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 April 6, 2021 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

117 patents granted
Ranked No. 9 in patent production out of 250 metros

NO. OF PATENTS BY CLASSIFICATION

A: HUMAN NECESSITIES 11
B: PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING 12
C: CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY 2
E: FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS 3
F: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING 8
G: PHYSICS 37
H: ELECTRICITY 34

DESIGN: 10

TOP ASSIGNEES (NO. OF PATENTS)

Texas Instruments Inc. (Dallas) 16
Sandisk Technologies (Addison) 7
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Suwon-si, , KR) 5
Paccar Inc. (Bellevue, WA) 4
IBM (Armonk, NY) 3
Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano) 3
Apple Inc. (Cupertino, CA) 2
ATT Intellectual Property I, L.P. (Atlanta, GA) 2
Bell Helicopter Textrong(Fort Worth) 2

UNASSIGNED 10

TOP LOCAL INVENTORS (NO. OF PATENTS)

Derek Scott Sancer (Denton) 3
Louis Daniel Heilaneh (Lewisville) 3
Zachary Steven Gross (Flower Mound) 3
Matthew Barre (Arlington) 2
Yang Li (Plano) 2

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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

Animated hanging device
Patent No. 10966375

Inventor(s): Marcus Pestl (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Forever Gifts, Inc. (Arlington, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16730222 on 12/30/2019 (463 days app to issue)

Abstract: A hanging device hangs a first decorative element such as a wreath, a display, or a sign, and incorporates a secondary decorative element enhanced with one or more of light, animation, motion detection, audio, and other effects powered by a power source and attached or fixed to the same decorative hanger. The hanging device may be a unitary, solid, and one-piece component, or incorporate an element that allows the height of the secondary decorative element to be adjusted relative to the first decorative element so that the second element may be suitably positioned relative to the first element. The hanging device may include an arm that may be arranged to stabilize the first element and second element that may be hanging from a supporting plane or surface. The hanging device may prevent the first element and the second element from damaging the supporting plane or surface.

[A01G] HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS, OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING (picking of fruits, vegetables, hops, or the like A01D 46/00; plant reproduction by tissue culture techniques A01H 4/00; devices for topping or skinning onions or flower bulbs A23N 15/08; propagating unicellular algae C12N 1/12; plant cell culture C12N 5/00)

Eye make-up applicator and method of use
Patent No. 10966503

Inventor(s): Carol Robinson (Fort Worth, TX), Desiree Robinson (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Leavitt Eldredge law Firm (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15914495 on 03/07/2018 (1126 days app to issue)

Abstract: An eyeliner make-up applicator includes a cylindrical body having a first end and a second end; a first stamp portion integral with the first end and having a first stamp; a second stamp portion integral with the second end and having a second stamp; a first cap to removably secure over the first stamp portion; and a second cap to removably secure over the second stamp portion; eyeliner liquid is contained within the cylindrical body and is in fluid communication with the first stamp and the second stamp. The applicator includes a first tip portion having an inkpad in fluid communication with the first stamp and the eyeliner liquid contained within the cylindrical body.

[A45D] HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; MANICURING OR OTHER COSMETIC TREATMENT (wigs, toupees, or the like A41G 3/00, A41G 5/00; hairdressers’ chairs A47C 1/04; hair cutting appliances, razors B26B)

Reclining chair
Patent No. 10966526

Inventor(s): Thomas A. Garland (Bradenton, FL)
Assignee(s): American Leather Operations, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Wombl Bond Dickinson (US) LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16373993 on 04/03/2019 (734 days app to issue)

Abstract: Furniture is described having an extendable footrest. The footrest has a main panel and a flipper panel. In an extended position of the footrest, the top surfaces of the panels are approximately horizontal and co-planar, the main panel being proximate to a seat portion of the furniture. In a retracted position of the footrest, the top surface of the main panel is approximately vertical and the top surface of the flipper panel is approximately horizontal and facing in a downward direction. The footrest projects substantially 20 or more from the front of the seat portion in the extended position, and substantially 7 or less is provided between the floor and the apparent bottom edge of the footrest when retracted.

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

High-efficiency heating apparatus
Patent No. 10966570

Inventor(s): David A. Bolton (North Richland Hills, TX), David H. McFadden (Somerville, MA)
Assignee(s): Hyper Fryer, LLC (North Richland Hills, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16891868 on 06/03/2020 (307 days app to issue)

Abstract: A high efficiency heating apparatus for heating fluids and cooking mediums, such as oil or shortening within a fryer, includes a natural draft (non powered) combustion chamber with internal baffles that is affixed to an exterior surface of a fry tank.

[A47J] KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES [6]

Angiogenic treatment of ischemic heart disease
Patent No. 10966610

Inventor(s): John Jacobs (Berkeley, CA), Kenneth Thomas (Chatham, NJ), Laurence R. Meyerson (Henderson, NV), Mickael Flaa (Las Vegas, NV), Thomas Stegmann (Petersberg, , DE), Vance Gardner (Irvine, CA)
Assignee(s): Venturis Therapeutics, Inc. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Chalker Flores, LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15641649 on 07/05/2017 (1371 days app to issue)

Abstract: Devices, methods, systems and procedures for localized, targeted treatment of angiogenic-based therapy in at least one region of interest in one or more layers of cardiac tissue. Various methods can include diagnosing a patient with ischemic heart disease or ”at-risk” of manifesting ischemic heart disease, placing the patient into a specific angiogenic-based treatment therapy group, collecting image data, confirming image data and other diagnostic test results, developing a preoperative plan to target region of interest, inserting the catheter into a heart chamber, monitoring the distal end of the catheter tip within the heart on a visual display, contacting at least one layer of cardiac tissue, creating one or more channels in the heart tissue and/or administering the angiogenic-based therapy.

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

Limited use tool disposable enclosure
Patent No. 10966794

Inventor(s): Matthew Jones (Arlington, TX)
Assignee(s): Insurgical Inc. (Austin, TX)
Law Firm: Clearpat Services, LLC (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15965897 on 04/28/2018 (1074 days app to issue)

Abstract: A re-usable medical procedure power tool includes a housing having a handle portion connected to a tool attachment portion and a power source portion. A removable, single use, contamination-blocking cover substantially covering the power source portion, the handle portion and the tool attachment portion. The housing has a first shape and the cover has a second shape similar to the first shape. The handle portion includes a tactile feel portion which is movable sufficient to move an associated trigger coupled to the housing.

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

Topical skin care formulations comprising plant extracts
Patent No. 10966918

Inventor(s): David Gan (Southlake, TX), Michelle Hines (Hickory Creek, TX), Tiffany Florence (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Mary Kay Inc. (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15297387 on 10/19/2016 (1630 days app to issue)

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating skin with topical skin compositions comprising at least one plant extract.

[A61K] PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL, OR TOILET PURPOSES (devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms A61J 3/00; chemical aspects of, or use of materials for deodorisation of air, for disinfection or sterilisation, or for bandages, dressings, absorbent pads or surgical articles A61L; soap compositions C11D)

Compositions and methods for delivery of polyunsaturated fatty acid derivatives and analogs
Patent No. 10966937

Inventor(s): John R. Falck (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Cytometix, Inc. (Milwaukee, WI)
Law Firm: Boyle Fredrickson, S.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15571314 on 05/03/2016 (1799 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention provides a system enabling the oral delivery of therapeutics derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), their metabolites and derivatives, including, eicosanoids, prostaglandins, prostacyclins, leukotrienes, resolvins, endocannabinoids, thromboxanes, epoxyeicosa-trienoic acids (EETs), hydroxyeicostetraenoic acids (HETEs), and CMX-020. The delivery system includes a vehicle comprising a purified docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in triglyceride or ester form; a purified eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in triglyceride or ester form; a combination of DHA, EPA in either triglyceride or ester forms; or a modified DHA, EPA, or omega-3 fatty acid analog; and optionally, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a solubilizer, a stabilizer, a lubricant, or a pH/tonicity adjustment agent.

Devices and methods for reducing inflammation using electrical stimulation
Patent No. 10967182

Inventor(s): Navid Khodaparast (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Spark Biomedical, Inc. (Friendswood, TX)
Law Firm: Gardella Grace P.A. (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16846220 on 04/10/2020 (361 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing pulmonary inflammation and/or increasing bronchial compliance in a patient utilize transcutaneous stimulation of neural structures in a region of an ear of a patient delivered by an auricular stimulation device having an in-ear component with a first electrode disposed in a patient”s ear and an earpiece component with a second electrode placed around the auricle. A pulse generator may control delivery of therapy by delivering both a first series of stimulation pulses to the first electrode for stimulating a first neural structure(s) and a second series of stimulation pulses to the second electrode for stimulating second neural structure(s). The first and second electrodes are in non-piercing contact with tissue on and/or surrounding the ear. The systems and methods may be used to treat viral or bacteria infections, such as SARS, MERS, or COVID-19.

[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]

Methods of operating a system for management of implantable medical devices (IMDs) using reconciliation operations and revocation data
Patent No. 10967190

Inventor(s): Christopher S. L. Crawford (Sunnyvale, TX)
Assignee(s): Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16179744 on 11/02/2018 (886 days app to issue)

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for operating a system for management of implantable medical devices (IMDs), comprises: conducting communications sessions with a plurality of clinician programmer devices, wherein some of the communication sessions occur while the plurality of clinician programmer devices are engaged in respective programming sessions with IMDs; conducting communications sessions with a plurality of patient controller devices, wherein the communication sessions with the patient controller devices include communication of data pertaining to offline programming of IMDs; reconciling programming session data received from the plurality of clinician programmer devices with programming session data received from patient controller devices to identify instances of unauthorized IMD programming; and distributing revocation data to patient controller devices to be downloaded to corresponding IMDs, wherein the revocation data identifies cryptographic keys that are no longer trusted.

Dual-purpose toy train car housing cover
Patent No. 10967286

Inventor(s): Wai Hoe Ho (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Law Office of Sam Sokhansanj PLLC (Local + 690 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16129649 on 09/12/2018 (937 days app to issue)

Abstract: A toy train car packaging container is disclosed that can include a removable cover that may be used as packaging and also in the building of a toy railway system. In particular, in one exemplary embodiment, a removable cover is disclosed that can couple to and be removed from a housing adapted to support one or more toy train car vehicles, tracks, and accessories. The removable cover can include a cut-away opening in its lower region representing an entry or exit point of a toy train car vehicle and allowing the toy train car to pass therethrough. In addition, a base is further provided to support the removable cover in a substantially upright configuration when assembled in a toy railway system configuration.

[A63H] TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS, BUILDING BLOCKS

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

Caulk dispensing assembly
Patent No. 10967397

Inventor(s): Ted M Dickie (Granbury, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Plager Schack LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16848224 on 04/14/2020 (357 days app to issue)

Abstract: A caulk dispensing assembly is configured to dispense caulk in a consistent manner. The caulk dispensing assembly has a bottom plate with a pair of bottom plate rails and bottom plate slot with a bottom plate slot tab. A caulk tube has a caulk tube tip and a caulk tube hanging tab. The caulk tube hanging tab is arranged around the bottom plate slot tab. A top plate is arranged between the pair of bottom plate rails. Sliding the top plate between the pair of bottom plate rails compresses the caulk tube causing caulk to be dispensed from the caulk tube tip in a consistent manner.

[B05C] APPARATUS FOR APPLYING LIQUIDS OR OTHER FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL (spraying apparatus, atomising apparatus, nozzles B05B; plant for applying liquids or other fluent materials to objects by electrostatic spraying B05B 5/08) [2]

Razor cartridge guards
Patent No. 10967531

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: 15331058 on 10/21/2016 (1628 days app to issue)

Abstract: Razor cartridges are disclosed that include an elastomeric guard having a plurality of curved fins.

