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

THIS WEEK, BY THE NUMBERS
Week of April 2, 2019 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

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

NO. OF PATENTS BY CLASSIFICATION

TOP LOCAL ASSIGNEES
(NO. OF PATENTS)

Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas) 18
Futurewei TechnologiesInc. (Plano) 8
SanDisk Technologies LLC (Addison) 7
No Longer Naked Lures LLC (Dallas) 5
Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America Inc. (Plano) 5
Frito-Lay North AmericaInc. (Plano) 2

UNASSIGNED 11

TOP LOCAL INVENTORS
(NO. OF PATENTS)

Michael W. Kertz (Dallas) 5
Joshua M. Boggs (Aledo) 3
George Andrew Gordon (Frisco) 2
Hongyan Lei (Plano) 2

SPEED: APPLICATION TO ISSUE (NO. OF DAYS)

158 days
Scaling cloud rendezvous points in a hierarchical and distributed manne
Patent No. 10250717
Assignee: Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Inventors: Kiran Makhijani (Los Gatos, CA), Renwei Li (Fremont, CA)

3,539 days
Method and system for facilitating interactive review of data
Patent No. 10248697
Assignee: Raytheon Company(Waltham, MA)
Inventor: David F. McCoy (Garland, TX)

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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

Stimulation needle apparatus and method
Patent No. 10244956

Inventor(s): Lawrence Kane (Roseville, MN)
Assignee(s): Nuvectra Corporation (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15430061 on 02/10/2017 (781 days app to issue)

Abstract: In various examples, a stimulation needle apparatus is used for selectively administering a trial stimulation to body tissue of a patient. The stimulation needle apparatus includes a cannula assembly including a cannula and a cannula hub disposed at a proximal cannula end. A stylet assembly includes a stylet sized and shaped to fit within a cannula lumen. A stylet hub is disposed at the proximal stylet end and is configured to engage with the cannula hub. With the stylet hub engaged with the cannula hub, the distal stylet end extends distally from the distal cannula end. A stylet connection is electrically coupled with the stylet and is configured to electrically couple with a stimulator device, such that, a stimulation pulse delivered by the stimulator device is conducted from the stylet connection through the stylet to the distal stylet end to administer the trial stimulation.

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

Bone plate with a transfixation screw hole
Patent No. 10245085

Inventor(s): Bruce R. Werber (Scottsdale, AZ), Lance Nathan Terrill (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): OsteoMed LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Norton Ross Fulbright US LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15707891 on 09/18/2017 (561 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system for securing bones together across a joint includes a transfixation screw and a plate. The plate includes an elongate spine having a transfixation screw hole disposed along the spine. The transfixation screw hole includes an inner surface configured to direct the transfixation screw through the transfixation screw hole such that the transfixation screw extends alongside the bridge portion at a trajectory configured to pass through a first position on the first bone and a second position on the second bone once the plate is placed across the joint. The transfixation screw includes a head configured to abut the inner surface of the transfixation screw hole and a shaft configured to contiguously extend through the first bone, across the joint, and into the second bone.

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

Marker capsule for drug delivery dart
Patent No. 10245132

Inventor(s): Kevin G. Miller (Alvarado, TX)
Assignee(s): Dart Markers, LLC (Alvarado, TX)
Law Firm: Dan Brown Law Office (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15446095 on 03/01/2017 (762 days app to issue)

Abstract: A marker capsule for a drug delivery dart that marks a animal upon impact to indicate it has had a drug injection. The marker capsule is formed of a rupturable material, and has a central aperture formed therethrough for disposition about a cannula extending from the drug delivery dart. A marking substance is contained within the capsule. The capsule ruptures between the dart body and the animal upon impact to thereby disperse said marking substance upon the animal about the area of the impact.

[A61D] VETERINARY INSTRUMENTS, IMPLEMENTS, TOOLS, OR METHODS

Apparatus and methods for the treatment of urinary incontinence
Patent No. 10245134

Inventor(s): Michael E. Carley (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: The Courtney Firm (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14622848 on 02/14/2015 (1508 days app to issue)

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating urinary incontinence are disclosed. In one embodiment, an implantable device uses non-biodegradable suture(s) positioned under or adjacent to the urethra. The sutures may be anchored by one of several methods including integration with mesh, tines, barbs, or an alternative anchoring system away from the urethra. A delivery system may comprise a hollow trocar with removable tip and handle. Methods for treating urinary incontinence using the devices are disclosed.

[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]

Method and system for relieving and preventing excessive back and joint discomfort, poor posture, and lack of energy
Patent No. 10245173

Inventor(s): David A. Badger (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Hulsey P.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16028345 on 07/05/2018 (271 days app to issue)

Abstract: A posture alignment system improves posture by posture modification and spinal alignment. A back plate for positioning along a user”s back provides a rigid structural foundation. A separation plate hingedly couples to the posture alignment system. A spinal mold mechanism includes a spinal mold positioned on the spinal mold plate for interfacing and providing posture modifying support and alignment force to the user”s spine. The spinal mold includes posture alignment guide rails for guiding posture modification and spinal alignment according to a posture alignment goal. A pneumatic force generating mechanism controllably generates pneumatic force for forcibly and controllably interfacing the spinal mold mechanism and the neck aligning mechanism with the user”s spine and neck, and, thereby guide posture modification and spinal alignment of the user according to the posture alignment goal.

Grin fiber multi-spot laser probe
Patent No. 10245181

Inventor(s): Chenguang Diao (Irvine, CA), Ronald T. Smith (Irvine, CA)
Assignee(s): Alcon Research, Ltd. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 13723600 on 12/21/2012 (2293 days app to issue)

Abstract: A surgical probe includes a cannula assembly, having a graded index (GRIN) fiber that is configured to receive a multi-spot light beam at a proximal end and to emit the multi-spot light beam at a distal end; an adapter, having a distal end, configured to receive the cannula assembly, with the proximal end of the GRIN fiber, a proximal end, configured to couple to a light guide via a connector and to receive a light delivered by the light guide from a laser source to the adapter, and an interface, configured to couple the light delivered by the light guide to the proximal end of the GRIN fiber; wherein a length of the GRIN fiber is sufficiently long that the interface is outside a patient”s eye during a photocoagulation procedure.

Compositions for sensitive skin
Patent No. 10245282

Inventor(s): David Gan (Southlake, TX), Linda Hart (Dallas, TX), Michelle Hines (Hickory Creek, TX), Milagros Sanchez (Dallas, TX), Patricia Jacoby (Dallas, TX), Tiffany Carle (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): MARY KAY INC. (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15796958 on 10/30/2017 (519 days app to issue)

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for their use that include a combination of hydrolyzed algin, escin, [i]Ruscus aculeatus [/i]root extract, ammonium glycyrrhizate, [i]Centella asiatica [/i]extract, hydrolyzed yeast protein, and [i]Calendula officinalis [/i]flower extract.

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

Implantable lead with flexible paddle electrode array
Patent No. 10245427

Inventor(s): Jodi Townsley Dubuclet (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15628426 on 06/20/2017 (651 days app to issue)

Abstract: A neurostimulation system is disclosed herein. The neurostimulation system includes an implantable pulse generator and an implantable therapy lead configured to be electrically coupled to the implantable pulse generator. The implantable therapy lead includes a flexible paddle electrode array with flexible electrodes. Each flexible electrode has a segmented configuration having first and second electrode segments and a flexible bridge or living hinge joining together the first and second electrode segments.

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

Systems, methods, and devices for evaluating lead placement based on patient physiological responses
Patent No. 10245434

Inventor(s): Norbert Kaula (Arvada, CO), Yohannes Iyassu (Denver, CO)
Assignee(s): NUVECTRA CORPORATION (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15865462 on 01/09/2018 (448 days app to issue)

Abstract: An electrical stimulation is applied to a patient via a lead by increasing a stimulation parameter over time. An anal sphincter response, a bellows response, and a toes response from the patient are detected as a result of the electrical stimulation. A first value of the stimulation parameter associated with the anal sphincter response, a second value of the stimulation parameter associated with the bellows response, and a third value of the stimulation parameter associated with the toes response are determined. A placement of the lead inside the patient is evaluated based on: a chronological occurrence of the anal sphincter response, the bellows response, and the toes response; a comparison of the first value with a predetermined threshold; a deviation of the second value from the first value; a deviation of the third value from the first value; or a deviation of the third value from the second value.

Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
Patent No. 10245474

Inventor(s): Eric A. Larson (Arlington, TX), Joshua M. Boggs (Aledo, TX), Kevin Harper (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): Karsten Manufacturing Corporation (Phoenix, AZ)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 14968513 on 12/14/2015 (1205 days app to issue)

Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a face with a striking surface configured for striking a ball where the face has multiple thickness regions. The face has a center region, an upper region, a lower region, a toe region, and a heel region. The upper and lower regions have a ramped thickness extending from a center region to an upper and lower edge of the face. The heel and toe regions have a constant face thickness and have a thickness less than the other regions. Additionally, the club head body has a flange where the face is welded to the club head body. The flange has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the heel and toe regions of the face.

[A63B] APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H)

Golf club head having a stress reducing feature with aperture
Patent No. 10245485

Inventor(s): Bryan Seon (Garland, TX), Jeffrey T. Halstead (Plano, TX), Justin Girard (Dallas, TX), Michael Scott Burnett (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Taylor Made Golf Company Inc. (Carlsbad, CA)
Law Firm: Dawsey Co., LPA (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15957961 on 04/20/2018 (347 days app to issue)

Abstract: A golf club incorporating a stress reducing feature, including an aperture, located at least partially on the sole of the club head. The location and size of the stress reducing feature and aperture, and their relationship to one another, play a significant role in selectively improving the performance of the golf club.

[A63B] APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H)

Adjustable golf club and system and associated golf club heads and shafts
Patent No. 10245487

Inventor(s): Eric A. Larson (Fort Worth, TX), Robert Boyd (Flower Mound, TX)
Assignee(s): Karsten Manufacturing Corporation (Phoenix, AZ)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15231151 on 08/08/2016 (967 days app to issue)

Abstract: In general, aspects of this invention relate to golf clubs or golf club components incorporating adjustment members that permit ready adjustability of golf club parameters and/or interchangeability of golf club components to change a golf club configuration, and methods for providing golf clubs. According to aspects of this invention, an adjustment member may be utilized to allow the adjustability of a golf club parameter to change a golf club configuration, while ensuring there is substantially no change to other club or club head variables, parameters or characteristics. According to another aspect of this invention, an adjustment member may be utilized to allow the adjustability of two golf club parameters independently to change a golf club configuration, while ensuring there is substantially no change to other club or club head variables, parameters or characteristics.

