitoring instruments for real time monitoring digital signals, analog signals, voltage signals and temperature sensors located in the interposer. An embedded monitor trigger unit controls the starting and stopping of the real time monitoring operations. The embedded monitoring instruments are accessible via an 1149.1 TAP interface on the interposer.

[G01R] MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES (indicating correct tuning of resonant circuits H03J 3/12)

Automated system for vehicle tracking
Patent No. 10962624

Inventor(s): Avid Ghamsari (Frisco, TX), Geoffrey Dagley (McKinney, TX), Jason Hoover (Grapevine, TX), Micah Price (Plano, TX), Qiaochu Tang (The Colony, TX)
Assignee(s): Capital One Services, LLC (McLean, VA)
Law Firm: Banner Witcoff, Ltd. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16781600 on 02/04/2020 (420 days app to issue)

Abstract: Aspects described herein may allow for vehicle tracking. Systems and methods described herein may allow a vehicle to automatically detect the presence of a physical marker at a parking space. An image of the physical marker may be processed to determine the location of the vehicle, which may be stored and/or output for display.

[G01S] RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES

Electronic device and method for low power RF ranging
Patent No. 10962632

Inventor(s): Espen Wium (Oslo, , NO), Hagen Clemens Graf (Oslo, , NO), Marius Moe (Fetsund, , NO), Tomas Motos (Hamar, , NO)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15845290 on 12/18/2017 (1198 days app to issue)

Abstract: Electronic devices and methods to provide wireless ranging are shown. A first electronic device includes a memory containing stored instructions that can perform a method for determining a distance between the first electronic device and a second electronic device. For each frequency in a selected set of frequencies, the method sets the transceiver to the respective frequency, sends a first tone having the frequency and a first phase to the second electronic device and receives a second tone having the first frequency and a second phase. For each selected frequency, the first electronic device determines the phase difference between the second tone and the controllable oscillator, receives a phase difference from the second electronic device, and calculates a phase delay for the frequency. The first electronic device calculates a phase delay difference for pairs of the frequencies; and determines the distance using these phase delay differences.

Radar data processing using neural network classifier and confidence metrics
Patent No. 10962637

Inventor(s): Sachin Bharadwaj, Jr. (Bengaluru, , IN), Sandeep Rao (Bengaluru, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16204457 on 11/29/2018 (852 days app to issue)

Abstract: A radar data processing device includes at least one analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to digitize a plurality of input signals, wherein each input signal includes radar chirp and radar chirp reflection information received at one of a plurality of receiver antennas. The radar data processing device also includes Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) logic configured to generate FFT output samples based on each digitized input signal, wherein at least some of the generated FFT output samples are across antenna FFT output samples associated with at least two of the plurality of receiver antennas. The radar data processing device also includes a processor configured to determine a plurality of object parameters based on at least some of the generated FFT output samples, wherein the processor uses a neural network classifier trained to provide a confidence metric for at least one of the plurality of object parameters.

System for virtual display and method of use
Patent No. 10962774

Inventor(s): David K. Hess (Dallas, TX), Marvin R. Young (Richardson, TX), Timothy A. Cummings (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Schultz Associates, P.C. (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15929831 on 05/25/2020 (309 days app to issue)

Abstract: A preferred system and method for displaying a set of indicator coordinates in relation to a building information model includes a system administrator, a registration base and a headset unit. The system includes a headset including a display and a registration base for initial placement of the headset. The headset further includes a set of stereo cameras. The cameras capture an image of the construction site and overlay an image which includes the indicator coordinates. A position of the headset is determined relative to the registration base from motion sensors. A set of indicator coordinates is downloaded and projected to the display based on the position and orientation of the headset.

[G06T] IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL [2006.01]

Method of determining the center of gravity of an aircraft and a method of fuel/load management based thereon
Patent No. 10962988

Inventor(s): Brady G. Atkins (Euless, TX), Peter Carlton Mehl (Fort Worth, TX), Robert Blyth (Fort Worth, TX), Terrence Patrick Brehn (Hurst, TX)
Assignee(s): Textron Innovations Inc. (Providence, RI)
Law Firm: Lightfoot Alford PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16177431 on 11/01/2018 (880 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of determining a center of gravity of an aircraft in flight by comparing actual control surface actuator displacements to expected control surface actuator displacements. And a method of fuel/load management based on an offset of the center of gravity from a preferred center of gravity and a handling qualities factor.

[G05D] SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES (for continuous casting of metals B22D 11/16; valves per se F16K; sensing non-electric variables, see the relevant subclasses of G01; for regulating electric or magnetic variables G05F)

Portable video screen
Patent No. 10963207

Inventor(s): Bradley Merriman (Denton, TX), Chris Curtis (Flower Mound, TX), Kevin Faciane (Argyle, TX), Todd Wickstrum (Argyle, TX)
Assignee(s): GoVision, LLC (Argyle, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16957016 on 12/21/2018 (830 days app to issue)

Abstract: A portable video screen for displaying images utilizes a pivoting frame system for holding a plurality of LED panels. The portable video screen rotates on rolling video units to enable users to roll the video units through doorways and readily setup and tear down the portable video screens as needed. Folding handles rotate into and out of the system to enable users to move the video units without touching the LED panels.

[G06F] ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)

Vector floating-point classification
Patent No. 10963247

Inventor(s): Brett L. Huber (Sugar Land, TX), Duc Bui (Grand Prairie, TX), Joseph Zbiciak (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16422688 on 05/24/2019 (676 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method to classify source data in a processor in response to a vector floating-point classification instruction includes specifying, in respective fields of the vector floating-point classification instruction, a source register containing the source data and a destination register to store classification indications for the source data. The source register includes a plurality of lanes that each contains a floating-point value and the destination register includes a plurality of lanes corresponding to the lanes of the source register. The method further includes executing the vector floating-point classification instruction by, for each lane in the source register, classifying the floating-point value in the lane to identify a type of the floating-point value, and storing a value indicative of the identified type in the corresponding lane of the destination register.

[G06F] ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)

Vector maximum and minimum with indexing
Patent No. 10963252

Inventor(s): Duc Bui (Grand Prairie, TX), Peter Richard Dent (Bournemouth, , GB), Timothy D. Anderson (University Park, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16422501 on 05/24/2019 (676 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method to compare first and second source data in a processor in response to a vector maximum with indexing instruction includes specifying first and second source registers containing first and second source data, a destination register storing compared data, and a predicate register. Each of the registers includes a plurality of lanes. The method includes executing the instruction by, for each lane in the first and second source register, comparing a value in the lane of the first source register to a value in the corresponding lane of the second source register to identify a maximum value, storing the maximum value in a corresponding lane of the destination register, asserting a corresponding lane of the predicate register if the maximum value is from the first source register, and de-asserting the corresponding lane of the predicate register if the maximum value is from the second source register.

[G06F] ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)

Mechanism to queue multiple streams to run on streaming engine
Patent No. 10963254

Inventor(s): Jonathan (Son) Hung Tran (Murphy, TX), Joseph Raymond Michael Zbiciak (Alviso, CA), Timothy David Anderson (University Park, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16290872 on 03/02/2019 (759 days app to issue)

Abstract: A steaming engine in a system receives a first set of stream parameters into a queue to define a first stream along with an indication of either a queue mode of operation or a speculative mode of operation for the first stream. Acquisition of the first stream then begins. At some point, a second set of stream parameters is received into the queue to define a second stream. When the queue mode of operation was specified for the first stream, the second set of parameters is queued and acquisition of the second stream is delayed until completion of acquisition of the first stream. When the speculative mode of operation was specified for the first stream, acquisition of the first stream is canceled upon receipt of the second set of stream parameters and acquisition of the second stream begins immediately.

[G06F] ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)

Implied fence on stream open
Patent No. 10963255

Inventor(s): Abhijeet A. Chachad (Plano, TX), Duc Bui (Grand Prairie, TX), Kai Chirca (Dallas, TX), Naveen Bhoria (Plano, TX), Son Hung Tran (Murphy, TX), Timothy D. Anderson (University Park, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16297824 on 03/11/2019 (750 days app to issue)

Abstract: Techniques related to executing a plurality of instructions by a processor comprising receiving a first instruction configured to cause the processor to output a first data value to a first address in a first data cache, outputting, by the processor, the first data value to a second address in a second data cache, receiving a second instruction configured to cause a streaming engine associated with the processor to prefetch data from the first data cache, determining that the first data value has not been outputted from the second data cache to the first data cache, stalling execution of the second instruction, receiving an indication, from the second data cache, that the first data value has been output from the second data cache to the first data cache, and resuming execution of the second instruction based on the received indication.