[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)

Optimized pipe handling system with quick loader arm
Patent No. 10967582

Inventor(s): Chad Abatie (Prosper, TX)
Assignee(s): Gajeske, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Whitaker Chalk Swindle Schwartz PLLC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16732675 on 01/02/2020 (460 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method is shown for fusing sections of thermoplastic pipe together to construct continuous pipelines. A pipe loader arm is provided which can be attached to the mobile sub-frame of any number of commercially available fusion machines. The pipe loader arm scoops up and loads a new section of thermoplastic pipe to be fused into the fusion machine by feeding the pipe in an axial direction, rather than lifting the new section of pipe with a crane and vertically feeding it into the fusion machine. An exit-end support can be used to gradually lower the growing pipeline to the ground after the fusion step. The method described herein greatly reduces the time and increases the ease in which sections of pipe are fused to grow pipelines, while additionally making the process safer and protecting newly-made pipe joints from rough handling.

[B29C] SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING (making preforms B29B 11/00; making laminated products by combining previously unconnected layers which become one product whose layers will remain together B32B 37/00-B32B 41/00) [4]

Child safety seat
Patent No. 10967762

Inventor(s): Chetan Raj (Irving, TX), Christopher Edward Gay (Dallas, TX), Christopher William Wischkowsky (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): Kioma, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: GableGotwals (Local + 4395 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16288669 on 02/28/2019 (768 days app to issue)

Abstract: A car seat includes a chassis formed as an interrupted shell defining a protected interior with a top opening, and a handle fixed to the chassis at a single point and covering a sufficient portion of a length of the top opening such that the handle functions as a carry handle and a roll bar against impacts or intrusions into the protected interior.

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

Combined lighting assemblies for rear bumpers and vehicles incorporating the same
Patent No. 10967822

Inventor(s): Alexander Paradis (Ypsilanti, MI), Chung Lee (Plano, TX), Frank A Ramos, II (Ypsilanti, MI), Stuart Wuerthele (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: 16685308 on 11/15/2019 (508 days app to issue)

Abstract: A vehicle that includes a rear bumper having a license plate well recessed into the rear bumper and a combined lighting assembly disposed at the rear bumper. The combined lighting assembly includes a lighting body having an outward facing portion coupled to a sideward facing portion by a turned portion. The sideward facing portion extends into the license plate well. The combined lighting assembly also includes a rearward facing light having a rearward illumination region directed in the vehicle rearward direction from the outward facing portion and a license plate light having a sideward illumination region directed into the license plate well.

[B60R] VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR (fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for vehicles A62C 3/07)

Systems, vehicles, and methods for controlling trailer brake output in collaboration with dynamic electronic parking brake
Patent No. 10967839

Inventor(s): Adam VanAntwerp (Chelsea, MI), Corey Zwegers (Dexter, MI), Stephen Robertson (Surprise, AZ), Takayuki Goto (Yokohama, , JP), Yuichi Shimizu (Okazaki, , JP)
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Dinsmore Shohl LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16263456 on 01/31/2019 (796 days app to issue)

Abstract: A vehicle control system of a vehicle includes a trailer brake control electronic control unit (ECU), which in turn includes a trailer brake output circuit. The trailer brake control ECU is configured to receive an electronic parking brake (EPB) state flag and a vehicle acceleration message. The dynamic EPB state flag indicates one of an ON state and an OFF state of a dynamic EPB, and the vehicle acceleration message indicates an acceleration of the vehicle. The trailer brake control ECU outputs, via the trailer brake output circuit, a trailer brake signal based on the acceleration of the vehicle indicated by the received vehicle acceleration message in response to determining that the received dynamic EPB state flag indicates the ON state.

[B60T] VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL (control of electrodynamic brake systems B60L 7/00; conjoint control of brakes and other drive units of vehicles B60W); ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES [2006.01]

Removable struts for vibration isolation device mounting system
Patent No. 10967962

Inventor(s): James Blake (Fort Worth, TX), Mark Wiinikka (Hurst, TX), Nathan P. Green (Mansfield, TX), Scott Hemmen (Hurst, TX)
Assignee(s): BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Chalker Flores, LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16019826 on 06/27/2018 (1014 days app to issue)

Abstract: A strut assembly for a vibration isolation device is disclosed, comprising a piston spindle; a first elastomeric member and a second elastomeric member bonded to the piston spindle and in contact with an upper housing and a lower housing, respectively; a first strut support and a second strut support attached to or integral with the upper housing and the lower housing, respectively; a first strut spindle and the second strut support configured to be placed in the first strut support and the second strut support, respectively; and one or more removable struts configured to be engaged to the first strut spindle and to the second strut spindle, wherein at least one of the first or second strut spindles is removable such that the one or more struts can be replaced without breaking a bonding of the first elastomeric member, the second elastomeric member, or both.

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

System and method to provide descent rate limiting for an aircraft
Patent No. 10967968

Inventor(s): Eric Ricardo Gonzalez (Fort Worth, TX), Matthew Edward Louis (Fort Worth, TX), Russell C. Peters (Fort Worth, TX), Stephen Yibum Chung (Euless, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Patent Capital Group (Local + 6 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16188553 on 11/13/2018 (875 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for an aircraft may include determining a transition from an airplane mode to a helicopter mode for a propulsion system of the aircraft, wherein the propulsion system comprises a plurality of rotor blades; determining whether a descent rate condition is satisfied, wherein the descent rate condition is associated with a maximum allowable descent rate for the aircraft; and controlling a collective pitch angle for the plurality of rotor blades based on the descent rate condition.

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

Devices and methods to verify main rotor swashplate positioning
Patent No. 10967990

Inventor(s): Bradley D. Linton (Mansfield, TX), Chad R. Haugeberg (Arlington, TX)
Assignee(s): Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16182442 on 11/06/2018 (882 days app to issue)

Abstract: A device to verify main rotor swashplate positioning includes an inner surface of a first section and a gradient surface of a second section. The gradient surface of the second section may have a plurality of graduation indications. In one implementation, the inner surface of the first section at least partially defines a travel arc that is parallel to and concentric with the inner surface. In such an implementation, the device may be configured to move along the travel arc as it rotates about a collective sleeve to contact a swashplate lug.

[B64F] GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR

U reclaimer utility device apparatus
Patent No. 10968058

Inventor(s): Luis Sucre (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15932403 on 02/26/2018 (1135 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention is a new apparatus to efficiently reclaim cement from a horizontal warehouse. This new reclaiming apparatus combines a mechanical cement reclaiming machine, a U Reclaimer Utility Device Apparatus, together with a reduced amount of open air slides, cement is pushed by a rotating chain with rakes on said reclaiming machine, cement is further fluidized through a porous media with low pressure air, cement flow is achieved by sloping said air slides to match the fluidized angle of repose of the powdered material. Further, the present invention introduces a conveying system, composed by a cascade of enclosed air slides and elevator machines, to convey the cement from the reclaiming area to the dispatch hopper. The introduction of these components, together with traditional cement stacking methods and dispatch systems, provides for a highly efficient manner of storing and reclaiming material from a horizontal storage facility.

[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)

Package moisture control and leak mitigation for high vacuum sealed devices
Patent No. 10968099

Inventor(s): Kathryn Anne Schuck (Dallas, TX), Kristofer Scott Oberascher (Princeton, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16234878 on 12/28/2018 (830 days app to issue)

Abstract: A device and method of forming the device that includes a first substrate having a cavity on a bottom surface of the first substrate and MEMS components formed on the first substrate and in the cavity; a second substrate having an upper surface; a first metal bond that extends around a perimeter of the cavity and forming a first connection between the bottom surface of first substrate and the upper surface of the second substrate; a second metal bond that extends around a perimeter of the first metal bond and spaced from the first metal bond, the second metal bond forming a second connection between the bottom surface of the first substrate and the upper surface of the second substrate; where the MEMS components are hermetically sealed between the first and second substrates. A getter agent can be between the first and second metal bonds.

[B81C] PROCESSES OR APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE MANUFACTURE OR TREATMENT OF MICROSTRUCTURAL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS (making microcapsules or microballoons B01J 13/02; processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment of piezo-electric, electrostrictive or magnetostrictive elements per se H01L 41/22) [7]

Attachment of composite lug to composite structural tube
Patent No. 10968933

Inventor(s): William E. Luce (Colleyville, TX)
Assignee(s): Goodrich Corporation (Charlotte, NC)
Law Firm: Snell Wilmer L.L.P. (5 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15829394 on 12/01/2017 (1222 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present disclosure describes lug clusters for composite tubes and methods for making such lug clusters. Lug clusters of the present disclosure may include a first side, a second side, and a saddle. The saddle may be placed in adjacent contact with a tube and a filament may be wound around the lug cluster and tube. The wound lug cluster and tube may be resin transfer molded. Machining may follow to remove material and finalize the shape of the lug cluster and/or tube. Thus, a lug cluster may be attached to a composite tube.

[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

Nitride free vapor deposited chromium coating
Patent No. 10968352

Inventor(s): Kevin L. Collins (Mansfield, TX), Michael J. Minor (Mansfield, TX)
Assignee(s): Raytheon Technologies Corporation (Farmington, CT)
Law Firm: Bachman LaPointe, PC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16036075 on 07/16/2018 (995 days app to issue)

Abstract: A process for applying a chromium layer on a substrate, specifically a turbine engine airfoil, by contacting at least a portion of the substrate with a gaseous chromium wherein the gaseous chromium is generated from a substantially nitrogen free source.

[C09D] COATING COMPOSITIONS, e.g. PAINTS, VARNISHES OR LACQUERS; FILLING PASTES; CHEMICAL PAINT OR INK REMOVERS; INKS; CORRECTING FLUIDS; WOODSTAINS; PASTES OR SOLIDS FOR COLOURING OR PRINTING; USE OF MATERIALS THEREFOR (cosmetics A61K; processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces, in general, B05D; staining wood B27K 5/02; glazes or vitreous enamels C03C; natural resins, French polish, drying-oils, driers, turpentine, per se, C09F; polishing compositions other than French polish, ski waxes C09G; adhesives or use of materials as adhesives C09J; materials for sealing or packing joints or covers C09K 3/10; materials for stopping leaks C09K 3/12; processes for the electrolytic or electrophoretic production of coatings C25D) [5]

Polyelectrolyte complexes
Patent No. 10968363

Inventor(s): David J. Lestage (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): THE CLOROX COMPANY (Oakland, CA)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16506124 on 07/09/2019 (637 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous compositions of associative polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs), optionally containing surfactants, biocidal agents and/or oxidants, which can provide surface protection to treated articles including reduced soiling tendency, reduced cleaning effort and improved soil repellancy, as well as providing bacteriostatic properties to treated surfaces that thereby gain resistance to water, environmental exposure and microbial challenge. Treatment means and compositions are provided that employ associative polyelectrolyte complexes formed by combining a water soluble cationic first polyelectrolyte with a water soluble second polyelectrolyte bearing groups of opposite charge to the first polyelectrolyte under suitable mixing conditions where the one polyelectrolyte present in molar excess is added in the form of a first aqueous solution during a mixing step to a second aqueous solution comprising the oppositely charged polyelectrolyte present in molar deficiency. Also provided are means to form stable associative polyelectrolyte complexes in aqueous solutions having R values from about 0.10 to 20, including near stoichiometric R values approaching 1, being the ratio of charged groups present on the component polyelectrolytes employed.