[A63B] APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H)

Method and apparatus for retaining eyeglasses
Patent No. 10247958

Inventor(s): Gregory W. Carr (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Carr Law Firm PLLC (Local + 4 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15187758 on 06/20/2016 (1016 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and a method for retaining eyeglasses on a remote panel with a holding element positioned on the remote panel and a temple element positioned on the eyeglasses.

[A45F] TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT; SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY [2006.01]

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

Electrostatic modification reagent and process for enhancing electrostatic separation in the beneficiation of ores
Patent No. 10245596

Inventor(s): Harsha Kolla (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Cytec Technology Corp. (Wilmington, DE)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15200366 on 07/01/2016 (1005 days app to issue)

Abstract: An electrostatic modification reagent and a process for beneficiating a mineral substrate by electrostatic separation as described herein. The electrostatic modification reagent may be used in an electric separation process for separating components from a mineral ore or sand.

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

Die compatibility adaptor for machine press communication
Patent No. 10245802

Inventor(s): Dale A. Lewis (Lexington, KY)
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Dinsmore Shohl LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14810873 on 07/28/2015 (1344 days app to issue)

Abstract: A die compatibility adaptor including a housing and a die cable extending outward from the housing and terminating at a die cable end engageable with a manufacturing die that includes a first proximity sensor configured to output a first proximity signal and a second proximity sensor configured to output a second proximity signal. The die compatibility adaptor further includes a direct cable receptacle communicatively coupled to the die cable, a duplicate cable receptacle, and one or more isolation relays positioned between and communicatively coupled to the duplicate cable receptacle and the die cable, the one or more isolation relays having a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the duplicate cable receptacle is communicatively coupled to the die cable.

[B30B] PRESSES IN GENERAL; PRESSES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR (producing ultra-high pressure or ultra-high pressure and high temperature to effect modifications of a substance, e.g. for making artificial diamonds B01J 3/00) [2]

Transportation system including autonomous detachable engine modules and passenger module
Patent No. 10245994

Inventor(s): Christopher M. Higgins (Ann Arbor, MI), Michael J. Delp (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: 15239071 on 08/17/2016 (958 days app to issue)

Abstract: A transportation system includes at least one passenger module and at least one autonomous engine module configured to operatively couple with the at least one passenger module to form an autonomous passenger vehicle.

[B60P] VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS (vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances A61G 3/00)

Base for container of a viscous product and a propellant
Patent No. 10246247

Inventor(s): David Michael Pehar (Willoughby, OH), Galina Laufer (Plano, TX), John Evan Spirk (Gates Mills, OH), Robert Godfroid (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Frito-Lay North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Carstens Cahoon, LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15478818 on 04/04/2017 (728 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and dispensing a viscous product. The product and a propellant are stored in a container on a base, and the propellant forms a head space. In a storage configuration, the container rests on the base, the base rests on a surface, and the propellant in the head space and the product tend to move toward positions wherein the propellant in the head space is at a higher elevation than the product and the product is at a higher elevation than an inlet to a dispenser. In one aspect, the base comprises a first portion, a second portion comprising a lid, a sidewall comprising a window, and an interior. In a second aspect, the method comprises storing the container in the storage configuration, removing the lid to expose a dispenser, dispensing the product, and viewing an interior of the base through the window.

[B65D] CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES

Automatic tire loader/unloader for stacking/unstacking tires in a trailer
Patent No. 10246278

Inventor(s): Tim Criswell (Arlington, TX)
Assignee(s): Daifuku Co., Ltd. (, , JP), Wynright Corporation (Elk Grove, IL)
Law Firm: Griggs Bergen LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16115327 on 08/28/2018 (217 days app to issue)

Abstract: An automatic tire loader/unloader for stacking/unstacking tires in a trailer is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement subassembly, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, tires advance through a powered transportation path to an industrial robot which places the tires within the trailer in a vertical stacking pattern or a rick-stacking pattern, for example. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon the distance measurement subassembly detecting objects, including tires, within a detection space, dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly, and dimensions of the tires provided to the control subassembly.

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

Composite laminates incorporating vertically aligned carbon nanotubes for ballistic and low velocity impact protection
Patent No. 10247523

Inventor(s): David Abram Jack (Waco, TX), John Edmund Christoph (Flower Mound, TX), Jordan Robert Raney (Watertown, MA)
Assignee(s): Fortified Composites LLC (Flower Mound, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15346908 on 11/09/2016 (874 days app to issue)

Abstract: Laminated composite structures, or laminates, may utilize vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs), also termed a nanotube forest, as a layer/ply within a fiber/matrix laminate used as a protection system to mitigate and eliminate penetrating and blunt force damage posterior as a result of impacts with an unknown velocity on the laminated structure. Moreover, a composite may incorporate vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) for ballistic and low velocity impact protection.

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

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

Insulated structural members for insulated panels and a method of making same
Patent No. 10246873

Inventor(s): James M. Costanza (Flower Mound, TX)
Assignee(s): KPS GLOBAL LLC (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Marshall, Gerstein Borun LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15814732 on 11/16/2017 (502 days app to issue)

Abstract: A hybrid structural member for an insulated structural panel includes a core member surrounded on at least two sides by a high-density structural foam. The hybrid structural member may be manufactured by placing a core member in a cavity of an injection mold and surrounding the core member by insulating foam on at least two sides. The core member may be held in place by screws, posts, pins, a vacuum, or other suitable means.

[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)

Setting tool for downhole applications
Patent No. 10246961

Inventor(s): Antony F. Grattan (Mansfield, TX), Douglas J. Streibich (Fort Worth, TX), Mark Lancaster (Alvarado, TX), Michael C. Robertson (Arlington, TX), Roy L. Sparkman (Haltom City, TX)
Assignee(s): Robertson Intellectual Properties, LLC (Arlington, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 14930369 on 11/02/2015 (1247 days app to issue)

Abstract: A setting tool for deploying a downhole tool within a wellbore is described herein. The setting tool uses an in situ non-explosive gas-generating power source to generate high-pressure gas, which drives a mechanical linkage to actuate the deployment of the downhole tool. According to certain embodiments the non-explosive gas-generating setting tool contains no hydraulic stages and may contain only a single piston. The setting tool may be fitted to provide different stroke lengths and can provide usable power over a greater percentage of its stroke length, compared to setting tools using explosive/pyrotechnic power sources. Methods of using a non-explosive gas-generating setting tool to deploy a downhole tool within a wellbore are also disclosed.

[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]

Optical well logging
Patent No. 10247840

Inventor(s): Neal G. Skinner (Lewisville, TX)
Assignee(s): HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Chamberlain Hrdlicka (5 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13748749 on 01/24/2013 (2259 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of logging a well can include conveying an optical waveguide and at least one signal generator with a conveyance into the well, causing the signal generator to generate at least one signal in the well, and receiving the signal as distributed along the optical waveguide. A well logging system can include a conveyance with an optical waveguide, and at least one signal generator which is conveyed by the conveyance into a well with the optical waveguide, whereby the signal generator generates at least one signal received with the optical waveguide.

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

Radiant embers cooking system
Patent No. 10244894

Inventor(s): Bradley Gleaton (Addison, TX), Erica Boltz (Addison, TX), Randy May (Addison, TX)
Assignee(s): The Boltz Group, LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Miller Martin PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15444665 on 02/28/2017 (763 days app to issue)

Abstract: A heat tent for a gas grill apparatus located between the burner and the food to shield the burners of a gas grill to protect the burners from grease drippings and food deposits, to allow additional heat to reach the food for searing and other application, to glow and provide radiant heat to optimally and evenly cook of the food while allowing the flames to be more visible so as to know that the burner is turned on even food is placed all over the tent.

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

Variable power outlet and maximum speed in drive mode
Patent No. 10245970

Inventor(s): Christopher Gregg (Gardena, CA), Hidetoshi Kusumi (Gardena, CA)
Assignee(s): TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Snell Wilmer LLP (5 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15246168 on 08/24/2016 (951 days app to issue)

Abstract: A variable power drive mode system for a vehicle. The system includes a pedal, a processor, an engine or other vehicle power source for moving the vehicle and a battery. The processor of the vehicle determines, either automatically or based upon user input, a desired drive mode for the vehicle. A memory connected with the processor stores different data corresponding to the different drive modes determinable by the processor for the vehicle. The processor uses the different data stored in memory in combination with a position of the pedal to control the engine or other vehicle power source to generate power in accordance with the determined drive mode. Certain drive modes may provide for more aggressive driving profiles at the expense of fuel efficiency or fuel consumption when compared to other drive modes.

[F02D] CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES (vehicle fittings, acting on a single sub-unit only, for automatically controlling vehicle speed B60K 31/00; conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function, road vehicle drive control systems for purposes other than the control of a single sub-unit B60W; cyclically operating valves for combustion engines F01L; controlling combustion engine lubrication F01M; cooling internal-combustion engines F01P; supplying combustion engines with combustible mixtures or constituents thereof, e.g. carburettors, injection pumps, F02M; starting of combustion engines F02N; controlling of ignition F02P; controlling gas-turbine plants, jet-propulsion plants, or combustion-product engine plants, see the relevant subclasses for these plants) [2006.01]

Pump system
Patent No. 10247184

Inventor(s): Austin Chunn (Aledo, TX), David Arnoldy (Azle, TX), Wesley Freed (Aledo, TX)
Assignee(s): FORUM US, INC. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Patterson + Sheridan LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15279739 on 09/29/2016 (915 days app to issue)

Abstract: A pump system includes a first pump and a second pump each having a plunger assembly. The plunger assembly includes a crosshead, a plunger, and a sleeve. The sleeve at least partially surrounds the plunger and an end of the crosshead. The sleeve is configured to create a fluid seal between the plunger and the crosshead.

[F04B] POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS (engine fuel-injection pumps F02M; machines for liquids, or pumps, of rotary-piston or oscillating-piston type F04C; non-positive-displacement pumps F04D; pumping of fluid by direct contact of another fluid or by using inertia of fluid to be pumped F04F; crankshafts, crossheads, connecting-rods F16C; flywheels F16F; gearings for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion in general F16H; pistons, piston-rods, cylinders, in general F16J; ion pumps H01J 41/12; electrodynamic pumps H02K 44/02)

HVAC system and an HVAC controller configured to operate the HVAC system based on air pollutant data and user comfort
Patent No. 10247434

Inventor(s): Jonathan Douglas (Lewisville, TX), Kevin Lyons (Flower Mound, TX), Kyle Golden (Plano, TX), Peter Hrejsa (Frisco, TX), Shailesh Manohar (Irving, TX), Thomas Wolowicz (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): Lennox Industries Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14993539 on 01/12/2016 (1176 days app to issue)

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system comprises a circulation fan, one or more humidity sensors operable to sense humidity data associated with an enclosed space, and a controller. In operation, the controller receives the humidity data from the one or more humidity sensors and receives air quality data associated with at least one air pollutant. The controller determines, based on the air quality data, that a threshold associated with the air pollutant has been exceeded and determines, based on the humidity data, that a threshold associated with humidity has not been exceeded. The controller operates the circulation fan in response to determining that the threshold associated with the air pollutant has been exceeded and the threshold associated with humidity has not been exceeded, the circulation fan operated for filtration purposes while not servicing any conditioning demand.