[G06F] ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)

Artificial intelligence-powered cloud for the financial services industry
Patent No. 10963316

Inventor(s): Poomalai Udaiyar Ganesan (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): FLAIST, INC. (Dublin, CA)
Law Firm: Dilworth IP, LLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16824873 on 03/20/2020 (375 days app to issue)

Abstract: A cloud system for an application to be built and executed is provided, the cloud system including a microservice platform including one or more application programing interfaces (APIs) and one or more service modules, wherein each API is configured for the application to access services of one or more services modules of the cloud system and wherein the one or more service modules are in communication with the microservice platform and the application using the APIs, each of the service modules being configured to provide at least one service to the application, when being called using at least one API pertaining to each of the service modules, and the microservice platform being configured to allow an app control access to each of the service modules using a user account of the user.

[G06F] ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)

Systems and methods for cross-regional back up of distributed databases on a cloud service
Patent No. 10963353

Inventor(s): Nathan Gloier (Frisco, TX), Raman Gupta (Plano, TX), Raveender Kommera (Flower Mound, TX)
Assignee(s): Capital One Services, LLC (McLean, VA)
Law Firm: Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16168784 on 10/23/2018 (889 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for backing up a distributed database provided as a database instance across servers within a first geographic region. In one example, such a system may include at least one processor configured to: generate and transmit a command to duplicate the distributed database in object databases on first region servers; generate and transmit a command to duplicate the object databases on servers in at least a second geographic region independent from servers in the first region; and, when an error is detected with at least one server within the first region: generate and transmit a command to initiate a new distributed database on second region servers, generate and transmit a command to populate the new distributed database using the object databases on second region servers, and generate and transmit a command to re-route traffic from the distributed database to the new distributed database.

[G06F] ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)

Overlapping-in-time execution of load tests on applications in a centralized system
Patent No. 10963361

Inventor(s): Praveen Morusupalli (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Oracle International Corporation (Redwood Shores, CA)
Law Firm: Trellis IP Law Group, PC (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16564627 on 09/09/2019 (568 days app to issue)

Abstract: User specified build jobs are received at a centralized system. Each of the build jobs includes the load jobs for applications to execute in the centralized system. Clients and servers are created on selected hardware hosts based on the build jobs. Each of the selected hardware hosts includes one of the clients and a subset of the servers. Each of the clients and each of the servers resides in a separate container of a plurality of containers. Each of the clients and each of the servers use mutually exclusive subsets of hardware resources provided by the containers and obtain non-emulated operating system assistance. Overlapping-in-time load tests are executed on the applications. Real time performance information is collected during the executing of the load tests of the applications. After completion of a subset of the load tests, a subset of the selected hardware hosts is made available for executing subsequent load tests by removing containers.

[G06F] ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)

Virtual register file
Patent No. 10963398

Inventor(s): Geoffrey C. Rogers (Frisco, TX), John D. Leidel (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Micron Technology, Inc. (Boise, ID)
Law Firm: Brooks, Cameron Huebsch, PLLC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16054702 on 08/03/2018 (970 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a virtual register file. Source code can be compiled to include references to a virtual register file for data subject to a logical operation. The references can be dereferenced at runtime to obtain physical addresses of memory device elements according to the virtual register file. The logical operation can be performed in the memory device on data stored in the memory device elements.

[G06F] ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)

Dynamic natural language processing tagging
Patent No. 10963510

Inventor(s): Manu J. Kurian (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Bank of America Corporation (Charlotte, NC)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16059798 on 08/09/2018 (964 days app to issue)

Abstract: A natural language processing system that includes an artificial intelligence (AI) engine and a tagging engine. The AI engine is configured to receive a set of audio files and to identify concepts within the set of audio files. The AI engine is further configured to determine a usage frequency for each of the identified concepts and to generate an AI-defined tag for concepts with a usage frequency that is greater than a usage frequency threshold. The tagging engine is configured to receive an audio file and to identify observed concepts within the audio file. The tagging engine is further configured to compare the observed concepts to the first set of concepts, to determine one or more observed concepts matches concepts linked with AI-defined tags, and to modify metadata for the audio file to include AI-defined tags.

[G06F] ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)

Access control governance using mapped vector spaces
Patent No. 10963575

Inventor(s): Chad Renfro (Waxahachie, TX), Daniel Shnowske (Carrollton, TX), Sean Catlett (Dallas, TX), Sean Wang (Coppell, TX)
Assignee(s): FMR LLC (Boston, MA)
Law Firm: Proskauer Rose LLP (4 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16130352 on 09/13/2018 (929 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described for enterprise access control governance in a computerized information technology (IT) architecture. A server generates a first vector space, each node in the first space representing a user of resources in the IT architecture and including attributes of the user. The server generates a second vector space, each node in the second space representing an entitlement to access resources in the IT architecture and including attributes of the entitlement. The server creates an entitlement utility matrix by mapping nodes in the first space to nodes in the second space. The server determines a set of recommended entitlements for a plurality of users based upon the utility matrix. The server determines a discrepancy between the set of recommended entitlements for a first user and a set of existing entitlements for the first user and adjusts the set of existing entitlements based upon the discrepancy.

[G06F] ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)

System and method for passive verification
Patent No. 10963608

Inventor(s): Felicia James (Carrollton, TX), Michael Krasnicki (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): ZIPALOG, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16828189 on 03/24/2020 (371 days app to issue)

Abstract: A computer implemented method of passive verification of an electronic design, includes the steps of receiving a first electronic design file of a first electronic design comprised at least in part of a mixed signal or analog system, the first electronic design file including at least one first system and first subsystem, collecting first input data from at least one first system input and first subsystem input, analyzing a first parameter of the first input data, receiving a second electronic design file of a second electronic design comprised at least in part of a mixed signal or analog system, the second electronic design file including at least one second system and second subsystem that are comparable in function to the at least one first system and first subsystem of the first electronic design file, collecting second input data from at least one second system input and second subsystem input of the second design file, analyzing the first parameter of the second input data, comparing the analysis of the first parameter of the first input data of the at least one first system and first subsystem in said first design file to the analysis of the first input parameter of the second input data of the least one second system and second subsystem in the second design file and repeating the comparison for a series of input parameters to build a history of verification coverage of input parameters of the at least one second system and second subsystem of the second design file r

[G06F] ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)

Platform for document classification
Patent No. 10963691

Inventor(s): Christopher Akatsuka (Frisco, TX), Douglas Slattery (McKinney, TX), Jennifer Jiang (Plano, TX), Steven Dang (Plano, TX), Vijaya Pasam (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Capital One Services, LLC (McLean, VA)
Law Firm: Harrity Harrity, LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16707697 on 12/09/2019 (477 days app to issue)

Abstract: A device obtains image data associated with a document. Using a first machine learning model, the device determines, for the document, a first classification of one of a plurality of document types and a first confidence score associated with the first classification, and a second classification of one of the plurality of document types and a second confidence score associated with the second classification based on the image data. The device determines a difference between the first confidence score and the second confidence score, compares the difference and a threshold value, and accept the first classification of the document when the difference satisfies the threshold value.

[G06K] RECOGNITION OF DATA; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS (printing per se B41J)

Systems and methods for digitized document image data spillage recovery
Patent No. 10963725

Inventor(s): Douglas Slattery (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): CAPITAL ONE SERVICES, LLC (McLean, VA)
Law Firm: Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16521163 on 07/24/2019 (615 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods for digitized document image data spillage recovery are provided. One or more memories may be coupled to one or more processors, the one or more memories including instructions operable to be executed by the one or more processors. The one or more processors may be configured to capture an image; process the image through at least a first pass to generate a first contour; remove a preprinted bounding region of the first contour to retain text; generate one or more pixel blobs by applying one or more filters to smudge the text; identify the one or more pixel blobs that straddle one or more boundaries of the first contour; resize the first contour to enclose spillage of the one or more pixel blobs; overlay the text from the image within the resized contour; and apply pixel masking to the resized contour.

[G06K] RECOGNITION OF DATA; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS (printing per se B41J)

Facilitating an error analysis of a product deficiency system and method
Patent No. 10963894

Inventor(s): Levent Koese (Bendorf, , DE), Paul Fletcher (Waterford, MI)
Assignee(s): Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Lempia Summerfield Katz LLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15484351 on 04/11/2017 (1449 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that facilitating an error analysis of a product deficiency. The system may comprise a processor configured to: store lifecycle information related to a lifecycle of the product in a lifecycle database; store manufacturing operations information related to manufacturing operations of the product in a manufacturing operations database; store further lifecycle information related to lifecycle issues and/or non-conformances of the product in the lifecycle database; store further manufacturing operations information related to concerns and/or complaints of the product in the manufacturing operations database; store first reference information related to the further lifecycle information from the lifecycle database in the manufacturing operations database; generate a graphical user interface (GUI) through a display device that enables the manufacturing operations information stored in the manufacturing operations database; and cause the manufacturing operations information, the further manufacturing operations information, and the further lifecycle information to be displayed in the GUI.