[C11D] DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL

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

Independent internal and external door latch actuation mechanisms
Patent No. 10968665

Inventor(s): Allen Jay Brittain (Flower Mound, TX), Joshua Andrew Emrich (Grapevine, TX)
Assignee(s): Textron Innovations Inc. (Providence, RI)
Law Firm: Lawrence Youst PLLC (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16044346 on 07/24/2018 (987 days app to issue)

Abstract: A latch system includes an actuation module having first and second actuation mechanisms. The first actuation mechanism includes a first handle coupled to a locking rod having an end slot and an oppositely disposed rod insert. The second actuation mechanism includes at least one second handle, a conversion block and an outer rod coupled together. The outer rod has an open end and a slot. At least one latch module has a retractable latch. A control cable connects the conversion block and the latch module such that rotation of the conversion block in a first direction retracts the latch. A lock is operably engagable with the end slot to selectively allow and prevent rotation of the inner rod. Selective rotation of the locking rod in the first direction rotates the conversion block. Rotation of the outer rod in the first direction rotates the conversion block without rotating the locking rod.

[E05B] LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS

Automatic smoke/carbon monoxide evacuation method and system
Patent No. 10968679

Inventor(s): Dan Combe (Southlake, TX)
Assignee(s): COEVAC, LLC (Southlake, TX)
Law Firm: Grable Martin Fulton, PLLC (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15629815 on 06/22/2017 (1384 days app to issue)

Abstract: An automatic smoke/carbon monoxide evacuation system for a building having at least one existing ventilation fan and at least one ventilation passageway to outside the building is provided. The system includes a microprocessor and a smoke/carbon monoxide sensor coupled to the microprocessor and configured to detect presence of smoke/carbon monoxide and send a trigger signal to the microprocessor in response to detecting smoke/carbon monoxide. A power switch is coupled to the existing ventilation fan and is configured to automatically connect the existing ventilation fan to a power source in response to the trigger signal, so that the ventilation fan rotates at a high speed to ventilate the detected smoke/carbon monoxide via the existing ventilation passageway. An alarm device is further communicably coupled to the microprocessor and is configured to issue an alarm in response to the trigger signal.

[E05F] DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING

Adjustable fracturing system
Patent No. 10968717

Inventor(s): Duc Thanh Tran (Spring, TX), Keith Murdoch (Houston, TX), Matthew Thomas Robinson Webster (Edmonton, , CA), Ray Dicksang Pang (Missouri City, TX)
Assignee(s): Seaboard International, LLC (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Foley Lardner LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15631534 on 06/23/2017 (1383 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and apparatus according to which a hydraulic fracturing fluid is communicated to a wellhead, the apparatus including a fracturing tree connected to the wellhead and into which the hydraulic fracturing fluid is adapted to flow, a fluid conduit connected to the fracturing tree and through which the hydraulic fracturing fluid is adapted to flow before flowing into the fracturing tree, the fluid conduit defining a straight fluid flow path, and a zipper module connected to the fluid conduit and out of which the hydraulic fracturing fluid is adapted to flow before flowing through the fluid conduit. The hydraulic fracturing fluid flows along the straight fluid flow path of the fluid conduit upon flowing out of the zipper module, and continues to so flow along the straight fluid flow path until the hydraulic fracturing fluid flows into the fracturing tree.

[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]

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

Planet gear having failure mode optimized for continued planetary gear system operation
Patent No. 10969001

Inventor(s): Ron Woods (Weatherford, TX), Ryan Thomas Ehinger (Southlake, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Lightfoot Alford PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15656487 on 07/21/2017 (1355 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of optimizing a planetary gear system for continued operation after failure of a planet gear includes providing a planetary gear system and reducing a backup ratio of a planet gear of the planetary gear system by reducing a rim thickness of the planet gear.

[F16H] GEARING

Tube shielding system
Patent No. 10969054

Inventor(s): Brian Bender (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Leavitt Eldredge Law Firm (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16361105 on 03/21/2019 (747 days app to issue)

Abstract: A tube shielding system prevents pests such as rodents and insects from damaging tubes or pipes, particularly those made of plastics or other soft materials. The tubes are wrapped with a protective barrier that has a pest control layer. The pest control layer a deterrent that could be physical or chemical. Examples of deterrents are steel mesh, sand, peppermint and capsaicin.

[F16L] PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL

Lighting system for generating surface or mid-air lighting effects
Patent No. 10969072

Inventor(s): Patrick Rene Marie Destain (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V. (Eindhoven, , NL)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16488135 on 02/27/2018 (1134 days app to issue)

Abstract: A lighting system, comprising: a light source ([b]22[/b]) for generating a light source output; an optical system ([b]24[/b]) for focusing the light source output to a beam control plane ([b]26[/b]); a first lens system ([b]28[/b]) for pre-shaping the light source output after the beam control plane; a first reflector ([b]30[/b]), wherein the first lens system is adapted to direct light to the first reflector; a second reflector ([b]32[/b]) for generating an output beam ([b]34[/b]) from the light reflected by the first reflector; a beam control system ([b]27[/b]) located at the beam control plane, wherein the beam control system includes a pixelated display device ([b]27[/b][i]c[/i]) for providing pixelated modulation of the light passing through the display device, and wherein he first reflector and second reflector are selected from the group consisting of: the first reflector ([b]30[/b]) is a hyperbolic mirror and the second reflector ([b]32[/b]) is a parabolic mirror, the first reflector ([b]30[/b]) is a hyperbolic mirror and the second reflector ([b]32[/b]) is a hyperbolic mirror, the first reflector ([b]30[/b]) and second reflector ([b]32[/b]) are spherical mirrors and the first reflector ([b]30[/b]) is a planar mirror and the second reflector ([b]32[/b]) is a hyperbolic mirror.

[F21S] NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF [7]

Distributed heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
Patent No. 10969132

Inventor(s): Daniel A. Castillo (Dallas, TX), Jayprakash Charavda (Irving, TX), Nguyen T. Ho (Highland Village, TX), Sunil K. Khiani (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Lennox Industries Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16185915 on 11/09/2018 (879 days app to issue)

Abstract: In one embodiment, an HVAC system includes a first control unit communicatively coupled to a first plurality of HVAC units and a first interactive display. A second control unit communicatively coupled to a second plurality of HVAC units and a second interactive display. The first control unit is operable to detect and connect to the second control unit using a Wi-Fi direct protocol to create an HVAC control network that is designated as a primary communications network. The first control unit further operable to detect a Wi-Fi network including a wireless access point. The first control unit operable to re-designate the HVAC control network as a secondary communications network and to designate the Wi-Fi network as the primary communications network. The first control unit may also detect and connect to the second control unit over the Wi-Fi network, wherein the first control unit may receive a first temperature change request from the first interactive display and transmit the first temperature change request to the second control unit over the Wi-Fi network.

[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)

Drain pan hanger system and method of use
Patent No. 10969138

Inventor(s): Miguel Angel Garcia (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Leavitt Eldredge Law Firm (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16401345 on 05/02/2019 (705 days app to issue)

Abstract: A combination drain pan and hanger system, the combination includes a drain pan having a bottom surface; a hanger to support the drain pan under an appliance, the hanger having a support; a bracket to secure to a bottom surface of the appliance; the support is to rest under the drain pan such that the drain pan is positioned under the appliance to catch any water.

Method and apparatus for hybrid dehumidification
Patent No. 10969145

Inventor(s): John N. Tran (The Colony, TX), Rakesh Goel (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): Lennox Industries Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley Norton, LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15948049 on 04/09/2018 (1093 days app to issue)

Abstract: An evaporator coil system includes a segmented evaporator coil. The segmented evaporator coil includes a primary segment and a secondary segment. A first plurality of evaporator circuit lines are fluidly coupled to the primary segment and a second plurality of evaporator circuit lines are fluidly coupled to the secondary segment. A suction line includes a first connection fluidly coupled to the primary segment and a second connection fluidly coupled to the secondary segment. A valve is arranged in fluid communication with the secondary segment so as to selectively restrict refrigerant flow through the secondary segment.

[F25B] REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS, OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS (heat-transfer, heat-exchange or heat-storage materials, e.g. refrigerants, or materials for the production of heat or cold by chemical reactions other than by combustion C09K 5/00; pumps, compressors F04; use of heat pumps for domestic or space-heating or for domestic hot-water supply F24D; air-conditioning, air-humidification F24F; fluid heaters using heat pumps F24H)

Firearm accessory mount
Patent No. 10969201

Inventor(s): Andrew Pischke (Mansfield, TX)
Assignee(s): Sellmark Corporation (Mansfield, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16789630 on 02/13/2020 (418 days app to issue)

Abstract: A quick-attach-and-detach mount for removably securing an accessory on a rail of a firearm comprises a clamp carried by a portion of the accessory. The clamp includes a pair of generally opposing surfaces. An opposing jaw is formed on one of the generally opposing surfaces of the clamp, the fixed jaw being configured to engage an undercut on the rail. At least one movable jaw is secured in a recess in another of the generally opposing surfaces of the clamp in opposition to the fixed jaw, the movable jaw being configured to engage an undercut on an opposite side of the rail from the fixed jaw. A biasing member is disposed in the recess to urge the movable jaw into engagement with an undercut on the rail opposite that engaged by the fixed jaw, wherein the mount and accessory are attached and detached from the rail and firearm by manipulating the accessory and clamp to compress the biasing member and permit the movable jaw to move in and out of engagement with the rail.

[F41G] WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING (optical aspects thereof G02B)

Systems and methods for penetrating structures with repositionable shaped charges
Patent No. 10969204

Inventor(s): Theodore E. Sivley (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy (Washington, DC)
Law Firm: Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (4 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16245619 on 01/11/2019 (816 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention relates to using at least one explosive device to enable rapid and accurate positioning and repositioning of at least one explosive charge for controlled penetration of targets. A penetrator allows effective demolition with minimal explosive load. An attachment collar with magnetic inserts allows quick repositioning of explosive devices. A plurality of explosive devices allows a demolition profile to be rapidly created and adjusted on-site to adapt to changes in structural or environmental conditions.

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

P H Y S I C S

Shaving systems
Patent No. 10967533

Inventor(s): Craig A. Provost (Newport Beach, CA), Douglas R. Kohring (Saco, ME), John W. Griffin (Moultonboro, NH), William E. Tucker (Plymouth, MA)
Assignee(s): SHAVELOGIC, INC. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Leber IP Law (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16510301 on 07/12/2019 (634 days app to issue)

Abstract: Replaceable shaving assemblies are disclosed that include a blade unit, an interface element configured to removeably connect the blade unit to a handle, on which the blade unit is pivotably mounted, and a return element disposed between the blade unit and interface element. The return element serves as interface piece, connector and pivot all in one. Shaving systems including such shaving assemblies are also disclosed, as are methods of using such shaving systems.

[G01L] MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE (weighing G01G) [4]

Enhancing sensitivity and robustness of mechanical rotation and position detection with capacitive sensors
Patent No. 10969250

Inventor(s): Peter Spevak (Moosburg a.d. Isar, , DE)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16374190 on 04/03/2019 (734 days app to issue)

Abstract: Described example user interface control apparatus includes a first structure, with a first side, conductive capacitor plate structures spaced along a first direction on the first side, a movable second structure with an auxiliary conductive structure, and an interface circuit to provide excitation signals to, and receive sense signals from, the conductive capacitor plate structures to perform a mutual capacitance test and a self-capacitance test of individual ones of the conductive capacitor plate structures to determine a position of the second structure or a user”s finger relative to the first structure along the first direction.

