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 May 11, 2021| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

125 patents granted Ranked No. 10 in patent production out of 250 metros

NO. OF PATENTS BY CLASSIFICATION

A: HUMAN NECESSITIES 15
B: PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING 11
C: CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
F: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING 4
E: FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS 3
G: PHYSICS 48
H: ELECTRICITY 35
DESIGN: 6

TOP ASSIGNEES (NO. OF PATENTS)

Texas Instruments Inc. (Dallas) 21
Sandisk Technologies (Addison) 7
Alcon Inc. (Fribourg, CH) 4
Capital One Services LLC (McLean, VA, US) 4
Futurewei Technologies Inc. (Plano) 4
Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano) 4
7-Eleven Inc. (Irving) 2
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (Fort Worth) 2
Doskocil Manufacturing Co. Inc. (Arlington) 2

UNASSIGNED 12

TOP LOCAL INVENTORS (NO. OF PATENTS)

Xin Hong (Fort Worth) 3
David Gerard Ledet (Allen) 2
Kumaran Vijayasankar (Allen) 2
Mohamad Bilal (Little Elm) 2
Myoung-Taek Choi (Arlington) 2
Sailesh Bharathwaaj Krishnamurthy (Irving) 2
Shahmeer Ali Mirza (Celina) 2
Yueai Liu (Arlington) 2

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Patent information is provided by Joe Chiarella, founder of patent analytics company Patent Index and publisher of The Inventiveness Index. For additional details on the patents granted below, search the USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database.

UTILITY PATENTS

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

Underground fertilizing system for irrigation system
Patent No. 10999968

Inventor(s): Danny Cooper (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16533394 on 08/06/2019 (644 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method for applying hydro-mulch and hydro-seed products stored underground through an irrigation system includes a first irrigation system, a second irrigation system, and a storage tank at least partially located underground, the storage tank being in fluid connection with the second irrigation system, wherein the storage tank is configured for storing and supplying the hydro-mulch and hydro-seed products to the second irrigation system.

[A01C] PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING (combined with general working of soil A01B 49/04; parts, details or accessories of agricultural machines or implements, in general A01B 51/00-A01B 75/00)

Volumetric budget based irrigation control
Patent No. 10999983

Inventor(s): Blake Snider (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): Rain Bird Corporation (Azusa, CA)
Law Firm: Fitch, Even, Tabin Flannery LLP (5 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16812040 on 03/06/2020 (431 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems, processes and/or methods of controlling irrigation. In some embodiments, methods are provided that receive ([b]4112[/b]) water usage information corresponding to a first volumetric water usage at a site location having an irrigation controller ([b]130[/b]), wherein the first volumetric water usage corresponds to volumetric water usage from a beginning of a budget period of time to a first time within the budget period of time; determine ([b]4114[/b]) automatically whether a volumetric water budget at the site location will be met for the budget period of time based on at least the first volumetric water usage, the volumetric water budget corresponding to a specified volume of water for use during the budget period of time; determine ([b]4116[/b]) automatically, in the event the volumetric water budget will not be met, an adjustment to the irrigation by the irrigation controller; and output ([b]4118[/b]) signaling to effect the adjustment.

[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)

Latching mechanism for pet enclosure
Patent No. 11000009

Inventor(s): David Link (Costa Mesa, CA), Hongkun Liang (Zhongshan, , CN)
Assignee(s): DOSKOCIL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. (Arlington, TX)
Law Firm: Global IP Counselors, LLP (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15085254 on 03/30/2016 (1868 days app to issue)

Abstract: A latching mechanism having a camming surface to engage the latching mechanism without human intervention when a door is traversed from an opened position to a closed position is disclosed. Other latching mechanisms are also disclosed. The latching mechanism may also be rotatable to engage the latching mechanism and prevent opening of the door from the closed position.

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

Equine support boot with v-shaped sling strap
Patent No. 11000011

Inventor(s): Stephen Coder (Godley, TX)
Assignee(s): PRO EQUINE GROUP, INC. (Deerfield, IL)
Law Firm: KL Gates L.L.P (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15225295 on 08/01/2016 (1744 days app to issue)

Abstract: An embodiment of the disclosed equine support boot comprises a base portion, at least one upper strap, and a v-shaped sling strap attached to a top section of the base portion, the sling strap being configured to pull the fetlock joint towards the attachment point to apply an upward force on the leg thus decreasing tensile stress in a localized area. In this embodiment, the disclosed equine support boot represents an improvement over known equine support boots because in known boots, sling straps rap horizontally around the horse’’s leg and thus do not provide an upward vertical force on the fetlock joint of the horse’’s leg. The use of a v-shaped sling strap in embodiments of the disclosed boot enables the straps themselves to apply an upward force toward the attachment point of the v-shaped strap when the boot is mounted on the horse’’s leg.

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

Edible pet chew and method of preparing
Patent No. 11000016

Inventor(s): Anthony Lawlor (New Haven, CT)
Assignee(s): DOSKOCIL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. (Arlington, TX)
Law Firm: Global IP Counselors, LLP (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16250406 on 01/17/2019 (845 days app to issue)

Abstract: An edible pet chew is made from processed rawhide and water comprising protein in the range of about 55 to 80 wt. %; fat in the range of about 1 to 5 wt. %; and water content in the range of about 10 to 30 wt. %. Optionally, the chew contains edible glycerin in the range of about 3 to 8 wt. %. The product is pliable and has a density of less than about 1.0 g/cc.

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

System and method of tying a shoelace
Patent No. 11000096

Inventor(s): Lana Hamilton (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16132711 on 09/17/2018 (967 days app to issue)

Abstract: A frame for tying a shoelace comprises one or more protrusions and one or more apertures. At least one of the one or more apertures of the frame comprises a diameter operable to receive a first end of the shoelace. The one or more protrusions of the frame are positioned about the at least one of the one or more apertures of the frame and the one or more protrusions of the frame are operable to engage the shoelace and resist movement of the shoelace within the at least one aperture of the frame.

[A43C] FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS FOR FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL

Portable grill having low-temperature exterior casing
Patent No. 11000155

Inventor(s): Cameron Mills Leggett (Dallas, TX), John Joseph Veatch, III (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Nomad Grills, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Thompson Patent Law (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16265639 on 02/01/2019 (830 days app to issue)

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a highly portable grill having an outer casing enclosing an inner cook box that acts as a heatsink to dissipate thermal energy, the outer casing being mechanically attached to the inner cook box at attachment points that function as thermal chokepoints for controlled conduction of thermal energy. In an illustrative example, the inner cook box may be mechanically attached to the outer casing via complementary screws and bosses to provide a limited thermal conduction pathway. The inner cook box may include a plurality of fins for added thermal energy dissipation. The outer casing may include a plurality of convection apertures to facilitate convective flow of thermal energy from the inner cook box to an external ambient environment. A limited thermal conduction pathway may beneficially allow the outer casing to be safe-to-touch while the inner cook box is still in use.

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

Below table sanitary system and method of use
Patent No. 11000160

Inventor(s): Romell K. Jackson (Duncanville, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Leavitt Eldredge Law Firm (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16352370 on 03/13/2019 (790 days app to issue)

Abstract: A combination of a fluid dispenser and a table includes the table having a top surface and a bottom surface; the fluid dispenser having a base with a base top surface and a base bottom surface, the base top surface to secure flat against the bottom surface of the table, the base further having a first rail extending at least a partial length of the first side and a second rail extending at least a partial length of the second side; a body forming an interior area, the body having a first lip and a second lip to slidingly engage with the first rail and the second rail, thereby securing the base and the body together; a pump in communication with the interior area; a button engaged with the pump; and an opening extending into the interior area.

[A47K] SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR (connecting to water supply or waste pipe, sinks E03C; water-closets E03D); TOILET ACCESSORIES (cosmetic equipment A45D)

Blood collection tube holder with discharge needle displacement member
Patent No. 11000217

Inventor(s): Mark Small (Heavener, OK), Thomas J. Shaw (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Retractable Technologies, Inc. (Little Elm, TX)
Law Firm: Monty L Ross PLLC (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15277259 on 09/27/2016 (1687 days app to issue)

Abstract: A medical device configured as a blood collection tube holder, the device having a body with two spaced-apart, oppositely facing, coaxially aligned needles including a forwardly facing venipuncture needle and a rearwardly facing fluid discharge needle, the two needles being held by first and second needle holders separated by a compressible fluid seal defining part of a fluid path between the two needles and the two needle holders. The body also includes a discharge needle displacement member that is manually repositioned following removal of the last blood tube holder so that the discharge needle displacement member contacts the second needle holder and displaces the second needle holder and the fluid discharge needle laterally inside the body to initiate retraction of the venipuncture needle into a rearwardly projecting needle retraction chamber.

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

Multifocal ophthalmic lens having chromatic aberration correction
Patent No. 11000361

Inventor(s): Xin Hong (Fort Worth, TX), Xin Wei (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Alcon Inc. (Fribourg, , CH)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16536567 on 08/09/2019 (641 days app to issue)

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens includes an optic comprising an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and an optical axis. At least one of the anterior surface and the posterior surface has a surface profile including a base curvature, a refractive region having the base curvature, and a diffractive region comprising a diffractive profile including a plurality of diffractive steps. At least a portion of the diffractive profile constitutes a combination of a base diffractive profile defining multiple foci for the ophthalmic lens and an achromatizing structure that reduces longitudinal chromatic aberrations.

[A61F] FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, E.G. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS (dental prosthetics A61C) [2006.01]

Accommodating intraocular lens devices, systems, and methods using an opaque frame
Patent No. 11000363

Inventor(s): Costin E. Curatu (Crowley, TX), John A. Campin (Southlake, TX)
Assignee(s): Alcon Inc. (Fribourg, , CH)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15584137 on 05/02/2017 (1470 days app to issue)

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implantable accommodative IOL system for insertion into an eye of a patient, the system comprising: an optical element and a housing including an opaque frame. The optical element comprises an optical lens having variable optical power, and the opaque frame is circumferentially disposed around a periphery of the optical element.

Multifocal diffractive ophthalmic lens using suppressed diffractive order
Patent No. 11000365

Inventor(s): Myoung-Taek Choi (Arlington, TX), Xin Hong (Fort Worth, TX), Yueai Liu (Arlington, TX)
Assignee(s): Alcon Inc. (Fribourg, , CH)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16371395 on 04/01/2019 (771 days app to issue)

Abstract: A multifocal ophthalmic lens includes an ophthalmic lens and a diffractive element. The ophthalmic lens has a base curvature corresponding to a base power. The diffractive element produces constructive interference in at least four consecutive diffractive orders corresponding a range of vision between near and distance vision. The constructive interference produces a near focus, a distance focus corresponding to the base power of the ophthalmic lens, and an intermediate focus between the near focus and the distance focus. A diffraction efficiency of at least one of the diffractive orders is suppressed to less than ten percent.

Multifocal diffractive ophthalmic lens
Patent No. 11000366

Intraocular lens injector
Patent No. 11000367

Inventor(s): Douglas Brent Wensrich (Bedford, TX), Jyoti Bhatia (Arlington, TX), Kyle Brown (Fort Worth, TX), Todd Taber (Fort Worth, TX), Tu Cam Tran (Grapevine, TX), Yinghui Wu (Cedar Hill, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15839016 on 12/12/2017 (1246 days app to issue)

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for implanting an intraocular lens into an eye are described. For example, an intraocular lens injector may include a passage formed in a distal end portion of the intraocular lens injector. The passage may define an interior surface, and one or more rails may be formed on the interior surface so as to displace an optic of an intraocular lens (IOL) being advanced through the passage towards a portion of the interior surface disposed opposite the one or more rails.

Acetabular surgical implant for segmental pelvic defect and methods of use and manufacture
Patent No. 11000378

Inventor(s): Jorge Casas-Ganem (Dallas, TX), Joshua Haney (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Surgical Device Innovations, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Polsinelli PC (Local + 15 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15431952 on 02/14/2017 (1547 days app to issue)

Abstract: A medical device, i.e., an acetabular surgical implant, for a segmental acetabular defect with pelvic discontinuity that is installable and fully functional without any need for any intermediary implant such as a surgical cage or a surgical shell. The surgical implant includes a hemispherical cup with a plurality of equidistant apertures extending through the cup, and a ribbed, elongated stress-diffusion element, i.e., a stem, extending from the cup. The stem is formed to extend from and be oriented with respect to the cup based on whether the surgical implant is to be used on a left side of the patient, i.e., a left acetabulum, or a right side of the patient, i.e., a right acetabulum, for reconstruction of the segmental acetabular defect.