[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)

Accommodating CSSH for tandem compressor transitions
Patent No. 10247460

Inventor(s): Rakesh Goel (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): Lennox Industries Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14712489 on 05/14/2015 (1419 days app to issue)

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system comprises a plurality of sensors, a tandem compressor comprising a first compressor and a second compressor, and a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors and the tandem compressor. The controller is operable to operate threshold logic that turns off the tandem compressor if the tandem compressor is operating outside of a threshold range. The controller is further operable to determine a temperature demand of a structure associated with the HVAC system based on data received from at least one of the plurality of sensors and determine that the HVAC system requires a change of state to meet the temperature demand. The controller may disable the threshold logic for a pre-determined period of time in response to determining that the HVAC system requires the change of state and perform the change of state independently of the threshold logic.

Trigger
Patent No. 10247503

Inventor(s): Nicholas Bloomfield (Kirtland, NM)
Assignee(s): Pressure Break, LLC (Grand Prairie, TX)
Law Firm: Knobbe, Martens, Olson Bear LLP (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15609825 on 05/31/2017 (671 days app to issue)

Abstract: A trigger can include one or more kinesthetic features to provide increased mechanoreceptor stimulation. This can give a shooter increased kinesthetic awareness of the trigger pull. The trigger can include any number of different kinesthetic features in different configurations such as ridges, grooves, bumps or depressions, raised or depressed surfaces, bars, etc. These features can provide an increased sense of feel to encourage the straight, even, efficient and/or consistent pressing of the weapon”s trigger to produce consistent and accurate shot placement. The trigger can include two kinesthetic features or reference points, such as parallel bars, on the trigger face. With the parallel reference points the operator can apply equal pressure across the face of the trigger during manipulation.

[F41A] FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE [5]

System for controlling HVAC and lighting functionality
Patent No. 10248088

Inventor(s): Wojciech Maciej Grohman (Little Elm, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Griggs Bergen LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15264398 on 09/13/2016 (931 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system for automatic setup and control of Lighting, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems comprising a set of occupancy detectors and at least one controller where the controller determines various aspects of the building control based on the input of the occupancy detectors.

P H Y S I C S

Integrated computational elements with frequency selective surface
Patent No. 10247662

Inventor(s): Neal Gregory Skinner (Lewisville, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Parker Justiss, P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14900017 on 07/09/2013 (2093 days app to issue)

Abstract: Technologies are described for providing optical analysis systems using an integrated computational element that has a surface patterned to selectively reflect or transmit different wavelengths by differing amounts across a spectrum of wavelengths. In one aspect, a measurement tool contains an optical element including a layer of material patterned so that the optical element selectively transmits or reflects, during operation of the measurement tool, light in at least a portion of a wavelength range by differing amounts, the differing amounts being related to a property of a sample. The wavelength range can include wavelengths in a range from about 0.2 m to about 100 m. Additionally, the sample can include wellbore fluids and the property of the sample is a property of the wellbore fluids.

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

Tap, decoder providing SC and SE to scan path circuits
Patent No. 10247779

Inventor(s): Lee D. Whetsel (Parker, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15901398 on 02/21/2018 (405 days app to issue)

Abstract: The disclosure describes novel methods and apparatuses for accessing test compression architectures (TCA) in a device using either a parallel or serial access technique. The serial access technique may be controlled by a device tester or by a JTAG controller. Further the disclosure provides an approach to access the TCA of a device when the device exists in a daisy-chain arrangement with other devices, such as in a customer”s system. Additional embodiments are also provided and described in the disclosure.

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

Re-programmable self-test
Patent No. 10247780

Inventor(s): Alan David Hales (Richardson, TX), Neil John Simpson (Rockwall, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15666789 on 08/02/2017 (608 days app to issue)

Abstract: The PRPG provides the test stimulus to the circuit, but it can only generate a finite number of care-bits from any given input seed which limits the maximum coverage that can be achieved. The only way to increase the coverage is to provide additional seed input data to the PRPG. The on-chip one time only programmable eFuse is used to store new PRPG seed data inputs and corresponding MISR output signature data for comparison. An XOR circuit option on the output of the MISR is operable to further compress the output data.

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

Reference time generator
Patent No. 10248083

Inventor(s): Benjamin J. Sheahan (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Law Office of Mark A. Thomas (Local + 690 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15673399 on 08/09/2017 (601 days app to issue)

Abstract: A reference time generator including a first clock source including a reference synthesizer and cesium atomic clock configured to produce a cesium reference signal and a cesium QOT metric, a second clock source including a reference synthesizer and rubidium atomic clock configured to produce a rubidium reference signal and a rubidium QOT metric, and a circuit for selecting from the clock sources one reference signal based on the best QOT metric.

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

Method and apparatus for providing equipment maintenance via a network
Patent No. 10248091

Inventor(s): Anoop Viswanath (Plano, TX), Brian Lois (Dallas, TX), Christopher Tsai (Plano, TX), Muhammad Sabir (Allen, TX), Otis Jennings (Dallas, TX), Satya Vivek Kanakadandila (Plano, TX), Weiping Liu (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): ATT Intellectual Property I, L.P. (Atlanta, GA)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15178188 on 06/09/2016 (1027 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing equipment maintenance are disclosed. The method receives data that is captured by at least one sensor deployed at a location, wherein the data is associated with at least one parameter of an equipment, receives atmospheric data for the location, monitors the at least one parameter of the equipment and the atmospheric data for the location, determines for the at least one parameter, whether an update to a risk measure associated with the equipment is needed, when a deviation from a baseline is detected that is greater than a threshold for a maximum deviation from the baseline, performs the update to the risk measure associated with the equipment, when the update to the risk measure associated with the equipment is needed, and generates a ticket for a remedial action based on the risk measure, when the risk measure triggers the scheduling of the remedial action.

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

Remote operation of autonomous vehicle in unexpected environment
Patent No. 10248116

Inventor(s): Bunyo Okumura (Ann Arbor, MI), Danil V. Prokhorov (Canton, 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: 15337008 on 10/28/2016 (886 days app to issue)

Abstract: Computer devices, systems, and methods for an autonomous passenger vehicle are described. An unexpected driving environment can be identified, such as by using one or more processors. Information based on the unexpected driving environment received from one or more sensors disposed on the vehicle can be sent to a remote operator using a remote server. A command sent by the remote operator relating to one or more vehicle systems can be received. The command can be sent to the one or more vehicle systems for execution.

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

Fast SMP/ASMP mode-switching hardware apparatus for a low-cost low-power high performance multiple processor system
Patent No. 10248180

Inventor(s): Konggang Wei (San Diego, CA), Tongzeng Yang (San Diego, CA), Wei Chen (San Diego, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Schwegman Lundberg Woessner, P.A. (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14704240 on 05/05/2015 (1428 days app to issue)

Abstract: A processing system includes multiple processors in which a first processor operates at a first clock frequency and first supply voltage at all times. At least one processor is dynamically switchable to operate at the first clock frequency and first supply voltage resulting in the first and second processors providing symmetrical multi-processing (SMP) or at a second clock frequency and a second supply voltage resulting in the first and second processors providing asymmetrical multi-processing (ASMP). An integrated controller (e.g., finite state-machine (FSM)) controls not only voltage change, but also clock-switching. Various criteria can be used to determine when to switch the at least one switchable processor to improve power consumption and/or performance. Upon receipt of a switching command to switch between SMP and ASMP, a series or sequence of actions are performed to control a voltage supply and CPU/memory clock to the switchable processor and cache memory.

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

Modular display panels
Patent No. 10248372

Inventor(s): William Y. Hall (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): ULTRAVISION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15409288 on 01/18/2017 (804 days app to issue)

Abstract: An embodiment method of manufacturing modular panels includes manufacturing a group of modular display panels, including a first and second modular display panel that have the same size and shape. The first modular display panel includes a first pixel array arranged at a first pitch, and the second modular display panel includes a second pixel array that is arranged at a second pitch that is different than the first pitch. Any two modular display panels in the group are capable of being attached to each other in an integrated display system.

[G09F] DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS

Computer implemented system and method, and a computer program product, for automatically determining a configuration of a computing system upon which a software application will be deployed
Patent No. 10248400

Inventor(s): Michael Coleman (Flower Mound, TX)
Assignee(s): VCE IP Holding Company LLC (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15352329 on 11/15/2016 (868 days app to issue)

Abstract: Computer implemented systems and methods, and computer program products, for determining one or more proposed configurations of a computing system upon which a software application will be deployed. A proposed configuration may include a computing system having virtualized information technology resources deployed across an enterprise. For example, a method may include receiving software application information, such as information including software application identification information and software application licensing information. The method may further include receiving current computing system requirements information and future computing system requirements information, wherein the future computing system requirements information includes future computing system growth information and future computing system target utilization information. Additionally, the method may include dynamically generating and storing information about one or more proposed configurations based upon the received information to provide an optimized configuration wherein the total cost of ownership is minimized.

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

Managing lock and unlock operations using active spinning
Patent No. 10248420

Inventor(s): David Albert Carlson (Haslet, TX)
Assignee(s): Cavium, LLC (Santa Clara, CA)
Law Firm: Young Basile Hanlon MacFarlane, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15609211 on 05/31/2017 (671 days app to issue)

Abstract: Managing instructions on a processor includes: executing threads having access to a stored library of operations. For a first thread executing on the first processor core, for each instruction included in the first thread and identified as being associated with a lock operation corresponding to a particular lock, the managing includes determining if the particular lock has already been acquired for another thread executing on a processor core other than the first processor core, and if so, continuing to perform the lock operation for multiple attempts using a hardware lock operation different from the lock operation in the stored library, and if not, acquiring the particular lock for the first thread. The hardware lock operation performs a modified atomic operation that changes a result of the hardware lock operation for failed attempts to acquire the particular lock relative to a result of the lock operation in the stored library.

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

Cyclic redundancy check calculation for multiple blocks of a message
Patent No. 10248498

Inventor(s): Wenzhe Zhou (Cupertino, CA), Yan Sun (Santa Clara, CA), YunSong Lu (Mountain View, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15357296 on 11/21/2016 (862 days app to issue)

Abstract: The disclosure relates to technology performing a cyclic redundancy check (CRC). Data is divided into a plurality of blocks, each of the plurality of blocks having a fixed size equal to a degree of a generator polynomial. A CRC computation is independently performed on each of the plurality of blocks, and the CRC computation for each of the plurality of blocks is combined by application of an exclusive or (XOR) operation.