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

Spatial light modulator spectroscopy
Patent No. 10969277

Inventor(s): Philip Scott King (Mineola, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15824868 on 11/28/2017 (1225 days app to issue)

Abstract: In described examples, a spatial light modulator includes groups of pixels. Each group is arranged to transmit only a respective portion of a light spectrum. The respective portion has a respective dominant color. The respective portions of the light spectrum are distinct from one another, according to their respective dominant colors. Each group is controlled by a respective reset signal. The spatial light modulator is coupled to receive a selection from the integrated circuit and in response to the selection: cause a selected one of the groups to transmit its respective portion of the light spectrum; and cause an unselected one of the groups to block transmission of its respective portion of the light spectrum. A photodetector is coupled to: receive the respective portion of the light spectrum transmitted by the selected group; and output a signal indicating an intensity thereof.

[G01J] MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRA-RED, VISIBLE OR ULTRA-VIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY [2]

Quantitative in-situ texture measurement apparatus and method
Patent No. 10969316

Inventor(s): Enrique Michel-Sanchez (Dallas, TX), Ou Bai (Plano, TX), Shahmeer Ali Mirza (Dallas, TX), Wilfred Marcellien Bourg, Jr. (Melissa, TX)
Assignee(s): Frito-Lay North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Barnes Thornburg LLP (Local + 12 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15448853 on 03/03/2017 (1495 days app to issue)

Abstract: A measurement apparatus and method for in-situ quantitative texture measurement of a food snack. The apparatus includes an acoustic capturing device and a data processing unit. The physical interaction in the mouth with saliva, when a human being eats/drinks a food snack, sends pressure waves that propagate through the ear bone and produce an acoustic signal. The acoustic capturing device records and forwards the signal to a data processing unit. The data processing unit further comprises a digital signal processing module that smoothens, transforms and filters the received acoustic signal. A statistical processing module further filters the acoustic signal from the data processing unit and generates a quantitative acoustic model for texture attributes such as hardness and fracturability. The quantitative model is correlated with a qualitative texture measurement from a descriptive expert panel. Another method includes a food snack fingerprinting using an in-situ quantitative food property measurement.

[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)

Markers to identify bins at security checkpoints
Patent No. 10969349

Inventor(s): Robert Edward Gentry (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Homeland Security (Washington, DC)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15953653 on 04/16/2018 (1086 days app to issue)

Abstract: A bin for use in a security checkpoint can include a receptacle surface, sidewalls, a lip provided on the sidewalls, and a geometrical marker. The geometrical marker is radiographically, visually, and tactilely detectable on the lip of one side of the bin. The geometrical marker includes a plurality of tag elements.

Monitoring lubricant in hydraulic fracturing pump system
Patent No. 10969375

Inventor(s): Jacob A. Bayyouk (Richardson, TX), Trever Stewart (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): S.P.M. Flow Control, Inc. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Foley Lardner LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16554888 on 08/29/2019 (586 days app to issue)

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus is adapted to monitor lubricant in a hydraulic fracturing pump system, and includes a gateway and one or more sensors configured to be in communication with the gateway. The one or more sensors are configured to measure quality of the lubricant, a pressure of the lubricant, and a temperature of the lubricant. The gateway is configured to receive sensor data associated with the quality of the lubricant, the pressure of the lubricant, and the temperature of the lubricant. To monitor the lubricant, the gateway is configured to: store the sensor data on the non-transitory computer readable medium; transmit to another computing device the sensor data and/or representative data based on the sensor data; visually indicate a status of the quality of the lubricant; visually indicate a status of the pressure of the lubricant; visually indicate a status of the temperature of the lubricant; or any combination thereof.

Epidermal microfluidic sensor for sweat collection and analysis from aquatic athletes
Patent No. 10969395

Inventor(s): Johnathan T. Reeder (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (Evanston, IL)
Law Firm: Locke Lord LLP (Local + 12 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16616859 on 06/01/2018 (1040 days app to issue)

Abstract: Provided herein are epidermal microfluidic systems and methods that allow for the collection of biofluids in a wet or aquatic environment, for example, from the surface of the skin. The described systems allow for the efficient collection of biofluids, without loss of the biofluid to the surrounding environment or introduction of extraneous liquids from the environment. The described microfluidic systems are versatile and can provide information regarding a number of biofluid properties both electronically and colorimetrically/visually.

Switch coupling functional circuitry to via, scan cell contacting via
Patent No. 10969423

Inventor(s): Lee D. Whetsel (Parker, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16407296 on 05/09/2019 (698 days app to issue)

Abstract: An integrated circuit die includes a substrate of semiconductor material having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an opening through the substrate between the top surface and the bottom surface. A through silicon via (TSV) has a conductive body in the opening, has a top contact point coupled to the body at the top surface, and has a bottom contact point coupled to the body at the bottom surface. A scan cell has a serial input, a serial output, control inputs, a voltage reference input, a response input coupled to one of the contact points, and a stimulus output coupled to the other one of the contact points.

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

Magnetically compensated chip scale atomic clock
Patent No. 10969746

Inventor(s): Benjamin Stassen Cook (Los Gatos, CA), Bradley Allen Kramer (Plano, TX), Juan Alejandro Herbsommer (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16730332 on 12/30/2019 (463 days app to issue)

Abstract: In described examples, a physics cell includes: a laser source configured to emit light towards an atomic chamber containing an atomic gas; a photodetector configured to receive emissions from the atomic chamber; and a field coil for generating a magnetic field in the atomic chamber. An electronics circuit includes: a controller circuit coupled to the photodetector output and having control outputs to a digital to analog converter circuit; the digital to analog converter circuit having a coil current output to adjust the magnetic field, a modulation control output to control a modulation of the light, and having an output to control a voltage controlled oscillator; and a radio-frequency output circuit having a voltage controlled oscillator coupled to the output of the digital to analog converter circuit outputting a radio frequency signal to the laser source in the physics cell.

[G04F] TIME-INTERVAL MEASURING (measuring pulse characteristics G01R, e.g. G01R 29/02; in radar or like systems G01S; masers H01S 1/00; generation of oscillations H03B; generation or counting of pulses, frequency dividing H03K; analogue/digital conversion in general H03M 1/00) [2]

On-time timer circuit with external clock for switching converter control
Patent No. 10969808

Inventor(s): Zejing Wang (Shanghai, , CN), Zhujun Li (Shanghai, , CN)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16685357 on 11/15/2019 (508 days app to issue)

Abstract: A switching converter controller includes an on-time timer circuit coupled to a switch driver circuit. The on-time timer circuit includes an up/down counter with a clock input node. The on-time timer circuit also includes a latch with an input coupled to an external clock signal and with an output coupled to the clock input node. The on-time timer circuit also includes an on-time capacitor array with a control terminal coupled an output of the up/down counter.

[G05F] SYSTEMS FOR REGULATING ELECTRIC OR MAGNETIC VARIABLES (regulating the timing or recurrence frequency of pulses in radar or radio navigation systems G01S; regulation of current or voltage, specially adapted for use in electronic time-pieces G04G 19/02; closed-loop systems for regulating non-electric variables by electric means G05D; regulating power supply of digital computers G06F 1/26; for obtaining desired operating characteristics of electromagnets with armatures H01F 7/18; regulating electric power distribution networks H02J; regulating the charging of batteries H02J 7/00; regulating of the output of static converters, e.g. switching regulators, H02M; regulation of the output of electric generators H02N, H02P 9/00; controlling transformers, reactors or choke coils H02P 13/00; regulating frequency response, gain, maximum output, amplitude or bandwidth of amplifiers H03G; regulating tuning of resonant circuits H03J; controlling generators of electronic oscillations or pulses H03L; regulating characteristics of transmission lines H04B; controlling electric light sources H05B 37/02, H05B 39/04, H05B 41/36; electric control of X-ray apparatus H05G 1/30) [5]

Bandgap reference voltage failure detection
Patent No. 10969814

Inventor(s): Frank Dornseifer (Freising, , DE), Johannes Gerber (Unterschleissheim, , DE), Matthias Arnold (Freising, , DE)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16420864 on 05/23/2019 (684 days app to issue)

Abstract: An integrated circuit is provided with a bandgap voltage reference circuit having a bandgap reference voltage output. A bandgap failure detection circuit is coupled to the bandgap reference voltage output. The bandgap failure detection forms a model value of the reference voltage from a first time, compares a present value of the reference voltage at a second time to the model value; and asserts a bandgap fail signal to indicate when the present value is less than the model value by a threshold value. The integrated circuit is reset by the bandgap fail signal. The detection circuit may be operated from a failsafe voltage domain that also allows a critical circuit to complete a pending operation during a reset.

Chassis for a liquid immersion cooling system
Patent No. 10969842

Inventor(s): Jacob Mertel (Plano, TX), John David Enright (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): TMGCore, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16576363 on 09/19/2019 (565 days app to issue)

Abstract: A two-phase liquid immersion cooling system is described in which heat generating computer components cause a dielectric fluid in its liquid phase to vaporize. The dielectric vapor is then condensed back into a liquid phase and used to cool the computer components. Using a pressure controlled vessel and pressure controller, the disclosed system may be operated at less than ambient pressure. Utilizing robotic arms and slot-in computing components located within chassis, a self-healing computing system may be created.

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

Multi-level system for label creation and printing
Patent No. 10970018

Inventor(s): Matthew Bruce Platts (Crowley, TX)
Assignee(s): Ecolab USA Inc. (Saint Paul, MN)
Law Firm: Fredrikson Byron. P.A. (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16793496 on 02/18/2020 (413 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for printing certain information on labels using a smart device. Product-related information, expiration information, and batch information is stored on a server and provided to a smart device. One of the products or batches is selected using the smart device. Labels incorporating certain product-related information are generated and sent to a printer.

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

Broadside random access memory for low cycle memory access and additional functions
Patent No. 10970074

Inventor(s): David Alston Lide (Rockville, MD), Pratheesh Gangadhar Thalakkal K[dot over (o)]ttilaveedu (Bengaluru, , IN), Thomas Anton Leyrer (Geisenhausen, , DE), William Cronin Wallace (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16424913 on 05/29/2019 (678 days app to issue)

Abstract: A computational system includes one or more processors. Each processor has multiple registers, as well attached memory to hold instructions. The processor is coupled to one or more broadside interfaces. A broadside interface allows the processor to load or store an entire widget state in a single clock cycle of the processor. The broadside interface also allows the processor to move and store 32 bytes of information into RAM in less than four to five clock cycles of the processor while the processor concurrently performs one or more mathematical operations on the information while the move and store operation is taking place.

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

Creating an on-demand skills blueprint of a mobile application
Patent No. 10970091

Inventor(s): Ram Viswanathan (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: Garg Law Firm, PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16453566 on 06/26/2019 (650 days app to issue)

Abstract: A mobile app is analyzed to determine each UI configuration in a set of UI configurations that is reachable in a possible use of the mobile app. A set of elements used in the mobile app relative to a selected UI configuration from the set of UI configurations is detected. A function performed by a selected element relative to the selected UI configuration is analyzed. The function is matched with a function identified in a hierarchy of elements, the hierarchy being applicable to a plurality of mobile apps. A category of the function identified in the hierarchy is assigned to the selected element. Using the hierarchy, a type of development skill used in developing the selected element is determined. In a blueprint of the mobile app, the category, the type of the development skill, and a numerosity of occurrences of the selected element in the mobile app are output.