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

Field processing natural gas for sulfur recovery with dynamically adjustable flow rate control
Patent No. 11000798

Inventor(s): Billy G Clark (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): STREAMLINE INNOVATIONS, INC. (San Antonio, TX)
Law Firm: Anderson Gorecki LLP (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16425270 on 05/29/2019 (713 days app to issue)

Abstract: A dynamically adjustable rate sulfur recovery process continuously calculates and adjusts sour gas stream operating pressure and/or flow rate to maximize sweet gas output, thereby improving efficiency. A corresponding desulfurization system may include a fixed-sized pressure vessel, a flow control valve that controls the rate of flow of a sour gas stream into the pressure vessel, a sensor that measures sulfur concentration in the sour gas stream, a reagent tank, an oxidizer tank, and a phase separator that separates sweet gas as a gaseous phase after hydrogen sulfide in the sour gas stream in the pressure vessel is converted to elemental sulfur, sulfur species, or both by contact with reagent from the reagent tank and oxidizer from the oxidizer tank. A PLC (programmable logic controller) continuously calculates updated flow rates based on sulfur concentration measurements from the sensor to achieve maximum sweet gas production.

[B01D] SEPARATION (separating solids from solids by wet methods B03B, B03D, by pneumatic jigs or tables B03B, by other dry methods B07; magnetic or electrostatic separation of solid materials from solid materials or fluids, separation by high-voltage electric fields B03C; centrifuges B04B; vortex apparatus B04C; presses per se for squeezing-out liquid from liquid-containing material B30B 9/02) [5]

Multi-axis centrifuge
Patent No. 11000858

Inventor(s): Robert S. Patrick (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Cionca IP Law P.C. (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15949089 on 04/10/2018 (1127 days app to issue)

Abstract: A centrifuge has a mechanical drive coupled to a capsule rotatable simultaneously about mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. A stationary base has a first motor driving a centrally located hub in rotation about the Z axis. The hub has a pair of colinear arms and a pair of struts extending from the arms to support an outer ring. An inner ring is positioned concentric with the outer ring and a second motor is engaged with both the outer ring and inner ring so that it is enabled for rotating the inner ring relative to the outer ring. A third motor is engaged with both the inner ring and the capsule for rotating said capsule relative to the inner ring. The simultaneous rotation of the capsule about all three axes is therefore possible.

[B04B] CENTRIFUGES (high-speed drum mills B02C 19/11)

Stabilized transient liquid phase metal bonding material for hermetic wafer level packaging of MEMS devices
Patent No. 11000915

Inventor(s): John Charles Ehmke (Garland, TX), Simon Joshua Jacobs (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15087120 on 03/31/2016 (1867 days app to issue)

Abstract: In described examples, a transient liquid phase (TLP) metal bonding material includes a first substrate and a base metal layer. The base metal layer is disposed over at least a portion of the first substrate. The base metal has a surface roughness (Ra) of between about 0.001 to 500 nm. Also, the TLP metal bonding material includes a first terminal metal layer that forms an external surface of the TLP metal bonding material. A metal fuse layer is positioned between the base metal layer and the first terminal metal layer. The TLP metal bonding material is stable at room temperature for at least a predetermined period of time.

[B23K] SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM (making metal-coated products by extruding metal B21C 23/22; building up linings or coverings by casting B22D 19/08; casting by dipping B22D 23/04; manufacture of composite layers by sintering metal powder B22F 7/00; arrangements on machine tools for copying or controlling B23Q; covering metals or covering materials with metals, not otherwise provided for C23C; burners F23D)

Child safety in a vehicle alert system and method
Patent No. 11001227

Inventor(s): Jason Davis (Lancaster, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Foley Lardner LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16565015 on 09/09/2019 (610 days app to issue)

Abstract: An alert system to assist in child safety in a vehicle includes a seat belt buckle insert adapted to be inserted between the male and female parts of a standard safety belt found in most automobiles or for a child car safety seat. It may also include a portable receiver device designed to be carried by a vehicle operator. The seat belt buckle insert detects whether the seat belt has been buckled and the temperature is within an acceptable range, as well as the approximate distance between the seat belt buckle insert and portable receiver device. The seat belt buckle transmits information gathered to the portable receiver device and triggers alerts notifying the vehicle operator of a child’’s safety status.

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

Hybrid light weight rotorcraft hub trunnions
Patent No. 11001369

Inventor(s): Michael Dearman (Weatherford, TX), Tyler Wayne Baldwin (Keller, TX)
Assignee(s): Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Fogarty LLP (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15942707 on 04/02/2018 (1135 days app to issue)

Abstract: A light weight hybrid torque transfer joint trunnion has an integral metal hub spline fitting oriented on a center axis. This integral metal hub spline fitting may be made of steel, aluminum, titanium, or the like and may be generally cylindrical. The integral metal hub spline fitting defines an integral central internally-splined mast or driveshaft coupling opening centered about the center axis. A composite material body centrally retains, and is cured to, the metal hub spline fitting. Torque transfer joint link attachment pins extend from the composite material body and are rigidly linked to the metal hub spline fitting. In an example constant-velocity joint, a plurality of pivoting linkages may each be rotatably coupled to the torque transfer joint link attachment pins, and each of the plurality of pivoting linkages may, in turn be secured to a rotor yoke configured to mount a plurality of rotorcraft blades.

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

System and method for adjustable ballast
Patent No. 11001373

Inventor(s): Derek William Heard (Fort Worth, TX), Joshua Andrew Emrich (Grapevine, TX), Nathan Craig Clark (Arlington, TX), Ralph Michael Gannarelli (Keller, TX), Richard Theodore Perryman (Fort Worth, TX), Yann Lavallee (St-Hippolyte,
Assignee(s): Bell Textron Inc. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley Norton, LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16555515 on 08/29/2019 (621 days app to issue)

Abstract: A movable ballast system for an aircraft includes first and second ballast docks secured to the aircraft. The first ballast dock includes a first housing and a first ballast tray secured within the first housing. The first ballast tray includes a plurality of channels. The second ballast dock is positioned aft of a CG of the aircraft and includes a second housing and a second ballast tray secured within the second housing. The second ballast tray includes a plurality of channels. The movable ballast system includes a plurality of movable ballasts, each movable ballast of the plurality of movable ballasts being configured to fit within at least one channel of each of the plurality of channels of the first and second ballast trays.

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

Hybrid power systems for aircraft
Patent No. 11001384

Inventor(s): Troy C. Schank (Keller, TX)
Assignee(s): Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Timmer Law Group, PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15722672 on 10/02/2017 (1317 days app to issue)

Abstract: A hybrid power system for a vertical takeoff and landing (‘’VTOL’’) aircraft including a first power source operable to provide a power output for at least a forward flight mode; and a second power source configured to provide a high specific power output for an altitude adjustment flight mode, the second power source including an auxiliary gas generator coupled to a turbine and a drive system. In other aspects, there is provided a VTOL aircraft and methods for providing power to a VTOL aircraft.

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

Tear resistant nanofiber sheet
Patent No. 11001950

Inventor(s): Marcio D. Lima (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): LINTEC OF AMERICA, INC. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Greenblum Bernstein, P.L.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16364955 on 03/26/2019 (777 days app to issue)

Abstract: One or more nanofiber yarns can be placed in contact with one or more nanofiber sheets. The nanofiber yarns, which include single-ply and multi-ply nanofiber yarns, provide added mechanical stability to a nanofiber sheet that decreases the likelihood of a nanofiber sheet wrinkling, folding, or otherwise becoming stuck to itself. Furthermore, the nanofiber yarns integrated with the nanofiber sheet can also act as a mechanism to prevent the propagation of tears through the nanofiber sheet. In some cases, an infiltrating material can be infiltrated into interstitial spaces defined by the nanofibers within both the nanofiber yarns and the nanofiber sheets. The infiltrating material can then form a continuous network throughout the nanofiber yarns and the nanofiber sheet.

[B32B] LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM

Roofing material
Patent No. 11002015

Inventor(s): Margie A. Beerer (Ennis, TX), Matti Kiik (Richardson, TX), Paul G. Wilson (Waxahachie, TX)
Assignee(s): BUILDING MATERIALS INVESTMENT CORPORATION (Wilmington, DE)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16680263 on 11/11/2019 (547 days app to issue)

Abstract: A roofing material is provided having an asphalt-coated mat or felt made up of or in combinations of fiberglass, polyester, nylon, cotton, cellulosic fibers or materials, polyethylene, polypropylene, co-polymers, melamine, phenolic, acrylics, polycarbonate, carbon fiber, clay, metallic in woven, non-woven, strands or sheets, styrene compounds, rubber, silk, leather, or wool in a woven, non-woven, or solid form. The surfacing materials can be made up of or in combination minerals, plastic particles or film, metal particles or film, cement particles, clay particles, paints, coatings, glass, ceramics, wood, wood fiber, or composite materials.

[B32B] LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM

Hybrid rotor shaft for a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft
Patent No. 11002309

Inventor(s): Bryan Kenneth Baskin (Arlington, TX)
Assignee(s): LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION (Bethesda, MD)
Law Firm: Foley Lardner LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16051146 on 07/31/2018 (1015 days app to issue)

Abstract: A rotor shaft for a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft having a rotor system includes a body having a first end connectable to the rotor system, a second end, and an intermediate portion defining an outer surface and an inner surface extending between the first end and the second end. The body is formed from a first material. A stiffness enhancing layer is applied to one of the outer surface and the inner surface. The stiffness enhancing layer includes a second material other than the first material. The second material has a modulus of elasticity that is about 16E6 psi (116 GPa) or greater.

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

Low temperature sub-nanometer periodic stack dielectrics
Patent No. 11004612

Inventor(s): Chunya Wu (Plano, TX), Deborah Jean Riley (Murphy, TX), Jesus Israel Mejia Silva (Frisco, TX), Yuanning Chen (Plano, TX), Yun-Ju Lee (Fairborn, OH)
Assignee(s): MicroSol Technologies Inc. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Foley Lardner LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16354134 on 03/14/2019 (789 days app to issue)

Abstract: MIM capacitors using low temperature sub-nanometer periodic stack dielectrics (SN-PSD) containing repeating units of alternating high dielectric constant materials sublayer and low leakage dielectric sublayer are provided. Every sublayer has thickness less than 1 nm (sub nanometer). The high dielectric constant materials could be one or more different materials. The low leakage dielectric materials could be one or more different materials. For the SN-PSD containing more than two different materials, those materials are deposited in sequence with the leakage current of the materials from the lowest to the highest and then back to the second-lowest, or with the energy band gap of the materials from the widest to the narrowest and then back to the second widest in each periodic cell. A layer of low leakage current dielectric materials is deposited on and/or under SN-PSD. The dielectric constant of SN-PSD is much larger than that of the component oxides and can be readily deposited at 250 C. using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The ALD deposition cycle could be 20-1000 cycles. The deposition technology is not limited to ALD, could be thermal oxidation, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and other thermal source assisted deposition.

[B32B] LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM

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

Smart water system
Patent No. 11001509

Inventor(s): Michael J. Schuster (Shorewood, IL)
Assignee(s): Danco, Inc. (Irving, TX)
Law Firm: Thomas | Horstemeyer, LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16658698 on 10/21/2019 (568 days app to issue)

Abstract: Various examples are provided for smart water systems. In one example, a method for providing water through a faucet includes detecting a voice request from a user; providing an indication of the voice request to control circuitry of an electrically operated valve coupled to a water supply line of the faucet; and activating the electrically operated valve to provide water through the faucet. In another example, a method includes detecting a request for water from a user; providing an indication of the request to control circuitry of an electrically operated valve coupled to a water supply line of the faucet; and activating the electrically operated valve to provide a specified amount of water through the faucet.

[C02F] TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE (processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless, or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances A62D 3/00; separation, settling tanks or filter devices B01D; special arrangements on waterborne vessels of installations for treating water, waste water or sewage, e.g. for producing fresh water, B63J; adding materials to water to prevent corrosion C23F; treating radioactively-contaminated liquids G21F 9/04) [3]

Methods for treatment and purification of oil and gas produced water
Patent No. 11001518

Inventor(s): Brenna D. Villines (Mansfield, TX), Kenneth M. Yates (Keller, TX)
Assignee(s): Rio Resources LLC (New Braunfels, TX)
Law Firm: Pizarro Allen PC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16789142 on 02/12/2020 (454 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of treating oil and gas produced water may include: receiving produced water from one or more wells; separating an aqueous portion of the produced water from oil and solids included in the produced water in order to provide recovered water; performing anaerobic bio-digestion of organic matter included in the produced water using a biomass mixture of anaerobic bacteria obtained from a plurality of wells; aerating the recovered water in order to promote metal precipitation; and performing aerobic bio-digestion of organic matter present in the recovered water. Some embodiments may also include one or more of anoxic equalization, filtration, pasteurization, reverse osmosis, and biocide treatment of the recovered water. The recovered water may be used for oil and gas well fracking and/or land and stream application. Other methods of treating oil and gas produced water are also described.