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

Non-volatile storage system using two pass programming with bit error control
Patent No. 10248499

Inventor(s): Nian Niles Yang (Mountain View, CA), Rohit Sehgal (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15192901 on 06/24/2016 (1012 days app to issue)

Abstract: A first phase of a programming process is performed to program data into a set of non-volatile memory cells using a set of verify references and allowing for a first number of programming errors. After completing the first phase of programming, an acknowledgement is provided to the host that the programming was successful. The memory system reads the data from the set of non-volatile memory cells and uses an error correction process to identify and correct error bits in the data read. When the memory system is idle and after the acknowledgement is provided to the host, the memory system performs a second phase of the programming process to program the corrected error bits into the set of the non-volatile memory cells using the same set of verify references and allowing for a second number of programming errors.

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

Detection of anomalous computer behavior
Patent No. 10248533

Inventor(s): Jing Wan (Allen, TX), Sripriya Sundararaman (Plano, TX), Taylor Smith (Addison, TX)
Assignee(s): State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (Bloomington, IL)
Law Firm: Hovey Williams LLP (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15643757 on 07/07/2017 (634 days app to issue)

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining features of a dataset that are indicative of anomalous behavior of one or more computers in a large group of computers comprises (1) receiving log files including a plurality of entries of data regarding connections between a plurality of computers belonging to an organization and a plurality of websites outside the organization, each entry being associated with the actions of one computer, (2) executing a time series decomposition algorithm on a portion of the features of the data to generate a first list of features, (3) implementing a plurality of traffic dispersion graphs to generate a second list of features, and (4) implementing an autoencoder and a random forest regressor to generate a third list of features.

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

Pattern based preload engine
Patent No. 10248569

Inventor(s): Norris Liu (Sunnyvale, CA), Xingyu Jiang (Palo Alto, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Schwegman, Lundberg Woessner, P.A. (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15234082 on 08/11/2016 (964 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method includes obtaining a trigger instruction responsive to execution of an application reaching a specific location and state, wherein the trigger instruction includes an index into a preload engine offset table and a base address, accessing the preload engine offset table based on the index and base address to determine an offset specific to the application location and state, and prefetching data into cache as a function of the base address and offset.

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

Simultaneous video and bus protocols over single cable
Patent No. 10248583

Inventor(s): Brian H. Quach (Richardson, TX), Yoon J. Lee (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 14835333 on 08/25/2015 (1316 days app to issue)

Abstract: Method and systems are disclosed for transporting simultaneous video and bus protocols over a single cable. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems including a main switch configured to operate in an enhanced mode where the main switch is configured to transfer data from a first data source and a second data source to a cable, operate in a default mode where the main switch is configured to transfer data from the second data source to the cable without transferring data from the first data source; a multipurpose switch configured to operate in a handshake mode where the multipurpose switch transports handshake data between the cable and a digital logic, operate in a data mode where the multipurpose switch transports bus data between the cable and the second data source; and the digital logic programed to enable modes of operation of the multipurpose switch and the main switch.

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

Reduced host data command processing
Patent No. 10248587

Inventor(s): Girish Desai (Cuppertino, CA), Oded Karni (Sunnyvale, CA), Shay Benisty (Beer Sheva, , IL), Tal Sharifie (Lehavim, , IL)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Brinks Gilson Lione (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14075905 on 11/08/2013 (1971 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that execute reduced host data commands. A reduced host data command may be a write command that includes or is received with an indication of host data instead of the host data. The reduced host data command may be executed with a Direct Memory Access (DMA) circuit independently of a processor that executes administrative commands. In the execution of the reduced host data command, host data may be generated, metadata may be generated, and the generated host data and/or metadata may be copied into backend memory with the DMA circuit independently of the processor.

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

Method and system for facilitating interactive review of data
Patent No. 10248697

Inventor(s): David F. McCoy (Garland, TX)
Assignee(s): RAYTHEON COMPANY (Waltham, MA)
Law Firm: Daly, Crowley, Mofford Durkee, LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 12508925 on 07/24/2009 (3539 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for facilitating interactive review of data includes receiving multiple examples of a target associated with a set of data; comparing the examples of the target to the set of data to identify multiple potential matches; assigning, for each respective potential match, a priority value to the respective potential match based on a comparison of the examples of the target to the respective potential match; displaying the potential matches in a first display area, wherein the first display area organizes the potential matches according to the priority value assigned to each respective potential match; receiving a selection of at least one of the potential matches displayed in the first display area; and displaying, in response to the selection, the selected potential matches in a second display area, wherein the second display area organizes the selected potential matches according to a relationship between the selected potential matches.

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

Search and notification procedures based on user history information
Patent No. 10248728

Inventor(s): David Gerard Ledet (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): Open Invention Network LLC (Durham, NC)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 14582846 on 12/24/2014 (1560 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present application includes various information retrieval and query creation procedures. One example provides receiving at least one first action from a first user device, storing the at least one first action in a first data repository, receiving at least one second action from a second user device, storing the at least one second action in a second data repository, and creating a notification and transmitting the notification to at least one of the first user device and the second user device responsive to receiving at least one of the first user action and the second user action. The result may provide optimized results in subsequent search operations.

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

Smart necklace with stereo vision and onboard processing
Patent No. 10248856

Inventor(s): Douglas A. Moore (Livermore, CA), Joseph M. A. Djugash (San Jose, CA), Yasuhiro Ota (Santa Clara, CA)
Assignee(s): TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Snell Wilmer LLP (5 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14480590 on 09/08/2014 (1667 days app to issue)

Abstract: A wearable neck device and a method of operating the wearable neck device are provided for outputting optical character recognition information to a user. The wearable neck device has at least one camera, and a memory storing optical character or image recognition processing data. A processor detects a document in the surrounding environment and adjusts the field of view of the at least one camera such that the detected document is within the adjusted field of view. The processor analyzes the image data within the adjusted field of view using the optical character or image recognition processing data. The processor determines output data based on the analyzed image data. A speaker of the wearable neck device provides audio information to the user based on the output data.

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

Estimation of time to collision in a computer vision system
Patent No. 10248872

Inventor(s): Deepak Kumar Poddar (Bangalore, , IN), Manu Mathew (Bangalore, , IN), Prashanth Ramanathpur Viswanath (Bangalore, , IN), Soyed Nagori (Bangalore, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15298218 on 10/19/2016 (895 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for estimating time to collision (TTC) of a detected object in a computer vision system is provided that includes determining a three dimensional (3D) position of a camera in the computer vision system, determining a 3D position of the detected object based on a 2D position of the detected object in an image captured by the camera and an estimated ground plane corresponding to the image, computing a relative 3D position of the camera, a velocity of the relative 3D position, and an acceleration of the relative 3D position based on the 3D position of the camera and the 3D position of the detected object, wherein the relative 3D position of the camera is relative to the 3D position of the detected object, and computing the TTC of the detected object based on the relative 3D position, the velocity, and the acceleration.

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

Method and apparatus for avoiding non-aligned loads using multiple copies of input data
Patent No. 10248876

Inventor(s): Deepak Kumar Poddar (Bangalore, , IN), Pramod Kumar Swami (Bangalore, , IN)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15393566 on 12/29/2016 (824 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of determining a summation of pixel characteristics for a rectangular region of a digital image includes determining if a base address for a data element in an integral image buffer is aligned for an SIMD operation by a processor embedded in an electronic assembly configured to perform Haar-like feature calculations. The data element represents a corner of the rectangular region of an integral image. The integral image is a representation of the digital image. The integral image is formed by data elements stored in the integral image buffer. The data element is loaded from the integral image buffer to the processor when the base address is aligned for the SIMD operation. An offset data element of an offset integral image is loaded from an offset integral buffer when the base address is non-aligned for the SIMD operation. The offset data element represents the corner of the rectangular region.

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

Assessment performance prediction
Patent No. 10248909

Inventor(s): Charles D. Rizzolo (Fairport, NY), William K. Stumbo (Fairport, NY)
Assignee(s): Conduent Business Services, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Fay Sharpe LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15000157 on 01/19/2016 (1169 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and a method for estimating readiness for passing an associated summative assessment includes, after receiving test results for at least one test, generating a score C[subscript]n [/subscript]for each concept tested on the test. Using the score, the system computes a probability of mastery p(M[subscript]n[/subscript]) of the at least one concept and associates the probability of mastery p(M[subscript]n[/subscript]) as a prior for updating the probability after receiving future test results. The system iteratively updates the probability of mastery p(M[subscript]n[/subscript]) of the at least one concept after each test using for the new test score and the prior.

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

Real estate wireless lockbox
Patent No. 10249121

Inventor(s): Garcia Desinor, Jr. (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Frost Brown Todd LLC (Local + 4 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15630293 on 06/22/2017 (649 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method are described regarding a wireless lockbox that can be used to manage real estate sales tours. A system can include various owners and buyers that create a searchable real estate listing. Buyers can review the list via computing device, such as a smartphone, and request home tours. Owners can review requests and approve potential buyers to tour their property. When the potential buyer approaches the property, software on their computing device can communicate via Bluetooth, or another wireless network, and unlock the wireless lockbox.

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

Monitoring systems and methods for personal safety
Patent No. 10249173

Inventor(s): Terry Benton (Celina, TX)
Assignee(s): United Services Automobile Association (San Antonio, TX)
Law Firm: Locke Lord LLP (Local + 12 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16000314 on 06/05/2018 (301 days app to issue)

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for monitoring a condition of a person includes receiving, at a computerized device, at least one signal from a condition sensor and determining if a condition is an emergency condition of a user based on the at least one signal.

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

Detection and interdiction of drones with respect to controlled-environment facilities
Patent No. 10249202

Inventor(s): Luke Keiser (Frisco, TX), Scott Passe (Forney, TX)
Assignee(s): Securus Technologies, Inc. (Carrollton, TX)
Law Firm: Fogarty LLP (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14939793 on 11/12/2015 (1237 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods for detection and interdiction of drone vehicles with respect to controlled-environment facilities may monitor electromagnetic signals originating within or transiting operational boundaries associated with a controlled-environment facility, receive the electromagnetic signals originating within or transiting the operational boundaries associated with the controlled-environment facility, and analyze the received electromagnetic signals to determine if the received electromagnetic signals are controlling or associated with a drone. This monitoring may be carried-out by a software-defined radio associated with a central access point of a wireless communications managed access system of the controlled-environment facility and the electromagnetic signals may be received by the software-defined radio of the managed access system (central access point). Responding to the drone controlled by the drone control signals may include monitoring the drone control signals, alerting authorities to the drone, jamming the drone control signals, co-opting control of the drone, and/or the like.