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

Method of searching images using rotational gesture input
Patent No. 10970330

Inventor(s): Kulvir Singh Bhogal (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): International Business Machines Corporation (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16689338 on 11/20/2019 (503 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method is provided to search for images. The method includes identifying an object in a two-dimensional reference image. The method includes determining a three-dimensional reference orientation axis of the object based on at least one attribute of the object. The method includes receiving an input that requests a change in a three-dimensional perspective of the object. The method further includes determining a new orientation axis based on the input and the reference orientation axis. The method includes executing a search query on a set of two-dimensional images, where the search query is based on the new orientation axis and at least one attribute of the object. The method also includes displaying image search results that are ranked based on correlations with the new orientation axis and the attribute of the object.

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

Computer-implemented methods systems and articles of manufacture for automated construction of computer-generated user interface
Patent No. 10970477

Inventor(s): Deepankar Mohapatra (The Colony, TX)
Assignee(s): INTUIT INC. (Mountain View, CA)
Law Firm: DLA Piper LLP (US) (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15860462 on 01/02/2018 (1190 days app to issue)

Abstract: Computerized systems and methods for automatic construction of computer-generated user interfaces that reduce questions presented by electronic document preparers to customers. Embodiments result in more efficient question presentation and answering of same and more efficient and accurate electronic document data while reducing customer confusion by eliminating extraneous questions or content that are not relevant to a preparer”s information request or that obfuscate relevant preparer inquiries. Fillable portions of one or more electronic forms or templates are extracted and aggregated to construct a new user interface or interview screen that is independent of an electronic document preparation application utilized by the preparer and presented to the customer. Customer responses provided through the constructed user interface are stored to a data store shared with the electronic document preparation application to update the current electronic document data.

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

Systems and methods for monitoring traffic lights using imaging sensors of vehicles
Patent No. 10970569

Inventor(s): Robert D. Slater (Murphy, TX)
Assignee(s): TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Dinsmore Shohl LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16194644 on 11/19/2018 (869 days app to issue)

Abstract: A traffic light monitoring system includes a vehicle. The vehicle includes an imaging sensor configured to capture images, one or more processors, one or more memory modules, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that cause the vehicle to perform at least the following when executed by the one or more processors: identify a traffic light based on the images, determine a first transition time when a first light of a traffic light turns off and a second light of the traffic light turns on based on the images, determine a second transition time when the second light of the traffic light turns off and a third light of the traffic light turns on based on the images, and transmit information about the first transition time and the second transition time to an edge computing device.

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

Generating telecommunication network construction zones via clustering on weighted adjacency graphs of distribution areas
Patent No. 10970724

Inventor(s): Andrew Domenico (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): ATT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P. (Atlanta, GA)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15400612 on 01/06/2017 (1551 days app to issue)

Abstract: In one example, a processor may generate a graph of vertices representing distribution areas of a telecommunication network and links between vertices of adjacent distribution areas, calculate similarity measures for the links based on distance scores between vertices joined by the links relating to: percentages of aerial infrastructure and percentages of multi-unit buildings in distribution areas represented by the two vertices, and whether or not the distribution areas represented by the two vertices are on a same route from a central office of the telecommunication network. The processor may label the links with the similarity measures to create a link-weighted adjacency graph, perform community detection on the link-weighted adjacency graph to generate sub-graphs, each sub-graph including at least one of the vertices, and provide a map of construction zones based upon geographic areas covered by distribution areas associated with vertices in the sub-graphs.

[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]

Cross-platform proposal creation, optimization, and deal management
Patent No. 10970751

Inventor(s): Wassim Samir Chaar (Coppell, TX)
Assignee(s): TURNER BROADCASTING SYSTEM, INC. (Atlanta, GA)
Law Firm: Chip Law Group (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16128444 on 09/11/2018 (938 days app to issue)

Abstract: A cross-platform management system that handles cross-platform management of client requirements receives a request corresponding to a plurality of client-defined requirements to be achieved in a flight. The request for the plurality of client-defined requirements is associated with one or more request parameters. The system generates a proposal plan corresponding to the received request based on adjustment of the one or more request parameters. The proposal plan corresponds to at least a distribution of target audience across a set of delivery platforms. The system executes the generated proposal plan for a first time period in the flight on one or more delivery platforms. The system re-optimizes the generated proposal plan and controls execution of the generated proposal plan for a second time period in the flight by an in-flight re-distribution of the target audience across one or more delivery platforms of the set of delivery platforms.

Method, device, and non-transitory computer readable medium for utilizing a machine learning model to determine interests and recommendations for a customer of a merchant
Patent No. 10970771

Inventor(s): Lokesh Vijay Kumar (Frisco, TX), Ponnazhakan Subramanian (McKinney, TX), Sasi Kumar Unnikrishnan (Plano, TX), Satish Chikkaveerappa (McKinney, TX), Venkata Satya Parcha (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Capital One Services, LLC (McLean, VA)
Law Firm: Harrity Harrity, LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16506620 on 07/09/2019 (637 days app to issue)

Abstract: A device may receive third-party data associated with merchants and may receive customer interest data associated with customers of the merchants, wherein the customer interest data includes data identifying locations of the customers and birthdates of the customers. The device may train a machine learning model, with the third-party data and the customer interest data, to generate a trained machine learning model. The device may receive, from a user device, data identifying a location and a birthdate of a particular customer of a particular merchant, wherein the particular merchant is one of the merchants, and may process the data identifying the location and the birthdate of the particular customer, with the trained machine learning model, to determine a predicted interest of the particular customer. The device may perform one or more actions based on the interest of the particular customer.

Recommendation engine for cost of a claim
Patent No. 10970786

Inventor(s): Cory Matheson (Celina, TX)
Assignee(s): United Services Automobile Association (USAA) (San Antonio, TX)
Law Firm: Fish Richardson P.C. (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15815399 on 11/16/2017 (1237 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for providing an estimate of cost of a claim to a homeowner. One of the methods includes receiving information about damage to a home of a homeowner. The method includes retrieving a home insurance policy associated with the homeowner and home insurance claims that have been submitted by other homeowners. The method also includes analyzing the information about the damage, the home insurance policy, and the home insurance claims to determine an estimate of cost of a claim that would cover the damage. In addition, the method includes providing the homeowner with the estimate of cost of the claim.

Multi-source image fusion
Patent No. 10970815

Inventor(s): Richard W. Ely (Lewisville, TX)
Assignee(s): Raytheon Company (Waltham, MA)
Law Firm: Schwegman Lundberg Woessner, P.A. (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16364969 on 03/26/2019 (742 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method can include registering a first image of a region to a three-dimensional (3D) point set of the region to generate a registered first image, registering a second image of the region to the 3D point set to generate a registered second image, identifying, based on the 3D point set, geometric tie points of the registered first image and the registered second image, projecting, using an affine transformation determined based on the identified geometric tie points, pixels of the registered first image to an image space of the registered second image to generate a registered and transformed first image, and displaying the registered and transformed first image and the registered second image simultaneously.

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

Visualization of damage on images
Patent No. 10970835

Inventor(s): Avid Ghamsari (Frisco, TX), Geoffrey Dagley (McKinney, TX), Micah Price (Anna, TX), Qiaochu Tang (The Colony, TX), Staevan Duckworth (The Colony, TX)
Assignee(s): Capital One Services, LLC (McLean, VA)
Law Firm: Harrity Harrity, LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16741320 on 01/13/2020 (449 days app to issue)

Abstract: A device may receive images of an object and information identifying the object, process the images using an artificial intelligence technique to identify parts of the object that are depicted in the images, and receive information identifying a location of damage on the object and information regarding the damage on the object. The device may process the information identifying the location of damage to identify a damaged part of the object, identify images depicting the damaged part, and identify, in the images, a location of the damaged part. The device may generate a first content item for display at the location of the damaged part in the images and generate a second content item for display with the images based on user interaction with the first content item, where the second content item includes information based on the information regarding the damage on the object.

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

Allocating and extrapolating data for augmented reality for 6G or other next generation network
Patent No. 10970902

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: 16364916 on 03/26/2019 (742 days app to issue)

Abstract: Global position system tagging the movement of an object and extrapolating its direction and speed can be used for various services including emergency-based services. Location data can be computed using edge computing nodes. The extrapolation system can account for feedback from responding user devices and utilize the user device”s location at the time of reporting to facilitate determining the direction, location, and/or speed of a moving object. This data can then be utilized to generate augmented reality displays for mobile devices and/or vehicles that utilize the system. The ability to calculate directional information with edge computing nodes can comprise an ability to add enriched data by predicting an object”s whereabouts, route, and/or final destination.

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

Moisture sensing roofing systems and methods thereof
Patent No. 10970991

Inventor(s): Igor Alovert (Morristown, NJ)
Assignee(s): Building Materials Investment Corporation (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 17094427 on 11/10/2020 (147 days app to issue)

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an exemplary system that includes radio frequency (RF) tags; positioned at locations throughout a roof; a tag reader configured to: generate reader RF signals at one or more frequencies to read the plurality of RF tags, and detect return RF signals from the plurality of RF tags; where the RF signals carry tag data comprising impedance values and tag identifiers; a processor of a computing device, programmed to receive the tag data; determine corresponding locations of the plurality of RF tags; and determine a wet state or dry state of the roof at one or more corresponding locations, and output an indicator of the wet state or the dry state of the roof at the one or more corresponding locations.

[G08B] SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS

System and method for improving safety when operating aircraft in reduced- or modified-visibility conditions
Patent No. 10971027

Inventor(s): Andre Gilles Lavallee (Lewisville, TX), Evan Thomas Pratt (Broken Arrow, OK), Steven Tyson Phillips (Owasso, OK)
Assignee(s): AT Systems, LLC (Carrollton, TX)
Law Firm: D. Tiller Law PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16125842 on 09/10/2018 (939 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method for improving safety when operating an aircraft in reduced or modified visibility conditions is disclosed. A flight helmet having a visor with an electrically controlled optical state is configured to automatically move the visor up out of the pilot”s line of sight on receipt of a signal from a safety sensor. This sensor-based automated moving of the visor helps alleviate danger in circumstances where the visor is improperly hindering the pilot. The helmet can be used, for example, in reduced-visibility training sessions and thereby improve the safety of such sessions. And the helmet can be used with enhanced or synthetic vision systems as a failsafe if the systems are hindering rather than helping the pilot.

[G09B] EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS

Cognitive intervention for voice recognition failure
Patent No. 10971147

Inventor(s): Kenneth A. Winburn (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): International Business Machines Corporation (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: Scully, Scott, Murphy Presser, P.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16295463 on 03/07/2019 (761 days app to issue)

Abstract: In an aspect of the present disclosure, a method for providing an alternate modality of input for filling a form field in response to a failure of voice recognition is disclosed including prompting the user for information corresponding to a field of a form, generating speech data by capturing a spoken response of the user to the prompt using at least one input device, attempting to convert the speech data to text, determining that the attempted conversion has failed, evaluating the failure using at least one speech rule, selecting, based on the evaluation, an alternate input modality to be used for receiving the information corresponding to the field of the form, receiving the information corresponding to the field of the form from the alternate input modality, and injecting the received information into the field of the form.

[G10L] SPEECH ANALYSIS OR SYNTHESIS; SPEECH RECOGNITION; SPEECH OR VOICE PROCESSING; SPEECH OR AUDIO CODING OR DECODING [4]

Microcontroller for non-volatile memory with combinational logic
Patent No. 10971199

Inventor(s): Pao-Ling Koh (Fremont, CA), Yan Li (Milpitas, CA), Yuheng Zhang (Saratoga, CA)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16446705 on 06/20/2019 (656 days app to issue)

Abstract: A non-volatile memory system comprises a memory structure and a control circuit connected to the memory structure. The control circuit is configured to control the non-volatile memory structure to perform memory operations by generating and applying a set of control signals to the non-volatile memory structure The control circuit includes a programmable and reprogrammable microcontroller. For example, the microcontroller includes one or more processors that are programmed using software (e.g., firmware). The use of a programmable processor and software allows for updates and changes to be made easily. Additionally, to reduce the time taken to make some calculations, the microcontroller also includes one or more combinational logic circuits that are in communication with the one or more processors.