[G06F] ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)

Systems, methods and computer program products for populating field identifiers from virtual reality or augmented reality environments, or modifying or selecting virtual or augmented reality environments or content based on values from field
Patent No. 10963926

Inventor(s): Mallikarjun Hiremani (Fremont, CA), Narendra Nath (Hillsdale, CA)
Assignee(s): METARAIL, INC. (Bedford, TX)
Law Firm: Buchalter (Local + 4395 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15706002 on 09/15/2017 (1292 days app to issue)

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein can leverage dynamic data, fields and implied information from online media (e.g., web sites, mobile apps and other forms of online media such as virtual or augmented reality environments) to create a universal variable map and automatically generate deep-linked ads utilizing the universal variable map, linking any arbitrary online media to any other arbitrary online media. The automatically generated deep-linked ads can be inserted into any ad server and served out from there in real-time. A deep-linked ad thus presented to a user can take the user from a starting page on one site or application where the ad is displayed directly to a resulting page such as a checkout page on another site or mobile application, with pertinent information already pre-populated, and action already initiated for the user.

[G06Q] DATA PROCESSING SYSTEMS OR METHODS, SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL, SUPERVISORY OR FORECASTING PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL, SUPERVISORY OR FORECASTING PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR [2006.01]

Digital reputation management
Patent No. 10963943

Inventor(s): Snehal Desai (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): United Services Automobile Association (USAA) (San Antonio, TX)
Law Firm: Perkins Coie LLP (17 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16268184 on 02/05/2019 (784 days app to issue)

Abstract: Embodiments described herein disclose methods and systems for managing a digital reputation of a user. The exemplary method can receive information about an item to be purchased by the user, determine in real-time or near real-time, based on one or more financial factors, a first digital reputation score indicative of an effect of the item on the user”s digital reputation, determine an alternative item to be purchased instead of the item to be purchased, and determine a second digital reputation score based on the purchase of the alternative item.

Visual quality enhancement of reconstructed point clouds via color smoothing
Patent No. 10964067

Inventor(s): Hossein Najaf-Zadeh (Allen, TX), Madhukar Budagavi (Plano, TX), Tuan Ho (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Suwon-si, , KR)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16242255 on 01/08/2019 (812 days app to issue)

Abstract: A decoding device, an encoding device and a method for point cloud decoding is disclosed. The method includes receiving a compressed bitstream. The method also includes decoding the compressed bitstream into 2D frames that represent a 3D point cloud, each of the 2D frames including a set of patches representing a cluster of pixels of the 3D point cloud. The method further includes identifying an occupancy map included in the compressed bitstream. The method additionally includes identifying valid boundary points located at a boundary of a patch of the set of patches based on the occupancy map and identifying valid neighboring points of each of the valid boundary points of the patch. The method also includes generating the 3D point cloud using the 2D frames based on the valid neighboring points and the valid boundary points.

[G06T] IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL [2006.01]

Visualization system that transforms 2D images of objects slices into 3D point clouds
Patent No. 10964094

Inventor(s): Sabine Bredow (Justin, TX)
Assignee(s): VR Media Technology, Inc. (Los Angeles, CA)
Law Firm: ARC IP Law, PC (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16778632 on 01/31/2020 (424 days app to issue)

Abstract: System that transforms 2D images of slices of an object, such as a tissue sample from a biopsy, into a 3D point cloud for visualization. 3D points may be generated for pixels in the 2D images with high luminance. Point depths may be assigned pseudo-randomly so that the points fill the space within the slice. The probability distribution for the random depths may be based on any characteristics of the 2D images. For example, points corresponding to pixels within large areas of high luminance may be spread relatively uniformly through the slice, while isolated points or points in small areas may be biased towards the minimum depth of the slice. Points in the point cloud may be partitioned into channels, corresponding for example to different stains of a sample, and may be visualized for example as different color assigned to points.

[G06T] IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL [2006.01]

Systems and methods for electronic ticketing, monitoring, and indicating permissive use of facilities
Patent No. 10964147

Inventor(s): Greg Spittle (Hickory Creek, TX), Phillip Howell (Frisco, TX), Sean Spittle (Hinckley, OH)
Assignee(s): LEVEL 8 IOT (Lewisville, TX)
Law Firm: Greenspoon Marder LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16733737 on 01/03/2020 (452 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods for electronic ticketing, monitoring, and indicating permissive use of facilities for family entertainment centers that implement connected terminal devices or kiosks, wireless communication networks, and a plurality of electronic wearable devices. Customers perform transactions with or without a facility employee, using the wearable device as a means of identifying the patron within the facility in addition to verifying the validity of said transactions. Systems and methods provide real-time status information regarding patrons via visual indicators embedded within wearable devices, gamification of facility attractions through an embedded motion-tracking component embedded in the wearable device, and alerts that provide facility employees with activity and/or status information about patrons.

[G07C] TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE (identification of persons A61B 5/117; indicating or recording apparatus for measuring in general, analogous apparatus but in which the input is not a variable to be measured, e.g. a hand operation, G01D; clocks, clock mechanisms G04B, G04C; time-interval measuring G04F; counting mechanisms per se G06M)

Vehicle location system
Patent No. 10964219

Inventor(s): Geoffrey Dagley (McKinney, TX), Jason Richard Hoover (Grapevine, TX), Micah Price (Plano, TX), Qiaochu Tang (The Colony, TX), Stephen Michael Wylie (Carrollton, TX)
Assignee(s): Capital One Services, LLC (McLean, VA)
Law Firm: DLA Piper LLP (US) (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16540626 on 08/14/2019 (594 days app to issue)

Abstract: A computer system receives a request to locate a vehicle within a facility. The computer system parses the request to identify one or more characteristics of the vehicle. The computer system identifies a sensor corresponding to the vehicle based on the one or more characteristics of the vehicle. The computer system identifies a most recent location of the vehicle based on the last registered position of the vehicle within the facility. The computer system transmits a signal to a parking spot sensor at the most recent location of the vehicle in the facility. The computer system receives the unique identification. The computer system determines that the unique identification of the vehicle sensor co-located with the parking spot sensor matches the sensor of the requested vehicle. The computer system reports to the user a current location of the vehicle within the facility based on a location of the parking spot sensor.

[G08G] TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS (guiding railway traffic, ensuring the safety of railway traffic B61L; radar or analogous systems, sonar systems or lidar systems specially adapted for traffic control G01S 13/91, G01S 15/88, G01S 17/88; radar or analogous systems, sonar systems or lidar systems specially adapted for anti-collision purposes G01S 13/93, G01S 15/93, G01S 17/93; control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, not being specific to a traffic environment G05D 1/00) [2]

Network musical instrument
Patent No. 10964298

Inventor(s): Michael John Elson (Wylie, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Knobbe, Martens, Olson Bear LLP (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16553023 on 08/27/2019 (581 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods and systems are described that are utilized for remotely controlling a musical instrument. A first digital record comprising musical instrument digital commands from a first electronic instrument for a first item of music is accessed. The first digital record is transmitted over a network using a network interface to a remote, second electronic instrument for playback to a first user. Optionally, video data is streamed to a display device of a user while the first digital record is played back by the second electronic instrument. A key change command is transmitted over the network using the network interface to the second electronic instrument to cause the second electronic instrument to playback the first digital record for the first item of music in accordance with the key change command. The key change command may be transmitted during the streaming of the video data.

[G10H] ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE

Reprogramming memory cells to tighten threshold voltage distributions and improve data retention
Patent No. 10964402

Inventor(s): Ashish Baraskar (Santa Clara, CA), Han-Ping Chen (Santa Clara, CA), Henry Chin (Fremont, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16794614 on 02/19/2020 (405 days app to issue)

Abstract: Techniques are described for reprogramming memory cells to tighten threshold voltage distributions and improve data retention. In one aspect, the memory cells of a word line WLn are reprogrammed after programming of memory cells of an adjacent, later-programmed word line WLn+1. The reprogramming can be limited to lower state memory cells of WLn which are adjacent to lower state memory cells of WL+1. A program pulse magnitude used in the reprogramming can be tailored to the data states of the WLn memory cell and the adjacent, WLn+1 memory cell. In some cases, the program pulse magnitudes can be grouped to reduce the implementation complexity and time. The reprogramming can occur after an initial program operation has completed, during an idle time of a control circuit.