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

System and method for training aircraft pilots for sudden-onset reduced-visibility conditions
Patent No. 10249208

Inventor(s): Andre Gilles Lavallee (Lewisville, TX), Steven Tyson Phillips (Owasso, OK)
Assignee(s): AT Systems, LLC (Carrollton, TX)
Law Firm: D. Tiller Law PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15367816 on 12/02/2016 (851 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method for training a pilot to operate an aircraft in sudden-onset reduced-visibility conditions is disclosed. The system includes electrooptic material having an optical transmittance that varies with an electrical signal applied to the material and a power supply to provide the electrical signal to the material. The electrooptic material is disposed to restrict the pilot”s visibility outside the aircraft when the electrooptic material is in a low-optical-transmittance state. The system further includes a flight-safety sensor that sets the output of the power supply to correspond to an optical transmittance state of the electrooptic material that does not substantially restrict the pilot”s visibility outside the aircraft when flight conditions are deemed unsafe. The method includes reducing the optical transmittance of the material to restrict the pilot”s visibility outside the aircraft in a manner unexpected to the pilot at the time of the transmittance reduction.

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

Apparatuses and methods for providing active and inactive clock signals to a command path circuit
Patent No. 10249355

Inventor(s): Kallol Mazumder (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Micron Technology, Inc. (Boise, ID)
Law Firm: Dorsey Whitney LLP (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15203665 on 07/06/2016 (1000 days app to issue)

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing active and inactive clock signals to a command path circuit are described. An example method includes providing an active clock signal to a command path for a first portion of a command cycle for a command of back-to-back commands. The command path decodes the command and provides an output command signal responsive to the clock signal. The method further includes providing an inactive clock signal to the command path for a second portion of the command cycle for the command of the back-to-back commands.

[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)

Reducing hot electron injection type of read disturb in 3D memory device during signal switching transients
Patent No. 10249372

Inventor(s): Ching-Huang Lu (Fremont, CA), Hong-Yan Chen (San Jose, CA), Wei Zhao (Fremont, CA), Yingda Dong (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15694008 on 09/01/2017 (578 days app to issue)

Abstract: A memory device and associated techniques for reducing read disturb of memory cells during a sensing process. Select gate transistors are transitioned to a conductive state one or more time during a sensing process, at the drain and/or source ends of the memory strings in an unselected sub-block. The transitioning can occur periodically, multiple times during the sensing process. When the select gate transistors are in a conductive state, accumulated holes in the channel can be removed. This help provide a faster decrease of the channel potential when the unselected word line voltages are ramped down at the end of the sensing process. The duration of a disturb-inducing channel gradient which is created next to the edge data memory cell is reduced so that read disturb of this cell is also reduced.

Determination of fast to program word lines in non-volatile memory
Patent No. 10249382

Inventor(s): Ashish Ghai (San Jose, CA), Dana Lee (Saratoga, CA), Ekam Singh (San Jose, CA), Kalpana Vakati (Fremont, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15683602 on 08/22/2017 (588 days app to issue)

Abstract: Techniques are described for determining whether a non-volatile memory device is defective due to a word line that programs too fast, leading to an uncorrectable amount of data errors when programing data to the word line. In one set of examples, a set of memory cells are programmed by a series of voltage pulses applied along a word line without locking out the set of memory cells. A verify operation is then performed to see if the number of memory cells programmed above the verify level is too large and, if so, an error status is returned. In other examples, a lower limit on the number of voltage pulses needed to complete programming is introduced, and if the programming completes in less than this number of voltage pulses, an error status returned. A lower limit on the number of voltage pulses can be on a state by state basis or for all data states to complete.

Non-volatile memory system with serially connected non-volatile reversible resistance-switching memory cells
Patent No. 10249682

Inventor(s): Christopher J. Petti (Mountain View, CA), Luiz M. Franca-Neto (Sunnyvale, CA), Mac D. Apodaca (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15684141 on 08/23/2017 (587 days app to issue)

Abstract: A non-volatile storage apparatus is proposed that includes a plurality of serially connected non-volatile reversible resistance-switching memory cells, a plurality of word lines such that each of the memory cells is connected to a different word line, a bit line connected to a first end of the serially connected memory cells and a switch connected to a second end of the serially connected memory cells. In one embodiment, the memory cells include a reversible resistance-switching structure comprising a first material, a second material and a reversible resistance-switching interface between the first material and the second material, a channel, and means for switching current between current flowing through the channel and current flowing through the reversible resistance-switching interface in order to program and read the reversible resistance-switching interface. A process for manufacturing the memory is also disclosed.

ECC decoder having adjustable parameters
Patent No. 10250281

Inventor(s): Alexander Bazarsky (Holon, , IL), Ariel Navon (Revava, , IL), Eran Sharon (Rishon Lezion, , IL), Omer Fainzilber (Even Yehuda, , IL), Stella Achtenberg (Netanya, , IL)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Michael Best Friedrich LLP (10 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15395185 on 12/30/2016 (823 days app to issue)

Abstract: A device includes a non-volatile memory, a traffic analyzer, and a parameter adjuster. The traffic analyzer is configured to generate a traffic type indicator based on one or more read requests from an access device to access data at the non-volatile memory. The traffic type indicator has a first value responsive to the one or more read requests corresponding to a first traffic type and has a second value responsive to the one or more read requests corresponding to a second traffic type. The parameter adjuster is configured to designate one or more decode parameter values based on the traffic type indicator.

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

Method and system for peer-to-peer operation of multiple recording devices
Patent No. 10250433

Inventor(s): Brent G. Robertson (Richardson, TX), David C. Thompson (Plano, TX), Eric Riley (Wylie, TX), James Walter Exner (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): WatchGuard, Inc. (Allen, TX)
Law Firm: Winstead PC (Local + 2 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15470288 on 03/27/2017 (736 days app to issue)

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes receiving a first status message from a first recording device. The first status message includes a first recording identifier. The method further includes determining to initiate a second recording on a particular recording device based, at least in part, on the first status message and configuration settings. In addition, the method includes initiating a second recording on the particular recording device. Furthermore, the method includes creating a second recording identifier. The method also includes storing information related to the first recording identifier and the second recording identifier in a metadata file. Additionally, the method includes transmitting a second status message for receipt by other recording devices. The second status message includes the second recording identifier.

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

Lock screen interface for a mobile device apparatus
Patent No. 10250733

Inventor(s): George Andrew Gordon (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Majen Tech, LLC (Longview, TX)
Law Firm: The Caldwell Firm, LLC (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15946718 on 04/05/2018 (362 days app to issue)

Abstract: In various embodiments, different mobile phones are provided, comprising: a touchscreen including a backlight; a near field communication interface; at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions; and one or more processors in communication with the touchscreen, the near field communication interface, and the at least one non-transitory memory, wherein the one or more processors execute the instructions to initiate various capabilities and/or functionalities in connection with a lock screen displayed on the touchscreen.

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

Screen interface for a mobile device apparatus
Patent No. 10250734

Abstract: In various embodiments, different mobile phone apparatuses are provided, comprising: a touchscreen a near field communication interface; at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions; and one or more processors in communication with the touchscreen, the near field communication interface, and the at least one non-transitory memory, wherein the one or more processors execute the instructions to initiate various capabilities and/or functionalities in connection with a lock screen displayed on the touchscreen.

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

Automatic device testing
Patent No. 10250873

Inventor(s): Anush Nair (Dallas, TX), Fijula Kuniyil (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc. (Basking Ridge, NJ)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15654220 on 07/19/2017 (622 days app to issue)

Abstract: A device can receive an indication to perform a test of a capability of the device to receive data. The data can have a threshold data rate. The device can perform an action to cause the device to receive the data from a source of the data at the threshold data rate. The device can monitor a set of metrics related to the data or a performance of the device. The device can perform an analysis of the set of metrics after monitoring the set of metrics. The device can identify a source of an error based on a result of performing the analysis of the set of metrics. The source of the error can be related to the data or the performance of the device. The device can perform another action related to fixing the source of the error.

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

Dielectric waveguide core between ground planes secured in a channel
Patent No. 10251258

Inventor(s): Baher S. Haroun (Allen, TX), Hassan Ali (Murphy, TX), Juan A. Herbsommer (Allen, TX), Marco Corsi (Oak Point, TX), Robert F. Payne (Lucas, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15195415 on 06/28/2016 (1008 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus is provided. There is a circuit assembly with a package substrate and an integrated circuit (IC). The package substrate has a microstrip line, and the IC is secured to the package substrate and is electrically coupled to the microstrip line. A circuit board is also secured to the package substrate. A dielectric waveguide is secured to the circuit board. The dielectric waveguide has a dielectric core that extends into a transition region located between the dielectric waveguide and the microstrip line, and the microstrip line is configured to form a communication link with the dielectric waveguide.

[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]

E L E C T R I C I T Y

Hybrid photonic and electronic integrated circuits
Patent No. 10247881

Inventor(s): John H. Zhang (Altamont, NY)
Assignee(s): STMICROELECTRONICS, INC. (Coppell, TX)
Law Firm: Seed IP Law Group LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15491718 on 04/19/2017 (713 days app to issue)

Abstract: A sequence of processing steps presented herein is used to embed an optical signal path within an array of nanowires, using only one lithography step. Using the techniques disclosed, it is not necessary to mask electrical features while forming optical features, and vice versa. Instead, optical and electrical signal paths can be created substantially simultaneously in the same masking cycle. This is made possible by a disparity in the widths of the respective features, the optical signal paths being significantly wider than the electrical ones. Using a damascene process, the structures of disparate widths are plated with metal that over-fills narrow trenches and under-fills a wide trench. An optical cladding material can then be deposited into the trench so as to surround an optical core for light transmission.

[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]

Desktop electronic device
Patent No. 10248171

Inventor(s): Daniel L. McBroom (Leonard, TX), Michael D. McBroom (Leonard, TX)
Assignee(s): Apple Inc. (Cupertino, CA)
Law Firm: Dickinson Wright RLLP (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15965272 on 04/27/2018 (340 days app to issue)

Abstract: An internal component and external interface arrangement for a cylindrical compact computing system is described that includes at least a structural heat sink having triangular shape disposed within a cylindrical volume defined by a cylindrical housing. A computing engine having a generally triangular shape is described having internal components that include a graphics processing unit (GPU) board, a central processing unit (CPU) board, an input/output (I/O) interface board, an interconnect board, and a power supply unit (PSU).

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

Method and system for using conversational biometrics and speaker identification/verification to filter voice streams
Patent No. 10249304

Inventor(s): Naveen Narayan (Flower Mound, TX)
Assignee(s): INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: Roberts Mlotkowski Safran Cole Calderon, P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16031170 on 07/10/2018 (266 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and system for using conversational biometrics and speaker identification and/or verification to filter voice streams during mixed mode communication. The method includes receiving an audio stream of a communication between participants. Additionally, the method includes filtering the audio stream of the communication into separate audio streams, one for each of the participants. Each of the separate audio streams contains portions of the communication attributable to a respective participant. Furthermore, the method includes outputting the separate audio streams to a storage system.