[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)

Low latency data transfer
Patent No. 10971202

Inventor(s): Chen Chen (Mountain View, CA), Min Peng (San Jose, CA), Yenlung Li (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16849827 on 04/15/2020 (356 days app to issue)

Abstract: Apparatuses and techniques are described for transferring data out of a memory device with low latency. Data can be stored in data transfer latches for NAND strings arranged in columns in divisions of a block. Data can be output from the data transfer latches for different columns in different divisions in each transfer. For example, the data output can include data from an nth column in some divisions and an n+1[superscript]st [/superscript]column in other divisions. This avoids outputting unwanted data at the start of a data transfer. The data from the data transfer latches is output to a data pipeline and then to a set of control latch circuits. The data can be clocked out from a last control latch circuit of the set in a desired division order by use of separate multiplexer control signals for the control latch circuits.

VHSA-VDDSA generator merging scheme
Patent No. 10971209

Inventor(s): Kou Tei (San Jose, CA), Ohwon Kwon (San Jose, CA), VSNK Chaitanya G (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Dickinson Wright PLLC (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16593576 on 10/04/2019 (550 days app to issue)

Abstract: A memory device is provided including physical block circuitry including a first lateral network arrangement and a second lateral network arrangement. Each of the first and second lateral network arrangements includes a single generator configured to output both a sense amplifier voltage VHSA and a data latch voltage VDDSA, in each of a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, during which read and program verify and other operations may occur, the generator receives VHSA as a feedback signal and in the second mode, during which programming, POR, and EVFY operations may occur, the generator receives VDDSA as a feedback signal.

Apparatuses and methods to perform logical operations using sensing circuitry
Patent No. 10971214

Inventor(s): Daniel B. Penney (Wylie, TX), Harish N. Venkata (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): Micron Technology, Inc. (Boise, ID)
Law Firm: Brooks, Cameron Huebsch, PLLC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16827044 on 03/23/2020 (379 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods related to performing logic operations. An example apparatus comprises sensing circuitry including a sense amplifier and a compute component. A controller is coupled to the sensing circuitry and is configured to cause storing of a first operand in a first compute component storage location, transfer of the first operand to a second compute component storage location, and performance of a logical operation between the first operand in the second compute component storage location and a second operand sensed by the sense amplifier.

Dynamic bit-scan techniques for memory device programming
Patent No. 10971222

Inventor(s): Cynthia Hsu (Milpitas, CA), Henry Chin (Fremont, CA), Lei Lin (Fremont, CA), Zhuojie Li (Newark, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16717532 on 12/17/2019 (476 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a plurality of memory cells, a programming circuit configured to apply a plurality of programming pulses to the memory cells, and a scanning circuit configured to repeatedly switch between performing an n-state bitscan after each programming pulse until first predetermined criteria are satisfied, and performing an m-state bitscan after each programming pulse until second predetermined criteria are satisfied, where mn, and n0.

Adaptive VPASS for 3D flash memory with pair string structure
Patent No. 10971231

Inventor(s): Hardwell Chibvongodze (Hiratsuka, , JP), Ken Oowada (Fujisawa, , JP), Rajdeep Gautam (Yokohama, , JP)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16912720 on 06/26/2020 (284 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing program disturb when programming portions of a memory array are described. A memory array may include a first set of NAND strings and a second set of NAND strings that share a common bit line that is connected to the drain-side end of drain-side select gates of the NAND strings and/or share a common source-side select gate line that connects to the gates of source-side select gates of the NAND strings. During programming of the first set of NAND strings a first pass voltage (e.g., 7V) may be applied to unselected word lines of the memory array and subsequently during programming of the second set of NAND strings a second pass voltage (e.g., 9V) greater than the first pass voltage may be applied to the unselected word lines of the memory array.

Medication delivery management
Patent No. 10971259

Inventor(s): Thomas William Utech (Dallas, TX), William Lee Webster (Rockwall, TX)
Assignee(s): CareFusion 303, Inc. (San Diego, CA)
Law Firm: Morgan, Lewis Bockius LLP (13 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16538710 on 08/12/2019 (603 days app to issue)

Abstract: The disclosed system receives a first indication that a first medication is available for delivery to a first location within a healthcare facility, and identifies a preparation status of a second medication. Based on the delivery time and the completion time for the second medication, the system determines whether the first medication should be delivered prior to completing the preparation of the second medication and, when determining that the first medication should not be delivered prior to completing the preparation of the second medication, a notification to wait for the preparation of the second medication before delivering the first medication is sent to a display device associated with a delivery person. NULL

Power-on reset circuit
Patent No. 10972092

Inventor(s): Atul Kumar Agrawal (Bengaluru, , IN), Kanak Chandra Das (Gayeshpur, , IN), Rishubh Khurana (New Delhi, , IN), Tanmay Neema (Bengaluru, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16880541 on 05/21/2020 (320 days app to issue)

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a power-on reset (POR) circuit and a digital logic circuit. The POR has first and second control outputs. The POR circuit is configured to generate a first control signal on the first control output responsive to a supply voltage on the supply voltage node exceeding a first threshold voltage and is configured to generate a second control signal on the second control output responsive to the supply voltage exceeding a second threshold voltage. The digital logic circuit has a first control input coupled to the first control output of the POR circuit and has a second control input coupled to the second control output of the POR circuit. The digital logic circuit is configured to initiate a first read transaction responsive to assertion of the first control signal and to initiate a second read transaction responsive to assertion of the second control signal.

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

Task completion using a blockchain network
Patent No. 10972479

Inventor(s): Corey Clark (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Balanced Media Technology, LLC (McKinney, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16529478 on 08/01/2019 (614 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for distributing tasks using a blockchain network. A method includes generating a task for completion via an interactive application and distributing, using the blockchain network, the task via a block in a blockchain associated with the blockchain network. The blockchain network includes a plurality of nodes and is accessible by a plurality of client devices associated with the interactive application. The method further includes receiving, from one or more of the client devices, data associated with results of processing the task via the interactive application and validating completion of the task based on the received data. Validating completion of the task may include receiving a set of user inputs from a set of the client devices, respectively, as to whether the task was completed and making a consensus determination as to whether the task was completed based on the received set of user inputs.

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

E L E C T R I C I T Y

Movable barrier apparatus and methods for responding to barrier travel obstructions and abnormalities
Patent No. 10968676

Inventor(s): Robert E. Thomas, Jr. (Flower Mound, TX)
Assignee(s): GMI Holdings, Inc. (Mount Hope, OH)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16392214 on 04/23/2019 (714 days app to issue)

Abstract: Movable barrier monitoring apparatus and methods are provided for rapidly responding to barrier travel obstructions and other abnormal occurrences to cause the movable barrier operator to halt barrier travel or stop and reverse barrier travel, while ignoring typical and normal impediments to barrier travel. Alternate methods are described for programming the barrier operator controller to compare characteristics of the monitored barrier run over the defined travel path with the characteristics of a good barrier run without interruption to barrier travel, with the degree of differentiation of such characteristics determinative of whether the operator controller is to interrupt barrier travel or not.

[H02P] CONTROL OR REGULATION OF ELECTRIC MOTORS, ELECTRIC GENERATORS OR DYNAMO-ELECTRIC CONVERTERS; CONTROLLING TRANSFORMERS, REACTORS OR CHOKE COILS [4]

Virus immune computer system and method
Patent No. 10970421

Inventor(s): John Almeida (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 17026282 on 09/20/2020 (198 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and apparatus prevents hacker code from infecting an application program by requiring decryption of the application program prior to running the application program on a computer. The method includes steps of: providing a storage device that is a separate unit from components necessary to operate the computer; storing a symmetric private key on the storage device; using the symmetric private key to produce an encrypted application program upon first installation; thereafter decrypting that part of the encrypted application program needed implement a command to run the application program; precluding the computer from running any part of the application program that has not been first encrypted with the symmetric private key; and, decrypting, on the fly, only those follow-on parts of the encrypted application program needed to perform functions called for during operation of the application program.

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

Method of forming a thermal shield in a monolithic 3-D integrated circuit
Patent No. 10971420

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: 16374524 on 04/03/2019 (734 days app to issue)

Abstract: A monolithic three-dimensional integrated circuit including a first device, a second device on the first device, and a thermal shield stack between the first device and the second device. The thermal shield stack includes a thermal retarder portion having a low thermal conductivity in a vertical direction, and a thermal spreader portion having a high thermal conductivity in a horizontal direction. The thermal shield stack of the monolithic three-dimensional integrated circuit includes only dielectric materials.

[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]

Three-dimensional memory device containing through-memory-level contact via structures
Patent No. 10971507

Inventor(s): Michimoto Kaminaga (Nagoya, , JP)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16589337 on 10/01/2019 (553 days app to issue)

Abstract: A first alternating stack of first insulating layers and first sacrificial material layers with first stepped surfaces is formed over a substrate. A first retro-stepped dielectric material portion is formed on the first stepped surfaces. A second alternating stack of second insulating layers and second sacrificial material layers with second stepped surfaces is formed over the first alternating stack. A second retro-stepped dielectric material portion is formed on the second stepped surfaces. A first conductive via structure is formed through the second retro-stepped dielectric material portion, a bottommost insulating layer of the second alternating stack, and the first retro-stepped dielectric material portion. The sacrificial material layers are replaced with electrically conductive layers. The first conductive via structure is electrically connected to a first electrically conductive layer that replaces a first sacrificial material layer, and is electrically isolated from each second electrically conductive layer in the second alternating stack.

Multi-tier three-dimensional memory device with dielectric support pillars and methods for making the same
Patent No. 10971514

Inventor(s): Kei Nozawa (Yokkaichi, , JP), Koichi Ito (Yokkaichi, , JP), Naoto Hojo (Yokkaichi, , JP), Ryoichi Ehara (Yokkaichi, , JP), Takeshi Kawamura (Yokkaichi, , JP), Yashushi Doda (Yokkaichi, , JP), Yoshinobu Tanaka (Yokkaichi, , JP), Yos
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16276996 on 02/15/2019 (781 days app to issue)

Abstract: A multi-tier three-dimensional memory array includes multiple alternating stacks of insulating layers and electrically conductive layers that are vertically stacked. Memory stack structures including memory films and semiconductor channels extend through the alternating stacks. The alternating stacks are formed as alternating stacks of insulating layers and sacrificial material layers, and are subsequently modified by replacing the sacrificial material layers with electrically conductive layers. Structural support during replacement of the sacrificial material layers with the electrically conductive layers is provided by the memory stack structures and dielectric support pillar structures. The dielectric support pillar structures may be formed only for a first-tier structure including a first-tier alternating stack of first insulating layers and first spacer material layers, or may vertically extend over multiple tiers. The dielectric support pillar structures may be formed before or after formation of stepped surfaces in the alternating stack.