[G11C] STATIC STORES (information storage based on relative movement between record carrier and transducer G11B; semiconductor devices for storage H01L, e.g. H01L 27/108-H01L 27/11597; pulse technique in general H03K, e.g. electronic switches H03K 17/00)

Methods and systems to sense situational awareness with a dual doppler and control for optimized operations
Patent No. 10964426

Inventor(s): Jeffrey Richardson Terry (Lewisville, TX)
Assignee(s): General Electric Company (Schenectady, NY)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 14885169 on 10/16/2015 (1992 days app to issue)

Abstract: Certain examples provide systems and methods to monitor and control hospital operational systems based on occupancy data and medical orders. An example healthcare workflow management and reasoning system includes a workflow engine including a first particularly programmed processor to monitor one or more medical orders from one or more hospital information systems to identify a condition indicating that a first patient in a first room is ready for a clinical activity such as discharge. The example healthcare workflow management and reasoning system includes a sensing component including a second processor to gather occupancy data regarding the first patient in the first room and transmit the occupancy data to the workflow engine. The example workflow engine controls one or more hospital operational systems to trigger cleaning of the first room, lighting settings for the first room, and transportation of a second patient to the first room based on occupancy data from the sensing component. NULL

Integrated systems and methods for evolving state protocols and decision support
Patent No. 10964427

Inventor(s): Jeffrey Terry (Lewisville, TX)
Assignee(s): General Electric Company (Schenectady, NY)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16147845 on 09/30/2018 (912 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to manage care pathways and associated resources. An example apparatus includes a system monitor to coordinate a patient data analyzer and a care pathway processor to at least: identify a first patient record associated with a first care pathway; and identify a second patient record that is not on the first care pathway but should be on the first care pathway. The example apparatus includes a graphical user interface including information regarding, in a first area, the first patient record associated with the first care pathway and, in a second area, the second patient record that should be associated with the first care pathway. NULL

Method and circuit for detecting motor winding over temperature
Patent No. 10965240

Inventor(s): Abhishek Vishwa (Mumbai, , IN), Manu Balakrishnan (Kollam, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16553732 on 08/28/2019 (580 days app to issue)

Abstract: A hardware-based detection system includes, among other things, a signal-generating circuit for generating a signal which is functionally related to current in a motor winding, a reference current, and a duration of time. The system may also include a comparator circuit for comparing the generated signal to a reference signal, and for thereby detecting an over-temperature condition in the motor winding. If desired, a compensating circuit may be used to generate a variable reference signal as a function of ambient temperature. A method of operating a detection system is also disclosed. If desired, the detection system may be completely implemented in hardware using an uncomplicated analog circuit architecture.

[G05B] CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS (fluid-pressure actuators or systems acting by means of fluids in general F15B; valves per se F16K; characterised by mechanical features only G05G; sensitive elements, see the appropriate subclasses, e.g. G12B, subclasses of G01, H01; correcting units, see the appropriate subclasses, e.g. H02K)

Intelligent multi-channel VPN orchestration
Patent No. 10965494

Inventor(s): Subil M. Abraham (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: Cuenot, Forsythe Kim, LLC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14872441 on 10/01/2015 (2007 days app to issue)

Abstract: A respective VPN routing table for each of a plurality of VPNs can be stored on a client device. The client device can access a first VPN routing table and, using the first VPN routing table, establish a first VPN tunnel to a first VPN. The first VPN can be a first subnetwork assigned a particular network prefix. While the first VPN tunnel is currently active, the client device can access a second VPN routing table and, using the second VPN routing table, establish a second VPN tunnel to the second VPN. The second VPN can be a second subnetwork assigned the same particular network prefix as the first subnetwork. While the first VPN tunnel and the second VPN tunnel are simultaneously active, the client device can communicate data to remote devices in the first VPN and the second VPN using the particular network prefix for both.

[G06F] ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)

Migration project automation, e.g., automated selling, planning, migration and configuration of email systems
Patent No. 10965742

Inventor(s): Rick Tett (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): SkyKick, Inc. (Seattle, WA)
Law Firm: Perkins Coie LLP (17 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13766761 on 02/13/2013 (2967 days app to issue)

Abstract: Technology is generally described for automating the project management and execution of data migration from a source email system to a destination email system. In some examples, the technology can include receiving a domain name of a second computing system; obtaining domain name system (DNS) records for the received domain name; determining an email hosting provider for the second computing system; determining, by the processor, based on the obtained DNS records, an email system service type of the source email system on the second computing system; discovering mailboxes and message delivery rules of the source email system; displaying customization options for migrating discovered source email system mailboxes; migrating data items from the source email system to the destination email system; and managing migration of data from source email system client computing devices to the destination email system.

[G06F] ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)

Methods and systems for multiple channel authentication
Patent No. 10965810

Inventor(s): Minya Liang (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION (USAA) (San Antonio, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16460905 on 07/02/2019 (637 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods and systems for multiple channel authentication are described. In one embodiment, a request for an interaction is initiated from within a mobile application. The request may include authentication information and contextual information relating to a current exchange between the mobile application and an organization. The user may be authenticated with the authentication information and the request may be routed to a representative based on the contextual information to continue the exchange.

[G06F] ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)

E L E C T R I C I T Y

System and method for generating an alert based on noise
Patent No. 10964194

Inventor(s): Andrew Schulz (Dallas, TX), David Krauss (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Sigh, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16559462 on 09/03/2019 (574 days app to issue)

Abstract: A noise detector, a method of detecting an event at a location, and an analysis/alert engine. In one embodiment, the method includes: (1) deriving a raw signal from noise proximate the noise detector and (2) generating a noise score from the raw signal, the noise score being insufficient to reproduce a content of the raw signal, (3) detecting a number of wireless devices at the location, and (4) determining occurrence of an event at the location based on the noise score and the number of wireless devices detected.

[H04R] LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS (producing sounds with frequency not determined by supply frequency G10K) [6]

Cooling magnetic cores with ferrofluid and magnetic cores so cooled
Patent No. 10964469

Inventor(s): Ercan Mehmet Dede (Ann Arbor, MI), Jongwon Shin (Ann Arbor, MI), Masanori Ishigaki (Nagakute, , JP), Shailesh Joshi (Ann Arbor, MI)
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Darrow Mustafa PC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15966349 on 04/30/2018 (1065 days app to issue)

Abstract: Core-coil devices operate by electromagnetic induction and include inductors, transformers, and electromagnets. Cooled core-coil devices include a magnetic core having a channel through it, and a coil wound around the core. Cooled core-coil devices additionally include a coolant loop that carries ferrofluid coolant through the channel and forms a loop with the channel that extends outside the core. Ferrofluid coolant circulates in the loop without a pump due to a thermo-magnetic response to the device”s thermal and magnetic field gradients and thereby cools the core while simultaneously adding to the device”s inductance.

[H01M] PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY [2]

Naturally closed MEMs switch for ESD protection
Patent No. 10964505

Inventor(s): Lance Barron (Plano, TX), Richard L. Knipe (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Cavendish Kinetics, Inc. (San Jose, CA)
Law Firm: Withrow Terranova, P.L.L.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15772132 on 11/15/2016 (1596 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a MEMS device for reducing ESD. A contacting switch is used to ensure that there is a closed electrical contact between two electrodes even if there is no applied bias voltage.

[H01H] ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES (contact cables H01B 7/10; electrolytic self-interrupters H01G 9/18; emergency protective circuit arrangements H02H; switching by electronic means without contact-making H03K 17/00)

Control of wafer surface charge during CMP
Patent No. 10964551

Inventor(s): John H. Zhang (Altamont, NY)
Assignee(s): STMICROELECTRONICS, INC. (Coppell, TX)
Law Firm: Seed IP Law Group LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15085678 on 03/30/2016 (1826 days app to issue)

Abstract: CMP selectivity, removal rate, and uniformity are controlled both locally and globally by altering electric charge at the wafer surface. Surface charge characterization is performed by an on-board metrology module. Based on a charge profile map, the wafer can be treated in an immersion bath to impart a more positive or negative charge overall, or to neutralize the entire wafer before the CMP operation is performed. If charge hot spots are detected on the wafer, a charge pencil can be used to neutralize localized areas. One type of charge pencil bears a tapered porous polymer tip that is placed in close proximity to the wafer surface. Films present on the wafer absorb ions from, or surrender ions to, the charge pencil tip, by electrostatic forces. The charge pencil can be incorporated into a CMP system to provide an in-situ treatment prior to the planarization step or the slurry removal step.

[H01L] SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR (use of semiconductor devices for measuring G01; resistors in general H01C; magnets, inductors, transformers H01F; capacitors in general H01G; electrolytic devices H01G 9/00; batteries, accumulators H01M; waveguides, resonators, or lines of the waveguide type H01P; line connectors, current collectors H01R; stimulated-emission devices H01S; electromechanical resonators H03H; loudspeakers, microphones, gramophone pick-ups or like acoustic electromechanical transducers H04R; electric light sources in general H05B; printed circuits, hybrid circuits, casings or constructional details of electrical apparatus, manufacture of assemblages of electrical components H05K; use of semiconductor devices in circuits having a particular application, see the subclass for the application) [2]

Siderail with mold compound relief
Patent No. 10964629

Inventor(s): Dolores Babaran Milo (Baguio, , PH), Richard Diestro Sumalinog (Pampanga, , PH), Ruby Ann Merto Camenforte (Pampanga, , PH), Sylvester Tigno Sanchez (Pampanga, , PH)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16252092 on 01/18/2019 (802 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor package includes attaching semiconductor dies to an array of leadframes and positioning a clip array in alignment with the array of leadframes within a mold cavity, the clip array including clips that electrically connect to at least some of the semiconductor dies and a siderail along a perimeter of the clip array. The siderail forms a set of reliefs extending from an outer edge of the siderail to an inner edge of the siderail, the inner edge being adjacent to the array of leadframes. The method also includes injecting a mold compound into the mold cavity through a flow path including the set of reliefs of the siderail to form a mold block at least partially covering the semiconductor dies.