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

Process for assembling a unitized panel for use within an exterior dynamic curtain wall assembly
Patent No. 11002007

Inventor(s): Arndt Andresen (North Richland Hills, TX), Chad Stroike (Roanoke, TX), Nathan Jennings (Little Elm, TX)
Assignee(s): Hilti Aktiengesellschaft (Schaan, , LI)
Law Firm: Grneberg and Myers, PLLC (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15929347 on 04/28/2020 (378 days app to issue)

Abstract: Described is an approved dynamic construction for effectively thermally insulating and sealing of a safing slot between a floor of a building and an exterior wall construction wherein the exterior wall construction comprises a curtain wall configuration defined by an interior wall glass surface including one or more aluminum framing members. In particular, a process for assembling a unitized panel for use within an exterior dynamic curtain wall assembly, which includes glass, especially vision glass extending to the finished floor level below, is described as well as a unitized panel assembled according to said process and its installation to improve fire stopping at the safing slot.

[E04B] GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS (border constructions of openings in walls, floors, or ceilings E06B 1/00)

Energetic perforator fill and delay method
Patent No. 11002119

Inventor(s): Brenden Michael Grove (Mansfield, TX), Jason Paul Metzger (Joshua, TX), Richard Ellis Robey (Mansfield, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16568625 on 09/12/2019 (607 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and apparatus according to which a perforating gun includes a first detonation train and a second detonation train. The first detonation train is detonable to perforate a wellbore proximate a subterranean formation. The first detonation train includes a first detonating fuse and a perforating charge ballistically connected to the first detonating fuse. The second detonation train is detonable to increase an internal energy of the perforating gun after detonation of at least a portion of the first detonation train. The second detonation train includes a second detonating fuse ballistically connected to the first detonating fuse. In some embodiments, increasing the internal energy of the perforating gun after detonating the at least a portion of the first detonation train decreases and/or delays pressure drawdown within the wellbore.

[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]

Determining downhole properties with sensor array
Patent No. 11002130

Inventor(s): Luke William Holderman (Dallas, TX), Michael Linley Fripp (Carrollton, TX), Thomas Jules Frosell (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Polsinelli PC (Local + 15 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15755440 on 02/12/2018 (1184 days app to issue)

Abstract: A spoolable array of sensors may be deployed within a wellbore and external a tubular string for measuring properties of a fluid in the central flow passage of the tubular string. A flow port may be made in the tubular string passing from the central flow passage to the external surface. Sensors of the spoolable array of sensors may be covered with a shroud and placed proximate the flow port, or such sensors may be isolated in a zone with packers along with the flow port. The spoolable array of sensors may additionally obtain pressure data to calculate a flow rate from a production zone. The spoolable array of sensors may also be employed in a non-flowing wellbore for monitoring nearby wellbores.

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

Carbon negative clean fuel production system
Patent No. 11002255

Inventor(s): Scott D. Lowry (Celina, TX)
Assignee(s): Lowry Inheritors Trust (Celina, TX)
Law Firm: IDP Patent Services (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16546013 on 08/20/2019 (630 days app to issue)

Abstract: A carbon negative clean fuel production system includes: a main platform; a heat collection device for capturing heat from a hydrothermal emissions from a hydrothermal vent on a floor of an ocean; a heat driven electric generator; a heat distribution system including a heat absorbing material and a heat transporting pipe; anchor platforms tethered to the main platform; a mineral separator; a seawater filtration unit; a water splitting device; a sand refinery machine; a carbon removal system; and a chemical production system for producing hydrides, halides and silane. Also disclosed is a method for carbon negative clean fuel production, including: capturing heat; producing electric energy; separating minerals; filtering seawater; splitting water; refining sand; removing carbon dioxide; and producing hydrides, halides, and silane.

[F03G] SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA, OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER-PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR (arrangements in connection with power supply in vehicles from force of nature B60K 16/00; electric propulsion with power supply in vehicles from force of nature B60L 8/00)

Electric starter
Patent No. 11002447

Inventor(s): Tripp Roden (Keller, TX)
Assignee(s): TYL, Inc. (Forth Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein Fox P.L.L.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15165843 on 05/26/2016 (1811 days app to issue)

Abstract: An electric starter is disclosed, for lighting solid fuel such as charcoal or wood. The lighter includes a handle and a heating element coupled to the handle. The heating element may include multiple ignition layers vertically spaced apart.

[F23Q] IGNITION (devices for igniting matches A24F; chemical igniters C06C 9/00); EXTINGUISHING DEVICES

Detection of refrigerant side faults
Patent No. 11002454

Inventor(s): Amita Brahme (Dallas, TX), Umesh Gokhale (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): Lennox Industries Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16519212 on 07/23/2019 (658 days app to issue)

Abstract: An HVAC system includes a controller communicatively coupled to a subcool sensor, an outdoor temperature sensor, a compressor, and a blower of the HVAC system. For a first period of time, the controller periodically determines subcool values. For each determined subcool value, a corresponding compressor speed, outdoor temperature, and blower speed are determined. A baseline database is generated with baseline values associated with normal operation of the HVAC system. Following the first period of time, subcool values are determined based on the subcool signal. For each subcool value, a corresponding compressor speed, outdoor temperature, and blower speed are determined. The controller determines whether each subcool value satisfies a criteria based on the baseline database. If the criteria are not satisfied for at least a threshold time, the system is determined to be operating under a fault condition, and a corresponding alert is transmitted.

[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)

Refrigeration system with evaporator temperature sensor failure detection and related methods
Patent No. 11002475

Inventor(s): Charles M. Louis (Fort Worth, TX), Steven T. Jackson (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. (Glenview, IL)
Law Firm: Thompson Hine LLP (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16426072 on 05/30/2019 (712 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of automatically controlling a refrigerated device that includes a refrigeration system with an evaporator and an evaporator temperature sensor involves: (a) monitoring an output of the evaporator temperature sensor; (b) based upon monitored temperatures from (a), identifying when a rate of change in temperature indicated by the evaporator temperature sensor satisfies a set rate of change condition and determining if the temperature indicated by the evaporator temperature sensor when the rate of change satisfies to the set rate of change condition is consistent with a predefined expected temperature condition; (c) if the temperature indicated by the evaporator temperature sensor is consistent with the predefined expected temperature condition, taking a first refrigeration control action; and (d) if the temperature indicated by the evaporator temperature sensor is not consistent with the predefined expected temperature condition, taking a second refrigeration control action that is different than the first refrigeration control action.

[F25D] REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT COVERED BY ANY OTHER SUBCLASS (refrigerated showcases A47F 3/04; thermally-insulated vessels for domestic use A47J 41/00; refrigerated vehicles, see the appropriate subclasses of classes B60-B64; containers with thermal insulation in general B65D 81/38; 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; thermally-insulated vessels for liquefied or solidified gases F17C; air-conditioning or air-humidification F24F; refrigeration machines, plants, or systems F25B; cooling of instruments or comparable apparatus without refrigeration G12B; cooling of engines or pumps, see the relevant classes)

P H Y S I C S

Systems and methods for determining a location of a vehicle within a structure
Patent No. 11002546

Inventor(s): Akshata Dundi Mohan (Addison, TX), Brian M. Kursar (Fairview, TX), Christian Gilles Claudel (Austin, TX), Nimish Kumar Amlathe (Plano, TX), Raja Shekar Kilaru (Addison, TX), Toshikazu Tanaka (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): Toyota Connected North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Darrow Mustafa PC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16376724 on 04/05/2019 (767 days app to issue)

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to determining a location of a vehicle within a structure. In one embodiment, a method includes collecting, from at least one sensor in the vehicle, sensor data that indicates information associated with control of the vehicle in the structure. The method includes classifying gradients along a path of the vehicle through the structure according to the sensor data. The method includes identifying traversed levels of the structure along the path according to the gradients. The method includes providing the location including at least an indicator of the traversed levels as an electronic output.

[G01C] MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY (measuring liquid level G01F; radio navigation, determining distance or velocity by use of propagation effects, e.g. Doppler effect, propagation time, of radio waves, analogous arrangements using other waves G01S)

Systems and methods using artificial intelligence for routing electric vehicles
Patent No. 11002557

Inventor(s): Robert D. Pedersen (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 17087412 on 11/02/2020 (190 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention provides specific systems, methods and algorithms based on artificial intelligence expert system technology for determination of preferred routes of travel for electric vehicles (EVs). The systems, methods and algorithms provide such route guidance for battery-operated EVs in-route to a desired destination, but lacking sufficient battery energy to reach the destination from the current location of the EV. The systems and methods of the present invention disclose use of one or more specifically programmed computer machines with artificial intelligence expert system battery energy management and navigation route control. Such specifically programmed computer machines may be located in the EV and/or cloud-based or remote computer/data processing systems for the determination of preferred routes of travel, including intermediate stops at designated battery charging or replenishing stations. Expert system algorithms operating on combinations of expert defined parameter subsets for route selection are disclosed. Specific fuzzy logic methods are also disclosed based on defined potential route parameters with fuzzy logic determination of crisp numerical values for multiple potential routes and comparison of those crisp numerical values for selection of a particular route. Application of the present invention systems and methods to autonomous or driver-less EVs is also disclosed.

Navigation application providing supplemental navigation information
Patent No. 11002559

Inventor(s): David Gerard Ledet (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): OPEN INVENTION NETWORK LLC (Durham, NC)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16424301 on 05/28/2019 (714 days app to issue)

Abstract: Navigation applications may utilize various input data to determine various navigation routes. One example method of operating may include providing at least one navigation instruction to a navigation device via a navigation application, detecting the at least one instruction via a detection application, obtaining an image of a physical object, performing a holo-acoustic object manipulation of the physical object, and providing a visual display of the holo-acoustic manipulation as an additional navigation instruction.

Transimpedance amplifier-based reduction of hall sensor parasitic impedance
Patent No. 11002563

Inventor(s): Arup Polley (Richardson, TX), Baher S. Haroun (Allen, TX), Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay (Allen, TX), Srinath Ramaswamy (Murphy, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16844547 on 04/09/2020 (397 days app to issue)

Abstract: A first amplifier has an input to receive a Hall-signal output current from a first Hall element and has an output to output feedback current in response to the received Hall-signal output current. The Hall-signal output current is impeded by an impedance of the first Hall element. The feedback current is coupled to counterpoise the Hall-signal output current at the input, and a voltage at the output is an amplified Hall output signal. A second amplifier generates a high-frequency portion output signal in response to a difference between the amplified Hall output signal and a Hall-signal output signal from a second Hall element. A filter reduces high-frequency content of the high-frequency portion output signal and generates an offset correction signal. A third amplifier generates a corrected Hall signal in response to a difference between the amplified Hall output signal and the offset correction signal.

[G01D] MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED BY A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; TRANSFERRING OR TRANSDUCING ARRANGEMENTS NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR

System and method for multi-parameter spectroscopy
Patent No. 11002677

Inventor(s): Solyman Ashrafi (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): NXGEN PARTNERS IP, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16653213 on 10/15/2019 (574 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting material within a sample includes a light emitting unit for directing at least one light beam through the sample. The at least one light beam has a unique signature combination associated therewith responsive to passing through the sample. A Raman spectroscopic unit receives the at least one light beam that has passed through the sample and performs a Raman spectroscopic analysis to detect a first signature associated with the sample. An infrared spectroscopic unit receives the at least one light beam that has passed through the sample and performs an infrared spectroscopic analysis to detect a second signature associated with the sample. A database includes a plurality of unique combinations of the first signature and the second signature. Each of the plurality of unique combinations of the first signature and the second signature are associated with a particular material. A processor detects the material within the sample responsive to a comparison of a unique combination of the first signature and the second signature detected by the Raman spectroscopic unit and the infrared spectroscopic unit with the plurality of unique combinations of first signature and second signature within the database and determines a matching unique combination of the first signature and the second signature within the database, wherein identification of the unique combination of the first signature and the second signature enables detection of the material not detectab

[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)

Using PCB temperature compensation trace to perform DCR current sensing in power supply circuitry
Patent No. 11002772

Inventor(s): Narasimhan Trichy (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Active-Semi, Inc. (Tortola, , VG)
Law Firm: Withrow Terranova, P.L.L.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16036940 on 07/17/2018 (1029 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system comprises an integrated circuit package, an inductor that is part of a power supply, and a printed circuit board (PCB) having a metal trace disposed directly below the inductor when viewed from a top-down perspective. The integrated circuit package includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a novel inductor current detection and calibration circuit. The first terminal is coupled to a first end of the metal trace and the second terminal is coupled to a second end of the metal trace. During operation of the power supply, the novel circuit detects an OCP condition whereby an output current of the power supply exceeds an OCP level. The novel circuit detects the OCP condition in part by sensing a voltage across the metal trace. After calibration at room temperature, the novel circuit performs accurate OCP detection over a range of temperatures without using any temperature sensor near inductor.

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

Method of using a multi-input and multi-output antenna (MIMO) array for high-resolution radar imaging and wireless communication for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving
Patent No. 11002828

Inventor(s): Tiejun Shan (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16242958 on 01/08/2019 (854 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of using a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) antenna array for high-resolution radar imaging and wireless communication for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) utilizes a MIMO radar and at least one base station. The MIMO radar establishes wireless communication with the base station via an uplink signal. Likewise, the base station sends a downlink signal to the MIMO radar. Further, unlike conventional vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems that filter the reflected uplink signal, the MIMO radar uses the reflected uplink signal to detect a plurality of targets. Accordingly, the MIMO radar derives spatial positioning data for each target from the reflected uplink signal.