Implementation of feedforward and feedback control in state mediator
Patent No. 10971748

Inventor(s): Daniel Folick (Long Beach, CA), Jared Farnsworth (Roseville, CA), Naoki Tomi (Aichi, , JP), Shigeki Hasegawa (Aichi, , JP)
Assignee(s): TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Snell Wilmer LLP (5 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15836716 on 12/08/2017 (1215 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system for controlling airflow through a fuel cell circuit includes a fuel cell stack. The system also includes a valve having a valve position that affects a pressure of the gas and a valve area corresponding to a cross-sectional area of the valve through which the gas may flow. The system also includes a memory designed to store a map or function that correlates the valve area to the valve position. The system also includes an ECU to determine or receive a desired mass flow rate of the gas through the valve, and calculate a desired valve area to achieve the desired mass flow rate. The ECU is also designed to compare the desired valve area to the map or function to determine a desired valve position that provides the desired valve area, and to control the valve to have the desired valve position.

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

Wireless communication device with an antenna adjacent to an edge of the device
Patent No. 10971801

Inventor(s): Chul Min Han (San Diego, CA), Jorge Fabrega Sanchez (San Diego, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16005086 on 06/11/2018 (1030 days app to issue)

Abstract: A wireless communication device comprising a housing comprising a plurality of edges and configured to serve as an external surface for the wireless communication device, and an antenna adjacent to at least a first edge of the housing, wherein the antenna comprises at least a conductive strip and at least one slot and wherein the antenna is configured to receive and transmit wireless signals, wherein the first edge of the housing is one of an edge of the housing nearest an ear piece and an edge of the housing that is opposite the edge of the housing nearest the ear piece, and wherein the conductive strip and the slot are adjacent to at least the first edge of the housing.

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

BGA socket device for testing BGA IC
Patent No. 10971843

Inventor(s): Logan Jae Hwang (Flower Mound, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16596999 on 10/09/2019 (545 days app to issue)

Abstract: Disclosed is a BGA socket device used for testing a BGA IC and having a dual pinch type contact. The BGA socket device includes: contacts each including a fixed terminal and a movable terminal and configured such that respective upper ends of the fixed and movable terminals are offset from each other with respect to each solder ball of the IC; a main body in which the contact is provided and fixed; a cover supported on an upper surface of the main body and configured to be movable up and down; and a slider provided between the main body and the cover and configured to slide left and right, thus opening and closing the movable terminal in a horizontal direction, the slider having a fixed terminal receiving hole and a movable terminal receiving hole in which the fixed and movable terminals of the contact are received, respectively, by passing therethrough.

[H01R] ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS (switches, fuses H01H; coupling devices of the waveguide type H01P 5/00; switching arrangements for the supply or distribution of electric power H02B; installations of electric cables or lines, or of combined optical and electric cables or lines, or of auxiliary apparatus H02G; printed means for providing electric connections to or between printed circuits H05K)

High power cavity package for light emitters
Patent No. 10971892

Inventor(s): Nathan Lye (Anna, TX), Pritha Khurana (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): II-VI DELAWARE, INC. (Wilmington, DE)
Law Firm: Blank Rome LLP (4 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16533721 on 08/06/2019 (609 days app to issue)

Abstract: An emitter package can include: a body having a bottom member, side members extending from the bottom member, and a top surface, wherein the body defines a cavity formed into the top surface and located between the bottom member and side members; the cavity having top side walls extending from the top surface to optic shelves, middle side walls extending from the optic shelves to contact shelves, and bottom side walls extending from the contact shelves to a base surface; electrical conductive pads on the base surface in the cavity; emitter chips on the electrical conductive pads, each emitter chip having one or more light emitters; shelf contact pads on the contact shelves; and electrical connector wires connected to and extending between the emitter chips and the shelf contact pads.

[H01S] DEVICES USING STIMULATED EMISSION

Adaptive cell-balancing
Patent No. 10971939

Inventor(s): Dipankar Mitra (Bangalore, , IN), Mahesh K V (Bangalore, , IN), Manish Parmar (Bangalore, , IN), V V Shyam Prasad (Bangalore, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16788996 on 02/12/2020 (419 days app to issue)

Abstract: A cell balancing system includes sensing circuitry configured to sense a cell voltage of each of a plurality of cells of a battery. Cell balancing circuitry is configured to balance each of the plurality of cells in response to a respective cell balancing command for each of the plurality of cells. A comparison circuit configured to compare the sensed cell voltages for each of the plurality of cells to an adaptive threshold voltage. The comparison circuit generates a respective cell state for each of the plurality of cells to indicate a state of the respective cell voltage for each of the plurality of cells relative to the adaptive threshold voltage. A controller is configured to set the respective cell balancing command for each of the plurality of cells and to adjust the adaptive threshold voltage based on an evaluation of the cell states for the plurality of cells.

[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)

Delay cell
Patent No. 10972081

Inventor(s): Huanzhang Huang (Plano, TX), Shita Guo (Dallas, TX), Yanfei Jiang (Frisco, TX), Yonghui Tang (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16804061 on 02/28/2020 (403 days app to issue)

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide for a method. In some examples, the method includes detecting a transition in an input signal (IN), generating a bias current based on the detected transition in IN, and modifying a charge status of a capacitor based on the charge current. The method further includes generating an output signal (OUT) based on the charge status of the capacitor, disabling the bias current generation based on values of IN and OUT, and strongly pulling the capacitor up or down based on the disabling the bias current generation.

[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]

Circuit and methods for transferring a phase value between circuits clocked by non-synchronous clock signals
Patent No. 10972084

Inventor(s): Michael R. Williamson (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Microchip Technology Inc. (Chandler, AZ)
Law Firm: Glass and Associates (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16867468 on 05/05/2020 (336 days app to issue)

Abstract: A circuit for transferring a n-bit phase value between circuits includes a system clock input, a n-bit phase value generator coupled to the system clock input generating a phase value output, and an edge output indicating the phase output value is valid, a latching clock delay circuit having an input coupled to the system clock input, an input coupled to the edge output, a variable phase delay circuit coupled to the phase value output, a delay adder having a first input coupled to the phase value output, a second input coupled to a delay offset signal, and an output coupled to the control input of the variable phase delay circuit, and a phase flip-flop having a data input coupled to the output of the variable phase delay circuit, a clock input coupled to a latching clock output of the variable output clock delay circuit and a Phase Out output.

Comparator low power response
Patent No. 10972086

Inventor(s): Nitin Agarwal (Bangalore, , IN), Venkat Ramakrishna Saripalli (Bangalore, , IN), Venkata Ramanan R (Bangalore, , IN)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16378526 on 04/08/2019 (729 days app to issue)

Abstract: In described examples, an amplifier can be arranged to generate a first stage output signal in response to an input signal. The input signal can be coupled to control a first current coupled from a first current source through a common node to generate the first stage output signal. A replica circuit can be arranged to generate a replica load signal in response to the input signal and in response to current received from the common node. A current switch can be arranged to selectively couple a second current from a second current source to the common node in response to the replica load signal.

Distributed FD-MIMO: cellular evolution for 5G and beyond
Patent No. 10972158

Inventor(s): Boon Loong Ng (Plano, TX), Gary Xu (Allen, TX), Jianzhong Zhang (Plano, TX), Jin Yuan (Richardson, TX), Yeqing Hu (Garland, TX), Young-Han Nam (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Suwon-si,, , KR)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15921521 on 03/14/2018 (1119 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for a user equipment (UE) is provided. The method comprises receiving, from a base station (BS), information via a dynamic signaling comprising at least one of a medium access control channel element (MAC CE) or downlink control information (DCI) that includes information for a set of channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS); identifying CSI-RS resources each of which comprises a set of antenna ports based on the information; and measuring CSI using an aggregation of the CSI-RS resources, wherein an energy per resource element (EPRE) ratio between a CSI-RS and a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) is configured in the information to each of the CSI-RS resources comprising the aggregated CSI-RS resources.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

Method and apparatus for explicit CSI reporting in advanced wireless communication systems
Patent No. 10972161

Inventor(s): Eko Onggosanusi (Coppell, TX), Md. Saifur Rahman (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Suwon-si, , KR)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16684385 on 11/14/2019 (509 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for a channel state information (CSI) feedback comprises receiving CSI feedback configuration information for the CSI feedback including a spatial channel information indicator based on a linear combination (LC) codebook, wherein the spatial channel information comprises at least one of a downlink channel matrix, a covariance matrix of the downlink channel matrix, or at least one eigenvector of the covariance matrix of the downlink channel matrix; deriving the spatial channel information indicator using the LC codebook that indicates a weighted linear combination of a plurality of basis vectors or a plurality of basis matrices as a representation of at least one of a downlink channel matrix, a covariance matrix of the downlink channel matrix, or at least one eigenvector of the covariance matrix of the downlink channel matrix; and transmitting over an uplink channel, the CSI feedback including the spatial channel information indicator.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

Enhanced beam-based codebook subset restriction signaling
Patent No. 10972162

Inventor(s): Robert Mark Harrison (Grapevine, TX)
Assignee(s): TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL) (Stockholm, , SE)
Law Firm: Coats Bennett, PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16789759 on 02/13/2020 (418 days app to issue)

Abstract: Example embodiments are presented for codebook subset restriction and precoder selection in wireless communications systems. For instance, an example method for codebook subset restriction at a user equipment (UE) is presented. In the example method, the UE can receive, from a network node such as a gNB, codebook subset restriction (CBSR) signaling for a first component common to precoders in a first group of codebooks. In an aspect of the present disclosure, a restriction of the first component maps to a restriction of a second component and the second component is common to precoders in a second group of codebooks. In addition, the example method includes restricting precoders selectable from a codebook in the second group of codebooks based on the second component. Network-side methods are presented, as well as example UEs and network nodes.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

Method and apparatus for low-overhead and low latency multi-beam operation
Patent No. 10972244

Inventor(s): Li Guo (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Suwon-si, , KR)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16523857 on 07/26/2019 (620 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for low-overhead and low latency multi-beam operation in an advanced wireless communication system. A method of a user equipment (UE) for a multi-beam operation in a wireless communication system includes: receiving, from a base station (BS), a sounding reference signal (SRS) resource configuration; receiving, from the BS, a triggering message instructing the UE to transmit an SRS; receiving, from the BS, a configuration for a transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state that includes an identification (ID) indicating the SRS resource configuration; identifying a set of resources to transmit the SRS; and transmitting, to the BS over an uplink channel, the SRS based on the SRS resource configuration with a spatial domain transmission filter. The UE receives a downlink transmission from the BS with a spatial domain receive filter that is determined according to the ID included in the TCI state that is indicated for the downlink transmission.

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

Clockless decision feedback equalization (DFE) for multi-level signals
Patent No. 10972319

Inventor(s): Amit Rane (Santa Clara, CA)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16128605 on 09/12/2018 (937 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus includes a clockless decision feedback equalization (DFE) loop. The clockless DFE loop includes a summation circuit configured to combine a multi-level input signal and a multi-level feedback signal. The clockless DFE loop also includes a multi-bit quantizer configured to provide the multi-level feedback signal based on an output of the summation circuit. The clockless DFE loop also includes one or more analog delay circuits configured to delay the multi-level feedback signal to the summation circuit. The clockless DFE loop also includes a DFE tap circuit configured to apply signed DFE tap weights to the multi-level feedback signal.

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

Spiral polynomial division multiplexing
Patent No. 10972322

Inventor(s): Jerrold Prothero (Delray Beach, FL)
Assignee(s): Astrapi Corporation (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Law Office Of Michael Antone (Local + 690 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15929750 on 05/20/2020 (321 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and computer readable medium for transmitting data using polynomial-based signals. Data may be represented as a message polynomial and convolved with a reference polynomial to generate a transmission polynomial. The transmission polynomial may be converted in a set of sinusoidals with continuously-varying amplitude in a plurality of frequencies prior to transmission of a signal to a receiver. Following transmission, the signal is received and the amplitude values are mapped into bit sequences to recover the data.