Tamper detection in integrated circuits
Patent No. 10964649

Inventor(s): Subbayya Chowdary Yanamadala (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): ARM LIMITED (Cambridge, , GB)
Law Firm: Talem IP Law, LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16054099 on 08/03/2018 (970 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system with tamper detection can include at least one ring oscillator and a detection circuit coupled to the at least one ring oscillator to detect change in frequency greater than a tolerance. Each ring oscillator can include a plurality of inverters where at least one intermediate node coupling an output of one of the plurality of inverters and an input to another of the plurality of inverters is a sensing node of a plurality of sensing nodes for the system. Outputs from two or more ring oscillators can be compared and a signal to initiate a countermeasure response can be generated when the outputs have a difference greater than a tolerance value.

Field effect transistor with decoupled channel and methods of manufacturing the same
Patent No. 10964698

Inventor(s): Mark S. Rodder (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Suwon-si, , KR)
Law Firm: Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16879586 on 05/20/2020 (314 days app to issue)

Abstract: A field effect transistor (FET) for an nFET and/or a pFET device including a substrate and a fin including at least one channel region decoupled from the substrate. The FET also includes a source electrode and a drain electrode on opposite sides of the fin, and a gate stack extending along a pair of sidewalls of the channel region of the fin. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric layer and a metal layer on the gate dielectric layer. The FET also includes an oxide separation region separating the channel region of the fin from the substrate. The oxide separation region includes a dielectric material that includes a portion of the gate dielectric layer of the gate stack. The oxide separation region extends completely from a surface of the channel region facing the substrate to a surface of the substrate facing the channel region.

Fuse-array element
Patent No. 10964708

Inventor(s): Raghukiran Sreeramaneni (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Micron Technology, Inc. (Boise, ID)
Law Firm: Fletcher Yoder, P.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16018684 on 06/26/2018 (1008 days app to issue)

Abstract: A device includes a fuse-array mat including a plurality of fuse-array elements. Each fuse-array element includes a fuse comprising a fuse line having less than or equal to 50% of a dimension of the fuse line disposed over an active area of the fuse-array element, wherein the fuse is configured to be activated to indicate a fuse state of the fuse of two possible fuse states of the fuse. Additionally, each fuse-array element includes an access device comprising a gate line having more than 50% of a dimension of the gate line disposed over the active area of the fuse-array element.

Three-dimensional memory device containing channels with laterally pegged dielectric cores
Patent No. 10964715

Inventor(s): Manabu Kakazu (Yokkaichi, , JP), Takashi Yuda (Yokkaichi, , JP), Yuji Fukano (Yokkaichi, , JP)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16268132 on 02/05/2019 (784 days app to issue)

Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device includes a vertical semiconductor channel surrounding a vertical dielectric core. Laterally extending dielectric pegs structurally support the vertical semiconductor channel and the vertical dielectric core. The vertical semiconductor channel may be a single crystalline semiconductor channel.

Precision capacitor
Patent No. 10964778

Inventor(s): Haowen Bu (Plano, TX), Luigi Colombo (Dallas, TX), Poornika Fernandes (Murphy, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15902764 on 02/22/2018 (1132 days app to issue)

Abstract: In a described example, an integrated circuit includes a capacitor first plate; a dielectric stack over the capacitor first plate comprising silicon nitride and silicon dioxide with a capacitance quadratic voltage coefficient less than 0.5 ppm/V[superscript]2[/superscript]; and a capacitor second plate over the dielectric stack.

Gallium nitride transistor with a doped region
Patent No. 10964803

Inventor(s): Dong Seup Lee (McKinney, TX), Jungwoo Joh (Allen, TX), Pinghai Hao (Plano, TX), Sameer Pendharkar (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16194794 on 11/19/2018 (862 days app to issue)

Abstract: In some examples, a transistor comprises a gallium nitride (GaN) layer; a GaN-based alloy layer having a top side and disposed on the GaN layer, wherein source, drain, and gate contact structures are supported by the GaN layer; and a first doped region positioned in a drain access region and extending from the top side into the GaN layer.

Single material electronic device and method of producing such an electronic device
Patent No. 10964822

Inventor(s): Husam Niman Alshareef (Garland, TX)
Assignee(s): KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (Thuwal, , SA)
Law Firm: Patent Portfolio Builders PLLC (4 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16624151 on 06/15/2018 (1019 days app to issue)

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a gate arranged on the substrate, a dielectric arranged on the gate, a channel arranged on the dielectric, a source electrically coupled to the channel, and a drain electrically coupled to the channel. Each of the gate, dielectric, channel, source, and drain includes a corresponding mixture of hafnium dioxide (HfCte) and zinc oxide (ZnO) layers and at least two of the gate, dielectric, channel, source, and drain comprise different mixtures of the hafnium dioxide and zinc oxide layers.

Fabrication of multi-level graded photonic super-crystals
Patent No. 10964916

Inventor(s): David Lowell (Denton, TX), Safaa Hassan (Denton, TX), Yuankun Lin (Lantana, TX)
Assignee(s): UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS (Denton, TX)
Law Firm: Jackson Walker LLP (Local + 3 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16508377 on 07/11/2019 (628 days app to issue)

Abstract: Direct pixel-by-pixel phase engineering in a SLM is an effective method for the holographic fabrication of graded photonic super-quasi-crystals with desired disorder and graded photonic super-crystals with rectangular unit-cells. Multiple levels of filling fractions of dielectric in the crystal have been created in the graded regions. Fabrication of these graded photonic super-crystals and super-quasi-crystals with small feature size is possible, using a laser projection system consisting of integrated spatial light modulator and reflective optical element.

System and method for fleet command and control communications with secondary radar functionality using 360 multi-beam hemispherical array
Patent No. 10965039

Inventor(s): Cole A. Chandler (McKinney, TX), William G. Stein, II (Burleson, TX)
Assignee(s): LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION (Bethesda, MD)
Law Firm: Beusse Sanks, PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15977217 on 05/11/2018 (1054 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system comprising a hemispherical array antenna having a plurality of antenna elements comprising a set of baseline antenna elements arranged in a first 360 circular antenna array, a set of upper antenna elements arranged in a second 360 circular antenna array and latitudinally aligned with the baseline antenna elements, and a set of lower antenna elements arranged in a third 360 circular antenna array and latitudinally aligned with the baseline antenna elements. The system includes a fleet base station including a plurality of non-shared receiver channels coupled to and dedicated to a particular antenna element. The base station is configured to provide 360 of transmission/reception from horizon to zenith using the antenna elements for command and control fleet communications to and from mobile devices and to provide secondary radar functions using the fleet communications to track the mobile devices based on received signal characteristics received at the antenna elements.

[H01Q] AERIALS (radiators or aerials for microwave heating H05B 6/72)

Systems and methods for control of photovoltaic arrays
Patent No. 10965126

Inventor(s): Heping Dai (Plano, TX), Huibin Zhu (Plano, TX), Xiaolin Mao (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15583456 on 05/01/2017 (1429 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules including at least a first and a second photovoltaic module having outputs connected in series by a bus. A voltage detection circuit detects a bus voltage at an output of the bus, to provide an indicator of detected bus voltage to the first photovoltaic module, and to provide the indicator of detected bus voltage to the second photovoltaic module.

[H02J] CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY (power supply circuits for apparatus for measuring X-radiation, gamma radiation, corpuscular radiation or cosmic radiation G01T 1/175; electric power supply circuits specially adapted for use in electronic time-pieces with no moving parts G04G 19/00; for digital computers G06F 1/18; for discharge tubes H01J 37/248; circuits or apparatus for the conversion of electric power, arrangements for control or regulation of such circuits or apparatus H02M; interrelated control of several motors, control of a prime-mover/generator combination H02P; control of high-frequency power H03L; additional use of power line or power network for transmission of information H04B)

Shape adaptive wireless charging coil for vehicle interior
Patent No. 10965172

Inventor(s): Chungchih Chu (Ann Arbor, MI), Ercan M. Dede (Ann Arbor, MI), Paul Schmalenberg (Ann Arbor, MI)
Assignee(s): TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Snell Wilmer LLP (5 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16103605 on 08/14/2018 (959 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a wireless charging apparatus. The wireless charging apparatus includes a layer or sheet of polymeric or similarly compliant material. The wireless charging apparatus includes an inductive loop embedded within the layer or sheet of polymeric material. The inductive loop has a first shape and a first size. The wireless charging apparatus includes one or more actuators. The one or more actuators are configured to move or shape the layer or sheet of polymeric material and the inductive loop. The wireless charging apparatus includes a controller. The controller is configured to determine a second shape or a second size for the inductive loop. The controller is configured to move or adjust the one or more actuators to form the inductive loop into a second shape or a second size.