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

Radar interference mitigation method and apparatus
Patent No. 11002829

Inventor(s): Chih-Ming Hung (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Han IP PLLC (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15486887 on 04/13/2017 (1489 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses pertaining to radar interference mitigation are described. A processor associated with an apparatus may generate a plurality of wave frames such that one or more aspects of the plurality of wave frames vary from one wave frame to another wave frame of the plurality of wave frames. Each of the plurality of wave frames may respectively include a plurality of chirps. A wireless transmitter associated with the apparatus may transmit the plurality of wave frames. A wireless receiver associated with the apparatus may receive one or more reflected waves comprising at least a portion of one or more of the wave frames reflected by an object. The processor may determine a distance between the object and the apparatus, a speed of the objet, or both, based on an analysis of the one or more reflected waves.

Active road debris blocking devices and road debris blocking systems for vehicles
Patent No. 11002831

Inventor(s): Paxton S. Williams (Milan, MI), Scott L. Frederick (Brighton, 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: 16146022 on 09/28/2018 (956 days app to issue)

Abstract: A vehicle includes a road debris blocking system that provides a barrier to road debris at a surveying sensor. The vehicle includes a vehicle body and a processor. A road debris blocking device moves between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration relative to the vehicle body. An actuator moves the road debris blocking device between the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration. A wheel angle sensor provides a signal to the processor indicative of a wheel angle. A memory module is communicatively coupled to the processor that stores logic that, when executed by the processor, causes the system to receive the signal from the wheel angle sensor and instruct the actuator to move the road debris blocking device from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration based on the signal.

Heads up display unit assembly guide and protector
Patent No. 11002964

Inventor(s): Andrew W. Harvey (South Lyon, MI), Jonathan Joseph Quijano (Ann Arbor, MI), Thomas Edward Whitaker (Milan, MI)
Assignee(s): TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Snell Wilmer LLP (5 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16427062 on 05/30/2019 (712 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices and apparatuses for a heads up display (HUD) unit assembly. The HUD unit assembly includes a HUD guard device. The HUD guard device has a first elongated member. The first elongated member is position on one or more surfaces of the HUD unit and along an edge of the HUD unit and is configured to protect the one or more surfaces of the HUD unit and the edge of the HUD unit during installation of an instrument panel. The HUD guard device has a first leg member and a second leg member. The first leg member and the second leg member each have a first end and a second end. The first ends are coupled to the first elongated member and the second ends are configured to couple and interface with the HUD unit to support the first elongated member.

[G02B] OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS, OR APPARATUS (G02F takes precedence; optical elements specially adapted for use in lighting devices or systems thereof F21V 1/00-F21V 13/00; measuring-instruments, see the relevant subclass of class G01, e.g. optical rangefinders G01C; testing of optical elements, systems, or apparatus G01M 11/00; spectacles G02C; apparatus or arrangements for taking photographs or for projecting or viewing them G03B; sound lenses G10K 11/30; electron and ion “optics” H01J; X-ray “optics” H01J, H05G 1/00; optical elements structurally combined with electric discharge tubes H01J 5/16, H01J 29/89, H01J 37/22; microwave “optics” H01Q; combination of optical elements with television receivers H04N 5/72; optical systems or arrangements in colour television systems H04N 9/00; heating arrangements specially adapted for transparent or reflecting areas H05B 3/84) [7]

Systems and methods for frequency mode detection and implementation
Patent No. 11003240

Inventor(s): Kallol Mazumder (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Micron Technology, Inc. (Boise, ID)
Law Firm: Fletcher Yoder, P.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16684183 on 11/14/2019 (544 days app to issue)

Abstract: The systems and methods provided herein relate to a command interface/memory device that supports multiple modes of command acquisition. A current command acquisition mode from a set of supported command acquisition modes that each define a corresponding command execution frequency is identified. Based upon the identified mode, clock cycles that will be used to acquire portions of a command address from are identified. The portions of the command address are acquired from the identified clock cycles and a command based upon the acquired portions of the command address is executed.

[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)

Managing transparent windows
Patent No. 11003339

Inventor(s): Robert J. Torres (Colleyville, TX)
Assignee(s): INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: Heslin Rothenberg Farley Mesiti PC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16398743 on 04/30/2019 (742 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods and arrangements to manage transparent windows are described herein. Embodiments may comprise logic such as hardware and/or code to select one or more windows to make transparent and to switching the active window between source and target windows via the position of the mouse. Many embodiments provide a right click, pop-up menu (i.e., pressing the right mouse button generates a pop-up menu), a pull-down menu, or a button associated with windows. These features may allow a user to select individual or all windows to be transparent. A transparent window provides some view of windows or objects below the transparent window while providing some view of the contents such as graphics and/or text in the transparent window. Embodiments may also include management logic such as hardware and/or code to facilitate selection of a transparent window to make the window active.

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

Methods and systems for dynamic monitoring through graphical user interfaces
Patent No. 11003341

Inventor(s): Huey-Meng Ning (Plano, TX), Sandeep Komatireddy (Plano, TX), Seemit Sheth (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Capital One Services, LLC (McLean, VA)
Law Firm: Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16781255 on 02/04/2020 (462 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring through graphical user interfaces are disclosed. In one aspect, a system is disclosed that includes a processor and data storage including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to perform operations. The operations include maintaining an input file including predetermined criteria for a plurality of factors, receiving a model dataset generated using a model, based on the input file and the model dataset, generating a first graphical user interface that includes a graphical illustration of a subset of the plurality of factors, a model risk for the model, and a selectable feature associated with a selected factor in the subset and a selected time period. The operations further include receiving through the first graphical user interface a selection of the selectable feature, and, in response, generating a second graphical user interface that recolors a portion of the first graphical user interface.

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

Execution control of a multi-threaded, self-scheduling reconfigurable computing fabric
Patent No. 11003451

Inventor(s): Tony M. Brewer (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Micron Technology, Inc. (Boise, ID)
Law Firm: Gamburd Law Group LLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16371055 on 03/31/2019 (772 days app to issue)

Abstract: Representative apparatus, method, and system embodiments are disclosed for configurable computing. A representative system includes an interconnection network; a processor; and a plurality of configurable circuit clusters. Each configurable circuit cluster includes a plurality of configurable circuits arranged in an array; a synchronous network coupled to each configurable circuit of the array; and an asynchronous packet network coupled to each configurable circuit of the array. A representative configurable circuit includes a configurable computation circuit and a configuration memory having a first, instruction memory storing a plurality of data path configuration instructions to configure a data path of the configurable computation circuit; and a second, instruction and instruction index memory storing a plurality of spoke instructions and data path configuration instruction indices for selection of a master synchronous input, a current data path configuration instruction, and a next data path configuration instruction for a next configurable computation circuit.

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

Non-volatile storage system with program failure recovery
Patent No. 11003551

Inventor(s): Ashish Ghai (Saratoga, CA), Daniel Linnen (Naperville, IL), Khanfer Kukkady (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16361212 on 03/22/2019 (781 days app to issue)

Abstract: A non-volatile storage apparatus receives first data from an entity external to the non-volatile storage apparatus, combines the first data with other data being stored in the non-volatile storage apparatus to create combined data, performs a programming process to program the first data into a first location, determines that the programming process failed, intentionally corrupts the first data programmed into the first location, recovers the first data from the combined data, and reprograms the recovered first into a second location.

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

Input/output (I/O) level shifter for half duplex sim card interface
Patent No. 11003605

Inventor(s): Charles Michael Campbell (Wylie, TX), Win Naing Maung (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16684711 on 11/15/2019 (543 days app to issue)

Abstract: An input/output (I/O) level shifter for a subscriber identification module (SIM) interface includes a controller configured to apply a first enable signal to turn ON a first transmitter when the direction of packet flow is from an interface device to a SIM card, and is configured to apply a second enable signal to turn ON a second transmitter when the direction of packet flow is from the SIM card to the interface device. The controller is configured to not apply the first and the second enable signals concurrently. The controller selectively controls the ON/OFF period of the first and the second transmitter to maintain half-duplex communication on the interface I/O line and the SIM I/O line to prevent undesired positive data feedback.

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

Computer architecture for emulating recording and playback in a correlithm object processing system
Patent No. 11003735

Inventor(s): Patrick N. Lawrence (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Bank of America Corporation (Charlotte, NC)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16298070 on 03/11/2019 (792 days app to issue)

Abstract: A device configured to emulate a correlithm object system includes a memory configured to store a plurality of correlithm objects associated with different levels of string correlithm objects. The device further includes a node and an actor coupled to the memory and configured to receive an input correlithm object representing a task to be performed and output real-world data based on a comparison in n-dimensional space between the input correlithm object and one or more of the different levels of string correlithm objects.

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

System and method to manage file access rights in an information handling system
Patent No. 11003786

Inventor(s): Minhaj Ahmed (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): Dell Products L.P. (Round Rock, TX)
Law Firm: Larson Newman, LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15993388 on 05/30/2018 (1077 days app to issue)

Abstract: An information handling system for securely storing a file includes a storage device and a processor that instantiates an operating system, a file system filter driver, and a storage device driver. The file system filter driver receives the file and access information from the operating system, combines the file and the access information to provide a secure file, and stores the secure file via the storage device driver on the storage device. The file system filter driver further receives a request for the secure file from the operating system, directs the storage device driver to retrieve the access information from the secure file on the storage device, and determines if the request is authorized based upon the access information. In response to the request being authorized, the file system filter driver directs the storage device driver to retrieve the secure file from the storage device, and provides the secure file to the operating system.

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

Data isolation and security system and method
Patent No. 11003789

Inventor(s): Dax Michael Bays (North Richland Hills, TX), Edgar Denny (Reading, MA), Ilya G. Ehrlich (Newton, MA), Michael Henry Hurley (Arlington, MA), Neeraj Aggarwal (Aurora, IL)
Assignee(s): Epsilon Data Management, LLC (Irving, TX)
Law Firm: Hitchcock Evert LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16874886 on 05/15/2020 (361 days app to issue)

Abstract: The invention relates to a data isolation system for targeted services. The system includes separate ID management systems used by data holders, service providers and additional parties. The ID management systems reconcile IDs between the systems without sending restricted information from a data holder or other party. In some embodiments, the system may reconcile separate third party IDs to determine common people or entities represented by the IDs.

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

Subtractive design for heat sink improvement
Patent No. 11003808

Inventor(s): John Parry (Surrey, , GB), John Richard Wilson (Sunnyvale, CA), Robin Bornoff (Herefordshire, , GB)
Assignee(s): Siemens Industry Software Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15277607 on 09/27/2016 (1687 days app to issue)

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosed technology relate to techniques of improving heat sink designs based on systematic mass removal. A thermal simulation is performed to determine thermal property values for a heat sink design. The thermal property value of a portion of the heat sink design relates to the portion’’s contribution to thermal performance of the heat sink design. One or more portions of the heat sink design are selected based on the thermal property values and removed to generate a new heat sink design. The performing operation and the removing operation are repeated until one of one or more predetermined conditions is met.

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

Computer implemented system and method of identification of useful untested states of an electronic design
Patent No. 11003824

Inventor(s): Felicia James (Carrollton, TX), Michael Krasnicki (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): ZIPALOG, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16909411 on 06/23/2020 (322 days app to issue)

Abstract: A computer program product embodied on a non-transitory computer usable medium includes a sequence of instructions causing at least one processor to execute a method of identification of useful untested states of an electronic design. A computer receives a computer readable representation of said electronic design having at least in one part of said electronic design an analog portion. At least one instrumented netlist is generated based at least in part upon said representation of said electronic design. At least one specification of said electronic design is also received. At least one set of valid states are generated based on said at least one specification. The at least one instrumented netlist is simulated at a behavioral level of said representation of said electronic design at a minimum number of at least one input vector. At least one verification coverage history of said electronic design is generated based in part upon said simulation. Useful untested states are identified based at least in part upon at least one of said at least one specification, said at least one instrumented netlist, said at least one set of valid states and said at least one verification coverage history.

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

System and method for layout analysis using point of interest patterns and properties
Patent No. 11003828

Inventor(s): Jea Woo Park (Tualatin, OR), Michael White (Tigard, OR), Sherif Hany Riad Mohammed Mousa (Beaverton, OR)
Assignee(s): Siemens Industry Software Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16983549 on 08/03/2020 (281 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods for layout analysis using unit cell properties. A method includes receiving a layout design and analyzing the layout design to identify unit cells in the layout design. The method includes designating points of interest each corresponding to a respective one of the unit cells and classifying the unit cells into a plurality of classifications using the points of interest and the corresponding properties. The method includes identifying unique patterns of the unit cells, and producing a reduced layout including the unique patterns of unit cells. The method includes performing layout processing on the reduced layout and propagating the process results from each of the unique patterns of unit cells in the reduced layout to other unit cells of the layout design having the same classification.