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

Etching and mechanical grinding film-layers stacked on a semiconductor substrate
Patent No. 10249504

Inventor(s): Jian Jun Kong (Changdu, , CN), Qin Xu Yu (Chengdu, , CN), She Yu Tang (Chengdu, , CN), Sheng Pin Yang (Chengdu, , CN), Tian Yi Zhang (Chengdu, , CN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15864802 on 01/08/2018 (449 days app to issue)

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes wet-etching a first film layer of a plurality of film layers stacked on a semiconductor substrate, the wet-etching of the first film layer performed using a first chemical, where the first film layer is an outermost film layer stacked on the semiconductor substrate. The method further includes wet-etching a second film layer of the plurality of film layers using a second chemical. The method also includes using a mechanical grinding wheel to grind the semiconductor substrate to reduce a thickness of the semiconductor substrate.

Method for making semiconductor device with stacked analog components in back end of line (BEOL) regions
Patent No. 10249568

Abstract: A method for making a semiconductor device may include forming a first dielectric layer above a semiconductor substrate, forming a first trench in the first dielectric layer, filling the first trench with electrically conductive material, removing upper portions of the electrically conductive material to define a lower conductive member with a recess thereabove, forming a filler dielectric material in the recess to define a second trench. The method may further include filling the second trench with electrically conductive material to define an upper conductive member, forming a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer and upper conductive member, forming a first via through the second dielectric layer and underlying filler dielectric material to the lower conductive member, and forming a second via through the second dielectric layer to the upper conductive member.

Wire bonded wide I/O semiconductor device
Patent No. 10249592

Inventor(s): Chih-Chin Liao (Changhua, , TW), Gokul Kumar (San Jose, CA), Hem Takiar (Fremont, CA), Michael Mostovoy (San Ramon, CA), Ning Ye (San Jose, CA), Venkatesh P. Ramachandra (San Jose, CA), Vinayak Ghatawade (Bangalore, , IN)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15898604 on 02/18/2018 (408 days app to issue)

Abstract: A wide I/O semiconductor device is disclosed including a memory die stack wire bonded to an interface chip. The stack of memory die may be wire bonded to the interface chip using a wire bond scheme optimized for die-to-die connection and optimized for the large number of wire bond connections in a wide I/O semiconductor device. This method can achieve significant BW increase by improving packaging yield and costs, not possible with current packaging schemes.

Internally stacked NPN with segmented collector
Patent No. 10249607

Inventor(s): Akram Ali Salman (Plano, TX), Henry Litzmann Edwards (Garland, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15844035 on 12/15/2017 (473 days app to issue)

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a stacked NPN having an upper NPN connected to a lower NPN. The upper NPN includes an upper collector, an upper base, and an upper emitter. The lower NPN includes a lower collector, a lower base, and a lower emitter. The upper collector includes collector segments on opposite sides of the lower emitter. The collector segments are laterally separated by collector separators which are aligned to orientation directions in the collector segments. The upper collector does not have collector separators across the orientation directions.

IGBT coupled to a reverse bias device in series
Patent No. 10249610

Inventor(s): Akram A. Salman (Plano, TX), Aravind Chennimalai Appaswamy (Plano, TX), James P. Di Sarro (Allen, TX), Krishna Praveen Mysore Rajagopal (Santa Clara, CA), Muhammad Yusuf Ali (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Rose Alyssa Keagy (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15897020 on 02/14/2018 (412 days app to issue)

Abstract: In some examples, an electrostatic discharge (ESD) device comprises an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) comprising a source terminal, an anode terminal, a gate terminal, and a body terminal; and at least one reverse bias device comprising a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal couples to the source terminal and the second terminal couples to the body terminal.

Dummy contacts to mitigate plasma charging damage to gate dielectrics
Patent No. 10249621

Inventor(s): Eric D. Rullan (Allen, TX), Gregory B. Shinn (Dallas, TX), Mahalingam Nandakumar (Richardson, TX), Mark Robert Visokay (Dallas, TX), Tae S. Kim (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15380546 on 12/15/2016 (838 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of limiting plasma charging damage on ICs. A die includes gate stacks on active areas defined by a field dielectric. A pre-metal dielectric (PMD) layer is over the gate electrode. A contact masking material pattern is defined on the PMD layer including first contact defining features for forming active contacts and second contact defining features for forming dummy contacts (DC”s) including over active areas and gate electrodes. Contacts are etched through the PMD layer using the contact masking material pattern to form active contacts and DC”s. A patterned metal 1 (M1) layer is formed including first M1 portions over the active contacts and dummy M1 portions over the DC”s. Metallization processing follows including forming interconnects so that the active contacts are connected to MOS transistors on the IC, and the DC”s are not electrically connected to the MOS transistors.

Within-array through-memory-level via structures and method of making thereof
Patent No. 10249640

Inventor(s): Alexander Chu (Milpitas, CA), Daxin Mao (Cupertino, CA), Hiroyuki Ogawa (Yokkaichi, , JP), Jixin Yu (Milpitas, CA), Johann Alsmeier (San Jose, CA), Kensuke Yamaguchi (Yokkaichi, , JP), Yan LI (Milpitas, CA), Zhenyu Lu (Mi
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15176674 on 06/08/2016 (1028 days app to issue)

Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a memory-level assembly located over a substrate and including at least one alternating stack and memory stack structures vertically extending through the at least one alternating stack. Each of the at least one an alternating stack includes alternating layers of respective insulating layers and respective electrically conductive layers, and each of the electrically conductive layers in the at least one alternating stack includes a respective opening such that a periphery of a respective spacer dielectric portion located in the opening contacts a sidewall of the respective electrically conductive layers. At least one through-memory-level via structure vertically extends through each of the spacer dielectric portions and the insulating layers.

Three-dimensional phase change memory arrays and methods of manufacturing the same
Patent No. 10249683

Inventor(s): Jeffrey S. Lille (Sunnyvale, CA), Timothy J. Minvielle (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15843777 on 12/15/2017 (473 days app to issue)

Abstract: A phase change memory device containing a phase change memory material layer includes a vertically repeating sequence of unit layer stacks located over a substrate, a plurality of openings vertically extending through the vertically repeating sequence, a plurality of vertical bit lines located within a respective one of the plurality of openings, and vertical stacks of insulating spacers. Each of the unit layer stacks includes an insulating layer, at least one of the phase change memory material layer or a threshold switch material layer, and an electrically conductive word line layer. Each of the insulating spacers laterally surrounds a respective one of the plurality of vertical bit lines, and contacts a sidewall of a respective one of the electrically conductive word line layers.

Tunnel field-effect transistor and method for manufacturing tunnel field-effect transistor
Patent No. 10249744

Inventor(s): Chen-Xiong Zhang (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. (Shenzhen, , CN)
Law Firm: Staas Halsey LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15977309 on 05/11/2018 (326 days app to issue)

Abstract: A tunnel field-effect transistor and a method for manufacturing a tunnel field-effect transistor is disclosed. Source regions are located on two sides of an oxide structure, an epitaxial layer is located on a surface on a side that is of the source region and that is away from the oxide structure, and a gate structure is located on a surface on a side that is of the epitaxial layer and that is away from the source region, so that a gate electric field direction of the tunnel field-effect transistor is the same as an electron tunneling direction, and carriers on a valence band of the source region tunnel to a conduction band of the epitaxial layer at relatively high tunneling efficiency, thereby generating a steep subthreshold swing and enabling a subthreshold swing value of the tunnel field-effect transistor to be lower than 60 mV/dec to consume relatively low power.

Stacked transparent pixel structures for electronic displays
Patent No. 10249800

Inventor(s): Mark A. Lamkin (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): Lockheed Martin Corporation (Bethesda, MD)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15724004 on 10/03/2017 (546 days app to issue)

Abstract: In one embodiment, a pixel for an electronic display includes a first subpixel, a second subpixel stacked on top of the first subpixel, and a third subpixel stacked on top of the second subpixel. Each of the first, second, and third subpixels comprises a polygon shape. Each of the first, second, and third subpixels comprises an emissive layer, a transparent cathode layer, and a transparent anode layer.

Multi-beam bi-focal shaped reflector antenna for concurrent communication with multiple non-collocated geostationary satellites and associated method
Patent No. 10249951

Inventor(s): Sharad V Parekh (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): VIASAT, INC. (Carlsbad, CA)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15516197 on 10/01/2015 (1279 days app to issue)

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multi-beam antenna is described. The multi-beam antenna includes a reflector having a single reflector surface defining a first focal region and a second focal region. A first feed group is located within the first focal region. The first feed group includes a first feed oriented relative to the reflector define a first beam pointed in a first direction. The multi-beam antenna further includes a fixed attachment mechanism attaching the first feed group to the reflector such that a position of the first feed group is fixed relative to the reflector. The multi-beam antenna further includes a second feed group located within the second focal region. The second feed group includes a second feed oriented relative to the reflector to define a second beam pointed in a second direction. The multi-beam antenna further includes an adjustable attachment mechanism attaching the second feed group to the reflector in an adjustable relation to the reflector, whereby a difference between the first direction and the second direction is adjustable.

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

Method and system of wireless power transfer foreign object detection
Patent No. 10250081

Inventor(s): Amer Atrash (Dallas, TX), Jonathan Knight (Yokosuka, , JP), Ross E. Teggatz (The Colony, TX), Wayne Chen (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): TRIUNE SYSTEMS, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Jackson Walker LLP (Local + 3 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15237288 on 08/15/2016 (960 days app to issue)

Abstract: A wireless power transfer foreign object detector having, at least one secondary receiver coil, an adjustable load electrically coupled to the at least one secondary receiver coil, and at least one temperature sensor providing at least one temperature detection signal, wherein the at least one temperature sensor responsive to at least one thermal state of the at least one secondary receiver coil, and wherein foreign object detection is based at least in part upon the at least one temperature detection signal.

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

Electromagnetic generator transformer
Patent No. 10250086

Inventor(s): Babak Fahimi (Arlington, TX), Carl E. Copeland, Jr. (Burleson, TX)
Assignee(s): Prototus, Ltd. (San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, , BZ)
Law Firm: Dunlap Codding, P.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15147379 on 05/05/2016 (1062 days app to issue)

Abstract: An electromagnetic generating transformer comprises one or more flux assembly having one or more magnetic field source having a positive pole and a negative pole and a magnetic field passing in a path between the positive pole and the negative pole and a conductor magnetically coupled with the one or more magnetic field source, the magnetic field source and the conductor being fixed relative to one another; a shunt is coupled with a motive source and configured to move the shunt into a primary position and a secondary position, wherein the magnitude of the magnetic field passing between the positive pole and the negative pole varies when the shunt is moved between the primary position and the secondary position.