[H01M] PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY [2]

Integrated circuits with current limit clamps and skip clamps for power converters
Patent No. 10965216

Inventor(s): Gerhard Thiele (Dachau, , DE), Manuel Wiersch (Freising, , DE)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16141063 on 09/25/2018 (917 days app to issue)

Abstract: An integrated circuit comprising: a high-side pMOSFET comprising a drain and a gate; a node coupled to the drain of the high-side pMOSFET; a voltage-to-current circuit comprising a first nMOSFET and a first resistor, the first nMOSFET comprising a gate and a source, the first resistor comprising a terminal coupled to the source of the first nMOSFET; an error amplifier comprising an output port coupled to the gate of the first nMOSFET; a skip clamp nMOSFET comprising a source coupled to the output port of the error amplifier; and a current limit clamp pMOSFET comprising a source coupled to the output port of the error amplifier.

[H02M] APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF (conversion of current or voltage specially adapted for use in electronic time-pieces with no moving parts G04G 19/02; systems for regulating electric or magnetic variables in general, e.g. using transformers, reactors or choke coils, combination of such systems with static converters G05F; for digital computers G06F 1/00; transformers H01F; connection or control of one converter with regard to conjoint operation with a similar or other source of supply H02J; dynamo-electric converters H02K 47/00; controlling transformers, reactors or choke coils, control or regulation of electric motors, generators or dynamo-electric converters H02P; pulse generators H03K) [5]

Input circuitry for inter-integrated circuit system
Patent No. 10965277

Inventor(s): Mark Allan Shill (Tucson, AZ)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16691072 on 11/21/2019 (495 days app to issue)

Abstract: Inter-integrated circuit input circuitry includes a pull-up current circuit and an input circuit. The input circuit includes an output inverter, an input inverter, and a pull-up circuit. The pull-up circuit is coupled to an input of the input inverter, and includes a pull-up transistor and a cascode transistor. The pull-up transistor is coupled to the input of the input inverter. The cascode transistor is coupled to the pull-up current circuit and the pull-up transistor, and configured to isolate the pull-up transistor from capacitance of a conductor coupled to the pull-up current circuit and the input circuit.

[H03K] PULSE TECHNIQUE (measuring pulse characteristics G01R; modulating sinusoidal oscillations with pulses H03C; transmission of digital information H04L; discriminator circuits detecting phase difference between two signals by counting or integrating cycles of oscillation H03D 3/04; automatic control, starting, synchronisation or stabilisation of generators of electronic oscillations or pulses where the type of generator is irrelevant or unspecified H03L; coding, decoding or code conversion, in general H03M) [4]

Ramp generator for multilevel class-D amplifiers
Patent No. 10965279

Inventor(s): Bhushan Talele (Tempe, AZ), Junmin Jiang (San Jose, CA), Shailendra Kumar Baranwal (Murphy, TX), Yinglai Xia (Plano, TX), Yogesh Kumar Ramadass (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16360927 on 03/21/2019 (740 days app to issue)

Abstract: A multi-level ramp generator comprises three ramp generators. The first ramp generator generates a first ramp signal, comprising a sawtooth voltage waveform with a first common mode voltage and a first peak to peak voltage. The second ramp generator generates a second ramp signal, comprising a sawtooth voltage waveform with a second common mode voltage and a second peak-to-peak voltage. The third ramp generator generates a third ramp signal, comprising a sawtooth voltage waveform with a third common mode voltage and the second peak-to-peak voltage. The second and third ramp signals are in phase with each other and the first ramp signal is 180 out of phase with the second and third ramp signals. In some implementations, each of the first, second, and third ramp generators comprise a respective delay locked loop and a respective voltage controlled oscillator.

[H03F] AMPLIFIERS (measuring, testing G01R; optical parametric amplifiers G02F; circuit arrangements with secondary emission tubes H01J 43/30; masers, lasers H01S; dynamo-electric amplifiers H02K; control of amplification H03G; coupling arrangements independent of the nature of the amplifier, voltage dividers H03H; amplifiers capable only of dealing with pulses H03K; repeater circuits in transmission lines H04B 3/36, H04B 3/58; application of speech amplifiers in telephonic communication H04M 1/60, H04M 3/40)

Storage cell ring-based time-to-digital converter
Patent No. 10965294

Inventor(s): Narayanan Seetharaman (Unterschleissheim, , DE), Patrick Matthias Georg Forster (Freising, , DE)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16689052 on 11/19/2019 (497 days app to issue)

Abstract: In described examples, a storage cell ring includes circularly coupled storage cells. Each storage cell includes a respective capacitor for generating a respective integrated voltage responsive to a respective duration a respective storage cell is selected, a respective thresholding converter for generating a respective thresholded signal for indicating whether the respective integrated voltage has crossed a threshold, and respective selection circuitry configured to generate a respective select signal responsive to select signals generated by a respective adjacent storage cells. The ring is coupled to an analog quantifier for generating a conversion value responsive to the generated respective integrated voltage and a respective select signal. The ring is coupled to a loop counter for generating a loop count value responsive to changes of values of at least some of the respective thresholded signals. The conversion value and the loop count value can comprise a time measurement.

[H03L] AUTOMATIC CONTROL, STARTING, SYNCHRONISATION, OR STABILISATION OF GENERATORS OF ELECTRONIC OSCILLATIONS OR PULSES (of dynamo-electric generators H02P) [3]

Loop delay compensation in a sigma-delta modulator
Patent No. 10965310

Inventor(s): Meghna Agrawal (Bengaluru, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16884902 on 05/27/2020 (307 days app to issue)

Abstract: A circuit includes a transconductance stage having first and second outputs. The circuit also includes a comparator having first and second inputs. The first input is coupled to the first output, and the second input is coupled to the second output. The comparator includes first through fifth transistors and a pair of cross-coupled transistors. The pair of cross-coupled transistors is coupled to the second current terminals of the first and second transistors. The second current terminal of the third transistor is coupled to the second current terminal of the first transistor, and the first current terminals of the first, second, and third transistors are coupled together. The second current terminals of the fourth and fifth transistors are coupled together and to the control input of the third transistor.

[H03M] CODING, DECODING OR CODE CONVERSION, IN GENERAL (using fluidic means F15C 4/00; optical analogue/digital converters G02F 7/00; coding, decoding or code conversion, specially adapted for particular applications, see the relevant subclasses, e.g. G01D, G01R, G06F, G06T, G09G, G10L, G11B, G11C, H04B, H04L, H04M, H04N; ciphering or deciphering for cryptography or other purposes involving the need for secrecy G09C) [4]

Echo cancellation (EC) training for a full duplex (FDX) amplifier
Patent No. 10965332

Inventor(s): Hang Jin (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC. (San Jose, CA)
Law Firm: Merchant Gould P.C. (12 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16362917 on 03/25/2019 (736 days app to issue)

Abstract: Echo Cancellation (EC) training for a Full Duplex (FDX) amplifier may be provided. First, a Downstream (DS) signal at a fixed location on a subcarrier frequency may be received. Next, an Upstream (US) echo may be determined from the received DS signal at the fixed location on the subcarrier frequency. Determining the upstream echo may comprise subtracting a known value from the received DS signal at the fixed location on the subcarrier frequency. An Echo Cancelation (EC) coefficient may then be determined. Determining the EC coefficient may comprise dividing the determined US echo by a reference signal comprising an US signal. Next, EC may be performed. Performing EC may comprise subtracting the echo from the DS signal.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

Channel hopping based on channel performance statistics
Patent No. 10965339

Inventor(s): Il Han Kim (Allen, TX), Jianwei Zhou (Allen, TX), Jyotirmoy Banik (Dallas, TX), Xiaolin Lu (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16877062 on 05/18/2020 (316 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of generating a channel hopping sequence for a link in a wireless sensor network includes receiving performance quality data for respective frequency channels of frequency channels in the link in a monitoring system, determining a channel quality indicator (CQI) by the monitoring system for each frequency channel based on the respective performance quality data, and determining a repetition factor by the monitoring system for each frequency channel based on the respective CQI. A repetition factor for a frequency channel indicates a number of times the frequency channel is repeated in the channel hopping sequence.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