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

Methods and systems for recognizing and reading a coded identification tag from video imagery
Patent No. 11003877

Inventor(s): Dihn Tien Son (Tphcm, , VN)
Assignee(s): VAAS INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16504137 on 07/05/2019 (676 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods and systems for quickly and accurately identifying a coded identification tag imaged by conventional CCTV video monitoring equipment are presented herein. In one aspect, a coded identification tag includes a plurality of dark-colored polygons arranged around a light-colored central background area to maximize contrast between the polygons and the central background area. An array of dark-colored dots is arranged over the light-colored central background area. A light-colored border is located around the plurality of dark-colored polygons. A Coded Identification Tag Monitoring (CITM) system estimates the position and orientation of the coded identification tag with respect to the collected image based on the unique orientation of the coded identification tag with respect to an image frame. In some examples, the CITM system decodes the coded identification tag when the tag occupies less than 10% of the area of the image collected by the video imaging system.

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

Systems and methods for personalized augmented reality view
Patent No. 11003912

Inventor(s): Geoffrey Dagley (McKinney, TX), Jason Richard Hoover (Grapevine, TX), Micah Price (Plano, TX), Qiaochu Tang (The Colony, TX), Stephen Michael Wylie (Carrollton, TX)
Assignee(s): CAPITAL ONE SERVICES, LLC (McLean, VA)
Law Firm: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett Dunner LLP (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16672398 on 11/01/2019 (557 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting an augmented reality view are disclosed. Embodiments include a system with a database for personalizing an augmented reality view of a physical environment using at least one of a location of a physical environment or a location of a user. The system may further include a hardware device in communication with the database, the hardware device including a renderer configured to render the augmented reality view for display and a controller configured to determine a scope of the augmented reality view authenticating the augmented reality view. The hardware device may include a processor configured to receive the augmented reality view of the physical environment, and present, via a display, augmented reality content to the user while the user is present in the physical environment, based on the determined scope of the augmented reality view.

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

Event trigger based on region-of-interest near hand-shelf interaction
Patent No. 11003918

Inventor(s): Sailesh Bharathwaaj Krishnamurthy (Irving, TX), Shahmeer Ali Mirza (Celina, TX), Sumedh Vilas Datar (Grapevine, TX)
Assignee(s): 7-Eleven, Inc. (Irving, TX)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 17104521 on 11/25/2020 (167 days app to issue)

Abstract: An image sensor is positioned such that a field-of-view of the image sensor encompasses at least a portion of a rack storing items. The image sensor generates angled-view images of the items stored on the rack. A tracking subsystem determines that a person is within a threshold distance of the rack and receives image frames of the angled-view images. A pixel position of a wrist of the person is determined in at least a subset of the received image frames, thereby determining a set of pixel positions of the wrist. An aggregated wrist position is determined based on the set of pixel positions. If the aggregated wrist position is determined to correspond to a position on a shelf of the rack, a trigger signal is provided indicating a shelf-interaction event has occurred.

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

Non-convex optimization by gradient-accelerated simulated annealing
Patent No. 11003989

Inventor(s): Chiu Man Ho (Cupertino, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Schwegman Lundberg Woessner, P.A. (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15499737 on 04/27/2017 (1475 days app to issue)

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of training a neural network comprises: identifying, by one or more processors, a set of parameters for a cost function for the neural network; applying, by the one or more processors, a gradient optimization of the cost function to generate a set of intermediate optimized parameter values for the cost function; initializing, by the one or more processors, a simulated annealing optimization of the cost function using the set of intermediate optimized parameter values for the cost function; applying, by the one or more processors, the simulated annealing optimization of the cost function to generate a set of final optimized parameter values for the cost function; assigning, by the one or more processors, the set of final optimized parameter values as weights for connections of the neural network; and using, by the one or more processors, the neural network to perform operations.

[G06N] COMPUTER SYSTEMS BASED ON SPECIFIC COMPUTATIONAL MODELS [7]

Training of chatbots from corpus of human-to-human chats
Patent No. 11004013

Inventor(s): Jonathan E. Eisenzopf (San Francisco, CA)
Assignee(s): DISCOURSE.AI, INC. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16734973 on 01/06/2020 (491 days app to issue)

Abstract: Automated (autonomous) and computer-assisted preparation of initial training patterns for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based automated conversational agent system, such as an AI-based chatbot, includes a computer processor accessing a corpus of digital weighted conversation models representing text-based interlocutory conversations, wherein each digital weighted conversation model contains annotations and paths, and wherein each path in each digital weighted conversation model is associated with a weight; selecting a plurality of the conversations which meet at least one criteria and in which at least one path meets at least one weight threshold according to the plurality of digital weighted conversation models; converting the weights associated with the selected conversations into initial training pattern values according to at least one Artificial Intelligence (AI) based automated conversational agent system; and exporting the training pattern values to at least one Artificial Intelligence (AI) based automated conversational agent system.

[G06N] COMPUTER SYSTEMS BASED ON SPECIFIC COMPUTATIONAL MODELS [7]

Systems and methods to process product return requests
Patent No. 11004030

Inventor(s): Edgar A. Grigalis (Fort Worth, TX), Randy W. Engel (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): FedEx Supply Chain Logistics Electronics, Inc. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: McGuireWoods LLP (Local + 9 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15355991 on 11/18/2016 (1635 days app to issue)

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems, methods, and computer program products to process product return requests. In one embodiment, the method includes performing image analysis on the electronic device; retrieving business rules governing the warranty plan of a service provider associated with the electronic device; and determining whether the electronic device is accepted under the warranty plan based on the business rules and the image analysis associated with the electronic device.

[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]

Inventory management system
Patent No. 11004034

Inventor(s): Edward Casteel Milner (Dallas, TX), Jamar Beall (Euless, TX), Rob Garner (Garland, TX)
Assignee(s): Laundris Corporation (Austin, TX)
Law Firm: Thompson Patent Law (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16783416 on 02/06/2020 (460 days app to issue)

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an inventory management system having a machine learning engine trained to (a) dynamically predict a demand amount of the inventory in response to a set of near-future data and (b) generate a signal to order the amount of inventory as needed. In an illustrative example, the machine learning engine may be trained by a hotel’’s historical room booking data, the hotel’’s historical occupancy data, and corresponding inventory consumption data stored in a database. Various embodiments may enable, for example, the hotel to have better management on the status of inventories at various stages. For example, sufficient inventory may be available. In addition, providing the proper amount of inventory may also advantageously reduce the cost spent on unused products.

Systems and methods for a graphical interface including a graphical representation of medical data
Patent No. 11004035

Inventor(s): Candida Arvelo (Flower Mound, TX)
Assignee(s): ICU Medical, Inc. (San Clemente, CA)
Law Firm: Knobbe, Martens, Olson Bear, LLP (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16584466 on 09/26/2019 (593 days app to issue)

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for a graphical interface including a graphical representation of medical data. The graphical interface platform may receive medical data and provide medical safety reporting capabilities including reporting of history data and real-time visual monitoring data. The graphical interface platform may be configured to identify potential problems and corrections to medical devices in operation while a reporting cycle is underway through visual representation of performance metrics. NULL

Method and apparatus for payments between two mobile devices
Patent No. 11004061

Inventor(s): Hsin Pan (Fremont, , CA), Liang Seng Koh (Fremont, CA), Xiangzhen Xie (Shenzhen, , CN)
Assignee(s): RFCyber Corporation (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16827679 on 03/23/2020 (414 days app to issue)

Abstract: Techniques for mobile devices configured to support settlement of charges in electronic invoices or bills are described. A first mobile device is used to obtain from a second mobile device data pertaining to the electronic invoices for payment. The data includes the electronic invoice and other information regarding a registered user of the second mobile device. After the user verifies the amount being charged and authorizes the payment, the first mobile device determines if there is a balance enough to cover the authorized payment before communicating with a payment server configured to proceed with the payment and send a confirmation to the second mobile device.

Intermediary payment method using interchange differential
Patent No. 11004063

Inventor(s): Robert M. Allen (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): VPay, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Smith Hopen, P.A. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15065634 on 03/09/2016 (1889 days app to issue)

Abstract: A payment intermediary vaults credit card data of a consumer for regular, simplified payments to one or more merchants. Consumer authorizes intermediary to charge the credit card so that intermediary can, in turn, pay a selected merchant. Intermediary tracks the interchange fees incurred on the first card transaction (between consumer and intermediary) and then automatically selects a payment card account with a higher interchange rate than that incurred on the first card transaction to pay merchant.

Components for enhancing or augmenting wearable accessories by adding electronics thereto
Patent No. 11004066

Inventor(s): Andrew Tunnell (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): NXT-ID, INC. (Shelton, CT)
Law Firm: Wolter Van Dyke Davis, PLLC (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16550698 on 08/26/2019 (624 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and device for adding electronics to materials of a wallet to form a smart wallet. A smart wallet stows and retrieves information stored or displayed on various transaction cards and other information typically carried within the wallet. Electronic and physical features of a smart wallet include devices and techniques for attaching electronics to accessories, and also for attaching accessories, to primary devices to form a smart wallet. The user can then interact with the smart wallet and its cards, information and accessories using an interface that governs that interaction while retaining the security of the information. Mechanical features include techniques for integrating electronics within materials to add electronic functionality to make any device a smart wallet. Several accessory styles and devices for attaching same to electronics are also disclosed.

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

System and method for providing a price for a vehicle
Patent No. 11004099

Inventor(s): Jacob Anderson (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Capital One Services, LLC (McLean, VA)
Law Firm: Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16398933 on 04/30/2019 (742 days app to issue)

Abstract: System and methods for providing a target price for a target vehicle with a target mileage are provided. One exemplary method includes receiving attributes for the target vehicle, receiving prices for sold vehicles having attributes corresponding to the target vehicle attributes, and receiving mileages for the sold vehicles. The exemplary method may further include generating a linear regression model relating the sold vehicle mileages to the sold vehicle prices, and providing the target price for the target vehicle based on the model.

Converting solar output measure to commercial rent per square area
Patent No. 11004145

Inventor(s): Kirk Williamson (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16166252 on 10/22/2018 (932 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of designing bifacial solar panels installations that does not rely on the use of all available space to maximize electrical output and return on investment. Instead, the design method relies the market meter rate of the business sector in the area to determine of the KW size of the array. This production is then converted to cost per square Area for use in evaluating the costs, predicting profits, and generating lease agreements. The tenant pays a contract cost per square Area regardless of actually energy consumption.

Hardware accelerator for histogram of oriented gradients computation
Patent No. 11004205

Inventor(s): Aishwarya Dubey (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15954590 on 04/16/2018 (1121 days app to issue)

Abstract: A hardware accelerator for histogram of oriented gradients computation is provided that includes a gradient computation component configured to compute gradients G[subscript]x [/subscript]and G[subscript]y [/subscript]of a pixel, a bin identification component configured to determine a bin id of an angular bin for the pixel based on a plurality of representative orientation angles, G[subscript]x[/subscript], and signs of G[subscript]x [/subscript]and G[subscript]y[/subscript], and a magnitude component configured to determine a magnitude of the gradients G[subscript]mag [/subscript]based on the plurality of representative orientation angles and the bin id.

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

Vector-based object re-identification during image tracking
Patent No. 11004219

Inventor(s): Madan Mohan Chinnam (Irving, TX), Sailesh Bharathwaaj Krishnamurthy (Irving, TX), Shahmeer Ali Mirza (Celina, TX)
Assignee(s): 7-Eleven, Inc. (Irving, TX)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16664269 on 10/25/2019 (564 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system includes sensors and a tracking subsystem. The subsystem tracks a first object and one or more other objects in a space. After determining that re-identification of the first object is needed, candidate identifiers are determined for the first object The candidate identifiers include a subset of the identifiers of all tracked objects in the space. The subset includes possible identifiers of the first object based on a history of movements of the first object and interactions of the first object with the other objects in the space. Based on a top-view image, a first descriptor is determined for the first object. The first descriptor is associated with a characteristic of the first object. Based on results of comparing the first descriptor to a set of predetermined descriptors, an updated identifier is determined for the first object.

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

Acoustic absorber
Patent No. 11004439

Inventor(s): Hideo Iizuka (Ann Arbor, MI), Taehwa Lee (Ann Arbor, MI)
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Darrow Mustafa PC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15904770 on 02/26/2018 (1170 days app to issue)

Abstract: Acoustic measurement systems include an enclosure having a high efficiency yet very thin acoustic absorber coating portions thereof, in order to diminish background reflections. The thin acoustic absorber includes a reflective sublayer having a periodic array of indentations on its surface. The periodic array of indentations can be one-dimensional or two dimensional. The thin acoustic absorber further includes a thin absorbing layer overlaid on the reflective sublayer, and typically formed of a viscoelastic foam. The thin acoustic absorber possesses unprecedented absorption efficiency across a broad frequency range and at normal or oblique angles of incidence.