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

Advanced constant off-time control for four-switch buckboost converter
Patent No. 10250142

Inventor(s): Bo Yang (Allen, TX), Xiaoyu Xi (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): M3 TECHNOLOGY INC. (Taipei, , TW)
Law Firm: Nixon Peabody LLP (8 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16000757 on 06/05/2018 (301 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for managing a four-switch BUCKBOOST converter with a combination of a Constant Off-time (COT) control and a Peak Current Mode (PCM) control. With the COT control, the four-switch BUCKBOOST converter can automatically and smoothly transition between a BUCK mode, a BUCKBOOST mode, and a BOOST mode when input voltage varies. In some implementations, the four-switch BUCKBOOST converter only requires a simple, low-power-consumption and robust system control loop compensation with the PCM control for inductor current, and, thus, eliminates the need for oscillator and slope compensation circuit. The PCM control is used to determine turn-off-timing of switches of the four-switch BUCKBOOST converter. The system control loop compensation can provide cycle-by-cycle current limit function to protect the converter and load from over-current damages.

[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]

Class-E outphasing power amplifier with efficiency and output power enhancement circuits and method
Patent No. 10250192

Inventor(s): Aritra Banerjee (Dallas, TX), Baher Haroun (Allen, TX), Joonhoi Hur (San Diego, CA), Lei Ding (Plano, TX), Nathan Richard Schemm (Rowlett, TX), Rahmi Hezar (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15708168 on 09/19/2017 (560 days app to issue)

Abstract: An outphasing amplifier includes a first class-E power amplifier having an output coupled to a first conductor and an input receiving a first RF drive signal. A first reactive element is coupled between the first conductor and a second conductor. A second reactive element is coupled between the second conductor and a third conductor. A second class-E power amplifier includes an output coupled to a fourth conductor and an input coupled to a second RF drive signal, a third reactive element coupled between the second and fourth conductors. Outputs of the first and second power amplifiers are combined by the first, second and third reactive elements to produce an output current in a load. An efficiency enhancement circuit is coupled between the first and fourth conductors to improve power efficiency at back-off power levels. Power enhancement circuits are coupled to the first and fourth conductors, respectively.

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

Beta equalization to reduce non-linear distortions of bipolar transistor amplifiers
Patent No. 10250211

Inventor(s): Ravpreet Singh (Bengaluru, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15807927 on 11/09/2017 (509 days app to issue)

Abstract: Reducing non-linear distortions of an electronic device by performing at least the following: receiving, at an output stage circuit of an amplifier, an input signal from a previous stage circuit of the amplifier, driving a first subset of output transistors within the output stage circuit with an auxiliary buffer circuit to generate a first half cycle of an output signal Vout, driving a second subset of output transistors within the output stage circuit with the input signal to generate the first half cycle of the output signal Vout, and driving a set of output transistors with the input signal to generate a second half cycle of the output signal Vout, wherein the auxiliary buffer circuit equalizes the overall current gain associated with the first and second subset of output transistors with the overall current gain associated with the set of output transistors.

Synchronous clock generation using an interpolator
Patent No. 10250248

Inventor(s): Dinesh Jain (Bangalore, , IN), Jagdish Chand (Bangalore, , IN), Srikanth Manian (Bangalore, , IN), Srinivas Theertham (Bangalore, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16057979 on 08/08/2018 (237 days app to issue)

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a device clock configured to generate a device clock signal a synchronization (SYSREF) clock generation circuit configured to receive the device clock signal from the device clock. The SYSREF clock generating circuit comprises a SYSREF divider configured to generate a SYSREF clock at least partially according to the device clock signal, an interpolator configured to generate a shifted clock at least partially according to the device clock signal, and a latch coupled to the SYSREF divider and the interpolator and configured to sample the SYSREF clock at a rising edge of the shifted clock.

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

Method and apparatus for a brown out detector
Patent No. 10250253

Inventor(s): Anand Subramanian (Bengaluru, , IN), Subramanian J. Narayan (Bengaluru, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15996994 on 06/04/2018 (302 days app to issue)

Abstract: The disclosure provides a detector that includes a pre-charge circuit. The pre-charge circuit receives a supply voltage. A pre-charged comparator is coupled to the pre-charge circuit and receives the supply voltage. The pre-charged comparator generates a transition signal at a transition node. A slope of the transition signal is greater than a slope of the supply voltage. A first diode connected transistor receives the supply voltage. A first capacitor is coupled to the first diode connected transistor. An inverter is coupled to the first diode connected transistor and generates an enable signal when the supply voltage is below a threshold voltage.

[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]

Band specific interleaving mismatch compensation in RF ADCs
Patent No. 10250273

Inventor(s): Chandrasekhar Sriram (Chennai, , IN), Jawaharlal Tangudu (Bengaluru, , IN), Sashidharan Venkatraman (Hyderabad, , IN), Sthanunathan Ramakrishnan (Bengaluru, , IN)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporation (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15791538 on 10/24/2017 (525 days app to issue)

Abstract: An integrated circuit chip includes an interleaved analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and an interleaving calibration circuit. The interleaved ADC includes a plurality of ADCs that are each configured to sample an analog signal. The interleaved ADC is configured to convert the analog signal into an interleaved analog-to-digital signal (IADC signal) that includes a plurality of spurious signals formed from mismatches between the plurality of ADCs. The interleaving calibration circuit is configured to receive the IADC signal from the interleaved ADC, generate a mismatch profile estimate corresponding to the plurality of spurious signals to generate one or more mismatch profile estimates, determine whether a first mismatch profile estimate is in a frequency band of interest, and, in response to a determination that the first mismatch profile estimate is in the frequency band of interest, generate a set of model parameters based on the first mismatch profile estimate.

Segmented digital-to-analog converter
Patent No. 10250276

Inventor(s): Jun Zhang (Shanghai, , CN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16023816 on 06/29/2018 (277 days app to issue)

Abstract: Disclosed examples include a segmented DAC circuit, including an R-2R resistor DAC to convert a first subword to a first analog output signal, an interpolation DAC to offset the first analog output signal based on an N-bit digital interpolation code signal to provide the analog output signal, and a Sigma Delta modulator to modulate a modulator code to provide the N-bit digital interpolation code signal that represents a value of second and third subwords.

Method and apparatus for covariance matrix feedback in advanced wireless communication systems
Patent No. 10250313

Inventor(s): Eko Onggosanusi (Coppell, TX), Md. Saifur Rahman (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Suwon-si, , KR)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15913615 on 03/06/2018 (392 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for channel state information (CSI) feedback by a user equipment (UE) is provided. The method comprises receiving, by the UE from a base station (BS), CSI feedback configuration information to report a covariance matrix indicator (CMI) indicating a NN channel covariance matrix (K) associated with a downlink channel matrix, wherein N is a number of antenna ports at the BS; identifying, by the UE, the CMI that indicates a set of L basis vectors [a[subscript]i[/subscript]], i=0, 1, 2, . . . , L1, each comprising a dimension N1, and a set of L[superscript]2 [/superscript]coefficients, [c[subscript]i,j[/subscript]], i,j=0, 1, 2, . . . , L1, and that represent the covariance matrix (K) as a weighted linear sum [tilde over (K)]=[subscript]i=0[/subscript][superscript]L-1[/superscript][subscript]j=0[/subscript][superscript]L-1[/superscript]c[subscript]i,j[/subscript]a[subscript]i[/subscript]a[subscript]j[/subscript][superscript]H[/superscript], wherein LN and [superscript]H [/superscript]denotes a Hermitian transpose, and transmitting, by the UE to the BS, the CSI feedback including the identified CMI over an uplink channel.

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

System and method for inter-basic service set communications
Patent No. 10250315

Inventor(s): Diana Maamari (Rolling Meadows, IL), George Calcev (Hoffman Estates, IL), Majid Ghanbarinejad (Rolling Meadows, IL)
Assignee(s): FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15393040 on 12/28/2016 (825 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for multiple association includes associating with a first access point (AP) in a primary basic service set (BSS), associating with a second AP in a secondary BSS, informing the first and second APs of an inter-BSS relaying capability of a doubly-associated station, and relaying data between the first AP and the second AP.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

Efficient network utilization using optically switched superchannels
Patent No. 10250351

Inventor(s): Guangzhi Li (Basking Ridge, NJ), Xiang Liu (Marlboro, NJ)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Schwegman Lundberg Woessner, P.A. (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15729152 on 10/10/2017 (539 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for constructing an optical network includes connecting each of a plurality of nodes in an optical network to an optical switching central node via a set of optical superchannels, wherein each of the optical superchannels includes of a set of subchannels and has a bounded data rate, and wherein the optical switching central node is configured to perform wavelength selective optical switching among the superchannels on a subchannel basis without spectrum contention. Moreover, rearrangement (or ”permutation”) of the subchannels of the superchannels connected to the n sites may be performed to minimize the total spectral bandwidth used by the superchannels.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

Spectrally-efficient spiral-based waveforms for communication
Patent No. 10250429

Inventor(s): Jerrold Prothero (Washington, DC)
Assignee(s): Astrapi Corporation (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Maier Maier, PLLC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15869487 on 01/12/2018 (445 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods for communicating are disclosed. A method includes obtaining at least one input communication symbol selected from a set of communication symbols, converting the at least one input communication symbol into at least one transmittable waveform using at least one defined spiral waveform function, and transmitting the at least one transmittable waveform over a communication channel. Example spiral waveform functions include spline-based piecewise functions and Archimedes spiral functions.

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

Network service computation system
Patent No. 10250484

Inventor(s): Motoyoshi Sekiya (Richardson, TX), Paparao Palacharla (Richardson, TX), Qiong Zhang (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): FUJITSU LIMITED (Kawasaki, , JP)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14882217 on 10/13/2015 (1267 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and system for implementing a network service computation system uses distributed graph processing at a plurality of network controllers corresponding to a plurality of network domains. Each network controller may manage and maintain a network graph for its respective network domain. Each network controller many communicate with nodes (or vertices) in its respective network domain, while the network controllers may communicate with each other for path discovery and computation purposes.

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

Managing an E-mail response
Patent No. 10250546

Inventor(s): Avinash V. Ramakrishna (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): International Business Machines Corporation (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 14852948 on 09/14/2015 (1296 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for managing an e-mail response based on the e-mail domains of the recipients is provided. The method receives a first e-mail sent to a plurality of e-mail addresses that includes e-mails with different domain names, provides a list of different domain names associated with a plurality of e-mail addresses and an e-mail address of a sender of the first e-mail, generates, based on a selection of one or more of the different domain names, a distribution list including one or more e-mail addresses limited to e-mail addresses having a selected domain name, and providing the distribution list in an addressee field associated with the e-mail response.