Oscillator for pulse communication with reduced startup latency
Patent No. 10965382

Inventor(s): Kumar Anurag Shrivastava (Bengaluru, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16738009 on 01/09/2020 (446 days app to issue)

Abstract: An oscillator for use in pulse communication of pulse signals with a startup latency and a pulse oscillation signal (such as for use in a transmitter for OOK pulse communication with pulse modulation). The oscillator includes an LC resonator having a tank impedance, and including a high-side node (Vp), and a low-side node Vn, and having a tank voltage corresponding to [Vp-Vn]. A pulse startup circuit, includes a PMOS transistor with a source connected to a supply voltage VDD, and a drain connected through a resistance R to the Vp node (where R is significantly larger than the tank impedance), and connected to an attenuation capacitance, in parallel with the resistance R. The PMOS control terminal is coupled to receive a kick start pulse to initiate a pulse signal. the oscillator can include high-side and low-side pulse startup circuits.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

Aperiodic and periodic CSI feedback modes for coordinated multi-point transmission
Patent No. 10965412

Inventor(s): Boon Loong Ng (Dallas, TX), Jianzhong Zhang (Plano, TX), Jinkyu Han (Allen, TX), Thomas David Novlan (Dallas, TX), Young-Han Nam (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Suwon-si, , KR)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 14571194 on 12/15/2014 (2297 days app to issue)

Abstract: Coordinate multi-point (CoMP) transmission is facilitated by resolving collisions between feedback reporting. Based upon the conditions within the network, collision resolution may be by dropping a channel report during a subframe, multiplexing channel reports from a plurality of user equipment, compressing channel reports from a plurality of user equipment, and combined reporting, either through joint reports or by using carrier aggregation, for conditions between a user equipment and a plurality of transmission points. New signaling and reporting formats facilitate selection of a collision resolution suitable for current network conditions.

[H04L] TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (arrangements common to telegraphic and telephonic communication H04M) [4]

System and method for demodulation reference signal overhead reduction
Patent No. 10965417

Inventor(s): Bin Liu (San Diego, CA), Pengfei Xia (San Diego, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16563560 on 09/06/2019 (571 days app to issue)

Abstract: An embodiment method defines a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) pattern for transmitting DMRSs for rank 3 or rank 4 transmissions. The DMRS pattern specifies 12 REs in total per physical resource block (PRB) for carrying DMRSs on three or four antenna ports in antenna ports 7-14 for rank 3 or rank 4 transmissions. DMRS settings for transmitting DMRS according to the DMRS pattern may be specified using a downlink control information table.

[H04L] TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (arrangements common to telegraphic and telephonic communication H04M) [4]

Blockchain-based unexpected data detection
Patent No. 10965445

Inventor(s): Patrick Nicholas Lawrence (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Bank of America Corporation (Charlotte, NC)
Law Firm: Banner Witcoff, Ltd. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16585646 on 09/27/2019 (550 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for blockchain-based unexpected data detection are described herein. In some arrangements, a node within a decentralized peer-to-peer (e.g., P2P) network may receive a plurality of network function requests corresponding to the decentralized network. The node may analyze the plurality of network function requests to identify whether the requests included unexpected data and/or irregular data, and/or are associated with flagged wallets and/or smart contracts.

[H04L] TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (arrangements common to telegraphic and telephonic communication H04M) [4]

Data transfer control
Patent No. 10965572

Inventor(s): Jerzy Miernik (Allen, TX), Lixian Huang (Plano, TX), Manu Jacob Kurian (Dallas, TX), Qishan Cai (Frisco, TX), Saritha Prasad Vrittamani (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Bank of America Corporation (Charlotte, NC)
Law Firm: Banner Witcoff, Ltd. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15583748 on 05/01/2017 (1429 days app to issue)

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide effective, efficient, scalable, and convenient technical solutions that address and overcome technical challenges associated with transferring data files in a distributed network having multiple data sources and multiple data destinations. In some examples, a computer system, device, platform, or the like is configured to control the data transfers between other computing systems, devices, platforms, or the like in a computing environment. Controlling the data transfer includes, in some examples, detecting the data transfer between a data source and a data destination, evaluating a data transfer condition associated with the data transfer, determining a data transfer instruction based, at least in part, on the data transfer condition, and providing the data transfer instruction to the data source. The data source then transfers the data to the data destination in accordance with the data transfer instruction.

[H04L] TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (arrangements common to telegraphic and telephonic communication H04M) [4]

Conference session access using reachability information for distributed clusters of media nodes
Patent No. 10965725

Inventor(s): Carl Nathan Buckles (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC. (San Jose, CA)
Law Firm: Edell, Shapiro Finnan, LLC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15647949 on 07/12/2017 (1357 days app to issue)

Abstract: A conference system includes a controller and clusters of media nodes. Each media node performs media packet processing operations and connects with other media nodes and client devices. The controller sends to a client device contact information for candidate clusters. The controller receives from the client device a measure of reachability to each candidate cluster as determined by the client device using the contact information. The controller receives from the client device a request to join a communication session. Responsive to the request, the controller determines a best cluster among the candidate clusters to which the client should connect for the communication session based on the measures of reachability to the candidate clusters, and selects a media node in the best cluster. The controller sends to the client device contact information for the media node to enable the client device to connect to the media node for the communication session.

[H04L] TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (arrangements common to telegraphic and telephonic communication H04M) [4]

Systems, methods, and apparatus to monitor mobile internet activity
Patent No. 10965765

Inventor(s): Achilleas Papakostas (Dallas, TX), Michael Andrew Yonker (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): The Nielsen Company (US), LLC (New York, NY)
Law Firm: Hanley, Flight Zimmerman, LLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16436742 on 06/10/2019 (659 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus to monitor mobile Internet activity are disclosed. An example system includes at least one processor, and memory including instructions, when executed, cause the at least one processor to in response to obtaining first panelist demographic information associated with a first panelist and second panelist demographic information associated with a second panelist, assign a first port of a proxy server to a first mobile device associated with the first panelist and a second port of the proxy server to a second mobile device associated with the second panelist, the first port different from the second port, transmit configuration information to the first mobile device to instruct the first mobile device to transmit requests for media including a first request to the first port, and in response to obtaining the first request at the first port, store an association between the first panelist demographic information and the media.

[H04L] TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (arrangements common to telegraphic and telephonic communication H04M) [4]

Content stream integrity and redundancy system
Patent No. 10965795

Inventor(s): Walter John Schmidt (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc. (Basking Ridge, NJ)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16669814 on 10/31/2019 (516 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system can include one or more content distribution sites to provide content to one or more content satellite offices for delivery toward a set of destination devices for display. A content distribution site, of the one or more content distribution sites, can include one or more streamer devices. The one or more streamer devices can be associated with a single spoofed Internet protocol (IP) address. The spoofed IP address can facilitate failover among the one or more streamer devices. The one or more streamer devices can be configured to provide the content toward the set of destination devices using multicast with forward error correction (FEC). A content satellite office, of the one or more content satellite offices, can be configured to subscribe to a multicast group associated with the one or more streamer devices. The multicast group can be associated with the spoofed IP address to facilitate the failover among the one or more streamer devices.

[H04L] TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (arrangements common to telegraphic and telephonic communication H04M) [4]

Geolocationing system and method for use of same
Patent No. 10965960

Inventor(s): Vanessa Ogle (Fairview, TX), William C. Fang (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Enseo, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Griggs Bergen LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16733095 on 01/02/2020 (453 days app to issue)

Abstract: A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device.

[H04N] PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION [4]

Geolocationing system and method for use of same
Patent No. 10965961

Inventor(s): Thomas R. Miller (Plano, TX), William C. Fang (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Enseo, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Griggs Bergen LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16733117 on 01/02/2020 (453 days app to issue)

[H04N] PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION [4]

Systems and methods for optimized discovery of fresh content in a dynamic interactive guide
Patent No. 10965988

Inventor(s): Walter John Schmidt (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Rovi Guides, Inc. (San Jose, CA)
Law Firm: Haley Guiliano LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16439394 on 06/12/2019 (657 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating discovery of fresh content in a grid guide are described herein. The system generates for display a grid guide with a first set of content identifiers populating the grid guide. The system receives an input to shift the grid guide and, in response, identifies a second set of content identifiers that would populate the grid guide following the shift. The system determines duplicative content identifiers between the first and second sets of content identifiers. The system then removes the duplicative content identifiers or highlights the non-duplicative content identifiers in order to emphasize fresh content in the grid guide. The system may additionally add identifiers to the content identifiers to indicate recorded or previously watched content and may collapse the grid guide if there are blank rows or columns. These methods and systems provide the user with easier access to fresh content in the grid guide.