[G10K] SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES (sound-producing toys A63H 5/00); METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR [6]

Systems and methods for providing automated natural language dialogue with customers
Patent No. 11004440

Inventor(s): Adam Roy Paynter (Plano, TX), Gregory W. Zoller (Coppell, TX)
Assignee(s): CAPITAL ONE SERVICES, LLC (McLean, VA)
Law Firm: Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16807192 on 03/03/2020 (434 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system includes one or more memory devices storing instructions, and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions to perform steps of providing automated natural dialogue with a customer. The system may generate one or more events and commands temporarily stored in queues to be processed by one or more of a dialogue management device, an API server, and an NLP device. The dialogue management device may create adaptive responses to customer communications using a customer context, a rules-based platform, and a trained machine learning model.

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

Vocal utterance based item inventory actions
Patent No. 11004449

Inventor(s): Kulvir Bhogal (Coppell, TX)
Assignee(s): INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: Heslin Rothenberg Farley Mesiti PC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16204880 on 11/29/2018 (894 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and systems are presented. The method computer program products, and systems can include, for instance: obtaining vocal utterance data representing vocal utterances of multiple users within a venue; processing the vocal utterance data to return metadata associated to the vocal utterance data; predicting using the metadata an item for acquisition by one or more user of the multiple users; and returning an action decision in dependence on the predicting.

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

One selector one resistor RAM threshold voltage drift and offset voltage compensation methods
Patent No. 11004508

Inventor(s): Daniel Bedau (San Jose, CA), Michael K. Grobis (Campbell, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16556376 on 08/30/2019 (620 days app to issue)

Abstract: A memory system is provided that includes a first memory array including a first memory cell, a second memory array including a second memory cell, and a memory controller configured to determine a threshold voltage of the second memory cell to compensate a drift of a threshold voltage of the first memory cell and/or determine an offset voltage of the second memory cell to compensate an offset voltage of the first memory cell.

Threshold voltage setting with boosting read scheme
Patent No. 11004518

Inventor(s): Hiroki Yabe (Yokohama, , JP), Ken Oowada (Fujisawa, , JP), Kiyohiko Sakakibara (Mie, , JP), Masaaki Higashitani (Cupertino, CA)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16456045 on 06/28/2019 (683 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods for reducing read disturb using NAND strings with poly-silicon channels and p-type doped source lines are described. During a boosted read operation for a selected memory cell transistor in a NAND string, a back-gate bias or bit line voltage may be applied to a bit line connected to the NAND string and a source line voltage greater than the bit line voltage may be applied to a source line connected to the NAND string; with these bias conditions, electrons may be injected from the bit line and annihilated in the source line during the read operation. To avoid leakage currents through NAND strings in non-selected memory blocks, the threshold voltages of source-side select gate transistors of the NAND strings may be set to a negative threshold voltage that has an absolute voltage value greater than the source line voltage applied during the read operation.

Modulation of programming voltage during cycling
Patent No. 11004525

Inventor(s): Ken Oowada (Yokohama, , 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: 16796897 on 02/20/2020 (446 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing cycling endurance and minimizing over programming of non-volatile memory cells by modulating the programming voltage applied to the non-volatile memory cells over time as the number of program/erase cycles increases are described. A bit count ratio based on bit counts within two threshold voltage zones may be used to determine the amount of voltage reduction in the programming voltage applied during subsequent programming operations. For example, if the bit count ratio is between 0.02 and 0.05, then the reduction in the programming voltage may be 100 mV; if the bit count ratio is between 0.05 and 0.10, then the reduction in the programming voltage may be 200 mV. The modulation (e.g., the reduction) of the programming voltage may be performed at varying cycle intervals depending on the total number of program/erase cycles for a memory block and/or the bit count ratio.

Robust storage of bad column data and parity bits on word line
Patent No. 11004535

Inventor(s): Aaron Lee (Mountain View, CA), Hua-Ling Cynthia Hsu (Milpitas, 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: 16717494 on 12/17/2019 (511 days app to issue)

Abstract: Apparatuses and techniques are described for reliably storing bad column data in a memory device. Units of bad column data and related units of error detection data are stored in non-adjacent groups of memory cells connected to a word line in a ROM block. A unit of bad column data and a related unit of error detection data can be stored in respective groups of memory cells which are relatively far apart from one another along the word line. This helps ensure that a defect in some NAND strings will not affect both the unit of bad column data and a related unit of error detection data. In another aspect, a unit of bad column data and a related unit of error detection data can be stored using different input/output circuits to further increase robustness.

Automated construction of patient care giver tool user interface using three-tiered architecture
Patent No. 11004546

Inventor(s): Mohsin Nisar (Addison, TX), Rishi Suresh Keshav (Addison, TX), Robert Parker Freeburg, II (Addison, TX)
Assignee(s): CURANTIS SOLUTIONS (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16186461 on 11/09/2018 (914 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system for constructing a patient assessment user interface. The system comprises at least one processor, a data store, wherein the data store stores an assessment template in a format comprising a plurality of human readable attribute-value pairs, wherein the assessment template identifies the format of an assessment, a memory, and an assessment component stored in the memory. When executed by the at least one processor, the assessment component receives a request for an assessment form from a patient care giver tool user interface (UI), creates an assessment form based on the assessment template, transmits the assessment form to the patient care giver tool UI, receives assessment input from the patient care giver tool UI, and stores the assessment input along with associated portions of the assessment template in the format comprising a plurality of human readable attribute-value pairs in a column of a table in the data store.

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

Method and apparatus for completing prescription for allergen cocktail with patch
Patent No. 11004552

Inventor(s): Jovan Hutton Pulitzer (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): ROCA MEDICAL LTD. (London, , GB)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15621798 on 06/13/2017 (1428 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for creating a multi-antigen patch, comprising providing one or more transdermal patch sheets having a plurality of single dose transdermal patches residing thereon, wherein each one of the plurality of single dose transdermal patches includes an antigen at a particular dilution level disposed within a carrier, removing one or more of the plurality of single dose transdermal patches from the one or more transdermal patch sheets, adhering the one or more of the plurality of single dose transdermal patches to a backing, wherein the backing allows for multiple single dose transdermal patches to be adjacently adhered thereon, and covering the plurality of transdermal patches adhered to the backing with a peelable release liner. NULL

Containerized software for virally copying from one endpoint to another
Patent No. 11005917

Inventor(s): Christian Briggs (Austin, TX), Robert K. Spitz (Ameherst, NH), Sergey L. Sundukovskiy (Redondo Beach, CA)
Assignee(s): AiBUY, Inc. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16215138 on 12/10/2018 (883 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium include objects with media content. This method includes receiving, at one or more servers, a request for the media content to be displayed at an endpoint. The method includes identifying information about an environment associated with the endpoint. The method includes identifying a set of objects to include in a container for the media content based on the information identified about the environment. At least one of the objects includes program code for completing a transaction during display of the media content. Additionally, the method includes sending, by one or more servers, the set of objects to the endpoint.

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

Information management and customization based on user interests and previous transactions
Patent No. 11005964

Inventor(s): David Gerard Ledet (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): OPEN INVENTION NETWORK LLC (Durham, NC)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16775168 on 01/28/2020 (469 days app to issue)

Abstract: Identifying user input data on a mobile user device may provide a way to predict the types of questions and actions a user will take and offer information contemporaneously with such actions. One example method of operation includes identifying an active application programming interface (API) of a presently operating application executing on the user device, and identifying input data populating the application. Then, storing and processing the input data to identify a topic of interest and retrieving relevant content that is associated with the topic of interest, and creating a recommendation message based on the relevant content.

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

E L E C T R I C I T Y

Semiconductor device package thermal conduit
Patent No. 11004680

Inventor(s): Archana Venugopal (Dallas, TX), Benjamin Stassen Cook (Rockwall, TX), Luigi Colombo (Dallas, TX), Robert Reid Doering (Garland, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15361403 on 11/26/2016 (1627 days app to issue)

Abstract: A packaged electronic device includes an integrated circuit and an electrically non-conductive encapsulation material in contact with the integrated circuit. A thermal conduit extends from an exterior of the package, through the encapsulation material, to the integrated circuit. The thermal conduit has a thermal conductivity higher than the encapsulation material contacting the thermal conduit. The thermal conduit includes a cohered nanoparticle film. The cohered nanoparticle film is formed by a method which includes an additive process.

[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]

Methods and apparatus for an improved integrated circuit package
Patent No. 11004742

Inventor(s): Makoto Shibuya (Beppu, , JP)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15462881 on 03/19/2017 (1514 days app to issue)

Abstract: In a described example, an integrated circuit (IC) package includes an IC die disposed on a die attach pad; a plurality of leads electrically connected to terminals on the IC die, the leads including a base metal; and molding compound material encapsulating portions of the IC die, the die attach pads, and the plurality of leads; the plurality of leads having a solder joint reinforcement tab. The solder joint reinforcement tabs include a first side, a second side opposite to the first side, a third side, a fourth side opposite to and in parallel to the third side, a fifth side forming an end portion of the solder joint reinforcement tab, the solder joint reinforcement tabs including a solderable metal layer on the second, third and fourth sides and on portions of the fifth side.

Metal inverse opal substrate with integrated jet cooling in electronic modules
Patent No. 11004769

Inventor(s): Shailesh N. Joshi (Ann Arbor, 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: 16508842 on 07/11/2019 (670 days app to issue)

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to an MIO substrate with integrated jet cooling for electronic modules and a method of forming the same. In one embodiment, a substrate for an electronic module includes a thermal compensation base layer having an MIO structure and a cap layer overgrown on the MIO structure. A plurality of orifices extends through the thermal compensation base layer between an inlet face and an outlet face positioned opposite to the inlet face, defining a plurality of jet paths. A plurality of integrated posts extends outward from the cap layer, wherein each integrated post of the plurality of integrated posts is positioned on the outlet face between each orifice of the plurality of orifices.

Porous barrier layer for improving reliability of through-substrate via structures and methods of forming the same
Patent No. 11004773

Inventor(s): Chen Wu (Leuven, , BE), Masaaki Higashitani (Cupertino, CA), Peter Rabkin (Cupertino, CA)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16391632 on 04/23/2019 (749 days app to issue)

Abstract: First semiconductor devices, a first dielectric material layer, a porous dielectric material layer, and a metal interconnect structure formed within a second dielectric material layer are formed on a front-side surface of a first semiconductor substrate. A via cavity extending through the first semiconductor substrate and the first dielectric material layer are formed. The via cavity stops on the porous dielectric material layer. A continuous network of pores that are free of any solid material therein continuously extends from a bottom of the via cavity to a surface of the metal interconnect structure. A through-substrate via structure is formed in the via cavity. The through-substrate via structure includes a porous metallic material portion filling the continuous network of pores and contacting surface portions of the metal interconnect structure. Etch damage to the first semiconductor devices and metallic particle generation may be minimized by using the porous metallic material portion.

Memory scaling semiconductor device
Patent No. 11004829

Inventor(s): Nagesh Vodrahalli (Los Altos, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16594716 on 10/07/2019 (582 days app to issue)

Abstract: A semiconductor device is disclosed including a memory module formed from a pair of semiconductor dies mounted face to face to each other at the wafer level. These die pairs are formed using wafer-to-wafer bonding technology, where the wafers may be bonded to each other when they are of full thickness. Once bonded, respective inactive surfaces of the wafers may be thinned and then the die pairs diced from the wafers to form a completed memory module. When the wafers are bonded face to face, they compensate each other, mechanically resulting in the die pair having a minimum warpage.

Trimmable silicon-based thermistor with reduced stress dependence
Patent No. 11004929

Inventor(s): Dok Won Lee (Mountain View, CA), Erika Lynn Mazotti (San Martin, CA), Mark Robert Visokay (Dallas, TX), Ricky Alan Jackson (Richardson, TX), Wai Lee (Dallas, TX), William David French (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16596972 on 10/09/2019 (580 days app to issue)

Abstract: Various examples provide an electronic device that includes first and second resistor segments. Each of the resistor segments has a respective doped resistive region formed in a semiconductor substrate. The resistor segments are connected between first and second terminals. The first resistor segment is configured to conduct a current in a first direction, and the second resistor segment is configured to conduct the current in a second different direction. The directions may be orthogonal crystallographic directions of the semiconductor substrate.

Controlling bi-directional switching devices
Patent No. 11004942

Inventor(s): Johan Strydom (Saratoga, CA), Michael Lueders (Freising, , DE)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15859429 on 12/30/2017 (1228 days app to issue)

Abstract: In some examples, a system comprises a bi-directional gallium nitride (GaN) device including first and second switches and a substrate, the first switch including a first gate and a first source, the second switch including a second gate and a second source, and the substrate shared between the first and second switches. The system include a third switch coupled to the first source and the substrate. The system includes a fourth switch coupled to the second source and the substrate and a comparator having inputs coupled to the first and second sources and outputs coupled to the third and fourth switches.

LDMOS transistor with gate structure having alternating regions of wider and narrower spacing to a body region
Patent No. 11004971

Inventor(s): Ming-yeh Chuang (McKinney, TX), Sameer Pendharkar (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16264848 on 02/01/2019 (830 days app to issue)

Abstract: A power transistor is provided with at least one transistor finger that lies within a semiconductor material. The gate oxide is segmented into a set of segments with thick field oxide between each segment in order to reduce gate capacitance and thereby improve a resistance times gate charge figure of merit.