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

Dynamically allowing traffic flow through a firewall to allow an application server device to perform mobile-terminated communications
Patent No. 10250564

Inventor(s): Sudhakar Reddy Patil (Flower Mound, TX)
Assignee(s): Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc. (Basking Ridge, NJ)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15682134 on 08/21/2017 (589 days app to issue)

Abstract: A network device may receive, a flow control request for a first device that is registered for an internet protocol (IP) pinhole service. The flow control request may include a device identifier associated with the first device and a private IP address. The network device may identify at least one of IP address information, port information, and pinhole rules. The network device may provide, to another network device, a flow control response that includes at least one of the IP address information, the port information, and the pinhole rules. The flow control response may cause the other network device to allow traffic flow through the firewall using at least one of the IP address information and the port information. The network device may provide a public IP address and a port identifier to a second device, allowing the second device to provide traffic to the first device.

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

Intelligent controlled-environment facility resident communication and media device interfaces with multitasking
Patent No. 10250645

Inventor(s): Joseph Higgs (Ft. Worth, TX), Krishna Balantrapu (Irving, TX), Maneshi Tuli (Irving, TX), Matthew R. Smith (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Securus Technologies, Inc. (Carrollton, TX)
Law Firm: Fogarty LLP (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14755991 on 06/30/2015 (1372 days app to issue)

Abstract: A controlled-environment facility resident interface runs on top of, or as part of, an operating system of a controlled-environment facility resident communication and/or media device. Application programs (apps) available for use by a resident of the controlled-environment facility operating the device are presented on the device, via the interface. The interface may provide functionality to enable switching between apps by the resident, such as selectable open application program indicator(s) displayed on a screen of the device, and/or the interface may assign a function to device hardware button(s) to provide a mechanism for switching between apps. The app switching functionality may also resolve conflicts between apps for device resources and apply such resolutions as a result of the resident switching between apps. Also, the resident may be logged into one or more resident-selected apps using stored app login information for resident-selected apps in the interface, in combination with identity verification.

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

System and method for securing pre-association service discovery
Patent No. 10250698

Inventor(s): Yunsong Yang (San Diego, CA), Zhigang Rong (San Diego, CA)
Assignee(s): FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14832607 on 08/21/2015 (1320 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for operating a station when discovering a service includes generating a first identifier of the service, generating a second identifier of the service in accordance with a first parameter, and transmitting a request instructing a generating of a third identifier, the request including the first identifier of the service and the first parameter. The method includes receiving a first response including the third identifier, determining that the first response is not valid when the second and third identifiers are not equal, and determining that the first response is valid when the second and third identifiers are equal.

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

Scaling cloud rendezvous points in a hierarchical and distributed manner
Patent No. 10250717

Inventor(s): Kiran Makhijani (Los Gatos, CA), Renwei Li (Fremont, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16171745 on 10/26/2018 (158 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method implemented in an inter-provider cloud rendezvous point (CRP-IP). The method includes receiving, via a receiver of the CRP-IP, a Register request from a first service provider cloud rendezvous point (CRP-SP) in a first service provider (SP) network domain, the Register request indicating a first portion of a virtual extensible network (VXN) with a global scope is hosted by the first SP network domain; and transmitting, via a transmitter of the CRP-IP, a Report message to a second CRP-SP in a second SP network domain hosting a second portion of the VXN, the Report message indicating the first portion of the VXN is hosted by the first SP network domain.

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

Device for decoding a video bitstream
Patent No. 10250875

Inventor(s): Christopher A. Segall (Camas, WA), Sachin G. Deshpande (Camas, WA)
Assignee(s): Velos Media, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Grable Martin Fulton, PLLC (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15645797 on 07/10/2017 (631 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system for decoding a video bitstream includes receiving a reference picture set associated with a frame including a set of reference picture identifiers. The reference picture set identifies one or more reference pictures to be used for inter-prediction of the frame based upon its associated least significant bits of a picture order count based upon the reference picture identifiers. The one or more reference pictures is a second or greater previous frame to the frame having the matching reference picture identifier.

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

Voice coil temperature control based on an estimated voice coil temperature and a threshold
Patent No. 10250978

Inventor(s): Supriyo Palit (Kolkata, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16042034 on 07/23/2018 (253 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system includes a gain control circuit configured to dynamically select a gain value based on an estimated temperature for a speaker voice coil, a base gain value, and a threshold temperature value. The system also includes a power control circuit configured to determine a power limit value based on the gain value. The system also includes a filter circuit configured to adjust values of a digitized audio signal based on the power limit value. The system also includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) coupled to the filter circuit and configured to convert a digital output of the filter circuit to an analog audio signal.

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

Methods and apparatus to determine mobile device application usage in vehicles including media applications
Patent No. 10251078

Inventor(s): Achilleas Papakostas (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): The Neilsen Company (US), LLC (New York, NY)
Law Firm: Hanely, Flight Zimmerman, LLC (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16153218 on 10/05/2018 (179 days app to issue)

Abstract: An example apparatus includes an impression logger to store mobile device impressions, the mobile device impressions corresponding to usage of a mobile device application to access first media; a classifier to determine whether a first number of detections of a first service set identifier (SSID) during a first time period satisfies a detection threshold, determine whether a second SSID was detected for a second time period that satisfies a time threshold, increment a counter when the detection threshold and the time threshold are satisfied, classify the first SSID as a vehicle SSID when the counter satisfies a quantity threshold; a logic circuit to, when the first SSID is a vehicle SSID, determine that at least one of the mobile device impressions occurred while the mobile device was in a vehicle.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

Facilitating load balancing in wireless heterogeneous networks
Patent No. 10251088

Inventor(s): Hongyan Lei (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): ATT Intellectual Property I, L.P. (Atlanta, GA), ATT Mobility II LLC (Atlanta, GA)
Law Firm: Amin, Turocy Watson, LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14682221 on 04/09/2015 (1454 days app to issue)

Abstract: Load balancing is facilitated utilizing geographical location and mobility speed. An example method includes receiving, by a first cell device including a processor and associated with a first cell, from a device of devices, information indicative of whether the device has detected cell type information from a second cell device associated with a second cell, wherein at least a portion of the second cell is located within a first boundary of the first cell. The method also includes: determining, by the first cell device, a mobility characteristic of the device, wherein the devices comprise respective mobility characteristics; and selecting, by the first cell device, the device of the devices to associate with the second cell based on the mobility characteristic of the device.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Adaptive rate of congestion indicator to enhance intelligent traffic steering
Patent No. 10251103

Inventor(s): Hongyan Lei (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): ATT MOBILITY II LLC (Atlanta, GA)
Law Firm: Amin, Turocy Watson, LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15832834 on 12/06/2017 (482 days app to issue)

Abstract: Traffic associated with user equipment that are served by a first radio access network is steered to a second radio access network based on a rate of congestion criterion. Network load is monitored by an access point to determine rate of congestion data associated with the access point. As an example, the rate of congestion represents a change in network load of the access point over a defined time period. The rate of congestion data is then transmitted to one or more neighboring access points that can utilize the rate of congestion data to facilitate traffic steering, load balancing, and/or neighbor relationship management.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Communication terminal and method with prioritized control information
Patent No. 10251186

Inventor(s): Joachim Loehr (Langen, , DE), Takahisa Aoyama (Kanagawa, , JP)
Assignee(s): Optis Wireless Technology, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Nixon Vanderhye P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15622586 on 06/14/2017 (657 days app to issue)

Abstract: A communication terminal adjusts the transmission timing of data transmitted to a base station so that the base station can receive the data within a predetermined delay time. The communication terminal includes a reception section for receiving priority of MAC control information transmitted from the base station, a priority control section for defining the relationship between the priority of the MAC control information and priority assigned to DRB and SRB, and a transmission message generation section for controlling so as to transmit information having a high priority early in accordance with the relationship between the priorities defined by the priority control section. According to the communication terminal, a comparison is made between the priority of the MAC control information and the priority assigned to the DRB and the SRB, whereby it is made possible to control what information is to be transmitted as desired.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

System and method for connection management
Patent No. 10251208

Inventor(s): Haibo Xu (Beijing, , CN), Nathan Edward Tenny (Poway, CA), Xuelong Wang (Beijing, , CN)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15363714 on 11/29/2016 (854 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for connection management by a user equipment includes transmitting a re-establishment request for a first connection of a first protocol layer in response to determining that a connection re-establishment condition is met, receiving a re-establishment response indicating if a re-establishment of the first connection of the first protocol layer is allowed, and completing the re-establishment of the first connection of the first protocol layer when the re-establishment of the first connection of the first protocol layer is allowed, wherein a context of a second protocol layer of the user equipment is unchanged.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Method and apparatus for calculating an average value of an inaccessible current from an accessible current
Patent No. 10251226

Inventor(s): Isaac Cohen (Dix Hills, NY)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15455484 on 03/10/2017 (753 days app to issue)

Abstract: In a power converter, a circuit determines an average value of an inaccessible current from an average value of an accessible current and a value of the operating duty cycle of the converter. A method of measuring an average value of an inaccessible current from a measured value of a current, in a power converter, by a duty cycle of a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal, representing a duty cycle of the power converter. Coupling a voltage representing the measured value to an input of a low pass filter during a time period (D) and coupling the input of the low pass filter to a reference voltage during a time period (1D).

[H05B] ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR

Integrated circuit with micro inductor and micro transformer with magnetic core
Patent No. 10251280

Inventor(s): Asad Mahmood Haider (Plano, TX), Byron Lovell Williams (Plano, TX), Licheng M. Han (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 14576708 on 12/19/2014 (1565 days app to issue)

Abstract: An integrated circuit with a micro inductor or with a micro transformer with a magnetic core. A process of forming an integrated circuit with a micro inductor with a magnetic core. A process of forming an integrated circuit with a micro transformer with a magnetic core.

[H01F] MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES [2]

Multi-user MIMO transmissions in wireless communication systems
Patent No. RE047338 (Reissue)

Inventor(s): Jianzhong Zhang (Plano, TX), Young-Han Nam (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Suwon-si, , KR)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 14832839 on 08/21/2015 (1320 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing control information in a Multi User-Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) wireless communication system is provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of Resource Elements (REs) including Downlink Control Information (DCI), determining, using the DCI, a set of REs to which a plurality of Downlink Reference Signals (DRSs) may be mapped, determining remaining REs as REs to which data is mapped, and demodulating the data using a precoding vector of a DRS corresponding to the MS. Patent Class: N/A

DESIGN PATENTS

Head wrap
Patent No. D844302

Inventor(s): Larry Dockery (Wylie, TX), Sheila Dockery (Wylie, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 29582043 on 10/25/2016 (889 days app to issue)