[H04N] PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION [4]

Method and system for hybrid noise cancellation
Patent No. 10966014

Inventor(s): Edwin Randolph Cole (Dallas, TX), Nitish K. Murthy (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 13646921 on 10/08/2012 (3095 days app to issue)

Abstract: From a first microphone, first microphone signals are received that represent first sound waves. From a second microphone, second microphone signals are received that represent second sound waves. In response to the first microphone signals, analog processing is performed to estimate noise in the first sound waves, and first analog signals are generated for cancelling at least some of the estimated noise in the first sound waves. In response to the second microphone signals, digital processing is performed to estimate noise in the second sound waves, and digital information is generated for cancelling at least some of the estimated noise in the second sound waves. The digital information is converted into second analog signals that represent the digital information. The first and second analog signals are combined into third analog signals for cancelling at least some of the estimated noise in the first and second sound waves.

System and method of operating a communication device to provide location information within status notification messages
Patent No. 10966058

Inventor(s): Madhusudan Pai (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC. (Chicago, IL)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16807369 on 03/03/2020 (392 days app to issue)

Abstract: A process for operating a communication device to provide location information within status notification messages. The communication device detects a status notification event and responsively retrieves, from a memory, a last known location of the communication device and a timestamp of the last known location. The communication device generates a status notification message including a status code corresponding to a detected status of a user of the communication device, the last known location of the communication device, the timestamp of the last known location, and a unique identifier identifying the status notification message. The status notification message is then transmitted from the communication device to at least one other communication device or a status notification server.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Systems and methods for HD map generation using an edge server network
Patent No. 10966069

Inventor(s): BaekGyu Kim (Mountain View, CA), Yin-Chen Liu (Mountain View, CA)
Assignee(s): TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Dinsmore Shohl LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16699891 on 12/02/2019 (484 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed. A controller includes one or more processors; and one or more non-transitory memory modules storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to obtain environment data associated with a vehicle; obtain trajectory data associated with the vehicle; and identify one or more edge servers associated with the trajectory data. The machine-readable instructions, when executed, cause the one or more processors to obtain edge server state information of the one or more edge servers; select a first set of the environment data to transmit to a first edge server of the one or more edge servers based on the edge server state information of the one or more edge servers; and generate an instruction signal causing the vehicle to transmit the first set of the environment data to the first edge server of the one or more edge servers.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Smart cascading security functions for 6G or other next generation network
Patent No. 10966072

Inventor(s): Sangar Dowlatkhah (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): ATT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P. (Atlanta, GA), ATT MOBILITY II LLC (Atlanta, GA)
Law Firm: Amin, Turocy Watson, LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16376600 on 04/05/2019 (725 days app to issue)

Abstract: In a 6G network, microservices can be utilized in the absence of a core network. For example, after a mobile device has authenticated, through its carrier network, with a transport service layer, microservices can be allocated to the mobile device without having to be transmitted via the core network. Thus, removing the core network from the process can generate a direct line of microservices from the transport layer to the end-user. Furthermore, additional microservices and/or resources can be access through a microservices library. Consequently, packets can be securely transmitted be a wireless network facilitating sending packet profile data from one to many node devices in anticipation of the packet traversing the various node devices.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Computing wireless deployment in an area
Patent No. 10966099

Inventor(s): Amit Mehrotra (Plano, TX), Reinhard Voese (Coppell, TX)
Assignee(s): Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy (Espoo, , FI)
Law Firm: Nokia Technologies Oy (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16487880 on 02/23/2018 (1131 days app to issue)

Abstract: Various communication systems may benefit from determining a venue value index before deploying wireless communication in the area. A method may include identifying the one or more wireless coverage issues within an area. The method may also include receiving data demand information for the area having the identified one or more wireless coverage issues. In addition, the method may include receiving or determining a total cost of ownership. The total cost of ownership may include a cost of fixing the one or more wireless coverage issues within the area. Further, the method may include calculating a venue value index of the area based on at least one of the total cost of ownership, the data demand information, or an average spectrum efficiency. The method may in addition include performing at least one network administrative task based on the venue value index.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Optimizing radio cell quality for capacity and quality of service using machine learning techniques
Patent No. 10966108

Inventor(s): Robert William Froehlich (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): NetScout Systems, Inc (Westford, MA)
Law Firm: Locke Lord LLP (Local + 12 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16033017 on 07/11/2018 (993 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for optimizing a radio access network includes receiving at least one area of the radio access network to be analyzed from a user and receiving a desired outcome from a user. A plurality of network monitoring parameters related to a user requested analysis is identified. The identified plurality of network monitoring parameters is correlated. A root cause analysis is performed using an automated classification model based on the correlated plurality of network monitoring parameters. A recommendation related to the desired outcome is generated based on the performed root cause analysis.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Resource management for interworking between LTE and next generation mobile networks
Patent No. 10966115

Inventor(s): Krishna K. Bellamkonda (McKinney, TX), Steven F. Rice (Keller, TX)
Assignee(s): Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc. (Basking Ridge, NJ)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15939768 on 03/29/2018 (1097 days app to issue)

Abstract: A network device implements a control node that receives an indication of a session associated with a user equipment (UE), wherein the network device is connected to a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, and the LTE network is interconnected with a Next Generation (Next Gen) Network. The control node determines one or more parameters associated with at least one of: a relative traffic loading of the LTE network and the Next Gen Network, a quantity of first cells within the LTE network and a quantity of second cells within the Next Gen Network, a movement status of the UE, a quantity of data associated with the session, or a latency sensitivity of the session. The control node causes the session to be selectively routed to the UE via either the LTE network or the Next Gen Network, or via both the LTE network and the Next Gen Network, based on the one or more determined parameters.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Adaptations of dual connectivity operation to UE capability
Patent No. 10966165

Inventor(s): Boon Loong Ng (Plano, TX), Ying Li (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Suwon-si, , KR)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16246237 on 01/11/2019 (809 days app to issue)

Abstract: A user equipment (UE) is configured by a Master enhanced NodeB (MeNB) for operation with dual connectivity to a Secondary eNB (SeNB) to transmit acknowledgement information when the UE is power limited and for a respective eNB to determine a UE power limitation. The UE, the MeNB, and the SeNB adjust operation according to a partitioning of a UE capability between the MeNB and the SeNB. The UE capability can be a transmission power, a soft buffer size, a reception or a transmission of a number of data transport block bits, or a number of decoding operations.

[H04L] TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (arrangements common to telegraphic and telephonic communication H04M) [4]

Transmission apparatus and transmission method using a plurality of divided frequency bands in a communication band
Patent No. 10966203

Inventor(s): Kentaro Miyano (Osaka, , JP), Takaaki Kishigami (Tokyo, , JP), Yoichi Nakagawa (Tokyo, , JP)
Assignee(s): Optis Wireless Technology, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Nixon Vanderhye P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16729019 on 12/27/2019 (459 days app to issue)

Abstract: A radio communication apparatus capable of alleviating a burden in setting a transmission format and suppressing increases in the scale of the apparatus. In this apparatus, space multiplexing adaptability detection section detects space multiplexing transmission adaptability for divided bands obtained by dividing a communication band to which Ns subcarrier signals belong in multicarrier transmission and to which a plurality of subcarrier signals belong, and outputs the detection results. Transmission format setting section sets a transmission format when carrying out radio transmission based on the detection results from space multiplexing adaptability detection section.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Collision avoidance between EPDCCH and aperiodic CSI-RS
Patent No. 10966246

Inventor(s): Robert Mark Harrison (Grapevine, TX)
Assignee(s): Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Publ) (Stockholm, , SE)
Law Firm: Christopher Weisberg, P.A. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15578365 on 10/20/2017 (1257 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods, wireless devices and network nodes for avoiding collision between a downlink control channel and a aperiodic channel state information reference signal, aperiodic CSI-RS, are provided. According to some aspects, a method is provided that includes receiving an aperiodic channel state information reference signal, aperiodic CSI-RS, based on an assumption that the aperiodic CSI-RS is not present in physical layer resources corresponding to a downlink control channel set.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Channel acquisition management
Patent No. 10966278

Inventor(s): Binayak Biswal (Frisco, TX), Sameer Gavade (Irving, TX), Sanjay Ahuja (Irving, TX), Venkata S. Adimatyam (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc. (Basking Ridge, NJ)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15283612 on 10/03/2016 (1639 days app to issue)

Abstract: A device may receive information that identifies a request, by a user device, to receive streaming media content associated with a channel. The device may cause the channel to be activated based on the request. The device may receive, from the user device, a quantity of messages based on the channel being activated. The user device may receive the streaming media content associated with the channel. The device may determine, based on the quantity of messages, that the user device is not tuned to the channel. The device may cause the channel to be deactivated based on the user device not being tuned to the channel.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

DESIGN PATENTS

Container combined with a convertible pull tab and flexible removable cap
Patent No. D914439

Inventor(s): Brian K Reaux (Red Oak, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 29651813 on 03/28/2019 (733 days app to issue)