Field effect transistors containing electric field assist layers at gate corners and method of making the same
Patent No. 11004974

Inventor(s): Takuma Takimoto (Kamakura, , JP)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16791049 on 02/14/2020 (452 days app to issue)

Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a source region, a drain region, a channel region located between the source region and the drain region, a gate stack structure including a gate dielectric and a gate electrode that overlies the gate dielectric, such that a first gap region is present between an area of the source region and an area of the gate electrode in a plan view and a second gap region is present between an area of the drain region and the area of the gate electrode in the plan view, a contact-level dielectric layer overlying the source region and the drain region and laterally surrounding the gate stack structure, and at least one assist-field metallic plate located vertically above a top surface of the gate electrode and having an areal overlap with at least one of the first gap region and the second gap region in the plan view.

Mounting foot for electrical enclosure and electrical enclosure including the same
Patent No. 11005246

Inventor(s): Jason S. Mevius (McKinney, TX), Timothy Joseph Sloan (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Eaton Intelligent Power Limited (Dublin, , IE)
Law Firm: Stinson LLP (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16154482 on 10/08/2018 (946 days app to issue)

Abstract: An electrical enclosure for an electrical device or instrument includes an enclosure body defining an interior that receives the electrical device or instrument, the enclosure body including a back wall. A mounting foot is disposed outside the enclosure body and attached to the back wall. The mounting foot includes a generally planar body defining a mounting fastener opening that receives a fastener to secure the mounting foot to a wall or other support structure. A panel fastener is attached to and extends forward from the mounting foot, through the back wall, and into the interior of the enclosure body. The panel fastener is used to secure an internal panel to the enclosure body within the interior of the enclosure body.

[H02G] INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES (insulated conductors or cables with arrangements for facilitating mounting or securing H01B 7/40; distribution points incorporating switches H02B; guiding telephone cords H04M 1/15; cable ducts or mountings for telephone or telegraph exchange installations H04Q 1/06)

Spiral helix electromagnetic linear pulse motor
Patent No. 11005342

Inventor(s): John Steven Aiken (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15487531 on 04/14/2017 (1488 days app to issue)

Abstract: The Spiral Helix Electromagnetic Linear Pulse Motor is based on the three dimensional operational design Helix Rotation Concept, where the basic helix rotation concept, is a linear axis parallel electromagnetic pulse, or wave, created by the sequential activation, deactivation, and polarity reversal, of electromagnetic constructs arranged in a linear row, forming a linear array, parallel to the driveshaft axis, with a 360 degree spiral helix magnetic construct array around/along the length of the driveshaft, magnetically interacting with the electromagnetic pulse/wave created by the linear electromagnetic array. As a result of the electromagnetic wave/pulse traversing parallel to the axis across the linear electromagnetic array and synchronizing with the spiral helix magnetic array in a sequential linear manner, the device converts electromagnetic energy into continuous useful rotational mechanical energy.

[H02K] DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES (dynamo-electric relays H01H 53/00; conversion of DC or AC input power into surge output power H02M 9/00)

Switching time optimizer for soft switching of an isolated converter
Patent No. 11005355

Inventor(s): Pei-Hsin Liu (Westford, MA), Richard Lee Valley (Nashua, NH)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16662681 on 10/24/2019 (565 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for improving zero voltage switching (‘’ZVS’’) of a converter circuit such as an active clamp flyback converter. The apparatus includes a first timing circuit acting as the T[subscript]D(L-H) [/subscript]optimizer, which uses the zero-crossing of the auxiliary winding voltage directly to adaptively vary the dead time. A second timing circuit acting as the T[subscript]D(H-L) [/subscript]optimizer adaptively varies the dead time with a simple piece-wide linear function as an approximation of the complex optimal equation. A third timing circuit acting as the T[subscript]DM [/subscript]optimizer contains a charge-pump circuit that adaptively adjusts the ON time of the clamp switch based on the zero-voltage detection of switching node voltage and feed-forwards the input voltage signal to enhance tuning speed so that the correct amount of negative magnetizing current is generated to improve zero voltage switching.

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

Dynamic phase change mechanism in multi-phase converters
Patent No. 11005370

Inventor(s): Anandha Ruban Tt (Namakkal, , IN), Muthusubramanian Nv (Bangalore, , IN), Preetam Charan Anand Tadeparthy (Bangalore, , IN), Vikram Gakhar (Bangalore, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15094866 on 04/08/2016 (1859 days app to issue)

Abstract: The disclosure provides a multi-phase converter. The multi-phase converter includes a controller and one or more switches. The one or more switches are coupled to the controller, and configured to receive an input voltage. A switch of the one or more switches is activated by the controller in a predefined phase of N phases in the multi-phase converter, where N is a positive integer. A processing unit is coupled to the controller and estimates a number of phases to be activated based on a load current. The processing unit also stores a threshold current limit corresponding to each phase of the N phases based on the input voltage and a switching frequency.

Synchronous rectifier control circuit
Patent No. 11005381

Inventor(s): Bharath Kannan (Merrimack, NH), Bing Lu (Bedford, NH)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16448024 on 06/21/2019 (690 days app to issue)

Abstract: A synchronous rectifier control circuit includes a drain voltage input, a first gate voltage output, a second gate voltage output, a gate voltage generation circuit, and a trigger control circuit. The gate voltage generation circuit includes a first input coupled to the drain voltage input, and an output coupled to the first gate voltage output. The trigger control circuit includes a first input coupled to the first gate voltage output, a second input coupled to the second gate voltage output, and an output coupled to a second input of the gate voltage generation circuit.

Temperature compensated oscillator driver
Patent No. 11005419

Inventor(s): Danielle Griffith (Richardson, TX), James Murdock (Richardson, TX), Kunhee Cho (Austin, TX), Per Torstein Roine (Oslo, , NO)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16661245 on 10/23/2019 (566 days app to issue)

Abstract: A circuit includes an oscillator having a driver and a resonator. The driver receives a supply voltage at a supply input and provides a drive output to drive the resonator to generate an oscillator output signal. A power converter receives an input voltage and generates the supply voltage to the supply input of the driver. A temperature tracking device in the power converter controls the voltage level of the supply voltage to the supply input of the driver based on temperature such that the supply voltage varies inversely to the temperature of the circuit.

[H03B] GENERATION OF OSCILLATIONS, DIRECTLY OR BY FREQUENCY-CHANGING, BY CIRCUITS EMPLOYING ACTIVE ELEMENTS WHICH OPERATE IN A NON-SWITCHING MANNER; GENERATION OF NOISE BY SUCH CIRCUITS (generators specially adapted for electrophonic musical instruments G10H; masers or lasers H01S; generation of oscillations in plasma H05H)

Systems with power transistors, transistors coupled to the gates of the power transistors, and capacitive dividers coupled to the power transistors
Patent No. 11005474

Inventor(s): Ingolf Frank (Freising, , DE), Xun Gong (Freising, , DE)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16929266 on 07/15/2020 (300 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system to regulate power from a first power supply to a load coupled to the first power supply, wherein a power transistor is coupled between the load and ground. The system includes: a transistor having a control terminal, a first current terminal adapted to be coupled to an external second power supply and a second current terminal adapted to be coupled to a control terminal of the power transistor; a first resistor having a first node coupled to the control terminal of the transistor and a second node adapted to be coupled to a first terminal of a second external capacitor, the first node of the first resistor is adapted to be coupled to a first terminal of a first external capacitor; a second resistor having a first node coupled to the control terminal of the transistor and a second node adapted to be coupled to ground, the first node of the second resistor is adapted to be coupled to a first terminal of an first external resistor; and wherein a second terminal of the first external capacitor is coupled to a node between the load and a first current terminal of the power transistor and a second terminal of the second external capacitor is coupled to form a capacitive divider with the first external capacitor and the first resistor, and a second node of the first external resistor is coupled to the node between the load and the first current terminal of the power transistor to form a resistive divider with the second resistor.

[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]

Frequency management for interference reduction of A/D converters powered by switching power converters
Patent No. 11005489

Inventor(s): Brian David Johnson (Tucson, AZ), Martijn Fridus Snoeij (Erding, , DE), Mikhail Valeryevich Ivanov (Freising, , DE), Roberto Giampiero Massolini (Pavia, , IT)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16740519 on 01/13/2020 (484 days app to issue)

Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a system comprises a frequency generator configured to generate a second clock signal having a second frequency using a first clock signal having a first frequency. The second frequency is offset from the first frequency and each of a plurality of harmonic frequencies of the second frequency is offset from a harmonic frequency of the first frequency. The system also includes a power converter configured to produce a power signal that at least partially corresponds to the second frequency. The system further comprises an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to sample and convert analog voltages at the first frequency. The ADC is powered by the power signal.

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

Wireless network with channel hopping
Patent No. 11005523

Inventor(s): Jyothsna Kunduru (Plano, TX), Kumaran Vijayasankar (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16140028 on 09/24/2018 (960 days app to issue)

Abstract: A wireless network with network-level channel hopping. A wireless network includes a wireless device. The wireless device includes a receiver, a data channel selector, and a transmitter. The receiver is configured to receive a beacon signal comprising a beacon sequence value. The data channel selector is configured to select, as a pseudorandom function of the beacon sequence value, a data channel on which to transmit in an interval following reception of the beacon signal. The transmitter is configured to transmit on the data channel selected by the channel selector.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

Enhanced channel hopping sequence
Patent No. 11005524

Inventor(s): Kumaran Vijayasankar (Allen, TX), Ramanuja Vedantham (Allen, TX), Timothy Schmidl (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16813937 on 03/10/2020 (427 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method for enhanced channel hopping sequence is described. A pseudo random channel hopping sequence is redistributed using certain system specific parameters for separating adjacent transmission channels within a predetermined number of consecutive transmission channel numbers in the random channel hopping sequence to improve inter-channel interference between adjacent transmission channels.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

Data encoder for power line communications
Patent No. 11005530

Inventor(s): Anand Dabak (Plano, TX), Badri N Varadarajan (Mountain View, CA), Il Han Kim (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16744376 on 01/16/2020 (481 days app to issue)

Abstract: In a disclosed embodiment, a power line communication (PLC) transmitter includes a forward error correction (FEC) encoder that receives payload data and adds parity information to the data to create an encoded output, a fragmenter that receives the encoded output from the FEC encoder and segments the encoded output into a plurality of fragments, a fragment repetition encoder that receives the plurality of fragments from the fragmenter and copies each of the fragments a selected number of times, and an interleaver that receives the copies of the plurality of fragments from the fragment repetition encoder and interleaves the copies of the plurality of fragments for transmission on a power line.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

Wavelength modulation to improve optical link bit error rate
Patent No. 11005566

Inventor(s): Terrel Morris (Garland, TX)
Assignee(s): Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Sheppard Mullin Richter Hampton LLP (8 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16874267 on 05/14/2020 (362 days app to issue)

Abstract: An optical transceiver module includes an optical transceiver and a controller. The optical transceiver has a ring filter configured to transmit optical signals from or receive optical signals for the optical transceiver module. The controller is configured to: detect a carrier frequency at the optical transceiver; detect a data signal frequency of data at the optical transceiver; determine a bit error rate of the data; and in response to determining that the bit error rate of the data is greater than a threshold, periodically vary a central wavelength of the ring filter at a frequency at least three orders slower than the data signal frequency.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

Device, network, and method for wideband LTE single OFDM symbol uplink transmission
Patent No. 11005628

Inventor(s): Jialing Liu (Palatine, IL), Qian Cheng (Aurora, IL), Weimin Xiao (Hoffman Estates, IL)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15206219 on 07/08/2016 (1768 days app to issue)

Abstract: An embodiment method for managing uplink transmission includes dividing, by a network controller, frequency resources in a single OFDM symbol into two sets of frequency resources. The method further includes signaling, by the network controller, to a UE to transmit data in a first set of the frequency resources and to transmit a pilot signal in a second set of the frequency resources.

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

Dynamic signaling of the downlink and uplink subframe allocation for a TDD wireless communication system
Patent No. 11005632

Inventor(s): Anthony Edet Ekpenyong (Houston, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15925278 on 03/19/2018 (1149 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wireless communication network, comprising a processing resource configured to determine a time interval for periodic time division duplex (TDD) Uplink/Downlink (UL/DL) reconfiguration windows, generate a UL/DL reconfiguration command to indicate a dynamic TDD UL/DL allocation change, and encode the UL/DL reconfiguration command in a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) data, and a radio front end (RF) interface coupled to the processing resource and configured to cause the encoded UL/DL reconfiguration command to be transmitted to a first of a plurality of wireless user equipment (UEs) in a first of the UL/DL reconfiguration windows, wherein the encoded UL/DL reconfiguration command is transmitted via a PDCCH to provide a fast TDD UL/DL reconfiguration.