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

Self-driving packets with conditional commands
Patent No. 10972397

Inventor(s): Alexander Clemm (Los Gatos, CA), Kiran Makhijani (Los Gatos, CA), Renwei Li (Fremont, CA), Uma S. Chunduri (Fremont, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16124770 on 09/07/2018 (942 days app to issue)

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for implementing conditional commands carried by network data packets. A data flow including a data packet is received. The data packet includes a conditional command. A condition and a command are obtained from the conditional command. The mechanism determines that the condition is satisfied. Based on the determination that the condition is satisfied, the command is executed to alter handling of the data flow, alter handling of the data packet, or alter a context for the data flow.

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

VNFM assisted fault handling in Virtual Network Function Components
Patent No. 10972409

Inventor(s): Keith William Melkild (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): OPEN INVENTION NETWORK LLC (Durham, NC)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16917748 on 06/30/2020 (280 days app to issue)

Abstract: An example operation may include a system comprising one or more of receiving a heartbeat failure notification in a VNFCI when the VNFCI is in standby state, sending to a Virtual Network Function Manager (VNFM), by an operational state machine, a next state request message, determining if a peer VNFCI is online when an administrative state of the peer VNFCI is online, determining an operational state of the peer VNFCI when the peer VNFCI is online, sending a first next state response message with a standby state to the VNFCI when the peer VNFCI operational state is active, sending a second next state response with an active state to the VNFCI when the peer VNFCI operational state is not active, examining, in the VNFCI, a next state attribute in a received next state response message, staying in a standby state when the next state attribute is standby, and transitioning to active state when the next state attribute is active.

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

System and method for providing audible support to a service representative during a call
Patent No. 10972607

Inventor(s): Richard Daniel Graham (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): United Services Automobile Association (USAA) (San Antonio, TX)
Law Firm: Plumsea Law Group, LLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16404793 on 05/07/2019 (700 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method for supporting a service representative during a call with a user is disclosed. The system and method include using an intelligent voice assistant to monitor the call between the user and representative. The intelligent voice assistant may provide suggested actions when detecting a request from the user or service representative. The intelligent voice assistant can provide transcripts, call logs and/or call summary information to the service representative or user. The intelligent voice assistant can monitor a user”s environment and speech to determine a stress level and/or user sentiment.

[H04M] TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION (circuits for controlling other apparatus via a telephone cable and not involving telephone switching apparatus G08)

Device having cameras with different focal lengths and a method of implementing cameras with different focal lengths
Patent No. 10972672

Inventor(s): Hamid Rahim Sheikh (Allen, TX), John W. Glotzbach (Allen, TX), Ruiwen Zhen (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Suwon-si, , KR)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15898438 on 02/17/2018 (1144 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of generating an image from multiple cameras having different focal lengths is described. The method comprising receiving a wide image and a tele image; aligning the wide image and the tele image to overlap a common field of view; correcting for photometric differences between the wide image and the tele image; selecting a stitching seam for the wide image and the tele image; and joining the wide image and the tele image to generate a composite image, wherein a first portion of the composite image on one side of the stitching seam is from the wide image and a second portion of the composite image on the other side of the stitching seam is from the tele image. An electronic device for generating an image is also described.

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

One-way video conferencing
Patent No. 10972701

Inventor(s): Mario Ward (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Securus Technologies, LLC (Carrollton, TX)
Law Firm: Fogarty LLP (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16729705 on 12/30/2019 (463 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods for blocking, adding, and/or modifying video content in a video conference session are disclosed. A video conferencing session is established between a first device and a second device. Video conferencing session data that is received from the first device comprises only audio information. Video conferencing session data that is received from the second device comprises both audio and video information. Video content is added to the video conferencing session data from the first device before sending the video conferencing session data to the second device. The added video content is not captured from the first device.

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

Coding unit quantization parameters in video coding
Patent No. 10972734

Inventor(s): Madhukar Budagavi (Plano, TX), Mehmet Umut Demircin (Dallas, TX), Minhua Zhou (San Diego, CA)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16524614 on 07/29/2019 (617 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method is provided that includes receiving a coded largest coding unit in a video decoder, wherein the coded largest coding unit includes a coded coding unit structure and a plurality of coded quantization parameters, and decoding the coded largest coding unit based on the coded coding unit structure and the plurality of coded quantization parameters.

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

Low-complexity two-dimensional (2D) separable transform design with transpose buffer management
Patent No. 10972739

Inventor(s): Osman Gokhan Sezer (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16560391 on 09/04/2019 (580 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing the size of a transpose buffer used for computation of a two-dimensional (2D) separable transform. Scaling factors and clip bit widths determined for a particular transpose buffer size and the expected transform sizes are used to reduce the size of the intermediate results of applying the 2D separable transform. The reduced bit widths of the intermediate results may vary across the intermediate results. In some embodiments, the scaling factors and associated clip bit widths may be adapted during encoding.

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

Secure testing of vehicle entertainment systems for commercial passenger vehicles
Patent No. 10972760

Inventor(s): Ali Asrani (Flower Mound, TX)
Assignee(s): PANASONIC AVIONICS CORPORATION (Lake Forest, CA)
Law Firm: Perkins Coie LLP (17 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16810089 on 03/05/2020 (397 days app to issue)

Abstract: Vehicular systems located in commercial passenger vehicles are tested and maintained for operational effectiveness. This patent document describes techniques to perform secure testing on multiple seatback monitors that are located on or in seats in a commercial passenger vehicle and that are associated with a vehicle entertainment system. An example method can determine whether multiple sets of usernames and passwords received by a device authorize a person operating a test-related software on the device to securely test one or more groups of multiple seatback monitors in the commercial passenger vehicle. The example method can also enable selection of a group of multiple seatback monitors that can be specifically tested.

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

Robust estimation of sound source localization
Patent No. 10972837

Inventor(s): Jacek Piotr Stachurski (Dallas, TX), Lorin Paul Netsch (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16989013 on 08/10/2020 (239 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for sound source localization in a digital system having at least two audio capture devices is provided that includes receiving audio signals from the two audio capture devices, computing a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for each frequency band of a plurality of frequency bands in a processing frame of the audio signals, determining a frequency band weight for each frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands based on the SNR computed for the frequency band, computing an estimated time delay of arrival (TDOA) of sound for the processing frame using the frequency band weights, and converting the estimated TDOA to an angle representing sound direction.

[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]

System for connection channel adaption using robotic automation
Patent No. 10972954

Inventor(s): Donald Joseph Cardinal (Celina, TX)
Assignee(s): BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION (Charlotte, NC)
Law Firm: Moore Van Allen PLLC (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16776873 on 01/30/2020 (432 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system for connection channel adaption using robotic automation is provided. The system comprising a first processing device configured to: establish a first communication channel with a user device associated with the user; receive, via the first communication channel, a first user input from the user on the user device for interacting with an entity platform; train a robotic process automation module based on the first user input, wherein the robotic process automation module is trained to execute the first user input on the entity platform via one or more communication channels; based on detecting the termination of the first communication channel, automatically establish the second communication channel with the user device; and execute the first user input on the entity platform, wherein the robotic process automation module simulates the first user input with a user interface by interacting directly with a presentation layer of the entity platform.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

System and method for coverage enhancements of broadcast channels
Patent No. 10973003

Inventor(s): Ying Li (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Suwon-si, , KR)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16449266 on 06/21/2019 (655 days app to issue)

Abstract: A base station transmits and a UE detects broadcast information when the UE operates in a Coverage Enhancement (CE) mode. The base station transmits repetitions of signaling conveying broadcast information in one or more subframes of each frame in a quadruple of frames. The transmission is intermittent in time. To detect the broadcast information, the UE blindly combines and decodes the repetitions of signaling assuming their existence. The base station informs the pattern for the intermittent transmissions of the signaling to UEs connected to the base station or to other base stations.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Wireless device preferred bandwidth part configuration and duty cycle indication
Patent No. 10973008

Inventor(s): Yang Li (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Apple Inc. (Cupertino, CA)
Law Firm: Kowert, Hood, Munyon, Rankin Goetzel, P.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16186350 on 11/09/2018 (879 days app to issue)

Abstract: This disclosure relates to techniques for a wireless device to indicate a preferred bandwidth part and duty cycle in a cellular communication system. A wireless device and a cellular base station may establish a radio resource control connection. The wireless device may transmit an indication of a preferred bandwidth part, or a preferred communication duty cycle, or both, to the cellular base station. The cellular base station may select a bandwidth part, or communication duty cycle, or both, based at least in part on the indication provided by the wireless device, and may transmit an indication of the selected bandwidth part, communication duty cycle, or both, to the wireless device. The cellular base station and the wireless device may perform cellular communication using the selected bandwidth part, communication duty cycle, or both.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

TDM transmission for inter-RAT dual connectivity UE
Patent No. 10973070

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for a wireless device to perform substantially concurrent communications with a next generation network node and a legacy network node. The wireless device may be configured to establish a first wireless link with a first cell according to a RAT, where the first cell operates in a first system bandwidth and establish a second wireless link with a second cell according to a RAT, where the second cell operates in a second system bandwidth. Further, the wireless device may be configured to perform uplink activity for both the first RAT and the second RAT by TDM uplink data for the first RAT and uplink data for the second RAT if uplink activity is scheduled according to both the first RAT and the second RAT.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Indium-based interface structures, apparatus, and methods for forming the same
Patent No. 10973114

Inventor(s): Fernando Ortiz (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): L3 Technologies, Inc. (New York, NY)
Law Firm: Egan, Enders Huston LLP. (10 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16173523 on 10/29/2018 (890 days app to issue)

Abstract: Indium-based interface systems, structures, and methods for forming the same are provided. The disclosed indium-based interfaces may be formed as solid structures between two solid surfaces by providing a solid indium-based material between the two surfaces, and heating the indium-based material above its melting point while in contact with each of the two surfaces to cause the indium-based material to reflow or otherwise liquefy between the two surfaces. The indium-based material may then be cooled below its melting point to form a solid interface material structure that is positioned between and in contact with each of the surfaces.

[H05K] PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS (details of instruments or comparable details of other apparatus not otherwise provided for G12B; thin-film or thick-film circuits H01L 27/01, H01L 27/13; non-printed means for electric connections to or between printed circuits H01R; casings for, or constructional details of, particular types of apparatus, see the relevant subclasses; processes involving only a single technical art, e.g. heating, spraying, for which provision exists elsewhere, see the relevant classes)

Electronic component removal device
Patent No. 10973161

Inventor(s): Bill Steadman (Richardson, TX), Brad S. Williams (Mckinney, TX), Marco Ordonez (Richardson, TX), Yoram Baxter (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): Raytheon Company (Waltham, MA)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15406491 on 01/13/2017 (1544 days app to issue)

Abstract: An electronic component removal device comprising a cutting wire routed through a cutting region configured to receive an electronic component coupled to a substrate. The electronic component removal device can also include a leading actuator coupled to a leading end of the cutting wire to cause movement of the cutting wire in a cutting direction at a cutting speed. The electronic component removal device can further include a trailing resistance device coupled to a trailing end of the cutting wire to resist movement of the cutting wire in the cutting direction with a variable resistance. In addition, the electronic component removal device can include a leading tension sensor to sense a leading tension in the cutting wire between the cutting region and the leading actuator. The trailing resistance device can resist movement of the cutting wire with a resistance that varies based on the leading tension in the cutting wire.

DESIGN PATENTS

Wallet
Patent No. D915066

Inventor(s): John Blackrock (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): RTW GOODS LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Widerman Malek, PL (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29653734 on 06/18/2018 (1023 days app to issue)