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

Output circuit for a source device with arbitrary access time
Patent No. 11005642

Inventor(s): Shawn Xianggang Yu (Tucson, AZ), Venkata Krishnan Kidambi Srinivasan (Tucson, AZ)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16900082 on 06/12/2020 (333 days app to issue)

Abstract: A circuit includes a source device coupled to an output circuit. The source device is configured to produce a sequence of digital values at a rate defined by a data period. The output circuit is configured to receive the sequence of digital values from the source device, generate a copy of each digital value at a predetermined point during the respective data period, and responsive to initiation of a data transaction during a given data period but before the predetermined point, output the digital value from the source device, whereas responsive to initiation of a data transaction during the given data period but after the predetermined point, output the copy of the digital value.

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

End-to-end network service designer tool
Patent No. 11005722

Inventor(s): Mukesh Kumar (Frisco, TX), Sanjay Ravindra Ranade (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc. (Basking Ridge, NJ)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15888371 on 02/05/2018 (1191 days app to issue)

Abstract: A graphical network design and configuration tool provides an administrator graphical user interface (GUI) with icons that represent virtual network elements, physical network elements, and links used to deliver network-based services and associates, via the administrator GUI, the icons with network element properties based on user input. A design GUI is provided including a design canvas to arrange and connect the icons. User input is received via the design GUI to arrange the icons on the design canvas to provide a design for a network-based service. A design template for the network-based service is generated based on the second user input. A configuration GUI solicits location-specific network level attributes for network elements in the design template and creates an instance of the design template based on the network level attributes. Configuration files are automatically generated for the physical network elements represented in the instance of the design template.

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

Adaptive and dynamic network provisioning
Patent No. 11005816

Inventor(s): Alexander Richard Perry Wey (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): RELAY WIRELESS NETWORK, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Barnes Thornburg LLP (Local + 12 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16208982 on 12/04/2018 (889 days app to issue)

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a tool and methodologies for increasing security, and ease-of-access for a computer to connect privately to a specific network and or series of network-based services via a network access point without additional setup or configuration operations required of a user of the computer. In accordance with at least some disclosed embodiments, a mechanism and methodologies are provided for adaptive and dynamic provisioning of network devices for private access to network-based services for computers in a real-world environment.

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

Monitoring/alert system for airline gate activities
Patent No. 11006078

Inventor(s): James Hill (Fort Worth, TX), Krunalkumar Patel (Irving, TX), Murali Ande (Flower Mound, TX)
Assignee(s): AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16599869 on 10/11/2019 (578 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of monitoring and reporting aircraft turnaround activities at an airport gate that includes monitoring the airport gate using a first camera that has a first field of view associated with the airport gate; generating, using the first camera, first image data capturing a first activity within the first field of view; receiving, by processor(s), the first image data; identifying, by the processor(s), the first activity captured in the first image data; comparing, using a computer application, aspect(s) of the first activity with a predetermined schedule; and displaying, on a graphical user interface remote from the first camera and using the computer application, an alert indicating that the first activity does not comply with the predetermined schedule; wherein the processor(s) include a machine learning processor.

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

Coding of transform coefficients for video coding
Patent No. 11006114

Inventor(s): Joel Sole Rojals (La Jolla, CA), Marta Karczewicz (San Diego, CA), Rajan Laxman Joshi (San Diego, CA)
Assignee(s): Velos Media, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Nixon Vanderhye P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16657416 on 10/18/2019 (571 days app to issue)

Abstract: This disclosure describes devices and methods for coding transform coefficients associated with a block of residual video data in a video coding process. Aspects of this disclosure include the selection of a scan order for both significance map coding and level coding, as well as the selection of contexts for entropy coding consistent with the selected scan order. This disclosure proposes a harmonization of the scan order to code both the significance map of the transform coefficients as well as to code the levels of the transform coefficient. It is proposed that the scan order for the significance map should be in the inverse direction (i.e., from the higher frequencies to the lower frequencies). This disclosure also proposes that transform coefficients be scanned in sub-sets as opposed to fixed sub-blocks. In particular, transform coefficients are scanned in a sub-set consisting of a number of consecutive coefficients according to the scan order.

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

Method and apparatus for real-time SAO parameter estimation
Patent No. 11006124

Inventor(s): Hrushikesh Tukaram Garud (Maharashtra, , IN), Mihir Narendra Mody (Bangalore, , IN), Soyeb Nagori (Bangalore, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16889962 on 06/02/2020 (343 days app to issue)

Abstract: The disclosure provides a sample adaptive offset (SAO) encoder. The SAO encoder includes a statistics collection (SC) block and a rate distortion optimization (RDO) block coupled to the SC block. The SC block receives a set of deblocked pixels and a set of original pixels. The SC block categorizes each deblocked pixel of the set of deblocked pixels in at least one of a plurality of band and edge categories. The SC block estimates an error in each category as difference between a deblocked pixel of the set of deblocked pixels and corresponding original pixel of the set of original pixels. The RDO block determines a set of candidate offsets associated with each category and selects a candidate offset with a minimum RD cost. The minimum RD cost is used by a SAO type block and a decision block to generate final offsets for the SAO encoder.

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

Methods and systems for using atlas frames to process data representative of a scene
Patent No. 11006141

Inventor(s): Vidhya Seran (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc. (Basking Ridge, NJ)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16823555 on 03/19/2020 (418 days app to issue)

Abstract: An exemplary image generation system accesses a full atlas frame sequence that incorporates a set of image sequences combined within the full atlas frame sequence as atlas tiles. The system generates a first partial atlas frame sequence that incorporates a first subset of image sequences selected from the set of image sequences incorporated in the full atlas frame sequence, as well as a second partial atlas frame sequence that incorporates a second subset of image sequences selected from the set of image sequences. The second subset includes a different combination of image sequences than the first subset and includes at least one image sequence in common with the first subset. The system provides the first partial atlas frame sequence to a first video encoder and the second partial atlas frame sequence to a second video encoder communicatively coupled with the first video encoder. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

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

Set-top box with interactive features and system and method for use of same
Patent No. 11006170

Inventor(s): Thomas R. Miller (Plano, TX), Vanessa Ogle (Fairview, TX), William C. Fang (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Enseo, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Griggs Bergen LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16933604 on 07/20/2020 (295 days app to issue)

Abstract: A set-top box with interactive features and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box receives various types of set-top box data such as information about display-based interactions with the set-top box, information about a plurality of amenities on a residential property co-located with the set-top box, and information from a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device interacting with the set-top box. The set-top box may render a map view of the property based on obtained map data. The map view may include an interactive graphical representation of the residential property and be annotated with at least a portion of the set-top box data.

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

Facilitation of follow-the-user data service for 5G or other next generation network
Patent No. 11006253

Inventor(s): John Croft (Dallas, TX), Mei Tong (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): ATT MOBILITY II LLC (Atlanta, GA)
Law Firm: Amin, Turocy Watson, LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16885898 on 05/28/2020 (348 days app to issue)

Abstract: Follow-the-user (FTU) service can be implemented within a telecommunication data services platform to provide flexibility for end users to use their service subscriptions with any capable devices/vehicles. Currently, service subscriptions are generally tied to one device/vehicle that can be used to access the services, instead of the actual end user who uses the services. Therefore, a device/vehicle identifier can be utilized in accordance with an online billing and identification platform to identify end-user subscribers and associate their subscription services to a device/vehicle for which they are utilizing collect service usage, as well as to assign to its owner for the billing.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Apparatus, computer program, and method for timing-based restriction of a data signaling direction
Patent No. 11006284

Inventor(s): Cornelius Dawid Janse van Rensburg (Plano, TX), Jack Anthony Smith (Valley View, TX)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16727684 on 12/26/2019 (502 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus, computer program, and method are provided for timing-based restriction of a data signaling direction. An operating cell is included in at least one of a plurality of groups with one or more other cells. In operation, a time is identified for restricting a direction of data signaling from the cell to a region, based on such time, while at least one of the one or more other cells of the at least one group is permitted to direct a data signaling thereof outside the region.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Dynamic self-backhaul reconnection using an enhanced radio resource control messaging for 5G and other next generation networks
Patent No. 11006291

Inventor(s): Hongyan Lei (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): ATT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P. (Atlanta, GA)
Law Firm: Amin, Turocy Watson, LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16509378 on 07/11/2019 (670 days app to issue)

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein that facilitate a dynamic self-backhaul reconnection using a radio resource control messaging. According to some embodiments, a system can comprise detecting a failure in a first backhaul communication link with a first node device, wherein the first node device is communicatively connected to a core network device of a core network, selecting a second node device, other than the first node device, that is communicatively connected to the core network device for establishment of a second backhaul communication link to replace the first backhaul communication link, and facilitating establishing a first connection with the second node device to provide an indication of the failure of the first backhaul communication link, to provide a confirmation that the second node device is available in connection with establishment of the second backhaul communication link, and to request to reserve resources to establish the second backhaul communication link with the second node device.

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

Core Services Platform for wireless voice, data and messaging network services
Patent No. 11006295

Inventor(s): Daniel Gerard Collins (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Cisco Technology, Inc. (San Jose, CA)
Law Firm: Behmke Innovation Group LLC (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16186023 on 11/09/2018 (914 days app to issue)

Abstract: A Core Service Platform (CSP) system is integrated with an operator network and IT system to provide services to subscribers and operators. Based on information collected from the operator network and IT system, the CSP system delivers alerts to a subscriber’’s device and provides offers to resolve the condition causing the alerts. The CSP system provides customized contextual offers to the subscriber’’s device based on contextual assessments of a subscriber’’s current context, such as time in contract, loyalty status, data and voice usage, value of customer, time, location and purchase history. The CSP system also provides an operator a suite of tools for the operator to manage its pricing, offers, campaigns and other subscriber-related issues.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Self-synchronizing probe sequence
Patent No. RE048549 (Reissue)

Inventor(s): Amir H. Fazlollahi (San Jose, CA), Jianhua Liu (Shenzhen, , CN)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16375408 on 04/04/2019 (768 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method comprising modulating a plurality of synchronized signals by an orthogonal probe sequence (OPS) to generate a plurality of modulated synchronized signals, wherein the OPS comprises a zero element (0-element) column that indicates a start or an end of the OPS, and concurrently transmitting, using one or more transmitters, the plurality of modulated synchronized signals over a duration of a number of discrete multi-tone (DMT) symbols, wherein each of the plurality of modulated synchronized signals is intended for one of a plurality of receivers that are remotely coupled to the one or more transmitters via a vectored group of subscriber lines, and wherein the 0-element column causes all of the plurality of modulated synchronized signals to have a zero-amplitude during a first or a last of the DMT symbols. Patent Class: N/A

DESIGN PATENTS

Avocado tray
Patent No. D918661

Inventor(s): Andrew Frischmon (Ham Lake, MN), Jeff Morris (Rhome, TX), Stephen Parnell (Rhome, TX), Tim Frischmon (Ham Lake, MN)
Assignee(s): Fresh Innovations, LLC (Rhome, TX)
Law Firm: Braxton Perrone, PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29709803 on 10/25/2019 (564 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Package
Patent No. D918716

Inventor(s): Carlos Caicedo (Dallas, TX), Carol Monza (Dallas, TX), Carolyn Eckert (Dallas, TX), David Shin (Dallas, TX), Don Miller (Dallas, TX), Michael Comiskey (Dallas, TX), Natalie Cruz (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Building Materials Investment Corporation (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29757742 on 11/09/2020 (183 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Jewelry article
Patent No. D918767

Inventor(s): Courtney Newell (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Polsinelli PC (Local + 15 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29646940 on 05/08/2018 (1099 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Model vehicle bumper
Patent No. D918803

Inventor(s): Jonathan Scott Wood (Frisco, TX), Jory Sprowl (Honey Grove, TX), Kent Poteet (Lucas, TX), Otto Karl Allmendinger (Rowlett, TX)
Assignee(s): TRAXXAS LP (McKinney, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 29705348 on 09/11/2019 (608 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Ground engaging wear member
Patent No. D918965

Inventor(s): Mohamad Bilal (Little Elm, TX)
Assignee(s): HENSLEY INDUSTRIES, INC. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29653834 on 06/19/2018 (1057 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Ground engaging wear member
Patent No. D918966

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

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Dallas Invents: 111 Patents Granted for Week of March 9
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Dallas-Fort Worth ranked No. 9 for patents out of 250 metros. Patents granted include: Astrapi's methods of transmitting data using polynomial-based signals, AT&T's allocation and extraction of data for augmented reality for 6G or other next-gen network, Building Materials Investment Corp.'s moisture sensing roofing systems, COEVAC's automatic smoke/carbon monoxide evacuation system, IBM's cognitive intervention for voice recognition failure, Kioma's child safety seat, SanDisk Technologies' low latency data transfer, Shavelogic's shaving systems, USAA's recommendation engine for cost of a claim, and an unassigned virus immune computer system.

Dallas Invents: 125 Patents Granted for Week of May 11

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Dallas Invents: 125 Patents Granted for Week of May 11

THIS WEEK, BY THE NUMBERS Week of May 11, 2021| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

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